We can all be a little aloof when it comes to appreciating the beauty we get to see every day. These images will not only make you stop and look a little closer at the things we usually just blindly pass by – they’ll make you wonder if you’re even on Earth anymore.
1. What about you?
A little lit up tent camping always makes for an out of the world experience. Makes me want to throw my gear in the car and take off right about now.
2. Star Trek landed here.
I'm just gullible enough to believe Captain Kirk and Spock drifted here on the Enterprise, landing for a little bit to help some fellow aliens out. It makes total sense.
4. God's poetry on display.
Between the contrast of the starry skies with billions upon billions of celestial lights, the darkness of this tree jutting out to touch them is poetry on display.
4. Snow and Sky.
As crazy populated as Northern California is, in a matter of minutes you can be somewhere that feels like this. Not too many places can boast numerous mountain ranges and lakes and rivers within reach. Yeah, we're pretty amazing like that.
5. Sunrise Harvest Moon.
It always floors me when people think that California is all Hollywood. Norcal has some of the most amazing sights and sounds in the state. Like this harvest image. There's so much beauty in this one shot.
6. Starlight from the Milky Way.
This is Gerle Creek campground in the Crystal basin region of El Dorado National Forest. Can you see the Milky Way right there? It's a backdrop that makes you look up and ponder.
7. Over the Rainbow
I think sometimes I can take the Pacific Ocean for granted. I drive by it, but I don't stop very often. I rarely make a point to park and watch a sunset. This rainbow takes the crashing waves to a new level. It's a reminder to stop and sit awhile the next time I drive by.
8. Time Lapse In a Still Shot.
Marshall Beach is a pretty popular spot to stop and snap a photo of the Golden Gate. But this looks like an out of this world place. The boulders that reach to the sky and the mystical way the water streaks by could be mistaken for a scene from the future.
9. Dizzy and Delightful.
Alice in Wonderland isn't the only one who can fall down the rabbit hole. This photographic effect is like a metropolitan city experiencing gravity on steroids. I'd go along for the ride. Care to join me?
10. Rock Stacking.
Tuolumne River, Glen Aulin, Yosemite National Park - this is where you can find meadows, rocks, and Mother Nature showing off. But, apparently, rock stacking is a thing, too. They're kind of like crop circles for nature lovers. Stack a precarious few and walk away. Leave it for someone else to try and figure out. Alien or human? They can decide.
11. Yes, another great shot.
If you get tired of ethereal shots of The Golden Gate Bridge then you can just turn in your Norcal card. Why does this one look out of this world? Because with the millions of people who frequent this place, you can't find one living soul in this image. Plus, the mist is pretty cool. You never go wrong with a fog machine. It's science.
12. Swamp or Not?
The sunset in the backdrop leaves a few lingering rays that stretch to touch this place. Murky water or muddy stream? While we aren't known for our croc-filled swamps around here, we still have a marshy place or two that draws a lot of birds.
13. Out of this world sunset.
Ancient volcanic domes seem to rise up at sunset. Do you know where this is in the High Sierra? It's more than 6500 feet above sea level. We challenge you to guess.
14. Black and White and Grey.
Fog. We're known for a bit of it around here. But what it does to refract light and reflect off the water is purely magical. Streaked in greys and light, you find a place to contemplate just about anything.
15. Anywhere Mountains
With mountain ranges a gas tank away from almost all of us, we can appreciate the haunting feeling this place triggers. When was the last time you packed a lunch, filled up the gas tank, and put on some tunes...then drove? Maybe it's time you take a little behind-the-steering-wheel adventure. Northern California will never disappoint.
Which one of these amazing shots makes you want to step inside and live for awhile? Share in the comments!
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