Outdoor adventure

Hike Iceland - My Commune with a Glacier

2008-04-22T04:16:00.000-07:00

To me there is nothing better than getting outdoors and going for a nice long trek. I love the adventure, the physical challenge and exploring new places. I also have a certain proclivity towards glaciers. I think that they are amazing, though I have never actually seen one up close. Last month I got the chance to do just that.

I didn't go to Iceland just for hiking, I was there on business. But over the weekend, I decided to get book a tour. There are several hiking and trekking tour companies in Iceland so it wasn't hard. With the help of the front desk clerk at the hotel I was staying at, I got in touch with a company that offers tours right from Reykjavik; turns out that you don't necessarily have to travel far to get out in nature or to commune with a glacier.

Anyways, I made my choice of tour operators and told them what I wanted to do. They suggested a tour that fit my time frame and desire to explore a glacier, in this case S?imaj?l glacier. I think this translates as 'sun home glacier,' at least I think that is what it translates to with my rough knowledge of Icelandic. This particular glacier is located about two hours away from the capital city.

The tour company picked me up from my hotel in the morning and off we went. I was amazed at how quickly we were in the country - Reykjavik is not a very big capital city and most of Iceland is uninhabited. When we arrived at the glacier, I instantly fell in love. The weather was picture perfect and the contrasting colors of blue sky and the white glacier were outstanding.

We took a few minutes to go over a safety brief, put on our extra clothes and crampons and then we were off. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and told us all kinds of facts about Iceland, glaciers and such. But, what I liked best was when everyone stopped talking. Rarely in our busy lives do we get to experience absolute silence and that was one of the early pleasures of this glacier tour - we all stopped walking and talking and there it was, total silence. I turned my face to the sun and just soaked up this moment.

Later, we got to explore some crevasses and beautiful blue-white ice sculptures. When you touch this kind of ice, you are amazed by how smooth it is - like polished glass. We got to walk through long ridges that were like narrow ice hallways.

What struck me about this glacier was that it seemed to have a positive affect on everyone's mood. It is kind of like the glacier is pumping out negative ions and it helps you feel content and grounded in that moment. I also think that the glacier, by the fact that it has been around for so long, imparts a certain sense of history and almost embodies a wise personality. Maybe it was just me, I tend to anthropomorphize everything.

One the way back to the city, our guide also stopped by two beautiful waterfalls, Sk?oss and Seljalandsfoss. Being from the western US, I am not used to seeing so much water and I was struck by the raw power and beauty of these falls. Raw power and beauty is a good analogy for Iceland in general.

All-in-all I was very satisfied with my Iceland hiking tour experience. This particular tour wasn't very strenuous, so if you want something more physical, you can choose a different tour. I think that one day I would like to come back here and do one of their multi-day tours.

For all those nature lovers who also love a good adventure hike, you should check out Iceland. It is like a hiker's paradise, especially if you love glaciers.

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Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Hike-Iceland---My-Commune-with-a-Glacier/132640

New Forest Hotels and New Forest Holidays: The Dream 'Green' Vacation

2008-04-18T02:02:00.000-07:00

For most people, a dream holiday allows you to indulge your passions, discover new things, go on adventures, and spend time with your friends and loved ones, all while contributing to environmental protection at the best value for money. If this is your dream holiday, then New Forest Holidays are for you.

At the New Forest National Park, situated in southwest Hampshire, you can explore and discover the wonders of the English countryside, regain your sense of oneness with nature, bond with your family and friends, and escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. You can bring your family and friends with you and never worry about boredom. With the myriad of individual and family activities available in New Forest Holidays, there are always activities and places, animals and people, sights and sounds to tickle your fancy.

With New Forest Holidays, you can go hiking or biking, horseback riding or go on guided tours, fishing or sailing or jet-skiing, golf or kite-flying, or do nothing. For nature lovers, you can go wildlife spotting or bird watching. You can go to family-oriented activity centers to bond with your family, or appreciate art through the numerous museums and galleries, or go shopping for presents, or enjoy the cinema and theater. Indeed, with New Forest Holidays, you can have the best of both worlds.
But a dream vacation would not be a dream vacation without good accommodations. You want to see the park, not become one with it! To start your dream vacation, check out the New Forest Hotels or visit our website. Our online map shows the nine locations within the park and its surrounding areas where our 24 hotels could be found. It even depicts the road network to help you plan your route to the park. The full list of our hotels provides a description of the hotel and the rooms, the AA rating, the starting room price, and the location. We guarantee that we will provide you with excellent service at the best possible price. We have efficient and friendly employees delivering friendly service, top-notch room accommodations, a wide range of cuisine, and modern conveniences. We have even posted pictures of New Forest Hotels to show architectural styles! After all, New Forest Hotels could be your second home during your New Forest Holidays and we want to make it happen for you.
Once you have decided on any of the New Forest Hotels, we recommend for your convenience that you contact us through our website. Just enter your name and your e-mail address, the subject of your message such as inquiries, comments or reservation, type your message and press "send." We assure you that we will provide feedback to your message. We also provide news updates for our customers via our website. The news section contains news that is of interest to our existing and potential clients, especially developments such as hotel renovations and additions, promos, and innovations such as price comparisons.

With New Forest Holidays, you can go hiking or biking, horseback riding or go on guided tours, fishing or sailing or jet-skiing, golf or kite-flying, or do nothing.

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Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/New-Forest-Hotels-and-New-Forest-Holidays---The-Dream--Green--Vacation/131897

The End of Your Camping Trip

2008-04-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

After you have enjoyed an excellent family camping holiday on one of the best campsites you have ever visited you realise it is time to go back to the harsh reality of home and work.

Of course it is not just a case of leaving this wonderful camp site and heading off for home, you must pack away your Camping equipment correctly and also make sure you leave the camp site how you found it so other people can enjoy the benefits.

Take a look at the below tips which owners of campsites will appreciate that you try and follow so that their ground always looks immaculate, remember word of mouth is one of the most affective forms of advertisement.

Putting Away Your Camping Gear
It is good to pack rags ready to wipe off your Camping gear before stowing, this only needs to be a quick clean as you can clean properly when your camping holiday is over and you are at home. Try to pack your Camping gear as you had it when you came to the camp site. Also it's a good idea to separate dirty clothes so that they will be ready to be washed when you arrive home.

Remember to Check Your Cooler
Dispose of any food wastes, remembering always to put any rubbish in the bins that the camp site has provided, empty out excess water, and replenish the ice, as needed, for the trip home, if you have been on a family camping holiday it is important that the children have fluids for the journey home.

Put Out Your Campfire
Make sure the campfire is out on your camp site. Dowse the area with the excess water from your cooler or another source.

Gather All Trash
None wants to come to a camp site after someone else has been there to find traces of old food and rubbish around, we all want to have a good camping holiday from start to finish so clean up for the next people.

Check and Double Check
A broom and a leaf rake come in handy for grooming campsites and gathering up the last of any litter there may be.

Before the Off
Before leaving, take advantage of this opportunity to take a final look around your camp site and use the facilities to spruce yourself ready for the journey.

Final Check
One last check, walk around your vehicle and look around the camp site to see if anything was missed.

Say Goodbyes
It is always nice to make friends on a camping holiday, you could always go away together again, so remember to say your goodbyes.

Clearing away after a successful camping holiday.

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Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/The-End-of-Your-Camping-Trip/116977

Planning for Christian women's retreat

2008-04-18T01:58:00.000-07:00

Churches across the world understand the benefits of a booming Christian women's retreat. This is merely a group of women that assemble often to cheer one another with the Word of God and talk about various topics. Christian Women retreat is an occasion for women to be revitalized as they thrash out unlike issues in their personal and official lives and how they are relevant to religious living and being a brave observer. Few other things, like assignment projects, trips and bear groups are also archetypal during times of women's retreat. They are in turn extremely special part of church, which reaches out to others when they want.

Often, a women's bureau are the people that plan up for Christian women's retreat. Planning an unforgettable women's retreat is something, which is not hard, but it take little time. A women's retreat must be something, which is planned and detained no less than once or twice a year. It further needs to be a particular event that is well planned and designed so that it would really be a superb and pleasurable event for every woman who participates in it.

When the women's bureau states to plan for women's retreat, they need consider that the affair have be planned to lodge up women from all steps of life. Women of all ages, countries, and races should be allowed to attend this retreat; so the prime step when planning for a memorable retreat is to decide upon the theme or subject for the Christian women's retreat, which would be fit for women for all the steps of life. It is also significant that the theme is one, which comprises all women, both independently and as a group. Additionally it is an extremely vital step as when the women get jointly for this retreat, it would be the real time of consideration, reflection, giving out, caring, relationship, and renewal.

The initial part of the superb retreat should be the hearty welcome. You would desire to affectionately welcome every woman as she comes from the door. Next, you would need to plan a first-class, healthy meal for the retreat. You might as well want to arrange the lunch, which is light and also healthy. Sandwiches, fruit, vegetables salads, soups, and any dessert like cheesecake, chocolate cake or even cookies could be a great idea for lunch. If your Christian women's retreat is more than a day long, you would have to plan every day individually. It is excellent to have a daily arrangement that you chase.

Planning an unforgettable women's retreat is something, which is not hard, but it take little time. A women's retreat must be something, which is planned and detained no less than once or twice a year.The initial part of the superb retreat should be the hearty welcome. You would desire to affectionately welcome every woman as she comes from the door.

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Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Planning-for-Christian-women-s-retreat/116743

Camping Holidays in France

2008-04-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

When you think of a French camping holiday you may start to think of cold wet weekends away, you could not be so wrong, and with absolutely thousands of campsites in France, you have so many different ones to choose from, and whether you have your own tent, are touring with a caravan or a motor home, the choice of camp sites is endless.

If you were to pick an area of France, then you will not have any trouble in obtaining information on campsites in that particular province and in fact you would probably be spoilt for choice. But there is one place called Brittany that is one of the most popular destinations for a family camping holiday in France and this is due to sandy beaches, hidden coves, rock pools and the coastline that the children just adore.

Yet the Alps is a vast area waiting for the more adventurous camper with mountainous climbs, pretty villages and lakes to explore along with Chamonix, which is the highest town in Europe.

Then there is Paris, the capital city of France, which has everything a beautiful city can offer, and with several campsites around Paris, the closest is just a few minutes from the centre, you will also find others that are located near to Versailles and Disneyland Paris, let alone others near golf courses and fishing lakes.

And although most people end up going through the Rhone Valley without really much of a stop, it is well worth taking a detour either side of the river which is where you can find some beautiful countryside to explore, and in this area you will also be able to find some glorious wine produced on these slopes bordering the river, along with major towns like Lyon.

Most places will be able to provide hook ups for electricity from either 6 amps or 10 amps, plus many other facilities. And on a lot of different sites, rather just touring you can even hire out the caravans, chalets or mobile homes, but whatever you decide is best for you, this is a great way of touring through France.

As you can imagine, there are a vast amount of campsites with lots of different facilities, which you will find are rated with stars in a similar way to that of hotels, so the more stars a site has, the better it will be, although inevitably the more expensive they will be, especially in certain areas of France.

A camping site with one star is a basic site and there is no where near as many these days, due to competition from other campsites, whereas a two star camping site is rated for comfort and has some good amenities, then three star and four star campsites are of a very high standard, not only for the amenities and facilities they have to offer, but also for the quality of these facilities. For example, on a four star site you will often find top class restaurants that are even frequented by the locals for their phenomenal French cuisine, but also complete pool complexes and evening entertainment as a regular occurrence.

But apart from the typical camping sites available, you can also find places to pitch such as camping on farms, but lots of these do not have a wide range of facilities available, in fact some are so basic you will need to have all of your own facilities or they may just about have a toilet and hot shower for you to use.

One quick point, please do remember that it is only in authorised locations around France that you are able to camp and not in places such as woods, yet saying that, when travelling through France it can take hours or days, and we have seen many tired travellers putting up their tents on the grassy areas in the service stations alone the toll roads!.

Most people think of camping as purely a summer activity, but for an extremely reasonable holiday, which can be as low as 50 to 60 percent less in cost, you can go camping in the low season, and dependant upon the area of France you wish to go to, some campsites are even open all year round and still even have facilities such as indoor swimming available.

France can therefore offer you freedom and flexibility, whether you wish to stay in one place for the duration of your holiday, or why not try hopping from camping site to campsite, these types of holidays can offer you everything from excitement and family fun by the coast in places such as Brittany, through to the more sedate holiday staying in the grounds of chateaux in rolling countryside of the Loire valley, but for the more adventurous, you could even have a camping holiday incorporating adventures like kayaking in the Dordogne, or mountaineering in the French Alps

You will be able to get to see ancient ruins, quaint villages, monuments and scenery that you would never think possible in any country, but France has it all, and this is possible in many regions within only a few miles of where you have decided to stay, yet do not forget about the wonderful activities that are available to you on site, which sometimes makes it a hard job deciding on whether you want to leave!

When you book your next camping holiday in France it may take you longer than you think! as France has over 11,000 campsites that all have lots of different facilities available, so you will be spoilt for choice.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Camping-Holidays-in-France/116263

Point Shooting Skills that Will Better Protect You & Your Family

2008-04-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

The key to survival in a potentially deadly situation is preparation. A famous quote I like to use is "having a gun and thinking you are armed is like buying a piano and thinking you are a musician." The real preparation is having all the proper equipment and knowing how to use it, in any situation. A great way to get the tactical edge is investing in a product like the AmeriGlo night sights. These AmeriGlo pro night sights are designed to make your sights effective in even the lowest of lighting conditions. Night sights can make any firearm tactical in a matter of moments, with a price tag of around seventy dollars for front and rear sights.

Aside from relying your safety and the safety of your loved ones on a piece of equipment is just plain naive. The worlds best and most pr?s shooters didn't get their by their looks, I can assure you that. One of the most useful techniques taught is the art of "Point Shooting" which is basically knowing where you are hitting without looking at your sights. Statistically you are most likely to be in a firearm attack at night, and within ten meters, so making this technique an instinct is essential.

The "Point Shooting" is not just shooting from the hip; it's a fine tuning of body position and experience. The key to this principal is reflexive fire, which allows you not to look at the sights, and waste precious time, instead to expel a large amount of precision shots. This method is ideal for police and military training; since you have the ability to take out multiple targets in the time it would take most shooters to make their first shot. These courses are generally given to law enforcement and concealed carry permit owners.

The AmeriGlo night sights are still a fine addition to any firearm, they are sure to add value to the firearm. Of course in addition to practice and technique, you are sure to be more prepared than the average criminal element. Many new surges of criminal activity still haunt society, a new threat that is particularly coming from the south west, is the "mob rob tactic," this tactic is when a large group of criminals use their large numbers to prey on unsuspecting citizens.

With the right training and tools for the job we are sure that any criminal tactics will be foiled by a properly trained individual. I sincerely hope these techniques never have to be used in a worst case scenario, but I encourage all shooters to be well versed in these skills and make sure to look for warning signs, and never become the aggressor or primitively strike. A good thing to note is the normal wrongful death case cost around two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and in most cases criminals families are always taking advantage of this fact, so insure that you can prove lethal force was the last resort, as well as your attempts to try other things before elevating the scenario.

The survival skills that law enforcement and special agents recieve and fine tune to ensure their safety.

About the Author:

Chad R. Reimer is a former Combat Medic for the US Army, and gunsmith for one of the largest FFL dealers on the internet. http://www.ameriglostore.com

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Point-Shooting-Skills-that-Will-Better-Protect-You---Your-Family/117421

Learn through experience

2008-03-30T02:22:00.001-07:00

The most basic level human beings learn is through experience. We give meaning to each event in our lives according to our current needs and belief system. Our experiences are the sum total of our memory of the event and the meaning that we attach to it. What we learn from each experience determined by our belief system and needs at the time of the event as much as by the event itself. This helps in explaining why two different people can participate in the same event and have completely different experiences.

If the experience is sufficiently strong, it can call our current values and beliefs into question. To resolve the ensuing tension, we have four options: learn to be comfortable with our inconsistencies, change how we view the conflict through a paradigm shift, change our belief system, or change our actions to become consistent with our beliefs. Change requires process time. Process time is more effective when it closely follows the new experience. A minor adaptation to our belief system occurs with minimal effort and happens rather quickly. Experiences that challenge close held values usually require more effort and time to process and often disrupt our state of being during process period. If strong enough, this disruption manifests itself as actions that fall outside our normal behavior.

The above concept illustrates why the Action/Reflection Model commonly used in outdoor adventure education is often an effective strategy for values clarification and change. Debrief circles, mini solos, solo, etc. are examples of structured "reflection or process" strategies. It is extremely important for instructors to remember that reflection must be preceded by a valuable experience, and not all experiences are equally valuable. Instructors can facilitate metaphoric learning by scheduling process time after some significant experiences. The "trick" lies in recognizing these experiences at the time they occur, having the power and flexibility to adapt the course itinerary, and having the human skills to successfully intervene/assist if the situation reaches crisis proportions. Depending on the student population, the individual student, and the nature of the crisis, instructors may need advanced training in counseling to be successful; hence, the use of trained mental health workers in wilderness therapeutic programs is needed. Fortunately for most outdoor educators and guides all that is required to a clients with processing their experience is good observation skills, the ability to schedule "down" time immediately following a "valuable experience", and have an attentive ear.

In addition to a minimum level of fitness and health, safe travel in a wilderness environment and/or participating in an adventure activity require a minimum level of outdoor and human skills on the side of the participants. The level of each varies depending on the specific activity and the environment. The progressive development of skills required for safety during these trips also provides the framework for value forming experiences. In outdoor education, instructors design and manage a progression of outdoor activities that enable their students to master the skills they need in order to be at safe and provide an opportunity for them to consciously examine their values and beliefs in light of their actions as they learn those same skills. Metaphoric learning occurs as students strive to master the outdoor and human skills required to succeed in the trip environment. It is during moments of stress that their character emerges and they find themselves face to face with the questions.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Learn-through-experience/129348

Overnight Summer Camp - How To Choose The Best Weight Loss Camp For Your Child

2008-03-28T13:20:00.001-07:00

Twenty-five years ago weight-loss camp campers were mostly teenage girls who were at least 100 pounds or more overweight. The menu usually consisted of food such as beef liver, fish and alfalfa sprouts and the only form of exercise was running and doing sit-ups. The ultimate goal at these overnight summer camps is to lose as much weight as possible in as little time as possible. They were often considered special needs camps. There are also many teen and adult weight loss camps.

Today things are a lot less extreme than they were in those days - approximately 39 percent of the campers are boys, the kids usually need to lose between 21 and 41 pounds, the menus offer a much broader range of food, and the exercise is a lot of fun, with activities that include fun sports like tennis and kayaking. The weight loss camps today emphasize very healthy lifestyles and long-lasting skills that the kids can take home with them and actually put into use.

To summarize, these so-called "fat camps" usually resemble regular overnight summer camps and just happen to specialize in teaching excellent decision-making techniques as they relates to food.

Now according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 16 percent or so of children from ages 6-19 are overweight or obese and this number that has tripled since 1981.

The number of overnight or sleepaway weight loss camps has remained about the same. There are about 16 to 20 of these camps out of 10,000 sleep away camps in the United States alone with some of these having offshoots in other locations. There are many other weight loss camps in other countries.

In most of the overnight summer camps the children will be between the ages of 7 and 12. This age group tends to be most successful because parents have more to say about the child's eating and exercise habits. Usually bad eating habits are less instilled in the younger children.

All sleepaway fat loss camps work at building good habits, not just dealing out quick fixes. You will find these camps have classes on good nutrition, proper portion control, emotional eating, handling situations like pizza parties, birthday parties and ice cream parties.

You'll find they teach by example. In the old days weight loss camps offered 1,250 to 1,350 calories each day. Today they're more realistic, usually about 1,800 to 2,000 calories daily. On the menu along with healthier foods you'll also find there are hamburgers, pita pizzas, baked potato chips and low-fat baked goods.

It's long been a misconception that overnight weight loss camps don't offer enough food and they overwork the kids. It's actually the opposite. The right amount of food is served and they provide workouts for the kids at the right level. Campers never find they are hungry.

Changing the camper's behavior is the key to sustaining weight loss. Many campers learn to cook, shop for groceries, order out at restaurants, and work with camp psychologists on managing stress, frustration tolerance, and identifying emotional eating.

Generally the campers want to be there. Years ago when their parents made them go they didn't want to. Kids are happier that they're making a change and develop confidence and independence as a result of the experience. They learn to make healthier choices also. Kids learn to feel better, breathe better, run faster and become more active as a result.

Some overnight weight loss camps can cost about $1,000 a week. Many of the camps offer scholarships and that's worth exploring. Your health insurance may cover some of it because of the weight loss therapy. And some churches run free weight loss camps, but may be harder to find.

Choosing the right summer camp for your child may mean doing a lot of research and checking out reviews of weight loss camps. Talking to parents who have sent their kids to those camps would give you some idea as to the successful experience the child has had. Ask the director of the camp you're considering if they will give you some names of previous campers' parents so you can contact them. Cost may be a factor too. There is a wide range when it comes to cost and be sure to compare weight loss summer camp ratings online and offline. Check the public library for Consumer Reports magazine's ratings.

Any overnight summer camp is great because it will force the child to have structured time in the summer and even traditional overnight camps focus on kid's fitness and health, serve healthier food and encourage a lot of exercise. If you can't find or afford a weight loss camp, you should choose a camp anyway even if it's a special camp like arts or science that has some activity. The important thing is to keep overweight kids active in the summer.

Twenty-five years ago weight-loss camp campers were mostly teenage girls who were at least 100 pounds or more overweight.

