Colorful Skies- A cloudy day in Denali National Park, Alaska

I would love to post the details of Denali National Park, Alaska asap. About weather, mountains, wildlife, birds and wildflowers. These green mountains are seen all along lining up the at horizon. Isn't it unimaginable that the high snow covered mountains are hiding behind these clouds? Until I post about the park please enjoy this picture ... A cloudy day in Alaska is normal and this is how it looks when there is some sunshine :)

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National Parks- Hawaii Volcanoes, Temple of Goddess Pele

Lava fountain from Kalapana viewing area

For many Hawaii means tropical beaches but for me it is synonymous with volcanoes!! I saw, smelled, photographed and walked on a live volcano for the first time in my life! One of the forms of nature's fury- a volcano, practically reminds us- the great humans, that there are some things not under our control. This beautiful eruption leaves behind a vast devastated area which is black and barren, like another face of the Earth. Today Hawaiian Islands exist because of this ever-going underground process of volcanism. When I saw the sight of that fiery fountain of molten lava I felt I was blessed! I had the moment that day!

Colorful Skies- Sunset at Point Reyes Lighthouse

One of the most beautiful lighthouses I have ever seen! Listed in National Register of Historic Places (USA), Point Reyes Lighthouse was established in Dec 1870. Point Reyes Seashore being a popular tourist attraction the lighthouse gets great number of visitors. 

National Parks- Haleakala, The landscape from Moon

Oheo Gulch waterfalls

Hawaii- everybody's dream destination ... huh? Yeah, it was for me too ... Tropical Paradise they say ... I was fascinated, mesmerized, speechless by the live volcanoes and the landscapes created by this fury of nature! These islands away from the mainland have very interesting weather, their eastern coasts get rainfall almost throughout the year and western coast is hot at the same time! Well, my first stop was Maui, rated best in the islands to visit the most beautiful volcanic beauty! Well, I took an accommodation in Kihei with the view of Charlie Young Beach.

Colorful Skies- Blue sky at Charley Young beach, Maui

In Maui I took an accommodation in Kehei on the western coast for sunshine. To have a peaceful stroll on the Charlie Young beach morning and evening. And it was a perfect place. Not so over crowded and not away from the city life, with beautiful views of blue sky, coconut trees and volcanic rocks! It was lovely. Don't you agree?

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Birds- Willow Ptarmigan, State bird of Alaska

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) is state bird of Alaska. Also known as Willow Grouse, it is a type of grouse. As you see it is ground-dwelling bird and it is a herbivore. Though chicks eat some insects. I saw them all around near Savage River area of Denali National Park, Alaska. Spring is the nesting season. In summer they have a brown plumage with white underparts and in winter they change to white with black tail.  Info from wiki- The scientific name lagopus means 'hare footed' because the bird has feathered feet to survive in cold. Cool huh?

Cities- Gwalior, The tourist capital of Madhya Pradesh

Man Mandir Palace

Gwalior city was built and named after a Hindu Saint Gwalipa who cured the Rajput chief Suraj Sen of leprosy. From Shivapuri I took a bus to Gwalior (118KM) and the journey was very peaceful than I had expected. I got off at the bus stand and took a room in Tansen Residency run by MP Tourism. Only two things I knew about Gwalior were- the love story of Raja Man Singh Tomar and his wife Mrignayanee, and the Chaturbhuj Temple where the oldest known use of shunya (a zero) in India.

Monochrome- A Typewriter, a piece of history

In today's world where virtual keyboards are used a Typewriter- sounds ancient huh? Well, this typewriter is definitely an antique at Angel Island State Park located in the San Francisco Bay. Angel Island was an immigration station during World War II. The typewriter was one among the many articles that belonged to the station and used by the detained immigrants.

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Colorful Skies- Sunset at Black Sand beach, Maui

After a day long rain at the eastern cost I thought of heading west for some sunshine. I reached the Lahaina coast just after sunset. But, still there was that after glow. The black volcanic rocks were glowing by that golden light. Tough it lasted for a few moments it was a lovely sight.

Wildlife- Croc in the pool

I love this picture. The clear water, one can even see the bottom. And those tiny floating leaves! Look at the shadow of the croc! But, with that muted green all around lacks a bit of color. Ask me again ... I love the picture :)

I took this picture at Everglades National Park, Florida

Heritage- Chatris of Shivapuri

Shivpuri is an ancient town. It was a summer capital of Scindia rulers and the thick forests around it were hunting grounds for mughals. Early morning I took a bus from Chanderi to Shivpuri and the journey was very slow but peaceful. As the bus approached the town I could see the dense forests of Madhav National Park and the George Castle on top of a far away hill. I went straight to the Badaiyya Kund and checked into the Tourist Village run by MP Tourism.

Colorful Skies- Golden light at Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz

One more from Santa Cruz, California ... Walton Lighthouse! Less known and small lighthouse but a great place for morning or evening walks. Watching people walking their dogs is a fantastic scene here. I had set up my tripod to catch the design created by waves on the wet sand. At once, the ocean started rising and even before I could react I was standing in the almost knee high waters! You see that in the picture?! It was bit scary! Nature's behavior is very unpredictable!

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