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Nestled between dramatic cliffs and the incessant roar of the Atlantic, Praia da Ursa is an unspoilt corner of natural beauty. Here the sea meets the land in an eternal dance, sculpting monumental cliffs that stand like guardians of an ancient sanctuary.
Legend has it that its name comes from a rock formation that once resembled the figure of a bear and her cub. This landscape is not only a gift of geography, but also the wild and untamed spirit of a coast where silence is broken only by the sound of the waves and the whisper of the wind.
Looking at this landscape is an invitation to introspection, to connect with the essence of the natural world and to contemplate the sublime power of nature.
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Aninhada entre falésias dramáticas e o rugir incessante do Atlântico, a Praia da Ursa emerge como um recanto intocado de beleza natural. Aqui, o mar encontra a terra em uma dança eterna, esculpindo rochedos monumentais que se erguem como guardiões de um santuário ancestral.
A lenda conta que o nome deriva de uma formação rochosa que, em tempos, lembrava a figura de uma ursa com o seu filhote. Este cenário, além de ser uma dádiva da geografia, guarda em si o espírito selvagem e indomável de uma costa onde o silêncio só é quebrado pelo som das ondas e pelo sussurro do vento.
Contemplar esta paisagem é um convite à introspeção, à conexão com a essência do mundo natural, e à contemplação da força sublime da natureza.
Kiemo Galerija (The Yard Gallery), Kaunas, Lithuania — a courtyard known for its bizarre and colourful urban art. The courtyard was initiated by local artist Vytenis Jakas as a community project blending street art and history.
Porth Wen Brickworks near to Amlwch, Anglesey is a disused Victorian-era fire brick factory. The bricks were built from quartzite to line steel furnaces.
The site includes three distinctive beehive-style down-draught kilns, chimneys, engine and boiler houses, storage and warehouse buildings, and remnants of an incline tramroad.
It operated from roughly 1850 until WWI (1906–1908 under Steibel, then Charles Tidy), with production briefly resuming 1924–1924 or until 1949.
It closed mainly due to transport challenges — the poor harbour and sea erosion.
Explore star July 6, 2025
photo rights reserved by Ben
Close to the village of Arsha in the Kazbegi region lies the Arsha Waterfall, about five kilometers from Stepantsminda Kazbegi. The hike to the waterfall is considered easy and typically takes three to four hours. The trail is unpaved but well-trodden, surrounded by lush meadows, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is one of the lesser-known natural attractions in the area, contributing to its untouched and serene atmosphere. A bit further along is the Toti Waterfall, accessible via a steep trail that passes above the Arsha Waterfall. This waterfall offers spectacular panoramic views and is an ideal spot for a picnic. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility, the breathtaking nature, and even take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. The hike to Toti Waterfall leads through a rugged mountain landscape with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. The trail winds along steep slopes and rocky paths, surrounded by dry grasslands and scattered shrubs. Along the way, impressive cliffs and natural formations add a unique character to the scenery. The fresh mountain air and the tranquility of nature make the journey an unforgettable experience. At the end, the spectacular Toti Waterfall awaits as a rewarding sight after the challenging climb.
This photo shows a beautiful view on the way back from Toti waterfall to Arsha waterfall. The golden autumn colours of the trees contrast beautifully with the rugged, rocky slopes and the snow-capped mountains in the background. The sun illuminates the leaves, giving nature an almost magical look. Such landscapes make the walk between these waterfalls impressive not only because of the water, but also because of the surrounding nature and the ever-changing views. A truly picturesque moment in the mountains!
