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One Congress Plaza, located in the heart of downtown Austin and sitting on an entire city block, captures the essence of the city with its unique stair-step design and bold neon blue lights around its perimeter. Its dramatic views of Hill Country, downtown, the capitol building and Town Lake expose Austin's different terrains, and bring the city's high-tech, but low-key vibe to the surface.
**Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 00000783, date listed 7/14/2000
Approx. 0.5 mi. SE of jct. S. Calhan Rd. and Paint Mine Rd.
Calhan, CO (El Paso County)
The Calhan Paint Mines archaeological district is located in an area of white sandstone and colored clay features southeast of Calhan, Colorado, approximately 31 miles northeast of Colorado Springs. The area is composed of gullies and drainages that resemble “badlands” formations. The same erosional processes that have stripped some areas within the Paint Mines of soils, producing its unique geological features, have also worked to bury cultural deposits in other parts of the district, recording a complex archaeological record of human activity. (1)
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a unique natural open space in Calhan, CO, featuring four miles of trails, including a main loop commonly referred to as the Paint Mines Interpretive Trail. The park is known for its dramatic, colorful geological formations, or "hoodoos" and spires, created by erosion of iron-oxide-rich clays and sandstone. (Google AI)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Form catalog.archives.gov/id/84130078
Sam Pho Khong #instago #ig_nesia #iphone4s #instagood #instagram #iphonesia #instagramhub #its_dramatic #iphoneography #all_shots #photooftheday #gang_family #b_ig #hdr #hdrpro #hdr_arts #hdreality #hdrmaster #hdr_lovers #hdrepublic #hdrpotters #hdroftheday #hdrstyles_gf #hdr_indonesia #str8hdr
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The sweeping white-sand crescent of Bondi is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Reliable waves draw surfers while, nearby, hardy locals swim in the Icebergs ocean pool year-round. Trendy, health-conscious Sydneysiders head to laid-back cafes around Hall Street, while hip backpackers frequent the area's casual pubs. Walkers and joggers use the clifftop Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, with its dramatic scenery.
White Sands National Monument is in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It's known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Trails through the dunes include the raised Interdune Boardwalk and the Dune Life Nature Trail, dotted with interpretive exhibits on wildlife and other features. Dunes Drive is a looped road from the White Sands Visitor Center to the dune field. Read the blog post - www.dvrawfiles.com/white-sands-new-mexico Watch the vlog - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhwKZVqNfiU
Watching our private recital at St. Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork, Ireland.
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. This is without doubt one of the most striking buildings in the region with its history rooted in the people of Cork and of course its dramatic architecture.
The location of the current Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since the 7th century. This is said to be the actual location where St Finn Barre (Corks Patron Saint) founded his original monastery and thereby creating the first settlement in what is now Cork.
The current church being consecrated in 1870 in Victorian/ Gothic style. In the intervening centuries various buildings have come & gone but the original structure by St Fin Barre was said to have been one of the main centres of scholastic learning until the 10th century.
Westmorland Dales In The Yorkshire Dales National Park
This is an area of tremendous history and there are stone circles, remains from the romans and medieval villages to be found.
In the Mallerstang valley you will find the atmospheric ruins of Pendragon Castle with its reputed connection to Uther Pendragon – the father of King Arthur. Towering over the castle is Wild Boar Fell where Sir Richard de Musgrave is thought to have killed the last wild boar in Britain. There could be something in this as his tomb is in Kirkby Stephen church and, when it was examined, in addition to his bones there were two wild boar tusks.
More modern history was created by the building of railways. The Settle to Carlisle railway cuts through the Westmorland Dales as part of its dramatic journey through the Dales with its stunning examples of Victorian engineering. There was also Stainmore Railway which was built to bring coal from the Tees Valley over to Cumbria for use in making iron. Although this railway closed in the 1960s it has left some tremendous reminders of its existence such as the viaducts over Podgill and Smardale and the station at Kirkby Stephen East.
CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK -- parks.nv.gov/cg.htm -- Cathedral Gorge State Park is known for its dramatic, carved cliffs and canyons, remnants of a Pliocene-era lakebed. Visitors from around the world enjoy hiking trails to explore the formations and cathedral-like spires. Miller Point, a scenic overlook, offers excellent views of the scenic canyon. Hiking, picnicking, camping, nature study, photography and ranger programs are the most common activities at the park. Facilities open all year include a 24-unit campground, RV dump station, restrooms with showers, a group use area and a day use picnic area. Cathedral Gorge is 165 miles northeast of Las Vegas, via Interstate 15 North, and easy access off U.S. Highway 93 two miles north of Panaca.
Another long shot of the torii gate outside the Itsukushima temple off the coast of Hiroshima, Japan which gets submerged partially during high tide. If you view the picture in full screen or expanded mode, you can clearly see the water marks at the base of the gate. A close view of the gate of course appeared earlier in this album. (see previous pictures). 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, (that's the gate you see right here) as well as for views of the sacred peaks of Mount Misen, extensive forests, and its aesthetic ocean view. (seeh here). 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. The Itsukushima temple complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and six of its buildings and possessions have been designated by the Japanese government as National Treasures. Now back to this tori gate, it is currently covered entirely by semi-transparent scaffolding while it underges restoration in preparation for the 2020 Olympics (Hiroshima,Japan, Apr/ May 2019)
Ultar Sar is notable for its dramatic rise above local terrain. Its south flank rises over 5,300 metres (17,388 feet) above the Hunza River near Karimabad, in only about 10 km (6.2 mi) of horizontal distance. Combined with its strategic position at the end of the Batura Muztagh, with the Hunza River bending around it, this makes Ultar a visually striking peak.
is a canyon system of the Caprock Escarpment located in the Texas Panhandle near the city of Amarillo, Texas, United States. As the second largest canyon in the United States, it is roughly 193 km (120 mi) long and has an average width of 10 km (6.2 mi), but reaches a width of 32 km (20 mi) at places. Its depth is around 250 m (820 ft), but in some locations it can increase up to 304 m (997 ft). Palo Duro Canyon 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 similar to those in the Grand Canyon.
One of the most amazing places that I have ever seen! The Lighthouse Trail was awesome and unforgettable!
More information:
English: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palo_Duro_Canyon
German: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palo_Duro_Canyon
Don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media
without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved.
