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Dusk light over 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.
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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.
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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, 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.
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Sunset over Adriatic sea, as seen at Makarska Riviera, a 58km stretch of Adriatic coast at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range, in Split-Dalmatia County, southern Croatia.
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Farmers in the Kazbegi region of Georgia lead a simple yet challenging life. The climate is harsh, with cold winters and short summers. Due to the rocky soil and mountainous terrain, agriculture is difficult, so most farmers focus on livestock farming, primarily sheep and cattle. The region is known for its rugged mountain landscapes, and many farmers keep their livestock on steep slopes, as seen in the photo. They often follow a traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyle. In the summer, they take their cattle to higher alpine pastures, where the cows graze on nutrient-rich mountain grass. In the winter, the animals are brought to lower-altitude villages for shelter from the cold and snow. Near the village of Arsha lies the Arsha Waterfall, about five kilometers from Stepantsminda Kazbegi. The hike to the waterfall is considered easy and usually takes three to four hours. The trail is unmarked but well-trodden, surrounded by lush meadows where cows graze, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is one of the lesser-known natural attractions in the area, adding to its untouched and serene atmosphere. A bit further lies the Toti Waterfall, accessible via a steep path that runs above the Arsha Waterfall. This waterfall offers spectacular panoramic views and is an ideal spot for a picnic. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility, immerse themselves in nature, and even take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water.
Cows in Kazbegi are usually local breeds well adapted to the altitude and rough terrain. They provide milk, meat, and leather, with the milk often processed into traditional Georgian dairy products such as cheese (Sulguni) and matsoni (a type of yogurt). Additionally, farmers grow cold-resistant crops like potatoes and barley. Many locals combine traditional farming with tourism.
Boeren in de Kazbegi-regio in Georgië leiden een eenvoudig maar zwaar bestaan. Het klimaat is ruw, met strenge winters en korte zomers. Door de rotsachtige bodem en het bergachtige terrein is landbouw uitdagend, waardoor de meeste boeren zich richten op veeteelt, met name schapen en koeien. De regio staat bekend om zijn ruige berglandschap, en veel boeren houden vee op steile hellingen, zoals te zien is op de foto. Ze leven vaak een traditioneel, semi-nomadisch bestaan. In de zomer brengen ze hun vee naar hoger gelegen alpenweiden, waar de koeien grazen op voedzaam berggras. In de winter worden de dieren naar lager gelegen dorpen gebracht om bescherming te zoeken tegen de kou en sneeuw. Koeien in Kazbegi zijn meestal van lokale rassen die goed aangepast zijn aan de hoogte en het ruige terrein. Ze leveren melk, vlees en leer, en de melk wordt vaak verwerkt tot traditionele Georgische zuivelproducten zoals kaas (bijv. Sulguni) en matsoni (een soort yoghurt). Daarnaast verbouwen boeren gewassen die bestand zijn tegen de kou, zoals aardappelen en gerst. Veel inwoners combineren traditionele landbouw met toerisme. Vlak bij het dorp Arsha 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 waar koeien grazen, 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. Deze waterval biedt spectaculaire panoramische uitzichten en is een ideale plek voor een picknick. Bezoekers kunnen hier genieten van de rust, de natuur en zelfs een verfrissende duik nemen in het heldere water.
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. Enjoyed a short hike around Phillip’s Lake where the lake is still thawing.
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
Aerial view of Veliki Tabor, a medieval castle built in 15th century by the Hungarian noble family of Ráttkay, in Zagorje region, Croatia.
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Social Distancing in Burnt River Canyon in Baker County
A beautiful Spring day exploring the Burnt River Canyon between Durkee and Unity in Baker County Oregon . Lots of wildlife, and it's calving season so lots of baby cows too
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.
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
Beautiful fresco on the interior of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a Serbian Orthodox Church in Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro.
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Dawn light over Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Semeru Volcano, in Lumajang regency, East Java, Indonesia.
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A spring day exploring the back roads and scenic byways in Baker County Oregon.
Spent the day enjoying the arrival of Spring in Baker County Oregon. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and birds are starting to arrive for spring migration. Spotted a few new arrivals including white crowns yellow headed, redwing, and brewer’s blackbirds, and found ourselves under the watchful eye of several Great Horned Owls.
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
Close-up view of view of the Karanfili peaks in Prokletije (a.k.a. "Accursed") Mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps, in Prokletije National Park, located in southeast Montenegro along the Albanian and Kosovan borders.
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Aerial view of Sveti Stefan ("Saint Stephen"), a fortified island village and 5-star hotel resort on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. On the island are 15th-century stone villas overlooking an impeccable pink-sand beach and tempting turquoise waters.
