Nature

In north-central Wyoming sits the Bighorn Mountains. From Buffalo, Wyoming, take US Route 16 west, crossing the southern part of the Bighorns. On the western edge, the highway enters Tensleep Canyon, an absolutely jaw-dropping example of what Mother Nature can do with a river and a sandstone deposit.

Fortunately for drivers, there are turnouts, so you can absolutely stop and take it all in, which you’ll probably want to do more than once, as my wife, Barbara, and I did in 2019 and 2020.

Nyiragongo volcano, just outside the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, erupted on May 22, killing at least 22 people. Flowing lava from the eruption reached the international airport near Goma, stopping just before reaching the city of 2 million. However, on the outskirts of the city, 17 villages comprising mostly makeshift buildings were heavily damaged.

La Soufrière, a volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, the largest island in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, erupted in a large explosion on April 9, sending an ash cloud 6½ miles into the air. Further explosive events have occurred, and the volcano continued to erupt ash at press time.

8 days, 7 nights of “easy”-level walks in southern ENGLAND. Departures May-June, Sept. 2021 & May-June, Aug.-Sept. 2022. Average 3-4 miles a day. Group limit, 12. Highlights: In Oxford, 15th-century Bodleian Library, 16th-century Christ Church/hamlets of Swinbrook, Asthall/Highgrove House & Gardens/Slad Valley nature reserves/Sudeley Castle/Greystones Farm Nature Reserve/Cotswold Falconry Centre. From $7,995 ppdo (2021), $8,295-$8,495 ppdo (2022). Single supp., $1,995.

15-day, 14-night photo tour led by volcanologist. “Moderate” activity level. Group limit, 7. Departures June 24 & July 30, 2021. Highlights: Free afternoon in Reykjavík/in Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area/hot springs at Hveravellir/soak in Mývatn Nature Baths/in central highlands, Askja volcano/in Skaftafell Nat’l Park, Svartifoss waterfall over black basalt columns. €3,595 (near $4,422) per person, double occupancy (ppdo). Single supp., €150 ($185). VolcanoDiscovery (St.

Visitors to Qatar's Brouq Nature Reserve who have seen “2001: A Space Odyssey” may be surprised to see something resembling the huge obelisk that appears in the 1968 film. However, the Qatar sculpture includes four “obelisks,” not just one. All four are visible in our September mystery photo.