Saturday, January 24, 2015

The Frightful Pathway

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei. A stunning views and frightful pathways through an ecological paradise. The Mont-rebei Gorge natural space covers a surface area of about 600 hectares. In April 14, 2005, the Congost de Mont-Rebei was declared a Wildlife Refuge. Walking between towering cliffs and vertiginous landscapes. For a few meters, the road is literally carved into the rock, hanging from the cliffs. The route, which coincides with the GR-1, is protected by railings and benches to regain strength and enjoy the spectacular views. The walls of limestone of the gorge reach heights of 500 meters vertical drop and points where the minimum width is only 20 meters, with embedded pathways for visitors to take in the gorgeous scenic views. A very interesting to see point, it is the Romanesque chapel of Pertusa, with dizzying views of the marsh Caselles. Also very interesting suspension bridge at the end of the tour.

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Congost de Mont-rebei in Spain offers both. The Mont-rebei area is so special because of the lush flora and abundant animal species that live in and around the mountains, which are crisscrossed by the shimmering blue waters of rivers innumerable. This creates a near-infinite range of environs for all manner of creatures to find their home: Rocky peaks high in the atmosphere, lush forests spilling down the mountainside and finishing in the cool river waters below. [Fist Image credit Ramón Etis]

Perhaps the most famous part of the mountain, Congost de Mont-rebei is a steep canyon cut into the rocky peaks, plunging hundreds of feet down sheer rock walls. Narrow walking paths etched into the sides of the canyon provide adventurous tourists and hikers with breathtaking views and spellbinding glimpses directly down into the canyon floor.

Popular with mountain bikers and hikers in particular, the canyon offers as much of a challenge as it does a scenic view of the landscape. The paths are steep, rocky and frightfully thin, making humans to feel right at home with the mountain goats and birds that populate the rocky environ, which may, in fact, be visiting this beautiful place for the very same reasons as tourists do: nature, filled with nature.

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Image credit James Güell

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Image credit Xevi V

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Image credit Xevi V

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Image credit Wenceslas Degrees

Footbridge over the river Noguera Ribagorzana. The gateway itself is the starting point of the path between the Congost de Mont-Rebei and shelter Montfalco and constitutes a real crossroads and symbolic bond between the lands of Aragon and Catalonia located in the east and west margins of the river Noguera Ribagorzana.
Footbridge over the river Noguera Ribagorzana. The gateway itself is the starting point of the path between the Congost de Mont-Rebei and shelter Montfalco and constitutes a real crossroads and symbolic bond between the lands of Aragon and Catalonia located in the east and west margins of the river Noguera Ribagorzana. Image credit Juanedc

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Image credit Carlos Jiménez Ruiz

Dirt road partially excavated in the rock.
Dirt road partially excavated in the rock. Image credit Albert Torello
The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Image credit James Güell

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Image credit Naus79

The Frightful pathway between Catalonia and Aragon, Spain, the River Noguera Ribagorçana passes through the Serra del Montsec mountain system, creating a beautiful hiking destination called Congost de Mont-Rebei.
Image credit picoseuropa

Posted by at No comments:

A Romantic Hideway in Bulgaria

The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town. After the bridge that then served the town was almost completely destroyed by a flood in 1872, the local police chief ordered the famous Bulgarian master builder Kolyu Ficheto to construct a new one. Ficheto personally chose the material for the wooden bridge. Each citizen of Lovech contributed to the building process, the poorer ones working themselves and the wealthier donating money and paying other workers. Building completed in 1874.

The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town.
The initial bridge had a length of 84 m and 6 vents and accommodated 64 shops. It was, however, wholly destroyed by fire on the night of 2 to 3 August 1925. A more modern bridge was constructed at its place in 1931 only to be replaced by a reconstruction of Kolyu Ficheto's design in 1981-1982. The current bridge is 106 m long and has 14 shops, the architect being Zlatev. The covered bridge is a popular place among tourists, and souvenirs from Lovech can be bought from its shops. The bridge above the Osam river is also the only covered bridge on the Balkan Peninsula. In terms of natural landmarks Lovech has to offer much as well. [First Image credit Klearchos Kapoutsis]

The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town.
Image credit gordontour

The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town.
Image credit hedyelyakim

Lovech - Covered Bridge over Osam River
Lovech - Covered Bridge over Osam River. Image credit Lyura

The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town.
Image credit hedyelyakim

The bridge of Lovech
The bridge of Lovech. Image credit Klearchos Kapoutsis
The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town.
Image credit Anton Angelov

The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town.
Image credit nelly.valkova

The bridge built by Kolyu Ficheto, Lovech, Bulgaria
The bridge built by Kolyu Ficheto, Lovech, Bulgaria. Image credit  Plamena Tchervenkova
The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town.
Image credit Danail Nachev

The Covered Bridge in the town of Lovech, Bulgaria. The name comes from an old Bulgarian word meaning "River City". The bridge crosses the Osam River, connecting the old "Varosha" and new town parts of Lovech, being possibly the most recognisable symbol of the town.
Image credit Lyura
Posted by at No comments:

The underground waterfall of United States

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”.  This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain.  This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country. It collects in a pool in the cave floor and then continues through the mountain until finally joining the Tennessee River at the base of Lookout Mountain.

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit Rubyfalls.com
The historic attraction has welcomed millions of guests over its long colorful history and continues to be a tradition for generations of visitors to the Chattanooga area. Back in 1928 when Ruby Falls founder Leo Lambert had the idea of opening a cave as a tourist attraction, tourism as we know it today was in its infancy. Little did anyone know that his "roadside attraction" would soon be a must see for families from all over the world.

