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Dusk light over the old town of Ostuni, nicknamed "the White City of Salento", in Brindisi province, Apulia region, southern Italy.
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Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus, at an altitude of about 2,170 meters. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the icy peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for climbing usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Caucasus.
This photo shows Kanitha enjoying the Sun at Gergeti – Time for a Mountain Picnic! Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most iconic and spiritual sites in Georgia, with the imposing Mount Kuro in the background. The church, which is located at an altitude of approximately 2,170 meters, was built in the 14th century and served as both a religious and defensive center. The location of the monastery makes it particularly special: it stands on a secluded hill with panoramic views of the Caucasus and the nearby village of Stepantsminda. In times of war, the church was used as a shelter for valuable relics, including the famous Mtskheta Cross. Mount Kuro, visible in the background, rises to 3,980 meters and forms a dramatic and rugged frame for this sacred structure. The snow-capped peaks and steep cliffs underline the solitude and grandeur of this place. Today, Gergeti Trinity Church is a popular destination for pilgrims and travelers. The climb to the church can be done on foot, on horseback or by 4x4, and once at the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys of the Caucasus.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus. Deze foto toont Kanitha die geniet van de zon bij Gergeti – tijd voor een bergpicknick! De Gergeti Trinity Church, één van de meest iconische en spirituele plekken in Georgië, met de imposante Mount Kuro op de achtergrond. Mount Kuro, zichtbaar op de achtergrond, stijgt tot 3.980 meter en vormt een dramatische en ruige omlijsting van dit heilige bouwwerk. De besneeuwde pieken en steile rotsen onderstrepen de eenzaamheid en grootsheid van deze plek.
Aerial view of the beautiful coastline of Jerolim island, part of Pakleni (Paklinski) islands, located off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar, opposite the entrance to the Hvar harbour, in 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.
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 trekking in Caucasus mountains, near Stepantsminda (literally "Saint Stephan"), commonly known as Kazbegi, a remote and peaceful town 10 km south of the border with Russia, in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia.
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Male hiker on the trail from Rifugio Puez (2,475m) To Rifugio Jimmy (2,220m), situated within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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The David Gareja Monastery complex is remote and isolated in the rugged, semi-desert landscape of eastern Georgia, close to the border with Azerbaijan. The area is characterized by dry hills, barren plains and steep cliffs, far from any town or village. It is precisely this remoteness that contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the place — an ideal refuge for monks seeking refuge from the world. The silence, the arid landscape and the ancient caves make David Gareja a place of deep peace, contemplation and mysticism. Founded in the 6th century by the Syrian monk David Garejeli, the monastery is partly carved into the sandstone cliffs of a rugged, semi-desert landscape. Inside the monastery there is a sloping rock face with carved cells, chapels and caves that served as living and praying rooms for monks. Some are decorated with ancient frescoes. In this photo we see Kanitha at the entrance to a simple, carved cell in the monastery complex. The small round opening in the sandstone rocks gives access to one of the many caves that were once used by monks as living or prayer rooms. This cave cell is typical of the early architectural style of the monastery, everything here is sober and purposeful — no unnecessary decoration, just rock, silence and devotion. The shapes are rough and natural, as if the space had formed itself out of the mountainside. In addition to its historical and architectural value, the monastery is still a lively religious place today. Georgian Orthodox monks still live in the complex. They lead a secluded and sober life, dedicated to prayer, study and maintenance of the monastery. During our visit to David Gareja we were the only visitors. In silence we walked through the empty monastery, past rough rock walls and ancient cells. Kanitha paused for a moment at a small cave cell — simple, carved out of the rock — and you immediately felt how monks once lived here in solitude. Everything breathed peace and devotion. The view over the silent, empty plain was breathtaking. A place where time seems to stand still — and you stand still for a moment too.
While exploring the remote David Gareja Monastery, we were the only visitors. In complete silence, we wandered through ancient rock-cut cells and chapels. Kanitha paused at the entrance of a simple cave cell — a powerful reminder of the monks’ quiet, devoted lives. Surrounded by vast, empty desert views, it felt like time stood still.
Het David Gareja-kloostercomplex ligt afgelegen en geïsoleerd in het ruige, halfwoestijnachtige landschap van Oost-Georgië, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan. Deze omgeving wordt gekenmerkt door droge heuvels, kale vlaktes en steile rotspartijen, ver weg van dorpen of steden. Juist die verlaten ligging draagt bij aan de spirituele sfeer van de plek — een ideaal toevluchtsoord voor monniken die zich willen terugtrekken uit de wereld. De stilte, het dorre landschap en de eeuwenoude grotten maken David Gareja tot een plek van diepe rust, contemplatie en mystiek. Het klooster werd in de 6e eeuw gesticht door de Syrische monnik David Garejeli en is deels uitgehouwen in de zandsteenrotsen van een ruig, halfwoestijnachtig landschap. In het klooster is er schuin oplopende rotswand met uitgehouwen cellen, kapellen en grotten die dienden als woon- en gebedsruimten voor monniken. Sommige zijn versierd met eeuwenoude fresco’s. Op deze foto zien we Kanitha bij de ingang van een eenvoudige, uitgehouwen cel in het kloostercomplex. De kleine ronde opening in de zandstenen rotsen geeft toegang tot één van de vele grotten die ooit door monniken werden gebruikt als woon- of gebedsruimte. Deze grotcel is typisch voor de vroege bouwstijl van het klooster, alles is hier sober en doelgericht — geen overbodige versiering, enkel rots, stilte en toewijding. De vormen zijn ruw en natuurlijk, alsof de ruimte zich als vanzelf uit de bergwand heeft gevormd. Naast zijn historische en architectonische waarde is het klooster ook vandaag de dag nog een levendige religieuze plek. Er wonen namelijk nog altijd Georgisch-Orthodoxe monniken in het complex. Ze leiden een teruggetrokken en sober leven, gewijd aan gebed, studie en onderhoud van het klooster. Tijdens ons bezoek aan David Gareja waren we de enige bezoekers. In alle stilte liepen we door het lege klooster, langs ruwe rotswanden en eeuwenoude cellen. Kanitha stond even stil bij een kleine grotcel — eenvoudig, uitgehouwen in de rots — en je voelde direct hoe monniken hier ooit in afzondering leefden. Alles ademde rust en toewijding. Het uitzicht over de stille, lege vlakte was adembenemend. Een plek waar tijd lijkt stil te staan — en je zelf ook even stilstaat.
