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A beautiful spring day exploring the back roads and a little birding in Baker County Oregon near the towns of Keating and Baker City.

 

Spent the day watching the seasons change in Eastern Oregon, with big dramatic skies. While it’s a little early for spring migration, still spotted a few fun birds including lots of Red Tail Hawks and several nesting great horned owls and our first Downy Woodpecker of the season.

 

For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com

  

photo rights reserved by B℮n

 

Luosto is a scenic tourist destination located in the heart of Lapland, Finland. It is particularly popular for its beautiful natural environment, with extensive forests, hills and impressive scenery that attracts visitors in both winter and summer. Luosto is located in the middle of the rugged Lapland landscape. In winter, the forests are covered with a thick layer of snow and offer excellent opportunities for activities such as skiing, snowmobile tours and husky rides. The Pyhä-Luosto National Park is known for its spectacular fjells mountains and untouched nature. Hiking trails lead to the top of the Pyhä-Luosto Fjell, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Luosto is also home to one of the world's only active amethyst mines. Visitors can participate in guided tours and look for amethyst stones themselves, a unique and fun experience. Luosto is an excellent location to see the Northern Lights, especially during the cold winter evenings when the sky is clear. The dancing lights are a magical spectacle that attracts many visitors. In addition to winter sports in Luosto, there are also cozy restaurants and accommodations to enjoy the local cuisine and relax after a day full of adventure. Luosto is a destination that will appeal to nature lovers and adventurers alike, offering a unique combination of Arctic wilderness and exciting outdoor activities. It is an ideal place to enjoy the peace and beauty of Lapland, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.

 

Luosto is a well-known tourist destination in Lapland, Finland, situated in the municipality of Sodankylä. It is celebrated for its stunning natural surroundings, winter activities, and the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. In January, daylight hours are very short due to the polar night, a phenomenon occurring in areas above the Arctic Circle, including Lapland. We set out early in the darkness on our journey to Luosto. In Lapland, the colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset can be very intense due to the low position of the sun on the horizon. The long twilight periods can produce unique colors in the sky, including green hues, due to various scattering effects of sunlight. Our adventure starts at the secluded hamlet of Ukko-Luostontien in Luosto. In Finland, traditional wooden houses are often referred to as "wooden cabins" or "wooden chalets." The Finnish word for a wooden house is puutalo. We are walking on the ridge of fjells Ukko-Luosto along the primeval forest in the area. The snow here resembles an untouched white carpet, with trees draped in a thick layer of powder snow. Every step disrupts the serene silence of the snowy surroundings; the crunching sound of fresh snow under my hiking boots fills the air. The trees gently bend under the weight of the snow, and nature here in Luosto appears to be in a deep winter slumber. BieJee finds a natural shelter under the pine tree .

 

Luosto is een schilderachtige toeristische bestemming gelegen in het hart van Lapland, Finland. Het is vooral geliefd om zijn prachtige natuurlijke omgeving, met uitgestrekte bossen, heuvels en een indrukwekkend landschap dat zowel in de winter als in de zomer bezoekers trekt. Luosto bevindt zich te midden van het ruige Laplandse landschapbergen en ongerepte natuur. Wandelpaden leiden naar de top van de Pyhä-Luosto Fjell, waar je kunt genieten van adembenemende uitzichten over de omliggende wildernis. Luosto herbergt ook een van 's werelds enige actieve amethistmijnen. Bezoekers kunnen hier deelnemen aan rondleidingen en zelf op zoek gaan naar amethiststenen, een unieke en leuke ervaring. Luosto is een uitstekende locatie om het noorderlicht te zien, vooral tijdens de koude winteravonden wanneer de lucht helder is. De dansende lichten zijn een magisch schouwspel dat veel bezoekers trekt. Naast wintersporten in Luosto zijn ook gezellige restaurants en accommodaties om te genieten van de lokale keuken en te ontspannen na een dag vol avontuur. Luosto is een bestemming die zowel natuurliefhebbers als avonturiers zal aanspreken, met een unieke combinatie van arctische wildernis en opwindende buitenactiviteiten. Het is een ideale plek om te genieten van de rust en schoonheid van Lapland, weg van de drukte van stedelijke gebieden. Wanneer we uit de auto stappen lijkt de natuur hier in diepe winterslaap. Onze wandeling begint bij dageraad in het afgelegen gehucht Ukko-Luostontien. In Lapland, kunnen de kleuren van de lucht tijdens zonsopkomst en zonsondergang zeer intens zijn door de lage stand van de zon aan de horizon. De lange schemerperiodes kunnen unieke kleuren in de lucht veroorzaken, inclusief groene tinten, door verschillende verstrooiingseffecten van het zonlicht. De bomen buigen zachtjes onder het gewicht van de sneeuw. We lopen op de rug van de fjells Ukko-Luosto langs het oerbos in de omgeving. BieJee vindt een natuurlijke schuilplaats onder de dennenboom. Luosto biedt een prachtig landschap voor avontuurlijke activiteiten en de mogelijkheid om te genieten van de rust en schoonheid van de Finse wildernis.

