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Accessibility Description: A tranquil woodland scene captures a gently flowing creek winding through a lush, green forest. The water, rendered silky and smooth by a long exposure, reflects subtle shades of blue and lavender as it moves past moss-covered rocks in the foreground. On the left, large boulders rise from the bank, draped in green moss and surrounded by towering trees whose roots grip the rocky soil. The forest canopy above glows with fresh, vibrant leaves, filtering soft daylight into a serene green hue. To the right, a narrow dirt path traces the water’s edge, curving gently out of sight among tree trunks and undergrowth. The composition invites stillness, an untouched natural refuge alive with color, texture, and the quiet rhythm of flowing water.
Troll Falls are accessible via a short trail starting near Kananaskis Village. They are a popular destination year-round, including in winter when they form frozen pillars. In spring, as in this image, runoff creates high volume and makes for dramatic cascades.
I am the author of "Kananaskis Country Colours: Alberta’s Rockies Wilderness" -- for more info on the book and to order, please see www.alpinebookpeddlers.ca/?
SUNSET IN NORTHERN EVIA.
The island of Evia lies along the Eastern coast of Central Greece, and is accessible to the mainland via two bridges, an old wooden bridge and a contemporary suspension bridge. There are also frequent ferries to several parts of the island. It is 175 km long and is the second largest island in Greece, and the third largest in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Taken during a 4 day photographic vacation with my beloved English wife Theresa Jane Brown.
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!
This photograph has achieved the following highest awards:
* GALAXY HALL OF FAME
Accessibility Description: The rugged face of the Grand Wash Cliffs in Arizona glows a deep orange-red under the light of the setting sun. Layered rock formations create horizontal bands across the mountainside, while dark, elongated shadows from unseen peaks stretch diagonally over the terrain. At the base, sparse desert vegetation, including scattered Joshua trees, adds texture to the otherwise stark landscape. The warm light and sharp contrasts emphasize the cliff’s dramatic geological structure.
The hermitage of the Mare de Déu (Holy Mother) of the Pertusa is a religious building in the Romanesque style first documented in 1162. It is located in the Montsec montain range, which is a natural park.
As you can see, it is very difficult to access. It is only accessible from the north side (the one you see), since the south faces directly over a cliff.
The small church is still quite well-preserved. Originally, its function was surveillance, later on, it became the parish church of a nearby village and it currently has the category of hermitage.
You can enjoy see a splendid view of the Canelles reservoir. But as the title suggests, the water level used to be much higher. The drought we've been going through has decreased it. It only it would pour!
accessible to smaller cruise ships, chao phraya river winding through magical thai green countryside is an unusual way to arrive in bangkok
one bridge of the several crossing the chao phraya river below bangkok, seen from AZAMARA QUEST
Monument Valley is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft (300 m) above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line near the Four Corners area. The valley lies within the range of the Navajo Nation Reservation and is accessible from U.S. Highway 163.
Monument Valley has been featured in many forms of media since the 1930s. Director John Ford used the location for a number of his best-known films. The area is part of the Colorado Plateau. The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 m) above sea level.
The floor is largely siltstone of the Cutler Group, or sand derived from it, deposited by the meandering rivers that carved the valley. The valley's vivid red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker, blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide.
The soils of the valley floor are predominantly a complex of Aneth soils, Marcou soils, and Typic Calcigypsids.
The Aneth series consists of very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils formed in eolian deposits and alluvium derived from sandstone. Aneth soils are on valley bottoms, fan terraces, and toeslopes. Slopes are 0 to 16 percent. The mean annual precipitation is about 8 inches and the mean annual air temperature is about 57 degrees F.
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Sandy, mixed, mesic Typic Torriorthents.
The Marcou series consists of very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils that formed in eolian materials over mixed alluvium. Marcou soils are on dunes and have slopes of 0 to 8 percent. The mean annual precipitation is about 8 inches and the mean annual air temperature is about 54 degrees F.
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Coarse-loamy, mixed, superactive, calcareous, mesic Typic Torriorthents.
Typic Calcigypsids are the Gypsids that have a calcic horizon. Commonly, the calcic horizon is above the gypsic horizon because of differences in the solubility of gypsum and calcium carbonate. These soils are known to occur in New Mexico. Most Calcigypsids are used for grazing.
For a detailed description, visit:
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/A/ANETH.html
soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/M/MARCOU.html
For acreage and geographic distribution, visit:
A typical thatched house in the village of Sieseby on the bank of the Schlei inlet, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Some background information:
With its just 100 residents, Sieseby is a village that belongs to the municipality of Thumby in the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde. Sieseby lies directly on the Schlei and features a ferry terminal with a few berths and a slipway for launching small boats. During the summer months, the public Schlei ferry service stops at Sieseby. The village is accessible via the K77 district road, which branches off from the B203 highway. Sieseby is particularly renowned for its many restored thatched-roof houses. Since 2000, the village has been protected as Schleswig-Holstein's first designated cultural monument of an entire area.
The hamlet of Sieseby was first mentioned in a document in 1267. But as its church already dates back to the late 12th century, the village is even older. Since the early 16th century, Sieseby belonged to the nearby aristocratic estate Bienebek Manor. For more than three centuries, the village was more or less a housing complex for the estate staff. But in the early 19th century, both Bienebek Manor and Sieseby were acquired by Gustav Anton Schäffer, a wealthy merchant from the city of Hamburg. As from 1839, he had the old houses renovated and new houses built for the estate workers, many of which still bear his initials "G.A.S.".
In 1887, the ducal family of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg acquired Sieseby along with Bienebek Manor for 615,000 Reichstaler, which corresponds with a sum of roughly 11 million Euro. Today, most of the properties in Sieseby remain part of the Glücksburg Ducal Estate Trust, which means that their occupiers are still just the tenants of their beautiful historic residences. But as far as I know, they have to pay just a nominal rent.
The Schlei is a narrow inlet of the Baltic Sea in the state of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany. It stretches for approximately 42 kilometres (26.1 miles) from the Baltic Sea near Kappeln and Arnis to the town of Schleswig. Along the Schlei are many small bays and swamps. It separates the Angeln peninsula to the north from the Schwansen peninsula to the south. The important Viking settlement of Hedeby (resp. Haithabu) was located at the head of the firth, but was later abandoned in favor of the town of Schleswig. A museum has been built on the site, telling the story of the abandoned town. In 2018, Hedeby and the nearby defensive earthworks of the Danevirke were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Schlei's name was once presumably Angel, later giving its name to the region of Angeln. This name derives from the Norse word angr (in English: "narrow"). Angel therefore meant "narrow fjord", which fits the long and narrow Schlei well. The current name is thought to have been used only for the inner Schlei. It is beleived to be connected with the Danish word slæ (in English: "reeds" resp. "water plants").