About the Author:

For more info on choosing the best overnight summer camp or finding the best sleepaway or weight loss summer camp go to http://www.OvernightSummerCamp.biz a nurse's website specializing in overnight summer camp tips, help, free tuition resources and information on overnight summer camp reviews

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Overnight-Summer-Camp---How-To-Choose-The-Best-Weight-Loss-Camp-For-Your-Child/128804

Skiing in the Cairngorms

2008-03-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to try skiing, but was afraid of all the extra costs, like lift passes, ski hire and all the clothes - not to mention getting all the way to somewhere cold enough to try it. However this time was different.

I had a friend from the UK who had always wanted to have a go at it too, so we decided that next time we went away together, it would be somewhere cold enough for snow! Scotland in January fitted the bill, so we got it all booked - and I was quite surprised at how little it cost us....

I'd called the ski centre after finding their contact details on the mountains own website (?) to find a very helpful man on the other end of the line. He told me that the tuition price included all the essentials including free travel on the mountain railway, ski passes and of course a full days tuition and you could hire any extras if you needed them.

He also advised that due to the temperamental weather, if you turn up on your booked day and there is no chance of skiing, they will just move your lesson on to the next day for free. I don't know why I was so worried about all the extra costs - as so far, there don't seem to be any!

The accommodation we chose was as close to the mountains as you could get, and it turned out - the best place to be if you are an outdoor type. It was a centre for all the associations you would expect up here, including avalanche research, mountain rescue and training. It was also a learning centre for anyone interested in rock climbing, ice hiking, river and sea canoeing to name a few - and just by staying at the lodge you had free access to their climbing walls, gym and pool throughout your stay.

Anyway, on the first day, we read the weather and avalanche reports (!) for the mountain over a hot breakfast and it all looked like it was going to be a good day for skiing. There was no snow on the lower parts of the mountains, but as we pulled into the car park we could see thick snow just off to the side! Getting more and more excited we headed up to the equipment block and made ourselves known. It was only at this point that they took any money from me, I had booked us in so far on purely on a promise.

The staff couldn't have been more patient and helpful as we were shipped over to collect our boots, and were having some serious trouble getting them on, and then walking in them. Well, they take all the movement away from you lower leg, ankle and foot, so we were hobbling along on our heels. There was me, trying to carry my 4ft ski's (which were very heavy for me) under one arm, and the 4ft poles under the other! We must have looked like right newbies to all the regulars there - I can imagine they have some word for us as we head off in one big group towards the mountain train.

The morning session was nice and slow, on a flat patch of snow not to far up the mountain, with only 5 other beginners in our group. It was very strange to not have control of your own feet, and not able to step off them at any time, but it didn't take long to realise that you can't really fall off. The boots totally supported your body - I mean you could sit right down or lean right forward and touch the fronts of your ski's without falling over. This increased my confidence no end, and I was actually skiing down a little slope after about 20 minutes!

It was then that I found out I couldn't quite stop! I understood what the tutor was telling me to do, but my feet couldn't quite control the ski's. It was a very strange to be telling my feet one thing and have them do another. For the rest of the morning I enviously watched the girl who couldn't stop falling over earlier to be confidently turning left and right and stopping whenever she wanted to, while I was overshooting into the fence or way off down the hill! Needless to say at this speed, I found out that you could fall over quite easily in fact!!

We broke for lunch, with me still unable to master turning and stopping, and headed up the mountain where we ate in the highest restaurant in Scotland (apparently). The afternoon session was right at the top of the mountain, and when we got there, you couldn't see past the end of your ski's - there was a blizzard going on! We all wrapped up safe and dry in all our clothes, with only our noses exposed to the weather. The fresh snow made skiing so much easier and as the snow lessened we were slaloming between our skiing poles and were all 10 times better than this morning, and I finally mastered the whole stopping thing (I found it easier without the poles in my hands).

No joke, after an hour up here, we were all off on the ski lift to the very top slope and were all confident enough to ski down, following the tutor back to the bottom of the ski lift, then went up again.

All in all it was a great day. I can now ski with confidence, I wasn't cold at all at any time, I didn't get wet from all the falling over, I wasn't hurt from all the falling over and I had gotten to see a whole lot of snow!

Discusses a skiing vacation - the strengths and weaknesses.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Skiing-in-the-Cairngorms/119368

Camping Tent - Factors in Purchasing the Right Tent

2008-03-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Are you planning for a camp and want to spend time in the outdoors? Then camping tent is the most important item that you need to carry with you. Here the most important thing is choosing the right type of tent and its color, quality and the size.

You can find the camping tents which are really useful for sub zero temperatures whereas some others are excellent for tropical forest atmospheric conditions. It is better to select camping tents based on the climate that you will be camping in.

Here are the things that you need to consider while buying camping tent:

In order to select the right type of tent, the first thing you need to do is decide the dimensions of the camping tent that you need. Mainly tents are prepared to protect you and your family.

In the market you will find the tents with labels telling their capacity, or for how many campers it is made. There is no need to choose various tents with different capacities. So, think carefully and decide cleverly on the biggest number of campers that you predict camping together with you.

Basically every camping tent consists of four components. They include: tent body, the poles, the trap and the rain fly. The trap is basically a material that you set on the ground which helps to keep your tent floor last longer.

Tips to choose camping tents based on your needs:

Just think what you require. Before going to purchase, consider the below factors:
Your camping place or spot
The season
Whether you will be backpacking or not

Also consider if you have any other requirements and then decide the type of camping tent that you need.

Decide your budget and how much you are going to spend on the camping tent. Once you have decided your budget you will not spend much on it.

Decide on the size and weight of the tent. If you prefer car camping, the size of the tent doesn't matter.
If there are many campers to sleep in the tent it is better to pick a large camping tent.
If you want to go on backpacking then it is suggested to invest in a lightweight camping tent.

Search for the available aspects of the tent. It is suggested to select a durable fabric tent. Test how the tent shade spreads the light within the tent. Some colors make the interior of the camping tents brighter, whereas some colors make it dim and gloomy.

If you are planning for a summer camp, it is better to choose light color tents. For cold seasons, pick dark colored camping tents, as they absorb the heat from the sun and keep the interior of the tent warm.

Also, check the coating of the tent. Look for a water proof and shiny coating inside the tent. If you don't observe these features then the tent might not be durable enough for heavy usage.

The most popular tent makers include: Great land, Coleman, Eddie Bauer, and Wenger. Select the manufacturer whom you trust most. With the wrong type of tent you can't enjoy the camping experience to the fullest. It leaves it as an unpleasant one.

So, think carefully and choose wisely while you are purchasing the camping tents. Just remember that the tent you have chosen will be the home away from your home for fewer days.

Camping tent is one of the most important equipment required during camping. There are certain important factors that you need to consider while purchasing the right king of camping tent, which includes the camping place or camping spot, season of camping, etc.

About the Author:

Camping Tourist blog helps you learn everything you need to know about camping. Know more about various aspects related to camping such as camping tips, camping equipments, camping spots, and many more things. Visit http://www.campingtourist.com

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Camping-Tent---Factors-in-Purchasing-the-Right-Tent/128756

Ideas for Church Retreat

2008-03-26T03:29:00.001-07:00

A church retreat is actually an amazing way to bring kids to the God, have great amount of fun along with forming a community of friendships with other youth groups. Such activities could take place anywhere starting from church home to some couple states away. Anyhow, it would bring life back to the church and aid people bond together as associates. These unique activities come in several different shapes and sizes planned for any kind of group: early stages, men, women, kids, couples, family, etc. Anyway you can look at it; church retreats are indeed great idea.

These activities concentrated for youngsters that bring in lot of fun events. These events could occupy a hold-up (which means the youngsters remain that night at church itself) or enjoyable skits and other games. Generally, it is a great idea to throw several different games in the church retreat. This would keep things moving and keep the children from getting uninterested and into problem. These activities are as well high-quality ways to get the youth closer into an association with the God. They offer a place to educate fresh things in a secure environment. Many members could get their associates as well to the church retreat before they could get them to adoration services.

Be it Women or Men both can really get benefited from taking part in a church and spiritual retreats. These are periods when women could get jointly and take pleasure in each other's company while knowing more about the God and their place in life. Church retreats especially for women are unbelievably rewarding as so many women hardly ever get a chance to get out of their house, or have significant adult communication with any other women. Generally this event is most excellent if a specific key note speaker is been asked to come and share his/her experience to the women. Many could really relate themselves to the speaker, and can have lot of fun. An occasion like this for folks is one, which is concentrated on the group of people in the family, comprising both parents and children. On the other hand, men's retreat is obliging in moving life and management back into the man. Church retreats are truly an opportunity to respect God as a family.

Pali Mountain is a peaceful, scenic setting, ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The secluded 74-acre retreat nestled in the tranquility of the San Bernardino Mountains with gorgeous sunsets; crystal blue skies and spectacular star-filled evenings are the perfect location for your church retreat.

Our incredible High Ropes Experience will take your leadership retreat to new heights.Your group will be challenged in a fun-filled environment to think, not only as individuals, but also as important members of a team. By growing self-confidence, we will stretch the limits of self-imposed boundaries to encourage individuals to believe anything is possible. Forcing an individual to trust others while on the team climb or on the trust fall is a big first step in the team building process.Our highly trained and experienced teaching staff will tailor a program to meet the goals of your program. This is team building and leadership training at its very best.

These activities concentrated for youngsters that bring in lot of fun events. These events could occupy a hold-up (which means the youngsters remain that night at church itself) or enjoyable skits and other games.Generally, it is a great idea to throw several different games in the church retreat. This would keep things moving and keep the children from getting uninterested and into problem.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Ideas-for-Church-Retreat/120147

An Environmental safari in Kenya.

2008-03-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of the famous Professor Wangari Maathai? She is a Nobel Peace Price Laureate, former Member of the Kenyan Parliament, the founder and leader of the Green Belt Movement. With so many attributes to her name, she is the so down to earth Lady that you may not pick up from the large crowds she pulls campaigning for the conservation of the environment both globally and in Kenya, where she was born and brought up.

Like in many other countries in the world, Kenya has had its share of deforestation through illegal logging, land degradation by use of rudiment ally farming practices and burning of fossil fuels leading to the Global warming threat, where the world is expected to warm up by over 2 degrees centigrade over the next 100 years. It is expected that increased temperature changes could lead to drastic and erratic weather changes with some parts of the world becoming either too hot or too cold. This is going to affect food production to an ever growing population especially in the less developed African countries making human survival harder than in any other period in the history of mankind.

Professor Wangari Maathai has taken a leading role in organizing communities and Non-Governmental organizations into condemning land grabbing, degazettement of forest land and illegal logging, through her Green Belt movement. Many youth groups and women organizations have taken the cue from her and started indigenous tree nurseries all over Kenya. These initiatives are going to change the face of Kenya, making your dreams of that coveted Safari even more interesting, imagine all the bare countryside coming to life with lush green indigenous trees that save our soils from the raging rain waters running into the rivers that feed our National animal conservatories.

As a tourist in Kenya, you could get involved. Let's call it an environmental Safari. You could help plant a tree or two. Let us exchange views. What is your country doing to conserve the environment? What lessons can Kenyans learn from your country's' conservation efforts? Do you have an alternative to wood fuel that 90% of Kenyans use? What will Kenya do with the menace of plastic waste management? The list is endless, but the options are there with you and the whole lot of us will appreciate.

Kenyans are a very hospitable people. They will not mind to host you as a tourist as you travel to other coveted tourist destinations scattered all over the country. Talk of budget travel and you have it, it cannot come cheaper. Kenya is a melting pot of cultures and you are sure to be treated to the many traditional cuisines that are prepared in the countryside. You will also be treated to the many cultural events, unique to each cultural group.

About the Author:

James G. Kamweru is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For more information on Environmental Travel Kenya, For More Information Visit his site at Environmental Travel Kenya

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/An-Environmental-safari-in--Kenya-/120195

A Tented wilderness

2008-03-24T02:10:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for a delightful and adventurous way to spend your vacations in Kenya, it would be fun to choose tented camping sites which are pitched on specific grounds with nice scenic views of grasslands and mountainous ranges. You will watch game streaming around watering holes at night as you enjoy lavish dinner and entertainment.

There are several tented campsites scattered all over the game reserves and parks, along rivers, cliffs, hills and mountain tops. These tented camps have good beds, bathrooms and shower blocks, while others are so luxurious they will offer furniture, hot showers, and Beds rivaling only a five star hotel. I wish to list here the various places you can enjoy the comfort of tented camps. My list may not be exhaustive but it can serve as a guide to those who would wish to live in tented camps while on vacation in Kenya.

The Amboseli National Park has tented camps and cottages where you can have un-interrupted view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The wildlife are kept off by a fence running around the camp site, making it safe to watch game and walk around in the night.

These tented camps are a complete contrast to the more luxurious cottages at the Amboseli Lodge, Tortilis Camp, Amboseli Serena Lodge and the Ol Tukai Lodge Where you will be treated to well kept gardens, wonderful views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Swimming pools and enough amenities making your stay very comfortable and spiritually rewarding. But of course if you are traveling on a budget, you could try the Namanga River Hotel, Campi ya Kazi, or the Nyati Safari camp, all with nice tented camps erected under acacia trees, giving you the advantage of the nice scenic view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The Tsavo National Park offers a wide range of wild life and birds within the dense vegetation, swamps, remarkable rolling hills, volcanic caves and huge rocks. Here you will find tented camps with basic amenities like running water, bathrooms, mosquito nets, bedding and toilet facilities. Unlike in the Amboseli, one will have to make arrangement for lunch and dinner at nearby lodges and hotels. However a few of them have luxurious tented camps but are a bit more costly to rent. There are good places where you can arrange for tented camps like the Severin Safari Camp in Mombasa, the Voyager Safari Camp at the Zimani Gate, the Finch Hatton's Safari Camp located on the western side of the Tsavo National Park and the Satao Camp on the banks of the Voi River

This list would not be complete without reference to the Kenyan coastal town of Mombasa. This town is home to the Shimba Hills National park where you can watch elephants, antelopes and zebras grazing on the grasslands, the sandy beaches of Malindi, the Watamu marine National Park and the age old Lamu town. You are sure to be treated to the best tented camps at the Makurumuji Tented Camping site at the Shimba hills National Park, the Shompole Camping site on Lake Magadi which offers a Jacuzzi to keep you cool from the warm breezes.

One thing about tented camping sites is the amount of backpacking one has to carry, which is a little cumbersome but this should not undermine the benefits that accrue from tented camping sites. You will definitely be able to save lots of money that you can invest in many ways like either in eating at a five star or shopping for yourself antique Masai Lingerie, traditional artifacts and the like. It should also be important to appreciate the fact that life at tented camping sites teaches you and makes you self-dependent. It's very interesting to see men and women who do not do any household work at all cleaning plates while in camping sites.

About the Author:

James G. Kamweru is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For more information on Tented Camps Kenya, For More Information Visit his site at Tented Camps Kenya

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/A-Tented-wilderness/120196

Close Encounters With the Wild: Amboseli National Park

2008-03-23T00:05:00.001-07:00

Watching elephant herds and the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro is the reason thousands of tourists visit the Amboseli National Park. The Amboseli National Park is 392 square kilometers in size of dramatically arid to semi arid surroundings and is also the heartland of the Masai nomadic community. During the mostly dry seasons, the Amboseli National Park Vegetation is scarce and sometimes rare making spotting game easier than in the Masai Mara Game reserve.

Walking the Amboseli National Park guarantees close encounters with numerous species of birds, large herds of wildebeests and zebra, elephant families, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes and baboons. The park also holds numerous water birds among them flamingos. You will definitely see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the dense natural patches of thick cover. You could also catch a glimpse of the rare black rhino every now and then.

The Amboseli National Park is not short of places to stay eat and while away your evenings, as you enjoy the sundowner and share your travel experiences with fellow travelers. There are numerous camp sites and lodges and you have a choice of either staying in budget or even luxurious accommodation. The choice is dependent on you and your pocket. One has a choice to stay at the Amboseli Lodge, set amidst lush tropical ponds, a cool oasis in these dramatically arid surroundings. The Ol Tukai Lodge also offers wonderful sceneries of Mount Kilimanjaro on the southern end of the Amboseli National Park. For those really traveling on a budget one should consider the public campsite near the Tortilis camp.

Getting to the Amboseli National Park from Nairobi can be arranged with a tour company of your choice, it's a four hour drive from Nairobi through Namanga to Amboseli in a custom made 4 wheel drive tour van. The road to Namanga is well kept although when you enter Amboseli National Park, the roads are not in very good shape.

Before leaving Amboseli National Park, it would be prudent for you to visit the numerous private wildlife sanctuaries scattered around the park, and strategically situated on higher grounds giving splendid views of Mount Kilimanjaro and watering holes where you can watch as wild animals drink water and enjoy the salt licks so close to you than you may have ever thought possible, providing an ideal ambiance to reflect on the splendor of natures creation.

If you are looking for a romantic retreat, bringing the family on vacation, or traveling alone, Amboseli National Park adventure awaits you as one of Kenya's many wildlife parks and sanctuaries.

About the Author:

James G. Kamweru is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For more information on Amboseli National Park, Visit his site at Amboseli National Park

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Close-Encounters-With-the-Wild--Amboseli-National-Park/120206

Backpacking Tents Made Awesomely User-Friendly

2008-03-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Backpacking tents, (usually nylon) designed specifically for hikers and backpackers in mind, can be a backpacker's best friend. Sure, there are alternative ways to spend a night in the woods. Many fast and light hikers are relying on bivy bags to keep themselves warm, nesting their sleeping bags inside waterproof bags and eschewing a tent all together. However, these weight watchers often wake up in sleeping bags soaked with condensation, even if the sky was clear all night. Other hikers spend the night under ultra light tarps or in hammocks, but when it starts to rain most of them find themselves flooded out, all too happy to share your dry, waterproof tent.

Backpacking tents aren't the heavy, leaking, cumbersome shelters they once were either. Construction from nylon shells and fiberglass or carbon-fiber poles mean that today's tents are smaller and lighter than ever before. No more hassling with mismatched tent poles in the middle of the night either; most manufactures now string their break-down poles with bungee cords which allow the pieces to snap together quickly. These poles, combined with color-coded snaps on the tent body, mean that most tents can be set up by one person in minutes, even if that one person is stumbling into camp in the dark as it starts to rain.

Once the tent is set up, you can be assured of a dry night. The rain flies of modern backpacking tents are waterproofed and seam-sealed, so you won't wake up at 3am to that tell-tale drip-drip-drip of a leaking seam. They're ventilated too, allowing the moisture and condensation from your breath to carry outside and avoid wet tent walls in the morning. Another handy, common feature is a vestibule, allowing you to leave your muddy boots and pack outside your tent but still out of the rain.

Other small touches abound. Many backpacking tents are equipped with gear lofts, utilizing the extra space at the top of the tent's dome for storage of small items and bags. Others have attachment points for flashlights or lanterns, though it's important to keep sources of flame or heat away from the synthetic materials. Small pouches sewn into the inside of the tent serve as handy places for pocket change or eyeglasses.

When storm clouds roll in its good to know that you can easily carry a warm, dry shelter in your backpack, which can be ready to keep off the rain and snow for years to come.

About the Author:

James G. Kamweru is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For more information on backpacking tents, Visit his site at Backpacking Tents

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Backpacking-Tents-Made-Awesomely-User-Friendly/120207

Snowboarders Battle US Ski Resorts

2008-03-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Ever increasing numbers of snowboarders are emerging as a large percentage of the snow tourism industry, but are they a welcome addition? Some U.S. resorts still ban snowboarding, while others are opening the door.

While some resorts do not ban snowboarding, either allowing snowboarding on all property or allotting certain areas for the activity, there are three resorts in the United States that still have complete bans on snowboarding. The issues at the heart of the conflict stem from several reasons, one of them a longstanding rivalry between skiers and snowboarders, a rivalry that can sometimes get a tad nasty.

The big news for snowboarders is that Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico has recently announced that they are lifting their ban on snowboarding. This comes as a result of increased pressure by the public, including a campaign by Burton Snowboards.

The company offered a prize of $5,000 to individuals or groups who film their illegal snowboarding, or poaching, at locations where it is not allowed. A representative of the company cautions against the manifesto of this publicity stunt being taken to the level of a civil rights matter, but there is a serious side to the issue. Snowboarders feel that they are discriminated against by the ban.

Taos defends their decision on their Facts and Answers page of their website. Complaints by individuals about the change centered around the impact on the snow levels, protesting that the snowboarders scrape snow off the trails, misbehave on lifts, and are an unwelcome presence in the community. Many others still welcome the change, saying it's about time. Taos asserts that "Opening to snowboarding allows us to refocus on being a family oriented mountain."

While Taos has changed their tune, three other resorts still ban the practice of snowboarding. Mad River Glen, Deer Valley in Utah, and Alta Ski Area stay focused on skiers. The central complaint revealed by these resorts is the conflict of interest among their clientele. Skiers claim the snowboarders ruin the mountain, and the experience of skiing.

Mad River Glen, located in Fayston, Vermont, still vehemently upholds their ban on snowboarding, posting a press release that declares, "Despite the fact that snowboarders account for 25% to 30% of all lift tickets sold in the United States, don't expect Mad River Glen to lift its ban on snowboards any time soon." Mad River Glen is privately owned by shareholders and operates as a not-for-profit entity. More than 75% of their shareholders voted to eliminate snowboarding after "legendary" events occurred at Mad River when the activity was allowed. For those who hope that Mad River Glen will eventually buckle to economic pressures, "Don't hold your breath!" It looks like a ski holiday there won't involve snowboarders for a while yet at least.