Túra a Magas-Tátrában

2016.08.20

  

Somewhere between Stary Smokovec and Hrebienok

Trekking in the High Tatras

20.08.2016

Hiking and climbing vacation in the Alps

Rax-Schneeberg Group, Austria

25-28/08/2019

Dusk light over Caucasus mountains, as seen in the peaceful village of Zhabeshi, during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.

 

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[Karaj, Alborz, Iran] Iranian people nightlife enjoying illuminated pond by gazebo in Karaj.

  

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©2017 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.

Big Horn Sheep in Burnt River Canyon in Baker County

 

A beautiful New Year’s Day exploring the Burnt River Canyon and watching wildlife between Durkee and Unity in Baker County Oregon with lots of Bighorn Sheep out to help us ring in the new year.

 

The Burnt River Canyon near Durkee is always one of our favorite drives for taking in the majestic scenery of Eastern Oregon and watching wildlife along the way. Saw lots of wildlife this trip as colder temperatures have pushed lots of deer down into the canyon. We were excited to spot a few Bighorn Sheep in rut during this trip

 

For more information about Burnt River Canyon or other Baker County back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

  

Local man and his dog at Pelekas, a hilltop village on the island of Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

video rights reserved by Ben

 

Two young women deliver a mesmerizing version of Svanetian Round Dance – Prairie Voices in the cozy Oasis Club in Udabno. While others are still dining or listening quietly, their voices rise in raw, trance-like harmony — echoing the ancient mountain songs of Svaneti. A gentle ukulele adds a soft rhythmic layer beneath the polyphonic vocals, blending tradition with a modern, personal touch. It’s an intimate and unexpected moment of living folklore in the vast Georgian steppe. The Svan people are an ethnic subgroup of Georgians, originating from the mountainous region of Svaneti in the northwest of the country. They speak their own language, Svan, which is related to Georgian but mutually unintelligible. Svans are known for their strong cultural identity and deep sense of community. Oasis Club is a vibrant mix of restaurant and hostel, located in the heart of Georgia’s semi-desert. The restaurant serves a unique blend of Georgian and European dishes, all prepared by local cooks from Udabno. On weekends, the venue often hosts live music by regional artists. One of the highlights of Oasis Club is the evening campfire — the perfect way to relax under the stars after a day of exploring.

 

Two young women perform a haunting version of a traditional Svanetian round dance at Oasis Club in Udabno. Their raw, trance-like vocals fill the space as guests quietly dine. A powerful moment of living Georgian folklore in the desert. The atmosphere is homely, but the singing draws the attention with hypnotic repetition and raw energy. Despite the small setting and the soft string sound, an almost trance-like layering is created – typical of Svanetic polyphony. The girls combine old Caucasian singing with modern, personal interpretation, which gives an authentic and contemporary feel. In the middle of a remote desert steppe village, the echo of an ancient mountain culture resounds – living, breathing, and shared with everyone who happens to be sitting at the table.

