Rhododendron setosum
Rhododendron setosum is found in Sikkim’s temperate to alpine biomes to 5600 meters elevation. Elevation: 4831 meters. Native range is Central & East Himalaya to South Tibet.
Archive for 'Landscape'
Sikkim Rhubarb (Rheum nobile)
Sikkim Rhubarb is found in Sikkim’s alpine biome to 5000 meters elevation. Elevation: 4831 meters. Native range is Afghanistan to South Tibet and North Myanmar.
Sikkim Rhubarb (Rheum nobile)
Sikkim Rhubarb is found in Sikkim’s alpine biome to 5000 meters elevation. Elevation: 4831 meters. Native range is Afghanistan to South Tibet and North Myanmar.
Sikkim Rhubarb (Rheum nobile)
Sikkim Rhubarb is found in Sikkim’s alpine biome to 5000 meters elevation. Elevation: 4831 meters. Native range is Afghanistan to South Tibet and North Myanmar.
Dasiphora arbuscula
Dasiphora arbuscula is found in Sikkim’s alpine biome to 6000 meters elevation. Elevation: 4483 meters. Native range is Himalaya to Tibet.
Rhododendron setosum
Rhododendron setosum is found in Sikkim’s temperate to alpine biomes to 5600 meters elevation. Elevation: 4831 meters. Native range is Central & East Himalaya to South Tibet.
Rhododendron setosum
Rhododendron setosum is found in Sikkim’s temperate to alpine biomes to 5600 meters elevation. Elevation: 4831 meters. Native range is Central & East Himalaya to South Tibet.
Myricaria rosea
Myricaria rosea is found in Sikkim’s temperate to alpine biomes to 4500 meters elevation. Elevation: 3636 meters. Native range is Nepal to China.
Kalesan, Socotra
I was here exactly 8 years ago – 6 February 2015. There is quite a bit more water now, perhaps 1,5 to 2 meters deeper. There are few signs of the powerful cyclones Chapala and Megh that followed after my visit in 2015 and the following years. But I did not see any of the […]
Kalesan, Socotra
I was here exactly 8 years ago – 6 February 2015. There is quite a bit more water now, perhaps 1,5 to 2 meters deeper. The sand-washed, very bright surfaces are looking the same as in 2015. Perhaps reaching a bit further away from the water now. During a cyclone or wet winter, the water […]
Kalesan, Socotra
I was here exactly 8 years ago – 6 February 2015. There is quite a bit more water now, perhaps 1,5 to 2 meters deeper. The sand-washed, very bright surfaces are looking the same as in 2015. Perhaps reaching a bit further away from the water now. During a cyclone or wet winter, the water […]
Erissel, Socotra
These towers are made by the male Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan). The crabs are found on the coast throughout Socotra, but they are only able to make these castles where the tides do not regularly reach. Here in Erissel they dig deep to reach the wet sands, and thus these towers reach pretty […]
Erissel, Socotra
These towers are made by the male Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan). The crabs are found on the coast throughout Socotra, but they are only able to make these castles where the tides do not regularly reach. Here in Erissel they dig deep to reach the wet sands, and thus these towers reach pretty […]
Homhil, Socotra
Socotra is full of extraordinary geological features, and when water is in the mix it is even more spectacular. Here the layers of cascading rock gives the appearance of running water, or even ice forming in a waterfall. Without the people in the mix the scale of the place would not have been easy to […]
Homhil, Socotra
Although much of Socotra appears bone dry, the island is like a huge water reservoir. First and foremost the Haghier mountains are rainmakers in their own right, but whenever the is rain, the water flows through millions of cracks in the ground. Some flow to underground aquifers, others appear as seepage in mountain and canyon […]
Boswellia elongata
The moon, two days to full, hanging above the crown of an old and damaged Boswellia elongata in Homhil. This is one of very few remaining trees of what was once a forest of Boswellia elongata. It is a sad state, and the future is uncertain. The damage to the crown is from past cyclones, […]
Boswellia elongata
This is Homhil at its most beautiful – green and vibrant after the winter rains. Unfortunately this is but a faint echo of past glory, when the land was in fact a forest of Boswellia elongata. The distance between each tree is huge, compared to what it should be, and once was. Only photos from […]
Boswellia elongata
This is Homhil at its most beautiful – green and vibrant after the winter rains. Unfortunately this is but a faint echo of past glory, when the land was in fact a forest of Boswellia elongata. The dead wood in the foreground is a fallen member of this forest, and in the background one that […]
Boswellia elongata