Deer Valley's Website, when searched using the site's own engine, brings up links to a press release, and at the bottom of the page simply states, "No snowboards, please." The press release reveals, however, that Deer Valley will be one of the sites to host events of the 2011 World Freestyle Ski Championships. These include a variety of alpine, freestyle and snowboarding events. It is unclear whether any of the snowboarding events will be hosted at the Deer Valley site.

Alta Ski Area, also in Utah, does not allow snowboarding. Some speculate that since the resort introduce a combined pass with Snowbird, a neighboring resort that is open to snowboarders, in 2001, Alta may eventually change their policy. At present the resort is standing firm, however, "preserving and protecting the skiing experience."

Another reason to drop the ban is the number of younger individuals who prefer snowboarding. Younger families and older snow bunnies with snowboarding family members want to share the slopes, and this has a heavy economic impact on ski resorts. Those that turn away snowboarders also turn away entire families or groups. Time will tell what the result will be for these three remaining resorts.

While snowboarding is banned by some ski resorts as simply too dangerous to mix with families skiing and damaging to snow conditions, some US resorts are relenting and allowing the snowboarders equal access.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Snowboarders-Battle-US-Ski-Resorts/120311

7 Reasons to Choose the Heckler & Koch USP

2008-03-21T01:26:00.001-07:00

The Heckler & Koch USP otherwise known as the Universal Self-Loading Pistol is one of the most popular pistols on the market. The HK USP is typically known as a 45 ACP pistol; although a wide range of varying configurations are available. Heckler & Koch makes USP tactical pistols, USP compact pistols, USP elite pistols, USP expert pistols, and many more varieties. The USP pistols have been torcher tested with extreme temperatures and conditions, which have proven the reliability and durable design of these remarkable firearms.

The HK USP compact series have been ideal for concealed carry owners, with the LEM or law enforcement modification trigger, which works as an external safety. This trigger system also allows for faster trigger resets, and faster shooting ability. Also a number of users have discovered with a new barrel they can modify their 40S&W firearm to a 357 Sig pistol, using the same magazines.

The Heckler & Koch USP has been featured in movies, video games, television shows, and just about every other media outlet. The tactical advantage of these remarkable firearms crossed from shooting communities to main stream, and has surprisingly become a great deal of new shooter's first pistol. Although the HK USP has been leading the way for tactical pistols, Heckler & Koch is releasing their new 45 pistol.

The new Heckler & Koch 45C is the newest pistol on the production line, these pistols were designed for Elite US Special Forces operatives, as the primary sidearm of tactical operations. Although the new HK 45C is on it's way to the civilian market, the HK USP is showing no signs of aging, despite its big brother coming to the scene.

Despite further development of the HK45 series pistols, the designs are still fundamentally similar to the Mark 23 SOCOM pistols, which is the father of the USP. All of these firearms use the O-rings, to ensure enhanced accuracy and prevent wear from the slide. By preventing slide contact these firearms are known for their like new condition, even after years of avid shooting.

A draw back that some see with using O-rings is the need for replacement every so often to keep from cracks or breaks in the O-ring. For a nominal fee of around five dollars, I consider it to be a small price to pay for having one of the most efficient precision pistols on the market. During testing of the USP dropping, weather, and acts of extreme cruelty, did not keep this remarkable firearm down, it just won't stop.

In conclusion after all my experiences with the Heckler & Koch firearms, I see no reason not to take advantage of the anticipation of the new release, and get a great deal on the old faithful HK USP. Despite the trend to have the newest and most innovative, I know with my USP pistol, that I am already there. All my friends and associates whom purchases the HK USP have all given it the same outstanding reviews, and I'm sure that it will remain a dominate high quality pistols for the foreseeable future.

The standard in tactical pistol technology for special forces and law enforement. Almost twenty years of production and showing no signs of aging.

About the Author:

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/7-Reasons-to-Choose-the-Heckler---Koch-USP/122472

Hunting Gear to Keep You Hunting Like a Pro

2008-03-20T11:11:00.001-07:00

Hunting gear can consist of many different items, from clothing to outdoor stands. There are categories of hunting gear for every season of the year. Some of the hunting gear can be used for all seasons and for all types of hunting, whether it's fowls or deer. The right hunting gear can make all the difference in the world to your successful hunting excursion.

This article will concentrate on the hunting gear you will need to wear and bring with you when you go on a hunting adventure.

Hunting Gear That Will Keep You Warm -

Depending on how long your trip will be, a weekend or a week, you should bring enough camouflage shirts, sweatshirts and pants to last at least a few days. The same goes with regular pants, say blue jeans or cotton pants that will withstand most types of weather. A pair of fleece or wool pants would be a good idea to pack in case of really cold weather. A heavy fleece or wool coat for the same reason is also a good idea, even on the sunniest days. The wind chill and cold weather can be deceiving. Insulated gloves, ones where the fingers pop out for using your crossbow or rifle work best and keep your hands and fingers warmest on the cold days. Hats that cover your ears are a great item to have, rather than a camouflage baseball cap. These hats have ear flaps that come down over your ears to keep them warm and are usually made of fur inside. They come in a variety of colors: green and brown or black and sometimes bright orange.

Hunting Gear for Your Feet -

You will need one or two pairs of insulated/waterproof boots, which you should break in before your trip. Two pairs are suggested because if one is wet, or gets wet inside, you will have a backup. Add one pair of tennis shoes for wearing around the camp site to be comfortable in while you are not out hunting. Insulated socks are a must have, and waterproof socks are a great thing to have if you can afford them. They are sold in many catalogs and military or hunting websites.

Little Things for Safety -

Now that we have your body covered, there are a few items you need to bring along to make the camping experience just like the comforts of home. You will want to pack waterproof matches or a cigarette lighter for the fire; a first aid kit is always a must when camping or hunting. You will need a sleeping bag, a pillow, and a tent to keep you out of the elements. You might want to throw in an extra blanket for warmth at night or to lie around the fire in the evenings.

Hunting Gear Necessities -

You will need a compass, a canteen or a water bottle, a hunting knife and a regular knife for cooking. You will also need cooking supplies which would be a pot and pan, a coffee pot, and something to turn the food with, such as a spatula and spices. Do not forget your spoon and fork to eat with. The knife will come in handy when cutting down small branches and twigs for firewood. Some people may prefer a camping stove and then you would only need the propane to fill the tank and it works just like a regular stove you have in your kitchen. Either way, you will need something to cook on and something to cook in.

Hunting Gear -

There are a few other hunting gear items you may need when going on your hunting trip. One is a backpack or a pack around your waist to carry your items out into the field, such as the first aid kit, your knife, extra socks, hat, gloves, and a bird call if you are hunting fowl. Anther item would be a pistol or small hand gun if you are using one for protection against dangerous animals who could charge at you and a rifle would not work in that type of situation.

Snacks are another good thing to carry with you in your backpack because it will be a long day waiting for the animal to cross your path or if you are walking towards the animals, you will become hungry and stopping to eat is not a good idea because of the smell. Something like granola bars are easy to carry with you and easy to handle while walking.

If you are taking your hunting dog, you will need to pack for him or her as well. Make sure they have a kennel that is well ventilated and have plenty of water at all times. You can carry their leash in your backpack or a pack around your waist if the dog is trained to hunt without a leash. Dog treats are another good idea.

About the Author:

William "Cole" Doggett is the owner and operator of the finest hunting gear website on the Internet today carrying everything you need for a perfect hunt at the best prices. Stop by and check out http://www.HuntingGearSupplies.com for all your Hunting Gear needs.

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Hunting-Gear-to-Keep-You-Hunting-Like-a-Pro/123205

Wildlife Refuge Budget Motels Florida Keys

2008-03-20T09:46:00.001-07:00

Secluded amongst a string of islands scattered far and beyond the reaches of the state Florida itself. In fact Key West, the Florida Keys most distant island, is only 90 miles from Cuba. On the gulf side you can go offshore for miles, stop your vessel and stand in knee deep calm as glass water and not see shore anywhere around you. It's an true surreal trek for an ocean lover and nature loving person. I've ran into many a sting ray and dolphin while there.

The Florida Keys can be considered the American Caribbean and features all the same amenities and lodging as other island destinations. There are several things to do such as world class sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, boating, kayaking, sailing, and species tours beyond belief. Each of the island destinations has some special experiences. My wife and I invite you to visit each area individually and discover the bright tropical heaven in the Florida Keys.

One of the main reasons for my families trips down to the Florida Keys is for Lobster Sport Season. The locals call it bug hunting. It only last for a weekend and the place is packed. If your into fishing for lobster, this is quite an exciting activity. Don't leave behind your snorkel, tickle stick and net! The kind of Lobster you'll find down there are the Spiny Lobster type, which have no claws and can get quite enormous. Spiny Lobster are larger than most Main Lobsters in cases. Don't forget, recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License with a current crawfish stamp. Consult a local tackle shop for exemptions to licensing requirements. Licenses are available through local convenient stores, tax collectors, many tackle shops and marine supply stores.

What does it cost to travel to the Florida Keys? I'm finally getting to that. The Florida Keys is by far the most awesome tropical vacation destination for any professional fisherman, scuba diver, or just plain traveler. But watch your wallet! The Florida Keys is quite costly. I shopped around extensively for the best hotel rates and by far the best we found was a small 32 unit motel right off the highway called Big Pine Key Motel. They had the best rates and the biggest rooms of every "affordable" place to stay down there which were around $70 and up! And I'm talking crazy up! Some places were asking over $400. If you've got the nut, I would highly recommend Little Palm Island. It's one of the top 10 destinations in the world and the only way you can get to it is by boat. The Big Pine Key Motel is just a 20 minute drive from Key West and is surrounded by dive shops, fishing expeditions and great places to eat.

I'm going to end with a fair warning. The Florida Keys is protected by many environmental laws that cater to endangered species. If you do any hiking around watch out for the poison wood. It looks as innocent as an apple tree and 10x more dangerous than poison ivy. The locals can't chop it down because it grows a fruit that an endangered species of bird eats.

Budget Hotels in the Florida Keys

About the Author:

This depiction is of personal experience of mine during my travels to the Florida Keys and my experiences with Florida Keys Hotels. I would like to give reference to the Big Pine Key Motel 1-888-872-9191 and thank them for their hospitality. I am a travel enthusiast and work as a Technical writer for a Texas SEO company located in San Antonio, TX. Enjoy your travels to the Florida Keys!

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Wildlife-Refuge-Budget-Motels-Florida-Keys/125038

Black Rhino tracking. An unforgettable Safari experience.

2008-03-20T09:06:00.001-07:00

Tracking wildlife through the African wilderness has become a very popular activity in South Africa and is considered one of the ultimate safari experiences. Rhino tracking safaris present an informative, educational and entertaining African experience and the South African Kalahari Desert lends itself well to this unique safari adventure.

Experienced guides are experts in tracking, and their vast knowledge and skills bring travelers up close and personal with the rare desert-adapted black rhino. The desert black rhino is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN South African Red Data book while the other species of black rhino is listed as vulnerable. This subspecies is found primarily in the eastern regions of South Africa (Kruger National Park and Zululand). However, sprawled at the foot of the rugged Korannaberg in the Northern Cape Province, the Kalahari reserve boasts approximately 30% of the South Africa's desert black rhino population.

In June 1995, eight rhinos arrived at the Kalahari Reserve from Namibia and were released in the Korannaberg area. Today this desert black rhino population stands at around 30. This population growth has stunned conservationists and the reserve is ranked as one of the best places to see the desert black rhino in the Kalahari and possibly the entire country

The pristine environment is located deep in heart of a desert wilderness that is home to some of the world's most fascinating wildlife. Here travelers can spend the day tracking the rare desert black rhino with expert trackers through the black thorn landscape and sweeping sand dunes. The desert black rhino has a unique spoor which is almost like a human fingerprint. The red Kalahari sand clearly retains each footprint, making it possible to follow exactly a rhino's movements over the previous hours and even days. Every rhino has a unique pattern of cracks in its footprints providing for easy trackings by experienced scouts.

Learning how to track the desert black rhino and knowing what to look for is an invaluable experience. This unique and rewarding adventure will teach travelers how to observe the surrounding area for tracking indicators such as broken branches. Once fresh spoor is detected the trackers follow these tracks by carefully placing each step to avoid making too much noise and constantly checking the wind direction - ears pricked for a warning snort or crashing of branches and eyes straining to make out a solid grey shape in the bushes ahead. When the beautiful rare animal is spotted, the trackers will lead the group cautiously toward the rhino for a clearer view and identify the rhino using their unique ear notches.

Before quietly creeping away, the condition of the animal is carefully observed from a distance without disturbing the animal. Black rhinos live in a different world to us with notoriously poor eyesight, but an acute sense of smell and hearing. It is an exhilirating experience to stand quietly and admire these wonderful creaturs whhen the wind blows in the opposite direction. However, should they pick up the sound or scent of a human being; they instinctively back off and very often run away. Coming face to face with a black rhino is an incredible thrill.

While tracking the desert black rhino in the Kalahari Desert guests will invariably encounter much other magnificent game during the guided walks that meander across silent red mystical Kalahari dunes. Apart from the black desert rhino, the Kalahari is also home to white rhino, lions, cheetah and more than 240 species of birds. A number of other rare and threatened species in the Kalahari include the mountain zebra, pangolin, wild dog, tsessebe and roan antelope.

The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the Kalahari Desert offers guests guests the experience to track the raer rare desert black rhino with Tswalu Kalahari Reserve's expert trackers for the ultimate South African Safari Experience.

About the Author:

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, which belongs to the well known Oppenheimer family, provides the ultimate luxury game reserve and black rhino tracking experience. Visit http://www.tswalu.com for more information.

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Black-Rhino-tracking--An-unforgettable-Safari-experience-/123361

New Zealand Water Rafting

2008-03-19T11:29:00.001-07:00

The vast majority of travellers who visit New Zealand come away with a memorable experience, and the vacationers who partake in water rafting are no exception. New Zealand is hailed as one of the most pristine and picturesque counties in the Pacific region, and this is clearly evident to those who go rafting through the country's truly awe-inspireing rivers and byways.

Thousands of tourists travel to New Zealand to water raft each year. The New Zealand Rafting Association (NZRA) was established in 1996 in order to promote the sport of water rafting. The association is made up of tour guide operators and afficcionados who specialize in this thrilling sport. The code of conduct that the New Zealand Rafting Association follows is endorsed by the New Zealand government. Thanks to government support, the country is known as having one of the highest standards for safe water rafting activities. The association conducts training workshops and rescue operations as well.

Water Rafting in New Zealand: Where to go?

Even though New Zealand is a relatively small country with a population of roughly 4.1 million, the areas for water rafting are numerous. Adventuous vacationers have a choice of Rangitikei, Shotover, Upper Buller Mohaka, Motu, Gowan and several others. Tourists are rarely disappointed by the beauty of the landscape and the variety of rivers and byways. If you enjoy incredible natural scenery, New Zealand has a sparkling breathtaking environment. From the fjords and mountains in the south island, to the native forests and white sands of the north, New Zealand has diverse, pristine and beautiful natural surroundings.

In the north, you can experience the Karamea and Buller rivers while the west has the Waiho and Arnold rivers. Both rivers offer superb rafting trips.

The truly adventurous traveller can sign up with tour operators who provide guided tours of a total of eleven rivers. In just over two weeks, all eleven rivers can be travelled, some so remote that you feel there is no one else on the island besides you and your travelling companions. White water entusiasts have spoken of one place which the natives call "Chinese dogleg". Other rafters experience blasting through a historical mining tunnel and then ending up in the rapids.

It is important to note that New Zealand has seven major regions: Auckland, Central Plateau, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Nelson/West Coast, Canterbury, Otago/Southland. These regions have water rafting facilities and they each have magnificent rivers and breathtaking panoramic views.
Water rafting in New Zealand is truly a sublime experience. The adventure sport turned national industry has become incredibly successful, mostly due to the amount of challenging and beautiful rivers and byways. Tim Alpe says that New Zealand is country known for its rapid and free flowing rivers, and the rapids come straight from the mountains. They snake their way through thick and lush forests and pour into the sea.

Be Safe: Watch that Raft and the River!

If you are not familiar with New Zealand's rivers, it is strongly encouraged that you not venture out on your own. Even if advances in technology have led to improvements in raft design and construction, the amateur rafter should be accompanied by a licensed tour guide. Some people who are new to the sport are not aware that the flow of the river necessitates a certain kind of raft.. Rivers are graded from class 1 to class 5, and each class requires a different kind of rafting equipment.

When you engage the services of a rafting guide in New Zealand, you are assured that he or she possesses a high degree of expertise and knowledge about safe water rafting in that particualr country. They are familiar with rivers whose flows change from one moment to the next. They know about the international river grading system and what each grade means.
Since rafting is a year-round sport in New Zealand, vacationers have plenty of flexability. Rafting is common during spring, summer and fall. There are approxamitly 50 rafting operators that are spread out across New Zealand, so, if you find yourself in one rafting spot, you are bound to find another within a few miles.

If you are travelling with a group, you need to decide on a river that is appropriate for everyone. Decide how long you and your travelling companions want to go rafting. Some raft for only one day, others an enitre weekend, or even a week or two. Also, choose which level to persue. Are you looking for an adrenalin adventure or a moderate rafting trip so you can also take in the scenery. These are imortant coices to make. Depending on your preferences, your New Zealand guide can put a package together. Some operators will offer meal stops and will add in sightseeing on land.

About the Author:

About Author:
Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as New Zealand Travel | Auckland Vacation

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/New-Zealand-Water-Rafting/125781

Boot Knives: Made for Carrying Considerations

2008-03-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

A boot knife certainly shows one way of carrying a knife, but there are a variety of ways to carry a knife, even a boot knife. You can carry a knife in your pocket, which would usually be called a pocket knife. You could carry one on your belt, which about 30 or 40 years ago were the only ways to carry a knife. However, today, there are many ways to consider carrying your knives, even boot knives.

Hunting Knife First -

First and foremost, a boot knife is a hunting knife, usually with a fixed-blade knife. A fixed blade does not fold up and they are not real long. These knives do a variety of things such as help with field dressing when hunting and skinning an animal. A boot knife can be a utility knife in which they do jobs such as cut tree limbs for fire when camping, cut twine for a campout, and cut just about anything needed. Because they are 'quick draw' type knives, they are not folding knives.

Concealed Knives -

Boot knives are concealed weapons and they are concealed under the pants, in the boots, or clipped on to the boots. They come with a pocket sheath to prevent your skin from being nicked and the blade from being damaged. However, some people prefer a strap style sheath, which attaches to your leg with straps.

For Protection -

Men and women carry boot knives and having to get your hand down near your leg is not a problem for most people. And in an emergency, there is no time to think about why or how to have your hand near your boots, you just react. Women carry the boot knife for protection more than men do. Men carry the boot knife more for practical purposes, using it to cut things and sometimes for protection. It is a good idea to take a class in using and caring for knives before purchasing or using a boot knife.

Throwing Knives -

Boot knives are sometimes called throwing knives, because once they are removed, you are going to throw them at something. Competition style throwing knives are lighter weight than boot knives or hunting knives, but are carried in the same manner, under the pant leg.

Police and Military Personnel -

In addition to their sidearms, many police and military carry boot knives as an extra precaution. There may be a time when they cannot carry their gun or cannot reach it, and a knife is the perfect alternative to the gun.

Hunters Like the Boot Knife -

Hunters are another group of people who carry boot knives in their boots. When they are sitting in the deer stands and need to cut something or throw a knife at a squirrel or other small animal, they have it handy because their legs are near their arms and their hands.

Carrying a knife in your belt can be dangerous not only for you but for others if you are in a crowded area. Walking by someone, you might bump into them and knick them with the knife, even if it's in a soft sheath.

Having longer boots and sitting up high, like police men and women on horseback find it easy to carry their knives on their boots. They find it easier to reach their boot knives because they are sitting up close to their boots. In addition, most people on the street will not even notice them.

Horseback Riding Benefits of a Boot Knife -

Anyone riding a horse would benefit from wearing a boot knife because there is always twine or other things that need to be cut and a boot knife would be perfect, because it's out of the way until you need it and will not bother you when you are riding.

Easy Access for Bicycle Riders -

Bike messengers and postal carriers could also benefit from wearing boot knives. The bike messenger might need a boot knife to cut open a package or defend him self against someone, even a rabid dog. The postal worker would basically need a boot knife for the same reasons: opening a package, cutting twine or rope, and protection.

There are many working people who would benefit from wearing a boot knife, but what about an everyday person who just wants protection and peace of mind? The boot knife is perfect for this person as well. There is no need to obtain a concealed weapons certification; however, it is recommended that you get some type of knife training before wielding the knife at just anyone or anything. Many of the super center sports stores and outdoor shops offer classes on knives and how to use and maintain them. You must be 18 years of age to purchase a boot knife or any knife according to many state laws, but check with your state to find out what the exact age is.

A boot knife certainly shows one way of carrying a knife, but there are a variety of ways to carry a knife, even a boot knife.

About the Author:

William "Cole" Doggett is a knife expert and owns an Internet knife shop, Knife & Supply Company, LLC at http://www.KnifeSupplyCompany.com. Drop by and check out the selection of high quality Boot Knives from makers such as Cold Steel and Smith & Wesson. Stop by!

Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Boot-Knives--Made-for-Carrying-Considerations/126943

Rajasthan India - An Ultimate Tourism Experiance

2008-03-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

Rajasthan is the one of the most attractive destinations in India for both domestic and International tourists. About 6 million people visit the State every year of which 9% are foreign tourists. On an average a domestic tourist spends Rs. 400 per day and an Iternational tourist spends Rs. 800 a day (M/s. A. F. Ferguson & Company). Rajasthan being poorly endowed in terms of water availability depend on the non-farm sector to develop its economy and improve the quality of life of its people. Hence the development of tourism has great relevance.

Amazing legends of heroism and romance still resound from its equally amazing architecture, that still stands to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so well preserved for the travellers and the curious of the day. It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just choose your activity.

The magic of Rajasthan is unparallel in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris and sand dunes. Rajasthan is the land of Kings. It depicts the story of the great warriors and their chivalry, their romance, glory and tragedy. With invincible forts, magnificent palaces and serene lakes Rajasthan is truly called a land of valiance.

Rajasthan is known for its diversity in terms of natural resources, history and the people. The many forts and palaces, heritage hotels and attraction of travelling on the Palace On Wheels has been a unique selling proportion for tourists coming to the State. Colorful fairs and festivals are also greatly appreciated by visitors. The different ethnic culture of the people has proved to be a major attraction for visitors. The colorful attire of the people is a photographers delight. Today, Rajasthan is the image of India in the eyes of the tourism world. The unique desert environment in Western Rajasthan is a major attraction also. Rajasthan is an exotic destination visited by people interested in seeing something different, visiting unique place and participating in a joyous old culture.

The effort of the Government and Tourism Industry have been to improve the quality of the product and service available to the visiting tourists. This is being attempted by improving the dissemination of information; providing easier access through train, air and road transport; arranging for suitable accommodation; conservation of the Heritage forts, palaces and old monuments; improving the quality of service through Human Resource Development; developing ancillary leisure, entertainment and amusement facilities. With liberalization of the economy the role of the private sector in tourism is expected to grow manifold. The effort is to provide a conductive environment to increase private sector investment in the various joint sector. Some facilities are best developed wholly in the private sector, The effort of the Government of Rajasthan has been to create an investor and market friendly environment. This effort is most manifest in service sector activities like tourism.

As a part of the government effort to make a major thrust in improving the quality of the product and increasing the flow of tourists to the state, a series of measures have been attempted which should logically culminate in evolution of an investment plan for tourism which identifies areas in which investment is expected to come in the Public Sector, Joint Sector and Private Sector.

If you want to explore Rajasthan you can visit the following site: http://www.rajasthan-india.in

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Rajasthan-India---An-Ultimate-Tourism-Experiance/14523

A Game Park With A Difference

2008-03-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

The vast plains of Tanzania are home to some of the world's most dangerous and most beautiful beasts and they left Harish Kohli enraptured.

Africa is a land that inspires the senses. The eyes become sharper, ears more alert and noses begin to differentiate various aromas. Driving across huge landscapes in search of the elusive leopard or cheetah, you become the hunter, the pursuer, using all your senses to pick up even the tiniest of clues. How often do we look intently at our surroundings, listen in silence or sniff the air? Truthfully, most of us would agree it's probably never. On a wildlife safari, though, it becomes instinctive, and the rewards are enormous.

Taking a safari in the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania makes all the senses to play, and sing. Alertness and patience pay in large dividends and it's fairly easy to spot a lioness near a pond waiting to lay an ambush on a wildebeest that had strayed from the herd or watch a jackal at one end and a hyena approach from the other end to have a mouthful of the prey. And then the game of predator-prey heightens when the wildebeest, having sensed danger, raises his head and desperately searches for an escape route. There never are very many.

I witnessed a similar game. Where the lioness spotted its prey and suddenly plunged forward with a spurt but the wildebeest got a head start and lioness slowed down panting. Such dramas are repeated every day amid these vast expanses of land in Northern Tanzania. Our party was aboard two Land-Rovers, each of us as taut as guitar wire, straining to see and realise nature in the raw. Wildebeests, Zebras, Giraffes, Impalas and Baboons were easy to come by, but spotting the 'King of the Jungle - The Lion', Leopard or Cheetah was much harder.

Our Land-Rover driver exchanged notes with other drivers and soon the word passed around that there was a leopard close by. Every few minutes someone would exclaim, 'Shhh, there's a leopard', and point in the direction that turned out to be a boulder or a shrub in the grass. We were like excited school children but that is what most of my group was anyways; I was accompanied on this safari by a group of 8 school girls and their teacher from London.

We missed the leopard, but saw a pride of about 8 Lions. And only by seeing them in real can one understand why it is called a 'Pride'. The family is united by a very dominant lion who receives respect and affection from the clan's members. Suddenly, the heat began to rise and it became obvious that we were in for heavy rains. As we made our way back to our camp site a storm gathered pace, sending great sheets of water cascading onto the plains and scattering lightning like neon across a dark, boiling sky.

By dawn the following morning the rain had gone. We made an early start and saw a lioness ambling away from a kill. She and her pride had just had breakfast of a wildebeest and were graciously leaving the carcass for the hungry jackals. A vulture descended untidily to join the table. Much bloody-muzzled squabbling ensued, until a lone hyena approached. Hyenas are beefy, and would normally drive off a pack of jackals, but this one was different. He was limping.

Warily, the injured hyena circled the jackals and the vulture, holding his tender right paw in the air. They sensed his unease and began to circle him. Suddenly, he seized his chance and dashed at the pile of flesh and bone, grabbing at what he could. Pathetically, almost comically, he emerged with the beast's tail and dragged it away to gnaw at a safe distance.
After watching the jackals, we were driven further into the bush to be met by more surrealism; a party of chefs and waiters from Kirawira waiting to serve us a breakfast of eggs, bacon and champagne under the shade of a wide spanned acacia tree. Returning to camp an hour later, we passed the scene of the kill and saw the carcass-eating pack of hyenas. Only the wildebeest's spinal cord and horns were left. The jackals had devoured the meat and hyenas had cleaned the bones.

David, our driver explained why, of all animals in the bush, he admired the hyenas the most. 'He is a natural cleaner,' he said. 'When every other animal has finished eating its prey, along comes the hyena and eats everything that is left - flesh, hide, bones.

A few days later, we were coasting along in the Land-Rover, on a game drive near the banks of the beautiful Lake Manyara, about 100 kilometres west of Arusha. This is a beautiful park with loads of animals. Standing against the setting sun, were several majestic giraffes, chewing slowly and looking at us impassively through long, glamorously curled eyelashes. Soon, a large herd of zebra came nosing out of the scrub, and then water bucks, impalas, dick-dick and briefly - too briefly - an elephant with her young.

A 65km drive from Lake Manyara found us on the lip of this massive caldera, 8,288 sq kms. of plain, ringed by high mountains - an Africa in microcosm. Plains, swamps and forest are home to the major species found across equatorial Africa, and from high above the valley floor I saw my first leopard. Flamingos turned a small lake the colour of cheap lipstick, while baboons and giraffes roamed freely nearby.

Sitting in the shade in the hot blazing sun, David explained the many qualities of thorny acacia bush. The roots, bark, the leaves and fruit are used by the Masai people to cure all manner of ailments. "One even has Viagra-like qualities in its leaves, which are pounded and made into tea", he said pouring black coffee from a steal thermos, promising he would make me taste it on my return to Arusha. I had seen the animals and the Africa I had come to see; and the Viagra tea was definitely a bonus!

Harish Kohli is a mountaineer, winner of the lifetime achievement Award for National Adventure and a travel author. His book 'Across the Frozen Himalayas' is based on a real life incident of having survived - 48 Degrees Celsius temperatures on the summit of the Karakoram Pass for over 26 hours.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/A-Game-Park-With-A-Difference/16518

Backpacking Journals - Preserve Your Backpacking Experiences

2008-03-05T05:35:00.001-08:00

Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your backpacking experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a backpacking journal for your adventures.

Backpacking Journals

Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent backpacking experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went backpacking. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular backpacking routes and spectacular views. The experiences you've forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a backpacking journal, this won't be the case.

There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank's Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your backpacking experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.

A good backpacking journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don't have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:

1. Who you went backpacking with,

2. Where you backpacked and if you enjoyed it,

3. Who you met and contact information for them,

4. The geographic and weather conditions,

5. Routes you tried and how far you made it, and

6. Any unique things that occurred while backpacking.

At the end of the trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:

1. Contact information for other backpackers and people you met,

2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you backpack the location a second time.

3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and

4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.

To get the most out of your backpacking journal, you should write in it during backpacking breaks or immediately after. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.

Backpacking is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Backpacking-Journals---Preserve-Your-Backpacking-Experiences/17045

10 Things You Must Know When Camping In Bear Country

2008-03-05T05:20:00.000-08:00

Copyright 2006 Karin Manning

It goes without saying that there are risks when it comes to camping in bear country.

In fact, on 14 April 2006 this risk became a tragic fact of life when a 6 year old girl received fatal injuries from a black bear while camping.

Campgrounds are now having to incorporate policies and procedures to ensure bear conservation and safety for campers. The DEC Campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves in New York State are two such campgrounds. Their staff have developed specific policies and procedures to minimize the occurrence of bear problems at their campgrounds while maintaining a healthy, natural black bear population.

There are eight critical ways that you can minimise the chances of getting hurt by bears by following these simple tips:

1. Avoid traditional bear feeding areas.

2. Avoid camp locations where bears have been known to roam in the past.

3. Avoid camping where you may have trouble seeing a bear through vegetation.

4. Avoid camping where you see bear droppings and fresh tracks.

5. Never feed wild bears.

6. Store your food in a cooler which is locked in the car

7. Like most animals, bears are attracted to garbage so make sure your campsite is very clean

8. Remember that behind every cute baby bear is a very overprotective bear mother!

9. Stop fishing when bears are present. They want your fish more than you do.

10. The minimum safe distance from a bear is 50-100 yards.

There are now a number of organizations that are working passionately on increasing bear awareness in the community. The National Spokesman of The National Be Bear Aware & Wildlife Stewardship Campaign, General H Norman Schwarzkopf, is dedicated to providing teachers, college students, youth groups and guiding/hunting groups with educational materials and training programs to teach outdoor enthusiasts and residents up to date safety skills and techniques for camping, hunting, viewing, hiking, photographing and living with wildlife like bears safely and responsibly. More information is available at the Campaign's website at http://www.bebearawaresw.org.

Along a similar vein, The 'Bear Safe Washington' program began in 1999 with funding from the World Society for the Protection of Animals. This program of presentations, brochures and seminars was designed to raise awareness of all bear issues in Washington State. Its bear safe guide can be downloaded at http://www.insightwildlife.com/bearsafe.htm

The Get Bear Smart Society based in Whistler, Canada, educates people on dealing with bears in the community and promoting innovative bear management practices. Supporters can make donations by visiting their website at http://www.bearsmart.com.

SPECIAL OFFER: You may have heard of Karin Manning. She's the author of 101 Top Camping Tips For Beginners. She really wants you to have better camping trips. That's why she created her own library of free camping books including 101 Top Camping Tips For Beginners, Cheap Camping Tips For The Budget Camper, The 2006 Guide To Dutch Oven Cooking, Smokin Hot Chili Recipes For Campers On The Run and much, much more. Download your copies now at www.free-camping-books.com before she decides to start charging.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/10-Things-You-Must-Know-When-Camping-In-Bear-Country/16935

30 Top Camping Tips For Beginners

2008-03-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Copyright 2006 Karin Manning

Seasoned novices and beginners alike all over the world every weekend enjoy the simplicity of camping.

The idea of camping to some of you conjures up images that may make you cringe, especially those of you who have never camped as a child or have heard horror stories from friends and relatives, and have unfairly decided never to give it a fair go.

How much effort you put into adequately planning your camping trip will determine how successful (and enjoyable) your trip will be. Though some of these tasks may seem tedious and tiresome, the more often you put these tasks into practice the more fun you will have doing them.

Here are 30 Things You Must Know Before You Go On Your First Camping Trip:

1. Gather all your camping equipment in a corner of a room and keep adding to it as you think of it.

2. Use basket shelves in your car for easy storage.

3. Store your clothes in sports bags.

4. Make sure all heavy items are secure and are packed at the bottom of your car boot with lighter items on top.

5. Take one prepared meal in a freezer meal that can be easily reheated on arrival at your destination.

6. Make sure you have everything you need for a drink stop like tea bags, instant coffee, sugar, condensed milk, cordial, powder, biscuits, a two litre bottle of water, matches, kettle, wet wipes and tea cloth

7. If you are going away for a short trip prepare your hot dishes so that you have more time to relax at your camp site and enjoy yourself.

8. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables at every chance.

9. List everything you will eat on the number of days you are away.

10. Keep extras always on hand which includes flowers for cakes and breads, noodles, rice, beans and lentils.

11. Remember long life milk (two to three cartons of long life milk per day should be sufficient for a family of two children and two adults as a guide).

12. Try camping in your backyard to see how you feel about your tent and sleeping bags etc.

13. Your first camping gear does not have to be expensive. It is more important that it is durable and keeps you protected from all weather conditions. Bring a piece of ground cloth with you, a piece of plastic that goes under your tent. Tuck the edges neatly underneath the tent. The first thing you must consider when choosing the tent is the size ie the number of people your tent is going to house.

14. Take cutlery with you that is old and definitely won't be missed if it doesn't come home with you.

15. Keep cutlery separate from crockery by placing them in plastic containers with lids or in a tea towel in a plastic bag.

16. Here is a list of items of cutlery and crockery that may be useful for your next camping trip. A fork, knife, teaspoon and dessert spoon should be enough for each person. 17. Have a serrated edge knife that can also be used as a bread knife.

18. Vegetable peeler and knife.

19. Metal egg lifter.

20. A large aluminium coffee pot, the larger the better.

21. Barbeque tongs.

22. Egg rings.

23. A small meat mallet.

24. A sharp knife and sharpener.

25. Can opener.

26. Large serving spoon and wooden spoon.

27. Make sure you have an enamel cup, bowl and plate for every person.

28. Use an enamel plate next to the fire to warm food.

29. Use an enamel plate as a base for food in your camp oven.

30. Bring paper plates in case you are in an area where water is scarce, and be sure to take your rubbish with you.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/30-Top-Camping-Tips-For-Beginners/17177

San Diego Beach Hikes - Cardiff to Carlsbad

2008-03-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the average home price being around $500,000, they better be interesting!

To unwind, I typically stop on my way home from work to hike from Cardiff to Carlsbad on the beach. For picturesque sunsets and "tasty waves", the beach between Cardiff to Carlsbad can't be beat.

Cardiff - Starting

I typically start this hike by parking just south of restaurant row in Cardiff. Restaurant row is located to the north of the lagoon between Cardiff and Solana Beach on Highway 101. Parking is located on the side of the road, which is right up against the beach. Give me convenience or give me death!

As you head north, you first pass Charlie's and other restaurants. Past the restaurants, you will come to the beginning of the bluffs that will line the beach to the end of the hike. San Elijo campground is on top of the initial bluffs and extends for roughly a mile north. The campground is very popular and the temporary home of locals and tourist. You can tell the difference by contrasting tans with sunburns.

Following San Elijo, you will walk through Sea Cliff County Park with bluffs over 100 feet high. An area known affectionately as "Swami's" quickly follows this park. The name derives from the fact the area above the bluff is the home to the Self Realization Fellowship Center. This area is know as hot surf spot, but is very crowded. If you are a bit winded, you can stop and watch 50 or so surfers maneuver for waves. Yes, traffic jams aren't exclusively restricted to California freeways.

North of Swami's, you will cruise along a long strip of sand hemmed in by 50 to 60 foot bluffs in the town of Encinitas. For those with a wicked sense of humor, there is a relatively popular game called, "Watch the house fall." Yes, the bluffs are giving away slowly. As they erode, the homes first lose plants, then patios and so on. They say real estate is all about location, location, location, but sometimes a beach front home isn't all that great.

The Encinitas section of the hike is fairly long. With the high bluffs, you will find sections of the beach that are deserted. Yes, even during summer. The only thing breaking up the solitude is Moonlight Beach, a fairly popular beach with locals. Otherwise, it's just you, shells and joggers until you arrive at the end of the bluffs and South Carlsbad. Time to turn around and find the car.

The Cardiff to South Carlsbad hike is about 5 miles in each direction. The walk is flat and quick. By the end, you will be relaxed and forget that Bert in accounting is a jerk. Enjoy.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/San-Diego-Beach-Hikes---Cardiff-to-Carlsbad/17868

Adventure on HooDoo Creek: the boys explore Mount Gunnison in Colorado

2008-03-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Mount Gunnison was calling as we three 13 year old boys laid our plans and set out on our next Colorado back country adventure. We had studied our Forest Service map and convinced our parents that we knew what we were doing. It seemed fairly straightforward. We would follow the Forest Service trail about a mile toward Minnesota Pass from Beaver Reservoir up the East Fork of Minnesota Creek. To get there you headed southeast from Paonia, Colorado following Minnesota Creek along road 710. Paonia, Colorado, was a quiet little town about 25 miles up in the mountains from Delta, Colorado following highway 92 and 133. Growing up in the area I saw Paonia valley as a Shangri-La. The mountain ringed valley provided a glorious abundance of apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and pears, and the 4th of July was a community celebration called "Cherry Days".

Completing the Shangri-La illusion, southeast of Paonia, Mount Lamborn and Landsend Peak form an amazingly close mountainous backdrop for the town. East of Lamborn, above Minnesota Creek, Mount Gunnison stands tall, remote and seemingly inaccessible. We three boys meant to change that perspective, taking on the peak, or at least taking a good shot at it. Ron, Larry and I laid out our provisions across the living room floor, checking our lists and divying up the loads accordingly. Larry with his weight training had the dubious honor of the heaviest pack load. Ron and I split the remaining supplies.

Our adventure forty some years ago was outfitted in a pre-modern camping gear era - at least in our lives. My Boy Scout backpack was an open bag into which everything was piled, our tent a piece of tarp strung between two trees. And my bedding - a couple of wool blankets that Mom thought couldn't get too badly damaged. Interesting the way the world and our expectations change over time.

My folks dropped us off up at the Beaver Reservoir dam, and the adventure began. We excitedly covered the first mile of the trail quickly. Around a mile, a side trail turns sharp left leading around the side of Mount Gunnison, over to Coal Creek on the other side. That was not for us though. It appeared on the map that you could head directly east at that juncture, following HooDoo Creek as it led up a draw toward the summit of Mount Gunnison. You could see the beginnings of a trail heading up that direction - the trail we chose to follow.

The excitement of exploration drove us onward, upward through aspen groves on the lower flanks of Mount Gunnison. Always keeping HooDoo Creek within sight to our left, we followed that narrow, windy trail through the increasingly dense brush. It became apparent that the "trail" we were following was probably a game trail going nowhere in particular. Hitting multiple forks on the path, within an hour of leaving the main Minnesota Pass Trail our trail disappeared completely. Undeterred, we struggled onward and upward through dense brush for another hour or so. The relatively open aspen grove transitioned into dense pine forest, the trek becoming even more challenging as dissension arose within the ranks. It was unclear that there was any easy route through the timber, or which way to go, and some were questioning if we were - lost.

Lost? How could we possibly be lost? Three 13 year old boys way off trail, bumbling around in dense forests on the flanks of Mount Gunnison in the West Elk Wilderness Area - lost - it's possible. Ron climbed a taller pine in the forest to see if he could make out where we were. It was obvious where we were - in the middle of a deep pine forest somewhere on the side of the mountain.

We seldom apply - lost - to our adventures. Afterall, we spent days and days out exploring the mountains, creeks and draws throughout the whole Paonia valley. As long as we could hear HooDoo Creek cascading down the draw to our north, we hadn't strayed far from it. We knew we could follow it down to the East Fork of Minnesota Creek and our main trail out.

But the upward trek toward the summit of Mount Gunnison was questionable. The journey became bushwhacking, and the day was waning. So, we halted our upward struggle, worked our way across to HooDoo Creek, and found a wonderful spot on the creek bank under the tall pines to pitch camp.

The tarp strung between trees, the three of us jockeyed for which rock we were going to be sleeping on underneath it. With a fire in the fire ring, we whipped up standard gourmet camp fare - Lipton chicken noodle soup - accompanied by excellent shoestring potatoes and home made cookies. Following rousing camping songs, where we learned that Larry had a budding career in the bluegrass industry, we settled in for a memorable night in the woods.

The following morning dawned cold and rainy. Yes, a little rain into the "tent" during the night, soaked the three of us to the skin. We struck camp early and waded through dripping wet brush, plodding back down from the lower ridges of Mount Gunnison, continuing singing those same great tunes we shared around the campfire. Maybe we understood why there was no trail straight
up next to HooDoo Creek, leading to the top of Mount Gunnison. "Wouldn't it be great if there were a trail up there?" we laughed, enjoying the view of the peak as we waited at Beaver Reservoir for our ride.

Reflecting back forty-some years on that wonderful adventure, I probably wouldn't change a thing, except for the gear. And now that I've found that I can begin and end that journey in the comfort of nearby motel accommodations in either Cedaredge or Delta found at: http://www.montanaadventure.com/out/state/us-co.html I am excited to re-explore that wonderful area.

As web designer for the Montana Recreation Connection and Colorado Wilderness Tours at ( www.montanaadventure.com/out/state/us-co.html, Gordon Hollingshead has provided an online travel directory for the past 10 years for people planning theri vacations and travels throughout the western United States. More information contact Gordon at gordonh@montanaadventure.com.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Adventure-on-HooDoo-Creek---the-boys-explore-Mount-Gunnison-in-Colorado/18844

What to Expect Hiking Havasu

2008-03-03T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hiking Havasu
by Michael Pavelek

Although Havasu is a popular hiking destination and pictures of the falls can be found everywhere, there is surprisingly little information available about how to plan a hiking trip. Perhaps this is because the people who have grown up around Havasu take for granted the basic questions that hikers unfamiliar with the area would have; such as "how difficult is the hike, where can drinking water be found, and are toilets available?" This article provides answers to these questions and more.

