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iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
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Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990’s Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
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When viewed from Tollhaus, the mountain range situated to the east behind Buchs and Vaduz is the Rätikon Range, a segment of the Western Rhaetian Alps. This range forms a natural border between Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland.
Notable peaks in this area include:
Alpspitz: Standing at 1,943 meters, it lies to the east of Vaduz.
WIKIPEDIA
Helwangspitz: With an elevation of 1,999 meters, it is also located east of Vaduz.
WIKIPEDIA
Scheienkopf: At 2,159 meters, this peak straddles the border between Liechtenstein and Austria.
WIKIPEDIA
These mountains are part of the Northern Limestone Alps, characterized by rugged terrain and significant geological features. The Rätikon Range is renowned for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and skiing.
The Alpine Rhine Valley lies to the west of this range, with the Rhine River forming the natural boundary between Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
WIKIPEDIA
From Tollhaus, the Rätikon Range provides a picturesque backdrop to the landscapes of Buchs and Vaduz, offering stunning vistas of alpine peaks and valleys.
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We had tried to use our satellite navigation to get us to Wutach Gorge but it sent us down a bush track to a creek in the midst of undulating open fields, the last kilometre or so being very difficult to turn around.
After a 6-point turn, while dodging overhanging vegetation, we finally, by accident, stumbled onto the gorge, conveniently located a little further along our planned route.
We would have loved to have spent more time in this beautifully tranquil place, but we had a goal of reaching our overnight accommodation at the Hotel Kreuz at Ühlingen before driving across Switzerland the next day as far as Vaduz in Leichtenstein, visiting the Rhine Falls and several castles along the way.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
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The Jacobus Chapel (St. James Chapel) is located on a rise on the side of the road around the area of Bildacker, just out of Ühlingen on the road to Untermettingen. (L159 road)
The chapel is dedicated to St. James (Jakobus), reflecting its historical roots in pilgrimage traditions associated with the Camino de Santiago.
The Chapel is said to have been built after severe storms destroyed the entire harvest at the beginning of the 19th Century. In an area that is still called "Gibt mir nichts" the good soil was washed away into the valley. To prevent such a catastophe from happening again, the local council, under Mayor Ferdinand Kech made a vow in 1835 to hold field processions to this chapel on the three Sundays before St James Day.
Every family in the village was required to have at least one person take part in the procession. Violations were punishable by local police.
However, as time has gone by, and for several reasons, the number of people taking part in the procession had declined, at times not even being held at all.
Recently the historic tradition was revived by the local community led by the Mayor Klaus Muller with the backing of the Catholic Branch Parish of St Ursula.
The Chapel as it stands today on the hill between the Schlucht and Steinatal Valleys was completely renovated in 1980 after a previous renovation in 1946-47. At that time there was a lack of suitable building materials which made the 1980 renovation necessary.
Untermettingen itself, just down the road, is a settlement with historical significance, mentioned as early as the 9th century and known for its rich cultural heritage.
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The Rhine Falls, at elevation 364m, are located near Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland and are Europe's most powerful waterfall. Spanning 150 m in width and with a single drop of 23 m in height, the falls showcase a remarkable display of natural force.
The falls have an average flow rate of 250 m3/s (8,800 cu ft/s) during winter and 600 m3/s (21,000 cu ft/s) during summer.
The highest flow ever measured was 1,250 cubic metres per second (44,000 cu ft/s) in 1965, and the lowest, 95 cubic metres per second (3,400 cu ft/s) in 1921.
The Rhine Falls formed 14,000 to 17,000 years ago by erosion-resistant rocks narrowing the riverbed. The first glacial advances created today's landforms approximately 500,000 years ago.
The falls are divided by a central rock known as the Rhine Falls Rocks (Rheinfallfelsen). It's the remnant of the original limestone cliff flanking the former channel.
Visitors can access this rock via boat trips, offering an up-close experience of the cascading waters.
The surrounding area is equipped with viewing platforms that provide various perspectives of the falls, and the nearby historic castles of Wörth and Laufen add charm to the natural beauty of this picturesque area.
The site is well-developed for tourism, featuring illuminated falls at night, guided tours, and boat trips that allow visitors to experience the falls from different vantage points.
Annually, the Rhine Falls attract over one million visitors, making it one of Switzerland's major tourist attractions.
Chat GPT & Wikipedia
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The village of Urnerboden, located in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,370 metres above sea level.
