2024年9月

横跨胡萨托尼克河的西康沃尔廊桥，康涅狄格州，美国 West Cornwall Covered Bridge over the Housatonic River, Connecticut (© pabradyphoto/Getty Images)

连接康涅狄格州 Connecting Connecticut

西康沃尔廊桥，康涅狄格州

廊桥的顶棚和壁板，可以保护里面的木质结构，使其免受风雨的侵蚀，从而大大提高它的耐用性，图中的西康沃尔廊桥就是一个很好的例子。美国的许多廊桥建于19世纪，但很少有廊桥能幸存至今，那些幸存下来的往往是因为其历史和视觉价值，才得以保留。

康涅狄格州康沃尔的西康沃尔廊桥横跨胡萨托尼克河，是一座历史悠久的木结构桁架桥。该桥建于1864年，使用了一座早期桥梁的中墩，是康涅狄格州仅存的三座有顶桥梁之一。其独特的设计结合了“汤恩格构桁架”和双柱桁架，使其在廊桥中显得与众不同。大约在50年前，人们对西康沃尔廊桥进行了改造。1975年，它被认定为国家历史建筑，至今仍支持正常的交通通行。这座廊桥曾出现在电影和明信片中，展现了新英格兰村庄的经典形象。

West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut

Covered bridges like West Cornwall Covered Bridge, pictured in today's image, were designed with roofs and siding to protect their wooden structures from weathering, greatly increasing their durability. While many were built in the 19th century, few have survived to the present day, and the ones that have are often preserved for their historical and visual significance.

The West Cornwall bridge in Cornwall, Connecticut, is a historic wooden lattice truss bridge that spans the Housatonic River. Constructed in 1864 using the central pier from an earlier bridge, it's one of only three remaining roofed bridges in Connecticut. Modified about 50 years ago, it was recognized as a national historic building in 1975 and still supports traffic today. The bridge has appeared in films and postcards, embodying the classic image of a New England village.

日出时的海滩，海湾岛国家海岸，佛罗里达，美国 Beach at sunrise, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida, USA (© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures)

海湾群岛的光芒 Gulf Islands glow

海湾岛国家海岸，佛罗里达，美国

每年9月的第四个星期六是美国国家公共土地日，今天的主题是保护公共土地，无论是国家公园，还是城市绿地，都囊括其中。在这一天，许多联邦土地免收门票，那些参与清理或修复历史建筑等保护活动的人可以获得免费的入场券，用于今后游览这些地方。自1994年设立以来，这一节日已经有了长足的发展。首次庆祝活动由三个国家机构发起，吸引了700名志愿者。到2010年，志愿者人数已增至17万人，分布在大大小小2000多个地点。

在今天的照片中，海湾岛国家海岸横跨佛罗里达州和密西西比州的墨西哥湾沿岸屏障岛，为人们提供了丰富多彩的娱乐活动，并保留了重要的自然和历史遗迹。它建于1971年，拥有绵延数英里的白色沙滩，历史悠久的防御工事和丰富的野生动物栖息地。海岸包括密西西比州小布瓦和霍恩岛上4080英亩的荒野地区，可以保护这些地区独特的生态系统。

大运河和安康圣母教堂的鸟瞰图，威尼斯，意大利 Aerial view of the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy (© Bachir Moukarzel/Amazing Aerial Agency)

在漂浮的城市之上 Above the floating city

安康圣母教堂，威尼斯，意大利

威尼斯的安康圣母教堂历史悠久，是巴洛克建筑风格的典范。这座教堂建于1631年至1687年，是为了纪念1630年威尼斯从一场毁灭性瘟疫中解脱出来。教堂建在大运河的入口处，其圆顶在威尼斯的天际线上占据着主导地位，正如今天的图片所示。意大利建筑师巴尔达萨雷·隆盖纳在26岁时就构思了这座建筑，它成为了隆盖纳毕生的事业，并在他去世后完工。教堂外部的涡卷状装饰和雕像与宽敞的八角形内部形成鲜明对比，内部装饰着文艺复兴时期艺术家提香和丁托列托的作品。每年11月，威尼斯都会在圣母节期间纪念这座教堂的重要意义，这是一场文化庆祝活动，内容包括节日游行和献蜡烛等，以感谢圣母将人类从瘟疫中解救出来。

Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy

The Santa Maria della Salute church in Venice is steeped in history. As a plague devastated the city in 1630, its leader, Doge Nicolò Contarini, vowed to build a majestic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary if the city was spared. In 1631 the epidemic ended, and construction began. The church, built in the Baroque style, was completed around 50 years later, a lifelong project for architect Baldassare Longhena.

