Weekly Photo Challenge: UP /Wild Weekly Photo Challenge: MOUNTAINS

“May your dreams be larger than mountains, and may you have the courage to scale their summits.”

Harley King

LOOKING UP

Let me begin by saying, I have always loved the mountains. Not sure why actually, I grew up in a typical suburban neighborhood where the land was quite flat. But I chose to go to a college among the mountains, and have traveled to many wonderful mountain locations around the world. This week, the Weekly Photo Challenge “Up”, and the Let’s Be Wild Weekly Challenge “Mountains” have given me the opportunity to share some of my favorite mountain photos.

SUN-KISSED MOUNTAINSIDE

“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.”

John Muir

I’ve had the wonderful fortune to experience the Alps, the Cascades, the Rockies, the Alaska Range, the Great Dividing Range of Australia, and the Andes – each as fantastic as the next. Snow-capped or covered with flowers, steep or gently sloping, rocky or Alpine – I am totally enamored with them, no matter their shape and form. There is nothing more amazing than looking up toward the summit of one of the world’s great mountains as it climbs ever higher toward the sun.

GOLDEN CARPET

“It is easier to go down the hill than up; but the view is much better at the top.”

Henry Ward Beecher

As a young college student, I studied abroad. One of my most vivid memories, after arriving with my friends in Austria in the dead of night, was waking in a lovely bed with crisp, lace bordered sheets, surrounded by the magnificent snow-capped Alps. It was the middle of July and the snow, contrasting with the alpine flowers, was amazing. That was a very long time ago but if I close my eyes, I can see it still.

AZURE

“When planning to climb a mountain, pack a light heart.”

Dan May

Today, I live in an area of the world aptly named “The Lowcountry”, because for the most part we are right at sea level. The contrast of our everyday life by the sea, and our travels to the most mountainous regions of the world, is a dichotomy by which we are amazed and for which we are ever grateful. Because of this contrast, I’m including this post as a response to Ailsa’s Travel Theme for the Week “Contrast“.

All of the photographs in this post are from our trip to Patagonian Chile and Argentina, among the most beautiful and remote places in the world. Hmmm…that sounds like “Tagged P ” for Patagonia 🙂 Please click on the photos for greater clarity and detail.

To see more entries in this week’s photo challenge, click here

I’m participating in the online adventure travel and outdoor photography magazine Wild Weekly Photo Challenge for bloggersThis week’s Challenge is: Mountains!

Tags: letsbewild, nature, photography

118 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: UP /Wild Weekly Photo Challenge: MOUNTAINS”

Touch2Touch on April 27, 2013 at 5:59 pm said:

If your mountainous love affair was kindled in Austria, perhaps you know the Grossglockener?
I have acrophobia and don’t do mountains, but nonetheless was thrilled to have The Big One on view outside my window for a few weeks. (And sometimes the clouds lifted and we could actually see it!)

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- Tina Schell on April 27, 2013 at 6:02 pm said:
  
  Must admit I was quite young, and too foolish to think about the names of the peaks. I only know I was surrounded for the first time by 360 degrees of snow-capped peaks in the middle of the heat of summer. It was incredible.
  
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ladyfi on April 27, 2013 at 8:50 am said:

These shots took my breath away!

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- Tina Schell on April 27, 2013 at 9:13 am said:
  
  Thanks so much Fiona! The mountains took mine away as well 🙂
  
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Jon Rista on April 26, 2013 at 2:54 pm said:

Wow, those are some truly fantastic photos! You are blessed to have been able to visit all of those amazing mountain ranges. I like Sun-kissed Mountainside and Azure most, but all of those are excellent photos.

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- Tina Schell on April 27, 2013 at 7:39 pm said:
  
  Thanks Jon – love your work so especially appreciate your lovely compliment.
  
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  - Jon Rista on April 28, 2013 at 1:07 am said:
    
    Well, thank you! 🙂 I’m happy to hear that, in both respects. I really wish I could get out and photograph landscapes more often. Your recent landscape photos have been inspiring me. I may have to head out to the mountains sometime in the next couple of weeks for a change of pace. I’ve spent nearly an entire year doing nothing but bird and a little wildlife photography, but I love landscapes too.
Jane Lurie on April 26, 2013 at 9:04 am said:

Congratulations on your Let’s Be Wild honor. Beautiful shot.

