A Bird's Eye View

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to soar above the trees and the valleys taking everything in with a bird's eye view? In a way, the opportunity does exist but not in the sense of flying as a bird. Mother Nature at her best spreads her blanket of lush green often with multicolored blossoms beneath towering pinnacles of sheer magnificence.

Walk along a mountain slope
Gaze upon the valley below
Take in the breathtaking view
Lush forest green or white with snow

The mountains...from majestic peaks to rich, fertile valleys, breathtaking sights and sounds prevail. The beauty and diversity of mountainous regions are awe-inspiring. It is most difficult to envision earth without mountains, especially since they cover about 20-25% of the earth's surface (percentage is dependent upon source). They are found on every continent and even rise up from the ocean floor some rarely, others never, peaking above the water's surface. 

December 11 is...

International Mountain Day

Mt. McKinley, Highest Mountain Peak in North America

International Mountain Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and value of mountains. Perhaps you have not looked deeper into their essence from an ecological and economical perspective. Air, oceans and rivers, mountains and forests function together forming the basis of a rich network of ecosystems. This network is intricately woven to sustain the livelihood of human, plant and animal well-being. In order for the system to continue being a source of future life and prosperity, all resources must be protected.

On this day, focus is on the spectacular mountains, a source of water and food, and their surrounding beauty seen from a bird's eye view!

Begin with the ecological perspective...

 

 

Water from the melting snow fills the rivers and streams...

After examining the ecological perspective, let's move into the economical standpoint. Mountain regions offer some of the best vacation spots, especially in the fall and wintertime. Autumnal brilliance is enough alone to entice a visit to the mountains. Winter, of course, encourages a visit to their snowy slopes for the best skiing of a lifetime. 

Even back in the day...

 

Last, but not least, there is also the camping and mountain climbing...

Are you ready for a bird's eye view?

Do you know the Mountain States? Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming. Of course, these are not the only states with mountainous regions.

Next on the Calendar...It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!