View allAll Photos Tagged OffTheBeatenPath

Another favorite from our Glacier trip a few days ago. I can't wait to go back when it's warmer out!

After passing through Wadi Tiwi and navigating a steep dirt road, we arrived at Wadi Mibam. To reach the stunning blue pool, we had to walk down hundreds of steps—a bit of a workout, but worth it for the view! While the rest of the family enjoyed swimming in the crystal-clear water surrounded by rugged cliffs and greenery, I stayed dry. My excuse? Someone had to take the pictures! These shots capture the fun and adventure of exploring this remote and peaceful wadi.

Dawn light over Mount Bromo (left and smoking), an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia. The cinder cone in the foreground is Mount Batok, another volcano.

 

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Taken in Porvoo, Finland. I was sitting at the Gabriel 1763 restaurant across the street. Porvoo is a nice little tourist town and a good day trip from Helsinki. In this part of Finland, signs have Finnish first, Swedish under it, and sometimes English as a third.. In the photo above, the street is know as Jokikatu in Finnish and Ågatan in Swedish.

 

The old part of town has quite a few nice restaurants and gift shops. Nearby is a pleasant walk along the river (or channel). There are many beautiful boats along the shore.

Rural cottages on the hillside, as seen on the rough road from Plav to Lake Hrid, in eastern part of Prokletije National Park, near Montenegro and Kosovan borders.

 

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Social Distancing along the back roads of Baker County Oregon

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon . Some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.

 

Located at the intersection of three Oregon Scenic Byways Baker County is surrounded by spectacular scenery and wide open spaces. For more information about Baker County's back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

  

Aerial view of Amalfi, a cliffside village overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, on Amalfi coast, in Salerno province, Campania region, southern Italy.

 

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Social Distancing along the back roads of Baker County Oregon

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon . Some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.

 

Located at the intersection of three Oregon Scenic Byways Baker County is surrounded by spectacular scenery and wide open spaces. For more information about Baker County's back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

   

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

We are on our way to Udabno. In the distance, we can already see the village, nestled among the colorful hills and bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. In the valley below, countless cows are grazing peacefully in the evening quiet. Udabno is located in the east of Georgia — a world of vast emptiness and rolling hills, near the border with Azerbaijan, and forms a fascinating contrast to the green, mountainous parts of the country. Here, an impressive semi-desert landscape unfolds, with colorful hills, dusty trails, and endless horizons. The earth shines in shades of yellow, red, and brown, especially when the sun hangs low in the sky, and the silence is almost tangible. Not far from the village of Udabno lies a small lake, better known as the swimming lake — a hidden gem in this rugged environment. This peaceful, natural lake is surrounded by gently rolling semi-desert hills and vast open plains.

Because it is a natural lake, its water level changes with the seasons. Thanks to its remote location, the lake feels incredibly serene — you’ll likely have the entire landscape to yourself. The calm water mirrors the endless sky, and the surroundings are perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, or simply soaking in the silence. Occasionally, shepherds pass by with their flocks, adding to the timeless, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Especially in the early morning or during sunset, when the light turns golden and the hills glow in warm tones, the little lake feels truly magical.

 

Driving towards Udabno, we watched the village appear between colorful hills, glowing under the setting sun. In the valley, cows grazed peacefully in the evening light. Udabno lies in eastern Georgia, where endless semi-desert hills stretch toward the horizon, forming a striking contrast to the country’s lush mountains. Nearby, a small natural lake — often called the swimming lake — rests quietly among the rolling hills. Its water level shifts with the seasons, and the peaceful surroundings invite slow walks, quiet moments, and sunset views. Occasionally, shepherds and their flocks pass by, adding a timeless charm to this remote and magical place.

 

