Modern Architecture- Cloud Gate

After NYC and LA, Chicago is the busiest city in United States. In 2012 Chicago is listed seventh in Global City Index (info from Wiki). Why not? It is one of the most beautiful metro areas I have seen. The Millennium Park is an icon. AT&T plaza in the park has an unusual and beautiful public sculpture.

Waterfalls- Burney Falls, A never ending flow

Burney is a small town in northern California. It is popular for the McArther-Burney memorial state park. The centerpiece of the park is an ever flowing waterfalls. This 129ft waterfalls is fed by underground springs and has water even in dry summers. (Info from Wiki) The waterfalls was called eighth wonder of the world by then President of United States Theodore Roosevelt. It is declared as National Natural Landmark.

Around Bangalore- Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple in Nandi

Well, Nandi Hills is a very popular day-long excursion from Bangalore. But, have you heard of a village Nandi at the foothills of Nandi Hills, home for a 9th century Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple? I hadn't until I joined Bangalore Ascenders (BASC) for a day-long photography tour. BASC is a non-profit organization interested in outdoor activities and adventures organized by its-own volunteering members. If you are in Bangalore, want to get out but, don't know where? then just go ahead- read their website! You will definitely meet enthusiastic and friendly people of all ages :)

Oceanscapes- Ocean waves at Natural Bridges

Well, there is not much of sky in this picture, but have full reflection of the sky and its colors! I was at one of the beaches in Santa Cruz and the sunset seemed dull. I thought of taking a walk along the beach and then I saw this particular wave pattern on the wet sand. The waves arrived at the shore but strangely moved sideways before returning to ocean! I stopped and waited if that pattern repeats ... yes! It did repeat! And here is the picture I took.

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Cities- Las Vegas, misadventures and a broken camera

Whatever happens in Vegas remains in Vegas! Well, I didn't do anything like you might be thinking right now! :) Its just a popular line ... I definitely had some driving misadventures and freaked out my family! Huh!

National Parks- Death Valley, The land of extremes!

Death Valley National Park, the land of extremes ... rightly claimed by US National Park authorities ... The name itself says everything! When I visited the park in mid September temperature recorded was 120 Deg F. Every time I got out of the car to see the interesting points I drank half-litre of water. Still I felt I was getting heat stroke! Well, Death Valley National Park is a desert national park in California. One of the fine examples of barren harsh yet extremely beautiful nature. The very interesting feature about this park is that the second lowest point in Western Hemisphere and the lowest point in USA (282ft bsl) exists in this park. And the highest point in lower 48, Mt Whitney stands high nearby!

Random Thoughts- Traveling full-time on a budget

I have been traveling on and off ... I quit my job beginning of 2011 to spend all my time traveling! Almost two years now and I have traveled some parts of India. As the time passes by, at times I am asked by my Dad ... what next? What are the plans for earning a living? Yeah, valid concerns from worried parents :) 

These thoughts have passed my mind too! I jumped into something that I always wanted- Be a Vagabond. But, then how am I going to maintain myself being a Vagabond? Yeah, when I had a job which paid me a very very handsome amount I went on luxury trips. Now, I have tried moderate budget backpacking trips in India.

Colorful Skies- Sunrise at Lassen

Lassen Volcanic National Park in California is not as popular as other parks in USA. But, for some reason I kept going there few times for hiking and photoshoots! And this is one of those good pictures I clicked one of the mornings ! Thanks to the road, presence of it gives the picture some weight!

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Lakes- Mono Lake

A couple of years of ago I was very proud and happy when I overheard a conversation between my Mother and an aunt on Mother's Day. My Mother was saying ... My little one is grown up now. She has changed the roles, she is my Mom now ... Today I am happy because my Father was saying something like this to his friend ... My daughter can take perfect pictures even with a match box. I don't believe that I am so good as they claim but, it makes my life better :) I believe, though we cannot change destiny but most of the good things in our lives are because of our parents.

Neglected Past- Temples of North Karnataka, Gadag

My host state- Karnataka. I love every part of it because, I was born in Karavali area (coast), brought up, educated, worked and living in the cities of Bayaluseeme (southern plains of Deccan plateau) and have visited and trekked the Malenadu (hilly reagion- parts of Sahyadris). Good people, great food and fun places make my state Incredible! But, when it comes to development it is very evident that most of the northern part of the state is very much neglected. So, protecting the past in this area is a far away thing.

Modern Architecture- Sundial Bridge

I have a great fascination for bridges, be it medieval and modern. And I love photographing them in the night with all illumination on. Here is one ... During my recent visit to USA I wandered around ... One of the pit stops was Redding. Redding is a city in Northern California. In the heart of the city is Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The park has small museums, arboretum, gardens, running tracks and its Sundial Bridge across the Sacramento river is an icon. This free standing pedestrian bridge is a feast for the eyes. A walk across over the river is refreshing.

Birds- Yes! Got it!

Everglades National Park in Florida is a birder's paradise. Here, beautiful birds surround you. One evening, I was returning from a guided tour and I saw this cormorant diving. I noticed it returned back from the dive few feet away with its catch! It was getting dark and I got a semi-silhouette of the bird-with-catch!

Natural Wonders- Devil's Postpile

Devil's Postpile National Monument was proclaimed to protect a rare geological formation called Devil's Postpile and also nearby Rainbow waterfalls. Devil's Postpile is a cliff of basalt rock and is a fine example of columnar basalt. The symmetrical and multi-faced basalt columns are about 60ft high. Recent study shows the formation is about 100,000 years old and was was formed by a cooling lava flow. The columns might have been much taller. The eroding forces have broken the columns and the pieces can been in heaps on the ground.

Colorful Skies- Weather in Alaska

Wouldn't it be wrong to post this grey picture under the title Colorful Skies? Ha ha ... well, grey is one of the colors of sky! A short trip to Alaska with a group was fun, though it was a couple of years ago. Cold, rain, nightless, beauty, bears and so on ... rugged, wild and mysterious ... looks like evening :)