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This is a short trail in Minden and runs on either side of the Gull River. I recorded it when I was out for a bike ride but this is really better suited to a walk/hike than it is for cycling. Adjust your time accordingly. Parking is available near the start point and several other places along the way. Bridges are at either end, one bridge has vehicle traffic, one is pedestrian only.
There are several interesting wood carvings and on a sunny summer's day you'll see people swimming or even floating down the river on tubes.
Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝, Shiraito-no-taki) is a waterfall in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, near Mount Fuji, Japan. It is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and has been protected since 1936 as a Japanese Natural Monument.
The falls were regarded as sacred under the Fuji cult. Another waterfall, the Otodome Falls is approximately a five-minute walk away.
The Shiraito Falls is listed as one of "Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝, Shiraito-no-taki) is a waterfall in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, near Mount Fuji, Japan. It is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and has been protected since 1936 as a Japanese Natural Monument.[1]
The falls were regarded as sacred under the Fuji cult. Another waterfall, the Otodome Falls is approximately a five-minute walk away.
The Shiraito Falls is listed as one of "Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
白絲瀑布（日語：白糸の滝／しらいとのたき）是位於日本靜岡縣富士宮市上井出的一處瀑布。和其附近的音止瀑布並為當地著名的觀光景點，被選入日本瀑布百選，也是日本的名勝和天然紀念物，並被劃入世界文化遺產名錄當中。水量每秒約有1.5噸。寬200米，從高約20米的山崖注入河中。因其外觀似白線從山崖垂下，因而得名。
I almost didn't make it here. There was no time on my initial schedule for a trip to Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre. But for whatever reason, I met this kiwi guy in Peru and chating about random things eventually we got to our itineraries and I mentioned that I'd be heading to Patagonia after the Inca Trail. I gave him information about the route I'd be doing, and I mentioned that I had 2 big priorities in Patagonia: 1-Complete the Torres Del Paine Circuit 2- See the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Having said that, he mentioned that his priority in Patagonia was Fitz Roy / Cerro Torre, and the next few words he said would become the trigger for a big and massive change on my initial plans. He said: "But, what a shame you are going to miss Fitz Roy" ... those words hit me baddly, and even not showing that I was felling a bit sad because of the idea of 'missing' these places, I just could not take my thoughts away from it.
Day after day, during the Inca Trail ... there was not a single day I didn't get myself wonddering, is there any way I can manage to go to Fitz Roy / Cerro Torre? I kind of knew the answer for it, but at that point I wasn't believing that it could be done, and trying hard to fight against my own thoughts eventually that issue went away for a while.
Once the Inca Trail was finished, on my way down to Patagonia, whilst on the plain I grabbed guides, maps and notes I had written months, weeks and even days before I set off to Peru. And started to re-do again my trip-plan for Torres Del Paine which was already audacious. By the time I got to Punta Arenas I had drawn a new plan which consisted of finishing the Torres Del Paine Circuit + Side Trips in nothing more than 5 days, 1 day less than the original plann.
With that extra day I would have the time I needed to go and see Fitz Roy / Cerro Torre. So I had to 'work hard' to stick to this new crazy schedule.
Something was making me believe that if nothing goes wrong i.e: get stucked on the John Garner Pass because of rough weather or whatever, I could do it. And all of the sudden just 5 days after having started one of the most amazing hikes on hearth I was again at the Hosteria Las Torres, where it all began.
From there, took the bus to Laguna Amarga and from there back to Puerto Natales, where the next day I would start my trip towards El Calafate in Argentina, and of course straight to El Chalten.
On the 6th of January at 5 in morning I started the last hike for this trip (Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre), where again I basically covered a 2 days hike in 1 (more or less 27kms). The path is very easy compared to what I faced in Torres Del Paine just a few days before. Not to mention I was just carrying my camera gear, all other stuff I had left behind at the hostel where I spent the night.
And this is the epic I went through to get to this place. I have to admit, I would have regret it so much if I haven't at least tried. Specially because I am so far from South America and I have no idea when I will be down there again.
Cerro Torre is one of the most spectacular mountains of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in South America. It is located in a region which is disputed between Argentina and Chile, west of Cerro Chalten (also known as Fitz Roy). The peak is the highest in a four mountain chain: the other peaks are Torre Egger, Punta Herron, and Cerro Stanhardt.
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Gargoyles spitting rain - That's right, it was draining the rain water. Not only do these stone carvings protect the Cathedral from dark forces (at least according to tradition), they also protect the Cathedral from its arch nemesis water damage. A gargoyle is essentially an elaborate waterspout that diverts rain away from the Cathedral walls.
