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Jan. 22, 2024Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California, USA

Step to the western edge of the United States, where Walton Lighthouse, also known as the Santa Cruz Breakwater Lighthouse, serves as a guiding beacon for passing ships. Built in 2002 in Santa Cruz, California, this 12-metre-tall modern maritime structure replaced a more modest lighthouse. The Walton Lighthouse got its name from Charles Walton, a businessman who generously contributed towards its construction costs in memory of his brother Derek Walton, a merchant seaman who tragically lost his life at sea during World War II.Desktop Version

Jan. 21, 2024Eurasian red squirrel, Netherlands

Have you ever been captivated by a squirrel crossing your path? If so, you"re not alone! Today"s snapshot showcases the charming Eurasian red squirrel, whose striking reddish-brown coat, white underbelly and bushy tail are a familiar sight in several countries. These furry seed distributors are not only exceptional jumpers—capable of leaping up to 1.8 metres in one jump—they can even swim to search for food or migrate. If you spot a fuzzy-tailed squirrel friend frolicking in your backyard, they might appreciate some feeding stations stocked with a variety of treats, such as raspberries or crab apples.Desktop Version

Jan. 20, 2024Macaroni penguins, Drake Passage, Chile

Let"s flap our flippers and delve into knowing a bit more about penguins. How many kinds of penguins can you name? Today"s snapshot features agile macaroni penguins swimming in the plankton-rich waters of the Drake Passage in Chile. These charming creatures are just one of 18 species of penguins found in the Southern Hemisphere and can be recognised by their peculiar amber crests and prominent orange beak. Macaroni penguins gather in foraging groups, but males can be aggressive towards each other. To show passivity and avoid a fight, individuals often ease through colonies with their heads tucked down to their chests. Despite being beloved by us humans, penguins are threatened by reduced food availability, errant fishing nets and the profound impact of climate change on their habitat, sea ice.Desktop Version

Jan. 19, 2024Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Why visit one lake when you can visit 16? Croatia"s Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the largest and oldest in the country, provides that exact opportunity thanks to a unique geological feature. The slopes of the Mala Kapela, Medveđak and Plješevica mountains funnel water into the Plitvice plateau. This water carries precipitated limestone, which gradually accumulates and hardens over time, creating a series of rock barriers called tufa. These barriers form pools, with thin, lacy waterfalls leading from one "lake" to another. This majestic display of geology and hydrology draws over a million visitors to the paths and boardwalks that wind through the lakes—they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all. Even in the winter, the lakes retain their beauty, with once-roaring waterfalls frozen in place.Desktop Version

Jan. 18, 2024Pont Alexandre III, Paris, France

Bonjour! Waking up in Paris sounds royal, doesn"t it? Peek through your screen today at the Pont Alexandre III in the magic hour of twilight. Arching over the Seine, the bridge was opened in 1900 and named after the Russian tsar, Alexander III, to commemorate the Franco-Russian Alliance signed in 1891. Befitting the nobility of the event, two 17-metre pylons sit upon each bank of the river, crowned with gilt-bronze sculptures of the winged horse Pegasus. And that"s only at the start of the bridge! From the centre of the bridge, standing above reliefs decorated with nymphs, you can admire the romantic garden and monument of the Esplanade des Invalides on one side of the river and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais museums on the other.Desktop Version

Jan. 17, 2024Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany

There aren"t a lot of things that beat a cozy winter nap. This Eurasian wolf agrees, having been lulled to sleep by the serene surroundings of the Bavarian Forest National Park, or perhaps just the comfort in knowing they"re an apex predator. This national park—Germany"s first, established in 1970—comprises the largest area of forest in Central Europe. The softly rolling mountains, such as Great Rachel, Little Rachel and Little Arber, make for modest challenges for hikers who wish to wander through the abundant stands of Norway spruce. They aren"t alone in the park, though—the forest teems with life, including lynxes, bears, pygmy owls and Eurasian wolves. These wolves form a close-knit pack led by an alpha pair and have only recently been spotted regularly in the park after decades of being hunted out of Western Europe.Desktop Version

