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Aerial view of the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument, a large round stone and concrete structure overlooking the Devil's Valley in the Caucasus mountains, located on the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, in Stepantsminda District, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia. Inside the monument is a large tile mural that spans the whole circumference of the structure and depicts scenes of Georgian and Russian history.
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Hiking in Yli-Nampavast wilderness and breathtaking natural beauty. The area boasts picturesque hiking trails that meander through forests, alongside lakes, and amidst rolling hills. In this region, there are opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The landscape here is characterized by dense forests of pine and birch trees, interspersed with clearings and wetlands. As you explore the trails in Yli-Nampa, keep an eye out for native wildlife such as wolverines, reindeer, elk, and various bird species. The bears hibernate. If you're fortunate to visit during the darker months of the year, Yli-Nampa is ideally located for viewing the northern lights aurora borealis. After a day of hiking, you might be treated to a spectacular display of these dancing lights in the night sky. One of the most appealing aspects of hiking in Yli-Nampa is the sense of solitude and tranquility. The remote location and pristine wilderness provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In addition to natural beauty, hiking in Lapland offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local Sami culture. Learn about traditional practices, visit reindeer farms, and perhaps even sample local delicacies such as smoked fish or cloudberries.
Yli-Nampa is located in the north of Finland, specifically in the Lapland region. This region is located above the Arctic Circle and is known for its vast forests, lakes and un-spoilt nature. Yli-Nampa itself is an area in Lapland that is suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and experiencing northern nature and culture. During the month of January, daylight hours are very short due to the polar night. This phenomenon occurs in areas above the Arctic Circle, including Lapland. We set out early in the darkness on our way to Luosto. In Yli-Nampa, the moon shines beautifully over the forest while the sun has yet to rise, but the sky is beginning to lighten. The snow in Yli-Nampa lies like an untouched white carpet, and the trees are draped in a thick layer of powder snow. Every step breaks the serene silence of the snowy surroundings; the crunching sound of fresh snow under my hiking boots fills the air. The trees bend gently under the weight of the snow, and nature seems to be in a deep winter slumber. The path is lined with pine trees adorned with ice crystals. The expanse of the snowy landscape stretches to the horizon, and the cold air tingles on my skin. The moment with the moon, surrounded by the white beauty of nature, is magical. It's not just a hike but also an encounter with the beauty of winter in Lapland. Photo of BieJee hiking and watching the moon in Yli-Nampa. Photo taken by my son BieJee of me immediately sinking deep off the beaten path in the snow.
Wandelen in Yli-Nampa, Finland, biedt een prachtige en serene buitenervaring, vooral voor wie ongerepte natuur en rustige landschappen waardeert. Yli-Nampa ligt in Lapland, bekend om zijn uitgestrekte wildernis en adembenemende natuurlijke schoonheid. Het gebied beschikt over schilderachtige wandelpaden die door bossen slingeren, langs meren lopen en tussen glooiende heuvels door gaan. In deze regio zijn er mogelijkheden om te sneeuwschoenwandelen en langlaufen. Het landschap wordt hier gekenmerkt door dichte bossen met dennen- en berkenbomen, afgewisseld met open plekken en moerassen. Terwijl je de paden in Yli-Nampa verkent, moet je uitkijken naar inheemse wilde dieren zoals veelvraat, rendieren, elanden en verschillende vogelsoorten. Beren houden een winterslaap en trekvogels zijn vertrokken naar warmere oorden. Tijdens de maand januari, zijn de daglichturen erg kort vanwege de poolnacht. Dit fenomeen doet zich voor in gebieden boven de poolcirkel, waaronder Lapland. We zijn vroeg in het donker vertrokken op weg naar Luosto. In Yli-Nampa schijnt de maan prachtig over het bos terwijl de zon nog moet opkomen, maar de lucht begint al te gloren. Als je geluk hebt om tijdens de donkere maanden van het jaar te bezoeken, is Yli-Nampa ideaal gelegen voor het bekijken van het noorderlicht aurora borealis. Na een dag wandelen word je misschien getrakteerd op een spectaculaire vertoning van deze dansende lichten aan de nachtelijke hemel. Eén van de meest aantrekkelijke aspecten van wandelen in Yli-Nampa is het gevoel van eenzaamheid en rust. De afgelegen locatie en ongerepte wildernis bieden een perfecte ontsnapping aan de drukte van het dagelijks leven. Naast de natuurlijke schoonheid biedt wandelen in Lapland de mogelijkheid om je onder te dompelen in de lokale Sami-cultuur. Leer meer over traditionele praktijken, bezoek rendierboerderijen en proef misschien zelfs lokale lekkernijen zoals gerookte vis of bergbraambessen. Foto gemaakt door mijn zoon BieJee van mij terwijl ik meteen diep wegzak buiten de gebaande paden in de sneeuw.
