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  • A farmer contemplates rice terraces near Kimche, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal, Asia. In Nepal, humans have worked the land for thousands of years by stripping forests for firewood, terracing fields for agriculture (to grow grains, rice, potatoes, etc), and grazing yaks as high as 15,000 feet elevation. Farmers work every patch of arable land to support a dense population of people, who often push aside or destroy native species. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    07NEP-3067.jpg
  • Trekking past water buffalo through agricultural terraces near Chomrong (or Chhomrung) in the Annapurna Mountain Range of Nepal.
    07NEP-2766.jpg
  • Agricultural terraces in Nepal, growing rice and other crops.
    07NEP-2761.jpg
  • On the Nydia Track, the yellow blooms of non-native Gorse (Ulex europaeus) invade a non-native plantation of Pinus Radiata trees, on South Island, New Zealand, in the South Pacific. Humans have transformed two thirds of New Zealand by replacing native forests with tree farms (of Pinus radiata; California's Monterey Pine), agriculture, cities, and other developments. Looking on the positive side for wilderness lovers, fully 30% of New Zealand is preserved in parkland, an unusually high amount compared to most other countries. 75% of the country’s plant species are endemic (found nowhere else).
    07NZ_5064_tree-farm-_Nydia-Track.jpg
  • Children at Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet), beneath the south face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet /  7219 meters), in Nepal.  Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests." In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture and an avatar of Durga.
    07NEP-2846.jpg
  • On the left is Annapurna South (23,684 feet / 7219 meters), above a corn field at Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet), in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. On the right is Machhapuchhare (or Machhapuchhre), the Fish Tail Mountain (22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation) a sacred peak, illegal to climb. Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests." In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture and an avatar of Durga. The panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    07NEP-2817-18pan_Annapurna-South.jpg
  • The south face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet /  7219 meters) rises high above rice terraces and buildings in Nepal.  Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests." In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture and an avatar of Durga.
    07NEP-1728.jpg
  • Moray, in Peru, South America, is an impressive archaeological site of terraced circular depressions, possibly an Inca agricultural experiment station. Moray is on a high plateau at 3500 m (11,500 ft) elevation in Peru just west of the village of Maras, in the Urubamba (Vilcanota) River Valley (Sacred Valley of the Incas), 50 km (31 mi) northwest of Cuzco. The Inca built Moray with a sophisticated irrigation system, possibly to study climatic effects on crops. The largest terraced pit is about 30 m (98 ft) deep, with wind and sun orientation creating a temperature difference of as much as 15 °C (27 °F) from top to bottom. Photo captured 2003.
    03PER-05-28-Moray-terraces.jpg
  • Agricultural fields form a checkerboard outside an Andes highland village near the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountains, Peru, South America.
    03PER-05-10-Patchwork-Vilcabamba.jpg
  • Indian Camas (Camassia quamash) blooms with a blue flower on Vendovi Island, Skagit County, Washington, USA. A black ant forages on a colorful petal. The Indian Camas (or Indian hyacinth or Wild hyacinth, Camassia quamash) is native to western North America. Its flowers bloom in various shades of blue. DNA and biochemical studies by  the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group have reassigned Camassia from the Lily family to the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. The scientific species name "quamash" is from a Nez Perce term for the plant's bulb, which was gathered and used as a food source by tribes in the Pacific Northwest. On the San Juan Islands, native tribes burned forest to maintain sunny fields for growing this plant. Vendovi Island was named after a Fijian High Chief Ro Veidovi who was brought to North America by the 1841 Wilkes Expedition. The San Juan Preservation Trust, a land trust for conservation in the San Juan Islands, purchased the island in December 2010 from the family of John Fluke Sr.
    1205VE2-001_Vendovi-Island.jpg
  • A blue Indian Camas (Camassia quamash) flower blooms on Vendovi Island, Skagit County, Washington, USA. The Indian Camas (or Indian hyacinth or Wild hyacinth, Camassia quamash) is native to western North America and blooms in various shades of blue. DNA and biochemical studies by  the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group have reassigned Camassia from the Lily family to the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. The scientific species name "quamash" is from a Nez Perce term for the plant's bulb, which was gathered and used as a food source by tribes in the Pacific Northwest. On the San Juan Islands, native tribes burned forest to maintain sunny fields for growing this plant. The red flower is Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or Prairie-fire, a genus of about 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to the west of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes, plus northeast Asia. Vendovi Island was named after a Fijian High Chief Ro Veidovi who was brought to North America by the 1841 Wilkes Expedition. The San Juan Preservation Trust, a land trust for conservation in the San Juan Islands, purchased the island in December 2010 from the family of John Fluke Sr. Vendovi Island lies across Samish Bay from mainland Skagit County, between Guemes Island and Lummi Island, in the Salish Sea.
    1205VE2-015_Vendovi-Island.jpg
  • An orange and yellow tulip flower blooms in the Skagit River Delta, Washington, USA.
