Olympic National Park: One of the wildest places left in the USA [36 PICS] Maple Glade Trail. It’s supposed to be a humbling experience to stand amidst such giants in the ancient forests of Olympic National Park. Photo #1 by rachel_thecat Maples in Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rain Forest. 95% of this national park is designated as wilderness, a paradise for backpackers and hikers. Photo #5 by KevinM Olympic National Park trees and roots in Hoh Rain Forest.
Some of the trees in this forest are “old growth forest” meaning they are over 200 years old and some much higher than 30 stories tall and wider than two parking spaces! Olympic National Park has a 73-mile long wilderness coast that is a rare treasure in a country where much of the coastline is prime real estate. Maple leaves and sword fern cover the ground. Big Cedar Tree and tiny girl. Lakes and mountains, an adventure lover’s dream. The largest known Western Redcedar, in the world with a wood volume of 500 cubic meters (17650 cu. ft.). Hoh Rain Forest has a mystical appearance with all the moss.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia. The stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the Lika region of Croatia. The park is surrounded by the mountains Plješevica, Mala Kapela, and Medveđak, which are part of the Dinaric Alps. The 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes, which are separated by natural dams of travertine, are situated on the Plitvice plateau. Waterfalls connect the lakes, and the tallest waterfall is Veliki Slap at 70 meters (230 feet) tall. The Plitvice lakes area boasts a large variety of interesting and colorful flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking the many pathways and trails, or exploring the lakes by boat. The park itself has 3 hotels and a campsite, otherwise visitors can find accommodation at any of the number of villages and cities nearby.
The Mind-Blowing Mount Roraima. Mount Roraima is the highest of the Pakaraima mountain chain in South America and one of the world’s most extraordinary natural geological formations. The 31 square kilometer summit area of Mount Roraima is defined by 400 meter tall cliffs on all sides and includes the borders of Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana.
The tabletop mountains of the Pakaraima’s are considered some of the oldest geological formations on Earth, dating back to over two billion years ago. The result is the staggering landscape of Mount Rariama which we tour below in photographs and video: - StumbleUpon. Aurora_kuenzli.jpg (1527×600) - StumbleUpon.
15-render-FG.jpg (1000×750) Most Amazing Time Lapse Video of Milky Way Ever Made. Seriously. Guy travels the world and shoots one second of footage in each location. [VIDEO] - StumbleUpon. Tree Houses. 20 Cool Home Library Design Ideas. Lofted Forest Home: Organic Curves & Natural Materials. Good things come to those who wait – particularly in a work of uniquely detailed and highly curved architecture.
Nearly a decade in the making, this structure by Robert Harvey Oshatz is much like a tree house – lofted toward the top of the canopy around it – only bigger, grander, more complex and curved than most any tree house in the world. The perimeter of the structure is pushed out into the forest around it, curving in and out to create views as well as a sense of intimacy with the coniferous and deciduous tree cover. The wood and metal detailing is incredible in its variety and customization – each piece designed to fit a particular form and function.
Wood and stone carry naturalistic themes from the outside in and even the metal looks naturally rusted. The curved, organic mix of materials continues to the interior of this elevated forest home – a conceptual play on the fluidity and complexity of music (the source of inspiration for the architect and client in the design). Amazing places around the world | Library6.jpg (793×505)