We zijn onderweg naar Udabno. In de verte zien we het dorp al liggen, verscholen tussen de kleurrijke heuvels en badend in het warme licht van de ondergaande zon. In het dal grazen talloze koeien, rustig in de avondstilte. Udabno ligt in het oosten van Georgië — een wereld van uitgestrekte leegte en golvende heuvels, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan, en vormt een fascinerend contrast met de groene, bergachtige delen van het land. Hier ontvouwt zich een indrukwekkend halfwoestijnachtig landschap met kleurrijke heuvels, stoffige paden en eindeloze horizonten. De aarde kleurt in tinten geel, rood en bruin, vooral wanneer de zon laag aan de hemel staat, en de stilte is bijna tastbaar. Niet ver van het dorp Udabno ligt een klein meertje, beter bekend als het zwemmeertje — een verborgen pareltje in deze ruige omgeving. Dit vredige, natuurlijke meer wordt omringd door glooiende halfwoestijnheuvels en uitgestrekte vlaktes. Omdat het een natuurlijk meer is, verandert het waterniveau afhankelijk van het seizoen. Door de afgelegen ligging voelt het meertje ongelooflijk sereen aan; vaak heb je het hele landschap voor jezelf. Het kalme water weerspiegelt de eindeloze hemel, en de omgeving is perfect voor rustige wandelingen, picknicks of simpelweg genieten van de stilte. Af en toe trekken herders met hun kuddes voorbij, wat bijdraagt aan de tijdloze, bijna dromerige sfeer. Vooral in de vroege ochtend of tijdens zonsondergang, wanneer het licht goudkleurig wordt en de heuvels oplichten in warme tinten, voelt het meertje werkelijk magisch aan.

Three brave men against one furious wave, at Kelingking Beach, on Nusa Penida island, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia.

 

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Morning light over the old town of Rovinj, a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, in Istria County, Croatia.

 

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Aerial view of Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, a Pantheon-style, Roman Catholic Minor basilica located to the west in Piazza del Plebiscito, the main square of Naples, the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy.

 

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A spring day exploring the back roads and scenic byways in Baker County Oregon.

 

Spent the day enjoying the arrival of Spring in Baker County Oregon. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and birds are starting to arrive for spring migration. Spotted a few new arrivals including white crowns yellow headed, redwing, and brewer’s blackbirds, and found ourselves under the watchful eye of several Great Horned Owls.

 

For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com

  

Summer flowers blooming at Seiser Alm (Italian: Alpe di Siusi), with Langkofel Group (3181m) in the background, in South Tyrol, northern Italy. Seiser Alm is a Dolomite plateau and the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow (German: Alm) in Europe, located in the western part of the Dolomites mountains.

 

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Aerial view of the medieval town of Vrbnik, perched on a 48m cliff overlooking the Adriatic sea, on Krk island, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.

 

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Aerial view of the seaside town of Primošten, on the Dalmatian coast in Adriatic sea, in Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia.

 

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Morning clouds over Langkofel/Sassolungo (3,181m), the highest mountain of the Langkofel Group, part of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, near the town of Selva di Val Gardena, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.

 

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A young San child, immersed in a quiet moment of thought, leans against the ancient trees of Namibia’s arid landscape. This powerful image captures the deep connection between people and nature, where wisdom is passed through generations and life flows with the rhythms of the desert.

photo rights reserved by B℮n

 

Luosto is a scenic tourist destination located in the heart of Lapland, Finland. It is particularly popular for its beautiful natural environment, with extensive forests, hills and impressive scenery that attracts visitors in both winter and summer. Luosto is located in the middle of the rugged Lapland landscape. In winter, the forests are covered with a thick layer of snow and offer excellent opportunities for activities such as skiing, snowmobile tours and husky rides. The Pyhä-Luosto National Park is known for its spectacular fjells mountains and untouched nature. Hiking trails lead to the top of the Pyhä-Luosto Fjell, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Luosto is also home to one of the world's only active amethyst mines. Visitors can participate in guided tours and look for amethyst stones themselves, a unique and fun experience. Luosto is an excellent location to see the Northern Lights, especially during the,b>cold winter evenings when the sky is clear. The dancing lights are a magical spectacle that attracts many visitors. In addition to winter sports in Luosto, there are also cozy restaurants and accommodations to enjoy the local cuisine and relax after a day full of adventure. Luosto is a destination that will appeal to nature lovers and adventurers alike, offering a unique combination of Arctic wilderness and exciting outdoor activities. It is an ideal place to enjoy the peace and beauty of Lapland, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.

 

1. center Tranquil winter morning in the secluded hamlet of Ukko-Luostontien, 2. top left Snowy serenity at dawn in the secluded hamlet of Ukko-Luostontien, 3. Snowshoeing trail in Pyhä-Luosto National Park, 4. Long twilight periods in Lapland create unique hues in the sky, 5. Frozen dawn in the hamlet of Ukko-Luostontie, Lapland, 6. Lapland's hidden gem: unwind at Luosto ski resort, 7. Enchanting snow hike under the moonlight, 8. BieJee finds a natural shelter under the pine, 9. Off the beaten path, I get lost in the Arctic snow, 10. Ellin Saamenmaa's wooden cabin retreat in the Finnish wilderness, 11. Snowshoeing trail winding its way to the top of Ukko-Luosto Fell, 12. Frozen elegance: trees resting in winter's Lapland, 13. Sunrise around noon and constant twilight in Lapland winter.

