Sent by Evgeny from Kursk, Russia.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Dominica (1)
SALYBIA, EAST NORTH EAST
Unspoilt ... Untouched ... Natural!
Sent by Deslyn from Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica.
This is from Wikipedia : Dominica (/ˌdɒmɪˈniːkə/ DOM-i-NEE-kə; French: Dominique; Carib: Waitikubuli), officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island nation in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea, south-southeast of Guadeloupe and northwest of Martinique. Its size is 750 square kilometres (290 sq mi) and the highest point in the country is Morne Diablotins, which has an elevation of 1,447 metres (4,747 ft). The Commonwealth of Dominica has an estimated population of 72,500. The capital is Roseau.
Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its unspoiled natural beauty. It is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity, as evidenced by the world's second-largest boiling lake. The island features lush mountainous rainforests, home of many rare plant, animal, and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions, but heavy rainfall can be expected inland. The Sisserou Parrot (also known as the Imperial Amazon), the island's national bird, is featured on the national flag. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, agriculture and heavy taxation.
Christopher Columbus named the island after the day of the week on which he spotted it, a Sunday (dominica in Latin), November 3, 1493. In the hundred years after Columbus's landing, Dominica remained isolated, and even more Caribs settled there after being driven from surrounding islands as European powers entered the region. France formally ceded possession of Dominica to the United Kingdom in 1763. The United Kingdom then set up a government and made the island a colony in 1805.
The emancipation of African slaves occurred throughout the British Empire in 1834, and, in 1838, Dominica became the first British Caribbean colony to have a legislature controlled by a black majority. In 1896, the United Kingdom reassumed governmental control of Dominica, turning it into a Crown colony. Half a century later, from 1958 to 1962, Dominica became a province of the short-lived West Indies Federation. In 1978, Dominica became an independent nation.
Dominica (2)
DOMINICA AT A GLANCE
An unforgettable natural experience. A visit to beautiful tropical Gardens filled with blooming flowers, towering trees and tropical vegetation, complimented with thunderous refreshing waterfalls and charming populace.
Sent by Deslyn from Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica.
Dominica - Carib Indians
CARIB INDIANS
Sent by Deslyn from Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica.
The mixed descendants of the last Island Caribs who inhabited the Lesser Antilles live on the north-east coast of Dominica. This simple fact has been so exaggerated and distorted over the last thirty years of tourism publicity, that there tends to be much misunderstanding, bewilderment and eventual disappointment among visitors who come to view the Carib Territory as one of the ‘attractions’ of Dominica.
When the British formally took over in 1763 European conquest was complete. British surveyors divided the island up into lots for sale and plantations were established around the island. Only 232 acres of mountainous land and rocky shoreline at Salybia were left for the Caribs. This was done, legend has it, at the request of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. This subsequently developed into the myth that Charlotte had left them half of Dominica — a myth which today many older Caribs consider, erroneously, to be an historical fact.
For another 130 years the Caribs were left to themselves, shadowy figures hardly seen by the growing Creole society of African slaves, free men and European officials and landowners. Now and then they appeared in the estate yards and at Sunday markets to sell baskets and fish, but quickly dissolved into the mountains once more along forest tracks towards Salybia.
When Sir Robert Hamilton was sent out by the British Colonial Office as Commissioner in 1893 to find out why Dominica was: more backward and less developed than almost any other of the islands, and why its people were: less prosperous and contented than HerMajesty’s other West Indian subjects, he received a tragic little letter from the Caribs:
In the name of God. My Lord, We humble beg of your kindness to accept our petition of your poor people, Indians or Caraibe, of Salibia, to ... emplore the marcy of our Beloved Mother and Queen Victoria, for her poor and unfortunate childrens. We dont have nothings to support us, no church, no school, no shope, no store. We are very far in the forest; no money, no dress . . . They call us u’ild savages. No my beloved Queen, it is not savages but poverty. We humble kneel down in your feet to beg of your assistance. Accept your humble childrens of Salibia. (Source)
Dominica - Trafalgar Falls
TRAFALGAR FALLS
When deciding to escape the hustle and bustle of life, experience complete relaxation in a World Heritage Site and National Park. It is part of Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sent by Deslyn from Roseau in Commonwealth of Dominica.
This is from UNESCO : Morne Trois Pitons is located 13 km east of the town of Roseau in the highlands of south-central Dominica and it is the basaltic spike-like remains of a former volcano rising to approximately 1,300 m, within 8 km of the sea.
