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Medicine Lake and Mount Monkhead, with a family of Eagles looking on from their nest at lower left, all part of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Medicine Lake is really just a long, wide stretch of the Athabasca River. Its dramatic seasonal variation in level—due to drainage through porous rock at the southeastern end—must have been as mysterious to the indigenous Stoney Nakoda people as it has been to visitors ever since.
Mount Monkhood, part of the Maligne Range, rises to 2,934 m (=9,626 ft). Probably was named by someone who thought it looked like one. It stands about 7km southeast of us, on the long axis of the lake, at the far end.
Patty spotted the two Eagles in their nest at lower left, more than a kilometer away. I got a better shot of that—first comment—from the bus looking southwest as we passed along the road to the left.
Happy Wing, Wind, and Wonder Wednesday!
Explore 68 on 11 Sep 24
Trollfjorden (Austvågsøya ) 20250617
Trollfjorden is a narrow, dramatic fjord located in the Vesterålen archipelago between the islans of Austvågsøya and Hinnøya in northern Norway.
It branches off the larger Raftsundet strait and is accessible mainly by boat or kayak.
Trollfjorden is famous for its steep near-vertical mountain walls that rise straight up from the weather, creating a stunning contrast between rock and sea. The fjord is only about 2 Km long but its dramatic scenery leaves a deep impression.
Wildlife.
Trollfjorden is one of the best places in Norway to spot white-tailed eagles (Europe's larges bird of prey). They often soar above the fjord or perch on the cliffs.
The cliffs are home to numerous seabirds, such as puffins, cormorants and gulls.
The waters around Trollfjorden are rich with fish like cod and herring and you may also spot seals, porpoises or even orca whales during seasonal migrations.
Through life's every twist and turn
Along its path, we travel and learn
Under its trees filled with fate
Across the depths of its dramatic
lake
Up its mountains towards the sky
Where smiles and love, they do fly
Across its fields covered in dreams
Basking in the hope that streams
Down upon every twist and turn
Along life's path, where wild passions they burn
Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima_Shrine:
Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it.
Annecy centre ville at dusk.
In this evening scene from Annecy’s old town, the architecture along the canal takes center stage. The buildings display the characteristic charm of the historic district: pastel façades with worn stone edges, steep tiled roofs, and narrow, irregular window placements that reveal their medieval origins. Warm light spilling from cafés and homes reflects on the canal’s surface, creating a striking contrast with the deep blue dusk sky. The compact layout of the structures, pressed tightly along the waterway, highlights the town’s centuries-old relationship with its canals and bridges.
Further in the background, the silhouettes of the surrounding Alps rise above the rooftops, anchoring the old town within its dramatic natural setting. The mix of architectural textures—plaster walls, exposed stone, wooden shutters—captures the layered history of Annecy as it evolved over the centuries while preserving its intimate scale. The softly illuminated bridge and the glowing windows enhance the sense of continuity between past and present, making the old quarter feel both timeless and alive.
RX_06912_20250915_Annecy
Some light painting at Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierra. the background light is the town of Lee Vining.
Mono Lake is a shallow salt water lake located in the high desert on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in California in the United States. The lake has no outlet to the ocean causing high levels of salts to accumulate in the waters. As a consequence of its high salinity, no fish live in Mono Lake, but there are plenty of brine shrimp that thrive in its waters. Over two million annual migratory birds use Mono Lake as a stop over and resting place as they fly to South America or the tropical oceans. They feed on the shrimps, lay eggs and hatch their young ones here.
The most unusual feature of Mono Lake are its dramatic tufa towers emerging from the surface. These rock towers form when underwater springs rich in calcium mix with the waters of the lake, which are rich in carbonates. The resulting reaction forms limestone. Over time the buildup of limestone formed towers, and when the water level of the lake dropped the towers became exposed.
To design the Shrine of Memory, Architects Samuel J. Collins of Staunton and his nephew, Richard E. Collins, combined mid-century modernity with the timeless style of a Greek temple. The open pavilion fully embraces its dramatic site on more than four acres overlooking the James River and downtown Richmond – a view that’s seen through huge sheets of glass engraved with the names of the fallen.
With their names forever set against the backdrop of their capital city, they’re watched over by sculptor Leo F. Friedlander’s “Memory,” a 22-foot-tall statue of a woman in grief. An eternal flame flickers at her feet.
