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The Lone Iceberg

An ice cube hangs the ocean near Ny-Ålesund.

A lone iceberg floats in the calm of a Norwegian Fiord. This image was taken during our Arctic Expedition on the MS Expedition in 2010. We spent a glorious 10 nights exploring the fiords and seas of Svalbard, Spitsbergen and Greenland. We encountered many huge icebergs, but this wee one caught my eye. It’s stark contrast and clarity against the blue waters diverted my attention from the stunning scenery we were sailing though. It’s stillness coveys the silence of the Arctic and the remote and rugged beauty of the polar regions. We really must do everything we can to protect the Arctic.

Do your bit – email Obama and help protect the Arctic

Shell has abandoned its plans to drill for oil in the Arctic waters off the coast of Alaska in 2013.

It’s big news. But just the start of something bigger. Now it’s time for President Obama to abandon the idea of Arctic drilling completely and declare the Arctic ‘off limits’ to industrial exploitation, forever.

Shell was supposed to be the best of the best, but the long list of mishaps and near-disasters from the company’s failed attempt to drill in the Arctic last summer is a clear indication even the ‘best’ companies can’t succeed in Arctic drilling.

President Obama and his administration gave Arctic drilling a chance and Shell proved that it isn’t possible. It’s time we kick our addiction to fossil fuels and deal with global warming decisively. That starts today and it starts with leadership from President Obama.

Do your bit and sign the Greenpeace petition today.

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/take-action/Online-actions/obama-arctic-drilling/

 

Happy St George’s Day

Ok – I have been racking my brains over what picture to post in celebration of St George’s day. I don’t have any pictures of a dragon ,a pint , a chippie, the queen, a queue, or a cuppa… so I settled for this. It’s the York Minster during the Illuminating York festival.

Happy St George’s Day all.

When I grow up I want to be a safari ranger

marie in Kenya

Oooh – if I could have my time again I would be a ranger in one of Africa’s incredible national parks. Imagine the life – shunning desks and email for the great outdoors – preserving the wildlife and natural environment for future generations – getting up close and personal with the big 5 and mini beasts of Africa. I know it’s not all glam, but it sounds sooo good. No more hairdryers, mass media, offices or motorways.

So what’s brought this on?

Well, several trips to Africa have brought out the repressed ranger hiding within me- especially our self drives in South Africa. Waking early, spending the entire day locating animals by tracks, spoor and smell (oh – and sight!) and then returning to camp for a simple meal cooked over the fire. Bliss! It does wonders for the soul.

Also, finding and following Ranger Diaries has not helped quash the wanderlust in me. If you are at all interested in nature conservation in Africa, or love the idea of safaris, then you simply must check out the Ranger Diaries website at http://www.rangerdiaries.com/ Beware though – it’s addictive!

Mother nature puts on one heck of a show

An Arctic sunset made abstract, blurring parts of the cloud layer and sea by panning the camera on a tripod with a slow exposure (0.6s)

Some of the most incredible sunsets we have seen have been in the Arctic.

On a clear night, when looking out across the dark, calm seas you can see the curvature of the earth on the horizon whilst mother nature puts on one heck of a show. Vivid reds, yellows and oranges are mingled together across a cloudless and still sky. Standing on the bridge of the ship you can almost convince yourself you are the only one witnessing this. It reminded me of a Rothko painting – so by panning the camera right to left whilst taking the shot I decide to create my own sky art. I hope you like it.

This picture is the last in this week’s celebration of sunrises and sunsets here on blog.tarajiblue.com I hope you’ve enjoyed it. We welcome any comments and feedback.

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Watching the sunset with Lawrence of Arabia

Desert Peace

We had the incredible privilege of watching the sunset over the Wadi Rum desert. We’d spent the day climbing the sand dunes and exploring Lawrence of Arabia’s very own land. As the sun began to set we left our Bedouin companions and walked hand in hand into the open desert to watch the sun set fire to the rocky outcrops. As the sun fell so did the temperature.

This picture continues our week long celebration of Taraji Blue’s favourite sunsets and sunrises.

If you like this picture, please feel free to share using the social media links provided.

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Beautiful Bellavista

Caught In The Frame

Bellavista Cloud Forest is perched high in the tropical hills of Ecuador. From our rustic cabin in the woods we had first class seats to watch a beautiful sunset. As we watched the sky turn all kinds of pink, the hummingbirds continued to flit around our heads, their gentle drone complementing the  high pitch chorus from the insects surrounding us. Bliss.

This photo is just one in a week long series of sunrises and sunsets here on blog.tarajiblue.com. If you like this picture, please feel free to share using the social media links provided.

For more images, visit the Taraji Blue photo gallery.

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A Mythical Sunset

The Wizard And The Troll

We’ve called this photo the ‘Wizard and the Troll’. An oddly shaped standing stone towers over his plumper friend as they watch the sun go down behind the Standing Stones of Callanish, Isle of Lewis, Scotland.

If you like this picture, please feel free to share using the social media links provided. We also welcome comments and feedback on this photo.

This photo continues our week long celebration of sunrises and sunsets here on Taraji Blue. For more images, visit the Taraji Blue photo gallery.

You can also show your support for Taraji Blue by liking us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tarajiblue following us on twitter https://twitter.com/TarajiBlue and connecting with Alistair and myself on Google+

The Perfect Sunset

Location: Olare Orok Conservancy, Maasai Mara, KenyaDescription: The dawn of another day in Kenya's Maasai Mara

This week on Taraji Blue we’re recalling and celebrating our favourite sunrises and sunsets.

It was taken in the Maasai Mara a few years back on a return trip we’d longed to take. It captures the rising sun through the silhouette of a tree and symbolises not only the awakening of the bush, but the way Africa awakens my soul every time we visit. To me, it captures the essence of the bush and symbolises the hope of the day ahead. I have it blown up in my living room at home in the UK and it never fails to raise a smile from me, and plays havoc with my wanderlust to return to Africa.

This photo is a continuation of a week where we celebrate our favourite sunrises and sunsets. If you like this picture, please feel free to share using the social media links provided below.

For more images, visit the Taraji Blue photo gallery.

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Sunset city

Prudential Tower, Boston
Refrozen swirls on the Charles River give texture to a sunset over Boston. In the centre of the frame, the Prudential Tower dominates. Boston was a lovely city to watch the sunset over. A lovely afternoon walk on the riverside allows you to witness the sky and river turn to orange as the sun sinks behind the landmark buildings.

This photo continues a week themed with sunrises and sunsets here on Taraji Blue. If you like this picture, please feel free to share using the social media links provided.

For more images, visit the Taraji Blue photo gallery.

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A perfect cocktail of sea and sunset

Homeward Bound

This post kick starts a week of sunsets and sunrises here on Taraji Blue. This is the Drake Passage – one of the most feared sections of water in the world. It’s renown for its rough waters and difficult crossings, but on this beautiful night I could not resist heading out onto the ship’s deck, clutching the railing and watching a stunning sunset reflect in the waves of the turbulent waters.

If you like this picture, please feel free to share using the social media links provided.

For more images, visit the Taraji Blue photo gallery.

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