This is Homhil at its most beautiful – green and vibrant after the winter rains. Unfortunately this is but a faint echo of past glory, when the land was in fact a forest of Boswellia elongata. The distance between each tree is huge, compared to what it should be, and once was. Only photos from […]
Boswellia elongata
This is Homhil at its most beautiful – green and vibrant after the winter rains. Unfortunately this is but a faint echo of past glory, when the land was in fact a forest of Boswellia elongata. The distance between each tree is huge, compared to what it should be, and once was. Only photos from […]
Boswellia ameero
A beautiful specimen with lush foliage accessible to behold up close. Many of them them grow on vertical cliffs with very few ways to reach, so close encounter like this is most welcome. Some grow on hillsides, but getting close to the foliage is difficult as the trees are usually several meters tall with foliage […]
Dixam, Socotra
The mighty Dirhur canyon is perhaps most impressive when seen from Dixam. From here you can see the fringes of Firhmin Forest on the other side of the canyon. Firhmin is a forest of dragon blood trees (Dracaena cinnabari) – the only forest on Socotra, and the world. It is a spectacular forest of otherworldly […]
Firhmin forest, Socotra
With more than 30 000 dragon blood trees, Firhmin forest is the largest and densest group of dragon blood trees on Socotra. There is an estimated total of around 80 000 dragon blood trees on Socotra, which might seem a lot, but the regeneration has been non-existent for a very long time. Firhmin forest is […]
Firhmin Forest, Socotra
With more than 30 000 dragon blood trees, Firhmin forest is the largest and densest group of dragon blood trees on Socotra. There is an estimated total of around 80 000 dragon blood trees on Socotra, which might seem a lot, but the regeneration has been non-existent for a very long time. Firhmin forest is […]
Morten Ross and Firhmin Forest, Socotra
Here I’m photographing Acridocarpus socotranus, one of many endemic species of plants in the middle of the otherworldly Firhmin Forest. Find more about the status of the dragon blood tree here. Find more information about conservation efforts and studies.
Morten Ross and Firhmin Forest, Socotra
The Firhmin Forest is the largest collection of dragon blood tress in all of Socotra, with an estimated 32 000 trees. To walk in this forest was incredible and to look out at the forest from this vantage point was like standing in a different time and place, as these trees do not look like […]
Kalanchoe farinacea
This individual has an amazing view over Firhmin Forest. Being near the Haghier mountains the sky is overcast, but in a few days the sun will win over the clouds and this location will be baked in sunlight and heat until next winter. Between now and then only sporadic night fog will provide moisture to […]
Buxus hildebrandtii
An evergreen species common in Firhmin Forest, where it’s found as a shrub to trees 3 meters tall or more.
Firhmin Forest, Socotra
The iconic dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari), found only on the island of Socotra. Here they grow in the tens of thousands (Firhmin forest is estimated to hold more than thirty thousand trees) and make the only forest of dragon blood trees on Socotra and in the world. They can live for 700 years or […]
Firhmin Forest, Socotra
The dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) is undoubtedly the most famous of all plant species on Socotra, and you will know immediately this is a unique tree found only on this very special island. The plant is used as a logo and symbol of anything Socotri, and travel companies, foreign and Socotri, will have this […]
Dragon Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari)
The mighty Dirhur canyon – the deepest of all canyons on Socotra. I’m standing on Dixam, looking towards the Firhmin Forest on the other side. Firhmin is the only dragon blood tree forest on Socotra, with more than 32 000 trees. It is estimated there are around 80 000 dragon blood trees in total on […]
Prikkperikum – Common St. John’s-Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Denne vakre prikkperikumengen har nå blomstret en stund og det er færre knopper å se på blomsterstandene. Det kan godt hende det er noen firkantperikum innblandet her, men det er prikkperikum som er den dominerende. Dette er en av flere plantearter som danner vakre enger på den skrinne øya Fyrsteilene. Blomsterengene starter fra våren med […]
Notsuke Peninsula
During my visits to Notsuke Peninsula I experienced, snow, blue sky, and a lot in between. This is shot when the wind was battering the landscape, making it very cold and unpleasant to stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time.