    0804SKA-187.jpg
  • Mount Vernon, Virginia, was the plantation home of George Washington, the first President of the United States (1789-1797). The mansion is built of wood in neoclassical Georgian architectural style on the banks of the Potomac River. Mount Vernon estate was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is owned and maintained in trust by The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. The estate served as neutral ground for both sides during the American Civil War, although fighting raged across the nearby countryside. George Washington, who lived 1732-1799, was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America (USA), serving as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and presiding over the convention that drafted the Constitution in 1787. Named in his honor are Washington, D.C. (the District of Columbia, capital of the United States) and the State of Washington on the Pacific Coast. Panorama stitched from 2 overlapping images.
    12VA-172-173pan_Mt-Vernon.jpg
  • Snow Geese are typically seen in large flocks up to 55,000 in winter in western Washington, USA. Most gather in the Skagit River Delta (Skagit County) from mid-October to early May.
    0804SKA-115.jpg
  • Funny sheep, curly wool. Hike along the River Swale from Reeth to Marske, in Yorkshire Dales National Park, England, United Kingdom, Europe. England Coast to Coast hike day 9 of 14. Overnight at Kings Head Hotel in Richmond, North Yorkshire county. [This image, commissioned by Wilderness Travel, is not available to any other agency providing group travel in the UK, but may otherwise be licensable from Tom Dempsey – please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.]
    17UK-3504_England.jpg
  • Farmsteads & pastures along River Swale in Yorkshire Dales NP. We followed the River Swale via meadows, woods, and villages, on our walk from Keld to Reeth in Yorkshire Dales National Park, England, United Kingdom, Europe. England Coast to Coast hike day 8 of 14. [This image, commissioned by Wilderness Travel, is not available to any other agency providing group travel in the UK, but may otherwise be licensable from Tom Dempsey – please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.] This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    17UK-3323-3326pan.jpg
  • Keld, in Yorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom, Europe. England Coast to Coast hike with Wilderness Travel, day 8 of 14: Keld to Reeth. We followed the River Swale via meadows, woods, and villages. Overnight at Kings Head Hotel in Richmond, North Yorkshire county. [This image, commissioned by Wilderness Travel, is not available to any other agency providing group travel in the UK, but may otherwise be licensable from Tom Dempsey – please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.]
    17UK-3065_England.jpg
  • In Findeln (Findelen), admire the Matterhorn and authentic Walser houses, barns, and stores built of larch timber blackened by the sun, above Zermatt, in the Pennine Alps, Switzerland, Europe. The Walser people are named after Wallis (Valais), the uppermost Rhône valley, where they settled from the 900s in the late phase of the migration of the Alamanni (confederation of Germanic tribes) crossing from the Bernese Oberland. From Zermatt, hike the Five Lakes Trail from Sunnegga Express funicular. Although especially nice for families, the 5-Seenweg loop walk is aesthetically marred with ski slope infrastructure throughout (5 dammed artificial lakes, power lines, lifts, dusty roads, snow-making sprinklers, etc). Visually, the most aesthetic features are the old wood buildings in upper Findeln, and the reflecting lakes of Grindjisee and Stellisee.
    16SWI-8473.jpg
  • 1800s stone barns at Lake Louvie in Pennine/Valais Alps, Switzerland, Europe.   The dramatic Chamois Path (Sentier des Chamois) starts at La Chaux ski lift in Verbier and ends at Fionnay PostBus. Cross Col Termin (2648m/8688 ft) in Haut Val de Bagnes nature reserve and descend to Lake Louvie via 1800s stone barns to the north, then to Fionnay, for a cumulation of 640 m up and 1415 m down in 8.5 hours.
    16SWI-7352.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5673.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5629.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-5479.jpg
  • The village of Griesalp is in the municipality of Reichenbach im Kandertal. Above the beautiful lake of Oeschinnensee, easily reached by lift from Kandersteg, is a challenging hike traversing steeply up over Hohtürli Pass then down to Griesalp in the remote valley of Kiental, Switzerland, Europe. Ascend 1120 meters and descend 1380 m in 13 km, which feels much longer due to steep, exposed rocky & gravelly slopes. Stairs and ladders assist your footing. Optionally stay overnight in Blüemlisalp hut at Hohtürli Pass. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-3152.jpg
  • Above the beautiful lake of Oeschinnensee, easily reached by lift from Kandersteg, is a challenging hike traversing steeply up over Hohtürli Pass then down to Griesalp in the remote valley of Kiental, Switzerland, Europe. Ascend 1120 meters and descend 1380 m in 13 km, which feels much longer due to steep, exposed rocky & gravelly slopes. Stairs and ladders assist your footing. Optionally stay overnight in Blüemlisalp hut at Hohtürli Pass.