The landscape is characterized by volcanic piles with precipitous slopes, and deeply incised valleys (glacis slopes). There is also a fumarole known as Valley of Desolation (or Grand Soufriere), with fumaroles, hot springs, mud pots, sulphur vents and the Boiling Lake, which is the world's second largest of its kind. The valley is a large amphitheatre surrounded by mountains and consisting of at least three separate craters where steam vents, small ponds, and hot springs bubble up through the ground. Boiling Lake is surrounded by cliffs and is almost always covered by clouds of steam. The Valley of Desolation drains into the Pointe Mulatre River, which flows into the Atlantic.
Other outstanding features in the area include the Emerald Pool, fed by the Middleham Falls; Stinking Hole, a lava tube in the middle of the forest; and the Boeri and Freshwater lakes. The Freshwater Lake is the largest and second deepest of Dominica's four freshwater lakes. The Boeri Lake is the second largest in Dominica, and is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Both lakes are separated from each other by Morne Macaque (1,221 m) and vary in depth with the season. Both are thought to have originated some 25,000-30,000 years ago. The park also encompasses almost all the headwaters of the streams and rivers in the southern half of the island.
Five natural vegetation zones are recognized within the area, plus a small patch of encroaching agricultural land.
Elfin/cloud forest, which occurs at the highest elevations, above 914 m, and is almost constantly covered by mist and subject to high winds, rain and cold temperatures. Main vegetation types consist of mosses, ferns, shrubs and stunted trees covered by lichens.
* Montane thicket, which is transitional between elfin and montane forests, is dominated by spindly trees. The most common tree found on steep slopes is Podocarpus coriaceus, the island's only native conifer.
* Montane rainforest, which grows above 610m, is frequently in cloud cover or fog. The species composition is similar to that of mature rainforest, yet much reduced in stature. Non-vascular epiphytes cover most montane rainforest plants.
* Mature rainforest, which grows below 460m. This zone contains the most luxuriant growth.
The occurrence of at least 7 species of mammal, 50 birds, 12 reptiles and amphibians and 12 crustaceans is indicated. Apart from introduced opossum and agouti, there are no terrestrial mammals in the area. Other introduced mammals include feral cats and pigs and rats.
Birds include imperial Amazon and red-necked Amazon parrots. Imperial Amazon was formerly common but is now threatened in Dominica. Red-necked Amazon was also a commonly seen species, but now is rarely observed in only a few small areas of the park.
There are no poisonous snakes in Dominica. Boa grows to 3.6 m in length and is common in Morne Trois Pitons. Three species of lizards, including the endemic, exist in the park.
South Korea - Mount Sorakson Nature Reserve
Mount Sorakson Nature Reserve.
Sent by Samara, a postcrosser from Camp Walker in Daegu, South Korea. The stamps were postmarked at Army Post Office (APO).
This is from UNESCO : Located in the eastern part of the central Korean peninsula, Mt. Soraksan Nature Reserve covers an area of 163.6 square kilometers. This region includes many high peaks measuring over 1,200 meters above sea level including Taech'ongbong, the highest peak (1,708 meters). It is part of a complicated mountain ranges of strongly dissected granite and gneiss and is characterized by spectacular rocky hills and ridges. The magnificent natural beauty of Mt. Soraksan is due to these geographical features. Mt. Soraksan Nature Reserve region is considered to be a floristically diverse area. More than 822 vascular plant species have been recorded in the region, including rare plants such as Hanabusaya Asiatic and Abios nephrolepis. The fauna includes 49~5 species of birds and mammals. In particular, endangered species such as the Dryocopos javensis richardsi, Naemorheudus goral raddeanus, and Moschus moschiferus parvipes are considered to be of major conservation significance. In addition to the plants and animals, biologically important and rare fish such as Brachmystax lenok and Moroco oxycephalus are also desere to be protected and preserved. Famous for its beautiful landscape and valuable cultural properties including Paektamsa (Buddhist temple) and Shinhungsa (Buddhist temple), Mt. Soraksan Nature Reserve is considered to be one of the most popular tourist resorts which attracts a great number of people every year.
Australia - Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons).
Sent by Laurent, a postcrosser from New South Wales, Australia.
This is from Wikipedia : The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is one of three species of wombats. It is found in scattered areas of semi-arid scrub and mallee from the eastern Nullarbor Plain to the New South Wales border area. It is the smallest of all three wombat species. The young often do not survive dry seasons. It is the state animal of South Australia.
The oldest southern hairy-nosed wombats ever documented were a male and a female from Brookfield Zoo just outside of Chicago. Their names were Carver, who lived to be 34, and his mother, Vicky, who lived to be 24.