Notsuke Peninsula
During my visits to Notsuke Peninsula I experienced, snow, blue sky, and a lot in between. This is shot when the wind was battering the landscape, making it very cold and unpleasant to stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time.
Notsuke Peninsula
During my visits to Notsuke Peninsula I experienced, snow, blue sky, and a lot in between. This is shot when the wind was battering the landscape, making it very cold and unpleasant to stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time. Here you can see the snowdrift flowing over the boats and […]
Notsuke Peninsula
During my visits to Notsuke Peninsula I experienced, snow, blue sky, and a lot in between. This is shot when the wind was battering the landscape, making it very cold and unpleasant to stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time. Here you can see the snowdrift flowing over the boats and […]
Blue shed, Notsuke Peninsula
During my visits to Notsuke Peninsula I experienced, snow, blue sky, and a lot in between. This is shot when the wind was battering the landscape, making it very cold and unpleasant to stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time. The owners of this blue shed, my favorite building in Hokkaido, […]
Notsuke Peninsula
During my visits to Notsuke Peninsula I experienced, snow, blue sky, and a lot in between. This is shot when the wind was battering the landscape, making it very cold and unpleasant to stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time.
Blue shed, Notsuke Peninsula
The colors of the houses in Hokkaido are rather bland, dominated by beige, grey and off-white. Very different from what you encounter in the Norwegian country-side, where you’ll find buildings in bright red, blue, yellow and white. This blue shed was standing very much out in it’s unique color, which brings down the color of […]
Fishing net floats, Notsuke Peninsula
The colors of the houses in Hokkaido are rather bland, dominated by beige, grey and off-white. Very different from what you encounter in the Norwegian country-side, where you’ll find buildings in bright red, blue, yellow and white. I found only one shed, and these fishing net floats in bright colors. Here the daylight is coming […]
Fishing net floats, Notsuke Peninsula
The colors of the houses in Hokkaido are rather bland, dominated by beige, grey and off-white. Very different from what you encounter in the Norwegian country-side, where you’ll find buildings in bright red, blue, yellow and white. I found only one shed, and these fishing net floats in bright colors. Here the daylight is coming […]
Blue shed, Notsuke Peninsula
The colors of the houses in Hokkaido are rather bland, dominated by beige, grey and off-white. Very different from what you encounter in the Norwegian country-side, where you’ll find buildings in bright red, blue, yellow and white. This blue shed was standing very much out in it’s unique color, which brings down the color of […]
Blue shed, Notsuke Peninsula
Notsuke Peninsula is a beautiful stretch of open land and sea, with wetland on one side and pebbles and stones on the other side facing the Pacific. There is much wildlife here, and few buildings. During winter the wind and snow can be brutal, and any building must be able to stand against the storms. […]
Fishing net floats, Notsuke Peninsula
The colors of the houses in Hokkaido are rather bland, dominated by beige, grey and off-white. Very different from what you encounter in the Norwegian country-side, where you’ll find buildings in bright red, blue, yellow and white. I found only one shed, and these fishing net floats in bright colors.
Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis)
A very popular location in Hokkaido to watch red-crowned cranes roosting is Setsuri River from the Otowa Bridge. This is a long time favorite of both cranes and people alike, as the cranes feel safe here and come in a decent number, and humans get a beautiful view of the river, cranes and the surroundings. […]
The Neck, Bruny Island
This morning started with lots of rain, defying the forecast of sunny skies and making the journey here somewhat in the unknown. But lo and behold – the clouds gave way for blue sky and sunlight, making this capture possible, capturing the immense beauty of this stretch of Bruny Island. I was in luck to […]
The Neck, Bruny Island
This road is built on a very narrow stretch of land, where one side has an amazing beach seen here, and the other facing Tasmania. As you can see there is barely a place to park you car. How this place is during the high season I can only imagine. I enjoyed every minute of […]
Port Sorell, Tasmania
Humanity has always been inspired by nature, and tried to express their experience of nature through art. Although there are countless incredible human productions, nature simply cannot be beat in any way. Be it microscopic or on cosmological scales. Nature is always more. Every moment of every day there are shapes, patterns and colors for […]
Taylor’s Beach, Break O’Day
A very brief, but stunning part of sunset on a beach I visited many times during my stay here. Every hour of the day provided a uniquely beautiful experience, and particularly so with the presence of only nature and wildlife, as this was autumn and the low season for visitors.