    16SWI-3033.jpg
  • Walk through the deeply glaciated valley of Gasterntal (or Gasteretal or Gasterental) to explore the headwaters of the Kander River. A nice 7 km walk with 390 m gain up to Selden starts from the bus stop for Luftseilbahn Kandersteg-Sunnbüel. From Selden, take Postbus back (reservations required) to Kandersteg hauptbahnhof. Gasterntal is in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Europe.
    16SWI-2496.jpg
  • Kandersteg, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Europe.
    16SWI-2447.jpg
  • Dairy cows at sunrise. Berggasthaus Meglisalp can only be reached on foot in the spectacular heart of the Alpstein mountain chain in the Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. This authentic mountain hostelry, owned by the same family for five generations, dates from 1897. Meglisalp is a working dairy farm, restaurant and guest house surrounded by majestic peaks above green pastures.
    16SWI-1759.jpg
  • Domesticated goats at Widderalp farm, in the Alpstein limestone range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Below Bötzel pass, Widderalp comforts hikers with a homey restaurant and dormitory style (Matratzenlager) lodging. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1459.jpg
  • Cattle graze at Bollenwees alp, at scenic Fälensee lake in the Alpstein range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Berggasthaus Bollenwees, founded in 1903, is a wonderful place to stay overnight in private double ensuite or dormitory rooms. A spectacular multi-day ridge walk covered in wildflower gardens starts at Hoher Kasten, reached via cable car from Brülisau, just 10 minutes bus ride from Appenzell village. Hike a scenic ridge via Staubern to beautiful Bollenwees and onwards to more wonders. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1408.jpg
  • Brülisau village lies below Hoher Kasten mountain in the Alpstein limestone range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Hoher Kasten (1795 m) is on the border between the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1006.jpg
  • Hybrid rhododendron flowers (in the heath family, Ericaceae) bloom magenta-pink in beautiful Meerkerk Gardens, on Whidbey Island, in the state of Washington, USA. To see the park's blossoms at their spectacular peak, visit around late April or early May. Getting there: 2 miles south of Greenbank, turn east at the corner of Highway 525 and Resort Road, and go to 3531 Meerkerk Lane. (Photo was taken May 22, 2015.)
    1505WHI-252_Meerkerk-Gardens.jpg
  • Hybrid rhododendron flowers (in the heath family, Ericaceae) bloom reddish pink in beautiful Meerkerk Gardens, on Whidbey Island, in the state of Washington, USA. To see the park's blossoms at their spectacular peak, visit around late April or early May. Getting there: 2 miles south of Greenbank, turn east at the corner of Highway 525 and Resort Road, and go to 3531 Meerkerk Lane. (Photo was taken May 22, 2015.)
    1505WHI-240_Meerkerk-Gardens.jpg
  • See the sun set over the Adirondacks from atop Mount Philo State Park (established 1924), in Charlotte, Vermont, USA. From atop Mount Philo (968 feet elevation), see Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east and south. Ascend via steep narrow car road (not suitable for RVs longer than 25 feet) or by trail. Mt. Philo is comprised of hard sedimentary rocks (Cambrian Monkton Quartzites) that are thrust over younger Ordovician rocks of the Stony Point Formation. Its Cambrian rocks were deposited 500 million years ago on a warm shallow marine shelf along the east coast of Laurentia (Proto North America) then tectonically uplifted. The panorama was stitched from 16 overlapping photos.
    1410VT-028-043pan_Mt-Philo-SP.jpg
  • A ranch gate frames the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, Idaho, USA. The Sawtooth Range (part of the Rocky Mountains) are made of pink granite of the 50 million year old Sawtooth batholith.
    07SAW-1161.jpg
  • Sheep with bells and blue ear tags greet you on Skåla mountain trail near Loen, Norway.
    11NOR-4204.jpg
  • Snow Geese are typically seen in large flocks up to 55,000 in winter in western Washington, USA. Most gather in the Skagit River Delta (Skagit County) between the towns of Mount Vernon and La Conner (near Fir Island Road and Best Road) from mid-October to early May. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    0804SKA-126.jpg
  • Crossing Rees River via swing bridge in Rees Valley Station on Rees-Dart Track, Otago region, South Island of New Zealand. In 5 days, we tramped the strenuous Rees-Dart Track for 39 miles plus 12.5 miles side trip to spectacular Cascade Saddle, in Mount Aspiring National Park.