 

Twee jonge vrouwen brengen een betoverende versie van Svanetian Round Dance – Prairie Voices in de knusse Oasis Club van Udabno. Terwijl anderen nog zitten te eten of stil luisteren, stijgen hun stemmen op in rauwe, tranceachtige harmonie — een echo van de eeuwenoude bergzang uit Svanetië. Een zachte ukulele voegt een subtiele ritmische laag toe onder de gelaagde zang, en versmelt zo traditie met een persoonlijke, moderne interpretatie. Een intiem en onverwacht moment van levende folklore, midden in de uitgestrekte Georgische steppe. De sfeer is huiselijk, maar de zang trekt de aandacht met hypnotiserende herhaling en rauwe energie. Ondanks de kleine setting en het zachte snaargeluid ontstaat een bijna tranceachtige gelaagdheid – typisch voor Svanetische polyfonie. De meisjes brengen oude Kaukasische zang samen met moderne, persoonlijke interpretatie, wat een authentiek én eigentijds gevoel geeft. Midden in een afgelegen woestijnsteppe-dorp klinkt zo de echo van een eeuwenoude bergcultuur – levend, ademend, en gedeeld met iedereen die toevallig aan tafel zit. Svanetiërs zijn een etnische subgroep van de Georgiërs, afkomstig uit de bergachtige regio Svanetië in het noordwesten van het land. Ze spreken hun eigen taal, Svan, die verwant is aan het Georgisch maar onderling niet verstaanbaar is. Ze staan bekend om hun sterke culturele identiteit en hechte gemeenschapsgevoel. Oasis Club is een levendige combinatie van restaurant en hostel, gelegen in het hart van de Georgische semi-woestijn. Het restaurant biedt een unieke mix van Georgische en Europese gerechten, bereid door lokale koks uit Udabno. In het weekend zijn er regelmatig concerten van lokale muzikanten. Eén van de hoogtepunten van Oasis Club was het gezellige kampvuur 's avonds – perfect om te ontspannen onder de sterrenhemel na een dag vol ontdekkingen.

photo rights reserved by B℮n

 

Luosto is a scenic tourist destination located in the heart of Lapland, Finland. It is particularly popular for its beautiful natural environment, with extensive forests, hills and impressive scenery that attracts visitors in both winter and summer. Luosto is located in the middle of the rugged Lapland landscape. In winter, the forests are covered with a thick layer of snow and offer excellent opportunities for activities such as skiing, snowmobile tours and husky rides. The Pyhä-Luosto National Park is known for its spectacular fjells mountains and untouched nature. Hiking trails lead to the top of the Pyhä-Luosto Fjell, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Luosto is also home to one of the world's only active amethyst mines. Visitors can participate in guided tours and look for amethyst stones themselves, a unique and fun experience. Luosto is an excellent location to see the Northern Lights, especially during the cold winter evenings when the sky is clear. The dancing lights are a magical spectacle that attracts many visitors. In addition to winter sports in Luosto, there are also cozy restaurants and accommodations to enjoy the local cuisine and relax after a day full of adventure. Luosto is a destination that will appeal to nature lovers and adventurers alike, offering a unique combination of Arctic wilderness and exciting outdoor activities. It is an ideal place to enjoy the peace and beauty of Lapland, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas.

 

Luosto is a well-known tourist destination in Lapland, Finland, situated in the municipality of Sodankylä. It is celebrated for its stunning natural surroundings, winter activities, and the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. In January, daylight hours are very short due to the polar night, a phenomenon occurring in areas above the Arctic Circle, including Lapland. We set out early in the darkness on our journey to Luosto. In Lapland, the colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset can be very intense due to the low position of the sun on the horizon. The long twilight periods can produce unique colors in the sky, including green hues, due to various scattering effects of sunlight. Our adventure starts at the secluded hamlet of Ukko-Luostontien in Luosto. In Finland, traditional wooden houses are often referred to as "wooden cabins" or "wooden chalets." The Finnish word for a wooden house is puutalo. We are walking on the ridge of fjells Ukko-Luosto along the primeval forest in the area. The snow here resembles an untouched white carpet, with trees draped in a thick layer of powder snow. Every step disrupts the serene silence of the snowy surroundings; the crunching sound of fresh snow under my hiking boots fills the air. The trees gently bend under the weight of the snow, and nature here in Luosto appears to be in a deep winter slumber. .

