The beauty of the
National Park lies in its sixteen lakes, inter-connected by a series of
waterfalls, and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves,
boars and rare bird species. The National Park covers a total
area of 300 square kilometres, whilst the lakes join together over a
distance of eight kilometres.
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There's also quite an
altitude difference - the highest point is at 1,280m, the lowest at
380m - although the total height difference between the lakes
themselves is only 135m. (Veliki Slap, the largest waterfall, is 70m
tall.)
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Bay of Fires Conservation Area
The northern section of the bay is part of Mount William National Park. In the conservation area, which is at the southern end and is approached from St Helen, there are camping grounds along a 13-kilometre (eight-mile) section of road that terminates at private land called The Gardens
A magic no word or image could ever describe. It is a 60-metre-long, 25-metre-wide cavity; to get into it, you need to take one of the small rowing boats moored outside the cave; since the opening is very narrow, you will have to lie on the bottom of the boat to get into the grotto (in case the sea grows rough, boat service is suspended).
There is actually a bigger but completely submerged opening; this very underwater entrance allows the blue coloration of the water inside the grotto, due to a phenomenon of sunlight reflection. There is an almost surreal view in the inside, the transparency and the blue colour of the water give us the impression of navigating through a clear sky, and the boats seem to float on a fantastic universe.The Blue Grotto has been known since the Roman times, and Emperor Tiberius chose it as his own personal nymphaeum (Roman monumental fountain, translator's note) (the statues of pagan gods found on the bottom of the cave date back to the Roman times), later on almost nothing was known of the grotto, also because the fishermen of the island believed it to be haunted by evil spirits.
It was rediscovered and made popular as late as April 18th 1826 by the German painter August Kopisch and his friend Ernst Fries with the help of Angelo Ferraro, a fisherman; since then, the grotto has been visited by millions of tourists from anywhere in the world.
Tours of the cave are always possible due to the special light conditions, but under optimum conditions such as special water transparency, a clear sky and a diffused sunlight you get a particularly intense blue. If the boatman will not sing for you, do sing a melodious song yourself and you will be surprised at the marvellous acoustics of the grotto.
Unfortunately, bathing is forbidden, but you will not find it hard to imagine a unique experience such as a bath in these waters as those of Emperor Tiberius, you will just have to lean out of the boat and dip your hand into the sea to feel its enchantment take your hand and your mind. There are many tales and legends about this cave, when you see it, you will believe the unbelievable and become part of the legend yourself.
How to arrive:
- 10 minute motorboat ride from Marina Grande.
- 15 minute bus ride to terminus in viale T. de Tommaso 50 m. from Piazza Vittoria.
- 50 minute walk along Viale T. de Tommaso, Via Pagliaro and Via G. Azzurra (3.5 km.).
- 35 minute walk through the centre of Anacapri, Via Vigna, Via Veterino and up a quite steep path.
A question often asked by many is “Where is
Lapland?”. Where in the earth is the home of the Santa Claus? Lapland is
situated on the arctic circle, in Finland. The winter in Lapland is
cold, but in the summer the sun won't set down for months. We’ll let you
know where Lapland is exactly.
Lapland is located in Finland, northern Europe. Lapland takes about a third of Finland's total area. Finland is also part of the Scandinavian countries, along with Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. Many children wonder the location of Santa Claus. We can tell you that the real Santa comes from the Finnish Lapland. The exact location is a top secret but you'll probably find it once you visit Lapland.
A question often asked by many is “Where is
Lapland?”. Where in the earth is the home of the Santa Claus? Lapland is
situated on the arctic circle, in Finland. The winter in Lapland is
cold, but in the summer the sun won't set down for months. We’ll let you
know where Lapland is exactly.
Lapland is located in Finland, northern Europe. Lapland takes about a third of Finland's total area. Finland is also part of the Scandinavian countries, along with Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. Many children wonder the location of Santa Claus. We can tell you that the real Santa comes from the Finnish Lapland. The exact location is a top secret but you'll probably find it once you visit Lapland.
All the four seasons offer different aspect to the nature of Lapland. Long-lasting winter shows the rudeness and the uniqueness of the nature at the same time. In the summer you should definitely stay up late because of the midnight sun.