    20190114_144033.jpg
  • Sheep graze on Rees Station in the Rees Valley under snowy Mt Earnslaw (or Pikirakatahi 2830m / 9249 ft) in Otago region, South Island of New Zealand. In 5 days, we tramped the strenuous Rees-Dart Track for 39 miles plus 12.5 miles side trip to spectacular Cascade Saddle, in Mount Aspiring National Park, Southern Alps, Otago region, South Island of New Zealand. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    1901NZ2-0273-75-Pano.jpg
  • Rice paddies and farm house. Tsumago preserves an Edo Period post town on the fuedal Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). To enforce historic ambiance, phone lines and power cables are concealed, and cars are prohibited during daytime. Visitors are encouraged to stay in minshuku and ryokan lodging, and to hike a portion of the trail preserved between Tsumago and Magome villages, via pleasant rural and forest scenery. The Nakasendo, or "Central Mountain Route", was one of Five Routes (Gokaido, begun in 1601) which helped the Tokugawa shogunate to stabilize and rule Japan (1600-1868). Tsumago is in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
    1810JPN-4974.jpg
  • Ruins of a blackhouse at Arnol. Across the street from the ruins, built around 1880, Arnol Blackhouse is a fully furnished traditional Lewis thatched dwelling, which sheltered a family and its animals under the same chimneyless roof. Warmed by a peat fire in a central open hearth with the smoke filtering out through the thatched straw roof, this blackhouse was home to a Hebridean crofting family and their animals, until they moved out in 1966. Today Arnol Blackhouse is insightfully preserved like the family left it. Evolving health regulations in the early 1900s demanded that livestock be housed separately, so "whitehouses" were built with several chimneys, single-thickness walls cemented with lime mortar, wallpaper, lino floors, and separate barn and byre (cowshed). Across the street from Arnol Blackhouse you can visit a furnished 1920s whitehouse. These new crofthouses were so different and bright inside that they were nicknamed "whitehouses," which led to the nickname "blackhouses" for the older antiquated structures. Visit Arnol village on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (Western Isles), Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. This image was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    17SC1-31503-04-Pano_Scotland.jpg
  • Ruins of a blackhouse at Arnol. Across the street from the ruins, built around 1880, Arnol Blackhouse is a fully furnished traditional Lewis thatched dwelling, which sheltered a family and its animals under the same chimneyless roof. Warmed by a peat fire in a central open hearth with the smoke filtering out through the thatched straw roof, this blackhouse was home to a Hebridean crofting family and their animals, until they moved out in 1966. Today Arnol Blackhouse is insightfully preserved like the family left it. Evolving health regulations in the early 1900s demanded that livestock be housed separately, so "whitehouses" were built with several chimneys, single-thickness walls cemented with lime mortar, wallpaper, lino floors, and separate barn and byre (cowshed). Across the street from Arnol Blackhouse you can visit a furnished 1920s whitehouse. These new crofthouses were so different and bright inside that they were nicknamed "whitehouses," which led to the nickname "blackhouses" for the older antiquated structures. Visit Arnol village on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (Western Isles), Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe.
    17SC1-31507_Scotland.jpg
  • Morning rays of sun seen from Digg village, near Staffin, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK, Europe.
    17SC1-3379_Scotland.jpg
  • Stones anchor a thatched roof at Skye Museum of Island Life, which preserves a township of thatched cottages as they would have been in the late 1800s on the Isle of Skye, in Kilmuir village, the Trotternish peninsula, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides.
    17SC1-3243_Scotland.jpg
  • Wastwater lake in Wasdale valley, Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom, Europe. Wastwater is England's cleanest and deepest lake (72 meters deep). England Coast to Coast hike day 2 of 14: from Eskdale in Cumbria county, we walked to Boot for lunch at a local pub and a visit to a working medieval corn mill. We then climbed to Burnmoor Tarn, and descended to Wasdale Head. Via minibus we returned to Irton Hall for night 2 of 2. [This image, commissioned by Wilderness Travel, is not available to any other agency providing group travel in the UK, but may otherwise be licensable from Tom Dempsey – please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.]
    17UK-0826_England.jpg
  • Feral rooster in Waimea Canyon State Park, island of Kauai, Hawaii, USA. This wild rooster on Kauai resembles its ancestor, the wild red junglefowl from Southeast Asia, which was brought by Polynesians to Hawaii, in several waves around 300-1000 AD. Cross-breeding with European domestic chickens followed Captain Cook's landing on the archipelago in 1778. But the past few decades have seen a sudden population explosion of thousands of feral chickens on Kauai, hurting the local ecology. While some look like farm chickens, many others, with burnt orange and black plumage for the males, look like a reversion to red junglefowl from the forests of India or Vietnam. The feral hens on Kauai revert to their ancestral shape of smaller body and smaller combs. Polynesians likely never made it to South America, because chickens on that continent don't have the Polynesian bird's genetic signposts.
    1701HAW-1693.jpg
  • Playfully, Switzerland advertises the Glacier Express as "the slowest express train in the world." Opened in 1930, this narrow gauge railway connects the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps, from the Matterhorn to Piz Bernina, frequently applying a rack-and-pinion system to go up and down steep grades. An especially curlycue portion of the Glacier Express route is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the "Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes". Jointly operated by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) and Rhaetian Railway (RhB), the 7.5 hour railway journey crosses 291 bridges, enters 91 tunnels and reaches 2033 m (6670 ft) elevation at Oberalp Pass.
