camping: กันยายน 2008

วันอังคาร, กันยายน 30, 2008

What Do Cowboys-n-Campfires Have in Common?

I bet you're wondering where the heck this articles going. After all what could cowboys-n-campfires have in common? Well lots actually!Cowboys are full of wonderful tales from their travels and their work. Campfires are a wonderful place to listen to tales whether from a cowboy or shared among a group of friends over an ice cold beer and a star filled sky.There's another commonality. In earlier times cowboys spent a great deal of time sleeping under the clear star filled skies. They enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the universe as they stopped to rest for their night from a long day of moving cattle across the country.Today campfires are one of the few times we get to appreciate the dark night skies with the twinkling stars. It's one of the few times we stop and appreciate what a wonderful universe we live in. In the city most of the beauty of the night sky is washed out by the ambient light.Cowboys-n-campfires share something else ? the big C. Now I bet your wondering what the heck the big C is? The big C stands for a few things Character, Charm, Cause, Caution, Cheerful, and Chatting.Both a cowboy and a campfire have character and charm. Depending on the mood of both determines what part of their character we see. A cowboy can be angry but so can a campfire. I'm sure you've heard your fire sizzling and popping. A cowboy can be charming and so can your campfire. Remember sitting beside it watching the gentle orange and red flames flutter ? so charming.A cowboy and a campfire both have a cause. The cowboys job is to herd the cattle from point a to point b. The campfires job is to help you relax and to keep you warm. It's also their to cook a meal, prepare a pot of coffee, or enjoy a marshmallow or two.A cowboy and campfire share caution. A cowboy needs to exercise caution when he herds the cattle. There are many dangers he will face. A campfire requires your attention and caution as there are many dangers it can cause. A fire can burn someone, and it can spread and cause a forest fire if not properly put out.A cowboy and campfire are both cheerful. A cowboy can be heard whistling a happy tune as he carries out his duties. He always seems to have a smile on his face. Next time you go by a campfire take note of the mood of the people around it. Cheerful of course! As they all relax and share good conversation and good friends.Cowboys and campfires share chatting. Cowboys chat among themselves as they carry out their duties. They even chat with their old friend their dog, and now and then you'll hear them chatting to the herd. The campfire is the ultimate place to relax and chat with both old and new friends. It's a place to enjoy great conversation.So you see cowboys-n-campfires have a lot in common! Be sure to check them both out sometime soon!Tom Strayhorn is one of the few real cowboys left so why not saddle up and come visit him at <a target="_new" href="http://www.cowboys-n-campfires.com/">Cowboys-n-Campfires</a>

Kenya Safari Top Five National Parks

The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in Africa containing national parks and game reserves that consistently provide great wildlife sightings and experiences coupled with high quality accommodation.But within the country itself there are certain areas that are better than others to safari in.So, according to the trip reports received at African Safari Journals, forums, my twenty plus years of personal safari experience and the general consensus in the safari industry, these are the top five national parks to visit on your Kenya safari...1. <a target="_new" href="http://www.african-safari-journals.com/masai-mara.html">Masai Mara Reserve</a>Along with the Serengeti in Tanzania, this is without a doubt the premier game viewing destination in Africa because of the quality and quantity of wildlife sightings to be found here.This sometimes works against it because in certain places it can be overrun with tourist in safari vehicles all jostling for the best position around a bemused lion pride or leopard in a tree.But if predators are what you seek from a Kenya safari then this reserve will deliver them in spades in the form of lion, cheetah, hyena and even regular leopard sightings if you know the right areas.And of course the massive wildebeest migration where up to a million of these ugly antelope trek north from the Serengeti plains across the river into the Masai Mara to find fresher grazing is an awesome spectacle.Between July and August (reliant on seasonal rains) is the time to find the wildebeest in this area.Taking a hot air balloon ride over the plains which is a magical experience and you are spoiled with a champagne breakfast when you land.2. Samburu NPOn a Samburu Kanya safari you will notice that the area is a lot drier and hotter than parks to the south due to the climate warming and the only thing that saves this park from being completely arid is the Ewaso Ngiro river which runs through it.This river will provide you with lots of wildlife sightings because the animals are drawn to it to drink and the park is relatively small which concentrates the animals and makes them easy to find.The conditions have spawned some wildlife that are particularly suited to this area like the gerenuk which looks like a cross between a giraffe and an antelope because of its long neck, gravy's zebra (stripes don't go all the way under the belly) and reticulated giraffe which have a geometric pattern on their coat unlike other giraffes.And then there are the leopards which seem to make a habit of moving around during the day unlike other areas where they are mostly nocturnal.3. Aberdares NPThis park is set in the Aberdares mountain range which ensures that it has thick woodland forests, waterfalls and ice cold streams filled with trout contained within its boundaries.It is home to two well known treehouse hotels, the Ark and Treetops, which have walkways and accommodation raised above the ground beside floodlit waterholes with salt licks. You don't need to go on a drive to find wildlife on a safari here because they come to you.All you have to do is stay close to the waterholes at the lodges and you will see elephant, lion, hyena, various antelope and rhino. There is also a viewing hide below ground level which gives you some unique views as the animals quench their thirst.And after a strenuous days Kenya safari wildlife viewing from the platforms with a drink in your hand, you can go back to your room with the confident knowledge that if a particularly good sighting is going on at the waterhole like a leopard, lion or hyena you will be alerted by a bell (one ring for lion, two for leopard etc) which will ensure you don't miss any of the action.If you are tempted to go on a game drive you might spot the elusive bongo antelope and some of the monkeys that make their home in the Aberdare forest.4. Amboseli NPSituated close to Kilimanjaro this national park will afford you some awesome views of elephant, giraffe, hippo and antelope with the majestic snow topped mountain as a backdrop.Streams from the mountain feed swamp areas which support a rich variety of wildlife and birds such as pelicans, bee-eaters, eagles and kingfishers.It doesn't have the regularity and consistency for predator sightings that a Kenya safari in the Mara provides but lion, leopard and cheetah are seen as well as old bull elephants with some of the biggest ivory tusks in Africa.Rhino used to be found in this area but unfortunately they are now extinct due to poaching activity.5. Tsavo East and West NP'sThis is the largest national park in Kenya and is divided into Tsavo West which is the most developed part and East where some of the land is accessible but the rest is off limits to the public due to poaching.If you are looking to get away from the masses of tourists and do your wildlife viewing in relative isolation and peace then a Kenya safari in Tsavo is a good place to do it.There have been over 500 species of bird recorded in Tsavo west including the migratory species so this provides a visual feast for birders.Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary gives you the opportunity to spot the scarce and temperamental black rhino (42 recorded) in 70 sq kilometres surrounded by electric fence for their protection.The underwater viewing chamber at Mzima Springs will give you an insight into what hippos do underwater and you will spot a number of other species of game there all attracted by the life giving water.Find out who the <a target="_new" href="http://www.african-safari-journals.com/safari-companies.html">Top Three Kenya safari companies</a> are to help you choose the best operator to guide your own trip to Kenya.Learn from the <a target="_new" href="http://www.african-safari-journals.com/kenya-safari.html">Kenya Safari trip reports</a> of previous travellers to the game reserves and national parks there and find out what they experienced.