 

Luosto is een schilderachtige toeristische bestemming gelegen in het hart van Lapland, Finland. Het is vooral geliefd om zijn prachtige natuurlijke omgeving, met uitgestrekte bossen, heuvels en een indrukwekkend landschap dat zowel in de winter als in de zomer bezoekers trekt. Luosto bevindt zich te midden van het ruige Laplandse landschapbergen en ongerepte natuur. Wandelpaden leiden naar de top van de Pyhä-Luosto Fjell, waar je kunt genieten van adembenemende uitzichten over de omliggende wildernis. Luosto herbergt ook een van 's werelds enige actieve amethistmijnen. Bezoekers kunnen hier deelnemen aan rondleidingen en zelf op zoek gaan naar amethiststenen, een unieke en leuke ervaring. Luosto is een uitstekende locatie om het noorderlicht te zien, vooral tijdens de koude winteravonden wanneer de lucht helder is. De dansende lichten zijn een magisch schouwspel dat veel bezoekers trekt. Naast wintersporten in Luosto zijn ook gezellige restaurants en accommodaties om te genieten van de lokale keuken en te ontspannen na een dag vol avontuur. Luosto is een bestemming die zowel natuurliefhebbers als avonturiers zal aanspreken, met een unieke combinatie van arctische wildernis en opwindende buitenactiviteiten. Het is een ideale plek om te genieten van de rust en schoonheid van Lapland, weg van de drukte van stedelijke gebieden. Wanneer we uit de auto stappen lijkt de natuur hier in diepe winterslaap. Onze wandeling begint bij dageraad in het afgelegen gehucht Ukko-Luostontien. In Finland worden traditionele houten huizen vaak aangeduid als houten blokhutten of houten chalets. Het Finse woord voor een houten huis is puutalo.. De bomen buigen zachtjes onder het gewicht van de sneeuw. We zijn van plan om de spectaculaire fjells bergen te beklimmen en de ongerepte natuur te verkennen. Luosto biedt een prachtig landschap voor avontuurlijke activiteiten en de mogelijkheid om te genieten van de rust en schoonheid van de Finse wildernis.

 

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Morning light over the old town of Rovinj, a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, in Istria County, Croatia.

 

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Aerial view of Tara bridge, a concrete arch bridge over the Tara River in Tara canyon, in Durmitor National Park, northwestern Montenegro. The bridge was built between 1937 and 1940 in former Yugoslavia. At the time of its completion, it was the biggest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe.

 

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ZZ Top - you know: long, long, long beards and sunglasses - "Blue Jean Blues" (youtube)

 

The long beards are for Roland, Orlando Z., who just uploaded his drawing "The Long Beard / Der lange Bart"

 

Gstettn: uncultivated land, fallow ground.

An urban interstice, some kind of nether land between Danube and railway

 

Part of: Trove // abseitiges Wien - Vienna off the beaten path - Lustwandeln auf der Gstettn // Boogies and Blues alongside tracks - nebst der Bahn

 

DMC-G2 - P1630816 - 2013-06-29

View Large | Conceptual Portraits Set

 

Model: Marrian De Goma

Location: Corregidor Island, Philippines

Aerial view of the medieval town of Korčula, on the protected east coast of the island of Korčula, in southern Croatia.

 

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Road trips aren't measured by mile markers, but by moments. ~ Author Unknown

 

Sometimes it's fun to escape the hustle and bustle of all the touristy areas and explore those roads less traveled. We made it a point this time around to take advantage of some of Southern Utah's scenic byways....this was photographed along the Hole in the Rock Road which is located just outside of Escalante, UT....the road ends at Lake Powell, but we weren't able to make it that far due to deteriorating road conditions.

 

Have a great Wednesday.....thanks for all your visits and kind words!!!!!

 

© Darlene Bushue - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

 

A beautiful blue pond in Caucasus mountains, as seen on top of Chkhunderi Pass (2655m), during the trek from Adishi to Iprali, in Svaneti Region of Georgia.

 

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Sunset over the Adriatic sea, as seen on the island of Mljet, in Dalmatia region of Croatia.

 

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Aerial view of Volosko, a former fishing village and now a popular tourist resort, part of the city of Opatija, situated on Kvarner coast, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, southern Croatia.

 

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Horses grazing at Seiser Alm (Italian: Alpe di Siusi), the largest high-altitude Alpine meadow (German: Alm) in Europe, located in the western part of the Dolomites mountains, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.

