Most Unusual Mountain Huts........

Most Unusual Mountain Huts........

You have embarked on a climb in the toughest, most challenging spot of land; mountains. You want to live the nature, experience the raw feeling but it is inevitable that a time will come when you wish for a hot cup of cocoa, a crackling fire, the comfort of a roof four walls, and no wind. And like a dream come true, with the blink of an eye, you witness a hut, the very place that could supply the wants of humanity. Yet, it is after considerable effort that you will be allowed to feel humane….

10. Solvay Hut

At a height of 4,003 meters on a rocky ridge of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s iconic, triangular peak, is the Solvay hut, managed by the Swiss Alpine Club. It has room for only ten daredevils who will have to venture uphill through the must inhospitable terrain. The steep, icy paths and frozen breath and sweat will improve your appetite considerably.

9. Rifugio Nuvolau

Since 1983, the Rifugio Nuvolau has been a refuge for exhausted trekkers, providing comfort and solace to those trudging in Italy’s dramatic Dolomite Mountains. Even during World War 1, the 2,575m high hut served as a point for surveying situations on the summit. Besides a flashback in history, the location will provide a bed, eatables, and the jolly company of other outdoorsy souls like you.

8. Hornli Hut

If you don’t feel like staying at the Solvay Hut, Matterhorn can offer you a roof at the Hornli Hut. There is a happening “launching pad” situated at 3,260m on the base of Matterhorn. When you get weary of the stunning views, rest majestically on a two-tiered bunk bed made for twenty dreaming about the delicious Swiss rosti (potatoes and cheese) and homemade fruitcake that they have devoured.

7. Rifugio Gnifetti

Here is a place, the French, Swiss and Italians can all enjoy. Situated at an outcropping 3,647m in the North West Mountains of Italy, the Rifugio Gnifetti is a highly equipped place providing warmth and free showers. It is a bit of a discomfort getting there, sharp rocks and sliding trails, but well, it is definitely worth the trouble.

6. Refuge Des Cosmiques

Trekkers, skiers and climbers will be relieved to find Refuge Des Cosmiques (3,613m), on the incline in France, positioned a bit carelessly amidst the fascinating ski village of Chamonix. The cosmos’ hospitality is up-to-date and enjoyable, just what a tired hiker longs for.

5. Refuge de Tete Rousse

The Refuge de Tete Rousse, situated at 3,167m, was rebuilt by the French Alpine Club in 2005 to accommodate 74 nature lovers wishing for a nice refuge in the staggering inclines of the Chamonix region. (tete rousse for “red heads” is, perhaps a suggestion of the exertion required to reach the hut by foot)

4. Cabane Bertol

Amidst the gigantic shapes, you’re longing for a homey feeling, baked goodies, vegetable stews, wine beverages, in other words; a full belly, Cabane Bertol is the place for you. Haute Route is a lengthy walking trail connecting Chamonix to Zermatt and it is tough for the mountain climbers to ascend to reach the much rewarding Cabane Bertol (3,311 meters), by a series of fixed ladders and chain.

3. Rifugio Lagazuoi

The Rifugio Lagazuoi, is less a hut than a mountainous haven. Alma and Guido, the beaming keepers of the Italy’s Alta via 1 paradise point will exceed your expectations of hospitality; offering private accommodations, a lively bar, and a pleasant restaurant to eat in. The path to the hut has obstacles of course, but what follows will make every step of the way, worth it. Don’t forget to order the apple strudel – a local specialty.

2. Rifugio Coldai

2,135m above the rest of the world, Rifugio Coldai is another reminder of modern civilization on the Alta via 1. The bold ones who venture into the rugged terrain of Dolomite will not be disappointed by the lit and dry dining room, with a serving of homemade gnocchi drizzled with olive oil, fresh minestrone soup, and a towering tiramisu, exploding with rich mascarpone cream. It will be enough to forget the 175 miles of trekking with your nerves on hold.

1. Monte Rosa-Huette

The Swiss news outlet that entitled the Monte Rosa hut, as a “futuristic Eco-hut” could never have spoken more truthfully. Completely reconstructed in 2009, 2,883m on the base of the highest peak in Switzerland. It is a beautiful building, blending in with its splendid environment. Stainless steel, aluminum, and wood, satisfy 90 percent of its energy needs through solar power; very Eco-friendly

Animal Families

Animal Families

My Favourite Animal Families by wildlife photographer Steve Bloom

A new book by a renowned wildlife photographer will melt your heart - with images of family love between members of the animal kingdom. 'My Favourite Animal Families' by Steve Bloom showcases some of the best pictures of baby animals Steve has taken all over the world during the past 14 years

Adelie penguins with chick on Paulet Island, Antarctica






Accompanied by text from author David Henry Wilson, whose works include the popular 'Jeremy James' children's series, the book is aimed at kids. But the pictures are so beautiful they will appeal to people of all ages

Lioness washing cubs in the Masai Mara, Kenya






Steve said: "When shooting these pictures I was working to an underlying theme of anthropomorphism. Animals exhibit some behaviours similar to humans and showing people this can hopefully stimulate interest and education"

Elephant seals in South Georgia






"I want to take kids reading this book into another world, but also to demonstrate that animals, like us, are sentient beings"

Mother and baby panda in Sichuan, China





"A good example where this worked very well is the baby elephant. Humans don't like being lashed by the rain and the calf shows clearly here that elephants don't like it either. This little one was happy to shelter under its mother"

African elephant and calf in the rain in the Masai Mara, Kenya






"Through showing behaviour like this, I hope we can increase child readers' appreciation of the animals and help them to connect, so that they understand the importance of these species"

Mother and baby hippo in the Okavango Delta, Botswana





Spanning almost every habitat across the globe, from the African plains to the frozen Arctic, animals of all kinds have been captured on camera in acts of maternal or paternal caring

Polar bear mother and cub in Cape Churchill, Manitoba, Canada






Readers are treated to over 70 photographs presenting fourteen species of wild animal, handpicked to show a wide variety of animal family types in different environments around the world. Each animal family is featured over four pages, with Wilson's text exploring different facets of family life, from feeding and grooming to playing and hunting

Lowland gorilla mother and baby







A baby orangutan, in Borneo, Kalimantan, perfectly mimics its mother's hand movements - just like a toddler







A mother chimpanzee givies an infant a helpful piggyback through tropical rainforests







Giraffes in Savuti, Botswana







Emperor penguin parents and chick on Coulman Island, Antarctica







Cheetah mother with cub in the Masai Mara, Kenya







A full grown zebra with a young one in the Masai Mara, Kenya


Brown bear mother and cubs in the Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA

Cool Living: Stylish Chairs

Orphan Orangutan

Orphan Orangutan

Please don't go! Orphan orangutan clings onto his ranger's leg

This shy orphan orangutan won't let go of a ranger who he's adopted as his surrogate parent.

The three-year-old ape, whose mother was shot by hunters, clung onto the ranger's boot for reassurance at a wildlife park at feeding time.

The young male is among a group of wild orangutans that live in a protected park in Malaysia.

The guides feed the orangutans twice a day at the park that is attached to the Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort, near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Cling-on: This three-year-old ape has developed a close relationship with his ranger at a protected park in Malaysia, where he lives with other orphaned orangutans

Loving: The young male joined the group after his mother was shot by poachers

Australian photographer Steve Bullock captured these pictures whilst visiting the resort on his honeymoon.

The 26-year-old said: 'It was fantastic to see how the youngster interacted with the guide.

'He was holding on for a few minutes before climbing up the ranger's leg and into his arms.

'He is a young boy and quite playful but also very shy, he feels safest in the arms of the ranger - he definitely sees him as a father figure.

'He was only a recent addition to the reserve after his mother was shot.

'Each day there are two feeding times where several of the orangutans will arrive for a free feed.

'Some come daily, some every few days, some not at all.

Comfort: The orangutan is thought to see his ranger as a father figure 

'It is heartbreaking to hear the ranger speak of the destruction to their natural habitat.

'On the other hand I was happy that this little guy has a safe future at the two reserves before hopefully one day being released into a safe area of Sabah.' 

There are nine orphans in the protected park and they will stay there until they are seven-years- old.

They will then be transferred to the other side of the island where there are hundreds of adult orphans living. Orangutans live for up to 50 years in the wild.

Orangutans are classed as an endangered species and are threatened due to their habitats being destroyed, being hunted and the illegal trade in pets.

Among the most intelligent of primates, wild orangutans live exclusively in Asia and are rarely aggressive.

They use a variety of sophisticated tools and make sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage.

Grizzly Bear Feeding Frenzy

Grizzly Bear Feeding Frenzy

 

The REAL teddy bears' picnic: Fish supper for 20 as grizzlies gather for annual salmon-feasting frenzy

By David Derbyshire

By nature, bears are solitary creatures  -  but when there's a river full of fish ready to leap straight into your paws, they will make an exception.

These astonishing pictures show the annual feeding frenzy that follows salmon-spawning season in the Katmai national Park in Alaska.

'The salmon are returning to Alaska from the open ocean in their millions in order to spawn. For thousands of brown bears all along the coast and spawning rivers, this means the dinner bell is ringing loudly,' says photographer Michael Nolan.

Snack time: Tens of brown bears visit the river in Katmai National Park, Alaska, every year for the bumper salmon crop

Mine: This river salmon looks to have made an ill-timed leap as a brown bear opens his vast jaws to grab its meal

'And of course, there is a constant push and shove for the very best fishing spots as older, stronger, and larger bears vie for the best positions.'

Coastal brown bears, also known as Alaskan Grizzlies, are among the largest land predators. they weigh up to 1,500lb  -  or as much as nine men  -  and stand more than 8ft tall on their hind legs.

Mr Nolan, 48, from Tuscon, Arizona, said: 'The Brooks River is one of the best fishing spots in Alaska where salmon can be found.

'July is summer time in the northern hemisphere and the salmon are returning to Alaska from open ocean in order to spawn literally by the millions.

'For thousands of brown bears all along the coast and spawning rivers this means the dinner bell is ringing loudly.

'The bears wait patiently for the fish to come to this spot, as all fish must get past the falls to spawn, or die trying.'

Surf and turf war: Two bears square up to each other as they argue over the best fishing spot

Michael Nolan spent a week capturing the bears on film and witnessed this rare gathering of up to 25 adults

Catch of the day: The Brooks River in Alaska is one of the best fishing spots for bears

Mr Nolan spent a week capturing the bears on film and witnessed this rare gathering of up to 25 adults and juveniles jostling for food.

He said: 'Bears are usually quite anti-social and prefer to be alone, but when the fishing is this good they will tolerate close proximity with other bears.

'Of course there is a constant push and shove for the very best fishing spots as older, stronger, and larger bears vie for the best positions to fish.

'Smaller and younger bears are relegated downstream to catch fish as they can, and to scavenge fish that the bigger bears have caught and eaten the best parts of upstream, letting the remains float down river for young bears to scavenge.'

Feeding frenzy: This bear looks out over the Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska

Putting on a show: Spectators from around the globe look on as tens of brown bears congregate at the Brooks River in Alaska to catch salmon

The bears employ a variety of strategies to feast on the salmon, including catching them in mid-air as they jump over the falls, wading in the shallow water and even stealing from other bears.

Some dive underwater to grab their food and some even try to swat the salmon out of the water.

Even though human proximity to bears is generally a bad idea, Mr Nolan said the feeding frenzy draws in spectators from all over the world.

He added: 'Bears and people have come to an understanding in this part of Alaska, and it is not unusal at all to be less than 10 meters distant from what would otherwise be a very potentially dangerous animal in the wild.'

Creative Anti-Tobaco Photos

Creative Anti-Tobaco Photos