m̌ ḫ's photos with the keyword: clouds

Like a painting come to life, the view from Vlkolínec captures the essence of a Slovakian winter scene. The forests of the Veľká Fatra mountains are capped with strokes of white powder, the early snowfall dusting the peaks in the distance. Below, nestled in the foothills, lies a village lost in time. The winding cobblestone streets and weathered log cabins of Vlkolínec seem untouched by modern life. Situated 718 meters high on the slopes of the Carpathians, winters arrive early here, transforming the traditional homes into a winter wonderland long before the lower valleys see snow. The few residents go about their days, hardened to the cold and accustom to the hibernating tourism of the off-season. While the summer months attract more visitors with quaint shops, folk dances and festivals, the village holds a certain magic in the colder days. The snow-laden roofs, smoke billowing from stone chimneys, and the crunch of frost underfoot immerses you in winter as it was for centuries past. Vlkolínec remains an open-air folk museum, where the onset of winter reveals as much preserved beauty as the height of summer.

The journey to Khardung La Pass winds through a landscape that transforms dramatically with gaining altitude. Far below lie patchwork fields surrounding Leh, giving way to desert-like expanses of rock and sand. As the road climbs higher into the rarefied air, the scenery shifts to snow-draped peaks and valleys. At the summit, a panorama of Himalayan wonder unfolds. Reaching the top feels like entering an airy castle hall, the soaring mountain peaks the columns supporting a vaulted ceiling of deepest azure. One can almost hear the wind whistling ancient tales through the rocky crags. As the road crests the pass, a breathtaking panorama unfolds on all sides - wave after wave of stark ridgelines marching to the horizon, their flanks dressed in ice and snow even in high summer.

Large Reclining Figure is the product of Moore’s fourth and final collaboration with the architect I. M. Pei. In 1976, one of Pei’s most ambitious projects opened in Singapore: a fifty-two storey skyscraper – then the tallest in South East Asia – for the Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation. Pei had wanted to site a major sculptural commission at the base of the building, but it was several years before a suitable space became available. When Pei approached Moore about the commission, he was fearful of his response. Moore – by now in his eighties - had already told Pei that he was no longer producing monumental sculptures and that he was concentrating on producing drawings for the Foundation. He conceded, however, that it might be possible if the commission were based on an existing work. Further reading: catalogue.henry-moore.org/objects/14059/large-reclining-figure

The Orava Beskids (Slovak: Oravské Beskydy, Polish: Beskidy Orawskie) is a range of mountains straddling the northern-Slovakia-southern-Poland border within the Outer Western Carpathians. They are the fifth highest mountain range in Slovakia and the second highest mountain range in Poland. Babia hora (pol. Babia Góra, 1,723 m) is the highest peak of the Orava Beskydy Mountains marking the Slovak-Polish border.

Did you know that Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, making it the most voluminous lake in the UK? This corner of the Highlands is world-famous for its dramatic scenery, great adventure sports and nearby castles and solitary lighthouses dotting the landscape. Loch Ness is one of those rare destinations that engages everyone, from children enchanted with Nessie, to adults interested in photography, hiking and more. It combines Jacobite history, stunning scenery and the possibility of a monster sighting... www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/loch-ness