Cultural | Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog

October 14, 2020November 1, 2021

The Ancient Ones

The Native American cliff dwellings of the southwest are the most spectacular ruins north of Mexico. The Ancestral Puebloan Indians (or “The Ancient Ones”) were the prehistoric pueblo culture that thrived in the Four Corners region of the United States between 900 and 1200 A.D. before their mysterious disappearance.

Many of their elaborate structures are well-preserved in national parks such as Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado, Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, and Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. From three-story citadels perched precariously on canyon ledges like Square Tower House shown here, to the 500 room Great Houses of Chaco Canyon, these skilled masons left a legacy to rival the ruins of ancient Greece.

Once referred to as the Anasazi, Archaeologists and scholars still debate what caused their sudden demise toward the end of the 12th century. But the stone handiwork of the Ancestral Puebloans remains a fascinating testament to the vision and tenacity of these ancient pueblo people.

August 29, 2018April 12, 2022

Pele’s Realm

Lava flow entering the ocean at dawn, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

For more than a quarter century the lava on Hawaii’s Big Island has continued to flow from the Pu’u O’o vent on the flanks of Kilauea down into the Pacific Ocean. A mesmerizing river of molten earth that is equally beautiful and terrifying as it slowly devours everything in it’s path, while adding acres to Hawaii’s newest Island.

Since ancient times Pele, the Goddess of Fire, has been a central figure of Hawaiian lore. “She-Who-Shapes-The-Sacred-Land” is often recounted in ancient Hawaiian chants, and today is the most visible of the Hawaiian deities.

In 1990 I witnessed the slow destruction of the nearby village of Kalapana and watched in amazement as the locals rolled the historic painted church down the road to safety, while the palms on the famous Kaimu black sand beach went up in flames. Pele is known to be a passionate goddess, yet volatile and capricious as evidenced by her destruction of the modern Wahaula visitor center while completely avoiding an ancient heiau in her path.

I’ve been back many times over the years to pay homage to Pele, and I’m always in awe of her powerful hand in shaping these Islands. Will Rogers once said, “buy real estate, they don’t make it any more”. But clearly he had never been to this part of the world!

December 8, 2015March 8, 2018

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of France’s most recognizable landmarks. Known as the “Wonder of the Western World”, this island fortress was built in ancient times and since the 8th century has been the seat of the monastery for which it is named.

Perched on a rocky islet at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches, the island is just 600 meters from shore. This unique location made it accessible at low tide to the many pilgrims to its abbey, but also provided an excellent defense against invasion. Through the ages, the Mont remained unconquered even during the Hundred Years’ War.

During the French Revolution the abbey was closed and converted into a prison, but influential figures including Victor Hugo launched a campaign to restore this national architectural treasure to its former glory. The prison was finally closed in 1863, and the mount was declared a national historic monument in 1874.

Throughout the centuries, the abbey became a renowned centre of learning and attracted some of the greatest minds in Europe. Today Mont Saint-Michel has a population of just 44 permanent residents, but is visited by over 3 million tourists each year.

The winding cobblestone streets and fascinating architecture of this medieval town still lead to the Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael at the islands apex, But the pilgrims now come to enjoy the fine dining and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, and ponder the rich history within these walls.