Jan. 16, 2024Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Glimmering in aquamarine tones, Lake Louise rests amid the Canadian Rockies in Alberta"s Banff National Park. The Indigenous Nakoda people refer to the lake as Ho-run-num-nay, meaning "lake of the little fishes." The lake was later named by settlers for the British royal family"s Princess Louise, along with the adjoining town, which has the highest elevation of any Canadian town at an almost 1,586 metres. This glacial lake is accessible throughout the year via the Trans-Canada Highway, and visitors can participate in activities like hiking during the summer and skiing in the winter.Desktop Version

Jan. 15, 2024Northern Lights

Embark on a celestial journey as the night skies over Penticton, British Columbia, are transformed into an enchanting canvas of light. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular, luminous display dictated by the whims of a geomagnetic storm. This phenomenon unfolds when charged particles from the sun travel to Earth, colliding with atoms in our atmosphere at high altitudes. The excited atoms emit energy in the form of light, painting the night sky with vibrant hues of green, blue, purple and pink. Penticton"s northern geographical latitude allows for residents to witness its ethereal glory when the aurora dips low enough. Imagine snowshoeing into a snowy clearing and being met with this gorgeous light show!Desktop Version

Jan. 14, 2024Whooper swans

An elegant creature for a majestic setting. These all-white birds with yellow-and-black bills, gliding on the mirror of Lake Kussharo in Japan, are whooper swans—the Eurasian equivalent to the North American trumpeter swans. Named for their loud "whooping" call, these beauties, with a wingspan between 2 to 3 metres, are one of the world"s heaviest birds that are able to fly. While whooper swans are Finland"s national bird, they only spend their breeding season there. Those swans, as well as others in various northern areas, migrate to warmer, often coastal areas when cold weather sets in. All that travel doesn"t ruin their relationships—these waterfowl form strong, monogamous pairs that can last for life.Desktop Version

Jan. 13, 2024Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii, United States

Tourists often equate Hawaii with relaxation, but one of its most well-known attractions—the Road to Hana—might have you gripping a steering wheel tightly. Stretching for 103 kilometres along the northern coast of Maui from Kahului to the quiet town of Hana, the highway has over 600 curves and numerous one-lane bridges. The drive takes focus, so don"t forget to stop and relax at the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Some highlights along the route include the Waikamoi Ridge Trail, the easily accessible Twin Falls and the black sands of Waianapanapa State Park.Desktop Version

Jan. 12, 2024Bukhansan National Park, South Korea

Just a few kilometres north of the bustling capital city of Seoul, South Korea"s Bukhansan National Park is a treasured retreat for city dwellers and international visitors. The park, established in 1983, hosts lush forests, ancient temples and the three granite peaks of Bukhan Mountain. Among the park"s ridges and valleys, water deer, wild boar, chipmunks and squirrels roam freely. A careful ear might pick out the rat-a-tat of woodpeckers or the chirpy melody of the various songbirds that perch in the trees. The park is also home to Bukhansanseong Fortress, whose current structure dates back to 1711. The fortification was constructed to protect Seoul from external threats, which it did during the Korean War.Desktop Version

Jan. 11, 2024Eurasian lynx

Ready for a next-level staring contest? The Eurasian lynx, sporting grey or rusty fur with patterned dark spots, is hard to catch sight of, even though it is widely distributed from Europe to Central Asia and Siberia. Known for their elusive nature, these cats often go unnoticed for years in their native habitats. Their low vocalisations are heard by other lynx but can escape the notice of humans. Eurasian lynx are primarily active at night, dawn and dusk, but can hunt during the day when they need to. These solitary hunters are renowned for their keen senses and remarkable agility. In temperate forests, where they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by keeping prey species numbers in check, their primary food includes rabbits, hares, marmots and other small mammals.Desktop Version

