I had heard about something called a Screaming Tunnel years ago and always retained the understanding that I would never ever feel the need to visit a place that warranted such a title.

But luckily, the bite of the photography bug stuns my hesitation and I usually find myself sliding my fears into my back pocket while in pursuit of the picture (see August 8, 2010 entry for further proof of this)

So I was feeling adventurous one afternoon and upon the urging of my work colleagues, I made up my mind to at least drive up to this notorious limestone passageway and witness it firsthand. In all fairness, I should confess that I didn't undertake this little spelunking expedition solo; I brought my nine-year old son along with me...... because, well, you know, he had heard of it as well and was interested in seeing it and it wouldn't have been nice to go somewhere cool like that without him....... yeah.. that's why!

I had googled the route, which was much more straightforward than I'd thought, and after making the final turn in its direction, the Screaming Tunnel's existence could not have been more visible if it had been flanked with streamers and had an assembly of balloons frolicking at its entrance! I shuddered at its nearness and continued driving forward to the cul-de-sac where I paused a moment before turning around and putting my vehicle into park directly in front of it. If phase one was driving to its doorstep, phase two was walking up and knocking on its door... so to speak.

My son thought it looked cool, but was disappointed at how shallow it was. I think we had both expected that it would be a longer, darker pathway, a tunnel so deep that it escaped from the light and kept its exit eerily out of view. He jumped out and motioned for me to follow him. He expressed only a moment of hesitation at its entrance before bounding forward, calling me and reminding me that it's not so scary after all and would I get out of the jeep already!! I obliged and stepped slowly towards the looming archway. 

Earlier in the day, at the comfort of my work cubicle, I would never have thought I'd actually walk through, but here I was at the fifth hour, penetrating its infamously haunted air and walking breathlessly towards the exit! Phase three.. check! I took pictures of my vehicle from the other side as proof that I'd actually walked through and I shot several at each entrance but I shot nothing from directly inside.. because that would have required my STOPPING while inside!! But it was an interesting spot, just the sort of historical construction that I love to photograph, and it felt good to conquer my fear.. especially when I was so sure earlier that I would never be able to do it.

I have personally chosen not to delve into the legends and lore of this steadfast underpass in my blog, but if you would like to rattle your creepy bone a little bit, here is a link just for you:
http://www.ghostwalks.com/14_niagara_screamingtunnel.html