Nabij het dorp Arsha in de Kazbek regio, ligt de Arsha-waterval, op ongeveer vijf kilometer van Stepantsminda Kazbegi. De wandeling naar de waterval wordt als eenvoudig beschouwd en duurt doorgaans drie tot vier uur. Het pad is ongebaand maar goed begaanbaar, omringd door weelderige weiden en biedt prachtige uitzichten op de omliggende bergen. De waterval is een van de minder bekende natuurlijke attracties in het gebied, wat bijdraagt aan de ongerepte en serene sfeer. Nog iets verder ligt de Toti-waterval, bereikbaar via een steil pad dat bovenlangs de Arsha-waterval loopt. De wandeling naar de Toti-waterval voert door een ruig berglandschap met adembenemende uitzichten op besneeuwde bergtoppen en diepe valleien. Het pad slingert langs steile hellingen en rotsachtige paden, omringd door droge graslanden en verspreide struiken. Onderweg zijn er indrukwekkende kliffen en natuurlijke formaties die het landschap een uniek karakter geven. De frisse berglucht en de rust van de natuur maken de tocht een onvergetelijke ervaring. Aan het einde wacht de spectaculaire Toti-waterval als beloning voor de inspannende klim. Deze foto laat een prachtig uitzicht zien op de terugweg van de Toti-waterval naar de Arsha-waterval. De gouden herfstkleuren van de bomen contrasteren schitterend met de ruige, rotsachtige hellingen en de besneeuwde bergtoppen op de achtergrond. De zon verlicht de bladeren, waardoor de natuur een bijna magische uitstraling krijgt. Dit soort landschappen maken de wandeling tussen deze watervallen niet alleen indrukwekkend vanwege het water, maar ook vanwege de omliggende natuur en de steeds veranderende uitzichten. Een echt schilderachtig moment in de bergen!
Eddies spiral, pulling whispers from stone, white noise rising in endless refrain. Water tumbles, a rhythm unknown, soft yet insistent, dissolving terrain.
Leaves, slick with rhythmic rain, rustle like echoes lost in the mist. A chorus of motion, fluid, untamed, a silent song too deep to resist.
Carved by time, held by sound, bound to the gorge, yet never bound. An endless pulse, unbroken, unchanged.
This hidden gem located along the Little White Salmon River on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge is always a wonderful sight to see!
If you plan to visit for yourself, please read up on what is the acceptable route that avoids the private property that is in close proximity.
Constructive criticism always appreciated.
Taken with Sony a6000 and Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 fisheye.
A true hidden gem! Vortex Falls has been on my bucket list for a long time and I finally made a visit to this off-trail beauty. Located near North Bend, Washington.
Historische tuin Schoonoord
Voor mij een kleine tuin van Eden , een verborgen parel in de grote stad, je bent daar echt even in de natuur zoals het vele jaren geleden was en nu nog op meer plaatsen zou moeten zijn.
Historische Tuin Schoonoord is een uniek onderdeel van het groene en ecologische erfgoed van Rotterdam. De tuin bevat een rijke verzameling aan flora en fauna. Oorspronkelijk is de voormalige buitenplaats ontworpen in Engelse landschapsstijl. Door de historische elementen, unieke ligging en bijzondere beplanting is Schoonoord aangewezen als beschermd Rijksmonument.
De reusachtige Libanonceders en de Bruine Beuk uit ca 1860 zijn de blikvangers van de tuin. Via de gemetselde boogbrug met het 18e eeuwse toegangshek betreedt u het terrein met honderden plantsoorten. U wandelt o.a. langs de weelderige vijver, oude venijnbomen, Gunnera-planten, een trompetboom, een vleugelnoot en een Amerikaanse tulpenboom. De tuin is gastheer van o.a. 8 bijenvolken, Japanse karpers, ijsvogels en een bosuil.
Historical garden Schoonoord
For me a small garden of Eden, a pearl hidden in the big city, you are really in nature there as it was many years ago and should be in more places now.
Historical Garden Schoonoord is a unique part of Rotterdam's green and ecological heritage. The garden contains a rich collection of flora and fauna. The former country estate was originally designed in the English landscape style. Due to its historical elements, unique location and special plants, Schoonoord has been designated as a protected national monument.
The huge Lebanon cedars and the Brown Beech from around 1860 are the eye-catchers of the garden. You enter the site with hundreds of plant species via the brick arch bridge with the 18th century entrance gate. You will walk past the lush pond, old venison trees, Gunnera plants, a trumpet tree, a wingnut and an American tulip tree. The garden is host to, among others, 8 bee colonies, Japanese carp, kingfishers and a tawny owl.
Through the Window of Memory — once a glimpse of Santorini in our highlands, now only a memory. A place of beauty lost, not to time, but to reasons beyond the hills and colors we loved.