Alaska Hunting Guide

WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise. Hunting here can provide the full scope of experiences- from caribou to deer and moose, from grizzly and brown bears to wolves, from Dall sheep and mountain goats to muskox, from waterfowl to ptarmigan and several grouse species. Diverse Alaska geographic areas offer adventure for everyone, give us various choices:Interior Alaska. From mountains and rolling hills, river valleys covered with forests to the vast spaces of treeless tundra at higher altitudes and in the far north. Temperaure varies greatly throughout the year, from -50 Celsius (-58 Fahrenheit) in the winter months to +30 Celsius (+86 Fahrenheit) during summers. There are just a few highways in the interior part of Alaska. Most of the area can only be reached by plane, boat or by foot. Summer is warm but short. Climate and landscape conditions provide variety of big game: moose and cariboo, Dall sheep in the mountains, some wild bison, muskox in the arctic Alaska, wolves, black and grizzly bears, waterfowl, some grouse and ptarmigan.Southeast (the narrow and long part between the Pacific ocean and Canada). Consists of mainland and many treed mountainous islands along the coast. The main hunting trophies here are brown and black bears, moose and mountain goats, black-tailed deer and wolves . Guided hunting is done mostly by boat, the most popular hunting spots are on the islands in the central part of the area.South and Southwest (to the south and west of the Yukon river). Mountainous inland with many rivers and lakes, ragged coastal line dotted with numerous islands. The region offers a wide variety of game: deer, Dall sheep, caribou, moose, wolves, wolverine, brown and black bear, waterfowl, grouse species.ALASKA GENERAL HUNTING REGULATIONS:If you hunt in a general season, which is open to an unlimited number of hunters, you will need a harvest ticket. Harvest tickets are available at no cost where hunting licenses are sold. Non-residents are required to have a big game tag for the species they are hunting. Some remote rural areas may not have licenses available or the vendor may run out of harvest tickets. Be sure to purchase your license, game tags, and pick up harvest tickets before you leave home or a population center. When a population of animals is too small and/or the potential number of hunters too large to allow a general season or a registration hunt, the Department may offer drawing permits. A Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement is published every May. The drawing for permit hunts is held in early summer, and everyone who applies will be notified of the results by mail or can locate the results on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's website. The Supplement contains all of the drawing hunts by number for all big game species. Most of the drawing permit hunts are open to both resident and nonresident hunters. A hunter may apply for three drawing permit hunts for each species. A fee is charged for each separate hunt. You can pick up a Supplement at any Fish and Game office, on the website, or at license vendors.Hunting permit applications and forms can be downloaded off the Internet and printed out. You can also purchase hunting licences, duck stamps, big game tags online, print them at home and you may go hunting or trapping right away. Complete Alaska Hunting Regulations Guide can be found here. The basic non-resident hunting licence costs $85 plus some extra fees for big game tags.HUNTING GUIDES: Nonresidents may hunt moose, caribou, deer, and black bear without a guide. Hunters who are not Alaska residents must be accompanied by a registered Alaskan guide or they must hunt with close relatives within the second-degree of kindred who are Alaska residents when hunting brown or grizzly bears, Dall sheep or mountain goats. You can search online for licenced big game guides in your area. The best guides deliver 80-100 percent for most big game species. In addition, guides are familiar with their areas and possess equipment that the average hunter might not care to purchase for one time use. However, a guide's knowledge, experience and equipment do not come cheaply. Although figures vary from guide to guide, expect to spend $8,000-$12,000 for a brown/grizzly bear hunt, $4,000-$6,000 for a sheep hunt and $1,500-$3,000 for a goat hunt. Moose and caribou are often part of a mixed-bag hunt and prices vary considerably. The best way to find a reliable guide is by references.AIRCRAFT CHARTERS: Many hunters choose an air charter service to fly in to prime hunting areas to hunt these species. The air charter operator is licensed by the state to charge for flying hunters and their game meat. The drop-off hunt is less expensive than a guided or outfitted hunt because the air charter takes care of transportation and may throw in some planning tips. The hunter provides all of the camp gear and performs all other functions on his own. Before you contract with an air charter operator, you should have a clear understanding of the costs of services and know exactly which services to expect. Prices and services vary considerably. Air charter operators may charge a flat rate or by the hour for flight time. When calculating costs on an hourly rate, you have to take into account "dead-head" time, the time a pilot spends flying back to base after dropping you off and the time spent flying out to pick you up. Again, be sure to ask whether the package includes flying out the meat and antlers. Some package deals also include being checked on at least once during the hunt to bring out game or move you if you haven't been successful. The cost of air charters also depends on the size of the plane and the number of hunters sharing the cost. Make sure you explain the number of hunters in your group and the amount of gear you will have. You can search online for licenced transporters in your area. Check also this extensive list of Alaska Aircraft Charters, Bush Pilots, Air Taxis.WEATHER: Alaskan summers are cool, the average temperature is +14 deg.C (58 F) in summer and -12 deg.C (11 F) in winter but it can vary greatly between different regions of the state. Winters are cold and dark. Early spring can be cold, but often days warm to above freezing with a lot of sunshine. It receives midnight sunshine during the part of summer and goes into 24-hour darkness during the part of winter. Summers are the wettest time of the year, south regions are well known for their dampness. You can check next week weather forecast for Anchorage here.GETTING THERE: You can fly to Anchorage direct or one-stop from most major US cities. From there Alaska Aircraft Charters, Bush Pilots, Air Taxis will help you to explore America's greatest playground. Many small villages and towns have all weather airports and served daily by small air carriers. LODGING: Depending on your preferences it can be a small camping tent or a luxurious hunting lodge with all modern conveniences and comfort. There are also some primitive cabins for private use maintained by government. These can accomodate 4 to 8 people, cost from $20 to $50 (USD) per night and have to be reserved in advance, ususally- a month. You need to contact the proper agency directly to book a cabin.TRAVEL TIPS: Northern weather can be unpredictable. Consider taking with you and wearing multiple layers of clothes in response to a wide variety of temperatures and weather conditions. Obtain detailed maps of the area beforehand. Do not forget to pack first-aid and survival kits as well as bear repellents. Be sure you check available information, understand all the guidelines for hunting in Alaska before you leave home.We wish you a successful and safe trip!For more travel guides and online trip reservations visit us: <a target="_new" href="http://www.travelmake.com">http://www.travelmake.com</a> - one of leading discount travel agencies, a source of useful travel information.