    16SWI-9576.jpg
  • In Findeln (formerly called Findelen), admire authentic Walser houses, barns, and stores built of larch timber blackened by the sun, above Zermatt, in the Pennine Alps, Switzerland, Europe. The Walser people are named after Wallis (Valais), the uppermost Rhône valley, where they settled from the 900s in the late phase of the migration of the Alamanni (confederation of Germanic tribes) crossing from the Bernese Oberland. From Zermatt, a popular walk is the Five Lakes Trail from Sunnegga Express funicular. Although especially nice for families, the 5-Seenweg loop hike is aesthetically marred with ski slope infrastructure throughout (5 dammed artificial lakes, power lines, lifts, dusty roads, snow-making sprinklers, etc). Visually, the most aesthetic features are the old wood buildings in upper Findeln, and the reflecting lakes of Grindjisee and Stellisee.
    16SWI-8466.jpg
  • Zermatt, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe.
    16SWI-7456.jpg
  • Fiesch is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. The Alps, Europe.
    16SWI-6982.jpg
  • Valais Blackneck goat, near First gondola life station, Grindelwald, Switzerland, Europe. The Valais Blackneck goat breed from southern Switzerland is valued for both meat and milk (dairy). The long black hair on its forequarters contrasts sharply with white hindquarters. The Valais Blackneck goat is also known as Valaisan a col noir, Walliser Schwarzhals, Schwarzweisse Walliser Sattelziege, Vallesana del collo nero, Vallese, Chevre des Glaciers, Valais Blackthroat, or Viege. Domesticated goats have the scientific name Capra aegagrus hircus and were bred from wild goats of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. As members of the Bovidae family, goats are closely related to sheep, which are also in the goat-antelope subfamily, Caprinae.
    16SWIC-553.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5736.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5661.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5619.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This image was stitched from multiple overlapping photos.
    16SWI-5609-11pan.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5608.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-5554.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5458.jpg
  • Lauterbrunnen village is in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe.
    16SWI-3265.jpg
  • Lauterbrunnen village is in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe.
    16SWI-3242.jpg
  • Kandersteg is a great base for hiking in Switzerland. For example: an epic hike from Selden in Bern canton traverses Lötsch glacier and Lötschen Pass (German: Lötschenpass, Swiss German: Lötschepass) to neighboring Lötschental in Valais canton; hiking poles recommended. The walk starts with a reserved Postbus ride from Kandersteg to Selden (in Gasterntal / Gasteretal / Gasterental), climbs 1350 meters, descends 925 m, and ends 13 km later at Lauchernalp lift station, which descends to Wiler in Lötschental, to reach Goppenstein via Postbus, back to Kandersteg via train. You can also reverse the route or stay overnight in dorms at Lötschepass hut.
    16SWI-2583.jpg
  • Dairy cows at sunrise. Berggasthaus Meglisalp can only be reached on foot in the spectacular heart of the Alpstein mountain chain in the Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. This authentic mountain hostelry, owned by the same family for five generations, dates from 1897. Meglisalp is a working dairy farm, restaurant and guest house surrounded by majestic peaks above green pastures.
    16SWI-1762.jpg
  • Dairy cows at sunrise. Berggasthaus Meglisalp can only be reached on foot in the spectacular heart of the Alpstein mountain chain in the Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. This authentic mountain hostelry, owned by the same family for five generations, dates from 1897. Meglisalp is a working dairy farm, restaurant and guest house surrounded by majestic peaks above green pastures.
    16SWI-1761.jpg
  • Below Bötzel pass, Widderalp comforts hikers with a homey restaurant and dormitory style (Matratzenlager) lodging, in the Alpstein limestone range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1483.jpg
  • Below Bötzel pass, Widderalp comforts hikers with a homey restaurant and dormitory style (Matratzenlager) lodging, in the Alpstein limestone range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area). For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-1479.jpg
  • Cattle graze at Bollenwees alp, at scenic Fälensee lake in the Alpstein range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Berggasthaus Bollenwees, founded in 1903, is a wonderful place to stay overnight in private double ensuite or dormitory rooms. A spectacular multi-day ridge walk covered in wildflower gardens starts at Hoher Kasten, reached via cable car from Brülisau, just 10 minutes bus ride from Appenzell village. Hike a scenic ridge via Staubern to beautiful Bollenwees and onwards to more wonders. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1406.jpg
  • Cattle graze at Bollenwees alp, at scenic Fälensee lake in the Alpstein range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Berggasthaus Bollenwees, founded in 1903, is a wonderful place to stay overnight in private double ensuite or dormitory rooms. A spectacular multi-day ridge walk covered in wildflower gardens starts at Hoher Kasten, reached via cable car from Brülisau, just 10 minutes bus ride from Appenzell village. Hike a scenic ridge via Staubern to beautiful Bollenwees and onwards to more wonders. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1401.jpg
  • Starting a lower left, see Brülisau, Weissbad, Schwende, Steinegg and Appenzell villages, from high atop Hoher Kasten mountain in the Alpstein limestone range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Hoher Kasten (1795 m) is on the border between the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1023.jpg
  • The Munot, Schaffhausen's iconic circular fortress, was built by forced labor in 1564 after the religious wars of the Reformation. A steep stairway climbs from Old Town through vineyards to reach this impressive Renaissance castle. Inside the tower, ascend the spiral staircase for views over a patchwork of rooftops and spires to the Rhine and forested hills. Down in the lower chamber, explore a spectacular, cool vaulted casemate. Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Europe.