1. Reservations

Reservations are required in order to hike to the falls. Making reservations is easy and information can be found on the Havasu web site at http://www.havasupaitribe.com. This web site also provides information about current rates for camp sites, horse rental, and helicopter rides as well as directions to get to the trail head. Don't expect to make reservations at the last minute because the lines at the tourist office are often busy.

2. Hotels near Havasu

Since the Havasu village is eight miles down the trail and the temperature
can be quite hot, many people like to spend the night in a hotel and then get an early morning start. Inexpensive hotels can be found in Seligman, and along Route 66. There will be about two hours of driving time from the hotel to the trail head; so plan to leave the hotel before sunrise if you are trying to avoid hiking in the heat.

3. Trail Head and Parking

The trail head has a paved parking area which is fairly large. During busy times such as holiday weekends, cars are also parked along the road for at least a half mile past the paved parking area. Parking is done on a first come first served basis. Sometimes parking spots near the trail head are available even though cars are stretched back down the road as people are regularly leaving and arriving. Driving to the trail head to look for a closer spot before settling on a parking spot near the back can be worth while.

There is not a source of drinking water at the trail head, so make sure to bring enough to make the eight mile trek to the village.

There are some old pit toilets at the trail head which are now full of trash and fortunately have been replaced by porta-johns. These are the last toilets prior to entering the actual camp site which is about ten miles away; so plan accordingly.

If you are sending your gear down by horseback, there is a shed near the trail head where the gear can be checked; but make sure you make reservations for a horse in advance if you plan on using one.

4. Trail Difficulty and Awareness

Switchbacks going down from the trail head make this trail look like a real challenge, but after the initial switchbacks, the trail becomes a gradual slope down what appears to be an old river bed. The trail continues in a gradual downward slope the whole way to the village. The trail surface starts off as hard packed dust interspersed with rocks and for the largest part of the hike becomes a fairly smooth lightly covered gravel surface. It is very easy surface to walk on until just prior to the village where the trail turns into a deep soft sand and remains sandy for the two miles into the camp ground. The outside edges are often packed harder and provide easier walking.

Listen for horses moving up the trail and move to the side early. Unlike the mule trains at the Grand Canyon National Park, these horses are often driven up the valley at a good clip and could be dangerous for people not expecting them.

5. Check-in at the Village

Check-in at the tourist office in the village to pay the balance of your reservation. Fortunately, they do take VISA, but I prefer to take cash just in case. The tourist office is on the left hand side as you come into the main part of town and is clearly marked. Upon check-in, you will receive tags to display on your camping equipment and a map with directions to the camp ground.

There is a store on the square that sells cold drinks and groceries with benches outside that make this a great place to take a break. US mail is available to send letters or post cards, but I don't recall seeing a public pay phone in the village.

Be careful heading through town to the camp site. The sign to make a right near the school is somewhat hidden in a tree and many hikers seem to have missed it as we saw them being turned around and redirected by the local Indians.

6. The Falls

The walk from the village to the falls is approximately two miles. The trail approaches the falls from the top and the campground starts immediately past the falls. The Indians often have stands set up selling hot dogs and drinks near the campground which are reasonably priced considering the location. A fatty hot dog can also be a welcome alternative to freeze dried meals.

Although I prefer to only carry what is absolutely necessary when it comes to hiking, sandals or water shoes are worth taking to Havasu falls. Sandals make walking through the pools of water below the falls much easier as the rocks are somewhat jagged.

7. Campground

Camping spots are first come, first serve and the campground runs on both sides of the stream for quite some distance. The only bridge to cross to the far side of the campground is near the entrance. This results in many people walking through the stream and other people's camp sites to come back and visit Mooney falls; which is just past the back side of the campground. The camp sites were generally large enough for at least two tents and the soft sandy soil made it easy to drive in tent pegs and was a dream to sleep on.

Porta-johns are at both ends of the campground, but only on the side of the stream with the main trail. Keep this in mind when selecting a site. Depending on where you are camped, it may be faster to go to the porta-johns on the back side of the campground than to walk back out to the front. The Porta-johns are rigged with harnesses to be raised out by helicopter which must be an impressive operation. If anyone has pictures of this process, I would love to see them!

Drinking water is available at the campground from a spring which is marked by a hand painted sign. The spring is located on the left hand side just past the campground entrance.

8. Hiking Out

There are signs posted requesting that people do not hike at night, but many people pack up before first light and head out with their headlamps in order to avoid the midday heat. Once you are through the sandy trail sections near the village, the upward sloping trail is so gradual that the uphill slope is hardly noticeable. The switchbacks at the end are a bit of a challenge, but they are not very long and a slow pace, frequent breaks, and good hiking staff can make them pass by without difficulty.

With a good idea of what to expect, hiking Havasu should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The water falls at Havasu are some of the most beautiful hiking destinations around. Please remember to be respectful and throw away all trash so that Havasu will continue to be open to future generations.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/What-to-Expect-Hiking-Havasu/18854

Montana Moccasin Ridge Adventure - a Spring Training Hike Bonus

2008-03-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

In a light drizzle that chilly Sunday morning the Moccasin Ridge trek was underway. June hikes in Montana frequently offer the rain option and this was no exception. With hikes up that same route almost every weekend year round, a surprise on that familiar route would be..., well, surprising.

The trail up Moccasin Ridge is a perfect outdoor gym with a range of cardiovascular workout levels . The workouts range from relatively level stretches to full bore hill climbs, especially in the upper switchbacks criss-crossing the higher faces of the ridge. It's not a Montana mountain peak but rather a hill among many within the intriguing Sapphire Range, and a Forest Service logging road, across the Clark Fork River from Clinton, MT.

The 5 mile training trail begins upon taking a sharp right turn immediately after crossing the Clark Fork at the Swartz Creek bridge. It serves as my private outdoor workout gym, a perfect training setting in every season and weather condition. The large and scenic Clark Fork River lies at the bottom. Moccasin Ridge offers a mountain spring trickling down one of draws, steep inclines, mountain meadows, massive ponderosa pines, deer flitting off into the woods, a small herd of elk lurking in the thicker stands of pines, and an occasional black bear is glimpsed disappearing into the brush.

Throwing on my training pack I set out in the gentle rain and the swirling mountain mists on the upper 2.2 mile leg of the hill climb. The higher climb provides steeper inclines, great views across the valley and surrounding range, and approximates the major Montana mountain trails elsewhere. The upper leg starts at a great knoll about halfway up Moccasin Ridge, expansive enough to set up a campsite under the enormous Ponderosas.

Getting out of the car, I was surprised at the lupines already forming flower heads. Little yellow glacier lilies were already in bloom when I had hiked the trail a couple of weeks before, but I thought they were usually way ahead of the curve for blooming plants at my workout gym. Initially, the trail leads from the knoll winding gently upward through pine groves. With the continual spring rains all the underbrush and grasses were flourishing in spingtime greens.

Wondering at my gradually fading vision, the startle effect was complete, as out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a hint of blue in the grass. Zeroing in on that splash of blue, to my amazement a tiny cluster of Montana bluebells came into focus - right there, right now this early part of June. I then realized that bluebells were all over that hillside meadow above the trail. Scattered among them were wonderful little yellow blossoms and white ones - the flowery beginnings of the springtime blossom parade!

I laughed at the curious spin this startling realization provided my perspective as I had worked this same trail a dozen times over the past 4 months. Typically, during the Moccasin Ridge workout the real processing occurs in the recesses of my mind and the "here and now" world provides a backdrop. Daily life struggles seize the initiative, venting and processing in the quiet solitude of these treks up the ridge.

This mountainside trek was no different. Our oldest son, Robert, had surprised us all, joined the Army, and "shipped out" to Basic Training just days before. This son of avowed peace loving, pacifist parents had voluntarily enlisted his services in a war machine, putting himself in dramatically dangerous circumstances. It was fitting that the hike up the mountain was a slog in the rain.

The Deities, being playful forces, seized the opportunity, springing a delightful surprise on me in the midst of all that grey and rain and grim introspection. A hint of blue in the springtime green, upon refocusing the attention, revealed a mountain meadow of flowers. I marveled at the irony. Continuing the hike, my pace quickened, the slog became an exploration of springtime wonders.

At the first half mile the trail takes a sharp and steep turn to the east, the first of the switchbacks working through tall timber. A deer startled, leaping from the trail into the brush and disappearing. Above the trail among trees and bushes multiple little pink spots were visible. Upon refocusing dozens of little pink shooting stars were seen scattered among the grasses. This grey, rainy June day took on a whole other hue and mood - those rascally Cosmic Forces.

The trail switchbacks criss-cross the steeper face of Moccasin Ridge for the next mile and a half, with more open meadows, steep inclines, and less timber to shelter from the continuing spring rain. The steep meadows were laced with clusters of blues, pinks, yellows and whites - the Dieties and spring had painted the hillside

As I finally topped the ridge at 2.2 miles, the rains decreased to light sprinkles. The mists swirling about the ridge lifted, and the clouds started to break up, offering some sunshine. A wonderful panorama opens upon topping the ridge, with the views back into Swartz Creek, hundreds of square miles of the Sapphire Range, and Elk Mountain standing tall right in the middle. The Deities graced me with meadows now awash with the pinks and reds of Indian Paintbrush along with the rest of the blue, white and yellow blooms.

A burst of sunshine, mountain meadows and blossoms of pinks, blues, yellows and whites while not a solution, at least offered some silver linings as a step in coping with the overall picture, providing a counterpoint. On the return down the mountain there was a little more of a spring in my step. At the end of that surprising hike I soaked my aching bones in the jaccuzi in our Missoula, Montana motel found at: http://www.montanaadventure.com/out/state/us-mt.html . It provided a perfect ending to an unexpectedly transformational day.

As web designer and owner of the Montana Receration Connection and Western States Wilderness Tours at www.montanaadventure.com, Gordon Hollingshead has provided an online travel directory for the past 10 years for people planning their vacations and travels throughout the western United States. More information contact Gordon at gordonh@montanaadventure.com.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Montana-Moccasin-Ridge-Adventure---a-Spring-Training-Hike-Bonus/18877

In search of Moon Lake: a Montana Mission Mountain Oddessy

2008-03-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

Montana's Mission Mountains - a phenomena of stunning proportions and striking beauty. I marveled as I waded back between those magnificent peaks. I was following the trail around McDonald Lake and back up Post Creek, off in search of Moon Lake. I had no illusions about the meaning of the designation stamped on the map - Annual Grizzly Bear Closure Area. There was no indication that this was the time for the closure though, so with considerable trepidation I set out on my adventure, figuring they must be off doing other things at the moment.

To get to McDonald Lake, travel Highway 93 between Polson and Missoula, Montana. About 7 miles north of St. Ignatius, you turn right on McDonald Lake Road, following it straight east toward the mountains. Crossing a canal, you turn left and north, following the winding road another mile to McDonald Lake dam. Turning left again, follow the dirt road across the dam, past picnic spots and finally to the trail head at the end of the road.

I am always in awe at the up-close and personal proximity of the surrounding peaks in that area, providing the constant lure to the area. In particular McDonald Peak with the McDonald Glacier towers over me to the south, directly across the lake and creek. Even as I marvel at the majesty of the towering peaks, the imagination takes off, spying a hundred vantage points above me for
the local Grizzly population. I struggle to avoid picturing them sitting "up there", flipping a coin for which one gets first crack at the prewrapped morsel blindly stumbling into their kitchen. The
amazing mountain scene, however, provides an unstoppable appeal, and the logical probability of having a bad day with a Grizzly is low enough that the exploration must proceed.

The first thing you notice as you hit the trail is that it is not overly used. Makes you wonder. Within a quarter of a mile on the trail around McDonald Lake, following a set of mild switchbacks, you find yourself out on a point above the lake, with an awe inspiring view of the lake and McDonald Peak. Many times I've stopped when traveling through the area to walk that quarter mile to that point for "just one more picture", as can be seen on our website in Gallery 3.

From that point leading back along the north side of McDonald Lake, the overall trail is surprisingly level for trekking into such steep mountains. The trail, virtually following the base of McDonald Peak sits at around 3,800 feet in elevation, with the peak right next to you "up there" at 9,868 feet. Leading around the lake, the trail crosses numerous wide open slide chutes leading clear to the top of the peak opposite McDonald. At another point the trail crosses a moss covered shear cliff, but is wide enough that you don't feel at risk for falling. Past the end of the lake, the trail drops down onto Post Creek, and in the next couple miles leads through an amazing old growth Cedar grove.

Needless to say, my bear paranoias prompted me to pick up a sturdy stick. Not that I'm ready to put up much of a fight. Rather, I whacked that stick on every other rock and tree branch all the way up the trail. Bears really have no interest in spending time with the humanoid species. So if the bear hears you coming, they will interrupt their otherwise busy schedules to find pursuits clear up over the ridge from you. The key is to avoid surprising them. With all my noise, they at least stepped aside to a safe distance from the crazy person.

Past the wonderful cedar grove the trail gradually climbs through a brushier area approaching the upper end of the canyon. I hit a set of 4 or 5 switchbacks leading in a steep climb up a rock face
up the north side of the valley, opposite McDonald Peak. The trail then leads off from here in a loop circling around, crossing Eagle Pass and coming out on Eagle Pass Creek north of McDonald Lake.

Moon Lake was within striking distance. Once past the switchbacks and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the trail leads through some marshier areas in the upper reaches of Post Creek. At last, through the trees Moon Lake came into view, settled in the midst of tall pines. In late June this glistening jewel of a high mountain lake still entertained snowbanks along the shadier shorelines.

Settling on a sunnier lake shore spot under the tall pines I marveled that the Dieties allowed me this unbelievably unique opportunity. Flanked by the massive peaks all around I existed in this exquisitely rugged backcountry spot, far off the beaten path. No other human beings were anywhere within miles of this awesomely gorgeous corner of the world. In an emergency that might be a negative aspect. With the Dieties at my side, I wasn't living to always watch for emergencies, and savored that sense of uniqueness, and do to this day.

Soon enough I had to hit the rugged trail back out of there. Of course, coming back is quicker than going in. It's a downhill run. Still, the overall distance of around 5 miles each way made that return journey one of aching legs and feet. Finally, back to the car, I bid that awesome mountain paradise farewell and hit the highway to Polson. The prospect of soaking the tired, aching feet and legs in the motel jacuzzi became the primary driving force. Thank goodness I had found the perfect motel for the occasion through our website at http://www.montanaadventure.com When you're in the western Montana area, you don't want to miss the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the incredible Mission Mountains for yourself.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/In-search-of-Moon-Lake--a-Montana-Mission-Mountain-Oddessy/19173

Descent into Dark Canyon: Kids Wild Fishing in Colorado's Raggeds Wilderness

2008-03-01T23:57:00.000-08:00

The trout literally leaped to snag our hooks as we cast them again and again into the small pools of Trout Creek as it cascaded down through the brush, waterfalling from rock to rock. No, really, that is one of those rare memories from childhood that stands out as a boggling phenomena, one of few that I clearly recall. Beyond that I don't bank a lot on my abilities to recall a lot from years past, and this trek into the Colorado backcountry almost seems like a journey to OZ.

Trout Creek was a small side creek to the Anthracite in western Colorado between Paonia and Crested Butte up on Kebler Pass. I was 13 years old, and trekking into the Raggeds Wilderness with my buddy Steve, his dad and brother. We followed an obscure overgrown trail around Marcellina Mountain down into the fabled Dark Canyon to fish and camp, following Anthracite Creek out to the other trailhead.

My family had driven over Kebler Pass many times, and Marcellina Mountain stood tall and daunting right near the road, jutting up in the Colorado backcountry to a lofty 11,348 feet within the Raggeds Wilderness. That we were actually going to backcountry trek around that peak, hiking through the Raggeds Wilderness and down legendary Dark Canyon - a childhood dream come true.

To get there, we followed Highway 133 around 16 miles east up the North Fork of the Gunnison River from Paonia, Colorado to the road fork below Paonia Dam. Turning right the road leads up Anthracite Creek 5 miles to Erikson Springs Campground and a switchback, the road leading up Kebler Pass. Around 5 miles past the switchback, forest Trail 836, leads east into a tall stand of aspens. Trail 836 leads to Trout Creek following it down to Anthracite Creek and the heart of Dark Canyon, connecting with Trail 830.

Our trail circled Marcellina Mountain looming tall south of Dark Canyon. North of us, the Raggeds Mountains rose tall and inaccessible as we worked our way down toward Anthracite Creek. Herein lay the wonder of the trek into this rugged backcountry. Crossing into the Raggeds Wilderness, we hit Trout Creek, receiving our fishing instructions from Steve's dad. Issuing each of us a small barbless hook, we tied them to our lines, and were then instructed to enjoy.

Never since have I experienced such amazement. Trout Creek, true to it's name was teaming with trout as this wild little stream crashed through the brush . With no fly or bait on the hook I expected nothing. Instead to my disbelief, every cast into a pool below a rock prompted a rush of trout, all fighting to grab that shiney treat hitting their waters. Every time - boom - a set of trout would strike, one of them seizing the prize and the point of a hook. The majority of course, were far too small to be of any use whatsoever and were all tossed back - hence the barbless hooks. As Steve's Dad pointed out, we would catch more than enough for our dinner and breakfast down on the Anthracite.

We boys whooped and hollered at cast after cast. It was beyond unreal, falling into a category of sport fishing I had never encountered before. Working our way down the small creek through the brush we finally hit Anthracite Creek, and headed down through the fabled Dark Canyon, a deep and mysterious gorge through surrounding benchlands of aspen and spruce. The canyon narrows with rimrock cliffs and caves in the outcrops above. The narrow valley and the walls of Dark Canyon close in high above, casting deep shadows as the rock cliffs rise 1,700 feet above the river in the darker stretches. As the day waned, the trail grew dark and narrow, as it led through a deep forest of aspen and enormous spruce trees.

Following our narrow trail around 5 miles from our beginnings up on Kebler Pass road, and down into Dark Canyon, Steve's dad knew the perfect place to set up camp on the banks of Anthracite Creek. We set up our meager sleeping quarters in a park-like setting under the towering spruce. I strung my best tarp between two trees, staking the corners and figuring a good spot to sleep on the ground with a couple of wool blankets Mom was able to spare for this adventure. Within minutes after hitting the nearby pools of the Anthracite, we had more than enough fresh trout to ccommodate our evenings dining pleasure. Fortunately for us boys, Steve's dad was skilled at wrapping the trout in foil with butter, quickly cooking them in the campfire coals to nothing short of gourmet erfection.

The shadows grew longer with a deep, dark night settling upon us, far down in Dark Canyon, a prime Colorado habitat for bears in the heart of the Raggeds Wilderness. Despite that brief concern, our exhaustion from the days journey and excitement brought a deep, restful sleep to the bunch of us. Dawn came early even as the sun seemed to take forever to pierce into the canyon and warm us. As another of those wonderful memories of this journey into Dark Canyon, Steve's dad had rustled up a morning catch of trout, and was again foil cooking a mouthwatering breakfast on the campfire to start our day.

We packed our gear and later that morning hit the trail for the next 6 miles of trail to follow the rest of the way down through Dark Canyon. As the day progressed we paused along the trail to pull in yet more wonderful trout, filling our limits working our way down stream. The canyon and the surrounding forests were a wonder as we worked our way through old-growth spruce and aspen, with views back up the small side canyons toward the surrounding peaks. Finally in late afternoon we straggled out the other end at the trailhead at Erickson Springs Campground where Steve's Mom picked us up.

What an outstanding adventure through Dark Canyon! Years later that journey will be revisited beginning and ending in the comfort of nearby motel accommodations in Crested Butte or Delta, Colorado found at: http://www.montanaadventure.com/out/state/us-co.html. The memories and the anticipation come flooding back.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Descent-into-Dark-Canyon---Kid-s-Wild-Fishing-in-Colorado-s-Raggeds-Wilderness/20665

A spectacular trail find on the Swan Range of Montana - a trek to Sunday Mountain summit.

2008-03-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

This time was different. Previous years I had settled into a tent near the car at the viewpoint below Richmond Peak, a timbered ridge to the north and east of Seeley Lake, Montana. Time and again I had enjoyed the awesome view of the mighty wall of mountain ridge that rose up from the canyon below me, towering over all surroundings - the majestic Montana peak of Sunday Mountain. From the Richmond Peak vantage point the face of the peak, made up of bare slide zones, with a few ridges of trees and brush, appeared to rise almost straight up from the valley floor below. It was not a mountain wall that I would expect to yield a trail, a bit of a cliffhanger path that would lead to the summit.

Awakening that Saturday morning in August though, again at the Richmond Peak viewpoint, after a quick breakfast, I threw my pack on my back. I then hit the trail up the side of Richmond Peak across the canyon from Sunday Mountain. On a previous hike in the area I had found an unmarked trail that departed the mapped trail/abandoned logging road leading up the side of Richmond Peak. The unmarked trail crossed the saddle where the canyon rose to meet the ridge, and appeared to connect with the Sunday Mountain face, and then head upwards - at a sharp incline. I wasn't certain where the trail would lead, but it sure gave the appearance of providing a possible access route to the top of Sunday Mountain.

