In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir
One of the easiest ways to unload, unwind and de-stress is to get out and connect with nature. Natural environments are rich in the characteristics necessary for the brain to replenish itself :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 10-270 mm : ISO 400 : 39 mm : f4.5 : 0.3 sec
| Paris Mountain State Park Greenville, South Carolina, USA |
Looking Glass Waterfall is one of the best and easiest accessible waterfall in Pisgah Forest. And did I say there is no admission fee and its always open. The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. Looking Glass Creek, which flows past the rock, is also named for the impressive natural structure.
With a roadside pull off, an overlook and steps to the bottom, this is definitely a great place to stop and enjoy nature’s power. The falls cascade into a river below. Steps lead down to the falls for a close-up view. Once you are there, definitely venture onto the rocks by the side of the stream. On a warm day, some wading and swim underneath the falling water would be great.
If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them? – Chief Seattle
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100: 18 mm : f8.0 : 10 sec
| Looking Glass Waterfall, Pisgah Forest Brevard, North Carolina, USA |
Deep in the forest of Karnataka there are some pristine spots, largely untouched (yet). Jogi Gundi is one such lovely waterfall tucked in the wilderness of Agumbe. The Jogigundi Falls is located around 3 km from Agumbe. Situated on the way to the Barkana Falls, it can be reached by a small trek of around ~500 mts. When the conditions are right, you can also enjoy swimming in the turquoise green water. Even during the monsoon time, water was inviting and pretty refreshing from the afternoon heat.
I was lucky to visit the place, at the right time, when the water was just right to highlight the beautiful structure of the waterfall, while the entire surrounding was still lush green from the rains. Heavier rains would definitely make it more majestic, but also would increase the challenge of accessing the falls. Also heard that the leeches might decide to join the trek, if the rains are continuous :)
Be advised and cautious. This is a rain forest. You are entering the habitat of the wild. Respect their place & space. Leave only foot prints and carry back all that u carry in, along with some lovely pictures & memories!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100: 10 mm : f22 : 1.0 sec
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Jogi Gungi Waterfalls Agumbe, Karnataka, India |
Hidden in the north west corner of Washington state is a treasure of a primeval, temperate & enchanted rainforest – Hoh. Walking thru these forests brings in an overwhelming sense of the timelessness. The huge amounts of rainfall and the storm dumps from the near by pacific ocean results in the lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Layers and layers of green, moist moss adorns the whole place, making even the once dead trees & logs of long time, come alive.
Hoh – The place is whimsical and magical, but is still as much real :)
Canon 7D : Tamron 18-270 mm : ISO 100 : 18 mm : f13 : 10 sec
| Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Forest Forks, Washington, USA |
Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park is just south of I-80 about 90 miles west of Chicago near the town of LaSalle. Over the years streams have carved a number of small and interesting canyons into the sandstone. Seasonal waterfalls can be found all around these canyons, if you hike up just at the right time.
This week’s shot is from from across a lovely little pool created by one of the cascades from LaSalle Canyon Falls. It was interesting to watch a turtle that had made this pool as home for the day. Not sure how he ended up here, but it would be one fun trip to down the river. What would life be without these challenges :)
Uncertainty is the essence of Life & it fuels opportunity – Tina Seelig
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f19 : 10, 1/60 sec
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LaSalle Canyon, Starved Rock State Park Oglesby, Illinois, USA |
Proxy Falls is one of the most frequently photographed waterfalls in Oregon. It most certainly is once of the most photogenic waterfalls. But being surrounded by the lush forest and given its height, it is a bit tricky to photograph the same. As most of the PNW, getting to the spot is a major part of the experience. The trail goes over an old lava flow, then entering a mixed confer forest. From the end of the trail, the falls are viewed through a natural channel in the thick surrounding forest.
Proxy Falls is created as the Proxy Creek breaks over a high wall of basalt, which is adorned by mosses. At a height of 226 feet, the two streams that flow down is a sight to behold. This is my attempt to capture the falls with all its surroundings and the majestic mood !
Canon 7D : Canon 10-24 mm : ISO 100 : 16 mm : f27.0 : 30 sec
| Proxy Falls, Three Sisters Wilderness Willamette, Oregon, USA |
During this past ID4, after lot of planning zeroed down to shooting the fireworks at St Louis arch. It definitely did not disappoint. But as the head would have it, when driving 5 hours with the available long weekend, I was also looking to see what else could be packed up into the trip. Though it was a state (MO) I was visiting for the first time – not many places were appealing due to the dry weather. I did like the Cathedral and the Missouri Botanical Garden – but was longing for some landscape to get a chance to capture the summer sun.
The plan was fluid as the weather was kind of bleak, with overcast skies. Late Sunday afternoon after a good lunch – the potential forecast looked better – if we were to head 2 hours down south. But that also meant driving for 7 hours to reach back home, if we headed for that sunset. After a short debate decided to hit it straight to the Garden of Gods @ Shawnee National Forest. We reached the trail, just in time – and as if to take some pity on us for the long drive – the clouds parted to create this beautiful view. It lasted for – may be less than 10 minutes – but was well worth it :)
Even her goodbyes are ever so beautiful …
Is it because – she would be back again tomorrow ?!?!?!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 10 mm : f22 : 3 sec
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Garden of Gods, Shawnee National Forest Herod, Illinois, USA |
Nature’s Canvas, bright & brilliant –
reflects
what you reflect !