Built at the entrance to the Grand Canal, its dome dominates the Venice skyline. Each November, Venice commemorates the church's significance during the Festa della Madonna della Salute, a cultural celebration that includes festive processions and offering of candles in gratitude for deliverance from the plague.

巨型红杉，红杉国家公园，加利福尼亚州，美国 Giant sequoias, Sequoia National Park, California (© Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock)

古代巨人的王国 The realm of ancient giants

红杉国家公园134周年纪念日

1890年的今天，红杉国家公园在内华达山脉南部成立，旨在保护美国的自然奇观之一。红杉国家公园以占地面积超过629平方英里的巨型红杉树命名，是黑熊、骡鹿等野生动物以及包括莺、莺雀、鹟在内的200多种鸟类的家园。这里的巨型红杉树已经扎根2200多年，是地球上最古老的生物之一。公园里著名的谢尔曼将军树高达275英尺。它以美国内战将军威廉·特库姆塞·谢尔曼的名字命名，不仅高，而且宽度超过36英尺。游客们蜂拥而至，捕捉这些古老巨树的瞬间，它们红褐色的纤维状树皮和宽阔的树枝唤起了一种鲜活的历史感。

Sequoia National Park's 134th anniversary

On this day in 1890, Sequoia National Park was founded in the southern Sierra Nevada of California to protect one of America's natural splendors. Named after the giant sequoias that dominate the landscape, the park spans more than 629 square miles and is home to wildlife such as black bears, mule deer, and over 200 species of birds, including warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. The giant sequoia trees here have been rooted for more than 2,200 years and are among Earth's oldest living organisms. The park's renowned General Sherman tree rises to an astonishing 275 feet. Named after the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman, it's not only tall but is also more than 36 feet wide. Visitors flock to capture moments among these ancient giants, whose reddish-brown, fibrous bark and wide-reaching branches evoke a sense of living history.

斯卡夫塔山的瀑布，瓦特纳冰川国家公园，冰岛 Waterfall in Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland (© Nopasorn Kowathanakul/Getty Images)

你会相信这种观点吗？ Falling for this view?

斯卡夫塔山，瓦特纳冰川国家公园，冰岛

在冰岛的斯卡夫塔山，秋天不仅仅是一个季节，更是一种体验。从冰川到瀑布，再到北极光，瓦特纳冰川国家公园中的这片区域展示了大自然的原始之美。斯卡夫山曾经是一个繁荣的农场，现在是一个保护区，它是几千年来火山火焰和冰川水激烈交织形成的。作为欧洲第二大冰盖瓦特纳冰川的一个分支，斯卡夫塔山冰川像一条冰冻的河流一样延伸开来，吸引着游客在导游的带领下徒步旅行。公园内的斯瓦蒂瀑布的水源则来自冰川融水。瀑布周围环绕着深色的熔岩柱，从远处看就像一颗心脏，冰岛国家大剧院和雷克雅未克的哈尔格林姆斯教堂的设计灵感就来源于此。斯卡夫塔山的徒步路径既有简单的步行道，又有具有挑战性的攀登路线，每个人都能在这里找到适合自己的路。虽然这个季节的日照时间可能较短，但也有好的地方。当夜幕降临时，极光经常出现，将天空变成绿色和粉色的混合漩涡。

Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

In Iceland's Skaftafell, fall isn't just a season—it's an experience. From glaciers to waterfalls, like the one featured here today, to northern lights, this area in Vatnajökull National Park is a showcase of nature's raw beauty. Skaftafell's dramatic landscape was formed over thousands of years by the fierce interplay of volcanic fire and glacial water. Here, the glacier Skaftafellsjökull, a branch of Iceland's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull, stretches out like a frozen river, inviting visitors for guided hikes. Then there's Svartifoss, another waterfall in the park, fed by glacial meltwater. Surrounded by dark lava columns resembling a heart from afar, this waterfall inspired the design of Iceland's National Theatre and the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík.

