Denver Photo A Day Challenge

Join us for a fun way of showcasing what's going on at Denver this year! Post your pics on Instagram and tag @ranchhousedesigns and #rhdphotoaday. Post your photos from ANY of the categories on ANY day. Each day we will choose one favorite photo to win an RHD prize. Prizes will vary each day but will be t-shirts, caps, RHD hoodies, inspirational metal art and more. Then, after Denver, we will post each of our daily winners on our Facebook page and our fans will choose our "Best in Show" Denver photo. That winner will receive a free ticket to our April Livestock Marketing Workshop!

Flashback 2002: Visit to MSU

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel back in time so to speak, to visit East Lansing, Michigan, which was my home from August 2001 to December 2002 while I got my master's degree. As with any visit to your old stomping grounds, it is somewhat bittersweet. As I flew in over the Michigan countryside the first thing I remembered was how beautiful Michigan is. The farmlands, the lakes, the homes, the midwest charm. When we arrived in East Lansing, I quickly remembered my surroundings...Jolly Road, Leo's Lodge, Grand River Avenue. Within a few minutes I remembered exactly where things were and was ready to hit the town.

5001 Oakbrook: My MSU Home and Former "Basement office"
of RHD, which was known as "Two Girls Web Design"
at the time.

Though the town hadn't changed that much to the eye, I was quickly saddened to see that things had drastically changed over the past 10 years. The main thing was that all my friends were gone. The people I love like Katie & Mark Hoge, Cassie Abney, the MacFarlanes, Metzgar, Ogle, Sarah Rust, Nick Berry, Andrew McPeake, Mafi, Dave Burns, Brett, Nicole, Lowderman, Robbie Duis....of course these friends have long since moved on just like I did. It made me happy to think of all the fun times we had, but also a little sad because I miss them so much.

Back in the day (2002), my typical day involved going to class of course, then work, then as soon as 5 o'clock hit it was time for the fun. Usually I would head on home and meet up asap with my roommate Cassie, and then we would start making our rounds. Keep in mind this was at a time where cell phone's weren't that popular, so to find out where all the action was happening, we had to get going.

First stop, head on over to the farms and swing by the Hog Shack (official home of Metzgar & Ogle but general meeting place of Nick Berry and the Hoge's.) We'd pick up Katie and start circulating. As we passed by the Hogshack, a normal day would find lots of the students working the MSU hogs for upcoming shows. This was especially a great time of year in the summer when the school would be preparing for the National Barrow Show.

Keep on driving down the road to get to our favorite spot on the whole campus: The MSU Beef Barn, at the intersection of Beaumont & Bennett. As soon as we hit this intersection we began "on the lookout" for any signs of our friends and the action going on at the farm.

"The Bullpen"

Generally our best bet would be to pull up to "The Bull Pen"...the famous home of the beef barn student workers, which at the time I was in school included Cody Lowderman, Robbie Duis, and many other friends. This was the meeting place for our group of friends. From there, we would spend the evenings riding around the farms, looking at Herefords, maybe rinsing calves and working hair, and having a great time which usually ended up swinging back by the Hogshack to pick up the pig people then heading on over to Leo's Lodge of Buffalo Wild Wings for the night. Then we would start it all over again the next day. And we loved every minute of it.

 As I began to visit with friends at the show this summer, I was very saddened to hear of some of the developments going on at MSU currently that involve a dispersal of the MSU Hereford herd. I guess I was out of the loop, because I missed this announcement, and I even missed the ad about this sale that was recently ran in the Hereford World.

While many places at MSU hold a special place in my heart, there is none quite like the MSU Beef Barn, and all of it's tradition, excellence, and memories. While some higher-ups at the university might say 'it's just a barn'...to the students of the MSU animal science program, it's so much more. It's an icon. A symbol of excellence for more than 50 years. A source of pride for both current and former students. That barn represents a spirit of MSU that every person involved in the purebred herd holds dear.
  

The tack room at the MSU Beef Barn

Banners from the 1970s

More nostalgic trophies from the tradition of excellence at MSU

Trophies, banners and pictures fill the trophy room at the MSU Beef Barn

Wonder how many champions passed through these doors through the years.