The Schlei stretches 42 km from Schleimünde through Kappeln and Arnis to the town of Schleswig, passing through the rolling hills of Schleswig-Holstein and separating the regions of Angeln and Schwansen. It has an average width of 1.3 km (0.81 miles) and an average depth of 3 m (10 feet), resulting in a water surface area of 54.6 km² and a volume of 163.8 million m³.
The Burgsee (with Gottorf Castle on castle island) was once the innermost part of the Schlei but was cut off in 1582 by Adolf I, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf , with the construction of the Gottorf Dam, which is now about 28 metres wide and nearly 100 metres long. The main tributary of the Schlei is the Füsinger Au, which flows into the Schlei at Winningmay. Smaller tributaries include the Grimsau, as well as two streams named Mühlenbach, one near Schleswig and one near Kappeln.
In the Middle Ages, the Schlei held great importance as a trade route within the Baltic Sea region. The overland distance from Schleswig to the Treene, a tributary of the Eider river, was only 16 kilometers (10 miles). This made it an ideal location for the exchange of goods between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. As early as 1075, the chronicler Adam of Bremen referred to Hedeby, the Viking settlement near Schleswig that was destroyed in 1066, as a maritime harbor. From this port, ships reportedly traveled as far as Sweden and Greece. After Hedeby's destruction, the nearby town of Schleswig took over this role, although it never matched Hedeby's prominence.
By the late 14th century, ships like the Hanseatic cog had grown larger, and the Schlei had become too shallow, while Schleswig was too far from the open Baltic Sea. As a result, the Schlei gradually lost its significance as a trade route. Schleswig ultimately ceded its status as a trading hub to Lübeck and Flensburg but remained the seat of a bishopric. However, even today, the Schlei between Schleimünde and Kappeln is occasionally used as a transport route for commercial shipping.
A St malo , lors d'une marée de 100+ , le fort national est loin d'etre accessible...
www.facebook.com/pages/Llagadec-landscape-photography/706...
These photographs document the platform area at Starnberg station, not the main station building. The visible structure consists primarily of historic iron columns and beams that remain in active use but show clear signs of aging: corrosion, flaking paint, and uneven maintenance. What was once a coherent architectural system has become a fragmented, utilitarian framework.
The original platform roofs are completely gone. In their place, the iron skeleton stands exposed to weather and light. Rather than being restored, the structure has been stabilized through added construction: scaffolding, bracing elements, and protective netting that cut across the original geometry. This creates a layered visual language of old infrastructure and temporary reinforcement.
A newer canopy appears only in selected areas, mainly above stair access points. This roof is made of corrugated sheet metal (Wellblech) and serves a purely functional role. It offers basic protection but no architectural continuity with the historic structure. Large sections of the platforms remain open.
The site reflects the character of a “lost place” in operation. It is neither fully preserved nor abandoned. Ongoing disputes between heritage protection (Denkmalschutz), ownership responsibilities, and questions of funding for repair and upkeep have left the platforms in a state of visual and structural limbo. The result is an environment where historical fabric survives, but without clear restoration strategy.
Access is partially restricted through fenced zones and controlled pathways. This affects circulation and accessibility, including limited or indirect wheelchair access. The station continues to function, yet the platform space feels provisional — maintained just enough to operate, but not enough to recover its former architectural identity.
From a photographic perspective, the focus lies on the exposed iron framework, the absence of the original roof, and the contrast between historic construction and pragmatic modern additions. The images document a transitional state: a working railway platform that visually reads as a relic.
8-inch Columbiad guns sit in their casements at Fort Delaware. Located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. The fort was a harbor defense stronghold for the Union forces during the Civil War and acted primarily as a prison for captured Confederate soldiers who were housed in separate quarters on the island. The structure was designed by chief engineer Joseph Gilbert Totten and opened in 1848. Today the fort is open for self-guided tours and exploring and accessible from the Delaware City side of the river by a ferry service.
Technical Details:
Nikon F4S 35mm film camera. Nikon 35-105mm F3.5-4.5 AIS lens.
Ilford HP5+ 400 ISO B&W film shot at ISO 800.
F11 in aperture priority mode.
Developed in Diafine for 4 minutes (part A) and 4 minutes (part B) @ 20 degrees Celsius in Paterson 3 reel tank. 5 seconds initial agitation with swizzle stick followed by 5 seconds of additional agitation ever minute thereafter.
Negative scanned with Epson 4990 on holders with ANR glass.
Le métavers est un concept d'espace virtuel en ligne, en 3D, qui relie les utilisateurs dans tous les aspects de leur vie. Il relierait plusieurs plateformes, semblables à Internet et contenant différents sites Web accessibles par le biais d'un seul navigateur.
Le concept a été développé dans le roman de science-fiction Snow Crash de Neal Stephenson. Cependant, si l'idée d'un métavers était autrefois une fiction, il semble aujourd'hui qu'elle pourrait devenir une réalité.
Le métavers sera animé par la réalité augmentée, chaque utilisateur contrôlant un personnage ou un avatar. Par exemple, vous pouvez organiser une réunion en réalité mixte avec un casque Oculus VR dans votre bureau virtuel, terminer votre travail et vous détendre dans un jeu blockchain, puis gérer votre portefeuille de cryptomonnaies et vos finances, le tout à l'intérieur du métavers.
Vous pouvez déjà voir certains aspects des métavers dans les mondes de jeux vidéo virtuels existants. Des jeux comme Second Life et Fortnite ou des outils de socialisation au travail comme Gather.town rassemblent de multiples éléments de nos vies dans des mondes en ligne. Bien que ces applications ne soient pas le métavers, elles sont quelque peu similaires. Le métavers n'existe pas encore.
En plus de prendre en charge le jeu ou les réseaux sociaux, le métavers combinera économies, identité numérique, gouvernance décentralisée et autres applications. Aujourd'hui encore, la création et la possession par les utilisateurs d'objets et de monnaies de valeur contribuent au développement d'un métavers unique et uni. Toutes ces caractéristiques confèrent à la blockchain le potentiel nécessaire pour alimenter cette future technologie.
Metaverse is an online, 3D virtual space concept that connects users in all aspects of their lives. It would connect several platforms, similar to the Internet and containing different websites accessible through a single browser.
The concept was developed in the science fiction novel Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. However, if the idea of a metaverse was once fiction, today it looks like it could become a reality.
The metaverse will be animated by augmented reality, with each user controlling a character or avatar. For example, you can host a mixed reality meeting with an Oculus VR headset in your virtual office, finish your work and relax in a blockchain game, then manage your cryptocurrency portfolio and finances, all inside the metaverse. .