Date: 2014
Location: San Francisco Public Safety Building
Photo credit: Bruce Damonte
Shimone Attie’s memorial to fallen San Francisco Police Officers, Spiral of Gratitude, combines the elements of glass, sky and light, together with the written word to create an immersive memorial within the building’s lobby. Spiral of Gratitude announces itself from a distance with its dramatic glass cylinder anchored by bold text embedded into the rear concrete wall that reads “Look Up, Their Courage Shines”. The phrase, which contextualizes and frames the memorial, leads the viewer’s gaze up through the open cylinder that culminates in a circular skylight. The poem was written specifically for the memorial by Margo Perin based on interviews with families and colleagues of fallen officers, and in collaboration with Attie and members of the Bay Area Law Enforcements Assistance Fund.
Wednesday 20th October
We drove round locally, moving up the coast to Bamburgh and its dramatic castle.
This stunning head with its wonderful representation of a complex hair style was yet another treasure from this great museum. Powerful and evocative I personally found this piece very moving, not just because of its dramatic representative power, but alss because of its intimate portrait of a woman of long ago.
Rouken Glen Park is a historic park located next to Thornliebank, Giffnock and Newton Mearns.
It contains a range of features and facilities including the pavilion visitor centre which hosts various exhibitions throughout the year ranging from health awareness days to old photo exhibits of the park and surrounding areas, play area, walled garden, the Glen with its dramatic water falls and woodland paths, and a boating pond. There is also a garden centre, café and restaurant and art gallery located in the park.
Throughout the year the park hosts many events ranging from local Community Gala Days to national events like Armed Forces Day.
Hanging Rock, located in central Victoria, Australia, is a striking geological formation known for its dramatic granite outcrops and eerie beauty. Rising 105 meters above the surrounding landscape, the rock is part of the Macedon Ranges and is surrounded by dense forests, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The site is culturally significant to the local Wurundjeri people, who have a deep connection to the land, and it features in many stories and traditions passed down through generations.
Hanging Rock is also famous in literary history, primarily due to Joan Lindsay's 1967 novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, which has captivated readers with its mysterious, unsettling narrative. The story, set in 1900, tells of the inexplicable disappearance of a group of schoolgirls and their teacher during a picnic at the rock, blending fiction with elements of folklore. The novel has been adapted into a film and remains a key part of Australian cultural identity, contributing to the mythos surrounding Hanging Rock as a place of mystery and intrigue.
Front view of a Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis "Fagot B"
The Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau emerged in the early Cold War era as a key designer of Soviet jet fighters, most notably the MiG-15. First flown in 1947, the MiG-15 answered Joseph Stalin’s call for an advanced, high-altitude day interceptor. With its dramatic deployment in the Korean War, the MiG-15 impressed westerners with its speed, maneuverability, and heavy armament. While a unique Soviet design, it used an adaptation of the Rolls Royce Nene jet engine, produced by the Soviets as the RD-45.
During the Korean War, the MiG-15 challenged U.S. F-80 and F-86 jet fighters for air dominance. It was the first operational Soviet swept-wing jet fighters equipped with a pressurized cockpit and ejection seat. The MiG-15 series is believed to be the most widely produced jet fighter, with around 17,000 variants. This MiG-15 operated as a Chinese F-2. The Smithsonian acquired the aircraft in 1985.
Wingspan:
10.1 m (33 ft 2 in)
Length:
10.1 m (33 ft 2 in)
Height:
3.4 m (10 ft 10 in)
Weight, empty:
3,523 kg (7,767 lb)
Weight, gross:
5,405 kg (11,916 lb)
Top speed:
1,050 km/h (652 mph)
Engine:
RD-45F centrifugal flow turbojet, 2,270 kg (4,994 lb) thrust
Armament:
One NS 37 mm and two NS 23 mm cannons
Manufacturer:
Mikoyan-Gurevich
For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-15
First of the 47 Titan 1 to fly at Cape Canaveral missile A-3 awaits its dramatic
first flight success on Feb.6, 1959.
Masada (Hebrew for fortress) has become one of the Jewish people's greatest symbols as the place where the last Jewish stronghold against Roman invasion stood. Next to Jerusalem, it is the most popular destination of tourists visiting Israel.
Located on a 600 x 300m plateau atop an isolated rock cliff at the western end of the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea.
It’s casemate wall (two parallel walls with partitions dividing the space between them into rooms), is 1400 m. long and 4 m. wide and was built along the edge of the plateau.
Three narrow, winding paths led from below to fortified gates and the water supply was guaranteed by a network of large, rock-hewn cisterns on the northwestern side of the hill.
On the east side, the rock falls in a sheer drop of about 450 meters to the Dead Sea and on the western edge it stands about 100 meters above the surrounding terrain.
More than two thousand years have passed since the fall of the Masada fortress yet the regional climate and its remoteness have helped to preserve the remains of its extraordinary story.
Herod the Great built the fortress of Masada between 37 and 31 BC and “furnished it as a refuge for himself.”
Some 75 years after Herod’s death, at the beginning of the Revolt of the Jews against the Romans in 66 AD, a group of Jewish rebels overcame the Roman garrison of Masada and affter the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple (70 AD) they were joined by zealots and their families who had fled from Jerusalem.
For three years, they withstood the raiding and harassing Romans, but in 73 AD, the Romans established camps at the base of Masada, laid siege and having constructed a rampart of thousands of tons of stones and beaten earth against the western approaches of the fortress, in the spring of 74 AD they moved a battering ram up the ramp and breached the wall of the fortress.
Once it became apparent that Masada's walls would be breached all the Jewish defenders committed suicide rather than face the Roman conquerers.
The heroic story of Masada and its dramatic end attracted many explorers to the Judean desert in attempts to locate the remains of the fortress. The site was identified in 1842, but intensive excavations took place only in the mid-1960's.
To many Jews, Masada symbolizes the determination to be free in their own land.
Canary Islands.
Surfing,a passion for riding the waves.
Surf, pasión por las olas. Las Canteras.
Surf en Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria es uno de aquellos paraísos ideales para la temporada de verano e invierno, sobre todo para los viajeros aventureros que buscan disfrutar de sus increíbles paisajes mientras gozan de las olas haciendo surf.
Lo interesante de Gran Canaria es el hecho de ser una de las pocas regiones del territorio español, disponibles durante cualquier temporada del año, esto quiere decir que las temperaturas, tanto en el agua del océano Atlántico en esta latitud como la temperatura ambiental es suave y primaveral, por tanto, Canarias debe ser tú próximo objetivo.
