Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier falls 2,600 m (8,500 ft) on its 13 km journey from theSouthern Alpsdown to the coast, with it having the distinction of being one of the few glaciers to end among lush rainforest only 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level. Although retreating throughout most of the last 100 years, it has been advancing between 1985 and 2009. In 2006 the average rate of advance was about a metre a week.In January 2009, the terminal face of the glacier was still advancing and had vertical or overhanging faces which were continually collapsing.Since then there has been a significant retreat,with the 2009 high level clearly visible as vegetation line on the southern slope above what is left of the lower glacier today.
The outflow of the glacier forms theFox River. During the lastice age, its ice reached beyond the present coastline, and the glacier left behind manymorainesduring its retreat.Lake Mathesonformed as akettle lakewithin one of these.
Tourism
Like nearbyFranz Josef Glacier, it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, with its terminal face an easy walk from Fox Glacier village/Weheka. It is a major tourist attraction and about 1000 people daily visit it during high tourist season.Though people are told not to, some go beyond the barriers and climb without guides onto the glacier, whose rapid advance creates dangers of sudden ice and rockfalls.
Fox Glacier township/Weheka, 6 km away from the glacier,functions mainly as a service centre for tourists, though it also services the local farming community, which had been its main focus until the 1990s (though tourism started as early as the late 1920s). The approximate township site had been gazetted as early as 1866.Bruce Bayis 46 km to the south-west of the township, andFranz Josefis 23 km north-east.State Highway 6runs through the town.
The population was 375 in the2006 Census, an increase of 117 from 2001.
The tall rocks seem to pray to the ground in the manner ofstalagmites, with many looking like petrified trees thereby creating the illusion of a forest made of stone. Since 2007, two parts of the site, the Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林) and Suogeyi Village (所各邑村), have beenUNESCOWorld Heritage Sitesas part of theSouth China Karst. The site is classified as aAAAAA-classtourist site.
According to legend, the forest is the birthplace of Ashima (阿诗玛), a beautiful girl of theYi people. After falling in love she was forbidden to marry her chosen suitor and instead turned into a stone in the forest that still bears her name. Each year on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, many Yi people celebrate the Torch Festival (火把节Huǒbă Jié), which features folk dances and wrestling competitions.
In China’s Yunnan Province is the famous stone topography of Shilin, meaning “stone forest.” Covering an area of three-hundred square kilometers (or 186 miles) the stone forest is a massive otherworldly landscape of karst formations over 270 million years old. Over the millennia seismic activity and water and wind erosion have carved the present-day limestone formations.
The giant stalagmite-like pillars create huge arrays of labyrinths that are easy to become lost in. Shillin is divided into many smaller stone forests and features caves, waterfalls, ponds, a lake with an island, and even an underground river. Two of the smaller individual stone forests, Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, are a part of the South China Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of Shillin’s most famous attractions is the Ashima Stone, which legend says was formed after the beautiful Sani girl, Ashima, ran into the forest and was turned to stone after being forbidden to marry the man she loved. Every year on June 24 the local Sani people hold the time-honored Torch Festival at Shilin, which features many “traditional performances such as wrestling, bull fighting, pole-climbing, dragon-playing, lion-dancing, and the A-xi Moon Dance.”
The Nā Pali CoastState Parkencompasses 6,175 acres (2,499 ha) of land and is located in the center of the rugged 16 miles (26 km) along the northwest side ofKauaʻi, the oldest inhabitedHawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest starting atKeʻe Beachextending all the way toPolihale State Park. Thena pali(highcliffs) along the shoreline rise as much as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above thePacific Ocean. The state park was formed to protect theKalalau Valley.
To the east of the state park is the Hono O Nā Pali state Natural Reserve. It was established in 1983, and then extended to over 3,578 acres (14.5 km2) in 2009.Hiking trails and hunters roads have access to the sharp ridges fromKoke Road(route 550) inWaimea Canyon.
