View allAll Photos Tagged TropicalRainforest
I was surprised to see how much land clearing is happening in Belize - mostly for agriculture. Pictured here a shot of the sunrise between the towns of Hopkins and Redbank where fires are burning after land clearing.
A ground level view of the Ogooue River Booue Chutes with big fishing hoop nets. Since most of the fish we saw for sale at village markets were catfish, and i know they use these types of nets to catch catfish, assume that's what these were after. Can't imagine what it would be like putting these in and taking them out given the current.
Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Thailand.
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Blue winged Minla, Thailand.
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Oriental White Eye, Thailand.
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Siberian blue robin, Thailand.
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Around 12,000 Mennonites reside in Belize. They live in secluded communities and avoid modern technology, including electricity in some cases. The Mennonites can trace their roots back to 16th-century Europe and have since migrated globally, seeking isolated land to farm and evade persecution or forced assimilation into larger society. The Mennonite colonies in Belize originated in the late 1950s when over 3,000 Canadian Mennonites migrated there from Mexico. The Belizean government extended an invitation, providing them with land, religious autonomy, and exemptions from certain taxes and military service, given their status as dedicated pacifists.
I've been enjoying the dragonflies in my backyard that I dipped into my archives for this shot from a few yrs ago from Borneo.
In Huatulco there is a nacional parque close to the beach Organo, and that is where I ran into this little parrot snake, and I was quick enough to make two pictures before it fled back into the bushes.
An encounter with a snake is always something special, I haven't seen them that often in my life.
View of Serra do Caparaó, with Pico do Calçado in evidence. In the background can be seen the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range, distant almost 400 km.
Pico da Bandeira (2,892 m / 9,488 ft) is the highest point in the region. Other peaks also worth mentioning are: Pico do Calçado ("Shoe Peak", 2,849 m / 9,347 ft), Pico do Cristal ("Crystal Peak", 2,770 m / 9,087 ft) and Morro da Cruz do Negro ("Blackman's Cross Mountain", 2,658 m / 8,720 ft).
The region is place for Brazil's second largest altitude, after Serra do Imeri, and the largest gap or prominence (997 m / 3,271 ft).
The Caparaó Mountains are mostly covered with Atlantic Forest, the preservation of which was guaranteed with the creation in May 1961 of the Caparaó National Park.
There are several balconies to watch the sunset from hammocks or/and wooden benches, a deck to see a stream/sunset and the possibility of reaching the crystalline waters through well-made trails, a part of the recovered Atlantic forest and original.
The wi-fi works really well.
A couple uses this location as a home base.
Its name means Black Needles Peak, because of the sharp dark rocks on its top, which give it a distinctive shape. The peak's massif is known as Itatiaia, which means "stone with many sharp points" in the Tupi language. The highest rock, with the summit, is known as Itatiaiaçu, or simply Açu (a Tupi suffix meaning "big") among Brazilian mountaineers.
PS. Cume Itatiaia Sul is the highest point, something of centimeters and is 5 meters in front of Cume Cruzeiro, that's where the summit book is.
Almost, a few more minutes and the sunset will appear for the third highest point in Brazil.
***
The peak is located in the Caparaó National Park, in the Caparaó mountain range, on the border between the municipalities of Ibitirama (Espírito Santo) and Alto Caparaó (Minas Gerais). The IBGE topographic map for the region, published in 1977, shows the summit itself entirely within Espírito Santo, a few meters from the border of Minas Gerais. However, the Anuário Estatístico do Brasil, also from the IBGE, lists Pico da Bandeira as the highest point in both states, which is the official position of the body. Still according to the same Yearbook, the coordinates of the peak are 20º26'04" south latitude and 41º47'44" west longitude.
The Macieira campsite is a very flat place where the medium altitude and sheltered from the wind, presents traces of a small wooden building, burned in the fire that occurred in the Caparaó National Park in 1994.
On the east face of the Caparaó massif, in Espírito Santo, the Tropical Rain Forest predominates. On the west face, in Minas Gerais, there is the Tropical Rain Forest, up to 1,800 m / 5,905 ft; Altitude fields with shrubby and tropical rainforest formations, from 1,800 to 2,400 m / 5,905 to 7,874 ft. Above 2,400 m / 7,874 ft, there are Clean Fields among the rock formations.