Jan. 10, 2024Mylopotamos, Thessaly, Greece

It"s time to step up! With sedentary lifestyles becoming more common, the quest to stay healthy has taken centre stage. Take the Stairs Day has emerged as a reminder that small, intentional choices can make a significant impact on our overall well-being. The day is aimed at fostering lung health through the conscious choice of movement over convenience.Desktop Version

Jan. 9, 2024Rio Grande, Albuquerque

Winding through the landscapes of New Mexico, the Rio Grande is a river with historical and environmental significance. It is the fourth-longest river in the United States and carves its way through the expansive Rio Grande Gorge, a canyon reaching depths of 244 metres. This river serves as a vital water source for agriculture, supporting diverse ecosystems along its course.Desktop Version

Jan. 8, 2024Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland

Awe-struck by this white winter expanse? That"s exactly what visitors feel when they witness the Bernina Pass in the Alps, in the Graubünden region of Switzerland. It attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world and stands tall at an elevation of 2,328 metres. This pass may be home to ski areas now, but it was a vital trade route during the Middle Ages. Fun fact: The first evidence of skiing dates to around 6000 BCE in Russia. Boasting excellent snow conditions from November to March, the Bernina Pass is a must-visit spot on every skier"s bucket list!Desktop Version

Jan. 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia

These aren"t your ordinary rocks! One of the oldest known religious locations, the Devils Marbles, holds significant value for Aboriginal Australians as an ancient sacred site. Today, the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve—also called Karlu Karlu—in the Northern Territory of Australia preserves the collection of giant, round, gravity-defying boulders. These rocks are composed of granite, and their peculiar shape is the result of millions of years of weathering and erosion. One can explore the walking trails, gaining insights into the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories associated with the rocks. Whether you"re a geology nerd or just a casual nature lover, embrace the minerals around you and rock on!Desktop Version

Jan. 6, 2024Vermilion Lakes, Banff

A journey across the Trans-Canada Highway will take you through Banff National Park and right by the Vermilion Lakes. The trio of interconnected lakes sparkles against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies and the striking Mount Rundle. These lakes, formed in the Bow River valley, are simply named First, Second and Third. History buffs might appreciate the fact that archaeological evidence found nearby, like obsidian tools and campsites, indicate that people have lived in the area for approximately 11,000 years. While here, you can jump into activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, photography, hiking, canoeing and enjoying the natural hot springs near Third Lake.Desktop Version

Jan. 5, 2024International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin, China

Harbin, in Heilongjiang, the northernmost province of China, has a fascinating blend of architecture influenced by Russian and European styles. The city welcomes an icy twist to its fashion in January by opening its frosty doors to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. This festival traces its origins to a humble garden party that featured ice lanterns in 1963 and has since evolved into an event where sculptors from around the world came together to create sculptures from the frozen waters of the Songhua River. This wonderland has towering castles, lanterns and intricate sculptures, all made of ice. In 2007, "Romantic Feelings," the world"s largest snow sculpture at 35 metres in height, was created here in the shape of an Olympic-themed artwork. During the evenings, multicoloured lights illuminate the translucent sculptures, adding another layer of charm. While exploring Harbin, you can try alpine skiing and, if you"re feeling brave, winter swimming in the Songhua River.Desktop Version

Jan. 4, 2024Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

An exemplary engineering accomplishment, the Golden Gate Bridge stands like a sentinel over the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Blanketed by the fog above the waters of the Golden Gate Strait, its towers, adorned with Art Deco elements, reach a height of 227 metres. This bridge was the result of combined efforts put in by engineer Joseph Strauss, architect Irving Marrow, and many others towards connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge was painted International Orange—the golden adjective refers to the sun-reflecting waters below—and was opened to the public in 1937. It wasn"t an easy vision to accomplish, especially as it was built during the Great Depression. The infrastructure investment paid off, as its construction employed thousands, contributing to both local employment and technological growth. The Golden Gate Bridge, a testament to human innovation, is a timeless masterpiece blending functionality with beauty.Desktop Version