This small lake lies just beyond Baisse du Basto, in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. Surrounded by jagged rocks and patches of alpine grass, the lake reflects the cloudy sky above, creating a calm and mysterious atmosphere. The rugged terrain and quiet water give the scene a wild, untouched feeling—perfect for hikers seeking solitude and raw beauty in the high mountains.
Longtail boats anchored at the shore of Monkey Island, their colorful hulls gently bobbing in the turquoise waters under a crystal-clear blue sky. Lush greenery blankets the island's cliffs, and the peaceful scene is accented by the distant chatter of monkeys echoing through the trees.
Above the calm waters of the river stands one of Portugal's greatest engineering feats: the Vasco da Gama Bridge. At 17 kilometres long, it is not only a link between two shores, but also a symbol of vision, progress and overcoming.
On foggy days, it seems to disappear into the horizon, as if challenging the limits of reality. On sunny days, it reflects the golden light, merging with the sky and the water in a silent dance of shadows and sparkles.
"Where turquoise whispers meet towering cliffs – Maya Bay, a dream sculpted by nature." "Maya Bay is a paradise worth protecting, where nature shows us what’s truly priceless."
Arches and the Milky Way. It's some of the good stuff in life. This is in the desert southwest where the skies are dark and the arches are BeaUtiful!
photo rights reserved by Ben
The David Gareja Monastery complex was founded in the 6th century by the monk David Garejeli. It consists of dozens of caves, churches, chapels, and hermit cells scattered across the sandstone hills along the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. For centuries, the monastery served as a major center of faith, art, and learning. It is especially renowned for its distinctive rock-cut architecture and impressive medieval frescoes. This photo captures the modest and understated beauty of monastic life: weathered stone, hidden doors, silence, and simplicity — a place where spirituality is quite literally carved into the rock. A small cell is hewn from the soft sandstone, with a wooden door marked by a carved cross. The stonework around the entrance features arched brickwork that reflects Byzantine influence, typical of medieval Georgian religious architecture. On either side, the natural forms of the rock wall remain clearly visible — giving the impression that the structure has grown out of the mountain itself. A narrow staircase to the right leads to other parts of the monastery or additional cave cells. During our visit, we were the only visitors, allowing us to explore the entire complex in complete silence. From the monastery, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the vast, quiet semi-desert plains.
The David Gareja Monastery is a 6th-century monastic complex carved into sandstone hills near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border. Known for its cave churches, ancient frescoes, and unique rock-cut architecture, it once served as a spiritual and cultural center. This photo highlights the quiet beauty of monastic life—simple stone structures blending into the landscape, with a carved doorway and a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.
Het David Gareja Monastery complex werd in de 6e eeuw gesticht door de monnik David Garejeli en omvat tientallen grotten, kerken, kapellen en kluizenaarsverblijven, verspreid over de zandstenen heuvels langs de grens van Georgië en Azerbeidzjan. Eeuwenlang was het klooster een belangrijk centrum van geloof, kunst en studie. Het staat vooral bekend om zijn unieke rotsarchitectuur en indrukwekkende middeleeuwse fresco’s. Deze foto laat de bescheiden, ingetogen schoonheid van het kloosterleven zien: verweerde stenen, verborgen deuren, stilte en eenvoud — een plek waar spiritualiteit letterlijk in de rotsen is verankerd. Een kleine cel is uitgehouwen in de zachte zandsteenrots, met een houten deur waarin een kruis is uitgesneden. De muur rondom de ingang is afgewerkt met bakstenen bogen die wijzen op Byzantijnse invloeden, typerend voor de middeleeuws-Georgische religieuze bouwstijl. Links en rechts blijven de natuurlijke vormen van de rotswand duidelijk zichtbaar — het lijkt alsof het gebouw uit de berg zelf is voortgekomen. Rechts leidt een smalle trap naar andere delen van het klooster of naar grotcellen. Tijdens ons bezoek waren we de enige bezoekers, waardoor we het hele complex in volledige rust konden verkennen. Vanaf het klooster strekt zich een adembenemend uitzicht uit over de stille, uitgestrekte semi-woestijnvlakten.