Location:Trailhead for Kalalau Trail at end of Kuhio Highway (Hwy. 56) in Ha'ena State Park; Kalalau and Miloli‘i Valleys also accessible by kayak from May 15 through September 7. Nu‘alolo Kai accessible for day use by commercial boat tours or by private boats.
Description:The Na Pali Coast is a very special place. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. Waterfalls and swift flowing streams continue to cut these narrow valleys while the sea carves cliffs at their mouths. Extensive stone walled terraces can still be found on the valley bottoms where Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro.
The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. Originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were rebuilt in the 1930s. A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian settlements along the coastline. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs (pali). The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Ha’ena State Park to Hanakapi’ai Beach, make a popular day hike.
Situated in south-east Siberia, the 3.15-million-ha Lake Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve. Known as the 'Galapagos of Russia', its age and isolation have produced one of the world's richest and most unusual freshwater faunas, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science.
Justification for Inscription
The Committee inscribed Lake Baikal as the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem on the basis of natrual criteria (vii), (viii), (ix) and (x). It is the oldest and deepest of the world´s lakes containing nearly 20% of the world´s unfrozen freshwater reserve. The lake contains an outstanding variety of endemic flora and fauna, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science. It is also surrounded by a system of protected areas that have high scenic and other natural values. The Committee took note of the confirmation of the revised boundaries of the site, which correspond to the core areas defined in the Baikal Law (excluding the five urban developed areas). It also noted that the special Lake Baikal Law is now in its second reading in the Duma. Finally, it noted concern over a number of integrity issues including pollution, which should be brought to the attention of the Russian authorities.
Long Description
Lake Baikal in south-east Siberia, the deepest lake in the world at 1,700 m, contains 20% of all fresh running water on the planet, making it the single largest reservoir. The lake contains an outstanding variety of endemic flora and fauna, of exceptional value to evolutionary science. It is also surrounded by a system of protected areas that have high scenic and other natural values. The basin supports a variety of plant and animal species, a number being endemic; the most notable of which is the Baikal seal, a uniquely freshwater species. The great variety of plants in the basin is determined by its climatic asymmetry: the western part is occupied by light coniferous forests and mountain steppes; in the eastern part pine forests predominate; and the north is covered by deciduous forests. The formation of the geological structures in the basin took place during the Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras and there are a number of significant geological features. Various tectonic forces are still ongoing, as evidenced in recent thermal vents in the depths of the lake.
The lake itself is the centrepiece of the site and its largely unseen underwater features are the core of its value to both science and conservation. Baikal is one of the most biodiverse lakes on Earth, with 1,340 species of animal (745 endemic) and 570 species of plant (150 endemic). In the forests surrounding the lake there are an additional 10 threatened species along with the full complement of typical boreal species. The evolution of aquatic life that has taken place over this long period has resulted in an exceptionally unique and endemic fauna and flora. As the 'Galápagos of Russia', the lake is of exceptional value to evolutionary science.
The landscape surrounding the lake basin, with its mountains, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, islands and steppes, is exceptionally picturesque. The Baikal region has some 1,200 historical, archaeological and cultural monuments of which 1,000 have state protection. A number of these are considered sacred. There is also a mix of distinctive cultures in the region and an interesting human history.
However, there are serious threats to the biotic communities at Lake Baikal and there is a danger that its unique ecosystem properties could be lost. Various steps are being taken to address these issues of integrity with strong support from all levels of government and the Russian public.
Within two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural springs. Often rated as one of the world's most renowned beaches - this is one experience that should be on your bucket list. A truly unique Kiwi experience that every New Zealander should experience at least once in their lifetime!
The beach also boasts some great surf, cruisy cafés and art galleries and is only a 5 minute drive to another Coromandel ‘must do’ – Cathedral Cove.
What is Hot Water Beach?