Having got the glitz and glamour of the NYC lights out of my system I'm now starting to look if my aimless snapping while in the big apple recorded anything of note. This was taken on a cruise around Manhattan (very highly recommended) of Bjarke Ingels’s so-called "courtscraper", catching the sunlight and thus enabling its dramatic form to stand out clearly from the more mundane structures behind.
The Oriental Garden in the Park & Tilford Gardens is best known for its dramatic Moon Gate, distinctive arched bridge, and brilliant blue terracotta tiles.
Picture in the “Coastline” section of the “Leica Fotografie International” (LFI) magazine’s online gallery.
In 2023 Reynisfjara has been ranked by TripAdvisor as the 'Best of the Best' beaches in Europe.
This stunning black sand beach along the South Coast of Iceland is located beside the small village of Vik i Myrdal. It's known for its dramatic natural landscapes: hexagonal basalt columns, the Halsanefshellir Sea Cave, and large rock formations that rise out of the sea. But be careful when visiting though—the spot is prone to sneaker waves that can crash ashore unexpectedly. Try to keep a safe distance of at least 100 feet from the shoreline, and avoid turning your back towards the waves. This spot is often included as a stop on a full-day tour of the South Coast. – ( source:Tripadvisor)
In the background, one can see the impressive sea cliffs named Reynisdrangar.
As with almost all bizarre features in this country, there is an Icelandic folk tale that explains the origin of the Reynisdrangar pillars and their eerie appearance.
According to legend, a couple of trolls saw a ship out to sea by night, and waded out to reach it. They got hold of it, and began to drag it to shore, but as so often happens in troll stories, they got their timing wrong.
Before they were even close to getting to the shade, dawn broke. The trolls and ship were instantly frozen into stone, and they have remained immortalised since, as a warning to their kin.
View from Mt Difficulty Vineyard in Bannockburn where we are having lunch. April 27, 2016 Central Otago in the South Island of New Zealand.
The Cellar Door at Mt Difficulty Wines is known as much for its dramatic views of rugged rock and thyme landscapes as it is for its stylish wine and food.
The unique microclimate of the Bannockburn area is partially created by the presence of Mount Difficulty which overlooks the southern Cromwell basin, and is the namesake of Mt Difficulty Wines. Mount Difficulty is integral in providing low rainfall and humidity for the region. Bannockburn enjoys hot summers, a large diurnal temperature variation and long cool autumns; conditions which bring the best out of the Pinot Noir grapes. These conditions, along with soils which are ideal for viticulture, provide an excellent basis not only for Pinot Noir, but also for Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay. The soils are a mix of clay and gravels, but all feature a high pH level; grapes produce their best wines on sweet soils.
For More Info: www.mtdifficulty.co.nz/aboutus/ourstory.html
Sailing towards Trollfjorden 20250617
Raftsundet is a narrow sea channel in northern Norway, located between the islands of Austvågsøya in the Lofoten archipelago and Hinnøya in the Vesterålen islands. It stretches for about 25 kilometers and connects the Vestfjorden in the south to the Hadselfjorden in the north.
The channel is renowned for its dramatic scenery: steep mountains rise directly from the water, creating a striking backdrop for passing boats. Along its course, several small side fjords branch off - the most famous of which is Trollfjorden, a tiny yet spectacular fjord with sheer cliffs and a width so narrow that ships seem barely able to enter.
Raftsundet is also known for its rich wildlife, including sea eagles and seabirds, and is a popular route for cruise ships, Hurtigruten coastal express vessels, and kayaking adventures.
This is one of my own favorite; I think I am so lucky to find such a view and surroundings specially the twin tree standing so bluntly striking a shadow on the river. I had two shots of this scene, the one which I accidentally deleted in my camera was perfectly framed and it had more detailed shadows and texture. 2nd one is this one, which I had to heavily edit in photoshop to put everything in right order. In this process the boat got longer and few ghosting effect of the foliage can be seen if you make it large.
I have experimented with light and shadow here. Below or over this point the picture loses its dramatic appeal.
This picture depicts a mood of the constant struggle of life through it’s various paths in darkness, light and obstacles.
Feel free to tell me your feelings.
Lens: EF-S17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Location: Marishya, Khagrachori, Chittagong, Bangladesh
All contents herein are copyrighted © by Shabbir Ferdous Photography
Except where otherwise noted. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
Just to complete the set here is another shot from our east coast tour on Thursday.