Jan. 3, 2024J.R.R. Tolkien Day

It"s time to bust out the furry feet and pointed ears because today is J.R.R. Tolkien Day, which celebrates the literary legend who spun the fantastical tales of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." On this day, the Tolkien Society continues the tradition of toasting "the professor," like Frodo toasted his uncle Bilbo on his birthday. Tolkien"s roots run through Oxford, where he studied English literature, joined the Officer Training Corps during World War I and later became a professor of Old English language and literature at both Leeds and Oxford universities. Since 1979, Oxford"s Bodleian Library has been home to the Tolkien Archive, a precious collection of manuscripts, artwork and even a Middle-earth map with Tolkien"s handwritten notes. His legacy shows us the power of boundless storytelling, which encourages us to seize each day and make the most of the time that is given to us!Desktop Version

Jan. 2, 2024Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan

This kaleidoscopic column is a series of prayer flags blown by the breeze in the Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan. Prayer flags are most commonly hung along a line with five repeating colours, each representing an element in nature. The fluttering fabrics, inscribed with spiritual scripts, are usually raised during times of prosperity, such as on Bhutan"s Nyinlong, their traditional day of solstice, which takes place today. As the flags fade over time, adherents believe this signifies that the prayers have been heard and are being carried away by the wind, infusing the surrounding area with positivity and spirituality. As we see them wave, we can remember that in these dark winter months, there"s literally a brighter tomorrow.Desktop Version

Jan. 1, 2024Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2024! Did you stay up late last night to ring in the new year? If so, we wouldn"t blame you for sleeping in like this red fox in Abruzzo, Italy. Whenever you wake up, New Year"s Day is a great opportunity for reflection, planning and a sense of renewal for the year that stretches out before us. January 1 has been a big day since the Julian calendar was widely adopted in 45 BCE, and as its use spread across the world—eventually modified in 1582 by the Gregorian calendar to better calculate leap years. Whether you"re taking the day to watch a parade, attend a sports game, take a chilly dip or write resolutions, we hope it"s the beginning of a great year to come.Desktop Version

Dec. 31, 2023Happy New Years Eve!

It"s time for the final countdown! New Year"s Eve is celebrated tonight in many countries to see out the old year and hope for the promises of the new one. The traditions of different nations can be quite creative when it comes to saying farewell to the year. If you"re not in Canada watching the dazzling display of fireworks over Niagara Falls, you might smash crockery in Denmark, stuff your mouth with grapes for the countdown in Spain or hang onions outside your door in Greece. Celebrators in Thailand might visit a temple for good luck or watch the fireworks illuminating Phra Nakhon Khiri, also known as the "holy city hill," based in the historical park of the same name. Wherever you celebrate, have a great one. See you next year!Desktop Version

Dec. 30, 2023Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan

The Tadami Line is one of the most scenic railway lines in Japan. It winds through beautiful landscapes from Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture to Uonuma, Niigata Prefecture. The Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, pictured in today"s image, is a well-known landmark along this stretch. As the train glides across the bridge, travellers are treated to gorgeous vistas of the river below and the lush forests that blanket the area. After a snowfall, the icy blue water of the Tadami River cuts a bold streak through the forest, providing a welcome splash of colour in a blanket of white.Desktop Version

Dec. 29, 2023Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital of the Netherlands intrigues visitors from all over the world with its historic canals, versatile architecture and laidback atmosphere. The city"s history can be traced back to the 12th century when it was a fishing village on the banks of the Amstel River. Today, it boasts institutions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Eye Film Museum and the National Maritime Museum, which offer insights into the country"s history and arts legacy. Amsterdam"s canal ring area, built around the turn of the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to its fair share of restaurants, vintage shops and outdoor markets, especially in neighbourhoods like Oud-West, pictured in today"s image. Get ready to pedal because Amsterdam"s cycling culture is ubiquitous. With approximately 515 kilometres of bike lanes, it"s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.Desktop Version

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