With clear blue skies of an incredible Montana August day, the climb ahead would still be a cool one as the sun of the day was to the east behind the Sunday Mountain ridge. No question about it, this was also bear country - Grizzly bear country. The initial distance on this unmarked trail led off through dense, overgrown brush as it led across the saddle. What better place for them to be hanging out than in the dense brush I was working my way through.

Such a huge relief to make it past the dense brush, with no bear tales to write home about. Out into the open I was on the lower flanks of this mountain I had dreamt of tackling for years. As noted, the trail immediately took a sharp turn, upward in a steep climb. Then, veering off to the north across the face, a slightly leveler trek ensued as it angled upward across the face through wonderful fields of bear-grass mixed with a myriad of flowers in a rainbow of colors. It was almost beyond belief - trekking through chest high fields of flowers on the trail to Sunday Mountain.

The trail led across 2 or 3 avalanche draws filled with bear-grass, then doubled back, requiring scrambling up rock ledges, and again leading off across the draws. With another hour of scrambling the steep path, to my surprise I found myself working through a high mountain meadow area apparently home to a band of mountain sheep. My heart beat faster as I realized that this high meadow was tucked in directly below one of the summit cliffs outcroppings. Given the climb to that point, like my heart could beat much faster.

Another 20 minutes of scrambling, and at last, the summit ridge for Sunday Mountain was conquered. The view stretched before me down and back into Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. To get to the Sunday Mountain summit called for another half hour of scrambling, following the ridge up and up until I could go no further, the highest point on the mountain ridge.

What a sense of triumph! In all directions the ground dropped below me, to the east off into the vastness of the Bob Marshall Wilderness with a large expanse of Grizzly Basin directly below. To the west from this birds eye view, the steep drop off I had just come up opened out on an expansive view of the Swan Valley with the Mission Mountain Range lining the western horizon. Below me, drifting lazily on the breezes, an eagle circled looking for it's afternoon snack. To the east from my perch at the top of my world, 2 or 3 snowbanks in the draws below me persistently held out for upcoming fall and winter reinforcements.

An absolutely spectacular find on the Swan Range. From that wonderful vantage point other primary access jumping off routes for the Bob Marshall Wilderness were visible up and down the Swan Range. To the north Holland Lake marked the trail system from there, and south Pyramid Peak marked the access routes over Pyramid Pass. The area - such a wonder, and now I knew there was another route into the Bob. Truth be known, even though the climb was, well...., a climb, it really didn't take as long to make it to the Bob Marshall boundary as taking the other two primary routes.

Regardless, it was still a physically challenging journey that would lead to a host of aches and pains in this 50 something Montana explorer. It was certainly great to know that there was a cozy, comfortable base-camp set up in place with a hot shower when the hammering up the face and back was accomplished. Either direction from this incredible corner of Montana there were whole sets of quality motel accommodations with soft beds, hot showers or even a Jacuzzi to soak the tired muscles. Perfect base-camp lodgings were available either locally in the Seeley - Swan Valley, at the northern end in the Kalispell and Columbia Falls area, or at the southern end in the Missoula area The crowning touches to a truly stellar Montana mountain adventure.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/A-spectacular-trail-find-on-the-Swan-Range-of-Montana---a-trek-to-Sunday-Mountain-summit-/19703

Bali Hotels A Place to Cherish Posted By : Alex Albert

2008-02-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Bali, a dreamland of South Pacific region, is truly called as the venue for sweethearts. As per its beautiful set up, relaxing atmosphere and wonderful ambience the city is hoarded by huge bulk of travelers throughout the year. Therefore with such a vast inflow of visitors, there is also wide range of hotels in Bali that offers the tourists a perfect place to cherish.

The city welcomes the travelers to explore its everlasting identity of a multicultural diversity that showcases a true blend of sparkling contemporary lifestyle amidst its natural beauty of sea and beaches, as well as the ancient set ups. With endless charm of its innumerable places of interest and pleasurable sub tropical climate, Bali also hosts a huge selection of accommodation options for the visitor from all over the world. So from the innumerable hotels in Bali you can choose an option as per your taste and budget, and can make your trip full of comfort and enjoyment.

Over here there are different types of housing facilities like various hotel groups, budget hotels, as well as some other lodging options. World renowned luxurious hotels and seaside retreats, business hotels, apartments or comfortable budget hotels, are the few range of accommodation in Bali to enlist. If you are looking forward to a luxury vacation then put up in any of the best star hotels and resorts of the city. Many renowned global hotel chains also have their units in different areas of the city, which include the hotel groups like Hyatt, Four Seasons, Shangri-la, Hilton, Intercontinental, Sofitel, Radisson, and Marriott.

The city offers a flexible range of accommodation options into various areas to suit the varying needs of its visitors. Whatever your preference is, you can find a perfect accommodation for yourself in different areas of Bali within good price range.

You can enjoy traditional Indonesian hospitality at Bali hotels along with the world class facilities, which offers utmost satisfaction to the accommodators. In almost every type of hotels, the guests are privileged with huge range of facilities and services.

So with all these conveniences and added qualities of their own, Bali hotels are truly a place to cherish and retreat.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Bali-Hotels---A-Place-to-Cherish/99186

Kerala Tour Package

2008-02-29T00:34:00.000-08:00

Kerala Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a perfect ancient science of life; the word Ayur literally means life and Veda the science or knowledge. Ayurveda briefly explains the knowledge of the do's and don'ts one has to follow, which favours the well being of each individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life both physically, mentally and socially. Ayurveda also emphasizes that prevention is better than cure.

Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs. In fact, today Kerala is the only state in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul by taking Ayurveda treatment atleast once in your life time. You can take body rejuvenation treatment for seven days, 14 days or 28 days. If you have specific disease, please mail us and we will send you the treatment and the duration.

Pizhichil - It is one among the rare and special treatments of Kerala. In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists in a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is done in a special table made from a single piece of Strychnos Nuxvomica wood. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis - agitanus, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and nervous disorders etc.

Njavarakizhi - It is a type of sudation process in which the whole body or any specific part there of is made to perspire by the application of certain medicinal puddings externally in the form of boluses tied up in muslin bag. Two to four masseurs apply this for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is for all types of rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain kind of skin diseases.

Sirodhara - Sira - means Head and Dhara means the continuous flow of a liquid. In this process some herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc, are poured on the forehead in a special method of about 40 minutes in a day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is mainly for insomnia, loss of memory, headaches, mental tention and certain skin diseases.

Vasthi - Otherwise known as Medicated Enema. Vasthi is a Therapeutic procedure in which certain herbal oils, herbal extracts, etc are applied through the rectum daily for a period of 5 to 25 days. This treatment is effective for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints, rheumatism and chronic constipation.

Sirovasthi - Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head and held for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient's conditions for a period of 07 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches and other diseases of the head.

Udvarthanam - This treatment is otherwise known as Powder Massage. This is found very effective in the obesity, hemiplegia, paralysis, skin diseases, impaired circulation etc and similar diseases. In this procedure 2 therapists apply certain special Herbal Powders in a peculiar way on the body for about 30 to 40 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days.

Abhyangam - This is a special type of oil massage in which strokes arte given according to the circulatory channels for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for obesity, loss of skin luster, sleeplessness and fatigue.

Nasyam - Being one among the Panchakarma procedures, Nasyam is a treatment in which herbal juices, medicated oils etc, are applied through nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis mental disorders, some types of skin diseases etc.

Kizhi - Herbal leaves or powders are made in boluses and are applied on the whole body or a part specified after dipping it in warm medicated oils. This is done for 45 minutes daily for a period of 07 to 14 days. This is very effective for osteo arthritis, spondylosis, sports injuries etc.

Sandhi Vatha Chikilsa - Unlike the modern medicine Ayurveda has very effective cures for Arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteo arthritis, ankylosing spondylosis, cervical spondylosis, osteo porosis etc. This programme includes massage, lepanam, and oil application on affected parts, kizhi, steam bath, snehavasthy, kakshaya vasthy, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, snehapanam and internal medicines.

Snehapanam - This word literally means oral intake of medicated oils or ghee preparations. This is done as a therapeutic procedure and also as a preparatory process during the body purification therapy. In this Treatment medicated ghee or oils are given internally in proportionally increasing quantity for a period of 08 - 12 days. This treatment is very effective for osteo arthritis, psoriasis chronic constipation, haemorrhoids etc,.

Dahanyamla Dhara - Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in rhythmic way using a special vessel. This is done for 45 minutes to 01 hour daily. this treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, paralysis.

Yoniprakshalanam - Herbal oil and decoction are applied through the vaginal root, this treatment is good for gynecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organ.
Kativasthi - In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary. This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 01 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.

Urovasthi - Like Kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for Asthma, other respiratory problem, heart diseases and muscular chest pain.

Ksheeradhoomam - This is a special procedure in which a mixture for medicinal decoction and cows milk is heated and the steam thus liberated is passed to a tube and applied over the affected area or whole body. This is found very effective for facial palsies, speech disorders, ptosis and various nervous disorders.

Thalam - Special powder mixed with medicated oil is applied on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for curing ENT problems, insomnia, migraine etc.

Lepanam - This is a process in which medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part, this is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, arthritis, gout, etc.

Thalapothichil - Various medicinal herbs selected according to dosha predominance is made into a paste and applied to the scalp for 30 to 45 minutes. This treatment is good for insomnia, premature, greying and other problems to the hair and scalp.

Swasa Kasa Chikilsa - Respiratory diseases like bronchill asthma, prolonged cough, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis etc, can be very effectively treated in Ayurveda. This program includes body massage, urovasti, pizhichil, podikizhi, snehavashti, kashaya vasthy, nasyam and internal Ayurvedic medicines.

Sukhanidra - Ayurveda , the knowledge of the life is not only related with the body, but with the mind and soul also, this particular treatment program is very much helpful for conditions like insomnia (lack of sleep), anxiety and it improves immunity and self confidence. This treatment program includes body massages, shirovasthy, ksheeradhara, thailadhara, thalam, thalapothichil and internal Ayurvedic medicines , yoga and meditation.

Psoriasis Treatment Program ( Sidhma Chikilsa)- Ayurveda forms very effective treatment for all type of psoriasis and various other skin diseases. This special Ayurvedic treatment program last for 21 to 28 days. This program includes special lepanam, abhyangan, snehapanam, pizhichil, medicated steam bath, shirovasty, exclusievely prepared internal herbal medicines along with yoga meditation because, Ayurveda emphasis that most diseases are psychosomatic.

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Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Kerala-Tour-Package/20954

The Last Hurrah and the Breathtaking View atop Montanas Little St. Joseph Peak:

2008-02-29T00:17:00.000-08:00

My heart pounded. The sweat soaked my shirt. The sun was merciless beating down on my back and shiny forehead. I could see the summit just up ahead, so I pushed a little harder. And when I got there - I could see the top ANOTHER quarter mile or so up ahead! Those false summits will kill me yet!

This was the summer that I was going to do it! The Dieties and I had studied and approached Little St. Joe Peak in Montana's Bitterroot Range a half dozen times over the past 3 or 4 years, and each time vowed that the next time we came up we were "going to do that peak - no doubt about it!" Friends and I had camped at the overlook below the peak at the end of the road a couple of times, started up the peak in slushy snow, or too late in the day. I had made it up to the last hurrah of rock hopping to the top realizing my time for the day was past, and I turned back.

Little St. Joe is not one of the most outstanding peaks of the Bitterroot Range but certainly very approachable, following the windy dirt road past the Charles Waters Recreation Area and Bass Creek Campground, between Florence and Stevensville, Montana. The road up onto the bench below the peak, hits a fairly well marked trail from the parking towards the peak. Truly a favorite, at the end of road 1136, the trailhead begins at a perfect parklike picnic spot with a cliff drop off right next to it. A wonderful lookout viewing point from those cliffs affords a view of the cliffs across Bass Creek canyon and a sweeping panoramic view out across the entire Bitterroot Valley. When my kids were little we picnicked and camped there often, with treasured times settled in camp chairs perched out on the cliff overlook. With the expansive view we watched the mountain mists playing across the Bitterroot Range peaks.

Then again there was that pesky trail... . Finally, all the conditions were perfect. I had an early start on that day in July, the snows had receded on the higher slopes - and I had the whole day to myself and my Cosmic Companions to work this climb without rushing.

The trail departs the parking spot, taking a steep decline off down into the next draw. Passing through a wonderful patch of salmon berries, they delay further movement up the trail, sidetracked into working the berry patch. Taking a sharp incline, the trail almost crawls up the next ridge. Hitting the top of that ridge I am again captivated by the awesome view from yet another outcropping cliff, looking out across Bass Creek canyon far below.

Past the outcrop the trail departs the cliffs, into heavier timber for the next mile or so. Working over logs, and zigzagging through the trees it leads ever higher up the mountain's flank. I find again that living, working, and training for such adventures down there along the Missoula valley hills leaves something to be desired. I marvel as I hike short distances up to the next turn, then stand there - breathing hard, waiting for the pounding heart to calm. I wonder then that I had suddenly gotten so fifty something old and out of shape. After all, I routinely do 4 to 6 miles training treks up and down my local hills and hardly break a sweat! Of course, the elevation difference of around 3/4ths of a mile from the valley floor serves a rarefied air, forcing me to work to take in enough oxygen to maintain a pace up here. A factor to keep in mind - unless you're younger than dirt anyway.

From the trailhead to the last hurrah at the base of the peak the trail climbs through the timber from around 6,200 feet to around 6,800 feet. Breaking out of the timber again, spectacular views abound from cliff outcroppings down into Bass Creek and of the ranges to the south. For the lunch stop, I sat above the high mountain basin to the north of the trail. This wonderful basin opening out to the north side features a stream, waterfalls, and high mountain ponds. The Dieties have made sure that it is nearly impossible to get enough of this high country splendor.

The hard part: the last hurrah. The trail nearly disappears as I work up, around and through a series of boulder fields. Where dirt - probably younger dirt than myself - does appear between the rocks you know that you are following some version of high mountain trail. The scramble over the rocks tediously continues for the next hour or so, through boulder fields toward that summit right up there!

The false summit hits me as the true summit finally comes into view - another quarter mile on up the boulder fields! An incredible area though, as I pause in my stumbling up the ridge, turning to catch my breath on the exposed face. I absolutely revel in the views up and down the Bitterroot Valley and over across the Sapphire Range to the east.

That last hurrah: a push from 7,200 feet to 9,033 feet, a good 1,800 foot elevation climb, nearly the undoing of this tired old body. But the absolute thrill! Little St. Joe's summit was achieved at last..., the little pile of rocks..., the jar with signatures..., and the view - the splendid view in all directions! Absolutely worth every aching muscle, every drop of sweat, a perfect place to settle in for a while with the Cosmic Companions, drinking in the surrounding mountainous wonder.

And of course, perched there, reveling in the surroundings, the pathway leading across the connecting ridge and on up to the summit of St. Joseph Peak standing even taller behind Little St. Joe looks so available. Oh my, another day perhaps, another lifetime maybe.

Twice since others trekked to the top with me, and we'll do it again. Thank goodness there are wonderful base-camp accommodations all along the Bitterroot Valley from Missoula to Hamilton, serving comfortable beds, breakfast bars, and jacuzzis to soak tired, aching muscles. The Bitterroot Range produces more than it's share of those every summer! Set up your perfect base-camp motel accommodations at: http://www.montanaadventure.com. Then dig in - the Montana Bitterroot Range Dieties and adventure are calling!

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/The-Last-Hurrah-and-the-Breathtaking-View-atop--Montana-s-Little-St--Joseph-Peak-/21286

Best Places to See Wildlife in Nature

2008-02-28T09:31:00.000-08:00

Copyright 2006 Emma Snow

While a zoo definitely has it's place in animal watching, it doesn't compare to seeing animals in their own natural habitat. After a recent visit to Yellowstone National Park, this felt especially true for me. A traffic jam caused by young buffalo calves and their mothers crossing the road is an experience not to be missed. It made me wonder about other places that would be conducive to viewing wildlife in a natural setting. From my research I have come up with a list of some of the best places to visit if viewing animals in nature is your objective.

In the United States, national parks are the best place to start. For viewing sea animals, the best places include the Channel Islands off the coast of California. The islands are surrounded by sea lions, seals, gray whales and humpback whales. There are also numerous tide pools that house creatures such as sea urchins and anemones. Another area great for water animals is Glacier Bay in Alaska. Humpback whales and sea lions are in abundance off shore and on land bears and moose are often times available for viewing. For a different spin on water creatures, visit the Florida Everglades, the last remaining everglades on the planet. There you will see crocodiles and alligators co-exists along with turtles, dear, manatees and bobcats. The everglades contain large viewing towers that are devoted especially to wildlife watching or you can be a bit more daring and take a canoe ride in croc-infested waters.

Other national parks that make the list for best wildlife viewing are Denali National Park in Alaska, Glacier National park in Montana, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Denali, Glacier and Rocky Mountain offer animals such as dall sheep, grizzlies, caribou, wolves, mountain goats, elk, dear, bighorn sheep and marmots. Theodore Roosevelt is a less well known park and therefore offers great viewing of bison, wild horses, deer and elk without all the crowds.

Outside of the US, there are more exotic animals available for viewing at places such as Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, the Komodo Islands in Indonesia, Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo, Polar Bear Observation in Canada, and of course a Kenyan Safari.

The Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica is a brilliant rain forest that contains over 100,000 acres of land and 5,000 acres of marine habitat. The park is home to 116 species of amphibians and reptiles, 139 species of mammals and more than 400 species of birds. There are no roads into the park, only hiking trails. Unless you are an avid hiker and have excellent map-reading skills, a guide is recommended. In addition to the trails, there are also viewing platforms built atop massive ajo trees.

The Komodo Islands in Indonesia house the world's largest population of Komodo dragons. These animals can grow to be over 300 pounds and up to nine feet in length. These islands are now an Indonesian national park and permits and tour guides are required, but they make the experience much more user-friendly (Komodo dragons aren't in petting zoos for a reason). In addition to land tours, you can also take a sea kayak around the park and see coral reefs, fish, dolphins, whales and sea turtles.

Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo is one of the last places to see orangutans in their own natural habitat. Through an elaborate network of hiking trails, you can see the orangutans up close, swinging from branch to branch, suckling their young, or building nests to sleep. There are also orangutans in captivity which can be viewed. They are being rehabilitated before being returned to the wild. There are other jungle species as well that can be viewed in the orangutan jungle, including clouded leopards, civets, Malaysian sun bears, deer, numerous species of birds, and butterflies.

Nowhere can you see polar bears so up-close and personal as you can in Churchill, Manitoba. When Hudson Bay freezes, between October and November, this town is overrun with polar bears as they travel their migration path. In early winter, they even stop to dine on the region's seal population. For more up close views, you can take a tundra buggy (a converted school bus) into the migratory packs for a quick day-trip. For longer exposure, there are tundra lodges that provide all day exposure to the bears in their native environment.

One of the most famous places to view wildlife is Kenya, and what better way to see it than on a safari. Safari's can take you through the likes of Masai Mara National Park, Amboseli Game Reserve and Mt. Kilimanjaro to view lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, flamingos, black rhinos, giraffes and elephants. Safari's range from less expensive options starting around $500.00 for an 8 day excursion to very luxurious safaris costing up to $9,000. Either way, you get to see what you like most...animals.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Best-Places-to-See-Wildlife-in-Nature/21465

Some tips on backpacking

2008-02-28T05:24:00.001-08:00

Travelers around the world enjoy seeing the sights and wonders of different places with only a backpack for all the things they need. Because they only have a pack on their backs, the possibilities of new sightseeing and activity adventures are limitless.

But of course, before you head for a faraway hiking adventure with your backpack, you must make sure that you bring all the things you need to put in your backpack. Below is a checklist that will make your backpacking adventure a pleasant experience.

- Backpack

Of course, how can you go for a wild backpacking activity without a backpack! Pick one that is comfortable and fits well on you. A properly fitted backpack is essential. You are going hiking and the last thing you need is a backpack that is gouging into your shoulders. Make sure your is fitted properly.

- Quick Drying Towel

Widely available in many stores. You don't want a heavy, damp towel on your backpack, do you?

- Walking Shoes

Pick comfortable shoes as you would learn soon enough that walking would be a major part in your backpacking adventure.

- Underwear and socks

These go without saying.

- Long Underwear

This depends on the season and place where you are traveling. You might also wear your long underwear when you stay in hotels that do not have adequate well-heating systems.

- Pillow Case

Pillow case is an essential thing to keep when you stay in backpacker hotels.

- Sleeping Bag

When you stay in backpacker hotels. Select a lightweight sleeping bag. Down is the best type of sleeping bag. Yes, they do cost a bit more, but the prices is well worth it. Feathers are very light and you can compress a down into a very small package.

- Passport

Don't even think of leaving the country without it.

- Spy Wallet

So that you could be able to divide up the money that you have just in case.

- Day Pack

Most backpacks have a detachable daypack.

- Camera

A digicam may be better, but bulkier and heavier to carry.

- Journal

For the writer and chronicler in you.

- Flip Flops

Useful when you take a shower.

- Traveler's Checks

You can never be too sure with your money.

- Wet Wipes

Always come in handy. Easy to carry too.

- Landry Detergent

It might prove handy.

- Space Savers

- Rain Coat

Especially if you travel on a rainy season or you're going to tropical countries like those in Southeast Asia or South America.

- Lock

For the safety of your belongings.

- Band Aids

It's better to be prepared than not at all.

- Travel Guide

Try picking a comprehensive yet easy-to-carry travel guide.

- Personal items such as toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and shampoo

For hygienic purposes.