 

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Summer scenery in Prokletije (a.k.a. "Accursed") Mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps, with incredible view of the Karanfili peaks in background, in Prokletije National Park, located in southeast Montenegro along the Albanian and Kosovan borders.

 

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tiny roses at a corner in Cebu City

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

The David Gareja Monastery complex is remote and isolated in the rugged, semi-desert landscape of eastern Georgia, close to the border with Azerbaijan. The area is characterized by dry hills, barren plains and steep cliffs, far from any town or village. It is precisely this remoteness that contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the place — an ideal refuge for monks seeking refuge from the world. The silence, the arid landscape and the ancient caves make David Gareja a place of deep peace, contemplation and mysticism. Founded in the 6th century by the Syrian monk David Garejeli, the monastery is partly carved into the sandstone cliffs of a rugged, semi-desert landscape. Inside the monastery there is a sloping rock face with carved cells, chapels and caves that served as living and praying rooms for monks. Some are decorated with ancient frescoes. In this photo we see Kanitha at the entrance to a simple, carved cell in the monastery complex. The small round opening in the sandstone rocks gives access to one of the many caves that were once used by monks as living or prayer rooms. This cave cell is typical of the early architectural style of the monastery, everything here is sober and purposeful — no unnecessary decoration, just rock, silence and devotion. The shapes are rough and natural, as if the space had formed itself out of the mountainside. In addition to its historical and architectural value, the monastery is still a lively religious place today. Georgian Orthodox monks still live in the complex. They lead a secluded and sober life, dedicated to prayer, study and maintenance of the monastery. During our visit to David Gareja we were the only visitors. In silence we walked through the empty monastery, past rough rock walls and ancient cells. Kanitha paused for a moment at a small cave cell — simple, carved out of the rock — and you immediately felt how monks once lived here in solitude. Everything breathed peace and devotion. The view over the silent, empty plain was breathtaking. A place where time seems to stand still — and you stand still for a moment too.

 

While exploring the remote David Gareja Monastery, we were the only visitors. In complete silence, we wandered through ancient rock-cut cells and chapels. Kanitha paused at the entrance of a simple cave cell — a powerful reminder of the monks’ quiet, devoted lives. Surrounded by vast, empty desert views, it felt like time stood still.

 

Het David Gareja-kloostercomplex ligt afgelegen en geïsoleerd in het ruige, halfwoestijnachtige landschap van Oost-Georgië, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan. Deze omgeving wordt gekenmerkt door droge heuvels, kale vlaktes en steile rotspartijen, ver weg van dorpen of steden. Juist die verlaten ligging draagt bij aan de spirituele sfeer van de plek — een ideaal toevluchtsoord voor monniken die zich willen terugtrekken uit de wereld. De stilte, het dorre landschap en de eeuwenoude grotten maken David Gareja tot een plek van diepe rust, contemplatie en mystiek. Het klooster werd in de 6e eeuw gesticht door de Syrische monnik David Garejeli en is deels uitgehouwen in de zandsteenrotsen van een ruig, halfwoestijnachtig landschap. In het klooster is er schuin oplopende rotswand met uitgehouwen cellen, kapellen en grotten die dienden als woon- en gebedsruimten voor monniken. Sommige zijn versierd met eeuwenoude fresco’s. Op deze foto zien we Kanitha bij de ingang van een eenvoudige, uitgehouwen cel in het kloostercomplex. De kleine ronde opening in de zandstenen rotsen geeft toegang tot één van de vele grotten die ooit door monniken werden gebruikt als woon- of gebedsruimte. Deze grotcel is typisch voor de vroege bouwstijl van het klooster, alles is hier sober en doelgericht — geen overbodige versiering, enkel rots, stilte en toewijding. De vormen zijn ruw en natuurlijk, alsof de ruimte zich als vanzelf uit de bergwand heeft gevormd. Naast zijn historische en architectonische waarde is het klooster ook vandaag de dag nog een levendige religieuze plek. Er wonen namelijk nog altijd Georgisch-Orthodoxe monniken in het complex. Ze leiden een teruggetrokken en sober leven, gewijd aan gebed, studie en onderhoud van het klooster. Tijdens ons bezoek aan David Gareja waren we de enige bezoekers. In alle stilte liepen we door het lege klooster, langs ruwe rotswanden en eeuwenoude cellen. Kanitha stond even stil bij een kleine grotcel — eenvoudig, uitgehouwen in de rots — en je voelde direct hoe monniken hier ooit in afzondering leefden. Alles ademde rust en toewijding. Het uitzicht over de stille, lege vlakte was adembenemend. Een plek waar tijd lijkt stil te staan — en je zelf ook even stilstaat.