Since it's taken me 10 years to go back....and who knows when, if ever, I'll get to go back again, I took this time to capture as many memories as I could. The MSU Beef Barn and all that it stands for is one of the most precious icons on the MSU campus to me, and many others. I will always treasure the memories made and the education learned through being involved with the MSU purebred beef herd. And that says a lot, considering I'm a Brahman & Shorthorn girl...and I'm talking so fondly of HEREFORDS! :) 

10 of the Best Golf Courses Around the World

Golf has always been associated with people who are rich and well-off, for people who have the luxury to enjoy the game. Whilst that might have been true earlier in history, nowadays golf is accessible to most people. True, the more you get into the game the more expensive it gets, but having said that, it isn't as limited to the rich as maybe it once was.

I myself have only played 'proper' golf once, and the person I played with got bored 1/4 of the way through, so we drew it to a close. However, I have played crazy golf lots of times. :)

For those golfing enthusiasts out there who love to play on the best courses, then have a look at these 10 of the best golf courses from around the world.

1. Augusta National, Untied States

Located in Augusta, Georgia; Augusta National Golf Club is one of the most well known golf courses from around the world. It was opened in 1933 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, being designed by Alister Mackenzie, and has hosted the golf 'masters tournament' since 1934.

It is considered as one of the best golf courses on the planet.

Augusta National only allowed the acceptance of black people to have a membership of the club since 1990, and with it's exclusive membership policies, criticism has been directed towards the club. It also has a continued refusal to accept women to become members of the club.

2. Royal County Down, Ireland

Opening in 1889, Royal County Down is one of the oldest golf courses in Ireland, and measures over 7000 yards in length.

The 36-hole course has a par of 71, Tiger Woods managed to get a par of 65 (the best recorded score on the championship course) during a casual game.

Royal County Down has been noted for its phenomenal maintenance and is considered one of the best maintained golf courses in the world.

3. Pebble Beach, United States

Located in California, United States, Pebble beach has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful and scenic courses there is.

The course has made appearances in many golfing video games, and has held many major tournaments, including; 'T&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am' and 'First Tee Open'.

Beautiful grounds, brilliant scenes, and worldwide recognition is some of the factors that come into play with the price of playing on this course, as it is amongst the priciest courses out-there. 

4. Muirfield, Scotland

Situated in Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland; Muirfield is one of the rotating golf courses that is used for the 'Open Championship'. Muirfield is set upon elevated ancient land claimed from the sea as highlighted by its sandy base and sea shells in the bunkers.

The course is arranged into two loops of nine holes, one clockwise, the other counter-clockwise. This is so that every hole has a different wind direction.

5. St Andrews (old), Scotland

St Andrews is located on common land and can be found in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. St Andrews golf course was first established in 1552 and is currently the oldest golf course in the world.

The course is over 7,300 yards long, has 18 holes, and has a course par of 72, with the course record being 63.

The Old Course has shaped the development of how the game of golf is played today, one example would be; the standard 18 holes that is used.

6. Shinnecock Hills, United States

Shinnecock Hills was established in 1931 and is located in the hamlet of Shinnecock Hills in the town of Southampton on Long Island in the U.S. It is the oldest course to admit women to play, which it has done since the beginning of the clubs history. Its length stretches for over 6,900 yards.

It has been the host to some major golfing events, including; U.S Open, Walker Cup, and Amateur Cup. 

7. Cypress Point, United States

Cypress Point is a privately owned golf club in California, United States. It is well known for three of its holes (15th, 16th, and 17th) that play along the Pacific Ocean, and are regarded by many as the best three holes in the world.

The golf course itself was designed by reputable golf course designer Alister MacKenzie in 1928, who also designed the Augusta National.

The 16th hole, which plays a 230 yard tee-shot over the ocean, is the courses most famous hole.

8. Pine Valley, United States

Pine Valley is located in Pine Valley (imagine that), in New Jersey, United States. The course often features in 'top golf courses' lists that are published, and its not surprising to see why. The course prizes itself for giving players a consistent level of difficulty on each individual hole, making players approach each shot critically and analytically to meet the challenge set before them, if they want to achieve a desirable end result that is.

The courses signature holes are 5th hole, 7th hole, 10th hole, and 18th hole.

Pine Valley as a whole has a length of almost 7,000 yards, a par of 70, and has played host to the Walker Cup.

9.  Royal Melbourne, Australia

Royal Melbourne is located in  Black Rock, Victoria, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. It is a 36-hole course, made up by its east course and west course. Both the east and west course have the standard 18 holes each.

It is Australia's oldest continually existing golf course being founded in 1891.

The course itself has played host to a number of national and international events. It was the first course to host the 'Presidents Cup' outside of the United States, in fact it has hosted the event twice: 1998 (won by the International Team) and in 2011 (won by the United States).

10. Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Taking its name from the nearby headland of Cape Kidnappers, Cape Kidnappers golf course is located in New Zealand, and consists of the standard 18 holes.

It is over 6,000 yards in length and has a par of 72.

The course was designed by Tom Doak, and has been regarded as one of the most stunning golf courses. 
It is also known for its memorable and challenging (to say the least) holes, combining a series of inland holes and cliff top holes. 

I don't claim ownership or credit for the pictures present, all credit is reserved for the original owners. No copyright intended, if you have an issue with a picture that is present, then please contact me

Top 10 Hardest Endurance Events

I can remember back to my school days when the summer months came around, and my P.E teacher revisited cross-country. The groans that would erupt wasn't surprising, as it was a gruelling event.

I was quite good at cross-country and so didn't mind it as much as a lot of others did.

Comparing my cross-country days however, to the hardest endurance events on the planet and there's no dispute over how hard these events are. Some of them, I think you would almost have to be superhuman to finish.

1. Spartathlon

Credit: Ser13gio

The Spartathlon is a gruelling 153 mile ultramarathon race, held in annually in Greece. The race has been held in Greece since 1983, and starts at Athens and ends in Sparta.

The goal of the Spartathlon is to retrace the footsteps of Pheidippides, an Athenian messenger sent to Sparta in 490 BC to seek help against the Persians. According to an account by Greek historian Herodotus in The Persian Wars, Pheidippides arrived in Sparta the day after he departed.

The race was first done by John Foden and four RAF officers, to see if it was possible to do the journey Pheidippides did. Three out of the five of them completed it.

There are 75 checkpoints along the route, each with their own cut-off time for completion. Organisers may pull out people who don't meet the checkpoint marks in time, or people who display extreme fatigue.

2. Marathon des Sables

Marathon des Sables is a six day 153 mile long ultramarathon, the equivalent of six regular marathons, the longest single stage being 57 miles.

Water and tents are supplied by the organisers. What makes this event even harder though, is that competitors must carry all personal belongings and food for the entire event in their backpack.

Two people have died during this race.

There is a fee to pay if you want to enter, for the 2008 Marathon des Sables, the registration fee was €2550, and that was before taxes.

3. Race Across America

Race Across America (RAAM) is an ultramarathon cyclist event, that sees cyclists cycle across the United States, approximately 3000 miles over the course of a week.

The Great American Bike Race was originally organised by John Marino in 1982. There were four competitors; John Marino, John Howard, Michael Shermer, and Lon Haldeman.

Until recently, there had never been any designated places for eating and sleeping, with sleeping being optional.

4. Arctic Circle Ski Race

The Arctic Circle Ski Race is the world's hardest cross-country ski race in the world. It sees competitors travel 160km in three days while traversing through harsh,freezing conditions.

Hundreds of people will be involved in making sure the race runs smoothly, and in creating a party in honour of the participants that take part.

5. Antarctic 100K Race

Credit: Kobold

The Antarctic Ice Marathon was established by Richard Donova. Throughout the whole race, the terrain is composed of snow and ice, as-well as having an average wind chill of -20C.

The Antarctic Ice Marathon is the only marathon to be held inside the Antarctic circle. Snowmobile support, aid stations and medical personnel are all on hand for the duration of the race for anyone who needs them. You wont have massive crowds cheering you on during this race, meaning you can only rely on yourself (or if you're lucky enough to be near someone, then them as-well) to push forwards.

6. Nambian 24h Ultramarathon

The Nambian 24h Ultramarathon takes runners through the Namib Desert, with a time limit of 24 hours.

Runners must run the equivalent of three marathons over 126km, fighting against a blistering heat during the day of sometimes 45C, and a chilling temperature sometimes as low as freezing point.

The race is a yearly event.

7. Vendee Globe

The Vendee Globe is considered by many as the 'ultimate' in ocean racing. It is a single-handed individual non-stop boating endurance race, that takes participants around the world without any assistance.

The race takes place every four years, with only the most experienced yacht sailors taking part to compete. It isn't just a horrendous endurance race, but is actually quite a dangerous sport, as huge waves and storms are very real. Put that together with the fact that you're on your own during the coarse of the race, capsizing is a very real danger.

8. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a long distance annual dog race. The conditions of this race are not easy, with sledders having to frequently race through blizzards and whiteout conditions, with a wind chill of up to -72C.

