2510, 2012

Yosemite National Park (Lake & Meadow)

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California’s Yosemite National Park is known internationally for its amazing geology, ecology, and scenery. Since 1890, it has been a destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable. This scene features just as few of the countless natural sights in the park, including the calm Tenaya Lake and the Tuolumne Meadows, where wide expanses of grasses and trees are complemented by boulders and the winding Tuolumne River. The clean water through this river is ultimately used as drinking water by San Francisco, where it requires only minimal treatment. Chris Botti is a contemporary jazz trumpeter who has become one of the top-selling instrumental artists of the 21st century. His

1810, 2012

Pia Glacier, Tierra del Fuego

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The Patagonia region of South America (between southern Chile and Argentina) is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, but the alien landscape around the the Pia Glacier might be some of its best. As this river of ice carves its way down its rocky mountain, it spawns an assortment of waterfalls and icebergs in the channel below. Boulders of ice are scattered across the terrain, and lucky visitors may even see the glacier calving– when large pieces break off and crash into the water. This is one of the many glaciers along the Beagle Channel’s “Avenue of Glaciers.” The surrounding area is extremely desolate but a popular destination for cruise ships and adventure excursions. Boney James

0309, 2012

Gstaad, Switzerland

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Full version of the single song episodes featured here, in our Media Library showcase, are available to watch free on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel # 452 One look at the Swiss town of Gstaad leaves no question why the area is known for its many ski resorts. Though the town itself is small and only lightly populated, the surrounding mountains provide plenty of dramatic views, dozens of hiking trails, and clean white slopes for the area’s most famous pastime. In addition to skiing, Gstaad is also known as a relaxing getaway for the rich and famous. Countless celebrities have lived or kept homes in the hills around the village, and plenty of expensive boutiques cater

2008, 2012

Skagway, Alaska

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Nicknamed the “Gateway to the Klondike,” Skagway, Alaska, was a gold rush boomtown at the end of the 19th century, after gold was found in the Yukon Territory. Situated at the head of a convenient path to the region, the town became Alaska’s first incorporated city and saw thousands of prospectors passing through on their journeys. The famous Jack London novel The Call of the Wild is set in Skagway at this time. Since the end of the gold rush, the population of Skagway has dwindled to less than a thousand, but the area retains a healthy tourism economy based on the town’s history and its cruise ship port, which accounts for three quarters of its

3107, 2012

Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park

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The most accessible mountain area in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge offers spectacular views of the park and numerous hiking opportunities. Miles of forested land, rugged mountains, wildlife, and wildflower meadows greet park visitors year-round. Named “Hurricane Ridge” for its frequent strong wind gusts (over 75 miles an hour), this location receives up to 35 feet of snow each year. The weight of this snow discourages tree growth along much of the ridge, creating open meadows and bare slopes like those seen in this sample video. During the winter, the road to Hurricane Ridge mostly remains open, though often threatened by the risk of avalanches. Ski and snowshoe rental is offered at the ridge’s visitor center.

2407, 2012

Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego

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One of three passages past South America between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Beagle Channel is surrounded on both sides by remarkable scenery. It was here that Charles Darwin first saw glaciers while accompanying the channel’s namesake, the HMS Beagle, on a hydrological survey of the Tierra del Fuego region. Glaciers can still be spotted along the channel to this day, and though the channel is narrow, smaller boats including excursion cruises can maneuver the waters with ease. They also need not be as cautious as the Beagle was on its voyage: though a survey barque with no military objective, the 19th-century ship was equipped with six cannons. Brian Hughes is a contemporary jazz guitarist.

1505, 2012

Karukinka Natural Park, Chile

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On the Chilean part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago lies the Karukinka Natural Park, offering more than 700,000 acres of untouched wilderness. The park’s private ownership and relative inaccessibility, along with proactive conservation efforts, have kept this area a pristine and therapeutic getaway for nature enthusiasts. The careful stewardship of this land is especially noteworthy given its history. When an American company bought the land in the 1990s, it was for logging purposes. After those plans were spoiled by environmental group opposition, the land was bundled with other assets and sold to investment giant Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs eventually donated the land to the Wildlife Conservation Society, a New York-based nonprofit. This eScapes video shows

2702, 2012

Rocky Mountain Winter

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Snow is usually found at the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, but only in winter does the entire landscape get a brilliant white coat. This eScapes video takes you to the Colorado Springs area to take in a perfect winter day among the rocks and pine trees. It’s no wonder that this region originally inspired America, The Beautiful. As you might imagine, the slopes in this area are a favorite destination for skiers, and the United State Olympic Committee and training center is even headquartered in Colorado Springs. Jim Brickman is a songwriter and solo pianist. One of the most commercially successful adult contemporary artists, Brickman has six Gold or Platinum albums and multiple prestigious awards

2301, 2012

Columbia River Gorge Moonrise

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To mark today’s Lunar New Year, eScapes brings you a peaceful “moonrise” over the tranquil Columbia River. The actual moonrise on a Lunar New Year isn’t quite as dramatic– the Lunar New Year always falls on the new moon. The Lunar New Year is important to many eastern cultures and traditions that use lunar or lunisolar calendars instead of the Gregorian calendar. The most widely known tradition tied to the Lunar New Year is the Chinese New Year, which today celebrates the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. This eScapes video brings you the beauty of the moon with the terrestrial beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Separating Washington and Oregon, this gorge is one

1101, 2012

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

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The Columbia River Gorge along the Washington/Oregon border is home to many great natural sights. Even away from well-known landmarks like Multnomah Falls and Mt. Adams, the general beauty of the region is engaging and a wonder on its own. This eScapes video tracks the aptly-named sternwheeler Columbia Gorge riverboat as it paddles through the heart of the gorge, dwarfed by the forested Cascade Mountains. Also visible is the “Bridge of the Gods,” a cantilever bridge spanning the river. This bridge is named after a land bridge that once crossed nearby and is a prominent part of local American Indian legend. Chris Standring is a jazz guitarist who has distinguished himself in the contemporary jazz realm