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ailsapm on April 26, 2013 at 7:14 am said:

Wow, Tina, these are stunning. Wow again! Just loved this. xxx Ailsa

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- Tina Schell on April 26, 2013 at 7:25 am said:
  
  Thanks again Ailsa. You rock 🙂
  
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My Life Afterglow on April 25, 2013 at 6:28 pm said:

Absolutely stunning photos Tina! 🙂

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- Tina Schell on April 25, 2013 at 9:31 pm said:
  
  Thanks Michael, had fun with that one. They’re really something in person!
  
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bluebrightly on April 25, 2013 at 12:30 am said:

Very beautiful. Lucky you to have been to all those places, particularly the remote mountains in S. America.

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- Tina Schell on April 25, 2013 at 8:39 am said:
  
  Thanks Lynn! Very lucky indeed!
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Aian Ramos on April 23, 2013 at 8:30 pm said:

Nature, you’ve got to love nature’s beauty, especially when someone can caught that beautifully in photos!;) Wow! amazing shots!

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- Tina Schell on April 23, 2013 at 10:51 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Aian, happy you enjoyed them.
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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hemadamani on April 23, 2013 at 9:35 am said:

I love mountains and have been travelling to different parts of the Himalayas for my vacations and they are just as breathtaking!!

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- Tina Schell on April 23, 2013 at 9:50 am said:
  
  Hmmm… may have to add to my bucket list! So many mts, so little time 🙂
  
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  - hemadamani on April 23, 2013 at 9:51 am said:
    
    well said!!! 🙂
naturesartky on April 23, 2013 at 8:25 am said:

Tina, these are beautiful and so are your words and quotes. You are very blessed to have experienced so much beauty.

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- Tina Schell on April 23, 2013 at 8:56 am said:
  
  I am indeed Emily! Thanks for your comment and compliment.
  
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journeyingjoyously on April 23, 2013 at 1:03 am said:

Fabulous!

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- Tina Schell on April 23, 2013 at 8:13 am said:
  
  Thanks Joy!
  
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Playamart - Zeebra Designs on April 22, 2013 at 6:53 pm said:

wow! as always, you have some stunning images!
still playing catchup with lots of other tasks and hope to be back to let’s be wild next week! i hate to overpost, and i have quite a queue w/o the challenges. this one is tempting, but i have to get back to painting! z

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- Tina Schell on April 22, 2013 at 7:33 pm said:
  
  Thanks Zee-glad to see you! Go back and paint. Just post photos of your finished products for us to enjoy 🙂
  
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Heather on April 22, 2013 at 10:27 am said:

So beautiful! I love “Azure”!

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- Tina Schell on April 22, 2013 at 5:38 pm said:
  
  Thank you Heather. Azure truly was the most amazing color!
  
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Photography Journal Blog on April 21, 2013 at 8:46 pm said:

They are all lovely, but I think “Sun-Kissed Mountainside” is my favorite.

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- Tina Schell on April 21, 2013 at 9:03 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much – actually I think that’s my favorite also. Always about the light, isn’t it?!
  
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greenmackenzie on April 21, 2013 at 3:51 pm said:

Wow, these are just so stunning, and like you I’ve always loved mountains. They call to something very deep within me. I feel soothed and energised all at the same time just looking at your photos. Stunning!

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- Tina Schell on April 21, 2013 at 4:23 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Seonaid – Soothing and energizing, I like that! It describes my feelings too. Appreciate your comment.
  
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Angie on April 21, 2013 at 12:30 pm said:

They’re really beautiful pictures, Tina. I especially love the Azure one, breathtaking! 🙂

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- Tina Schell on April 21, 2013 at 4:22 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Angel. I was really happy that the color came through true in the photo as it was an amazing sight!
  
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  - Angie on April 21, 2013 at 10:21 pm said:
    
    It is indeed. My pleasure! 🙂
aekshots on April 21, 2013 at 11:37 am said:

Spectacular shots Tina…love the touch of red from the roofs in the Andes shot and the Azure pic is nature at its finest. I’m guessing it was hard to walk away from that view.

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- Tina Schell on April 21, 2013 at 4:16 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much Andy. Yes the view was spectacular. I kept wondering if someone actually lived in that little house in the middle of the lake!!!
  
