Video: New Zealand - Land of Light and Shadow

Anyone who has ever been to New Zealand will tell you just how beautiful of a place it is, but this video is a good reminder nonetheless. It captures some of the stunning landscapes of that country in timelapse, with the sun, clouds, and sky all casting intricate shadows across the ground. Short and sweet, this is a minute-and-a-half of pure bliss, and a perfect way to wrap up the day.

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New Zealand - Land of light and shadow from Stephen Patience Photography on Vimeo.

Video: The Mists of the Pyrenees in Timelapse

Shot over the course of four days, this clip takes us into the Pyrenees where we catch a glimpse of some of the beautiful landscapes found there. The timelapse photography used to make the video shows us the ebb and and flow of the clouds and mist that shroud the peaks of the mountains. At just a minute and a half in length, this is one of the most tranquil videos you'll see all week.

And to visit these settings for yourself, checkout this amazing travel opportunity from my friends at Mountain Travel Sobek.

To the Mist - 4K Timelapse from Mathieu Stanić on Vimeo.

Video: The Living Landscapes of Colorado

We'll end the week with this beautiful video shot in Colorado where the stunning colors of autumn are in full display. We all know that Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S., but this is a great reminder of just how amazing the landscapes there can be. All it takes is one clip like this one, or a brief visit to the state, to understand why the people that live there love it so much.

Colorado - A Living Landscape 4K from Jason Hatfield on Vimeo.

Video: How Would You Describe America's National Parks?

In this video, photographer and filmmaker Corey Arnold traveled to America's national parks where he challenged the next generation of travelers and explorers to describe the landscape there. Some of their responses were surprising, others were revealing, and some were downright insightful. The result, is this short clip which not only includes lovely shots of the landscapes they saw, but these individuals sharing their thoughts on the natural spaces around them.

Are You the 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year?

Listen up all aspiring photographers out there. National Geographic has begun accepting entries into this year's Nature Photographer of the Year contest, and is giving away some great prizes to winners. If you've taken an outstanding photo of nature in 2016, they want to see it. And it could send you off on an impressive adventure of your own.

The contest website says "We’re looking for photos that showcase the awe-inspiring and diverse natural world around us. That could be a powerful wildlife shot, a stunning landscape, or a look at a complicated environmental issue—whatever nature means to you." In other words, there is a pretty broad interoperation out there of what exactly Nat Geo means by "nature." I'm sure more than a few have you have captured some great images over the past 12 months that you can submit to the contest. Entries are begin accepted until November 4, after which a panel of judges will decide which photos are worthy of making the cut.

Of course, there are some great prizes for those who win the contest. Each of the categories – Landscapes, Animals, Action and Environmental – will have three winners. First place will be awarded $2500 in case, while second place will get $750 and a signed National Geographic book. The third place winner goes home with $500.  But best of all, the Grand Prize finisher will receive a 10-day trip for two to the Galapagos Islands courtesy of Natural Habitat Adventures. I can't think of a better place to take more photos of nature than that destination.

As you would expect, competition is sure to be tough in this contest, but you just might have the wining photo sitting on your hard drive right now. Pick out your best and submit them for consideration. Who knows, you just might be on your way to the Galapagos in the near future.

Video: Norway as Seen by Drone

Norway has been a regular subject of many of the travel videos I post here on The Adventure Blog, and for good reason. Not only does it have some oft he best landscapes found anywhere on the planet, it has some of the most spectacular wilderness environments as well. Ranging from beautiful fjords to high mountain peaks to arctic environments, Norway is an adventure traveler's dream come true. And in this video, we catch a glimpse of what the country has to offer from a drone's eye view. Flying over these settings is utterly captivating, so sit back and take it all in.

NORWAY - a great Holiday trip from Marc on Vimeo.