It is possible to dig into the sand allowing hot water to escape to the surface forming a hot water pool. The water, with a temperature as hot as 64°C (147°F), filters up from two underground fissures located close to each other to the surface where the beach meets the Pacific Ocean. These natural springs can be found on the beach in front of the projecting rocks (the whole beach is not hot). With the ebb and flow of the tide the pools are washed away, clearing the way for the next influx of visitors. For further information including the best time of day to visit and exact location details refer to the product listing for Hot Water Beach
Ngati Hei
Ngati Hei are the tangata whenua (people of the land) along the Mercury Bay coastline. Hot Water Beach is historically and culturally significant to Ngati Hei. Archaeologists believe the Whitianga locale has been populated by the Ngati Hei iwi (tribe) for a thousand years, thus making it one of New Zealand’s longest inhabited areas. To this day Ngati Hei endeavour to protect this taonga (treasure), that is near an Urupa (burial ground) and Pa site (fortified settlement), and hope that you too will respect this special location.
Safety Warning
It is advised that swimmers only swim between the flags if the Hot Water Beach Surf Life Saving Crew Service are on patrol. The rocks in front of the hot springs are a hazardous location for strong currents, holes and rips making swimming in this location dangerous. Remember – always swim between the flags and if in doubt don’t go out.
Surfing
While the natural occurences at Hot Water Beach can make it a dangerous swimming beach (without lifeguards) it’s these formations that contribute to it’s reputation for a great surfing beach – for experienced surfers. Hot Water Beach handles a good size swell with banks along the beach making for good 'A frame' waves and the point holding a nice right hand wave when the conditions are right. The northern end of the beach is more popular with locals, however it’s advised to surf here with others as the steep banks and hidden rocks make for a heavy break. Check out more surf spots in The Coromandelhere
Parking is available in three locations: The Main Beach carpark, Te Waiwai carpark and the Main Store carpark. Note, fees may apply at the Main Store carpark.
Spades are available for hire at Hotties Cafe, Hot Water Beach Cafe and the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.
The 112,500-acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness lies approximately 10 miles west of Page, Arizona in Coconino County, Arizona and Kane County, Utah.
Nationally known for its beauty, the Paria Canyon has towering walls streaked with desert varnish, huge red rock amphitheaters, sandstone arches, wooded terraces, and hanging gardens. The 3,000-foot escarpment known as the Vermilion Cliffs dominates the remainder of the wilderness with its thick Navajo sandstone face, steep, boulder-strewn slopes, rugged arroyos and stark overall appearance. Some of the best slot canyon hiking opportunities on the Colorado Plateau are found here. Deer and desert bighorn sheep inhabit the area.
The wilderness also provides opportunities for backpacking, photography, and solitude. In the northwest portion of the wilderness lies Coyote Buttes, an area of spectacular scenery displaying domes, aprons, fins, corridors, and a variety of small fragile rock sculptures carved in colorful swirling cross bedded sandstone. The variety of colors and textures in the rock formations within the wilderness constantly change with variations in light and weather. This colorful sandstone area creates a feeling of wonder and amazement.
The Paria River is subject to periodic and seasonal flooding. The US Geological Survey collectsParia River streamflow dataat their gaging station on the Paria River at Lees Ferry, Arizona.
Access
Access to the northern portion of the wilderness is via U.S. Highway 89, which passes within three miles of the area. U.S. 89A skirts the base of the Vermilion Cliffs on the south while access to the eastern portion is the road to Lee's Ferry. Access on the west is the House Rock/Coyote Valley Road (BLM Road 1065).
Visitor Use Regulations and Permits
Three Bureau of Land Management offices manage the Paria Permits area within the wilderness; the Kanab Field Office, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The Kanab Field Office, Paria Contact Station and the St. George BLM Interagency information Center provide visitor use information for Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass, and Coyote Buttes and administer the permit system for these portions of the wilderness area. A brief summary of visitor use regulations is provided below.
Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, and Wire Pass
Advance permits are required for overnight use. There is a limit on overnight use in the canyon to 20 persons per day.
Paria Canyon day use permits are available via self-serve envelopes at each trailhead. There are no visitor use limits for day use for the Paria Canyon. This does not include Coyote Buttes North or Coyote Buttes South day use areas.