(Paracheirodon innesi)
L'Aquàrium de Barcelona
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Hello. A big sorry for being so far behind in commenting. I hope to catch up soon. I have been busy and the internet has been slow. Wishing everyone a happy Saturday and a great weekend. Many thanks for your kind comments and support. Once again Sorry for the delay in commenting. Kind regards Pat
Raw, rugged, and dangerous, this is lower Ranger Falls. If you've ever stood here you know how hairy it was to get this shot. I literally gave a prayer that the ground would hold long enough and put my trust in faith as the tree I stepped onto was leaning over this raging beauty and the rock from which it clung was severely undercut itself. This is hand held as there is no ground onto which to put a tripod and I'm even more proud of that knowing that I was scared shirtless at the time facing the beauty and the power before and below me with reverence and awe. My words and this pic don't do it justice, but I could have died taking it so it gets posted! :-)
You MUST blow this up and look at everything, Franky, put down your phone.... :-)
two years ago when I found flickr I saw a pic much like this and put Ranger falls on my list not knowing that there's more, much more.
Gullfoss waterfall is one of Iceland's most beloved waterfalls. The river Hvítá makes a dramatic plunge down 32 metres into a canyon.
A picturesque multi-tiered waterfall cascading over mossy rocks in a serene forest setting in Szentendre, Hungary.
A quiet summer evening above the Elzbach Valley: the sun has just slipped behind the hills, the forest rests in deep green, and on the horizon rises Pyrmont Castle – like a silent guardian of the land.
The slopes naturally lead the eye towards the tower, while the sky and trees dissolve into warm and cool tones. A fleeting balance between calmness and tension, captured in light.
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Old and fragile wooden church
c. 1800'
Now surviving on a bit of a Hope and a Prayer
Historic building
British Columbia,
Canada
Thank-you for all the overwhelming support and many friendships.
Stay Healthy
~Christie
*Best experienced in full screen
Gordolasque Waters – Where Mist Meets Stone In the heart of Mercantour National Park, this secluded waterfall flows gently over smooth rocks into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by boulders, conifers, and steep cliffs. Mist drifts across the jagged peaks, adding a dreamlike atmosphere to the rugged alpine terrain. A moment of serenity carved by water and time—where nature whispers through stone and sky.
A Mirror Image (in a plane mirror) is a reflected duplication of an object that appears almost identical, but is reversed in the direction perpendicular to the mirror surface. As an optical effect it results from reflection off from substances such as a mirror or water. It is also a concept in geometry and can be used as a conceptualization process for 3-D structures. Two-dimensional mirror images can be seen in the reflections of mirrors or other reflecting surfaces, or on a printed surface seen inside-out.
If we first look at an object that is effectively two-dimensional (such as the writing on a card) and then turn the card to face a mirror, the object turns through an angle of 180° and we see a left-right reversal in the mirror. In this example, it is the change in orientation rather than the mirror itself that causes the observed reversal. Another example is when we stand with our backs to the mirror and face an object that's in front of the mirror.
Then we compare the object with its reflection by turning ourselves 180°, towards the mirror. Again we perceive a left-right reversal due to a change in our orientation. So, in these examples the mirror does not actually cause the observed reversals.
This black-and-white photograph captures a serene mountain village, with a prominent church tower standing tall amidst lush greenery and rolling hills in the background.
Whispers of Dawn in Lataguri — Where Mist Meets Tea Leaves and Mornings Begin in Silence
A gentle mist clings to the rows of lush green tea bushes as the first light of dawn filters through the trees. The air is cool, crisp, and filled with the earthy aroma of fresh leaves. Birds begin their morning songs, and a soft breeze rustles through the garden, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere. Lataguri wakes slowly, wrapped in the quiet charm of a perfect tea garden morning.
The Veluwezoom is a stunning natural area near Arnhem and part of Veluwezoom National Park, the oldest national park in the Netherlands (established in 1930). The area is renowned for its diverse landscape, featuring expansive forests, rolling heathlands, sand drifts, and picturesque hills such as the famous Posbank. Thanks to its elevation differences, the park offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Into the Clouds of Mercantour From the heights of the Gordolasque Valley, the Mercantour landscape unfolds in raw beauty—steep rocky slopes, scattered boulders, and a winding trail that disappears into the mist. The valley stretches below, bathed in shifting light as clouds cling to jagged peaks. A place of solitude and grandeur, where every step feels like a passage through time and stone.