In the autumn (aka fall) the magical colors of Ruska will amaze you. Ruska is a Finnish word and in English the best description for the phenomenon is probably Autumn leaf colors. Ruska is time when the summer is over and leaves of the trees get a new color. The colors varies beautifully from shades of orange and yellow to green and brown.
Guilin Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave known as "the Palace of Natural Arts ” is located in the northwest of Guilin City , 5 kilometers away from the center of the city. It is a cave on the southern shoulder of the Guangming Hill (Bright Hill) and is one of the most extraordinary scenic spots in Guilin. Counted as "must-see" sights in Guilin as well as Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill and Folded Brocade Hill.
According to a legend, Reed Flute Cave got its name because people believed that the reed by the cave's mouth could be made into flutes. The length of the Reed Flute Cave is 240 meters and offers a majestic fairyland of karst caves with landscape and rural scenery. It is a magic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, birds, plants and animals in fantastic shapes and colors, all glistening in colorful lights. Some of them were given names such as Pines in the Snow, Mushroom Hill, Dragon Pagoda, Sky-Scraping Twin, Virgin Forests , Red Curtain, etc. These remarkable scenes in the cave can evoke breathless admiration from domestic and foreign visitors. The cave is highly praised as the ' Huge Art Palace of the Nature'. Tourists began to visit here in the Tang Dynasty. There are 77 stone inscriptions covering many years of history.
One grotto, which called the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, can hold about 1000 people. During the war, the grotto served as an air-raid shelter. The highlight in this cave is a great slab of white rock hanging from a ledge like a cataract, with a human-shaped stalactite on the opposite side.
It is said that a visiting scholar tried to write a poem depicting the beauty of the cave. It took him so long to find the right words that he finally turned to stone.
The cave was opened to public in 1962. Famed as the Palace of Natural Art , the cave is now equipped with artificial lighting system to emphasize visual effect.
Havasu Falls is paradise on Earth. This is an absolutely amazingly beautiful waterfall located in a remote canyon of Arizona. It takes a good deal of effort to get there, but the reward is worth it. It was even more beautiful than we could have imagined (and we had seen plenty of pictures of the waterfall beforehand - hence the reason we wanted to go there in the first place). If you go to Havasu Falls, you will no doubt think you are somewhere in Hawaii. It is an oasis in arid Arizona.
The hike to Havasu Falls begins at Hualapai Hilltop, about 100 miles from Seligman, the nearest town. Many people stay at Seligman the night before hiking into Havasu, then get up early and drive to the hilltop. We stayed at Sedona, a 3 hour drive away (it was free for us, to stay with my parents there). The first 1.5 miles of the hike is a steep descent down to the bottom of Hualapai Canyon (1000 ft. elevation loss). Remember this descent because you will have to go back up it when you climb back out of the canyon (at the end of a long 10 mile hike). The rest of the hike is mostly flat (6.5 miles to the village, or 8.5 miles to the campground). It is an absolutely beautiful hike along the bottom of Hualapai Canyon, an amazing experience hiking through a steep canyon with the cliffs towering above you. But it is also a long hike. It seemed that the canyon was never-ending. We kept looking around the next corner for the end of the canyon, where it finally joined up with Havasu Canyon and creek, but it never seemed to come. Eventually though, you will reach Havasu Creek. From there it is about a 1.5 mile hike to the village of Supai, as you hike through Havasu Canyon now, along Havasu Creek. Havasu Creek is one of the most beautiful creeks we have ever seen, with amazingly clear blue-green waters. The name "Havasupai" means "people of the blue-green waters", and it is easy to see where this name comes from.
Havasu Falls is a 2 mile hike past the village, located just before the campground. It is a beautiful double waterfall along Havasu Creek, falling into a crystal clear pool, perfect for swimming on a hot day. There is a large beach area for lounging and picniking in front of the waterfall. You can also get to the top of the waterfall and look down (but be careful). There is something very alluring about this waterfall. It is one you just have to see to believe.
