Sunday, 18 May 2014

Jim Jim Waterfall Australia


The scenic beauty of Jim Jim Falls is a 656 ft high waterfall located in the Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory, Australia. It is thought that about 140 million years ago much of Kakadu was under a shallow sea. The prominent escarpment wall formed sea cliffs and the Arnhem Land plateau formed a flat land above the sea. Today the escarpment, which rises to 1,082 feet above the plains, extends over 500 km along the eastern side of the Park and into Arnhem Land. It varies from vertical cliffs in the Jim Jim Falls area to stepped cliffs and isolated outliers in the north. In the “dry”, when access is possible via a 60 km dirt road (the last 10,9 km) are really suitable for 4WD only, the water dries up and the falls often don't fall. In the “wet” when the falls are at their most spectacular, it is difficult to drive any vehicle into the area. It is very imperative to know about weather of Jim Jim falls; actually it is dependent on adverse weather and road conditions. There is no set opening date of Jim Jim Falls, but from 10 years Gorge track opens from Mid-June to Mid-July. As season may change access may be unpredictable. Jim Jim Gorge Track is an icon of the region and must do for the fit and adventurous, so you must do trekking and hiking with safety.
Another very important concern is the removal of crocodiles, which is constant monitoring and removal of any crocodiles in Jim Jim is a priority and sometimes the falls may be closed for an extra week or so to trap any crocodile that has well wandered in. Jim Jim track is closed during the wet season and there is a deep water crossing at Jim Jim that must be crossed to carry on to Twin Falls. This is definitely 4WD only; it is rough and corrugated in patches and sandy with drifts and sand banks in other places, considerably a slow trip. If you are a self-drive or hiring a 4 wheel drive vehicle rental or 4WD camper hire the hint is watch out for the dust from passing motorists or drivers in front of you. Camping is only allowed at end of Jim Jim track at designated camp site, but only in seasonal access. The picnic area is situated along the Jim Jim falls access road on the way to Twin Falls, before the Jim Jim Creek crossing and provides picnic facilities under shady trees. Toilet facilities are also provided.

Saturday, 17 May 2014

Reichenbach Falls Switzerland



The Reichenbach falls are situated in the lower part of the Reichenbachtal valley, on the Reichenbach stream, a tributary of the Aar River, approximately 2 kilometers south of the town of Meiringen, and 25 km east of Interlaken in Bern canton, central Switzerland. The waterfall is one of the highest falls in the Alps. There’re actually five cascades with an overall height of 650 feet and best known are Upper and Lower Reichenbach Falls, with a drop of about 300 feet.
Therefore; much of Reichenbach’s beauty has been marred by a hydroelectric development, but still its scenic beauty and charm of environment make this area is a popular tourist attraction. The term water falls is not such easy to define. In general, this term means the distinctive structure of the water movement of so-called bodies of flowing water. The waterfall itself is powerful and impressively tall over multiple tiers. It wasn't easy to see all the tiers in one go given much of the overall drop was concealed due to the twisting nature of its stream.
The first and upper level of the Reichenbach Falls is the deepest one. Whereas the height of fall is about 120 metres, and the water quantity distributes on a width of up to 40 metres. In summer, 3 to 5 after a heavy thunderstorm up to 30 m³ water per second flow into the valley. The lowest level of the Reichenbach Falls is unidentified and easy to visit. The medium Reichenbach Falls, however, are hardly passable but can be seen from the funicular. In theory, this waterfall was supposed to be pretty easy to visit. However the funicular ride that would've tremendously cut down the physical exertion. That funicular was first opened in the year 1899, which would make this a pretty historical apparatus. However, the one at Giessbach Falls was said to be actually older.
A cable railway brings tourists up to a platform; it is the starting point for hiking across the Rosenlauital valley, the Groß Scheidegg and Grindelwald. The Reichenbach Falls Train leads up to the upper end of the first Reichenbach Falls. From here a hiking route leads downhill up to above of the falls with numerous viewpoints! (Water-falls photographers are asked to note the enclosed exclamation mark, all non-photographers will not regret climbing up either).

Yana Dar The Burning Mountain of Azerbiaijan

 Azerbaijan is a great tourist destination and famous for its rich cultural history with a unique cuisine, ancient monuments, modern architecture, and mud volcanoes. The most famous volcano is Yanar Dag, also called “Burning Mountain”. It’s a true fact, that the mountain has been burning for as long as anyone can remember, and the fire isn't showing signs of going out any time soon. Marco Polo visited Persian City of Baku in the 13th Century, and he mentioned several mysterious flames found in the various places of Abseron Peninsula. These fires contributed Azerbaijan the moniker "Land of Fire. And even after 5 centuries Marco Polo and French writer Alexandre Dumas witnessed natural flames in a mysterious fire temple. It is easy to understand that how these natural flames must have amazed and terrified people in history, and it doesn’t come as a wonder that the natural fires of Azerbaijan are considered to have played a crucial part in the creation of Zoroastrianism a mystical faith, centered on ceremonial fire cults, which appeared in the region somewhere 2,000 years ago.

