Aoshima, The Cat Island

Aoshima island, is famous as “Cat Island”, actually a small island, where there are expressively more feline residents than people and inhabited by 15 people and hundreds of cats. Aoshima is incorporated into Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, is a small, unpretentious island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. However, the 0.5 km²island does have one unique claim to fame–it’s known as a paradise for cats and cat lovers. However, island does have one unique claim to fame–it’s known as a paradise for cats and cat lovers. The island wasn’t always so deserted, nor was it recognized as being a “cat paradise.” Cat Island is home to over 100 cats of all different breeds, which can be found lounging around and acting generally lazy in true feline fashion.

That’s pretty impressive, considering the island itself has only 17 permanent human residents, who range in age from their 50s-80s and either make their living through fishing or receive a pension. One nurse is stationed full-time on the island, but residents must board a ferry to Nagahama Port (near JR Iyonagahama Station) in Ozu City to do all of their shopping. The tourist’s likes to play with cats, petting and taking photos. It is impossible to see so many cats in one place, different breed’s just fickle nature of cats. The Residents of Hyogo Prefecture first migrated to Aoshima about 400 years ago to fish the huge numbers of sardines in the surrounding waters. The cats were primarily introduced to the island to prevent mice from chewing through fishing nets.

The island experienced a peak population of 798 in 1955, but the number of people dwindled just as the population of cats multiplied. Aoshima has experienced an unprecedented influx of tourists, leaving the local residents baffled and unprepared to deal with the flood of people streaming. The sleepy island wasn’t always so deserted, experienced a peak population of 798 in 1955, but the number of people dwindled just as the population of cats multiplied. Few Communities are trying to boost the local economy drawing fine line between promoting exchange with people from other prefectures and keeping their original quite lifestyle. So far, the island is not presently equipped to handle more than a handful of people in this modern age–there are no restaurants, no hotels, no cars, almost no bikes, and not even a single vending machine to be found! Furthermore, because the island is so small, many tourists inadvertently end up wandering onto the residents’ private properties.

The Natural Hot Springs of Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes scenic hot springs provide ideal locations for a relaxing soak. Mammoth Lakes is situated on the edge of an ancient volcanic caldera. Here, around 760,000 years ago, a gigantic volcano exploded, leaving behind the relatively flat basin now cradling Mammoth Lakes. These spring, has a large pool as well as a smaller tub. The pool usually hovers around 95 degrees while the tub generally stays at 105. Most hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes area are primitive and have no developed facilities. There are no costs to visit any of the listed hot springs. The best time to visit hot tub in spring, summer, or fall, as winter snows may make the road impassable. The wonderful hot spring’s fiery past in this region’s network of natural, bubbling hot tubs, some developed for safe dipping, are concentrated between Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes. There’re many hot springs here, offering a peaceful and serene as you ca sat in the refreshing hot water. However, some of famous hot pools are.

Hilltop Hot Spring: One of best most popular is Hilltop Hot springs has some of the majestic views of the area. Hilltop Hot spring is located only a short distance from Mammoth Lakes, the hot spring is quite popular so don't be surprised/mind if you have to share a tub with someone else. Hilltop is located on the west side of Benton Crossing Road and is open to the public.

Buckeye Hot Spring: It is located in the “Toiyabe National Forest”, just north of Bridgeport and on the edge of Yosemite National Park Buckeye features pools next to head-to-head babbling brook, very calming to the senses and frayed nerves. The hot mineral water beautifully cascades over a cave. The water here generally hovers around 100 degrees. Moreover, troglodytes and children can enjoy soaking in the cave, while the other peoples can be content in the outer pools near to the stream. The majority of bathers are campers, thanks to the nearby campground. This spring boasts two soaking pools next to a clear mountain stream.

Benton Hot Springs: The hot springs at Benton are possibly the purest hot springs in the world.  Peoples can relax in tubs, as each is equipped with hot and cold taps so you can easily control the water temperature. You can relax under shady cottonwoods tub filled with ultra-pure spring water. Four tubs are antique redwood, two are fiberglass and the last is made of stone. Tubs are located under the shade of Cottonwood trees, in a lovely oasis type setting.

Whitmore Hot Springs: It is located in the Long Valley Caldera, 20 minutes south-east to Mammoth Lakes and are surrounded by the Inyo National Forrest, in California’s Eastern Sierra. The natural context of the Whitmore Hot Springs is astonishing, to be in the middle of nothing but nature in all its different forms. It is located rather desert and pristine valley, surrounded by alpine mountains, blend in with an almost lunar landscape, giving you a direct contact with nature.

Travertine Hot Springs: It is one of the easiest hot springs to get to and features a stunning view of the Sierras Nevada while you soak in this natural hot spring. You can pitch a tent nearby, though not adjacent to the springs. Travertine Hot Spring is 103 degree water while taking in expansive views of the Sierra’s.