    16SWI-0461.jpg
  • A hybrid rhododendron flower (in the heath family, Ericaceae) blooms magenta-pink in beautiful Meerkerk Gardens, on Whidbey Island, in the state of Washington, USA. To see the park's blossoms at their spectacular peak, visit around late April or early May. Getting there: 2 miles south of Greenbank, turn east at the corner of Highway 525 and Resort Road, and go to 3531 Meerkerk Lane. (Photo was taken May 22, 2015.)
    1505WHI-249_Meerkerk-Gardens.jpg
  • Campesino girl in green hat. Day 3 of 9 days trekking around the Cordillera Huayhuash in the Andes Mountains, Peru, South America.
    14PER-3026-Peruvian-girl.jpg
  • Backlit white horse grazes at Tuctucpampa campground. Day 2 of 9 days trekking around the Cordillera Huayhuash, in the Andes Mountains, Peru, South America.
    14PER-2708_horse-Tuctucpampa.jpg
  • Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were domesticated for food in the Andes 7000 years ago from a wild cavia or cavy rodent. Despite their common name, these animals are not in the pig family, nor are they from Guinea. It is called cuy or cuyo (plural cuyes, cuyos) in the Spanish of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Quechua speakers call it quwi or jaca. Scientific use of guinea pigs in experiments dates back to the 1600s or earlier. Breeders often call it a cavy, but scientists usually call it a guinea pig. This photo of a cooked guinea pig on a plate is from a restaurant in Huaraz in the Andes Mountains, Ancash Region, Peru, South America.
    14PER2-093_Guinea-pig-meal-plate_cuy.jpg
  • Cattle graze a green field high in the Dolomite mountains. See the Sorapiss Group (right, 3205m/10,515 ft) across a pasture just south of Lake Misurina (address: 32041 Auronzo di Cadore), in the Province of Belluno, Veneto region, Italy. Lago di Misurina is only 14 km from Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in northern Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50258_Sorapiss-Dolomites.jpg
  • In the Barrocks building at Fort Ross, 1800s antique woodworking tools (planes, chisels, drill bits) make you ponder how people lived 200 years ago. Fort Ross State Historic Park preserves a former Russian colony (1812-1842) on the west coast of North America, in what is now Sonoma County, California, USA. Visit Fort Ross and dramatic coastal scenery 11 miles north of Jenner on California Highway One.  Initially, sea otter pelts funded Russian expansion, but by 1820, overhunting motivated the Russian-American Company to introduce moratoriums on hunting seals and otters, the first marine-mammal conservation laws in the Pacific. Russian voyages greatly expanded California's scientific knowledge. For centuries before Europeans arrived, this site was called Metini and had been occupied by the Kashaya band of Pomo people who wove intricate baskets and harvested sea life, plants, acorns, deer, and small mammals. Sponsored by the Russian Empire, "Settlement Ross" was multicultural, built mostly by Alaskan Alutiiq natives and occupied mostly by native Siberians, Alaskans, Hawaiians, Californians, and mixed Europeans. Renamed "Ross" in 1812 in honor of Imperial Russian (Rossiia), Fortress Ross was intended to grow wheat and other crops to feed Russians living in Alaska, but after 30 years was found to be unsustainable. Fort Ross was sold to John Sutter in 1841, and his trusted assistant John Bidwell transported its hardware and animals to Sutter's Fort in the Sacramento Valley. Fort Ross is a landmark in European imperialism, which brought Spanish expanding west across the Atlantic Ocean and Russians spreading east across Siberia and the Pacific Ocean. In the early 1800s, Russians coming from the north met Spanish coming from the south along the Pacific Coast of California, followed by the USA arriving from the east in 1846 for the Mexican-American War. Today, Fort Ross is a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
    1212CA-2171.jpg
  • Horses graze on a ranch preserved in Cades Cove, an isolated valley located in the East Tennessee section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. Cades Cove was once home to numerous settlers. Today Cades Cove is the most popular destination for visitors to the park, attracting over two million visitors a year, due to its well preserved homesteads, scenic mountain views, and abundant display of wildlife. Cades Cove is a type of valley known as a "limestone window," created by erosion that removed the older Precambrian sandstone, exposing the younger Paleozoic limestone beneath. The weathering of the limestone produced deep, fertile soil, making Cades Cove attractive to early farmers. More weather-resistant formations, such as the Cades sandstone which comprises Rich Mountain to the north and the Elkmont and Thunderhead sandstones which comprise the Smokies crest to the south have surrounded the cove, leaving it relatively isolated within the Great Smokies.