The natural flames of Azerbaijan can be attributed to its massive gas reserves. When exploitation of these reserves started, most of the natural fires burned out, due to a reduction in underground pressure. Of the natural fires that burn today in Azerbaijan, Yanar DaÄŸ is arguably the most impressive. A 10m long wall of fire, that never extinguishes, is burning incessantly alongside the edge of the hill, which naturally is at its most remarkable especially at night, when tourists and locals see the fire from a nearby teahouse. The air around this open fireplace is always thick with the smell of gas. The considerable Absheron wind, twisting the flames into bizarre shapes, adds to the mystery of the region. Tongues of fire also upsurge from the surface of the streams situated around the hill. These streams are called Yanar Bulaq, or “Burning Spring”. Yanar Dag has no seepage of mud or liquid, so the fire always burns. Local lore states that it was a shepherd that accidentally ignited the fire in the 1950s by tossing a cigarette and that it has burnt ever since.

Wli Waterfall Ghana



Wli Falls are located about 15 kilometers south east from the city of Hohoe (inVolta Region). Wli is the highest waterfall in Ghana about 70 meters drop! And is a part of the Agumatsa River.  On the way to the falls there are 11-log bridges that have to be must cross. So first to admire is the sheer grandeur of the fall itself; the remarkable white water of the Agumatsa River thundering about 60 meters down steep cliffs into a large pool. And second are the huge mountain formations comprising of soaring peaks and rock walls which are part of the Akwapim-Togo Mountains
At the bottom of the falls there is a natural pool which is really great for swimming but extremely cold. Wli Falls is so lovely and heavenly beautiful and crystal clear water fell in a pool of sand. There’re creeks under the water and one should not go near them else they can be washed away. The place is fully safe and tourist can go there easily, the local’s peoples did not cause any problem to the tourists. Another attraction about Wli is the luxurious forest environment presently designated as the Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary. Approachability is another advantage of Wli falls, visitors don’t have to climb any hills or descend steep valleys to get to the foot of this splendid geological monument.
When you’ll sit on the terrace you have a great view of the gorgeous Wli Waterfall and the mountains with Ghana's highest summit, Mount Afadjato (880 m). Moreover; sun loungers invite you to relax in the midst of nature. Therefore; on the large covered terrace you can enjoy a cool drink and some tasty food. You can explore beautiful surroundings walking or biking.
Grown-ups and kids alike enjoy the Wli Waterfall within easy walking distance to the various species of wild flora and fauna. You can discover exotic butterflies and flying dogs, and even you can sit down on bamboo benches in the forest to take a rest. A dip in the pool or showering at the foot of the water fall offers a refreshing break particularly on hot days. If you want to go the upper cascades then you require appropriate shoes and some stamina. The hike takes about 4 hours. Moreover; early afternoon sunshine offers the best lighting conditions for taking beautiful pictures.
As the Ghana leading waterfall the continuing efforts to develop the site for Ecotourism will serve as an significant model for the many in the area such as the Tagbo and Flabo falls as well as those in other parts of the country though the distinctive terrain and setting of each fall would demand different approaches. There are accommodation facilities at Afegame for overnight visitors. Numerous categories of accommodation also abound in Hohoe town; about 25 minutes’ drive from Afegame. For stress relieving, cultural lessons, relief from mundane activities and socialization, it is highly recommended Wli waterfalls as your next holiday destination.


Ben Mount Benbulbin Ireland



Ben Mount Benbulbin is located in County Sligo, in the extreme north-west of Ireland, 10 KM north of the town of Sligo. The mountain Benbulbin is 527 meters and an entire county of Sligo and its symbols. Benbulbin is a protected site, designated as a County Geological Site by Sligo County Council. According to Irish legend, lived on this mountain monstrous boar of Benbulbin, Diarmuid was killed and buried in a hill Lech MUIKAM, near Dramkliffa at the foot of Benbulbin, according to his will, buried the great Irish poet WB Yeats. Its present form the mountain was during the last glacial period. Initially, it had a high “hump” that was cut creeping glacier.
Benbulbin almost entirely composed of limestone rocks. The name Benbulbin is also echoed in the name of the king Conall Gulban, a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages who was associated with the mountain; though, whether he was named after the mountain or the mountain after him is not clear. Benbulbin was shaped during the ice age, when Ireland was under glaciers, actually it was a large plateau and with the passage of time it converts into distinct formation. Benbulbin Mountain is composed of limestone on top of mudstones and these rocks formed approximately 320 million years ago in a shallow sea. Fossils exist throughout the layers of the mountains. All layers have many fossilized sea shells. The shale layer also holds some corals.
Benbulbin is an established dangerous climbing destination because the side bears the brunt of the high winds and storms that come in from the Atlantic Ocean. However if you climb from south side of mountain which is considered easy side since that side slopes very gently. And when climbers reached the summit, they’re rewarded with a magnificent view over the coastal plain of north Co. Sligo and the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore; Benbulbin hosts a unique and rare variety of plants, including particular organisms found nowhere else in Ireland. Several are Arctic–alpine plants, which grows in cooler temperatures than is normal. Some plants were deposited when the glaciers created Benbulbin i.e wild hares and foxes inhabit Benbulbin. In 2012, some researchers exposed that the Fringed Sandwort had survived the Ice Age and is possibly 100,000 years old.