The southern hairy-nosed wombat has a stocky and robust build adapted for digging. It is plantigrade and digs with its flattened claws found on each of its 5 digits. The body length ranges 772–934 millimetres (30.4–36.8 in) with a body mass ranging 19–32 kilograms (42–71 lb). It has a short tail that is hidden by its fur. The pelage is silky and ranges in colour from grey to tan. The second and third toes of the wombat’s hind feet are mostly conjoined, apart from their terminal joints, forming a digit with two claws which the wombat uses for grooming. The head is robust and flattened with extended, pointed ears. The snout is pig-like. The animal gets its name from the soft fur covering its rhinarium. The wombat's incisors resemble those of rodents and have molars with a wide palate between them. All the teeth grow continuously throughout its life, which is likely an adaptation to its harsh diet. Compared to the common wombat, the southern hairy-nosed wombat has a better developed temporalis muscle and a more reduced masseter muscle. It is also distinguished from the northern hairy-nosed wombat, with its nasal bone being longer than the frontal bone.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Germany - Frankenthal
Multiviews of Frankenthal.
Sent by Sabine, a WiP partner from Germany.
This is from Wikipedia : Frankenthal is a town in southwestern Germany, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Frankenthal was first mentioned in 772. In 1119 an Augustinian monastery was built here, the ruins of which — known, after the founder, as the Erkenbertruine — still stand today in the town centre.
In the second half of the 16th century, people from the Netherlands, persecuted for their religious beliefs, settled in Frankenthal. They were industrious and artistic and brought economic prosperity to the town. Some of them were important carpet weavers, jewellers and artists whose Frankenthaler Malerschule ("Frankenthal school of painting") acquired some fame. In 1577 the settlement was raised to the status of a town by the Count Palatine Johann Casimir.
In 1600 Frankenthal was converted to a fortress. In 1621 it was besieged by the Spanish during the Thirty Years' War, and then successively occupied by troops of the opposing sides. Trade and industry were ruined and the town was not reconstructed until 1682.
In 1689 the town was burnt to the ground by French troops in the War of the Grand Alliance. The town did not fully recover from this for more than fifty years.
However, in 1750, under the rule of the Elector (Kurfürst) Charles Theodore, Frankenthal was established as a centre of industry. Numerous factories were opened and mulberry trees were planted for silk production. In 1755 the famous Frankenthal porcelain factory was opened, which remained in production until 1800.
In 1797 the town came under French occupation during the French Revolutionary Wars. It passed into the rule of Bavaria in 1816.
The beginning of modern industrialisation is dated from 1859.
In 1938 the Jewish synagogue, built in 1884, was burnt to the ground during the Kristallnacht.
In 1943 during a bombing raid the centre of the town was almost completely destroyed. In 1945, at the end of World War II, its industries in ruins, it was occupied first by the Americans and then by the French.
From 1946 Frankenthal has been part of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Today the town is again the site of some medium sized industries.
USA - Utah - Arches National Park
Arches National Park, Utah.
Sent by Dagmar, a postcrosser from Potsdam, Germany.
This is from Wikipedia : Arches National Park is a U.S. National Park in eastern Utah. It is known for preserving over 2000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations.
The park is located just outside of Moab, Utah, and is 76,679 acres (31,031 ha) in area. Its highest elevation is 5,653 feet (1,723 m) at Elephant Butte, and its lowest elevation is 4,085 feet (1,245 m) at the visitor center. Forty-three arches have collapsed due to erosion since 1970. The park receives 10 inches (250 mm) of rain a year on average.
Administered by the National Park Service, the area was originally created as a National Monument on April 12, 1929. It was redesignated as a National Park on November 12, 1971.
The national park lies atop an underground evaporite layer or salt bed, which is the main cause of the formation of the arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths in the area. This salt bed is thousands of feet thick in places, and was deposited in the Paradox Basin of the Colorado Plateau some 300 million years ago when a sea flowed into the region and eventually evaporated. Over millions of years, the salt bed was covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast. During the Early Jurassic (about 210 Ma) desert conditions prevailed in the region and the vast Navajo Sandstone was deposited. An additional sequence of stream laid and windblown sediments, the Entrada Sandstone (about 140 Ma), was deposited on top of the Navajo. Over 5000 feet (1500 m) of younger sediments were deposited and have been mostly eroded away. Remnants of the cover exist in the area including exposures of the Cretaceous Mancos Shale. The arches of the area are developed mostly within the Entrada formation.