At Moeraki, 40 kilometres south of Oamaru, huge spherical boulders are
scattered along the beach. Others can be seen emerging from the
sandstone cliffs. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two
metres high.
According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years ago.
Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. Crystallization of calcium and carbonates around charged particles gradually formed the boulders in a pearl-like process that took as long as four million years. The soft mudstone containing the boulders was raised from the seabed around 15 million years ago; waves, wind and rain are excavating them one by one.
The viewing platform, just a few minutes walk through regenerating native forest, offers an excellent view of the boulders. If you're lucky, you might also see Hector's dolphins playing in the waves.
According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years ago.
Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. Crystallization of calcium and carbonates around charged particles gradually formed the boulders in a pearl-like process that took as long as four million years. The soft mudstone containing the boulders was raised from the seabed around 15 million years ago; waves, wind and rain are excavating them one by one.
The viewing platform, just a few minutes walk through regenerating native forest, offers an excellent view of the boulders. If you're lucky, you might also see Hector's dolphins playing in the waves.
Bora Bora is an island in the leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. The island, located about 230 km (140 mi) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the centre of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 727 m (2,385 ft).
Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. The major settlement, Vaitape, is on the western side of the main island, opposite the main channel into the lagoon. Produce of the island is mostly limited to what can be obtained from the sea and the plentiful coconut trees, which were historically of economic importance for copra. According to a 2008 census, Bora Bora has a permanent population of 8,880.
How did the crystals reach such superheroic proportions?
In the new issue of the journal Geology, García-Ruiz reports that for millennia the crystals thrived in the cave's extremely rare and stable natural environment. Temperatures hovered consistently around a steamy 136 degrees Fahrenheit (58 degrees Celsius), and the cave was filled with mineral-rich water that drove the crystals' growth.
Modern-day mining operations exposed the natural wonder by pumping water out of the 30-by-90-foot (10-by-30-meter) cave, which was found in 2000 near the town of Delicias (Chihuahua state map). Now García-Ruiz is advising the mining company to preserve the caves.
"There is no other place on the planet," García-Ruiz said, "where the mineral world reveals itself in such beauty."
Pamukkale, meaning "cotton
castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern
Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate
minerals left by the flowing water. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean
region, in the River Menderes valley, which has a temperate climate for most of
the year. Travertine terrace formations at Pamukkale, Turkey. May 21, 2011 The
ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis was built on top of the
white "castle" which is in total about 2,700 metres (8,860 ft) long,
600 m (1,970 ft) wide and 160 m (525 ft) high. It can be seen from the hills on
the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli, 20 km away.
Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before
drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of
glowworms.
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.
At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.
At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Hvitserkur is a beautifully cliff rising
from the ocean just a few meters of the coastline, at the inner most
end of Hunafjordur in the northern part of Iceland.
The rock rises 15 metres from the sea (50 feet).
The legend of Hvitserkur
Said
to look like a dragon drinking from the water, the Icelandic legend has
it that it was a troll who forgot to retreat from the light and was
turned to stone in the sunrise.
The
old magma intrusion that has withstood the wear and tear of the elements
is the only thing visible of an ancient volcano. The much weaker
surrounding rock has been eroded away by thousands of years of wind and
waves. The geological oddity was commemorated on an Icelandic stamp in
1990.
Hvítserkur is a popular
destination among photographers. There they find a magnificent scenery
which varies a lot, depending on in which season they show
up. Hvítserkur is a good spot to spot seals, beautiful sunsets, northern
lights
Sea Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, CA
The Mecca for Sea Glass Collectors
Located in Northern California among the rocky coastline is what
can be considered the Mecca for sea glass collectors around the world. A
short walk to the beach off Elm Street in Fort Bragg, CA, is an area
that once was the town dumping ground. Its otherworldly shoreline is now
littered with smooth shards of sea glass.
From the early 20th century the area was used to dump the town's
trash. Commonly known as "The Dumps" by the locals, fires were
intermittently started to reduce the amount of refuse that collected
there. This practice lasted until 1967, at which point the North Coast
Water Quality Board wisely prevented any further dumping in this
location.
Seventy-two feet tall, two-hundred-seventy feet deep, what makes this sea cave so visually astoundingly is the hexagonal columns of basalt, neat six-sided pillars that make up its interior walls.
