An Easy Escape

10knotes:

odditiesoflife:

The Amazing Underwater Forest of Lake Kaindy

What makes Lake Kaindy truly remarkable is that it contains an underwater forest. Visible on the lakes surface are the tall, dried-out tops of submerged Spruce trees that rise above the water’s surface like the masts of sunken ships. They are the only sign of the amazing frozen forest below the water’s surface.

The water is so cold (even in summer the temperature does not exceed 6 degrees) that the pine needles remain on the trees, even after a hundred years of being submerged. During the winter, the lake freezes and becomes a popular spot for ice diving.

The lake is 400 meters long and is located in Kazakhstan’s portion of the Tian Shan Mountains, about 129 km from the city of Almaty. The lake was created after an earthquake in 1911 triggered a large landslide blocking the gorge and forming a natural dam.

nythroughthelens:

High Line at the Rail Yards. The final section of railroad tracks.

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The High Line is a public park that sits along a historic freight railroad line elevated high above the streets of New York City on the west side of Manhattan. In the early 20th century, the rail line was used to transport valuable freight and enjoyed a long period of high activity. It was abandoned in the 1980s after it ceased to be used for its original purpose and nature took over in a rather dramatic way. It is currently owned by the City of New York and maintained by a wonderful group called Friends of the High Line who have fought hard to preserve and nourish the space opening it up to the city to enjoy and care for.

The final section of the High Line is known as High Line at the Rail Yards. I read that it was possible to get a guided tour of the untouched railroad tracks and of course, I happily jumped at the opportunity. My first tour was cancelled due to rain but I was able to get another chance yesterday. It couldn’t have been a more beautiful evening to walk alongside the historic railroad tracks which were surrounded by fresh spring vegetation.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, it felt like I was transported to a post-apocalyptic New York City. The tour guides were absolutely awesome. I was not allowed to take photos of the still-active rail yards that sit below the final section of the High Line since it is considered a federal offense to do so. So, regretfully, I was not able to capture the tracks and wildlife against the gorgeous Chelsea skyline. However, I did take quite a few photos with my Sony A99 of the view to the west and south towards the Empire State Building.

These are a few photos of what I saw yesterday evening exploring the High Line’s last section. Enjoy :)

View this set over on Flickr here:

High Line at the Rail Yards - Final High Line Section

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Interact with this photo-set via a comment thread over on my Google Plus page

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View my photography portfolio here, email me, or ask for help.

tyleroakley:

“It’s Spock! Do you Care?”

motheatendeerhead:

This is what we need reported more in the media-positive stories

(via rozandeffect)

Best six seconds ever

(via 10knotes)