You can already see some aspects of metaverse in existing virtual video game worlds. Games like Second Life and Fortnite or tools for socializing at work like Gather.town bring together multiple elements of our lives in online worlds. Although these apps are not the metaverse, they are somewhat similar. The metaverse does not yet exist.
In addition to supporting gaming or social networks, the metaverse will combine economies, digital identity, decentralized governance and other applications. Even today, the creation and possession by users of valuable objects and currencies contribute to the development of a single and united metaverse. All of these features give blockchain the potential to power this future technology.
The classic rectangular shape and accessibility makes this waterfall an instant classic. One of the most popular waterfalls in the country, you can experience it from its misty base as well as from its precarious top. If you have time and energy, don't forget to hike further upstream for even more waterfalls along the Skoga River.
More or less we all have the same images from this great waterfall, but a must have when being on Iceland.
Enjoy...
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Technical Details;
Camera; Canon EOS 1Ds mkIII
Lens; Canon 70-200m/m 2.8L IS USM
Exposure; 1 sec
Aperture; f16
Filter; Sing-Ray Vari-ND
ISO 50 RAW
Tripod; Gitzo 3541L
Ballhead; RRS BH-55 with B2 AS II clamp
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Image is under Copyright by Henk Meijer.
Contact me by email if you want to buy or use my photographs.
The easily accessible Hogarth Waterfall in Strahan, Tasmania.
A short flat walk through lush rainforest leads to the waterfall. Plenty of water after the deluge the night before.
Fuji X-T5, Fujinon XF 16-50mm 2.8-4.8, 3.1 secs at f/10, ISO 250.
(From Wikipedia)
Dhammayangyi Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Bagan, Myanmar. Largest of all the temples in Bagan, the Dhammayan as it is popularly known was built during the reign of King Narathu (1167-1170). Narathu, who came to the throne by assassinating his father Alaungsithu and his elder brother, presumably built this largest temple to atone for his sins.
The Dhammayangyi is the widest temple in Bagan, and is built in a plan similar to that of Ananda Temple. Burmese chronicles state that while the construction of the temple was in the process, the king was assassinated by some Indians and thus the temple was not completed. Sinhalese sources however indicate that the king was killed by Sinhalese invaders.
The temple's interior is bricked up for unknown reasons, thus only the four porches and the outer corridors are accessible.
Horsetail Falls is one of the most accessible of the many glorious waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
The NW Waterfall Survey puts the height of this falls at 214 feet but other sources say it is 176 feet. No matter what the height, it is a beautiful waterfall.
I was so busy traveling earlier this year I did not have a chance to process some of my images from the Columbia River Gorge. It is fun to look back at them now.
Explored.
The Athabaska glacier creates a great and accessible environment for training. Here the RCMP are taking an opportunity to refresh their skills on how to rescue climbers or hikers should they fall into ice fissures which can run very, very deep. That the tours' visitors are only a couple hundred meters away from the fissures is a stark reminder for tour visitors not to wander out of their designated area.
Accessible only by driving along a 13 mile rutted dirt road, Bodie was a mining boom town along the eastern edge of California that at its peak had around 10,000 residents. It was also known for its wild ways. Violence was commonplace and there were a plethora of saloons, brothels, opium dens, gambling halls, and other "activities" available for he town's mainly male residents. After several fires and the drying out of the mine, most of the town was abandoned.
Today it is preserved by California State Parks as a ghost town in a state of "arrested decay" where the buildings and grounds are essentially maintained in the state they were left in when the park service took over.
Among aficionados of the Old West, Bodie provides a wealth of stories and a great deal of research has gone into documenting the history of the town. Just exploring the cemeteries provides a fascinating glimpse into the social, racial, and class lines that were at play during the town's occupancy. It is also well regarded by "ghost hunters" for the numerous sightings, voices heard, and other unusual events that have been reported over the years.
Ahhh, urban luxury at its finest -- living large on a budget compared to Seattle's [much taller] high rises yet a [slightly close] reminder of the Emerald City's access to poverty and troubled individuals roaming the streets looking for their [temporary yet immediate bliss]. The way how I see it is as follows: such an apartment as depicted serves the function of a reminder at just how close each of us are between comfort and our own personal discomfort...
Photo captured via Minolta AF-Maxxum 16mm Fisheye F/2.8 lens. Chinatown - Industrial District. City of Seattle. Central Puget Lowland section within the Puget Sound Lowlands Region. King County, Washington. Early December 2022.
Exposure Time: 8 sec. * ISO Speed: ISO-100 * Aperture: F/8 * Bracketing: None * Color Temperature: 4000 K * Color Grading: Kodak E100VS
Mount Nageli ( 2165m) is more or less unfamous. It is located westwards of the famous Churfirsten mountain chain and eastwards of the easily accessible Leistkamm (2101m). Walking alongside the Toggenburger Hohenweg you get to the feet of the mountain at 1820m. You have to walk over a boulder field first, and then along a steep meadow/moss slope. This T3 categorized way get’s the last out of you. It’s really exhausting. The summit has only occasional visitors. The last entry in the guest book of the summit cross was in February 2011 – three months ago.
I have chosen mount Nageli because of all the summits around it has the best 360° view and you can see the Churfirsten tops in one row. If you do such a ascent, you have to stay for a while. I get up in the evenings, stayed during the night to take pictures and get down in the morning.
9 hours and 13 minutes after the last sunset, the sun rose above the summit of mount Schaaren in the early mornings.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/fairburnings/index.aspx
About Fairburn Ings
With pond dipping, regular fun events and walks to help you get away from it all, RSPB Fairburn Ings is the ideal place for adults and children to find out more about wildlife.
The three main trails take you through a variety of habitats allowing stunning views of birds such as willow tits and tree sparrows in the woodland, and lapwings, snipe and redshanks in the wet grassland. In winter Fairburn hosts an array of swans, ducks and geese on the main lake, so there is something to see whatever the season.
There is a visitor centre selling hot drinks and a wide range of RSPB products from books and children's toys to birdcare products. The visitor centre, family trail and Lin Dike trail are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs
Opening times
The car park is open from 9 am-5 pm every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The visitor centre is open 9 am-5 pm daily from February to October, and 9 am-4 pm from November-January.
Entrance charges
Entrance to the reserve is free but parking costs £2 for non-members (the first 30 minutes is free). Parking is free for members and disabled badge holders.
If you are new to birdwatching...