The cave was a well-known wonder of the ancient Irish and Scottish celtic people and was an important site in the legends. Known to the celts as Uamh-Binn or "The Cave of Melody," one Irish legend in particular explained the existence of the cave as well as that of the similar Giant's Causeway in Ireland. As both are made of the same neat basalt columns, the legend holds that they were the end pieces of a bridge built by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (a.k.a. Finn McCool) to Scotland where he was to fight Benandonner, his gigantic Scottish rival.
The legend, which connects the two structures, is in effect geologically correct. Both the Giant's Causeway and Fingal's Cave were indeed created by the same ancient lava flow, which may have at one time formed a "bridge" between the two sites. Of course, this happened some 60 million years ago, long before people would have been around to see it. (Or, for that matter, dinosaurs, as they had already been extinct for some five million years. A dog sized, five-toed ancestor of the modern horse may have had a look.) Nonetheless, the deductive reasoning of the ancient peoples formed the connection and base of the legend that the two places must be related.
Of course, the columns were not formed by gigantic hands as the legend would have it, but rather by an enormous mass of hot lava cooling so slowly that, like mud under the hot sun, it cracked into long hexagonal forms. These pillars make up much of the base of the island of Staffa - Old Norse for "Stave or Pillar," and named so by the Vikings for the odd geology - where Fingal's Cave is found.
The cave was rediscovered when naturalist Sir Joseph Banks visited it in 1772. At the time of Banks discovery, "Fingal, an Ancient Epic Poem in Six Books," was a very popular poetic series supposedly translated from an ancient Gaelic epic by Irish poet James Macpherson.
Despite the fact that Macpherson was being challenged even at the time as to the poems authenticity - the work is believed to owe much more to Macpherson's skill as a poet than as a historian or translator, and originals of this lost epic were never produced by Macpherson - the work was a massive hit. The book was an influence on Goethe, Napoleon, and Sir Banks, who promptly named the Scottish cave, which already had the name Uamh-Binn, after the Irish legend, calling it "Fingal's Cave."
And though Banks is responsible for both rediscovering and renaming the cave, it would be a romantic German composer who truly vaulted the cave to world fame.
The early romantic period brought with it a change in people's perspective on nature. Nature was no longer a force to be survived or a enemy of peaceful living. No, wild nature, was becoming a source of inspiration and a desired counterpoint to the urban lifestyle in Europe. So it was that a composer not only came to visit a natural wonder, but chose to compose an overture based on it.
So moved was Mendelssohn by the splendor of the cave that he sent the opening phrase of the overture on a postcard to his sister with the note: "In order to make you understand how extraordinarily the Hebrides affected me, I send you the following, which came into my head there." The Hebrides Overture, also known as Fingal's Cave, premiered on May 14, 1832 in London. (The original name may have been based on the amazing noises the cave sometimes produces.)
In a one-two Romantic punch, artist J. M. W. Turner painted "Staffa, Fingal's Cave" in the same year and together these launched the cave from a little known wonder into a must-see Romantic-Victorian tourist site. William Wordsworth, John Keats, Lord Tennyson, and Queen Victoria all visited the cave as did consummate traveller and lover of wonders Jules Verne. Verne wrote: "This vast cavern with its mysterious shadows, dark, weed-covered chambers and marvelous basaltic pillars, produced upon me a most striking impression and was the the origin of my book ... 'Le Rayon Vert.'"
Novelist Sir Walter Scott described Fingal's Cave as "...one of the most extraordinary places I ever beheld. It exceeded, in my mind, every description I had heard of it ... composed entirely of basaltic pillars as high as the roof of a cathedral, and running deep into the rock, eternally swept by a deep and swelling sea, and paved, as it were, with ruddy marble, baffles all description."
The cave never left the public imagination. Pink Floyd named one of their early, unreleased songs after the cave, and Matthew Barney used the cave in his Cremaster cycle.
After reflecting on how awesome Neist Point is I thought I’d write up my second favourite place on the Isle of Skye.