Aerial view of SÌŒibenik, one of the oldest Croatian towns on the eastern shores of the Adriatic, in Å ibenik-Knin County, Croatia.
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Night view of the Norman-Arab-Byzantine style facade for Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Amalfi), a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Amalfi, Salerno province, Campania region, southern Italy.
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Century Farms and Small Town Charm Along The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway in Baker County Oregon
Spent a beautiful early summer day exploring the small town of Halfway and surrounding century farms along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, one of three Oregon Scenic Byways that connect in Baker County. Baker County is home to more than two dozen Oregon Century Farms and Ranches and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and back roads along the way, are a great way to explore this working landscape of the American West.
with spectacular views of the Wallowa Mountains, and rolling hills of the Pine Valley, and surrounded by local farms and ranches including a number of Oregon Century Farms, the byway is a popular destination for group tours and independent travelers alike, and offers visitors a chance to experience small town Americana in small towns like Halfway, Richland and Newbridge, as they explore the rugged and spectacular Northeast Oregon landscape along the way.
Hwy 86 between Baker City and the Hells Canyon Dam at the bottom of the canyon is open year round providing visitors access to the deepest river gorge in North America.
To download a map of the Hells Canyon Byway and more information about this beautiful scenic drive visit www.hellscanyonbyway.com
For more information about the Hells Canyon Scenic byways or other Baker County, scenic drives, events and attractions, visit the Baker County tourism website at www.basecampbaker.com
Western King Bird
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
Century Farms and Small Town Charm Along The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway in Baker County Oregon
Spent a beautiful early summer day exploring the small town of Halfway and surrounding century farms along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, one of three Oregon Scenic Byways that connect in Baker County. Baker County is home to more than two dozen Oregon Century Farms and Ranches and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and back roads along the way, are a great way to explore this working landscape of the American West.
with spectacular views of the Wallowa Mountains, and rolling hills of the Pine Valley, and surrounded by local farms and ranches including a number of Oregon Century Farms, the byway is a popular destination for group tours and independent travelers alike, and offers visitors a chance to experience small town Americana in small towns like Halfway, Richland and Newbridge, as they explore the rugged and spectacular Northeast Oregon landscape along the way.
Hwy 86 between Baker City and the Hells Canyon Dam at the bottom of the canyon is open year round providing visitors access to the deepest river gorge in North America.
To download a map of the Hells Canyon Byway and more information about this beautiful scenic drive visit www.hellscanyonbyway.com
For more information about the Hells Canyon Scenic byways or other Baker County, scenic drives, events and attractions, visit the Baker County tourism website at www.basecampbaker.com
Summer scenery on the Seceda mountain (2519m), in the Odle (needles) group, part of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Ranch hand 'Humberto' - mending fences
"Special" People I've been fortunate to meet "On the road":
Driving home from the San Francisco area, on Interstate 5 thru the San Joaquin Valley, I took a 'backroad' detour into the golden, rolling California hills (created by the San Andreas earthquake fault); I stopped to talk to this very friendly ranch hand, Humberto, who was mending fences on this dry grassland -- that is actually good for grazing cattle!
Humberto didn't have a computer, but said his friend did; so today I sent him a link to his photo and video. We had a great talk!
When I downloaded this I wondered how long this fence mending work has gone on here. Surely over 100 years, when men rode horseback to do the same job. Just like it's been done all over this country. But I think most of us recognize it as a romanticized job of a cowboy and his trusty horse "ridin' the range".
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G
Horses grazing on meadow by Adishi Glacier in Caucasus mountains during summer time, as seen during the trek from Adishi to Iprali, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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Trullo house 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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Sunset light over the Metropolitan City of Genoa, the capital of Liguria region, in northern Italy.