Shepherd’s Hot Spring: This is also one of people favorite, and also more private than Hilltop. Water temperature is controlled by a valve. Natural views are pretty amazing of the White Mountains and of the Eastern Sierra, though not as wonderful as Hilltop. It is encountered nobody here, but the tub can fit up to four people.

Hot Creek Springs: It is very close to Mammoth Airport, is an incredible hot spring within a cold stream surrounded by rocks and mountains all around; the effect of hot bubbles and cold water on your body is amazing. The spring can be very hot, so be careful. Recently the place has been closed for volcanic activity.

Keough Hot Springs: First opened as a medicinal and health retreat in 1919 as the water is believed to contain 27 different minerals, these springs are still a great place to soak and relax.

Wild Willy's Hot Springs: it is also known as "Crowley Hot Springs," Wild Willy's is located just a few miles from Mammoth Lakes. This hot spring is a bit more natural. Please use caution when traveling to and soaking in the hot springs.

Crab Cooker Hot Springs: This tub is not easy to reach and it is not easy to park there. There is only one pool that accomodate no more than 6 people. There are taps to regulate the water temperature. However, here is a valve to control the temperature. This one is mostly found empty due to difficult location.

Pulkey's Pool: The stunning mountain views from this cement tub are superb. It can seat about 8 people and it's easy to find. Where else can you sit in a hot tub in the middle of a meadow with a 360 degree panoramic view of snow-capped mountains? And these are big mountains, but in fact, many of the peaks in this part of the Sierras are among the tallest in the continental United States.

There’re several activities you can do here, both in summer and winter. However in summer, people can relish the majestic landscape, hiking, sightseeing, biking, and rock climbing, camping and golfing. This area is dotted with many alpine lakes where it is possible to practice numerous sports: such as canoying and kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and fishing. During the winter this is an amazing place for skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice climbing. Being a wild environment, you have to be always careful and behave properly since you can see wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, deer, raccoons and wolves. Rangers are there to support you and give useful advice. Make sure, when you’re finished soaking, bed down at camp sites located nearby. Camping is not allowed in the hot springs area.

Lake Nyon, Cameroon

On 21, August 1986 In Cameroon, a small crater “Lake Nyon” killed 1,700 villagers and 3,500 livestock overnight when it abruptly released 100,000 - 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide suffocating everything within 25 kilometers. However, as per geologists, the reason might have been a landslide, a small volcanic eruption on the bed of the lake, or a small earthquake. Moreover, a third probability is that cool rainwater falling on one side of the lake triggered the overturn. In spite of all the theories, no actual reason had been found up to now.

Scientists still don’t know what triggered the misery Lake Nyos in northwestern Cameroon a large cloud of carbon dioxide formed, rose at nearly 100 kilometers per hour, and spilled over the northern lip of the lake. It descended down two valleys, displacing all the air and suffocating people and livestock within 16 miles of the lake. Even now, the reason of this catastrophic disaster out-gassing has not been revealed. Therefore, a degassing system has since been set up here with the object of decreasing the concentration of CO2 in deep waters and therefore the risk of further eruptions.

Therefore, it is thought that more than 1.2 cubic kilometers of gas was released. Though, normally blue waters of the lake turned a deep red after the outgassing, due to iron-rich water from the deep rising to the surface and being oxidized by the air. The level of the lake dropped by about a meter and trees near the lake were knocked down. After catastrophic eruption, many survivors were treated at the main hospital in Yaoundé.  So, it was well believed that several of the victims had been poisoned by a mixture of gases that included hydrogen and sulfur. Poisoning by these gases would lead to burning pains in the eyes and nose, coughing and signs of asphyxiation similar to being strangled. Although, scientists concluded from evidence that a 100 m column of water and foam formed at the surface of the lake, spawning a wave of at least 82 ft that swept the shore on one side.

In 1995, a feasibility report was successfully conducted, and the first permanent degassing tube was installed at Lake Nyos in 2001, and two more pipes were installed in 2011. After disaster, scientists researched on other African Lakes to observe any similar phenomenon could happen elsewhere. In Congo, “Lake Kivu” which is 2,000 times bigger than Lake Nyos, was also found to be supersaturated, and geologists found evidence that outgassing events around the lake happened about every thousand years. Cameroon marks 30 years since its worst natural disaster ever, appear to be completely dead. There is no sign of birds or other animals. In the 1980s, the population of Nyos was over 3,000 and rising fast as a lot of people moved to the area for agriculture and cattle ranching. So, after 30 years, the population is still estimated at several thousand, but they live far from the killer lake, even though many are ignoring warnings from the government and returning closer to the lake. Source: Charismatic Planet

 

Reynisfjara, The Rarest Black Sand Beach in Iceland

White sandy beaches are off course yes for all. But what you do, when there’s a lava beach that has risen from the ashes? Actually, Iceland has many volcanic beaches, but Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is hands down the coolest with its black sand, insane basalt columns, lava formations, towering cliffs, and caves. One of the rarest beaches on the planet is located near the village of Vík í Mýrdal, in Iceland, which faces the open Atlantic Ocean and is situated in 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. You won’t find garbage on the beach; people are infrequently guests here due to the cold and wet weather. Southern Iceland is framed by a black sand beach that was ranked in 1991 as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.

