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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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Hope you like my photos, and thank you so much to everyone who comments, or favorites them!

 

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

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

   

Michigan, Fall 2020

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.

mushrooms from our lower mcleay park hike. Forest park, Portland, OR.

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.

 

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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

  

Exterior view of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a Serbian Orthodox Church in Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro.

 

© 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

 

In the heart of Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia, lies the centuries-old Old Bazaar – Stara Čaršija. This is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the Balkans, where Ottoman mosques, old caravanserais, and small shops line the narrow cobblestone streets. Walking here feels like stepping back in time. While exploring, we needed some Macedonian cash. At first, I was a bit skeptical about exchanging money at a small office right in the bazaar: Döviz Bürosu – Exchange Office. It looked very modest, with a tiny counter and a handwritten sign. Behind the glass sat a boy of about twelve with a calculator. His English was surprisingly good – probably better than his father’s, who was working in the back. The exchange rate turned out to be excellent – much better than the banks – and there was no commission. We decided to exchange a small amount, and everything was spot on. The next day, we came back to change a larger amount. Thanks to the good rate, our cocktails that evening suddenly became much cheaper. An unexpected but charming experience that perfectly matched the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the bazaar.

 

While exploring Skopje’s Old Bazaar, we exchanged money at a tiny Döviz Bürosu that looked a bit sketchy at first. The young boy behind the counter spoke great English, the rate was excellent with no commission, and everything went smoothly – so well that we came back the next day to change more.

 

In het hart van Skopje, de bruisende hoofdstad van Noord-Macedonië, ligt de eeuwenoude Oude Bazaar – Stara Čaršija. Dit is een van de grootste en oudste bazaars van de Balkan, waar Ottomaanse moskeeën, oude karavanserais en kleine winkeltjes elkaar afwisselen. Smalle steegjes en geplaveide straatjes leiden je langs geurige kruidenwinkels, tapijten, koperwerk en kleurrijke marktkramen. Het voelt alsof de tijd hier een tandje trager gaat. Toen wij hier rondliepen, hadden we Macedonisch geld nodig. Ik was in het begin wat sceptisch om geld te wisselen bij een klein kantoortje midden op de bazaar: Döviz Bürosu – Exchange Office. Het zag er eenvoudig uit, met een piepklein loket en een handgeschreven bordje. Achter het glas zat een jongen van een jaar of twaalf met een rekenmachine. Zijn Engels was verrassend goed, beter nog dan dat van zijn vader die achterin het kantoortje bezig was. De koers bleek echter uitstekend – beter dan bij de banken – en er werd geen commissie gerekend. We besloten een klein bedrag te wisselen, en alles klopte perfect. De volgende dag zijn we teruggegaan om een groter bedrag te wisselen. Dankzij de goede koers werden de cocktails die avond ineens een stuk goedkoper. Een onverwachte maar charmante ervaring die helemaal past bij de warme en gastvrije sfeer van de bazaar.

Social Distancing in Burnt River Canyon and the tiny town of Unity in Baker County

 

A beautiful Spring day exploring the Burnt River Canyon and the small town of Unity in Baker County Oregon . some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.

 

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

 

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 Osor, a small port town on Cres island, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.

 

Osor lies at a narrow channel that separates islands Cres and Lošinj. The channel was built in Roman times to make sailing possible. Now the islands are connected with a rotating bridge. Originally Cres and Lošinj were one island, before the channel was cut.

 

© 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

 

Devil's Valley lies high in the Caucasus Mountains, near the Jvari Pass. The valley is known for its raw beauty: steep mountains, deep gorges, fast-flowing rivers, and ancient watchtowers. In the past, it was a strategically important area, but also dangerous and difficult to traverse. It earned the nickname “Valley of the Devils” because invaders would often get lost, be ambushed, or simply never return—partly due to the fierce defense by the local population. Few tourists venture here; it feels like a hidden world. Especially outside the summer season, the valley is hard to access. Hikers and off-road adventurers love this kind of terrain, but it’s far from a typical day trip. One of the natural highlights of the area is the Eretos Waterfall. Cascading down a rocky cliff into a narrow gorge, the waterfall is tucked away between forested slopes. The sound of the falling water echoes through the valley, adding to the mysterious atmosphere of the region. It’s a place where nature takes center stage: wild, untouched, and barely marked by human presence. Visiting the waterfall feels like a reward for those willing to explore this rugged landscape.

 

Devil's Valley lies high in the Caucasus Mountains. The region is dramatic and mountainous, with panoramic views and an untamed character. It lies along the famous Georgian Military Highway, an ancient route that connects Tbilisi with Russia via the Jvari Pass. The landscape displays a mesmerizing contrast between snow-capped peaks and the golden autumn slopes, a characteristic feature of the region in late autumn. The deep blue sky emphasize the grandeur of the Caucasus, making this a truly awe-inspiring sight. Kanitha enjoying a view on the valley, with the impressive Caucasus mountains in the background.