Por lo regular los surferos internacionales no paran hasta que aterrizan en las famosas “Islas Afortunadas”, que a su vez son conocidas como el “Hawai del Atlántico”, por su belleza natural, debido a su increíble archipiélago de origen volcánico formado por siete islas, ideales para disfrutar del Surf.
in English
Sulf in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of those havens ideal for summer and winter season, especially for adventurous travelers looking to enjoy its dramatic scenery while enjoying surfing waves.
The interesting thing about Gran Canaria is the fact of being one of the few regions of the Spanish territory, available at any time of year, this means that temperatures, both in the water of the Atlantic Ocean at this latitude as the temperature is mild and spring, therefore, the Canary Islands should be your next target.
For international surfers usually do not stop until they land in the famous "Afortunadas Islas", which in turn are known as the "Hawaii of the Atlantic" for its natural beauty due to its amazing volcanic archipelago consisting of seven islands , ideal for enjoying the Surf.
En Alemán
Surf, Leidenschaft für die Wellen. Las Canteras.
Surf in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria ist eine jener Oasen ideal für Sommer-und Wintersaison, besonders für abenteuerlustige Reisende auf der Suche nach seiner dramatischen Szenerie zu genießen, während Sie surfen Wellen.
Das Interessante an Gran Canaria ist die Tatsache, dass sie eine der wenigen Regionen des spanischen Territoriums, zu jeder Zeit des Jahres bedeutet dies, dass die Temperaturen sowohl im Wasser des Atlantischen Ozeans in diesen Breiten die Temperatur mild ist und Frühjahr sollte daher auf den Kanarischen Inseln Ihrem nächsten Ziel.
Für die internationale Surfer in der Regel nicht aufhören, bis sie landen in der berühmten "Happy Isles", die wiederum als "Hawaii des Atlantiks" für seine natürliche Schönheit wegen seiner erstaunlichen vulkanischen Archipel, bestehend aus sieben Inseln sind bekannt , ideal für den Genuss der Surf.
日本
Surf、波への情熱。ラスナスカン。
グランカナリア島のSulf
グランカナリア島は特に波サーフィンを楽しみながら信じられないほどの景色を楽しむために探して冒険旅行のため、夏と冬のシーズンに向けて理想的なものな避難所の一つです。
グランカナリア島の面白いところは、どの季節で使用可能なスペイン語の地域のいくつかの地域では、この手段の一つが、この緯度では大西洋の海洋深層水の両方の温度が温度が軽度であるととしてという事実です。春は、従って、カナリア諸島では、あなたの次のターゲットにする必要があります。
通常、国際的なサーファーは、順番に七つの島で構成されるその驚くべき火山群島のために、その自然の美しさのための"大西洋のハワイ"として知られている有名な"ハッピーアイル"で彼らの土地、までは停止しない、Sulfを楽しむのに理想的。
中國
含硫，對於波的激情。拉斯維加斯 Canteras酒店。
含硫在大加那利
大加那利是那些理想的避風港夏季和冬季，特別是對於那些希望享受令人難以置信的風光，同時享受衝浪的海浪冒險的旅客之一。
關於大加那利有趣的是，在西班牙境內的少數地區，任何季節使用，這意味著一個在大西洋海水溫度在這個緯度的溫度溫和，春天，因此，加那利群島的應該是你的下一個目標。
通常國際衝浪者不要停止，直到他們在著名的“快樂島”，這又是為“大西洋夏威夷”之稱的自然之美的七個島嶼組成，由於其驚人的火山群島土地為享受含硫的理想選擇。
العربية
Surf، والعاطفة للموجات. لاس Canteras.
Surf في غران كناريا
غران كناريا هي واحدة من تلك الملاذات مثالية لفصل الصيف وموسم الشتاء ، خاصة بالنسبة للمسافرين المغامرة يبحث التمتع مشهد لا يصدق في حين تتمتع تصفح الأمواج.
والشيء المثير للاهتمام حول غران كناريا هو حقيقة أن واحدة من المناطق القليلة في الأراضي الإسبانية، وهي متاحة للأي موسم، وهذا يعني ان درجات الحرارة في كل من مياه المحيط الأطلسي في هذا العرض حيث تكون درجة الحرارة معتدلة و الربيع ، وبالتالي، ينبغي أن يكون هدف جزر الكناري الخاص بك المقبل.
متصفحي الدولي عادة لا تتوقف حتى أنهم الأراضي في "الجزر سعيد" الشهيرة، والتي بدورها هي المعروفة باسم "هاواي في المحيط الاطلسي" لجمالها الطبيعي بسبب الأرخبيل البركاني في مذهلة تتألف من سبع جزر ومثالية للاستمتاع Surf.
Stockemen's Bank of Martinsdale
Martinsdale, Montana
Listed 05/01/2013
Reference Number: 13000224
Stockmen's Bank is locally significant under National Register Criterion A in the area of commerce as a place of repeated activities that facilitated commercial and agricultural development from its construction in 1919 through its unexpected closure in 1949. Originally constructed and opened as the State Bank of Martinsdale, the building is also importantly associated with banking trends in Montana as it witnessed the closure of that institution in 1923 at the height of the post World War I agricultural depression and banking crisis. However, the building also represents a counterpoint to those trends in Stockmen's Bank of Martinsdale, successor to the State Bank, which survived for twenty-six years during an equally tumultuous period that included the 1929 Stock Market Crash, the Great Depression and World War II. The bank is also significant for its dramatic closure in 1949 after it was discovered its longtime cashier had taken approximately $205,000 from the bank over several years. It represents one of the great dangers of small town banking-an institution run by a single employee with little accountability. Finally, Stockmen's Bank is also significant at the local level under National Register Criterion C as an excellent example of a one-part commercial block building, as well as Martinsdale's only brick building and its only commercial building expressing an architectural style (Neo- classical Revival).
National Register of Historic Places Homepage
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
Pershore Abbey, Worcestershire dedicated to the Holy Cross, was part of an Anglo-Saxon abbey complex and is now the parish church www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/1F0Pz6
It is an amazing survivor, a triumphant remnant of a much larger building which was an important Benedictine monastery in medieval times.
Evidence of its dramatic over thousand year history can be seen throughout the building which has survived fires in 1002, 1223 and 1288, storms and earthquake
Rebuilding, remodelling and repair have produced a fascinating mixture of Norman, Early English, Decorated , Gothic and Victorian architecture we see today. The exterior pink stonework is caused by the fire damage.