As soon as we entered the small town of Peggy’s Cove we knew we would be delighted. Charming and colorful buildings surrounded us. Although this house is not color attracting like others but it shows that the house was built and raised up above the sea level by 10+ layers of huge wood logs.
Named after a kind of common plant in the area Huangguoshu (黄果树, Huangguo Tree), the Huangguoshu Waterfall is the third largest waterfall in the world second to Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls. Consisting of 18 waterfalls of diversified styles stretching 20 kilometers, the whole Huangguoshu Waterfalls Scenic Area is magnificent with grand remarkable interlinked waterfalls, fantastic karst caves and underground lakes, and the superb beauty of ambient. It is a waterfall with a height of 77.8 meters and a width of 101 meters, of which the main waterfall is 67 meters high and 83.3 meters wide. Being a typical karst falls, the 5A national scenic area of Huangguoshu Waterfall present a amazing karst landscape with waterfall groups, a string of caves, overlapping steep peaks, dense vegetations, and countless stone forest, cliffs and gorges. 黄果树瀑布，即黄果树大瀑布。古称白水河瀑布，亦名“黄葛墅”瀑布或“黄葛树”瀑布，贵州民间自古以来就流传有黄果树瀑布的神话故事，黄果树瀑布的名称就来自这个神话故事中结“黄果”的树。 位于中国贵州省安顺市镇宁布依族苗族自治县，属珠江水系西江干流南盘江支流北盘江支流打帮河的支流可布河下游白水河段水系，为黄果树瀑布群中规模最大的一级瀑布，是世界著名大瀑布之一。以水势浩大著称。瀑布高度为77.8米，其中主瀑高67米；瀑布宽101米，其中主瀑顶宽83.3米。黄果树瀑布属喀斯特地貌中的侵蚀裂点型瀑布。
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺, Kiyomizu Temple, "Pure Water Monastery") is a Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto, Japan. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kiyomizu-dera is located on the foothills of Mount Otowa, part of the Higashiyama mountain range that dominates eastern Kyoto. The main hall has a large veranda, supported by tall pillars, that juts out over the hillside and offers impressive views of the city. Large verandas and main halls were constructed at many popular sites during the Edo period to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims.
清水寺是位於日本京都東部的一座佛教寺廟。 該寺廟是聯合國教科文組織世界遺產古京都歷史古蹟（京都、宇治和大津市）的一部分。 清水寺位於音羽山的山麓上，音羽山是京都東部東山山脈的一部分。 主廳有一個大陽台，由高大的柱子支撐，從山坡上伸出，可以欣賞到令人印象深刻的城市景色。 江戶時代，許多著名的景點都建造了大陽台和主殿，以容納大量的朝聖者。
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺)
Kiyomizu-dera, or the "Pure Water Temple," is a renowned Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, celebrated for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and cultural charm. Here's a detailed yet concise overview:
Overview
Founded: 778 by Enchin, a priest inspired by a vision. The current structures date to 1633 (Edo period), rebuilt under Tokugawa Iemitsu.
Location: Higashiyama district, eastern Kyoto, surrounded by lush forests and hills.
UNESCO Status: Part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site.
Key Features
Main Hall (Hondo) & Wooden Stage
The iconic stage juts 13 meters over the hillside, supported by 18-meter-tall wooden pillars (built without nails!). Offers panoramic views of Kyoto, especially during cherry blossom (spring) and maple leaf (autumn) seasons.
Designated a National Treasure of Japan.
Otowa Waterfall
The temple’s namesake, with three streams believed to grant wishes:
Longevity (right stream), academic success (left), love (middle).
Tradition: Drink from one stream only to avoid greed.
Jishu Shrine
Dedicated to Okuninushi, a deity of love. Features two "love stones" 18 meters apart—walking between them with eyes closed signifies future success in love.
Seasonal Beauty
Spring: Cherry blossoms frame the stage.
Autumn: Maple trees create fiery vistas.
Night Illuminations: Seasonal evening light-ups attract crowds.
Other Structures
A three-storied pagoda (one of Kyoto’s tallest), Nio-mon Gate, and Okunoin Hall.
In a very poor lighting condition, those frogs rested inside a cell. I shot this image with flash point up with minimum power through the glass panel in order to get catch light on its big eye and added just a little fill light.