If you are backpacking in Scotland generally or are planning a trip to the Isle of Skye then I heartily recommend that you visit the so-called Fairy Pools.
They are just southeast of Glen Brittle Forest and about two miles before you reach Glen Brittle beach itself. I’m not sure anyone really knows why they are called the Fairy Pools but it’s got to be down to how they look, right? They are part of a stream running off of the Cuillin mountains, full of vividly coloured pools of often almost still water which are punctuated by busy waterfalls. It’s best to visit on the day after a small rain shower, on a dry day with some cloud cover. That way the water levels will be topped up but not too urgent, and the cloud cover will mean that the water’s surface doesn’t reflect too much light – thereby dimming your view of the stunning colours beneath. If you have an IR filter for your camera now is the time to employ it properly to delete those ref
Contrasting to the contents above, little has been mentioned about the origin of the Great Wall, and its significance why and how in military affairs during more than 20 dynasties who built it. What's worse, quite a few sources even hold wrongly about the building time and the length of the Great Wall, and arbitrarily about the role it played in the international world. All these may lead people to a false impression of the Great Wall.
Most people tend to think that the Great Wall was a product of wars (actually of defense), thus its role ought to have been most closely related to battles and bloodshedding. It is, however, not that case. Most time under the Great Wall was actually peace rather than war; the Great Wall, in all times, was connected to the culture, foreign policies, and economy (just think how much could be spent on this super project). Philosophically, the Great Wall speaks well for a growth in the mixed soil of peace and war. It stands for some power, an unbeatable power despite all bitter conditions, known as the Great Wall Spirit among Chinese people.
Besides culture, policies and economy, another essential part that can't be divided from the Great Wall, which is the history of China. The Great Wall, whose building started more than 2,000 years ago, represents a main part of Chinese history, which has a profound influence on China today. So to speak, the Great Wall, in a sense, is history. And you will see that this tendency is reflected in our content. We generally talk about the Great Wall with dynasties who built it, along with events and social aspects of those dynasties, which may branch out as far as to other topics. In this manner of narration, It can be a little loose and sightly off the point, but we think it interesting, and it makes sense to put the Great Wall into the Chinese history.
Besides Great Wall History, which sector we have spent much time building up, we also include several other sectors:
News related to the conditions of Great Wall, with a high concern on its damages, pollution, and protection;
Anthology of stories and other writings about the Great Wall;
Gallery with a good collection of pictures ever-updated;
Travel Guide, which introduces famous and the most visited sites and spots of the Great Wall.
The Web site is a non-profit one. But it's maybe not exact to say so, for profit is not always tangible. People are brought together here out of certain commonness. It is a treasure, isn't it? And we would like to quote a saying from the Analects of Confucius: what a delight to see friends from afar. And we are delighted that you sit down and read a bit of our site, of China and its Great Wall.
Viceroy, a luxury destination for an intimate stay in Ubud, Bali.
A 5 star Hotels where your room is a luxury villa
The Viceroy Bali, a villa resort in Ubud with 5-star hotels service, consists of 25 luxury pool villas. It is majestically standing in Bali's "Valley of the Kings", a name given by locals for the generations of Balinese royalty who resided in nearby villages.A sanctuary for couples, honeymoons and weddings
Owned and operated by an Australian family, who understands the needs of international guests, this luxury villa resort is well known by sophisticated international travellers, as one of the world's best tropical, romantic, pampering luxury hotels. The Viceroy Bali marries utmost privacy with comfort and bliss.All the private villas are luxuriously appointed with the latest electronic amenities, an espresso machine, full mini bar, and king size bed with lush bedding. Each villa offers spacious yet cozy outdoor spaces with stunning valley views.
High cuisine and Spa: a complete experience
Guests of the Viceroy Bali also enjoy impeccable service and peerless public facilities. These include the feted restaurant and bar CasCades, and luxuriant spa and beauty centre Lembah, both with breathtaking vistas over Ubud's breathtaking landscape. Guests also have access to the valley-top infinity pool, boutique, complete and modern gymnasium and library.Ubud, Bali: a paradise on earth
The Viceroy Bali is located within minutes from Ubud, one of S.E Asia's most charming villages with its leisurely pace and eccentric air, bric-a-brac shops, quaint galleries and cozy cafes.