Hiking Shoes Versus Hiking Boots

Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next issue? No, really. Hiking or running shoes are better for most backpacking trips, at least during late spring, summer and early fall. Boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet forever. A pound on your feet is like five on your back (some say six), so three-pound boots leave you much more tired at the end of the day.Hiking Shoes And Ankle SupportYou may have heard arguments for the necessity of ankle support, but throughout history people managed without stiff ankle-supporting boots. The problem is weak ankles, not a lack of support. You can solve this by walking a little each week on uneven ground (not in the mall).Some may need boots, but be sure your ankle problems are not just due to a lack of exercise before you settle for backpacking in hiking boots. You may also need hiking boots if you carry more than thirty pounds when you backpack. Cut the weight down, though, and you'll be more comfortable anyhow.Why Running Or Hiking Shoes?Feet stay cooler in a good running shoes than in hiking boots. This means fewer blisters. After switching to running shoes and lightweight socks years ago, I stopped getting blisters. I don't mean fewer blisters. I mean haven't had one blister since I switched. Not even after a 110-mile 7-day trek in the Rockies, for example.How To Choose Your ShoesTry to keep below two pounds per pair, unless you have size 13 feet. If the weights are not shown in a catalog, you'll have to guess which hiking shoes are lighter based on the description and photo. Quality shoes have soles stitched to the uppers, so look under the insoles (a removable insole is another sign of quality shoes). You can usually find a good pair of running shoes that weighs less than 28 ounces for under $80, or half of that on closeouts.There's nothing quite as liberating as ditching the heavy pack and heavy boots and hitiing the trail in running shoes. You get to go more miles, and in comfort. You get to run up a hill just to see what's there. I have yet to meet a person who has tried backpacking in hiking shoes or running shoes - and then returned to boots.Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at <a target="_new" href="http://www.thebackpackingsite.com">http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com</a>

วันจันทร์, กันยายน 29, 2008

Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

If anyplace on earth is a natural paradise, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is that place. Of all Croatia's eight National Parks, Plitvice is the oldest and most visited. It's easy to see why. Bears and wolves lurk in its primeval forest; schools of silvery fish dart through its pristine rivers; its beech trees are a cacophony of chattering birds. The crown jewels are the 16 translucent lakes connected to each other by a breathtaking series of cascades. Dazzling as the Plitvice national park appeared on a recent visit, I couldn't help recalling that this exceptional site was a war zone during the breakup of former Yugoslavia.Located near Croatia's then- disputed border with Bosnia-Hercegovina, the park's troubles began in 1991 when the Yugoslav army seized the park and turned it into an army barracks. The Croatian army forced them out in 1995 but, a year later, the effects of war were everywhere. The area surrounding the park was a nightmarish landscape of bombed out houses and abandoned farms. The park's three hotels were shot to pieces and part of the lake system was closed while specialists removed mines from the falls and forests.Shaking off the aura of gloom, I set out to tour the park that UNESCO had named a world heritage site. Even with only half the park open, I was soon entranced.Miles of wooden walkways wound over, under and alongside the falls. From merry two-foot bubblers to long walls laced with foam, the falling water was everywhere. I resolved to return one day when the park had been rebuilt.It happened that my grand return to Plitvice occurred this year at the end of a long, hard winter in central Croatia. Although I had visions of tranquil lakes shimmering under a blue sky the weather turned out to be cold, foggy and damp. But damp is good in Plitvice. Between the melting winter snow and days of rain, much of the park was a roaring mass of water. Water pounded into swollen lakes, flooded out the walkways and splashed through the trees. It was splendid.Even better was the lack of other visitors. In the intervening nine years, Plitvice Lakes National Park has become Croatia's busiest tourist attraction welcoming some 750,000 tourists a year. Nearly all come in July and August. "Please tell people to come in spring and autumn, if they can" my guide begged me. The newly renovated hotels are now completely booked up in the summer and the walkways are elbow to elbow with camera clickers.Although missing the summer greenery, I quickly grew to appreciate the bare trees that allowed an unobstructed view of the lakes and falls. It was clear that the lake system is divided into four lower and twelve upper lakes. Just past the main entrance, the Korana River drops a torrent of water 258 feet into a frothing pool that begins the lower lakes. Lying at the bottom of a canyon, the narrow lower lakes are bordered by steep limestone walls and climb like a giant staircase to the upper lakes. Wider and surrounded by dense forest, the upper lakes lie on a bed of dolomite. At the very top, the White and Black rivers are the spigots that water the park. The high mineral content of the lakes explains their extraordinary colors, which range from day-glow green to deep azure.Examining the crystalline water of the top lake, I noticed that the leaves and branches settled on the bottom were acquiring a metallic coating. It was the travertine process in action. The water absorbs minerals from the dolomite underlying the upper lakes and coats the plant life, turning it to porous travertine stone. The new travertine sprouts moss and plants that again petrify and the process repeats itself. All the barriers separating the upper lakes are composed of travertine constantly growing and changing shape.If you go to Plitvice, you don't need to stay long enough to turn to travertine but the park merits more time than it usually gets. Lying about 85 miles north of Zadar and south of Zagreb, many people rush through the park on their way to or from the coast. It's possible to see a lot of waterfalls in three or four hours but you'll need a number of days to fully explore the trails. The three-star Hotel Jezero is the best of the park's three hotels but there are plenty of small pensions and private rooms in the villages around the park.Jeanne Oliver has written all three editions of Lonely Planet's Croatia guidebook. To find out more about traveling to Croatia and to book your trip, visit Jeanne's website, <a target="_new" href="http://www.croatiatraveller.com">http://www.croatiatraveller.com</a>