  

Social Distancing along the back roads of Baker County Oregon

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon . Some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.

 

Located at the intersection of three Oregon Scenic Byways Baker County is surrounded by spectacular scenery and wide open spaces. For more information about Baker County's back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

   

Pastel-colored houses at Rovenska, the tiny harbor in Veli Lošinj, a scenic port town on Lošinj island, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.

 

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Dawn light over St. George Island, off the coast of Perast in Bay of Kotor, in Kotor municipality, Montenegro. It houses a Benedictine monastery shaded by cypresses and a large cemetery, earning it the local nickname ‘Island of the Dead’.

 

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Summer scenery at Val Di Funes, a storybook valley situated beneath the majestic peaks of Odle Group, part of the Dolomites mountains, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.

 

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Dawn light over the fortified walls of Kotor, a medieval town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, situated beneath the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor.

 

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Nets have been just thrown, fishermen are heading back to the bay, until midnight when they'll set sail again to gather their daily catch

Exploring the back roads and scenic byways as winter turns to spring in Baker County Oregon.

 

Spent the day watching the seasons change in Eastern Oregon, with big dramatic skies and snowcapped mountain peaks. Spring is starting to arrive on the valley floor but winter is still holding on up in the Elkhorns.

 

For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com

  

Georgian couple in traditional costume, getting married at Motsameta Monastery, located 6 km northeast of Kutaisi, in Imereti region, western Georgia.

 

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A spring day exploring the back roads and scenic byways in Baker County Oregon.

 

Spent the day enjoying the arrival of Spring in Baker County Oregon. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and birds are starting to arrive for spring migration. Spotted a few new arrivals including white crowns yellow headed, redwing, and brewer’s blackbirds, and found ourselves under the watchful eye of several Great Horned Owls.

 

For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com

  

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus, at an altitude of about 2,170 meters. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the icy peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for climbing usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Caucasus.

 

1. centre Gergeti Trinity church: a heavenly landmark in the Caucasus, 2. top left Hand in hand, descending from the majesty of mount Kazbek 5054m, 3. Kanitha's fairy steep ascent to Gergeti Trinity church, 4. Gergeti Trinity church – a majestic jewel in the Caucasus mountains, 5. Golden peak of Kazbek (5054m) at first light of dawn, 6. Pilgrim’s Cross beneath the majestic mount Kazbek 5054m, 7. Gergeti Trinity church – sacred Georgian haven beneath the Majesty of Kazbek (5054m), 8. Ancient spiritual tradition: a new Priest ordained at the Gergeti Church, 9. The Bishop and the sacred light: ordination by candlelight in Gergeti church, 10. The Bishop, engaged in sacred rituals in the small chapel of Gergeti Church, 11. Kanitha’s ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church – Following the meltwater path through the majestic Caucasus, 12. Gergeti Trinity church: a lone sanctuary in the majestic Caucasus, 13. Illuminated Gergeti Trinity church and Mount Kazbek (5054m) under the crescent moon.

 

De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus. Deze foto toont de Gergeti Trinity Church, één van de meest iconische en spirituele plekken in Georgië, met de imposante Mount Kuro op de achtergrond. Mount Kuro, zichtbaar op de achtergrond, stijgt tot 3.980 meter en vormt een dramatische en ruige omlijsting van dit heilige bouwwerk. Aan de linkerkant van het klooster is een herdershond te zien, een trouwe metgezel van de kloosterpriesters. De besneeuwde pieken en steile rotsen onderstrepen de eenzaamheid en grootsheid van deze plek.

 

Created with fd's Flickr Toys. ....don't forget to zoom in photo!!

View of the dramatic landscape, as seen on top of the Starigrad Fortress, at the town of Omiš, in Split-Dalmatia County, southern Croatia.

 

Omiš has one of the most dramatic locations of any town on the Dalmatian coast. Situated at the mouth of the Cetina River, at the end of a picturesque canyon, it’s backed by sheer walls of mottled grey rock topped with craggy peaks.

 

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Abandoned church with defensive tower in Zhamushi, now being used as a pisty, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

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Aerial view of the beautiful coastline of Jerolim island, part of Pakleni (Paklinski) islands, located off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar, opposite the entrance to the Hvar harbour, in southern Croatia.

 

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Aerial view of Rogoznica, a popular tourist village in a deep bay sheltered from wind, on the Dalmatian coast in the Adriatic sea, in Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia.

 

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