 

Luosto is een schilderachtige toeristische bestemming gelegen in het hart van Lapland, Finland. Het is vooral geliefd om zijn prachtige natuurlijke omgeving, met uitgestrekte bossen, heuvels en een indrukwekkend landschap dat zowel in de winter als in de zomer bezoekers trekt. Luosto bevindt zich te midden van het ruige Laplandse landschapbergen en ongerepte natuur. Wandelpaden leiden naar de top van de Pyhä-Luosto Fjell, waar je kunt genieten van adembenemende uitzichten over de omliggende wildernis. Luosto herbergt ook een van 's werelds enige actieve amethistmijnen. Bezoekers kunnen hier deelnemen aan rondleidingen en zelf op zoek gaan naar amethiststenen, een unieke en leuke ervaring. Luosto is een uitstekende locatie om het noorderlicht te zien, vooral tijdens de koude winteravonden wanneer de lucht helder is. De dansende lichten zijn een magisch schouwspel dat veel bezoekers trekt. Naast wintersporten in Luosto zijn ook gezellige restaurants en accommodaties om te genieten van de lokale keuken en te ontspannen na een dag vol avontuur. Luosto is een bestemming die zowel natuurliefhebbers als avonturiers zal aanspreken, met een unieke combinatie van arctische wildernis en opwindende buitenactiviteiten. Het is een ideale plek om te genieten van de rust en schoonheid van Lapland, weg van de drukte van stedelijke gebieden. Wanneer we uit de auto stappen lijkt de natuur hier in diepe winterslaap. Onze wandeling begint bij dageraad in het afgelegen gehucht Ukko-Luostontien. In Lapland, kunnen de kleuren van de lucht tijdens zonsopkomst en zonsondergang zeer intens zijn door de lage stand van de zon aan de horizon. De lange schemerperiodes kunnen unieke kleuren in de lucht veroorzaken, inclusief groene tinten, door verschillende verstrooiingseffecten van het zonlicht. De bomen buigen zachtjes onder het gewicht van de sneeuw. We lopen op de rug van de fjells Ukko-Luosto langs het oerbos in de omgeving. Luosto biedt een prachtig landschap voor avontuurlijke activiteiten en de mogelijkheid om te genieten van de rust en schoonheid van de Finse wildernis.

Fossombrone, Italy

instagram: @lucasmarcomini

Prints: www.society6.com/lucasmarcomini

 

Interior view of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, in Milan, the capital city of Lombardy region, in northern Italy.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

You can see the water seeping through the rock here. We had a record breaking wet October that I imagine the water will continue flowing making this year incredible for ice formations.

Hiking and climbing vacation in the Alps

Rax-Schneeberg Group, Austria

25-28/08/2019

The HL-2A tokamak nuclear fusion experiment in Chengdu, China, formerly ASDEX from Germany, and currently recycled into the new HL-2M tokamak of Leshan, one of several key fusion experiments throughout China.

  

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Sunset over the Adriatic sea, as seen at the old town of Rovinj, a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, in Istria County, Croatia.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

Dawn light over the snow covered peak of Mount Kazbek (5,054 m/16,581 ft), the seventh-highest summit in the Caucasus Mountains, with Gergeti Trinity Church in foreground, in Stepantsminda (commonly known as Kazbegi), a remote and peaceful town nested in Caucasus mountains, in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia.

 

Mount Kazbegi is a dormant stratovolcano and the highest peak of Eastern Georgia. It is located on the border of Georgia and Russia.