The earliest reference of a religious foundation here is in 681 when the King of Mercia gave land to fund a Christian community. It was attacked by the Vikings in the 900s and in 972 the Abbey introduced the Benedictine Rule, However in 976 a local earl seized two-thirds of the Abbey’s land and in 1065 Edward the Confessor gave this land to fund his new abbey at Westminster. The parish was split in two, and the tenants of Westminster Abbey worshipped at St Andrew’s church nearby.
The saxon church was destroyed by fire (1001 & earthquake (106) and the present building probably dates from c1090 .
The c1100 south transept contains the oldest work
In 1288 there was another fire which caused much damage, and the chancel was rebuilt shortly afterwards It is of four bays with piers surviving from the early 13c and above the clerestory windows with vaulted ceiling and fine roof bosses are from the rebuilding .
After the dissolution of the monastery in 1539 , Henry VIII’s commissioners visited and ordered its demolition . The people of Pershore however raised £400 to buy the quire , the c1330 four stage tower and the north and south transepts. The rest including the nave and monastic buildings were demolished causing future instability .
The north transept collapsed in the 17c and the crossing tower was shored up on that side.
The Victorians had a major restoration in 1862 under George Gilbert Scott who opened up the c1330 lantern tower and installed a unique ringing platform suspended high in the tower. www.holmerbells.co.uk/Pershore%202018photos.html The eastern apse was also built.
The huge buttresses by the main door were added in 1913 to stop the four stage tower collapsing
A north west vestry was added in 1936 on the site of the Norman north transept
There are several effigies and monuments including a 13c cross-legged Knight of the Harley family www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/SnQ27D , Abbot Edmund Hert 1479 www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/e1L9gs ; and 2 monuments to the 17c Haselwood family www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/Y2rf95 www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/M1NKT0
The font is Norman showing Christ and the apostles under intersecting arches. www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/5ZQA60
Flanked by columns, the barrel vaulted entrance of this three bedroom home is echoed in its dramatic arched windows and gables. In this house plan, interior columns add elegance while visually dividing foyer from dining room and great room from kitchen. The great room is made even larger by its cathedral ceiling and bank of windows, including an arched clerestory window. A box bay window adds space to the formal dining room, while the kitchen features an angled center island with breakfast counter for the busy family. The floor plan's master suite, secluded on the first floor, boasts his and her walk-in closets and garden tub with skylight. Two bedrooms upstairs share another skylit bath. *Photographed home may have been modified from the original construction documents.* www.dongardner.com/house-plan/248/the-barclay/
Arnarstapi is a small fishing village on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. Historically an important fishing and trading post, it is now best known for its dramatic coastal scenery, basalt cliffs, sea arches, and rich birdlife. The village lies at the foot of Snæfellsjökull and serves as a popular starting point for coastal walks to nearby Hellnar. One of its most recognizable landmarks is the stone sculpture of Bárður Snæfellsás, a figure from Icelandic folklore associated with the peninsula.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Often called "Iceland in Miniature," the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of the country's most diverse regions, featuring volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, black-sand beaches, fishing villages, waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and rugged coastlines. Dominating the peninsula is Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano made famous by Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. The peninsula is widely regarded as one of Iceland’s most scenic destinations due to the variety of landscapes concentrated in a relatively small area.
There is a danger of running out of superlatives when trying to describe Beverley Minster. It is not only the second finest non-cathedral church in the country but is architecturally a far finer building than most of our cathedrals themselves! It will come as a surprise to many visitors to find this grand edifice simply functions today as a parish church and has never been more than collegiate, a status it lost at the Reformaton. What had added to its mystique and wealth was its status as a place of pilgrimage housing the tomb of St John of Beverley, which drew visitors and revenue until the Reformation brought an end to such fortunes and the shrine was destroyed (though the saint's bones were later rediscovered and reinterred in the nave). That this great church itself survived this period almost intact is little short of a miracle in itself.
There has been a church here since the 8th century but little remains of the earlier buildings aside from the Saxon chair near the altar and the Norman font in the nave. The present Minster's construction spans the entirety of the development of the Gothic architecture but forms a surprisingly harmonious whole nevertheless, starting with Early English in the 13h century choir and transepts (both pairs) with their lancet windows in a building phase that stopped at the first bays of the nave. Construction was then continued with the nave in the 14th century but only the traceried windows betray the emergent Decorated style, the design otherwise closely followed the work of the previous century which gives the Minster's interior such a pleasingly unified appearance (the only discernable break in construction within can be seen where the black purbeck-marble ceased to be used for certain elements beyond the eastern bay of the nave). Finally the building was completed more or less by 1420 with the soaring west front with its dramatic twin-towers in Perpendicular style (the east window must have been enlarged at this point too to match the new work at the west end).
The fabric happily survived the Reformation intact aside from the octagonal chapter-house formerly adjoining the north choir aisle which was dismantled to raise money by the sale of its materials while the church's fate was in the balance (a similar fate was contemplated for the rest of the church by its new owners until the town bought it for retention as a parish church for £100). The great swathes of medieval glass alas were mostly lost, though seemingly as much to neglect and storm-damage in the following century than the usual iconoclasm. All that survived of the Minster's original glazing was collected to form the patchwork display now filling the great east window, a colourful kaleidoscope of fragments of figures and scenes. Of the other furnishings the choir stalls are the major ensemble and some of the finest medieval canopied stalls extant with a full set of charming misericords (though most of these alas are not normally on show).
There are suprisingly few monuments of note for such an enormous cathedral-like church, but the one major exception makes up for this, the delightful canopied Percy tomb erected in 1340 to the north of the high altar. The tomb itself is surprisingly plain without any likeness remaining of the deceased, but the richly carved Decorated canopy above is alive with gorgeous detail and figurative embellishments. There are further carvings to enjoy adorning the arcading that runs around the outer perimeter of the interior, especially the north nave aisle which has the most rewarding carved figures of musicians, monsters and people suffering various ailments, many were largely restored in the 19th century but still preserve the medieval spirit of irreverent fun.
To summarise Beverley Minster would be difficult other than simply adding that if one enjoys marvelling at Gothic architecture at its best then it really shouldn't be missed and one should prioritise it over the majority of our cathedrals. It is a real gem and a delight to behold, and is happily normally open and welcoming to visitors (who must all be astonished to find this magnificent edifice is no more than a simple parish church in status!). I thoroughly enjoyed this, my second visit here (despite the best efforts of the poor weather!).
