Wagons HO! Trails were full of settlers seeking land and new life, their possessions carefully filling the wagon bed. Tarped against the pounding sun, and keeping mosquitos at bay during the night.

Imagine your best little house outfit, bonnet tied tight against the relentless sun and driving wind, bumping along the road no one taken before, watching the gorgeous sandstone formations.

Old Fall River Road is Located in Rocky Mountain National Park. A 15.12 km (9.4 miles) narrow gravel, one-way road with many switchbacks leading up Mount Chapin’s south face. On the way up, there are waterfalls, pine forests, and Fall River Pass, 3,595 m (11,796 feet) above sea level. The speed limit on this windy road is 24.14 kph (15 miles per hour.)

Nestled in the San Juan National Forest is Emerald Lake, one of the Alpine lakes in the Weminuche Wilderness area. The San Juan National Forest covers 1.8 million acres from high-desert mesas to alpine peaks and is located in the southwest of Colorado.

Home of Devil's Tower, proclaims this small town's website. Perhaps that's why they have the spooky memorabilia right out front? Just look at all dem dry bones forming a somewhat gruesome arch framing the store sign! Dare we peek inside the 1880 Jail? Never mind skeletons in the cupboard, who knows what skeletons may be lurking inside the olde-time calaboose! Hulett (named after the first family to settle there in 1881) nestles in a valley surrounded by beautiful red rimrock with the Belle Fourche River flowing through it. Hulett has a population of just over 400 people.

A Union Pacific train speeds across a Wyoming prairie pulling cars loaded with coal. From the time it started in Omaha, where Union Pacific laid its first rails in 1865, a hundred years later Union Pacific had risen to become the largest domestic railroad in the United States. In such a large country as the US, fast and efficient transportation over thousands of miles of commodities such as coal, automobiles, foods, forest and agricultural products and chemicals is essential.

The Badlands in North Dakota in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park is not the same as the famous Badlands in South Dakota. The South Dakota Badlands have whiter clay, no vegetation to speak of, and is more rugged. North Dakota Badlands have prairie dogs, bison, wild horses, and a lot of vegetation.
Badlands is used to name any arid land with minimal vegetation and steep slopes with features such as buttes, hoodoos, ravines, and gullies. This type of terrain is created when soft sedimentary soil has been eroded. Badlands are found on every continent except Antarctica.

No one is home in the barn; the usual occupants are enjoying the sunny day and grazing on grasses far over the ridge. The barn may stay empty even at night, but it is there, standing ready if someone needs some shade.

Wild horses could not take me away, though they may blow me away as they gallop past. Thousands of wild mustangs roam the plains in Kansas, though they are not truly classified as wild, the only true wild horse in the world is the Przewalski's horse, which is found in Mongolia.

At some point, when this was a living tree a branch was either cut off or snapped off naturally. Over time the tree died and all that is left is this part of the trunk with an interesting hole.

On the Philmont Scout Ranch, Colfax County, in northern New Mexico, this mesa rises 2,619m (8,594 feet) into the air. This mesa has more lightning strikes than anywhere else in New Mexico. On the mesa, compasses don’t always work, due perhaps to the large number of magnetic lodestones in the areas. Strange happenings and mysterious encounters, the Urraca Mesa has plenty of these, though it is on private land, so you will not be able to experience this for yourself.

Located between Doña Ana and Otero County, the White Sands National Monument is found in the northern part of the Chihuahuan Desert—the largest desert in North America, most of which is in Mexico. The White Sands has fossilized footprints, and it is a missile testing range, testing the world's first atomic bomb in 1945.

The sun rises up behind one of the most famous active volcanoes in the world, Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji is actually three volcanoes, Komitake at the bottom, Kofuji in the middle, and Fuji at the top, which is the newest volcano, all of which have contributed to the unmistakable conical shape. The volcano is surrounded by five lakes, with thermal hot springs that visitors can enjoy.
This bold and beautiful scene will make a stunning backdrop for the art slides you and your pets are creating together.