Skaftafell's hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, so there's something for everyone. While the daylight hours may be shorter in this season, there's a bright side—literally. As night falls, the auroras often appear, turning the sky into a swirling mix of green and pink.

巴特米尔湖，湖区国家公园，英格兰，英国 Buttermere, Lake District National Park, England (© Alan Novelli/Alamy Stock Photo)

陷入沉思 Fall into reflection

秋分

秋天正式登场了。在北半球，九月分点标志着从繁茂的夏季向温润的秋季过渡，而在南半球，它则预示着春天的开始。“Equinox”一词源于拉丁语，意为 “相等的夜晚”。在这一时刻，地轴与太阳垂直，这意味着太阳从正东升起，从正西落下，这是难得的全球平衡的时刻。这种平衡的出现是因为地轴既没有向太阳倾斜，也没有远离太阳。

让我们一起去探索英国湖区的巴特米尔湖，这里宁静的湖水和充满传奇色彩的湖岸相映成趣。12世纪时，一位名叫布塔尔酋长的北欧领袖曾在这里反抗诺曼人的征服。有些人认为巴特米尔的名字可能来自布塔尔，但更可能的解释是来自附近的奶牛牧场，因为巴特米尔的字面意思是“奶牛牧场旁的湖泊”。该湖长约1.2英里，不仅是英国国家名胜古迹信托组织的珍宝，也是一个让你从喧嚣中解脱出来，让大自然帮你恢复精神的绝佳去处。

Autumnal equinox

Fall is in the air—officially. The September equinox marks the transition from summer to autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere, spring is just beginning. The term 'equinox,' derived from Latin, means 'equal night.' It marks one of two points during the year when the sun sits directly over the equator, and the Earth receives roughly equal amounts of daylight and darkness.

To welcome autumn, we're at Buttermere in England's Lake District, where the season's changing colors are reflected in its tranquil waters. Here, a Norse leader, Jarl Buthar, defied Norman conquests during the 12th century. Some believe 'Buttermere' is derived from his name, but as it means 'the lake by the dairy pastures,' it is more likely to be a reference to its rural setting. This picturesque lake offers the perfect place to take a break from the hustle, immerse yourself in autumnal hues, and let nature refresh your spirit.

日落时分的啤酒节, 慕尼黑, 德国 Oktoberfest in Munich at sunset (© AllesSuper21/iStock/Getty Images)

为慕尼黑啤酒节干杯！ Have a 'beer-y' good time

啤酒节，慕尼黑，德国

慕尼黑啤酒节是世界上最大的节日之一，吸引了600多万游客。除了身着传统巴伐利亚服装的服务员端上一大杯泡沫丰富的啤酒之外，每个人都能在这里找到自己喜欢的东西。在这里，您可以享受欢快的音乐、惊险刺激的游乐设施以及令人垂涎欲滴的椒盐卷饼和香肠等当地美食。啤酒节在全球其他地方也有庆祝活动，包括美国的辛辛那提和丹佛等几个城市，每个城市都为节日增添了自己的地方特色。因此，无论您是喜欢啤酒还是喜欢热闹的派对，慕尼黑啤酒节都会让你体验到巴伐利亚的风情。

Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

Today, we're raising a stein and saying Prost! Step into Munich, capital of the German state of Bavaria, for a celebration like no other. Oktoberfest, first held here in 1810, is a vibrant blend of Bavarian culture, tradition, and, of course, beer.

Oktoberfest is one of the world's largest festivals, attracting over 6 million visitors each year. Beyond the frothy steins of beer served by waitstaff wearing traditional dirndls and lederhosen, there's music, amusement rides, and a mouthwatering array of local delicacies, like pretzels and sausages. Oktoberfest is celebrated in other countries, including several US cities, like Cincinnati and Denver, each adding their own local flair to the festivities. So, whether you love beer or just a good party, Oktoberfest serves up a taste of Bavaria, right in your backyard.

海盗的最终归宿 A buccaneer's final haven

奥克拉科克岛上的奥克拉科克灯塔，北卡罗来纳州

欢迎来到北卡罗来纳州外滩的奥克拉科克岛。这是一个历史与自然交织的地方。这座只有乘坐渡轮或小型飞机才能到达的僻静小岛，拥有16英里长的人迹罕至的海滩和丰富的故事。从今天的图片中可以看到，奥克拉科克灯塔是一个引人注目的地标，它于2023年迎来了200周年纪念日，并成为了北卡罗来纳州最古老的、持续运行的灯塔。这座灯塔的灯光亮度与8000支蜡烛的亮度相当，在离岸14英里处都能看到。

奥克拉科克岛的历史充满了海盗的故事，其中包括声名狼藉的黑胡子：他是一名英国海盗，因在西印度群岛以及弗吉尼亚和卡罗莱纳海岸一带活动而臭名昭著。他在奥克拉科克岛度过了生命最后的大部分时光，直到1718年去世。岛上的居民讲一种融合了伊丽莎白时代的英语、爱尔兰语和苏格兰口音的独特方言，名叫“Hoi Toider”。不过，随着年轻一代采用更标准的美式英语，这种方言正在慢慢消失。尽管奥克拉科克岛的人口不多，但其历史、文化和自然美景使其成为各年龄段游客心驰神往的目的地。

Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Welcome to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This secluded island, with 16 miles of beaches, can only be reached by ferry or small plane. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, seen in today's image, stands out as a notable landmark. The lighthouse celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2023, making it the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina. It boasts an 8,000-candlepower light, which can be seen up to 14 miles offshore.

Ocracoke Island's history is peppered with tales of pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard, an English pirate who was notorious for his operations in the West Indies and along the Virginia and Carolina coasts. He spent much of his final days on Ocracoke Island until his death in battle with British naval forces in 1718. The island's residents speak the unique 'Hoi Toider' dialect, a blend of Elizabethan English, Irish, and Scottish accents. However, this dialect is slowly fading as younger generations adopt more standard American English.

埃尔博河上空的银河

埃尔博河上空的银河，阿尔伯塔省，加拿大

在阿尔伯塔省风景如画的南部，埃尔博河发源自加拿大落基山脉中的埃尔博湖。这条120公里长的河流蜿蜒地穿过山谷，然后在海拔1040米的卡尔加里与弓河汇合。沿河而行可以看到埃尔博瀑布，这是一个由一系列的叠水瀑布组成的自然奇观。冬季，这里会变成一个冰雪仙境，夏季则是奔腾的水流，非常适合漂流、皮划艇、钓鱼、远足和其他休闲活动。

晚上，埃尔博河区域有着迷人的夜景，正如图片所示的那样：银河横跨天际，为人类提供了一个绝佳的仰望星空的机会。埃尔博河是卡尔加里市的“母亲河”，供应着该市40%的饮用水。这些水储存在韦斯尔黑德平原和格伦牟水库。无论您是想体验激流勇进的快感，还是想享受徒步旅行的宁静，这个自然奇观都不会让您失望。

云中之城 Castle in the clouds

郡上八幡城，岐阜县，日本

在日本的岐阜县，郡上八幡城雄伟地矗立在八幡山上。它始建于1599年，见证了日本几个世纪的历史，包括大家族的新衰。它在动荡的明治维新时期被拆除——这一时期标志着日本皇权的回归，又于1933年重建。今天图片中看到的城堡，是一个独特的木制重建城堡，在日本多是混凝土重建的城堡中很罕见。这个五层的建筑里设有一座博物馆，在博物馆里，人们可以一窥封建时代的日本，同时还能欣赏下方山谷的壮丽景色。除了城堡，该地还因举办郡上舞祭而闻名，这是日本最古老的舞蹈节之一，它在每年的七月中旬至九月初举行，吸引当地居民和游客在城镇中通宵跳舞，传承着超过400年的传统。

Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu prefecture, Japan

In Japan's Gifu prefecture, Gujō Hachiman Castle stands majestically on Hachiman Mountain. Originally constructed in 1559, this castle has witnessed centuries of Japanese history, including the rise and fall of powerful clans. It was torn down during the tumultuous Meiji Restoration—the period that marked the return of imperial power in the country—but was rebuilt in 1933. The castle seen in today's image is a unique wooden reconstruction, a rarity among Japan's often concrete rebuilt castles. This five-story structure, which includes a museum, offers a glimpse into feudal Japan while providing stunning views of the valley below. In addition to the castle, the city of Gujō is also famous for hosting the Gujō Odori, one of Japan's oldest dance festivals. Held annually from mid-July to early September, the festival sees locals and tourists alike dancing through the night in the castle town, preserving a tradition that dates back more than 400 years.

星空迷