The peak of Cristal is a massive point that has this denomination due to its abundant rock formations of quartz, in which it presents landscapes of extreme beauty, being considered by some the most impressive place than the peak of the Flag, where the vegetation is formed basically by bromeliads and lilies on rocky outcrops, the site being part of the highest altitude zone of the park.
For those departing from the Tronqueira campsite, in Minas Gerais, the trail goes up towards Pico da Bandeira, where, close to this, you head south to Pico do Calçado and then west.
For those coming from the Casa Queimada side, you can reach Pico do Cristal by going up the trail to Pico da Bandeira and heading east before climbing Pico do Calçado. From its summit, it is possible to see the imposing Pico da Bandeira, with its characteristic abyss on the Espírito Santo side and softer slopes on the Minas Gerais side.
There is a creek on the farm. The trail is short and structured to get there. Hearing the sound of water is good for those who live in big cities.
Serra dos Órgãos National Park:
It is one of the best places in the country to practice mountain sports, such as climbing, hiking, abseiling and others; besides having fantastic waterfalls. The Park has the largest network of trails in Brazil. There are more than 200 km / 124 miles of trails at all levels of difficulty: from the suspended trail, accessible to wheelchair users, to the heavy Petrópolis-Teresópolis Crossing, with 30 km / 19 miles of ascents and descents through the high part of the mountains.
Among the climbs, the God's Finger, considered the starting point of climbing in the country, and the Devil's Needle, chosen as one of the 15 best rock climbs in the world, stand out.
It was created in 1939 to protect the exceptional landscape and biodiversity of this stretch of the Mountain Range of the Sea in the Serrana Region of Rio de Janeiro. There are 20,024 hectares protected in the municipalities of Teresópolis, Petrópolis, Magé and Guapimirim.
The Park is home to more than 2,800 species of plants cataloged by science, 462 species of birds, 105 of mammals, 103 of amphibians and 83 of reptiles, including 130 endangered animals and many endemic species (which only occur in this location).
Access is made from shelter Rebouças, walking through areas of high altitude fields. There are 1,300 m (4,265 ft) to the base of Agulhas Negras, which can be covered in approximately 45 minutes. The ascent time varies according to the route to be used, as the massif has more than 20 climbing routes with different degrees of difficulty.
Pico Agulhas Negras is on the list of the 10 highest peaks in Brazil and is located in the upper part of the Itatiaia National Park, the first National Park in Brazil: it is in fifth place on the list in Brazil, it is the first highest in the State of Rio de Janeiro and the third from Minas Gerais.
It has 2,791 m (9,157 ft) of altitude and is on the border of the States of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. It got this name due to the parallel channels, which resemble needles. It is the most imposing formation in the Itatiaia National Park.
The trail is approximately 11 km (6,83 miles) long and takes 3-4 hours to reach the summit.
(Trekking and climbing with safety equipment)!
Level: Moderate/Hard.
Green peafowl, Thailand.
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The trail starts at Rebouças Dam which is 100 meters (328 ft) from the Rebouças shelter. The trail is easy and uneventful.
Violet bellied hummingbird, Panama.
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My eldest nephew and his girlfriend in their moments of affection and contemplation, after the arduous mission of climbing the peak in the dark of dawn.
Our time:
4,5km = 2,79 miles
From 2,190 m (7,185 ft) to 2,892 m (9,488 ft)
Summit of the mountain.
2:08 am - 5:16 am
I looked at the clock: 8:58
The Pico do Cristal refers to an altar where those who arrive there can express their gratitude to the mountain.
Silence.
Only broken by the sound of the wind.
I don't know how to describe what I felt. I confess that I thought I was the best. Wow, another mountain alone!
I stayed only 2.42 hours (10:42) there, with the feeling that it was the last place in the world, and that there was only me and it, the mountain.
Coming down is the worst part. Seconds to decide where to put your foot. I felt like a spider. Any carelessness on the steep stretch would be dangerous. I arrived at the base and from there it was quiet.
Summit and canyon on the side of Espírito Santo.
How many trails of those massive mountain ranges would it take to conquer the summit of what would be the highest “mountain” in the Empire of Brazil? It was long, tortuous, very cold and humid, the path that ended above the clouds, at 2,892 meters of altitude. But the imposing peak needed to be duly conquered and demarcated by the national flag, the green, yellow, white and indigo blue flag of Brazil.
