The Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman

The Bimmah Sinkhole, located in Hawiyat Najm Park, actually meaning “Meteor Fall” Park in Arabic, is a sinkhole in Muscat Oman. Bimah sinkhole is beautiful natural landmark, the best place see in Muscat for refreshment at the long coastal road of Oman. This exclusive sinkhole is so exquisite, as limestone hollow, in Bimmah, boasts the kind of clear waters normally only seen on holiday postcards. It is approximately 50 by 70 m large, 20 to 30 m deep. The crystal-clear waters provide one of the most picturesque swims in Oman.

It formed so close to the sea because of the increased subterranean water flow that occurred down-gradient. The sinkhole was formed with limestone by a collapse of large cave chamber. However many believed that this sinkhole was formed by meteorite ("piece of Moon"). Moroever, at the bottom of sinkhole, one can see deep blue-green water with a heap of rock and remnants of the collapse. When the roof of one of these caverns collapses, the land above it falls in too, leaving giant holes. When groundwater flows through these rocks, it eats away at the rock, leaving behind subterranean holes and caverns.

The government has developed a park around the sinkhole, built concrete stairway leading to the lake. It’s a refreshing lake to take bath for Locals and tourists. It is well thought, that sinkhole is connected to the 600 m distant sea. Because the top layer of lake is crystal clear, but at the depth of some 8 m water has sulphuric taste due to sulphur oxidizing bacteria and is less clear. Though similar holes engulf residential streets or open up in front of despairing home owners, the Bimmah sinkhole has long been attracting tourists eager for a picturesque swim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swaik Lake: Pakistan

 

Pakistan is a natural tourist’s destination, and majestic beauty is not only bound to the locations in the northern areas of the country. But, it is also home to some unexplored gems like the stunning, mystic “Swaik lake” just waiting to be explored. Swaik Lake is also called “Khandowa Lake” “کھنڈوعہ جھیل” around 10 km from the Tehsil Kallar Kahar, Chakwal District and 30 kilometers southwest of Chakwal along the motorway. It is famous for natural scenes, crystal clear water with tiny fishes, cliff diving, swimming, and trekking. Swaik Lake is approached with 45 minutes of hiking after the drive of 10 Km by taking an exit from Kallar Kahar interchange at Lahore-Islamabad Motorway. Swaik Lake is also called “Narumi Dhan” by local peoples.

It is a beautiful place and very similar to Neela Wahan pond. The hike to the Swaik Lake is quite similar to the hike to Neela Wahan although the level of difficulty is a bit higher. In Swaik Lake, you can enjoy with family, friends and also other activities like Cliff diving, Treking all along. The lake area consist of variable size filled with water, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land, apart from any river or other outlet that serves to feed or drain the lake. Lakes lie on land and are not part of the ocean, and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are also larger and deeper than ponds. The trail that leads to the breath-taking beauty is quite wide and narrows down at some parts, and steeply declines towards the gorge that encapsulates the lake.  The lake has become quite a popular place in recent times, as it’s hard to believe that it’s right here in Pakistan! A fresh, clear lake is all you can fantasize about on a beautiful day, the lush green waters just glistening in the broad daylight the cascading waterfall situated at the lake, you might spot tiny little fish scurrying in the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Scariest House, Decorate With Skulls and Devils Hand

A horrible house made up with dozen of black skulls and devil hands in the town of Ratmoka. It is located just 5 kilometers from the Belorussian Capital of Minsk. The house is made in an unusual design; seems the owner was impressed by the temple in Prague - the Kaplica Czaszek. Normally, people don’t like this idea of house and move quickly to the other side. Because, it is not particularly pleasing to go when black hands stick out of the wall. Although, the residents of this area, complaints to the local authorities about it, requesting that the devils and skulls were terrifying children and even adults walking by after dark, but they haven’t done anything about it yet.

From distance, the house looked quite unique, even looks like a fairytale castle. Hence, when got closer and saw scariest hands & skulls out of the fence & fence it’s shocked. At night, it’s scary even for adults, as the light reflects off those little metal devils and they look even creepier. Moreover, the neighbors of the house also nagged that house is horrible, with all those devils dotting the roofs, and the spooky black skulls covering the domed roof of a smaller structure resembling a crypt. He even noticed that one of the devil sculptures seems to be aiming a bow directly at his window, which makes him uneasy. Thus, many peoples like it or not, you’ve to agree that the decor may really prove to be a brilliant deterrent against thieves, particularly id they’re the superstitious type. The Idea would definitely think twice before going into a place like that at night.

Neighbors say that the owner of the house is in fact just an ordinary businessman. He started this exclusive house a decade ago, but then went away for 8 years and only came back 2 years ago and restarted work on it. Now house is almost finished, and people are scared he might add even more spooky elements to it before he’s done. The images of this spooky house are recently gone viral in Belarus, with most people praising the owner for the horrifying artistic design. Though, the only reason that the house even became famed in the first place was because people living in its vicinity had been complaining that it is too spooky.

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