The St. Erhard Chapel (Kapelle St. Erhard) is located in the small alpine village of Urnerboden in the high alpine Urner Boden valley. St. Erhard Chapel is a neo-baroque style Catholic Church built in 1915.
The chapel is named after St. Erhard of Regensburg, a 7th-century missionary bishop known for his evangelistic work in Bavaria. St. Erhard is venerated in the Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on January 8th.
Here's some more information about Urnerboden:
Urnerborden is part of the municipality of Spiringen in the Canton of Uri.
Living in Urnerboden all year round became possible after a decision by the Upper House of the Federal Parliament in October 1877. Before that it was only possible to live there in the summer season.
1899 - A school was built,
1902 - A chaplaincy was established and a church was built in 1915 in a new baroque style.
1888 - Only 73 people lived on Urnerboden. 12 years later 146 people called Urnerboden home.
1935 - Urnerboden reached its highest population density with 250 people living in the village.
2001 - There were only 56 people living in Urnerboden the whole year round. The school and post office closed forever.
2001 - The post office commenced house service.
2001 - A new cable railway to the "Fisetengrat" was built and commenced operation on the 1st of December 2001.
2003 - The new cable car had become a great success in both summer and winter.
2003 - Only about 40 inhabitants are living in the Urner Boden High Alpine Valley
2003 - The post bus service was converted to a demand bus. 2007 The demand bus is changed to the Urnerboden Sprinter. 2008 The hiking toboggan run is opened.
The Urner Boden high Alpine plain stretches along the Klausen Pass and covers an area of approximately 46 square kilometers (about 11,367 acres). This expansive plain is renowned for its pastoral beauty, with grazing cattle, lush meadows, and breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine peaks. The Urner Boden high Alpine plain is the largest such area in Switzerland and in the summer, there can be up to 1200 cows on the Urner Boden and approximately 700 on the Gemsfairenalp and the Fiseten.
Driving/Cycling Klausen Pass, Scenic Tourism & Photography, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross-country Skiing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice climbing, and Mushing are the main activities bringing visitors to Urnerboden. Reference + Chat GPT
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laocaitv.vn/van-hoa-du-lich/len-lao-cai-chiem-nguong-ve-d...
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam.
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The Klausen Pass Hotel, officially known as the Hotel Klausenpasshöhe, is an iconic establishment located at the summit of the Klausen Pass in the Swiss Alps. Here's an overview of its history:
Early History
Construction: The original Hotel Klausenpasshöhe was constructed in 1903, coinciding with the completion of the Klausen Pass road in 1899 connecting the cantons of Uri and Glarus.
Its construction facilitated increased travel and tourism in the region during a time when alpine tourism was becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland.
Purpose: Initially, the hotel served as a rest stop for travellers traversing the pass, including tourists, traders, and locals. Its location at an altitude of about 1,948 metres made it an ideal spot for rest and refreshment.
20th Century
Growth of Tourism: The hotel played a significant role in promoting alpine tourism, attracting hikers, mountaineers, and motorists. The panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys made it a popular destination.
Racing History: The Klausen Pass became famous for hosting the Klausenrennen, a mountain road race held between 1922 and 1934. The hotel served as a base for spectators and participants of the race, adding to its prominence.
Challenges and Renovations
Seasonal Accessibility: Due to its high altitude, the Klausen Pass and the hotel are only accessible during the summer months, as heavy snowfall closes the pass in winter. This seasonal nature has always been a challenge for operations.
Modern Era
Present-Day Role: In 2021, the historic hotel was replaced by a new, modern structure designed to blend seamlessly with the alpine environment. This contemporary building, situated slightly below the original site, features large window facades offering panoramic views and utilizes natural materials like stone and wood to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
The new Hotel Klausenpass continues the legacy of its predecessor, providing hospitality to travelers and maintaining its status as a notable landmark on the Klausen Pass. Chat GPT
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The Vogtsbauernhof Farmhouse, located within the Black Forest Open Air Museum (Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum) in Gutach, is the centerpiece and namesake of the museum. It is one of the best-preserved examples of a traditional Black Forest farmhouse and offers visitors an in-depth look at rural life in the region over 400 years ago.
Historical Overview
Construction Date: Built in 1612, the Vogtsbauernhof served as a home for generations of farming families.
Original Location: The farmhouse was originally located in the Gutach valley before becoming the cornerstone of the open-air museum in 1964.