Biei is well known for its many flower fields. Colourful flowers, lavender, roses, petunia, irises, pansies, and columbine are the most often grown flowers. Take the day to walk amongst this treat for the eyes and nose, or you can catch a lift on a tractor-trailer. When you have all the photographs you want of the beautiful flower fields, pick up a local ice cream in lavender, melon, or milk ice to enjoy with your pets.

In 1950 a few students built some ice statues in Odori Park. From small beginnings, a yearly event was developed. Attracting more than two million visitors each February, they come to see the amazing ice and snow sculptures, some of which are 15 meters (49 feet) high. The largest sculptures are lit up until around 11:00 pm. Trees are decorated with twinkling lights, and the enticing aroma of food comes from the many food stands dotted around the three main festival sites. Concerts, many featuring ice sculptures, are part of this popular winter festival.

This treehouse, in a setting of large lollipops and candy-decorated trees, is one of the attractions in Shiroi Koibito Park in Japan. The park is considered a chocolate entertainment park and is run by a Japanese confectionary company. This park is famous for a cookie called Shiroi Koibito (Shiro is white in Japanese). Two thin cookies with white chocolate sandwiched between them. That sounds delicious.

Bonsai (tray planting) is the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in pots. This art form was borrowed from the traditional Chinese art of penjing, which produces natural scenery only in miniature. The Japanese Bonsai creates a miniature tree that mimics nature—the purpose of creating these tiny trees is for contemplation by the viewer.

Stone stairs and walls lead to one of the many castles in Kyushu. There are 15 castles in Kyushu. Put on a pair of comfy shoes and spend the day walking up the stairs to visit some of these ancient sites.

This lovely little bird rests atop a cherry blossom branch. The Zosterops japonicus, also known as the Japanese white-eye, has a native range including most of East Asia, and has been introduced to other areas of the world as a pet. This small bird has been depicted in Japanese art and in ancient times it was kept in cages as a pet.

Soft focus golden/orange ginkgo leaves in autumnal sunshine make a soothing picture.

Stylish artwork featuring silhouette of lone samurai warrior with sword against a setting sun.

Nakayama rice fields, Shodoshima. Rice is a staple part of the Japanese diet, for example, in sushi, and it is felt more important in Japan to have a rice cooker than an oven.

Clear starry skies and mountains covered in snow make a visually stunning picture. The Kiso mountains are located in the prefectures of Nagano and Gifu. This mountain range is also known as the Central Alps; they meet up with the Hida Mountains and the Akaishi Mountains to form a group collectively known as the Japanese Alps.
Mount Komogatake is the most prominent peek at 2,956 m. The famous summit is named in a song called “The Land of Shinano”, the official song of Nagano.

In Japan, autumn colours start in September at high mountains in Honshu and northern island, Hokkaido. This shot was taken at the Dakezawa Valley of Mt Hotaka (3,190m).

Snow still lingers on the mountain passes while flowers announce the start of the warmer weather.

One of the most famous hot springs resorts in Japan, with a large volume of high-quality hot spring water. Well known for many centuries as a place to soak in the natural mineral-rich hot spring waters. Dr. Erwin von Baelz, a German doctor, who worked for the Imperial family recommended the hot springs for their health benefits.

A Shogun retirement villa, replaced several times over the years. This building is from 1955. The top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf. It was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by the Shogun's grandson on the other side of the city a few decades later

What can one say about Mount Fuji? It is known in Japan as Fuji-san (the "san" is a respectful honorific). It is of course Japan's highest mountain, at 12,389 feet (3776m) and is an active volcano! It is one of Japan's three sacred mountains.

With offshore islands that are practically a stone's throw from Russia, Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's main islands. It has areas of wilderness with wild bears, and is home to Japan's indigenous population of the Ainu, The quantity and quality of snow makes Hokkaido a very popular destination for skiers in the winter, and summer sees an influx of people from the other islands of Japan as the qir quality on Hokkaido is excellent.