New Technologies in Camping and Outdoor Clothing Enhance the Outdoor Experience

Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the outdoors. The weather needn't be an obstacle to what sorts of climates and places you might trek to. Outdoor clothing has become incredibly innovative in its designs and features, allowing the adventurous at heart to know no limits. Following is information all outdoor enthusiasts should read before investing in outerwear.Given so many choices it is necessary to do a little research before making your clothing purchase, this way you are only buying the pieces you will need, therefore essentially getting your money's worth. The following suggestions should be helpful for any outdoor enthusiast. A popular term you will hear mentioned in today's clothing features is waterproof-breathable technologies. This technology strives to keep liquid water (precipitation) out of the garment interiors, while allowing the moisture vapor (perspiration) to escape out of the wearer's clothing.There are three major waterproof-breathable technologies which are microporous laminates, microporous coatings and monolithic membranes. The microporous laminates contain millions of pores which allow for molecules of water vapor to pass out, but not allowing for water to enter. The microporous coatings act in the same way by letting water vapors pass out but not allowing vapor to enter. The monolithic membranes absorb moisture vapor directly into its structure, in turn heat from your body drives the moisture through the membrane towards the outer surface. The amazing thing about the monolithic membrane is that as you work harder the membrane absorbs and exhales more vapor.One of the popular face fabrics for outdoor clothing of the past has been nylon; it has been a preferred fabric because of both its waterproof and breathable features and its abrasion resistance for rugged use. But today's newly designed polyesters are closing the gap. Polyester is popular because it only absorbs about a tenth as much water as does nylon. This is wonderful as it keeps the inside surface of the garment warmer, while reducing the interior condensation. The great thing about the new polyesters is they are naturally repellent without having to use spray on repellents that eventually wash off.Knowing about the popular fabrics used today and why they work is important in making some of your outdoor clothing selections, but if needing any clothing that will be used for cold or extremely cold conditions you will need to know what clothing insulations will best suit you and the conditions you might be facing. Firstly is down filling. Down filling has been around forever and is still one of the most popular choices. It is unbelievably light, compact and durable. It moulds to your body helping to keep you warm while absorbing any moisture; however down is not a good choice if you will be in constantly damp cold or wet snow conditions.Next are the synthetic fills. There are different types of synthetic fills available, some of which are much heavier and bulkier than down but will not collapse when wet. Some of the special synthetic fills are specially treated to resist moisture penetration while still keeping you warm if wet.After you've done a bit of research and familiarized yourself with some of the fabric technologies available, you will next want to know exactly what you will be doing and what sort of weather you can expect. For people interested in adventures such as mountaineering, skiing, ice climbing and other backcountry sports, you will want an excellent jacket offered in one of the waterproof-breathable designs offered. These jackets should offer protection from extreme wind, snow, and rain while still keeping you comfortable. Along with a great jacket you will want to select a compatible pair of pants which will also offer you protection from the elements.When shopping for your clothing you will notice for more extreme conditions there will be three-ply garments which consist of an outer face fabric, a membrane and protective backer, whereas the two-ply garments are more for general use with a lighter liner instead of the knitted inner backing.The waterproof-breathable designs are excellent for people constantly moving, because of the movement you really need something that breathes. Now on the other hand for people doing outdoor activity where they are making frequent stops or standing around for periods of time they will need outerwear that is insulated to keep them warm. These particular designs come in various synthetic and down fills in a variety of weights and shell materials. The design appropriate for you is again dependant on what sort of activities you'll be doing.Now for the people who might not be venturing into quite as extreme conditions they may just need jackets and pants that protect them from the wind. Windwear is not to be confused with rainwear, but is to be used for cool, windy, damp conditions. For outdoor activities such as backcountry skiing and hiking, windwear provides water-resistance in breathable fabrics.Regardless of what sort of camping or outdoor activities you may do, having proper rainwear is essential when spending time in the wilderness. Having great rain gear such as jackets, pants and hats can make what might have been a bad weather experience and allow for your trip to go on. Excellent rainwear today offers features such as water repellent finishes, fully taped seams, cinched ankle cuffs and reflective trims for safety. Rainwear designs really make hiking in the rain a comfortable pleasure.One of the most versatile pieces of clothing offered is those made of fleece. Fleece is light in weight, warm even when the weather is wet, and can be used for either a mid-layer or outer layer. Usually used for insulation, fleece also will pick up moisture from the surface of your underwear moving it outwards to keep you dry. Fleece is an excellent addition to any outdoor wardrobe, combined with a two or three ply jacket, windwear or rainwear; it provides added warmth and comfort. Fleece is available in heavyweight, midweight and lightweight options.Modern underwear is another outdoor clothing option that has improved with time. New polyester blends not only provide needed insulation from the elements but keeps perspiration away from your body while in motion. Unlike cotton, the new fabrics make perspiration evaporate quickly keeping you warm and comfortable.There are so many outdoor clothing options available. The above mentioned pieces of clothing serve well for protection from all of the elements. There is also clothing available for trekking such as shirts, pants, shorts and t-shirts. Again what is wonderful about all the clothing choices is the excellent fabrics used. Fabrics that dry quickly, keep moisture away, and provide stain, odor and wrinkle resistance.Lastly, we cannot forget the great clothing accessories that keep our head, hands and feet warm and protected. Gloves available for ice climbing, mountaineering and skiing in waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics. Gloves, hats and socks that provide excellent warmth and comfort for any weather condition.Whatever the outdoor activity you are planning, whether it be ice climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding, hiking or just a simple walk outside, the wonderful fabrics and designs offered in outdoor clothing today can make your experience a comfortable one. Given so many clothing choices and designs, it truly gives adage to the saying that "there is no bad weather just bad clothing".Best Camping Supplies is a camping site owned and operated by Valerie Giles. It features <a target="_new" href="http://www.best-camping-supplies.com/camping-tents.htm">tents</a>, campers, fishing gear, <a target="_new" href="http://www.best-camping-supplies.com/boats-and-kayaks.htm">boats</a>, kayaks and outerwear. Everything for camping enthusiasts! <a target="_new" href="http://www.best-camping-supplies.com">http://www.best-camping-supplies.com</a> The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Traveling To and Around Hawaii, A First-Time Visitors Primer

Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most first-timers planning a trip to one or more than one island have numerous questions relating to where exactly to go and how exactly to get there. This primer will answer those questions.All interisland flights are through Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines, or Island Air. Best prices will usually be through the website or through your mainland flight company.Oahu is the hub of Hawaii transportation. Most mainland and International flights will fly into the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Travelers heading on to another island may have to deplane and get on an interisland flight to reach their final destination. The airport is located on the outskirts of Honolulu, about a 20 minute drive to Waikiki, and about a 45 minute drive to the North Shore. There are no ferries from Oahu to any other island.Maui has three airports. The major airport is Kahalui Airport (OGG) which allows direct flights from the West coast of the U.S. mainland. The drive from the airport to Kihei or Wailea is less than half an hour, but can take an hour to Lahaina or Kaanapali. Much closer to the Lahaina area is Kapalua Airport (JHM) but you can only fly there from Honolulu. Hana (HNM) also has an airport if you don't want to drive, but you'll be taking a very small plane. Check with Pacific Wings. You can normally find day ferries from Maui to Lanai and Molokai.The Big Island (named Hawaii, but called the Big Island to avoid confusion) has two airports, Hilo International Airport (ITO), and Keahole Airport (KOA). These two airports are a 2.5 hour drive from each other. Hilo is closest to Honokaa, Kapoho, and Volcano. Keahole is in Kailua-Kona which is closest to all of Kona, Puako, Kohala, Waikoloa, and Waimea. There are direct flights from the mainland only to Keahole. There are no ferries from the Big Island to any other island.Kauai has one airport, Lihue Airport (LIH), in Lihue, and you can find direct flights from the mainland on some carriers. Lihue is about halfway to everything on the island - but a bit closer to Poipu than Princeville. There are no ferrys from Kauai to any other island.Molokai has one airport, Molokai Airport (MKK) in central Molokai. You will probably have to take a small airplane in, usually no bigger than a 20 seater. Island Air will fly you in from Honolulu or Kahului. Small commercial boats will ferry you from Maui to Molokai.Lanai has one airport, Lanai Airport (LNY), near Lanai City. Lanai airport also only accepts small airplanes. Island Air will fly you in from Honolulu. Small commercial boats will ferry you from Maui to Molokai.By 2007 Hawaii Super Ferry should be operating between all the islands and will hopefully revolutionize our current expensive and inefficient interisland travel systems. Until then, book your flight online and early.Lisa lives on the Big Island of Hawaii and operates an online Hawaii travel guide at <a target="_new" href="http://www.andhawaii.com/">andHawaii.com</a>

