2607, 2011

Bryce Canyon National Park

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The western part of the United States is filled with many fascinating landscapes, but Bryce Canyon National Park is particularly unique. Carved by rain and frost wedging in the limestone of Utah’s Claron Formation, this stunning landscape is known for its hoodoos– weathered rock spires– and its bizarre terrain that includes numerous amphitheaters and maze-like valleys. Covering 56 square miles, Bryce Canyon is one of the smaller national parks, but it spans more than 2,000 feet of altitude. This means several distinct climate zones can be found within the park, each with its own plant and animal life. The varied landscape is perfect for hiking or biking, or for relaxation and meditation when the sun is

2207, 2011

Puno, Peru (Floating Islands)

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The Puno region of Lake Titicaca in Peru has been home to the Uros people since before the Inca empire. The Uros people are known for their unique floating islands. For hundreds of years, this culture has made its home on artificial islands made from interwoven reeds from the lake. Traditionally an isolated hunting and fishing society, the Uros have in modern times expanded to the mainland, and have found new sources of income in the tourism focused around their islands. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10

1707, 2011

Tahquamenon Falls

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Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most famous landmarks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The upper falls shown in this video move an average of 7,000 gallons of water a second, and up to 50,000 at peak springtime flow. Against the white backdrop of ice and snow in this winter scene, the brown color of the Tahquamenon River is especially apparent. This color comes from tannin, an organic compound released by the decomposition of material from cedar swamps upriver. This color has given the falls a local nickname– “Root Beer Falls”– also given to a smaller, unnamed waterfall to the west with similar water. Andrew Ironside is a Christian minister and musician. He is the founder of

1007, 2011

Samsø, Denmark

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Samsø (pronounced sam-SOO) is a peaceful island in the middle of the country of Denmark. Largely agricultural, Samsø is known for its summer strawberry picking and early potato harvest. Much of the island is covered with wheat fields. Samsø is also noteworthy for its use of clean energy. After a government competition encouraged communities to switch to renewable energy, Samsø, which had traditionally relied on imported coal and gas, began producing more than 100% of its energy from renewable sources. The many wind turbines on the scenic landscape are monuments to the island’s change and progress. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band has expanded and

0707, 2011

Mendocino Cliffs, California

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Despite its population of less than one thousand people, Mendocino, California has made a name for itself as a destination for relaxation and culture. The community’s Pacific Ocean coast features the Mendocino headlands– steep cliffs and rocky landforms protruding from the sea. Beautiful views like these have supported local bed-and-breakfasts for decades and have inspired the many artists that make their home in Mendocino. Mendocino County is also known for its fine wine and impressive forests, leading it to trademark the title, “America’s Greenest Wine Region.” Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An accomplished jazz flutist,

0307, 2011

Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite National Park needs no introduction to naturalists and anyone who appreciates breathtaking scenery. Established as a national park in 1890, Yosemite Valley is a spectacular showcase of geology and ecology. The unique terrain of Yosemite National Park is the result of millions of years of uplifting granite combined with the immense stress of massive glaciers, which carved the rock into the sheer cliffs that are the Yosemite signature. Waterfalls are common and the park’s biodiversity is challenged by few places in North America. A destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable, Yosemite National Park is as perfect for those seeking excitement as those seeking relaxation. Ronny Jordan

0107, 2011

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

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There are few landscapes as dramatic as the American West, and few drives as stunning as Utah’s Scenic Byway 12. Passing through many of Utah’s natural wonders, the United States Government has designated Route 12 an “All-American Road” for its beautiful scenery and for being a “destination unto itself.” The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers 1.9 million acres. Millions of years of geologic stress have folded the Grand Staircase region into stunning cliffs and unique landforms. The geologic history evident in the these rock formations is the basis for Route 12’s nickname, “A Journey Through Time.” Halcyon Shore is a husband-and-wife musical duo that specializes in uplifting instrumental rock. “The premier cinematic concert experience,” Halcyon Shore’s