0110, 2011

Juneau, Alaska (Gastineau Channel)

Scenic Earth
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Juneau, Alaska, might lack the density and skyscrapers of most state capitals, but it’s big in another way: the consolidated city-borough of Juneau covers more than 2700 square miles of land area. Much of this area is desolate: Juneau is the state capital with the smallest population per land area, making a perfect destination for those looking for peace and solitary relaxation. Juneau’s location on the Gastineau Channel and its lack of nearby roads make boating a popular way to get around. Plenty of marinas and ferries service residents and visitors, and the channel is a popular cruise ship destination, as demonstrated by the Royal Caribbean ships seen docked in this video. Chuck Loeb is a

2009, 2011

Lake Tahoe

Scenic Earth
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Sitting on the border of California and Nevada, the two-million-year-old Lake Tahoe has been recognized for its beauty since before the country’s westward expansion. Early pioneers, like the Indians at the site before them, were impressed by the calming lake and within a few decades, the site had become a favorite vacation destination for wealthy western families. Today, the shores of Lake Tahoe host a large resort culture of hotels, casinos, and ski lodges. These attractions are kept just far enough from the lake as to not damage the pristine beauty of the lake, which attracts countless boaters each year. Those who haven’t seen Lake Tahoe in person yet better hurry– the lake will be completely

0409, 2011

Point Aux Barques Lighthouse

Lighthouses
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Built in 1847 to warn ships of a dangerous reef, Point Aux Barques Lighthouse in Port Hope, Michigan originally stood for only nine years before being razed and rebuilt. The original construction had used inferior materials that could not withstand the stress of severe weather. The new tower and keeper’s dwelling that stands today was finished in 1857. Its third-order fresnel lens, with an electric light since 1932, still serves Lake Huron ships. Fully automated since the 1950s, the lighthouse is now part of a park and museum. Chuck Loeb is a guitarist, composer, and producer. Known for his smooth jazz recordings, he is a versatile artist who has explored various other musical styles including classical

2308, 2011

Belize (Coast with Mangroves)

Tropical Beaches
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This mangrove-covered beach might not be the best place to lie down under the sun, but the unique view is relaxing in its own way. Belize’s mangroves protect the small country’s coastline from tidal erosion, as do the many coral reefs offshore. Natural sights like these (most of Belize is covered by forests) have become part of a new ecotourism industry that is steadily growing and supplementing Belize’s traditional agricultural economy. Brian Hughes is a contemporary jazz guitarist. He has released several albums since the 1990s and been a frequent accompanist and sideman for various artists, most notably Loreena McKennitt. His style blends smooth jazz and world music, especially Latin music. Links Belize Tourism Board Belize

0808, 2011

Wichita, Kansas

American Cities
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Though perhaps best known as the “Air Capital of the World,” producing nearly half of the world’s aircraft, Wichita embraces culture as well as industry. Just west of downtown, Keeper of the Plains Plaza, featured in this video, gives tribute to the Plains Indians and their traditional way of life. The site is known for its distinct pedestrian bridges and a large steel sculpture– the Keeper of the Plains— that is lit with a ring of fire for fifteen minutes each night. Another cultural landmark in Wichita is Exploration Place– a large science museum on the banks of the Arkansas River. The center features a variety of traveling and permanent exhibits, a movie theater, and more.

2807, 2011

Split Rock Lighthouse

Lighthouses
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Built in 1910, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive features on the Minnesota coast. Sitting atop a 602-foot cliff, the light can be seen for 22 miles and aided Lake Superior ships until it was decommissioned in 1969. Today, the light is only lit for special occasions, although its lens still spins. Split Rock Lighthouse sits on the northern shore of Lake Superior in what is now Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Ken Navarro is an award-winning contemporary jazz guitarist. His impressive discography of nineteen top charting albums showcases his appeal to a wide range of listeners with inspiring compositions and superb guitar performances. Links Split Rock Lighthouse Split

2207, 2011

Puno, Peru (Floating Islands)

Scenic Earth, World Cities & Harbors
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The Puno region of Lake Titicaca in Peru has been home to the Uros people since before the Inca empire. The Uros people are known for their unique floating islands. For hundreds of years, this culture has made its home on artificial islands made from interwoven reeds from the lake. Traditionally an isolated hunting and fishing society, the Uros have in modern times expanded to the mainland, and have found new sources of income in the tourism focused around their islands. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10

1507, 2011

Stewart J. Cort

Shipwatching
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Built in 1973, the Stewart J. Cort has the distinction of being the first 1000-foot freighter on the Great Lakes. It was named after the late vice president of Bethlehem Steel, the company it has served continuously while operating under the Interlake Steamship Company. In this video, the Stewart J. Cort can be seen passing one of the two breakwater lights that mark the entrance to Duluth-Superior Harbor on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin at the edge of Lake Superior. Mark Love is an independent Australian artist. His work ranges from intense electronic compositions to solo piano ambience. Links Interlake Steamship Company: Stewart J. Cort Terry Pepper’s Seeing the Light: Wisconsin Point Lighthouse Mark Love

0507, 2011

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Lighthouses
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Visible for up to 21 miles, the Heceta Head Light is the brightest light on the Oregon coast– not bad for a lighthouse that has been using the same fresnel lens for 117 years. The Heceta Head Lighthouse and its keepers quarters were built in 1892 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overlooking the rocky coast of the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse is said to be the most photographed in the United States and is an Oregon State Scenic Viewpoint. If ocean relaxation and the historic atmosphere don’t suit you, there’s always the opportunity for ghost hunting– the lighthouse is rumored to be haunted! Brian Culbertson is a contemporary jazz instrumentalist, songwriter,

0307, 2011

Yosemite National Park

Scenic Earth
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Yosemite National Park needs no introduction to naturalists and anyone who appreciates breathtaking scenery. Established as a national park in 1890, Yosemite Valley is a spectacular showcase of geology and ecology. The unique terrain of Yosemite National Park is the result of millions of years of uplifting granite combined with the immense stress of massive glaciers, which carved the rock into the sheer cliffs that are the Yosemite signature. Waterfalls are common and the park’s biodiversity is challenged by few places in North America. A destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable, Yosemite National Park is as perfect for those seeking excitement as those seeking relaxation. Ronny Jordan