Interior of Reichstag dome, Berlin, Germany - The clear glass dome includes a helical ramp around its outer edges leading to a public observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city. Skylights at the base of the cupola open into the parliamentary debating chamber directly below, allowing natural light in by way of an inverted cone of mirrored panels. This blocks direct sunlight which would cause solar gain and glare, and enables natural ventilation, exhausting hot air through the top of the cupola.
Oronko Rock ( 帽子岩) - This rock is named after the Oronko people, an ethnic group that once lived in this area.
It is a huge rock of 60 meters elevation located near Utoro harbor.
If you climb the steep rock staircase of around 170 steps to the flat summit, you will see the rocky reef below that appears to dissolve in the clear blue Sea of Okhotsk, the town of Utoro, and the Shiretoko mountain range.
Lipscani is a street and a district of Bucharest, Romania, which from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century was the most important commercial area of the city and Wallachia. It is located near the ruins of the old Princely Court built by Vlad III the Impaler. The customers sat outside of the most famous "Beer Wagon" restaurant called Caru' cu Bere enjoying cold dark beer and before the dinner. It was usually packed with customers/visitors around and after the sundown.
Scaenae frons of the Teatro Olimpico. The large arch in the center is known as the porta regia or "royal arch" - The three-dimensional stage of the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza. The Teatro Olimpico ("Olympic Theatre") is a theatre in Vicenza, northern Italy, constructed in 1580-1585. The theatre was the final design by the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio and was not completed until after his death. The trompe-l'Åil onstage scenery, designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, to give the appearance of long streets receding to a distant horizon, was installed in 1585 for the very first performance held in the theatre, and is the oldest surviving stage set still in existence. The full Roman-style scaenae frons back screen across the stage is made from wood and stucco imitating marble. It was the home of the Accademia Olimpica, which was founded there in 1555.
strobist:
softbox camera right. Nikon SB28 on about 1/16 power. There is second light underneath the structure. It is set to 1/4 to light up the large area. The funny thing...I had the 2nd light in case I wanted some back light. I did not even think of lighting the structure at the time. I looked in my camera's view finder and said, "wow! It looks great!"
triggers: cyber sync - I have been having some problems with my triggers lately. Not sure if it is the triggers.
Photographer: slinkygenius.com michael thompson
location: medellin, colombia
The spiral ramp around the Interior of 6-levels Reichstag glass dome, Berlin, Germany. The dome’s multi-award winning design, symbolizing rebirth and transparency, allows visitors to oversee politicians debating in the chamber below when parliament is in session and oversee the panorama view of Berlin surrounding the dome.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa is an imperial family-related facility located at the foot of Mt. Hiei in Shugakuin , Sakyo Ward , Kyoto City . It is a villa (a villa for the Emperor and Retired Emperors outside the Imperial Palace) that was built in the mid- 17th century ( 1653 - 1655 ) under the direction of the Retired Emperor Gomizunoo . It consists of a vast garden centered around an artificial pond created by damming the valley river, and related buildings. Along with the Katsura Imperial Villa and the Sento Imperial Palace , it represents the culmination of the aesthetic sense of the dynasty's culture. It is managed by the Kyoto Office of the Imperial Household Agency . (修學院離宮（日語：修学院離宮／しゅがくいんりきゅう Shugaku-in Rikyū */?）是位在日本京都府京都市左京區比叡山麓的宮內廳所管之離宮。1653年（承應2年）─1655年（承應4年）依後水尾上皇的指示造營。和桂離宮、仙洞御所共同展現王朝文化的美學。)
I captured this image from the open roof of Reichstag, Berlin, Germany. Because of the glass dome, I could see the 5 levels spiral ramp inside and its sub-level structure below the dome through the glass walls. I could also see the dome is supported by 12 columns of reinforced concrete, the structure has a diameter of 40 meters, a height of 23.5 meters and a total weight of 1,200 tons. Thanks to the blue hour, a long 8 sec exposure was set to capture this image. People were still inside the dome enjoying the beautiful Berlin at night. The 360 inclined mirrors of the dome reflect the light, illuminating the Plenary Hall, at night. A waving tri-colour German flag gave a strong sense of destination.
Built within the Rocks at the Khyber Pass in Hulls East Park, Details of the Khyber Pass are on my previous Photo,
The design of the high-tech glass dome is conceptually quite simple yet impressive. The Reichstag’s new cupola contains a skylight with a significant inverted cone of mirrors in the middle of the opening with reflected light that illuminates the chamber below.
A closer look from outside.
Another perspective to view the University of Potsdam, Germany same as previous image. Enjoy the old architectural design of it.