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mrscarmichael on April 21, 2013 at 9:17 am said:

The first photo is amazing and the azure lake – wow. There’s one a bit like that in NZ’s South Island – Lake Tekapo.

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- Tina Schell on April 21, 2013 at 4:20 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much Mrs Carmichael! We spent 3 weeks on NZ’s South Island several years ago and were blown away by the beauty of your little island. Hope to come back some day.
  
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Jerry on April 20, 2013 at 4:28 pm said:

Oh thank you for your concern Tina. Actually I need to watch out for the Scourbon. 😉

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Jerry on April 20, 2013 at 4:21 pm said:

Beatiful mountain shots Tina. However, the first one when first came up blew my mind. It looked like you had posted it upside down. A second look confirmed, I must have been upside down. 😉

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 4:26 pm said:
  
  Uh oh Jerry, do I need to start worrying about you?! glad it straightened out (or you did!)
  
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catbirdinoman on April 20, 2013 at 1:49 pm said:

Your mountain pictures are fabulous, Tina. I definitely need to visit Patagonia. 🙂

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 1:57 pm said:
  
  Why thanks Catbird! Yes, you definitely do. Wonder how far away you are there in Oman?!?!
  
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  - catbirdinoman on April 20, 2013 at 9:47 pm said:
    
    Very far, I’m afraid. But I’ll be back in the USA soon and then much closer!! Haha. 🙂
Ese' s Voice on April 20, 2013 at 1:49 pm said:

There’s so much beauty in these photos, Tina! And Azure together with the Dan May’s quote just makes me want to pack a bag and disappear somewhere out there… 🙂

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 1:58 pm said:
  
  Thanks Ese – it’s such an amazing color with spectacular scenery all around it. Definitely a bucket-list must see 🙂
  
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Stefano Scheda on April 20, 2013 at 11:30 am said:

Beautiful shots, Tina! I like the Cuernos del Paine very much.

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 11:34 am said:
  
  Thank you Stefano, it was a fantastic trip to an amazingly beautiful part of the world.
  
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vanecktharien on April 20, 2013 at 11:10 am said:

Beautiful pictures! I love mountains for many reasons as well, especially for the ability to see just forever!

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 11:31 am said:
  
  Agree whole-heartedly! Thanks for your comment 🙂
  
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frizztext on April 20, 2013 at 10:12 am said:

“It is easier to go down the hill than up;
but the view is much better at the top.”
– Henry Ward Beecher

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 10:14 am said:
  
  Thanks FT! Enjoyed your “possessions”
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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  - frizztext on April 20, 2013 at 10:18 am said:
    
    maybe you can see the photo on your iPad?
  - Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 10:56 am said:
    
    But of course! It’s a wonderful shot.
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Jane Lurie on April 20, 2013 at 9:07 am said:

Beautiful mountains!

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 9:33 am said:
  
  Thanks Jane….fond memories 🙂
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Amy on April 20, 2013 at 8:50 am said:

I always love mountains, too. These breathtaking photos make me love even more.

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 8:52 am said:
  
  Thanks Amy. I meant to say I’m a nature freak, which is better than being a freak of nature, but I forgot 🙂 Based on your lovely photos I know you are too!
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Lee Kaye on April 20, 2013 at 8:48 am said:

It looks like a painted back drop! Just beautiful! lee

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 8:50 am said:
  
  Thanks Cuz!!
  
  Sent from my iPad
  
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Steve Schwartzman on April 20, 2013 at 8:23 am said:

Look at all that your travels have amounted to.

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 8:27 am said:
  
  Definitely, thanks Steve!
  
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Linda Wyatt on April 20, 2013 at 7:26 am said:

Thank you for sharing your “mountain top experiences” with us.. Breathtaking! Linda

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 7:39 am said:
  
  And thank you for sharing your thoughts on them with me!
  
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Madhu on April 20, 2013 at 5:55 am said:

Gorgeous mountainscapes Tina! Absolutely love that last shot.

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 7:40 am said:
  
  Thanks Madhu. That one was taken on the way to see the glaciers. The color of the water is exactly as the photo shows it. Its incredible.
  
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Follygirl on April 20, 2013 at 2:36 am said:

WOW!!! How beautiful…love it all!

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 7:41 am said:
  
  Thank you Folly Girl! I had fun reminiscing while I put the post together!
  