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The terraced garden in Palazzo Borromeo, on Isola Bella (lit. 'beautiful island'), one of the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore, 400 metres from the lakeside town of Stresa, in Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province, Piedmont region, northwestern Italy.
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Dawn light over Iprali village, situated in Caucasus mountains, in Svaneti Region of Georgia.
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Female trekker trekking in Caucasus mountains, from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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View of St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built entirely from stone, in SÌŒibenik, one of the oldest Croatian towns on the eastern shores of the Adriatic, in Å ibenik-Knin County, Croatia.
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Stonebraker’s Bakery and the Fancy Goods storefronts on Shenandoah Street in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich commercial history. These well-preserved structures reflect the bustling marketplace that once served travelers, locals, and visitors arriving by train or canal boat during the 19th century.
Stonebraker’s Bakery, a charming pale stone building, proudly displays its sign above the shop’s original windows and doors. The bakery originally supplied fresh bread, cakes, and other baked goods to the community, catering to soldiers, townsfolk, and travelers alike. Today, it serves as a historical exhibit maintained by the National Park Service, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Its classic architecture includes black shutters, wrought iron balcony railings, and a dignified cream façade that speaks to the style of the 1800s.
Next door, the two-story Fancy Goods building, with its inviting white porch and prominent blue signage, once housed an array of goods and essentials for visitors. During Harpers Ferry’s heyday, this type of establishment provided customers with imported items, small luxuries, and souvenirs—a small piece of the world brought to West Virginia’s mountain crossroads. Its preserved signage and front porch capture the feeling of 19th-century Americana, when local stores were the lifeblood of a thriving town.
Both Stonebraker’s Bakery and the Fancy Goods store are located on Shenandoah Street, a thoroughfare steeped in history. Harpers Ferry itself was a strategic town during the American Civil War, changing hands multiple times between Union and Confederate forces. The buildings here have witnessed the comings and goings of soldiers, abolitionists, and townsfolk alike. The town’s association with John Brown’s 1859 raid, the abolitionist movement, and the fight for freedom makes it a cornerstone of American history.
Today, visitors can walk along the cobblestone streets of Harpers Ferry and experience the town’s preserved architecture, learning about its history through guided tours and National Park Service exhibits. These buildings stand as a testament to the resilience of the community and its dedication to preserving the stories that shaped the nation.
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Stonebraker’s Bakery and the Fancy Goods storefront offer a window into Harpers Ferry’s vibrant past. Their carefully maintained façades and interpretive displays invite you to imagine the sounds of bustling trade, the aroma of baking bread, and the excitement of small-town commerce that once defined this remarkable corner of West Virginia.
Stunning view of Mt. Tetnuldi (4,858 m / 15,938 ft), 10th highest peak in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Zhabeshi to Adishi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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Sunset light over the Church of Agios Nikolaos (St Nicholas), situated by the Aegean Sea in the town of Ermoupolis, on the island of Syros, South Aegean, Greece.
It is known locally as the Church of St Nicholas the Rich because it was partly funded by donations from wealthy benefactors, including shipowners living abroad, and to distinguish it from the Church of St Nicholas the Poor in Ano Syros.
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Stunning view of Mt. Ushba (4,710 m / 15,450 ft) in Caucasus mountains, 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 view of Latpari lake, a small alpine lake on top of Latpari Pass (2,834m / 9,297ft), in Caucas Mountains, Svaneti Region of Georgia.
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Female trekker trekking in Caucasus mountains, from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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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
Interior view of the Church of Simeon Stylites, located beneath the Katskhi pillar, a huge natural limestone monolith that rises 131 feet into the air, situated at the village of Katskhi in Imereti region, western Georgia.
Saint Simeon Stylites or Symeon the Stylite was a Syriac ascetic saint who achieved notability for living 37 years on a small platform on top of a pillar near Aleppo (in modern Syria). Several other stylites later followed his model (the Greek word style means "pillar").
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[Mazanderan, Iran] A curvy empty mountain road across a snowed ravine toward a tall mountain peak of the Iranian Alborz, the mountain range separating Tehran from the coast along the Caspian sea.
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©2016 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
This is so very far off the beaten path..for me that is!
While I was in Atlanta, I went to see what I could to shoot in their wine vineyards. As I walked up, I saw this and thought it looks like a person hanging.Creepy!
