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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
Dawn light over Zhabeshi, a pretty highland village nested in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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A young San child, immersed in a quiet moment of thought, leans against the ancient trees of Namibia’s arid landscape. This powerful image captures the deep connection between people and nature, where wisdom is passed through generations and life flows with the rhythms of the desert.
Abandoned church with defensive tower in Zhamushi, now being used as a pisty, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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Ancient stone defensive towers in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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Aerial view of the old town of Rab, on Rab island in Adriatic sea, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.
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The historic Lanes grocery store on Elizabeth Street, Alviso, has finally collapsed under its own weight. I discovered this after I came back from Japan. It was a sad ending as the wooden structure had survived so many storms and floods in the past. I guess the last storm really nailed its coffin. Behind it is the Victorian Tiden-Laine house built in 1887 by Susan Ortley Tilden.
High angle view of the pretty seaside village of Valun, tucked at the foot of cliffs by Adriatic sea, on Cres island, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.
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Aerial view of the Makarska Riviera, a 58km stretch of Adriatic coast at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range, where a series of cliffs and ridges forms a dramatic backdrop to a string of beautiful pebbly beaches, in Split-Dalmatia County, southern Croatia.
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Aerial view of Holy Trinity Church, a Georgian Orthodox church sitting on top of Mount Sameba surrounded by the vastness of nature, 8 km from Batumi, the capital city of Adjara region of Georgia.
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Dawn light over the imposing rock face of the Seekofel (2,810m), part of the Prague Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by Lake Braies (Italian: Lago di Braies), in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Social Distancing along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway in Baker County Oregon
A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon along the Elkhorn Scenic byway between Sumpter and Baker City. Some great wildlife and lots of wide-open scenery and wildflowers along the way. Took a little time to explore along the way with stops at the Ah Hee Diggings historic site and a nearby abandoned mine, before checking out Baldy Creek and the historic Peavy Cabin, and ending our adventure at Anthony Lakes for a little time at the lake and lunch at the Starbottle Saloon
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
Bougainvillea blooming in the village of Kaštel Sućurac, part of Kaštela, the second largest town in Dalmatia region, Split-Dalmatia County, southern Croatia.
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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,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 embarked early in the darkness on our journey to Luosto. 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 appears to be in a deep winter slumber. We plan to climb its spectacular fjells (mountains) and explore its pristine wilderness.
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. 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. Luosto biedt een prachtig landschap voor avontuurlijke activiteiten en de mogelijkheid om te genieten van de rust en schoonheid van de Finse wildernis.
Two local men ride a horse-drawn cart along a dusty road in the sun-drenched Kalahari landscape of Namibia, offering a wave as they pass under the vivid blue African sky.
Social Distancing along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway in Baker County Oregon
A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon along the Elkhorn Scenic byway between Sumpter and Baker City. Some great wildlife and lots of wide-open scenery and wildflowers along the way. Took a little time to explore along the way with stops at the Ah Hee Diggings historic site and a nearby abandoned mine, before checking out Baldy Creek and the historic Peavy Cabin, and ending our adventure at Anthony Lakes for a little time at the lake and lunch at the Starbottle Saloon
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
Aerial view of Valun beach, to the northwest of the pretty seaside village of Valun by Adriatic sea, on Cres island, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.
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Aerial view of Parga, a picturesque resort town on the Ionian coast, in Epirus, northwestern Greece.
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Tourist paragliding in Devil's Valley in the Caucasus mountains, located by the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, in Stepantsminda District, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia.
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Aerial view of Motsameta Monastery, picturesquely located on the cliff above Ckalcitela river, 6 km northeast of Kutaisi, in Imereti region, western Georgia.
Its name, whose meaning is the "Place of the Martyrs", is related to two Georgian princes, David and Constantine, who organized a rebellion against the occupying Arabs in the 8th century.
When the rebellion failed, they were captured and then they were promised forgiveness in exchange for converting to Islam. None accepted the offer, they were later tortured and killed, and their bodies were thrown into the river. The water turned red and in memory of this event, the river was called Ckalcitela, which means red water. According to the story, the brothers' remains were captured by the lions and taken to the hill, where the Gelati monastery is located. Later, the Orthodox Church of Georgia recognized them as Saints, and in the 11th century, the king Bagrat IV of Georgia constructed the church there.
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Aerial view of 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.
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Khor Virap is a historic monastery in Armenia, famously associated with Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint who brought Christianity to Armenia.
According to tradition, in the late 3rd century, King Tiridates III imprisoned Gregory in a deep underground pit (the "virap") at the site - because Gregory was a Christian and refused to renounce his faith. He was held there for about 13 years.
Eventually, the king went mad, and only recovered after Gregory was freed and prayed for him. Grateful, Tiridates converted to Christianity, and in 301 AD, Armenia became the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
Khor Virap marks the place where Gregory was imprisoned and later emerged as a symbol of Armenia’s Christian faith.
Aerial view of the medieval town of Korčula, on the protected east coast of the island of Korčula, in southern Croatia.
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Ship cruising in Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, near the old town of Kotor, situated beneath the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor.
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Sunset over the Adriatic sea, as seen from the Makarska Riviera, a 58km stretch of Adriatic coast at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range, where a series of cliffs and ridges forms a dramatic backdrop to a string of beautiful pebbly beaches, in Split-Dalmatia County, southern Croatia.
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Summer snow beneath 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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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 Funes, South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Stunning view of Positano, a cliffside village overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, on Amalfi Coast, in Salerno province, Campania region, southern Italy.
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A turquoise colored pool seen along 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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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.
After the tough climb, Kanitha finally reached Gergeti Trinity Church. The steep paths and thin mountain air were intense, but every step was rewarded with beautiful views. Sitting on the stone fence by the church, enveloped by the silence of the mountains, she feels her fatigue disappear. The cool Caucasus air fills her lungs as she admires the snow-capped peaks. A moment of peace, surrounded by the history of this holy place, before we enter the church.
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. Na de zware klim heeft Kanitha eindelijk de Gergeti Trinity Church bereikt. De steile paden en ijle berglucht waren intens, maar elke stap werd beloond met prachtige uitzichten. De wandeling naar de Gergeti Trinity Church is een onvergetelijke ervaring die je niet mag missen bij een bezoek aan Georgië. Zittend op de stenen omheining bij de kerk, omhuld door de stilte van de bergen, voelt ze de vermoeidheid wegtrekken. De koele Kaukasuslucht vult haar longen terwijl ze de besneeuwde toppen bewondert. Een moment van rust, omringd door de geschiedenis van deze heilige plek, voordat we de kerk binnen gaan. De kerk, gebouwd in de 14e eeuw, is niet alleen een architectonisch hoogtepunt maar ook een belangrijk spiritueel en cultureel symbool van Georgië.
Aerial view of Vrsar, a small seaside town situated on top of a hill, in Istria County, Croatia.
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A cat resting in the town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia region, southern Italy. A trullo (plural, trulli) is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof.
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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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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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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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Location: Montana (off the beaten path...of course, that might be all of Montana!)
Equipment: Nikon D300/50mm 1.8D
*stitched together photo of 9 separate images I shot while shooting a documentary with a storm chasing team.
* program used for stitching images-AutopanoPro
BEST VIEWED BIG!
View of the Starigrad Fortress, a 15th-century fortress built during the Croatian–Ottoman wars as a primary defence against the Ottoman Empire, located near the town of Omiš, in Split-Dalmatia County, southern Croatia.
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