Taylor’s Beach, Break O’Day
This is such a beautiful beach I’m sure is pretty crowded in summer, but this is autumn and this couple were the only other humans I encountered here during my several visits during my time here.
Bicheno Blowhole, Tasmania
The Bicheno blowhole can be magnificent if you come during optimal conditions of high waves and tide with a partly cloudy sky as seen here. Better stick around in Bicheno if you are unlucky in regards to the weather and tidal conditions on your first attempt.
Cape Tourville Lighthouse, Coles Bay
A beautiful lighthouse in an amazing natural setting, and I had it almost all to myself! As I visited in autumn, there were hardly any visitors and the landscape was all natural sounds and sights. Elevation: 18 meters
Russell Falls, Mount Field
This was perhaps the most “crowded” of all the waterfalls I visited during my trip to New Zealand And Tasmania this autumn, and I can only imagine how crowded this place would be during the high season. During my visit it was all nature and only the occasional visitor. I even saw a sleeping wallaby […]
Russell Falls, Mount Field
This was perhaps the most “crowded” of all the waterfalls I visited during my trip to New Zealand And Tasmania this autumn, and I can only imagine how crowded this place would be during the high season. During my visit it was all nature and only the occasional visitor. I even saw a sleeping wallaby […]
Swan Lagoon, Ohao
There were no swans on this lake during this brief and wonderful time of sunset, but several ducks. Elevation: 590 meters
Purakaunui Falls, Otago
On the way to the Purakunai Falls you’ll find this mini-version of the main attraction about half-way between the main road and the falls. In North America and Eurasia the landscape is on fire with reds and yellows in autumn, but here there are no such decidious tree species. Europeans longing for that special sign […]
Purakaunui Falls, Otago
A beautiful waterfall I had almost to myself. As I visited in the autumn there were very few visitors around and that made the place that much more amazing. Elevation: 75 meters
The Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka
Perhaps the most famous tree in the world, in an ever changing environment. This time it was extremely windy and cold, and not at all pleasant, but visually it was amazing as the sky was filled with dramatic clouds in layers, each moving in a different pace and direction. Elevation: 282 meters
The Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka
Perhaps the most famous tree in the world, in an ever changing environment. This time it was extremely windy and cold, and not at all pleasant, but visually it was amazing as the sky was filled with dramatic clouds in layers, each moving in a different pace and direction. Elevation: 282 meters
Lady Knox Geyser, Rotorua
Even though I visited here in autumn, this site was exceptionally popular and crowded, and not pleasurable at all, except for the geyser. Left to its own devices this is a mellow geyser, but drop some detergent into it, and it steadily increases its outward pressure until it reaches a considerable height and then steadily […]
Owharoa Falls, Waikino
This is a hidden gem that’s easily missed and not visited by many compared to other waterfalls in New Zealand. The river turns 90 degrees here, and has a short run before it flows into the bigger Ohinemuri River running alongside Highway 2.
Whangarei Falls, Northland
For a brief few seconds these two kids chose to stand in front of the waterfall, providing an excellent scale of this magnificent place.