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
Beautiful fresco on the interior ceiling of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a Serbian Orthodox Church in Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro.
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Aerial view of Tara bridge, a concrete arch bridge over the Tara River in Tara canyon, in Durmitor National Park, northwestern Montenegro. The bridge was built between 1937 and 1940 in former Yugoslavia. At the time of its completion, it was the biggest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe.
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Aerial view of the forest-shrouded Mljet, one of the most seductive of all the Adriatic islands, in Dalmatia region of 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
Aerial view of 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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Another favorite from our Glacier trip a few days ago. I can't wait to go back when it's warmer out!
I finally understand the real value of a long lens.
It allows nature to travel through the glass and touch your soul...
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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Dawn light over Our Lady of the Rocks, off the coast of Perast in Bay of Kotor, in Kotor municipality, Montenegro. This picturesque island was artificially created in 1452, around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found. The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is the largest building on the islet.
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Female hiker trekking near Latpari Pass (2,834m / 9,297ft), with snow covered peaks of Caucasus mountains in background, during the trek from Iprali to Ushguli, in Svaneti Region of Georgia.
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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
A picturesque church alongside the winding road in the Dolomites mountains, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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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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The Alaska Range mountains as seen from Eielson Visitors Center in Denali National Park on a clear sunny summer day
Aerial view of Rogoznica, a popular tourist village in a deep bay sheltered from wind, on the Dalmatian coast in the Adriatic sea, in Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia.
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A breathtaking natural rock formation in Namibia, where massive boulders create a delicate and seemingly gravity-defying arch. This geological wonder is a testament to the power of time, erosion, and nature’s artistry.
Morning light over Pakleni (Paklinski) islands, located off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar, opposite the entrance to the Hvar harbour, in southern Croatia.
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A horse in Caucasus mountains, with stunning view of Mt. Ushba (4,710 m / 15,450 ft) in background, as seen during the trek from Zhabeshi to Adishi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
Although it does not rank in the 10 highest peaks of the range, Ushba is known as the "Matterhorn of the Caucasus" for its picturesque, spire-shaped double summit. Due to its steep profile and unstable weather, Ushba is considered by many climbers as the most difficult ascent in the Caucasus.
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Summer scenery 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 the seaside town of Primošten, on the Dalmatian coast in Adriatic sea, in Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia.
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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,b>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. Our plan is to climb its spectacular fjells (mountains) and explore its pristine wilderness. 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.. BieJee walks 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 Finland worden traditionele houten huizen vaak aangeduid als houten blokhutten of houten chalets. Het Finse woord voor een houten huis is puutalo.. De bomen buigen zachtjes onder het gewicht van de sneeuw. We zijn van plan om de spectaculaire fjells bergen te beklimmen en de ongerepte natuur te verkennen. BieJee loopt 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.
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
Summer scenery in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as seen on the cableway from the town of Selva di Val Gardena to Jimmy Hut (2,220m) up in the mountains, situated within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Jagged rock at Haciveli beach (Hacıveli Plajı), situated by the Black Sea Coast, in Abana, Kastamonu Province, Black Sea Region of northeastern Turkey.
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Cetina river meets the Adriatic sea, at the town of Omiš, in Split-Dalmatia County, southern Croatia.
Omiš has one of the most dramatic locations of any town on the Dalmatian coast. Situated at the mouth of the Cetina River, at the end of a picturesque canyon, it’s backed by sheer walls of mottled grey rock topped with craggy peaks.
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Truly off the much beaten path, this beautiful waterfall is in west Iceland. On the far end of Skorradalur Valley Hvitserkur is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest waterfalls I have visited for a long time. Note that to visit this one you need a 4x4.
View of the lower Tetnuldi Cable Car Station in Caucasus mountains, with stunning view of Mt. Ushba (4,710 m / 15,450 ft) in background, as seen during the trek from Zhabeshi to Adishi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
Although it does not rank in the 10 highest peaks of the range, Ushba is known as the "Matterhorn of the Caucasus" for its picturesque, spire-shaped double summit. Due to its steep profile and unstable weather, Ushba is considered by many climbers as the most difficult ascent in the Caucasus.
© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.
Aerial view of Hridsko Jezero (Hrid Lake), a glacial lake situated 1970m above sea level, between Veliki and Mali Hrid mountains, in Plav municipality, north eastern part of Prokletije National Park, near Montenegro and Kosovan borders.
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Early morning in the Danum Valley. A Tropical Rainforest conservation area on the Island of Borneo, Malaysia.
Dawn light over the fortified walls of Kotor, a medieval town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, situated beneath the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor.
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