Kyushu is the third largest island in Japan. It has all kinds of attractions, from active volcanoes to calm beaches. The volcanic activity has created the ideal territory for hot springs, called onsen in Japanese, which are very popular. Other attractions range from its striking mountains to tonkotsu ramen!

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's main islands but there is a lot to do there. The temple at Ryozenji, in TokushimaIt is stage one in the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgramage. The island is famed for its hot springs, the Dogo Onsen, Kochi Castle, with its original keep, it has a summer dance festival attracting an international audience and last but not least, a visitor to Shikoku should be sure to sample the delicious udon noodles!

Honshu is the main island of Japan, being the largest and most populated of the islands. It is home to the Japanese capital, Tokyo, and also Mt Fuji. There is something for everypet in Honshu, from hot springs and spiritual temples to the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo!

Whoosh! Whoosh! The sky is alight with glorious starbursts of colour—what can be more spectacular than a firework show to celebrate that special event?
The Greek word pyrotechnics means “fire skill” or "fire art" and the skill and art have increased ever since! Starting in China 2000 years ago, fireworks were used in 14th century Italian religious plays, then in 15th century England. Queen Elizabeth I loved fireworks and instituted the title Fire Master of England for the best firework maker! During the Renaissance pyrotechnic schools spread across Europe, particularly in Italy, where colourful displays were a byword. And the current largest consumer of fireworks in the world? The Walt Disney Corporation!

A gingerbread sidewalk with sweet icing snow drifts makes a delicious-looking scene. This is the perfect background for making gingerbread art slides. Will you be tempted to get a plate of gingerbread cookies to nibble on while you create?

Cinnamon and star anise are seasonal must-haves for many when baking. What are the spices you and your pets bake with during the holidays?

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
A singular perfect ice crystal formed from water and cold air that grows as it falls gently to the earth.

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
Shooting stars are always an unexpected treat to see, but on a cold winter night, to see double-shooting stars would be magical. Would you get two wishes?

Candy! Fill up those candy dishes with a favourite, jelly fruit slices. The flavours of orange, lemon, lime, and currant look colourful and enticing fanned out on the treat table.

If you and your pets took a walk today—through the snow and trees—would you expect to come across a gingerbread house? What would you do if you did? It would be magical; you would feel as though you had been transported into a story. Would you walk up to the door and knock? Would you be tempted to nibble a corner of a gingerbread wall? Or would you be thinking about the story of children lost in the woods and how they stumbled across a gingerbread house?

This would make a great framed piece to welcome guests at your next Christmas get-together. Learning to say a special greeting in many languages is fun and may lead you to learn a new language.

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
Silver and gold are two colour themes that are popular at this time of year. This background features silver balls and nothing else. Add your own touches, maybe more silver.

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
Simple lines make up these festive trees. A cheerful background for you and your pets to use as inspiration strikes you. Will you cover the trees with bows or ornaments, maybe they could be filled with birds.

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
Baubles of green accented with touches of gold decorate this seasonal greeting background.

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
A lovely greeting of good wishes for the season. Decorated with sprigs of holly.

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
I almost want to take a bit of this, but I refrain. A swirled blue background with the greeting and accents of gingerbread and snowflakes.

The leaves that once covered the branches of these trees left many weeks ago. Standing silent and still, the trees await their new covering. As snow falls and accumulates, the trees take on a new look; the forest glows with soft light.

A soothing scene of trees and distant snowy mountains awaits your imagination. What will you and your pets add to this charming background? Rabbits playing in the snow, Santa and his reindeer flying over the treeline?

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
A tree made from snowflakes; I also see hats, stockings, and what is this—mistletoe. What a fun tree.

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
A simple stylized tree for you to decorate as you wish.

One of ten PnF Christmas Cards for 2022!
Swirls of green create a Christmas tree for you and your pets to decorate.