I wanted to bring this out, I email my finished shot to my daughter asking her what she thought..."it looks like a Crucifixtion!Very cool!" "You should make it Ghostly" I played and sent it back..."OMG,this is awesome, to bad there wasn't fog. Back I went and resent it to her, "this is AMAZING, really CREEPY, I love it" (her words, lol)
So I guess my job was done! lol I am so lucky! She helped me bring out what I saw in my eyes.
So fun to go off the beaten path...lol
Off on an adventure Saturday with Diana, can't wait!! See everyone in a week or so.
Be well all~
;0}
Interior view of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, in Milan, the capital city of Lombardy region, in northern Italy.
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Many of Trondheim’s old alleys, known locally as smug, were originally built for easy access between the busy waterfront and merchant houses. Some of them still follow the same paths laid out in the Middle Ages.
This past Saturday was my first time to Robinson Falls near New Florence, PA. While it's a fairly easy 1.5 mile hike through the woods from a parking area, this is one secluded waterfall where you really have to know where it is. Luckily I was able to attain good directions and almost walked right up to it...took a little bit and I ventured off the path for a while accidentally, but I made it.
This is a very nice little swimming hole mostly attended by the locals. I may venture here under high water at some point as while the water level is good here, I would like to see some heavier movement. I also like this location as it's close to Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County.
Coming from Pittsburgh, take US 22 East through Murraysville and Blairsville. Right out of Blairsville, turn right onto Chestnut Ridge Road. Follow Chestnut Ridge for 2.4 miles and bear right onto Muir Road for 1.4 miles. This is on the edge of State Game Lands 153. There is a rutted gravel road that goes down to the right. Follow this gravel road straight back to a parking area for the game lands.
Follow the trail that starts at the gate by the edge of the parking area. Follow this trail until it crosses a creek. A short distance after the stream, a highly visible trail leads down to the left. Follow this trail, being careful to stay on the trail as you will be hiking further than you think. There will be a dense patch of rhododendron on the left as you get closer to the creek. Your eyes will catch something on the hillside across the gorge and you will soon realize it's a wrecked Ford Explorer. A short distance past the Ford, the trail will seem to disappear as it crosses another stream. While the water isn't high, this is difficult to cross as you have to duck under rhododendron and climb down the bank of the stream to cross. On the other side, the trail is non-existent as far as I could tell, but you need to hang a left down the hill, walking parallel to the stream you just crossed. A short hike will land you at the base of the falls.
I don't consider this a difficult hike, but it is a good 3 mile round trip from the parking lot and back again.
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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Summer scenery in the peaceful village of Zhabeshi, nested in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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[Hesar-e Qarah Baghi, Hamedan, Iran] The one lane rural road approaching Hesar-e Qarah Baghi, near the provincial capital Hamedan, a small village based on agriculture and farming built on the foothill of a beautiful green valley, where the majority of people, including young children, are bilingual if not trilingual (Persian, Azeri, Kurdish). Life here is peaceful and nobody cares about sanctions, opposite of what happened in large Iranian cities.
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©2016 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
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 peaceful village of Zhabeshi, nested in Caucasus mountains, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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Morning clouds hanging over Caucasus mountains, as seen in the peaceful village of Zhabeshi, during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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A stone defensive tower nested in Caucasus mountains, as seen in the peaceful village of Zhabeshi, during the trek from Mestia to Ushguli, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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Multi-colored houses at the old harbor of Procida, a tiny volcanic Island located off the coast of Naples, in Campania region, southern Italy.
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Night view of Palazzo Ducale, a 15th-century Renaissance building included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in the city of Urbino, Marche region, Italy.
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Summer scenery 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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Sunset over the lighthouse of Chania, located at the entrance of the port of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece.
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Gombori Mountain Pass is known for its picturesque landscape. This 65-kilometer forest highway through the Gombori Ridge is the watershed separating the Alazani and Iori River valleys. This geographical separation serves as the customary regional division of Inner and Outer Kakheti.
The highest point of Gombori Ridge is Mount Tsivi (literally ‘cold’), with an elevation of 1991 meters. The ruins of castles and towers, well-preserved monasteries and churches indicate that historically, even before the Gombori Mountain Pass Highway was remodelled, numerous pathways on the old forest road were used as shortcuts.
Charleston Historic District, South Carolina
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