White Sands National Monument is in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It's known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Trails through the dunes include the raised Interdune Boardwalk and the Dune Life Nature Trail, dotted with interpretive exhibits on wildlife and other features. Dunes Drive is a looped road from the White Sands Visitor Center to the dune field. Read the blog post - www.dvrawfiles.com/white-sands-new-mexico Watch the vlog - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhwKZVqNfiU
Extremely rare in cultivation, Nernstia mexicana is one of the most beautiful flowering plants in the world. Native to San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo, Mexico between ~1000-3600m elevation, this slow-growing shrub has tidy grey-green leaves with recurved margins and a matte finish. These serve as a perfect backdrop to its dramatic pure white trumpet flowers which emit a fantastic fragrance. This species has considerable horticultural potential and it is my hope that it will someday be available to plant collectors and gardeners in all climates suitable to its cultivation.
Nernstia mexicana belongs to the Coffee-Gardenia family (Rubiaceae) and more specifically to the Portlandiinae subtribe of the Chiococceae tribe, which means that it is a close relative to other glamorous genera such as Osa and Portlandia.
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Fourth pillar rock, Stolby Nature Reserve
Stolby Nature Reserve is a Russian strict nature reserve located 10 km south of the city of Krasnoyarsk and known for its dramatic complexes of rocks.
Established by Pres William Clinton in 2001, 1600 km^2 Carrizo Plain National Monument protects the largest native grassland remaining in California. In its lands are 13 endangered species, including the San Joaquin kit fox, the San Joaquin antelope squirrel, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, the giant kangaroo rat, greater and lesser sandhill cranes, and the California condor. Local boosters have called it "California's Serengeti". The park is known for its dramatic geological evidence of the San Andreas Fault, as well as its dramatic spring blooms. Nevertheless it is one of the less well visited national parks and is run by the Bureau of Land Management.
Carrizo Plain National Monument, Taft, California
Always listed as one of Italy's premier examples of Gothic architecture, Siena's cathedral owes its dramatic first impression to the genius of Giovanni Pisano, who designed its façade and sculpted most of the statues and reliefs that adorn it. The alternating stripes of dark and light marble that cover most of the church and its tall campanile contrast not only with each other, but with the predominating red brick of the rest of Siena's buildings. The cathedral has more masterpieces and art treasures than many prestigious museums, or in fact, many entire cities, with multiple works by both Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Bernini, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Pinturicchio, Iácopo della Quercia, Giovanni di Turino, Vecchietta, and others. The works that decorate the walls, ceilings, and floors, and fill the chapels, crypt, library, and museum constitute one of Italy's outstanding assemblies of frescoes, sculptures, stone and wood carving, paintings, gold and silver work, illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, and stained glass art.
This photo can be used copyright free, attribution only is requested.
Yeah, I visited a few cemeteries in NY during my November 19 - 21, 2010 trip to visit Flickr animal rescue peeps.
Calvary — or more specifically First Calvary, the part south of the Long Island Expressway and west of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway — is best admired for its dramatic setting: tucked in among highways, residential neighborhoods, industrial buildings and Newtown Creek, with views of Manhattan rising as a backdrop.
The best views are from Sections 7 and 48 — use the posted map to help you. Section 7 is more spectacular, as elegant obelisks and other monuments point skyward in the foreground, blending in seamlessly with the skyscrapers of Midtown far beyond, as if Ms. Chrysler and Mr. E. S. Building were buried in the distance. Section 48 has cleaner city views, but its headstones are mostly smaller and simpler, reducing the drama quotient.
White Sands National Monument is in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It's known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Trails through the dunes include the raised Interdune Boardwalk and the Dune Life Nature Trail, dotted with interpretive exhibits on wildlife and other features. Dunes Drive is a looped road from the White Sands Visitor Center to the dune field.
Detail of the patchwork of medieval glass remaining from various windows throughout the Minster re-assembled to fill the great east window.
There is a danger of running out of superlatives when trying to describe Beverley Minster. It is not only the second finest non-cathedral church in the country but is architecturally a far finer building than most of our cathedrals themselves! It will come as a surprise to many visitors to find this grand edifice simply functions today as a parish church and has never been more than collegiate, a status it lost at the Reformaton. What had added to its mystique and wealth was its status as a place of pilgrimage housing the tomb of St John of Beverley, which drew visitors and revenue until the Reformation brought an end to such fortunes and the shrine was destroyed (though the saint's bones were later rediscovered and reinterred in the nave). That this great church itself survived this period almost intact is little short of a miracle in itself.
There has been a church here since the 8th century but little remains of the earlier buildings aside from the Saxon chair near the altar and the Norman font in the nave. The present Minster's construction spans the entirety of the development of the Gothic architecture but forms a surprisingly harmonious whole nevertheless, starting with Early English in the 13h century choir and transepts (both pairs) with their lancet windows in a building phase that stopped at the first bays of the nave. Construction was then continued with the nave in the 14th century but only the traceried windows betray the emergent Decorated style, the design otherwise closely followed the work of the previous century which gives the Minster's interior such a pleasingly unified appearance (the only discernable break in construction within can be seen where the black purbeck-marble ceased to be used for certain elements beyond the eastern bay of the nave). Finally the building was completed more or less by 1420 with the soaring west front with its dramatic twin-towers in Perpendicular style (the east window must have been enlarged at this point too to match the new work at the west end).
The fabric happily survived the Reformation intact aside from the octagonal chapter-house formerly adjoining the north choir aisle which was dismantled to raise money by the sale of its materials while the church's fate was in the balance (a similar fate was contemplated for the rest of the church by its new owners until the town bought it for retention as a parish church for £100). The great swathes of medieval glass alas were mostly lost, though seemingly as much to neglect and storm-damage in the following century than the usual iconoclasm. All that survived of the Minster's original glazing was collected to form the patchwork display now filling the great east window, a colourful kaleidoscope of fragments of figures and scenes. Of the other furnishings the choir stalls are the major ensemble and some of the finest medieval canopied stalls extant with a full set of charming misericords (though most of these alas are not normally on show).