For it was Dom Pedro II who ordered that the symbol of the Brazilian nation be installed with gallantry there in those heights, at a point located on the border of the territory that would become the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. The conquest of the place that soon came to be called Pico da Bandeira had repercussions and was very emblematic, but even today the unfathomable beauties of the region once dominated by a thriving Atlantic forest, guardian of very important natural treasures of this biome so sadly mistreated throughout the centuries.
The climbing down of the Escalavrado Peak is generally considered to be more difficult than the climb up. This is because the descent is steeper and more technical, with more exposure. There are also a number of rappels involved, which can be challenging for inexperienced climbers.
However, the descent can also be very rewarding. The views from the top of the peak are stunning, and the feeling of accomplishment after making it down is exhilarating.
Here are some tips for climbing down the Escalavrado Peak:
* Be sure to use proper safety gear, including a helmet, harness, and ropes.
* Take your time and be careful.
* Be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting too close to the edge.
* If you are feeling uncomfortable, turn back.
Rocky peak west of Pico do Calçado, it is the sixth highest elevation in Brazil.
But it is considered as a buttress or secondary summit of Calçado (the "shoulder" of Bandeira), but its top is independent of it. It is not recognized by the IBGE.
It was measured by the IME/IBGE expedition (in October 2004)
***
Pico do Calçado (2,849 m / 9,347 ft) and Pico do Calçado Mirim (2,818 m / 9,245 ft):
I climbed down to Calçado and Calçado Mirim Peaks, and with a few more minutes, I easily reached both. On both peaks there is a stone totem indicating the point and rustic signs with distance information. An experienced mountaineer who already knows the park well gave me the precious tip to get to Pico do Cristal. It was necessary to go around the base of Pico do Calçado, aim for Pico do Cristal and follow the stone slab. The crowd is supportive and doesn't forget to feed the totems that indicate the direction. It's not exactly a trail, but a slab with undergrowth, so just head towards the mountain.
I didn't even have to use the tracklog I had saved.
The God's Finger on the right, Escalavrado Peak in the background: A photo I took after climbing down.
Dedo de Deus, also known as God's Finger Peak, is a 1,692-meter (5,551-foot) granite peak located in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is one of the most popular hiking and climbing destinations in the park, and its distinctive finger-shaped formation is visible from much of the surrounding area. The peak is named after its resemblance to a giant hand with an extended index finger pointing towards the sky.
The climb to the top of Dedo de Deus is challenging but rewarding, and the views from the summit are spectacular. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to Rio de Janeiro, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. The best time to climb Dedo de Deus is during the dry season, which runs from May to September.
Here are some additional facts about God's Finger Peak:
* It is the most famous formation in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park.
* The climb to the top is rated as difficult, and should only be attempted by experienced hikers or climbers.
The peak has this name because, around 1859, Emperor Pedro II determined that an Empire flag be placed on what, at the time, was considered the highest and most imposing point in Brazil.
Until 1968, it was considered the highest point in Brazil, losing the title to the peaks: Neblina (2993.8m / 9,819 ft) and 31 de Março (2972.7m / 9,753 ft) after a new demarcation on the Brazilian border with Venezuela.
At the top there is a Cruzeiro (cement cross) and an image of Christ the Redeemer. There is also a tower that, in other times, supported a signal repeater station.
PS On the right is the descent by Calçado and Calçado Mirim peaks.
Towards the Crystal Peak, the sixth highest peak in Brazil.
Pico do Cristal is the most difficult of them, as it is rocky and requires a hike-climbing at the end. I think the adrenaline was so much that when I realized it, I was on the last climb. It was funny that while I was holding it with my fingers wherever I could, I couldn't imagine how I was going to get down.
(Every saint pushes, right?!)
There are three progressive climbs and I used my hands and body on all three. I took only what was necessary up there, the camera and water!
Before my adventure to climb the three peaks among the highest in Brazil (the third, fourth and seventh peaks in altitude) the next day at dawn, a little meditation to bring peace to the mind. I am in an original part of the Atlantic Forest.
My requests are for Pachamama.
Pachamama, which means Mother Earth in Quechua, is the deity that represents nature as a whole.