There are regular events aimed at beginners, not just about birdwatching but also other wildlife like moths and bats, depending on the time of year. We run guided walks around the reserve with RSPB experts, and there will always be someone in the visitor centre who can help you with your wildlife queries. Binoculars can be hired for £2.50 plus a security deposit such as your car keys or a credit card. You can pick up a reserve map in the visitor centre, and our staff and volunteers will be available to help.
Information for families
There are many activities organised for families and children, including family fun days and special children's events throughout the year. Please contact the visitor centre for details. Children will enjoy the Discovery Trail.
Information for dog owners
Dogs are welcome at the reserve and we have facilities such as a dog parking area and a dog bowl. Please keep your dog on a lead while on the trails. Only assistance dogs can be brought into the visitor centre.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Chiffchaff
The cheerful song of the chiffchaff is a sign that spring has arrived at Fairburn Ings. Look for them in the trees and bushes around the lakes, even in winter, when one or two see through the cold months here.
Green sandpiper
Late summer and early autumn are excellent times to see small numbers of this migrant wader feeding on the wader scrapes and shallow 'flashes' at the west end of the reserve. The first birds return from their Scandinavian breeding grounds in late June.
Kingfisher
Stay alert for the sight of an electric-blue bullet speeding past over the lakes and pools. Kingfishers are a year-round attraction at Fairburn Ings. In spring and summer, watch out for adults carrying fish back to their nests in their beaks.
Little ringed plover
Little ringed plovers nest on islands in the water here and stop off to feed on migration in spring and early autumn. You may have to look very carefully to pick out these remarkably well-camouflaged birds among the shingle.
Reed warbler
Listen for the monotonous song of this aptly named warbler coming from stands of reeds around the reserve. Look carefully and you may spot one clinging to the reed stems with its feet as it sings.
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Kingfishers are easy to see as they make their flights along their breeding territories. Frogs and toads arrive to breed in their thousands. Reed and sedge warblers return and can be heard singing constantly. Little ringed plovers and garganeys arrive to breed.
Summer
See broods of different types of ducklings, including gadwalls and pochards. The nesting islands are a mass of activity as common tern and black-headed gull chicks hatch. Iridescent dragonflies bask on the boardwalks and handrails and the grasslands are alive with the bright colours of flowers and butterflies.
Autumn
Thousands of wading birds pass through Fairburn Ings on their migration, such as green sandpipers and black-tailed godwits. Large numbers of fieldfares and redwings gorge themselves on berries in preparation for winter.
Winter
Goldeneyes, smews and goosanders can be seen displaying and pairing up. Large flocks of wigeons graze on the wet grassland. Flocks of wintering waders take to the skies when a peregrine appears on the lookout for a meal.
Facilities
Facilities
•Visitor centre
•Information centre
•Car park : Main car park is surfaced with well-rolled gravel and tarmac with dedicated disabled parking bays.
•Toilets
•Disabled toilets
•Baby-changing facilities
•Picnic area
•Binocular hire
•Group bookings accepted
•Guided walks available
•Good for walking
•Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
There are five hides, a viewing platform and two pond dipping platforms.
Nature trails
There are two public trails (one pushchair accessible), boardwalk (wheelchair/pushchair accessible), views from causeway. There is also a 'Discovery Trail' for children to enjoy.
Refreshments available
•Hot drinks
•Cold drinks
•Sandwiches
•Snacks
Shop
The shop stocks:
•Binoculars and telescopes
•Books
•Bird food
•Gifts
Educational facilities
Education visits to Fairburn Ings offer an exciting opportunity for your pupils to explore nature through the first-hand study of birds, other animals and plants. Led by professional RSPB field teachers, the programmes are safe, hands-on, thought-provoking and fun. Fairburn Ings is an oasis for wildlife in the Aire valley. With thousands of ducks and geese in the winter, and dragonflies, terns and swallows in the summer, there is something exciting to see every day of the year. With two large classrooms, a boardwalk, and large bird-viewing and pond-dipping platforms, Fairburn Ings is a marvellous place to bring your class for an unforgettable experience of nature. All the programmes are risk assessed, linked to the National Curriculum, and focus particularly on science and geography. A visit to Fairburn Ings will increase your pupils' knowledge of the environment through experiential learning and help them understand the value of wildlife and natural places.
Accessibility
Car parking
Main car park is surfaced with well-rolled gravel and tarmac with dedicated disabled parking bays.
Access to visitor centre
The visitor centre is 70 m from the car park, accessed via a crushed limestone path. There is a ramp into the visitor centre.
Binoculars can be hired for £2.50 plus a security deposit such as your car keys or a credit card. You can pick up a reserve map in the visitor centre, and our staff and volunteers will be available to help.
Toilets
Male and female toilets, and an adapted unisex toilet with baby-changing facilities.
Picnic areas
Two tables which are accessible to wheelchairs.
Shop
The shop is located in the visitor centre and is accessible to wheelchairs.
Classroom/exhibition area with views of bird-feeding station is accessible at weekends, unless being used for an event or meeting.
Access to trails
There are 250 m of boardwalk with passing places.
Hides and viewpoints
There are two viewing screens close to the visitor centre, and from the car park a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform overlooking main lake.
How to get here
By train
The closest train station is Castleford, three miles away.
By bus
Buses run - infrequently - to Fairburn and Ledstone villages.
By road
Leave the A1 at junction 42 for the A63, and follow signs for Fairburn village on the A1246. Once in the village turn right at Wagon and Horses public house. At the T-junction turn right, and the visitor centre is 1.5 miles on the left.
Our work here
Fairburn Ings protects a complex of wetland habitats created by subsidence in a former coal mining area.
They include open water, wet grassland, reedbed and wet woodland. Other habitats, including dry grassland, deciduous woodland and lagoons, have been restored on the former coal spoil heaps.
The reserve is important for waterfowl and waders, farmland birds and other wildlife. The RSPB is working to maintain and enhance biodiversity, while developing the reserve as a local centre for nature conservation and environmental education.
Grassland gains
Wet grassland on the reserve supports breeding waders such as lapwings, redshanks, snipe and curlews, and is important for breeding and wintering wildfowl - especially gadwalls. We are managing this habitat by grazing it with cattle and maintaining the high water levels.
We plan to restore more grassland by cropping for hay and cutting back scrub.
Making water work
Our freshwater system holds breeding wildfowl, water voles and other wildlife.
We are coppicing willows to enhance the fen vegetation around open water areas. We are also maintaining islands and rafts used by water birds, including breeding common terns.
We are expanding the reedbed for the benefit of birds such as breeding reed buntings and wintering bitterns, as well as harvest mice and invertebrates.
Restorations
We are working with our partners to manage the restored coal tip. Measures include mowing and grazing the dry grassland to help breeding skylarks, grey partridges and lapwings; improving the shingle around lagoons for breeding little ringed plovers, ringed plovers and lapwings; and enhancing the farmland areas for passerines such as tree sparrows and linnets.