Tamil Nadu ? A potpourri of culture and festivity

Tamil Nadu is a delightful anachronism. With a rich culture reaching back to the early dawn of history, the land of Temples is also a modern developing state. Tamil Nadu, Jewel of the South, is well known as a tourist destination in India. With a past brimming with superior cultural and artistic achievements, tourists flock to Tamil Nadu mainly for its historical heritage. But there's more? Traveling to Chennai, dashing capital of Tamil Nadu, tourists see a modern city, impressive as well as eminently livable. Besides, Tamil Nadu also has its fair share of great beaches, nature, wildlife, good food, festivals and fun.History of Tamil NaduTamil Nadu's history reaches back to the earliest annals of pre-Aryan India. The earliest Tamilians were descendents of the Dravidian race and the remnants of their early civilization excavated at Mohanjo Daro and Harappa, in North- Western India testify to a highly developed society and culture. Invading Aryans caused them to retreat further South into Peninsular India in today's Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and of course Tamil Nadu. Here they settled and prospered, practiced statesmanship, built temples, pursued academics, wrote literature, composed music and poetry and gave rise to one of the oldest and most refined cultures of India.Tamil Nadu - Land of TemplesOver 30, 000 temples have earned Tamil Nadu the sobriquet of "The Land of the Temples". Built over generations, by successive rulers of the Chola, Pallava, Pandya and Chera dynasties, Tamil Nadu's temples nevertheless bear a close resemble to each other in terms of their physical features. The impressive tower over the entrance, or gopuram, the tower over the sanctum or vimanam and the central hall are common features across diverse architectural styles ? a reflection of the highly defined and precise rules governing the building of temples.Grander and more imposing than their North Indian counterparts, the temples of South India served as more than mere buildings for the worship of the deities housed there. Tamil Nadu's temples were integral to the social fabric of the towns where they stood. Serving as public halls, schools and centers of learning, they played a role in the commemoration of important religious, social and political events. Besides they doubled as granaries, storage rooms and hospitals? From the perspective of tourism, Tamil Nadu's temples served as fountainheads of the spiritual and artistic endeavor of the Tamil people.Dedicated to important deities of the Hindu Pantheon such as Siva, Vishnu, their consorts Parvati and Lakshmi, as also Vinayak, Subramanya or Muruga, the Gods are worshipped with different names according to legends connected with the origin of the temples: Siva is Ramanathaswamy ? 'He who is worshipped by Rama' at Rameswaram, and Nataraja ? 'Cosmic Dancer' at Chidambaram.In Tamil Nadu Siva is worshipped as the five elements: Space in Chidambaram, Water in Tiruvanaikkaval, Fire in Tiruvannamalai, Earth in Kanchipuram and Air in Sri Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh). Vishnu, often referred to in Tamil Nadu as Varadaraja Perumal and Ranganarthaswamy is worshipped as himself, as also through temples dedicated to his incarnations, Rama and Krishna.Temples devoted to the consorts of the above Gods include the twin temples of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar at Madurai and the Kamakshi temple at Kanchi. Besides, temples dedicated to the elephant headed Ganpati or Ganesh, also known as Vigneswara or Pillayar, his younger brother Subramanya 'Lord of the Mountains' and other lesser deities are also found in Tamil Nadu.Saivism and Vaishnavism, the two most elemental sects of Hinduism occur in Tamil Nadu, though, as elsewhere in India, this division is becoming more and more fuzzy.Natural Wonders of Tamil NaduAncient settlers in Tamil Nadu categorized the region into 5 different physiogeographic features: Kurinji or the mountainous region, Mullai or forests, Palai or the arid zone, Marudham or fertile lands and Neidhal or coastal belt.The Eastern and Western Ghats, ancient hill ranges, meet in Tamil Nadu, bestowing the state with some of the most ravishing hill stations of the South including Ooty, Kodaikanal, Kothagiri and Yercaud.Denser and enjoying more rain, the Western Ghats are thickly forested besides having tea, coffee and spice plantations. On the other hand, Yercaud, in the comparatively rocky, barren Eastern Ghats also offers fruit orchards and coffee plantations.Travelers to the Western Ghats can also visit Tamil Nadu's major wildlife sanctuaries including the Mudumalai and Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries, home to elephants, gaur, deer monkeys and tigers. On a different note are Tamil Nadu's extensive mangrove forests comprising excellent bird sanctuaries such as Lake Pulicat and Vedanthangal.Besides boosting Tamil Nadu's tourism, the forests are also home to abundant reserves of medicinal herbs including Cinchona, which gives quinine for treating malaria and eucalyptus whose oil has healing properties. Also, Palmyrah trees grow thickly in Tamil Nadu while rubber is a major crop in parts of Tamil Nadu including Kannyakumari. The Javadhu hills near Vellore yield another highly sought after botanical wonder ? the sandalwood tree.Tamil Nadu's fertile plains are fed by rivers such as Cauvery, Palar, Pennar, Vaigai and Tamiraparani. The ever flowing Cauvery especially irrigates the Coromandel plains, Tamil Nadu's most fertile plains; its delta in the Thanjavur-Nagapattinam region is the veritable granary of Tamil Nadu! Palai, or the arid desert region of Tamil Nadu is seen primarily in Tirunelveli district.Tamil Nadu's most enjoyable temptations, undeniably, are the beaches. With an extensive coastline Tamil Nadu was famous amongst travelers even in ancient times for its ports such as Mylapore, Poompuhar and Mamallapuram from where India conducted trade with Rome, Greece and the Far East. Today tourists can enjoy wide uninterrupted beaches such as Rameswaram, Kanyakumari and the most famous ? Marina beach in Chennai. 12 km of unhindered sea and sand, make it the second longest beach the world.Festivals of Tamil NaduWith their artistic and aesthetic sensibilities and a robust sense of fun, it is no wonder Tamilians love festivals. Most of these commemorate events from religious mythology or celebrate the seasons.Pongal: This most popular of festival of Tamil Nadu's festivals celebrates the harvest season. The festivities stretching to three days, the first day is dedicated to the family, the second day to the sun and the third to the moon. Rice cooked in milk and jaggery is prepared and shared, with even the cattle and animals getting their share. Much rejoicing attends this festival, which is also traditionally observed in rural areas with community meals prepared by freshly harvested produce.Thai Pusam: Held in temples dedicated to Kartikeya or Mariamman, devotees demonstrate their faith by walking over burning coal. This over, much singing and feasting follows.Kavadi Festival: Inspired by the legend of Idumban who carried two hillocks strung on a pole over his shoulders, devotees of Lord Muruga carry a 'Kavadi' - flower decoration, as they travel up the Palani hills in Tamil Nadu to a temple at the summit.Float Festival: Commemorating Tamil Nadu's version of Vishnu, Lord Alagar's giving of his sister, the Goddess Meenakshi in marriage to Lord Sundaresa, ornamented statues of the divine couple are taken out on a golden bull from the Meenakshi temple on a full moon night and floated in a tank on a raft with flowers and lamps. Devotees travel along with the procession, dancing and spraying coloursKarthigai Deepam: Beautiful rows of glittering earthen lamps outside every home, and the joyous burst of firecrackers mark Tamil Nadu's Festival of Lights.Velankanni Festival: Commemorating the shrine of the Virgin Mary, built by grateful Portuguese sailors who miraculously escaped death when their ship was wrecked, this festival is attended by thousands. The church is called the 'Lourdes of the East' on account of miraculous healings experienced by devotees here.Kanthuri Festival: Dedicated to Quadirwali, a saint who was famous for doing good to people of all faiths, a descendent of the saint is chosen as a peer. On the tenth day Quadirwali's tomb is anointed with sandalwood paste, which is then distributed to share its healing powers.Taste of Tamil NaduNo tourist can claim to know Tamil Nadu till he has also tried its cuisine. For the Tamilian carries his gutsy, if refined ingenuity, to food as much as every other facet of his life. Tamil Nadu is predominantly vegetarian ? a reflection of its staunch Hindu faith. While rice, lentils and vegetables are the staple, spices are used to give that unique flavour. Breakfast (tiffin) includes idli (steamed rice cake), dosa (steamed rice pancake), vada (patties made from gram flour) pongal (rice and lentils boiled together and seasoned with cashew, pepper and cumin) and uppma (semolina seasoned with spices). Lunch is usually rice along with vegetables, rasam (a spicy broth) and curd. Non-vegetarians have the option of curries and dishes cooked using chicken, mutton, or fish.Roozbegh Gazdar Content Writer <a target="_new" href="http://www.traveljini.com">http://www.traveljini.com</a> <a href="mailto:seo@traveljini.com">seo@traveljini.com</a>