Function: It was designed as a self-contained living and working space for a farming family, including accommodations for livestock, storage areas, and tools essential for their livelihood.
Architectural Features
Thatched Roof: The steep, wide thatched roof is one of its most iconic features. This design helps shed heavy snow and rain, critical for the harsh Black Forest winters.
Timber Frame Construction: Built using the half-timbered style common in the region, with a solid wood framework filled with wattle and daub or stone.
Integrated Design: The farmhouse combines living quarters, a barn, and storage spaces under one roof, reflecting the practical needs of the time.
Cellar and Upper Floors: The cellar was used for food storage, while the upper floors housed grain, tools, and sometimes sleeping quarters.
Interior Layout
Living Quarters:
The main living area is centered around a large tiled stove, which provided warmth during the cold months.
Furnishings include handmade wooden furniture, decorated cabinets, and household items typical of a 17th-century farming family.
Kitchen:
Equipped with an open hearth, cooking utensils, and examples of traditional Black Forest cookware.
Demonstrates food preparation and preservation techniques, such as smoking meat and storing grains.
Animal Stalls:
Located on the lower level, where livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens were kept. The heat from the animals helped to warm the living spaces above.
Barn Area:
Large spaces for hay, straw, and farming tools, essential for supporting the self-sufficient lifestyle of its occupants.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Representation of Black Forest Life: The Vogtsbauernhof embodies the ingenuity and resilience of Black Forest farming families, who adapted their homes and lifestyles to the challenging environment.
Educational Value: Through its exhibits, the farmhouse provides insight into:
Seasonal farming practices.
Social structures of rural communities.
Architectural adaptations to the region’s climate and terrain.
Visitor Experience
Authentic Atmosphere: The farmhouse is meticulously restored and furnished to transport visitors back to the 17th century.
Interactive Exhibits:
Seasonal demonstrations of farming tasks, such as plowing, bread baking, and flax processing.
Reenactments of daily life activities by museum staff in period clothing.
Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages, offering deeper insights into the history and architecture of the building.
Connection to the Museum
The Vogtsbauernhof serves as the foundation of the Black Forest Open Air Museum, which has expanded to include several other historic farmhouses, mills, and outbuildings relocated from across the region. Together, they form a comprehensive showcase of Black Forest heritage, but the Vogtsbauernhof remains the iconic heart of the collection.
Reference - Chat GPT
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Neckargemünd (Palatine German: Neggergmin) is a town in Germany, in the district of Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, state of Baden-Württemberg. It lies on the Neckar River, 10 km upriver from Heidelberg at the confluence with the river Elsenz. This confluence of the two rivers is the origin of the name, as Neckargemünd means confluence of the Neckar. As of 2006, there were 14,122 inhabitants. Wikipedia
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I've looked on Google Maps, done a search and asked Chat GPT what this building under construction here at O Quy Ho Pass is, and have come to the conclusion it's a Buddhist Pagoda however I can find no reference to it online. Can anyone provide any information. Thanks
The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
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This photo shows the new owners on the left and the boat builders on the right.
Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990’s Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
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This shot is taken from the bridge at the bottom of the falls as the water drops down and passes under the bridge.
Those who wish to get a quick glimpse of the falls stop here briefly before moving down the road to the Heavens Gate Tourist Area. We saw a number of tour buses pull up here and the passengers got out, took their shots and got back on the bus and were gone, all in the space of 10 minutes.
The best views of the falls are at the top however so it's well worth the walk.
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Family : Combretaceae
Photographed in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Precinct, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam,
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Rautispitz (2,283 m)
Location: Rautispitz is a prominent peak situated near Netstal and Lake Klöntal, also in the Glarus Alps.
Key Features:
Known for its steep slopes and pointed summit, Rautispitz is a dramatic presence in the landscape.
It is surrounded by pristine alpine meadows and dense forests at lower elevations.
Hiking and Climbing:
The ascent is moderately challenging and often starts near Netstal or through trails from Lake Klöntal.
Popular routes pass through Obersee or Näfels, offering hikers a combination of serene lakeside views and rugged alpine landscapes.
The final approach involves steep paths and some scrambling, requiring proper equipment and good physical condition.
Views from the Summit:
Spectacular vistas of Lake Klöntal, Vorder Glärnisch, and the distant peaks of the Glarus Alps.
On clear days, hikers can also see parts of the Linth Plain and other landmarks in eastern Switzerland.