We are also improving water control, introducing fencing, conducting patrols, and monitoring plants and invertebrates.
Reaching people
The reserve attracts up to 100,000 visitors per year. Its popularity helps us get across key conservation messages to the public and demonstrate best practice management to target audiences.
We are working to develop our excellent visitor facilities, maintain good relations with the local community and increase our advisory potential. Our programme of lifelong learning includes environmental education for visiting schools. We are also continuing to develop our voluntary wardening scheme.
Manly beach, Sydney, winter 2018. Manly beach is one of Sydney's most popular beaches with both tourists and locals. It's accessible via a half-hourly ferry service from the jetties adjacent to the Sydney Opera House. In winter it's quieter, and more popular with surfers catching the winter swells.
Camera: Leica IIIf
Lens: Cosina-Voigtlander 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar LTM
Film: Ilford FP4+
Developer: Kodak XTOL 1+1
Scan: Epson V700
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit written permission. © copyright 2018 Lynn Burdekin. All Rights Reserved.
Whiteface Mountain is the fifth-highest mountain in the U.S. state of New York, and one of the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Set apart from most of the other High Peaks, the summit offers a 360-degree view of the Adirondacks and clear-day glimpses of Vermont and even Canada, where the skyscrapers of Montreal, 80 miles (130 km) away, can be seen on a very clear day. Located in the town of Wilmington, about 13 miles (21 km) from Lake Placid, the mountain's east slope is home to a major ski area which hosted the alpine skiing competitions of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Unique among the High Peaks, Whiteface features a developed summit and seasonal accessibility by motor vehicle. Whiteface Memorial Highway reaches a parking area at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m), with the remaining 267 feet (81 m) being obtained by tunnel and elevator.
Conceived and initiated prior to the Great Depression, Whiteface Castle and the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway were funded entirely by the state of New York, though the timing of the project led to a widespread belief that they were Depression-era public works projects arising from the New Deal
anamorphic lens
OBSERVE Collective
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germanstreetphotography.com/michael-monty-may/
at Cramond Causeway (1 of 3)
The first came last in this set of 3 from Cramond. Here the tide is out and you have access the "Cramond Island" 1/3 of a mile from the mainland.and the anticipation of what was to come as the tide came in
SARDENYA 2024
MaMa Trattoria Pizzeria is a popular restaurant located in Arzachena, in northeastern Sardinia, known for offering traditional Italian and Sardinian cuisine at reasonable prices.
Cuisine Type: The establishment combines the services of a Trattoria and a Pizzeria, offering a wide menu that ranges from Sardinian surf-and-turf dishes to classic pizzas.
Highlighted Specialties: Highly praised are their wood-fired pizzas, noted for a light crust and quality ingredients. They also serve homestyle dishes, seafood (like Spaghetti alle Vongole), and even specialty burgers (MaMa Burger).
Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as welcoming and professional, often praised for its friendly staff and family environment. It is a popular choice for both locals and visitors to the Costa Smeralda looking for quality at an accessible price point.
Location: It is situated in Arzachena, a key town inland from the famous Costa Smeralda region.
Accessibility Description: A surreal, abstract forest scene created with intentional camera movement and a slow shutter speed. Tall pine trunks stretch upward, but their edges blur and shimmer, giving the impression of motion or ghostly doubling. Bright white sky glows through the canopy, with hints of green foliage and golden highlights scattered among the branches. The forest floor is textured with rocks, logs, and soft grasses, but everything appears to ripple, as if seen through water or a dream. The result is painterly and impressionistic, transforming an ordinary woodland into a shifting, otherworldly landscape.
Norwegen - Briksdalsbreen
Briksdalsbreen (English: the Briksdal glacier) is one of the most accessible and best known arms of the Jostedalsbreen glacier. Briksdalsbreen is located in the municipality of Stryn in Vestland county, Norway. The glacier lies on the north side of the Jostedalsbreen, in Briksdalen (the Briks valley) which is located at the end of the Oldedalen valley, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of the village of Olden. It is located inside Jostedalsbreen National Park. Briksdalsbreen terminates in a small glacial lake, Briksdalsbrevatnet, which lies 346 metres (1,135 ft) above sea level.
The size of Briksdalsbreen depends not only on temperature, but is also strongly affected by precipitation. Measurements since 1900 show small changes in the first decades, with advances in the glacier front in 1910 and 1929. In the period from 1934 to 1951 the glacier receded by 800 metres (2,600 ft), exposing the glacial lake. In the period from 1967 until 1997 the glacier expanded by 465 metres (1,526 ft) and covered the whole lake, with the glacier front ending at the lake outlet. The glacier attracted international attention in the 1990s, as it was growing at a time when other European glaciers were in decline.
After the year 2000, the glacier once again receded. In 2004 it had receded to 230 metres (750 ft) behind the lake outlet and in 2007 the glacier front was on dry land behind the lake. In this regard, its position approximated the situation in the 1960s. However, glaciologists speculate that the size of the glacier was at its smallest since the 13th century.
In 2008, the glacier front had only receded by 12 metres (39 ft) since the 2007 measurement. The slower melting is explained by the glacier being completely on dry land. The winter of 2007–2008 saw an increase in glacier mass, which was expected to move the glacier front forward around 2010. This was confirmed in the fall of 2010, when measurements showed that the glacier had advanced 8 metres (26 ft) over the last year This was however in comparison with the 2009 measurements, which saw the glacier being the most receded since measurements started in 1900.
As the winter of 2009–2010 saw little snow and the summer temperature in 2010 was 2.5 to 3 °C (4.5 to 5.4 °F) above average, Professor Atle Nesje predicts that further strong receding will be seen in 2013.[6] As Briksdalsbreen is now very narrow at some stretches, it is possible that it will temporarily disconnect from the larger Jostedalsbreen.
(Wikipedia)
Der Briksdalsbre (norwegisch Briksdalsbreen, -en = männlicher bestimmter Artikel) in Norwegen ist ein westlicher Nebenarm des größten Festlandsgletschers in Europa, des Jostedalsbreen.
Er liegt im Gebiet der Gemeinde Stryn im Norden der Provinz Vestland nördlich des Sognefjords im Jostedalsbreen-Nationalpark.
Der höchste Punkt des Briksdalsbre liegt etwa 1900 m über dem Meer. Der Gletscher endete bis 2008 in 346 m Höhe in einem kleinen Schmelzwassersee, Briksdalsvatn (norwegisch: Briksdalsvatnet). Seitdem hat er sich noch weiter zurückgezogen.