Mushers have 12-16 dogs and have to cover the races distance in 9-15 days. The current record holder for the fastest race time is held by 2011 winner John Baker, with an impressive time of 8 days,19 hours, 46 minutes, and 39 seconds.

The event is the most anticipated event in all of Alaska, with top mushers and their dogs being treated like celebrities.

9. Patrville des Glaciers

The Patrouille des Glaciers is a ski mountaineering race organised every two years by the Swiss Army. Fifty three kilometres, altitude difference +3994m and - 4090m. This is equivalent to 110 km without altitude difference.

It is a group effort, three members to a team. In order to qualify, they must have alpine experience to handle extreme conditions, have the physical, mental and technical requirements of the competition, good sportsman ship, an excellent experienced skier, and are able to complete the race in the time limits set. 

10. Tour d' Afrique

Tour d'Afrique is one of the longest bicycle races and expeditions in the whole world. It runs each year from January to May, from Cairo to Cape Town. The race is made up of 100 stages varying in size from 40km to 100km. 

The organisers prepare three meals every day, and transport tents and other equipment the riders need for the night stops.

The race is mostly made up of exhibition riders, who ride at their own pace, stopping at various villages and landmarks along the way.

I don't claim ownership or credit for the pictures present, all credit is reserved for the original owners. No copyright intended, if you have an issue with a picture that is present, then please contact me

Red Barn Event Center!

Looking to host an event or gathering? If you are in the Tulsa area, you should definitely check out the Red Barn Event Center. Located in Owasso, Oklahoma, the crew at the center has made it their mission to provide their customers and guests the very best in terms of facility and location.

The crew purchased the barn in July of 2011 with no intention of hosting anything past family functions. After acquiring the uniquely beautiful facility however, they though it would work for small weddings, receptions, family reunions, call reunions and small parties.

The Red Barn in about 80 feet by 80 feet with a stage, full-functioning kitchen, and men’s and women’s restrooms. It is temperature controlled and there is an apartment upstairs which is conveniently used as a bride changing room. The facility can seat up to 100 but can accommodate up to 300 guests. It really is the perfect spot for your upcoming gathering.

But the Red Barn does not stop at hosting indoor/outdoor parties. This barn was originally built by Sonrise Ranch to host their registered Angus cattle sales. With that said, the facility is more than able to host your next livestock sale. With 10 acres of grass pens as well as 15 sorting and holding pens (both open and covered), they have the facilities needed for most any type of producer. The stage area inside converts to the sale ring and it has an auction box above the ring.

No matter what you are thinking about hosting or planning, the Red Barn Event Center is the perfect place! For more information on the Center or to book your next gathering there, check out their site or give them a call! 

10 Most Popular Japanese Dishes

Japanese cuisine is very different to British, and offers a huge variety of tasty and unique dishes.

A lot of Japanese dishes are healthier than British dishes, being a nation very big on fish. There are many variations of the same dishes, relying on different factors to depict the end result.

1. Sushi

Sushi is a well-known popular Japanese dish, that consists of cooked vinegared rice (shari) combined with other ingredients.

Although it is commonly known as a Japanese dish, original sushi (nare-zushi) actually originated in South-east Asia, spreading to south China, before being introduced to Japan.

The varieties that are found in sushi arise from the different fillings and toppings, condiments, and their preparation.

2. Fried Rice

Fried rice is very popular in Asian cuisine. It is made from steamed rice stir-fried in a wok, often with other ingredients such as  eggs, meat (chicken, beef, or cured pork), seafood (shrimp or lobster), vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bean sprouts, celery, peas, corn, mushrooms), spices and peppers, and soy sauce or sometimes oyster sauce.

There are many different variations of fried rice. Some common variations include: Hokkien or Fujian fried rice, Bai cha, Canton, Cha Han, Yangchow, Yuan yang fried rice, Burmese fried rice, Thai fried rice, American Fried Rice, Nasi goreng, Chaufa, Chaulafan, Kimchi bokkeumbap, Sinangag, Curry fried rice, Hawaiian fried rice, Arroz Frito, Omelette rice.

3. Tempura

Tempura is a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that has been deep-fried and battered. A light batter is made of cold water and soft wheat flour (cake, pastry or all-purpose flour). Eggs, baking soda or baking powder, starch, oil, and/or spices may also be added.

Thin slices or strips of vegetables or seafood are dipped in the batter, then briefly deep-fried in hot oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil are the most common.

4. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake made-up of a variety of ingredients. It is mainly associated with Kansai or Hiroshima areas in Japan, but can be bought from around the nation. 

