The Abudelauri Lakes
I took these photos nearly 15 years ago, during my first trip to Georgia (the country, not the state). They depict the Abudelauri lakes of northern Georgia, which are located roughly 20km from the border with Chechnya. The vibrant, greenish-blue appearance of the water is caused by glacial sediments that reflect the surrounding glaciers and meadows.
According to local mythology, the Abudelauri lakes mark the spot where the last great devi (a many-headed giant) was slain by the demi-god Iakhsar, and the colorful pools are actually filled with the giant's blood. Other legends claim that the lakes were originally formed by a meteorite.
These high-altitude lakes are surrounded by glaciers, rolling hills, volcanic debris, and fields of wild rhubarb, and the entire site has a dream-like quality that I can't quite describe. Hiking through this part of Georgia feels a little bit like traveling to the top of the world -- especially at night, when the glaciers are framed by stars.
I've written lots of posts about Georgia and its history, but I just wanted to share some of my own photos from this region, because words don't really do it justice.
More Info:
Georgia Through its Legends, Folklore and People: The Legend of Lake Abudelauri (PDF)
Georgia Tourism: The Abudelauri Lakes
All Geo: Georgian Mythology: Key Characters and Concepts
Batsav: The Cult of Iakhsar