Wallenda walks the straight and narrow across Niagara Falls

Nik Wallenda on his historic walk. The high-wire artist covered about 1,800 feet at a height of about 180 feet. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

June 15, 2012 11:14 PM PT

Despite heavy winds and a thick mist, Nik Wallenda easily walks a tightrope across Niagara Falls. Hundreds of thousands turn out to watch.

Wallenda was the first person to make the walk since 1896. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Wallenda began his walk from Terrapin Point on the U.S. side and reached the Canadian side 34 minutes later. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Wallenda takes it one step at a time. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

ABC, which broadcast the event, demanded that Wallenda wear a safety harness. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The crowd watches Wallenda make his historic walk. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Wallenda celebrates after completing his journey. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Nik Wallenda holds a news conference with his family, including his wife Erendira, after his historic walk over Niagara Falls. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

The crowd waits on the Canadian side. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Spectators take positions hours before the walk. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Tom and Laura Gonnering of Northport, Ala., came to Niagara Falls for their third anniversary. Laura made signs to show her support for Wallenda. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)