However, there are actually over 100 pyramids in Egypt, many of which are relatively unknown to anyone who is not an ancient Egypt enthusiast. All but a very few are grouped around and near the City of Cairo, just south of the Nile Delta. Otherwise, only one royal pyramid is known in southern Egypt (at Abydos), that being the one built by Ahmose, founder of the 18th Dynasty and Egypt's New Kingdom.It may have also been the last royal pyramid built in Egypt.
Hence, major pyramids were not built throughout Egypt's ancient history. The Pyramid Age began with a burst of building, starting with the 3rd Dynasty reign of Djoser. Some of the early kings, most specifically Snefru, built more than one pyramid. Almost all of the kings added to their number through the end of the Middle Kingdom, with the possible exception of the First Intermediate Period between the Old and Middle Kingdoms. After the first Pharaoh of Egypt's New Kingdom, Ahmose, royal pyramid building by Egyptians ceased entirely. Somewhat abruptly the kings of the New Kingdom chose, rather than making their tombs completely obvious, to hide them in the hills of the West Bank of Thebes (modern Luxor).
However, smaller pyramids were constructed, for example in the Deir el-Medina necropolis, by private individuals. The Late Period Nubians who ruled Egypt also built relatively small pyramids with much steeper sides, though these were in fact constructed in Nubia itself. This tradition was carried on in Nubia after these southern rulers lost control of Egypt, and eventually, more pyramids were actually built in Nubia than Egypt, though on a much smaller scale.
Other pyramids in the world certainly exist, but their purpose, for the most part, was different than those of ancient Egypt. The most famous outside Egypt are probably those located in Mexico and to the south of Mexico, but these appear to have been built more as temples. In Egypt, all but a select few of the pyramids were built as tombs, sometimes to hold the physical body of a pharaoh (as well as other individuals), or to hold the soul of the deceased (as in the case of the small cult pyramids built next to the larger ones). Otherwise, the purpose of only a few small, regional stepped pyramids remains elusive.
Length of brink: 1060 feet
/323.08 meters
|
Height: 176 feet /
53.6 meters (due
to rocks at the base actual fall is 70 feet/ 21.3 meters)
|
Volume of water: 150,000
U.S. Gallons / 567,811 Liters per second
|
| Actual amount varies, there are two hydroelectric plants which draw water into their reservoirs prior to the Falls. Their intake greatly affects the volume of water flowing over the falls. |
| The amount of water being siphoned away depends on two variables. The time of year, and the time of the day. Flow is greatest over the Falls in the daytime during peak tourist season (June, July, and August). In the event of an emergency the flow can be somewhat reduced by the hydroelectric companies increasing their intake. |
| The Bridal Veil Falls is named for its appearance. It is located next to the American falls, separated by a small piece of land called Luna Island. |
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| In the far-flung corner of the eastern gulf coast is Koh Chang national marine park, where you'll find a smattering of 50 or so islands and islets in an area covering 650 sq km. At the centre is Koh Chang island itself, with hills 700m high, lush jungle and a run of exquisite beaches down its western shore. Tucked up among them is Bailan Bay, where you'll find the very lovely Mangrove bungalow operation amid woodland overlooking the sea. Everything at the Mangrove is very low-key and natural, with plenty of hammocks and cushion-strewn hang-out terraces around the resort area. The bungalows are wooden, fan-cooled affairs with cute furnishings and attached outdoor bathrooms. The beach can get a bit narrow at high tide, but the atmosphere of total relaxation and very affordable seclusion more than makes up for that. Add in excellent food, cold drinks and ice-cream and this is another place where you might find yourself staying longer than you intended. |
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| Seychelles - The Pearl of the Indian Ocean Seychelles is a group of 115 islands that lie in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, in the geometric focus between the East-African coasts, India and the Arabian Peninsula. It is not false flattery to describe the islands as “Eden” and “tropical paradise.” The powder white beaches, turquoise water, misty waves of the ocean on the coral reefs, and the lush tropical vegetation on the towering granite mountains attest to this. The tropical climate is very pleasant and ranges between average temperatures of 25º and 29º Celsius. In the center of the archipelago is the largest of the islands, Mahé, which is also the host to the country's capital, Victoria. Seychelles has excellent infrastructural facilities, transport, road, telephone, internet and postal systems. The inland languages are English French and Creole. The French and English culture has left deep marks on the culture, but the original and unique culture, the Creole amalgamated the formers with the African inseminating influence. Unique music, dance, architecture, folklore and conservation of the traditions are highly cherished by the proud inhabitants of the Islands. To keep alive this culture, firework of many cultural festivals celebrates the traditions, arts, Indian Ocean and people. For more information please view: |