    08TN-2162_Cades-Cove.jpg
  • Old brown metal milk canisters. Bridgeton Historic District, Indiana: Bridgeton Covered Bridge (245 feet long) was rebuilt in historically accurate Burr Arch style in 2006 over Big Raccoon Creek (replacing 1868 bridge burnt by arson in 2005) on Bridgeton Road, Parke County, Indiana, USA. Bridgeton Mill was established 1823, rebuilt 1870, and is the oldest continuously operating mill west of the Allegheny Mountains. The mill grinds wheat into flour and corn into meal with 200 year-old French Buhr stones.
    10IND-081.jpg
  • Tugboats pull a huge raft of harvested logs through Deception Pass, a strait of water separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island. Deception Pass connects Skagit Bay (part of Puget Sound) with the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which are all part of the Salish Sea. Deception Pass is the most-visited State Park in Washington.
    05WHI-10099.jpg
  • Snow Geese are typically seen in large flocks up to 55,000 in winter in western Washington, USA. Most gather in the Skagit River Delta (Skagit County) between the towns of Mount Vernon and La Conner (near Fir Island Road and Best Road) from mid-October to early May.
    0804SKA-136.jpg
  • Hike through fields of purple heather flowers on the Cleveland Way Public Footpath, between Osmotherly and Great Broughton in North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire county, England, United Kingdom, Europe. British taxpayers subsidize this privately-owned National Park, where the high, semi-natural moorland is managed by farmers and landowners for traditional sheep farming and grouse shooting. Burning the heather encourages new growth to provide food for sheep and the native red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica, a subspecies of willow ptarmigan). Controversial killing of foxes, stoats and crows (predator control) is done to increase grouse density. While only a rich elite can afford the regulated hunt for grouse, hunting infrastructure supports the local economy. Three types of heather grow on the North York Moors: 1) Ling (Calluna vulgaris), the most common type here, has very tiny pink flowers generally blooming in mid- to late-August; 2) Bell heather has dark pink or purple bell-shaped flowers; 3) Cross-leaved heath, found in boggy areas, blooms with pale pink bell-shaped flowers. England Coast to Coast hike day 10 of 14. [This image, commissioned by Wilderness Travel, is not available to any other agency providing group travel in the UK, but may otherwise be licensable from Tom Dempsey – please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.]
    17UK-4132_England.jpg
  • Sheep, Borrowdale valley in Lake District National Park, United Kingdom, Europe. England Coast to Coast hike with Wilderness Travel, day 3 of 14: from Wasdale Head to Seathwaite. From Wasdale Head, we climbed to 1637-foot Styhead Pass, then descended via Styhead Tarn to the valley of Borrowdale. Overnight at Keswick Country House, in Cumbria county. [This image, commissioned by Wilderness Travel, is not available to any other agency providing group travel in the UK, but may otherwise be licensable from Tom Dempsey – please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.]
    17UK-1081_England.jpg
  • Parasurfers play on Lake Silvaplana in Upper Engadine, in Graubünden (Grisons) canton, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the "garden of the En (or Inn) River" (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).
    16SWI-9333.jpg
  • Bachalpsee reflects peaks above Grindelwald, in Bern canton, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Hike a very spectacular trail from Eigeralp farm at upper Bussalp, around Faulhorn to Bachalpsee, finishing at the gondola lift station at First, which descends to Grindelwald BGF. Along this hike on a clear day, admire breathtaking array of peaks: Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Finsteraarhorn (highest mountain in the Bernese Alps, at 4274 m or 14,022 ft), Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Eigeralp.ch offers a wonderful traditional breakfast and farm stays, and can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5996.jpg
  • Schreckhorn rises impressively above Grindelwald, in Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Schreckhorn (4078 m / 13,379 ft) is the northernmost summit rising above 4000 meters in Europe. This whole massif and surrounding glaciers were designated as part of UNESCO's Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site.
    16SWIC-462.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5710.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5625.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For licensing options, please inquire.
    16SWI-5551.jpg
  • Don't miss Eigeralp farm's traditional breakfast (or a longer farm stay), at Bussalp, above Grindelwald, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Every day, immediately in front of you, Eigeralp farm produces a variety of artisan cheeses and Alpine butter from raw milk in a large cauldron over an open fire. For breakfast, enjoy fresh bread from the oven, Alpine butter, various cheeses, yogurt, homemade jams, coffee, tea and fresh milk! While Eigeralp's huts were built in 1892, its traditional cheese hut dates from the 1600s. While grazing, gaze out over the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in these astoundingly spectacular high meadows. The farm, on the internet at www.Eigeralp.ch, can be reached as follows: ride the private GrindelwaldBus.ch to the last stop in Bussalp, then ascend 40 minutes on foot. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5459.jpg
  • Seen from upper Bussalp, Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn (left to right) rise impressively above Grindelwald, in Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Finsteraarhorn (at left 4274 m / 14,022 ft) is the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps and the most prominent peak of Switzerland (in terms of height above the lowest topographic contour at the mountain's base). The Schreckhorn (4078 m / 13,379 ft) is the northernmost summit rising above 4000 meters in Europe. This whole massif and surrounding glaciers were designated as part of UNESCO's Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site.
