Kuang Si Falls

From the entry of Kuang Si Park we can walk through a forested area where there are enclosures housing Asian black bears rescued from poachers.

At the very bottom of the falls there are several blue pools of water and small cascades (3-5 metres high); some of the falls are multi-tiered. Most of the pools are open for swimming (one is closed as being a sacred site) though the water is a bit cold because this area is shaded by big trees. This makes the falls a popular cool-off place among locals and tourists alike during the hot season.

Kuang Si Falls - Luang Prabang - Laos

There are also trails to climb to the top of the falls where there are more natural pools for swimming. The trails are steep and can be extremely slippery, especially in rainy season…

 If you climb up to the top at the left hand side (of the entrance) trails you’ll arrive at a huge and very impressive pool and its source. At the top you actually cross the top of the falls and this is a great place to get a good view down.

End of the trail... from here up is through the water..

... to get to the top!

With a tripod and lots of time and pacience, beautiful images could be taken from here.

But we were here to climb the falls  and so we did, straight to the top. The cameras had to be stored inside the bags and I was really  scared a couple of times during the process but it was well worth the effort,  after all.

The view ....

... and the shower! :)

Living...

...  with animals can be a wonderful experience, especially if we choose to learn the valuable lessons animals teach through their natural enthusiasm, grace, resourcefulness, affection and forgiveness.

 - Richard H. Pitcairn, Veterinarian

Hallstatt

Situated in the south-western shore of the Hallstätter See, the town lies in the geographical region of Salzkammergut, on the national road linking Salzburg and Graz.

Hallstatt - Austria

Salt was a valuable resource, so the region was historically very wealthy. It is possible to tour the world's first known salt mine, located above downtown Hallstatt.

Hallstatt is a popular tourist attraction owing to its small-town appeal and can be toured on foot in ten minutes..

Until the late 19th century, it was only possible to reach Hallstatt by boat or via narrow trails. The land between the lake and mountains was sparse, and the town itself exhausted every free patch of it. Access between houses on the river bank was by boat or over the upper path, a small corridor passing through attics. The first road to Hallstatt was only built in 1890, along the west shore, partially by rock blasting.

“There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country. A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo. Even a bicycle goes too fast.”

Paul Scott Mowrer

Life ...

... is the flower of which Love is the honey!

Let ...

... your smile change the world;

But don't let the world change your smile!!

Have a great weekend! :)

Throw...

Salzburg - Austria

 

..... your heart over the fence and the rest will follow!

~ Norman Vincent Peale

 

 

The difference

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.
Henry Van Dyke