http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/game-reserve-gallery daily 0.75 2023-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448018241569-KLWAZGJHJT0G3ZDS4NZJ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Who Disturbeth Me? Awoken from his midday slumber, this male lion does not look too happy about the disruption of his sleep. Lions sleep up to 20 hours per day. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448018241569-KLWAZGJHJT0G3ZDS4NZJ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Who Disturbeth Me? Awoken from his midday slumber, this male lion does not look too happy about the disruption of his sleep. Lions sleep up to 20 hours per day. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448711174979-DDI8F0FEYOK326GT4ATN/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Sore Injured by another combatant hippo, this young male is soothing his infection in a pond. Very resilient to infections, hippos heal very quickly in the wild. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448772262471-U87DBBD2AK4HU6D6EKV6/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - White Lions White lions are a genetic rarity endemic to only one region of the world: the Greater Timbavati and the Kruger Park in Africa. With only a few 100s in captivity and 13 white lions in the wild, it is shocking to learn that this special lion species is not protected. Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, East London, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448791252898-1MRHE4FEU40EKEVWSQCK/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Pearl-Spottet Owlet This owl species hunt by day. It feeds on insects, lizards, small birds and snakes. Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, East London, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448711606946-YNDTWPPZUYWPF7XRIU9K/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Rarity This pair of wattled cranes really shouldn't be here, but in a strong Al Nino year the weather patterns shift. Nomadic by nature, these cranes move according to flood and drought cycles. They eat tubers, rhizomes, seeds, insects and frogs. The wattled cranes are a threatened species. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448710883609-DYZ1JW2I7NZCZ7TMWWXZ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Following The Antenna This baby warthog instinctively knows to follow the raised tail of its mom. Because warthogs have short legs and often take cover in tall grass, if alarmed, the adult warthog will raise its tail while fleeing. That way, the baby always knows where mama can be found. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448710480340-2ZTYH11SXZQAC9KHVHIX/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - A Story Of Two Impalas The impala on the right is the father to the impala on the left. Surprisingly, the daughter has horns. In the world of impalas, only male are supposed to carry horns. As a result of inbreeding (the father mated with the daughter) this curious abnormality of nature has occurred. Shunned by the other males, the horned female impala has taken on a special herding role. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448711868476-B5T9M5RYUUMPJEU8A522/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Rhino Patrol Equipped with an ATV and a gun, this patrol officer is observing a herd of rhinos from an elevated position. A recent increase in rhino killings have made around-the-clock monitoring necessary. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448021329692-G7SJL2NDG0CL1LLBTOGH/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - View From The Top As our small plane approaches the dirt landing strip in Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, I spot three giraffes from a few hundred feet above. Observing giraffes in the wild is a magnificent experience. They are mostly found in the dry savanna munching on acacia trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448709185329-ZANPNBAKLRVI7TNR13RB/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Ready? As this group of giraffes moves through the savannah, a male(second from left) is waiting for the female in front of him to urinate into his mouth. Males taste the urine of females to determine their readiness to mate. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448712334958-FS6VQK9ALJUAKFQIH4EX/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Size Matters You are looking at US $ 600,000.- worth of rhino horn. For conservationists, it is a race against time, a war against ruthless poaching syndicates and a struggle against corrupt politicians to save the gravely endangered white rhino. It is rhinos like the one in the foreground with unusually long horns that are especially sought after by poachers all over Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448772702457-58O9MB3N7NAK90UX5UTH/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Greater Blue-Eared Starling ...with beautiful yellow eyes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448709362458-OCXFAGRT6BO9XIY9L9VK/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Frustrated Two young male plain's zebras fight each other. They are sexually frustrated. Only 1 in 32 zebras is actually able to mate with a female. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448710178815-SDC6D18D9WCB3F03LK9Q/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448711705509-W0O5LG4FQCV8YRP8YIOA/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - A National Bird The blue crane is the National Bird of South Africa. It lives in grain fields and open grasslands where it strips seed heads from grasses, eats grass hoppers and catches worms and frogs. The blue crane performs an elaborate courtship dance by running in circles, jumping with wings flapping, calling und tossing grass into the air. It must have worked. This pair has a beautiful little chick to look after. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448712170684-Z27NV6387JFXTNCCJ40N/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Not Happy These two rhinos have recently witnessed an attack by poachers that killed one and injured another rhino. Since the incident, the rhinos have become aggressive towards humans. One even decided to ram a Landrover. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448709553465-0YZLW3WAA8A94C5DKUAW/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Service Oriented Red-billed oxpeckers are welcome companions to short-haired mammals. They remove ticks and flies from the backs, noses and ears of rhinos and other large animals. Most hold still while the oxpeckers are at work, unless they get too rough during the cleaning process. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448709244585-OPFB06WZYO2I5N1B7VGK/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Female Giraffe Tala Game Reserve, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448018812327-0O86JL9UZD8YN46I3PWI/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Lilac-Breasted Roller This colourful bird hangs out on the lower branches of trees from where it scans the surroundings for large insects. The roller gets his name for his aerial rolling, which is part of his courtship and territorial display. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448773063075-MJR0DY4D4BIDJGFX3Z9Y/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Neighbours With a swamp right next to a human settlement, fences are necessary to keep elephants away from the laundry in the back yard. Amboseli Game Reserve, Mombasa, Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448022227570-EK52VHW0EZSCH7SXQLY6/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Swampy A common hippo barely acknowledges my presence. Hippos spend a lot of time in marches and swamps. Their skin is very sensitive - it loses water rapidly and must be protected from the sun. A fully grown male hippo can weigh as much as 5 big horses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448019834809-CO0NNGT3UNN8374CJ18K/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Eye to Eye A male savanna baboon wins a staring match with my camera in the open spaces of the Amboseli Game Reserve in Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448710755452-4M1H8LTEAHUAD31C52Y8/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Mom & Baby Impala Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448023869925-AG3J1ZORIXDEY0WGK6N1/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Landed Kit (second from right) discusses the lack of rhino sightings in the Selous Game Reserve with the pilot of our small plane. The vast park has few dirt landing strips to bring tourists, but no airport facilities. It takes 45 minutes to fly from Dar Es Salaam on the Tanzanian coast to the game reserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448175643051-E34Z14K7OPVNV8Y6FRV3/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Trailing A Monster Walking dangerously close behind a chameleon, this ant would be well advised to turn around. But it may not have enough time. Chameleons catch prey with their tongue in 0.07 seconds. On average, it's tongue is 1 to 1.5 times the length of the chameleon's body. About 50% of the world's chameleons live in Madagascar. I photographed this one in the Lokobe Nature Reserve on Nosy Be Island in Madagascar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448177848376-RYUQJVB11H0Z0KAX2ZLM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Look, I Brushed My Teeth! Amboseli Game Reserve, Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448024839549-4XEY624B7GTVIFGF7M74/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - ... In The Eyes Of The Beholder A marabou stork and a lappet-faced vulture watch and wait as a baboon devours a young impala. This stork is particularly ugly with oozing white legs and a naked red head with black mottling. It has a wing span of up to 3 m (10 ft) and dominates vultures at carcasses. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448026159921-S5O7YNS8592YX82RVYFZ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Yummy Impala A savanna baboon has killed and is devouring a young impala gazelle. Waiting their turn (not in the picture) are 5 vultures and one stork. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448037991264-N1WNH9V9Y6JFK47J7U18/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Leave Something For Us Four juvenile white-backed vultures wait until a nearby baboon finishes his meal. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448090839478-R2KKQE9XR2NAZ9MHJEU3/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Rain In The Savannah Rain doesn't seem to phase this African buffalo. Amboseli Game Reserve, Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448174796957-E9WKMXD11107DY4IPKA3/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Good Things Come From Above Walking through one of the last remaining endemic forests in Madagascar can be very interesting. The Madagascar Boa loves to curl up in trees and hang from branches. You can also trip over them as they slither across the leafy forest floor. Watching your every step and taking care what trees you touch is a good life insurance policy. Leaving the narrow foot path is d e f i n i t e l y not a good idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448175833153-0EPFY7D8M4QPQWOEY24G/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Black Lemur Lemurs can only be found in Madagascar and black lemurs only in the very north-western corner of the island. This male black lemur was checking me out from high in the tree. Seeing one of those precious animals in Madagascar's endemic forest was a real treat. Endangered by habitat destruction, I wonder how many of this species are still alive in the wild. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448176186055-G85FX9Q2CGKHBVV8D69E/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Purple Tongue Did you know a giraffe's tongue is purple? This giraffe munches on thorny bushes in the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448177361196-15RHMEN8SG29E957HYM5/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Grazing In The Rain A herd of plains zebras moves slowly across the savannah in the Amboseli Game Reserve, Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448180097608-YRWPW6B5FHDLY9N2P304/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Wet Feet A black-winged stilt wades through marshy waters in search for food. Amboseli Game Reserve, Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448176579934-7XTA4P3PIWMDQ2XJ2MHJ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Western White - Bearded Wildebeest Despite their relatively tall size, wildebeest can easily fall prey to lions and other carnivores. As protection, they graze among zebras, taking advantage of the zebras' heightened alertness to danger. They also pay attention to the warning signals given by baboons. Amboseli Game Reserve, Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448176801156-HGW0BO5FJVF5JN0IEHEN/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Family Outing An elephant family with one juvenile and one baby. Amboseli Game Reserve, Kenya   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448178315220-RAZK9I2A6C7IBKSIRBF7/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Sweet Dreams When you are at the top of the food chain, you can afford to sleep with your eyes closed. This male lion is napping under an acacia tree during the hottest part of the day Selous Game Park, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448178396623-Q8YBQK4QSTEM110WKPD8/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Nap Time A female lion and her three juvenile cubs. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448181000155-LR1ZKKPWG4VANB4V3P5I/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Landing Approach Three great white pelicans land among a herd of buffalo in Ambolesi Game Reserve, Kenya. Pelicans fish in groups with their bills open under water. They nest on the ground in vast colonies of up to 30,000 pairs.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448181105998-B8IGU8KHTK0R5Q4KY90Q/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Spectacular Bird The gray crowned crane lives mostly in grasslands, flooded plains, marshes and grain fields feeding on insects and grass seeds. The crane's courtship dance involves bowing, jumping and tossing objects into the air while calling and circling. This is one of Africa's most spectacular birds. Amboseli Game Reserve, Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448179411763-D7JO0RC7JTKR3ETUREF5/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448181715119-C13FX83HWK84SZ6QJVZG/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448178474979-H54GUKHGJQB1OPG4WX88/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Not Much Left... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448179760098-VCJ7CCUWDM04KR8ZRMRS/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Battle Wounds Covered in scares from battles with rivals and prey, this male lion shows that it's not all roses when you are at the top. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448178876369-5S270IZGOJEJ40BGDFOI/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448180310661-QZGXJYMXO62J5C7TML4R/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448181253078-Z56F9Y1JNNNAW1EWG07Y/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448202299948-O57H5XWVKUDZURAPPIBM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448202690438-V9K2FSP4OLZJPGGBK3X1/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I - Trying To Ignore The Weather With their backs facing the wind and rain, these Thompson gazelles and a wildebeest wait for weather conditions to improve. We shouldn’t have been surprised about the rain. November is the beginning of the rainy season in the Amboseli Game Reserve near Mombasa, Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448709112192-WRB8R7F7FWWC6BAZI1KU/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448709747552-BIZPG0G5K3E4VWXKSJLS/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448712533458-6MNXBWF4XPUMW529RIB2/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448789477136-DNTZCC5H5AW8KZLHSK0I/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448789701011-KKUJKZCAJYF160INVLNZ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448790070256-AKFJSQRPGIOAA1IO3O21/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448790428587-T61UK4DCAA4IA9XJ7W5T/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448790743136-DDCA86AR7PIC3HWC40JO/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448790840193-1W17LGN6BA4O8PNF7GNQ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448791012948-VSKOQSL5QQELQW9MI60G/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448791177529-27CK8UFVLICSJYGTKZ5U/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves I http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica daily 0.75 2018-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447157875174-7FBZC2VY7KSAFF8ZZ79Q/Sri+Lanka+065_01+%28800x530%29.jpg Archived Stories V http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/valetta-malta monthly 0.5 2023-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/e6c84894-d189-44ba-9bd6-2baa4deac5cd/421.JPG Archived Stories V - Valetta, Malta - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517874217330-GMI1A20O7VRQ87QBMUG0/33.JPG Archived Stories V - Valetta, Malta http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/lantau-island-hong-kong-china monthly 0.5 2023-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517872985140-ARM93XK16GYAH6ZFEOZ3/292.JPG Archived Stories V - Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China Fishing boats in the fishing village of Tai O on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/ac59d19e-7c67-4d66-9d93-17a7e550fc20/012+%282%29.jpg Archived Stories V - Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China - Make it stand out The faithful write their prayers and concerns on red cards and hang them up inside an incense coil. The smoke will carry their burdens to the heavens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517872666417-0W47XPQL68MEMQTRRI18/367.JPG Archived Stories V - Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China The Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The Buddha statue is 34 m (111 ft) tall and is made out of bronze. The construction of the statue was completed in 1993. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/lantau-island-hong-kong monthly 0.5 2023-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517872007006-9EOBPWU226XG3YBXVNTS/076.JPG Archived Stories V - Hong Kong, China http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/camogli-italy monthly 0.5 2023-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517868860381-SB2LLYQ372DVEZLZQC6O/%23015+Camogli.JPG Archived Stories V - Camogli, Italy http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/coorong-national-park-south-australia monthly 0.5 2023-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/4ba40c39-2ebc-4247-8244-0975e0c9d1c4/6+20180117_169+LD.JPG Archived Stories V - Coorong National Park, South Australia - Make it stand out Along with other shore and water birds, black swans (Cygnus atratus) have thrived enormously recently and increased in numbers due to the amount of rain in the Coorong wetlands and along the Murray River water course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1838a4db-cd0d-4380-bc6f-90d38cb358ac/12+20180117_338.jpg Archived Stories V - Coorong National Park, South Australia A flock of black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus) takes flight at the Northern Lagoon, Coorong National Park near Adelaide, Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/ballarat-victoria-australia monthly 0.5 2023-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517508917117-LXEDOTKW68TUTCBOCPT9/20180121_114.JPG Archived Stories V - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Sovereign Hill is an old gold mining town near Ballarat. It has been authentically re-built and now serves as a reminder of life in the olden days. The aboriginal Australians had no use for gold. To them, in their traditional way of working with the environment, gold had no value. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/e7acf570-4488-4b1f-81fa-fcffaa92174f/1+DSC_7516+LD.jpg Archived Stories V - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - Make it stand out Near Geraldton, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/b2be7e56-49dd-4c61-bd78-fc5bd801400e/16+DSC_8273+LD.jpg Archived Stories V - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - Make it stand out Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/5c009bf2-e174-4787-a0fa-1e2aade0943a/20171219_13+c.JPG Archived Stories V - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - Make it stand out “Roos” north of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/b5e45803-1b7a-4df8-ae32-65a48d3fe812/20+DSC_7523+LD.jpg Archived Stories V - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - Make it stand out Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/eden-new-south-wales-australia monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517465610283-64T0ZPK2BR6SQALL3UR4/4+Myth.JPG Archived Stories V - Eden, New South Wales, Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/kalbarri-western-australia monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517512400634-WB3IAWPO33MTQAUW1FVB/17+20180117_446.JPG Archived Stories V - Kalbarri, Western Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/bali-indonesia monthly 0.5 2024-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/b7f42197-e838-4454-9a69-63065cec222c/DSC_1369+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Bali, Indonesia - Make it stand out Bali is a tourist’s paradise. It has beautiful beaches, an amazing culture, kind people and great seafood. But it is also overpopulated. With a size comparable to the tiny nation of Brunei in Borneo, Bali has 10 times the population. So, it is no wonder that you can find air pollution in Bali. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/a113a40b-0bdb-407b-ad92-3b29bca022cc/DSC_1337+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Bali, Indonesia - Make it stand out Aggressive grey long-tailed monkeys at the Uluwatu temple in southern Bali have a serious appetite for cell phones. Chasing them is pointless, especially when there are 400 of them. I wonder if they stash them somewhere in tree cavities. Bye bye beloved phone! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517464973931-WUT0POP64SC3FC3RDJYO/3+DSC_6541.JPG Archived Stories V - Bali, Indonesia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/komodo-island-indonesia monthly 0.5 2024-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/5997579d-92eb-4b84-a51b-c311a44835bc/3+Komodo+Island+04+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out In the wild, baby dragons get frequently eaten by adult Komodos. They protect themselves from cannibalistic behavior by spending most of their young lives in trees (adults cannot climb trees), surviving on geckos, insects and snakes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/349d1ea8-c3fa-4615-94a4-a834837fb74e/7+DSC_6293+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out The Komodo dragon has a venomous saliva that contains bacteria and anticoagulants. When hunting, one bite in the buffalo's leg is enough. After that, it's a waiting game. Gradually, due to the neurotoxins introduced to the blood stream, the buffalo will grow weak and eventually die. With it's incredible sense of smell, the dragon can find the body and feast for days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/31d58703-c399-4386-bb22-fb4c71e81a9c/10+DSC_1203+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out A young dragon, approximately one year old, lives dangerously as he walks on the forest floor right in front of some adults. Sometimes, young Komodos have to come down from their perch in the trees to find food. By doing so, they risk becoming food themselves. Komodo dragon parents play no part in the upbringing of their young. From the time the eggs hatch, they are on their own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/19fac8f2-5c79-407a-ab3c-1c476bcf1269/1+DSC_6344+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out During the rainy season, the tropical Komodo Island is lush and green. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/9271bf56-f06e-4051-b318-8ae7fd698c49/5+DSC_1308+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out A typical dragon meal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/bbccd5f1-036e-467e-b3e0-b5afc1e4c909/0+DSC_1176+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out Blending in well with the floor of dry open woodland savannah, the Komodo dragon waits for prey to walk past the waterhole or trail. When it charges a deer or buffalo, it can reach speeds of up to 20 kph (13 mph). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/79eacbf4-e159-45ea-b0ce-7301a71b3a17/2+DSC_1278+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out Komodo dragons use their forked tongue to sample the air for scents. They can "smell" carrion from 11 km (6.8 mi) away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/4df11940-15f5-407b-9167-40874bb14224/4+DSC_1187+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out Komodo dragons have very poor eye sight. They mostly react to movement, such as a deer walking by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/3a6b6b6c-36d2-4c82-93b9-dbd518cbef20/11+Komodo+Island+07+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out Komodo dragons fight when they defend their territory, their nests or compete for females. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/8b6905f2-a6d3-4652-ae3b-d5600bc4eba0/6+DSC_1201+PS.jpg Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia - Make it stand out A photographer does not need a high shutter speed to get a sharp image of a Komodo dragon..... Most of the time, they move very slowly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517464724519-33CPRGFIKQA7YZ6JLH1W/14+DSC_6209.JPG Archived Stories V - Komodo Island, Indonesia Sometimes, the dragon's bite is deep enough to cause significant bleeding. Intoxicated by the smell of blood, the Komodo will use its enormous strength, quick moves, and sharp claws to bring down the prey and kill it. No waiting required. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/darwin-northern-territory-australia monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517464267330-ZFR9WUDJW9MXPND8QIYS/1+DSC_5886.JPG Archived Stories V - Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/alotau-papua-new-guinea monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517463606525-8FTS4BLFHZ4PWW8SJ4MB/8+20171227_482.JPG Archived Stories V - Alotau, Papua New Guinea http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/melbourne-victoria-australia monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517462077598-ZG5HFIN5LROO5UH3N2HZ/20171219_13+c.JPG Archived Stories V - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/tasmania-australia monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517461762497-EUCZQG949DXEDVULW91A/6+20171214_104.JPG Archived Stories V - Tasmania, Australia Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania, Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/waitomo-caves-north-island-new-zealand monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517461305843-DL9IONNXY0K3UBYUQ5W9/1+New+Zealand.JPG Archived Stories V - Waitomo Caves, North Island, New Zealand http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2018/pehiam9ukhzktywlzbm2akznl3timm monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517460494195-SUPIN6VORY5DC9ICP4Y6/1+Mystery.JPG Archived Stories V - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia The kinetic sculpture "Bunjil's Wings" is part of the "First People" exhibition at the museum in Melbourne, Australia. As the Creator of all lands, Bunjil, the mythic wedge-tailed eagle, has been worshipped by the Aboriginal tribes in Victoria State for millennia. Sitting in the dark museum theater, where the sculpture moves silently in sweeping motions while suspended from the ceiling, I am mesmerized. What a truly ingenious depiction of the divine creator! The sculpture offers enough mystery for imagination to take hold and enough imagination for mystery to remain. Without mystery, our lives would be impoverished. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2017/lanai-hawaii-usa monthly 0.5 2017-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510547684627-HORDK14SF27EC2OZPI95/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories V - Lana'i, Hawaii, U.S.A. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2016/new-york-new-york-usa monthly 0.5 2016-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465214459618-B12RIZSE6CHV63ZNN79I/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories V - New York, New York, U.S.A. Positioned at the entrance to the harbors of New York and Jersey City at the mouth of the Hudson River, the 93 m (305 ft) tall Statue of Liberty is seen as a welcoming symbol of freedom and democracy for countless immigrants from all over the world. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2016/ketchikan-alaska monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463284931885-UNSYG2FW8LCQ987V4Q9V/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories V - Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S.A. Too close for comfort: a bald eagle gets ready for take-off from his perch on a rocky outcropping south of Ketchikan, Alaska http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/northamerica/2016/mauna-kea-hawaii-usa monthly 0.5 2016-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1461036081675-9BVYHM14EKBUICACGR0I/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories V - Mauna Kea, Hawaii, U.S.A. Astrophysical Observatories at 4,200 m (14,000 ft) on top of Mt. Mauna Kea http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery daily 0.75 2023-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449900356652-SH6TYKEYOXVN100LEZVB/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Curiosity The tiny island nation of Sao Tome & Principe only receives about 4,000 visitors per year. White folks are a novelty and closely checked out.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449900356652-SH6TYKEYOXVN100LEZVB/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Curiosity The tiny island nation of Sao Tome & Principe only receives about 4,000 visitors per year. White folks are a novelty and closely checked out.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449900955475-R14FBUJHJUUXKJVLZQV7/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Sao Nicolau Waterfall Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450387108266-PZV49ANQMNCAZZNGVWAD/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Best Friends In the tiny island nation of Sao Tome & Principe, 41.5 % of the population is under age 14. There is no shortage of playmates in this tropical paradise! How can you live a joyful life in a country with a GDP of US $1,800 per capita (Canada: US $52,270)? Just ask these two! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449904410874-VAC3YY22N786OMROS5KT/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Contageous Smiles The people of Sao Tome & Principe win my "Friendliest People Award". Hands down! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449904585430-TON68Q8KTW5D3ADKY3DG/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Home Sweet Home Homes in Sao Tome are small and families are big. Because of the tropical climate, much of a family's life and interaction happens outside. Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449902258090-1K96MB6OXD9BTG2CKBFN/image-asset.png Gallery Archive - Africa I - African Emerald Cuckoo Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449904163377-IATZBIFVW8ZMMXFMWQZB/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Volcanic Rocks The beautiful shoreline of the volcanic island of Sao Tome. With a mere 200,000 inhabitants, the island nation of Sao Tome & Principe is the second smallest country (after Zanzibar) in Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449904284783-CITBQJXZ0BQRSJYA9F3D/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Lost In The Rhythm An impromptu and improvised dance, singing and drumming session by the side of the road is good way to end the day. Dos Angolares, Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449904076164-TFJXR5YHS3IMV64YVPMJ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Community Community life in the tiny fishing village of Ribeira Afonso happens in the streets. Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449903829927-PRZEPPMSJT066UB63G7Q/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Wash Day In Sao Tome Local women washing clothes in the river and drying shirts, pants and towels on the rocks. It is a multi-generational affair. Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449903894559-DD0R156403PMHV4TWY54/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Keeping The Toothbrush Handy Actually, compared to other jobs, washing clothes in the river is not bad when it is close to 40 degr C outside. She'll be fine as long as she has her toothbrush and cellphone (in her pocket) nearby. Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449900504412-WBHD8NGQRG3QBMDQSHUM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449903986024-QC7GO160IVG2T3TFPUXC/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Cacao Fruit Embedded in the cacao fruit and surrounded by a white fleshy substance are the cacao beans. They are removed from the shell, separated from the flesh, fermented, dried and sorted by hand before being filled into the sacks for shipment. Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449903388258-8RVHY09G6XQ93BSLP8WR/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Cacao Cacao is Sao Tome's main economic engine. Grown on extremely fertile volcanic soil, it is considered to be the highest quality cacao in the world. Main export partner of this precious bean is Belgium. As I am chewing on a piece of chocolate, I feel good about supporting this vital business - the sacrifices we make... Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449901789393-J3HHRVW7LQAL2QWAGSAM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - What Will Their Future Look Like? The young people of Sao Tome do not shy away from the camera. Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449900420923-S5PEVENFCLN5PDHP2M0F/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Coffee Plantation A manor house on a deserted coffee plantation stands forlorn on the slopes of the volcano Pico De Sao Tome. Built during colonial times, when Sao Tome & Principe was under Portuguese rule, the house is slowly falling victim to the humid and hot tropical climate. Pico De Sao Tome, Sao Tome & Principe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449738121611-XMGLPFBKYU5K0IKRAFX5/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Angola's Parliament Building When completed, Angola's new neoclassicist parliament building will have cost US $200 million. Angola has 220 members of parliament, 81 of which are women. The impressive complex has parking space for 503 vehicles. Not bad for one of the poorest countries on earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449738656860-AN0EEF147YRNBJSEHS41/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Life As It Is Supposed To Be This beautiful painting of a local artist depicting two Ovimbundu women and the iconic boabab tree romanticizes life in the Angolan countryside. The reality of subsistence living in rural Angola, however, is very different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449738443375-3ND73MMI8TBFSYO1B84X/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Playground Children play in front of their home in an abandoned boat. Poverty is severe in the Angolan countryside. The average income of an Angolan is US $2.00 per day. Near Rio Cuanza south of Luanda, Angola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449738306146-3F7Z8I9IE07ARDAGSWUV/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Sandstone Cliffs Eroding sandstone cliffs make for a dramatic landscape scene along Angola's Atlantic coast shoreline. A deserted land void of people and wildlife for vast areas in the country is the consequence of heavy landmine contamination. An estimated 10 million landmines still litter the beautiful countryside where nobody dares to walk or work the land. South of Luanda, Angola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449738585993-XO0989MH4DAADA1669A0/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Mother & Child Near Rio Cuanza south of Luanda, Angola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449737290724-QNVT73E4T3YMB72LYMAU/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Fishing For What? Not far from the bustling streets and the high rise buildings of Angola's capital city of Luanda, this man catches fish in a polluted lagoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449737659523-4Q8HCS8M1MJIX6KB2L47/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Building Boom There is a building boom going on in Luanda, Angola's capital city of 4 million. Funded by oil revenue and Chinese investments, the new construction projects do not seem to help the local work force. The Chinese bring their own laborers to Angola. Housed in squalor, the Chinese migrant laborers have a reputation for working fast with minimum consideration for safety and quality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449737073757-RP3QHFBDVB6K9LI6N5VL/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Angola's State Bank Refurbished from Portuguese colonial times, the State Bank of Angola is a beautiful and imposing structure. Luanda, Angola https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449738752049-8HCB32BQ5VXC94LYV1DZ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Sidewalk Too often, sidewalks are impassable because of piled up trash and garbage. This photo was taken on the outskirts of Luanda, Angola's capital city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449737522087-FT1JALIBEWFLCOKWJ137/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Fishing Boats Scene of the lagoon with fishing boats in Luanda, Angola. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449592273831-FHE4R22E9QBYCLVFCI41/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Rush Hour In The Namib Driving on dried up river beds through the moonscape of the Namib Desert. Near Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449592071671-4DR0CVPWILZHQI8O69IM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Welwitschia mirabilis This is one of the oldest plants on earth. Estimated to be around 1,500 years old, the Welwitschia is remarkably adapted to grow in the dry, hot and harsh climate of the Namib desert in Namibia. Welwitschia is a monotypic gymnosperm, requiring a small red beetle to run back and forth between the male and female plants to facilitate pollination. The oldest Welwitschia found in the desert is 2,500 years old. Near Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449592164044-4VW0MGHCJVPHU7544RPW/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Surfer Dude This young sea lion seems to enjoy surfing in the wake of a passing boat. Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449553831053-8P4H846VY9YVP9B0C83R/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Dune 7 This is the hard way to climb the tallest sand dune in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449591984827-ZA3DQ1PCC4KAUETI0XNA/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Sea Lion Colony Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449591828911-FOXO8U45JJKS4KXZWTIC/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Dune 7, Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449553931554-FK880QSIHS7XE06PC209/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I A greater flamingo in Walvis Bay, Namibia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449591653813-Z9LNE2GYYTTC6OF9WDJ7/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Spectacular View From part way up Dune 7, the tallest sand dune in the world, the view reveals nothing but sand, sand and more sand. Near Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449591732134-PXNCOGQPHEISJY689A1K/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Vantage Point Floating drums in Walvis Bay, Namibia, are a good place to grow oysters - and to rest from an exhausting swim. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449556228946-QA0U2J6MM36C208NN2YP/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I Namib Desert, near Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449591560816-LGTEMK0MINPWIC1UQ2AD/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I Lesser flamingos in Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449553672583-62X4VNMSA56NKGCGLQE2/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Moonscape Large parts of the Namib Desert in Namibia could easily be mistaken for a moon landscape. Of course, my being there and the gravel road would be difficult to explain... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449553750509-0YD7W1VMAROEKI9JCRZC/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Tough Job In the middle of Walvis Bay, ships await their inevitable destruction by welding torch. This ship is scheduled for salvage operation in November 2016. In the meantime, someone has to stay on the ship to make sure it stays afloat. I hope he's got lots of books on board... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449553582534-NLSY8TWORAIT7K1DMIHI/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Flamingos In Flight Walvis Bay in Namibia is one of the best places in the world to observe flamingos. The greater flamingo is the largest of the species. It has whitish pink plumage and a pink beak with a black tip. The smaller bird with a black beak in the middle of the flock is a lesser flamingo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449552369653-PG37WGNK5589KYDEPIQD/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Tripping Over Quartz Rose quartz is clearly visible at the surface in the moonscape of the Namib Desert, Namibia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449553478901-G7QO6XCD1SUGBH3ISPSN/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Desert Lichens Lichens growing on rocks in the Namib Desert are hard and dark when dry and green and soft when the fog rolls in from the Atlantic Ocean. The lichens take all the moisture they need from the fog. These sensitive lichens are threatened by prospectors and tourists driving their four-wheel drive cars across the desert landscape. In this harsh environment the lichen grow no more than 1 mm (0.039 in) per year. Namib Desert near Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449552467943-2MEDXRMRUJBQLT36TNF1/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Pelican Close-Up Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449553400287-JLEUDY34FX6446FK1NYM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Great White Pelican With a wingspan of close to 3.60 m (11 ft), the great white pelican is second in size only to the great albatros. Due to overfishing, the pelican has to fly long distances in search of food. Walvis Bay, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449551475904-CLBX9LNNNHPT9B7HLJF7/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Bird Apartments The social weaver (Philetairus socius) is known for its unusually large nests. No other bird builds anything bigger. At home in Namibia, South Africa and Botswana, the social weaver makes its home in areas where stiff grasses are available for nesting material. Nests can accommodate several generations at the same time, they are divided into compartments which each containing a breeding pair and young. Caring for the young is a community affairs. Everybody helps out. Sadly, the nests are prone to predation by snakes. Sometimes, all eggs in the nest are wiped out at the same time. Some nests have been found to be over 100 years old. This nest contains approximately 150 sociable weavers. Klein Aus Vista, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702748613365-K0YCUSUTEDD0EMVH4L0I/image-asset.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Social Weaver (Philetairus socius) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449500163805-KHMKSGDNHHVX6J8REPRG/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Manipulated Ants Ants have a wonderfully cooperative relationship with acacia trees. Ants will attack and bite any animal trying to eat the acacia's leaves. But there are times, when the ants are not wanted: during flowering when the tree tries to attract pollinators. That's why, during flowering, the acacia tree produces nectar for the ants along the branches, keeping them away from the blooms. They also produce a scent that acts as an ant repellant. The repellant production eases when the flower has been visited by pollinators. What a smart plant! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449500236654-CTN3ZAO1RSVICL29Z2RR/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Garub Railway Station About 100 years ago, the Garub Railway Station played a big role during the diamond rush. Now a shadow of its former self, the station provides welcome shade to the wild horses of the Namib. Garub, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449500294670-0NU66XYKEGB2NMWY1WBO/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Ghost Town If these walls could tell a story! The ghost town of Kolmanskop in Namibia is gradually taken over by the sands of the Namib Desert. Similar to the gold rush towns in Alaska and the Yukon, Kolmanskop attracted many fortune seekers during the diamond rush period. Diamond mining began with the discovery of a precious stone by the railway worker Zacharias Lewala on April 14th, 1908. Four million carats were mined in this area until production was interrupted by World War I when the Germans lost German South West Africa to the South Africans. Kolmanskop, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449500368410-AON56BUP3L5W6XG72L0K/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Oryx Antelope The oryx is a big antelope that can survive in the driest and hottest climates in Africa. Its body has adapted well to these harsh conditions and allows the oryx to survive without water for days or even weeks. Garub, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449500578000-CP707V7XIDATHNIYM6DG/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Namib Desert A lone oryx walks across the Namib Desert. Klein Aus, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449551660654-JSPVAAUTEI8H3XPSJSCO/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - German Heritage "Church Path" is the direct translation for this street sign. Namibia, formerly German South-West Africa, still retains some of its German characteristics even 100 years after Germany lost WWI and South Africa took over this beautiful country. I am surprised to see many German names throughout the country. In fact, the town of Swakopmund, just north of Luederitz, only allows German architectural style for new construction projects in town. Often, after independence has been achieved, countries like to erase all evidence of colonialization. Luederitz, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449551830867-P1CG6QIWUQ9XKVJXZO8G/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Felsenkirche The "Felsenkirche" in Luederitz, Namibia, was built on the highest point in town. It opened its doors in 1912. Albert Bause, the carpenter who built the church steeple, placed a metal ball on the very top of the church tower. It still contains an issue of the "Luederitzbuchter" newspaper dated June 16, 1912 as well as a copy of the minutes from the latest town council meeting. Luederitz, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449551948511-E21347KMFI56WEXG74OW/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Martin Luther In Namibia The beautiful stained glass windows in the "Felsenkirche" in Luederitz, Namibia, include an image of Martin Luther. Luederitz, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449552054237-O2FO5TLS4OODW3YWF6KE/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Wild Horses Of The Namib - Almost Horses brought to the Namib around 100 years ago have survived in the hot and dry climate of the Namib Desert with some help of an artificial watering hole. This picture, however, does not show the famous wild horses of the Namib. While the picture was taken in the same area where the wild horses roam, these two are domesticated. The herds of wild horses do not include white horses. Klein Aus, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449592518714-Z0TBIYINQOC0BMOP69LH/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Dune 7 Ascent I am posing for the picture, not resting! (Photo courtesy of Ashley Vann) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449207602930-CYVZR3NU8QMBFOZESTD0/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Sea Point and Robben Island, Cape Town, South Africa Almost 10 km (6 mi) offshore from Cape Town, South Africa, lies tiny Robben Island in the Atlantic Ocean. A place of banishment for lepers, murderers and political prisoners through the centuries, it was also home to the infamous maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of incarceration. To the left is 669 m (2,200 ft) high Lions Head with Sea Point, which is part of Cape Town, below. The picture was taken from Table Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448704935961-9BLFQ7FVO5DCUHI9IF87/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - KwaZulu-Natal The term "Kwa" can be translated to "belongs to". The Zulu people are an African tribe and "Natal" is Portuguese for Christmas. (The Portuguese sailors reached the Bay near Durban on Christmas Day of 1497.) The name "KwaZulu-Natal was given to this part of South Africa following the democratic elections in 1994. Two Zulu children play in the yard of their home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449208258941-8TDT9ZVWZE95R8H32G8Z/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449206635096-I7LJ1WACJ592RTHE52BQ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448704140939-E5J99U1IRZZEUQXEIAY8/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - How Many Trees? Driving through the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal is both boring and fascinating. From the road and as far as the eye can see - eucalyptus trees. Thousands of straight rows that must amount to millions of trees, planted for the paper and pulp industry of the country, make for a monotonous drive through the countryside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449405575150-MXMSMLEK1HSE67UYWAN5/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Mandela's Home For 18 Years This maximum security prison on Robben Island, just off the coast from Cape Town, South Africa was the location where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated from 1963 to 1982. Built by the prisoners themselves from stones quarried on the island, the prisoners had no running water, no access to toilets and no beds. Robben Island, Cape Town, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448706367602-VZ565UYS227M9VYG3TZW/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Fever Tree The fever tree (Vachellia xanthophloea) is native to eastern and southern Africa. It is fast growing, beautiful and one of very few tree species that photosynthesize through the bark. The tree got its name from its tendency to grow in swampy areas, areas that are prone to mosquitoes and malarial fever. Early European explorers of Africa associated the tree with malaria. KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448218555459-5699IGBR858BAB99X4UY/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Strikingly Beautiful Wearing traditional henna face paint while selling souvenirs near the Lokobe Nature Reserve, this woman on the island of Nosy Be in Madagascar allowed me to take her photograph. The dignity and pride in her expression attracted my attention. Desperately poor, close to 90% of the people of Madagascar earn $2.00 per day. Widespread corruption keeps much of the country's population in perpetual poverty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449208021938-2CI49LMMJXYLL501X67C/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Delville Wood Memorial, Cape Town, South Africa In the Company Gardens of Cape Town stands the beautiful Delville Wood Memorial. Sculpted by Herbert Baker and unveiled in 1930, it stands in dedication to the South Africans who have died in the Great Wars. Table Mountain is in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449405551827-LJ7M7J2EYOORVCWYRLAZ/DSC_1240+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Hard Labour In 1963, Nelson Mandela, together with 7 other ANC (African National Congress) leaders, were sentenced to forced labour and life in prison on Robben Island. (The term "Robben" is Dutch for "seals".) Pictured is the lime quarry where Mandela and his fellow prisoners worked for many years. While working in the quarry, the prisoners were observed by guards from the tower. The cave was used as a toilet and a place of communication. The prisoners left messages for each other by writing words on the floor of the cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449206438151-OFBIWNH41CN8LBWX97BJ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In this picture from the top of Table Mountain, downtown, the soccer stadium, the port and Table Bay are clearly visible. Metro Cape Town has a population of 3.7 million. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449207273495-JURUW2HBWEI5EGQVH0PQ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - The 12 Apostles, Cape Town, South Africa A clear view like this from Table Mountain (TM) is a rarity. Table Mountain has a reputation for being hidden among clouds. Some tourists visit Cape Town several times before actually being able to see the top of the mountain. The clouds covering TM are often referred to as the "table cloth". In 2011 TM was voted one of The New 7 Wonders Of Nature. This view is from the top of TM south across the 12 Apostles towards The Cape of Good Hope. The Atlantic Ocean is to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448092565838-3JAYSR8BJ680CZSE9GXO/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Ancient Vessels As they have done for centuries, Dhow merchant vessels are still taking their products across the Indian Ocean. Here, in the Dhow harbor in Zanzibar City, workers load oil and dried fish destined for Dar Es Salaam, 95 miles away. Sailing all night, the Dhow will arrive in the morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448219595448-EMIDTW8P3DFAK6PCE10V/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Desperate For A Sale I sensed a quiet desperation among the locals on the island of Nosy Be in Madagascar. While everybody appeared well nourished, the poverty among the population was severe. This young man was one of many from the local town of Hell Ville to come to the ship in his canoe trying to sell fruit to passengers and crew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448220340716-85OKCPQM78S14FQDDAJM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Beauties And The Beach Two local girls watch the beach action from a safe distance. Nosy Be, Madagascar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448254315361-XNKFO8SCTREY0N87053T/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Furniture Store, Stone Town, Zanzibar Once a proud possession of the Sultanate of Oman, Stone Town in Zanzibar played an important role in the Indian Ocean marine trade during the 17th and 18th centuries. The slave trade played a particularly tragic role in this archipelago, turning Zanzibar into a living hell. Physical evidence of slave auctions and dungeons where slaves were held while awaiting transport to Brazil are still on display as a warning for future generations. Now, the labyrinth of narrow streets is filled with the exotic noise of bargaining, Muslim women in burqas out on a shopping excursion, the overwhelming smell of fish in the stifling air, the jostling for space in the crowded alleys and the blaring of loud speakers at every street corner. But for the most part, time has stood still in Stone Town, now a UN World Heritage Site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448088029119-EZK4YD2ZCWAO1Q2MN25Q/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Mombasa Greeting Drummers greet us at the port of Mombasa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448255653326-6ESQ6X5VDM4NIRJDCJ8H/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Fish Market, Zanzibar City A local couple and a merchant at the fish market of Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448220235095-9U1YFN6CSW1AU3OHEMDW/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Determination Determined to keep her dance troupe in line, this young women gives verbal instructions to a group of young girls performing for tourists. Nosy Be, Madagascar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448088704182-R6S5T9DRW0HZVVOD98SV/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Heading Home With a sword fish strapped to the roof, this mini bus leaves the Zanzibar market. The market is located in Stonetown, a World Heritage Site in Zanzibar City, Tanzania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448253429867-K5S7Y2YPK5Y06202THOZ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Today's Catch Taking his dinner home, this man leaves the fish market of Stone Town, Zanzibar City while dragging a tuna fish across the pavement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448086257831-W4NAU0340VZKR5Q02WBE/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Morning Rush Hour The Likoni Ferry, loaded with commuters, is leaving the mainland on its way to Mombasa Island. Mombasa, Kenya's second largest city (after the capital city of Nairobi), has an estimated population of 1.5 million. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448089462958-OQQNWSSFJGWJBZRC4NL4/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Stone Town Vendor The market is Zanzibar City is as exotic as the name. There are obnoxious smells, colourful spices, loud vendors, a maze of ancient streets, fish covered with thousands of flies and cell phones galore. What more would you want? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447669644886-XIORCN2WUITGAVV57EKQ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Colourful Facade Against the dark backdrop of forested mountains on the island of Mahe, the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, the only place of worship for the Tamil Sri Lankan diaspora of Hindu faith in the Seychelles, shines as a prominent landmark in the capital of Victoria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448252812888-ALT9WVKJHSIIV1LTP2Z2/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Presentation Is Everything The meat market of Stone Town in Zanzibar City, Tanzania belongs to the flies. Here, locals mingle and bargain for their dinner. You can’t be too squeamish about your food at a place like this. The phrase “less than sanitary” comes to mind… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447671460860-X8VYDWVZO3XNSYYYWDNC/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, Victoria, Seychelles Dramatic afternoon lighting contours the Hindu temple in Victoria, the capital city of the Seychelles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447610329956-LT6SSE8Q15Z7WST8WF5Z/DSC_4733LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Picture Perfect Beach Deserted beaches with white sand and turquoise waters are not the only attraction at the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. Sea bird colonies, turtles, good food and friendly people make this archipelago a unique holiday destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448255184579-LNKFJ7PZ96HBNHKTI64D/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Pots & Pans Piled high along the sidewalks are all kinds of merchandize. From cell phone accessories to underwear to the proverbial kitchen sink, you can find everything in the Zanzibar Market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447644525859-RKGMJP3JH87XO7WBKJ95/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Turtle Close-Up The Giant Tortoises on the Aldabra atoll in the Seychelles are the longest living animals on earth. They can get as old as 250 years. Tortoises have no teeth; their mouth are like beaks. With more than 100,000 giant tortoises living on the atoll, Aldabra features the greatest reptile biomass found anywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447642479131-3GL0IXV5B314YTDUCDP5/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Fairy Tern The world-wide population of the surreal looking Fairy Tern is threatened and classified as "vulnerable". On Aride Island in the Seychelles they are still numerous. The Fairy Tern is a likable bird: the parents share in the incubation of eggs and the care for the chicks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447642365565-S7M6385TW5J6BPEAWXKJ/DSC_4617LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Paradise Compromised Sitting on a beautiful beach on Aride Island in the Seychelles, my wife Kit contemplates algal blooms in the ocean and the smell of dead fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447653618358-IVPIOOMWE4VKM35PTLNB/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - The Aldabra Tortoise At home on the Aldabra atoll in the Seychelles Islands, this giant tortoise is one of two giant tortoise species in the world. Because of their enormous weight (adult males can weigh up to 250 kg (550 lbs), this tortoise species has developed flat elephantine feet to support it's hefty body mass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447610401581-248D9DVMBZHBU7X67KSR/DSC_4602LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Wet Landing Heavy surf on the shores of Aride Island, Seychelles Islands archipelago, makes for wet landings in a Zodiac. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447655006856-L7R11ZY1WW3N1SIQL31U/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Mobile Bats The Seychelles fruit bat or Seychelles flying foxes are enormous in size. Flying overhead with a wingspan of 1.50 m (4'11") the fruit bat cannot be missed. The bats belong to the suborder of megabats, which are the largest bats on earth. They do not have echolocation but use their smell and eyesight to avoid crashing into trees at night. Fruit bats in the Seychelles eat pollen, nectar, blossoms, and fruit. They play an important role in the dispersal of trees. Fruit bats are not endangered and are eaten curried as a delicacy by the local population... yumm! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447610027218-4W3TXWCJSYICC3CU26KP/DSC_4586LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Aride Island, Seychelles Islands, Indian Ocean Small in size but hugely important, Aride Island is a nature reserve and home to rare sea birds and turtles. As an almost undisturbed ecosystem, Aride's wildlife does not fear humans. The island's current population of 8 consists of research scientists, volunteers and the island manager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447609846188-1Q58AWRKLMBR9H8I3O35/DSC_4805LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa I - A Rare Bird The Seychelles Magpie-Robin is one of the rarest birds on earth. Only 240 exist in the world and only 11 on Aride Island, the northernmost granite island in the Seychelles Islands archipelago. Collared and heavily monitored, the Magpie-Robin is a real celebrity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447672193366-UB17LEN27W9Q2L9USNET/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Victoria Market At the end of the day, only a few fish are left for purchase at the open air market in Victoria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447610214203-8TPLQDQTJC6PF7OY0G08/DSC_4674LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Fluff Like a white snowball on a dark background, this white-tailed tropicbird chick is not too concerned about being seen. Tropicbirds lay their eggs in protected spots on the ground in tropical forests. Not many predators bother these birds. On the endangered list, they are of "least concern". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447119745079-BXD9MXOWD77HJ10A3DX1/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - Pirate Drill This tanker is in the Gulf of Eden, a location designated in the maritime world as a "high risk area" (HRA) where pirate attacks are common. As part of an emergency pirate drill, the ballast tanks are emptied over the side of the ship. In a pirate attack, the huge volume of water pouring over the side of the ship is meant to deter the pirates and prevent them from boarding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448915894681-ZL92TLMF1F13HL02I8QT/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I - The Landsacpe of KwaZulu-Natal The landscape of the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa is characterized by rolling hills and cultivated fields. Rhinos and ostriches are in the foreground. Tala Game Reserve, Durban, South Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449902046217-4GDTH08VRSSM80F70OT0/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa I http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-ii daily 0.75 2023-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451599688397-REVHD3FNPEAK0XVWYPWX/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Slave Master's House During the height of the Atlantic Slave Trade 200 to 300 years ago, a slave master used to live in this house just a short distance away from the Atlantic shore near Pedakondji Village in the west African country of Togo. The slaves were crowded under the floor boards in a dark dungeon with a low ceiling. They spent between two and three days in the dungeon before being walked in chains to the waiting slave ship nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451599688397-REVHD3FNPEAK0XVWYPWX/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Slave Master's House During the height of the Atlantic Slave Trade 200 to 300 years ago, a slave master used to live in this house just a short distance away from the Atlantic shore near Pedakondji Village in the west African country of Togo. The slaves were crowded under the floor boards in a dark dungeon with a low ceiling. They spent between two and three days in the dungeon before being walked in chains to the waiting slave ship nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451603411260-NTXVTFMVC1QKKRCUQQZG/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Freedom Statue The Freedom Statue on Goree Island near Dakar, Senegal. From the 15th to thee 19th century, Goree Island was the largest slave trading center on the African coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451603894625-BX9QS609BKZ5ZQ7RVOFS/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - The Point Of No Return Known as The Point Of No Return monument on the Atlantic coast in Ouidah, Benin, this memorial marks the location where thousands of purchased and kidnapped slaves left the African continent for the long journey to the New World. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451605288092-7HMPMM0R37V67WDU9953/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Yoke A yoke is a wooden beam normally used to tie two oxen together. While being transported to the ships, slaves were yoked together to prevent escape. This picture was taken at the slave museum in Luanda, Angola. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451604420261-D9SC3JWXMFUS2PL5IT10/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Very Crowded Diagram of a slave ship from the Atlantic slave trade. (From the Abstract of Evidence delivered before a select committee of the British House of Commons in 1790 and 1791.) The ships could hold up to 460 slaves and took, depending on the weather, between 6 weeks and 6 months to reach the New World.     https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451606065154-L5TNHBJI4NRGYA9D4IQ7/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Never Again A monument to slavery at the entrance to Juffureh Village, The Gambia. The globe as the stature's head represents the sad reality that slavery has been and still is a global problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450864422094-76O319Q9W8H0G9YE73TX/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II Rural shoreline scene, Gambia River near Albreda, The Gambia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450864736514-R4V8DPFH74C5O8ZT2DKT/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Chief (Alkalos) The chief of Juffureh village is one of only two female chiefs is The Gambia. Aja Tako Taal became chief in 1994. At her current age of 76 years she still is very much in charge of her chiefdom. One important role of the chief is to settle grievances among the village inhabitants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450900806389-CX6ED7UU6M3CX2A6A97N/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Day's End Rinsing off the salt from his body, this salt digger in Pink Lake near Dakar, Senegal is ready to unload his salt harvest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450864569129-XOBLGXV5QXYQUUDR86O4/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Love To Pose For Pictures At the children's activity center, Juffureh, The Gambia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450917312263-NY17SL8YESQBL1ET6VWO/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - African Country Scene - Togo Pico Iyer writes: "Travel spins us round in two ways at once: It shows us the sights and values and issues that we might ordinarily ignore; but it also, and more deeply, shows us all the parts of ourselves that might otherwise grow rusty. For in traveling to a truly foreign place, we inevitably travel to moods and states of mind and hidden inward passages that we’d otherwise seldom have cause to visit." To me, Africa is such a "truly foreign place". It is a place of contrasts and contradictions. Just when you catch your breath after a truly disturbing sight, you notice beauty and grace beyond description. Africa can leave you breathless and will leave impressions on your heart that cannot be erased. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450867748320-35ZMUCQM31BSVO862A06/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Gambia River, The Gambia ... near Kunta Kinteh Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450868764760-8F9888KDD6TH1OLP5ES2/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Boabab Tree The magnificent baobab tree welcomes visitors to the Gambian village of Albreda. The village used to be a point of departure for many captured slaves before they were transported to the New World. A monument to the slave trade (a statue with raised arms and broken chains) with the words "Never Again" can be seen to the right of the tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450864914928-LARSMXG9F2HO7MYOCAHV/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Look What I Can Do! Juffureh, The Gambia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450864651558-Z3MXPW8TJDT1BJY7ONFK/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Love To Pose For Pictures At the children's activity center, Juffureh, The Gambia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450865089372-0M1SBRLE3QNML0XJEMT3/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Juffureh, The Gambia Bright and determined, the children of Juffureh deserve better than to be taught how to beg for money. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450867258273-A8W6D21MO0HMP3STIZNF/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Kunta Kinteh Island (James Island) Located in the middle of the Gambia River at equal distance from both shores, Kunta Kinteh Island was a strategic piece of real estate during colonial times. Whoever owned the island had complete control over the upriver territories and access to Africa's interior from the Atlantic Ocean. The village of Juffureh is only three km across the water from Kunta Kinteh Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450867617397-A5YUMO2PZSWAMML6TRWL/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Subject To Erosion Kunta Kinteh Island in the Gambia River used to be much bigger, however storms and tidal currents have eroded much of the island. Efforts are under way to prevent any further erosion of the tiny island's landmass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450867533664-43XE7MNV21Z2BM1A48FO/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Fort James, Kunta Kinteh Island, The Gambia First constructed by the Portuguese in 1456, the fort of Kunta Kinteh Island changed hands many times during subsequent centuries. One important role of the fort was the control and facilitation of the slave trade and traded commodities. Located only 50 km inland from the mouth of the Gambia River, the fort was seen as the gateway to Africa's interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450868979359-HIWWWLP8444DHSRDVLYL/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Marshmellows Anyone? A dancer near Dakar, Senegal performs hair-singeing acts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450335723635-PRHHCP5BBLA874BBQ89B/DSC_0073+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Canopy Walkway The canopy walkway in Kakum National Park in Ghana was the first of such walkways in Africa. Constructed by a team of 9 people (6 Canadians, 3 Ghanaians) the walkway consists of 7 bridges between giant trees with wooden platforms. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes to complete the 330 m (1,080 ft) long walkway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450274424544-Y7CNRPIXNZMFAW5JIS4P/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Female Dancer In Lome, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450335350193-BA6LU6V7RS51V4QZ6QNR/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Kakum National Park, Ghana The semi-deciduous virgin forest in the Kakum National Park is breathtakingly beautiful. The sight of giant "kyenkyen" trees combined with the sounds of monkeys and the typical smell of a moist tropical forest create an mind-image of spectacular beauty. Photos do not do justice to this special place. A 40 m (131 ft) high canopy walkway allows the visitor to fully explore this park's natural beauty.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450340081959-49XT0ECAQ2YFIH5KLYIP/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Not For The Faint At Heart Traversing the canopy walkway at the Kakum National Park in Ghana can be scary. Consisting of supporting ropes, cables and narrow wooden planks, the walkway wobbles and sways to a frightening degree. The ropes supporting two of the seven bridges are especially "loose", making a 40 m (130 ft) plunge down to the forest floor seem like a real possibility. Did I mention I am afraid of heights? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450335106841-YXWU14YUDO8Q9QIQNTK1/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - A Catastrophe In The Making This is not the natural color of the Pra River in western Ghana. Contaminated and poisoned by illegal ("artisan") gold mining in the country's interior, the river sediments are already heavily laden with metallic mercury. The introduction of mercury into the food chain has serious long term environmental consequences. The mining is carried out by local Ghanaians and illegal Chinese immigrants. Pra River near Beposo, western Ghana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450901966080-D8MUHNTWJTNQUNQLN7MM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - End Of Voyage A sail boat approaches safe harbor on a windy day in Baia Das Gatas on Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450276251327-7KVD4SJ3ZLBKIVK94REY/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Flying Fish Flying fish break through the surface and glide across the water as far as 400 m (1,300 ft) to escape predators. They can stay in the air for up to 45 seconds. At home in the world's tropical and sub-tropical regions, flying fish are desired as a delicacy and offered in many restaurants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450901282288-3AGXGGNLIRWY3UBAP8WK/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Abandoned Farm Sao Vicente Island, Cape Verde https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450344029552-0YK8DYA1VOJ0VGA68XMZ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Voodoo Welcoming Ceremony In 2010 In a moving welcoming ceremony during which alcohol (Henkes' Schnapps - product of Holland) is poured out over the sacred ground of the Glidji's Sacred Forest, this voodoo priest and five of his elders bless the attending guests, wishing them good fortune and health. Glidji Sacred Forest, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450344757898-DBHJ87IBVCP43MNOBB2F/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - 5 Years Later Same priest, same location as in the previous picture. Do you see the priest's helper (elder?) behind the voodoo priest performing the welcoming ceremony? He is checking his cell phone messages while welcoming his guests. We dropped from 6 priests and elders five years ago to one priest and half a helper. After all, these ceremonies get boring when you have to perform them for tourists all the time. Also, news flash: the obsession with cellphones and texting is not just a western phenomenon. Glidji Sacred Forest, Togo     https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450274733669-ATVJX8TA5AFI4NBHBZ49/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Perfect Place To Study Pedakondji Village, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450275093023-RUFJYBFY1Z454A2CA8EG/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Community Effort Many from the local fishing village came out to pull a giant fishing net to shore. Even moms with their babies on their backs came to help. Pedakondji Village, Atlantic coast, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450275438381-UUJPCIFSVC4FS0JALEP0/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Different Approaches To The Same Task Pulling in a giant fishing net can be hilarious or a perfect opportunity for an impromptu meditation. Pedakondji Village, Atlantic Coast, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450275578419-OI8RJEXVVV6PMEL21DAR/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - An Enormous Task A huge fishing net stretched far out to sea is being pulled in by volunteers from the Pedakondji Village in Togo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450276018785-ZAQEARTNMGF2DIIUGYZV/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Mending Fishing Nets Pedakondji Village, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450276170865-2PG9Z5U92TSVUPA2QU6W/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Father & Daughter Pedakondji Village, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450276351041-Z3NYE0VLFYMUQTVL9GNP/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Still A Novelty Visitors with white skin are still a novelty to the children of Pedakondji Village in Togo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450276725809-3GCPSSL2C22S6NBWDZTV/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Secure In Her Community We often underestimate the importance of community. Poverty and even the occasional hunger may be cruel realities for these children in the remote farming village of Hlande in Togo, but the safety and love they receive as members of a larger community is something our children in the developed world often lack during their formative years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450277254802-G6WFB74I3A0ADOOFXWUM/10+Lome+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa II - African Faces Not everybody is paying attention during a traditional Zangbeto ceremony and dance in the Hlande Village in Togo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450277912812-K7PAX71KD8BTU7EM3SIX/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Zangbeto Dance Zangbetos twirl like dervishes across the village square. Believed to be "piloted" by invisible powers which can transform themselves into puppets, statues or live animals, the Zangbetos uphold the honored vodun (voodoo) tradition as the "guardians of the night". Roaming the village streets in the dark, they hunt down evil spirits, witches and thieves. Hlande Village, South Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450373468118-3JQPJ41DYIZNMC31Y3YZ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Voodoo Magic Not unlike a visit to the Santa Claus parade, parents are amused and children are in awe: the Zangbeto's dance and magic seem to enthrall the kids and fill them with mystery and bewilderment. Hlande Village, South Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450278429877-JI7JGZ9Y4FVIPD4PYENR/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Drummers & Singers Village drummers and singers perform while the Zangbetos spin around and around until they enter a trance-like state. This state supposedly gives the Zangbetos super-natural powers. Hlande Village, South Togo   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450278890096-8RNM5397R4QNWMI1RAGU/13+Lome+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Yummy! The haystack costume is lifted and ta-ta: the person (?) inside the Zangbeto costume is transformed into a banana-eating animal skull with moving jaws. Hlande Village, South Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450279138054-MGISGAL1BRQ1I0Q5JEGV/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - On Top Each Zangbeto haystack costume is "equipped" with an ornate mask. Hlande Village, South Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450279419757-6Z5N5KMMTQBBP0B049FD/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - African Street Scene Hlande Village, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450279757154-YUN1SCHQ6CRBNU33Y3KL/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II Hlande Village, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450280059505-TAYHJTRGVDSDFE5GII0R/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II Hlande Village, Togo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450340885041-SQ3PX7YD43ST7U9IV0DC/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Cottage Cocoa Production Cocoa beans are drying in the sun by the side of the road. Near Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450340921701-NPLR99X8C7RHROE3D7FM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Heading Home After School Near Kakum National Park, Ghana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450340965351-8LOR1U58DX22PIJF3IRE/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Street Scene In A Ghanaian Village https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450341004475-IXVP6Z3EGY9ID7736UR5/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Hungry? Local women sell fruit, bread, water and corn to waiting motorists at a police road block near Sekondi-Tokoradi in South Ghana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450341049799-XAPPT546U31FT4TH1L3Q/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - ...No Words https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450341100181-3A4JK0YXN0L12WK5M6IC/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Taking The Middle Of The Road Approach Swerving straight into oncoming rush hour traffic this police motorcyclist risks his life to get us back to the ship on time. I have never before seen such riding skill! Near Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450548465299-4BOZCWA17OHVIB15WMR3/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Glad To Be Home Fishermen return to harbor in the early morning hours. Abidjan, Ivory Coast. West African fishing boats have the outboard motor attached to the side of the boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450548616436-5O10BIED3S5YJWZ3U9PM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II A voodoo dancer with a warthog mask in the port of Abidjan, Ivory Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450548856805-DIYINWLPAI3EM6IX4D5W/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - St Paul's Cathedral, Abidjan, Ivory Coast As a Roman Catholic cathedral, this church was consecrated after 5 years of construction by Pope John Paul II in 1985. Considered the second largest cathedral in Africa, St Paul's cathedral can seat 3,500 (plus 1,500 standing) worshippers. The cost of construction was US $ 12 million. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450554761481-3AA2AVVW7TLE6OQ1QHVI/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Let It Grow, Let It Grow Watering a vegetable plot on the outskirts of the capital city of Abidjan, Ivory Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450555499701-VU1BR0PIF1569TDDXRN8/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - A Penny For Her Thoughts Contemplating life among trash on the Atlantic coast beach near Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450556241920-ELHTY5WO8HO677ANWNBZ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Desperate Measures Vendors of art, crafts and souvenirs line the property fence of a luxury hotel in Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450556941070-RUJ6J3ELDUOJU0OCR44J/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast The beaches of Ivory Coast are spectacular and have huge tourist potential. Unfortunately, investment dollars, skills and infrastructure are lacking to attract tourists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450598175798-SERNM7HAZQ0HKAN35AWW/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast Vendors line the fence of a luxury hotel, waiting for customers to spend money. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450598474612-Y6ZMX3FX1ODCI8BJUCPD/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - African Street Scene Near Abidjan, Ivory Coast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450900301544-TJ8I3J70WVRX0ADC46Z4/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Dancer A dancer in a village of Niaga near Dakar, Senegal is showing off his spectacular make-up job and costume. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450900352349-BUSWRUL0PC2IQ5R2TZ95/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Traffic, I Don't See Traffic Goats roam freely through the street market in the village of Niaga near Senegal's capital city of Dakar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450900402283-KXQ87S33L6ZZ3Q52MXVJ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Salt Diggers Salt diggers in Pink Lake near Dakar, Senegal extract salt from the bottom of the lake. Piles of salt ready for bagging and shipping can be seen in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450900513216-Y4W13QA78Q3073IE69V2/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Heavy Load A "salt digger" in Pink Lake near Dakar, Senegal takes his full boat to shore where the salt is unloaded, stored and eventually bagged before being shipped for export. Salt diggers work chest-deep in the water for up to 7 hours per day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450900966824-WQ3XT9T8ZO63GE9OYR75/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - No Flat Land With a shortage of flat building sites, lots for new houses are carved into the mountains. Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450900559301-FMEBIAD312KR08W5IAZL/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Bagging The Salt The salt from Pink Lake near Dakar, Senegal is bagged manually and loaded onto trucks for shipment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450901155673-7HFT2EYW1BU8QZR7TY90/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Deserted The island of Sao Vicente thrived before the opening of the Suez Canal. All marine traffic heading for the orient had to pass Cape Verde. The islands were a convenient stopover for supplies and fuel. Abandoned houses and ruins in the hills of Sao Vicente are silent reminders of a much busier time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450901330667-I8TPQOWAERNQPRW4B9EK/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - A Motor Cyclist Dream The road along the coastline between the villages of Calhau and Baia Das Gatas on Sao Vicente Island, Cape Verde is spectacular with breathtaking view points at every turn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450900847768-R0QZQ8KV6PYZT4NAI0VM/DSC_1161+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Let The Wind Take It Away Emission controls are a low priority in Senegal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450901490203-S84AR2L63O4HNLV57KBC/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Fishing Boats Baia Das Gatas, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450901617082-QBHQ19EVCOO5GDTQONEQ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Surf North-east coast of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450902399539-DGLUOSGOJZ0CVZ373SXR/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - View I The view towards the fishing village of Baia Das Gatas from the top of Monte Verde. Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450902816540-4H9XQ0GWZFCMGKUG5ADP/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - View II The view of the coastline between the villages of Baia Das Gatas and Calhau from the top of Monte Verde. Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450903094947-LKJOVVZP9C9WPUZUP6UJ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - The Motivator Mindelo, Sao Vicente Island, Cape Verde https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450903261301-V2LXQZBT9UVQN1V68P12/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Mindelo Mindelo is a port city in the northern part of Sao Vicente Island. 93% of the island's population live in Mindelo. Cape Verde Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455084078481-N94J0YDXWGFDDEWJNREU/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455083995359-SC8X0S2S5Q893WJUO1W1/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Excitement in the Streets The sight of foreigners sparks enthusiasm among the children of this small island village in the river Nile. Nile River, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455083902987-KDASKG9ET4TGNH56B2MP/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Bakery Baking bread in a narrow alley, Egyptian style. Aswan, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455083955898-XE5PH71AUBVSHXI1HT4Y/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Camel Rides, Anyone? Where have all the tourists gone? Pyramids of Giza, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455084115896-XGLJEB20PJBDK6604L3Y/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II - Morning Meditation Meditating between the ancient paws of the Sphynx is a very special way to start the day. Giza Plateau, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455084043224-DXN3TTJOM6JUGL7J06K9/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Africa II Apartment Building in Alexandria, Egypt http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-iii daily 0.75 2019-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465215192139-CKNGMSNPFG0RPJKZ2AMI/DSC_1489+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I - 42nd St Flanked and shaded by skyscrapers and office buildings, traffic on 42 St. in Midtown Manhattan rarely sees the sunlight. 42nd St. is home to the world-famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. New York is only one of Madame Tussauds’ 20 locations around the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465215192139-CKNGMSNPFG0RPJKZ2AMI/DSC_1489+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I - 42nd St Flanked and shaded by skyscrapers and office buildings, traffic on 42 St. in Midtown Manhattan rarely sees the sunlight. 42nd St. is home to the world-famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. New York is only one of Madame Tussauds’ 20 locations around the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465215341256-RWTJJBHZZDWDNPXXO3UP/DSC_1546+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I - Lower Manhattan The skyline of Lower Manhattan is dominated by the One World Trade Center aka Freedom Tower. Completed in 2013, the tower is the 4th largest building in the world. Its height in feet (1,776 ft or 541 m) was deliberately chosen as a reference to the year when the American Declaration of Independence was signed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465215091993-HZQ8H1IMXZM72W0P6C6K/DSC_1479+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I - Chrysler Building Glistening in the setting sun, the graceful stature of the Art Deco style Chrysler Building (right of center) in Midtown Manhattan in New York is still considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. At a height of 319 m (1,046 ft), the Chrysler Building managed to occupy the title of tallest building in the world for only 11 months. It was surpassed in height by the Empire State Building in April of 1931. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465215501372-YDNM0FEE9LENKAP8H3TS/DSC_1561+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I - World Trade Center Complex in New York Bordered by Vesey St. to the north, the One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan partially occupies the site of the former Twin Towers, which were taken down by terrorists on Sep 11, 2001. In the foreground is the 3 World Financial Center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465215651893-1PZ7BYFL2PWBA3PX63TN/DSC_1594+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I - Statue of Liberty Positioned at the entrance to the harbors of New York and Jersey City at the mouth of the Hudson River, the 93 m (305 ft) tall Statue of Liberty is seen as a welcoming symbol of freedom and democracy for countless immigrants from all over the world. Visitors who wish to climb into the crown of the statue can do so by climbing 154 steps to the top. Reservations are required and only 240 visitors are allowed to visit the top of the statue per day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511819217986-ZGQ6SBMF2S1RIXZUZ6AM/DSC_1629.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511809606000-QUWEVQQDQVNHV2FQSSTF/DSC_0637.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269643043-7LGJ3W8IA3IQ1LJPMGBO/DSC_1425a.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463267777253-KCHH0LWZPTONB7BI3R8Z/DSC_1002.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269579671-UCCCU6LA8XSLIPM9M5GS/DSC_1388b.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511820600798-G3SKZB7VHY5HCOQ1CL2D/Bald+Eagle+Nest+-+Juneau.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463267000357-HXSF38HTYBTXQEN3SP3O/DSC_1426a.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463267615050-0WOHKZSXHUZ999B1ASSV/DSC_0998.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511842189724-22LLJ8RM4L33109I3HPV/DSC_7556.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269865377-0LXYASYRO0T6QO8BS52K/Humpback+Whale+II+-+Juneau.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463267338494-EIZEPO92MI6WZ9W4COPW/DSC_0809.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463270301180-L1PSV38JBNTP5X6UBDIA/Alaska+e+Jul+2015.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511810462182-DH3C50Q39C2KH5GS5Y3Y/DSC_7616.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463267507769-WRJFXUR0TO8Q3U1VJOLU/DSC_0865.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511818571171-ALST3A8S4OIKUQPH0YX2/DSC_7989.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463267127380-9FNLOA0ADLX406ZBF2AX/IMG_20160509_133235_panorama.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463270619850-F8D7M3XLKB5CEDY406A7/Harvard+Glacier+2.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269352696-K7CAU6TWD55800GS1JMN/DSC_1178.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269268536-G7E4JLU4WVFJDCP6J903/DSC_1163.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269452537-Z2D45BWU2Y56JWOBF4Y9/DSC_1284c.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269518390-7143WMFTCHP44I0EFEHN/DSC_1281c.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511809511517-MUB4C4RW0GGNNPHG6TLX/20170616_201.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511817814804-1AMEKVRTRFH7O1KKNR1C/DSC_8281.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511817945046-RIJBE2TR2FCFB0JSY4IY/DSC_8304.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511819114407-PX2GMNVG9D36E37EKX65/20170616_259.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463268087488-Q73JHPSW5YIMEDH7P3W2/DSC_1049.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463267221565-9DY67EQCCF2H1ORP91Q2/Canadian+Dogwood+-+White+Pass.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269699461-PBKQ700DH0BJ07ZF6P33/DSC_1449.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463269970555-57WSYF8XVM11PG6NQ1KF/Margerie+Glacier+III+-+Glacier+Bay.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463270223853-ZBZREK11RBHE5HW50DWE/Misty+Fjords+II+-+Ketchikan.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1463270364957-UMX9RMM6UBHAZ93AR4CT/DSC_9820.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1461039376274-SAU2BQN8CIDTXPC7N3HT/41a+Mauna+Kea+g+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I - Holy Signs Winds are ferocious at the top of Mt. Mauna Kea - up to 160 km/h. Traffic signs have holes to keep them from falling over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1461036906000-2SSVRR6XY4UT14UO32LP/41a+Mauna+Kea+d+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1461037276269-5Y588WY7KIACA9YUVLNH/41a+Mauna+Kea+e+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511841683988-K4CKDJKOGM83TW7LG0DV/41a+Mauna+Kea+b.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1461037092923-94U43TDBVVQR6QG6KZVH/41a+Mauna+Kea+c+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I - Silver Sword Fern A rare and endangered silversword fern on Mt. Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1461037374891-3YWR4DQBXL4V7CG0VMCX/41a+Mauna+Kea+f+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1461039639966-4UPQZM8CHK9ZO9394W28/41a+Mauna+Kea+a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1445143426959-9CFCKBUZUHZ8646Q9MRO/1+Alaska+III+final.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I - Mt. Rainier, Seattle, Washington On a beautiful July Saturday afternoon in Seattle's harbor, a yellow monstrosity awaits transport to the Alaskan arctic. The "Polar Pioneer", Shell Oil's newest drilling platform, was evidence of the company's latest ambitions to find and pump oil in the fragile arctic environment. I use past tense because, in the meantime, Shell has abandoned it's attempts to drill in the Beaufort Sea AND President Obama has prohibited any further oil exploration in Alaska. Sometimes, there are good news in the news! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454994044183-CT4BEQQYN7HGCJCOT1M7/27+Taj+Mahal+d.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511809693481-RR0NMAW0RX0JQSPJFXMV/DSC_0673.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511809946883-IF1PZ3QCLW4FOR8HT292/163.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511810096101-J4HDLAZI0OMJZOPKY8NM/20170614_112.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511810156041-N2J5ADK0RKC8JJQYV1U0/54+Everglades.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511810250673-YUV48MAU6AJT2GQ2B4Y3/DSC_2548.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511810404789-CRIBAZUO2LQXOFCJMQIX/DSC_4933a.jpg Gallery Archive - 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North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511842665991-ZHBIA3Y5PXYZKRDGDMSH/20170616_82.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511842712982-1NM7GNA420ACHKDU3Z6K/20170616_171.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511842130782-AZE0OA8ZI4DG2VR150XN/20161022_21.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511841932527-L8ZBJSO3T9DI5P9MKDOU/20161016_140.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1511842986139-K6GRNX40IMH650DPX9WW/20170616_185.JPG Gallery Archive - North America I http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa daily 0.75 2018-02-02 http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2018/muskat-oman monthly 0.5 2018-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517545930557-YULSOMX2YWPACRD8JE16/Piracy+Pictures+024.JPG Archived Stories I - Muscat, Oman The crew of an oil tanker perform a piracy drill in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. Pirates are deterred from boarding by large volumes of water being poured over the sides of the ship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517545663579-R8WH38VCT3PLRYA7QZ9W/20161119_8.JPG Archived Stories I - Muscat, Oman The ESPS Relampago, a Spanish war ship, leaves the port of Muscat, Oman unmarked. The vessel is part of an EU escort fleet. Its task is to patrol the pirate infested water in the Gulf of Aden and to escort humanitarian cargo ships safely to port. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2018/haifa-israel monthly 0.5 2023-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517544456065-0FFL0BFAWI6XSLMV1HQT/20161106_207.JPG Archived Stories I - Haifa, Israel http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2018/ushuaia-argentina monthly 0.5 2018-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517534399166-OAA4YXWN3H4NNC9R9JMK/Ushuaia+1.JPG Archived Stories I - Ushuaia, Argentina http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2016/vne2bk218uixlaagpd034cc9szibh1 monthly 0.5 2017-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1457932840814-YHM4KGKCHPATMSQNWL96/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast Vendors selling souvenirs to guests at a beach front hotel in Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2016/alexandria-egypt monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455081605344-IS8JJSFDNVTPH22BCP4M/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Alexandria, Egypt Pure joy is a pony ride on a Sunday afternoon along the waterfront in Alexandria. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2016/easter-island-chile monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454991504290-WEE20KKIDYOR701VNNYB/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Easter Island, Chile Half buried by centuries of wind-swept volcanic soil, these two moai proudly stand near the quarry on the slopes of the volcano Rona Raraku. It is believed that all of the oversized human statues were "manufactured" here. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2016/key-west-florida monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451757399892-IP53A3KIE3REPWZS4PBT/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - The Soul Of Nations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451745451525-NXW63D9NENT3U9SHZ8MI/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - The Soul Of Nations 70 days - 34 ports - 26 countries - many first and few second impressions - glimpses, really http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/west-africa monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451585861925-H5672WBAXFAQPEAEQVBE/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - West Africa This sculpture, which was created in 1998 by the Swedish artist Clara Sornas as a testament to the slave trade and a memorial to those who have lost their lives during that time, can be seen in Stone Town, Zanzibar (Tanzania). For centuries, Zanzibar played an important role in the Arab slave trade. Slaves were captured along the east coast and the interior of Africa for markets in the orient and India. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/juffureh-the-gambia monthly 0.5 2023-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1451070671777-MRI5NTB1MJXSWMF8MPGU/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Juffureh, The Gambia Bright and determined, the children of Juffureh deserve better than to be taught how to beg for money. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/banjul-the-gambia monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450827831508-0BR5L378FCZX8NAZWWZY/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Banjul, The Gambia The odd shapes of many West African nations speak volumes about the intentions of the former European colonial powers. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/dakar-senegal monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450823870986-T401CNZ51WYAEWPBD75I/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Dakar, Senegal A "salt digger" in Pink Lake near Dakar, Senegal takes his full boat to shore where the salt is unloaded, stored and eventually bagged before being shipped for export. Salt diggers work chest-deep in the water for up to 7 hours per day. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/lome-togo monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1450376450134-PRQC15YBQXPFJ208TF99/21+Lome+LD.jpg Archived Stories I - Lome, Togo Villagers look in awe as the Zangbeto-turned-puppet waves it's wand up and down. How did that happen? Zangbetos ("the guardians of the night") are thought to have magic powers while in a trance-like state. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/luanda-angola monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449783401172-H2RAAU2LTC41CMK76P4X/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Luanda, Angola Not far from the bustling streets and high rise buildings of Angola's capital city of Luanda, this man catches fish in a polluted lagoon surrounded by shanty towns. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/luederitz-namibia monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449593645324-W6P5M4RS9U27MB5TW15H/7+Namib+LD.jpg Archived Stories I - Luederitz, Namibia The view from Dune 7 is spectacular. At a height of 385 m (1,260 ft), it is the highest sand dune in the world. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/4j0hig7t1cppm0p9nswnekkpub9d1x monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1449321899689-TNABRFIQ4J8SI40RJIMV/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Cape Town, South Africa Almost 10 km (6 mi) offshore from Cape Town, South Africa, lies tiny Robben Island in the Atlantic Ocean. A place of banishment for lepers, murderers and political prisoners through the centuries, it was also home to the infamous maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of incarceration. To the left is 669 m (2,200 ft) high Lions Head with Sea Point, which is part of Cape Town, below. The picture was taken from Table Mountain. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/durban-south-africa monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448914942308-Z4S5H0UQKFSSPFJR4AAN/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Durban, South Africa You are looking at US $ 600,000.- worth of rhino horn. For conservationists, it is a race against time, a war against ruthless poaching syndicates and a struggle against corrupt politicians to save the gravely endangered white rhino. It is rhinos like the one in the foreground with unusually long horns that are especially sought after by poachers all over Africa. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/stone-town-zanzibar-archipelago-tanzania monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448417069887-UK1EQ5I52ZFE2E2RPXBG/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Stone Town, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania As they have done for centuries, Dhow merchant vessels are still taking their products across the Indian Ocean. These ancient boats have changed little since the 18th and 19th centuries when they were used to ship slaves and ivory from the African continent to the Zanzibar archipelago. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/dar-es-salaam-tanzania monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448076077604-YD95QHIMXLR48SJ1HAO0/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania A break in the clouds allows the sun to highlight the African savannah below. This precious piece of earth is part of the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, the largest game reserve in the world. Selous belongs to the animals: Elephants, giraffes, lions, gazelles, monkeys and hippos are only some of the iconic African wildlife that call the Selous home. No permanent human settlements, roads or farmed land exist in the park and tourism is still rudimentary. The game reserve used to have a healthy population of rhinos. Now, they have not been seen here in 20 years. Poachers decimated the rhino population. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/aride-island-seychelles-islands-archipelago-indian-ocean monthly 0.5 2018-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447642944352-EWFX2Z2K9ZOK1ET6OW2P/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories I - Aride Island, Seychelles Islands Archipelago, Indian Ocean The Seychelles Magpie-Robin is one of the rarest birds on earth. Only 240 exist in the world and only 11 on Aride Island, the northernmost granite island in the Seychelles Islands archipelago. Collared and heavily monitored, the Magpie-Robin is a real celebrity. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/africa/2015/10/10/an-epic-journey monthly 0.5 2018-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1445147403683-KCMN301KLLIA175OIFQO/An+Egyptian+soldier+walks+towards+his+post+in+the+early+morning+hours+on+the+Sinai+Peninsula.+His+task%3A+to+protect+the+Suez+Canal+from+terrorist+attacks.+It+will+be+a+long%2C+hot+day. Archived Stories I - Sinai Peninsula, Egypt An Egyptian soldier walks towards his outpost in the early morning hours on the Sinai Peninsula. His job: to protect the Suez Canal from terrorist attacks. It will be a long, hot day! http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia daily 0.75 2018-02-05 http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/gjesvaer-norway monthly 0.5 2018-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517867088812-AHX6BPDO24L1MDI91JUG/20170614_19.JPG Archived Stories IV - Gjesvaer, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517866391699-H8NAOWAKFX40VUOHXMJ3/20170614_48.JPG Archived Stories IV - Gjesvaer, Norway Getting airborne from water is a real challenge for the puffins. They give a whole new meaning to the phrase "walking on water". http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/5hp6jouo4bhwyvk3zsgqjg5nhqi9sx monthly 0.5 2018-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517775077107-M9W1Q6Z4M2U0GP69Z7R8/166.JPG Archived Stories IV - The Dilemma of Conscious Travel Omani men discuss important matters on the steps of a mosque in Muscat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517775623445-RN4X81PI23X05KWJ8XUC/DSC08178.JPG Archived Stories IV - The Dilemma of Conscious Travel Eni http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/cusco-peru monthly 0.5 2018-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517772325569-Y4ETNEU19LZ822X0T46D/Machu+Picchu+05.JPG Archived Stories IV - Cusco, Peru The Incas were expert masons who had the ability to construct mortar-less walls, a technique referred to as “ashlar”, using polished granite stones that fit together so tightly, that a blade of grass could not be inserted between them. This spectacular craftsmanship was only used on important structures, such as places of worship and residences for the priests and royalty. Store houses and worker residences on the other hand, were constructed in comparatively crude fashion: roughly hewn stones held together by mortar. These buildings were then covered with plaster and painted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517772256519-HTA0Y6637IISW8E6P1YA/Machu+Picchu+10a.jpg Archived Stories IV - Cusco, Peru This wall represents the remnants of an Incan temple just outside of Cusco. Look at the large stone in the middle. It weighs 120 metric tons. It was moved to this site from a quarry 1 mile away. The Incas did not use wheels during the transport of building materials. Why not use smaller pieces of granite? Why the tremendous effort to move such a large stone? http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/asywbw1uc8pbhjvu4agyqsla2mh6zy monthly 0.5 2018-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517767584415-JQJNALAKZ9K6R9M4M7OU/Machu+Picchu+27.JPG Archived Stories IV - Machu Picchu, Peru The most well-known perspective of Machu Picchu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517767754565-HOP3JQ5VJAWPM6JFEECU/Machu+Picchu+31.JPG Archived Stories IV - Machu Picchu, Peru Clouds, fog and rain are a familiar sight at Machu Picchu. The weather up here in the mountains is unpredictable. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/aqaba-jordan monthly 0.5 2018-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517721895195-MW5GVJEWH6CSEG08KVLN/Jordanian+Women+II+Sep+24+2013+%281024x683%29.jpg Archived Stories IV - Aqaba, Jordan Dressed in colourful clothes and seemingly pushing the boundaries of what is considered modest and respectful, the young woman in the center of the picture embodies and beautifully expresses the desire of many Jordanian daughters, sisters and wives: to break free from restrictive cultural norms and gain greater self-determination. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/wadi-rum-jordan monthly 0.5 2018-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517721349370-3G8VEUA82TU90K3IWCUS/Wadi+Rum+-+Driving+Among+Sandstone+Pillars+II+Sep+24+2013+%281024x683%29.jpg Archived Stories IV - Wadi Rum, Jordan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517766082668-R6YJHT3E227IBAQGUQC1/20161113_248.JPG Archived Stories IV - Wadi Rum, Jordan A four-wheel drive excursion at Wadi Rum is one of the most popular tourist activities in the desert. Not very peaceful, but incredibly scenic - especially at sunset. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/dead-sea-judean-desert-israel monthly 0.5 2018-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517636422301-L7GV0BG963WHDJ4X4U75/%23011.JPG Archived Stories IV - Dead Sea, Judean Desert, Israel The thing to do when "swimming" in the Dead Sea: reading newspaper while floating in buoyant waters. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/masada-judean-desert-isreal monthly 0.5 2018-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517635840045-NDGWKU0ZSR9874FF13X1/%23008.JPG Archived Stories IV - Masada, Judean Desert, Israel The three rock terraces of the Northern Palace, Masada. The Dead Sea is in the background. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/lake-atitlan-guatemala monthly 0.5 2018-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517635114538-9VLY0I6T47EP7DEEKF0Q/Volcano+1.JPG Archived Stories IV - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Volcanoes with Lake Atitlan in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517634846690-YKIRG19PG3J9S0YIQ7O8/Fabric+Seller.JPG Archived Stories IV - Lake Atitlan, Guatemala A Mayan woman selling traditional fabrics to tourists at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2018/darwin-northern-territory-australia monthly 0.5 2018-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517547528963-VM1YURB6JO2QAVBP5RIT/DSC_5986.JPG Archived Stories IV - Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia The mounds of cathedral termites south of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2017/shanghai-china monthly 0.5 2017-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510979235176-2RDGBBVAS445OD5BTPKM/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Shanghai, China http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2017/pompeii-italy monthly 0.5 2017-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510812118564-YJM7HHB40Z0VPECQ72XG/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Pompeii, Italy A fresco in an excavated house in Pompeii. The town was hidden under mountains of ash and forgotten for 1,600 years. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2016/komodo-island-indonesia monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455772785337-XI4MNW5YEHCZME22KHEO/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Komodo Island, Indonesia Adult Komodo Dragon http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2016/agra-india monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454734560967-4UN2AB7TL85RYITWIH89/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Agra, India The Taj Mahal in Agra, India http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2015/colombo-sri-lanka monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447172511239-A7V143R94FC3DAVYB9CC/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Colombo, Sri Lanka This female elephant lives at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka. Asian elephants are smaller than their African cousins, they have smaller ears and females generally do not have tusks. African and Asian elephants cannot be interbred http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2015/bandar-seri-begawan-brunei monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447090534259-5WS161P3PA2AUYGPKNNC/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei’s capital is named after the 28th Sultan, the father of the reigning Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The mosque’s 52 m (171 ft) high main dome is completely covered in pure gold. The structure is known as one of the most beautiful mosques in Asia Pacific. Completed in 1958, the mosque combines Mughal and Italian architecture. The barge in the lagoon surrounding the mosque was installed to commemorate the 1,400th anniversary of the “coming down of the Quran”. As a place of worship for the Muslim community in Brunei, the mosque dominates the skyline of the capital city. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2015/borneo monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446498810728-61206WC3Y6I97RR44IAJ/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Borneo This male proboscis monkey ignores my camera as he moves deeper into the coastal forest. Rare and endangered, this species is threatened by deforestation and habitat destruction in many parts of Borneo. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2015/jeepney-etiquette-101 monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446383058689-KXXLS2QF8AB2UFNEV4DB/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Manila, Philippines http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2015/south-china-sea monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446149976093-RV98U3XT6Q7020CRC4HN/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - South China Sea, China (?) There are treasures beneath them waves - oil, gas and fishes! http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/asia/2015/hong-kong-china monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1445980553777-SG7Q9C4REOFM53WN8PTQ/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories IV - Hong Kong, China The skyline of Hong Kong Island is both colourful and innovative. It is spectacular! http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe daily 0.75 2017-11-16 http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/ny-alesund-spitsbergen-norway monthly 0.5 2017-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510810138999-E2JBPKRBSNS61JJ83JI4/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Ny-Ǻlesund, Spitsbergen, Norway The weather at Magdalenefjord (north of Ny-Ǻlesund is changeable: one moment the sun shines, snow falls the next. The landscape is deserted and surreal. Beautiful! http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/manta-ecuador monthly 0.5 2017-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510809664096-GIHLC0B5WYRBYHG9K01T/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Manta, Ecuador http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/dubai-united-arab-emirates-2 monthly 0.5 2017-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510724006249-1O48ZCDR8G93NXA54913/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Dubai, United Arab Emirates Downtown Dubai as seen from the viewing platform of the Burj Khalifa. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/dubai-united-arab-emirates-1 monthly 0.5 2017-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510723462815-KLXI6DBBYD334WB6MOZS/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Dubai, United Arab Emirates The skyline of Dubai. The tallest building is the Burj Khalifa. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/dubai-united-arab-emirates monthly 0.5 2017-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510636208308-5WPOMYNEED85Y17LVOIC/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Dubai, United Arab Emirates Camels at a ranch for racing camels south of Dubai. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/punto-arenas-patagonia-chile monthly 0.5 2017-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510635396896-QXJSENVLDTLPEL3GPHNH/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Punto Arenas, Patagonia, Chile Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/8t852j7l8dgtgrh0wag5431l7glmzk monthly 0.5 2017-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509073167800-K3RAJWC7I1HQLHEK43WL/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Khios, Greece The abandoned medieval village of Anavatos on the Greek island of Khios is located high on a rock cliff for protection from enemy forces and pirates. It was home to people were employed at the local monastery. Now, the homes are disintegrating and the rock paths are difficult to walk, but since the village has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, repair work has finally started. The village was also the setting for the James Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only". http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/naples-italy monthly 0.5 2017-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509072198235-TM079RDQLGX5QET1FAPZ/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Naples, Italy The boat houses along the Mediterranean coastline did not protect the townspeople of Herculaneum from the immense wall of mud and gas that raced down from Mt Vesuvius. In 1982, archeologists found 300 human remains in the ancient boat houses. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/barcelona-spain monthly 0.5 2017-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509066150094-ZSK4UB3GK2V2VR4L7YII/17+DSC_0104+LD.jpg Archived Stories II - Barcelona, Spain Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia's eccentric architect, had a strong connection to nature. Many elements of the church incorporate examples from the natural world. The columns, for example, branch out like trees as they approach the roof. Gaudi called them his "petrified forest". http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/gibraltar-gibraltar monthly 0.5 2017-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509065105520-OEYIMUDYNA5J0OUCSZ7Q/1+DSC_1013+LD.JPG Archived Stories II - Gibraltar, Great Britain The view from "Europa Point" across the Strait of Gibraltar. The coastline of Africa (Morocco) can be seen at the lower right. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/moscow-russia monthly 0.5 2023-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509064130303-24HCDAMCJZKN7LWJ3PZO/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Moscow, Russia To the left in the picture is the 5-star "Hotel National" near the Manezhnaya Square opposite of the Kremlin. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2017/northern-ireland-great-britain monthly 0.5 2017-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509063054842-4I90J49YII7M2QOWSE2L/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Northern Ireland, Great Britain In an effort to commemorate the uprising of Irish Catholics against a ruling minority (Protestants), which led to almost 30 years of unrest in Northern Ireland after 1969, three artists from the catholic neighbourhood of Bogside painted 12 murals illustrating the struggle. They used walls of apartment housing as canvasses. This mural depicts a youth who is ready to throw a rock as an act of defiance against the approaching British military forces. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2016/geiranger-norway monthly 0.5 2017-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466533125843-Q3SQTSH66QTUIB5EM861/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Geiranger, Norway Jostein Sande at his summer farm near Norddal, Norway. By herding his goats up to the summer pastures in June of each year, Jostein follows a centuries-old tradition and contributes to the preservation of Norway's important mountain pasture landscape. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2016/kirkwall-orkney-islands-scotland monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466108399786-RIIIBHMNXGU8N0E9ABVC/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland The ancient landscape of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2016/isafjordur-westfjords-iceland monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465907336061-7HEA4CFU8LMW0ENLQ58Y/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Isafjordur, Westfjords, Iceland A nervous puffin checks out his surroundings from the entrance of his burrow. Puffins only come on land to breed and raise their young. The majority of their lives are spent at sea. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2016/patmos-greece monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455771630917-GF59N6TPMWQ1MOL2VEQL/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Patmos, Greece Patmos, Greece http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2016/tromsoe-norway monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455767438744-FBBV3QI8M5ULC66MFTV1/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Tromsoe, Norway Sled dog in Tromsø, Norway http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2016/pitcairn-island monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1455079265624-H9XX6VJS0T3MF2OAEYW6/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Pitcairn Island, Great Britain Almost the entire population of the remote island of Pitcairn in the South Pacific comes onboard our ship to sell their crafts, stamps and honey. With a population around 50 souls and the nearest continent 5,000 km (3,000 mi) away, community living on Pitcairn is not for the faint at heart. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2016/falkland-islands-great-britain monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454735439488-O4AZOKJ7AGBAYGXCOXLO/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Falkland Islands, Great Britain Gentoo penguins on the Falkland Islands http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/europe/2016/reykjavik-iceland monthly 0.5 2016-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454732191669-TWNHVJY8PDCH2TFGEHZB/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories II - Reykjavik, Iceland Seljalandsfoss, Iceland http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent daily 0.75 2017-11-13 http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/the-house-of-mary-kusadasi-turkey monthly 0.5 2017-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510548521434-J4YWP4HLADME80RR2Y2X/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - The "House of Mary", Kusadasi, Turkey http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/hirshima-japan monthly 0.5 2017-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510541436496-HOUO0HV44G5IUJBU2XCU/Chasing+Pigeons+II.jpg Archived Stories III - Hiroshima, Japan The sight of a cute toddler chasing pigeons is a welcome distraction after my visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The museum is filled with witness accounts and pictures’ depicting the scene after the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. The experience leaves you stunned and numb. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/war monthly 0.5 2017-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510513758324-CBEZI9FWOEZDZ2FPA67N/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - War Not unlike the Atom Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, which was left standing as a constant reminder of war and a warning of its consequences, for me, the memory of my parents' recollections of growing up during WWII acts like a deterrent against any type of aggression. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/iwo-jima-japan monthly 0.5 2017-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510511111188-I7YOMHK9SOQU3FU23TL2/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Iwo Jima, Japan http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/unicorn-island-vietnam monthly 0.5 2017-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510464186123-QMNWOWM9L62OY0IC9NV0/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Unicorn Island, Vietnam http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/ko-samui-thailand-1 monthly 0.5 2017-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510463230461-SGSS2XULB84HI430ZT5S/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Ko Samui, Thailand http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/ko-samui-thailand monthly 0.5 2017-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510461597113-KWY4WM63TF5WFY4CMUXX/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Ko Samui, Thailand http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/mont-st-michel monthly 0.5 2017-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509051237055-MWZE7ER0F1FMSGZNCE68/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Mont St Michel, France Mont St Michel in France continues to fascinate and mystify visitors from around the world. Third in popularity in France only behind the Eiffel Tower and the palace at Versailles, Mt St Michel attracts 3.5 million visitors per year. So much for monastic solitude... http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/moscow-russia monthly 0.5 2017-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508903655530-W6UHTGAR0HH6JJILUGOE/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Moscow, Russia A make-shift memorial for the slain Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov is located at the exact location where he was murdered over 2 years ago. In view of the Kremlin and Red Square, supporters of Nemtsov hold vigils on the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge day and night. Watching over the memorial can be dangerous: supporters are subjected to frequent violent attacks by pro-Putin activists. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2017/papeete-tahiti-french-polynesia monthly 0.5 2017-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488086395378-R4CDVE92ISSTZP2IXBVS/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia Venus Point, Tahiti, where Captain Cook landed in April 1769. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/petra-jordan-salalah-oman-2 monthly 0.5 2016-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479564660147-PJAQJ8HP4G2Z7FCTV6MG/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Petra, Jordan & Salalah, Oman The Khazneh (Treasury) is the most prominent of all the sandstone facades in the famed city of Petra. After being ignored and forgotten for close to 2,000 years, many questions remain with respect to the time of its creation and its purpose. However, the numerous funerary images carved into the structure lead us to conclude that the building was used in association with the Nabataean Cult of the Dead. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/luxor-sharm-el-sheikh-egypt monthly 0.5 2016-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479208125711-ZFIRZ2E2YCH18SDLW0OM/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Luxor & Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt During an early November morning, the 60,000 ton vehicle carrier "Metis Leader" follows us through the Suez Canal on her way to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Sohar, Oman. The smooth and incident-free operation of this 193 km (120 mi) long marine highway is vital to Egypt's reputation and income. Security is tight along the entire canal with armed soldiers on duty on both sides of the Suez. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/jerusalem-israel monthly 0.5 2016-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478586602032-M75T1F8R8M5N7MT6EPWR/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Jerusalem, Israel At the Altar of the Crucifixion, devoted Christian pilgrims in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre bend down to touch the rock where, according to tradition, the cross of Jesus once stood. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/klaipeda-lithuania monthly 0.5 2016-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468520490164-PKL1FBMJ6FN3WRXWYN7X/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Klaipeda, Lithuania The comeback of the white storks in Lithuania could be seen as symbolic for a renewed sense of hope and stability in the Baltic States. After 50 years of Soviet rule, Lithuania regained its independence from its occupiers in 1990. The country has found its wings. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/st-petersburg-russia monthly 0.5 2016-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468440622543-YHLPBBBH2OK8CJCH00OT/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - St. Petersburg, Russia The last czar and autocratic ruler of the Russian Empire: Nicholas II. He abdicated the throne in 1917 and was murdered together with his family in 1918. This portrait hangs in the Catherine Palace - Tsarskoye Selo just outside of St. Petersburg, the former capital of the Russian Empire. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/stockholm-sweden monthly 0.5 2016-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468312270431-SEZ2ZXHAJ43BUFNRVZHN/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Stockholm, Sweden The amazingly well-preserved Vasa in her own museum in Stockholm. The ship sank 15 minutes into her maiden voyage in 1628. The beauty and power of the ship were unrivalled for her time. Unfortunately, the ship should have been 1 m (3.2 ft) wider. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/kiel-canal-schleswig-holstein-germany monthly 0.5 2016-07-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468086199928-TLIUMBHD8JJS4CJQHMZZ/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Kiel Canal, Schleswig Holstein, Germany Prepared for an afternoon at the busy Kiel Canal, this friendly man cut out a giant hand for a more effective and noticeable wave. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/haugesund-norway monthly 0.5 2016-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467628144671-1OHQ9FYLK31WWVFRAVA6/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Røvær Island, Haugesund, Norway A window into another time and another world. The Røvær Island Museum allows us to step back into the 19th century when island life was busy, harsh and full of heart ache. An entire wall in the museum is dedicated to the events of one fateful day: Friday, October 13th, 1899. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/longyearbyen-svalbard-norway-1 monthly 0.5 2016-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466876566796-18EGOWM0FFMI7R1KFDAL/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Like a modern entrance to a mysterious mountain cave, the access to the Global Seed Vault, which contains the world's emergency seed supply for agricultural crops, stands forlorn half way up an isolated mountainside on the island of Spitsbergen in Norway's high arctic. Above the entrance the architect installed a piece of artwork consisting of triangular pieces of metal at different angles. The art catches the natural light and allows the vault to be seen from a great distance. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/most-recent/2016/longyearbyen-svalbard-norway monthly 0.5 2016-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466703677747-RQL7KIE84VJL9X115MCS/image-asset.jpeg Archived Stories III - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway A perfect imprint of a leaf, 40 to 50 million years old, is only one of many remarkable fossils found in the moraines of Longyear glacier on the island of Spitsbergen 1,300 km (800 mi) north of the Arctic Circle. The impression was chipped and damaged by a fossil hunter. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-iv daily 0.75 2017-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466880928414-OL7BXSDLCVGA1FXV6N67/DSC_4790+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway This reindeer mom and her two calves on Mageroya Island in northern Norway pay no attention to me or my big lens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466880928414-OL7BXSDLCVGA1FXV6N67/DSC_4790+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway This reindeer mom and her two calves on Mageroya Island in northern Norway pay no attention to me or my big lens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466942981721-JYK1GW7QLKYVY8G14MDP/DSC_4974a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway Puffins prefer to take a dive when feeling threatened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943025676-7BXPQDMPS43BC6QIXXKU/DSC_4991+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway Not unlike tree rings the rock formations in the Stappen Islands speak of a long and turbulent geologic history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466942950172-7R68A6OETWC1IKZWDAZL/DSC_4933a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943548390-YPHRQ5EDY0DG733P7TZH/DSC_5086+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway Seals and a herring gull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466880974963-8ZCSMF4YCMZ3C65A5DAM/DSC_4942a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway This puffin wants to have nothing to do with me and leaves me in his wake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466942892868-BW86L8GGCQIJ313X6A37/DSC_4852+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway A flock of razorbills near the Stappen Islands, northern Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466942858975-KIG0WDOJV7H4652R7P8L/DSC_4750+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway The reindeer of northern Norway represent the traditional livelihood of the Sami people. This reindeer and his “colleagues” belong to a group of 6 Sami families. In summer they roam freely and graze on the island of Mageroya, the home of the famous North Cape, continental Europe’s most northern point. Every spring and every fall the reindeer have to swim across the Mageroya Sound while motorists use a tunnel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466942923797-7BREX2GZCYSGEQRNU69Y/DSC_4898+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway Thousands of puffins take to the water in search for food. Once a year they come to the Stappen Islands to meet up with their mate, breed, raise 1 chick and go their separate ways only to be reunited again the following year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943315904-AQ17P4LME7U894OEFDL9/DSC_5012+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway A white-tailed eagle lands on top of a cliff for a better view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943360419-XEO82FK78UX7Q5EXPECS/DSC_5045+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway A group of six common guillemots and two razorbills pass me on their way to the Bingo hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943397457-AUU2678JSZ6QX9WRFNVQ/DSC_5056a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway ...the benefits of polluted oceans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943454272-XG17WVM1KWAGMCGZDBEV/DSC_5072+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway A northern gannet rookery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943592720-IMRS2G63TKS598VLDKAX/DSC_5100+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway A northern gannet rookery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943624486-U31JR0HOB922YK3V70FE/DSC_5254+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway The kittewakes take a break from fishing on the island of Storstappen in northern Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466943661341-RD75LKYDTDLCZ2NQ1LOP/DSC_5298+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway A sign in the heavens warning of high waves in the sea? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878521388-ZJVNYNAB0V9A0JHL61EW/DSC_4691+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Lonyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway A break in the clouds allows the sun to highlight the snowy mountains east of Longyearfjord. Only brave yachtsmen dare to take their private sailing vessels this far north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466881209984-M7J0U9OBVR4N00F6UTPM/DSC_5187+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - North Cape, Norway A golden eagle is in search for his next meal on the island of Storstappen. The island is a protected bird sanctuary just west of the North Cape (the most northern tip of the European continent) in Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877652709-UH0V9G2X2ARSVKQ20IZQ/DSC_0392+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Wild flower beauty in the high arctic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877696094-H3ISKNL0MEYI6UR94WVO/DSC_0394+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877539427-GMTB5VLECOOEL7340VGU/DSC_0382+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway The town of Longyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen. The picture was taken from the top of the Longyear Glacier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877869528-FL5ZBJ588JNAE98SUEFB/DSC_4472+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Like fish out of water the snowmobiles in Longyearbyen are stranded without snow - but not for long. At 78 degr. NL the summers are very short. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877586016-P92BKT39QDEA9CAA6A30/DSC_0391+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Considering the harsh climate at this high latitude, the Svalbard archipelago boasts many beautiful wild flowers. This is the Svalbard poppy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877481126-P6JY8KD1JDBXSBX4BXN1/DSC_0378+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway An imprint of a leaf from pre-historic times makes you pause and think what it musthave been like on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard 40 to 60 million years ago. The climate was warm and the vegetation lush. Now, Svalbard is further north in the frozen arctic near 80 degr. Northern Latitude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877811904-94GO2JWHC2DCD5DGENLU/DSC_4458+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Lonyearbyen has a long history of coal mining. Of the 9 local mines, only 1 is still operational. The main market for the coal is Germany where the high quality coal is used in steel production. The coal deposits speak of a much warmer past with lush vegetation. The picture shows the active port from where the coal is shipped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878575180-Q45FU7280MEV5HBZF6HN/DSC_4692+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway A cruise ship anchored in Isfjord on the island of Spitsbergen offers its passengers a close-up view of a massive glacier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877749372-4AUV8R681TUILPZNEZOF/DSC_0401+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway The Lonyearfjord with the town of Longyearbyen to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877989060-G7NE2I52DZQAU4HGI4HM/DSC_4511+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466877931416-VBL0ZMWV0FCO0M4I9W1F/DSC_4493+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway While endangered on mainland Norway, there is a large, thriving population of arctic fox in the Svalbard archipelago. This arctic fox is looking for delicious bird eggs and chicks of eider ducks, geese and seabirds. He likes to hoard food during the summer in anticipation of a long, drawn-out winter. In spring, the arctic fox exchanges his white fur for a brown/blue look that blends in with the terrain and offers better camouflage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878071895-F3ODKWHUUA1U0I3ZBO9B/DSC_4535+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Barnacle geese on the island of Spitsbergen. After being reduced to only 300 individuals at the end of WWII, the barnacle geese have increased in numbers as a result of thee protection and preservation of breeding and wintering grounds. In 2013 the population has been estimated to exceed 31,000 geese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878344125-OHBHGWR1SXBYASW82OZ0/DSC_4607+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway The Arctic Sunrise owned by Greenpeace is in Spitsbergen to investigate the extent of the polar ice pack at the time of year when it should be most extensive – April/May. The ship travelled north along the west coast of Svalgard in early April of 2016 and did not encounter solid ice at all. In normal years, Svalbard circumnavigations are only possible in late summer, but this year a circumnavigation would already be possible in April. Far from scientific, these anecdotal reports do not prove or disprove global warming but they add to the extensive body of evidence pointing towards a warming of the high arctic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878229155-EMT70XH79EN853F0D1IR/DSC_4570+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway The snow bunting is the only songbird in the Svalbard archipelago. This male survives on insects until it leaves the high arctic for the Russian steppes and Kasakhstan in August or September. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878152765-N688SHUMB3UQJJJPR5W8/DSC_4555+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway It is against the law to leave the town of Longyearbyen without a rifle. Polar bears are a frequent threat in this part of the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878270031-MYAWSEJH9BHQ5XVD8IYH/DSC_4586+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Wild flower beauty in the high arctic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878407968-JI2T2KKIGNJ9I1GEDPJK/DSC_4617+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway The airport of Lonyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen is the northernmost airport with regular passenger service in the world. Over 154,000 passengers travelled to and from Svalbard via plane in 2014. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offers daily flights to Tromsoe and Oslo on mainland Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466918831475-Y7UBH1838CIXQ6IBX6DY/DSC_4663+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway The entrance to the Global Seed Fault with the Longyearfjord in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466878457942-AIS2ANN6KDOTM1TDJN0L/DSC_4669+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway A sign identifies a concrete block at the side of a mountain as the Global Seed Vault. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427688624-MPYMFSCCGOJOSTQ5J43D/DSC_4040+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Geiranger Fjord, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427742081-2UQDXDBJUKIL6R46HKOM/DSC_4041+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Synnulvsfjord, West Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427774356-S8DBDVHCZUUVIGP15PIP/DSC_4058+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Synnulvsfjord, West Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427805754-DXTJ887C7HW5AU3CII5A/DSC_4099+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I The “Seven Sisters” waterfall near Geiranger is the most impressive of all. Where no water rushes down the mountain, Norwegians have built farms. Now abandoned and deserted, they remain silent witnesses to a simple and hard life lived in the fjords. This farm was built directly beside the waterfall (top right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427832825-B8KQ1LZG0R9TQI0YZB4L/DSC_4135+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Geiranger Fjord, West Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427857346-8Y3YB9CQBWER8RO0GMYL/DSC_4176+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Geiranger, Norway The town of Geiranger is situated at the very end of Geiranger Fjord in West Norway. Surrounded by steep mountains and rushing waterfalls, it is a popular stopover for campers, motorcyclists and other vacationers. The small town has several hotels and a vibrant tour business. During the summer, many students from all over Europe come here to work in the tourist business. In the winter, Geiranger is virtually deserted and cut off from the outside world by impassable mountain roads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427905883-ARSVASW127K7CPPVZX3L/DSC_4193+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Geiranger Fjord, Norway Geiranger Fjord and the “Seven Sisters” waterfall as seen from Eagle Point in West Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427950624-I8V8L8H3M49KZZ5O93XV/DSC_4202+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Seven Sisters Waterfall, Geiranger Fjord, West Norway Geiranger Fjord and the “Seven Sisters” waterfall as seen from Eagle Point in West Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466427986139-PJSBKAAG70VNAZNOWU0O/DSC_4236+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Norddalfjord in West Norway On the left side of the picture the Norddalfjord in West Norway can be seen with the town of Valldal. Farms high up in the mountains (right) have often been in the same family for generations. Many supplement their farm income by accommodating tourists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428022735-DR53L62YZ2YI2UAXPVLO/DSC_4239+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - West Norway Landscape near the lake Eidsvatnet in West Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428063368-BOLO5C9TT3POJINKS77T/DSC_4254+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway The Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway is one of 1,800 summer farms left in the country. Goats, sheep, cows and horses spent the weeks here between mid-June and mid-September. Many of the cottages in the picture are over 200 years old. They are available for rent to vacationing families. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428632296-WJH0BFI2PF44O33QH1PV/DSC_4336+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway The sheep at the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway wear bells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428676174-L08CUNEPZJ9OO3J519K2/DSC_4392+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Norddalfjord, West Norway Dramatic landscape in the West Norwegian fjord of Norddal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428098811-WUMB3PW9UQOFHFY4TIG2/DSC_4267+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway The building in the foreground is arguably the smallest cheese factory in the world. Here, at the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway, Jostein Sande, the part owner of the farm, produces his delicious brown goat cheese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428731577-SPYQNEIWZP2TRV1JIR4G/DSC_4418+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Synnulvsfjord, West Norway Defying gravity, this waterfall is getting carried away with the wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428128445-3XTQX38KSV8YEGZWZVEZ/DSC_4271+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway The tiny cheese factory of the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway with the 1,557 m (5,108 ft) high Mt. Heregga in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428161180-JD5CSWIEIMS5VZ88TXJO/DSC_4278+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway Jostein Sande, part owner of the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway explains how he produces brown cheese from fresh goat milk. Behind him is a close-up view of a traditional grass roof as they were used in Norway for generations. The roof consists of three layer: wood, birch bark and grass/moss. The birch bark is clearly visible. The hut behind Jostein was constructed around the year 1800. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428197976-OZR40HQKT1J0EA30HTZH/DSC_4289+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway The lean-to with the smoke stack in the foreground is arguably the smallest cheese factory in the world. Here, at the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway, Jostein Sande, the part owner of the farm, produces his delicious brown goat cheese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466425549558-BV3BQEVLE6CG4K4OBP3U/DSC_4006+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Geiranger, Norway The Geiranger Fjord in West Norway is the poster child of Norwegian fjords. With water cascading down steep cliffs or into foggy crevasses, the fjords seem alive, with a personality on their own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428231713-8GY4E06XTBTHUQASF88M/DSC_4290+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway Tired from playing hard at the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428264153-65O17XJII13X8QQ51TVE/DSC_4295+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway Brown goat cheese made at the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428299291-YPMXEVE61NPN2JDP0FC2/DSC_4301+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway Between 300 and 400 goats roam free at the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway. They spend the summers up here at 500 m elevation and the harsh Nordic winters at the fjord farm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428332438-ZQ9GBPD5Z91S1YYAGJ3B/DSC_4307+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway Overnight accommodation at the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466425492467-TLRUWDAM8TX0H3ENCMWE/DSC_3981+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Geiranger, Norway A sliver of sunlight lights up the steep incline along a Fjord near Stranda, Norway. The West Norwegian fjord region is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a natural treasure of exceptional beauty and fragility to be preserved for generations to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466428369884-UGPGN6AU6CONMCWZFCTT/DSC_4326+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Herdalssetra, West Norway The grass is always greener… at the Herdalssetra Mountain Summer Farm near Norddal in West Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466110066115-HSODQWVAAZVVHCK69EEW/DSC_3750+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Orkney Islands, Scotland Poppies flowers freely along the road and walls in the Orkney Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466110525006-DN57ULCQO8567I56VB9U/DSC_3846+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Maeshowe Burial Mound, Orkney Islands, Scotland Maeshowe is a 6,000 year old burial mound in the Orkney Islands. A stone-built chamber inside the mound was used for ancestor worship ceremonies and the storage of human bones. Picture taking inside the chamber was not permitted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466110450813-Q75MD8DE6VTWJ0YMOCPC/DSC_3839+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Barnhouse Stone, Orkney Islands, Scotland The “Barnhouse Stone” is directly aligned with the winter sun on the shortest day of the year (December 21st) and the entrance to the 6,000 year old Maeshowe burial mound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466110144724-GL4992ANAXD4ZQV4SRML/DSC_3767+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Maeshowe, Orkney Islands, Scotland This picture of the runes carved into the walls of Maeshowe is taken from a plaque in front of the mound entrance. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take pictures inside the burial chamber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466110399474-9QW3ARE36XONL46R83LN/DSC_3823+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Orkney Islands, Scotland Orkney Islands landscape with boats and the freshwater Loch of Harray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466110332317-9OJS9I7AB2QHR4U9JHN4/DSC_3809+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Islands, Scotland Henges with sandstones erected in a perfect circle can be found throughout Scotland and England. The Ring of Brodgar is 104 m (340 ft) in diameter, well preserved and only one of two in the Orkney Islands. The true purpose of the stone henges is still a subject of many debates. It is believed that the stones were erected for ceremonial use and must have been part of a larger site. Originally, all stones had an angled top which is believed to have been sited precisely to align with the horizon. The ring represents a considerable amount of communal effort that would have lasted several generations. Stones were carved out of sandstone and transported for miles to the chosen site. Some researchers believe that the construction of the henges alone must have fulfilled a more important communal role than the actual use of the finished site. It is safe to assume that the ceremonial site was far more elaborate than the simple ring of stones we see today. During Neolithic times in the Orkneys the Ring of Brodgar must have witnessed many different communal activities not unlike our churches, theaters and community centers today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466110239003-OY7QU5QALM3TNXQ2CDEC/DSC_3784+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Islands, Scotland The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most remarkable ceremonial sites from the Neolithic times in the Orkneys. 27 of possibly 60 stones survived the almost 6,000 years since the establishment of the circle. Many were either vandalized or broken off by a variety of reasons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466110287530-WU1I0V8ZKVW9D8R0MLVP/DSC_3807+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Islands, Scotland This stone in the Ring of Brodgar was struck by lightning on June 5th, 1980. It is likely that other stones in the ring succumbed to a similar fate during the past 4,500 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466109827286-HLS4ZXZFZ2G0QQQ573UL/DSC_3692+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Skara Brae, Orkney Islands, Scotland The village of Skara Brae is believed to be 5,000 to 6,000 years old. It is the best preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. There was no need to restore the walls of this village. Skara Brae was home to 50 to 100 people. They were part of a group of new settlers that made the Orkney Islands there home. They replaced the hunter and gatherers who lived here prior to the settlers’ arrival. What became of the hunters and gatherers is still a mystery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466109925519-O7BM7FKPQA7EFYHAIC9A/DSC_3694+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Skara Brae, Orkney Islands, Scotland This picture clearly shows the cavities in the walls and a stone bed. The cavities were used to display pottery or other treasured personal items. Research has shown that the houses at Skara Brae were designed to be locked from the inside. This indicates that the Neolithic Settlers of Orkney had a need for personal space and privacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466109874508-94MPTIBYUJ8XZZJQG2W7/DSC_3693+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Skara Brae, Orkney Islands, Scotland Each house at Skara Brae had a hearth in the middle and a dresser for storage along the wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466109979066-7LMYFJILQQT2IXGB429Q/DSC_3734+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Stones of Stenness, Orkney Islands, Scotland The Stones of Stenness site is one of two henges (the other is the Ring of Brodgar) that were built by the Neolithic farmers on the Orkney mainland near Kirkwall. Most stones are missing but a few still stand to remind us of the enormous effort expended in chiselling, transporting and erecting these monuments for the benefit of this ancient community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1466109779010-ZT81IBD9VC5Y787GEFNA/DSC_3649+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Orkney Islands The Orkney Islands have many mansions and castles – fun to own but expensive to maintain. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/576067a827d4bd87de913a7a/576067dbe707ebc3f213819f/1465935835406/ Gallery Archive - Europe I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465935925807-0Z1F99CPNYMX0F5S03YL/DSC_2907+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Aldeyjarfoss Falls, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465936820953-XJ86G9PEK49EJ5VW1X00/DSC_3092+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465936066271-0O0WULXFJDL56K4NIWFC/DSC_2996+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Aldeyjarfoss Falls, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465970253628-I9FPZYDZ1LFOZCF1PNJG/DSC_3157+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465936432096-J5EYOOF042QDU2ZQ1A2Q/DSC_3080+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Godafoss Falls, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465936225162-Q0UQPWPFWRE1IG4R9MDA/DSC_3030+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Birch Forest, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465936591363-NBILXGN7TD5TLQER11BI/DSC_3081+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Godafoss Falls, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465970379666-LKLRZRITYQWTAT7XQW83/DSC_3171+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465970458746-L705NKQ0BSXKJ3VEBRHP/DSC_3175+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465970538439-I29R1TAAFS7W69HLF92I/DSC_3268+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465970602094-KH2UEOO8LVIG1BSYG6UP/DSC_3290+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465909328599-69J9YTLL5FEVW3KG46U5/DSC_2240+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Male & Female Eider Duck in Flight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465909206378-KS9ZT6KDA37IMCMCWUOC/DSC_1986+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Icelandic Pony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465918585869-BBI04HMD5ILJTYM75ZBJ/DSC_3290+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465918292390-CC9V1BXR93HRTNSE7DKV/DSC_2833+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - The "Horn" Located just below the arctic circle in northern Iceland, the Horn seems like an inhospitable place. Shrouded in clouds, windswept and far from any population, this lonely peninsula is surrounded by mystery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465918676535-9GBD5M5G5ASIFBQTZNYA/DSC_3619a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Travel Companion Taking advantage of the ship's updraft, this gannet accompanies the ship far from shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465910848256-PB8P9195E4CAP8JZRL72/DSC_2639+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Puffins, Vigur Island, Westfjords, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465910515721-1PG29Y0FEMPEDWQRMMIK/DSC_2483+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Vigur Island, Westfjords, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465914474968-MMZ69L6HYWBEFLATFVZ5/DSC_2814+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Isafjar Dardjup, Westfjords, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465914062734-0CO0REZKSWNZGMNTDKQJ/DSC_2653a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Puffin in Flight https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465914172016-397BU4JHUG4RDAIVPMC6/DSC_2679+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465914274600-Z866T3GDZRZTIWDFD2NB/DSC_2723+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Oyster Catcher, Vigur Island, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465910604986-7VQUAMFVERP658OMA7ZI/DSC_2560+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Arctic Tern, Westfjords, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465910678245-AFENWGEW95VC744BP8YW/DSC_2571+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Arctic Tern, Westfjords, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465910321436-WMEH7ICHD5IX8CHU3MX3/DSC_2481+LD2.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Vigur Iceland, Westfjords, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465910008876-K2I566AAIJKU5VWGXTUC/DSC_2460+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Eider Duck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465910137478-81J42JTB11RDTD8FOCN9/DSC_2273+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465910255933-WODCU5FJK3A9U663SM1F/DSC_2468+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Eider Duck Nesting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465909428234-JFBKY4JVW2DKL7PX1FP0/DSC_2381+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Vigur Island, Westfjords, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1465909544935-37ENDEYHQQYR17JR0W8O/DSC_2424+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Black Guillemot, Westfjords, Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454993658306-5K3SMKQWGZDTX6376550/13+Iceland+a.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454993716257-BURPD535T2I9630BY1PK/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Europe I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454993751315-8SYB0SZXTMSF2D4HLE5S/13+Iceland+e.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454993783575-TWNZR0G6BSGPA9XTPVL2/13+Iceland+f.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478286978275-YXWT65N5XC7CZA27EOSG/20161103_15.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Patmos, Greece Most houses on the Aegean islands are painted white once a year. The tradition to use white limestone as paint dates back to the time when smallpox claimed the lives of many islanders. The white paint was believed to reduce the spread of the disease and keep the houses' interiors cool during the summer time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478286840978-MJCTWI39ZXJ4EFO4AD6O/20161102_286.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Windmills on the Island of Mykonos, Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468561239336-JVLVWQX9630FPTOADGPP/20160713_69+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Plokstine Nuclear Missile Base, Lithuania Now void of their menacing weapons, the four silos that housed the nuclear missiles at the Soviet Nuclear Missile Base in the Plokstine Forest, Lithuania serve as witnesses of a dangerous time – the Cold War. Mistrust, perception, fear and Soviet expansionism brought the world close to nuclear conflict several times during the 1960s and 70s. From here, the rockets and nuclear warheads were removed from the silos and shipped to Cuba during the Cuban missile crisis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479705155215-UV2FWKTCSBUYPLN8394N/20161102_91+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Athens, Greece The Evzones are an elite unit of ceremonial guards in front of the Greek Parliament in Athens, Greece. They stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Pictured here in their winter uniforms, the guards are known for their courage and bravery. The Evzones are volunteers drawn from the Hellenic Army's Infantry Corps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468561165818-HIOV9IQZG6L3HBFE6S7X/20160713_2+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe I - Klaipeda, Lithuania Storks everywhere! While the countryside in Lithuania appears backwards and in places even deserted and absent of human activity, nature rejoices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468561471491-Y3XPOZA7QEAZTKYPR45O/20160713_70+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Plokstine Nuclear Missile Base, Lithuania The now empty missile silos at the de-commissioned nuclear missile base in the Plokstine Forest in Lithuania are capped with steel and concrete. During the time when the base was operational, the cap was painted black and could be moved sideways in preparation for a missile launch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468562044070-KN95JURYU5LE8AK9H7H6/20160713_108a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Lithuanian Countryside The comeback of the white storks in Lithuania could be seen as symbolic for a renewed sense of hope and stability in the Baltic States. After 50 years of Soviet rule, Lithuania regained its independence from its occupiers in 1990. The country has found its wings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447120356166-41HIUWWD04HKMYTKDPKR/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Europe I - Venice, We Have A Problem http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-v daily 0.75 2020-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172471320-SGOSPDHP2AXV0944IPM8/DSC_8203+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia This Christ Pantocrator adorns the inside of the Cathedral of the Resurrection (“Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood”) in St Petersburg, Russia. The concept of a Christ Pantocrator is used in eastern Christian orthodox iconography in place of commonly used names of God, such as “Almighty” and “All-Powerful”. In most cases, a Christ Pantocrator is found inside the main dome of an orthodox church. This picture was taken directly underneath the main dome. A slight change in position gives the picture a three-dimensional appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172471320-SGOSPDHP2AXV0944IPM8/DSC_8203+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia This Christ Pantocrator adorns the inside of the Cathedral of the Resurrection (“Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood”) in St Petersburg, Russia. The concept of a Christ Pantocrator is used in eastern Christian orthodox iconography in place of commonly used names of God, such as “Almighty” and “All-Powerful”. In most cases, a Christ Pantocrator is found inside the main dome of an orthodox church. This picture was taken directly underneath the main dome. A slight change in position gives the picture a three-dimensional appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172519255-GK2K6DBEQZ02S8QCRGOV/DSC_8233+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171995029-0GWLHGU0LUL95E5WTX69/DSC_8020+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172415873-FWF2J1UT4DJPESJ3W2PF/DSC_8201+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172261014-PNCCQ6H6N0BTL8YOPK4J/DSC_8153+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172551703-PLPSQ2FCZGU5ZDU66YCX/DSC_8250+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172173730-F4VGK646O4XU3B1WWHJG/DSC_8083+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172130589-033ORCZ58X58W8BL1BWW/DSC_8066+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172218694-OA64Q4ZIPICKB0ZN8CPI/DSC_8133+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172083430-YU2CZD47ECV3FNK3GXEU/DSC_8062+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172036352-RDO0RDPL8SIAOGHEWHH7/DSC_8023+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171948059-NH6OJ0L3WEVJ2KLY51WB/DSC_7996+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171848482-X4VJ90QX3U5HKJNORLCR/DSC_7893+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468172371507-R5AKMUXO77P0GNPHZG9W/DSC_8167+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171906500-DU0JG4JJ7EV8TCKO3QPY/DSC_7993+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171712467-JEMQCVEXKKZNQYNYTQCA/DSC_7795+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171801367-HVS5TSF1VR28K1CWWZLO/DSC_7827+b+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171757150-XKGX7GV20ZV4GUE28R75/DSC_7812+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171623871-AMHBS783OTZO4H8CFH9Y/DSC_7762+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171669905-UY64D1M5U1VOFE43AX05/DSC_7793+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171365475-L1UWQCHI1M7UT2SO90RL/DSC_7619+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171578182-QLXGGTR8C4625Y2GEHKB/DSC_7753+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171538949-9UZOHHI5D19LEP6S6SNB/DSC_7734+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171499261-5U65V8T5D2SM2VA2S3QA/DSC_7732+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171454819-DIR5LN6Q8QN1N5Y0F0W1/DSC_7731+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171412092-I1L6YPNH58R5DXOHH997/DSC_7692+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171199263-V6PYT2D356B8MOA2R565/DSC_7526+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171324109-U8KLJ4JYGRGOE3S4ZPOG/DSC_7598+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171284590-68GH3JDJG6TUYMA3ZA64/DSC_7566+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171240403-GRCR4FG0NMJ5DVP1LTP5/DSC_7540+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468171157159-TK5CA3PNMSYYFHD8CXNK/DSC_7508+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - St. Petersburg, Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170249183-AKKQ6OMJK7S2GSBY9LXZ/DSC_7311+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170990717-DRVLXDNALPUOSHXHN137/DSC_7422+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170386481-D0KYI2I0DHU1NTM6E18Z/DSC_7400+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170328210-AN9DS2LP3UGMCVBRT36W/DSC_7395+a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170285229-I61NL91R9VPLII3KA33D/DSC_7329+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170163775-UUQM7T5YM8282G6ZI26L/DSC_7300+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170201748-2YBGCLKRL4IOZDNTTWGL/DSC_7308+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170119626-3U0X26K7FRKMOKPSKJXU/DSC_7294+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170030346-GCO4JBBR3TJ4MTKCHG25/DSC_7268+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169696240-T02QP146DD2J1U3VJ1G0/DSC_7095+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden It is believed that the Vasa's stern was painted in bright colours at the time the ship was launched. The 333 years under water left little evidence of the colours. A model of the ship shows what the stern must have looked like before the Vasa sank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468170081246-7Z0V181G9ICBPNFYMM3K/DSC_7284+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Tallinn, Estonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169973487-KRQHUDWR9DSUI7640H3V/DSC_7163+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden Swans in the Stockholm Archipelago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169937219-CD23CFBW4SKH0TQJUMRG/DSC_7140+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden The Stockholm Archipelago is a summer vacation paradise. Many Swedes have built summer houses here. This is where they spend the warmest weeks of the years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169884401-ZT9L34K66B97RWK5QN50/DSC_7157+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden Swedish kids grow up on the water. They learn how to sail from a young age on. The Stockholm Archipelago is a safe place to practice sailing skills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169828599-X0UDNOINYRC7O2Z1C9HC/DSC_7102+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden Ladugǻrdslandviken just west of the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169778924-AUQ6AXR9EOANRB8JUSGG/DSC_7099+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden The bow of the Vasa in her own museum in Stockholm, Sweden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169428250-XZR7S4UVQBIGODKBBAMY/DSC_7037+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden The picturesque waterfront of old town Stockholm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169583518-JOSJDQYGJ3RT2BDGUF06/DSC_7078+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden The battleship Vasa was lifted from the bottom of the Stockholm harbor after 333 years. She sank just 15 minutes into her maiden voyage on Aug 10, 1628. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468169510551-QJKJY730ZQU2W65FSVYQ/DSC_7073+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Stockholm, Sweden The battleship Vasa was meant to be the pride of the Swedish naval fleet during the 17th century. Adorned with beautifully carved figurines it took 400 craftsmen and shipbuilders 4 years to complete. The Vasa capsized and sank because she had a very high center of gravity and was too unstable to withstand strong winds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467718515252-4JU9C0BEZT5MJ0E3AYYT/20160704_315a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany While out on a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll, these people stop on one of the many bridges that cross the Kiel Canal to watch the ship traffic and wave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720413093-Q848KAA6TYOTQX3EE1GL/20160704_607+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany A greeting with a smile and a wave – a common sight all along the Kiel Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720273351-GQRS6W0RV0XT2GJ7B1UC/20160704_553+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Some people greet passing cruise ships in interesting ways! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467719086894-F4RFZAFAKU7Y71BNTM5L/20160704_374+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany This man came to the Canal prepared for some serious waving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720354516-9F3KF8LMG7HWXBFSY134/20160704_594+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720046014-2Y5V1BWZ6QKAPRMYATMB/20160704_474+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Many private homes and their gardens line the shores of the Kiel Canal. A cruise ship always seems to be a welcome sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467719946710-2DDKCJGPICWY2LTZWHIP/20160704_400+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Passing through the Kiel Canal in a convoy of ships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720202590-KR2KW3A8083Y8FZMNWR8/20160704_531+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Hundreds of white swan parents and their chicks line the shore of the Kiel Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467719311982-2EMUNOJRMVS30K8QK3R2/20160704_381+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany A family picnic complete with RV, beer and dog makes for a pleasant Sunday afternoon at the Kiel Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467719761288-MUXJTY2HE46EN88M8D0J/20160704_384+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Taking a Sunday afternoon drive along the Kiel Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467718585083-2MV3NQCZFW37L8NYGBVO/20160704_324+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Most of the Kiel Canal shores are lined with biking and hiking paths. Of course, the trails are also great for a Sunday afternoon ride on a beautiful horse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467718376857-29L7PWQH98CZ8AS9ST5G/20160704_299+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany A freighter appears out of a rain squall in the Kiel Canal. The Canal has been widened in several spots, allowing ships to pull over and let other vessels travelling in the opposite direction to pass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720683913-W608B3YO38B6TV2ZE7WC/20160704_642+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467718756391-WNH4F8XNO2MIZU1B2Z4I/20160704_333+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany While out for a family outing to the Kiel Canal, this family pauses to wave at passing ships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467718450557-K1ZNMC5530KZDI9HHO24/20160704_320+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468523286273-7SJ3EU7L7KVKWYEVWVBE/20160704_627.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Side arms along the Kiel Canal allow pleasure craft to anchor away from the canal traffic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467719990250-LGYRB79L5HM81K91BGJA/20160704_416a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Trying to keep up with the ships along the Kiel Canal. That’s one way to spend a Sunday afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467660114955-YIOVHLKZPEP1K5O5Z29U/20160704_244+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany As we enter the River Elbe and approach the locks of the Kiel Canal, we pass the CSCL Mars, one of the world’s largest container ships. The Mars can carry up to 13,000 full size containers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467718868472-O54RKKN4WZ4OMSBI39GK/20160704_360+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Cruise ships are not a common sight on the Kiel Canal. Only relatively small ships fit under the Canal’s bridges. On average, one cruise ship passes through the canal every four to five days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467719802083-33A4EV13ZPWZOWONFNZP/20160704_391a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Taking a Sunday afternoon motorcycle ride along the Kiel Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720774434-HUCDUZYCXZUV2WKGHPOE/20160704_656+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany The Laboe Naval Monument commemorates sailors of all nationalities who lost their lives during the two world wars. It is located at the Kiel side of the canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720601680-8GGDHM7ZIYI7S5S3MEYQ/20160704_630+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany The beautiful pastoral landscape of Schleswig Holstein as seen from the Kiel Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467660311822-HKSIY0XC2W53X4ZQHV3O/20160704_286+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Old farm houses with reed covered roofs line both sides of the Kiel Canal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467660209183-5UCKIJJLTRQTAPDWYIXG/20160704_249+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Sailors on a German yacht enjoy a breezy Sunday morning on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1468522934193-9AZPPGUXIEDBP5VWUKOR/20160704_596+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Picking raspberries along the Kiel Canal is a great way for a family to spend a Sunday afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720485552-GG2J963U41F3HM498PSC/20160704_622+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany Leisure crafts, passenger vessels as well as commercial freighters use the Kiel Canal go between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. By cutting through the German state of Schleswig Holstein instead of going around the Danish Jutland peninsula, ships save 250 nautical miles (460 km). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467718986963-5G44DI2PSJBCQH6OOX0N/20160704_364+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany This serious angler spends a relaxing Sunday afternoon at the Canal. Three fishing rods must be better than one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720533598-SIPHWER7U24545VDVHW0/20160704_627+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467659889443-C01O4PI1JWX3F8X9ZZZF/20160704_221+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany The German pilots use big catamarans to reach the ships off shore and then transfer into smaller vessels for boarding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467720114587-OPHTSYB0A5JR6CX8305Z/20160704_512+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany This gentleman accompanied our ship for 40 minutes as we were passing through the Kiel Canal. That’s quite a workout! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467659964288-KAEFHCOJZC6LKDJZQZL0/20160704_234+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany All along the German North Sea coastline, hotels and resort towns rent out “beach baskets” (direct translation for “Strandkörbe”) to their holiday guests. For privacy and protection from the wind, these comfortable chairs are open on one side only. They can be locked up to prevent unauthorized use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467660035991-P95CWF0W7UB0J6HPOHK9/20160704_241+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - A Sunday Afternoon at the Kiel Canal in Germany All along the 100 km (60 mi) long Kiel Canal, wind farms and pastoral land make up much of the passing scenery. Wind power contributes 20% to Germany’s overall electrical energy consumption. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/577678a25016e1d65c215231/577678bf725e2555f21dc6c9/1467381951739/ Gallery Archive - Europe II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467381956286-9KSC3DTB9CTEQ1J3VIFG/DSC_5371a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Alesund, Norway An old warehouse in the port of Alesund, Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382000071-M0NJQLY24FDKWD30HGL5/DSC_5389+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Alesund, Norway The 12th century marble church on Giske Island near Alesund, Norway is a rare treasure. To preserve the marble and protect it from the harsh, salty sea air, the marble has been covered up with plaster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382087870-T1O1WWHXYWZI6ELWN8Q6/DSC_3955+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Dover, England The famous white cliffs of Dover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382028303-PSMR36I9XK0AQHYDA3YN/DSC_5439+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Alesund, Norway The beautiful town of Alesund in Norway has a tragic history. In 1904 a fire started in downtown and destroyed 800 houses. Miraculously, only 1 life was lost. German’s Kaiser Wilhelm II helped in the re-construction of the city. A monument with a bronze plaque commemorates the Kaiser’s generosity. Within three years the town was up and running again. The old wooden houses in the destroyed part of town were replaced with stone house to prevent similar events from ever happening again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382146952-QK60F7SFF5EFHC3HPY4B/DSC_5863+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway Friday, October 3rd, 1899 was a tragic day for the people of tiny Røvær Island near Haugesund. On their way back from a funeral, the mourners’ sailing vessel crashed against the rocks in a sudden hurricane. 30 people, mostly men, drowned in the accident, leaving 36 children fatherless and 11 women without their husbands. To commemorate the event, this sign was erected on one of the rocks just off the entrance to the Haugesund harbour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382174699-KZ0IBIMWMVDB038UC9HT/DSC_5903+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway In Norway, due to a seemingly inexhaustible supply, cod used to be cheap. Salmon on the other hand was more precious and very expensive. Now, because farmed salmon is flooding the market, Atlantic salmon is very inexpensive, but cod has reached the cost of a good quality steak. The inhabitants of Røvær also farm salmon. Their small salmon farm employs approximately 6 workers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382202626-7UYW63KSF37USRWX47MI/DSC_5912+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway Picturesque Røvær Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382235433-C1HOL1DJ21KFE0MYXOLS/DSC_5917+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway Helga Rasmussen and her family lives in this house on Røvær Island. Helga is the part-owner of the island's only hotel and a 5th generation islander. Helga’s grandfather lost two uncles in the boating accident of 1899. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382263237-J09G11Y1QG2UU0CRBY6Y/DSC_5920+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway Picturesque Røvær Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382297398-UCBXSJKP7363YMUXUZUY/DSC_5921+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway The protected inner harbour is a hub of island activity. Despite its small size (1.4 sq km or 0.54 sq mi) and a mere 100 residents, Røvær Island has its own school, post office, church, museum, kindergarten, shop and hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382330620-HVKD1IQ3XUTVE0303DBE/DSC_5926+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway In the church of Røvær Island hangs a replica of the ill-fated sailing vessel from 1899. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382359374-0VMB0FP4BS1JZ6M5AEA6/DSC_5933+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway Picturesque Røvær Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382394894-0RI6QBAW16X9D4CUBBVF/DSC_5937+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway An entire wall in the museum of Røvær Island has been dedicated to the tragic accident of 1899. This display shows pictures of some of the victims, a meteorological map of that fateful day and a chart showing the impact the accident had on the island’s population. 23% of the 130 inhabitants lost their lives in a single day (22 men, 4 women and 4 children). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382424988-2A50XJ18OGVCFA8OCFCA/DSC_5946+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway An interesting display in the Røvær museum shows life as it was on the island in the 19th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382461643-873RSV3QREBA31AKF90O/DSC_5952+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway An interesting display in the Røvær museum shows life as it was on the island in the 19th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382497053-N73QMLD3ZNSMT8NIFI7T/DSC_5959+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway A classroom in the only school on Røvær Island. Note the two desks in the room. In 2016 the entire school only has 17 students. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382529737-PS63FZDFSKCCCD6LD27X/DSC_5961+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Haugesund, Norway Picturesque Røvær Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382704656-NE2336CF2ZMXFNSXMGDM/DSC_5489+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway At the far end of the longest navigable fjord in the world, the small town of Skjolden is as inviting as any holiday destination I have ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382736025-64VO4LGSMK2F544IVCZD/DSC_5505+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway Travelling along the Sognefjellet National Tourist Road towards the Jotunheimen Naional Park, the different shades of green from mountain streams, evergreens, pastures and deciduous trees are an attraction by themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382930711-DSXJDBOUZZHAHUVU1IUS/DSC_5633+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway Even in June, the machine groomed remnant snow fields of Jotunheimen National Park offer a perfect training ground for the world’s best cross-country skiers. Here, the national teams of Norway and Russia continue their training well into the summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382763799-YKIS5HDLF3UD9BWAN3FA/DSC_5555+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway An old hotel half way up the mountain pass bears witness to the Norwegian skill of working with wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382956327-OAX2FQM7PECQIIZ4FAG0/DSC_5661+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway The traveler arrives at the iconic stone sculpture of the Mefjellet Rest Area unexpectedly. Created by artist Knut Wold, the sculpture is located near the top of the Sognefjell Mountain Pass, the highest mountain road in Europe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382990981-OMWYKUWBWM4EFJ98M2UJ/DSC_5707+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway Mountain Valley east of Skjolden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382795201-L8MAZS94XW378B1LQL17/DSC_5577+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway The Fanaråken glacier in the Jotunheimen National Park is Europe’s largest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467383020209-GNK17M8LR8QFFLKX1QR7/DSC_5776+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway Located at the end of the 203 km (126 mi) long Sognefjord, the little town of Skjolden offers vacationers a vast array of recreational experiences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467382864289-QE2HY849ALEJJKHEIYSS/DSC_5616+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway Crystal clear air, remnant snow fields from a harsh winter and rushing meltwater streams make for invigorating and achingly beautiful scenery. Jotunheimen National Park is home to the 29 highest mountain peaks in Norway. Referred to as the “Home of the Giants” it offers some of Norway’s most spectacular landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467577119074-0V31L0ZP9AW7WMT6N1I7/DSC_5820+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467577192790-TPS02LRTZLPV5XY6JRZG/DSC_5718+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway Gravity at work. As the glacial meltwaters find their way down to the fjords, they offer spectacular sights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467383055015-IIJX2PLWLXERXUATLB5C/DSC_5805+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Skjolden, Norway The Urnes Stave Church in the village of Luster is the oldest of approximately 1,000 stave churches built in Norway. Constructed in 1130, it is already the third church to be built on the same spot. The Urnes Stave Church is the only one in Norway recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467383107250-7O9UQ75BVQL07MOYDJLS/DSC_5341+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1467383137821-0DD03CB4FX5Y4YQ4JH65/DSC_5349+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe II - Trondheim, Norway St Olaf's Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517203211652-E14JQSRGNYPBC3L3CTN9/20171006_113.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - Pisa, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517203344843-AJXTTLPL5QRXVSU69VVI/20171006_126.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - Pisa, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517203402121-WDJDZTEWJ9D61R7232OZ/20171006_141.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - Pisa, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517203470965-U6H1XDACZKLKL2LYXH3J/20171006_225.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - San Gimignano, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517203543166-6LD32NAAGDO6RDWXRZH7/20171006_234.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - San Gimignano, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517203593135-QU98C81UO67531SRQXOT/20171006_252.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe II - San Gimignano, Italy The tower houses in the Italian town of San Gimignano are evidence to some of the most enduring attributes of the human condition: vanity and pride. During the 13th and 14th centuries, rivalries among the richest and most powerful families were settled by each clan building higher and higher tower houses. At one time, 72 tower houses stood in the village with the tallest reaching 70 m (239 ft) into the blue Italian sky. Over the centuries, San Gimignano fell on hard times and many towers were either destroyed or fell apart. Today, 14 of the towers remain and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-vi daily 0.75 2023-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479350086306-5UANPLMXAHSH5PNX0A8L/20161113_192+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Wadi Rum, Jordan Home to the Bedouins, this valley of the moon used to be an ocean floor. Now it is a spectacular landscape where the stars shine extra bright and tourists go rock climbing, four-wheeling, camel riding or to stay in a Bedouin camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479350086306-5UANPLMXAHSH5PNX0A8L/20161113_192+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Wadi Rum, Jordan Home to the Bedouins, this valley of the moon used to be an ocean floor. Now it is a spectacular landscape where the stars shine extra bright and tourists go rock climbing, four-wheeling, camel riding or to stay in a Bedouin camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479349784881-2D2V79JUPD4WGPU8QPW9/20161113_104+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Petra, Jordan The Khazneh (Treasury) is the most prominent of all the sandstone facades in the famed city of Petra. After being ignored and forgotten for close to 2,000 years, many questions remain with respect to the time of its creation and its purpose. However, the numerous funerary images carved into the structure lead us to conclude that the building was used in association with the Nabataean Cult of the Dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479349577437-PM9HRPA0EAPQ9JMEK0BV/20161113_99+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Petra, Jordan A glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq, a 1.2 km (0.75 mi) long gorge that served as the main entrance into the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479312861588-T30EVJL40XMYIRBTIBZD/20161113_89+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Petra, Jordan The Nabataeans, formerly nomads roaming the Arabian Peninsula, carved the city of Petra out of sandstone cliffs in the early third century B.C. Known for their hydraulic engineering expertise and amazing water management techniques, they formed channels on both sides of the Siq (gorge) to deliver water to the south-east side of Petra. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479229150055-52D2BTS5U20AFBF18TKG/20161111_187+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Qena, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479275787755-G56D6OE9V7PTU9C2GABH/20161111_367+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Luxor, Egypt Temple of Karnak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479283228774-V66Q6MKBGL75F0S3ROLO/20161111_381+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Luxor, Egypt Instead of cruising the Nile with passengers from all over the world, the river boats are parked and tied up due to a severe downturn in Egypt's tourism industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479311666521-H65MDY43T83BJTREMXS9/DSC01947+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Luxor, Egypt River boats with tourists before Egypt's economic crisis (2009) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479275249346-TM5RHZ5OGBIS70VHMXBV/20161111_349+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Luxor, Egypt Illuminated by bright lights, the Great Hypostyle Hall in the temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt, appears even more impressive at night than during the day time. Work on these massive columns began under the reign of the pharaoh Sety I and his son Ramses II around 1270 BC. The Hall includes 134 columns. At the height of its glory, the temple possessed 81,000 slaves, 240,000 head of life stock and 83 ships. The female pharaoh Hatshepsut contributed four obelisks to the temple, one of which can be seen in the background. The 30 m (97 ft) long obelisks were cut from pink granite in one piece and transported from Aswan in southern Egypt to Luxor by boat. Each obelisk is estimated to weigh 320 tons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479232540092-DD9XANFS6MXT0XUII1HL/20161111_294+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Luxor, Egypt The statues in the avenue of sphinx at Karnak feature ram heads. The ram-headed sphinx are the symbol of the god Amon-Ra whose job it was to protect the pharaoh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479286937320-YGDDZLV04K7N8ALTC6O6/20161111_439+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Western Thebes, Egypt A winged solar disc in the temple of Medinet Habu. The reliefs in all temples all used to be brightly colored. Through the millennia, the paints have peeled off and only the bare sandstone remains. This motif is in a protected location and a good example of what the temples might have looked like 3,000 years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479286520364-MG1N0V15B3STCLA03OI6/20161111_425+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Western Thebes, Egypt The temple of Medinet Habu used to be an important economic and religious center during the Ramesside Period (20th Dynasty - 1187 - 1075 BC). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479228802304-45Y0OJZEN6T7EWVOA3WL/20161111_116+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Qena, Egypt Life in Egypt's countryside is rudimentary. Donkey carts are still the preferred method of transportation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479231766654-ZXQNRX1QDAOAXEUPSCX9/20161111_282+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Luxor, Egypt With the arrival of their new religion during Egypt's Roman period, early Christians took over many of the ancient temples and used them for the purpose of worship. The Luxor Temple alone housed 5 Christian churches. The Christians found images of the Egyptian gods offensive and did their best to chisel away at them. They also used plaster to cover up the ancient Egyptian images and painted the walls. Over time the plaster did fall off but some colourful images from the first 3 centuries A.D. remain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479287867258-YKN7Y6QXSPS6X8GOCYYL/DSC01780+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Aswan, Egypt A felucca sailing on the Nile. As the longest river on earth, the river Nile stretches for 6,853 km (4,258 mi) from it's source at the equator to the Mediterranean Sea. Eleven countries share the water from the Nile. Egypt's share is 22%. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479284803737-DSHDSCE4MNJANKFY5NX2/20161111_414+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Deir Al-Bahri, Egypt The mortuary temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut at Deir Al-Bahri has a remarkable design featuring three terraces. Despite having been re-built stone by stone after its ruins were discovered in 1891, the temple will never again be as grandiose as the original one in 1450 BC. Stories about pharaoh Hatshepsut's charisma and unique leadership style has survived millennia. There are strong indications that the pharaoh was in a close relationship with Senmut, the architect of her temple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479285755963-AJCOUTR0UEMDFFFIMRZG/DSC02374+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Deir Al-Bahri, Egypt This relief carving in the mortuary temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut temple at Deir Al-Bahri depicts a scene from her expedition into the "Land of Punt" (God's Land - today's Uganda). In this wall carving frankincense trees (Boswellia sacra) are loaded onto ships before being transported to Luxor and planted in the temple of Karnak. The expedition took place around 1493 BC. Over time, frankincense grew to enormous importance as it had many uses in the ancient world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479229484273-ZDU779QT0CANCCRQO193/20161111_276+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Luxor, Egypt This colossal statue of Ramesses II is located in the Luxor Temple. Ramesses II reigned for 66 years from 1279 to 1213 BC. He is regarded by many as the most celebrated and most powerful pharaoh of the Egyptian empire. His successors referred to him as the "Great Ancestor". Ramesses II had 200 wives and concubines, 96 sons and 60 daughters. He lived to a ripe age of 91. Ancient Egypt had 170 pharaohs over 3 millennia. 7 pharaohs were female. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479287234006-ZV6FO6U1DTZDSUC15WM5/20161111_454+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Western Thebes, Egypt The two Colossi of Memnon in Thebes on the west side of the Nile represent the pharaoh Amenhotep III (1387 - 1350 BC). At a height of 18 m (59 ft) the two statues stood at the entrance of a great temple that no longer exists. Being near a busy road for over 3 millennia resulted in much vandalism and graffiti. The name "Memnon" is a term from Greek mythology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479228615408-PD9L6TQM38ZE6O8VD0SL/20161111_50+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Sherm el Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt Excursions to Bedouin camps in the Sinai desert are popular with tourists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479228083006-UNF7W2YB7PACM9IBZM7O/20161111_45+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Sherm el Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479227650070-XCD8GXMHK309NN7TY0ZD/20161111_7+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Sherm el Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt Bedouins in the Sinai desert depend on tourists for income. With the tourism industry in crisis, many tribes are experiencing severe hardship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479211502558-6DSEEVDADZLEATVFRBWT/20161108_222+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Suez Canal, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479209528192-9PK81VLM3JDG56AJ2SGA/20161108_15+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Suez Canal, Egypt During an early November morning, the 60,000 ton vehicle carrier "Metis Leader" follows us through the Suez Canal on her way to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Sohar, Oman. The smooth and incident-free operation of this 193 km (120 mi) long marine highway is vital to Egypt's reputation and income. Security is tight along the entire canal with armed soldiers on duty on both sides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479209997310-RHDLPXGRLU8PAQZ1DLSP/20161108_124+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Suez Canal, Egypt Shift change for Egyptian soldiers at the Suez Canal. Clearly visible is the new security wall under construction along the entire length of the canal. The cost of the wall on the east and west shore lines, will cost an estimated US $ 10 million. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479210243100-DNZ5JHA6Z8BGY6SNQKTH/20161108_169+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Suez Canal, Egypt The vehicle carrier Metis Leader with the Mubarak Peace Bridge in the background. The bridge was built with the help of the Japanese who contributed 60% of the construction cost. The bridge opened 2001 in the hope that it would speed up the development of the Sinai Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479210519961-5B263AWB23E6FEHYTCW2/20161108_173+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Suez Canal, Egypt The El Ferdan Railway Bridge across the Suez Canal is the longest swing bridge in the world. The latest version of the bridge was constructed in 2001. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479210777501-VY9RP634FGY3LE3JBM6R/20161108_207+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Suez Canal With his machine gun by his side, an Egyptian soldier patrols his small portion of the canal's shoreline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479211384872-9CUL6LJAA8YSAV1J1KXJ/20161108_209+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Suez Canal Hundreds of fishermen in rowboats share the Suez Canal with some of the biggest vessels in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479211634217-I74R1U049ZK8YRDPS4U9/20161108_248+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Suez, Egypt The city of Suez is located at the southern end of the Suez Canal and the northern end of the Red Sea. Suez has a population of approximately 610,000 inhabitants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478549291371-D96V2BR4ZPZ7MANYBJRA/20161106_212+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Haifa, Israel The International Archives at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa contain the sacred writings of the two prophets. Pilgrims come here from around the world to study the writings in a reverend atmosphere. The International Archives are not open to the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478549353240-6INL1WZ75G37YFZOOLN8/20161106_236+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Haifa, Israel The Shrine of The Bab at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548192998-3MMCPGZW5W5NR2YTYPND/20161106_164+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - West Bank, Palestinian Authority Young Palestinian men hanging out at a street corner in the West Bank, Palestinian Authority. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478549249073-2GQ9OB5P5LZPCRH7UQON/20161106_211+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Haifa, Israel The Baha'i Shrine of the Bab is a mausoleum which holds the remains of The Bab, Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad', Messenger of God and the first of two prophets. The Bab was killed by the Persian authorities in 1850 for his challenging teaching, which called for spiritual and moral renewal. The Bab was 30 years old at the time of his death. The shrine is holy to the Baha'i faith and the destination for pilgrims from all over the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548691108-2UVSSB6R2TIYFDOP8TYO/%23004+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Sea of Galilee, Israel Pilgrims and tourists touch the water of the Sea of Galilee. Tradition believes that here, Jesus walked on water and gave his most important teachings during his three-year long ministry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548587893-9IMROHRQEQZ5H6C0S6GB/%23003+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Sea of Galilee, Israel The Sea of Galilee, where Jesus spent most of his three years of ministry, is located in north-eastern Israel near the Syrian border and the Golan Heights. The lake is 25 km long and 14 km wide. As a catchment basin for the Jordan River, it is 206 meters below sea level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548741906-36TPQP40CMDGS3YDDPTA/%23007+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Jordan River, Israel This is what the location, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, might have looked like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478549136927-449ENE14HN01SZ1R8O41/20161106_207+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Haifa, Israel The gardens of the Baha'i World Centre feature 19 magnificent terraces. They represent the first 19 members of the Baha'i world religion, which was founded in 1844. Now, over 170 years later, the faith has over 5 million adherents worldwide. The symmetry of the garden's design represents one of the Baha'i religion's most important tenets: equality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548980895-T9HHJT87B5UNHKGALX2W/%23015+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Haifa, Israel The modern face of Israel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478549050222-WKPNUB08UVETS1ZK7XZ5/20161106_181+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Haifa, Israel The gardens at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478549087113-90VRB7WIPS1Z9WA0POUF/20161106_197+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Haifa, Israel The view from the top of the Baha'i gardens with Haifa in the foreground, Haifa Bay and the town of Acre in the background. Further up the coast to the left is Lebanon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548837082-ZREVO0A8RKT1EF25B2F1/%23008+%282%29+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Jordan River, Israel Christians from all over the world come to the Jordan River to be baptized by immersion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478547754900-H4U7PXLJSBVC2CRWKBO3/20161106_61+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Jewish Quarter, Old City Jerusalem, Israel The Western Wall (aka the Wailing Wall) in Jerusalem's old city is a remnant of the Jewish temple which was destroyed by Romans in 70 CE. As a symbol of national pride and victory, the wall is Judaism's most sacred location. Many faithful come here to pray and ... to get married. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548892106-A91Y6ESG5ZDA6EUFP05F/%23008+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Masada & the Dea Sea, Israel The ruins of the Masada fortress are in the foreground, the shores of the Dead Sea can be seen in the background. On this plateau, a 960 strong Jewish rebel group sought refuge from the Romans. In the year 94 AD, when defeat was inevitable, all Jews committed suicide rather than being taken prisoners by the Romans. Today, Masada is a symbol of Jewish pride and resistance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478610476306-YWM6G8SN6EHIPHGXBRT2/%23011.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - The Dead Sea, Israel Swimming in the Dead Sea is an exercise in futility. Because of it's high salt level, the water is too buoyant. The water in the Dead Sea is 8.6 times as salty as ocean water. With 33.7% salinity, it is the world’s saltiest body of water, and the lowest spot in the world. An elevation of - 423 m (- 1,388ft) makes the Dead Sea the world’s lowest elevation on land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548149481-IB3C09FT764QV0E1H3G3/20161106_153+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestinian Authority Bethlehem near the Church of the Nativity. The shepherds' fields are in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478548092560-35Q3OS1XJA0AE2ODR0JV/20161106_133+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Jerusalem, Israel At the Altar of the Crucifixion, devoted Christian pilgrims in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre bend down to touch the rock where, according to tradition, the cross of Jesus once stood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478547989679-9WX0DO3PUG8IBJ2PPB9D/20161106_111+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Old Jerusalem, Israel The entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of Old Jerusalem as seen from the church's court yard. The facade of the church, which contains the purported locations of Jesus' crucifixion and burial tomb, has not changed since 1854. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478547793469-2I2YDI6MTMO509LF341F/20161106_83+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Jewish Quarter, Old Jerusalem, Israel The Western Wall which is also called the Wailing Wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478547914996-XNF0BJDKRYEBSXTBKYO9/20161106_99+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Old Jerusalem, Israel The Via Dolorosa in Old Jerusalem allows pilgrims to walk the same path Jesus purportedly walked while carrying his cross to Golgotha (Calvary). Today, the road to the cross is lined with vendors and souvenir shops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478547685448-HZ3RBNLWBXDCRV73L8SJ/20161106_16+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Old Jerusalem, Israel Old Jerusalem as seen from the Mount of Olives. The Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock is in the foreground. The two grey domes to the left belong to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478547722464-JH23TERVDSMBPRZYDH1P/20161106_44+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel The pictured Garden of Gethsemane is said to be the site where Jesus was betrayed and where he prayed the night before his crucifixion. Much discussion has occurred about the age of the olive trees in the garden. A recent study has shown that the 8 oldest olive trees originated from the same parent plant, an indication that someone might have tried to propagate the trees that were in the garden during Jesus' time. The three oldest olive trees are approximately 900 years old, but their roots could be much older and date back over 2,000 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1478547637752-2YXG2H9UUNWFGRHXONGB/20161106_14+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Jerusalem, Israel View of Old Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. In the foreground is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries. For centuries Jews sought to be buried here. According to the Bible, this is where the Resurrection of the Messiah will begin. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/57828dfb2994ca7ad2e7449f/578876998419c23431a7705a/1468561049855/ Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479574110232-IIZFK33WSGTIKRF4FSNG/20161113_240+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Wadi Rum, Jordan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479576195994-WBOKTUTH2C3BARG9K8EU/20161118_23+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Salalah, Oman In Omani grave yards you can differentiate between graves for men and women. Men have two grave stone, women have three. Not much care and maintenance required in Omani graveyards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479574419557-IZ4RQSBYVCJDEFG9WJ57/20161113_248+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Wadi Rum, Jordan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479574824270-DQZGTAE3BCC8Z9E2S3V4/20161113_304+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Wadi Rum, Jordan A warm welcome by the local Bedouins in Wadi Rum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479637952006-X8J3G59D0X5L5UVIM774/20161118_39+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Salalah, Oman Camels are cherished by Omanis. The have the right of way on all roads. The camel on the right got a bit nervous about the traffic and tried to jump the barrier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479573800745-KWUKC826O2956H3XO6QY/20161113_221+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Wadi Rum, Jordan Four-wheel drive excursions are very popular in Wadi Rum. Any expectations for tranquility and an awe-inspiring atmosphere should be left at home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479638037085-U0MFHP9JDVXIEHIOEZBB/20161118_53+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Salalah, Oman The Sumhuram Archeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Salalah, Oman. These ruins, located in the Dhofar region on the coast of the Arabian Sea, date back to the 1st century CE. It is believed that this ancient town was a busy port from where frankincense was shipped to places like Sanzibar, India and China. The town was abandoned in the 7th century CE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479638130291-T4RZ04LFPXXVNAX9H8ZT/20161118_54+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Salalah, Oman This diagram clearly shows the trade routes along which the frankincense was transported 2,000 years ago. Egypt and Petra played an important role in the trade of this aromatic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479638226772-NTTITFYNZLP1XBJJOFEH/20161118_62+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Salalah, Oman My guide Raya (left) explains how frankincense is harvested from a frankincense tree, Boswellia sacra (right). The frankincense tree is classified as "near threatened" by the "IUNC Red List of Threatened Species". As a desert woodland tree, Boswellia sacra is commonly tapped for it's sap in an unsustainable fashion. The trees' ability to reproduce is severely affected by the constant harvest of frankincense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479638318592-TX0NUEC8UB0TJBPYGUZB/20161118_74+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Salalah, Oman Camels wade into the surf to take sardines right out of the ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479638406057-OT3HPBWYWK56JR2QY8I0/20161118_81+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Salalah, Oman An unusual sight: camels at the ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1445206667493-RABJQUKE0Y9HIKOBANVS/1+Casablanca+final.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - High Tech Islam The 210 m (689 ft) tall minaret of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Marocco, is the tallest religious structure on earth. A laser beam that reaches 30 km into the sky, is located on top. It points in the direction of Mecca and definitely is a sight to behold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1448916963091-FARZH6I62ZERIB432WM7/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Digital Boabab The best known "upside-down trees" live in Madagascar, but this species of the famous baobab (Adansonia digitata) is native in the savannahs of Tanzania. With branches and trunks similar to roots, the tree looks like it has been planted upside down. Amazingly, the span of the root system below the surface is greater than the height of the tree. The baobab is without leaves during the dry season. This picture was taken in November, the beginning of the wet season. Boababs can grow older than a thousand years. Selous Game Reserve, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512466076580-4Y977TQV8YS4WFV570I6/DSC01689.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Cairo, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512466137569-VD5U1ZDU2OQLZVSTDCXI/DSC01714.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Cairo, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512466286162-FEVEJIEJZDUA7GQUOXIK/DSC02600.JPG Gallery Archive - Miscellaneous - Cairo, Egypt http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-vii daily 0.75 2023-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888535728-Q8EHHGGVGIOSAK8LLGQ9/DSC_0730+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Glendalough, Ireland The Irish Round Towers at Glendalough still offer enough mystery to be interesting. What were their purpose? Built in the 11th century, the towers are neither architectural masterpieces nor the result of an epic construction project. What’s incredible about the Irish Round These towers have survived a millennium of earthquakes, thunderbolts, enemy assaults, vandalism and fires. St Kevin’s Church, which is part of the monastery complex at Glendalough, has a Round Tower attached. Every part of the building is from the 11th century. The church still is in its original condition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888535728-Q8EHHGGVGIOSAK8LLGQ9/DSC_0730+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Glendalough, Ireland The Irish Round Towers at Glendalough still offer enough mystery to be interesting. What were their purpose? Built in the 11th century, the towers are neither architectural masterpieces nor the result of an epic construction project. What’s incredible about the Irish Round These towers have survived a millennium of earthquakes, thunderbolts, enemy assaults, vandalism and fires. St Kevin’s Church, which is part of the monastery complex at Glendalough, has a Round Tower attached. Every part of the building is from the 11th century. The church still is in its original condition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888575115-XKJKX659RGKZ4ZN4OSBD/DSC_0784+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Oban, Scotland Stalker Castle is an almost 700 year-old well preserved castle on a small tidal islet in Loch Linnhe off the west coast of Scotland. It is privately owned and - haunted, of course. Stalker Castle has a colourful history including a change in ownership as a result of a drunken bet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888620191-7YODGEO1610L01KWXF56/DSC_0907+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Seydisfjordur, Iceland Early morning arrival at Seydisfjordur on the east coast of Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888672883-AV1QUZQX9SKY8JDAAA00/DSC_1111+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Borgarfjordur, Iceland Lindarbakki House on the east coast of Iceland is 118 years old and 30 sqm (323 sqft) in size. Elisabet Sveinsdottir, the owner of this adorable cottage, uses Lidarbakki as her summer residence. Most houses on Iceland looked like this for centuries until not too long ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508889210422-IBJB125Q9GDO497CUIO5/DSC_1479+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Kotor, Montenegro The town of Kotor in Montenegro. In medieval times, villages, churches and fortifications were built high above the fjord to discourage pirate attacks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508889136003-O0RWVAST9FS44EWJKFTX/DSC_1753+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Koper, Slovania This 13th century castle was built into a rock face near the village of Predjama. It was the hideout for a rogue knight by the name of Erazem. He robbed and murdered and found his end in the castle's lavatory. Erazem was hit by a cannon ball while sitting on the toilet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508889247153-8UFMKOXLD8BW82BM8V58/DSC_1621+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Kortula, Croatia Creative wall art in Kortula, Croatia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508889284190-GW6PBOWACA99V7W75FSK/IMG_20171004+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Monaco Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world (behind the Vatican). It is the home of the super-rich. The city-state has 8,000 citizens and 38,000 residents. To get a permit to live in Monaco for one year, you have to have a minimum of 500,000 Euros in the bank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888868977-DJJL32FNRY2T1BXAQ5EJ/DSC_1325+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Husavik, Iceland An Icelandic fishing boat in Skjalfandi Bay along the north coast of Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508889023336-6I6SAGM6BWI9NPZLZKPV/DSC_1343+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe III - Akureyri, Iceland Photographing Godafoss, a majestic waterfall near Akureyri. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508889067991-IF3CIBON3YHIZD2D94OU/DSC_1349+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Akureyri, Iceland Landscape near Akureyri. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508726981821-IRLYZYA5GUFN1J2GE618/10+20171005+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - San Gimignano, Italy The tower houses in the Italian town of San Gimignano are evidence to some of the most enduring attributes of the human condition: vanity and pride. During the 13th and 14th centuries, rivalries among the richest and most powerful families were settled by each clan building higher and higher tower houses. At one time, 72 tower houses stood in the village with the tallest reaching 70 m (230 ft) into the blue Italian sky. Over the centuries, San Gimignano fell on hard times and many towers were either destroyed or fell apart. Today, 14 of the towers remain and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508727273290-2JTI6OZZT2WQCEPSMNQF/2+20170929_53.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe III - Lugo, Spain This is the cathedral in the medieval town of Lugo in Spain. Construction of this church began in 1129 A.D. One cannot deny the love and passion that was employed in the creation of such extravagance. If Jesus approves of it, however, remains an unanswered question. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508889312579-BXHDBIATT82N0VEGC7XS/IMG_20171008+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mt Etna, Sicily, Italy Mt Etna is a popular recreational area for the people of Catania and Messina on the island of Sicily. From hiking to collecting mushrooms to skiing, the mountain offers spectacular sights and lots of fun things to do. This picture looks east towards the Italian mainland from a height of approx. 1,500 m (4,920 ft). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508730259931-1DFC6PGVYAZGZY97QPX0/DSC_1105+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Borgarfjord, Iceland Hung out to dry - a tuna fish head.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508729873747-M309M1YJ4X4Z0DQ76DKX/12+20171010_60+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Khios, Greece Cats and holy places go hand in hand. This cat lives a tranquil existence at a monastery on the Greek island of Khios. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508729997411-17IK0XQX64LBAAJSOX2Y/11+20171010_73+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Khios, Greece This sign was seen at a monastery on the Greek island of Khios. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508728542427-JYM0YDSAZA4M9EUZYSBE/DSC_1358+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Grundarfjordur, Iceland The striking Mt Kirkjufell near the town of Grundarfjordur was one of the filming locations for the Games of Thrones series 6 and 7. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508728885302-GSPSVB5Z5RZF9APNQFIY/15+DSC_1953+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Moscow, Russia The Novaya Square in central Moscow on a Sunday afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479575922370-WM9820RUU9DZYF1WQS57/20161118_4+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Salalah, Oman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508729199421-KQ95T8B9L65AE1RUHW5R/DSC_1285a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Husavik, Iceland The massive body of a minke whale surfaces beside me near Husavik, northern Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508729448784-CX3P2OMGLKAKKV9V782M/7+DSC_1075+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mt Etna, Sicily, Italy The rare silver birches on Mt Etna in Sicily are threatened by climate change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508887860341-S6M3WP42YN6PIQTID4BB/20171006_113+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Pisa, Italy The construction of the famous leaning tower of Pisa began in 1173 A.D. and ended in 1370. The tower already began to lean during the initial construction phase because it was placed on unstable ground. Building the tower over such a long period of time allowed the ground beneath to settle and stabilize. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160608658-OWM42XQV98S0JSHPYXBI/2+20171006_141+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Pisa, Italy Today, the tower leans a bit more than 5 degr. In the year 1370 A.D. the belfry was placed on top of the tower straight to compensate for the 2 degr. lean at that time. The lean increased sharply in subsequent years due to the enormous weight of the tower and misguided attempts to straighten the tower. Now, the tower has been stabilized and is unlikely to fall. I know you were worried... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888449253-2BOWA121QV1BH1S6QWV0/DSC_0015+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mediterranian Sea Seven young male migrants are being picked up by a Spanish Maritime Rescue vessel just off the coast of southern Spain. The migrants' boat can be seen to the left of the Spanish vessel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888494439-2A8PRLXTO0KBNSM75X6V/DSC_0678+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Glendalough, Ireland Standing forlorn among monastic ruins and an ancient graveyard, this 900 year old and 30 m (100 ft) tall Irish Tower offers more questions than answers. Why did centuries of earthquakes and enemy assaults not topple the tower when its foundation reaches only 60 cm (2 ft) into the ground? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509203119140-N8H5BZGQBM26DH7IWQB2/DSC_0730+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Glendalough, Ireland The Irish Round Towers at the monastery in Glendalough still offer enough mystery to be interesting. What were their purpose? Built in the 11th century, the towers, some of which are 30 m ( 100 ft) in height, are neither architectural masterpieces nor the result of epic construction projects. What is incredible about the Irish Round Towers is that many have survived a millennium of earthquakes, thunderbolts, enemy assaults, vandalism and fires. The monks must have employed some divine protection... St Kevin's Church (picture), which is part of the monastery complex at Glendalough, has a Round Tower attached. Every part of the building is from the 11th century. The church is in its original condition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508817502388-WCL2CHGFJAJTXH9QBM82/5+DSC_2036+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Moscow, Russia This is the spot where Boris Nemtsov was killed in February 2015. Nemtsov was an opponent to Vladimir Putin. Nemtsov was walking home across the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge with his girlfriend when he was shot 4 times in the head. Since the assassination, a make-shift memorial attracts supporters who want to pay tribute. They hold vigils day and night. In 2 years the memorial has been removed more than 60 times by municipal workers. Shortly after each removal, new flowers and pictures appear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508817536843-6KKM8AAW7CA1ZSMA6JJA/9+DSC_1305+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Rhodos, Greece Two elegant statues of a male and female deer stand at the entrance to the Mandraki Harbor in Rhodos. In antiquity , Rhodes was called "Elafioussa" which means "with a lot of deer". The deer are located at the spot where the famous "Colossus of Rhodos" once stood and fell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508817596615-4L5BD000ISK5RWTBXXAP/11+DSC_1511+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Londonderry, Northern Ireland In an effort to commemorate the uprising of the Irish Catholics against a ruling minority (Protestants), which led to almost 30 years of unrest in Northern Ireland after 1969, three artists from the catholic neighborhood of Bogside painted 12 murals illustrating the struggle. THis mural depicts a scene from "Bloody Sunday", January 30, 1972 when 13 unarmed protesters were shot dead by British paratroopers in the Bogside part of Londonderry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508817631171-L2O5LNAVZPIB246C9UFR/12+DSC_0986+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Kiel Canal, Germany The Kiel Canal connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508817684576-2FZXGQ28R8VP62LC437P/16+DSC_2787+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France The monastery at Mont St Michel continues to captivate and mystify visitors from around the world. Third in popularity, only behind the Eiffel Tower and the palace of Versailles, Mont St Michel attracts 3.5 million visitors per year. The tiny village at the bottom of the hill (right) was a hub of activity. In the 14th century fishermen, tradespeople and innkeepers mixed with pilgrims who travelled from afar to worship the relics of early Christianity, to be healed, to unburden their souls, to seek favor with St Michael and to buy souvenirs as proof that they had been to the Mont. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1479638596710-512HPX2263W0YNQH7VP4/20161118_126+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Salalah, Oman Unusual for this location and climate: coconut and banana production. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508887525250-RZJ0DWA2EFQPBV7OLW7K/18+DSC_1765+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Tallinn, Estonia Members of a theater troupe march through the town of Tallinn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508887591295-YWXHFH03JYGXH8WO6CD2/19+20171008+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Catania, Sicily, Italy The town of Catania with a steaming Mt Etna in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1508888830025-9IL9QGOV4UV8JXAFH75H/DSC_1308a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Husavik, Iceland A minke whale comes up for air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509144471322-XY69Z1TE4N2HUQCUJSYQ/DSC_0943.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe III - Iceland Landscape in northern Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509144592666-HL6AZFPFB47GACOZ00CZ/1+DSC_1443+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Great Britain Londonderry, simply called "Derry" by Irish Catholics, is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland along the River Foyle. The Atlantic Ocean is to the right of the picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509144614814-LBC82QPDO0LJSU412UMS/2+DSC_1472+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Great Britain The wall encircling the center of Londonderry was built between 1613 and 1619. Its purpose was to protect the English settlers (Protestants) from Irish insurgents (Catholics). The wall was never breached and still exists today in its original condition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509144654080-B9W79KNBUAMNLZ41QII0/5+DSC_1453+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Great Britain Street curbs painted in red, white and blue (the colours of the Union Jack) mark the entrance to a protestant neighbourhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509144683606-2VSFEZCV2Q1FU2VRV7OL/12+DSC_1548+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Londonderry, Northern ireland, Great Britain These two statues, placed on separate pedestals, are called "Hands Across the Divide". Located at the entrance to the city of Londonderry, they illustrate the desire for tolerance, peace and reconciliation by both parties. The gap between the hands is a reflection of reality in a city that is still deeply divided. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/583077a920099e07c30e7ca6/5830785de6f2e12eebc7818c/1479571549713/ Gallery Archive - Europe III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509144731685-ELTW016V724OKCZTL25X/1+DSC_3955+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Dover, Great Britain The famous white cliffs of Dover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159717608-TQK22SBB0V8FQ9HJBJI9/2+DSC_1018+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe III - Gibraltar The monkeys in Gibraltar are crowd pleasers. The well-managed population is expanding and monkeys are being exported to parts of Africa where populations are declining. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159966065-K9S6EV0EKRUEF7WRB9I6/2+DSC_0312+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain The facades of the Sagrada Familia tower high above the rest of the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159995153-6E5PBZBKW8LXIH5RHAD0/3+DSC_0205+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain The four towers of the "Passion Façade" at the Sagrada Familia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160027040-9OZZX3FD5AB0NOZ8R9DG/4+DSC_0111+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain Stained glass windows in the Sagrada Familia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160081974-6IKI465I85ZCDZV4G1QQ/7+DSC_0162+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain The church altar in the Sagrada Familia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160108279-9PMJPVDD4REWHIESO0HI/9+DSC_0076+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain Architect Gaudi wanted his sculptor to use elements that are not typically represented in churches. Here Jesus is depicted working as a carpenter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160163610-GUKWYCCMRNKOJFUWITLX/10+DSC_0164+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain Architect Gaudi had a strong connection to nature. Inside the church, columns are shaped like trees which branch out as reach up to the roof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160230396-I68I78C7U8P5VQT6S9K8/12+DSC_0179+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain Jesus enduring flagellation. A sculpture in the "Passion Façade" of the Sagrada Familia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160269267-QVSW0WD7C0XS2PM6L22N/27+DSC+0299+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain Separatist emotions run high in Catalonia the day after the referendum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160320056-4EAZ4K02VROKJO0AXW96/29+DSC_0041+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Barcelona, Spain Going to work in Barcelona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160459682-RX511JLM5A1CO8NMV8YO/3+20171006_49+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Monaco Monaco is a constitutional monarchy with Prince Albert II as the head of state. (Prince Albert is the son of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III). Prince Albert is married to the American Charlene Wittstock. The picture shows the couple's palace where they live with their 3-year old twin girls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160487296-VUYKAVAF2KEDIMPXK5OZ/5+20171006_34+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Monaco This is the poor part of town. To rent a small apartment here costs 4,000 Euros (US$5,000) per month. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160515442-AVJ2MAVARZ2MOL9CGDI1/7+20171006_97a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Monaco The "Dilbar", one of the largest private yachts in the world, arrives in Monaco. Owned by a Russian Billionaire, it was built at the Luerssen wharf in Germany's Kiel Canal. The yacht has two landing pads for helicopters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160637318-EWHNJK19QQVMJ390QU67/4+20171006_126+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Pisa, Italy The "Fallen Angel" bronze statue beside the tower of Pisa was created by Igor Mitoraj in 2012. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509160686209-XMZFR0S2I0SKAG1J6YXF/6+20171006_234+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy The picturesque mountaintop village of San Gimignano with its characteristic tower houses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509158636051-0L1DJ7LX18HZS0RR93CX/5+DSC+1759+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Copenhagen, Denmark "Ny Havn" (New Harbour) in Copenhagen. The new harbour is close to 400 years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509158741707-R4K3IZEBMG7EV2V2MAB7/5+DSC_1792+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Tallinn, Estonia This woman, dressed in a costume from medieval times, has the unenviable job of attracting customers to a restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509158764555-ERN6CWHYT6KPIWVN6PSK/7+DSC_7395+a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Tallinn, Estonia A young volunteer protects his ear drums as the cannon fires at noon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509158861613-65MENFOP3GK79WMFSP5H/1+DSC_1954+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Moscow, Russia The "Lubyanka Building" in central Moscow used to be the headquarters of the infamous KGB. During Soviet times, this was the home to the country's internal security, foreign intelligence service and the secret police. Here, political assassinations were plotted, surveillance of citizens was arranged, spies were hired and prisoners were interrogated and tortured. Conveniently, a prison was located on the ground floor. After the dissolution of the KGB in 1991, the building became the headquarters of Russia's Border Guard Service. Ironically, a monument commemorating victims of political repression is located right across from the Lubyanka Building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509158912413-AARJUL5Q0SE7DX3H4SWN/21+DSC_2207+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Moscow, Russia The "Tsar Bell" was commissioned by a rather ambitious Empress Anna Ivanovna in 1733, cast in 1735 and completed in 1737. With a weight of 202 metric tons, it is the largest bell ever manufactured. Unfortunately, the bell was damaged in a fire while it was resting on a provisional wooden support. A large piece broke off when guards threw cold water on the hot bell. As a result, the bell was never suspended or rung. The Tsar Bell is on display in the Kremlin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509158955753-U0YK98ROTTN5XVTLQEJC/8+DSC_1971+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Moscow, Russia The most haunting memories of Moskow's "Red Square" come from Soviet times and the Cold War. Here, through lengthy military parades, the Soviet leadership demonstrated the might of their armed forces to the world. The Red Square, which is the official address of Russia's government, was also used for national celebrations, important political speeches and, since the fall of the Soviet Union, music performances. The most memorable performance was that of Paul McCartney in 2003. The Beatles' music was banned in the Soviet Union, turning the band into the impetus for a social revolution that, eventually, contributed to the downfall of the communist regime. Behold the awesome power of music! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509158996158-9QY04QG7RJU3F65RESJF/18+DSC_2197+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Moscow, Russia The "Senate Building" within the Kremlin walls is the official seat of the Russian Presidency. In front is a helipad where Vladimir Putin lands his helicopter when he comes to work. The palace is closed to the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159056901-ZZBWEHM7OJ9RKQBH15SJ/6+DSC_2396+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Helsinki, Finland This unique Lutheran Church is the end-result of a winning entry in an architectural competition in 1961. The proposal presented by two architects in their twenties (who were also brothers), involved the construction of a church sanctuary inside solid rock. Completed in 1969, the church is now a favourite attraction in Helsinki, drawing visitors from all over the world. The stunning acoustics make the church a perfect venue for concerts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159126940-99W1DL8ZTVXS35OW43MC/7+DSC_2611+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Kiel Canal, Germany The busy "Kiel Canal" connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea and saves 460 km (250 nautical miles) of ship travel by cutting through the German state of Schleswig Holstein. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159152642-WDRTMQ9ZZYT2RIBNJIS6/9+DSC_2557+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Kiel Canal, Germany A Kiel Canal transit on a Saturday morning offers a glimpse of weekend family life in Germany. Many high-end private homes line the canal for much of its length. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159197644-7Q7N1O1DCV81T3LNAMSO/2+DSC_2684+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France High above the monastery of Mont St Michel, a 4 m (13 ft) tall statue of a triumphant Archangel Michael tops the towers of the abbey, With his sword in hand, Michael has overcome Beelzebub, the fallen angel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159222042-LJ8X4L2FVFSW2Y6IK1AQ/4+DSC_2701+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159262993-AAWSLOSJFLTFHLX3Z0JU/1+DSC_2675+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France The monastery of Mont St Michel is illuminated by the morning sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159291536-5ANIRGRL0ZSS7MVNIOPL/5+DSC_2705+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France On the right, the "Tour des Corbins" (Crow Tower) connected the three floors of the "Merville" with its A-framed roof. The Merville is the cloister, the spiritual center of those praying for the salvation of society. On the left in the "Chatelet" with its two towers. The towers are joined by a formidable staircase that was almost impossible to climb, especially if you were an assailant and you were bombarded with various objects from above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159321813-60CXE7JE1L8WPQ9DZYDH/7+DSC_2711+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159354749-ZSF0923GQGT80JV4ICO2/11+DSC_2734+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France The abbey has a Romanesque nave from the 16th century and a Gothic choir from the 19th century. Over the years, the nave collapsed several times, giving way under the enormous weight of the thick masonry. This picture was taken during midday mass, when the 5 resident nuns and 4 resident monks come together in the church for prayer and heavenly singing. In the monastery, the monks and the nuns live their lives completely apart from each other. They only see each other during mass. The word "monk" comes from the Greek word "monos", which means alone. How any monk can pursue his calling among 3.5 million annual visitors is a mystery to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509159388591-W1PLDTSCMHEAXCDN6ELH/12+DSC_2736+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France The "Charter Room" was added to the cloister's west wall during the 14th century. It contained the babbey's title deeds and a considerable collection of charts. This priceless collection was lost during the Normandy landings in 1944. In the background to the left is Tombelaine Island. This granite rock is smaller than the Mont and was never meant to house a monastery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161402076-ZGV3LADN00RSSH1CR7LP/DSC_1011+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Gibraltar, Great Britain The famous "Rock of Gibraltar". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509162587900-GGFIA56ETV16Y8KYM6JW/7+20171006+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Sete, France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509162634398-2L73ZL96QJFQNTXI9R7F/16+DSC_2729+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mont St Michel, France A fascination with monks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161627040-HI1IO66VTXEUTICID819/9+20171006_225+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Tuscany, Italy View of a typical Tuscan landscape from the village of San Gimignano in north-central Italy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161672673-BEVDUSPLF2IK856NDO3B/13+20171006_364+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Orvieto, Italy The 14th century cathedral of Orvieto is just a 90 minute drive north of Rome. Below the town of Orvieto its residents constructed an extensive network of tunnels. It is estimated that over 1,200 tunnels were chiseled into the soft tuft rock to serve as escape routes during sieges in the medieval period. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161717418-TSTSSZ27O7FLDNLMW2W4/1+DSC_0971+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Naples, Italy Naples is located at the foot of Mt Vesuvius. During the 1st century A.D. the volcano was much higher than it is now and used to have a pointed top. This changed in 79 A.D. when the mountain exploded, sending hot pyroclastic material racing down the mountain, killing thousands of people in the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161756097-2HLJXZQ97IHMWUZZMZQL/2+DSC_0962+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Herculaneum, Italy The ancient but well-preserved ruins of Herculaneum are in the foreground, the modern city of Ercolanum is in the background. Ercolanum was built on top of Mt Vesuvius' pyroclastic material which buried Herculaneum in 79 A.D. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161791363-M4FSJBB2SQ6GDSAKQ90N/8+DSC_0920+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Herculaneum, Italy The inner court yard of this upscale residence in Herculaneum shows tile work depicting Neptune and Amphitrite. The town of Herculaneum was buried during a violent eruption of Mt Vesuvius and remained well-preserved and undetected for more than 1,630 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161819099-GPTZZEW0AMTYH2JX9XYH/10+DSC_0948+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Herculaneum, Italy A wall decoration on the outside of a residence in Herculaneum. Note the tufa building material - the very volcanic rock that destroyed the town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509162487696-CQPX8VOHL11RNTNOKDMD/19+20171008+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Catania, Sicily, Italy The town of Catania with a steaming Mt Etna in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161869492-3S4QTJ37URQ5E77US3U8/1+DSC_1048+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mt Etna, Sicily, Italy Mt Etna spewing sulfur-laden steam. The lava's path during the 1971 and 1979 eruptions can clearly be seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161901013-PSI7WENSGD3NUJDK1BBL/3+DSC_1026+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mt Etna, Sicily, Italy On the flanks of Mt Etna is a tiny chapel where the lava flow from a recent eruption stopped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161933067-7Y8VILMRWTOGPFJJ9TVM/5+DSC_1044+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Mt Etna, Sicily, Italy The cone of Mt Etna up close and personal. The yellow material surrounding the cone is sulfur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509161982602-7SDSU9SMUS53ITNYNF1B/11+DSC_1137+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Parco Fluviale dell'Alcantara, Mt Etna, Italy A valley created by two tectonic plates moving apart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509162139819-UC5ZEYLAXZ8LDV4R2DN8/1+20171010_25+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Khios, Greece This is the west coast of the kidney-shaped island of Khios. On this side of the island there is one road, very few people, mostly wind and silence. My kind of place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509162170811-R0EEXC36Z9IXEL4AOMV3/3+20171010_34+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Avgonima, Khios, Greece Khios has the perfect climate for growing beautiful grapes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509162210078-FXHOCRJLSMTNJPYTSW3R/5+20171010_46+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Anavatos, Khios, Greece The abandoned village of Anavatos is located high on a rock cliff for protection from enemy forces and pirates. It was home to people who were employed at the local monastery. Now, the homes are disintegrating and the rock paths are difficult to walk, but since the village has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, repair work has finally started. The village was also the setting for the James Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509162250797-1VJG45TRCH04CO8JZ8N2/10+20171010_68+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Nea Moni Monastery, Khios, Greece Monks always chose the best views for their monasteries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1509162315770-AD3FKX3QK7POB3W0GSO5/7+20171010_58+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Europe III - Nea Moni Monastery, Khios, Greece Nea Moni is an 11th century monastery on the island if Khios. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510289030983-G9YJTJIXOO4OXHOGMZ13/6+20171010_55.JPG Gallery Archive - Europe III - Anavatos, Khios, Greece http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-viii daily 0.75 2018-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488081194297-HD49ZVJN7F4U3ZTD8ZCX/20170204_145.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488081194297-HD49ZVJN7F4U3ZTD8ZCX/20170204_145.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488081197161-4GR3B366CO7SCVRBZI60/20170207_62+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Bora Bora, Tahiti, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488081231376-SOXT50OXHJJJJYRHMG6S/20170207_144.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488081257731-TCIVODOTBBS0K02SMLB7/20170207_167.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082054381-WUDD9IL7ASSC7TIODWOM/20170207_193+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082064090-ZEYB2RVQ4IZ5R6GJPC49/20170207_238+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082070990-NEQJYYXUFFQOXQSPC6K2/20170207_270+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082084774-VVJK65YZHQKX1BE5R87J/20170207_316+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Bora Bora, Tahiti, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082123760-JVU1S1M5CK2MUT069G45/20170207_354+a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Pateete, Tahiti https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082139974-OQSHRVW5MA2TD4JGD9S1/20170213_205+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082150040-CZHLX3JFGZEKPZU62758/20170213_299+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082157954-X7USMZZ4OIHD6J8ZL0H0/20170213_437+a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082264714-ZHMCPF3PLJR31C6BGYO8/20170218_43+a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082220567-OTKZDI05S92WO8650394/20170218_225+a+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082236319-71F7DM4TDGZFXKAVK4X0/20170225_21+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Auckland, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082275091-YCC9UIPH1LXI78J38O9I/20170225_158+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Auckland, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1488082280419-N77BPHE0KAS50LTE3EIC/Tahiti+02+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1445487015129-JB9NOMR47JLRDTRLEWWA/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Pitcairn Island If you go west from Lima, Peru for 4 days (by ship), you reach Easter Island. If you go west from Easter Island for 4 days, you reach Pitcairn Island, the most remote inhabited island on earth. This little rock in the middle of the South Pacific is home to the descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty. With a total population of 57 (most of them are pictured here) you let them visit you instead of you visit them. They sell arts and crafts and ... honey - the purest honey on earth. Try it! http://www.pitcairn.pn/shop/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454995194705-GAWYI2JLS5L9E7DQICFB/6+Easter+Island+d.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454994887972-IAK8FVOGXJAB9BY1UJ8O/6+Easter+Island+a.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454994949194-B6YJPIO6B8KYOH11QZ3P/6+Easter+Island+c.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454995308831-R1CER023LXT5Q4RDX4WR/6+Easter+Island+e.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512447867757-W610QLFCKFIDV0L1BQ4W/Darwin+14.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512445612555-GUBJ0H4HZGNFVTY0DP7Y/DNTS+01.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Sydney, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512445693673-6AFNHQJJJGP66QZQCH0G/DNTS+02.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Kairns, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446035140-3B1AMUJGUM6ZV82S53RE/Easter+Island+11.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Easter Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446102730-4JCJ02Z1VW0TCNTUUEJT/Easter+Island+12+%281024x683%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Easter Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446143793-09RA4GFLAAQT2I3MU9BV/Easter+Island+15+%281024x683%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Easter Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446209533-PLHZPPI1JL67I3HVS9UY/Easter+Island+16+%281024x678%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Easter Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446272173-2IB0Q6P4247SLTVU1BTB/Easter+Island+21+%281024x683%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Easter Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446373444-2SWL36PA4RJYUEKAG1NB/Easter+Island+20+%281024x683%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Easter Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446538320-N7MMVIKB8N5RFVY1QECZ/Tahiti+05.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Tahiti, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446600799-PHU6D52Z7YSUIRPG3L0C/Tahiti+11.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Bora Bora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446752968-AGKOA1IAE3T8ES51YA9D/New+Zealand+24.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446801879-LPIJ9DM7AL9XC6CPSY8B/New+Zealand+23.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512446908075-9H2VYUMQMSRAZU1M2N9V/New+Zealand+01.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512447217812-FR8R0XG62Q09LWH71CEG/New+Zealand+11+%281024x683%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512447249923-7NSG09KXFT122AAFP4GI/New+Zealand+21+%281024x683%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512447288221-SQ5ZMO7RZT5XXLMKOXFY/New+Zealand+29+%281024x683%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512448732462-SQQTCCE0HFPLMCY0RCPC/Darwin+046.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512448848477-K1BAYEOX4K2GL7SADZQG/Darwin+084.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512448893113-TUU0DFYUUR6CIYJPZJT7/Darwin+106_01.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512449646419-V7XZNHGKEMN8OXWZHTCD/Darwin+190.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512448977110-6DI2D40ESCV88L3IKJL0/Darwin+194_01.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512449016467-PAD2JXQ7M2MKN2HEWFY5/Darwin+212.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512449052300-6SLODM8D3FJTJCMMRBAM/Darwin+246.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512461976811-36EJNOIJY0O1A2HUWTJF/20170204_41.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512463334107-E2EJ4TEB70NQNJMSDEXF/20170218_43.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Amedee Island, New Caledonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512463652143-1JS4UQ0H4CJO1R78XJ88/20170218_40.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Amedee Island, New Caledonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512463778504-C191PCF03KA8QWDHVEL4/20170218_217+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Amedee Island, New Caledonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512463857760-V5J0F2USNAK2BFHH4AP9/20170218_197+a.