วันอาทิตย์, กันยายน 28, 2008

Motorhome Camp Grounds Stalls should be Astroturf

Having traveled from state to state and every city in the United States over 10,000 population occasionally staying at motor home camp grounds it seems that a few new ideas might be worthy of mention. Motor home campgrounds generally consist of a cement parking stall, which is level and then hook ups for electricity, water, waste and Cable TV if you so need it. Often there is grass in between stalls and sometimes grass between the centers of the cement area you park on, probably to add ambiance for stalls with no motor homes parked there and/or to save the cost of the concrete during construction of the camp ground?All this is very nice and makes sense however, the closest areas to the motor homes themselves ought to paved with Astroturf not actual sod. There are many reasons for this. Quite often there are localized weeds growing in the camp ground and the seeds from these weeds get caught in the undercarriage of the motorhome or a trailer they are towing. If the motor home is there for a month the weeds have time to grow underneath and close to the motorhomes guaranteeing that they will in fact get caught in the undercarriage.In most states the USDA Forest Service is careful to maintain a noxious weed program to prevent the transfer of local indigenous weeds to other places where those weeds might interfere with the local eco-system and cause a take-over or add new insects to the area. If campers have animals they move fleas as well to other areas. Mosquitoes too can hitch a ride. Properly maintained camp grounds are important and the use of Astroturf which properly drains prevents freestanding water for Mosquitoes to breed and possible hitch a ride after wards, as West Nile Virus seems to be killing more and more people each year.Dried brush underneath a vehicle can cause a fire hazard from the tail pipes and dead grass growth under the motorhome is unsafe after the vehicle departs. Additionally with the Western States at a drought crisis the water can be saved without sacrificing the ambiance. Also realize that the older folks who drive motorhomes have weakened immune systems due to age and are more susceptible to catching a virus or disease. Perhaps more camp grounds should look into these things to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, the breeding of mosquitoes and decreasing the fire hazard risks? Think about it."Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; <a target="_new" href="http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs">www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs</a>

Discover The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden In Arcadia California

In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to Pasadena <a href="http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com" target="_new">http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com</a> you will find The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, a beautiful and peaceful 127 acre botanical garden and historical site jointly operated by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. The Arboretum is located across from the Santa Anita Race Track is at 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA, 91007. It is open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; admission closes at 4:30. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (62 and over), $5 for students with ID, and $2.50 for children 5- 12. Children under 5 and members are admitted free. Unlike most attractions these days, parking is free. In the middle of the Arboretum sits the four acre Baldwin Lake which has been used in filming numerous movies and television shows. "Johnny Weissmuller swam in LASCA Lagoon/Baldwin Lake for three decades as Tarzan and later Jungle Jim. A local news story reported that he, in fact, set an unrecorded Olympic swim record when a cage of crocodiles was accidentally opened during filming (Weissmuller beat the crocs to the lake shore). Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour took up a month-long watery Baldwin Lake residence in homes on stilts for the filming of Road to Singapore in 1939, the same year the Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.,/Madeleine Carroll film Safari managed to sink a paddlewheel boat in the same lake. Undaunted, television's original "Fantasy Island" lowered a pontoon plane by helicopter onto Baldwin Lake and propelled it across the water to disembark visitors to Mr. Roark's island paradise. For Alex Haley's "Roots II", Baldwin Lake became Kunta Kinte's river home in Africa." Don't just peek through the windows of the Arboretum's Queen Anne Cottage, come inside to see the historic Treasures! The cottage, with its marble terrace, Victorian furnishings and treasures provides a charming opportunity for the whole family. Take the tram or walk through the gardens, spend the day being mesmerized by all of the well tended plants, flowers, flowering trees, cacti, succulents and the abundant wildlife (The Arboretum is famous for it's roaming peafowl.). The rose gardens alone are worth the visit. Stop and watch a wedding or see a commercial being filmed. Take your kids to the Discovery Node constructed out by Tule Pond, you'll find a variety of new activities for children of all ages to enjoy and explore. Eat at the Peacock Cafe. Sit down on a bench or under a tree, relax and feel your cares floating away. Visit the gift shop where you can buy plants, gardening books, photographs, paintings and other items (the prices are very inexpensive.). The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a place where an individual or the whole family can spend the day and go home feeling rested and at peace with the world. For more information about the city of Arcadia, California see <a href="http://arcadia.usacitydirectories.com" target="_new">http://arcadia.usacitydirectories.com</a>, a directory of links to city of Arcadia, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, restaurants, churches and more.David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including <a href="http://www.usacitydirectories.com" target="_new">http://www.usacitydirectories.com</a> a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Cochin - Cocktails of Cultures

Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's commercial capital is an anachronism. The dashing metropolitan city prides itself on a historical heritage stretching back to ancient times and embracing within its far reaching hold, cultures as diverse as Hindu, Chinese, Arab, Jewish, Syrian Christian, Portuguese, Dutch and English. One of the finest harbours in the world, nature has generously endowed Cochin with clear lagoons, emerald plantations and sprawling beaches whose splendour is perfectly complimented by forts, palaces, temples, museums, old churches, and today, modern sky rises.Essentially a collection of islands and jutting peninsulas, Cochin is made up of Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. Ernakulam, the business centre comprises the mainland, separated from Fort-Kochi and Mattancherry by the Periyar River, while the man-made island of Willingdon lies between Ernakulam and Mattancherry. An international airport and seaport connects Cochin with the great world outside and an efficient internal network of roads, railways and water works keeps the city machinery moving.However it is its social and cultural extravagance, rather than the physical, that distinguishes Cochin amongst other unique Indian cities. Graced with a port that enjoyed optimum exposure to foreign influences, Cochin has developed into a rare mishmash of influences: Here is where you'll find the oldest European church in India St. Francis Church. Here is also where a 16th century synagogue provides spiritual succor to a thriving, if miniscule, community of Jews. Besides, Cochin showcases Hindu Temples, a Portuguese palace (presented to a Hindu Raja and renovated by the Dutch!), forts, streets and shops in a delightful tapestry that often blurs the individual threads. So much so that the origin of its name remains a mystery. Believed to be a modification of 'Cochazi' or 'small sea' in Malayalam, it could as well have been the Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan who named it 'Kochi' after their homeland - Cochin is almost the only place in the world where you can see the quaint Chinese fishing nets outside China.No mystery surrounds Cochin's rise to prominence as a port. In 1340 AD, the world famous Kodugallur Port, just north of Cochin, was destroyed by flooding of the Periyar River. Kodugallur's loss however, was Cochin's gain, as it soon assumed importance as a substitute port for carrying on the trade in spices such as cardamom, pepper, cloves and cinnamon.While the Chinese and Arabs enjoyed trade with Cochin as much as 2000 years ago, Christians are said to have originated from the visit of the apostle St. Thomas himself and Jews are believed to have settled here in AD 388.In 1500, Pedro Alvares Cabral, a Portuguese navigator pioneered a settlement in Cochin. Vasco de Gama established the first Portuguese company and in 1503 the Viceroy Alfonso de Albuquerque built a fort. The British, who took over Cochin in 1635, were driven out by the Dutch in 1663. In 1776, Cochin fell in the hands of Hyder Ali, but was lost by his son Tipu Sultan in1791. After passing through British hands again in 1795, the Dutch finally ceded Cochin in 1814.Such an influx of the Chinese, Arabs, British, Dutch and Portuguese, including great travelers like Fa Hien and Sir Robert Bristow gave rise to a flowering of commerce and culture in Cochin, making it a centre of cross cultural interactions. The prosperous spice trade, of which all Cochin's racial and religious groups including Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish minorities were beneficiaries as they shared in the city's prosperity, facilitated this.Off all these inhabitants of Cochin, the Jews are perhaps the most interesting. The oldest of the Jewish communities in India, and distinct from the much larger and more absorbed Bene-Israel Community of Maharashtra, they are known to have been in India since more than a thousand years. While their arrival in India has been speculated to occur around the time of the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 BC, others speculate it to coincide with the Assyrian exile in 722 BC or Babylonian exile in 586, or even from the era of King Solomon himself.Persecuted by the Moors and later the Portuguese, many Indian Jews settled in Cochin under the protection of Cheraman Parumal known to the Portuguese as the "King of the Jews", where they prospered. Today however only a handful of Jews remain in Cochin, where the Pardesi Synagogue in Jew Street stands testimony to better times enjoyed by the community.Jew Street remains one of the lasting anachronisms of Cochin. A corner of the city where the earlier Jewish traders had their establishments, the ancient cobbled street lying between rows of old timber wood buildings is almost medieval. Shops selling different varieties of spices still exist here and the combined fragrance of these condiments hangs heavy in the air. At the end of the street is the Jewish Synagogue also known as the Pardesi Synagogue. An ancient structure built in 1664, it uses oil-burning chandeliers from the 19th century to light up the interior while blue and white hand-painted Cantonese tiles make up the flooring. The Torah ? The Jewish scriptures- written on sheepskin scrolls are lovingly housed in ornate metal receptacles.Cochin's charms remain timeless.Roozbegh Gazdar Content Writer <a target="_new" href="http://www.traveljini.com">http://www.traveljini.com</a> <a href="mailto:seo@traveljini.com">seo@traveljini.com</a>

