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The Susten Pass (German: Sustenpass) is one of the most scenic and well-loved mountain passes in the Swiss Alps. Located in the central part of Switzerland, it connects the cantons of Bern and Uri, running between the towns of Innertkirchen and Wassen. Here’s an overview:
Driving the Susten Pass
Altitude: The highest point of the pass is 2,224 metres (7,297 feet) above sea level.
Road Quality: The road is wide and well-maintained, with smooth curves and plenty of viewpoints, making it an enjoyable drive for both experienced and less-confident drivers.
Driving Experience:
The drive offers a series of sweeping bends, hairpin turns, and long straights, providing a balance of technical challenge and ease.
It’s a great drive for motorcyclists and those in sports cars, but also popular with tourists in regular vehicles because it’s less intimidating than some of the narrower and steeper Alpine passes like the Passo di Gavia or Stelvio Pass.
Traffic: During the peak summer months, it can get busy with tourists, cyclists, and motorbikes, so planning an early start helps avoid congestion.
Seasonality: The pass is typically open from June to October, depending on snowfall, and is closed during winter.
History and Construction
Historical Context:
The Susten Pass was not a significant historical trade route like other Swiss passes (e.g., Gotthard or Simplon). It was built relatively late for tourism and improved transportation within Switzerland.
Construction: The modern road was constructed between 1938 and 1945 as part of Swiss efforts to bolster internal infrastructure. Unlike older passes, the Susten was designed with cars in mind, making it safer and more accommodating than many older, more rugged routes.
During its construction, the pass provided much-needed jobs for Swiss workers during the economic challenges of the late 1930s and WWII.
Scenery and Attractions
The Susten Pass is often ranked as one of the most scenic Alpine roads. Here’s why:
Panoramic Views: The road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Steingletscher (Stein Glacier), which is visible from multiple viewpoints along the route.
Engineering Marvel: The road itself is beautifully engineered, with smooth gradients and tunnels that add to its aesthetic charm.
Stops and Hikes:
The Stein Glacier area has several walking trails and is a popular spot for photography.
The Susten Hospiz, a restaurant at the summit, offers stunning views and is a great place to relax.
Alpine Fauna and Flora: During summer, the region bursts with wildflowers, and you may spot marmots and ibex.
How Does It Rate?
Among the Alpine passes, the Susten Pass is often considered one of the most scenic and pleasant to drive. While it might not have the hair-raising reputation of the Stelvio Pass or the stark ruggedness of the Grimsel or Furka Passes, its balance of accessibility, scenery, and driving pleasure makes it a favorite for many:
Scenery: Frequently described as one of the most beautiful drives in the Alps, on par with the Furka Pass and the Great St. Bernard Pass.
Difficulty: Moderate. It’s more forgiving than challenging passes like the Gavia or Stelvio but still offers enough curves and views to keep things exciting.
Accessibility: It’s less daunting for average drivers, making it a more relaxing yet awe-inspiring experience.
Tips for Driving the Susten Pass
Plan Stops: Take time to enjoy the views, especially at the summit and the Stein Glacier.
Weather Check: Weather can change rapidly in the Alps; ensure conditions are good before driving.
Combine with Other Passes: The Susten Pass is often combined with nearby routes like the Furka Pass and the Grimsel Pass for an incredible circular road trip through the Swiss Alps.
Conclusion
The Susten Pass is a masterpiece of modern road design that blends seamlessly into the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, a casual tourist, or a photographer, it’s an unforgettable experience and a must-drive for anyone exploring Switzerland. Chat GPT
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The flotsam, mostly wood, on the beach and at the bottom of this image was deposited here on Black Head Beach during the record flooding event which seriously impacted the Manning River, its farms in the estuary and most of the populated urban concentrations in the Manning Valley in late May 2025.
The rainbow in this image was the most colourful and long lasting rainbow I've ever witnessed.
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When one is travelling in a foreign country like Vietnam, where all the signage is in Vietnamese, as are the tourist maps, it can be difficult to get one's bearings, much less remember the names of the settlements you pass through.
While trekking from Sapa to Lao Chải the trail basically follows the ridge line above the Mông Hòa Stream. This affords wonderful views of the settlement patterns and agricultural pursuits of this lush green valley, basically rice and corn. As you get closer to the Lao Chải–Sang Haí area the trail comes down the mountain to a broader flood plain with the Muong Hoa stream at its centre.
The Mường Hoa Valley, is known for its stunning terraced rice fields and the diverse ethnic communities that live there, including the Hmong people. The Mường Hoa Valley extends from Sapa and includes several other villages like Ta Van, Giang Ta Chai, and Y Linh Ho.
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The flotsam, mostly wood, on the beach and at the bottom of this image was deposited here on Black Head Beach during the record flooding event which seriously impacted the Manning River, its farms in the estuary and most of the populated urban concentrations in the Manning Valley in late May 2025.
The rainbow in this image was the most colourful and long lasting rainbow I've ever witnessed.
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Oberurnen & Niederurnen are closely connected villages in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, situated at the mouth of the Niederurnertal Valley which connects to the magnificent Lake Walensee.
The two prominent mountains west of Niederurnen in Switzerland shown here in this image are:
Federispitz - A striking peak in the region, standing at 1,865 meters. It is popular among hikers and offers excellent views of the surrounding area.
Speer - Known for its unique elongated shape, Speer is one of the highest peaks in the region, at 1,951 meters, and a popular destination for both hikers and nature enthusiasts.
To the northeast of Niederurnen, the prominent mountain is Mattstock.
Mattstock stands at an elevation of 1,936 meters and is located in the Appenzell Alps.
It is a popular spot for hiking, with trails offering stunning views of the Linth Valley and the surrounding peaks.
This mountain contrasts beautifully with Federispitz and Speer to the west, creating a diverse and dramatic landscape around Niederurnen.
Chat GPT
Some of the futuristic architecture and decor inside The Sphere, a recently opened music and entertainment arena in Las Vegas. (Apparently in the future everything will be blue.)
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The Urner Boden high Alpine plain stretches along the Klausen Pass and covers an area of approximately 46 square kilometres (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.
The prominent peaks in this image are - Lackistock, Rot Nossen and Signalstock
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History of Forster Ocean Baths (The Bullring)
Origins & Construction
The baths were constructed in the mid-1930s by the Stroud Shire Council using unemployed relief funds as part of a broader tourism development strategy for Forster.
Designed by council engineer F. G. D. Stone, the complex was one of the most ambitious ocean-bath projects north of Newcastle at that time. It uniquely included a Dance Hall and Casino, floodlighting for nighttime access, and required paid admission—unprecedented for publicly funded baths.
January 1935: Plans were put forward to the Unemployment Relief Council for the ocean baths and associated buildings.
Waymarking
April–May 1935: Site preparation, including rock removal and construction planning, commenced, receiving approval from the Public Works Department and the Relief Council.
Waymarking
20 December 1935: Baths were officially opened to the public.
18 January 1936: A formal opening ceremony was conducted by the Hon. J. M. Dunningham, Minister for Labour and Industry.
At the time, adults paid threepence, and children under 14 were charged one penny, with options for seasonal and weekly passes.
Design & Legacy
The pool’s shape is asymmetrical: measuring around 56 m on the rear (northern) wall, 50 m on the eastern side, and 69 m on the western side.
Since its opening, the main pool structure has remained largely unchanged—a testament to its enduring design.
Maintenance & Cleanliness
The pool is cleaned monthly: at low tide, it is completely drained; pressure-washed walls and marine growth are removed; sand is cleared from the floor and replaced; then the enclosure is refilled with fresh ocean water.
Water enters naturally at high tide via an inlet valve on the eastern side, flowing into a sediment well where debris settles before the clean water is pumped into the pool.
Name & Cultural Significance
Originally called "Haden’s Baths", after Henry Haden who led the dredging works; later, locals affectionately adopted the name “The Bullring”, perhaps due to foamy tides or turbulent waves entering the pool giving the pool a sometimes unclean appearance.
Over time, ancillary buildings—including the dance hall/casino and changing facilities—were removed. The casino reportedly remained until around the early 1990s.
The site hosts the Forster Mud Crabs swimming club, which trains there on Sunday mornings during winter.
It remains an iconic architectural and recreational fixture nestled beside Forster Main Beach, forming a key part of the Main Beach Precinct Masterplan to revitalize public spaces.
In Summary
The Forster Ocean Baths—The Bullring—is a remarkable historic ocean pool, rooted in 1930s Depression-era initiatives. Designed for both leisure and spectacle, it featured entertainment facilities, floodlighting, and admission charges. Today, its striking original structure and community role endure as a beloved public and freely accessible local landmark. Source - Chat GPT
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The flotsam, mostly wood, on the beach and at the bottom of this image was deposited here on Black Head Beach during the record flooding event which seriously impacted the Manning River, its farms in the estuary and most of the populated urban concentrations in the Manning Valley in late May 2025.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The Urner Boden high Alpine plain stretches along the Klausen Pass and covers an area of approximately 46 square kilometres (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.
The prominent peaks seen in this image are Lackistock, Rot Nossen and Signalstock.
© All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The flotsam, mostly wood, on the beach and at the bottom of this image was deposited here on Black Head Beach during the record flooding event which seriously impacted the Manning River, its farms in the estuary and most of the populated urban concentrations in the Manning Valley in late May 2025.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Unterschächen is a picturesque village in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, nestled within the Schächental (Schächen River Valley). Its scenic location, traditional Swiss charm, and rich history make it a fascinating place to explore.
We stopped here to refuel on our way to Wassen.
Here are some key facts and historical highlights:
Geography
Location: Unterschächen lies in the heart of the Schächen Valley, approximately 14 km from Altdorf, the capital of Uri.
Altitude: The village is situated at about 1,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by dramatic alpine landscapes.
Natural Features: The area is known for its lush pastures, towering peaks, and proximity to Klausen Pass. It serves as a gateway to several hiking trails, including routes leading to Lake Seewli and the Klausen Pass.
History
Early Settlement: Unterschächen has been inhabited since medieval times, with its economy historically based on alpine farming and cattle breeding.
Klausen Pass Road: The opening of the Klausen Pass road in 1899 significantly boosted connectivity and tourism, allowing Unterschächen to become a stopover point for travelers.
Church of St. Jakob: The village's iconic Catholic church, dedicated to St. Jakob, was built in 1696 and later renovated. It reflects the deep-rooted religious traditions of the area. Chat GPT
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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 prominent peaks behind Urnerboden are Lackistock, Rot Nossen and Signalstock.
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
Hotels and Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip are reflected in the shiny exterior of nearby Allegiant Stadium, the site of Super Bowl LVIII on February 11. 2024.
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History of Forster Ocean Baths (The Bullring)
Origins & Construction
The baths were constructed in the mid-1930s by the Stroud Shire Council using unemployed relief funds as part of a broader tourism development strategy for Forster.
Designed by council engineer F. G. D. Stone, the complex was one of the most ambitious ocean-bath projects north of Newcastle at that time. It uniquely included a Dance Hall and Casino, floodlighting for nighttime access, and required paid admission—unprecedented for publicly funded baths.
January 1935: Plans were put forward to the Unemployment Relief Council for the ocean baths and associated buildings.
Waymarking
April–May 1935: Site preparation, including rock removal and construction planning, commenced, receiving approval from the Public Works Department and the Relief Council.
Waymarking
20 December 1935: Baths were officially opened to the public.
18 January 1936: A formal opening ceremony was conducted by the Hon. J. M. Dunningham, Minister for Labour and Industry.
At the time, adults paid threepence, and children under 14 were charged one penny, with options for seasonal and weekly passes.
Design & Legacy
The pool’s shape is asymmetrical: measuring around 56 m on the rear (northern) wall, 50 m on the eastern side, and 69 m on the western side.
Since its opening, the main pool structure has remained largely unchanged—a testament to its enduring design.
Maintenance & Cleanliness
The pool is cleaned monthly: at low tide, it is completely drained; pressure-washed walls and marine growth are removed; sand is cleared from the floor and replaced; then the enclosure is refilled with fresh ocean water.
Water enters naturally at high tide via an inlet valve on the eastern side, flowing into a sediment well where debris settles before the clean water is pumped into the pool.
Name & Cultural Significance
Originally called "Haden’s Baths", after Henry Haden who led the dredging works; later, locals affectionately adopted the name “The Bullring”, perhaps due to foamy tides or turbulent waves entering the pool giving the pool a sometimes unclean appearance.
Over time, ancillary buildings—including the dance hall/casino and changing facilities—were removed. The casino reportedly remained until around the early 1990s.
The site hosts the Forster Mud Crabs swimming club, which trains there on Sunday mornings during winter.
It remains an iconic architectural and recreational fixture nestled beside Forster Main Beach, forming a key part of the Main Beach Precinct Masterplan to revitalize public spaces.
In Summary
The Forster Ocean Baths—The Bullring—is a remarkable historic ocean pool, rooted in 1930s Depression-era initiatives. Designed for both leisure and spectacle, it featured entertainment facilities, floodlighting, and admission charges. Today, its striking original structure and community role endure as a beloved public and freely accessible local landmark. Source - Chat GPT
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Raintrees Native and Rainforest Gardens - Diamond Beach, NSW
On the 27th of April 2025 we were pleased to finally see enough rain to make the creek flow yet remain nicely contained within its banks, without any flooding.
Since January 2025 the creek hadn't got out of its banks, despite regular falls of rain, most of which didn't exceed 10mm, leading up to the end of April 2025.
Of course, the period late May 2025 saw record and devastating flooding in the Manning River catchment with the Manning River exceeding its previous record flood height, reaching 6.44m. The flooding lasted more than a week with in excess of 700mm of rain in some parts of the Manning catchment over the period. Several important bridges were lost including the Bight Bridge at Wingham and the Tiri Bridge further up river, not to mention the complete washout of the runups to relatively new concrete bridges like Leslie’s Bridge, Gloryvale, Bretti and Giro which will keep Thunderbolts way closed for many months.
Interestingly although the Oxley Highway remains closed due to landslides at Mt Seaview apparently its still possible to link to the Oxley Highway via Wingham and Elands across Knoddingbull Road though the isolation and the poor road condition means its definitely not a recommended route west to Walcha or Tamworth. I've seen comments on Facebook which suggest that although Thunderbolts Way is cut by bridge washouts west of Gloucester there is an alternative gravel road route via Wingham, Cooplicurripa and Nowendoc that has remained accessible, in the right vehicle. The last time I travelled this road it was in poor condition but some comments I've seen on Facebook suggest the road is drivable in the right car.
In normal circumstances there is an alternate route to Tamworth from Taree or Forster via the Buckets Way to Gloucester then up to Barrington Tops and through Barrington Tops National Park to Scone then up the New England Highway to Tamworth. This route however has remained closed due to bridge washouts.
Last week in the midst of all the flooding I needed to drive to Tamworth and with all roads west closed or unsuitable for a Tesla Model Y I elected travel south to Hexham then via the New England Highway to Murrurundi and Willow Tree and on to Tamworth, effectively a 6 hour trip.
The New England Highway was dreadful and full of potholes so
for our return journey we looked at what our options were. We'd heard that the the Waterfall Way had reopened after being closed by landslide at Thora, just west of Bellingen, so we decided to come home from Tamworth via Armidale, Dorrigo, Bellingen and Port Macquarie. The Pacific Highway had been closed at Coopernook for a week but fortunately it too had reopened allowing us to return home to Diamond Beach.
That round trip was close to 1000km and interestingly as it turned out the Waterfall Way leg was about 50km shorter than the Hexham route, though it was an hour slower.
Taree and the Manning Valley's late May 2025 flood was designated a 1 in 500-year flood (or 1 in 600 years depending on how its calculated) and its possible another equivalent flood could occur at any time though the fact that this flood occurred quite late in the season could reduce the risk factors.
Fortunately, Raintrees only flooded very minimally in the subsequent rain that arrived in late May of 2025, despite our proximity to the record flooding in the Manning River.
The ground was so saturated however that we had at least 8 trees fall over, several of them too large to stand back up again. They'll need removal while attempts will be made to replant and star picket stake the others and hope for the best.
In the years 2020 through to 2025 lots of Lomandra histrix and Lomandra spicata have planted along the creek line here to help minimise erosion.
Part of an art installation called "Overboard" by artist Andy Yoder. According to the accompanying description, Overboard consists of "nearly 250 sculptures...riffing off Nike Air Jordan 5s.... Instead of cloth or leather, Yoder uses boxes, bags, posters, and other discarded items" to create the shoe sculptures. The work was inspired by a 1990 incident in which 80,000 pairs of Nike shoes fell into the Pacific Ocean while en route to the U.S. from South Korea during a storm.
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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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The Susten Pass (German: Sustenpass) is one of the most scenic and well-loved mountain passes in the Swiss Alps. Located in the central part of Switzerland, it connects the cantons of Bern and Uri, running between the towns of Innertkirchen and Wassen. Here’s an overview:
Driving the Susten Pass
Altitude: The highest point of the pass is 2,224 metres (7,297 feet) above sea level.
Road Quality: The road is wide and well-maintained, with smooth curves and plenty of viewpoints, making it an enjoyable drive for both experienced and less-confident drivers.
Driving Experience:
The drive offers a series of sweeping bends, hairpin turns, and long straights, providing a balance of technical challenge and ease.
It’s a great drive for motorcyclists and those in sports cars, but also popular with tourists in regular vehicles because it’s less intimidating than some of the narrower and steeper Alpine passes like the Passo di Gavia or Stelvio Pass.
Traffic: During the peak summer months, it can get busy with tourists, cyclists, and motorbikes, so planning an early start helps avoid congestion.
Seasonality: The pass is typically open from June to October, depending on snowfall, and is closed during winter.
History and Construction
Historical Context:
The Susten Pass was not a significant historical trade route like other Swiss passes (e.g., Gotthard or Simplon). It was built relatively late for tourism and improved transportation within Switzerland.
Construction: The modern road was constructed between 1938 and 1945 as part of Swiss efforts to bolster internal infrastructure. Unlike older passes, the Susten was designed with cars in mind, making it safer and more accommodating than many older, more rugged routes.
During its construction, the pass provided much-needed jobs for Swiss workers during the economic challenges of the late 1930s and WWII.
Scenery and Attractions
The Susten Pass is often ranked as one of the most scenic Alpine roads. Here’s why:
Panoramic Views: The road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Steingletscher (Stein Glacier), which is visible from multiple viewpoints along the route.
Engineering Marvel: The road itself is beautifully engineered, with smooth gradients and tunnels that add to its aesthetic charm.
Stops and Hikes:
The Stein Glacier area has several walking trails and is a popular spot for photography.
The Susten Hospiz, a restaurant at the summit, offers stunning views and is a great place to relax.
Alpine Fauna and Flora: During summer, the region bursts with wildflowers, and you may spot marmots and ibex.
How Does It Rate?
Among the Alpine passes, the Susten Pass is often considered one of the most scenic and pleasant to drive. While it might not have the hair-raising reputation of the Stelvio Pass or the stark ruggedness of the Grimsel or Furka Passes, its balance of accessibility, scenery, and driving pleasure makes it a favorite for many:
Scenery: Frequently described as one of the most beautiful drives in the Alps, on par with the Furka Pass and the Great St. Bernard Pass.
Difficulty: Moderate. It’s more forgiving than challenging passes like the Gavia or Stelvio but still offers enough curves and views to keep things exciting.
Accessibility: It’s less daunting for average drivers, making it a more relaxing yet awe-inspiring experience.
Tips for Driving the Susten Pass
Plan Stops: Take time to enjoy the views, especially at the summit and the Stein Glacier.
Weather Check: Weather can change rapidly in the Alps; ensure conditions are good before driving.
Combine with Other Passes: The Susten Pass is often combined with nearby routes like the Furka Pass and the Grimsel Pass for an incredible circular road trip through the Swiss Alps.
Conclusion
The Susten Pass is a masterpiece of modern road design that blends seamlessly into the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, a casual tourist, or a photographer, it’s an unforgettable experience and a must-drive for anyone exploring Switzerland. Chat GPT
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The village of Wassen in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, is surrounded by several notable mountains. Directly overlooking Wassen to the west is the Fleckistock, also known as Rot Stock, which stands at 3,417 meters.
WIKIPEDIA
This peak is part of the Urner Alps and is the highest summit east of the Sustenjoch pass. Another prominent mountain in the vicinity is the Rorspitzli, reaching an elevation of 3,220 meters, located to the northwest of Wassen.
WIKIPEDIA
Additionally, the Chli Windgällen, at 2,986 meters, is situated to the northeast of the village. - Chat GPT
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Raintrees Native and Rainforest Gardens - Diamond Beach, NSW
On the 27th of April 2025 we were pleased to finally see enough rain to make the creek flow yet remain nicely contained within its banks, without any flooding.
Since January 2025 the creek hadn't got out of its banks, despite regular falls of rain, most of which didn't exceed 10mm, leading up to the end of April 2025.
Of course, the period late May 2025 saw record and devastating flooding in the Manning River catchment with the Manning River exceeding its previous record flood height, reaching 6.44m. The flooding lasted more than a week with in excess of 700mm of rain in some parts of the Manning catchment over the period. Several important bridges were lost including the Bight Bridge at Wingham and the Tiri Bridge further up river, not to mention the complete washout of the runups to relatively new concrete bridges like Leslie’s Bridge, Gloryvale, Bretti and Giro which will keep Thunderbolts way closed for many months.
Interestingly although the Oxley Highway remains closed due to landslides at Mt Seaview apparently its still possible to link to the Oxley Highway via Wingham and Elands across Knoddingbull Road though the isolation and the poor road condition means its definitely not a recommended route west to Walcha or Tamworth. I've seen comments on Facebook which suggest that although Thunderbolts Way is cut by bridge washouts west of Gloucester there is an alternative gravel road route via Wingham, Cooplicurripa and Nowendoc that has remained accessible, in the right vehicle. The last time I travelled this road it was in poor condition but some comments I've seen on Facebook suggest the road is drivable in the right car.
In normal circumstances there is an alternate route to Tamworth from Taree or Forster via the Buckets Way to Gloucester then up to Barrington Tops and through Barrington Tops National Park to Scone then up the New England Highway to Tamworth. This route however has remained closed due to bridge washouts.
Last week in the midst of all the flooding I needed to drive to Tamworth and with all roads west closed or unsuitable for a Tesla Model Y I elected travel south to Hexham then via the New England Highway to Murrurundi and Willow Tree and on to Tamworth, effectively a 6 hour trip.
The New England Highway was dreadful and full of potholes so
for our return journey we looked at what our options were. We'd heard that the the Waterfall Way had reopened after being closed by landslide at Thora, just west of Bellingen, so we decided to come home from Tamworth via Armidale, Dorrigo, Bellingen and Port Macquarie. The Pacific Highway had been closed at Coopernook for a week but fortunately it too had reopened allowing us to return home to Diamond Beach.
That round trip was close to 1000km and interestingly as it turned out the Waterfall Way leg was about 50km shorter than the Hexham route, though it was an hour slower.
Taree and the Manning Valley's late May 2025 flood was designated a 1 in 500-year flood (or 1 in 600 years depending on how its calculated) and its possible another equivalent flood could occur at any time though the fact that this flood occurred quite late in the season could reduce the risk factors.
Fortunately, Raintrees only flooded very minimally in the subsequent rain that arrived in late May of 2025, despite our proximity to the record flooding in the Manning River.
The ground was so saturated however that we had at least 8 trees fall over, several of them too large to stand back up again. They'll need removal while attempts will be made to replant and star picket stake the others and hope for the best.
In the years 2020 through to 2025 lots of Lomandra histrix and Lomandra spicata have planted along the creek line here to help minimise erosion.
Light and shadows fall across a wooden structure above a Las Vegas coffee shop's outdoor seating area
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The mountain directly behind and above the Klausen Pass Hotel is Bocktschingel. It rises prominently over the pass, forming part of the scenic alpine backdrop. This peak, with its rugged terrain and dramatic cliffs, is a striking feature of the Klausen Pass area.
The valley visible from the Klausen Pass Hotel looking toward Altdorf is the Schächental (Schächen Valley). It is a picturesque alpine valley in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, known for its steep slopes, traditional Swiss villages, and the Schächen River that runs through it.
I'm not sure what the purpose of burning in this image is but perhaps its to encourage new grass growth for cattle. It's a small fire but the smoke appears to have flowed down into the valley below.
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Wolfach lies at the confluence of two rivers, the Wolf and the Kinzig, in the Kinzig Valley.
The mountains and valleys surrounding the town stretch between 250 and 880 meters above sea level.
The weir here may be part of the river's water management infrastructure. Weirs are common in this region and may be used for purposes like flow regulation, flood control, and maintaining consistent water levels.
I've assumed this building is part of the river's management but If anyone knows how this building is specifically used; I'd be interested to find out. Thanks