Day users must display the permit on their vehicle windshield. Overnight users must display the permit on the otuside of their backpack and on the dashboard of their vehicle.
Campfires are prohibited.
Dogs are allowed but require permits. They must be kept under control at all times.
The use of human waste bags is mandatory on Paria Canyon overnight trips. Their cost is covered in the permit fee, and they are available at the Paria Contact Station, the Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah, and the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Office in St. George, Utah.
Use existing campsites at least 200 feet from a water source.
No camping on or adjacent to any archaeological site.
Wrather Canyon is closed to camping.
Group size cannot exceed ten people.
All trash must be packed out, including toilet paper and human waste bags.
Use of public land for business or financial gain requires a special permit.
Wilderness is closed to motor vehicles, mechanical transport, and motorized equipment.
Coyote Buttes
Advance permits are required for day use. There is no overnight camping allowed in the Coyote Buttes permit area.
Day use permits are available online and through a walk-in lottery conducted at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah.
Day users must display half their permit on their vehicle windshield and the other half must be visible on the outside of their backpack.
Campfires are prohibited.
Dogs are allowed, provided they have permits. They must be kept under control at all times.
A map and route description to the “Wave” formation is provided along with the Coyote Buttes North permit.
Group size cannot exceed six.
All trash must be packed out, including toilet paper.
Use of public land for business or financial gain requires a special permit.
Wilderness is closed to motor vehicles, mechanical transport, and motorized equipment.
Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.
Related Maps
7.5 minute Topographic: House Rock Emmett Hill, Emmett Wash, Bitter Springs, Lees Ferry, Navajo Bridge, The Big Knoll, One Toe Ridge, House Rock Spring, Coyote Buttes, Poverty Flat, Wrather Arch, Water Pockets, Ferry Swale, Arizona; Glen Canyon City, Bridger Point, West Clark Bench, Pine Hollow Canyon, Utah.
Also, Arizona Strip District Visitor Map and Hikers Guide to the Paria Canyon
1:100,000 BLM Surface Management: Fredonia, Glen Canyon Dam
Fernando de Noronhais an archipelago inBraziland a UNESCO NaturalWorld Heritage Site. Its pristine beaches, landscapes and wildlife attract tourists worldwide.
Understand
The archipelago has never been linked to the mainland. Geologically, it is the tip of a submarine volcanic formation which rises out of the deep seabed and consists of one main island and several rocks and islets. The rocks form many natural aquaria and the underwater life is diverse. Because the reefs of the South Atlantic are isolated from the Caribbean by the outflow of the Orinoco and Amazon rivers, the reef communities are very different with many endemic species.
Bathed by currents coming from Africa the waters around the islands are very clear with very good visibility even at 50 meters and have great year-round warm temperatures. Of course, you can also see the large “global” species such as manta rays, sharks, moray eels, goliath groupers, sea turtles and dolphins.
The island is also home to one of the largest sea bird breeding colonies in the South Atlantic.
Discovered by Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512), Italian merchant and cartographer in 1503, the archipelago is 4 degrees south of the Equator, around 200 miles off the northeastern coast of Brazil, north east to the city ofrecife.
During its 500 years history, Fernando de Noronha has been temporarily occupied by the Dutch (17th century), French (18th century) before Portugal established dominion in 1737. They built an extensive defense system of 10 forts. The largest and best conserved fortress is Nossa Senhora dos Remédios de Fernando de Noronha.
The island also served as a prison and a US Army base. Today the population is around 5,000 and the main industry is tourism.
As an unique ecological sanctuary, Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a large part of the area is a National Marine Park. And it has the most wonderful beaches situated in Pernambuco. Three (Sancho, Porcos and Leão) regularly feature in Brazil's top beaches list.
Being a small island with limited water resources and a fragile ecosystem, there is a maximum number of 460 visitors allowed on the island. Visitors also pay an Environmental Preservation Tax that increases progressively with the length of the visit.