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| The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs
and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an
area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi).The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms.This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN labeled it one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Queensland National Trust named it a state icon of Queensland A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human use, such as fishing and tourism. Other environmental pressures on the reef and its ecosystem include runoff, climate change accompanied by mass coral bleaching, and cyclic population outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish. According to a study published in October 2012 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the reef has lost more than half its coral cover since 1985. The Great Barrier Reef has long been known to and used by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is an important part of local groups' cultures and spirituality. The reef is a very popular destination for tourists, especially in the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns regions. Tourism is an important economic activity for the region, generating over $3 billion per year |
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William Bay National Park
Famous for its windswept rocky
shores and sheltered pools, William Bay National Park protects the
coastline and forest between Walpole and Denmark on the south coast.
Green’s Pool near Denmark is well known for its turquoise water and white sandy beaches edged by granite boulders which create ideal swimming, snorkelling and diving conditions. Rocks form much of the coastline between Green’s Pool and Madfish Bay, extending 100 metres out to sea and creating a reef which bears the brunt of heavy seas. Inside the reef, pools, channels and granite terraces create a fascinating seascape perfect for beachcombing. Pack a picnic and take in the scenery at Elephant Rocks and Waterfall Beach, or try your hand at beach fishing. The famous 1,000 kilometre bushwalking trail, the Bibbulmun Track passes through William Bay National Park and facilities include shelters, camp sites and picnic tables. The trail crosses Parry Inlet, Mazzoletti Beach, and up Tower Hill where you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the coastline. Karri trees dominate the landscape of the park and in spring it’s beautifully coloured by wildflowers. William Bay National Park is best accessed from Walpole or Denmark which are about a four to five hour drive south of Perth. |
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| Enjoy a breathtaking guided glacier walk
onto the world famous Fox Glacier with New Zealand's most experienced
glacier guiding company, Fox Glacier Guiding. We offer a full range of Fox Glacier tours and ice adventures to suit all fitness levels... Fox Glacier is New Zealand's largest commercially guided glacier, situated in Glacier Country, on the West Coast of the South Island, only 23 km's south of Franz Josef. Currently Fox Glacier is the most accessible West Coast Glacier offering the choice of trips onto the ice either by walking up on foot or by helicopter, these trips include:
To assure your safety, our guides are trained through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. We pride ourselves in offering exceptional customer service, the highest level of safety management and the best value for money trips. We also have two souvenir and gift shops in the glacier region: one at Fox Glacier and one at Franz Josef Glacier |
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The Temples of Abu Simbel are amongst the most interesting Pharaonic Temples. Located close to the southern border with the Sudan, it is 280 km south of Aswan and consists of two, rock-cut Temples, which both date back to the reign of King Ramses II (1290-1223 BC). Unfortunately these unique Temples suffered from the raising water of Lake Nasser while the High Dam was being built. Other countries, with the help of UNESCO, assisted Egypt to help save them.
The two Temples were cut in to many pieces, and then they were reconstructed again on a site 65m higher than the original location, and 200m back inland, to escape the rising water level. This great rescue operation began in June 1964 and finished in September 1968.
The first Temple was built by King Ramses II and is dedicated to the God Re-Hor-Akhty, Amon, Ptah, and King Ramses II as a deified King. Its façade is 35m long and 30m high. The façade has four seated colossi of the King; each one is 20m tall and represents the King seated on his throne wearing the double crown, accompanied by 3 small figures of his wives, daughters and sons flanking his legs.