Lonely trees in Damaraland, Namibia
This particular area was absolutely stunning in the soft light of early morning – a savanna with beautifully colored dead grasses and a clutch of three small trees clinging onto life. Elevation: 403 meters
Hot air balloon in Namibia
What better way to experience a sunrise than in the air – silently flowing on the invisible layers of moving air, soon to be heated up by the sun. As the sun rises, the air becomes turbulent and a trip much less pleasant and unpredictable. Elevation: 719 meters
Lone tree in sunset, Namibia
A single tree has survived years of heat, drought and very occasional rain. Elevation: 993 meters
Lone tree, Namibia
A single tree has survived years of heat, drought and very occasional rain. Elevation: 993 meters
Sossusvlei sunrise
A rare moment with gorgeous puffy clouds creating crepescular rays during the golden hour, by one of the enormous sand dunes. In the desert the sky is almost always without any clouds, making the sky dull and featureless. But this precious morning was touched by magic, in a magical landscape! Elevation: 620 meters
Lone tree, Namibia
A single tree has not only survived years of heat, drought and very occasional rain, but thrived to become a mature giant. Elevation: 620 meters
The Deadvlei tree
Prior to my visit unseasonal rains had turned trees, shrubs and plants green and in bloom, but the water was long gone from this particular and iconic clay pan. I was told that all of this was under water for many days and looked otherworldly, as the otherwise dry ground had become a mirror of […]
Flowering desert tree, Deadvlei
Out of season, rain has made trees and plants grow foliage and flowers, and this seemingly dead tree is now surging with flowers and bees pollinating them, and this just meters away from many ancient dead trees. It’s amazing to see how insects are able to take advantage of even the most irregular of seasons. […]
Kannan Devan Hills Tea garden
Some tea plantations are like artwork, with countless shapes, patterns and variations of green, creating a living gallery of abstracts to the beholder. Although tea plantations are absolutely stunning in some places, like here in Kerala, they are lifeless and silent as it supports very little life. Elevation: 1959 meters
Tyrshi Falls, Meghalaya
Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India There are countless small and large waterfalls in Meghalaya. Some stunning beyond description and impossible to miss, except when the clouds kiss the ground. Which happens very often. Others are small and inconspicuous, even hard to see, like this one in Jaintia Hills, which is at first a mellow stream which […]
A waterfall in Lumwahnai, Meghalaya
There are so many waterfalls in Meghalaya that I wondered if mega refers to numbers of rapids and waterfalls. Only the largest and most accessible waterfalls are known and visited by tourists, but there are so many waterfalls with no names and utterly unknown except to the locals. This particular waterfall got my attention in […]
Kynrem falls, Meghalaya
One might think it is a bad idea visiting the wettest place on earth during the monsoon, but this is the time when all the hidden waterfalls reveal themselves – even though some might still be just a little stream flowing over the edge. The north-eastern state of Meghalaya is home to some of the […]
Dzukou Valley, Nagaland & Manipur
This landscape is like nothing I’ve ever encountered and is so intensely beautiful and otherworldly! From dawn till dusk the ever changing weather, light and color hues provided the most stunning show. During my time the visual was seasoned with regular and amazing thunder from neighboring valleys. At night the sky was partly starry with […]
Dzukou Valley, Nagaland & Manipur
A true valley of flowers! From afar the valley looks like a green carpet, but as you come closer you notice more and more color hues. When you finally reach the valley floor you will see an incredible density of plants and an amazing diversity of species – each blooming at a different time of […]
Dzukou Valley, Nagaland & Manipur
When you first get a glimpse of Dzukou valley you are mesmerized, as it is so different from all the valleys, hills and mountains surrounding it. It is a verdant treasure box. However, it is not until you go all the way to the valley floor that the floral diversity unfolds, as on the surrounding […]
Lord Howe Island twin peaks
The home of the rare and wonderful These beautiful twin peaks are the landmarks of the island, and holds so much more than beauty to the human eye, and is recognized with the highest honor as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tallest of the two peaks is Mt Gower at 867 meters, to the […]
Lord Howe Island twin peaks
The home of the rare and wonderful These beautiful twin peaks are the landmarks of the island, and hold so much more than beauty to the human eye, and is recognized with the highest honor as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tallest of the two peaks is Mt Gower at 867 meters, to the […]
Lord Howe Island sunset
