Covering an area of 5500 sq. km. in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, India’s Nilgiri Biosphere begins in the Nagarhole National Park of Karnataka and the adjoining Wayanad sanctuary of Kerala. The moist deciduous forests and teak plantations harbor abundant populations of gaur, spotted deer, sambar, and wild pig which support a sizeable number of carnivores such as tiger, leopard, and wild dog. The forests of neighboring Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve complete the quartet of sanctuaries famed as a prime habitat for Asian Elephants. 

photo © D.K. Bhaskar of DewWorks

During a monsoon time trip to Bandipur and Wayanad, a friend and I left our jeep and waited by a water hole for nearly four hours without a sighting of even the common spotted deer. It was a disappointing morning. As we prepared to pack up and leave, a small herd of elephants walked right next to the bushes where we were sitting. On hindsight, it was a dangerous situation and we were lucky to escape unharmed. Why they chose to walk next to us is still a mystery.

However, when they entered the water we had a beautiful view of the young calf learning to drink. Young calves learn from their aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews, imitating everything the sub-adults and adults do. I love this picture for its simplicity, animal behavior, the majesty of the elephants, and the environment. Just a few minutes after the elephants left, we heard the alarm calls of a bonnet macaque and were pretty sure a predator was around. Tiger? Leopard? We never saw what was hidden in the nearby forest.

Professional photojournalists D.K. Bhaskar and Eric Lindberg lead cultural and nature photo tours to India. Their next trip will be a unique journey across South India. For more information visit: www.HolbrookTravel.com

© 2010 Ellen Barone. Sunset Beach, Gig Harbor, WA. Textures by ghostbones.

A few weeks ago my New Mexico neighbor and I arrived in Gig Harbor, Washington, on a scouting mission for her new home. I had a vested interest in visiting the community.

A few years back I’d met Paula, from Gig Harbor, on a yacht cruise in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. On an easy evening kayak together, she’d regaled me with stories of her idyllic life on Point Richmond Beach in Gig Harbor. Paddling through turquoise seas, she told of quiet morning walks along the beach, of neighbors who waved a friendly hello but maintained a respectful distance, misty winter days, organic gardens and glorious sunset views of Mt. Rainier. 

The place stuck in my memory as somewhere I’d like to visit one day. So, when my widowed neighbor asked me if I’d like to come check it out with her, I jumped at the chance. I was not disappointed. 

Gig Harbor in reality had the same Norman Rockwell charm I’d imagined. It’s a place where healthy, happy people carrying recyclable shopping bags walk the harbor behind tail-wagging dogs. Where locals stop in for fresh seared tuna salads and basil pesto bread at Susanne’s Bakery & Deli. Or drop by the Java Clay Café and indulge their inner kid at a DIY pottery studio in the back while regulars sip the daily grind over the day’s gossip. 

I loved it!

But, Paula?

She’d moved the week before we arrived, according to her neighbor.

Hidden high in the Himalayas, between northern India and Tibet, is Bhutan, a peaceful, idyllic country whose mantra is national happiness. Cliffside monasteries, medieval fortresses, lavish temples and Swiss Tudor farmhouses dot rural landscapes of terraced rice fields, mossy forests and snowy peaks. Isolated from the world by choice, Bhutan curbs modernization and mass tourism to protect its sacred heritage and preserve its culture. Only approved groups are permitted in this intriguing land where red-robed monks and villagers alike embrace ancient traditions, mythology, astrology and Buddism in their daily lives. The photo above is Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World. The temple is perched on a granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew across the mountains on the back of a tigress to this ridge, meditated in a cave for three months, and converted the people of Paro Valley to Buddhism.  

Take a few minutes today to watch, listen and open your heart to what’s RIGHT in the world. It’s worth it. You’re worth it.

Celebrate What’s Right With The World

Lazarus! - The Resurrected | MySpace Video

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Copper Canyon near Barrancas, Chihuahua, Mexico

The most famous of a series of canyons in the Sierra Madre mountains of northwestern Mexico is Copper Canyon or Barranca del Cobre. We traveled here via the “Chepe” (Chihuahua Pacific)  railroad, which winds it’s way from the coastal plains at Los Mochis up through a series of canyons to Barrancas and Divisidero on the rim of Copper Canyon. This canyon system is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, and the views are truly spectacular. The photo above was taken from a trailside viewpoint not far from our hotel, Mansion Tarahumara, which is perched right on the rim of the canyon.

© Ellen Barone.A panoramic view of the Dordogne River valley as viewed from Castlenaud, France.

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OMG, I am the kid in the candy store. “They are everywhere, they are everywhere”. I want to “capture this one with my camera…..I NEED to capture that one”.

As I complete my 360 degree turn in Venice’s Piazza San Marco, I realize like the lagoon waves, they just keep on coming.

THEY being the costumed model participants of the annually “Carnival” of Venice.

Starting at mid morning and running until late into the evening, colors of every  hue and saturation excites my eyes. Venues galore, my challenge is to pick ONLY one place to be at a time.

Geeeeeeez…..this is just not fair!

My daylight gives way to the night light.

Now, a completely  different view of the ever changing ubiquitous models.

Some night colors simply pop. “Lady of the Night”, this “Lady in Red ” is one of my favorite shots. I do not know if this model was a member of a troupe from Paris, Berlin, London, or wherever. All were so equally gracious and accommodating to the photographer.

Eye candy? You betcha’, and lots of it.

Ciao,

Michael Wiggins

Michael Wiggins is a recently retired airline pilot. Having flown for Delta Air Lines for almost 30 years, he developed a love of photography while flying to international destinations and continue to travel to the world capturing images to share with others. He currently reside in Texas with my wife, Gail, and three dogs.

© Ellen Barone. CostaBaja Resort. La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

I’m a sucker for Mexican design and CostaBaja had me hooked at hello. What a gorgeous new addition to the accommodation options in La Paz. Totally yummy! Better yet, the staff was every bit as warm and welcoming as the surroundings. Learn more about this resort community at www.CostaBajaResort.com.

© Ellen Barone. Circus clown, Milwaukee, WI

It had been a lifetime since I’d been to the circus or a parade. But last month while presenting at the 2nd Annual SATW Digital Photography Institute in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I discovered my inner (and outer) child again. What a hoot!

Learn more about my experiences at the parade in a recent podcast, Happy Feet, and boogey along with me!

© Ellen Barone. Storm clouds at sunset

Sure, it may be cliché to extol the beauty and drama of the New Mexico sky. But, it’s cliché for a reason - the skies are magical!

When I’m home, my favorite evening ritual is to sit outside on our back patio and watch the drama of the night sky unfold. Each night is a new performance. I never tire of it.

A summer storm was brewing the evening I captured this image. Thunder rumbled while the hypnotic sky transformed minute-by-minute in color and form, as if someone was turning the dial on a virtual kaleidoscope. The photo doesn’t do it justice, but it felt like I’d been dropped down the Rabbit Hole in Alice in Wonderland.

If you haven’t traveled to New Mexico, you should. But be forewarned: “if you ever go to New Mexico, it’ll itch you for the rest of your life.” - Georgia O’Keeffe

Like this photo? You can buy it!

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