There are suprisingly few monuments of note for such an enormous cathedral-like church, but the one major exception makes up for this, the delightful canopied Percy tomb erected in 1340 to the north of the high altar. The tomb itself is surprisingly plain without any likeness remaining of the deceased, but the richly carved Decorated canopy above is alive with gorgeous detail and figurative embellishments. There are further carvings to enjoy adorning the arcading that runs around the outer perimeter of the interior, especially the north nave aisle which has the most rewarding carved figures of musicians, monsters and people suffering various ailments, many were largely restored in the 19th century but still preserve the medieval spirit of irreverent fun.
To summarise Beverley Minster would be difficult other than simply adding that if one enjoys marvelling at Gothic architecture at its best then it really shouldn't be missed and one should prioritise it over the majority of our cathedrals. It is a real gem and a delight to behold, and is happily normally open and welcoming to visitors (who must all be astonished to find this magnificent edifice is no more than a simple parish church in status!). I thoroughly enjoyed this, my second visit here (despite the best efforts of the poor weather!).
Kirkjufell, or 'Church Mountain', is a distinctly shaped peak found on the north shore of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, only a short distance away from the town of Grundarfjörður. It is often called ‘the most photographed mountain in Iceland’ due to its dramatic formation and perfect coastal location.
Peaking at 463 meters, 1519 feet, Kirkjufell is an impressive landmark. Throughout the centuries, Kirkjufell’s striking slopes have acted as a visual landmark for seafarers and travellers. More recently, it has attracted amateur and professional photographers alike.
Within walking distance from Kirkjufell is the serene and perfectly located waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss, or 'Church Mountain Falls', an excellent subject for photographers who can easily frame the mountain in the background. Despite its relatively diminutive height, Kirkjufellsfoss’ three steps, gentle flow, and dramatic differences between seasons make it as impressive as some of Iceland’s larger waterfalls.
REFORD GARDENS | LES JARDINS DE MÉTIS
MECONOPSIS BETONICIFOLIA
Visit : www.refordgardens.com/
From Wikipedia:
Elsie Stephen Meighen - born January 22, 1872, Perth, Ontario - and Robert Wilson Reford - born in 1867, Montreal - got married on June 12, 1894.
Elsie Reford was a pioneer of Canadian horticulture, creating one of the largest private gardens in Canada on her estate, Estevan Lodge in eastern Québec. Located in Grand-Métis on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, her gardens have been open to the public since 1962 and operate under the name Les Jardins de Métis and Reford Gardens.
Born January 22, 1872 at Perth, Ontario, Elsie Reford was the eldest of three children born to Robert Meighen and Elsie Stephen. Coming from modest backgrounds themselves, Elsie’s parents ensured that their children received a good education. After being educated in Montreal, she was sent to finishing school in Dresden and Paris, returning to Montreal fluent in both German and French, and ready to take her place in society.
She married Robert Wilson Reford on June 12, 1894. She gave birth to two sons, Bruce in 1895 and Eric in 1900. Robert and Elsie Reford were, by many accounts, an ideal couple. In 1902, they built a house on Drummond Street in Montreal. They both loved the outdoors and they spend several weeks a year in a log cabin they built at Lac Caribou, south of Rimouski. In the autumn they hunted for caribou, deer, and ducks. They returned in winter to ski and snowshoe. Elsie Reford also liked to ride. She had learned as a girl and spent many hours riding on the slopes of Mount Royal. And of course, there was salmon-fishing – a sport at which she excelled.
In her day, she was known for her civic, social, and political activism. She was engaged in philanthropic activities, particularly for the Montreal Maternity Hospital and she was also the moving force behind the creation of the Women’s Canadian Club of Montreal, the first women club in Canada. She believed it important that the women become involved in debates over the great issues of the day, « something beyond the local gossip of the hour ». Her acquaintance with Lord Grey, the Governor-General of Canada from 1904 to 1911, led to her involvement in organizing, in 1908, Québec City’s tercentennial celebrations. The event was one of many to which she devoted herself in building bridges with French-Canadian community.
During the First World War, she joined her two sons in England and did volunteer work at the War Office, translating documents from German into English. After the war, she was active in the Victorian Order of Nurses, the Montreal Council of Social Agencies, and the National Association of Conservative Women.
In 1925 at the age of 53 years, Elsie Reford was operated for appendicitis and during her convalescence, her doctor counselled against fishing, fearing that she did not have the strength to return to the river.”Why not take up gardening?” he said, thinking this a more suitable pastime for a convalescent woman of a certain age. That is why she began laying out the gardens and supervising their construction. The gardens would take ten years to build, and would extend over more than twenty acres.
Elsie Reford had to overcome many difficulties in bringing her garden to life. First among them were the allergies that sometimes left her bedridden for days on end. The second obstacle was the property itself. Estevan was first and foremost a fishing lodge. The site was chosen because of its proximity to a salmon river and its dramatic views – not for the quality of the soil.
To counter-act nature’s deficiencies, she created soil for each of the plants she had selected, bringing peat and sand from nearby farms. This exchange was fortuitous to the local farmers, suffering through the Great Depression. Then, as now, the gardens provided much-needed work to an area with high unemployment. Elsie Reford’s genius as a gardener was born of the knowledge she developed of the needs of plants. Over the course of her long life, she became an expert plantsman. By the end of her life, Elsie Reford was able to counsel other gardeners, writing in the journals of the Royal Horticultural Society and the North American Lily Society. Elsie Reford was not a landscape architect and had no training of any kind as a garden designer. While she collected and appreciated art, she claimed no talents as an artist.
Elsie Stephen Reford died at her Drummond Street home on November 8, 1967 in her ninety-sixth year.
In 1995, the Reford Gardens ("Jardins de Métis") in Grand-Métis were designated a National Historic Site of Canada, as being an excellent Canadian example of the English-inspired garden.(Wikipedia)
Visit : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsie_Reford
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Visit : www.refordgardens.com/
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LES JARDINS DE MÉTIS
Créés par Elsie Reford de 1926 à 1958, ces jardins témoignent de façon remarquable de l’art paysager à l’anglaise. Disposés dans un cadre naturel, un ensemble de jardins exhibent fleurs vivaces, arbres et arbustes. Le jardin des pommetiers, les rocailles et l’Allée royale évoquent l’œuvre de cette dame passionnée d’horticulture. Agrémenté d’un ruisseau et de sentiers sinueux, ce site jouit d’un microclimat favorable à la croissance d’espèces uniques au Canada. Les pavots bleus et les lis, privilégiés par Mme Reford, y fleurissent toujours et contribuent , avec d’autres plantes exotiques et indigènes, à l’harmonie de ces lieux.