This was at the Bullars of Buchan with its dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
This image is available printed, framed or on canvas here.
Capping over the slight hump (and watershed divide) at Red Rock, MPDOG crosses the site of the natural earthen dam which held Lake Bonneville from draining into the Snake River until its dramatic failure many, many years ago. The evidence can be seen thousands of feet up the Wasatch Front, and hundreds of miles West into the Snake River Plain. Today it's a calm place with an occasional train to make the scene.
The Great Torii on Itsukushima (Miyajima) Island near Hiroshima. Part of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Wikipedia: Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it.
"Miami Tower is a 47-story office skyscraper, renowned for its dramatic exterior glass tiers and elaborate color-changing light installations that make it one of the most photographed buildings in the Miami skyline.
The prestigious office tower is in the heart of downtown Miami and home to many of Miami's established and most influential firms. Miami Tower was designed by I.M. Pei, who is often called a Master of Modern Architecture, and is known for cutting edge designs such as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris."
“The Second Greatest Show on Earth!”
That’s what showman P.T. Barnum proclaimed in 1869 as he stepped down off the train and marveled at the view from Mount Washington’s rocky summit. High praise indeed from the man whose grand circus occupied the primary spot.
Today, more than 150 years later, the Mount Washington Cog Railway continues to thrill passengers from all over the world with its dramatic ascent to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast.
The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world. With an average grade of 25% (some sections approach nearly 38%), it’s also the second steepest! Motive power is primarily provided by a fleet of seven powerful biodiesel locomotives, each custom designed, built and maintained on site. And with a nod to its steam heritage, the railway also continues to operate a pair of coal-fired steam engines in the warmer months, both well over a century old.
I love taking pictures of Bleeding Heart with its dramatic arcs of heart-shaped pink (or white) flowers.
Smailholm Tower is a peel tower at Smailholm, around five miles west of Kelso in the Scottish Borders. Its dramatic situation, atop a crag of Lady Hill, commands wide views over the surrounding countryside.
The view from this beautiful lookout in Wyoming, on a November day a few years ago. The American West is vast! Only about 1/2 million people live in this state with its dramatic mountain peaks of the Rockies and the Wind River Range, and its wide open land.
'24 miles south of Lander, Wyoming on Highway 28 is one of the most scenic vistas in Wyoming: Red Canyon.
Red Canyon was formed over 60 million years ago during the uplift of the Wind River Range. As the softer sedimentary rocks tilted, the more easily erodible rocks were removed by the action of water, creating the canyon as it is seen today.'
windriver.org/the-beauty-of-red-canyon/
"There is archeologic evidence that Native Americans migrated through the Lander Valley over the last 10,000 years. The Eastern Shoshone lived in western Wyoming and the Wind River area for at least the last 3,000 years and possibly as far back as 8,000 years ago. They camped in the Pinedale area and along the eastern slopes of the Wind River Mountains. Shoshone presence in Red Canyon is recorded by spear and arrow points, tepee rings and petroglyphs...."
More about Red Canyon: www.geowyo.com/red-canyon.html
"Heliconia rostrata 'Parrot's Beak,' also known as Hanging Lobster Claw, is one of the most recognizable and striking tropical plants, renowned for its dramatic, pendulous bracts. The vibrant red and yellow bracts are complemented by green accents, giving it a vivid, parrot-like appearance. This bold and exotic plant is often a focal point in tropical gardens and makes a stunning addition to both landscapes and large containers."
www.gardencentresunshinecoast.com.au/products/heliconia-r...
In the realm of high fashion, every movement tells a story, and with the Mala Animation Set, I embrace my narrative with grace, elegance, and a touch of fierceness. These animations are more than poses—they are moments captured in time, a celebration of subtlety and strength.
Refining the Art of Elegance: As I don this stunning black and red formal Asteria Grace gown, its satin finish draping effortlessly over my figure, the Mala Animation Set enhances every curve, every fold, and every nuance of its mermaid silhouette. The four static poses, complemented by mirrored versions, allow me to exude stillness with intention. Each subtle breath, every delicate sway, brings life to the ensemble, embodying the perfect harmony between demure sophistication and captivating allure.
