• Tagged Black Forest, environment, Germany, nature, New Seven Wonders of Nature, photos, pics, places, Schwarzwald, travel

The Black Forest in Germany is so dense with pine trees that it blocks out most of the light in the woods and that’s how “Black Forest” got its name. The German name for the Black Forest wooded mountain range is Schwarzwald. Like the Halong Bay, gorgeous jewels in an emerald sea, and Volcanic JeJu, Island of the Gods, the Black Forest is one of the elite 28 finalists in the competition to name the new 7 Wonders of Nature. The beautiful Black Forest is a gigantic nature park, calling to nature lovers and adventurers . . . and for those with an active imagination, it’s said that Germany’s Black Forest possesses a “rich mythological landscape. It is said to be haunted by werewolves, sorcerers, witches who haunt the darkness, and the devil in differing guises, so watch out. Fortunately, there are dwarves that live within the woods who like to help people and try to balance the scales.” [33 Photos]

• Tagged Jeju Island, Mt. Halla, Natural World Heritage Site, nature, New Seven Wonders of Nature, photo, pics, volcano

Jeju is a volcanic island off the coast of South Korea. Like Ha Long Bay, Jeju is one of the 28 finalists in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition. Located southwest of the Korean Peninsula, Jejudo Island (제주도) is a volcanic island in the shape of an oval that measures about 45 miles across (73km from west to east), and about 19 miles long (31km from north to south). Jejudo Island is sometimes referred to as “Samdado Island” which means “three many” because of its abundance of rocks, women, and wind. It also has a dormant volcano, Mt. Halla, which rises more than 6,397 feet (1,950 meters) above sea level. 360 satellite volcanoes are around the main volcano. Here’s a look at Jeju (Jeju-do) to see if you think it should be one of the 7 winners to be crowned a New Seven Wonders of Nature. [33 Photos]

• Tagged Ha Long Bay, Halong Bay, New Seven Wonders of Nature, photos, pics, places, travel, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wonders of the World, World Heritage Site

In northern Vietnam, east of Hanoi, is a gorgeous gem of nature which is famous for its stunning rock formations. Ha Long Bay translates to mean Descending Dragon Bay. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of 28 finalists in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition. It’s certainly not hard to see why with these breathtaking images. Ha Long (or Halong) Bay has a magnificent collection of 1,969 limestone monoliths that are dotted with jungle vegetation. The core of the bay has 775 islets. There may be 3,000 or more incredible islands of all various shapes and sizes rising up like jewels from an emerald sea. It would be easy to imagine pirates hiding behind the massive and sometimes hollow monoliths that hide gigantic caves. Birds can almost always be heard singing and monkeys can be seen playing on these monolithic islands that feature secluded beaches, grottoes, caves, and lakes. Welcome to Ha Long Bay, one of nature’s paradise locations! [40 Photos]

• Tagged Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, images, nature, New Seven Wonders of Nature, photos, pics, pictures

No matter how many times you gaze at the gorgeous Grand Canyon in Arizona, it will look slightly different depending upon the play of sunlight and shadows on the mutlicolored rock walls. Being 277 miles long, about a mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide, there are almost limitless places to take photos. The Colorado River is believed to have carved out the steep canyon over 17 million years ago. As one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions, Grand Canyon National Park has more than 5 million visitors per year. It’s a finalist in the New 7 wonders of nature competition. The Grand Canyon is an outdoor adventurers delight and we highly recommend visiting it at least once during your life. Believe it or not, seeing the the power and grandeur of nature at the Grand Canyon can change your life. We love the Grand Canyon and we love these pics!