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Stunning view of Seitan Limania beach, 20 km southeast of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece.
Translated into English, Seitan Limania means Satan’s Harbour. “Seitan,” Turkish for “devil,” remains in use since the Ottoman occupation of Crete. According to the history, the name is probably referring to the naked rocks surrounding the bay.
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A fun weekend meeting the makers at Copper Belt Winery in Keating Oregon
Enjoyed a beautiful drive to Keating Oregon to visit Copper Belt Winery in Baker County. last weekend for an evening of wine tasting and a chance to meet a couple of incredible makers, Rick DeFerrari and Andrew Beckham; the craft makers of Oregon oak wine barrels and Amphora clay vessels, learning how these vessels are made and how they influence the aging process of wine. Rick DeFerrari is Master Cooper, brought to Baker City by the Oregon Folklife Network, demonstrated the craft of making wine barrels. Andrew Beckham is an Amphora Maker and Vintner from Beckham Estate Vineyard. Andrew demonstrated the art of Amphora making, the ancient art of making clay vessels to age wine.
Copper Belt Winery is the only Oregon winery in the Snake River AVA with three vineyards located in the AVA. For more information about Copper Belt Winery visit their website at www.copperbeltwinery.com For more information about Baker County Oregon visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travelbakercounty.com
Tybo, named for a word derived from the Shoshone, meaning “white man’s district, was was once a thriving mining town. In 1866 when a local Indian led white settlers to the site where he had discovered gold ore. The main lode discovered in 1871. The mine ultimately produced silver, lead and zinc. A smelter was built in 1872, but it would take several years before the town was officially established in 1874.
By 1877 the town had swelled to a population of about 1000. At one time, the town included five stores, a number of saloons, two blacksmith shops, a post office, a newspaper, a schoolhouse, a jail, whiskey shops, a literary society, and an International Order of Odd Fellows.
By 1879 the Tybo Consolidate Mining Company had started to fail when the quality of the ore dropped drastically . By 1880 town was practically dead and in 1884 a fire destroyed many of the remaining buildings.
The last production to come from Tybo between 1942 and 1945 when some old tailings were hauled out for treatment. A handful of people still live there and while much of the property is accessible to the public, portions of the area are privately owned.
Abandoned concrete military structures stand covered in graffiti along the San Francisco coastline near the Golden Gate Bridge, reclaimed by coastal vegetation during the blue hour. These ruins are part of Battery Godfrey, one of many coastal defense installations built around San Francisco Bay to protect against potential naval attacks during the early 20th century.
The main structure features characteristic World War II-era concrete construction—thick walls designed to withstand bombardment, arched openings that once housed massive artillery guns, and multi-level platforms connected by exterior staircases. The reinforced concrete, now weathered by decades of salt air and Pacific storms, provides an ideal canvas for street artists and graffiti writers who've transformed these military relics into an evolving outdoor gallery.
Colorful graffiti covers every visible surface—tags, throw-ups, and pieces in blues, whites, reds, and other vibrant colors layered over previous work. The abandoned nature of these fortifications makes them magnets for urban explorers, photographers, and graffiti artists who appreciate both the historical significance and the creative freedom these spaces provide. Nature actively reclaims the structures, with native coastal shrubs and grasses growing across concrete surfaces and through cracks.
The dirt trail winding through overgrown vegetation leads visitors from parking areas or coastal trails to these hidden ruins. The twilight sky creates moody atmosphere—that deep blue hour light that photographers seek when shooting abandoned places. The coastal scrub typical of San Francisco's western edge—ice plant, coyote brush, and hardy grasses—thrives in this harsh environment shaped by wind, salt spray, and fog.
Battery Godfrey was part of the extensive harbor defense system protecting San Francisco Bay from the late 1800s through World War II. When long-range missiles made coastal artillery obsolete, these batteries were decommissioned and largely abandoned, becoming part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. They now serve as historical monuments, reminders of the military infrastructure that once dominated this coastline, and unintentional art spaces where urban creativity meets military history.
Morning light over the picturesque harbour town of Symi, on the island of Symi, part of the Rhodes regional unit, in South Aegean, Greece.
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Female hiker trekking on top of Latpari Pass (2,834m / 9,297ft), enjoying the summer landscape in Caucasus mountains, during the trek from Iprali to Ushguli, in Svaneti Region of Georgia.