The relative isolation from the mainland, the limits on visitors and the preservation make Fernando de Noronha an expensive destination. But the "happy few" will be well rewarded by the delights of this island paradise and its fascinating underwater world.
Get in
By Air
Flight times are 1:40 from Recife (540 km) and 1:10 from Natal (350 km). Flights by Azul Airlines and Gol Airlinesoperate daily. There are also charters and full packages available from major Brazilian cities, available from most Brazilian travel agents.
During high season travel operator CVC[2] has 4-6 days cruises from Fortaleza, Natal and Recife.
Get Around
The archipelago comprises 21 islands. Only the largest of them is inhabited (pop. 5,000), and visiting the other islands requires special authorization from the environmental authority, as they are protected areas of a National Maritime Park.
There is one road that circles the main island and connects many of its attractions. It is possible to rent a car or a buggy for about US $50 - 70 a day or a motorbike for $35 - 40 a day depending from whom and how long you rent.
The easiest way to get around is by bus (R$ 3.20) which goes back and forth along the main road from the Port on one end of the island to Praia de Sueste on the other. Another option is to hitchhike as almost all the local people and sometimes the odd taxi or dive truck will be happy to pick you up and give you a ride if you are going in their direction. If you choose to hitchhike, try and learn at least some Portuguese so you can tell them where you want to go and say thank you at the end of the ride.
Time zone is UTC-02:00 hours year-round, meaning that for most of the year it is one hour ahead of the standard time zone of coastal and most of central Brazil, and from mid-October through mid-February (Daylight Saving Time in all except the more northern Brazilian states), the same time zone.
See
·The sunset.
·Sancho Bay from above. This is considered the most beautiful beach on the island, although the Pig Bay is considered by many as the most beautiful one. Both are side by side, and you can see both in the same day.
·The full moon rising from the ocean. In some areas you will be able to see the rocks under the water near the beachs at night because of the full moon.
·Dolphins at the Dolphins Bay site
·Sea turtles on Sueste Bay (Baía do Sueste)
·Pig Bay (Baía dos Porcos)
·Atalaia
·Underwater life
Do
·Beaches - Fernando de Noronha is home to the top two beaches in Brazil - Praia do Leão and Baía do Sancho. Both beaches offer crystal clear blue water with areas for swimming and snorkeling. If you decide to visit, it is a good idea to bring along your own provisions as well as an umbrella as there is no shade at Praia de Leão and the shaded areas of Baia do Sancho quickly fill up with other visitors.
·Boat tours
·Buggy tours (english spoken by Jurgen, Fernando de Noronha, ☎ ''+55 81 3619 1829, +55 81 8434 0000'' (info@fernando-de-noronha.info).
·Dolphin watching
·Diving - with visibility up to 50 meters, Fernando de Noronha is a Mecca for divers and snorkelers at any level of expertise. It has more than two hundred species of fish, five shark species, sea turtles and dolphins.
·Snorkelling - Despite what several of the travel guide books say, snorkeling at Praia da Atalaia is no longer unrestricted, but you have to register at the ICMbio, near the Projeto Tamar. The pool can only be visited at low tide, the number of visitors is restricted to 100 per day. The tide pool itself is about 18-24 inches deep but contains a remarkable diversity of animals. Lobsters, octopuses and numerous fish species inhabit the pool and, if you are lucky, maybe a baby shark. The tidal pool is monitored by the government of the island. If you choose to go keep in mind a few things:
·Visitors are not allowed to wear suntan lotion as the oils from the lotion will pollute the tidal pool
·You are only allowed to stand or put your knees down in a small sandy area in the middle of the pool. If you are not a confident snorkeler (i.e. capable of floating on the top of the water) then do some practice at another beach before you go. They will remove you from the pool and you could be fined if you violate this rule.
·Trekking - there are also many different trails to choose from, but some restrictions apply. Trails in the National Marine Reserve (Parnamar/FN) can only be visited with authorization and with accredited guides. Trails inside the Environment Preservation Area (Apa/FN) have free access.
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