Seit 1900 wird jährlich ausgemessen, wo sich die Vorderkante des Gletschers befindet. Der Gletscher hatte um die Jahre 1910 und 1930 Vorstöße, schmolz aber zwischen den Jahren 1932 und 1951 um etwa 800 m zurück. In dieser Zeit entstand das Briksdalsvatn. Die Vorderkante hat seitdem mehrere Vorstöße und Perioden mit Rückgängen vollführt. Während eines Vorstoßes zwischen den Jahren 1987 und 1997 wurde der See vom Gletscher völlig zugedeckt. Nach 1999 schmolz der Gletscher rasch ab, so dass 2008 der See wieder vollkommen frei lag. Die Messungen werden vom norwegischen Wasserlauf- und Energieamt (Norges vassdrags- og energidirektorat, NVE) durchgeführt.
Der Gletscher ist seit dem 19. Jahrhundert ein bekanntes Tourismusziel und zieht jährlich 300.000 Besucher an.
Drei Kilometer unterhalb des Gletschers gibt es seit 1891 den Berggasthof Briksdal fjellstove mit Restauration und Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten.
(Wikipedia)
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Please take your time... to View it large on black
The German town Monschau so quaint it feels like a theme park — complete with a 13th century castle. The town is located in the hills of the North Eifel, within the Hohes Venn – Eifel Nature Park in the narrow valley of the Rur river. The historic town center has many preserved half-timbered houses and narrow streets have remained nearly unchanged for 300 years, making the town a popular tourist attraction nowadays. The town of Monschau is made of cobbled streets, foot bridges and a castle overlooking the town. Another warming bonus is that it has its own brewery by way of the Felsenkeller. The region Eifel - a manifold landscape of low mountains with isolated forests, volcanoes that have become extinct, extensive hill countries and picturesque valleys - is situated in the triangle where three countries meet, that is Germany, Belgium and Luxemburg.
Monschau - Germany with its historical Old Town and unique location amidst the famous hedges and impressive scenery of the surrounding Eifel region. A photo of a foot bridge over the river Rur in the historic center of Monschau. This beautiful house is only accessible via this red bridge.
Monschau is een kleine historische stad in de Duitse Eifel. Het ligt in de smalle en diepe vallei van de Roer, op vier kilometer van de Belgische grens. Gebouwd tussen de heuvels, heeft dit plaatsje met zijn vakwerkhuisjes en kleine winkelstraatjes een nostalgische aanblik. Men vindt er veel bezienswaardigheden. In het voorjaar is het erg de moeite waard om deze omgeving eens te bezoeken. De natuur ontwaakt en er kan weer volop gewandeld en gefietst worden. Ook voor de motorrijders is het bochtenparadijs weer geopend. In het de lente is het heerlijk ontspannen in de Eifel. Het vakantiegebied -een gevarieerd middelgebergtelandschap met eenzame bossen, dode vulkanen, uitgestrekte heuvellandschappen en pittoreske valleien- ligt in de drielandenhoek Duitsland-België-Luxemburg.
Happy Thanksgiving!
One should come here pre-sunset and stay until after sunset. This is one of the 3 main view points for photography at this place. Do try to get pictures at least 2 of the 3. This area and another view point are on the top level. The thrid view point is behind the temple, on the bottom level, however that area only accessible when the tide is low. I came here twice for sunset, the first time was for the 2 top view points, and the second time, I was lucky, the third and lower view point was accessible due to low tide, but quickly flooded with sea water right after sunset...
For this image, to retain the dynamic details of the sun, clouds, the rocks and the temple that was in the shadow, and the waves behind the temple, I used multiple exposures and merged them manually in PS. I used the Zeiss Milvus 35mm for these. A bit of work, but I enjoy doing post-processing anyway....and can't have it any other ways.
Type "L" to see this in more details.
Below is the Wikepedia excerpt that is quite an interesting read:
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot means "Land [in the] Sea" in the Balinese language.[2] Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.
Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 16th-century Dang Hyang Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock, for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.[3] The main deity of the temple is Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara, who is the sea god or sea power and these days, Nirartha is also worshipped here.[4]
The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. In addition to Balinese mythology, the temple was significantly influenced by Hinduism.
At the base of the rocky island, venomous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The temple is purportedly protected by a giant snake, which was created from Nirartha's selendang (a type of sash) when he established the island.
Milwaukee Art Museum Locked Down; MAM behind bars; chanined and locked down from public access, Milwaukee, WI USA
The brightest and most accessible to photography cluster in the constellation of Coma Berenices.
336 million light years from earth. Contains over a thousand different galaxies (most of them are elliptical) and huge amount of dark matter.
One of the few places in the sky where most objects are galaxies and not stars
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• Sky-Watcher BK P2001 with TS Optics 2" Dual Speed Focuser
• EQ6-R Pro
• ZWO ASI1600MM-Pro
• ZWO L: 167x120s
• ZWO R, G, B: 60x120s bin2
(total integration 7.5h)
• -20° sensor temp., Gain 0 (HDR)
• Baader MPCC Mark III coma corrector
• 60x240 guide scope, ZWO ASI290Mini guide cam
Captured with ZWO EFW, ZWO EAF, ZWO ASIAIR, Pegasus Astro Powerbox
Saint Petersburg, Russia. Red light pollution zone, balcony
Evenings at Chandratal
Chandra Tal (meaning the Lake of the Moon) is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres (14,100 ft) in the Himalayas.
Mountains of scree overlook the lake on one side, and a magnificent cirque presents a view on the other. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. Situated in the Spiti part of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh (India), it is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. The lake is accessible on foot from Batal as well as from Kunzum Pass from late May to early October. There is also a motorable road from Batal which is 16 km (9.9 mi) away from Chandra Tal, but before August, its condition can be bad. The road from Kunzum Pass is accessible only on foot, and it is about 8 km (5.0 mi) from Chandra Tal. Suraj Tal is also accessible Chandra Taal, 30 km (19 mi) away. Vast meadows on the banks of the lake are the camping sites. During springtime, these meadows are carpeted with hundreds of kinds of wildflowers.
The most surprising thing about this lake is that there is no visible source of this lake but there is a visible outlet which means that water to this lake comes from underground.
The lake is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks the Chandra River.
The lake is one of two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been designated as Ramsar sites, the other being the Tso Moriri wetland reserve in Ladakh.
Visby is a locality and the seat of Gotland Municipality in Gotland County, on the island of Gotland, Sweden with 24,330 inhabitants, as of 2017. Visby is also the episcopal see for the Diocese of Visby. The Hanseatic city of Visby is arguably the best-preserved medieval city in Scandinavia and since 1995, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. Among the most notable historical remains are the 3.4 km long town wall that encircles the town center, and a number of church ruins.