วันเสาร์, กันยายน 27, 2008

Tips for Mountain Bikers in Spain

As any keen mountain biker will know, there are some important rules to follow and bike handling skills to master before subjecting yourself and your bike to the thrills and spills of off-road riding. Although most of us ride within our capabilities most of the time, riding on different trails in hot weather conditions can present a new set of challenges requiring some new biking skills and knowledge.Here in Southern Spain, I spend most of my time riding in warm and dry conditions, on shale/gravel trails in relatively remote areas, at medium to high altitude (1000 ? 4000 ft). I say relatively remote, in that I seldom meet other bikers, hikers or other like-minded individuals. In other words, you must be prepared to patch yourself up and get yourself off the mountainside in the event of an accident.Here are some points to consider before embarking on your Spanish MTB adventure.Planning routes:Map it out - When planning routes for yourself and other bikers to ride, get hold of a map first. I use the 1:25,000 topographical maps published by the Centro Nacional De Informacion Geografica (CNIG). They show most off-road vehicle tracks, forestry access roads and some single track/footpaths.Note: I am not sure how often they are updated. Some trails marked on these maps can suddenly disappear. On the other hand, I have ridden trails, which are not indicated, on the maps.Terrain and time of year -Taking into account the distance, terrain, altitude, gradients and vegetation you can plan a suitable route for the time of year.Mid-summer (early morning and evening riding advisable) look for shaded trails, low gradients with less altitude gain and think about places to refill water bottles.Mid-winter This time of year it can be lovely and warm (15-20 deg C ) at sea level and pretty chilly (0-5) at 1000+ metres. When ascending you are generating a lot of heat, coming down the other side at 40Kph + you are subjecting your body to a wind chill factor which can drop temperatures a further 10 degrees. - carry extra layers of clothing.Preparation :Rider - You of course, must be fit for the ride and this cannot be achieved the night before.?? although it can be enhanced by laying off the San Miguel. Eat a decent breakfast, mainly carbohydrates, Cereal, toast and fruit for example. Stretch before you leave and spin in a low gear for about 1 km when you first set off (especially in winter). Know some first-aid that you can administer to yourself as well as to others. E.g dealing with Bleeding and serious grazes.Bike & bits - Bike set-up and Maintenance is much the same everywhere so I won't bore you with details of what you already know, however pay attention to the following.-Check for any play in wheel, steering and bottom bracket bearings. With a lot of fast descents and rocky ground it is worth a quick adjustment before any loose bits get worse.-Chain needs regular attention in these dry, dusty conditions (every 2-3 rides). Run it through a cleaner, apply fine oil and then remove any excess lubricant, which only acts as a magnet to any dirt. Clean shocks and apply thin film of silicone-based lubricant-Tyres, nice 'n' knobbly if you're intending to be off-road 90 % of the time. With a lot of climbing on loose surfaces and descents on rocky stuff I get more traction and comfort with wider tyres at a lower pressure.-2 spare tubes ( at least) - There are some vicious plants in the campo, especially prominent in the summer months, with thorns like you wouldn't believe. Check inside surface of tyre thoroughly before fitting new tube ? where there is one thorn there could be many.- Helmet and gloves - This should go without saying.Water - I usually allow for 1L of water per hour of riding. In the winter on a leisurely low level ride you may drink less than this, during the summer months it can be double. When the weather is hot, I carry 2 bottles on the bike and 2 in my rucksack. Most villages and towns have a natural spring or potable water available somewhere, on longer routes it is worth knowing where the nearest habitations are.Food - Unlike thirst, hunger pangs will pass. On a short ride in warm conditions you may not even feel like eating ? the wet stuff is far more important. However it is not advisable to deplete energy reserves so always have some driedfruit/muesli bar with you ? Newsagents are not a common feature of Spanish villages and caf?/bars may not be open all day.First-aid kit ? This doesn't need to be bulky. A small well-packed container, including the following; Bandage, gauze pads, safety pins, plasters, antiseptic cream.Clothing ? for comfort and protection from exposure to the sun and cold.-2 or more thin layers especially on upper body for better temperature regulation, increased insulation ( more air layers) and protection against grazing if you fall off.- Bandanas one folded and tied around the forehead keeps sweat out of your eyes.Another folded diagonally and tied loosely to keep sun off back of neck. - Sunglasses - High protection sun-cream on any exposed skin.Safety on the trail:Hazards such as loose surfaces, ditches, eroded gullies and the like will always be present ? it's something that appeals to us MTBers. Accidents occur when we are unfamiliar with these conditions, over confident in our ability or meet with something unexpected in our path. Good bike handling skills can prevent or help get you out of a sticky moment, however when taking on steep descents and tricky technical sections be prepared for the unexpected.Dogs - Some people are put off from biking and walking in Spain because of the dogs they may encounter. More often than not this will be when passing by/through a farmyard. In my experiences (which doesn't include any nasty ones yet ? touch wood) Spanish mutts come under the following categories;1. Bark and run away2. Bark and chase3. Total disinterest in your presence.In most cases it isn't always clear whether the dog is of type 1 or 2 until you have committed yourself to entering its territory. If you are starting a long descent when they give chase, you can give a two-finger salute and go for it. If however you are grinding uphill in 1st gear and the blighter is loping at your side with plenty in reserve it can be a bit intimidating ? and you probably won't care much for my categorising.When passing farm buildings, I always assume that dogs are present. If they do appear but remain at a distance and bark, I stand on my pedals to make myself taller and ride slowly but confidently past. If a dog/dogs begins to advance I shout "FUERA" the term often used to send a dog out or away. This will usually work and also bring your presence to the attention of the household. You can advance and repeat this procedure if the animal is reluctant to give way. Stooping as if to pick up a rock can also intimidate Spanish dogs.If you feel at this stage that it is still too risky then trust your instinct and retreat to find an alternative route.In my experience, dogs will not attack if you retreat in a calm but confident manner ? DON' T RUN.In generalPlan your rideDon't ride alone on unfamiliar trailsCarry spares and sufficient waterProtect your body from falls and extreme weather conditions.Then get out there and enjoy yourself!Steve Murray lives in Spain and runs an Adventure Sports Company <a target="_new" href="http://www.abdal-adventures.com">Abdal Adventures</a>.

