The Ha’ikū Stairway to Heaven or Ha’ikū Ladder

The Ha’ikū Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven or Ha’ikū Ladder, is a steep hiking trail in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the island of O’ahu. The trail began as a wooden ladder spiked to the cliff on the south side of the Ha’ikū Valley. The trail started as a wooden ladder spiked to the cliff on the south side of the Haʻikū Valley. It was established in 1942 to enable antenna cables to be strung from one side of the cliffs above Ha’ikū Valley to the other. A building to provide a continuous communication link between Wahiawā and Ha’ikū Valley Naval Radio Station was constructed at the peak of Puʻukeahiakahoe, elevation about 2,800 feet.

The antennae transmitted very low frequency radio signals from a 200,000-watt Alexanderson alternator in the center of Ha’ikū valley. The signals could reach US Navy submarines as far away as Tokyo Bay while the submarines were submerged. Testers for RCA picked up signals on Long Island, and the signal also reached India, 10,600 kilometer away.When the Naval base was decommissioned in the 1950s, the USA Coast Guard used the site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid-1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps by one count, 3,922 steps. In 1987, The station and trail were closed for the public. A few hikers pay no attention to the No Trespassing signs and continue to climb, contributing to the local community's misgivings about reopening the structure. In 2003, the stairs were well repaired, costing the city $875,000. In the early of 2012, land usage rights issues have not been resolved, and  the City and County of Honolulu has confirmed that there is presently no plan to open the stairs for public use, citing liability concerns.

Views from the top:

•          Coastline from Ahuimanu to Kualoa
•          Haiku Valley to Mokapu & Ulupau Head Kaneohe, Oneawa, Lanikai, Kailua, Keolu
•          Hoomaluhia Reservoir
•          Coastline from Kaiwa Ridge to Waimanalo
•          Koolau cliffs from Konahuanui to Makapuu
•          Moanalua Valley trail terminus
•          Halawa Ridge trail terminus
• Prominent peaks: Ohulehule, Piei, Manamana, Kanehoalani, Maelieli, Olomana, Lanipo, O’Kona 

Haiku Stairs from Samuel Nowack on Vimeo.

Salina Turda Salt Mines Transform to History Museum

What was once a massive salt mine in turda, Romania, has now been cautiously renovated by the regional cluj county council into the world’s first salt mining history museum. the salina turda salt mines were excavated in the 17th century, proving a vital source for salt that brought the romans much wealth. Nowadays, the durgau lakes at the mine’s surface responsible for much of the salt deposits in the area are well-liked tourist attractions that guarantee a firm flow of visitors all year around. A trip down the vertical shafts that once transported 1000’s of tons of salt will gradually let slip the immense scale of the excavated earth, made deliberately clear upon reaching the very bottom of the mine which is covered in a sand-like layer of salt, nearly borrowing a certain aesthetic from the deep sea, the bottom of the mine features almost alien structures made of timber members and illuminated with suspended tube lights. the interior maintains a steady 11-12 degrees celsius and 80 % humidity, fully devoid of any allergens and an almost absence of any bacteria, making the exclusive micro-climate a destination for those suffering from allergic respiratory diseases.

Mysterious Hvitserkur Shaped Rock in the Gulf of Hunafloui

Hvítserkur strangely shaped rock, situated in the Gulf of Hunafloui, off the northern coast of Iceland. In it you can view the outlines of an enormous creature that looks like a dinosaur, which drinks water Greenland Sea. Researchers believe that this 15-meter-high rock formation is the remnants of an ancient volcano. The sea erosion has carved holes through its foundations and sculptured it in the unique shape it is today. Some say it is in the shape of a petrified monster.Due to time, wind and water, it has become just such a strange form. As far as me, it seems like a cow grazing, but that's just me.