9 out of 10 evenings during my stay on Lord Howe Island I walked the Little Island Track along the beach to the outcrop called Little Island. At first to experience the sunsets, but after just one sunset I was completely hooked. Hooked on experiencing the large numbers of seabirds. I visited in April, the […]
Principe creek
Minutes ago this water came off the edge of a high cliff as one of several impressive waterfalls on the small island of Principe. Think of miniature versions of Salto Angel (Angel Falls)! As with most of Principe the mountain tops are densely forested and during the rainy season plenty of rainfall replenishes the streams, […]
Principe seasonal waterfall
For a small island, Principe has an impressive array of waterfalls, some can even be seen from far out to sea – that is how tall they are! On a previous day I had passed this side of the island on the way to Caroço Islet and noticed an impressive waterfall standing out in an […]
Caroco Islet (Ilhéu Caroço), Principe
On Principe’s little sister This is a tiny speck of volcanic rock rising more than 300 meter high with sheer cliffs on all sides except areas on the north-western side where huge boulders have come off the mountain to form a fertile slope with dense forest and a rocky and dangerous shore with no beach. […]
Tidal pool sunset, Principe
This evening I was hoping to encounter many interesting fungi and perhaps even flowers in the forest west of Bom Bom islet where I had found so many amazing species so far. From the islet the forest looks pristine and untouched, but as I walked the trail I soon realized it was second growth forest […]
Waterfall in Lahaul Valley
This is one of several beautiful waterfalls on the north-facing slopes, now a mellow trickle compared to during the monsoon several weeks ago. It’s running down to the Chandra river (Chenab river is also used) in Lahaul valley, reached by the Rothang Pass from Manali to the south of this position and is at the […]
Chandra river, Spiti
The water in this river (also called Cheneb river) comes from the glaciers which are slowly releasing less and less water as the winter approaches. Soon this landscape will be all white and very desolate as the road will be closed until summer once again wins over winter. I got a reminder of how close […]
Chandra river, Spiti
A very different experience when all colors are removed. The water in this river (also called Cheneb river) comes from the glaciers which are slowly releasing less and less water as the winter approaches. Soon this landscape will be all white and very desolate as the road will be closed until summer once again wins […]
Chandra river, Spiti
The water in this river (also called Cheneb river) comes from the glaciers which are slowly releasing less and less water as the winter approaches. Soon this landscape will be all white and very desolate as the road will be closed until summer once again wins over winter. I got a reminder of how close […]
Chandra river, Spiti
The water in this river (also called Cheneb river) comes from the glaciers which are slowly releasing less and less water as the winter approaches. Soon this landscape will be all white and very desolate as the road will be closed until summer once again wins over winter. I got a reminder of how close […]
Dhankar Gompa, Spiti
Today we can enjoy a leisurely car drive to this amazing monastery and village – Dhankar Gompa, and move on within minutes in the summer months. But think about how this kind of living was all the hundreds of years prior to any road or motorized vehicles! Winters as cold as can be – centuries […]
Pin Valley National Park, India
Clouds always add mystery and dynamics to any landscape, but Spiti is mostly without any clouds as it is a mountain desert with cloudless skies for long periods, and during my travel here I did not expect any clouds in my landscape captures. But microclimatic conditions provide exceptions to the norm, and here I found […]
Nightfall at Ki monastery
I had a wonderful time at this spot, watching the remaining light of the sun fade and being replaced by the rising moon behind me. There is not much vegetation in this dry valley, so wherever it is it gives such beautiful colors of autumn to the otherwise dry and barren landscape, and I was […]
Dochula Pass, Bhutan
I was very fortunate to come here in time for the sunrise with a cloudless sky. Very slowly I had a growing idea of the magnificent snowcapped mountains to the north and west, and as the light increased I was greeted with a completely clear sight of the tallest mountain peaks in Bhutan. This shot […]
Dochula Pass, Bhutan
The sunrise is almost over, and I was having a hard time deciding which direction to point the camera. Focus on the sunrise in the east above the stupas, and capture the moment the entire disc has climbed above the horizon, or focus on the north-west where the amazing hues of the sunrise colors the […]
Mossy waterfall
There are countless amazing rivers, streams, creeks and waterfalls in Bhutan, but many are inaccessible due to the extremely steep terrain. Most of the larger rivers are torrents in the rainy season, and thus the rocks are without any moss as they are sand and rock blasted by the friction of what the water brings […]