3110, 2011

Colca Canyon, Peru

Scenic Earth
479

Peru’s Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, is home to extraordinary geological and biological diversity. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca area is home to a desert landscape, rolling hills, stepped gardens, steep cliffs, and the Colca River. Cacti and aloe plants thrive on the landscape. Birdwatchers are drawn to the canyon for the Andean condor, one of the world’s largest birds, drawn to the currents of warm air rising from the canyon. Dave Koz is a smooth jazz saxophonist who has released over a dozen albums in his 20-year solo career. He is also a radio host on the Smooth Jazz Radio Network and of the syndicated Dave

1410, 2011

Mt. Adams & Trout Lake, Washington

Scenic Earth
499

Even in a state full of beautiful scenery, the Cascade Mountains stand out. This eScapes video brings you a relaxing view of southern Washington’s Mount Adams from the edge of the tranquil Trout Lake, about 13 miles south of the summit. This untouched landscape is a perfect place to relax and take in the view. Just don’t sit for too long– Mount Adams is a dormant volcano and could erupt sometime in the next few thousand years. Gregg Karukas is a contemporary jazz keyboardist. After launching his solo career in the 1980s, Karukas formed a band that featured Dave Koz and Boney James, and became the original keyboardist for the Rippingtons. Now a genre favorite, Karukas

0710, 2011

Colorado Springs

Scenic Earth
544

Visitors to Colorado Springs, near the foot of Pike’s Peak, would not be surprised to learn that this area originally inspired America, The Beautiful. Beauty is not in short supply in this amazing natural setting, where millions of years of prehistoric lake sediment and alpine glaciers have carved the landscape into a beautiful series of hills, mountains, and lakes, punctuated by impressive mountains. This landscape lends itself to skiing, hiking, and biking. The tradition of outdoor recreation in Colorado Springs might be one of the reasons why it is the site of the United States’ Olympic Committee and Olympic Training Center. Fourplay is a jazz “supergroup” formed in 1990. Permanently featuring jazz keyboard legend Bob James,

0110, 2011

Juneau, Alaska (Gastineau Channel)

Scenic Earth
466

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

1309, 2011

Cathedral of Arequipa, Peru

World Cities & Harbors
441

The Cathedral of Arequipa, Peru illustrates the natural setting of Peru along the world’s “Ring of Fire,” the belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its high frequency of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Peru, affected by the Nazca Plate under the Pacific Ocean subjecting beneath the South American plate, lies in an active volcanic zone and experiences frequent earthquakes. This beautiful cathedral was first built in 1540, from sillar, a white volcanic rock common in the area. However, in 1583, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake. The cathedral was rebuilt by 1600 only to be completely destroyed by 1604 by both an earthquake and a volcanic eruption. Since its second rebuilding in 1656, the church

1308, 2011

Machu Picchu

Few South American archaeological sites are as stunning as Peru’s Machu Picchu. In the middle of a mountain forest nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, this Inca city uses natural materials to create an aesthetic harmony with its natural surroundings. This site was one of the last sanctuaries for the Inca Empire as it fell to Spanish colonialism. In fact, the Spaniards were never able to find Machu Picchu and it remained hidden until 1911. As a result, it is a notably intact archaeological site although it is threatened by increasing tourism and commercial infiltration. Outside the city, the tranquil Andes Mountains are home to a variety of interesting wildlife, including Peru’s famous llamas. A pair