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Sonel on April 20, 2013 at 1:46 am said:

Oh, I just love mountains Tina. They are so majestic and beautiful. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photo’s and post. 🙂 *hugs*

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 7:42 am said:
  
  My pleasure Sonel, thanks for enjoying them!
  
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Barbara on April 20, 2013 at 12:16 am said:

Such beautiful photos…..

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- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 7:43 am said:
  
  Thank you Barbara! And for the ping back as well.
  
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  - Barbara on April 20, 2013 at 10:05 am said:
    
    Hi Tina, I would like to take the credit for the ping back, but it was someone else. Anyways I got to their site and thanks for sending to me to them. The cat photos were great. We enjoyed them. Liked your photos too….
- Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 10:13 am said:
  
  LOL, sorry about that! Glad you enjoyed the cats as much as I did!
  
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  - Barbara on April 20, 2013 at 10:35 am said:
    
    We have two so we enjoy the photos. Do you follow Caturday on Top Ten?
  - Tina Schell on April 20, 2013 at 10:39 am said:
    
    No, never heard of it. Will check it out, thanks!
  - Barbara on April 20, 2013 at 10:43 am said:
    
    Each Saturday he has Caturday… Here is the link.
    http://theverybesttop10.com/2013/04/20/images-of-the-cats-of-tashirojima-island/
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fgassette on April 19, 2013 at 11:45 pm said:

Beautiful photos! There is nothing like looking up to the mountains for a source of help and strength..

BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 11:48 pm said:
  
  My sentiments exactly Francine, thanks for checking in! They also do a great job of helping us to maintain our perspective!
  
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Andrea Napoleon Huxley. on April 19, 2013 at 11:35 pm said:

Breathtaking Tina!

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 11:48 pm said:
  
  Thanks Dree! Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
  
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cindy knoke on April 19, 2013 at 11:35 pm said:

Absolutely stunning Tina! Kudos~

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 11:46 pm said:
  
  Thank you Cindy! I enjoyed reminiscing about our mountain travels while I put it together ! We are headed to China in September so I’m hopeful there will be many new shots in my collection!
  
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Rosemarie on April 19, 2013 at 11:19 pm said:

Beautiful Patagonia photos. I would love to go there. Dolomites were first on my list, so that is where I am headed this summer. Thanks for visiting my blog. I love your website. You had me with the video and George singing “Here Comes the Sun”.

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 11:22 pm said:
  
  Hmmm….need to add the Dolomites to my bucket list 🙂 Thanks for the lovely compliments on my shots and my website. A good reminder that I need to do an update with some new photos. So much to do, so little time!
  
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april kanew on April 19, 2013 at 11:15 pm said:

OMG….I am absolutely mesmerized by your talent….WOW….these are SPECTACULAR…..I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience them…”looking up” blows me away…..thank u!

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 11:17 pm said:
  
  Thanks April! The Looking Up scene actually blew me away when I saw it – can you imagine seeing that out your back window every day?!?!
  
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elisaruland on April 19, 2013 at 11:10 pm said:

Wow, Tina! You have rendered me (almost) speechless! Your photography always takes my breath away, but these have touched my soul. What a gift!
Take care, and have a beautiful weekend!!
Elisa

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 11:13 pm said:
  
  Elisa, what a lovely compliment, thank you so much. You have more than made my day 🙂 A wonderful weekend to you too!
  
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edithlevyphotography on April 19, 2013 at 10:58 pm said:

Stunning images Tina.

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 10:59 pm said:
  
  Thank you Edith, I always feel humble in the presence of such majesty.
  
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2812 photography on April 19, 2013 at 10:26 pm said:

Beautiful landscapes!

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 10:29 pm said:
  
  Thanks Pete – Appreciate your comment and your visit!
  
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oneowner on April 19, 2013 at 10:11 pm said:

Those mountains (and your photos) take my breath away.

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 10:31 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much for your comment. They really are breathtaking, that’s well said!
  
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Cindy on April 19, 2013 at 10:08 pm said:

I’ve always loved the water, but these mountain views might make me rethink serenity.

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- Tina Schell on April 19, 2013 at 10:32 pm said:
  
  Thanks Cindy! Tough choice, that’s for sure. I’m all about AND, not OR !
  
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