I hope you will enjoy several more photos from this amazing park in Croatia (formerly part of Yugoslavia), which I described in the last post. My husband, Mark, is viewing a waterfall in one shot (notice the sturdy walkway, which is typical of wet area crossings in the park). In another, we are looking down from the highest point we reached on our day hike. I believe that the numerous fish swimming below ducks in another photo are chub, but species' common names are sometimes "lost in translation". As always, you can click on any photo to enlarge it and see the details.The memory of our visit to Plitvice Lakes seems timely as PBS airs Ken Burns' beautiful, informative, and deeply inspiring film series about the magnificent national parks here in the USA. We can be very grateful for and proud of our extensive, varied national park system. His film series invokes a deep love for our land, a kind of patriotism that exceeds flag or government and rises from the very earth, where, I must say humbly, my own European ancestors arrived only a few generations ago.
Remembering Plitvice Lakes, however, as well as gorgeous environmental preserves I have visited in Belize and the Dominican Republic, I am thankful that a number of other nations also have founded national parks. I hope that all members of the global community who care about preserving unique natural ecosystems will be empowered to set aside parks and preserves.
Question of the day: What is your favorite national park or other natural preserve area in the USA?
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Hi Mary--We took my mom to Death Valley this spring and if we'd known it was so interesting, we would have scheduled more time there. Scotty's Castle was fun but the night sky was spectacular!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Foothill Ranch is south of Orange, off the 5.
More beautiful photos!! I am such a nature lover and so very much identified with your words about loving the land in which we live and it stemming from a complete awe in the natural beauty of our earth. Starved Rock is so named because a band of Indians were trapped up there by another band (I believe it was). Starved Rock is a large rocky bluff overlooking the Illinois River and the trapped Indians either starved to death up there or would have had to jump to avoid capture. I did do a blog entry somewhere in my own blog about it, with photos, and I know there is a website as well.
ReplyDeleteThe name "Hungry Mother" has a bit of a sad ring to it, yes? Especially in light of the source of the name "Starved Rock." So often when driving in more natural areas (not urbanized), I can vividly imagine the Native Americans and the wild horses, buffalo, and other native species roaming this great land...
Thanks for the location of your upcoming show, Bear Chick--don't know how our time in CA will go, but it would be great to meet you and to see your terrific jewelry "in person". We will have to see Death Valley one of these days; I have heard how fascinating it is from others, too.
ReplyDeleteFascinating information, Autumn; thank you. Your reflections are valuable and thought-provoking, as always.
Nothing can beat natural beauty! One can just keep gazing at these pictures and never get tired. I haven't had an opportunity to visit renowned parks in the US but did go to the Butchart Gardens in Canada , a most spectacular marvel of nature.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these images Mary, and take care.
These are beautiful photos. What a gorgeous place. I have not had the chance to visit many parks outside of the US, but I have seen quite a few here, and they are very special places, indeed. Have been enjoying the National Parks special they have been running on TV (just watched the second one last night). Some people may take these places for granted, but I am so glad that someone back 100 years ago had the vision to know that they must be preserved, and actually do something about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the wonderful photos, Mary!
ALOHA!!
You have some great photos - I am a bit jealous. Great work!. I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteMary, the Plitvice Lakes National Park photos are divine!!! What a beautiful time you had exploring with hubby. :D Love your post. You have a great writing style. :D
ReplyDeleteGood morning, dear.
Hugs, JJ
You are so right, Sadia, about natural beauty. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your reflections.
ReplyDeleteLisa, it is good to hear from you! Thanks for your thoughtful comments.
Grayquill, thank you for your visit and for your kind remarks. I'll look forward to seeing you back again.
JJ, encouragement comes so naturally to you; it's a treat to have you stop in and make my day.