 

The Gergeti Trinity Church is a Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church built in the 14th century. The separate belltower dates from the same period as the church itself. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

Farkas-hegy

Budaőrs közelében

2022.06.15

 

Sunset

Farkas-hill

Budaőrs, Hungary

15.06.2022

I found one Ice Cave I could go into and stand behind the ice. Surprisingly enough, it was not that cold being surrounded by ice!

Aerial view of Camogli, a fishing village and tourist resort located on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino, in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, Liguria region, northern Italy.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

One just has to love the colors that come out in different light spectrums.

Farkas-hegy

Budaőrs közelében

2022.06.15

  

Butterfly

Farkas-hill

Budaőrs, Hungary

15.06.2022

Night view of Šibenik, one of the oldest Croatian towns on the eastern shores of the Adriatic, in Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia.

 

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You never know where the road will lead....

at Weister Creek...I like ice, nature's ice, you know?

  

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

Close to the village of Arsha in the Kazbegi region lies the Arsha Waterfall, about five kilometers from Stepantsminda Kazbegi. The hike to the waterfall is considered easy and typically takes three to four hours. The trail is unpaved but well-trodden, surrounded by lush meadows, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is one of the lesser-known natural attractions in the area, contributing to its untouched and serene atmosphere. A bit further along is the Toti Waterfall, accessible via a steep trail that passes above the Arsha Waterfall. This waterfall offers spectacular panoramic views and is an ideal spot for a picnic. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility, the breathtaking nature, and even take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. The hike to Toti Waterfall leads through a rugged mountain landscape with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. The trail winds along steep slopes and rocky paths, surrounded by dry grasslands and scattered shrubs. Along the way, impressive cliffs and natural formations add a unique character to the scenery. The fresh mountain air and the tranquility of nature make the journey an unforgettable experience. At the end, the spectacular Toti Waterfall awaits as a rewarding sight after the challenging climb.

 

1. centre Majestic views from Toti waterfall: gazing upon mount Shino, 2. top left The rugged life of Kazbegi: cows grazing on steep mountain slopes, 3. Echoes of the past: ancient shepherd shelter in the Kazbek highlands, 4. A quiet walk: a farmer leads her cattle to pasture, 5. Golden glow amidst the Caucasus mountain peaks, 6. Kanitha climbing towards the Arsha waterfall – a journey of determination, 7. Toti waterfall: a hidden gem in the Kazbek mountains, 8. Kanitha’s triumph: the journey to the majestic Arsha waterfall, 9. The Gergeti tower: a timeless symbol of history and nature, 10. Kanitha is on her way to the viewpoint of Tergi valley, 11. Tergi valley: a winding riverbed through majestic mountains, 12. Rustic farmhouse in the shadow of the great Caucasus, 13. Golden valleys and snowy peaks: a dreamy escape in Georgia.

 

Nabij het dorp Arsha in de Kazbek regio, ligt de Arsha-waterval, op ongeveer vijf kilometer van Stepantsminda Kazbegi. De wandeling naar de waterval wordt als eenvoudig beschouwd en duurt doorgaans drie tot vier uur. Het pad is ongebaand maar goed begaanbaar, omringd door weelderige weiden en biedt prachtige uitzichten op de omliggende bergen. De waterval is een van de minder bekende natuurlijke attracties in het gebied, wat bijdraagt aan de ongerepte en serene sfeer. Nog iets verder ligt de Toti-waterval, bereikbaar via een steil pad dat bovenlangs de Arsha-waterval loopt. De wandeling naar de Toti-waterval voert door een ruig berglandschap met adembenemende uitzichten op besneeuwde bergtoppen en diepe valleien. Het pad slingert langs steile hellingen en rotsachtige paden, omringd door droge graslanden en verspreide struiken. Onderweg zijn er indrukwekkende kliffen en natuurlijke formaties die het landschap een uniek karakter geven. De frisse berglucht en de rust van de natuur maken de tocht een onvergetelijke ervaring. Aan het einde wacht de spectaculaire Toti-waterval als beloning voor de inspannende klim. De Gold Star Cottage is een sfeervolle accommodatie in de prachtige omgeving van de Georgische Kaukasus, vlak bij de Arsha-waterval. De huisjes op de foto hebben een moderne A-frame architectuur, wat zorgt voor een knusse en gezellige sfeer, perfect passend in het berglandschap. Vanuit de cottage heb je een adembenemend uitzicht op de ruige bergen en de vallei. In de herfst kleuren de heuvels goudgeel, terwijl in de winter de omgeving verandert in een sprookjesachtig besneeuwd landschap. De nabijheid van de Arsha-waterval maakt deze locatie ideaal voor natuurliefhebbers en wandelaars. Het is een perfecte plek voor reizigers die op zoek zijn naar rust, natuur en spectaculaire bergpanorama’s.

