Reality of Nature

Photograph by Kyle Sherman

Northwest of Sichuan Province, China

Photograph by Yang Zhili

Jungfrau Glacier, Switzerland

Photograph by Kaushik Sarkar

Tatra Mountains, Poland

Photograph by Tomek Witecki

El Caminito del rey, Spain

El Caminito del Rey is a walkway, now fallen into disrepair, pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Álora in the province ofMálaga, Spain.



The walkway is one metre (3 feet and 3 inches) in width, and rises over 100 metres (350 feet) above the river below. Constructed of concrete resting on steel rails supported by stanchions at around 45 degrees into the rock face, it is currently in a highly deteriorated state and there are numerous sections where part or all of the concrete top has collapsed. The result is large open air gaps that are bridged only by narrow steel beams or other support fixtures. Very few of the original handrails exist but a safety-wire runs the length of the path. Several people have lost their lives on the walkway in recent years and after two fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000, the local government closed both entrances.



In June 2011, the regional government of Andalusia and the local government of Málaga agreed to share costs of restoration (including car parking and a museum) of €9 million. The project will take approximately three years to complete. Many of the original features will remain in place and the new materials that are used will be in keeping with the old design.





 



http://www.wimp.com/elcaminito/

Kjerag, Forsand, Rogaland, Norway

Kjerag is a Norwegian mountain, located in Lysefjorden, in Forsandmunicipality, Ryfylke, Rogaland. Its highest point is 1110 m above sea level, but its northern drop to Lysefjorden attracts most visitors. The drop is 984 m (3,228 ft) and it is also the site of Kjeragbolten, a 5 m³ stone located between two rocks.



Kjerag is a popular hiking destination. Some go there because Preikestolen has become too crowded, some to jump onto Kjeragbolten and some BASE jumpersfrom all over the world go there to dive off the high cliffs. Kjerag is also a popularclimbing destination, with many difficult routes going up its steep faces.

The easiest ascent starts from the visitors center Øygardsstølen, with a 2.5-3-hour walk each way. From Stavanger, it is roughly a 2-hour drive (closed in winter season). One can also take the tourist ferry from Lauvvik to Lysebotn in summer. The best season for walking is considered late June to September depending on snow conditions.

Landmannalaugar, Iceland