Depending whereabouts you are, normally depicts what toppings and batters are applied.

When served with a layer of fried noodles, the resulting dish is called modanyaki.

5. Donburi

Donburi, commonly abbreviated as 'Don' is a Japanese rice bowl dish consisting of meat, fish, vegetables or other ingredients simmered together and served over rice.

The simmering sauce used is varied in accordance to the season, ingredients, region, and taste.

The varieties of donburi are (and not limited to): Gyūdon, Tendon, Tamagodon, Unadon, Oyakodon, Katsudon, Tekkadon, Hokkadon, Negitorodon, and Tenshindon.

6. Yakizakana

Yakizakana is (and literally means) grilled fish, and can be done in a variety of ways. It is served with rice, miso soup, or both.

For it to be left overnight to dry with just a bit of salt is very common and tasty. Dried with varying degrees of saltiness and sweetness is also another common practice.

7. Udon

Udon is a type of thick wheat-flour noodle in Japanese cuisine. Udon is usually served hot as noodle soup in a mildly flavoured broth called kakejiru, which is made of dashi, soy sauce and mirin. Another common topping is tempura (number #3 on this list).

Broth flavourings and toppings vary from region-to-region, even the packeted version is sold in two different types, one for the east and one for the west. Udon noodles are served chilled in the summer and hot in the winter.

Some hot variations of the dish include: Kake, Kitsune, Tempura, Tanuki, Tsukimi, Wakame, Karē udon, Chikara, Stamina, Nabeyaki udon, Kamaage udon, Udon-suki, Yaki udon, Misonikomi udon, Houtou udon, Ninja udon.

Some cold variations include: Zaru, Bukkake udon, and kijoyu udon.

8. Ramen

Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish. It consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat, broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork, dried seaweed, kamaboko, green onions, and sometimes corn. Ramen is another popular Japanese dish with varieties of itself.

Ramen soup is typically categorized into four titles: Shio, Tonkotsu, Shōyu, Miso.

Some varieties of the dish are: Sapporo, Kitakata, Tokyo, Yokohama, and Hakata.

Ramen even has it's own museum devoted to it named: 'Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum'.

9. Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki is a Japanese dish in the Japanese hot pot style. It consists of meat which is slowly cooked at the table, alongside vegetables and other ingredients, in a shallow iron pot in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.

It is usually a winter dish, being eaten a lot at Japanese year-end parties.

10. Chanko-Nabe

Chanko-Nabe is a Japanese stew commonly eaten in vast quantity by sumo wrestlers as part of a weight-gain diet. To add flavour, it contains a dashi or chicken broth soup base with sake or mirin.

Leftover chanko-nabe broth can also later be used as broth for somen or udon noodles (number #7 in this list).

Sumo wrestlers specialise in the dish, and is popular in restaurants. It is not uncommon to find retired sumo wrestlers in restaurants making chanko-nabe.


I don't claim ownership or credit for the picture present, all credit is reserved for the original owners. No copyright intended, if you have an issue with a picture that is present, then please contact me.

British Pair Arrested and Detained in the US over Twitter Jokes

Two British citizens have been arrested in America and detained in holding cells for over 12 hours.

Leigh Van Bryan (26) and Emily Bunting (24) were planning a nice holiday to Los Angeles, but after his tweets were found by the Department of Homeland Security, they were swiftly arrested in Los Angeles airport by armed guards.

The following tweets were Leigh's:

"Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America?”

“3 weeks today, we’re totally in LA  p****** people off on Hollywood Blvd and diggin’ Marilyn Monroe up!”

When questioned about his first tweet, Leigh tried to explain that he only meant it in reference to a party, and was just British slang. 

The two friends weren't let off the hook there, and were further questioned about the second tweet, which made suggestions towards the grave of Marilyn Monroe. Federal agents searched his suitcase for any sign of digging equipment, such as shovels and spades, claiming that Emily was going to act as Leigh's look-out. 

Leigh stated that the tweet was only a quote from America's Family Guy comedy T.V series, and wasn't meant seriously. 

They were questioned some more, before being locked in separate cells for 12 hours, and then put on a plane home via Paris.

Emily said: "The officials told us we were not allowed in to the country because of Leigh's tweet. They wanted to know what we were going to do.

'They asked why we wanted to destroy America and we tried to explain it meant to get trashed and party.

'I almost burst out laughing when they asked me if I was going to be Leigh's lookout while he dug up Marilyn Monroe.