    16SWI-5391.jpg
  • Farm buildings on a trail between Hotel Trachsellauenen and Obersteinberg in Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland, Europe.
    16SWI-3963.jpg
  • Lauterbrunnen village is in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe.
    16SWI-3246.jpg
  • Above the beautiful lake of Oeschinnensee, easily reached by lift from Kandersteg, is a challenging hike traversing steeply up over Hohtürli Pass then down to Griesalp in the remote valley of Kiental, Switzerland, Europe. Ascend 1120 meters and descend 1380 m in 13 km, which feels much longer due to steep, exposed rocky & gravelly slopes. Stairs and ladders assist your footing. Optionally stay overnight in Blüemlisalp hut at Hohtürli Pass.
    16SWI-3032.jpg
  • Hikers bypass black cattle near the trail. In the alpine meadows of Lötschental above Lauchernalp gondola lift station, see the Bietschhorn (3934 m/12,907 ft) in canton Valais/Wallis, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The northeast and southern slopes of the Bietschhorn are in Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kandersteg is a great base for hiking: an epic hike from Selden in Bern canton traverses Lötsch glacier and Lötschenpass (Lötschepass) to neighboring Lötschental in Valais canton; hiking poles are recommended for snow and rocks. The walk starts with a reserved Postbus ride from Kandersteg to Selden (in Gasterntal / Gasteretal / Gasterental), climbs 1350 meters, descends 925 m, and ends 13 km later at Lauchernalp lift station, which descends to Wiler in Lötschental, to reach Goppenstein via Postbus, back to Kandersteg via train. You can also reverse the route or stay overnight in dorms at Lötschepass hut.
    16SWI-2722-p1.jpg
  • Delicious freshly-farmed panna cotta with raspberry sauce is served at remote Widderalp mountain restaurant, in the Alpstein limestone range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Himbeer is German for raspberry. Panna cotta (Italian for "cooked cream") is a dessert of sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and molded. The cream may be aromatized with rum, coffee, vanilla, or other flavorings. Located below Bötzel pass and accessible only to hikers, Widderalp comforts hikers with a homey restaurant and dormitory style (Matratzenlager) lodging. Appenzell Innerrhoden is Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-1453.jpg
  • Sheep graze near Saxer Lücke pass. Alpstein range, Appenzell Alps, Switzerland, Europe. A spectacular ridge walk covered in wildflower gardens starts at Hoher Kasten, reached via cable car from Brülisau, just 10 minutes bus ride from Appenzell village. For a wonderful day hike, take the lift; or arranging for overnight stay at Berggasthaus Staubern or beautiful Bollenwees allows time to ascend Hoher Kasten summit (1794 m) on foot.
    16SWI-1190.jpg
  • Painting of the traditional Swiss autumn cattle parade (by Alb. Reuteler in 1925) , a festive descent from alpine pastures. In this living tradition, cows are adorned with flowers and bells ring festively as the farmers walk alongside in their finest traditional costumes. Appenzell Museum, which is in the town hall, shows a cross section of the Swiss Canton's history and culture. Appenzell village is in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland's most traditional and smallest-population canton (second smallest by area).
    16SWI-0787.jpg
  • "Beware of attack chicken" sign on garden fence. Langley, Whidbey Island, Washington, USA.
    1505WHI-012_Attack-chicken-sign.jpg
  • A woman, boy, girl and dog drive sheep on the road to Lago Quilotoa, in Ecuador, Andes Mountains, South America.
    09ECU-3011_Ecuador.jpg
  • A fall pumpkin harvest is displayed for sale at a farmer's market, Minnesota, USA.
    03MN-G0080_pumpkins.jpg
  • We followed the River Swale via meadows, woods, and villages, on our walk from Keld to Reeth in Yorkshire Dales National Park, England, United Kingdom, Europe. England Coast to Coast hike day 8 of 14. [This image, commissioned by Wilderness Travel, is not available to any other agency providing group travel in the UK, but may otherwise be licensable from Tom Dempsey – please inquire at PhotoSeek.com.]
    17UK-3166_England.jpg
  • 1800s style woodworking shop; wooden vise. Conner Prairie Interactive History Park provides family-friendly fun for all ages in Fishers, Indiana, USA. Founded by pharmaceutical executive Eli Lilly in the 1930s, Conner Prairie living history museum now recreates life in Indiana in the 1800s on the White River and preserves the William Conner home (listed on the National Register of Historic Places).
    1610IND-137.jpg
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