Visby is a popular vacation destination for Scandinavians during the summer and receives thousands of tourists every year. It is by far the most populated locality outside the Swedish mainland. The Gotland University is in Visby, and since 1 July 2013, it is a department of Uppsala University under the name Uppsala University–Campus Gotland. Visby is also the sole county seat in Sweden only accessible by boat and air.
Source: Wikipedia
This very accessible and stunning waterfall 12km from Catemaco, Veracruz is where part of Mel Gibsons film "apocalypto" was filmed. Its no wonder that crowds of tourists and locals alike, flock here at weekends to appreciate this waterfall and the lush scenery that surrounds it. #veracruz #mexico
Norwegen / Telemark - Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen is a mountain in the county of Telemark, Norway. The 1,883-metre (6,178 ft) tall mountain is located on the south side of the town of Rjukan and is the highest mountain in Telemark. The summit lies in Tinn Municipality, but there is a lower plateau that crosses the municipal border into Hjartdal Municipality.
The view from the summit is impressive, as one can see an area of approximately 60,000 square kilometres (23,000 sq mi), nearly one-sixth of Norway's mainland. The mountain is popular for downhill skiing in the winter, and competitions have been held on its slopes. These competitions include the "Norseman triathlon", billed as "the world's most brutal iron-distance triathlon". It starts in Eidfjord and finishes at the top of Gaustatoppen. The summit is accessible on foot in the summer, on a rocky pathway of medium difficulty, although the southwestern side of the mountain is very dangerous and inaccessible. The wreckage of an airplane crash still lies on that side of the mountain since it is too difficult to remove it.
Name
The first element is Gausta, the name of the whole mountain, the last element is the finite form of topp which means "top" or "summit". The name Gausta is probably a shortened form for Gaustafjell which means "Gausta mountain", because Gausta originally was the name of a farm beneath the mountain. (For the same development see Dovrefjell.) The Old Norse form of the name was maybe Gautstǫð, the name is then a compound of gaut which means "flooded place", and stǫð which means "stead" or "landing place for boat". (The farm lies along the Rjukan river.)
Railway
There is a funicular railway that was built inside the mountain for military purposes. This ascends from the base of the mountain almost to the summit. A short railway takes the passengers from the mountain base horizontally to the lower station deep inside the mountain. It was built to access the military radio relay station built on (and inside) the mountain top. The installation is now a tourist attraction. It was financed mainly by American military grants, and cost one million US dollars to build from 1954 to 1959.
Gausta skicenter
The Gausta skicenter is a skiing centre on the mountain. It was created when two smaller alpine ski areas (Gaustatoppen Skisenter and Gaustablikk Skisenter) were merged and then a further expansion of slopes. As of 2019, it had 45 kilometres (28 mi) of slopes and 550 metres (1,800 ft) height difference. The skiing centre is located about 180 kilometres (110 mi) by road from Oslo and it aims to be one of the major ski areas in Norway.
(Wikipedia)
Gaustatoppen, in der Landessprache oft auch nur Gausta genannt, ist ein Berg in der norwegischen Provinz Telemark südlich der Stadt Rjukan. Mit einer Höhe von 1883 moh. ist er der höchste Berg der Provinz.
Durch seine Kegelform ragt er aus der Landschaft heraus. Bei guter Fernsicht ist es möglich, ein Sechstel Norwegens zu überblicken, was ca. 60.000 km² entspricht. Der Blick reicht im Osten bis zur schwedischen Grenze, im Süden bis zum Meer.
Der Südhang des Berges ist sehr steil und unzugänglich; das Wrack eines Flugzeuges liegt dort und wurde aufgrund der Lage nie geborgen.
Aufstieg
Mehrere Wege führen auf den Gipfel. Der leichteste Aufstieg beginnt am Parkplatz Stavsro (1173 m) an der Straße zwischen Rjukan und Tuddal. Die Gehzeit bis zum Gipfel beträgt zwischen 2 und 3 Stunden. Der teilweise sehr steinige Weg überwindet auf 3,5 km Länge einen Höhenunterschied von ca. 700 m und ist mit roten T gekennzeichnet. Von Tuddal aus gibt es ebenfalls eine Route zum Gipfel, jedoch ist die Gehzeit länger.
Des Weiteren existiert ein Pfad von Selstali westlich des Gaustatoppen. Dieser Weg ist sehr steil. Er ist ebenfalls mit roten T gekennzeichnet.
Den Gipfel an sich erreicht man über einen schmalen Felsgrat.
Berghütte
Unterhalb des Funkturms, auf 1860 m, liegt eine Berghütte, die von Mittsommer bis Mitte September täglich von 10 bis 18 Uhr geöffnet ist. Die Hütte wurde im Jahre 1893 gebaut und wurde 1998 erweitert. Übernachtungen in der Hütte sind nur nach vorheriger Reservierung möglich.
Militärische Nutzung und Bergbahn
Aufgrund der Höhe und Lage des Berges wurde er während des Kalten Krieges als Radar- und Funkstation genutzt. Erst 1995 endete die militärische Nutzung. Eine 55 m hohe Antenne wurde 1970 auf dem Berg errichtet und für Radio und Mobilfunk genutzt. Um den Gipfel ganzjährig erreichen zu können, wurde zwischen 1954 und 1959 von Rjukan aus eine Bergbahn („Gaustabanen“) in den Fels getrieben. Sie besteht aus einer 850 Meter langen horizontal verlaufenden „Flachbahn“ und einer steilen Standseilbahn mit 1045 Meter schräger Länge. Die Baukosten beliefen sich damals auf rund 1 Mio. US-Dollar. Um die Kosten zu refinanzieren, sollte die Bahn von Anfang an auch von Touristen genutzt werden, aufgrund der Geheimhaltung während des Kalten Krieges kam es aber erst viel später dazu. Selbst lokalen Einwohnern war die Existenz der Bahn nicht bekannt. Die Bergbahn beginnt an der Straße zwischen Rjukan und Tuddal auf 1170 m mit einer horizontalen Bahn. Nach einer Fahrtstrecke von 860 m befindet sich im Berginneren eine Transitstation, wo Passagiere umsteigen müssen. Von dort beginnt die Standseilbahn, die auf einer Länge von 1.050 m 650 Höhenmeter überwindet. Die Bergstation befindet sich auf 1800 m und damit etwa 75 m unterhalb der Berghütte, am Ende eines Tunnels im Berg. Die Standseilbahn hat eine Steigung von 39°. Die Bergbahn wird seit 2004 kommerziell genutzt.