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A spring day exploring the back roads and scenic byways in Baker County Oregon.
Spent the day enjoying the arrival of Spring in Baker County Oregon. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and birds are starting to arrive for spring migration. Spotted a few new arrivals including white crowns yellow headed, redwing, and brewer’s blackbirds, and found ourselves under the watchful eye of several Great Horned Owls.
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
In the woods
Hármashatárhegyi túra
2019.09.07
Hiking on the Hármashatárhegy
Budapest, Hungary
07.09.2019
Dawn light over the medieval town of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, in southern Croatia.
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A spring day exploring the back roads and scenic byways in Baker County Oregon.
Spent the day enjoying the arrival of Spring in Baker County Oregon. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and birds are starting to arrive for spring migration. Spotted a few new arrivals including white crowns yellow headed, redwing, and brewer’s blackbirds, and found ourselves under the watchful eye of several Great Horned Owls.
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
Century Farms and Small Town Charm Along The Elkhorn Scenic Byway in Baker County Oregon
Spent a beautiful early summer day exploring small towns and century farms along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway in Baker County. Baker County is home to more than two dozen Oregon Century Farms and Ranches and the Elkhorn Scenic Byway and back roads along the way, are a great way to explore this working landscape of the American West.
Small towns along the way like Haines and Baker City offer visitors a glimpse at small town Americana at its best.
This scenic byway circles through the Elkhorn mountains of Northeast Oregon beginning and ending in Baker City and passing through small towns like Sumpter, Granite, and Haines. The drive is incredibly scenic with wide open panoramic views across the Baker valley, high alpine forests, and following pristine rivers and creeks along the way. In the winter Anthony Lakes is home to Oregon's highest base elevation ski resort. In the summer the pristine alpine lake is a fishing and camping destination. For more information about the Elkhorn Scenic Byway or other Baker County backroads and Scenic byways visit Baker County Tourism’s website www.basecampbaker.com
Dawn light over the medieval town of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, in southern Croatia.
© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.
A spring day exploring the back roads and scenic byways in Baker County Oregon.
Spent the day enjoying the arrival of Spring in Baker County Oregon. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and birds are starting to arrive for spring migration. Spotted a few new arrivals including white crowns yellow headed, redwing, and brewer’s blackbirds, and found ourselves under the watchful eye of several Great Horned Owls.
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
Reflection of the snow-covered mountain peaks in an alpine lake in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Iprali to Ushguli via Latpari Pass (2,834m / 9,297ft), in Svaneti Region of Georgia.
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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, 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.
The West Highland Way (Scottish Gaelic: Slighe na GÃ idhealtachd an Iar) is a linear long distance footpath in Scotland, with the official status of Long Distance Route. It is 154.5 km long, running from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, with an element of hill walking in the route. It is managed by the West Highland Way Management Group (WHWMG) consisting of West Dunbartonshire Council, Stirling Council, Argyll & Bute Council, Highland Council and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority. About 80,000 people use the path every year, of whom over 15,000 walk the entire route.
The trail was approved for development in 1974 and was completed and opened on 6 October 1980 by Lord Mansfield so becoming the first officially designated long distance footpath in Scotland. In June 2010, the West Highland Way was co-designated as part of the International Appalachian Trail.
The path uses many ancient roads, including drovers' roads, military roads and old coaching roads, and is traditionally walked from south to north. As well as increasing the sense of adventure, taking the route in this direction keeps the sun from one's eyes.
The route is commonly walked in seven to eight days, although many fitter and more experienced walkers do it in five or six. The route can be covered in considerably less time than this, but a less hurried progress is the choice of the majority of walkers, allowing for appreciation of the countryside along the Way. Enjoyment of the natural surroundings of the walk is the primary motivating factor for many people following the route.
(Wikipedia)
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In April, I solo-hiked on and around the northern part of the famous West Highland Way, starting in Ardlui and finishing in Fort William five days later after a set of detours from the main trail.
The itinerary was as follows: Ardlui -> pass below Ben Lui -> Inveroran -> Kingshouse -> Luibelt ruin -> Fort William.
During the second day, being surprised by the morning snow, I descended from below Ben Lui to Tyndrum and hiked on the West Highland Way across Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran - there I camped in a really beautiful river setting (and enjoyed couple of cask ales in the nearby small hotel :-)).
Dawn light over Pokonji Dol, an islet in Adriatic sea, part of Pakleni islands, situated 500 meters south of the port of Hvar, in southern Croatia. The lighthouse in the middle of the islet was built in 1872.
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Summer scenery in the botanical garden of Villa Monastero, by the shore of Lake Como, in Varenna, Lecco province, Lombardy region, northwestern Italy.