Above the entrance stands the figure of Re-Hor-Akhty, while near to the summit of the façade there are number of baboons.
Inside the Temple there is a hall, supported by Osirid shaped pillars which were cut into the rock, with walls that are decorated by battle and offering scenes. There are some side rooms leading from the hall, which are also decorated with various scenes. At the far end of the Temple is the sanctuary, which contains four statues; Re-Hor-Akhty, Amon-Re, Ptah and the deified Ramses II.
The Napali Coast nourishes the soul. Kauai’s famous coastline is truly majestic, featuring emerald green pinnacles towering along the shoreline for 17-miles. Located on the North Shore of Kauai, the Napali Coast features panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean, velvet green cliffs and cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep, narrow valleys. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements flourished in these valleys existing only on the food they could grow and the fish they could catch.
The only land access to this enchanted area is via the Kalalau Trail,
an 11-mile trail that starts at Kee Beach, crosses five different
valleys and ends at secluded Kalalau Beach. This is one of the most
challenging, and sometimes even treacherous, Kauai hikes
with narrow sections and muddy topsoil from rainfall. Many hikers
choose to break the trail up into two days, setting up camp at the beach
of Hanakoa, and then heading to Kalalau the next morning. Camping
permits are required from the Hawaii State Parks Division office in Lihue. Hiking during the winter months is discouraged.
But even non-hikers can enjoy the amazing scenery of the Napali Coast. Boat tours depart from Port Allen on the West Side and during the summer months, guided kayaking trips can give you access to awe-inspiring views of the sea cliffs, while air tours can show you scenic Napali areas that aren't accessible by land or water. Replenish your spirit and experience the breathtaking panoramas of the Napali Coast.
But even non-hikers can enjoy the amazing scenery of the Napali Coast. Boat tours depart from Port Allen on the West Side and during the summer months, guided kayaking trips can give you access to awe-inspiring views of the sea cliffs, while air tours can show you scenic Napali areas that aren't accessible by land or water. Replenish your spirit and experience the breathtaking panoramas of the Napali Coast.
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Canadian Rockies Hot Springs
Visit Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs on your trip to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These natural hot mineral springs are among the top attractions in the Canadian Rockies. Banff Upper Hot Springs offers a splendid historic bathhouse, located in Banff National Park. Radium Hot Springs, in BC’s Kootenay National Park, is famous for its canyon setting. Jasper National Park contains Miette Hot Springs with the hottest mineral water in the Rockies.- Description: Snow capped peaks, ice-blue glaciers, pounding waterfalls and surging rivers dominate the landscape on this Canadian Rockies tour from Calgary to Banff. Board an Ice Explorer on a unique tour onto Athabasca Glacier and stay right in the heart of Jasper National Park. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Banff National Park and the visit picture-perfect Lake Louise and Emerald Lake.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a technical masterpiece
that can only be described in superlative terms. When the bridge was
completed in 1937 it was the world's longest and tallest suspension
bridge. But above all this masterly example of engineering is a
magnificent monument set against a beautiful backdrop.
Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge started in
1933. The bridge, which was designed by engineer Joseph Strauss was
built to connect San Francisco with Marin County across the 1600 meter
(+5000ft) wide strait known as the Golden Gate which links the San
Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean.
Building the bridge
The construction of what was to become the world's largest suspension
bridge was a colossal task. At the time many people did not believe it
was technically possible to span the Golden Gate.
But despite the disbelief, opposition and the Great Depression, Joseph
Strauss was able to find sufficient support and financial backing to go
ahead with the project.
It would take thousands of workers, four years and 35 million dollars to complete the structure. On May 27, 1937 the Golden Gate Bridge was inaugurated by 18.000 people who walked across the bridge. The next day the bridge officially opened to motorized traffic. Today more than 120,000 cars cross the bridge each day.
View from Marina district
It would take thousands of workers, four years and 35 million dollars to complete the structure. On May 27, 1937 the Golden Gate Bridge was inaugurated by 18.000 people who walked across the bridge. The next day the bridge officially opened to motorized traffic. Today more than 120,000 cars cross the bridge each day.
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