Created by Elsie Reford between 1926 and 1958, these gardens are an inspired example of the English art of the garden. Woven into a natural setting, a series of gardens display perennials, trees and shrubs. A crab-apple orchard, a rock garden, and the Long Walk are also the legacy of this dedicated horticulturist. A microclimate favours the growth of species found nowhere else in Canada, while the stream and winding paths add to the charm. Elsie Reford’s beloved blue poppies and lilies still bloom and contribute, with other exotic and indigenous plants, to the harmony of the site.
Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Gouvernement du Canada – Government of Canada
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Flanked by columns, the barrel vaulted entrance of this three bedroom home is echoed in its dramatic arched windows and gables. In this house plan, interior columns add elegance while visually dividing foyer from dining room and great room from kitchen. The great room is made even larger by its cathedral ceiling and bank of windows, including an arched clerestory window. A box bay window adds space to the formal dining room, while the kitchen features an angled center island with breakfast counter for the busy family. The floor plan's master suite, secluded on the first floor, boasts his and her walk-in closets and garden tub with skylight. Two bedrooms upstairs share another skylit bath. *Photographed home may have been modified from the original construction documents.* www.dongardner.com/house-plan/248/the-barclay/
UNESCO Brief Description: The cultural landscape of Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley offers a microcosmic perspective of the way people have harvested the resources of the high Pyrenees over millennia. Its dramatic glacial landscapes of craggy cliffs and glaciers, with high open pastures and steep wooded valleys, covers an area of 4,247 ha, 9% of the total area of the principality. It reflects past changes in climate, economic fortune and social systems, as well as the persistence of pastoralism and a strong mountain culture, notably the survival of a communal land-ownership system dating back to the 13th century. The site features houses, notably summer settlements, terraced fields, stone tracks and evidence of iron smelting.
White Sands National Monument is in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It's known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Trails through the dunes include the raised Interdune Boardwalk and the Dune Life Nature Trail, dotted with interpretive exhibits on wildlife and other features. Dunes Drive is a looped road from the White Sands Visitor Center to the dune field. Read the blog post - www.dvrawfiles.com/white-sands-new-mexico Watch the vlog - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhwKZVqNfiU
Date: 2014
Location: San Francisco Public Safety Building
Photo credit: Bruce Damonte
Shimone Attie’s memorial to fallen San Francisco Police Officers, Spiral of Gratitude, combines the elements of glass, sky and light, together with the written word to create an immersive memorial within the building’s lobby. Spiral of Gratitude announces itself from a distance with its dramatic glass cylinder anchored by bold text embedded into the rear concrete wall that reads “Look Up, Their Courage Shines”. The phrase, which contextualizes and frames the memorial, leads the viewer’s gaze up through the open cylinder that culminates in a circular skylight. The poem was written specifically for the memorial by Margo Perin based on interviews with families and colleagues of fallen officers, and in collaboration with Attie and members of the Bay Area Law Enforcements Assistance Fund.
The Sleeping Giant is a formation of mesas and sills on Sibley Peninsula which resembles a giant lying on its back when viewed from the west to north-northwest section of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. As one moves southward along the shoreline toward Squaw Bay the Sleeping Giant starts to separate into its various sections. Most distinctly in the view from the cliffs at Squaw Bay the Giant appears to have an Adam's Apple. The formation is part of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Its dramatic steep cliffs are among the highest in Ontario (250 m). The southernmost point is known as Thunder Cape, depicted by many early Canadian artists such as William Armstrong.
One Ojibway legend identifies the giant as Nanabijou, who was turned to stone when the secret location of a rich silver mine now known as Silver Islet was disclosed to white men.[3]
The Düsseldorf Media Harbor, or Medienhafen, is a striking example of urban regeneration that has transformed a derelict industrial port into one of the city's most fashionable and dynamic districts. Once a bustling commercial harbor filled with warehouses and disused buildings, the area began its dramatic makeover in the 1990s. City planners embarked on a strategic project to rejuvenate the waterfront, focusing on a plot-by-plot approach that blended new, avant-garde architecture with the preservation of historic industrial elements. The result is a vibrant hub that seamlessly combines the old and the new, attracting both locals and tourists with its unique atmosphere and creative energy.
The architectural landscape of the Medienhafen is its most prominent feature, showcasing the works of some of the world's most renowned architects. The most iconic structures are undoubtedly the "Gehry Buildings," officially known as the Neuer Zollhof. Designed by the visionary Frank O. Gehry, these three asymmetrical, sculptural high-rises—clad in stainless steel, red brick, and white plaster—have become a symbol of modern Düsseldorf. Other notable buildings include the Colorium, with its eye-catching kaleidoscopic glass facade by William Alsop, and the sleek Stadttor by Helmut Jahn. These architectural masterpieces stand alongside renovated historic warehouses, creating a visually captivating and diverse urban environment that has made the area a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Beyond its architectural appeal, the Media Harbor is a thriving economic center. As its name suggests, it is home to over 800 companies, primarily from the media, advertising, and creative sectors. The area's revitalization was driven by a vision to create a hub for these industries, and the project has been a resounding success. The modern office buildings and refurbished industrial spaces provide a unique and inspiring setting for creative work. This concentration of innovative firms has not only revitalized the district but has also solidified Düsseldorf's reputation as a major player in Germany's creative economy.
The cultural and leisure offerings in the Medienhafen are as diverse as its architecture. The waterfront is lined with a variety of trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and vibrant bars, catering to the district's sophisticated crowd. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of culinary experiences, from Mediterranean cuisine and gourmet burgers to fine dining with stunning views of the Rhine River. The area is also a popular spot for leisure activities, whether it's a stroll along the promenade, a sightseeing cruise on the river, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere. The fusion of business and pleasure makes the Medienhafen a destination where people can work, dine, and relax in style.
In essence, the Düsseldorf Media Harbor is a testament to the power of thoughtful urban redevelopment. It has successfully transformed an aging industrial zone into a modern, stylish, and economically significant district. By preserving its historical character while embracing cutting-edge architecture and new industries, the Medienhafen has created a unique identity. It stands as a symbol of Düsseldorf's reinvention and a vibrant, forward-looking neighborhood that attracts a mix of creatives, business professionals, and tourists alike, all drawn to its dynamic blend of art, commerce, and culture.