 

Created with fd's Flickr Toys. ....don't forget to zoom in photo!!

Aerial view of Camogli, a fishing village and tourist resort located on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino, in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, Liguria region, northern Italy.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

A beautiful winter day exploring the byways and back roads of Baker County

 

A beautiful winter day exploring Baker County Oregon including Virtue Flats and the Keating Valley.

 

Took advantage of some unseasonably spring like weather on the valley floor to get out and enjoy the scenery including spectacular views of the snowcapped Wallowa and Elkhorn mountains

  

House Sparrow's house

 

A beautiful day exploring the back roads and winter landscapes of Baker County Oregon near Keating.

 

A beautiful winter day for exploring the winding back roads of the Baker and Keating valleys with spectacular views of the Wallowa and Elk Horn Mountains.

 

A little early for spring migration still but spotted a few fun birds including lots of Red Tail Hawks, some Horned Larks and a Say's Phoebe.

 

For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com

  

Exploring the back roads and scenic byways as winter turns to spring in Baker County Oregon.

 

Spent the day watching the seasons change in Eastern Oregon, with big dramatic skies and snowcapped mountain peaks. Spring is starting to arrive on the valley floor but winter is still holding on up in the Elkhorns.

 

For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com

  

Social Distancing along the back roads of Baker County Oregon

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon . Some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.

 

Located at the intersection of three Oregon Scenic Byways Baker County is surrounded by spectacular scenery and wide open spaces. For more information about Baker County's back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

  

Female tourist enjoying the view of Kapas Biru waterfall with Semeru Vocalno in the background, in Lumajang regency, East Java, Indonesia.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

Sighnagh, perched on a hilltop in Georgia’s Kakheti region, feels like stepping back in time. Known as the “City of Love,” it’s famous for its romantic charm and the unique tradition that couples can marry here any time of the day at the 24-hour open city hall. In this photo, you see one of the historic city gates, part of the 18th-century walls built under King Erekle II to protect the town from invasions. Today, visitors can walk along sections of these walls and take in breathtaking views of the Alazani Valley and the distant Caucasus Mountains. Rising behind the fortified wall is the Church of St. Stephen, its tall bell tower standing like a silent guardian over the town. The narrow cobblestone streets, the warm hues of the rooftops, and the tranquil atmosphere give Sighnaghi a timeless soul, where history, faith, and everyday life blend seamlessly. This scene captures the quiet elegance of a place that has preserved its spirit, surrounded by vineyards and centuries-old traditions.

 

1. centre Sighnaghi’s old gate and bell tower, 2. top left Sighnaghi streets: where time slows and wine flows, 3. Fountain of qvevri and deer: symbols of Kakheti’s heritage, 4. Sighnaghi’s cobbled charm and painted balconies, 5. Kanitha walking the ancient walls of Sighnaghi, 6. Red roofs and old walls: Sighnaghi unfolds, 7. Beautifully nestled in the hillside of Sighnaghi’s Ethnographic park, 8. Sighnaghi’s stone gate and the colors of tradition, 9. Romantic balconies of the city of love: Sighnaghi, 10. Cobblestreet3, 11. A qvevri on wheels: where wine, history, and streets meet in Sighnaghi, 12. Downhill through Sighnaghi, time, and timbered balconies, 13. A quiet morning view from Abramichi guest house.