Empowered in Every Movement: The set offers four breathing-only stands that elevate the essence of natural beauty. My movements, though understated, convey a sense of confidence that commands the room. Paired with four animated poses, I can transition seamlessly between standing tall in regal composure to a fluid elegance that captivates my audience—whether on the runway or in the spotlight of a formal event.
Versatility Meets Style: From the understated movements in casual showcases to the commanding poise needed for high-fashion editorials, the Mala Animation Set adapts effortlessly. For this Asteria "Grace" Gown, the poses highlight its dramatic red bow, the sleek gloves, and the Bauhaus hat tilted just so. These animations ensure that every detail—from the lace to the sheen of satin—becomes a focal point.
A Model’s Essential Companion: In fashion modeling, there are times when less is more. The Mala Animation Set offers subtle hand gestures, impeccable leg placement, and refined expressions that speak volumes without saying a word.
Whether you're reflecting elegance in formalwear or embracing the boldness of edgy designs, this set is your silent ally in making a lasting impression.
CALADIUMS in a public garden in Stockholm
Caladiums are tropical perennials with colorful, heart-shaped leaves native to tropical forests in South and Central America.
This is an “old-fashioned” plant, having been in cultivation in Europe since the late 1700’s, used for its dramatic foliage. The leaves generally have prominently colored midribs, contrasting margins, and patterns including mottled, veined and striped, in various combinations and shades of green, white, pink, rose and/or red.
The Reinefjord curves into a quiet, heart-shaped mirror, reflecting drifting clouds and jagged peaks as Reine’s red cabins rest gently within the vast Lofoten landscape.
Reine often cited as the most beautiful village in Norway, is a postcard-perfect fishing community located on the island of Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago. Nestled above the Arctic Circle, it is famous for its dramatic scenery where jagged granite peaks rise directly from sapphire-hued fjords.
♥ Thank you very much for your visits, faves, and kind comments ♥
DESCRIPTION OF HISTORIC PLACE
Union Point United Church, a small wooden country church built in 1940, is set on open space between the north- and southbound lanes of Highway 75, about six kilometres south of Ste. Agathe. The municipal designation applies to the church, an adjacent cemetery and the grounds they occupy.
HERITAGE VALUE
Union Point United Church and its cemetery are significant as the last built features that remain on the original site of the former Union Point settlement. The cemetery's earliest burial, from 1879, recalls the agricultural community's pioneer origins. The landmark building, an enduringly simple Gothic Revival-style structure that succeeded an 1887 Presbyterian facility, likewise serves as a prominent and poignant memorial to Union Point because of its dramatic location between the lanes of one of the busiest divided highways in southern Manitoba.
The view through this sea arch leads to an isolated beach, nestled below the cliffs towering above. I took well over a hundred photos while sailing up the Nā Pali Coast. It’s the perfect landscape photographer’s playground with its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches.
Built in the 1930s as part of a beautification project, it was designed by António Enes Baganha. The structure features a balustrade and provides a picturesque setting overlooking Praia do Molhe. It has become a beloved landmark, frequently featured in photos and postcards, attracting both tourists and locals year-round. During summer, it’s a popular stop for seaside walks, while in winter, its dramatic backdrop of Atlantic storms adds to its charm.
Peaking at 463 meters (1519 feet), Kirkjufell or 'Church Mountain' is a striking landmark on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and is often called ‘the most photographed mountain in Iceland’ due to its dramatic formation and perfect coastal location.
It was late afternoon on a cloudy day by the time we reached this spot and the light was fading quickly so it was a race against time to catch a few decent photos. That said, I'm pretty happy with what I got :-)
Tourists wading in Hiroshima Bay to get close to Miyajima's Great Torii.
The Great Torii on Itsukushima (Miyajima) Island near Hiroshima. Part of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Wikipedia: Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it.
The Wuyi Mountains or Wuyishan[1] (Chinese: 武夷山; pinyin: Wǔyí Shān; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Bú-î-soaⁿ; formerly known as Bohea Hills in early Western documents) are a mountain range located in the prefecture of Nanping, in northern Fujian province near the border with Jiangxi province, China. The highest peak in the area is Mount Huanggang at 2,158 metres (7,080 ft) on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi, making it the highest point of both provinces; the lowest altitudes are around 200 metres (660 ft). Many oolong and black teas are produced in the Wuyi Mountains, including Da Hong Pao ('big red robe') and lapsang souchong, and are sold as Wuyi tea. The mountain range is known worldwide for its status as a refugium for several rare and endemic plant species, its dramatic river valleys, and the abundance of important temples and archeological sites in the region, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[2] —- WikiPedia
Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of the U.S. state of California, between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery. Big Sur has been called the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States", a sublime "national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development", and "one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation". The views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches, and other recreational opportunities have made Big Sur a popular destination for visitors from across the world. With 4.5 to 7 million visitors annually, it is among the top tourist destinations in the United States, comparable to Yosemite National Park, but with considerably fewer services, and less parking, roads, and related infrastructure.