Mausoleum Door to the crypt of Bernard Egan, Calvary Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.
Calvary — or more specifically First Calvary, the part south of the Long Island Expressway and west of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway — is best admired for its dramatic setting: tucked in among highways, residential neighborhoods, industrial buildings and Newtown Creek, with views of Manhattan rising as a backdrop.
The best views are from Sections 7 and 48 — use the posted map to help you. Section 7 is more spectacular, as elegant obelisks and other monuments point skyward in the foreground, blending in seamlessly with the skyscrapers of Midtown far beyond, as if Ms. Chrysler and Mr. E. S. Building were buried in the distance. Section 48 has cleaner city views, but its headstones are mostly smaller and simpler, reducing the drama quotient.
Flanked by columns, the barrel vaulted entrance of this three bedroom home is echoed in its dramatic arched windows and gables. In this house plan, interior columns add elegance while visually dividing foyer from dining room and great room from kitchen. The great room is made even larger by its cathedral ceiling and bank of windows, including an arched clerestory window. A box bay window adds space to the formal dining room, while the kitchen features an angled center island with breakfast counter for the busy family. The floor plan's master suite, secluded on the first floor, boasts his and her walk-in closets and garden tub with skylight. Two bedrooms upstairs share another skylit bath. *Photographed home may have been modified from the original construction documents.* www.dongardner.com/house-plan/248/the-barclay/
Redmond, Oregon
Listed 10/30/2013
Reference Number: 13000859
Petersen Rock Garden, which has state-wide significance, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C in the areas of Art and Landscape Architecture, as a folk art environment, for its significance as an exceptional work of art that combines architecture, landscape, art, and sculpture in a unified whole. Located approximately eight miles southwest of Redmond, Oregon, the work recalls European and American grotto traditions, juxtaposed with American iconography and vernacular folk art traditions, through the creativity and artistry of Danish immigrant Rasmus Christian Petersen. Petersen, who began constructing the garden after finishing his education in Danish and American culture at Nysted Folk High School in Nebraska and three successful decades of farming, was also influenced by his homestead's setting in central Oregon, with its dramatic views of the Cascade range . Creation of the garden represents the last chapter in Petersen's life. The gardens are all the more remarkable for their unexpectedness in the desert landscape and their lack of precedent in their creator's life. The Period of Significance for the site is 1927, the date of construction of the Petersen's residence, to 1952, the date of Petersen's death. The gardens and property as a whole retain excellent integrity and easily convey the reasons for their significance.
National Register of Historic Places Homepage
Smailholm Tower is a peel tower at Smailholm, around five miles (8 km) west of Kelso in the Scottish Borders. Its dramatic situation, atop a crag of Lady Hill, commands wide views over the surrounding countryside. The tower is located at grid reference NT637346, just west of Sandyknowe farm, and is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the care of Historic Scotland. In June 2007 it was awarded the maximum "five-star" status as a tourist attraction from VisitScotland, a rating bestowed on only eight other sites in Scotland.
Construction detail of Fallen Roof Ruin, showing ancient fingerprints in the mud mortar, with its dramatic evidence of Ancestral Puebloan habitation, Bears Ears National Monument, southern Utah, USA
The Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii) is a fixture on the Galapagos scene.
You haven't lived until you've seen a male Blue-footed Booby perform its dramatic and (no offense) often comic mating dance in front of a female. We were fortunate enough to witness a mating ritual, and I'll be posting photos later on.
Since this isn't a photo of a male Blue-footed Booby in performance, i have a choice of stopping right here or going on to facts-and-figures hour. The Blue-footed Booby is interesting, and not just because of his rubbery blue footwear, so I'll share a few facts, and I promise we'll be through in well under an hour.
According to that ornithologist's bible, Wikipedia, the Blue-footed Booby belongs to a family (you don't really want to know the latin name, do you?) consisting of ten species of seabirds.
You'd never know it by looking at one, but "The Blue-footed Booby has permanently closed nostrils specialized for diving. They breathe through the corners of their mouths."
Wikipedia goes on to tell us that these mouth-breather's "diet consists entirely of fish. Blue-footed Boobies are specialized fish eaters feeding on school fish like sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and flying fish. They also feed on squid and offal."
"It dives into the ocean, sometimes from a great height, and swims underwater in pursuit of its prey. It hunts singly, in pairs or in larger flocks. They travel in parties of 12 or so to areas of water with large schools of small fish."
"When the lead bird sees a fish shoal in the water, it will signal the rest of the group and they will all dive together to catch the fish. Surprisingly, individuals do not eat with the hunting group, preferring to eat on their own . . . " [Editor's note: This is surprising? Have you ever known a seabird who wouldn't prefer to steal another bird's fish instead of catching one of their own?]
"When they spot a school they will all dive in unison. They will point their bodies down like a torpedo and dive into the water."
"Plunge diving can be done from heights of 33-100ft and even up to 330 ft (100 m). These birds hit the water around 60 mph (97 km/h) and can go to depths of 82 ft (25 m) below the water surface. The prey is usually eaten while the bird is still under water."
"The male is smaller and the tail is larger for its body which enables the male to fish in shallow areas instead of just deep waters. The tail can flatten out easier enabling him to change direction in the shallow water."
"The female is larger and can carry more food. The food is then regurgitated to the young. The males feed the young for the first part of the incubation period. This is done because the males can bring back food quicker than the female. When . . . more food [is required] the female provides the food to the young."
"Blue-foots will make raucous or polysyllabic grunts or shouts and thin whistle noise. The males of the species have been known to throw up their head and whistle at a female flying by. Their ritual displays are also a form of communication."
Welcome Islands Light House in the Foreground.
The Sleeping Giant is a formation of mesas and sills on Sibley Peninsula which resembles a giant lying on its back when viewed from the west to north-northwest section of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. As one moves southward along the shoreline toward Squaw Bay the Sleeping Giant starts to separate into its various sections. Most distinctly in the view from the cliffs at Squaw Bay the Giant appears to have an Adam's Apple. The formation is part of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Its dramatic steep cliffs are among the highest in Ontario (250 m). The southernmost point is known as Thunder Cape, depicted by many early Canadian artists such as William Armstrong.
One Ojibway legend identifies the giant as Nanabijou, who was turned to stone when the secret location of a rich silver mine now known as Silver Islet was disclosed to white men.[3]