Tightrope walker practices for Niagara walk

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., May 18 (UPI) -- A famous tightrope walker preparing to walk the high wire over Niagara Falls is practicing in New York by walking a tightrope near some local businesses.

Nik Wallenda, 33, a seventh-generation member of the legendary Flying Wallendas circus performing family, is walking high wire this week over a Niagara Falls, N.Y., parking lot with a T.G.I. Friday's restaurant, a Starbucks, a Sheraton hotel and the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel serving as substitutes for the falls, which he plans to cross June 15, The New York Times reported Friday.

"This is about mind games," he said while crossing the high wire. "Right now, I'm putting myself at the top of the falls."

Wallenda said his practice sessions have been drawing crowds of 100 to 200 people. He said the keys to his performances are prayer and practicing.

"Wire-walking, it's about doing it," Wallenda said. "The more I do this, the more comfortable I get."