photo rights reserved by Ben
The David Gareja Monastery complex lies in a remote and isolated part of the rugged, semi-desert landscape of eastern Georgia, near the border with Azerbaijan. The surroundings are marked by dry hills, barren plains, and steep rock formations — far removed from any village or town. This very secluded location enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the site, which has served for centuries as a retreat for monks seeking to withdraw from the world. The monastery was founded in the 6th century by the Syrian monk David Garejeli and is partially carved into the soft sandstone cliffs. On the left side of the photo, you can see the dramatic, sloping rock wall with carved cells, chapels, and caves that once served as living and prayer quarters for the monks. Some of them are still adorned with delicate, centuries-old frescoes. On the right, the fortified walls and round watchtowers can be seen — silent witnesses to the monastery’s defensive function throughout history. In the center, a green, open courtyard connects nature and architecture in a harmonious way. Beyond its historical and architectural value, David Gareja is still a living religious site. Today, it is home to Georgian Orthodox monks who lead a modest, secluded life devoted to prayer, study, and the maintenance of the monastery. Their presence reminds us that David Gareja is not merely a ruin, but an active spiritual community. Their daily routines continue almost undisturbed — in silence, in stone, and in harmony with the land. During our visit, we were the only visitors, allowing us to explore the entire site in complete peace. From the monastery, there is a breathtaking view over the silent, endless semi-desert plains — a place of stillness, reflection, and mysticism.
Hidden in Georgia’s remote semi-desert near the Azerbaijani border, the David Gareja Monastery is a centuries-old complex carved into sandstone cliffs. Still home to Orthodox monks, it blends ancient history with quiet spiritual life. Surrounded by stark, rugged landscapes, the site offers solitude, breathtaking views, and a deep sense of timelessness.
Het David Gareja-kloostercomplex ligt afgelegen en geïsoleerd in het ruige, halfwoestijnachtige landschap van Oost-Georgië, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan. De omgeving wordt gekenmerkt door droge heuvels, kale vlaktes en steile rotspartijen — ver verwijderd van dorpen of steden. Juist deze verlaten ligging versterkt de spirituele sfeer van de plek, die eeuwenlang een toevluchtsoord is geweest voor monniken die zich wilden terugtrekken uit de wereld. Het klooster werd in de 6e eeuw gesticht door de Syrische monnik David Garejeli en is deels uitgehouwen in de zachte zandsteenrotsen. Links op de foto zie je de spectaculaire, schuin oplopende rotswand, vol uitgehouwen cellen, kapellen en grotten die ooit dienden als woon- en gebedsruimten voor monniken. Sommige zijn nog versierd met verfijnde, eeuwenoude fresco’s. Rechts zijn de versterkte muren en ronde wachttorens zichtbaar — stille getuigen van de verdedigingsfunctie die het complex door de eeuwen heen ook heeft vervuld. In het midden ligt een groen, open binnenplein dat op harmonieuze wijze natuur en architectuur met elkaar verbindt. Naast zijn historische en architectonische waarde is David Gareja nog altijd een levendige religieuze plek. Er wonen vandaag de dag nog steeds Georgisch-Orthodoxe monniken, die er een teruggetrokken en sober leven leiden, toegewijd aan gebed, studie en het onderhoud van het klooster. Hun aanwezigheid onderstreept dat David Gareja geen verlaten ruïne is, maar een actieve spirituele gemeenschap. Hun dagelijkse rituelen gaan haast ongestoord verder — in stilte, in steen, en in verbondenheid met de natuur. Tijdens ons bezoek waren we de enige bezoekers, wat het mogelijk maakte het hele terrein in volledige rust te verkennen. Vanaf het klooster strekt zich een adembenemend uitzicht uit over de stille, eindeloze semi-woestijnvlakten — een plek van verstilling, bezinning en mystiek.
Above the lac de la fous – Near the Refuge de Nice, the Mercantour landscape unfolds in dramatic layers—meadows tinged with orange, scattered boulders, and jagged peaks rising into a misty sky. A narrow stream cuts through the valley, tracing nature’s quiet rhythm beneath overcast light. This high-altitude wilderness is raw, remote, and deeply poetic—a place where silence speaks louder than words.