 

De Devil's Valley ligt in de bergen van de Kaukasus, aan de Jvari-pas. De vallei staat bekend om haar ruige schoonheid: steile bergen, diepe kloven, snelstromende rivieren en eeuwenoude wachttorens. Ooit was dit een strategisch belangrijk gebied, maar ook gevaarlijk en moeilijk begaanbaar. De vallei kreeg de bijnaam “Valley of the Devils”, omdat indringers er vaak verdwaalden, werden aangevallen of simpelweg nooit meer terugkeerden — deels vanwege de lokale bevolking die haar land fel verdedigde.

Toeristen komen hier zelden; het voelt als een verborgen wereld. Vooral buiten het zomerseizoen is de vallei lastig toegankelijk. Wandelaars en offroad-liefhebbers zijn dol op dit soort plekken, maar het is geen standaard dagtrip. Eén van de natuurlijke parels in deze regio is de Eretos-waterval. Deze waterval stort zich tussen de rotsen naar beneden in een smalle kloof, verscholen tussen de beboste hellingen. Het geluid van het vallende water echoot door de vallei en draagt bij aan de mysterieuze sfeer van het gebied. Het is een plek waar de natuur de hoofdrol speelt: wild, ongerept en nauwelijks aangetast door de mens. Een bezoek aan de waterval voelt als een beloning voor wie de moeite neemt om dit ruige landschap te verkennen. De regio is dramatisch en bergachtig, met panoramische uitzichten en een rauw, onaangetast karakter. Ze ligt langs de beroemde Georgian Military Highway, een eeuwenoude route die Tbilisi met Rusland verbindt via de Jvari-pas. Kanitha geniet van het uitzicht op de vallei, met de indrukwekkende Kaukasusbergen op de achtergrond.

Ship cruising in Adriatic sea, near the town of Hvar, on the island of Hvar, part of Split-Dalmatia County, in southern Croatia.

 

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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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Michigan USA

September 2020

Morning 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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Previously, I shared a photo of Ayaz Kala, one of the defensive hilltop forts of ancient Khorezm. In contrast, this image shows Toprak Kala, a much larger and more complex site that once served as the capital of the Khorezmian Kingdom between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE.

 

Located about 35 km northeast of Khiva, in the Karakalpakstan region of Uzbekistan, Toprak Kala was not built for defense but for governance, ceremony, and daily life. The site includes the remains of a palace, temples, and residential buildings, all made from mudbrick. It was an organized urban center with a clear layout, wall paintings, and columned halls.

 

Unlike Ayaz Kala's remote, elevated position, Toprak Kala sits on open desert ground, closer to the once irrigated fertile lands. Today, the ruins are quiet and mostly untouched, offering a unique window into what life might have looked like in this once-powerful desert capital.

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This is the Texas Hill Country ! Red dirt roads lined in bluebonnets.

 

DSC_9605WM

Summer landscape in front of Villa Angiolina, a Biedermeier building built in 1894 as a summer house, in Opatija, a coastal town and seaside resort dotted with Habsburg-era villas, situated on Kvarner coast by Adriatic sea, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, southern Croatia.

 

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

A beautiful New Year's day exploring and watching wildlife along the Burnt River Canyon

 

A beautiful winter day exploring and a little wildlife watching along 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. 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 this trip and a napping Barn Owl

 

For more information about watchable wildlife opportunities in Baker County, or other Baker County Scenic byways and back roads visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.basecampbaker.com

   

[Yazd, Iran] The very unique and characteristic skyline of domes, minarets and wind catching towers (or badgirs) of Yazd, a silk road city of Iran preserving intact many beautiful traditions and traditional Persian architectural features. The Jame' or congregational mosque stands out with its larger turquoise dome and tall minarets.

 

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Hiking on the Mt. Esja

Iceland

04.06.2019

High angle view of 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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Hikers on the trail surrounding the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo), part of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.

 

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Kiev 60, Volna-3 80mm f/2.8, Kodak Tri-X 400

Morning light over Motovun, a medieval walled town perched on a 277m hill in the Mirna River valley, in Istria County, Croatia.

 

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

Morning light over Isola San Giulio (St. Julius Island), in Lake Orta, near the lakeshore village of Orta San Giulio, in Novara province, Piedmont region, northwestern Italy.

 

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

Dusk light over the medieval town of Vrbnik, perched on a 48m cliff overlooking the Adriatic sea, on Krk island, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.

 

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

Hunter's Point 's abandoned Naval Ship Yard.

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

 

A little early for spring migration still but spotted a few fun birds including lots of Red Tail Hawks and several nesting 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

  

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