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Amedee Island, New Caledonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512464453932-T6E941R9W4B2UCCPCQNT/Airlie+Beach+076.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Airlie Beach, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462418968-7UWYVJV13HA5Y6LPVI35/20170207_10.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462473390-PGLOQI12QFEU3MU3PG32/20170207_36.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462517105-DSS0LBZTY4MCCQBUVTMM/20170207_80.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462570356-QXAX2CNCLGYD4NZGTI4A/20170207_89.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462605335-VNZCU5MNWSV519FEWT0V/20170207_164.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462706373-L1JN9YDT41R4N7WMZVZW/20170207_184.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462751816-5FR72LAWKVXUYXC7I060/20170207_187.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512463140009-U16MCMM6DPS1J2S4H1V8/20170218_102.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Amedee Island, New Caledonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462856314-MBDB5FR3E3A6EECJDC1B/20170207_188+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Bora Bora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462898402-R6QWN5YXLLRM6SL0S1IP/20170207_308.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Bora Bora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462945044-DYN16BRLNDA6LHBU0H1E/20170207_321.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Bora Bora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512463032747-6A1HRWMEQQ3815QI7T73/20170213_359.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Lautoka, Fiji https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512505896667-F289OYC3P9IU4NWOT0CG/Pitcairn+Island+12+%281024x683%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Pitcairn Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462143217-YN3AN2BOKIP82V6UK10J/20170204_213.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462208570-TBS9PGW51AEP9TYS1820/20170204_241.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462250558-SZZCJXUQY7FHTFEY43GU/20170204_261.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512462058203-J20LRDBO9NXL91SZHGEL/20170204_43.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517274677705-OQIF2I1V98P55LY1HOIM/DSC_5406.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517274723152-8EMNLBFAF0DRZKA8SVBS/DSC_5492.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517274790325-E8GBTBRSD0CVCPIWNAE0/DSC_5512.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517274849288-7AOR64UZWOOQYI9K43OL/DSC_5603.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517274890058-ZSMCHXIHA3PMXV9A7PPK/DSC_5465.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517274941246-P840OT1H7OH6ND6XKB4A/DSC_5539.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517274987950-6W5KNGK36TCBCTQYC0CS/DSC_5588.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517275022127-UDSZKEXM6VAL133SCS2R/DSC_5629.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517276882246-J86QO1J7OHFL5YC7XBR1/9+DSC_3281.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517276922061-SX2OOXNYAXKV6R8ZK5PH/10+DSC_5831.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517275080686-TTJQKH6C3GKRJSQ57MA4/1+DSC_5886.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517276959030-ECC2J97PTRVZX2A9FGIM/11+DSC_5833.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517277007261-DJ81UULJXA6OE5LW1R5H/12+DSC_5968.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517275130937-0T1A99Q2Q9WZMLUTT9R7/2+DSC_5894.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517277056413-4RPZXYAUSLNLIZ1KXDPT/12a+DSC_1118.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517277099496-ZJ5A48CPPICYIZ2A3QA9/13+DSC_5735.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517276322168-A0B2RS9HYVIMOJYEP700/3+DSC_5918.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517281968302-U6MRVL60IYNF4HICVLXI/14+DSC_5871.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282011787-CW055O5TJRNAIOAQF5AT/15+DSC_5976.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517276382697-A1WS1TG9G2XDS7P52Z3F/4+DSC_5935.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282056032-5EHI7SXOQ1K45UZQJL8Q/16+DSC_5791.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282097380-GIR84QLS2VWN1YYOOUZR/17+DSC_5949.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517276419299-J9BCGCQL5VSR27ZM6SY1/5+DSC_5641.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Cape York, North-Eastern Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282165040-JM2UMTXTO89KXM9HQ43F/20+DSC_7044.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282213531-4MTB3IO6AN2NP89W8CIZ/21+DSC_5986.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517276461247-DCYEFB0C6TD4M4DDTO74/7+DSC_5725.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282261193-R3KGPCNSNWPT6PJEJ8ZS/25+DSC_6036.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517276494032-NW7B04K60O75TIWYJMDK/8+DSC_5855.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282633820-YYI2TSAE8B8MPOIXOOA4/DSC_7483.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Geraldton, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282676930-SCO5FV06BBA7E4SHS9SE/DSC_7516.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania I - Geraldton, Australia http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-asia-i daily 0.75 2023-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446563003314-ADAEE1HVLSK9T8KXM1NZ/DSC_3636aLD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Isn't He Beautiful? The rare proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo. They commonly live in groups of one male and 4 to 5 females plus offspring. All male groups also exist. Males use their unusually large noses to honk loudly during mating calls. I saw the male in this picture in the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446563003314-ADAEE1HVLSK9T8KXM1NZ/DSC_3636aLD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Isn't He Beautiful? The rare proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo. They commonly live in groups of one male and 4 to 5 females plus offspring. All male groups also exist. Males use their unusually large noses to honk loudly during mating calls. I saw the male in this picture in the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446488606095-7CV2Y86VWEK5RL2PWNO4/DSC_3033LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Collected Fares A Jeepney driver in Manila keeps his collected fares in a safe place: between his fingers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446491225107-AX48TVTUQNTH68CRLB0V/DSC_3279aLD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Borneo Croc A fully grown crocodile sun-bathes at the banks of the Temburong River in Brunei, northern Borneo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446498745310-IZKTHQRN8AFDPXGWU74H/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Where Jungle and Ocean Meet This is the north coast of Borneo in the Bako National Park near Kuching, Malaysia. Check for salt water crocodiles and snakes before you jump into the inviting waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446563059064-MERDAUMGFPWKQKDMH4UO/DSC_3820LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Eagle Circling This beautiful eagle circled above us on a beach In Bako National Park, Malaysia in search for food. Does anybody know what kind of eagle it is? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446563059516-OZJQHKE35KCQZ90UJ0NO/DSC_3744LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Fiddler Crab Fest The fiddler crab's asymmetric claws are the first thing you notice. The bigger claw is a multi-purpose device: it is used in fighting off competing males (here, size DOES NOT matter as smaller claws may be more powerful), and a vigorous wave with the big claw is used to attract females (in this case, size DOES matter). Fiddler crabs live in marshy waters and no, they do not fall over because of their lopsidedness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446498763884-1126HEYZIN6YJKHZX11W/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Facial Hair with a Purpose The wild bearded pigs of Borneo feature long facial hair as protection. The long yellowish whiskers protect the pig from getting bitten or stung while foraging the forest floor for roots, shoots or fallen fruit. In the wild, bearded pigs have a life span of approximately 10 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446498776195-TECT6AGR89QA7KQGEXT0/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - The Remarkable Flying Lemur ...Actually, the flying lemur is not a lemur at all. Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar. This gliding mammal is a Colugo. It is nocturnal (thus the large eyes) and, because it has membranes between its limbs, can glide from tree to tree, up to a distance of 70 m (230 ft). During the day it is quite lazy and likes to hang upside down from tree branches. This one lives in Boku National Park, Malaysia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446562946521-GVZGMLPV1DHAJ5NDSMSS/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Temburong River, Brunei Travelling up the Temburong River in the Bornean jungle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446805362098-VY4TJYZ40JH0PAAWSEUP/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Turtle Power A juvenile turtle catches a ride on it's mom's back. The murky waters of the Liberation Pond at the Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple in George Town, Malaysia is home to hundreds of turtles. According to Chinese tradition, the turtle is a symbol of longevity and endurance. As a spiritual practice and an act of liberation, Chinese worshippers catch turtles and release them in this pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446806895310-DHK7XPS1V5K73277G5SQ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Many Buddhas A row of precisely positioned Buddha figures make for great visual effects at the Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple ("Temple of Supreme Bliss") in George Town, Malaysia. To many Buddhists, the long ear lobes are a symbol of a conscious rejection of the material world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446857473676-XA2HK411XQGTP79E8OE4/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Really Stretched Out The third largest reclining Buddha can be found in the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple in George Town, Malaysia. From head to toe this remarkable Buddha figure measures 33 m (108 ft). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447120886129-FXGVQ0J8HEQ1O1BSSY7I/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - I Can Feel The Love Two elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka enjoy an outing to the river. Here, they can drink, play and be washed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447120497114-CKUBZSL9JOTKNZI3VMVU/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - How To Clean An Elephant Traditionally, elephant keepers come from a long line of mahouts. As the life span of a person is roughly similar to that of an elephant, it is common for a young man to be given a young elephant as a means to earn a livelihood. Often, it is a relationship that lasts a life time. Being the owner/caretaker of an elephant is neither glorious nor easy; it is hard work. Every morning this young man takes his elephant to the river where she is washed and scrubbed. The elephant will also drink from the river. Urine and dirt from her night’s sleep have to be washed off. Here, this young mahout uses the inside of a coconut shell to scrub his elephant clean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447159275487-PMML33RM5NGP4P7AXSGC/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka The Buddha in a meditation pose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447119991181-Y291XCCH4ULT0S5KEQBL/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - World's Largest Water Village https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447158071557-S4ALZW0U5BBM3M1VA7AH/Sri+Lanka+158_02+%28800x533%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1447158814424-JITMCEKWGB25QSWH6IS1/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Priceless Smile A group of volunteers prepares lotus flowers for an upcoming festival in the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Smiles come easy with Sri Lankans. They smile from the heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1446488437961-7XKN4MXCC6H0RTYWP9EY/DSC_2971LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Jeepney Benz, Manila, Philippines https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1445970359036-EFKZ3C30HN7D1MMZN6A1/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Night Voyage The legendary and much-loved Star Ferry in Hong Kong has been ferrying passengers between Kowloon to Hong Kong Island since 1888. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1445973121847-7H8A3U8GBYXG7YY5GOMN/DSC_2896+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - The ICC Tower in Hong Kong With 118 stories to climb, Hong Kong's ICC (International Commerce Centre) Tower is the 7th tallest building in the world. It is also home to the highest hotel (Ritz Carlton) on earth. Hong Kongese do not easily run out of extremes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454993967398-206E14H29FIFD7TKJCC2/27+Taj+Mahal+b.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454993999675-H4WCY8NQ7CTNHQYGOHHP/27+Taj+Mahal+c.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1454994835167-2WMKIVON9A5OTEB28SLQ/27+Taj+Mahal+e.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510462581531-PLAUPXLSO6RGTKYMZ9RU/Ko+Samui+03.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Ko Samui, Thailand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510462787064-6U3IH5RJHOLVO1F5OI9A/Ko+Samui+10.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Ko Samui, Thailand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510464736229-1BVYS8UAIALRS1WPM9TA/29+Unicorn+Island+b.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510464684339-0XFN7H6VOAKUZ3QRHBU1/29+Unicorn+Island+c.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Unicorn Island, Vietnam https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1510463007007-AFZKVFXN4W63YG927Z3L/Ko+Samui+11.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Ko Samui, Thailand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512508447698-1RECX087774ZQ1KOKZC9/DSC08679.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512509045365-OBKM50BMCBOWYIZJDJ7W/DSC08755.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Mt Fuji, Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512509163544-N3G0IIO5AK2PJGLJMK7X/167+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Hiroshima, Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512509375924-2R9J1QYT6X7HP735YEQM/085+%28640x427%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Busan, South Korea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512509482667-S9XSTG1UEHR1AOAK1NTT/172+%28640x425%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Busan, South Korea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512509528421-Z13YZBIOAOUUKGIP6ZPI/182+%28640x427%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Busan, South Korea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512509574370-OKRK4DKDU5UDODUFETRC/205+%28640x426%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Busan, South Korea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512509632398-6YHBQUSY171NUM67WE78/094+%28640x427%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Busan, South Korea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1512509426989-OT60GOPDOZ8R0V57N3NT/136+%28640x426%29.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283865853-NZS23245WJ2VC9IPACF5/1+DSC_6344.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283899707-0W57HM4LU6L9UUS16L80/2+DSC_6352.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283958846-LP6JVQWFM5YN66DMG7LC/3+DSC_6085.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517284000824-MC1M777QQJ5TE06QJKA5/4+DSC_6158.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517286154888-27N0HMW327T47I985F1S/5+DSC_6277.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517287632061-LK4ELHN95R5BWY8H5U2X/6+DSC_6263.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517287697245-VPCJ05DIMWHFGCYRPVBL/7+DSC_6338.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517287739173-K396BLV2WWT4VUW2GMDT/8+DSC_6165.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517287765276-DXLKBTSVBDRVAGQLH1EO/9+DSC_6293+b.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517287810345-TV2XZCIGGO4CDH827600/10+DSC_6199.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517287878800-4LUJ765EG3B622ZGES28/11+DSC_6238.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517287933792-GK6U5P3ELLGO4PTJWGRN/12+DSC_6257.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517288393583-HMC8O1EA51OP0CXF0QP0/13+DSC_6288.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517288450732-VTLXTMQGKI9M30SFLSUR/14+DSC_6209.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517288545354-3560GXU05ZYKJA68GT4F/15+DSC_6243.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517288849765-MU62VCJK7VP688H81T5O/16+DSC_6325.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517288963552-CNJKDQ7Y1Z9CQD2FDCGV/20+DSC_6355.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289046089-01AC0LRQS6U1E3T4EZNT/19+DSC_6413.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289129554-958EFAG5OPLKOAAO58JM/18+DSC_6336.JPG Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289659158-SE542TV0CKD5I6KVE9XN/17+DSC_6332+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Komodo Island, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289721104-AQOI63WRC1SHWRJ3A7K4/1+DSC_6457+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Bali, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289750197-2YSLFVUEIMJLR9XCMD1U/3+DSC_6541+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Bali, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289783051-0TUCL79S43QNRKW3XSRW/4+DSC_6843+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Bali, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289814322-T5IFBIGABZ2NCMVC8ASZ/6+DSC_6698+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Bali, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289846720-YKMTB2KD6WTUIHHKJ13R/8+DSC_6692+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Bali, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289873077-0MVMJP9YJ2BOZ36PKK19/9+DSC_6616+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Asia I - Bali, Indonesia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517289902600-9H9PGJ5KS509ASCS0TKL/11+DSC_6625+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - 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Oceania II - Auckland, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204454876-PDFPGRC08BOM7584NSE7/2+DSC_2190.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Tauranga, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204492333-YFHOZ0IIF13UE7PLGJIB/3+DSC_1918.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Tauranga, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204649465-RTF96767WY7SSEUK2UVB/8+DCS_2222.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Tauranga, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204542428-IBLABSTBG6PDQJ5OLSP5/4+DSC_1952.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Tauranga, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204705389-XVL1W2WTPGV5B2XLCJ77/6+DSC_2177.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Tauranga, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204777704-Y7CEZXUI7R37ZKUHJY4Z/1+20171207_36a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Napier, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204834006-DUCMFTF7TPLEPUSZAQUU/2+20171207_31.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Napier, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204889777-36LE40OJTR8BRYJBEAHA/3+20171207_129.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204944555-L5YVJEBRF8QSMS647ATG/5+20171207_118.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517204993231-LOAHOUVM7OVYLB0E6IVY/6+20171207_157.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205033590-HQZD0TNJQUTTCJHP9JR7/7+20171207_141.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205073783-XNQA033X6Z03IRB2WCTT/8+20171207_208a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205114345-CWRDOQ2RY4JOGCTH8UPB/9+20171207_166a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205195576-88VNCE4D6J0MGB773ZU3/11+20171207_124.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205247530-51THVVFE5IKC2RGBJ2GF/13+20171207_216.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205322259-D7DUKF5SVVCWUT1DQLIV/6+20171207_57+LD.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205501480-TN3BKHMTB915C9UFKWGM/1+New+Zealand.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Auckland, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205558997-1VES2VLE4ZNSS7J3XW67/6+20171208_80.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Dunedin, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205630048-XSG0Y9MA54G7835RCMDP/11+New+Zealand.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Tauranga, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517205741657-5Y2TC1QCFT7RU9090Q45/New+Zealand+I+404+%28290%29.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Tauranga, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264076761-VSNZUIEXK6LKX4TL84KV/1+20171219_43.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Melbourne, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264116836-ABRJ5L86XJ222KMV7Q16/2+20171219_13+c.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Melbourne, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264156301-TOFJ0G8B1TVZ8CM9INT0/3+20171219_191+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Melbourne, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264192444-HTMJBVVZWU3CIWZ12O2F/4+20171219_192+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Melbourne, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264225872-R3DWOZQQNP6FTKAG699A/5+20171219_193+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Melbourne, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264273454-RJO2WK8XPBB7NS3MHZAM/6+20171222_27.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Brisbane, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264570605-O9MB63ONUXPUC0LYQ2UR/8+20171222_116.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Brisbane, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264779521-3QS35RDASXS4SPAFWFOC/9+20171222_98.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Brisbane, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264825902-MXX309HOQ00ULZQ6CFFL/7+20171222_69.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Brisbane, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264864515-98PLA50588321KTDP3SU/11+20171222_125.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Brisbane, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264895575-ILGWY3KSBN7KRJEM6AXF/12+20171222_124+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Darwin, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517264973550-023MVM1860MUBUTQEQYL/1+20171227_8.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265263940-DI3ZCJGBOISXD4F64O9J/2+20171227_26.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265307356-R47KAEB1V5DUBGFOU99H/2a+20171227_508.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua, New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265363275-8J61QSSJBOVJAS2YYQSG/3+20171227_514.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265419956-P0AQ5OL1FZX0Y8JL7W73/4+20171227_18.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265476241-JIGPKX5AMTCML15GDTWN/5+20171227_139.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265521630-G1XXDLYAYD7FY73PAYXG/6+20171227_141.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265591073-1ZAYSU3A0BTGCUINV2JZ/7+20171227_73.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265637450-Y0UT59F6POHCOP4WXBN7/8+20171227_482.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265703353-MIDH1F63RV62SGRSOWQ7/9+20171227_318.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265742430-PNLVTR22CKP5J9A5PREE/10+20171227_199.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265778700-LLO1HTTMVC9DKXJ611WG/12+20171227_182.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265804807-SC916N0I5IIILQU1A28L/13+20171227_211+ab.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265863545-2Q7UAIUPO2ZL2M38HCGP/14+20171227_411.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265907824-81BA8JK50ZJNWS7L6BVS/15+20171227_347.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265961250-LV4FT67Q5AVNOLRS99BR/16+20171227_278.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517265994870-FH7IHT8UOLJ5E2JDPMRK/17+20171227_370.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266049586-WOBUJGP5LCFF6B9T0FW0/18+20171227_444.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266482685-NP1MGZEWYHSNHBJZGYB0/19+20171227_487.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266577155-4UMSYRR0UKQVPN13UVEB/20+20171227_304.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266652776-9Z6ON7TN9DZMRV1JQEIK/21+20171227_497.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266708361-FM2UMVB7YKKT43BPQ2PW/20a+20171227_159.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266751805-OVUTK0PHBAUEE1KX1HEI/22+20171227_528.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Alotau, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266806222-06LIA5JHM6JVRLJIF2WA/23+20171228_9.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266891560-4VZISA1R8JSD6K3BBVFS/24+20171227_425.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Milnea Bay, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266931882-S4RZQP1VV8F6A5BA6U8Y/25+20171228_26.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517266971228-T5CV77CD7789PFYLZM91/26+20171228_3.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517267048453-XHZN6WZ8TF7C4ORB49J2/27+20171228_92.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517267087504-K6KCPGCJ83KX2AZ458TC/28+20171226_38.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cairns, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517267126387-KGQRVGA9L3UTQVK3YIJ1/29+20171226_303.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Cairns, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517267152121-E64E4U9JZYIRYJZ0XQ3J/30+20171226_434+a.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Moon The site of the first moon landing is indicated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517282975430-8DG9JQ984ZYGVEIZD1HN/DSC_7523.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Geraldton, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283010637-W9DXJ7W33NT8JJ2ZTHC5/DSC_7533.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Geraldton, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283136438-OND7705E61U524FUGQFT/DSC_7539.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Kalbarri, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283267790-R4KXAZNV7217MRG5273E/DSC_7608.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Kalbarri, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283332443-YMP8AOF8GQ5JK61OLS11/DSC_7620.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Kalbarri, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283372165-GGJQ2VAOHWNCF2N8HZHH/DSC_7634.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Kalbarri, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283419624-ZWTGHIBRDWHNY42H3TQB/DSC_7646.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Kalbarri, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283449876-0LKWJ18HK6F2R94CDVZA/DSC_7678.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Geraldton, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283529782-O1AH7NYFEFUV1J4ZFV7R/DSC_7685.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Port Gregory, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283583193-K4VYF7X5475BWJBD5JIV/DSC_7767.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Geraldton, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283633616-IBM56TOQM21J77IMBIQX/DSC_7769.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Geraldton, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517283676470-CCOH0J4F4ACUN6DXI6IN/DSC_7781.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Geraldton, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517386303808-CLA88HZA6WLSGONCKGHR/10+DSC_7855.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Rottnest Island, Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517386586329-ROROZ01RSKY6E8F7AX18/13+DSC_8245.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517386644580-LINNJ86QQ6V41Q18SCC1/14+DSC_8391.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517386386731-HP975U1WUUVH6SHGNO0B/11+DSC_7563.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Rottnest Island, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517386698178-WFG1QRM71IF11XD7TJ9Q/15+DSC_7872.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Rottnest Island, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517386758336-9X2J34GOBS2QFUAYKWN4/16+DSC_8273.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517439952859-MR1G921T6NQODITIEOB9/17+DSC_8030.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Rottnest Island, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517439995225-MFRKU1Z3O6Q4QXG03YRQ/18+DSC_8384.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Fremantle, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517440052200-IH4JLH4UKIIQXTWOV2EK/19+DSC_8293.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517440237935-XX0GE1RH4NNCT3IVFF3L/21+DSC_8343.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517440294958-LXG4H1ZWN11W3IUC6ILV/22+DSC_8310.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517440377964-RQANNPYF79WME85H7Q0B/23+DSC_8009.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Rottnest Island, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517447854782-5LYVK2FIYDHT54QPIJY3/29+DSC_8339.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517440476515-XAFNKNAZHEAM1MPRCS6F/25+DSC_8102.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Rottnest Island, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517447908174-YQ8WDPTLWH9FQ31QKWNY/30+DSC_8390.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Fremantle, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517448009329-LL5A5Y3BAEYTAV5ZJ73Y/0+20180117_45.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Adelaide, South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517447566157-8UNX4OO03SJCDFF1PNNT/26+DSC_8189.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Rottnest Island, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517448104586-E20MYDN2BY3RHIQDLU44/1+20180117_409.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Coorong National Park, South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517448242875-BOPHCE5OGW9CTF1T3QEI/2+20180117_485.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Coorong National Park, South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517447635268-WXG3NKMBNV04K9DRHGUW/27+DSC_8269.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Perth, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517448288280-AXXSQYZRZW7F4C4Y6D1H/3+20180117_487.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Coorong National Park, South Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517447670346-636K4IOTGSAGZQSD39PO/28+DSC_7634.JPG Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Kalbarri, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561262658677-VKEXUR0UP1X6Z3DL3AEY/3+Magic+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Oceania II - Love Birds All too often we project our human emotions and behaviours onto animals. In many cases this is not only naïve, it can even be dangerous. However, when observing male and female gannets perform their 15-minute long greeting dance after having been separated, one can be forgiven to believe that these two love birds are truly glad to see each other. The female's eyes are half-closed in delight while the male is brushing against her neck - what a magical scene. Photographed near Napier, New Zealand. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi daily 0.75 2024-11-12 http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2024/pear-harbor-hawaii-usa monthly 0.5 2024-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/e7b181f2-a31f-4ffd-920f-5d2f9414f522/MSS+Arizona+in+2019+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, U.S.A. - Make it stand out Designed by architect Alfred Preis, the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona War Memorial opened its doors to the public in 1962. Mounted on top of the sunken wreck of the battleship USS Arizona, it is a vivid and emotional reminder of the horrors of war. The bodies of 900 of the ship’s 1,177 crew are still trapped in the submersed wreck. Oil, still escaping from the ship, can be seen in the top right of the picture. Draining the oil completely from the fuel storage has been ruled out for fear of triggering a major environmental disaster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/deed9f22-800a-4573-98b5-b2b0753b7c47/DSC_0417+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, U.S.A. - Make it stand out The decks of the USS Missouri were the site of Japan’s unconditional surrender while anchored in Tokyo Bay. An international fleet of almost 300 war ships came to mark the solemn occasion. At the desk is Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Behind him (with his hands folded behind his back) is General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces. The Japanese delegation signed the document first, followed by representatives from all nine Allied Nations. The signing ceremony lasted a mere 23 minutes. This picture is still displayed in the mess hall of the USS Missouri. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/6d208cd5-2de1-4ff0-a1cd-ea586c3411a4/Mighty+Mo+2019+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, U.S.A. - Make it stand out The USS Missouri is tied up in Pearl Harbor. Lovingly called the “Mighty Mo”, the battleship has seen active duty in WWII, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. She was one of the largest battleships ever built. The USS Missouri was retired in 1992 and now serves as a museum. The Pearl Harbor Naval Ship Yard can be seen in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/2728963b-2ad3-46b0-9249-e805d2be8cae/DSC_0415+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, U.S.A. - Make it stand out On the decks starboard to this battery of 19 inch guns, the Second World War came to an end on September 2nd, 1945. The USS Missouri had been in service for barely one year when it became the stage for an event for the history books. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2024/qaqortoq-greenland-denmark monthly 0.5 2024-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/77817270-b1d7-454f-9405-90ff1b36e8a3/DSC_0187+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Qaqortoq, Greenland, Denmark - Make it stand out As the morning fog lifts, huge icebergs become visible at the entrance to Qaqortoq harbour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/c461cd2b-c225-4bb8-8bc9-0f1b4a0cf6fe/DSC_0128+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Qaqortoq, Greenland, Denmark - Make it stand out The town of Qaqortoq in south-west Greenland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/cb3be5f6-5b4a-4fbb-8978-9cb8c8eafd43/DSC_4637+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Qaqortoq, Greenland, Denmark - Make it stand out Recent visitations by polar bears in towns like Qaqortoq, Greenland raise big safety concerns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/289cfa46-55d6-4e37-9b06-e14d54c2d089/DSC_0141+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Qaqortoq, Greenland, Denmark - Make it stand out Seniors gather to enjoy the August sun in Qaqortoq’s town square . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/32d46d5d-4b1f-43de-bcdb-002cf97b3f3c/DSC_0165+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Qaqortoq, Greenland, Denmark - Make it stand out The town of Nanortalik in south-west Greenland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/c32fcf0c-c9aa-41f1-bb46-a9ad25d6fb8c/DSC_0179+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Qaqortoq, Greenland, Denmark - Make it stand out The town of Nanortalik in south-west Greenland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/4356063d-0ff0-4155-b6ab-3af45cb7d7d1/DSC_0083+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Qaqortoq, Greenland, Denmark - Make it stand out During the summer of 2024, hundreds of giant icebergs occasionally blocked marine traffic entering Qaqortoq harbour. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2023/lanzarote-canary-islands-spain monthly 0.5 2023-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/f427807a-eb75-49ab-b8d1-a1b9d11e15a0/Lanzarote+in+Spain+326+PS.JPG Archived Stories VI - Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain - Make it stand out The serene and peaceful island of La Graciosa is located just north of Lanzarote. It was created by a volcanic hot spot and shows beautifully the type of landscape found throughout the region. The small village of Caleta del Sebo can be seen in the lower left of the picture. La Graciosa is one of the last islands in Europe without paved roads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/529f6f30-1856-47e3-9669-501b5633175b/Lanzarote+in+Spain+057+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain - Make it stand out Camel riding among Lanzarote’s craters is a popular tourist activity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/17a49215-7875-4a5c-b78b-58203f79269c/DSC_3401+PS+Lanzarote+Spain.jpg Archived Stories VI - Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain - Make it stand out Malvasia grape vines are planted into the fertile soil at the bottom of a hand-dug pit. The walls of the pit create the perfect microclimate for the production of high quality wines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/ec0494a1-6cc5-4a74-97ca-5afaf21c47b5/Lanzarote+in+Spain+213+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain - Make it stand out Thousands of hand-dug pits populate the landscape of the island of Lanzarote. At the bottom of each pit, and protected from the wind by semi-circles of volcanic rock, Malvasia grape vines produce some of the highest quality grapes. Malvasia wine is known worldwide for its unique character and taste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/f84c53dc-76f1-44e5-9ea8-cc54c4b5378d/DSC_3418+PS+Lanzarote+Spain.jpg Archived Stories VI - Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain - Make it stand out Many Europeans vacation on the island of Lanzarote to enjoy the hot climate, the surreal lunar landscape, the wine, and bike rides. I wonder what’s in the water bottle…. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2023/amazon-river-dolphins-rio-negro-brazil monthly 0.5 2024-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/c503407d-ec43-48cb-b57b-e158cc519832/DSC_0908+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Rio Negro, Amazonia, Brazil - Make it stand out Members of a local ribereños community take a dip to cool off under a dock along the Acará River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1959e565-58ee-4706-b1bf-928d3665a904/DSC_0986+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Rio Negro, Amazonia, Brazil - Make it stand out The fish market in the town of Belem, Para State, is one of many places where ribereños sell the fish caught in the Amazon tributaries. The vultures on the roof tops can hardly wait for the next fishing boat to arrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/3110dc9a-7f40-4ab6-8275-fd9bf29eadc2/DSC_1087+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Rio Negro, Amazonia, Brazil - Make it stand out The Amazon River dolphin is a critically endangered species. Their dwindling numbers (94% population loss since 2000) are caused by water pollution, overfishing, and killing by fishermen who use the dolphins’ meat as bait for catfish. A boto uses its teeth and strong jaws to crack open the shells of freshwater crabs and turtles. The colour of the water in this picture is caused by decomposed organic matter from the rain forest and is normal for the Rio Negro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/10d27b09-7f4a-4438-b684-8109ff8c39c4/41+DSC_1704+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Rio Negro, Amazonia, Brazil - Make it stand out The flooded Amazonian rain forest at night during rainy season. The female botos and their babies retreat to this part of the river for protection and to catch fish. The male botos mostly stay in the open part of the Amazon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/fec0c96e-84c0-4751-9389-7da3dbf99981/DSC_1231+PS1.jpg Archived Stories VI - Rio Negro, Amazonia, Brazil - Make it stand out A rare Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) in the Rio Negro, Amazonas State, Brazil. Pink dolphins, also called boto, start out with grey skin, but abrasions caused by swimming through flooded forests and fighting among males will expose the underlying pink skin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/0c9c7a93-0778-47e9-9fd7-f47f119e005d/14+DSC_9606+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Rio Negro, Amazonia, Brazil - Make it stand out A typical ribereños home along the Acará River near Belem, Para State, Brazil. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2023/antarctic-peninsula-antarctica monthly 0.5 2023-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/fcca3f78-b2a9-4241-91b2-d4c80c93c712/42+DSC_9567+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Make it stand out Waterfalls created by melting glacier ice in Admiralty Bay on King George Island, Antarctica. So far, 1/3 of the global sea level rise can be attributed to melting glaciers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/9abc0b69-3247-4fd8-968d-037e72e26cc2/38+DSC_9536+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Make it stand out Waves splash against the base of a large floating ice shelf in the Drake Passage between Cape Horn and Antarctica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/d2145e9b-f10e-43df-80c3-875d1445d87b/35+DSC_9417+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Make it stand out Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) on an ice flow in the Gerlache Strait, Antarctic Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/42bb4431-5cea-4a37-84c8-829fea96fe0c/6++DSC_1146+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Make it stand out Mountain Range on Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/3611667f-33ba-49f9-b5a0-e68ef4a36ebc/11+DSC_2772+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Make it stand out Male killer whale (Orcinus orca) at maximum speed. As a penguin or seal, you don’t want to see this racing towards you. Killer whales hunt in pods. They are known to bump ice flows from below to dislodge their prey. Males are easily identified by their 2 m (6.5 ft) tall dorsal fins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/8098efeb-f8fa-42eb-b3f0-30557ee577fc/29+DSC_9631+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Make it stand out A large chinstrap peguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) colony at the entrance to the caldera of Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. The island is an active volcano. The red colour is oxidized iron from the latest eruption (1969) while the green colour shows the presence of lichen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/234dc8ec-fb13-4bfa-8d3e-ad19edcfcee7/28+DSC_3194+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Make it stand out An iceberg from a fragmented ice shelf is lit up by the evening sun near Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1dfb3afa-e976-4b16-865a-81502b757cd1/27++DSC_3209+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Make it stand out A massive tabular iceberg in the evening light. Once part of a giant ice shelf resting on ocean water, this berg separated and will float in the open ocean and melt for years while contributing to the ongoing global rise in sea levels. The portion of these icebergs we can see, can be 100 m (300 ft) tall. Ninety percent of the iceberg mass is below sea level and cannot be seen. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2023/paracas-peninsula-peru monthly 0.5 2023-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1177b349-59d4-417a-82a2-c41c0a0114b1/DSC_4046LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Paracas Peninsula, Peru - Make it stand out Local fishermen pulling in their harvest not far from the Candelabra. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1fe8219e-c14f-41e9-aeea-7c7a317f2cef/DSC_8376+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Paracas Peninsula, Peru - Make it stand out It is beautiful where the desert meet the ocean. Sea birds nest in these cliffs at the edge of the Paracas Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/75e85707-8731-4ddf-8183-628361c14ade/DSC_8500+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Paracas Peninsula, Peru - Make it stand out The famous “Calendabra of the Andes” located on the slopes of the Paracas Peninsula facing the Pacific Ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/919902bd-7d83-49c6-a29a-531a8b7b879f/DSC_8494+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Paracas Peninsula, Peru - Make it stand out A closeup view of the Candelabra (…made possible by my powerful zoom lens) reveals animal tracks and footprint damage from uninvited visitors. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2020/robinson-crusoe-island-chile monthly 0.5 2023-02-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/69ce99e8-c13c-4bd1-b5f1-b4f31fd03518/2+DSC_9360+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile - Make it stand out Robinson Crusoe Island is part of Chile and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437208228-G96X6N40ZH619OAEP6XF/6+DSC_9007+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile This is a female “Juan Fernandez firecrown” (Sephanoides fernandensis). A VERY rare bird, indeed. While walking along the boardwalk, she perched on a branch in front of me and posed for a picture. The male of this species is bright red. Currently, only +/- 400 of this species remain alive on earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437500008-PMGXW25N2Z4CEIAM61CC/5+++DSC_0000+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile This valley is home to many endemic species which can only be found on Robinson Crusoe Island. In the foreground is “giant rhubarb” or “dinosaur food” (Gunnera peltata). The leaves can reach a diameter of up to 2 m (6.5 ft). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/f94746c7-9997-412a-88f0-b38928ef9aac/13+DSC_9345+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile - Make it stand out Robinson Crusoe Island is home to over 800 Chileans who catch spiny lobsters for a living and offer recreational diving services to the few tourists that find their way to this remote island. This road serves as a main tsunami escape route during an emergency. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2020/nazca-lines-paracas-peru monthly 0.5 2023-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585423977904-6PTKF83KGTTVU301TZGS/11+DSC_Lines+1+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Nazca Lines, Paracas, Peru The Nazcan people of Peru carved rectangles 30 cm (1 ft) deep into the desert floor and up hillsides two millennia ago. This was done by removing rocks and piling them in straight lines to form the lines' edges. The lines, rectangles, trapezoids and nature images at Nazca were created over a 700 year period. They overlap, erase, and cross each other. While many theories exist about the purpose for the lines, the archaeologists still don’t have a definite answer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585427856635-MZI2Z7R9MLDAGPJJ9SGN/14+DSC_8589+Spiral+2+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Nazca Lines, Paracas, Peru The Pan-American Highway starts in Alaska and ends in Patagonia, the southernmost tip of South America. The highway goes right through the Nazca Lines. The lines became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The more than 75,000 ha (185,000 acres) large site in the Sachura Desert is too big to monitor effectively. Vandalism can be seen in many places. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2020/iguazu-falls-brazil-amp-argentina monthly 0.5 2023-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585421878100-LRE514PUOJOP08978YTL/1q+DSC_6598+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina “Devil’s Throat” is the most spectacular of all the falls at Iguazu. The volume of water passing over the falls varies greatly throughout the year, depending on the season. Iguazu is the largest waterfall in the world because is has the most discreet (individual) falls: over 270 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585436482181-MMXX4S26H0Y15TWU20QJ/2a+DSC0598+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina Diaethria clymena, commonly known as “Cramer’s 88”, is a neo-tropical butterfly native to Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Paraguay. Iguazu Falls National Park is famous for its high butterfly population. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/50abcbf7-42dd-47e9-af6b-96735de41130/1n+DSC_6363+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2020/amazon-basin-brazil monthly 0.5 2023-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585436285278-DJ0IY7PG6M8OM6LLE4KM/23+DSC_9950+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Amazon Basin, Brazil The bullet ant (Paraponera clavata) is one of the most feared ants in the Amazon. Contact with the ant is very painful and can be fatal. It is used by the indigenous tribes during initiation rituals for boys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366996501-URQMIJK2TCN0PIQ0Y16D/49+DSC_9773+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Amazon Basin, Brazil Sunset over Amazonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/7ba1709e-6db5-4165-a5c1-f886d80b0007/DSC_2320+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Amazon Basin, Brazil - Make it stand out At the Poi Bumba Festival in Parintins, State of Amazonas, Brazil http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2020/carnival-in-rio-rio-de-janeiro-brazil monthly 0.5 2023-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/fdd73e6c-d995-4160-99d3-3cfdb7176d3f/1j+DSC_4411+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Carnival in Rio, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Make it stand out Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/97f6959c-676d-4cee-a807-7e0f3d61c513/DSC_0289+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Carnival in Rio, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365032892-S9KKI369694C1280VBXM/1o+DSC_7839+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Carnival in Rio, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Not everybody is enthralled by the Samba Schools’ peagants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585363950950-03GQBJA87S3EXUSVKU8P/3b+DSC_8494+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Carnival in Rio, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil The Flag Bearer, together with the Samba Master (not shown), lead the Samba School’s peagant into the Sambadrome in Rio De Janeiro. The role of the Flag Bearer is crucial as she sets the tone for the School’s performance and eventual rating by the judges. This is the Flag Bearer of the “Unidos De Bangu” Samba School. Bangu is a middle class neighbourhood in the western part of Rio De Janeiro. The school is the fourth oldest Samba School in Brazil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/bacc9d03-c969-40c4-a574-9e5d8da68c13/DSC_0389+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Carnival in Rio, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Make it stand out A samba school community is waiting to cheer for their parade team. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/d5569e45-c4d9-4b4b-a6de-de6e911068b2/DSC_0717+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Carnival in Rio, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Make it stand out “The eyes that see everything, the vision of truth and justice.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/02644ea5-dba3-4259-8e92-6af29fcf2c79/3c+DSC_8544+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Carnival in Rio, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Make it stand out A slave master leading newly captured slaves to the ship. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2020/antarctica monthly 0.5 2023-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585355022346-O05YA69LHQ6KMTVTFSBK/26+DSC_3213+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctica The mystery of icebergs in the Antarctic is enhanced by the fact that their beauty is created in total isolation. The elements are the artisans here. Crafted away from the eyes of the world, the icebergs’ existence goes mostly unnoticed, their beauty wasted on the eyes of penguins and whales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/3fe72e00-94b4-4622-a466-6ad480ec1a5e/5+DSC_1249+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctica - Make it stand out The Palmer Archipelago features a healthy polulation of humback whales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/6418ce8a-b533-4731-9b2a-6ca15af07403/8+DSC_4093+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctica - Make it stand out One of several Chilean research bases in the Palmer Archipelago on the Antarctic Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356044971-72SNM03LNCJC4ZVFLFYZ/17+DSC_2142+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Antarctica Gentoo Penguin http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2019/hubbard-glacier-alaska-usa monthly 0.5 2023-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/ccc243f6-7934-496c-8b66-93ccd784f8d5/DSC_4703+PS+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A. - Make it stand out Hubbard Glacier is the longest tidewater glacier in North America. The glacier’s massive terminus is 12 km (7 mi) wide and approximately 106 m (350 ft) high above the water line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561263881042-33PBTFG63GNETT9Y6UMI/34+Iceland+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A. Ice melting on a glacier in Iceland (north-east of Reykjavik). As the glacier melts, air bubbles filled with methane rise to the surface. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. Scientists fear that melting glaciers world-wide will release enormous amounts of methane, accelerating climate change. The black powder visible in the picture is volcanic ash, finally exposed after being entrapped in ice for thousands of years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561263449470-HG1RD0XPCXQQ6GERL06B/DSC_9799+PS.jpg Archived Stories VI - Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, U.S.A. Ice blocks crash into Disenchantment Bay with a thunderous noise. The amount of ice floating in front of the terminus gives a clue about the rate of calving taking place. Obviously, warmer, sunnier weather increases the rate of calving. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/archived-stories-vi/2018/mt-verde-cape-verde monthly 0.5 2023-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/5bba7d4b-b3f5-416b-98f0-9e71a6edc04b/DSC_0914+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Mt Verde, Cape Verde - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517876033107-2A620ZKNJ5QVNHB5T7PM/Cape+Verde+Pano+with+Rhyan+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Mt Verde, Cape Verde On Monte Verde, Ilha de Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Photo Credit: David Smith, Vancouver, B.C., Canada https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/ed9f25cf-baae-4673-87e9-753739517c1f/DSC_0851+LD.jpg Archived Stories VI - Mt Verde, Cape Verde - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1517891351648-0CQNWRBI33AGT886TC7N/20170218_43+a.jpg Archived Stories VI - Mt Verde, Cape Verde http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-archive-north-america-ii daily 0.75 2024-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561264678617-IC7MLHNNJ7U0B8PFJRFE/DSC_0114+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Valdez, Alaska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561264678617-IC7MLHNNJ7U0B8PFJRFE/DSC_0114+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Valdez, Alaska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561264727475-AVRPZPG15PFSMHDQ51UI/DSC_0323+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Homer, Alaska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561265070567-L38DYICKYYNKGEXGIMDH/DSC_0360+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - The Beauty of Ice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561265127489-NES4ZEB6JNFV0KSM65JD/DSC_0467+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Anchorage, Alaska Noisy oil drilling platforms are scattered throughout the Cook Inlet south of Anchorage. The Lake Clark National Park and Preserve offers a dramatic backdrop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561265332872-KHR8KTENZO2AY7V0GCWK/DSC_2022+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Stikine River near Wrangell, Alaska Icebergs from the Shakes Glacier near the border to British Columbia. This is Stikine River country! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561265447428-YIXKC18B8U8E2ZXNN1XL/DSC_2295+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Stikine River near Wrangell, Alaska A juvenile bald eagle takes off from his perch above the Stikine River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561265547251-7HONKM3UOBAXNRKYP7PC/DSC_2156+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Stikine River near Wrangell, Alaska Private cabins on land are not allowed in Alaska's Stikine/LeConte Wilderness. Floating cabins are permitted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561265750953-ET63Y2JUA3H2WGO39KB3/DSC_1562+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Taku Glacier near Juneau, Alaska On top of Taku Glacier. Dust and air pollution deposit on the ice surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561265871737-MGY05S0HE31NK326XI4Q/DSC_0626+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Haines, Alaska A brown bear sow with her cub (not in the picture) near the Chilkat River north of Haines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266059970-NSH937T2LE00B87BWZK8/DSC_0781+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Chilkat River near Haines, Alaska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266285427-BSM2ICV8G8F76PGDRLPV/Harvard_Panorama1.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Harvard Glacier Near Whittier, Alaska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266128269-J75DWSBY93TJH3NDJRT0/DSC_0641+PS2.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Haines, Alaska A frisky brown bear pup wants to play with mom after his bath in the Chilkat River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266492545-OAD9T4LSE1BE5PY96B6M/DSC_1329+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - The Beauty of Ice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266596527-WNB80J3GQEHZVN51OSFY/DSC_9994+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Thompson Pass Near Valdez, Alaska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266640543-12GVQ22PNOSC8MDAVFUT/DSC_0562+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Haines, Alaska Trumpeter swan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266701180-BAGWX1JEFO76T08SCMRP/DSC_1372+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Taku Glacier near Juneau, Alaska A moose near Taku Glacier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266829487-GR66CX3I79FIK6FZ2HYL/Untitled_Panorama1+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Haines, Alaska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1561266951488-MQ2IKYZ9KQW4T46WRAXP/DSC_1560+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II - Hubbard Glacier, Alaska https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310448680-2HD4QS32OWCMCUWJY2SC/DSC_0018+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310507670-IPZJRLDSICY3B9VJYH8J/DSC_0036+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310563612-D7B6QGBIKM1YNOL17E1M/DSC_0083+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310615801-VWQK6H6420F8ECU8BN11/DSC_0118+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310809296-ICW7WNGR2ONQ4O23CDCA/DSC_0126+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310862336-721NSZ40S2YFKHMJHQIK/DSC_0128+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310939775-6RQEBQIZB1FDDH4PBTZ4/DSC_0141+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310670284-3TLDVGOAU68YHRFYRQQH/DSC_0096+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311128234-AM41MB8GWYM0AZMCJJI4/DSC_0165+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731310948659-VQ4RFNBXTMI8WQ34PFN4/DSC_9928+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311133184-W4UO1JTT3IXQS83N3H71/DSC_0174+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311213089-M3YC88I6PQN5K6TJA5R6/DSC_0181+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311141998-TIXDXPHIZKOWKI8P6EAW/DSC_0179+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311209011-R6NP4U6X9PZKP4M8XH8I/DSC_0182+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311285317-CPZERAWLNU8LGEJA917K/DSC_0192+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311223605-F2AQM75N72WO0PDG44GC/DSC_0187+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311279869-GX91D0AN7R1G7JV032B6/DSC_0218+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1731311302723-7R4FVTQSGVEF463MON5L/DSC_0244+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - North America II http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-archive-antarctica daily 0.75 2023-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356272923-BC3GWVSEW932YAFVIP42/4+DSC_4136+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Antarctic Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356272923-BC3GWVSEW932YAFVIP42/4+DSC_4136+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Antarctic Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356190754-9AQQFFWXDY5E5L338E8D/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585416806674-3KK8VQ1XJYMYU4Z2EVWH/1++DSC_3814+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Early morning dawn (3:30 am in early February) over the snow-covered mountains of "Graham Land" on the Antarctic Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356382747-FWQJYLGYJJ6BDNO2HEG3/3+DSC_1141+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Antarctic Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356321098-XGQXJ7K1KNJR6YNOLLZW/2++DSC_3857+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I A tabular iceberg in the glow of the evening sun. Tabular icebergs can be 100 m (330 ft) tall. They have separated from giant Antarctic ice sheets as a result of a warming southern ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356438881-AS6CB8SPFHWW1EQS4JSU/5+DSC_1249+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Breaching humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Whales breach to communicate with other whales that are a further distance away and can’t be reached by conventional sonar. It takes an enormous amount of energy for a whale to put on such an above-water display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356496834-YRAONP115M0SQLGIFRU2/6++DSC_1146+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Antarctic Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356537682-UBWLAQG0NFFIRF07LWIF/7+DSC_3017+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I A leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) resting on an iceberg. Leopard seals can weigh as much as 350 kg (770 lbs). Leopard seals are known to shoot out of the water and attack seals and even humans that are too close to the waters edge. They are ferocious predators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356595338-LQT072CMFE6EI7FSKDQ2/8+DSC_4093+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The Chilean scientific research base in "Paradise Harbour". Note the penguins strolling all around the station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356625570-EYTFJB1FD1ILXXYVG5T0/9+DSC_1332+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I A chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus). Chinstrap penguins can live as long as 20 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356657949-1ZDV4JBCHOBNYK8KAOF2/10+DSC_1193+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Antarctic Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356700871-M4V8WHBPTZYY6FJYP6GM/11+DSC_2772+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Killer whale (Orcinus orca) at maximum speed. As a penguin, you don't want to see this coming towards you. Killer whales hunt in pods. They are known to bump ice flows from below to dislodge their prey (seals, penguins). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356807289-GNI7VHYFBB4IKWRFQB4Q/15+DSC_3290+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The mood changes quickly in this lonely, frozen landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356752748-VH7OSY5CZGK799YFQMV8/13+DSC_4035+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Paradise Harbour, Antarctic Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356847581-G9AOO2E9GZW5UVR6EJDN/16+DSC_3324+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I “Lemaire Channel” passage blocked by an iceberg. As with all icebergs, only 10% of the ice is visible above the water surface, the other 90% is submersed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356888419-MEAD03JEDFQX4XM75ZME/18+DSC_3284+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I “Copper Mountain” in “Neumeyer Channel”, Anvers Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356931956-HH5I9U9A8BM2V9V79AXO/19+DSC_3208+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Antarctic Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585356976224-J78BVFKLYDAN9EPPTFW1/20+DSC_1694+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585362433232-Y2KHFEJQOUEXUPXU8PR0/22+DSC_3451+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The mood changes quickly in this lonely, frozen landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585362504771-JD98BL6VG5P82JB9S5VU/23+DSC_3527+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The wreck of the burnt-out Norwegian factory whaling ship “Governoren” rests in “Foyn Harbour”. After a successful whaling expedition in 1915, the crew of 85 sailors celebrated their upcoming trip home on the lower decks - then, someone knocked an oil lamp off the table. The ship quickly caught fire and was totally destroyed. The ship’s holds were filled with whale oil which fueled the fire. All 85 crew were rescued by a nearby whaling ship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585362546235-Z936FXUCNKU30IZNIHTZ/12+DSC_2646+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Killer whale (Orcinus orca) with calf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675634264915-W0P70A516Z7WHWO0UXRI/21+DSC_3230+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585362748151-NWUVWNZF7TSW588T0BY4/26+DSC_3213+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The mystery of icebergs in the Antarctic is enhanced by the fact that their beauty is created in total isolation. The elements are the artisans here. Crafted away from the eyes of the world, the icebergs’ existence goes mostly unnoticed, their beauty wasted on the eyes of penguins and whales. These icebergs have flipped as melting shifted their weight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585362795229-LBCC62YP18PX79SBNG8S/29+DSC_4251+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The Argentinian scientific research base “Esperanza” at the most northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. This is where, in 1977, the first human baby was born on the Antarctic continent. By now (2020), 10 people can claim to have been born in Antarctica - this is less than the number of people who have walked on the moon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585362855686-4K8X6OE0SCV0OMH2T46F/30+DSC_4297+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The Greenpeace ship “Arctic Sunrise” on its way to “Esperanza”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585362947963-WOLI09BIY5JALSEMGIZ6/32+DSC_3899+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Another iceberg in the evening light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585362997804-9N7N2W4HOQD3T8BEPY79/33+DSC_4002a+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Snow petrels (Pagodroma nivea) are not only rare, they are also difficult to photograph. The birds love to do acrobatics in the displaced air of the ship and dive with enormous speed. “The snow petrel is the only member of the genus Pagodroma. It is one of only three birds that breed exclusively in Antarctica, and has been seen at the Geographic South Pole. It and the south polar skua have the most southerly breeding distribution of any bird.” Wikipedia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585363055316-3VLFW4ZK3EBUM3JO5B1M/34++DSC_3209+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I A tabular iceberg in the evening light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585363100970-LJMEODP9F23CPEOW25BM/35+DSC_3194+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Iceberg lit up by the evening sun near Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675628471277-3DB91X68PEXR0F0A0L7A/DSC_9631+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I A large chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) colony at the entrance to the caldera of “Deception Island”, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. The island is an active volcano. The red colour is oxidized iron from the latest eruption (1969) while the green colour shows the presence of lichen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675628593246-AB8ER1XDSHV6O2B7QTQA/17+DSC_2142+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Porpoising gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mi/h). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675628744390-V5TGG45KN58HIRNRGQFG/DSC_9812+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I When penguins head into the water to feed, there is strength in numbers. Leopard seals and killer whales can attack at any time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675628830886-5DIYLFT7W7X34VCEWIIN/DSC_9504+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Navigating a ship through floating icebergs is a challenge at the best of times. This is especially true in wind speeds of 75 knots (140 km/h or 87 mi/h). This is the very northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula where winds are funneled and dangerous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629056173-7JLJARHSFVSI917OTSI9/16+DSC_9380+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) at full speed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629100804-V7MXJH3WU0THFF74SG8J/21+DSC_9486+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The “Ocean Tramp” is an expedition sailboat cruising the Antarctic Peninsula. The vessel has room for 8 passengers and 3 crew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629142154-OQMWAT2A5UFQAJIWTG3U/18+DSC_9417+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) on an ice flow in the Gerlache Strait, Antarctic Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629272562-RG08T3QD1YJO5PN0FKKC/22+DSC_9409+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The mood changes quickly in this lonely, frozen landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629344114-X354YB1C5JM4HTC9Q3SK/DSC_9531+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Tabular icebergs can be 100 m (330 ft) tall. They have separated from giant Antarctic ice sheets as a result of a warming southern ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629383693-WRXA8J17DOE6PCQDWIHU/DSC_9536+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Waves are lapping at the base of a giant tabular iceberg. These iceberg can float in the world’s oceans for years until all of the ice is melted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629427008-BONVY533ETZOVE0UAW3P/DSC_9735+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I A chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) colony on “Deception Island”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629465950-WDC0FUZBNJUTABTK55GF/DSC_9884+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I Deception Island near the Antarctic Peninsula houses the largest chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) colony on the continent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675629689771-0F1JOGWCR3FEN1VZYS46/1+DSC_8978+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I A female killer whale (Orcinus orca) and her baby. The discoloration of the white spots is caused by diotoms (photosynthesizing algae) growing on the whales’ skin. It is believed that killer whales migrant north to the tropics in order to re-new their skin in warmer waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1675630961278-W0WOKWVJTC6F1QX59E1O/42+DSC_3993+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Antarctica I The southern giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus) is sometimes referred to as the vulture of the southern oceans. They feed off dead seals and the carcasses of birds and whales. This bird can reach an age of 26 years. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-archive-central-south-america-ii daily 0.75 2023-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365473775-2B9B9QH5KFGOBGEASH56/1i+DSC_7089+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365473775-2B9B9QH5KFGOBGEASH56/1i+DSC_7089+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365529600-C94FLPAQII1FBK5MH8YR/1i+DSC_7089+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Happy to be celebrating carnival at Copacabana Beach in Rio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365577453-4EMDEYRJX9EGQJ9EPKB3/1j+DSC_4411+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The Sambadrome is the primary venue for the annual carnival parade in Rio. The paved road is flanked by grandstands on both sides. They can accommodate 90,000 spectators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365646186-RS8HH7FLR4T164JQ3INY/1x+DSC_7385+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365696419-6BJCTPUFHKO7R6801T1O/1t+DSC_4454+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365810791-GD1ZH1EM5D7E3T4W56M9/1u+DSC_7720+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365886412-RHN7RCRIA5ZFTQW4MH8U/1y+DSC_7622+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585365952947-F8AU18V2BR1JZZY7UOOX/2c+DSC_8102+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Carnival in Rio. A person who wants to take part in the carnival parade, can buy the costume from a Samba School and march through the Sambadrome as part of the team. For many, it’s the highlight of their year. Still, it can be quite upsetting when the person, whose job it is to keep everybody in line during the parade, yells at you from the sidelines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366003640-FWGRMZJVJ9T5RODT4L4M/2d+DSC_7301+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366055491-18N6KM2L49FA0393DUPE/2g+DSC_7854+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366108594-4ZB1Y45FLOFBI0GN8PYG/2j+DSC_8338+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366165550-49KKZKM6QLGECQWLTV88/2n+DSC_7424+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366218446-V6XRMEL4UC30ZKX0P4EW/2i+DSC_4589+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366254847-NXG7ZLE6Q01A1E8FTTJJ/2m+DSC_8382+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366280194-DRRDIQDYRX8R0W7CYOZN/2o+DSC_7766+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366321066-K6M5D37UWPHVNUN2U3SY/2q+DSC_8136+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366358567-YZT622S4TSTWUF6LYJMY/2y+DSC_8289+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366387607-QBN1TPUBTZGLS4FBQSFQ/3a+DSC_8416+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366412895-XKOJC7FO3IT741H5VYSF/2z+DSC_8459+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366448831-X11SVANNJJV5G3FDBKQG/3b+DSC_8494+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Rio Carnival Flag Bearer The Flag Bearer, together with the Samba Master (not shown), lead the Samba School’s peagant into the Sambadrome in Rio De Janeiro. The role of the Flag Bearer is crucial as she sets the tone for the School’s performance and eventual rating by the judges. This is the Flag Bearer of the “Unidos De Bangu” Samba School. Bangu is a middle class neighbourhood in the western part of Rio De Janeiro. The school is the fourth oldest Samba School in Brazil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366499156-QZG32ZXIU45IKOZEN07V/3c+DSC_8544+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A scene from the Unidos De Bangu school’s parade. The theme was West African slave trade. The gentleman in the red/yellow costume appears to depict a tribal chief. Surprisingly, tribal chiefs played an instrumental role in the slave trade. They collaborated with slave traders and even facilitated the embarkation of slaves from enemy tribes. Brazil imported more slaves than any other country in the Americas and were the last to abolish it. Slaves were needed as labour in sugar plantations and mining. The slave trade lasted from the 16th century to 1888. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366571877-NAJZ1R15GJH26DSYODKI/2x+DSC_8080+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366626249-2LBIPU2LWGNMTKIFUAA9/3g+DSC_7229+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A mural depicting a Mursi woman from Ethiopia. It is part of the largest mural in the world, emphasizing the ethnical diversity of Brazil. The mural was created for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games by Eduardo Kobra, a world-renowned Brazilian graffiti artist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366668269-08PPQ5TM7S9WXL07KZK5/47+DSC_2320+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II At the Boi Bumba Folkloric Festival at Parintins, Brazil. Festivals like this allow the locals to celebrate and forget the harsh realities of their lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585366701625-L5IT8U81CC04MZ3HAR5F/2u+DSC_7822+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II - Carnival in Rio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585367844013-0KGHGOQCQ8BY2SOXUNJU/1a+DSC_6906+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Rio De Janeiro as seen from Sugarloaf Mountain. The left of the picture shows Copacabana Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368394233-FDMPK5WR0GKMGKIQ6298/21+DSC_9920+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Amazonian rain forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368443506-AAA4CST2LYXNT31JHYEL/5+DSC_0219+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Amazonian rain forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368521700-VT2CRZ75SHO75MTW9E23/23+DSC_9950+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The bullet ant (Paraponera clavata) is one of the most feared ants in the Amazon. Contact with the ant is very painful and can be fatal. It is used by the indigenous tribes during initiation rituals for boys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368559273-Y0J9GRNESC8KO6IIG4QL/29+DSC_2123+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A monk saki monkey (Pithecia monachus) happily chewing high up in a tree. These monkeys are known to prefer unripe fruit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368609513-BDTEXVAH031XMD0ST26A/31+DSC_2464+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Amazonian rain forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368645732-2HBXDYRITPX4CLWUM1KO/32+DSC_1120+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Children of the Dessana indigenous tribe in the Tupé Sustainable Development Reserve playing hopscotch on the shores of the Rio Negro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368690344-4F5PQ7OSBT5U87PTP8OQ/34+DSC_1150+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Amazonian rain forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368722954-ILA5P8JH2B7JHIRGLXJ9/35+DSC_4795+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Scene from the Dessana indigenous tribe’s village near the Rio Negro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368772787-A8VEYA3A40HN2NWNHAN0/37+DSC_1165+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Scene from the Dessana indigenous tribe’s village near the Rio Negro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368873169-17VN44XS5T0WBD8107MI/43+DSC_1944+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Alligator in the flooded forest near the Rio Negro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368929069-ZC7D71MR9PTURAODFS29/49+DSC_9773+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Sunset over Amazonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585369049437-GJ81HUH32CNX8XZ79I4U/2+DSC_0247+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A common resident of the rainforest: the slow-moving sloth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585369069006-PNJXI8XT8190QCQHPMHW/3+DSC01125.JPG Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Typical home of the ribereños (River People). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585369101418-0VTHUL8MYXTP2CIBH1ON/4+DSC_0073+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The many sidearms of the Amazon river offer preferred building sites for ribereños’ homes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585369144126-B0OVAWZVIDCWAGZO37Y7/6+DSC_0187+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Along the Amazon river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585369187686-0VEI6UO7GZUCJTG81AOC/6a+DSC_0173+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Typical home of the ribereños (River People). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585369239319-6U9RPNFKIZU89DF7VOL1/14a+DSC_9677+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Prepare for a heavy downpour when dark clouds move in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418437118-PD5X1OR7V06DHNK75NRN/7+DSC_0183+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Giant lily pads are a common sight in the calmer waters of the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418497203-I1OPF2OL1H6SZLTLY1G6/11+DSC_1140+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A macaw in the Dessana indigenous village on the Rio Negro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418543164-ADWCZM1IX6OZ87SUAT00/14+DSC_9606+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Typical home of the ribereños (River People). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418566418-VXUHZ4XND23GKBC1MUC8/14b+DSC01454+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Prepare for a heavy downpour when dark clouds move in. During the rainy season, the mouth of the Amazon River can be as wide as 150 km (93 mi). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418594639-6G2XR8KD7IYFDVFPI2RG/15+DSC_9643+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A 77-year old ribereño climbs an acai palm (Euterpe oleracea) near his home to harvest acai berries. Wild acai fruit is harvested and sold because they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418643812-US9VTVKAL21FB5D3P3C3/15a+DSC_9545+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The bustling city of Belem (population 2.5 million) near the mouth of the Para and Amazon rivers is the starting and end point for Amazonian river boats. Locals travel on these vessels sometimes a week or longer to reach destinations upstream. They bring their own food, sleep in hammocks in close quarters and form intimate communities as they move up and down this enormous stream. The river boats also deliver supplies and machine parts to remote villages along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418688632-S9APV0GCH3JL1T4ZNITE/15b+DSC01308+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Playing on a river boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418737109-KGTJ2QK1KIXV4QYGKXUB/16+DSC_0698+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A yellow-headed vulture (Cathartes burrovianus). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418782064-JQU5T5GDGPMVM1NRMGOT/17+DSC_9722+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The edge of the rain forest. Unless you have machete, the jungle is impenetrable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418834719-GXIW9TZY58A90KU9MWRP/18+DSC_2037+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Alligator in the Rio Negro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418866092-YDZPXGJIOR7W1K42760M/19+DSC_9902+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II In the Amazonian rain forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418904470-C20HE86D2MZRB88XH66Q/20+DSC_9937+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Only 16% of the Amazonian rainforest is protected. The Tapajós National Forest south of Santarem is part of the protected area. The forest is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). Chico Mendes was a Brazilian rubber tapper, trade union leader and environmentalist. He fought to preserve the Amazon rainforest and advocated for the human rights of Brazilian peasants and indigenous peoples. He was assassinated by a rancher on December 22, 1988 (Wikipedia). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418950430-QVAPRG1HGP3G4LDGWV47/22+DSC_9654+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II In the Amazon, tree canopies represent unique ecosystems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585418999307-5GVXBDDDPPUWKSG5KZKC/24+DSC_9931+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Amazonian rain forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419113081-D856I8D6G60ZC9FPHYPS/25+DSC_9915+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Amazonian rain forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419196841-DMI5J7EW6T5Z86JRGAQQ/26+DSC_9922+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The rubber tree in the Amazon was the cause for a major industrial boom around Manaus during the early 20th century. In the Amazon, Henry Ford founded entire villages for plantation workers to secure the supply of rubber for his motor cars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419241962-N8OLIA2X5L14FPVX9M2U/27+DSC_0792+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The thatch-roofed community building of the Dessana indigenous tribe in the Tupé Sustainable Development Reserve on the shores of the Rio Negro, 24 km (15 mi) west of Manaus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419269887-IQHW7GIXU2SZ3F9GZMDZ/28+DSC_0949+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The chief of the Dessana tribe in full head-dress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419315987-MJ296VPWYS6N1QN9D6P6/30+DSC_0969+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Scene from the Dessana indigenous tribe’s village near the Rio Negro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419372577-9O0ULFQN74AD5HS8DVCY/33+DSC_4859+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Scene from the Dessana tribe village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419411830-FGU24QZYR4H0CCBBTLSA/36+DSC_9657+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) is one of the biggest in the Amazon. It can reach a height of 61 m (200 ft) and grow 4 m (13 ft) per year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419459987-EV62RY5YV8FNWJLFMPU6/40+DSC_2087+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II This is Iurys Didier (55). Iurys grew up in the Amazon jungle as a member of an indigenous tribe. He was immersed in the indigenous culture for many years before leaving for the city. In Manaus, he worked as a bell boy at a hotel and learned English. Later, he returned to his roots but this time as a guide. Now he passes on the traditions of his people to foreigners like me. In this picture he demonstrates how poisoned darts are carved. The darts are notched to make sure they break off and stay in the body when the wounded person tries to remove the dart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419512315-GP8VVP8WS2223VGQADGZ/41+DSC_1704+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II On a nighttime alligator hunt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419555577-7WUAO7D1KAJLLA0LJC2C/42+DSC_1770+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II On a nighttime alligator hunt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419590700-GLPLMRFAQKZA62ICSBWE/44+DSC_9853+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Route 163 is the only road connecting Santarem with the rest of Brazil. Sadly, it also opens up vast areas of the rain forest to exploitation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419622632-SD42XYQ9BTQ0RNKTD5IS/44a+DSC_9995+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Logged and ready for burning: a cut-down piece of the tropical rain forest is being prepared for the seeding of soybeans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419654396-J1461IKTW4SVDSQTLRIR/45+DSC_9889+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A soybean plant. Brazilian farmers grow this lucrative crop to meet the needs of an ever-expanding beef market. More than 80% of soybean are used to feed cattle. Trump’s trade war with China (tariffs applied to soybean exports) have also ramped up soybean production in Brazil and further compromised the Amazonian rain forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419690222-CQVOCZ4H66F7BTOHGSM5/46+DSC_9787+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A soybean field. Three months ago, this field was occupied by virgin tropical rain forest. The lonely tree left standing is a Brazil nut tree, which is protected under Brazilian law. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585419729755-NQCFYDU4EL0ILT99YDNG/48+DSC_4890+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Cruising the Rio Negro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585368984403-EWDG5PJPP6E80JLHOEY2/1c+DSC_6748+PSa.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The Iguazu River on the Brazilian side. It is flowing through native rain forest on its way to the falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422463035-01WE74IFHX7LKHLQAZDV/1b+DSC_5990+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Cloud formations over the Uruguayan pampas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422494336-YJCMDLP74Q53NVHNJWXF/1daDSC_6158+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls’ “Devils Throat” with its plume of mist at sunrise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422534547-9G2CL7YQ6IP4ZQ8UW8OG/1e+DSC_6491+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The ring-tailed coati (Nasua nasua), a relative of our North-American racoon, is well represented (polite wording) in the National Park. They love to hang around people, waiting for food to drop from their hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422566308-OOV531ETCM0E5GKBDZKW/1f+DSC_6299+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422606403-SN26LX3Z0P36D5ZOHSE7/1g+DSC_6466+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) loves to perch in open trees with little or no foliage. They do very well in areas that have been partially cleared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422639051-BKKE2YS8X1ORYIKQGGM2/1h+DSC_6518+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422674012-65UY3YXIGK4E4T26J8LM/1j+DSC_6406+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Argentine white tegu lizard (Salvator merianea). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422703514-C9NOZTQW4RUPXJBQGTE2/1k+DSC_6119+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422740251-O5I2R9PSU1Y0Z2Q93CAZ/1l+DSC_6551+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II These plush-crested jays (Cyanocorax chrysops) do not seem to fear people. They seem to watch your every move. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422781650-YI4XFGSKBAQFC78GMP40/1n+DSC_6363+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422814988-645MGI0R8BMGJ6K3YHP1/1o+DSC_6394+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422860007-C3BMYE0PJHCKMSF6D12Y/1r+DSC_6186+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) loves to perch in open trees with little or no foliage. They do very well in areas that have been partially cleared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422882907-PSQQSYWB8XYXS3PFRCFD/1s+DSC_6374+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422917099-TIP8FUSMNZ5U3N358LEY/1t+DSC_6348+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422945600-WUUUGH9A9DWH9NCZR8ZC/1u+DSC_6501+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The female banana spider (Trichonephila clavipes) is huge and weaves a web with silk that has a tensile strength 8x stronger than steel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585422974032-B8M3YC6O3IINARC9ZOCO/1ua+DSC_6427+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585423011572-KR8UKTR90CHMRHGMTSED/1v+DSC_6372+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585423090052-JQI9VHUHNXC801PRRL88/1w+DSC_6366+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Iguazu Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585423126753-9ZD84WOMSNAT3FWKL5F7/1z+DSC_6618+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The plush-crested jay (Cyanocorax chrysops) does not seem to fear people. It seems to watch your every move. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585423156502-3SBZD9SACQZ73VWCVOVL/2a+DSC0598+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Diaethria clymena, commonly known as “Cramer’s 88”, is a neo-tropical butterfly native to Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Paraguay. This one has a “80” instead of an “88”. Iguazu Falls National Park is famous for its impressive butterfly population. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585423183256-NKLY2C6QUONJLWQ4GMA4/2c+DSC_6650+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II You can choose between “wet” and “dry” zodiac rides…I chose “wet”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585423215180-OKAVHBPOSDJX6TDCO4K4/2d+DSC0591+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II You can choose between “wet” and “dry” zodiac rides…I chose “wet”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678222338951-YFS22EIFJ619Q7BR04OS/DSC_1087+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) is an endangered species. Their dwindling numbers (94% loss in population since 2000) are caused by water pollution, overfishing, and killing by fishermen who use the dolphins’ meat as bait for catfish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678222429762-32XZALPM6PAMD3JEYYJY/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A great egret (Ardea alba) is in search of fish at the edge of the Amazon river’s flooded forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678222499285-EZP7IMSOYLMF89DXS2AS/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The giant Amazonian water lily (Victoria amazonica) is the largest member of the water lily family. The lily pads can be found in the flooded rain forest during the rainy season and can reach a diameter of up to 2.5 m (8 ft). The lily’s flower can be white or pink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678222843761-96FLZMTG4D38AJW9G5HG/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A rare Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) in the Rio Negro, Amazonas State, Brazil. Pink dolphins, also called Boto, start out with grey skin, but abrasions caused by swimming through flooded forests and fighting among males will expose the underlying pink skin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678222976986-8VZJJ3HJXYP6ZGO3EHWD/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A male wattled jacana (Jacana jacana) defends 4 eggs in the floating nest on a giant water lily in the Amazon river wetlands. The jacana’s nest floats to adjust to the different water levels during the wet and dry seasons. The water levels can change as much as 15 m (50 ft). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678223171454-GCKKJSLUAY6H5LN5DILQ/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The giant Amazonian water lily (Victoria amazonica) is the largest member of the water lily family. The lily pads can be found in the flooded rain forest during the rainy season and can reach a diameter of up to 2.5 m (8 ft). The lily’s flower can be white or pink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678223876762-D938FO83183Y6BMCHDB2/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II Locals take a refreshing dip under a dock in the Acara River near Belem, Para State, Brazil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678223949045-X82LUM7G5BDNGFDFQP6Y/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II The Pedra do Ver-o-Peso wholesale fish market in Belem, Para State, Brazil. The vultures on the roofs of adjacent buildings are waiting for the next fishing boat to arrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1678231829648-LF7EGY02NRHY2O7SBVQI/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Central & South America II A young Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis). The Amazon River Dolphins are actually toothed whales. They use their teeth to capture prey (mostly fish). http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-archive-central-south-america-iii daily 0.75 2023-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429345104-2YQCBMIHWI692S66HLU1/1+DSC_4670.JPG Gallery Archive - Central & South America III On the western slope of the Paracas Peninsula, within the Paracas National Reserve, a 200 m (656 ft) tall "Candelabro" was etched into the sand 2,000 years ago. Nobody knows why. The trenches are only 60 cm (2 ft) deep, but they survived two millennia of wind and sand drifts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429189795-LWR1M3GZE5HOJGC32M3J/1+DSC_4670+Candelabro+PS+LD.JPG Gallery Archive - Central & South America III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429345104-2YQCBMIHWI692S66HLU1/1+DSC_4670.JPG Gallery Archive - Central & South America III On the western slope of the Paracas Peninsula, within the Paracas National Reserve, a 200 m (656 ft) tall "Candelabro" was etched into the sand 2,000 years ago. Nobody knows why. The trenches are only 60 cm (2 ft) deep, but they survived two millennia of wind and sand drifts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429376029-G6SOSREP3VLDJVILMUEO/1a+DSC_8623+Calendabro+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III A close-up look at the "Candelabro" shows how the wind has blown sand into the trenches. Still, the shape of the figure is still clearly visible. The six black spots on the top right of the figure are vultures. They are not 2,000 years old. ;-) To the left we can see footprints left behind by recent human visitation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429428575-FPEU9EJ0MU6I3S48Z7ZQ/2+DSC_8440+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III As our plane approaches the Sechura Desert, the Nazca Lines become visible below us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429458489-ZKZDCH3AKW7M240OMYFZ/3+DSC_8460+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Straight lines, triangles, trapezoids, circles, and figures come into view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429485817-N0RIXTXCETL9G31SA1KW/4+DSC_8465+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The Nazcans carved rectangles 30 cm (1 ft) deep into the desert floor and up hillsides. This was done by removing rocks and piling them in straight lines to form the lines' edges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429511529-USNXO0WNMBSJ8SQ7WO3B/5+DSC_8489+Monkey+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III This geoglyph is known as the "Monkey". It is 110 m (360 ft) long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429539248-NYXZTWCTR39586ISBX4F/6+DSC_8492+Dog+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Dog” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585429563997-MZUUYHOL4ZTEWLTUZXOW/7+DSC_8469+Astronaut+2+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The "Astronaut" (also called the "Owlman") is unusual. It does not match the types of geoglyphs found elsewhere on the site and is located on the side of a hill. Some people believe the figure indicates extraterrestrial visitation or influence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431215982-Z73ORGS4962EP2KJRMXT/8+DSC_8441+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Triangles are visible to the left and right of the photo's center. From the tip of the triangles, long lines emerge that may go on for miles. This image clearly illustrates one of the major threats this precious UNESCO World Heritage Site faces: climate change. As rains become more frequent (as they have during the past few years), flash floods are likely to destroy the lines and geoglyphs. Also, with an increase in soil moisture, vegetation may grow among the lines and compromise the artwork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431250450-HGM4Y0XEGHBWG3FJ6ZDG/9+DSC_Whale+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The "Whale". The inclusion of this image is an indication of the Nazcan's awareness of the maritime environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431292831-4LHILF92O9TLU8PK9BY5/10+DSC_8505+Hummingbird+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The "Hummingbird" is probably the most famous of the geoglyphs at Nazca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431333400-SKE46IBDRHW7UMLTKH2C/11+DSC_Lines+1+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The Nazcans carved rectangles 30 cm (1 ft) deep into the desert floor and up hillsides. This was done by removing rocks and piling them in straight lines to form the lines' edges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431382899-234IK26VTD3K75D5AM03/12+DSC_8531+Condor+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The "Condor" geoglyph is 136 m (446 ft) in size. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431421039-4P5RYFHD328DM9CMHC50/13+DSC_8455+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The Pan-American Highway starts in Alaska and ends in Patagonia, the southernmost tip of South America. The highway goes through the middle of the Nazca Lines. Perhaps this was not a UNESCO World Heritage Site when the highway was built. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431454442-9BF843YC7CKQ8DFEZT5G/14+DSC_8521+Spiral+1+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Spiral” with the Pan American Highway in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431482001-XIK1ENGDY0DMKTHMK8AS/15+DSC_8589+Spiral+2+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The Pan-American Highway starts in Alaska and ends in Patagonia, the southernmost tip of South America. The highway goes right through the Nazca Lines. The lines became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The more than 75,000 ha (185,000 acres) large site in the Sechura Desert is too big to monitor effectively. Vandalism can be seen in many places. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431547101-FHFIXAXRRTVS0XDIV29W/16+DSC_8499+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The Ingenio Valley just north of the Lines utilizes runoff water from the Andes to grow crops. With people living in the area, it is difficult to understand why the Lines were only discovered as late as the 20th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431579700-85YL16RGZ68TJCBENDHY/17+DSC_8538+Spider+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The "Spider" is 46 m (151 ft) in length. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431622762-C1QBBR69KVNJGDT7Q2SR/DSC_8443+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Several lines lead to rocky outcroppings on the desert floor, indicating this to be the nucleus of the design. It is possible that the rocky hill served as a place of worship for the Nazcans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431655976-2XVCCJYVSV2ESSFOS608/DSC_8479+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The purpose of lines in the middle of nowhere still represents a fascinating mystery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431685268-0YYXM23Q3KE0TMDDFFRA/DSC_8546+Tree+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Tree” with the “Hands” in the top left corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431742625-2CYBZ5V9TX5R6NAMXMCE/DSC_8549+Parrot+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Parrot” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431787069-PWEH7DM7MQ45KJTQRATI/DSC_8562+Frigate+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Frigate Bird” is 300 m (985 ft) long and 54 m (177 ft) wide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431823215-E14Z3RHSLY5X0CJT0R2H/DSC_8567+Flamingo+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Flamingo” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431857476-NT38EUUUXRVKFOT6ISUI/DSC_8576+Flower+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Flower” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431889584-8JQU2G3G6840HCFFZ4GG/DSC_8579+Tree+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Tree” with an elevated viewing platform on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431920054-EXBAQ602HI25WMZBKRV1/DSC_8588+Lizard+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The "Lizard" was partially destroyed when the Pan-American Highway was built. At the top of the picture is a geoglyph depicting a tree. The towers on the left side of the picture show observation towers which allow visitors to view the geoglyphs from above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585431959292-83IGBOF074Y9EEDMI8BG/DSC_8591+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Closer to the town of Paracas, vineyards are irrigated from aquifers in the middle of the desert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437823181-6JLJEH273E5666SCIYJO/2+DSC_9360+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The view from Cumberland Bay towards San Juan Bautista, the only populated town on Robinson Crusoe Island (off the west coast of Chile). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437850025-NY9RS8UAQLSJWKM0KR36/3+DSC_8984+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The hike to the National Park takes about 1 hour and requires an ascent of 300 m (1,000 ft). The picture shows the rustic entrance to the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437877438-89NXNL5D2R2ZFP5H7KRX/4+DSC_9330+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The National Park is located in a valley with lush sub-tropical forest. The start of the boardwalk through the forest can be seen in the lower right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437969357-P749N9Y9Z9H70TTH1J0H/6+DSC_9007+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III This is a female “Juan Fernandez firecrown” (Sephanoides fernandensis). A VERY rare bird, indeed. While walking along the boardwalk, she perched on a branch in front of me and posed for a picture. The male of this species is bright red. Currently, only +/- 400 of this species remain alive on earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438185112-YJTUX5YAN37NYLP5PGP8/16+IMG_20200124_1759216+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The island’s volcanic origins are evident in the deep valleys and remnants of calderas rising abruptly from the ocean floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437905176-ZS68RHA4TR1LBXTM0XO1/5+++DSC_0000+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The valley is home to many endemic species which can only be found on Robinson Crusoe Island. In the foreground is “giant rhubarb” or “dinosaur food” (Gunnera peltata). The leaves can reach a diameter of up to 2 m (6.5 ft) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437942441-26E97VP3BN19G11IMTTW/5a+DSC_9321+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The fruiting structure of Gunnera peltata. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438157946-37FDJK7Q7T5H2Y9M6F1X/14+DSC_9362+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III View of Robinson Crusoe Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585437986926-V18PNF29GYFMSU61P7TH/7+DSC_9210+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The boardwalk through the National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438009186-9G37NQPM5ZZG44MDXEK1/8+DSC_9092+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III A more prevalent hummingbird species on Robinson Crusoe Island is the “green-backed firecrown” (Sephanoides sephanoides). It occupies the same territory as the S. fernandensis, but is, for some reason, less vulnerable to attacks by rats and feral cats. This is a female. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438025297-4FRE6ONCUOAATL3HIBYO/9+DSC_9205+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III This plant is locally known as “Juan Bueno” (Rhaphithamnus venustus). It is a member of the verbena family and only exists on Robinson Crusoe Island. It, too, is threatened by habitat loss due to the introduction of invasive plant species (especially blackberry). The bright blue-violet flowers are a main source of nectar for the critically endangered Juan Fernandez firecrown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438047833-REA8FMODAH6MK4K1ASB1/10+DSC_9139+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The male green-backed firecrown features bright red-orange feathers on his forehead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438109267-YHRBI6JN552ZDF8ZB0T4/12+DSC_9335+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The view of Cumberland Bay from approximately 300 m (1,000 ft) elevation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438135443-OBTKKK7CYE9UQ640HIVX/13+DSC_9345+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Main street in San Juan Bautista. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438396755-494V2CZEOWYK1ZXEVFH8/4+DSC_6415+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The ceiba tree in Panama (Ceiba trischistandra) is special. It loses its leaves during the tropical dry season but continues to photosynthesize through its green trunk and branches. When the tree is young and immature, it is covered with significant spikes, protecting the soft wood from damage by animals. The tree also produces cotton-like fluff which was used to stuff pillows and dolls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438430044-YV585EXMCBSFFZQF9UXZ/5+DSC_7164+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The ceiba tree in Panama (Ceiba trischistandra) is special. It loses its leaves during the tropical dry season but continues to photosynthesize through its green trunk and branches. When the tree is young and immature, it is covered with significant spikes, protecting the soft wood from damage by animals. The tree also produces cotton-like fluff which was used to stuff pillows and dolls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438451783-IFLF0QL3MGG4BSLCTXGB/6+DSC_7404+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Park de la Reserva” is a park in downtown Lima, known for its spectacular and distinct fountains. At night, many of the 13 fountains dance to music and are lit up by colourful lasers. Some fountains are interactive, inviting visitors to enter and play in the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438473106-J3NGMETOEOBFE1FTFR2B/7+DSC_7469+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Park de la Reserva” is a park in downtown Lima, known for its spectacular and distinct fountains. At night, many of the 13 fountains dance to music and are lit up by colourful lasers. Some fountains are interactive, inviting visitors to enter and play in the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438484962-9YITNSHTA58YX3HJISBH/9+DSC_7574+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Park de la Reserva” is a park in downtown Lima, known for its spectacular and distinct fountains. At night, many of the 13 fountains dance to music and are lit up by colourful lasers. Some fountains are interactive, inviting visitors to enter and play in the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438534479-PTN41M80Z35AC2C4XGVH/10+DSC_7711+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The “Park de la Reserva” is a park in downtown Lima, known for its spectacular and distinct fountains. At night, many of the 13 fountains dance to music and are lit up by colourful lasers. Some fountains are interactive, inviting visitors to enter and play in the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438571440-ZCCV5XCVO0C5PCJSFDG3/12+DSC_7991+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III A pair of red-legged cormorants (Phalacrocorax gaimardi). Among these birds, there is no visual difference between male and female. They do not live in colonies as most of their 40 cormorant cousins do. These fishers are very attractive and feature beautiful eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438600212-3X2F6GQDW7W26GJNZU1J/13+DSC_7855+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Fishermen maneuver their rickety wooden boat among the islets of the Palomino archipelago. They dive into the ice-cold water to collect scallops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438630166-0XDULQALANGTZ1C49UUY/14+DSC_8008+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Inca terns (Larosterna inca) on Palomino Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438645748-BL1063BITOC7CS1RT5JT/15+DSC_8279+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Peruvian boobies (Sula variegata) are abundant along the South American coast. They dive-feed for mackerel and anchovies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438673317-1B9D2NZW4HL48VM99E78/16+DSC_8658+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Here, at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Astronomical Observatory near Vicuña, Coquimbo, Chile, a new supernova was discovered in the galaxy ESO 365-G16, located 370 million light years from Earth. It has a mass eight times that of our Sun. The discovery was made on Saturday, December 7, 2013. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438699140-EXGXTNZ04WPFW4R80F1R/18+DSC_6910+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III At low tide, a striated heron (Butorides striata) eyes a crab in the mud flats of Isla Corazon near Puerto Portovelo, Ecuador. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438728688-49FUXBJOF7ZY9E5ZWRYX/21+DSC_6695+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III White ibis (Eudocrimus albus) at Isla Corazon, Ecuador. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438750322-GB6TEKDGD9VXK6HMG6LJ/23+DSC_9395+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III This is the perfectly shaped volcano “Osorno” near the Chilean town of Puerto Varas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438770148-RP5DV2ZK2UYEBBTR9POG/23a+DSC_9459+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III This is the perfectly shaped volcano “Osorno” near the Chilean town of Puerto Varas. Lake Llanquihue is in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585438791943-ZYGJLXW1IPEV5B9RRUKQ/24+DSC_9785+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Run aground on the rocks in 1963 near the town of Puerto Eden (in the southern Chilean Fjords), the “MV Captain Leonidas” rests in the Messier Canal. The German-built vessel (built in 1937) was ship-wrecked by its own captain in an insurance fraud. The sinking of the ship, which had sugar in its cargo hold, went wrong. All 25 crew were rescued by the Chilean Navy and the captain was thrown in jail. He lost his captain’s license for life. The wreck now serves as a solar-powered lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439008604-V2Y6PGCDCPLD0PTBL9MM/1+DSC_0425+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439024239-EBLW7E16T0IU88GYQ0Y0/3+DSC_0931+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439047383-ZYTH5311T57TAVDYWDVY/4+DSC_5118+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439079287-1G1JEEP068S73EE7KNU9/5+DSC_5191+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III They are the sentinels of the world’s oceans, the essence of beauty and grace, soaring for days without effort while travelling thousands of miles across the southern hemisphere. Soon, the black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris), which is the most common of the albatross species, may have a novel reason to roam the cold sub-Antarctic waters: to spy on illegal fishing. It all began with simple GPS devices attached to the birds to track their movements across the southern oceans. Scientists soon realised that approximately 80% of the birds follow fishing boats to snatch discarded fish and fish waste. It was long suspected that many boats fishing illegally in “Exclusive Economic Zones” (EEZ) turn off their automatic beacons (transponders) for fear of detection and thus escape enforcement. This led to the idea of attaching radar detectors to albatrosses (the captains of illegal fishing vessels generally leave the radar turned on to avoid collisions with icebergs or other ships). The solar-powered equipment, which weighs only 65 grams and is attached to the birds’ backs, is monitored via satellite and allows authorities to determine which fishing vessels have their transponders turned on, and which ships do not. During a recent research project, scientists monitored 169 “equipped” albatrosses and determined that 1/3 of all ships plying the Southern Ocean have their transponders turned off while fishing illegally. As it turns out, albatrosses may very well become a new weapon for authorities in their fight against illegal fishing and, by consequence, help slow the depletion of ocean resources. Good news in a world awash with bad environmental predictions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439115388-O00RQ8CG9Y8D13NDY8WX/6+DSC_0964+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The most southern manned lighthouse in the world is precariously positioned on the rocks of Cape Horn. Maintained by the Chilean Navy, the station consists of a residence, utility building, chapel, and lighthouse. This remote and wind-swept place is home to a navy officer, his wife and young daughter. Nobody else lives on the island which represents the very most southern tip of South America. Cape Horn is the northern edge of the Drake Passage, the narrowest part between the South American Continent and the Antarctic Peninsula. Enormous quantities of water pushed through this narrow strait by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, whip up strong winds and huge waves. With wind speeds reaching up to 220 km/h (137 mi/h), through the centuries, it is no wonder that an estimated 10,000 sailors have lost theirs lives trying to round the Cape. To honour the souls lost in these waters, a touching memorial was installed near the Cape Horn lighthouse in 1992. Consisting of 10 seven-meter high metal plates, the memorial depicts an albatross with its wings spread out. The plaque near the structure reads: I, the albatross that waits at the end of the world I am the forgotten souls of the sailors lost, Rounding Cape Horn from all the seas of the world. But die they did not in the fierce waves, For today towards eternity, in my wings they soar, In the last crevice of the Antarctic winds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439145075-BL3H7VPJHBGDN4CANVH9/7+DSC_0804+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III With wind speeds reaching up to 220 km/h (137 mi/h), through the centuries, it is no wonder that an estimated 10,000 sailors have lost theirs lives trying to round the Cape Horn. To honour the souls lost in these waters, a touching memorial was installed near the Cape Horn lighthouse in 1992. Consisting of 10 seven-meter high metal plates, the memorial depicts an albatross with its wings spread out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439169774-3X56YQ2414S6PRKJQJHE/8+DSC_0865+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Rocky outcroppings lashed by ocean waves near Cape Horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439190773-M6HJ8Y42ENPF3VNGB7VG/9+DSC_0972+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The memorial and lighthouse at Cape Horn are bathed in the last rays of the evening light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439218200-HROKSUEZ0BJ5SSL9T36R/10+DSC_0879+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Rocky outcroppings lashed by ocean waves near Cape Horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439244645-QMS5M4QK139XUAYU68NJ/11+DSC_1033+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III At the terminus of the Pan-American Highway there is a boardwalk leading to a beautiful view of the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia, Argentina. This is literally the end of the road for many adventurers who travel the highway by bike, motorcycle, car, or camper from Alaska to Ushuaia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439287761-K1XHIX9JHIKDHU3ZZWBH/13+DSC_1111+PSa.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III The town of Ushuaia (Argentina) is the gateway to Antarctica for many scientific supply vessels and tourists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439319142-WSPR893T5RLJMA28B59I/14+DSC_5749+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III This Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) caught a tiny fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439341670-QSJMP9VVEEZVXGO8DPPX/15+DSC_9983+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III This Magellanic penguin mom is helping her chick shed the baby fluff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439365214-ZWVRFLWU9I7J7E3MOX05/16+DSC_4320+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Falkland Island landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439387571-NATRVD4UK7E4X3KTWNFT/18+DSC_4494+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439417176-WSSUT162UL3RPMBZSMCD/19+DSC_4525+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439469342-CTEJRMJRC0V01D6NSLRE/20+DSC_4540+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439530745-33AIY8YZ5WCIS5LSI375/21+DSC_4726+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Moulting juvenile male southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) on East Falkland Island. Fully grown male elephant seals can weigh as much as two hippopotamuses. Seemingly helpless on land, they become agile and skilled swimmers in water. Males spend as much as 80% of their time in the ocean where they can dive for up to two hours to a depth of over 1,600 m (1 mile). They only come on land during the breeding season. Breeding males are called “beachmasters” and can weigh 10 times as much as a female. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439589926-X4SMRHETPXK7Z18X1OXN/22+DSC_4720+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Juvenile male southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) on East Falkland Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439647126-PIWM86OXKW5KARIP31KL/23+DSC_4729+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III Moulting juvenile male southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) on East Falkland Island. The nose of this elephant seal is infested with a parasitic mite which causes the seal to suffer from a thick nasal discharge and frequent snorting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1585439693520-71VFGM4G7SH26R86IN14/24+DSC_4851+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Central & South America III On the Falkland Islands, turkey vultures (Cathartes aura falklandicus) perform an important function in the environment: they clean up messes. Here they work on the remnants of a sheep carcass. With over 500,000 sheep roaming across the wilds of the Falkland Islands, there is never a shortage of food. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-archive-africa-iv daily 0.75 2023-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702671481327-6V6QTHYW24ZCF659NJHM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702671481327-6V6QTHYW24ZCF659NJHM/image-asset.jpeg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702672263785-XGA7WTBXVLLQU9W77G8Q/DSC_4199+PS+Red+Colobus+Monkey+in+Zanzibar.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702672377746-6HZ1QSOG0WKRX3O7EFZF/DSC_4243+PS+Red+Colobus+Monkey+in+Zanzibar.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702672503735-50KTEJMKAH49N6KYKKZG/DSC_4337+PS+Gecko+on+Nosy+Komba+in+Madagascar.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702672654888-7NNCNEYYDU40VV4KYTGQ/DSC_4384+PS+Lemur+on+Nosy+Komba+in+Madagascar.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702672769551-LRLWS8KD5IJN6QVTQXFV/DSC_4428+PS+Chameleon+on+Nosy+Komba+in+Madagascar.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702673096693-K1CE7H8MAH4039DUCQVA/DSC_4435+PS+Lemur+on+Nosy+Komba+in+Madagascar.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702673206636-77JNWHJPRPLCORZALVJN/DSC_4881+PS+Crocodile+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702673293925-9JK1WLVPZJAACM74P62A/DSC_4997+PS+Warthogs+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702673447763-NHM83Y01V05IKT6HNE9R/DSC_5260+PS+Elephants+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702673508746-ROXRJ5OK0CYARQXQCSCF/DSC_5324+PS+Baboons+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702676958090-Y9D2WGQ3HKWXVU8G4DTS/DSC_4359+PS+Lemur+on+Nosy+Komba+in+Madagascar.JPG Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702676995842-4SLIBFPL74GV1LAUWAGF/DSC_5414+PS+Black-Winged+Stilt+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677044492-BOCE0CVWD7DHIOKIFL96/DSC_5418+PS+Elephant+Camp+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677082217-XK85Q1FOW3CV1BEP02SI/DSC_5480+PS+Giraffe+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677214865-BZ21AH86N3T8Y5LLUEO0/DSC_5632+PS+Vervet+Monkey+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677245300-90OGUIW7NBNEJSCR52VJ/DSC_5663+PS+Purple+Heron+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677288978-OAPPMKE2EW4BN6TGBSHX/DSC_5735+PS+African+Jacana+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677337014-PV46I24SEX27SFSR4DPY/DSC_5699+PS+Hippo+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677391107-QWIHFIJ9Y6BHANVKT00S/DSC_5769+PS+African+Fish+Eagle+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677440198-KKDIML18VRDGCX2X4Q0L/DSC_5786+PS+Cape+Buffalo+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677540686-IUG1S67L9TDCQI2HTMJG/DSC_5810+PS+Hippo+in+Botzwana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677578132-17WS02H61INECSQSBOMG/DSC_5868+PS+Elephants+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677602375-QPHDBHAKE5PZOBF3NLET/DSC_5879+PS+Elephants+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677632324-85D81H0S7XPTNUTUGLKL/DSC_5906+PS+Elephants+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677669864-AGQ56QWBKB7II59CFCD7/DSC_5919+PS+Elephants+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677696021-CUVU2LQL7YQYULA9BOTP/DSC_5958+PS+Elephants+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677736052-IK30SOC9YEFEZ7YJOZ1Q/DSC_5973+PS+Cape+Buffalo+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677760785-3Z0Y71B4GG8S854BP1QA/DSC_5984+PS+Marabou+Stork+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677787385-IQPJE9OCMS0EATKQVXRL/DSC_6048+PS+Elephant+%26+Baby+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677816873-Y6NG1N2PODL9Y9QOOZKR/DSC_6248+PS+Elephants+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702677938210-ACCIZ9DIZE9H6GEK0KLF/DSC_6250+PS+Elephants+%26+Baby+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702678002244-TZZLAY4TA8RY1DIB5AWO/DSC_6354+PS+Baobab+Tree+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702678038433-KNJM370AVDZYNAQZWL76/DSC_6359+PS+Ververt+Monkeys+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702678079264-BNPPXW50NVUZ1AQDPCRE/DSC_6401+PS+Common+Kudu+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702678198663-PRI7LEZTIT6G0860CNU0/DSC_6390+PS+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702678247667-8XEUS24CO8K3JC8QU46F/DSC_6447+PS+Giraffe+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702678315159-QGZW3N018YXT5IBXGKTK/DSC_6452+PS+Giraffe+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736921681-WEIFLFGOQFY6ZABANL72/DSC_8674+PS+Hyena+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736921769-ML3Z94RXVSNU82U0IC6H/DSC_8701+PS+Ostrich+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736930371-KWYCNIHQWXDH8ME62ZIE/DSC_8713+PS+White+Rhino+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736930445-B5G37SAXCNWVICF4SY3A/DSC_8752+PS+White+Rhino+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736935901-G085MCQMNAORIB2RX29H/DSC_8754+PS+Ostrich+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736936389-CAY1505WWE1W42B3WS5C/DSC_8756+PS+Zebra+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702737817814-HL2CB118IWKZZ5PE3K7F/DSC_8813+PS+Roan+Antilope+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702737819704-C9Z52MJBUY880UAL58YZ/DSC_8818+PS+Patas+Monkey+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702737830423-0AVX8O66YFM13AH4NCWQ/DSC_8870+PS+Derby+Eland+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702737833356-SN92UO7LJ006PYBMYQ9T/DSC_8931+PS+Savanna+Buffalo+Bull+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702737839461-KET52KDAA6J1Z2RWEVNT/DSC_8964+PS+Giraffes+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702737840131-AXXX3BI1AVOO6O3RAVHY/DSC_8987+PS+Savanna+Buffalo+Bull+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702737850462-AZO12XTVOCOXQ1OPEFXU/DSC_9029+PS+Boabab+Tree+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves III http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-archive-game-reserves-ii daily 0.75 2023-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679253285-37NLWD2N9OD8SFKWVVWK/DSC_6558+PS+Etosha+Pan+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Straight Ahead With nothing to obstruct the road from the landing strip to the Onguma Game Reserve in Northern Namibia, it is a short drive to the lodge. The 34,000 ha (84,000 acres) reserve is located directly to the east of the well-known Etosha National Park. The fence to the left marks the boundary of the national park. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679253285-37NLWD2N9OD8SFKWVVWK/DSC_6558+PS+Etosha+Pan+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Straight Ahead With nothing to obstruct the road from the landing strip to the Onguma Game Reserve in Northern Namibia, it is a short drive to the lodge. The 34,000 ha (84,000 acres) reserve is located directly to the east of the well-known Etosha National Park. The fence to the left marks the boundary of the national park. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679400818-DMKGB1MT9TTIDR2UR8EH/DSC_6577+PS+Elephant+Damage+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Farmers Have a Point One of many causes for a decline in the African elephant population is animal-human conflict. Elephants not only wreak havoc in farmers’ field, they also destroy trees and shrubs. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679453388-5Q6DB4USFPIWEQNQNEDM/DSC_6646+PS+Hammerkop+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Fond of Water The hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) is a mid-sized wading bird living close to wetlands. They build enormous nests in the African savanna. Both male and female incubate and raise the chicks. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679473510-KG91IRM3EX9DWWC9UTLC/DSC_6678+PS+Mongoose+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - It's a Pile of Mongoose The banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) lives in small groups of 20 individuals, on average. They sleep in dens (burrows) and abandoned termite mounds, but change sleeping quarters every 2 to 3 days. When new shelter cannot be found, they sleep above ground on top of each other with their heads facing outward. African wild dogs are the mongooses’ main predator. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679507650-QNRPWV9WH8VOILRU2C1T/DSC_6639+PS+Etosha+Pan+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Poacher's Territory Poaching is a dangerous occupation, but how do you spot poachers in a 34,000 ha (84,000 acres) game reserve? To avoid detection, poachers strap animal hooves to their shoes. If spotted, unarmed poachers are arrested and turned over to police. Armed poachers usually put up a fight and end up dead. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679539705-EL3HWFQD78SWRXACP9VW/DSC_6799+PS+Zebra+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II Burchell's zebras (Equus quagga burchellii) Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679617307-1WOEGQM66P3YWUGCG7BY/DSC_6838+PS+Wildebeest+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Bottom of the Food Chain? The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) can run up to 80 km/h (50 mi/h) and lives, on average, 20 years. The list of predators chasing after wildebeests is long. No wonder they are such wary animals. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679649892-E5NTN3YPHOBHOAU15ERH/DSC_6850+PS+Black-Faced+Impala+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Don't be so Picky With only 1,500 individuals roaming the savanna of Etosha National Park and a total of 3,000 remaining world-wide, the black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi) is an endangered species. Still, it is one of Namibia’s greatest conservation success stories. The black-faced impala was nearly wiped out in the 1960s when only a few hundred of this rare antelope species were left. Being picky about their habitat and water supply doesn’t help, of course. Newborn lambs also have a very high mortality rate (75%). Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679687269-8BROLVL8NO5G80P1JUYD/DSC_6875+PS+Kori+Bastard+in+Botswana.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - A Bird that Walks Being the heaviest flying bird in Africa isn’t easy. After all, the kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) weighs up to 19 kg (42 lbs) and getting off the ground is a reluctant affair. Once airborne though, the kori bustard’s flight is effordless. Chobe National Park, Botswana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679825381-O464XSQZPO38AGSER2HO/DSC_6884+PS+Kudu+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Two and a Half Twists The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a large woodland antelope. Male kudus can weigh as much as 270 kg (600 lbs). As they mature, the kudus’ horns feature two and a half, sometimes three twists. Kudus have a lifespan between 7 and 8 years in the wild. They can’t outrun their predators, but are difficult to spot among the trees. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679866868-Z2LXKBX6PQR1KLLY857D/DSC_6889+PS+Springbok+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - I Love Pronking The springbok or springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis) is known for a very peculiar behaviour called “pronking”. Out of a standing position, the springbok jumps 2 m (6.5 ft) vertically into the air. While airborne, the animal’s legs are stiff and the back is curved. The purpose of this exercise is not clearly understood, however, it is believed that pronking happens mostly when the animal is excited or raises alarm about an approaching predator…or maybe the springbok just wants to get a better view. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679582781-UF64Y3LRZY4QXROR7BTB/DSC_6820+PS+Etosha+Pan+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Etosha National Park, Namibia Road leading into the Etosha National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702679900249-EKE5MQ9WGKUDMPBSBXPF/DSC_6902+PS+Zebra+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Together Burchell's zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) with foal. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680141062-JFT0QHX1MD0Y3NFKUB5B/DSC_6929+PS+Zebra+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Happiness is Being a Member of a Herd Burchell's zebras (Equus quagga burchellii) Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680176863-73MQQOQEF60Q46YW0KV9/DSC_6933+PS+Zebra+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Best to Look at Life from Both Sides Burchell's zebras (Equus quagga burchellii) Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680208561-ZCY6B340JS17S8QY6ML7/DSC_6971+PS+Hartebeest+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Don't Mess With These Horns The red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) has a peculiar long but perfectly straight forehead. As a large antelope, the red hartebeest lives in the south African savanna and can reach a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This antelope is mostly non-aggressive, but can get into fights with other males over access to females. It has a highly developed brain and is known to be gregarious and alert. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680361063-JZ0S2VSOW0EX0G06QNEH/DSC_6956+PS+Ostrich+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - 70 km/h (43 mi/h) Evolutionarily speaking, the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) is an old bird, which makes you wonder given that the ostrich has such a small brain. What the ostrich may lack in intelligence, it makes it up in environmental adaptation and plenty of instinct. This bird can live up to 40 years and is a remarkable running machine. But with a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mi/h) the ostrich still is no match for a cheetah. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680404374-QQGV6AIMIXJZA8BLGQTM/DSC_7044+PS+Pregnant+Cheetah+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - An Elegant Cat A pregnant cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) rests in the shade of an acacia tree. Females live mostly solitary lives. Their cubs, usually 3 to 4 cubs per litter, are highly susceptible to predation. Cheetahs are classified as a vulnerable species with only 7,000 animals living in the wild. Cheetahs are the fastest land animal on earth. For brief periods, they can reach speeds of 98 km/h (61 mi/h). Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680451673-TQO2D6E9BKG4L52TL6EE/DSC_7066+PS+Pregnant+Cheetah+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Thirsty Disturbed from her rest under an acacia tree, this pregnant cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) makes her way to the waterhole. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680489807-JDC0UQINPJLUTY3O278Z/DSC_7279+PS+Zebra+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II Burchell's zebras (Equus quagga burchellii) Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680508331-JNQHV3XMFA9L3K7VZMZI/DSC_7280+PS+Zebra+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Drinking Party Burchell's zebras (Equus quagga burchellii) drinking at a waterhole with the Etosha Pan visible in the background. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680547504-G89T0DMTOHKND3LJARLS/DSC_7290+PS+Jackal+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Don't be Fooled Theis cute black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) is the most lightly built, but also the most aggressive of the three jackal species. It attacks prey many times its own weight. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680633974-GDP4LRY8XE492OUITWCN/DSC_7385+PS+Giraffe+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Mother/Daughter Portrait The giraffes found in northern Namibia are a subspecies of the Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis). This mother/daughter pair was definitely interested in striking the most favourable pose for a picture. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680678679-GSKMFAZG3S3PK1CY33N1/DSC_7419+PS+Injured+Giraffe+Baby+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Close Call This Angolan giraffe baby (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) appears to have been attacked by hyenas. The wounds from the attack are still fresh and clearly visible. It is likely that mom intervened just in time and chased the hyenas away. Giraffes are difficult prey to take down, even for lions. They are fast and can fight ferociously when their lives are in danger. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680722204-LQJTWWVPE1UTO6JID4PJ/DSC_7424+PS+Giraffe+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - The Trouble with Long Necks An adult Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) drinking at the waterhole. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680734519-65AEJM724TF85NP77612/DSC_7463+PS+Secretarybird+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - A Troubled Bird The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is mostly found in savanna and grasslands with vegetation shorter than 1 m (3.3 ft). As a terrestrial bird, it prefers to walk, looking for insects, rodents, snakes and occasionally small mammals. The secretary bird’s conservation status is listed as “endangered” due to habitat destruction. It defends a territory as large as 50 sqkm (19 sqmi). Road construction and farming have resulted in rapid population loss over the past several years. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702680761304-FFB0TCEPEPEYG3P19J4B/DSC_7470+PS+Cape+Turtle+Dove+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Waterholes are Dangerous Places for this Bird The name of the ring-necked dove (Streptopelia capicola damarensis) refers to the black half circle around this bird’s neck. Another name for this species is half-collared dove. This bird lives in the arid regions of central south Africa. It needs easy access to open water and is, for that reason, very susceptible to predators at waterholes. The conservation status of the ring-necked dove is listed as “least concern”. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733088477-ATFJW5EOIQYNUQTW8ZP1/DSC_7682+PS+Sleeping+Leopard+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Tired A tired African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) sleeps among low brush in the arid savannah of Etosha National Park. As a prolific and efficient hunter, the leopard is known to have a wide ranging diet. Leopards hunt as many as 92 prey species for food. At times, after killing a small giraffe or an antelope, the leopard drags the body of its victim up into a tree where it is safe from scavengers. Leopards mostly hunt in the morning and evening and sleep during the day. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702732930147-2Z8SVCJA1FMOA5UDF1XL/DSC_7518+PS+Lioness+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - A Thirsty Lioness This and the subsequent 3 photos show the same lioness (Panthera leo). On her way to the waterhole, this lioness appears hot, exhausted, and thirsty. Making her way slowly through the savanna brush, she seems single-mindedly focused on the refreshing drink just meters away. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702731140273-SIII6D4N4ORCM3VS134J/DSC_7548+PS+Lioness+Drinking+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Finally Having reached the waterhole, the lioness starts to drink. With her eyes nearly closed, I can sense the relief she feels as she takes in water. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702731138920-FQ88X4HQTEGR6BG6Q4I2/DSC_7579+PS+Lioness+Drinking+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Still Drinking While watching the lioness drink at the waterhole, clouds move in and it starts to rain. Undeterred, she continues for several minutes until her thirst is quenched. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702732914594-OBRVRW6KEFA7K2HBKZ1J/DSC_7597+PS+Lioness+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Ready to Return to the Pride Refreshed and satisfied, our lioness makes her way back to her pride. The stress is gone, her ears are up, and her face shows contentment. Etosha National Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733182921-LA8NNZGXZX7YJCTC8TPP/DSC_7763+PS+Lioness+Eating+Giraffe+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Alone with her Hide Gnawing on a giraffe’s hide from a kill the night before, this lioness is the only one of her pride to have stayed behind. Her brothers and sisters have left the scene to rest with their stomachs full. The pride killed the giraffe less than 12 hours ago and now there is nothing left but the hide. Hunting is mostly done by prides of female lions, but male lions also hunt, albeit alone or in small groups of males. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733093490-YEQDQXPMNKK4UIO0U721/DSC_7691+PS+Etosha+Water+Hole+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Full Moon at the Waterhole It is bad timing when you come to Africa to see animals at the beginning of the rainy season. After a couple of downpours, there is water everywhere and the animals don’t have to come to the waterhole to drink. Of course, the waterholes are the best place to observe wildlife during the dry season. This waterhole is behind the Onguma Game Reserve “Fort”. No animals tonight, aside from a couple of hyenas and jackals. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733194048-5H30IHOGAW7ZFOLYE13A/DSC_7812+PS+Lioness+Drinking+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Easy Access to Water After a rainstorm, there is water everywhere, giving the bush animals easy access to water. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733188913-P08QE4T8R0NPZPNGELN4/DSC_7838+PS+Lioness+Calling+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Lonely Lonely for her brothers and sisters, this lioness uses guttural sounds to call the members of her pride. A couple of minutes later, they show up and greet each others as if they had not seen each other in years. A heart-warming scene! Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733205237-7M0AFXNIGL8UBITDINEM/DSC_7849+PS+Pride+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Where Were You? This pride is reunited following some time of separation. After killing and feasting on a giraffe, their stomachs are full and everybody is ready for a nap. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733206686-CG8R8L2N9L3ZYI6STBXK/DSC_7893+PS+Lion+Cubs+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II Even the lion cubs’ tummies are full. It is hard to play after a big meal! Onguma Game Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733330488-JWPXK73VZX8LFU8ZEJCF/DSC_7897+PS+Lioness+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Lioness Mom Mom is keeping a close eye on her offspring. Onguma Game Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733342037-G17I2M1FEY6DQSVRWUC7/DSC_7937+PS+Male+Lion+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Male Lion Always keeping his distance from the family. Onguma Game Park, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733337232-0JAIHDXQSHM10GTG0S5Z/DSC_7962+PS+Male+Lion+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Marked for Life Defending one’s pride is not easy. The marks on the face of this male lion (Panthera leo) tell a story of numerous fights with male challengers. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733345518-16YSENTY13ESS3ERCBLW/DSC_7988+PS+Lion+Dad+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II - Inspecting the Troops This male lion walks past his offspring. Interestingly, only the female cubs are not afraid of dad. The male cubs are with mom. Male cubs have a complicated relationship with dad. Onguma Game Reserve, Namibia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733483087-3Z3SYQ7L4ZLI31IYPNAT/DSC_8035+PS+Hornbill+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733454822-O4DBDP2RXBKBIKXQOXCX/DSC_8005+PS+Kirk%27s+Dik+Dik+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733465227-DIJ52SNRODVW09KE5QRH/DSC_8055+PS+Termites+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733609880-BFNC7IB2IJRKH7WF47H9/DSC_8115+PS+Cheetah+Baby+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733472054-H0SEYZMMKCG5G7437I6M/DSC_8068+PS+Cheetah+Mom+%26+Baby+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733615984-TI993CCFGIR3LYOCHETS/DSC_8130+PS+Female+Greater+Kuduin+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702733483578-QAWFD4SQB90WNCQIJCEZ/DSC_8088+PS+Cheetah+Mom+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Game Reserves II http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/gallery-archive-africa-iii daily 0.75 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734652185-K1WI7JLTDV2G85G1JVA0/DSC_3780+PS+Suez+Canal+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III - Uncertain Times Escorted by numerous tug boats, the Cosco Shipping Solar, a 400 m (1,300 ft) long container ship sailing under the flag of Hong Kong, enters the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean side. At the time of this writing, the ship has left Singapore and is on its way back to Suez, but there is trouble in the Red Sea: Houthi Rebels have recently attacked commercial vessels, making this ship’s return passage through the canal doubtful. Suez Canal, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734652185-K1WI7JLTDV2G85G1JVA0/DSC_3780+PS+Suez+Canal+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III - Uncertain Times Escorted by numerous tug boats, the Cosco Shipping Solar, a 400 m (1,300 ft) long container ship sailing under the flag of Hong Kong, enters the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean side. At the time of this writing, the ship has left Singapore and is on its way back to Suez, but there is trouble in the Red Sea: Houthi Rebels have recently attacked commercial vessels, making this ship’s return passage through the canal doubtful. Suez Canal, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734573459-DIGSHWOQCSGBAOHINJZT/DSC_3811+PS+Suez+Canal+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III - Standing Guard For its entire length of 193 km (120 mi), the Suez Canal is protected by Egyptian soldiers who stand guard on both sides of the waterway and keep a watchful eye for anything unusual. Suez Canal, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734583635-AMSD758TUX02WM33Z3AR/DSC_3834+PS+Suez+Canal+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III - Fenced In In addition to the soldiers protecting the canal, long, tall fences run along both sides of the Suez. While not foolproof, the barriers add protection to a vulnerable waterway. Every time it is compromised, the global impact is immense. Suez Canal, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734593341-ZU9LZ36X8TR55TF4MLKD/DSC_3851+PS+Sinai+Peninsula+in+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736503028-UDQ9Z6ZBEFTVAWMIT44Y/Suez+Canal+in+Egypt+Sep+22+2013+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736500541-RVDE1JYLXMHFPSFE89TJ/Suez+Canal+in+Egypt+064+PS.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734601043-3UC3GWSWRZ5SY55ADBGV/DSC_3877+PS+Suez+Canal+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734608206-Z9WYCE9TBLV9ACT7N2Q6/DSC_3882+PS+Suez+Canal+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734614273-S8CBG79813B22JPGO6LL/DSC_3888+PS+Suez+Canal+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734755513-M20BQCXV0YLUN9ICUAMF/DSC_3918+PS+Suez+Canal+Egypt.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734759483-MBNE8TZUPW5JE6V1KTO3/DSC_4107+PS+Silhouette+Island+in+Seychelles.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734763158-M6ZYFC8RZNTS17JYENSB/DSC_4116+PS+Silhouette+Island+in+Seychelles.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734886923-QT5IR1R421V5IDKAL2MY/DSC_4149+PS+Dow+in+Zanzibar.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734763778-C6JWX27Z456T3QOLZU53/DSC_4139+PS+Crab+in+Sechelles.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734955491-S0UKQA0YA0P0GUOYGC22/DSC_4316+PS+Nosy+Komba+in+Madagascar.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702734956081-U4T7V61JKTKFTJ748192/DSC_4305+PS+Nosy+Komba+in+Madagascar.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735138064-GQRULO9F9ID4TUQTQSR8/DSC_5030+PS+Victoria+Falls+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735139528-Z4BKD06P1N4936YL0O64/DSC_5062+PS+Victoria+Falls+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735151575-92MNUFMQY0AGWSU60D07/DSC_5553+PS+Zambezi+River+in+Zimbabwe.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735380125-RR0B7L56PN87TRWMU3Z4/DSC_6515+PS+Northern+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735380186-6FUINC9ZMK2PGF59RRH8/DSC_6541+PS+Northern+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735385001-FLMD1RRMJX9IJOKIQ6ED/DSC_8151+PS+Etosha+Pan+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735384645-HIJ7VRIYPFR2BDZJ9Q8L/DSC_8164+PS+Northern+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735581198-73Z8ETPCCLS7JP1TEI3Q/DSC_8243+PS+Sea+Lions+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735576795-WHMRY3HBGHTO47NKMOUC/DSC_8261+PS+Jackal+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735584666-RLQSY4X8PSWO7UV689CC/DSC_8269+PS+Namib+Naukluft+National+Park.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735589269-WJRQ1N0XRPTJNH8A7D14/DSC_8290+PS+Oryx+or+Gemsbok+in+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735390748-CNIJD0NQFOVYROL77MNR/DSC_8178+PS+Western+Namibia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735394577-9ZPC1AEHMBORXZ0U3275/DSC_8185+PS+Namib+Desert.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735597751-C2LZE1VDYQ0VE8FW6WE9/DSC_8314+PS+Namib+Naukluft+National+Park.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735595450-HY46T7T6ZD37THY4VPIQ/DSC_8342+PS+Takoradi+Ghana.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735827931-FGLQKH1Q47VQW1V3CEUF/DSC_8372+PS+Takoradi+Ghana.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702735873723-G9LVKFYD0Z7JK6GQ1DRC/DSC_8402+PS+Takoradi+Ghana.jpg Gallery Archive - 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Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736189965-OUWAEO9K94EXKVYN2XIS/DSC_8515+PS+Abidjan+Ivory+Coast.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736309978-88TPOCU72LDKFU6081BJ/DSC_8565+PS+Banjul+Gambia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736199642-O3T7M956K472YIH99DMD/DSC_8528+PS+Abidjan+Ivory+Coast.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736314804-X9B0K2CRWBSHSRUY1AI3/DSC_8566+PS+Banjul+Gambia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736197022-9FEUVPA0KG57B9S00VS6/DSC_8530+PS+Abidjan+Ivory+Coast.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736317229-B64JKX5Y5KKU3Q2WELCZ/DSC_8570+PS+Banjul+Gambia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736320191-T8GNMAVO6CLNCM4H73QZ/DSC_8577+PS+Serrekunda+Gambia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736322557-3HUOEZOQ87EVKQ55VD1F/DSC_8638+PS+Serrekunda+Gambia.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1702736333781-R82PZ6SXGBPDC8R9HEHC/DSC_8662+PS+Green+Monkey+in+Senegal.jpg Gallery Archive - Africa III http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/welcome daily 1.0 2024-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1b872726-4a90-4610-ae1a-765cafb06365/DSC_0083+PS.jpg Home - Make it stand out Giant icebergs clog the harbour of the town of Qaqortoq, Greenland. Originating from the ice pack near the North Pole and travelling south along the east coast of Greenland, the icebergs often carry polar bears as passengers. Eventually, the bears swim ashore and wreak havoc in the communities of southern Greenland. Read more in “Archived Stories VI”. http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/contact daily 0.75 2015-10-21 http://www.rhyan-thomas.com/about daily 0.75 2018-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56188869e4b0d66626b8375c/1445753366878-NYPRQI4Q53CH7N7LVHT4/DNTS+00+Cover+Inside+Front.jpg About An endangered world: the Galapagos Islands. What to do when tourist activity does both: threaten the islands' fragile environment while also helping the National Park's conservation efforts? Here I am visiting the giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island.