Watercolor on Paper
| Fall Colors @ Devils Lake State Park Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA |
Latourell Falls in the Columbia Gorge is one of my favorite falls. It has a beauty of its own – be it rain or shine. This particular day – along with the rain, the spray from the falls was so much that I could not even get my camera out. Having the falls to myself, I decided to let the camera rest and enjoy the serenity of the scene. Just then these two little guys came in – well equipped – to explore the falls. There was no stopping them be it the rain or the spray from the falls.
Many times, adding a human element to landscapes adds beauty and scale. And there are no second thoughts when they happen to be cute kids like these :) I just couldn’t resist … and the rain, as if agreeing with me, stopped for a brief time – letting me capture this lovely moment. How do u like it ?!!!
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 12 mm : f6.7 : 0.5 sec
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Latourell Falls Columbia Gorge, Oregon, USA |
Water flows, glistens, nourishes, mirrors in simple and subtle ways. There is always something magical and meditative in watching water – be it a tranquil pond, running stream or cascading fall.
tranquil waters glistens
the sun shines –
reflecting silence of life
Canon 7D : Canon 10-22 mm : ISO 100 : 14 mm : f6.7 : 30 sec
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Waterfall Garden @ Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, Illinois, USA |
Based on an update from WordPress, this little blog got over 10,000 views this year. From Freezing some amazing light to capturing some meteors to enjoying some harvest moons – it was one hell of a year ! I cannot thank enough who take time to visit, enjoy, comment and encourage my work. Thank you so very much !
600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 10,000 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 17 years to get that many views.
Incidentally the first shot that I took and shared in 2012 – Seattle skyline with space needle was the most viewed and commented shot of the year… I had been doing the weekly shot for the past few years and it has been great. For 2012, I had posted for 50 out of 52 weeks, that is pretty close :) But with all the fb, g+ and all other social media, am thinking of having the blog for longer articles, travel experiences etc. and use the social outlets for sharing the weekly captures. Am still debating on the same, what do you think ?!
Just made a slideshow of some favorite shots from 2012 for you to enjoy … Keep Visiting !
P.S: Feel free to connect back at FaceBook Page , Google+ or Subscribe thru feeds or Get updates by email .
Beach combing, or shooting the sea stacks or just taking a long stroll along the cool waters – Bandon has it all. Here is only lovely Golden sunset from the rugged beach of Bandon. And a very Happy New Year – 2013 to my Friends out here. Thanks for the encouragement and support :)
Camera : Canon 7D
Lens : Tamron 18-270 mm
Filter : None
ISO 100 : 18 mm : f22 : 1/6 sec
| Face Rock Park Bandon, Oregon, USA |
Mt. Rainer receives so much snowfall, that u can enjoy spectacular winter scenery like below, even in July. This was shot when I got a chance to drive up last month. My plans of getting a reflection shot of Mt Rainer during sunrise did not go well, with so much snow at Tipsoo Lake. But as I drove up just a mile ahead, was treated with this wonderful scene. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Just pulled over, parked and spent around an hour to just enjoy the scenery.
The snow probably had melted by now. Couldn’t wait to get back again this month to enjoy some wildflowers and summer hikes. Have you been to Mt Rainer National Park, what is your favorite spot ?!!!
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Tipsoo Lake Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USA |
This weeks shot is in entire contrast to last weeks spring image with so much vibrance and energy. It is from enroute to the dream land of Hampi from Bangalore. The dry brittle land reminded me of drought, but the monsoon storm that was building up that afternoon, was so very promising. For reasons unknown this scene evoked a mix of emotions in me. Nature has a peculiar, but very effective way of keeping things in balance. Be it thru drought or flood, famine or tsunami, forest fire or rain, abundance or dearth – there is a reason and rhyme behind everything. It just happens, with the flow.
But we humans – are so prone to – not just getting stuck with something , but not willing to move on either. It is so very tough for us to accept and move on – “Sometimes you hurt yourself more than anyone else ever could. Look deep, then you might understand better.”
 Flickr Page |
Enroute to Hampi from Bangalore |
An amazing short movie from etereaestudios. Wish we teach these in schools !!! So inspiring and intriguing display of the getting to see nature by numbers. Check this link for the HD version.
| I am a kind word uttered and repeated By the voice of Nature; I am a star fallen from the Blue tent upon the green carpet. I am the daughter of the elements With whom Winter conceived; To whom Spring gave birth; I was Reared in the lap of Summer and I Slept in the bed of Autumn. |
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At dawn I unite with the breeze |
| The plains are decorated with My beautiful colors, and the air Is scented with my fragrance. |
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As I embrace Slumber the eyes of
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| I drink dew for wine, and hearken to The voices of the birds, and dance To the rhythmic swaying of the grass. |
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I am the lover’s gift; I am the wedding wreath; |
| But I look up high to see only the light, And never look down to see my shadow. This is wisdom which man must learn. |
– Poem by Khalil Gibran
I liked the poem, thought I really do not concur with the poet on the last para
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