Big Sur Village is a collection of small roadside businesses and homes. The larger region known as Big Sur does not have specific boundaries but is generally considered to include the 71-mile (114 km) segment of California State Route 1 between Malpaso Creek near Carmel Highlands in the north and San Carpóforo Creek near San Simeon in the south, as well as the entire Santa Lucia range between these creeks. The interior region is mostly uninhabited, while the coast remains relatively isolated and sparsely populated, with between 1,800 and 2,000 year-round residents and relatively few visitor accommodations scattered among four small settlements. The region remained one of the most inaccessible areas of California and the entire United States until, after 18 years of construction, the Carmel–San Simeon Highway (now signed as part of State Route 1) was completed in 1937. Along with the ocean views, this winding, narrow road, often cut into the face of towering seaside cliffs, dominates the visitor's experience of Big Sur. The highway has been closed more than 55 times by landslides, and in May 2017, a 2,000,000-cubic-foot slide blocked the highway at Mud Creek, north of Salmon Creek near the San Luis Obispo County line, to just south of Gorda. The road was reopened on July 18, 2018.
The region is protected by the Big Sur Local Coastal Plan, which preserves it as "open space, a small residential community, and agricultural ranching." Approved in 1986, the plan is one of the most restrictive local-use programs in the state, and is widely regarded as one of the most restrictive documents of its kind anywhere. The program protects viewsheds from the highway and many vantage points, and severely restricts the density of development. About 60% of the coastal region is owned by governmental or private agencies which do not allow any development. The majority of the interior region is part of the Los Padres National Forest, Ventana Wilderness, Silver Peak Wilderness or Fort Hunter Liggett.
The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign.
The east end of the 13th-century church survives to its full height, housing within its dramatic triple tier of arches some fine monuments.
More photos of Lanercost Priory here: www.flickr.com/photos/davidambridge/albums/72157624989399623
The Great Torii on Itsukushima (Miyajima) Island near Hiroshima. Part of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Wikipedia: Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it.
Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社 (嚴島神社), Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii gate. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it. (Source: Wikipedia)
The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign.
The east end of the 13th-century church survives to its full height, housing within its dramatic triple tier of arches some fine monuments.
More photos of Lanercost Priory here: www.flickr.com/photos/davidambridge/albums/72157624989399623
Throwback Thursday
Pastel View
North Window
Arches National Park
Moab, Utah
Arches National Park is a stunningly beautiful and unique natural wonder located in eastern Utah. It is home to over 2,000 naturally formed sandstone arches, as well as a variety of other geological formations such as spires, fins, and balanced rocks. The park is known for its dramatic landscapes and stunning views, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the red rock formations are bathed in warm, golden light. With its otherworldly landscapes and unique geological features, Arches National Park is truly a must-see destination!
Not a sunny day in the Eastern Sierras today!
Mono Lake is a shallow salt water lake located in the high desert on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in California in the United States. The lake has no outlet to the ocean causing high levels of salts to accumulate in the waters. As a consequence of its high salinity, no fish live in Mono Lake, but there are plenty of brine shrimp that thrive in its waters. Over two million annual migratory birds use Mono Lake as a stop over and resting place as they fly to South America or the tropical oceans. They feed on the shrimps, lay eggs and hatch their young ones here.
The most unusual feature of Mono Lake are its dramatic tufa towers emerging from the surface. These rock towers form when underwater springs rich in calcium mix with the waters of the lake, which are rich in carbonates. The resulting reaction forms limestone. Over time the buildup of limestone formed towers, and when the water level of the lake dropped the towers became exposed.