- Clothing

A tip: The night before you leave, check all clothes that you need. Then take only the half. Clothing simply weighs too much. Take only what you can carry at ease.

If you are looking for a good vacation destination come to:

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Some-tips-on-backpacking/21659

Outdoor Activities Available In Denver

2008-02-28T01:01:00.000-08:00

The city of Denver is also the city of outdoors and adventure. The pleasantly warm climate can change at any moment. Therefore, it is always advisable to keep your sweaters or jackets at arms length, wherever you go. It is also to be noted that though it snows at unexpected moments, you can find snow melting away in no time. You will enjoy the climate at the Rocky Mountains beyond the plains. So leave your Denver hotel and get out there to enjoy it.

Activities like bicycling, trekking, hiking, rock climbing, horse riding, camping, canoeing, boating, kayaking, rafting, skiing, fishing, ice fishing, fly fishing, snow mobiles, dirt biking, jet skiing, etc are some of the activities you can pursue while in Denver. The places to look for are Dillon Reservoir, Gross Reservoir, High Line Canal, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Williams Fork Reservoir and Waterton Canyon. Dillon reservoir is known for boat camping. Hunting is prohibited in Denver, but you can go hunting to adjacent state and federal property.

I am not that adventurous; do I have some thing in Denver? Hey, did you ask that question? OK, I will let you know other activities available in Denver too. Are you a lover of the past? Then you can go to different museums in Denver.

The main museums in Denver are:

Buffalo Bill Museum
Colorado Historical Society Museum (see here how Colorado looked 3 million years ago)
Denver Art Museum (a treasure-trove of American Indian and Spanish Art)
Museo de las Americas (learn about the art, life and culture of Latinos in America)
Denver Firefighters' Museum
Colorado Railroad Museum
Denver Children's Museum (designed for children up to age of 8)
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and
Molly Brown House ("unsinkable" lady millionaire Molly Brown's home - memoirs of Victorian era in Denver)
The Denver Art Museum has just reopened in a stunning new building- an architectural masterpiece.

Advance reserve a trip to Denver mint to have a look at the processes of coin minting. Enjoy dance, theater performance, and enjoy shopping at Denver Pavilion in Sixteenth Street Mall or Larimer Square.

Denver zoo, always filled with some exotic wild animals is another place you can enjoy. You can take a ocean journey at the marine sciences center, where you will find fauna from the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

If you are an ardent fan of artworks, go to the different art galleries of LoDo Historic District. Lower Downtown (LoDo) is also known for its restaurants and shopping centers. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a natural amphitheater, where you can enjoy some summer concerts. LoDo is also a place where you can find many Denver Hotels.

Do you plan a full day playing with roller coasters and water theme games? Six Flags Elitch Gardens is the place to go. Here there is lots of fun for families and singles alike.

Are you in the mood of spoiling your taste buds? You can hit more than a few hundred restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, continental, Indian, culinary delicacies. Most restaurants have an informal setup while some are formal, where you need to observe certain dress code.

Getting around in Denver is not a major hassle as it is in many big cities. Denver is a warm hospitable city. It also gives you a tranquilizing country life experience. Accomodation is available at a wide range of Denver hotels.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Outdoor-Activities-Available-In-Denver/29351

Africa's most spectacular wildlife scene

2008-02-28T00:43:00.000-08:00

"One of the World's biggest spectacles". Many have so described it. Many have come back time and again. They have witnessed this mass movement of wild animals roaming free through unspoiled and savage wilderness. The air fills with the click- click of the cameras tirelessly. You have not seen something like this before.

Africa is changing at a quick pace and human encroachment into the wildlife reserves has continued to erase the traditional routes. In association with development and changes of the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free is slowly getting erased. Fortunately, Masai Mara National reserve holds on to its charisma of an open, limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that still prides in wildlife concentration.

Masai Mara is located in the South-western of Kenya, 290 kilometers from Nairobi. The abundance of wildlife and the remoteness of the reserve implants memories that no money can buy.

The Migration is a recent phenomenon (60's and 70's was the biggest boom) with about 250,000 individuals. Gradually, with time the number has risen to the current population of over 3,000,000 individuals. Add to it an estimated 1,500,000 Zebras and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. The massive display attracts hundreds of big cats as the populations provide abundant prey. The giant African crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the big herds come to cross the river or to drink.

It is the masai community who are not so pleased with the whole phenomenon. The wildebeests compete with their huge herds of boran cattle for the grasslands. To them, it is a big calamity especially because the wildebeests transmit diseases to their herds and poison the waters with their fetal sacs.

This world famous migration is a circle of life which, in simple terms, means that there isn't a start or an end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The big determinant is the availability of pastures. The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find a safe place to graze. It is also here that over 500,000 new calves are born and many are taken by the nearby waiting Jackals or Hyenas.

New borns have little time to strengthen their legs. As soon after birth, the "pilgrim" continues.

By April, the rains are over in southern Serengeti and the plains have dried up. The great herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawn mowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria.

The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras. They prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way, they leave behind shorter grass which is favored by the wildebeests.

In late June to July the mass start pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve where fresh, tender and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most of the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry, they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures.

The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 31/2 months in the Mara crossing through Sand River, which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and cross the Mara river and sometimes the Talek river. Usually around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of Mara River) fill the Mara river to the brim.

This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking Crocodiles, while they await the forthcoming feast. Finally, the gnus (wildebeests) venture into the river. This gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds, usually teamed with zebras, creates an unimaginable scene. Just what the cameras have been waiting for.

They wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is a moment filled with tension for both the gnus(wildebeests) and the audience.

They survey for a less steep and with no obvious danger. Finally, one takes courage and plunges into the river and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line cross the river.

In addition to the crocodiles, accidents also occur. The river's current can be too strong for some especially the young ones. Or simply getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs, a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles. Finally, the crossing is done and the trek to their unknown (or known)destiny continues.

In the month of October, they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again, they are heading to the southern plains, where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again.

Peter Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based nature safari company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit www.natural-track.com

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Africa-s-most-spectacular-wildlife-scene/30163

Star Hotel Accommodation in Kent England UK

2008-02-28T00:24:00.000-08:00

UK4Hotels.CO.UK - One of the Best Online Rooms Booking Hotel, Find Hotel Accommodation, Cheap & Discount Hotel, Budget Accommodation Hotels, Late Booking Hotels, City Hotels, Bed and Breakfast Hotels, Online Reservation Hotels, Town Hotels, Honeymoon Hotels near kent UK. Cheap Bar & Restaurants, Weekend Breaks, Short Weekend Breaks, Midweek Breaks, Valentine's Day Breaks, City Breaks in kent UK. Discount B & B Hotels, Holiday Accommodations, Family Resorts, Guest Houses accommodation in kent UK. B and B City Hotels, Where to stay hotels, Place to stay Hotels, honeymoon hotels around kent UK. Holiday Accommodations, Family Bar & Restaurants, Town Hotels, Cheap Prices Hotels, Affordable Prices Restaurants, bed and breakfast with cheap rates in kent England UK. Hotels near uk, Hotels around uk, Hotels within uk, Cheap Hotels at uk, Discount Hotels near uk, Best Hotels in uk, uk Hotels near kent, Hotels in UK, Hotels in United Kingdom, Cheap Accommodation in kent UK.

For More Details Visit our Site www.uk4hotels.co.uk

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Star-Hotel-Accommodation-in-Kent-England-UK/29608

Bali Hotels A Place to Cherish Posted By : Alex Albert

2008-02-27T23:33:00.000-08:00

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Bali-Hotels---A-Place-to-Cherish/99186

Five Amazing Hiking Trails in Arizona

2008-02-23T06:23:00.001-08:00

Arizona offers many hiking trails apart from the Grand Canyon. They are difficult, but they reward with unmatched beauty. Here are the best five.

Wet Beaver Loop. The Wet Beaver Wilderness Area provides an amazing 22 miles round trip. It is advisable to not bring children along as this hike is extremely difficult and takes more than a day to complete. Be prepared to get wet as a fair portion of this hike requires walking through water. This hike takes you in a large loop to end up where you started from. You will encounter camps and waterfalls along the way and the stunning Waldroup canyon.

Picacho Peak. This hiking trail is fairly close to the Casa Grande and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Sonora desert. The trail offers two options: the shorter seven mile round trip or the nine-odd mile trip if you return using the alternate trail from the peak. This is a fairly steep hike with numerous switchbacks.

It is advisable to wear gloves on this hike and you may need to use steel cables to aid your climb at times. You must be in good physical condition to undertake this hike as some Class 3 climbing will be necessary.

Kendrick Mountain is a moderately easy trail. This 9.2 miles round trip features a look at a cabin and ends in some spectacular views of Red Mountain, Mount Humphreys, Sycamore Canyon, and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. You will come across a series of short switchbacks toward the end that provide breathtaking views.

Paria Canyon hike starts in Utah near the border, and moves into Arizona. The frequent flash floods often wash out the trailhead, so you have to watch the weather intently. You can make use of the shuttle for the ride back since the trail ends far away from the car. It is a multi-day trip. Moreover, you need a permit from the BLM because you will be going through wilderness area.

The trail becomes prone to quicksand and quite muddy, especially if you go just after the rains. You will have to pick around quite a bit on this trail and in fact, there will be no trail once you reach the canyon. The only way is to follow the river. You will be walking through a narrow slot canyon with spectacular formation. Remember to avoid this trail if rain is forecast as there is no escape from flash floods in the Narrows.

Other fantastic features include a cave "room" in one of the walls, Wrather Canyon (along with Wrather Arch), Judd Hollow, and other canyons and routes, as well as springs. The views and formations along this hike are amazing and worth the trip.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Five-Amazing-Hiking-Trails-in-Arizona/33270

Things to Take with you on Safari in Tanzania

2008-02-22T23:30:00.001-08:00

Things To Take with you whilst on safari in Tanzania

There are several types of holiday options in Tanzania, ranging from a week or two relaxing on the idyllic beaches to the adventurous treks up Mt Kilimanjaro. When you go on safari in Tanzania there are several things which will greatly help to ensure your enjoyment of your safari. Before going read as much as you can about Tanzania. Described below is a list of items that you may find useful whilst on safari.

Basic items of clothing (such as t-shirts) can be bought in even the most remote villages, so you can afford to pack light. Below is a brief list of a few essential items:

A Sun hat, ideally wide brimmed if you are going on a game viewing safari or hike.
This serves to protect your head from scrapes as you walk in the bush as well as preventing burning. The brim also helps if you are in the rain! A Tilly hat is best.

Sun screen is essential as are good quality sun glasses for the beach or the mountain where it is very bright. Though be aware that it is best to remove your shades when talking to local people.

Insect repellent or long trousers and sleaved shirts for the evening. Be aware that products containing DEET are the most effective but do have a tendency to melt certain plastics.

A solid pair of walking shoes or boots (even if you are not going hiking).

Sandals or something similar. It is possible to buy flip-flops very cheaply in almost every village.

Binoculars are essential especially if you are heading out game viewing. Get the best ones you can afford it's so worth it!

A week's s supply of underwear. Cotton is best.

A good book or two.

Torch and spare batteries.

You don't need to bring Mosquito nets as they are cheaply available here.

A small towel

The clothes you need depend on what you intend to do. For hiking activities you will need good quality trousers, a shirt or t-shirt and maybe even a jumper or fleece if you are heading up where it may be cold. Shorts are not always practical for hiking as there may be rough grasses which can irritate your skin. You will need specialist gear if you intend to hike up Kilimanjaro, which can be hired for the trip.

On game drives you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. It is best to stick to subtle lighter colours. If you have fair skin it is a good idea to always have a long sleeved shirt at hand for sun protection. It can be surprisingly cool on the mornings, especially when you are perched on top of your safari vehicle moving through the bush, so a light windbreak jacket or fleece will be useful.

If you are venturing out on an extended camping safari then you will need to bring along several changes of clothes. It will usually be possible to get laundry done along the way, but it helps if your clothes are made from quick drying fabrics, denim should be avoided. Camping shops are now full of hi-spec gear that is designed to keep you cool and dries in minutes. In some locations long sleeves and trousers are recommended for evening wear to avoid insect bites.

Wild Things will supply all camping equipment. You may want to bring your own sleeping bag or sheet.

Be Respectful

Tanzanian' s large Muslim population mainly live around the coastal regions and on the islands. However it is still important to dress decently when in any town or village, even inland. Women should cover their knees and shoulders and avoid low revealing tops. Skirts are considered more conventional than trousers. It is also more respectable for a man to wear trousers rather than shorts, and it is not acceptable to walk around in public without a shirt. When staying in a National Park or Reserve, at a lodge or camp site, it is acceptable to wear shorts and sleeveless tops.

Finally a word about the weather. This can't be predicted so remember that though Tanzania has a pleasant tropical climate. Hotter and humid along the coast (expect daytime temperatures of about 30'c), it becomes more comfortable as you move inland. Some areas lying at altitudes above 1000m are quite cool, and even surprisingly chilly at night, so a warm fleece or jacket may be needed. July, August and September tend to be the cooler months, with February usually being the hottest.

Most of the rainfall occurs between November and May, split into two rainy seasons. The short rains start in November and last 4 to 6 weeks. Long rains usually begin in around March and continue through until the end of May. However the rains have been somewhat erratic in the past couple of years.

If you plan to visit in the 'green' season then be prepared for some heavy (torrential) showers. This does make for good game viewing however with elephants having mud baths etc.

visit Wild Things Tanzania Safaris for more information on visiting the Serengeti..

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Things-to-Take-with-you-on-Safari-in-Tanzania/34506

Kenya safari: The fate of the rhinos

2008-02-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

In Africa today, the fight for growth of the rhino population is an everyday activity.
After being declared an endangered species, Kenya has put up big efforts financially to see to it that their habitats have been safe guarded. As one of the 'Big five' the rhino is one of the most sought after animals on a Kenya safari.

The history of the rhino can be traced back to 45 million years ago.
The Baluchitherium, an ancestor of the Indian rhino, was the largest land mammal that ever lived. It was 18 feet high and 36 feet long. It lived over 20 million years ago.
Fortunately, the rhino is on its way back, thanks to the efforts of well wishers and volunteers.

THE PROBLEM..
The problem of the rhino has been its beauty, the horn. It is made of keratin, a substance found in human hair and nails. Powdered Rhino horn has been used extensively in traditional medicine in Asia and to make ornamental dagger handles in the Yemen. The demand is so great that traders are prepared to pay poachers vast sums to kill rhinos for their horns.
Because of these, Rhinos have faced wholesale slaughter. To stop these abuse governments and bodies such as Save the Rhino teamed up together to halt the abusive. Thanks to them, the overall decline of the rhino has been halted, and populations in Africa are beginning to stabilize.

A CLOSER LOOK.....
The rhino belongs to the family Rhinoceroteridae. They are 5 species placed in 4 genera.
Three of these species are found in south-central Asia and the other two live in Africa south of the Sahara. Rhinos inhabit savannahs, shrubby regions and dense forests.
The African species live in more open areas than do the Asian species.
Their habitat has to generally have access to water. They usually drink everyday.
Their horns are dermal growths originally composed of compressed keratin. Usually they have 1-2 horns. Both hind and forefeet have 3 digits with a small hoof. They are known to have poor eye sight but strong hearing and smell. The tough and wrinkled skin has very few scattered hairs. The tail ends with stiff bristles.

BREEDING...
Female rhinos give birth every 2 years to a single calf, which is active soon after birth.
The calf remains with the mother until the next offspring is born.
Gestation is 420-570 days. Sexual maturity is reached at 7-10 years for bulls and 4-6 years for cows.They a life span of up to 50 years.

Note that the African rhinos are more aggressive than Asian species.
They use their horns to attack and toss their enemies.
This can be especially dangerous and can kill attackers instantly.
African white rhinos have a preference of feeding low to the open grounds whereas the black rhino usually browse on leaves and have a tendency to stay hidden.
They have been noted to be more active in the evening, through the night and in early morning, spending their days resting in heavy cover.
Rhinos sleep in both standing and laying positions and love to wallow in muddy pools and sandy riverbeds. They penetrate dense thickets by shear force, often leaving behind a trail that other animals later use. Rhinos run with a cumbersome motion, reaching top speed at a canter. They can, however, attain speeds of up to 45 km per hour for short distances.Basically the black rhino is more solitary and territorial except for the mother-child unit.
Groups of adult cows or bachelor bulls are sometimes formed, however, and during the mating season pairs of rhinos may stay together for up to 4 months.
Rhinos mark their territories with urine and by dropping their dung in well-defined piles that can reach up to 1 m in height. They often furrow the areas around these piles with their horns and make the piles even more conspicuous.
The black rhino has a wide vocal range and can possibly communicate like an elephant,
through frequencies below the range of human hearing. Breathing is an important part of communication.
Unlike the white rhino-calf, the black rhino calf normally runs behind its mother.

CURRENT STATUS...
There were an estimated 20,000 black rhino in Kenya in the 1970s.
By 1982 the population was reduced to fewer than 400. Since then, their number has
increased and now stands at over 450. The number in fenced areas has risen at an average
rate of four percent each year when the conditions are good.
Since 1984 the Kenyan government has pursued an active program devoted to the
recovery of Kenya's black rhino, with efforts centering on the development of specially
protected or fenced sanctuaries on government and private land, such as Lewa.

Rhino populations under custodianship both on private land (Solio Ranch) and in some
State-run areas (such as Nairobi National Park) have provided set up for new populations
(including reintroducing animals into an electrified-fence sanctuary inside the KWS-run Tsavo West and Meru National Parks). The private sector thus plays an important part in the conservation of rhino in Kenya and currently supplies many of the animals being used to restock state parks.

Kenya is currently the stronghold of the Eastern African subspecies Diceros bicornis michaeli, a home to about 88 % of the population in 1995. Like South Africa and Namibia, Kenya is doing translocation to set up new populations while aiming to ensure that donor populations remain productive. The public plight of the black rhino has attracted support from many different areas. Today, scientists are formulating a method of «fingerprinting» rhino horn based on the nutrient content of each specific rhino conservation area. This will enable them to pinpoint the area a rhino came from, its family group, and even its preferred diet. It is also an important step toward eradicating poaching, as scientists will be able to determine where a rhino was when it was killed.
For more facts about Kenya wildlife visit http://www.natural-track.com

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Kenya-safari--The-fate-of-the-rhinos/34718

Wildlife Kenya safari and the savannah queen

2008-02-22T04:22:00.000-08:00

The savannahs of Kenya are a home to a wide range of wildlife. One of the most frequently seen wildlife is the spotted hyena, yet little is known about them.

In the traditional African society, the Hyena has been branded 'the coward one'. This has been due to the way of feeding of the hyena. Known as a scavenger, the hyena is actually a great hunter and scavenging only makes 5%- 10% of their meals.

They rarely leave any evidence especially because they devour everything. For example they can make a kill in the night and the only sign will be light blood stains.

In the recent years the complexity of the hyenas has been revealed. Lots of time has been dedicated to studying them. This article is about hyenas and their survival tactics in the savannahs of Kenya. They range throughout sub-Saharan Africa in savannah, arid areas, and open woodlands. So far they aren't present at the coast.

There exist three species of hyenas in Africa. Two species are found in Kenya. The most common being the spotted hyena, crocuta crocuta.
They live in groups called clans and the clan is under the leadership of the oldest female, the alpha female. Interestingly, the females are dominant over the males and are heavier than them. The females genitalia are very masculinized which contributes to their being aggressive. Such sex dimorphism is not common with other wildlife. This is due to the presence of higher level of testosterone in the female's body than that of the males.

A distinguishing feature with the hyenas is the 'haunch-back' and short hind legs. They hold their head low when they walk. Usually the head has a rounded skull and long ears. They have extremely strong jaws and a complex acidic digestion system. This is one of the factors that give them a step ahead for survival. They are capable of ingesting bones, horns, hooves and the tough animal skins.

Only the hair is not digested and this usually comes out in the form of bolus or locally referred to 'hyena hair ball'. All this bone matter that they eat is what makes the hyena feces chalk-white.

They hunt in packs in a way that could be termed as ruthless as they do not have a killing bite. They lack in hunting technique and most cases they run down their victim to exhaustion. Usually they attack their prey and tear chunks before their victim dies.

It is interesting to know that lions steal lots of their kills. It is true that hyenas do the final cleaning by chewing the bones and the skins left by others. In some cases the hyenas have succeeded to steal from the lions but in most of occurrences the reverse is more common.

The reproduction and life cycle is not seasonal. The females do not however mate with their members of the clan. They can take any other wandering male for mating and discard him. Four months is the gestation period and usually give birth to up to four cubs. These are usually black in color with some others having small taint of black. A weird thing that happens with the cubs is competition over who nurses first.

This in most cases result in fighting for dominance. The looser usually starves to death and this is only with the female cubs. Hyenas, unlike other wildlife take very long to wean their cubs. It may take between 14-18 months. The female can lactate up to 12 months with milk that is very high in protein percentage.( 14%). The cubs start following the mother to the point of kill when they reach 1 year.

They do not bring back food to the den. They eat to their fill on the spot.
The female cubs stay in the clan of their birth but males are kicked out when they reach around 2 years. Apart from playing with the cubs the male has no role in upbringing of the cubs.

One clan can have between 20-100 members, all on the matriarchal system. All the members are related. Each clan digs its own den which comprises of deep and long tunnels to accommodate the clan. They mark their territory through anal sac secretions. This is a paste that they use to define their boundary and is deposited at the edge of their territory. That is their home-territory that they protect and intruders are not welcome. They have a greeting system of sniffing each others genitalia and also as a way of identification or recognition within members of the same clan.