Beautiful Fresco was not only on the wall of corridors but also up on the ceiling at the Rila Monastery,
The Heian-jingu Shrine (平安神宮, Heian-jingū) is a Shinto shrine located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The Shrine is ranked as a Beppyō Jinja (別表神社) (the top rank for shrines) by the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is listed as an important cultural property of Japan. 平安神宮（日語：平安神宮／へいあんじんぐう Heian_Jingu）是位於京都府京都市左京區的神社。舊社格為官幣大社、勅祭社。現在是神社本廳的別表神社。 Four God-Beasts
Owing in part to its Chinese style, the influence of the god-beasts of the four cardinal directions, Suzaku the red phoenix (South), Byakko the white tiger (West), Seiryū the blue dragon (East), and Genbu the black snake-turtle (North), abound throughout the grounds of the shrine. Once you enter the Ōtenmon Gate you will note stone fountains depicting a tiger and a dragon to your left and right, and the “towers” on the ends of the main hall are named Sōryūrō and Byakkorō, the “Blue Dragon Tower” and “White Tiger Tower”. If you take a closer look at the lanterns hung in the eaves and walkways you’ll note the four gods make an appearance there as well, their silhouettes carved in the bronze lanterns’ sides. 四神獸
部分由於其中國風格，受到四大方位神獸的影響：朱雀（南）、白虎（西）、青龍（東）和玄武（黑蛇） -海龜（北），神社各處隨處可見。 進入大天門後，您會注意到左右兩側有老虎和龍的石製噴泉，正殿兩端的“塔”被命名為蒼龍樓和白虎樓，即“青龍塔”和“白龍塔”。虎塔」。 如果你仔細觀察掛在屋簷和走道上的燈籠，你會發現四位神也出現在那裡，他們的剪影刻在青銅燈籠的側面。
LOUTRAKI - ΛΟΥΤΡΑΚΙ
Loutraki is a unique, cosmopolitan seaside and spa resort located about 80 km from Athens, to the northern curve of the Corinthian Gulf. It has a fantastic beach about 4 km in length and since 1987 holds continuously the "Blue Flag" of Europe for it's clean waters.
Among the many attractions of Loutraki are its Hydrotherapy Centre, the biggest Casino in Europe and easy access to nearby Ancient sites and Monasteries.
Taken during a 7 day photographic vacation with my beloved English wife Theresa Jane Brown, whilst staying with friends in their summer home.
Thanassis Fournarakos - Θανασης Φουρναρακος
Professional Photographer, retired.
Athens, Greece
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
None of my images may be downloaded, copied, reproduced, manipulated or used on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit written permission. THANK YOU!
The Jasper SkyTram whisks you up Whistlers Mountain to an elevation of 2,263 metres, showing you stunning vistas over mountain ranges stretching up to 80 kilometres away. On a clear day, you can even see the white pyramid of Mount Robson in nearby British Columbia.
Argema mimosae (African moon moth) is a giant silk moth of the Family Saturniidae. Similar in appearance to the giant Madagascan moon moth (Argema mittrei), but smaller, this moth can be found widely in Eastern Africa and more locally in Southern Africa, including near the east coast of South Africa. An adult can measure 10 to 12 centimetres (3.9 to 4.7 in) across its wingspan and 12 to 14 centimetres (4.7 to 5.5 in) from head to the tip of its elongated 'tail-like' second pair of wings. Its forward wings have a distinctive grey-coloured 'furry' leading edge, giving a very rough surface, presumably for aerodynamic reasons. Apart from the eye-like markings on its wings, the colouring and shape of the wings give the appearance of a piece of foliage, especially the 'tail-like' structures of the rearmost wings which resemble a dried out leaf stem - presumably for camouflage in its natural environment.
The Adige river adds to the romantic ambience of Verona. Near the river's banks, one will find fascinating cloisters, museums, theatres, and gardens which are just a few of the city's well preserved treasures.
Photo taking is not allowed inside the Peleș Castle unless you are willing to pay a fee. However, no flash is definitely disallowed although the lighting condition is extremely poor that affects the camera auto-focusing. Eventhough, I paid the fee and was wothwhile.
Lake Annette & Lake Edith, known as kettle lakes, are the residuals of the lake that covered the entire Athabasca valley during the end of ice age. The lakes are fed by the extensive underground river system, from Medicine Lake : the same extensive system that causes the disappearing Medicine Lake and that made the Maligne Canyon. A quicksand filled pond, Ocher Lake is located at the north-east corner of Annette Lake. You also see Pyramid Mountain at the backgound of the Lake Edith.