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This striking photograph showcases the Double Delight Rose, renowned for its unique bi-colored petals that blend creamy white with vibrant crimson edges. The rose's lush petals unfurl in a delicate dance of color and texture, exuding a natural elegance against the vivid green backdrop. Each petal appears to be carefully painted with a watercolor brush, a testament to nature's artistry. The Double Delight Rose is not just a feast for the eyes; it is also famous for its intoxicating fragrance, a sweet and spicy aroma that enchants the senses. As a hybrid tea rose, it stands proudly on its stem, commanding attention and admiration. This image captures the essence of what makes the Double Delight a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike – its dramatic contrast, exceptional beauty, and the promise of a sensory experience that goes beyond the visual.
Amalfi
The Amalfi Coast has a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm summers and mild winters. It is located on the relatively steep southern shore of the Sorrentine Peninsula, leaving little room for rural and agricultural development. The only land route to the Amalfi Coast is the 40 kilometres (25 mi) long Amalfi Drive (Strada Statale 163) which runs along the coastline from the town of Vieira sul Mare in the east to Positano in the west. Thirteen municipalities are located on the Amalfi Coast, many of them centred on tourism. The coast dazzles with its dramatic grottos, craggy cliffs, and shimmering bays.
Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch along the coast of southern Italy from Sorrento to Salerno. It's considered one of the most scenic coastlines in Italy and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. My first visit to Italy was inspired by photographs of the Amalfi Coast.
© Knud Hald
Storr and Old Man of Storr in the distance, with a little section of Loch Leathan, seen from the edge of the A855 road, Isle of Skye, Highland council area, Scotland
Some background information:
The Storr is a mountain on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west. The Storr is a prime example of the Trotternish landslip, the longest such feature in Great Britain. It is the type locality for the mineral gyrolite. The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. This has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips.
The main ascent route is a well-constructed path, used by many sightseers, which leaves the A855 just north of Loch Leathan. It heads up through a clearfell area that was formerly a conifer plantation. Most day-trippers are content simply to wander around the Sanctuary, admiring the pinnacles and gazing up at the Storr's eastern cliffs. Walkers can easily ascend to the summit, however, by skirting below the cliffs whilst heading north from the north end of the Sanctuary. An alternative route, involving some mild scrambling, follows the rim of the south-east-facing cliffs from the top of a steep section. The Storr is often climbed as part of a much longer expedition, following the full length of the Trotternish landslip.
The Old Man of Storr is a 48-meter-high rock pinnacle belonging to the Storr. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the Isle of Skye. The name "Storr" comes from Old Norse and means "great" or "peak." Nearby the Old Man of Storr, there are other rock pinnacles that are sometimes referred to as his family. However, a rock pinnacle that was once called his wife, collapsed many years ago. According to a legend, an old man and his wife were searching the area for a runaway cow. During their search, they encountered giants and fled in fear. As they were escaping, they looked back, and as a result, they were turned into stone.
The Isle of Skye, or simply Skye, is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous hub dominated by the the Black Cuillin and Red Cuillin mountain ranges, which provide some of the most dramatic mountain sceneries in the country. At 1,656 square kilometres (639 square miles), Skye is the second-largest island in Scotland after Lewis and Harris.
The most powerful clans on Skye in the post–Norse period were Clan MacLeod, originally based in Trotternish, and Clan Macdonald of Sleat. Following the disintegration of the Lordship of the Isles in the late 15th century, Clan Mackinnon also emerged as an independent clan, whose substantial landholdings in Skye were centred on Strathaird.
Skye is linked to the mainland by the Skye Bridge, which opened in 1995, while ferries sail from Armadale on the island to Mallaig, and from Kylerhea to Glenelg. The island is 40 kilometres wide at its thickest point and 80 kilometres long. But many inlets reach inland, resulting in a coastline of over 500 kilometres. This includes some sandy beaches, but particularly several enchanting bays such as Talisker Bay, and steep cliffs such as Waterstein Head at Neist Point or Kilt Rock at the island’s northeastern coast. By the way, the inlets also divide Skye into its various peninsulas, of which Minginish, Duirnish, Waternish, Trotternish and Sleat are the largest.
The largest employer on the island is the public sector, which accounts for about a third of the total workforce and the second-largest employer is the tourism industry, but there is also a number of small firms like the Talisker Distillery. However, commercial fishing remains important too, including fish farming of salmon and crustaceans such as scampi.