Significance:
The Rautispitz is a beloved hiking destination and is well-known for its relatively untouched nature, making it a quieter alternative to some of the busier peaks in the region.
Both Vorder Glärnisch and Rautispitz are iconic peaks of the Schwyzer Alps, offering a mix of accessibility and challenge to outdoor enthusiasts, with breathtaking scenery that captures the essence of Switzerland’s alpine beauty.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
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Văn Miếu (Vietnamese: Văn Miếu, chữ Hán: 文廟), literally translated as Temple of Literature (although a more accurate name should be Temple of Confucius, as Văn refers to Confucius), is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple was founded and first built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, and it hosted the Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám, 國子監), Vietnam's first national university, from 1076 to 1779.
The Văn Miếu is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars. The temple is located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. The various pavilions, halls, statues, and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions, and the strict exams of the Đại Việt took place. The temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese đồng banknote. Just before the Tết Vietnamese New Year celebration, calligraphists will assemble outside the temple and write wishes in Chữ Hán. The art works are given away as gifts or are used as home decorations for special occasions. Wikipedia
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Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The Rhine Falls, at elevation 364m, are located near Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland and are Europe's most powerful waterfall. Spanning 150 m in width and with a single drop of 23 m in height, the falls showcase a remarkable display of natural force.
The falls have an average flow rate of 250 m3/s (8,800 cu ft/s) during winter and 600 m3/s (21,000 cu ft/s) during summer.
The highest flow ever measured was 1,250 cubic metres per second (44,000 cu ft/s) in 1965, and the lowest, 95 cubic metres per second (3,400 cu ft/s) in 1921.
The Rhine Falls formed 14,000 to 17,000 years ago by erosion-resistant rocks narrowing the riverbed. The first glacial advances created today's landforms approximately 500,000 years ago.
The falls are divided by a central rock known as the Rhine Falls Rocks (Rheinfallfelsen). It's the remnant of the original limestone cliff flanking the former channel.
Visitors can access this rock via boat trips, offering an up-close experience of the cascading waters.
The surrounding area is equipped with viewing platforms that provide various perspectives of the falls, and the nearby historic castles of Wörth and Laufen add charm to the natural beauty of this picturesque area.
The site is well-developed for tourism, featuring illuminated falls at night, guided tours, and boat trips that allow visitors to experience the falls from different vantage points.
Annually, the Rhine Falls attract over one million visitors, making it one of Switzerland's major tourist attractions.
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The Black Forest Open Air Museum is an open-air museum located between Hausach and Gutach in the Black Forest. The museum is centred on the Vogtsbauernhof farmhouse dating from 1612, which was built on this site. Other buildings from the Black Forest have been dismantled, transported to the museum and reassembled. Reference - Wikipedia
The Black Forest Open-Air Museum in Gutach, Germany, is a fascinating attraction showcasing the rural culture, architecture, and traditions of the Black Forest region. The main highlights include:
Historic Farmhouses: The museum features six fully furnished farmhouses, including the Vogtsbauernhof, which dates back to 1612 and stands on its original site. Each farmhouse presents exhibitions related to local crafts, such as textile work, woodworking, and traditional Black Forest clocks.
Outbuildings and Crafts: Visitors can explore various outbuildings like a mill, sawmill, barns, a chapel, and a granny house. Demonstrations of traditional crafts, including glassblowing and clock-making, add to the immersive experience.
Herb Garden and Animals: The grounds include a herb garden with over 130 medicinal plants and farm animals, offering a glimpse into agricultural practices.
Cultural Insights: The museum hosts exhibitions on rural life, housing, and the technological advancements of the region. Visitors can also see tools and household items used in daily life during different historical periods.
This open-air museum is a great way to experience the history and traditions of the Black Forest region in a picturesque setting.
The red Pom Poms on top of the car are symbolic and are known as Bollenhut (German: [ˈbɔlənˌhuːt], literally "ball-hat") which is a formal head-dress with distinctive woollen pompoms worn since c. 1750 by Protestant women as part of their folk costume or Tracht in the three adjoining Black Forest villages of Gutach, Kirnbach and Hornberg-Reichenbach. The picturesque-looking red bollenhut has become a symbol of the Black Forest as a whole, despite its rather local origins. The red pom-poms and white brim of the bollenhut also is said to have inspired the top layer of the Black Forest Cake.
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Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990’s Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990’s Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway