View allAll Photos Tagged appleiphone14
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
This flooded sand track passes through hind dune and littoral rainforest from Back Beach (Diamond Rocks) Black Head through Frogala Swamp to the Mid Coast Garbage and Recycling Complex on Midge Orchid Road just north of Tuncurry, where it joins the Lakesway.
This image was taken a week after record flooding in the Manning River catchment, though the Coastal section behind Nine Mile Beach from Black Head to Tuncurry received less rain. With the water table so high it might be months before this track again becomes passable to 4x4 vehicles.
The brown stain in the water is caused by the release of tannins from Melaleuca species (Tea Trees) which grow naturally in swampy areas of Frogala Swamp.
Here's some information from Mid Coast Council pertaining to Rehabilitation of Darawank Creek and Frogala Swamp.
"The Darawank Creek and Frogalla Swamp wetland complex is located in the Wallamba River catchment near Tuncurry. The area has highly reactive acid sulfate soils. In the 1950s, large drains were constructed to mitigate floods which altered the biodiversity and hydrology of the wetland complex. The impact of the drainage system, plus overgrazing from livestock, loss of native vegetation and burning, led to acid immobilisation and export into the catchment. An extensive wetland remediation project was initiated to reduce acid outflows. Activities undertaken included infilling or decommissioning 80 % of the artificial drainage network, removing two of the five major levees and floodgates, removing grazing cattle, controlling weeds and planting native vegetation. Fish habitat has been enhanced by reintroducing the natural hydrology and improving water quality (pH has increased from 2.77 to approximately 6.0). Completed in 2007"
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
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
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
We had lunch here at the A Phu Restaurant overlooking the Mông Hòa River in Lào Chải Village. Our table was right on the edge and the view of the turbulent river was excellent. Unfortunately soon after our meals arrived the rain became torrential and it was necessary to move further inside the restuarant to avoid getting drenched.
Our expectation was that we would be walk back to Sapa after finishing our lunch and we were resigned to getting very wet.
Our guide however had different plans and thankfully arranged for the company to send a car to pick us up. It rained heavily most of the way back to Sapa, on pretty dodgy roads but by the time we arrived at Sapa Market the weather had cleared allowing us to use the afternoon to explore Sapa Market and Sapa Lake.
After a wonderful few days in Sapa our overnight journey back to Hanoi would begin that night with a shuttle to the train station at Lào Cải City.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
I asked Grok - Where would you rate Susten Pass on a scale of 1-10 comparing all the most scenic mountain passes in Europe, and why.
Based on the information from various sources and the consensus among driving enthusiasts, travel bloggers, and reviewers:
Rating: 9 out of 10
Reasons for the Rating:
Scenic Beauty: Susten Pass is often highlighted for its breathtaking views. It features 30 miles of road with 26 bridges and tunnels, each offering unique vistas of the Swiss Alps. The road passes through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high alpine meadows and alongside the Stein Glacier, providing a spectacle of natural beauty that's hard to match.
Driving Experience: It's celebrated for its driving dynamics with hairpin turns, sharp bends, and varying gradients, making it a favorite among motorcycle riders, car enthusiasts, and cyclists. The pass is part of the "Big Three" passes in Switzerland, alongside Grimsel and Furka, with many arguing that Susten offers the most enjoyable drive due to its variety and scenic pull-offs.
Historical Significance: With roots tracing back to a 17th-century mule-train trading route, the pass has both historical depth and modern engineering marvels, enhancing its allure.
Accessibility and Seasonality: While the pass is only open from June to October, this limitation adds to its exclusivity and the unique experience of driving through snow-cleared paths in early summer or witnessing the dramatic autumn changes.
Comparative Analysis: When compared to other famous European passes:
Stelvio Pass in Italy often gets a nod for its numerous hairpin turns, but Susten Pass offers more varied scenery.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria is another scenic marvel, but Susten's combination of natural beauty, road design, and historical context is frequently noted as superior or at least on par.
Col de la Bonnette in France, while high and scenic, doesn't match Susten's diversity in landscape and driving experience.
Community and Expert Opinion: Numerous reviews from platforms like TripAdvisor and specialized driving blogs praise Susten for its visual and driving pleasures. It's often listed among the top drives in Europe, sometimes even as the best, depending on who you ask.
The slight deduction from a perfect 10 could be attributed to its seasonal accessibility and perhaps the fact that it might not have the sheer fame of some other passes like Stelvio, which can influence perception due to media exposure. Nonetheless, Susten Pass stands out for its combination of scenic beauty, driving experience, and a sense of adventure that appeals to a wide range of travelers
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
On August 5th 2023 we excitedly arrived in Sydney at Rydges Hotel, , thanks to good friends who drove us to Sydney.
This was to be the beginning of a 3 month trip which would begin the next day with our flight to Ho Chi Min City in Vietnam then on to Hanoi. From Hanoi it was up to Sapa on the overnight train, returning after 4 days to Hanoi. We chose this 6 day Sapa/Hanoi leg of the trip in order to enjoy a culturally different experience from those experiences we expected to have in Europe.
From Hanoi we flew to Frankfurt in Germany from where we would lease a car through DriveAway and commence a 29 day driving trip through the European Alps. Our journey would take us through Germany, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, France, Italy and Austria at the conclusion of which we would end up back in Frankfurt to turn in the car ready for the next enthralling leg.
A flight from Frankfurt saw us arrive in Billund in the centre of Denmark. After picking up our rental car it was off to the west coast to do a 7 day circumnavigation of Denmark finishing back in Copenhagen.
From Copenhagen we jumped on a flight to Iceland, arriving in Reykjavik from where we would commence a 10-day circumnavigation via an Intrepid small group Tour. Then it was off to Stockholm in Sweden for 4 days followed by a train to Oslo in Norway. From Oslo we joined a Hurtigruten Northern Lights 10-day tour which began with a train trip across to Bergen from where we would take the ship, Kong Harald to the top of Norway, to Kirkenes where we would disembark the ship ready for our 10-day tour through Finland to Helsinki. A short visit to Tallinn in Estonia would see our last days on the European subcontinent finally come to a close.
It was now early November 2023 and finally, time to head home, but not before stopping in Tokyo for another 4 great days of culturally different experiences in Japan.
In the coming weeks and months I hope to relive the experiences of that amazing 3 month journey by posting some images here on Flickr.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Rice terraces completely surround this residence using all available land for cropping.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
'Tuncurry House', otherwise known as 'John Wright House', was built in 1887 and is the oldest surviving building in the Forster - Tuncurry area and one of the oldest in the Great Lakes Manning area, outside the former Australian Agricultural Company Estates.
Tuncurry House has, ever since it was built, until recent years, been the home of various members of the Wright Family. The last family members occupying the home were Sue and Brendon Gogarty. The current owners are the Bourke family who purchased the property in early 2000?
John Wright sold his one third share in a sawmill at Bungwahl in 1877 but he had actually settled on Forster's North Shore by 1975 after previously having searched up and down the coast to find the best location to build a shipyards and sawmill. He later named the North Shore Tuncurry, meaning 'Plenty of fish in the Biripi language.
By 1878 with the twin objectives of building a shipyards and sawmill achieved his wife Catherine, who had remained at Bungwahl looking after their children, finally joined him in Tuncurry.
With a growing family, eventually totaling 10 children, and while Catherine was living alone at Bungwahl, John and Catherine lost two of their children to diphtheria.
Such were the difficulties for pioneering settlers of the day.
While John had been forced to live apart from his wife Catherine for 3 years he had nevertheless worked hard to establish a home and future for his family while at the same time pioneering the establishment of the new and prosperous community of Tuncurry.
He became a patriarchal figure in the developing Tuncurry community as his shipyards went from strength to strength, building some of the largest and best wooden ships to ply the NSW coast at that time.
It was not till 1887 however that John Wright finally built a substantial family home, one which remains privately occupied as a family home to this day.
Historic Tuncurry House, shown in the painting appended below, is an appealing 19th century style home that is not replicated anywhere in the Mid Coast Council area today. Similar homes in Taree were gradually lost to progress over the years.
The home retains an interesting verandah and exterior detailing and interior fittings, most still in highly original condition while continuing to be of significant research importance of these aspects of its style and construction.
Tuncurry House is of single storey splayed weatherboard construction with a steep pitched roof and three impressive attic rooms and windows above. The roof while now of corrugated iron construction was originally shingled.
Timber valence or frieze to the front verandah with chamfered posts, decorative brackets and picket railing give the building an interesting and appealing appearance.
The rear verandah is now enclosed but the home has original doors and windows on the front along with original internal lining board walls.
Tuncurry House originally stood on the Tuncurry waterfront at 18 Manning St, across the road from the former site of John Wright's shipyards and sawmill.
After John's death in 1910 his son Ernest took control of the Tuncurry Shipyards and Sawmill business while Ernest's older brother Sydney Garden Wright managed the Avalon grazing and sawmilling side of John Wright's businesses. With the arrival of steel ships and the railway to Taree in 1912 construction of wooden ships progressively became less and less viable and John Wright's Tuncurry shipyards and Sawmill were finally closed down in 1958, by this time with Ernest's son John Wright Junior at the helm.
The land on which the shipyards stood had been under a 99-year lease and a condition of the lease was that the land be returned to its original state. This was done by Bruce Wright, a former owner of Wright's shop along with the help of many others. Once the land had been cleared of buildings, wharves and the sawmill in 1966 the land was returned to the crown and officially designated as John Wright Park.
Tuncurry House, in its original location, was located just a few doors from the existing Community of Christ Church which was financed by John Wright prior to his death in 1910 and built in the same year by Ernest Wright. The church was on land just a few doors from Ernest Wright's own home Tokelau House which was built in 1909. The stylish old home is still in existence today and is now a luxury Air B&B.
Originally, Tuncurry House was located next door to Wright's shop, but after the shop was demolished in 1981 it was moved on the 2nd February 1982 to 143 South Street Tuncurry, to land owned by descendants of Ernest Wright. This move was necessary to make way for a new high-rise residential development which was built across both the original shop and house sites.
The new setting for John Wright's old home was then, and remains today, idyllic, also being very private, located in the midst of a cabbage palm and flooded gum forest.
The home and land on which it stands was sold out of the Wright family in the early 2000's and remains a private home to this day.
In October 2019, as a result of the rampaging Minimbah Bushfire, Tuncurry House came within a whisker of being totally destroyed. Only excellent preparation and availability of critical firefighting resources saved the home from destruction. My own very elderly parents who lived just two doors from John Wright House were evacuated as fire tore along the back of houses backing onto Eden Close. Miraculously no homes or lives were lost.
John Wright - Summary
Known to the indigenous people as "Big Boss First Fella"
Birthdate : May 21, 1835
Birthplace : Nether Dallachy, Parish of Bellie, County Banff, Aberdeenshire, AB45, Scotland (United Kingdom)
Death : May 28, 1910 (Age 75) Tuncurry, Great Lakes, NSW, Australia (Heart Attack while chopping wood.)
Place of Burial : Tuncurry, NSW, Australia
Family : Husband of Catherine Wright
Father of Marian Mayfield McLaren; Sidney Garden Wright; John A Wright; Alice Catherine Wright; Edwin Wright , Ernest Wright and 6 others
Occupation : Businessman, Shipbuilder/Shipwright, Sawmiller, General Carpenter, Farmer/Grazier.
This painting displayed below remains in the Wright family and has been photographed and displayed here with permission of the owner, Don Wright.
John Wright's Obituary trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126481194
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
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.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Bürglen is situated in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, on the Klausen Pass, not far from Altdorf. This charming, typically Swiss village, is steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery. Here are some key facts and historical highlights about Bürglen:
Historical Significance
Birthplace of William Tell (Legendary Hero):
Bürglen is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of William Tell, the legendary Swiss national hero. A chapel, the Tell Chapel (Tellskapelle), was erected in his honor and features frescoes depicting scenes from the William Tell legend.
First Mention:
Bürglen is first mentioned in historical records in 857 as "Burgilla." It is one of the oldest settlements in Uri, indicating its early importance in the region.
Role in Swiss Confederacy:
As part of Uri, Bürglen played an indirect role in the early formation of the Swiss Confederacy. Uri was one of the founding cantons, and Bürglen’s residents contributed to the region's defense and economy.
Geography
Location: Bürglen is situated in the Schächental (Schächen Valley), near the Schächen River, at an elevation of about 525 meters (1,722 feet).
Proximity to Altdorf: It lies just a few kilometers south of Altdorf, the capital of the canton of Uri.
Mountain Access: Bürglen serves as a gateway to the Klausen Pass, connecting the canton of Uri to the canton of Glarus.
Cultural and Architectural Features
St. Peter and Paul Parish Church:
The village church, with its origins in the 13th century, is a significant landmark. It has been restored and expanded over the centuries.
Traditional Alpine Village:
Bürglen retains its traditional character, with wooden chalets and farms dotting the landscape. Its architecture reflects its alpine heritage.
Tell Museum:
Bürglen is home to a museum dedicated to the legendary Swiss national hero William Tell.
A bronze statue dedicated to him is located near the Tell Chapel (Tellskapelle) in the centre of Bürglen.
Economy and Modern Life
Historically, Bürglen’s economy was based on agriculture and pastoralism, typical of Alpine villages. Today, tourism, especially linked to the William Tell legend and outdoor activities, plays a significant role.
Tourism and Outdoor Activities
Hiking and Skiing:
Bürglen offers access to hiking trails in the Schächental Alps and skiing opportunities in winter.
The Klausen Pass:
The pass is a popular route for tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Notable Facts
Historical Traditions: Bürglen has a rich tradition of folklore and legends, deeply tied to the Swiss identity and the story of William Tell.
Language: The primary language spoken in Bürglen is Swiss German.
Bürglen remains a testament to Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, blending history with an enduring connection to the Alps. Chat GPT
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
We'd previously driven down the northern side of the Churfirsten Range on our way to Vaduz from the Rhine Falls so it was good to see it again from the other side.
The Churfirsten mountains, composed mainly of limestone, are part of the Appenzell Alps, situated in the canton of St. Gallen, along the northern shore of Lake Walensee.
The range consists of seven prominent peaks, often seen as iconic when viewed from Lake Walensee. These spectacular peaks include:
Selun (2,205 m)
Frümsel (2,267 m)
Brisi (2,279 m)
Zuestoll (2,235 m)
Schibenstoll (2,237 m)
Hinterrugg (2,306 m)
Chäserrugg (2,262 m)
Numerous trails lead to the peaks and offer breathtaking views of Walensee and the surrounding valleys.
The Chäserrugg peak, accessible by cable car from Unterwasser, is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
The dramatic cliffs of the Churfirsten are ideal for paragliding and the contrast between the steep northern faces of the Churfirsten range and the calm waters of Walensee create a stunning natural landscape.
** Panorama composited from 3 handheld images in Microsoft Composite Editor
© All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Hanah, from Dresden in Germany stayed with us in August 2025. Hannah came to us through HelpX, an online work website where members work for 3-5 hours a day in return for food and lodgings.
Most HelpXers we take are university graduates taking a year or two off to travel following studies before returning home to full time work or further study.
Unexpectedly, after just 2.5 days, we were required to travel to Sydney for family reasons. Fortunately we we were able to arrange for Hannah to go to HelpX friends of ours at Pacific Palms. Hannah was a fantastic worker and worked hard cleaning up the tracks in our forest which were long overdue.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
This rural scene exemplifies the neatly maintained agricultural landscapes so often seen in Germany. In this case just 20-30 kilometres from the Swiss Border at the bottom of the Black Forest Region.
A few observations
The tideness of German rural landscapes is striking to Australians so used to rural decline and clutter. Boken down machinery, rusting crumbling old sheds and deteriorating fencing seems more the norm in Australia in many regions.
A lot can be said for the way Germany (and Switzerland) has set up its rural lands. The boudaries of farmland and rural villages seem to be very strongly defined and policed. Forest reserves are not encroached upon and cleared farmland does not encroach on riparian zones. It seem also that there are few if any residences on most farmed land, and only minimal other infrastructure. The farm managers and their workers live in villages close by and commute to the farm on a daily basis.
Ownership of the farmlands is, as far as I know, by family farmers, not by large corporate agribusiness as we often see in Australia.
Villages are meticulously maintained, many with a long history of occupation. Buildings are brick which means they remain structurally sound well beyond the life of wooden farmhouses so often seen in Australia.
The farmands here in the Ühlingen-Birkendorf region seem very productive and on good rich soil. Much of the crop harvest is very efficiently done with large agricultural machines which are often working in the fields even at night.
As we droves through many of the Black Forest's quaint and historic villages it was hard to comprehend how tranquil, orderly and tidy they were. All credit to the fine people who live in the region.
Correction or elaboration on any of my observations is welcomed.
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.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
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
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Stockberg is visible from Ennetbühl and is a prominent mountain located to the southeast of the village in the Toggenburg region of the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland.
At an elevation of 1,781 metres (5,843 feet), Stockberg is part of the foothills leading to the larger Alpstein and Churfirsten mountain ranges.
From Ennetbühl, the Stockberg can be seen rising above the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for local hikers seeking scenic views without the challenge of the higher peaks. The trails around Stockberg also offer views of the Säntis and the Churfirsten range, enhancing its appeal.
To the southeast of Ennetbühl, the Churfirsten mountain range is prominently visible. This range comprises several notable peaks, including Selun, Frümsel, and Brisi. The Churfirsten mountains form a natural boundary between the Toggenburg region and the Sarganserland in the canton of St. Gallen.
Reference - WIKIPEDIA
Additionally, the Alpstein massif, featuring peaks such as the Säntis (the highest peak in the Alpstein massif) and the Altmann, lies to the east and southeast of Ennetbühl. The Säntis is particularly notable for its prominence and offers panoramic views of the surrounding regions.
These mountain ranges contribute to the picturesque landscape surrounding Ennetbühl and are popular destinations for hiking and outdoor activities. For instance, the hike over the Risipass offers wonderful views of Toggenburg and the stunning Alpstein along the way.
Reference - STUNNING HIKES
Here are some notable peaks in the Churfirsten range:
Selun
One of the prominent peaks in the Churfirsten range, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Lake Walen.
Frümsel
A notable peak known for its steep slopes and scenic vistas, popular among experienced hikers and climbers.
Brisi
A distinctive peak characterized by its sharp profile, providing challenging routes for mountaineers and breathtaking views from the summit.
Säntis
The highest peak in the Alpstein massif, renowned for its impressive elevation and the panoramic views it offers, accessible via cable car and hiking trails.
Altmann
A prominent peak in the Alpstein region, known for its rugged terrain and as a favored spot for climbers seeking a less crowded experience compared to Säntis.
These peaks are integral to the region's natural beauty and offer various recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike.
Reference - CHAT GPT
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
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.
Chat GPT & Wikipedia
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The city name Fürth exists twice in Germany: Fürth (Bavaria) near Nuremberg and Fürth in the Odenwald (Hesse), whereby the latter is not only less important due to its size in terms of area and population: the first locomotive-operated railroad in Germany ran from Nuremberg to Fürth (Bavaria) to Nuremberg on December 7, 1835.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Bürglen is situated in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, on the Klausen Pass, not far from Altdorf. This charming, typically Swiss village, is steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery. Here are some key facts and historical highlights about Bürglen:
Historical Significance
Birthplace of William Tell (Legendary Hero):
Bürglen is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of William Tell, the legendary Swiss national hero. A chapel, the Tell Chapel (Tellskapelle), was erected in his honor and features frescoes depicting scenes from the William Tell legend.
First Mention:
Bürglen is first mentioned in historical records in 857 as "Burgilla." It is one of the oldest settlements in Uri, indicating its early importance in the region.
Role in Swiss Confederacy:
As part of Uri, Bürglen played an indirect role in the early formation of the Swiss Confederacy. Uri was one of the founding cantons, and Bürglen’s residents contributed to the region's defense and economy.
Geography
Location: Bürglen is situated in the Schächental (Schächen Valley), near the Schächen River, at an elevation of about 525 meters (1,722 feet).
Proximity to Altdorf: It lies just a few kilometers south of Altdorf, the capital of the canton of Uri.
Mountain Access: Bürglen serves as a gateway to the Klausen Pass, connecting the canton of Uri to the canton of Glarus.
Cultural and Architectural Features
St. Peter and Paul Parish Church:
The village church, with its origins in the 13th century, is a significant landmark. It has been restored and expanded over the centuries.
Traditional Alpine Village:
Bürglen retains its traditional character, with wooden chalets and farms dotting the landscape. Its architecture reflects its alpine heritage.
Tell Museum:
Bürglen is home to a museum dedicated to the legendary Swiss national hero William Tell.
A bronze statue dedicated to him is located near the Tell Chapel (Tellskapelle) in the centre of Bürglen.
Economy and Modern Life
Historically, Bürglen’s economy was based on agriculture and pastoralism, typical of Alpine villages. Today, tourism, especially linked to the William Tell legend and outdoor activities, plays a significant role.
Tourism and Outdoor Activities
Hiking and Skiing:
Bürglen offers access to hiking trails in the Schächental Alps and skiing opportunities in winter.
The Klausen Pass:
The pass is a popular route for tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Notable Facts
Historical Traditions: Bürglen has a rich tradition of folklore and legends, deeply tied to the Swiss identity and the story of William Tell.
Language: The primary language spoken in Bürglen is Swiss German.
Bürglen remains a testament to Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, blending history with an enduring connection to the Alps. Chat GPT
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.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Our overnight train from Hanoi arrived in Lào Cai City in the early morning. Lào Cai is the capital of North Vietnam's Lào Cai Province which borders with China, just 35kms away.
Many passengers who disembarked were tourists and took transfers by bus and cars to Sapa in the highlands, some 40-60 minutes away (approximately 35 kilometres from the Chinese border).
Our transfer driver picked us up and our trip to Sapa was quite interesting due to the impacts of heavy rain on the roads in the days immediately preceding our arrival. Along the way we encountered numerous landslips and saw numerous small, but temporary, waterfalls.
Sapa is located in the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range of northern Vietnam and sits at an altitude of about 1,500 to 1,600 metres above sea level (*1*See below).
The area has become a popular tourist destination. (*2* See below)
Lào Cai Province borders the Bảo Thắng District, Bát Xát District, Sa Pa District and the city of Hekou Yao Autonomous County, in Yunnan province of southwest China.
Lào Cai City lies at the junction of the Red River (Sông Hồng) and the Nanxi River (Yunnan), and is approximately 160 miles (260 km) northwest of Hanoi.
*1* Climate of the Sapa Highlands
Due to its high elevation, Sapa experiences a temperate or highland tropical climate, distinct from the subtropical regions at lower elevations. Summers (June to August) are cooler compared to the lowlands, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C), while winters (December to February) can be quite cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below 0°C. Snow is even possible in rare cases during the winter months. The region also experiences significant rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season from May to September.
*2* Sapa Tourism
Sapa has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years. It receives approximately 2.5 to 3 million visitors per year. This includes both domestic and international tourists who are drawn to the area's scenic terraced rice fields, ethnic minority cultures, and trekking opportunities in the Hoàng Liên Son mountains, particularly around Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.
Tourism in Sapa has surged, especially after improved infrastructure such as roads and the cable car to Mount Fansipan were developed, making the region more accessible to a wider range of travelers.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The current chapel was built in 1904, mainly with atonement money. The chapel has been preserved and maintained by the "Odenwaldklub Dieburg" since 1979.
Thankyou Andreas Becker.
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.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Untermettingen is a small village in the municipality of Ühlingen-Birkendorf in the Baden-Württemberg region of Southern Germany, just 10-12kms from the nearest village in Switzerland, Hallau.