In Iceland this is wettest place, as rains are permanent feature, as here for 340 days a year. Moreover sand is also clean from the stones and any other impurities. It’s clean fine sand of tremendously black color! The clarification is very simple, because during the volcanic eruption, lava flowed into the ocean and cooled there, and then, for the long centuries water used to break it into tiny particles making exceptional kind of sand. Thus, progressively the water ousted it to the coast. The American journal “Islands Magazine” named this outstanding black beach one of the 10 most astonishing non-tropical beaches on the planet. The coastline of the strange black sand beach stretches for five kilometers.

The black basalt columns are called “Reynisdrangar” and they appeared as a result of exposure of the water on the coastal cliffs. They are located next to the majestic towering mountain Reynisfyadl. Furthermore, this area is popular for its caves and huge black boulders. The creatures petrified here, when couldn’t hide from the sun in time. However, to drag three ships ashore, other to sink the Icelandic ship. The locals of such unusual places like this like to turn everything into a fairy tale, maybe, to attract tourists, or they can really trust in it. Moreover, cold water of the coast beach, the infinite fogs, penetrating winds and somber landscapes but a sense of delight wins the gloom; everything here seems to be very distinct and scarce! The unreal surroundings beckon travelers, photographers and filmmakers. Some kind of science fiction or horror film is often filmed here. Reynisfjara black sand beach is seriously one of the coolest places in Iceland. A MUST see for anyone doing a South Iceland drive or looking for a day trip from Reykjavik.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cave City of Vardzia

The Cave City of Vardzia is situated in the European country of Georgia at the juncture of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The Cave City has more than 800 years of history, you would be wondering why such a great place was built in the first place. The words why and how brought in mind first. In 1185 a woman, “Tamar”, wished to build a monastery by seeing flowering culture on the throne of Georgia.  This was a first for the country and extremely unusual in the Europe of the twelfth century.

There was, however, a problem, when the Mongol empire had been inexorably expanding and little Georgia was under threat continually.  What better an idea, then, for their fabled Queen to have her monastery carved from solid rock?  It looks like it is the ruins of some huge Tolkien city, Minas Tirith in ruins.  Yet this was not to be the home of dwarves but of monks – and many of them. Desperate times lead to desperate measures and to help her people avoid the Mongol onslaught, Tamar commanded that an underground sanctuary be built.  The town of Aspindza was selected and the secret work started under the nearby Erusheli Mountain.

The 25 years old Queen started the construction and had been on the throne only a year. Nobles tried determinedly to usurp her position, on grounds of her relative immaturity and of course her gender but she ruled for 29 years.  A warrior queen she is still revered by many in Georgia. The City of Vardzia would be a massive construction job now but in the 12th century it was a gigantic, epic labor one which was fueled by both the adherence to the Christian faith and the Georgian determination that their lifestyle and culture should not be destroyed by the invading Mongols. Overall, 13 levels were constructed with natural caves being enlarged to contain over 6,000 dwelling places for monks and for those fleeing invaders.  The only way to get to this underground kingdom was via a secret tunnel which started at the adjacent Mtkvari River. On the outside of the hidden monastery the land of the mountain was very productive.

The monks formed a system of irrigated terraces that would feed those inside. It is hidden within the mountain and perhaps the first example of an eco-friendly self-sustainable (in terms of food and water) structure in Europe, it must have been considered impregnable.  Yet nature had an unpleasant surprise for the cave city of Vardzia. The city escaped the Mongols triumphantly.  Yet less than a hundred years after its construction, the great earthquake of 1283 brought devastation to the country.  It was so powerful that it ruptured the cave system, causing much of it to collapse and cascade down the side of the Erusheli Mountain. The remnants of the terrace walls on the top of the mountain, where the mountain simply sheared off and simply dropped to the ground below, exposing the monastery within. 

The event was cataclysmic, and have seemed like a punishment of God to the residents of the city, maybe retribution for the pride they had taken in magnificently defending their nation from the Mongols.  However, 2/3 of the hidden city was destroyed and its unseen intestines were exposed to the world on the side of the mountain. The monastery, more than simply decimated, did not give up.  It continued until 1551 but was then attacked and pillaged by the Persian Sash Tahmasp who badly slaughtered the monks.  It was the period when Vardzia was finally abandoned. However, in the 20^th century the monastery was revisited by monks who decided to guard its history and a small group remains there to this day.  It is more of a museum now than a monastery but still serves as a reminder of the extremes a people will go to in order to protect their culture as well as the savage vagaries of nature.