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Wilson's Phalarope
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
Hidden Gem in the Andalusian MountaiTucked into the lush green folds of the Andalusian mountains, this charming pueblo blanco (white village) is a vision of serenity. With terracotta rooftops, narrow winding lanes, and panoramic views over wildflower-covered slopes, it encapsulates the magic of southern Spain’s rural life.ns
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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.
Tourists taking boats in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia.
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Aerial view of a seaside villa at Volosko, a former fishing village and now a popular tourist resort, part of the city of Opatija, situated on Kvarner coast, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, southern Croatia.
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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 and wildflowers along the way .
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
On a visit to the yellow mountain (Huang Shan) in China, I was blown away by how little health and safety there was. Coming from England, where health&safety is a belittled national institution, the contrast was remarkable, and refreshingly liberating. Here I was, free as anything to sit on the edge of a 1860m cliff and peer down.
Needless to say, when I emailed this picture to the family back home it didn't allay their fears for my safety.
Mostly however, Huangshan has many barriers and it is not as bad as the infamous mountain Huashan, whereby people can pay to walk along boards nailed to the cliffside (see video www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsGC0lZ-5g8)
The beauty there was remarkable (see my set named China for more pictures) and I would highly recommend a visit..... if you don't mind climbing a few steps that is!
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Burnt River Canyon in Baker County
A beautiful winter day exploring the Burnt River Canyon 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.
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
photo rights reserved by Ben
We’re on our way to Udabno, tucked between colorful hills and bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. Down in the valley, countless cows graze peacefully in the evening stillness. b>Udabno lies in eastern Georgia — a land of vast emptiness and rolling hills, near the border with Azerbaijan. It offers a striking contrast to the lush, mountainous regions found elsewhere in the country. Here, an expansive semi-desert landscape unfolds, with soft, undulating hills, dusty paths, and endless horizons. The earth glows in shades of yellow, red, and brown, especially when the sun hangs low in the sky, and the silence feels almost tangible. You’ll often have the entire landscape to yourself. The surroundings are perfect for quiet walks, picnics, or simply soaking in the silence. From time to time, shepherds pass by with their flocks, adding to the timeless, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Especially in the early morning or at sunset, when the light turns golden and the hills glow in warm tones, the area feels truly magical.
In the remote east of Georgia, near the border with Azerbaijan, lies the quiet village of Udabno, surrounded by sweeping semi-desert hills. The landscape here is vast and colorful, glowing in warm tones as the sun rises or sets. This tranquil setting offers a sense of solitude and timelessness, with shepherds occasionally passing by and cows grazing in the silence. It's an ideal place for peaceful walks and quiet reflection, where nature feels untouched and almost magical.
We zijn onderweg naar Udabno. verscholen tussen de kleurrijke heuvels en badend in het warme licht van de ondergaande zon. In het dal grazen talloze koeien, vredig in de avondstilte. Udabno ligt in het oosten van Georgië — een wereld van uitgestrekte leegte en golvende heuvels, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan. Het vormt een intrigerend contrast met de groene, bergachtige streken elders in het land. Hier ontvouwt zich een indrukwekkend halfwoestijnachtig landschap, met zachtglooiende heuvels, stoffige paden en eindeloze horizonten. De aarde kleurt in tinten geel, rood en bruin, vooral wanneer de zon laag aan de hemel staat, en de stilte is bijna tastbaar. Vaak heb je dit landschap helemaal voor jezelf. De omgeving leent zich perfect voor rustige wandelingen, een picknick, of simpelweg het genieten van de stilte. Zo nu en dan trekken herders voorbij met hun kuddes, wat bijdraagt aan de tijdloze, bijna dromerige sfeer. Vooral in de vroege ochtend of bij zonsondergang, wanneer het licht goudkleurig wordt en de heuvels oplichten in warme tinten, voelt deze plek werkelijk magisch aan.
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.
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Dusk light over the church towers in the old town of Rab, on Rab island in Adriatic sea, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.