The walk through the woods this morning revealed a slight dusting of snow. Soon it will be time for mittens and a toque. Soon it will be time to light the fire in the fireplace.

The sun is rising, and there are still many steps until the home is in sight. Following in the deep footprints of others makes the walk less of a chore. A moment's pause to gaze out over the landscape, feeling grateful for such beauty.

Such a stunning scene. Santa has taken to the starry skies and is flying his sleigh over the forest. A festive and cheerful card or background for your Christmas art slides. You could also consider framing this to hang on your walls.

Such a stunning scene. Santa has taken to the starry skies and is flying his sleigh over the forest. A festive and cheerful card or background for your Christmas art slides. You could also consider framing this to hang on your walls.

In Sydney harbour stands the world-famous Sydney Opera House, the multi-venue performing arts theatre, a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. Queen Elizabeth ll officially opened the theater on Oct. 20 1973. On 28 June 2007, the Sydney Opera House became a Unesco World Heritage Site.

This looks like the perfect place to relax after a day of walking around museums. Here there is soft white sand, enough perfect rocks for sitting on, and inviting water to dip into and cool off. Bring a snack and some water, and enjoy the views while giving your sore feet a break.

The cultural heart of Brisbane includes Australia's largest Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Theatre Company, the Queensland Museum, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the State Library of Queensland. For tourists and locals, there are parks to be enjoyed, fine food to experience, markets, music and swimming in the man-made Streets Beach.

If you are hiking in the Springbrook National Park, you may come across this bridge created by the waterfall carving out the rock. The soothing sound of the waterfall and the coolness created by the diverse greenery may have you wishing to take a nap before carrying on your hike.

A classic wooden park bench is perfectly placed under a large shade tree, waiting for a pet needing a short rest to stroll by.

Well hello, there you cute wallaby. The Albino Bennetts Wallaby is found on Bruny Island, on the southeast coast of Tasmania, Australia. A rare genetic mutation has produced wallabies with white fur and some with pink noses, eyes, and noses of the true albino.

At the mouth of the Tamar River lies Greens Beach, a starting point for the Narawntapu National Park, in Tasmania. There are easy trails for walking and stunning views, with plenty of wildlife to take photographs of.

Australia has a variety of wetland areas, marshes, peatlands, lakes, rivers, and floodplains. Wetlands have a significance that extends across national borders. Australian wetlands are found mainly near the coast. Precious and beautiful wetlands help prevent flooding and are used, by animals and birds in part of their life cycle. Twenty percent of the bird species in Australia depend on wetlands.

Along Dendy Street Beach in Brighton, you will come across a long row of these colourful bathing boxes. Each one is privately owned and passed down to other family members. A popular tourist attraction in the area, these brightly painted bathing boxes may have you wanting to create your own bathing box at home.

Along the coast of Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia, you will see these limestone stacks. There are seven still standing of the original eight. Formed by erosion in the harsh weather conditions of the Southern Ocean, this is a popular tourist destination.

Living in eucalyptus woodlands, the Numbat is a termite eating marsupial that does not drink water, as its fluid needs are met by the ~20,000 termites it consumes in a day.

Sugarloaf Rock is a wildlife haven for nesting seabirds. A giant granite rock in the Indian Ocean just of the Western Australian coastline, it is a photographer's paradise, changing colours with the weather and with the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Australia's Aboriginal flag is one of three official Australian flags. Its background is black for the aboriginal people and red for the red earth and ochre used in traditional ceremonies, with the sun in the foreground.

Like many Commonwealth countries, Australia's flag depicts the Union Jack. The large Commonwealth Star beneath the Union Jack represents the Australian States and Territories, and the Southern Cross refers to Australia's geographical location.