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The day felt like three days as the drive continued through fog, hail, a terrifying tornado, deluge and thunderstorm; passing through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and arriving finally at Lake Michigan. Warren Dunes State Park was empty, and having an abandoned beach to ourselves, my pup and I made a home of it for a few hours. The waters were too calm and flat to surf but I sank my feet into Lake Michigan for the first time, swam and danced along her mystical shores. In the distance Chicago was visible, enveloped in a pink and gold orb of curious clouds. Forest ran into beach, ran into Great Lake; it felt like a lost world, a lush island unto ourselves. Sporadic breaths of wind were warm and inviting, soothing to the touch. Beck's "Earthquake Weather" played on and on. Laying in the sand under canopies of trees, surrounded by green forest, we basked in the quiet beauty of this place that was a cross between the beginning of time and some post-apocalyptic end. But we had to keep going to get to Pennsylvania by 1 o'clock in the morning. The end of summer is always contemplative and introspective, it wants to be absorbed and remembered. This was the most perfect part of the day, being here. When you find that place of peace and joy, sip in and savor every bit of it, for life is fleeting and it's moments like these that the soul feeds its own fire.
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
View of the medieval town of Korčula, on the protected east coast of the island of Korčula, in southern Croatia.
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The beautifully painted interior of Santuario di Sant'Antonio a Fulgenzio (Sanctuary of Saint Anthony in Fulgenzio), a Franciscan church built in the early 1900s and dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, in the city of Lecce, Lecce province, Apulia region, southern Italy. The interior of the church is Apulian neo-Gothic style, very different from the Broque style of the main attractions in Lecce.
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A winding country road 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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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
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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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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Unmelted glaciers in Caucasus mountains during summer time, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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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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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.
© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.
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
Summer view of the town of Mestia, nested in Caucasus mountains and dominated by stone defensive towers, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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Tourists watching sunset at Mykonos town (Chora), on the island of Mykonos, part of the Cyclades island group, in Greece.
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A beautiful drive along the back roads to Keating Oregon
Enjoyed a beautiful drive to Keating Oregon to visit Copper Belt Winery in Baker County.
High angle view of Rabac, a resort town with numerous villas and apartment buildings on Kvarner bay, in Istria County, Croatia.
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The port of Mykonos town (Chora), on the island of Mykonos, part of the Cyclades island group, in Greece.
© All rights reserved. You may not use this photo in website, blog or any other media without my explicit permission.
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
Coastal terrain near Katholiko Bay, Crete. The foreground reveals stratified rock formations and reddish sediment layers, possibly remnants of ancient quarrying or natural erosion. In the distance, steep hills covered in sparse Mediterranean vegetation slope toward the deep blue sea. The scene blends geological complexity with the raw beauty of Crete’s northern coastline.
Relief côtier près de la baie de Katholiko, en Crète. Au premier plan, des formations rocheuses stratifiées et des couches de sédiments rougeâtres, vestiges d’anciennes carrières ou d’érosion naturelle. À l’arrière-plan, des collines abruptes couvertes de végétation méditerranéenne clairsemée plongent vers la mer bleu profond. La scène mêle complexité géologique et beauté brute de la côte nord crétoise.
Discover Namibia’s breathtaking coastline, where the endless dunes of the Namib Desert crash into the mighty Atlantic Ocean. This stunning aerial view captures the raw power of nature, showcasing the dramatic meeting of golden sands and powerful waves. A mesmerizing landscape that embodies the wild, untouched beauty of Namibia.
This photograph captures a nostalgic slice of urban Japan, showcasing the textured layers of a vintage shopfront and apartment balcony that speak volumes about the city’s evolving architectural story. The faded signage in traditional kanji, hand-painted on weathered surfaces, hints at a once-busy local business—perhaps a hardware store or tool shop, as suggested by the old-school lettering and visible tools.
Above the storefront, a sun-worn balcony draped in drying laundry and shaded by a bright yellow awning reveals a lived-in domestic space, common in mid-20th century Japanese mixed-use buildings. This juxtaposition of commercial and residential life is a hallmark of Showa-era architecture, when maximizing space and utility in Japan's dense urban environments was essential.
The structure’s oxidized copper panels and rusted metal framework tell a quiet tale of time’s passage—materials once pristine now softened by age and weather. These patinated textures, combined with the quirky asymmetry of laundry lines and potted plants, offer a rare, intimate look into everyday life in Japan, far from tourist trails.
Below, a bright green modern awning has been added, contrasting sharply with the vintage facade above—a visual metaphor for Japan itself: constantly balancing modern updates with deep respect for its past. This layered scene is not just an architectural curiosity, but a love letter to working-class neighborhoods, where community, resilience, and daily ritual are preserved in every detail.
Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, urban explorer, or cultural photographer, this corner storefront is a rich subject of visual storytelling, capturing the essence of Japan’s endearing messiness, quiet dignity, and everyday beauty.
This captivating image offers a peek into the heart of San Francisco's Financial District (FiDi), a bustling hub of commerce and history. The sleek, modernist tower, adorned with a series of balconies that cast intriguing shadows, is a testament to the city's innovative spirit. Its clean lines and geometric patterns stand in stark contrast to the more ornate Victorian architecture that characterizes other parts of San Francisco.
As you delve deeper into the image, you'll notice the vibrant street life below, with pedestrians strolling along the sidewalks and cable cars clanging their way up the steep hills. The juxtaposition of the modern skyscraper with the historic tramways perfectly encapsulates San Francisco's unique blend of old and new.
This photo serves as a reminder that even in the midst of a bustling metropolis, there are still opportunities to find quiet moments of reflection and appreciate the architectural details that make this city so special. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the FiDi, take a moment to look up and admire the stunning skyline that surrounds you.
I missed the azaleas, but I'm happy to report the rhododendrons are out in pinkly colorful force in Central Park. #spring #springflowers #flowers #rhododendrons #🌸 #newyork #nyc #manhattan #centralpark #offthebeatenpath #share
Aerial view of Vrsar, a small seaside town situated on top of a hill, in Istria County, Croatia.
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Aerial view of Kuneer hill, a scenic area in Wonosari Tea Plantation, located on the slopes of Mount Arjuna, in Malang regency, East Java, Indonesia.
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The funny thing is I usually like out of the way, family owned restaurants.
I chose this one as i spoke to a very good friend of mine today, someone I used to be thick as thieves with ( Paul Weller reference ) until life, distance, and the rest got in the way. We grew up together, graduated college together and spoke to each other each week, then once a month, then... every 10 years...
Marc, glad we got back in touch today.
Dawn light over the Holy Church of Agios Nikolaos of Kadena, a small Orthodox Church built around 1700 in honor of Saint Nicholas, the protector of sailors and fishermen, situated by the old port in Mykonos town (Chora), on the island of Mykonos, part of the Cyclades island group, in Greece.
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[Yazd, Iran] One of the many adobe roofed and arched residential alley of Yazd, an ancient silk road Iranian desert city, characterized by the preservation of beautiful traditional architecture and Iranian culture.
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Casa del Mar, one of the three guest houses at Hearst Castle, exudes Mediterranean charm with its Spanish Revival architecture, offering a luxurious glimpse into the grandeur of California’s most iconic estate. Built in the 1920s under the guidance of architect Julia Morgan, the structure seamlessly blends classical and Mediterranean design elements, providing a lavish retreat for William Randolph Hearst’s esteemed guests.
As you approach, the intricate wrought-iron gate draws your attention, framing the entrance beneath the warm terracotta-tiled roof. The detailed craftsmanship is apparent in the stone carvings that adorn the exterior, featuring decorative columns and a pair of mythological figures guarding the doorway. Above, the finely crafted frieze with a detailed bas-relief sculpture encapsulates Morgan’s unique blend of European influence and local craftsmanship.
The villa’s name, meaning “House of the Sea,” is fitting—its proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes this guesthouse one of the most coveted on the estate. From within, guests enjoyed panoramic views of the coastline, basking in the splendor of Hearst’s private paradise. Inside, Casa del Mar was furnished with rare antiques, tapestries, and fine art, all handpicked by Hearst himself. The villa’s intimate setting, combined with its luxurious touches, offered an escape from the main house's grandeur, giving visitors a sense of exclusivity and comfort.
Last sunset light over the Venetian Castle of Milos, also known as Plaka Castle, perched on the hill of Prophet Elias, in Plaka, the chief town of Milos, a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades group, in Greece.
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Summer view of the beautiful coast of the Black Sea, from Batumi Botanical Garden, 9km north of the city of Batumi, the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the second largest city of Georgia.
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Summer scenery in the countryside town of Dereli, situated in the valley of the Aksu Deresi, in Giresun Province, Black Sea Region of northeastern Turkey.
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Dawn light over the Monastery of Holy Trinity (Agia Triada in Greek), a 14th century Eastern Orthodox monastery perched on top of a rocky precipice over 400 metres (1,300 ft) high, in the Pineios Valley within the Thessalian plains, near the town of Kalambaka, in Thessaly, northwestern Greece.
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