To the untrained eye, it is difficult to differentiate between males and females. This is because of the physical resemblance of the female's genitalia to that of the male. But in any case they are female organs. The females are not hermaphrodite as some have claimed at first sight. Hyenas have 'toilets' whereby all the members go to deposit their dung. This adds to the boundary markings of their territory.

They communicate in a number of ways: When about to attack the tail is held high, when it is held forward over the back, it is a sign of excitement. And when frightened they hold the tail tucked between the legs. When there is presence of food, this is the time you hear the famous 'hyena laughter' especially in the night.

This laughter is a call to other clan members and can be heard up to 3 kilometers away. It is important to note that though hyenas portray cowardly behavior, they can be extremely dangerous. They should be left alone, least intimidated and their respect awarded to them.

Peter Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based eco-friendly safari company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. Click here www.natural-track.com for comprehensive safari information.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Wildlife-Kenya-safari-and-the-savannah-queen/37580

Dubai's Great Desert Safari

2008-02-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Dubai is one of the finest cities not only in the middle eastern region, but also throughout the globe. What makes it more special among the known urban centers of the world however, is the sandy surroundings it has been built upon. It shows on one hand the ability of the city planners to have got such an architectural marvel built in the middle of the desert, and on the other it lends a chance for some major outdoor activities around for the fun seeking enthusiasts. There are several locations around Dubai that one could choose to embark on with their desert safaris and have plenty of leisurely time ahead in the rustic Arabian countryside.

These safaris normally take place at a time the sun just starts lowering down on the western horizon and the sand dunes begin displaying larger shadows. The excitement of traveling straightway down from Dubai into a vast deserted land can be immeasurable in these circumstances. One normally encounters scattered villages and well-bred camels straying across on earth while being on these expeditions. The purple Arabian skies provide a very fitting backdrop for camping out in the desert as the evening finally sets in. Dubai is appreciated not only for its trade and commerce but also for the tourism activities it presents these days, and desert safaris may without doubt be stated as one of the key areas where these activities generally lay around at.

There are several available options for the tourists to get their safaris selected from. Generally all major hotels and resorts will get such trips organized when asked for by their clients. Guides are provided with all traveling parties for the duration beginning from the late afternoon start of any journey to the same night return later. Travelers should keep aware about the kind of topsy-turvy ride they might be about to undertake, as miles of sand dunes will be lying ahead in the path to be taken care of. Any lack of carefulness on part of the driver may cause the jeep to be overturned or get stuck inside the sand. Somehow, the fun and excitement of traveling like a gypsy will make out these stressful parts insignificant.

Once deep inside the desert, one may witness camels ferrying tourists across from one souk to another. It's not only entertaining but challenging as well to be placed at the top of mounting and dismounting camel backs. The long-necked mammals on their part are well bred and nicely taken care of by their masters, and would start acting somewhat like puppies whenever pampered by someone. Just scratch behind any camel's ears and it would start flattening its necks as if asking for more of the same massage.

The late evening outings normally include visiting souks in the desert and having Arabian dinner along with some entertaining folk dance and music shows on. Liquor drinks may cost between $7.00 - 10.00 and beers in the range of $5.00 - 7.00. You will enjoy watching stars at night provided Dubai is not very near the place where you have landed for your outing. The return journey takes place soon after all you camp fire itineraries, including having dinner and spending time around in shops, have ended to the best of your fulfilment. You will be back to your hotel just before the midnight and get on with your usual Dubai holiday making.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Dubai-s-Great-Desert-Safari/39909

Alternative vs. Mass Tourism

2008-02-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

More and more people are breaking away from traditional package holidays (usually limited to transportation, accommodation and some local commercialized attractions), treating local people and their native area with responsibility, looking after the environment, searching for virgin nature and unsophisticated way of life. A vacation type, which most forms of the alternative tourism offer.

The impact of the mass tourism is quite popular, especially upon the environment. Besides, very limited share of money spent on holidays actually get to the local people, which regional and native cultural attractions we all enjoy. These are the people who actually save the traditions and habits of their local areas. The people, who allow us to catch a glimpse of their cultural heritage; these who have preserved and take care of the un-spoiled nature for all of us.

Maybe many of the people are used to think that big tour operators and large travel consortiums have a responsibility to preserve that local cultural heritage and environment. But the part of their great profits spent for this is not exactly known. But if one do not look a bit further in future and see that this way, one day there would not be many remaining tourist resources and gains will start descending fast. Unfortunately, this will affect no one so greatly, but the locals.

After all, alternative tourism forms include small groups of people, who surely do not harm the environment that much. Besides, if not familiar, as I am sure most of them are, one of the aims of the alternative tourism forms is to acknowledge how to preserve the environment and local traditions and culture. Actually, some alternative forms are meant to enable man to appreciate the greatness of nature, a great such example is the eco-tourism.

However, it is totally different situation in some big resorts with thousands of people running around and hundreds of hotels keeping the beautiful nature views away from your sight. Of course, there are many ways of entertainment in view of the tourists animation, nightlife, and other. But is it not exactly that what we are running from? Could great nightlife and various animations with the difference they are at different place, compare with the variety of all alternative forms; to compare with the naked nature and cultural heritage? So in my point of view except for the slightly higher prices in alternative tourism (due to the fact they usually include much smaller groups), it seems it that the alternative tourism is the better choice.

Source: http://www.postarticles.com/Article/Alternative-vs--Mass-Tourism/48629

Camping Holidays in France Posted By : Martyn Davis

2008-02-19T12:33:00.001-08:00

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Camping-Holidays-in-France/95468

Kingfisher to purchase five more Airbus A380 Posted By : syed quadri raheem

2008-02-19T12:18:00.001-08:00

Vijay Mallya, the chief executive officer of Kingfisher Airlines stated "Now that I have secured all the necessary clearances, I am planning to convert the options to confirmed orders".Kingfisher has been given clearance to fly overseas later this year. "We will be operating all non-stop flights to international destinations," Mallya stated.
Kingfisher, the only Indian customer for the A380, could not immediately be reached for comment.Under India's civil aviation rules, only airlines which have flown for at least five years can fly international routes. Kingfisher will complete five years in 2010. But the airline can start flying foreign routes after its parent UB Group acquired a controlling stake in another carrier Air Deccan, which completes five years in the air in August 2008. The two carriers, Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines, have announced plans for a merger this year.
The Deccan brand, synonymous with no-frills travel in India, is also retained. This reinforces the segmentation trend in the Asian airline sector and use of multiple airline brands, including a "fighting" brand underpinned by a low cost operating model.
The merger will create an airline with around 80 aircraft, challenging Air India and Jet Airways for dominance of the high-potential Indian aviation market. It also takes advantage of Deccan's right to fly international routes from Aug-08, with the budget unit set to launch services to the Middle East with A320 equipment and Kingfisher utilising widebody aircraft to launch long-haul services, initially to the US.
Airbus is hoping to persuade Air India to buy the A380 too (reportedly 12 of the model), but the flag carrier has yet to make a decision, with another very large order of up to 100 aircraft imminent.Kingfisher expects deliveries of the five A380s it had previously ordered to start in 2011-12.
Development work is progressing well on IGI Airport's third runway in Delhi; which will be one of the longest runways in Asia. This 60 m wide, Code F runway will cater to new generation large aircrafts such as the Airbus A380.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Kingfisher-to-purchase-five-more-Airbus-A380/94208

Bali Hotels A Place to Cherish Posted By : Alex Albert

2008-02-19T12:05:00.001-08:00

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Bali-Hotels---A-Place-to-Cherish/99186

Camping Holidays in France Posted By : Martyn Davis

2008-02-19T12:00:00.001-08:00

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Camping-Holidays-in-France/95468

Kingfisher to purchase five more Airbus A380 Posted By : syed quadri raheem

2008-02-19T11:55:00.001-08:00

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Kingfisher-to-purchase-five-more-Airbus-A380/94208

Boat Shows Posted By : David Done

2008-02-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

Boat shows are great for new and experienced boaters alike

It doesn't matter if you were born on the water or if you just started lake boating with your buddies, a boat show may just be the perfect, fun outing for you to go to. Boat shows are held all over the country, from Seattle to Chicago to Miami, and they include not only boats, but seminars, new product displays and more. If you are interested in seeing a boat show near you, ask your local lake officials where and when the nearest show is coming.

Here is what most boat shows cover:

About a gazillion boats: At it's core, a boat show is in fact a showing off of boats, meaning you can shuttle around the water checking out some of the most prestigious, shiny new boats from other boaters. The bigger boat shows could have upwards of a hundred or more boats while smaller shows may have 10 or 20 boats. The boaters that are displaying their boats often prepare for this event for some time before hand, to make sure their vehicle is clean and ready. If you want to have your boat displayed in a show, talk to the event hosts well in advance.

Seminars: Most boat shows also have seminars for different things relating to boats. Seminars may inform you of the best ways to clean certain parts of your boat or may include guest speaker appearances. The seminars are either held on a bigger boat docked on the water or on shore.

New product give-a ways: Retailers from the boating industry flock to boat shows. Since boaters navigate their way to boat shows when they are around, retailers find it the best place to sell boating equipment, parts and boating accessories. Many of these retailers do raffles, free product give-a-ways and more. If you are looking for equipment, a boat show is often a good place to go.

Boat shows are held all over the nation and are the place to be for interested boaters. Free entertainment, great boats, boating apparel, food and more are often available. It isn't uncommon for thousands of people to attend the boating events. The shows bring together boaters with similar interests and sometimes last several days. Some of the bigger boat shows in the United States include: The Seattle Boat Show, the Fort Lauderdale International Show, and the Atlanta Boat Show.

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Boat Shows Posted By : David Done

2008-02-08T15:25:00.001-08:00

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Cruise Vacation- Preboarding Posted By :

2008-02-08T15:11:00.001-08:00

When you are new to the cruise vacations you must have many doubts regarding the kind of activities and procedure you have to go before you board the cruise. It is obvious for any novice traveler of cruise ships to become nervous due to the nature of traveling in a ship. It is not at all unnatural in the part of the traveler and anyone in that situation would do the same. So you must know about the pre-boarding process.

Pre-boarding is the phase that you have to face before you are allowed to travel in the ship. It is commonly used by the travelers though for this particular phase there is another term used by the cruise lines. This particular phase involves accessing all the information regarding all their travelers in detail. You have to avail about you and your family who is with you to travel in the cruise to the cruise line officials. The information includes name, address, passport information and all such things required for the travel. You are also going to receive the ship card in this process which is very important during your stay in the cruise ship and that's why you can not afford to loose it.

The pre-boarding process also involves producing your passport every time you reach a new place or destination. Once this phase is over, you are ready for the travel. The checking of passport is done every time you are in a new place and this is for all the passengers. This is a difficult task but cruise lines made it easy before the traveler get inline at the terminal. The traveler has to fill the online information form before he gets onboard the cruise ship. Incase the traveler book for the cruise through a travel agent, a lot of information about the traveler is already known to the cruise line. Passengers are also able to complete the process by visiting the website of the cruise line itself.

It also save more time for both the passenger as well as for the cruise line if you fill all the information online when you reach the counter for check in. you have to do no more extra thing than filling up information that you do at the time of register for gain access to get on board. But while filling information online you must ensure that the website address starts with 'https' and also make sure you are not giving personal information such as bank id, credit card information in the website as there is always possibility of hacking. If you are booking through travel agents make sure you ask for the cruise lines web address.

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Prague Hotels Posted By : Boucher

2008-02-08T15:07:00.001-08:00

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic sometimes called - the golden city and one of the most popular cities in Europe. Not so long ago Prague was still under a communist regime making travelling to Prague very difficult. However all that has changed, especially just after the fall of the iron curtain finding accommodation in Prague was very difficult. Nowadays the number of Prague hotels has soared, estimates run into 400 hotels and pensions. Back in the early nineties the quality of the hotels in Prague was questionable but at the moment all international hotel chains have their own hotels in Prague. From very basic to the most luxurious hotels such as the Corinithia Towers Hotel or the Alcron hotel located close to the Wenceslas square, in fact Prague is one of Europe´s cities with the highest number of five star hotels. When looking for Prague hotels it is not difficult to find a hotel in the city centre most of the hotels lie in the old city and are located close to each other. This is one of the attractive aspects of Prague, as the city is pretty small compared to some other major European cities , it is easy to explore Prague by foot. Getting to Prague is very easy, Prague has an extensive transport system. For transport within the city the most suitable means of transport is the metro which is cheap, safe and reliable. By air Prague can be reached via Ruzyn airport, at Ruzyn Airport you will find the Ramada Airport Hotel Prague. If you arrive in Prague by train you will also find a great number of hotels in the direct neighborhood . For example the luxurious Esplanade Prague hotel which offers you a delightful stay in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. If it is a hotel close to the Prague Castle you are looking for then the 5 star Savoy Hotel could be your best choice. Being member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World this hotel has been the favorite place to stay for many famous persons visiting Prague. So Prague caters to the preferences of many, it is an history city with attraction and landmarks that are all in short reach however offering the atmosphere of a true metropolis. And finding accommodation in Prague will never be difficult, hotels can be found in all sorts and classifications.

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Finding the Perfect Canada Canoe trip Posted By : blackfeather

2008-02-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

For the committed canoeist and outdoorsman, the search for the ultimate canoe trip ends with Canada's Nahanni River. A river trip down the beautiful Nahanni River, a federally protected wildlife preserve, provides paddlers with astonishing views of nature that include 3,000 foot canyon walls and rare native Canadian wildlife.

Something for everyone

A Canada canoe trip on the Nahanni provides variety for different skill levels and different tastes. Whether you like the rapids, smooth paddling, or a little of both, the Nahanni has it.

The outdoors fan will also have plenty to talk about upon his or her return. The Nahanni National Park spans 8,800 square miles with the best of it all being right along the Nahanni. Paddling down the river will take you past four canyons with walls rising up to thousands of feet on both sides, rare plant and animal wildlife, sulphur hot springs, and an overall view of nature's beauty as it was meant to be
seen.

More than a Boy Scout trip

Black Feather, a wilderness adventure company that offers guided Nahanni River trips, doesn't cater to your inner Boy Scout. These are for the serious adventurer lasting anywhere from 10 days to three weeks! More experienced paddlers can take on the whitewaters, while site seers will be taken on hikes to places few people have ever seen.

Author bio:-Black Feather has been offering northern adventures since 1971. Employing highly experienced and well-trained guides for each adventure and providing the best in gear, Black Feather expeditions are sure to be one of the finest life experiences you'll ever have. Destinations include Nahanni River trip (beautiful), a remote fjord in Greenland,Canada canoe trip and even Ellesmere's Muskox Way, located just a few hundred miles from the North Pole, just to name a few.

Black Feather has been offering northern adventures since 1971. Employing highly experienced and well-trained guides for each adventure and providing the best in gear, Black Feather expeditions are sure to be one of the finest life experiences you'll ever have. Destinations include Nahanni River trip (beautiful), a remote fjord in Greenland,Canada canoe trip and even Ellesmere's Muskox Way, located just a few

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Gulet Charter in Turkey Posted By : ben jones

2008-02-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

Mid July through to mid September are the busiest and most expensive months to cruise the Turkish coast. Temperature can exceed 40 deg C. May and late September are a little cooler and cheaper. April and October see some rain but it is still pleasantly warm. From May to October this area experiences the Meltemi wind. It blows from the N and NW and can make sailing in that direction hard work.

Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye are the chief yacht charter ports. The following destinations are ordered from north to south.

Iskele is a lovely little village on the northern Aegean coast opposite the Greek island of Lesvos. A lot of the village's old stone houses now serve as inns, pensions and restaurants. A short distance away is Behramkale, although most people still call the town by its ancient name of Assos. It was founded around 700 BC by colonists from the island of Lesvos. On a hill nearby are the ruins of the Doric-style Temple of Athena (530 BC) surrounded by crumbling city walls and an ancient cemetery. Close to is the 14th-century Ottoman Murad H?endigar Mosque. The hill offers spectacular views of the island of Lesvos and the Aegean Sea.

Ayvalik is a coastal resort in the northern Aegean. It is surrounded by olive groves that produce much of Turkey's best olive oil. Ayvalik has an interesting history, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Ottoman Greeks of Ayvalik moved to Greece, and Turkish citizens of Greece moved to Ayvalik. The town has many old Ottoman Greek houses and orthodox churches that have now been converted into mosques. The harbour has many good restaurants. Ferries run daily in summer between Ayvalik and the Greek island of Lesvos (Mytileni), but the fare is extraordinarily high for the 2 hour trip.

Alibey Island lies just off the coast opposite Ayvalik. It has good waterside restaurants and tavernas.

Izmir, formerly Smyrna, is a major port and commercial centre sitting on a large bay. The city was rebuilt after a fire, during the 1922 War of Independence, destroyed most of old Smyrna. Consequently the city is modern with little in the way of archaeological interest. There are perhaps other more rewarding places too visit if your time in Turkey is limited to a 2 week yacht charter.

Kusadasi is a major Aegean resort town and cruise ship port. It also has a full service yacht marina. From here it is possible to visit Ephesus, just 11 miles away, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean region. Other ancient cities such as Aphrodisias, Euromos and the Temple of Zeus, Priene, Miletus and Didyma can also be seen. Kusadasi is popular with holidaymakers from Western Europe; so expect to find the "Red Lion" serving the "all day English breakfast" and several outlets for Guinness.

Gumusluk has an attractive small harbour with good shelter There are several good restaurants around the harbour.

Turgutreis sits on the end of Bodrum peninsula and yachts can find berths in the full service marina, a short distance from the town. There are good beaches at Aspat, Akyarlar and Huseyin Feneri

Amazon Creek is a narrow bay lined with pine trees. Nearby is a campsite with swimming pool and small provisioning store.

Bodrum is one of the main centres for yacht charter on the Aegean coast of Turkey. Here are the ruins of the original Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And one of the world's foremost museums of Underwater Archaeology is located in the Castle of St Peter, a Crusader fortress. The beaches in town of Bodrum are small and get crowded, neither is the water particularly clean. There are better beaches along the Bodrum peninsula. Bodrum is known for its nightlife with many loud discos and clubs going through until the early hours. You can take a ferry from here and visit the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes.

Datca harbour is divided into two halves by a thin causeway joining a small island to the mainland. In the summer months the harbour gets very crowded and a berth may be difficult to find. The town is good for provisioning and has plenty of restaurants to choose from. Nearby are hot, highly pungent sulphur springs.

Orhaniye lies at the eastern end of the Gulf of Hisaronu. A modern marina is situated about 1.5 miles from the comparatively unspoilt village of Orhaniye.

Ekincik can be identified by the light tower on its western headland. For a day trip, take on of the local boats for a guided tour of the Dalyan River. Watch for loggerhead turtles that can be seen on the long sandy beach at the mouth of the river. The beach is one of only two Mediterranean breeding grounds for this species. The first stop is usually the caves just outside Ekincik. Once you enter the river mouth travel upstream amongst reeds and marshes before reaching the impressive ruins of ancient Caunos. These include Roman Baths, amphitheatre, library, temple and a medieval fort. Carrying on up river to Dalyan village you'll pass the Lycian rock tombs set high up in the cliff face and eventually reach the lake of Koycegiz Golu.

Marmaris is arguably the premier location for yachting on the Aegean Coast. It has a full service marina or yachts can try for a berth in the busy harbour. Take a stroll in the honeycombed streets of the old quarter. Ferries cruise to and from the Greek island of Rhodes several times a day during the summer months. It is in the natural harbour of Marmaris that Nelson prepared his fleet in 1798 prior to the Battle of Abukir that saw the English triumph over the French. There is a museum in its small castle.

Make a stop at Kumlu Buku and explore the ancient ruins of Amos in the hills to the north. The stiff climb will be rewarded with a fine view.

Ciftlik sits in a pleasant bay and is a good spot for basic provisioning.

Gocek lies in a wooded bay at the northern end of Skopea Liman. It is protected from all but the strongest south and south westerly winds. Skopea Marina is located in Gocek town and a second facility; Club Marina lies just across the water. There is a regular ferry service running between the Club Marina and Skopea Marina. Club Marina is set amongst landscaped gardens and pine trees; facilities include bars, restaurants and games areas for children. Gocek provides good shopping and many of the shops in the town will deliver to the boat. Restaurants offer a good choice of local cuisine

Fethiye lies on a broad Mediterranean bay with some of Turkey's best beaches close at hand. The ?lis and ??iz beaches are within a few miles. The bay itself is excellent for sailing. On the approach to Fethiye, pass through the navigable channel to the west of Fethiye Adasi. From here it is possible to see the prominent rock tombs visible in the cliffs above the town. A good day trip inland is a visit to Saklikent Gorge, set high in the mountains above Fethiye. Over thousands of years rushing torrents of water have cut a constricted channel through the mountains. This gorge is 300 metres deep and 10 miles long. Because the walls of Saklikent Gorge are so high they cut out most of the sunlight and it a lovely refuge on hot summer days. Take a picnic or visit one of the rustic restaurants that overhang the river and try delicious fresh trout. In the summer months there is a ferry service from Fethiye to the Greek island of Rhodes.

Gemile Island, in Fethiye Bay, has many Byzantine ruins.

Sail southwards and pass the Seven Capes. Gusts from the top of these capes can be very strong and yachts are advised to stay a good two miles off shore when passing.

Kalkan is a lovely peaceful anchorage. This town is attractive and a good base for heading out to explore the ruins of Letoon, Patara and Xanthos.

Kekova Roads is the channel of water running between Kekova Island and the mainland. The roads are 6 miles long and offer many attractive anchorages and interesting ruins to explore.

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