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photo rights reserved by Ben
The hike from Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church is one of the most beautiful and iconic hikes in Georgia. This route offers breathtaking views of the Caucasus, with the imposing Mount Kazbek (5,054 meters) as a spectacular backdrop. Stepantsminda is a small mountain village that serves as a base for adventurers and hikers. The village is located at an altitude of approximately 1,740 meters. From here the hike starts towards the Gergeti Tower, a viewpoint halfway along the route. From the tower you already have a beautiful view of the valley and Stepantsminda. The tower is part of a network of historical fortifications, typical for the mountainous region of Georgia. In the past, these towers were often owned by local clans and served to protect the community and the surrounding land. After the tower, the trail climbs further through a variety of grasslands and rocky terrain. The climb is fairly steep, but easily doable for hikers with average fitness. After about two hours of walking (approx. 3-4 km) you will reach the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, located at an altitude of 2,170 meters. The church, built in the 14th century, is not only an architectural highlight but also an important spiritual and cultural symbol of Georgia. From here you have a panoramic view of the Caucasus and the impressive Kazbek Glacier. In clear weather it is an ideal place to enjoy the peace and overwhelming nature. Do you want to skip the climb? Then it is possible to drive to the church from Stepantsminda with an 4x4. In the summer months, horse riding tours to the top are also offered. The best time for this hike is from spring to early autumn (May – October), when temperatures are pleasant and nature is in full bloom. In winter the route can be snowy, which makes the hike more challenging but also adds extra beauty to the landscape. The walk to Gergeti Trinity Church is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss when visiting Georgia.
The photo shows Kanitha climbing a steep and rocky path towards the Gergeti Trinity Church in Georgia, with the majestic Mount Kazbek in the background. Along the path, meltwater flows in the form of a small waterfall, making the route extra challenging. The presence of other hikers further ahead shows that this is a popular but challenging route. Kanitha is warmly dressed and determined to make her way up. The rugged surroundings, steep terrain and clear blue sky emphasise the impressive natural beauty of the Caucasus. The combination of the mountainous landscape, the snow-capped peak of Mount Kazbek and the narrow, wet paths makes this hike a unique and adventurous experience.
De wandeling van Stepantsminda naar de Gergeti Trinity Church is een van de mooiste en meest iconische tochten in Georgië. Deze route biedt adembenemende uitzichten op de Kaukasus, met de imposante Mount Kazbek (5.054 meter) als spectaculair decor. Stepantsminda is een klein bergdorpje dat fungeert als uitvalsbasis voor avonturiers en wandelaars. Het dorp ligt op ongeveer 1.740 meter hoogte. Vanuit hier start de wandeling richting de Gergeti Tower, een uitkijkpunt halverwege de route. Vanaf de toren heb je al een prachtig uitzicht over het dal en Stepantsminda. De toren is onderdeel van een netwerk van historische verdedigingswerken, typerend voor de bergachtige regio van Georgië. Ooit waren deze torens vaak in handen van lokale clans en dienden ze ter bescherming van de gemeenschap en het omliggende land. Na de toren klimt het pad verder omhoog door een afwisseling van graslanden en rotsachtig terrein. De klim is redelijk steil, maar goed haalbaar voor wandelaars met een gemiddelde conditie. Na ongeveer twee uur wandelen (ca. 3-4 km) bereik je de iconische Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen op 2.170 meter hoogte. De kerk, gebouwd in de 14e eeuw, is niet alleen een architectonisch hoogtepunt maar ook een belangrijk spiritueel en cultureel symbool van Georgië. Vanaf dit punt heb je een panoramisch uitzicht op de Kaukasus en de indrukwekkende Kazbek-gletsjer. Bij helder weer is het een ideale plek om te genieten van de rust en de overweldigende natuur. De foto toont Kanitha die een steil en rotsachtig pad beklimt richting de Gergeti Trinity Church in Georgië, met de majestueuze Mount Kazbek op de achtergrond. Langs het pad stroomt smeltwater in de vorm van een klein watervalletje, wat de route extra uitdagend maakt. De aanwezigheid van andere wandelaars verderop laat zien dat dit een populaire maar uitdagende route is. Kanitha is warm gekleed en is vastberaden een weg omhoog te banen. De ruige omgeving, het steile terrein en de helderblauwe lucht benadrukken de indrukwekkende natuurlijke schoonheid van de Kaukasus. De combinatie van het berglandschap, de besneeuwde piek van Mount Kazbek en de smalle, natte paden maakt deze wandeling tot een unieke en avontuurlijke ervaring. De wandeling naar de Gergeti Trinity Church is een onvergetelijke ervaring die je niet mag missen bij een bezoek aan Georgië.
Dawn light over 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.
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Suki will be appearing in print on wall of the McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco tomorrow!
She'll be part of a photo exhibition entitled Off The Beaten Path, showcasing the city’s signature parks and hidden gems. Congrats Suki!
More info here: harveymilkphotocenter.org/exhibits/parks-exhibit/
Image: Leica M3 + 50mm Summilux | Ektar 100
Sunset at Val Di Funes, a storybook valley situated beneath the majestic peaks of Odle Group, part of the Dolomites mountains, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Summer scenery in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as seen on the Adolf Munkel Trail (Via delle Odle) at the foot of the Geisler/Odle Group, in Val di Funes, South Tyrol, northern Italy.
© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.