Australia's geological features began forming around 4 billion years ago, and her oldest rock formations more than 3 billion years ago. Movement of the earth's tectonic plates tilted and folded into rock formations. Water and oxygen then began eroding the softer rock and decaying minerals over time, creating the unique shapes of Australia's many rock formations, and the appearance of flakes on the surface.

Australian humour can be pretty irreverent at times, so it's no surprise that someone forgot to include the Australian Capital Territory on this national map! The remaining challenge is how to also forget the politicians and public servants who reside there!

When you step out of your house tonight, darkness will enfold you, and rustling sounds are everywhere. Walking past your neighbour's fence—a fence you have walked past hundreds of times—you may feel eyes watching you. There, that house, you know it well though it is in darkness now. Will you approach it; will you go to the door and knock? Is there a pumpkin on the porch—lit up with a candle inside—to greet you? The house beside it, you played there in the summer, but now, is that light moving in the upstairs window? You shiver, everything that was familiar is now spooky, and you are unsure but excited on this Halloween night.

Every witch needs a place to call home.

A witch's favourite sight on Halloween night.

Pets often tell each other scary stories of the lonely castle on the mountain top. Each story more elaborate than the one before it. Yet one detail always remains the same - an old raven who watches over the castle from afar.

Despite appearances, there's nothing frightening about this home - except maybe the price tag.

If you look closely, you may be able to catch the dance of the fairies. But to most pets, it will look like nothing more than streaking embers.

When the sun starts to set, do you dare follow where it goes?

Watching the full moon rise, you notice the silhouette of a witch gliding across the moon. No need to be afraid, it's simply the witch's nightly ride.

Rumours abound of the hauntings found within this old building. Are you willing to venture inside and discover the truth for yourself?

What lies within this lonely cabin is uncertain, yet it seems inhabited...

A perfect little dwelling with its cheerful, tiny garden, its sun-blistered buttercup painted door and rose-bedecked roof!

For those fond of reading, you can never have too big a library. This one has a basement plus a gallery! All you need is a comfy chair and plenty of time ...

A beautiful and remote place to live, which always has the perfect view, no matter which window you are looking out. But, the moving day would be such a bother. As you might have guessed, this is a travelling island. I suppose it might be easy enough to lower the island, pack your belongings in and then raise the island back up to be on your way. As with all things, the more steps you add, the harder it is to become excited about completing the job. Maybe looking for a different place to live would be best.

Far away, in a forgotten corner of the country is an old cemetery. The winds of countless years have swept the land bare and caused the remaining trees to wither. The stone church that was once filled with raised voices has sat silent for many a century. And yet, there is solitude here, no bird will disturb you, and no living person will engage you. You can rest and think your thoughts in peace.

Is it real? Or just a clever ruse to confuse? The candle of eternal flame, or just a chalk drawing done in 3-D street art?

Glowing eyes, peering out of the dark brambles, mesmerize the unwary, holding them routed to the spot, while the pack circles............. And with the turn of the page, we find out just what happened to our hero........ forever a story, forever journeying.

This is a chapter of Fantasy: scenes of magical, made-up worlds, castles in the air—and on the ground; open books that lead you right inside their pages; deserted lunar landscapes; galleons of old on a golden stormy sea; a spooky fire-horse; mysterious Gothic remains brooding in a sunset mist; steps in space—where do they lead?—eerie pyramids; dissolving time; a train engine sparking fire as it races through a dark forest; and the ultimate golden prize from Lord of the Rings.

This chapter is a celebration of stories, reading and sparking the imagination. It is a collection of scenes ranging from quirky or cute to startling trompe l’oeil, or optical illusions, pictures that one might hold up and say, “Can you tell me a story about this? What happens next?”

In this chapter we explore a mixture of real-life Worlds, mazes and labyrinths, Hobbit houses, orienteering unfamiliar landscapes, objects used in writing or illustrating stories or long letters by hand (e.g. quill pens, fountain pens, sealing wax, paper, ink), plus a few quirky images to explore spinning a yarn. What will you see when you open the door and go inside?