As of 2021 Untermettingen had a population of 738.
Given the proximity to Switzerland, trade and cultural exchange likely influenced its historical trajectory.
Situated at an elevation of about 599 metres, it lies in a picturesque area of the southern Black Forest. The region is known for its proximity to nature and protected areas such as Katzenbuck-Halde.
Historically, it is one of the smaller settlements in the area, and its rural character reflects the agricultural and community-based way of life typical of this part of Germany
The village has ties to the larger administrative and cultural history of the Waldshut district, which has been shaped by its location near the Swiss border and its role in regional trade and agriculture. Today, Untermettingen retains its charm as a quiet locality, valued for its scenic surroundings and traditional German village layout.
Untermettingen has a history tied to the region's medieval and agricultural development. This small village, like others in the area, was historically part of the complex patchwork of territories within Baden-Württemberg, often influenced by religious and feudal entities.
During the Middle Ages, the region saw ownership and administrative control frequently shift among monasteries, local nobility, and larger state powers, including the Dukes of Baden. Nearby Ühlingen and Birkendorf have records of ecclesiastical influence, particularly from monasteries that held lands and managed agricultural production.
The area's meticulous agricultural landscape today reflects a long tradition of efficient land management and a respect for environmental balance. German land tenure systems and cultural norms play a significant role in maintaining this organized and pristine appearance, a legacy of historical practices and regional pride in sustainable farming.
Germany is known for its diverse agricultural landscape, which is shaped by its climate, soil quality, and long-standing farming traditions.
Key crops grown in the region include:
Cereals: Winter wheat, barley, and rye are widely cultivated across Germany, with wheat being the most extensively grown crop.
Maize: Predominantly grown in the northwest and southern regions.
Sugar beet: Common in nutrient-rich areas like the Magdeburg Börde and parts of Franconia.
Specialty Crops: These include hops in the Hallertau region (a world-famous hop-growing area), vineyards along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, and fruit farming in the Altes Land near Hamburg.
Other Crops: Potatoes, oilseed rape, and legumes like beans, peas, and lupins are also cultivated widely
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.
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.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
This days drive was in 2 parts. This itinerary is part 1 though we did vary the route minimally to that which is displayed here.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The Traditional Food Crop Exhibit at the Black Forest Open Air Museum in Gutach is a fascinating display that highlights the agricultural practices and food culture of the Black Forest region in past centuries. It complements the museum's focus on rural life, showing how Black Forest farm families grew and processed their food.
The exhibit showcases traditional crops that were essential to the Black Forest's self-sufficient farming economy. These include:
Grains: Rye, barley, and oats, which were the primary staples for making bread and feeding livestock.
Potatoes: Introduced to the region in the 18th century, they became a critical food source for both humans and animals.
Flax: Grown for making linen, a vital material for clothing and household textiles.
Vegetables and Herbs: A variety of root vegetables, leafy greens, and medicinal herbs that were cultivated for daily meals and remedies.
The crops are grown in historically accurate plots, arranged as they would have been on a Black Forest farm.
Visitors can see traditional farming techniques, including the use of crop rotations to maintain soil fertility.
Tools and methods used for planting, harvesting, and processing the crops are displayed alongside the fields.
The exhibit explains how these crops were not only used for sustenance but also for trade and bartering within the community.
Seasonal farming cycles and festivals, which were deeply tied to the agricultural calendar, are highlighted.
Interactive and Educational Elements:
There are demonstrations of traditional techniques, such as grinding grain into flour with hand mills or processing flax for linen.
Signage and guides provide details about the nutritional and cultural significance of each crop.
The exhibit links traditional farming practices to iconic Black Forest dishes, such as rye bread, potato-based meals, and soups made from root vegetables.
Visitors can learn about the role of these crops in local recipes and food preservation methods, such as smoking and pickling.
Why It’s Important
The Traditional Food Crop Exhibit not only preserves the agricultural heritage of the Black Forest but also educates visitors about the importance of sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices. It provides a tangible connection to the past, offering insight into how rural communities adapted to the challenges of their environment and developed a rich culinary tradition. - Chat GPT