The weight of this cover caused the salt bed below it to liquefy and thrust up layers of rock into salt domes. The evaporites of the area formed more unusual salt anticlines or linear regions of uplift. Faulting occurred and whole sections of rock subsided into the areas between the domes. In some places, they turned almost on edge. The result of one such 2,500-foot (760 m) displacement, the Moab Fault, is seen from the visitor center.
As this subsurface movement of salt shaped the landscape, erosion removed the younger rock layers from the surface. Except for isolated remnants, the major formations visible in the park today are the salmon-colored Entrada Sandstone, in which most of the arches form, and the buff-colored Navajo Sandstone. These are visible in layer cake fashion throughout most of the park. Over time, water seeped into the surface cracks, joints, and folds of these layers. Ice formed in the fissures, expanding and putting pressure on surrounding rock, breaking off bits and pieces. Winds later cleaned out the loose particles. A series of free-standing fins remained. Wind and water attacked these fins until, in some, the cementing material gave way and chunks of rock tumbled out. Many damaged fins collapsed. Others, with the right degree of hardness and balance, survived despite their missing sections. These became the famous arches.
USA - North Carolina (The Tarheel State)
NORTH CAROLINA
The Tarheel State
State Bird : Cardinal
State Flower : Dogwood
Sent by Debbie, a postcrosser from North Carolina, USA.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Ukraine - Views of Kiev
KIEV/KYIV
1) St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral.
2) The Refectory.
3) The Rotunda of the St. Nicholas.
4) St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery.
Sent by Alina, a postcrosser from Kiev, Ukraine.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Chile
CHILE
Friendly People And Unspoiled Nature.
Sent by Arnold, a postcrosser from Santiago, Chile.
USA - Ohio (The Buckeye State)
OHIO
"Buckeye State"
Extending 225 miles from east to west and 215 miles from north to south, Ohio's inland location gives the state a continental climate of warm summers and cool winters. Ohio abounds with state parks, forest and other outdoor recreational areas, as well as resorts, beaches, and boating and fishing facilities. From farmlands to bustling metropolitan cities, Ohio provides its travelers with beautiful memories of scenic wonders.
Capital : Columbus. Flower : Scarlet Carnation. Bird : Cardinal. Tree : Ohio Buckeye.
Sent by Laurence, a postcrosser from Ohio, USA.
Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus)
Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus).
Sent by Christine, a postcrosser from Germany.
This is from Wikipedia : The Eurasian Golden Oriole or simply Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is the only member of the oriole family of passerine birds breeding in northern hemisphere temperate regions. It is a summer migrant in Europe and western Asia and spends the winter season in the central and southern Africa.
Golden orioles have an extremely large range with large populations that are apparently stable. Therefore, they are evaluated as least concern by BirdLife International.
The male is striking in the typical oriole black and yellow plumage, but the female is a drabber green bird. Orioles are shy, and even the male is remarkably difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy.
In flight they look somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow dips over longer distances.
The New World orioles are similar in appearance to the Oriolidae, but are icterids unrelated to the Old World birds.
The breeding range of this species spans from Portugal, Spain and France across the United Kingdom and Scandinavia to Poland, Russia, the Balkans, Turkey and West Asia to the Caucasus up to Mongolia and China. They winter in central and southern Africa. They generally migrate during the night, but may travel during the day in the spring migration. During the fall migration they migrate via the Eastern Mediterranean where they feed on fruit; they are often considered a pest in this region because of this.
The Eurasian Golden Oriole inhabits a range of habitats. In Western Europe they prefer open broadleaf forests and plantations, copses, riverine forest, orchards, large gardens; in Eastern Europe they may inhabit more continuous forest as well as mixed or coniferous forests. They generally avoid treeless habitats but may forage there. In their wintering habitat they are fond in semi-arid to humid woodland, tall forests, riverine forest, woodland/savanna mosaic and savanna.
They feed on insects and fruit. They build neat nests in tree forks and lay 3-6 eggs.
Their call is a screech like a jay, but the song is a beautiful fluting weela-wee-ooo or or-iii-ole, unmistakable once heard.
USA - Alaska - Denali National Park (3)
DENALI NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA
Dall sheep rest on a ridge in the fall at Denali National Park.
Sent by Maureen, a postcrosser from Alaska, USA.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Portugal - Azores - Angra do Heroismo (2)
AZORES, PORTUGAL
Angra do Heroismo
Sent by Lurdes, a postcrosser from Azores, Portugal.
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