Visit here and you WILL kill !

These are the "Lost Tribes" of the Amazon, aka the "Uncontacted Tribes".   It is believed that there are currently there are more than 77 isolated tribes in Brazil alone.  They live isolated either by choice or by circumstance without contact of globalized civilization (according to the Indian Affairs Department FUNAI). Only a few tribes have had completely uncontacted, others with very minimal contact.   We have learned of these tribes via ariel footage and through similar tribes who have had some hostile encounters.   Uncontacted tribes are often exploited by tourism and have historically been  hunted by those wanting to exploit their land.   In 1911,  the last uncontacted tribe of Native Americans (Ishi) was contacted near Oroville, CA.  In 2008,  Brazil confirmed the existence of an uncontacted population in the Amazon rainforest after a tribe of 200 was spotted by satellite and confirmed via fly overs (photos below).  Unfortunately, uncontacted tribes are dwindling due to various reasons including deforestation.   Many other tribes have been killed by those wishing to exploit there land and by disease after initial contact (up to 60% of a tribe). Today,  in some countries (not all),  uncontacted people have rights and are being protected through protection of their surrounding land and 'protection posts'.   As curious as I am,  their immunes  just can't handle me.  Do you think they want to be contact, learn of computers and TV?

 

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The pictures were taken by Brazilian government surveillance planes Gleison Miranda/AFP/Getty Images

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Illegal loggers threaten to destroy the forest where the tribes live Gleison Miranda/AFP/Getty Images

One Big Pool!

 

San Alfonso Del Mar Resort in Algarrobo,  Chile (90 miles west of Santiago) is home to the world's largest outdoor swimming pool (does that mean there is a larger indoor pool?).  It's filled with about 66,000,000 million gallons of sea water.  It's about .629 miles long, covers 20 acres, and maximum depth is 115 feet.   The water is  pumped and filtered and treated from the Pacific Ocean.

In the pool,  you can enjoy sailing, scuba, kayak, swimming and other fun activities (or lessons if you need them).  Apparently from the photographs,  you can swim along an amazing aquarium.  And no worries of sharks, jellyfish or string rays.  Let's go!

Devil's Pool

 

Here you will find the largest waterfall in the world... Victoria Falls.   It is part of the Zambezi River that borders the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa.   Its said to be 354 feet high and 5604 feet at the base.  Yes,  the falls deserves it's own strangespot page,  but for now I wanted to share "Devil's Pool" or "The Armchair".  I say, why not go for a swim?   The Arm Chair is at the very edge of the falls on Livingstone Island on the Zambian side.  One must only swim when the river flow is at a safe level (between Sept and Dec).  A rock barrier forms an eddie during these months with low current, allowing brave swimmers a chance to enjoy the thrill with relative safety inches from the cascading falls.  Occasional death have been reports due to people slipping :(.

Roots!!!!!

To Prohm temple  (modern day known as The Temple Angkor)  is located in Angkor, Cambodia.  It was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The temple has a rich history (google can share), however I am seeking the strange and surreal. Located in the heart of the jungle,  these trees decided to take do an alien takeover of the temple. Today, it's a World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.  There are two predominate specifies of trees,  the larger being the Silk Cotton Tree and the smaller the Strangler Fig (aka Gold Apple).  A bit eerie if you ask me :).

Just a Lonely Barn :)!

 

I know, I know.... it's a barn :).    But someone find me a more beautiful barn with a more amazing backdrop on this earth.  Those mountains would be the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, USA.  This is the John Moulton Barn and apparently the most photographed barn in the world.  It was built in 1913 by John and Bartha Moulton who homesteaded the area.   On the property, they built a log home and a barn, and later they build the "Peach House".  About a 1/2 mile south of John's barn,  you will find the Thomas A. Moulton Barn.  John built his barn as a refuge for his horses against the frigid winters. He and his sons Clark and Harley worked the land to provide for their families.  The areas was known as Mormon Row (guessing they were of the Mormon religion, but not sure).  John and his brother Thomas homesteaded the land in 1907 (160 acres), then a year later arrived another brother Wallace. The family worked the ranch until 1961.   Little did they known the legacy this barn world leave to the world of photography :).  Happy 100 birthday to this wonderful barn!

 

 

Ancient Aliens!

 

 It may look like a mossy rock or even an alien plant, but it's actually Yareta or Llareta (in Spanish).  It's scientific name is Azorella Compacta).   It's a flowering evergreen native to South Americad and occurs only between the altitudes of 10,500 feet to 14,800 feet above sea level.  It's flowers are pink or lavender and are self-fertile (hermaphroditic) pollinated by insects.  These Llareta (below are growing in the Atacama Desert in Chile, South America).  It's a relative to parsley :).  What makes this plant so special (other than it's strange appearance) is that it is believed to be up to 3000 years old.  The plant is so tightly packed together,  it can actually take the weight of a human without damaging it's structure.

 

Maybe the best swimming hole ever!

 

Not your ordinary swimming hole :)!   This is To Sua Ocean Trench.  It's located in Lotofaga, a small village of 1089 persons on the island of Upolu in country of Samoa.  To Sua literally means "Giant Swimming Hole".  It's about 164 feet deep and you must head down a very steep ladder to access the pool.  The area is surrounded by beautifully colored gardens made by mother nature. There is a little to enjoy your day at $15.00 per adult and $6.00 per child, but I'm thinking it is worth the fee to enjoy something this spectacular.

Oh well Jacob!

 

Jacobs Well is a karstic spring (meaning underground water draining typically leading to a cave system) in Wimberly, Texas USA.   The well is 12 feet in diameter and is a popular swimming and diving hole for locals.  Jacob's well cave descends about 30 feet, then continues down very narrow chambers, finally reaching a depth of 120 feet. The cave system has been explored by cave divers and well mapped.  Many open water divers are eager to explore the system, however there have been multiple deaths as specialist techniques and equipment are required to dive safely.  Unfortunately, due to development, the flow of water through Jacob's well has dramatically declined.  Efforts are being made to protect the future of this perfect little swimming hole.

Sugar Land!

The White Desert  (aka Sahara el Beyda) is now a national park located in Egypt.  The desert is known for it's snow white massive rock formations.   The rocks have been shaped over the decades by sandstorms and winds.  The chalk white landscape appears to have alien shapes and boulders of brilliant white.  You can visit the white desert via deep tours, however the 4WD vehicles must stay on designated routes.  Overnight camping safaris offer tourist a chance to experience the famous landmarks, a field of giant white 'mushrooms' and  the drama of sunset and dawn.

Never ending beach!

 

The Republic of Namibia hosts the tallest and most spectacular sand dunes in the world in a wide array of colors from pink to red to orange.  It's a place where the desert meets the sea.  The Namib (meaning vast place) Desert dunes continue until they meet the cold seas of the Atlantic Ocean.  The sea coast and dunes extend for hundreds of miles, however one of the best places to start your journey on this endless beach is known as Swakop.  Swakop is the countries most populated coastal towns with a German flare.  The dunes rise up to 180 feet high and span 20 miles long!The temperatures on the coast are fairly stable and range from 48 to 68 degrees.  The area can also experience 180 days a year of thick fog (not so great for ships .. over 100 wrecks can be seen on the Skeleton Coast).  Namibia is full of strange places and a great place to visit.