'I couldn't believe it because it was a quote from the comedy Family Guy which is an American show."

Leigh said: "It's just so ridiculous it's almost funny but at the time it was really scary. The Homeland Security agents were treating me like some kind of terrorist."

"When I was in the van I was handcuffed and put in a cage. I had a panic attack but the worse was yet to come."

"When we arrived at the prison I was shoved in a cell on my own but after an hour two huge Mexican men covered in tattoos came in and started asking me who I was."

"They told me they'd been arrested for taking cocaine over the border."

"When the food arrived on the tray they took it all and just left me with a carton of apple juice."

Leigh's tweets were posted on 16 January 2012.

The 10 Highest Mountains on Earth

Try to keep this in mind when noting how high each mountain is; the Empire State Building is 381m high. Compare this to the mountains and it seems tiny.

1. Everest

Mount Everest is a very well-known mountain and stands at a monstrous 8,850m (29,035 ft) in the Himalayas.

The first ascent was made by sir Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953. It has also been completed by a group of 40 who managed to reach the top in a day! (May 10, 1993).

2. K2

Mount K2 (Godwin Austin) stands at a monumental 8,611m (28,250 ft) and is the second highest point on the planet. It's not as well known as mount Everest as there's no prizes for second place. Still, this is a huge mountain non-the-less.

The mountain was named in 1938 by Rex Gibson and is part of the Karakoram mountain range.

3. Kanchenjunga

Third on the list is mount Kanchenjunga. It is an impressive 8,586m (28,169 ft) high and is located (like Everest) in the Himalayas.

Kanchenjunga is also the name of the section of the Himalayas and means "The Five Treasures of Snows", as it contains five peaks, four of them over 8,450m (27,720 ft).

Until 1852, Kanchenjunga was assumed to be the highest mountain in the world but calculations made by the Great Trigonometric Survey of India in 1849 came to the result that Mount Everest was no.1 and Kanchenjunga was no.3.

4. Lhotse I

In fourth place is Mount Lhotse I. At 8,516m (27,940 ft), Mount Lhotse I is certainly not something to scoff at and is interesting to know that it is connected to Everest via the south col.

Lhotse I has a 'I' after it's name as it distinguishes which summit is being identified. Lhotse has three summits; Lhotse I (8,516m), Lhotse II (8,414m), and Lhotse III (8,383m).

5. Makalu I

Mount Makalu I is 8,463m (27,766 ft) tall and lies also in the Himalayas. Makalu has two notable peaks; Malaku I (8,463m) and Malaku !! (7,678m).

Makalu is part of the 'eights thousanders' (which is a set of 14 independent mountains that all range at 8,000 + metres high,) and is an isolated peak.

6. Cho Oyu

Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain on Earth (8,201m (26,906 ft)) and more than 1000 people have stood at its summit, being the second most popular of Nepals mountains (missing out to Everest in first). 

Compared with the rest of the 'eight thousanders' however, Cho Oyu is a relatively ascent. It is located in the Himalayas.

7. Dhaulagiri

Dhaulagiri comes in at number seven and is 8,117m (26,795 ft) high. Dhaulagiri was first climbed on May 13, 1960.

The mountain's name from Sanskrit where (Dhaula) means dazzling, white, beautiful and (giri) means mountain.

8. Manaslu I

Manaslu (also known as Kutang) is 8,163m (26,781 ft) tall and is only 4 metres shorter than Dhaulagiri. 

Manaslu was first climbed on May 9, 1956.

It is the highest peak in the Lamjung District and is located about forty miles east of Annapurna. The Japanese consider this as their mountain, just as the British consider Everest as theirs.

9. Nanga-Parbat

Nanga-Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world (second highest in Pakistan, K2 being number one) and is among the 'eight thousanders' coming in at a total of 8,125m (26,660 ft).

Known as the "Killer Mountain", Nanga Parbat was one of the deadliest of the 'eight thousanders' for climbers in the first half of the twentieth century. It is located in the Himalayas.

10. Annapurna

 The final mountain in the top ten is Annapurna, and is 8,091m (26,545 ft) high.

Annapurna is separated from Dhaulagiri by the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is considered as the deepest in the world.

The entire massif and surrounding area are protected within the 7,629 km² Annapurna Conservation Area, the first and largest conservation area in Nepal.

I don't claim ownership or credit for the pictures, all credit is reserved for the original owners. No copyright intended, if you have an issue with a picture that is present, then please contact me.