Due to its dramatic land- and seascape, Skye has been used as a location for several feature films, such as "Flash Gordon“, "Stardust" starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, or Ridley Scott's "Prometheus" from 2012. And the Justin Kurzel adaption of Macbeth starring Michael Fassbender was also filmed on the Isle of Skye.
Palo Duro Canyon is a canyon system of the Caprock Escarpment located in the Texas Panhandle near the cities of Amarillo and Canyon. As one of the large canyons in the United States, it is roughly 25–40 mi (40–64 km) long and has an average width of 6 mi (9.7 km), but reaches a width of 20 mi (32 km) at places. Its depth is around 800 ft (240 m), but in some locations, valley bottom to surrounding hills increases to 1,000 ft (300 m). Palo Duro Canyon (from the Spanish meaning "hard stick") has been named "The Grand Canyon of Texas" both for its size and for its dramatic geological features, including the multicolored layers of rock and steep mesa walls, which are similar to those in the Grand Canyon. It is part of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The State Park had 442,242 visitors in 2022.
(Wikipedia)
The Colorado River is one of the principal rivers (along with the Rio Grande) in the Southwestern United States and in northern Mexico. The 1,450-mile-long river, the 5th longest in the United States, drains an expansive, arid watershed that encompasses parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states. The name Colorado derives from the Spanish language for "colored reddish" due to its heavy silt load. Starting in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it flows generally southwest across the Colorado Plateau and through the Grand Canyon before reaching Lake Mead on the Arizona–Nevada border, where it turns south toward the international border. After entering Mexico, the Colorado approaches the mostly dry Colorado River Delta at the tip of the Gulf of California between Baja California and Sonora.
Known for its dramatic canyons, whitewater rapids, and eleven U.S. National Parks, the Colorado River and its tributaries are a vital source of water for 40 million people. An extensive system of dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts divert almost its entire flow for agricultural irrigation and urban water supply. Its large flow and steep gradient are used to generate hydroelectricity, meeting peaking power demands in much of the Intermountain West. Intensive water consumption has dried up the lower 100 miles (160 km) of the river, which has rarely reached the sea since the 1960s.
Native Americans have inhabited the Colorado River basin for at least 8,000 years. Starting around 1 CE, large agriculture-based societies were established, but a combination of drought and poor land use practices led to their collapse in the 1300s. Their descendants include tribes such as the Puebloans, while others including the Navajo settled in the Colorado Basin after the 1000s. In the 1500s, Spanish explorers began mapping and claiming the watershed, which became part of Mexico upon winning its independence from Spain in 1821. Even after most of the watershed became US territory in 1846, much of the river's course remained unknown. Several expeditions charted the Colorado in the mid-19th century—one of which, led by John Wesley Powell, was the first to run the rapids of the Grand Canyon. Large-scale settlement of the lower basin began in the mid- to late-1800s, with steamboats sailing from the Gulf of California to landings along the river that linked to wagon roads to the interior. Starting in the 1860s, gold and silver strikes drew prospectors to the upper Colorado River basin.
Large-scale river management began in the early 1900s, with major guidelines established in a series of international and US interstate treaties known as the "Law of the River". The US federal government constructed most of the major dams and aqueducts between 1910 and 1970; the largest, Hoover Dam, was completed in 1935. Numerous water projects have also involved state and local governments. With all of their waters fully allocated, both the Colorado and the neighboring Rio Grande are now considered among the most controlled and litigated river systems in the world. Since 2000, extended drought has conflicted with increasing demands for Colorado River water, and the level of human development and control of the river continues to generate controversy.
A site looking over the valley of Kilmartin Glen in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland and opposite another site of rock art above Cairnbaan (aside the Crinan Canal - a shortcut at the top of Kintyre built from around 1794). Petroglyphs are everywhere around the Glen which is also known for its linear cemetry of large cairns and its dramatic compositions of stone rows - some decorated with cups. Cairns, crannogs and standing stones watch over.
The Archnabreac site was discovered in 2008 and is thought to be from around 5,000 ybp. This is just a portion, and the photo is from an angle that maybe best shows how the surface rock undulated down to the Glen. For the photograph, modern houses and fences were removed to simplify the reading (there were very few, and the whole valley area seems to be well managed). The image itself is a montage, with a layer set to expose structure and a second remembering colour - so, in effect a black and white tint. There is almost a sense of rain water ripples in the monolithic surface. Natural cracks are integrated into some of the designs.
