America, A View From Above

Synopsis America defies easy depiction, but aerial photography uniquely reveals its many treasures. From Alaska to Florida, the immense landmass extends across five time zones, from icy Arctic seas to the tropical warmth of the Caribbean. The nation's features are sculpted on a massive scale. From the Appalachians to the Cascades, the ranges offer myriad challenges to climbers; the Grand Canyon is but one of many geological showcases; the great parks-Yellowstone and Yosemite among them-are admired the world over; and every state offers diverse scenery and abundant wildlife. Nature is unfettered. Hawaii's active volcanoes rise from valleys filled with brilliantly hued tropical flora; the vast Mississippi Valley is a mosaic of croplands; the Florida Everglades are a world of water, sedge, and bird and aquatic life; while Alaska offers magnificent glaciers and forest-flanked fjords. The nation's coasts range from New England's rocky headlands and islets to California and Florida's limitless stretches of golden sand. America's cities are a story of their own: historic New England towns, vibrant New York, majestic Washington, French-flavored New Orleans, glittering Los Angeles, relaxed San Francisco and proud Chicago.