Wallenda follows in wire walker's steps

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - Nik Wallenda will be the first man to walk a high-wire over the Niagara in more than 150 years, but he follows in the footsteps of previous walkers, like the Great Blondin.

Music has been a valued tradition in Caroline Hamilton's family for generations. At nearly 84-years-old, her fingers are far from fickle.

The feet in her family are also special, strong and sturdy. You'd expect that from a woman, born a Blondin.

"My great uncle walked across Niagara Falls 1859, June the 30th, 1859. He walked across on a tightrope and he also took a man across on his back," said Hamilton.

Fast forward more than 150 years, and daredevil Nik Wallenda is walking a thick, metal wire.

Hamilton said, "He knows what he's doing as far as on the rope is concerned, just like the Great Blondin with the pole. And I know that the Great Blondin did it many times across between the two countries."