Ruby Falls Cave, unlike Lookout Mountain Cave, had no natural openings and could not be entered until the 20th Century; it therefore does not have the various artifacts which are often associated with caves in the southeastern United States. In 1905 the natural entrance to Lookout Mountain Cave was closed during the construction of a railway tunnel. In the 1920s a chemist and cave enthusiast named Leo Lambert thought that he could re-open the cave as a tourist attraction, and formed a company to do so. He planned to make an opening further up the mountain than the original opening and transport tourists to the cave via an elevator. For this purpose, his company purchased land on the side of Lookout Mountain above Lookout Mountain Cave and in 1928 began to drill through the limestone. In doing so, they discovered a small passageway about 18 inches high and four feet wide. Exploring this opening, Lambert discovered the formerly hidden Ruby Falls Cave and its waterfall. On his next trip to visit the cave, Lambert took his wife Ruby, and told her that he would name the falls after her. In 1954, the pathway around the basin was cut in order to allow tourists a better view of the falls. This began the tour-related quip regarding not drinking the falls' water. Though pure and thus safe to drink, it has large concentrations of magnesium from the strata of the mountain, which makes it a natural laxative. 

Ruby Falls and the larger Lookout Mountain Caverns complex have been designated a National Historic Landmark. It is often associated with the nearby Rock City attraction, which lies atop Lookout Mountain. Ruby Falls is the perfect getaway for every day, even on rainy days. Due to its underground location, it never rains at Ruby Falls. Precipitation actually affects the tour in a positive way. Because the many streams !!! Electric lights were installed in the cave, making it one of the first commercial caves to be so outfitted.

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit Alex Preston

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit Robert Lz

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Point out many unusual and whimsically named formations such as the “Dragon’s Foot” and the “Totem Pole” and lead the group through specialized portions of the cave such as the “Twilight Zone” and “Weight Watchers Lane”.  Image credit AngelaG1

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit lauripiper

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit Walter LaVaughn (Vaughn) Causey

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit Lea

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Underground Lake, Image credit UGACDAWG

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit Shyrynn

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit Robert Murrell

Ruby Falls, The underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. While at the waterfall guests will marvel at the spectacular light display which takes place in the large vaulted dome room known as “Solomon’s Temple”. This room is over 145 feet tall and located 1120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. This makes Ruby Falls one of the deepest commercial caves in the country.
Image credit AngelaG1
Posted by at No comments:

Mainshan Mountains, China

Mainshan Mountains, located in central Shanxi Province, central North China. Covering an area of 75 square kilometers, the mountain is a national scenic spot with 14 tourist areas and 400 attractions. Mianshan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
According to web Chinahighlights, A history dating back some 2,500 years ago, Mian Shan boasts enchanting natural scenery and cultural significance. Besides, there are several restaurants and hotels that were built hanging on the steep cliffs, which provide a unique dining or accommodation experience for travelers. The spectacular scenes and cultural relics at Mian Mountain provide tourists with many activities, such as watching sunset or sunrise at Dragon Head Temple, visiting Daluo Palace (the largest Taoist temple in China), walking on Sky Bridge and enjoying the natural beauty of Shuitao Valley. Dragon Head Temple is the best place to watch sunrise or sunset in a sea of clouds. It is also a landmark of Mian Shan with its exquisite architecture. Daluo Palace is the largest Taoist temple in China. It was built and restored during the Tang Dynasty of 618–907, and the supreme spirit of Taoism and other folk gods are worshipped there. Daluo Palace also has the largest Taoist sutra depository over the country. Sky Bridge was built between steep cliffs, 300 meters or 328 yards long and no more than one meter or 3.3 feet wide. It is suspended over 300 meters or 980 feet from the bottom of a valley and over 200 meters or 660 feet from the mountain tops. [First Image credit dana.jensen]

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Image credit dana.jensen

Mian Shan is also called Jie Shan "Jie Mountain" after Jie Zhitui (?–636 BC) a loyal defender of the Duke of Jin "697–628 BC". Jie Zhitui is reputed to have made soup with the flesh of his own leg for the duke when he was starving. After Jie had resigned his service to the duke, he lived on Mian Shan. The duke later wanted to reward him, but could not find him, so he had the mountain burnt in an effort to drive Jie out. Jie and his mother were later found tragically burnt to death on the mountain. The Duke of Jin then instituted Hanshi (Cold Food) Day in 636 BC in remembrance of Jie, which later became the Qingming Festival. Jiexiu, the city to the north of Mian Shan and the prefecture in which Mian Shan lies, means “The Resting Place of Jie”.

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Image credit dana.jensen

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Image credit dana.jensen

Mianshan - Sky Bridge — This is a breathtaking place! The temple structures and the sky walk built on the mountain with the scenery around are just amazing!
Mianshan - Sky Bridge —  This is a breathtaking place! The temple structures and the sky walk built on the mountain with the scenery around are just amazing! Image credit benyeuda

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Mian Shan is a sacred mountain for Buddhist and Taoist religions alike where temples have been built on the face of the cliffs. Image credit Julie Laurent

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Image credit dana.jensen

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Image credit Julie Laurent

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Image credit Susanna Wang

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Image credit Julie Laurent

Mian Shan "Silky Mountain" is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival "Grave Cleaning Day", which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage.
Image credit Julie Laurent

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)