 

Sighnaghi, gelegen op een heuvelrug in het hart van de Georgische regio Kacheti, is een stadje dat aanvoelt alsof je terug in de tijd stapt. Het staat bekend als de City of Love, niet alleen vanwege zijn romantische charme, maar ook omdat je hier op elk moment van de dag kunt trouwen in het 24-uurs open stadhuis. Op deze foto zie je een van de historische stadspoorten, gebouwd in de 18e eeuw onder koning Erekle II. Deze stadsmuren en wachttorens werden destijds aangelegd om de inwoners te beschermen tegen invallen. Vandaag de dag kun je over delen van deze muur wandelen en genieten van het indrukwekkende uitzicht over de Alazani-vallei en het verre Kaukasusgebergte. Achter de stadsmuur rijst de kerk van St. Stephen op, met zijn hoge klokkentoren die als een stille wachter over de stad uitkijkt. De smalle, geplaveide straatjes, de warme kleuren van de daken en de serene sfeer maken Sighnaghi tot een plek waar geschiedenis, geloof en dagelijks leven naadloos in elkaar overvloeien. Dit beeld ademt rust en tijdloosheid – een charmant stadje dat zijn ziel heeft behouden, omringd door wijngaarden en eeuwenoude tradities.

 

Created with fd's Flickr Toys. ....don't forget to zoom in photo!!

These past couple of mornings have reminded me that winter fast approaches. I wonder if we will get a good cold snap this year or not. We had a moderately decent one last year that allowed me to get down to Upper Bridal Veil Falls (for only the second time ever). That was a bitterly cold little expedition. There are, after all, few colder places to be in a cold snap than in front of a waterfall that is in the process of freezing over and blasting you with spray. But then again, there are few places I more look forward to being (at least once a year).

Suisun Valley, Northern California wheat field.

HEFEI, Anhui, China — Empty path surrounded by the green in a reed forest garden at a public park in Hefei.

  

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©2018 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.

Big Horn Sheep in Burnt River Canyon in Baker County

 

A beautiful Fall day exploring the Burnt River Canyon and watching wildlife between Durkee and Unity in Baker County Oregon .

 

The Burnt River Canyon near Durkee is always one of our favorite drives for taking in the majestic scenery of Eastern Oregon and watching wildlife along the way. Saw lots of wildlife this trip as colder temperatures have pushed lots of deer down into the canyon. We were excited to spot a few Bighorn Sheep in rut during this trip

 

For more information about Burnt River Canyon or other Baker County back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com

  

Aerial view of the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, in Stepantsminda District, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia. The monument is a large round stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil's Valley in the Caucasus mountains. Inside the monument is a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes of Georgian and Russian history.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

Heading home through the forest.

 

Stopped for a moment.

 

Listened to the birds, and looked up in the sky.

 

Spring is definitely here.

HESAR-E QARAH BAGHI, Hamedan province, Iran — Beautiful forest of thin trees near the Hesar-e Qarah Baghi village in Western rural Iran.

  

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©2019 German Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.

Aerial view of the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, a large round stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil's Valley in the Caucasus mountains, located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, in Stepantsminda District, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia. Inside the monument is a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes of Georgian and Russian history.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC

[Kandovan, East Azerbaiyan, Iran] The Kandovan rural ancient village near Tabriz, a unique still inhabited troglodyte mountain enclave of homes carved as refreshing caves into the rocks, with some colorful clothes hung up to dry.

  

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©2017 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.

View of Gergeti Trinity Church, a Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church built in the 14th century, sitting on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature, in Stepantsminda, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia.

 

© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.

A portrait taken during golden hour in the Sahara Desert, Morocco. The man wears traditional Tuareg attire, with striking blue and gold against the warm tones of the dunes.

   

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