Sport
Am Gipfel des Gaustatoppen endet der Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, der in Eidfjord beginnt. Im Winter ist der Gaustatoppen ein beliebtes Ziel für Alpinskifahrer wie auch Langläufer.
(Wikipedia)
Italien / Südtirol - Dürrenstein
View back
Rückblick
We reach the summit of the 2,839 m high Picco di Vallandro (Dürrenstein), one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains of the Dolomites, starting from the Prato Piazza highland.
Our autumn mountain tour starts at the parking space on the Prato Piazza highland in the Valle di Braies valley, accessible from the hamlet of Ponticello on a 10 km long toll mountain road open until 10 am in the morning (afterwards by shuttle service). We follow the wide path no. 37 to the Rif. Prato Piazza mountain hut where the trail no. 40 towards the summit branches off. Slightly uphill we walk to a junction and keep left on the path towards the Picco di Vallandro. The 3,234 m high Croda Rossa on the other side of the valley, the highest peak of the Braies Dolomites, dominates the landscape. Having the Prato Piazza highland at our feet we reach the timber line.
The terrain gets steeper, but the path is still well passable and secured by iron stairs. The higher we get, the more the view opens up on the surrounding peaks of the Dolomites such as the Cima Nove and Cima Dieci, Mt. Cima Cadin di Sennes, Mt. Croda del Becco, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and the Rondoi-Baranci Group.
We reach the pre-summit and finally - along a section secured by ropes - the summit of the 2,839 m high Picco di Vallandro in the Braies Dolomites. From the summit cross we enjoy the breathtaking view on the Sesto Dolomites, the Cristallo Group, the Fanes Group and far beyond the Dolomites. The way back follows the same trail, we recommend a stop at the lovely Rif. Prato Piazza mountain hut.
Please note: Mt. Picco di Vallandro is one of the most beautiful panoramic mountains of the Dolomites. Due to the starting point at the 1,990 m high Prato Piazza highland, the summit can be climbed in a rather short and easy hike - there’s only one section secured by ropes. The area is highly frequented at the weekends in high summer, the best season for this mountain tour is early autumn! The Picco di Vallandro is also a popular summit for sunrise hikes and ski tours.
(pustertal.org)
Von der Plätzwiese erreichen wir den Dürrenstein (2.839 m ü.d.M.), einen der schönsten Aussichtsberge in den Dolomiten.
Unsere herbstliche Bergtour beginnt am Parkplatz an der Plätzwiese im Pragser Tal, die vom Ortsteil Brüggele über eine 10 km lange (mautpflichtige) Bergstraße bis 10.00 Uhr mit dem Auto erreichbar ist, danach verkehrt ein Shuttledienst. Von hier geht es zunächst auf dem breitem Wanderweg Nr. 37 zum Berggasthof Plätzwiese, wo der Weg Nr. 40 in Richtung Dürrenstein abzweigt. In angenehmer Steigung wandern wir über die Dürrensteinalm bis zu einer Wegkreuzung, wo wir nicht Richtung Dürrensteinhütte abzweigen, sondern links Richtung Gipfel gehen. Der Blick wird immer wieder von der gegenüberliegenden Hohen Gaisl (3.234 m ü.d.M.), der höchsten Erhebung der Pragser Dolomiten, angezogen. Die Plätzwiese liegt uns allmählich zu Füßen, auch die vereinzelten Fichten haben wir mittlerweile unter uns gelassen.
Nun wird das Gelände steiniger, der Berg zeigt sein alpines Gesicht, der Weg bleibt jedoch gut begehbar und ist mit Steinstufen ausgestattet, die uns gut vorankommen lassen. Je weiter wir nach oben wandern, desto mehr namhafte Dolomitenspitzen rücken ins Blickfeld: Neuner, Zehner, Senneser Karspitze, Seekofel, Drei Zinnen und die Gipfel der Haunoldgruppe.
Wir erreichen einen Vorgipfel, und über eine kurze, mit Drahtseilen gesicherte Passage und den letzten Schritten auf gutem Wanderweg geht es schließlich auf den Gipfel des Dürrensteins (2.839 m ü.d.M.) in den Pragser Dolomiten. “Im Kreuz ist Heil”, so lautet die Inschrift des Gipfelkreuzes - von hier genießt man einen herrlichen Blick, u.a. auf die Sextner Dolomiten, die Cristallogruppe, die Fanesgruppe, aber auch über die Dolomiten hinaus. Der Rückweg erfolgt auf demselben Weg, eine Einkehr auf der Plätzwiese sei empfohlen.
Anmerkung: Der Dürrenstein ist einer der schönsten Aussichtsberge in den Dolomiten und ist aufgrund der Höhenlage der Plätzwiese (1.990 m ü.d.M.) in einer relativ kurzen Wanderung zu erreichen. Die Wanderung ist bis auf die gesicherten Stellen kurz vor dem Gipfel als nicht besonders schwierig einzustufen. Achtung, äußerst viel begangen an Wochenenden im Hochsommer, empfehlenswert im Herbst! Der Dürrenstein ist auch ein beliebter Sonnenaufgangs- und Skitourenberg.
(pustertal.org)
Accessible from the Pilatusbahn funicular railway, Mount Pilatus towers above Lucerne, covered in a light dusting of snow the day I visited, with the mountaintops rising above the thick clouds and drizzle of rain below
Explore more photos or shop prints, canvas, etc. at andrewwebbcurtis.com
Returning from 2022 (when I couldn't go), Lightscape transformed the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne/Naarm.
In past light exhibitions (I specifically recall their fire events), the art displays have been somewhat interactive. This exhibition kept you on a specific path you could not wander off from. Therefore I felt detached from the artworks. Whilst there were a couple of highlights in the first half (starting from the main gate entrance), I felt the real excited began after the midway point.
I went to the relaxed session, but their idea of lower numbers, is ridiculous. we started the trail right on go time, but within 45mins, the grounds were swarming with people. There should have been a much longer lead time for the relaxed session - lower numbers is the biggest draw card for people with disability and neurodiversity. PLUS the volume of the music playing was not at relaxed levels. Accessibility isn't hard, so why do so many venues continue to fail?! Not that buying an accessible ticket was accessible - Ticketek is really a sh!t show when it comes to accessibility - it took six weeks to book a ticket that could have been purchased in 15mins (not to mention the stress involved in having to get someone to organise to take a call at a time that suited all parties - with my brand of autism I do not speak over the phone).
The official blurb: "Be mesmerised by a six metre orb made of thousands of LEDs, singing trees and a flickering fire garden amongst colour-changing installations, soundscapes and large-scale illuminated sculptures. Experience the new two kilometre trail around the lake and celebrate the beauty of nature after dark."