For reasons of topographical prominence, the IBGE considers Pico do Calçado a secondary peak of Pico da Bandeira and not a separate mountain. For this reason, it does not include it in its ranking of the highest mountains in Brazil, although the peak altitude measurement by GPS was carried out by the Pontos Culminantes do Brasil Project. For the same reason, its altitude was not revised in 2016 due to the new mapping of the geoid by the IBGE, contrary to what happened with other Brazilian peaks.
White rumped shama, Thailand
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FIFTH SECTION:
The fifth stretch is the stone ramps, where we must always walk as upright as possible. Extinctly people tend to project the body forward, but the more you do that, the more you slip. That is why it is important that the guide is also a climbing instructor, as only climbers know the techniques of gripping, walking or climbing on smooth slopes and rocks.
This entire stretch is sensational for taking a break and enjoying the landscape, as it provides a spectacular view of almost 360º.
From the top of this peak, we can see the Casa Queimada campsite and the dirt road from the park's entrance to the final point, which is the campsite, in the middle of the photograph where we camped for two days.
The distance from the camp to the summit of Pico Cristal is 3.5 km / 2.17 miles.
From the height of 2,770 m / 9,087 ft to the 2,160 m / 7,086 ft Casa Queimada campsite.
But before that, I got all the heavy stuff hidden in the bush, turn left at the base of Pico do Cristal, climb Pico do Calçado (2,849 m / 9,347 ft) for the fourth time. All without marking flagged. Follow the stone totems until you reach the marked main trail. Go down to the camp. Ufa!
The Serra do Caparaó has a very representative area of Atlantic Forest, with unique examples of alpine meadows. The park has several species of endemic and endangered flora and fauna. On the east side in the state of Espírito Santo the vegetation is mainly tropical rainforest. On the dryer west side in Minas Gerais it has tropical rainforest up to 1,800 metres (5,900 ft), then high-altitude forest with brushwood up to 2,400 metres (7,900 ft), and above that open fields among the rocky outcrops. Plants at higher regions are adapted to stony soils, frost and ice crusts.
Fauna has suffered from hunting, but the park is still home to endangered species such as southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides), maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and pampas deer (Ozotocerus bezoarticus). The park also includes species such as the jaguar, tapir, harpy eagle, black-fronted piping guan (Pipile jacutinga) and solitary tinamou (Tinamus solitarius).
Calçado and Cristal Peaks covered by fog at the end of the afternoon and without sunset.
We tested the trail to see if it was possible for all of us to climb the peaks at dawn. It was.
We trekked 5.22 km / 3,24 miles in 3:22 hours.
The false summit is only a few meters below the true summit. But a deep rift separates them. Arriving at the false summit is already very satisfying!
To access the true summit there are two technical stretches. The first is the descent along a wall of about 5 meters (16,40 ft) to the base of the peak. The second is the ascent up the sidewall of the peak.
That moment is the most exciting part of the trip!
One of the most beautiful places I've had the pleasure of visiting!
Green Peafowl, Thailand.
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The Preto river, which rises at the base of Pico do Cristal, forms the Farofa, Sete Pilões and Aurélio waterfalls, on the Minas side.
The Sete Pilões waterfall is close to the Macieira camp and can be accessed by a 210 m / 689 ft long trail. Along its route, there are several practically circular wells with bluish water, which resemble pylons.
Camping at 1,860 m / 6,102 ft of altitude and that can be reached by 3,3 km / 2,05 miles of roads from the entrance of Pedra Menina (Espírito Santo State), being close to the São Domingos River.
***
From 2:00 am to 3:00 pm I trekked or/and climbed more than 18.3 km / 11.37 miles on trails.
Peak elevations and camps from 2:00 am to 3:00 pm:
Burnt House Campsite: 2,190 m / 7,185 ft;
Calçado Peak: 2,849 m / 9,347 ft (3 times);
Peak of Calçado Mirim: 2,818 / 9,245 ft (3 times);
Flag Peak: 2,892 m / 9,488 ft;
Crystal Peak: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft;
Burnt House Campsite: 2,190 m / 7,185 ft;
Apple Tree Campsite: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft;
Seven Pylons Waterfall: 1,855 m / 6,085 ft.
Thank you for following this journey that ends here, through your lovely comments, faves and views.