For its sheer scale, this is probably one of the most important sites of cups and rings in the whole of the British Isles. With the variety of forms in adjacent sites, it is another factor that gives Kilmartin Glen a place of special importance to persons with an interest in prehistory, archaic land art, spiritual places and stone.
The site is managed by Forestry Commission Scotland so is under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
AJ
Of all the rainbow colors the Wheeling’s east end has to offer, these white ex-CITX units are certainly my least favorites. They blow out your photos in daylight, and dull your colors in winter shots much like here. If I could put any engine up for immediate repaint it would be the two sporting this lousy scheme.
Despite that, I feel like this is a good enough shot that it’s post worthy. 218 making its dramatic exit from State Line Tunnel as they head east with a max tonnage train.
Not long after I took this photo, the 6992 would be involved in a low speed head-on collision while working the SWP interchange at Everson. The details remain unknown but the 6992 sustained enough front frame damage that it received a nose rebuild at Brewster shops, in the process the striped nose now turned blank primer, making this unit truly an eye sore.
Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima_Shrine:
Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii. It is in the city of Hatsukaichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan, accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings: the Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it.
The Wuyi Mountains or Wuyishan[1] (Chinese: 武夷山; pinyin: Wǔyí Shān; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Bú-î-soaⁿ; formerly known as Bohea Hills in early Western documents) are a mountain range located in the prefecture of Nanping, in northern Fujian province near the border with Jiangxi province, China. The highest peak in the area is Mount Huanggang at 2,158 metres (7,080 ft) on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi, making it the highest point of both provinces; the lowest altitudes are around 200 metres (660 ft). Many oolong and black teas are produced in the Wuyi Mountains, including Da Hong Pao ('big red robe') and lapsang souchong, and are sold as Wuyi tea. The mountain range is known worldwide for its status as a refugium for several rare and endemic plant species, its dramatic river valleys, and the abundance of important temples and archeological sites in the region, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[2] —- WikiPedia
NGC 1365 is a spectacular barred spiral galaxy about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Fornax. It’s famous for its dramatic central bar, which funnels gas toward the core and fuels intense star formation. At its heart lies an active supermassive black hole, making NGC 1365 not just beautiful but dynamic.
-=Tech Data=-
Telescope: Planewave CDK24 f/6.5
Camera: QHY 600M
Exposure time
- Luminance: 2 hours 45 min
- Red: 3 hours 20 min
- Green: 3 hours 25 min
- Blue: 2 hours 30 min
- Total :12 hours
Shot from Rio Hurtado valley, Chile via Telescope Live
For Steam Sunday here's another shot of Reading and Northern 2102 that unquestionably puts on the best steam show in the east these days. It's such a great show that I returned for my second time in only three weeks to see her!
As for this run, it was a special operated on behalf of the Mountain Top Rotary Club and made a 90 minute trip from Penobscot to Jim Thorpe with a 5 hr layover there before returning north. The train was a bit smaller than other recent runs featuring only 11 cars (including a power car and diner) trailing the big 4-8-4 which was built in the Reading Company's own shops in 1945 using parts from a former 76-foot Class I-10sa consolidation 1923 Baldwin locomotive. The RDG created a fleet of 30 middleweight engines in the T-1 series capable of both freight and passenger assignments.
Here she is drifting south through the Lehigh River Gorge at about MP 125.3 on modern day Reading and Northern's Lehigh Division mainline, the former Lehigh Valley Railroad main. This area is double tracked with the Norfolk Southern still retaining ownership of the parallel track to the right as their now little used Lehigh Line main. The gravel path at right now known as the D&L Trail was once the double tracked Central Railroad of New Jersey mainline. The walls of the gorge rise over 1000 feet on either side of the Lehigh River along its dramatic winding 26 mile course between Jim Thorpe and White Haven through the roadless wilderness.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Saturday September 13, 2025
South Stack Lighthouse, located on a small islet, Ynys Lawd, off the coast of Anglesey in Wales, is a historic lighthouse built in 1809. It was built by Trinity House to mark the treacherous rocks below and guide ships on the Dublin-Holyhead-Liverpool route. Known for its dramatic location on steep cliffs, it is accessible via a staircase of 400 steps. For a fee visitors can tour the former engine room and climb to the top of the lighthouse. South Stack is a wonderful place to watch thousands of breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins.