2702, 2012

Rocky Mountain Winter

Scenic Earth
398

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

2402, 2012

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse (Sunset)

Lighthouses
452

Watch full HD version of this single song sample episode on the eScapes’ Xumo LifeStyle Channel #452 The Point Cabrillo Light Station, located in Mendocino County, California, is a California State Historic Park. The lighthouse indeed has a long and interesting history. First lit in 1909, it was a guide for a record number of ships carrying lumber to rebuild San Francisco after its 1906 earthquake. It later adopted new technology when it became a monitoring station for the now-defunct LORAN electronic navigation system. Since its construction, the lighthouse has been maintained by a variety of owners and keepers, and is now owned by California State Parks and managed by the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association. The

2002, 2012

Columbia River Trainwatching

Trainwatching
392

Near the city of Stevenson, Washington (population 1,465), train enthusiasts can catch magnificent views of freight moving along the edges of the scenic Columbia River Gorge. The first railroad in this area might not have appealed to even the most devoted trainwatcher: it was nothing more than a track for a wagon, pulled my a mule, to portage cargo around some of the river’s rapids. Today, the Columbia River Gorge is a major commercial rail route through the Cascade Mountains, where a passing train is often the perfect complement to a dramatic natural landscape. Nestor Torres is a versatile flutist who crosses the genres of jazz, pop, classical, and Latin music. He has toured with mostly

3101, 2012

Niagara Falls (American Falls)

Scenic Earth
391

The United States-Canada border is the longest national border in the world, but the most dramatic spot on it must be the famous Niagara Falls. A set of three waterfalls– the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls– the Niagara Falls may be the most well-known waterfall in the world, although it’s not special for its size as much as its accessibility. Plenty of taller and more voluminous waterfalls exist in the world, but none allow visitors to get as close to them so easily. Niagara Falls is extremely tourist-friendly. Opportunities on both sides of the border allow visitors to experience the falls from every angle, whether from their base on the famous Maid of the Mist

1901, 2012

South Haven Lighthouse

Lighthouses
436

South Haven, Michigan is known for its harbor on Lake Michigan, and its harbor is known for its South Pierhead Lighthouse. Since 1903, this lighthouse has stood on the lakeshore, but not always with its distinctive appearance. The lighthouse was originally painted white, and had a wooden walkway instead of the black metal catwalk of today. Before 1903, a completely different wooden lighthouse stood in its place. The elevated walkway allows access to the lighthouse in severe weather. As this eScapes video demonstrates, rough conditions at the light can be dangerous, but also amazingly beautiful. Strong winds off Lake Michigan create a spectacular show of waves crashing onto the pier, sometimes even riding above the 35-foot

1301, 2012

Las Vegas (Cityscape with Mountains)

American Cities
382

It may be Friday the 13th, but eScapes invites you to feel lucky anyway, with a virtual trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas originated as little more than a spot to switch trains on the journey west. Today, tourists from all over the world are drawn to the city for its bright lights, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This eScapes video offers a distant view of the city, including the Spring Mountains just beyond the city limits. While the modern cityscape, completely divorced from its past, is the reason why Las Vegas is popular today, the rugged mountains and surrounding desert are reminders of why the city became popular in the first place. Nick Colionne

1101, 2012

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Scenic Earth
402

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

0601, 2012

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses
462

Little Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan was first lit in 1874 and is one of Michigan’s most picturesque lighthouses. Not only is the lighthouse itself striking with its natural brick exterior, but the surrounding natural setting is beautiful as well, featuring sand dunes, a pristine beach, and a forest. The tower’s brick complements the landscape well, but it has only been exposed for part of the light’s career. From 1900 to 1977, the tower was painted white to make it more visible to mariners. Little Sable Point Lighthouse is now on the ground of Silver Lake State Park, and despite its secluded location, is a popular destination for beachgoers during the summer months. John Tesh

1011, 2011

Los Angeles from Mount Lee

World Cities & Harbors
380

Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, has been the worldwide capital of film production since the early 1900s. One-sixth of the city’s 3.8 million people work in the arts. This eScapes video takes you to the hills of the city’s Griffith Park. One of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee overlooks the city as a symbol of the glamour and opportunity of the city’s entertainment industry. The hills also offer a panoramic view of the sprawling Los Angeles metro area, with the skyscrapers of downtown standing out and commanding attention. Lee Ritenour is a Los Angeles-raised guitarist that has worked in many genres including jazz, blues, and rock.

0411, 2011

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Scenic Earth
396

Established as the first National Lakeshore in 1966, the beautiful Lake Superior coast at Pictured Rocks was adopted by the National Park System as an answer to increased private ownership of the Great Lakes coastlines. Though the Lakeshore is home to sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and sandy beaches, it is best known for its steep sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations. The harsh wind, rain, and freeze/thaw cycles on Lake Superior are responsible for forming these dramatic landscapes are still at work: parts of some of the Lakeshore’s most iconic landforms have lost pieces in recent years. This eScapes video features Miner’s Castle, a major landmark at Pictured rocks. These seaside formations can be seen from