PaintBall Gun Buying Tips

There are so many selections available when it comes to paintball guns that choosing one can be overwhelming.The most important thing is to make sure that you have done research on the guns that you are interested in buying. Research them on the Internet and ask the more experienced players for their opinions on the guns in question. Make an initial trip to the store, or webpage, to look over the guns and make a list of the ones that you are interested in purchasing. Then do your research.You want to make sure that the gun is constructed well. The parts should work, fit right, and be durable. Paintball guns take quite a bit of abuse, so your gun must be durable. Remember that metal is stronger than plastic. Depending on the playing environment that you will use the majority of the time, you may not want a flashy, colorful gun. These will stand out and make you a target. Choose black or dark colors.The weight of the gun matters. Keep in mind that you will be carrying the gun, and even running with it. If it is too heavy for you, do not buy it. Walk around with the gun for several minutes in the store to get a feel for it if possible.Is the gun simple to operate? If not, you may not want that gun. You want a gun that is easily maintained and easy to operate. Make sure the gun is upgradeable. You may want to add more features to your gun later.When a new gun comes on the market, do not rush out to buy it. Give it some time and see what the reviews and opinions from the players who did rush out to buy it are. If you are new to the game, you should rent the gun and other equipment for a while. This will give you the opportunity to see what you like in a gun before you spend your money.Make sure that the gun has a safety device on it. This protects you, and those around you. Also, check the warranty on the gun. A one-year warranty is typical. Finally, look at the price. There are some expensive guns out there. However, a higher price does not mean higher quality. Just know exactly what you want from a gun, do your research, and then find one that meets your specifications in your price range.Chirstopher Reeve is the owner and operator of PaintBall-Tips.com (<a target="_new" href="http://www.paintball-tips.com">http://www.paintball-tips.com</a>) where he discusses on how to get started in playing paintball and advance strategies.

7 Need to Know Campsite Cooking Strategies

Are you sick and tired of not knowing what to bring or what to cook when you go camping? Do you either pack the entire kitchen (including the sink) or you bring the absolute minimum and then have to use a fork as a spatula or two spoons as tongs?If that sounds even the slightest bit familiar then you are in the right place. Over the past decade or so I have refined a list of 7 things that I use every single time I prepare for my next camping trip.These strategies are relevant whether you are car camping, primitive camping, RV camping, scout camping or large group camping. You can very easily apply them across any type of trip, which is what really makes them worthwhile.So here they are:1. Plan the Meals ? Okay common sense right? Well If I didn't include this as the first and most important item I would get hollered at! But seriously, if you don't plan the meals ahead of time not only do you not know what you're going to eat you also have no idea what to pack as far as cooking gear is concerned. Do you need a spatula or tongs? Do you need a strainer or a frying pan?2. Plan the Gear ? This follows directly from number 1. Now that you know what you are going to eat for the trip you can now figure out exactly what utensils, pots, pans, containers and other miscellaneous cooking gear you need. And more importantly what gear you don't need! My family and I do a lot of tent camping which means that we take my wife's SUV, so we have a very limited amount of room that we must pack all of our "stuff" into. If I only need a 2 quart pot and a small frying pan well guess what, the 9 other pots and 4 other frying pans stay at home!3. Plan the Condiments ? Have you ever went camping and once you get there you realize that you don't have ketchup, mustard or relish for your nice, hot and juicy steakburger you just cooked for yourself? Have you ever went camping and it took you 10 minutes to find the garlic powder because it found it's own way to the bottom of the box you keep all your spices in? There is a fine line between having too many spices/condiments and not having enough but you have to walk that line. Even if you have a 40 foot Class A Mega Super Duper Motor home, you only have so much space. Sit down and look at the recipe's you are going to use and then figure out what spices/condiments you can bring and which ones to leave at home.4. 10% Above ? Get 10% more food then you think you should take. If your family usually eats 4 hamburgers, take 5 or 6. If they usually eat 6 pieces of Corn on the Cob take 8. I don't know for sure what it is but whenever you go camping everybody seems to be HUNGRY all the time. It might be because they are running around doing more stuff or it might be something in the air, I don't know.5. KIS ? Keep It Simple. Realize that you are going to be in the middle of the woods. Is it possible to cook a Rack of Lamb with Herb-Dijon Nut Crust, Parisienne Potatoes, Green Beans Wrapped In Carrot Ring and Pureed Sweet Potato Basket? Yes it is technically possible. Should you attempt it? Heck NO! Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying to plan 3 square of milk and cereal. I am saying to remember where you are going to be and the mostly primitive cooking tools you will have at your disposal. 6. Test Runs- If you are planning on cooking on a campfire, or using a new grill, or cooking in your RV for the first time on your next trip?Don't Do It! Always, always, always do a test run at home before you get out there. Build a little fire in your backyard and figure out if you need some charcoal to bolster the wood fire and make it cook more evenly. Make sure you know how to hook up that new grill and where the hot spots are. It is really not a lot of fun to get out into the woods somewhere and burn your dinner to a crisp or have it sitting in the bottom of the campfire because of a "equipment malfunction". So always do a test run.7. Try a new Treat ? Remembering strategy number 6, my family always tries a new treat whenever we go camping. Whether it be a new recipe for our green bean casserole or a naughty little after dinner snack, we try something new every time. This doesn't have to mean something exotic that you're not sure the animals would even like. Just look around on the internet, there are a ton of campfire / Dutch oven recipes out there for you to try.Well that's it, that's my list of 7 Need to Know Campsite Cooking Strategies. This is not a wish-list or a group of things I pulled out of thin air. I use this list each and every time I plan a trip for my family, my friends and my troop. This list if used properly will keep you in good stead for your trips. You won't run out of food, you won't eat bland food, you won't bring home a ton of unused and possibly spoiled food and most importantly dinner won't be a chore while camping.Eric Stephenson is an avid camper and publisher of <a target="_new" href="http://www.NJCampingInfo.com">http://www.NJCampingInfo.com</a> where you will get all the information you will ever need about camping in New Jersey as well as information about camping and the latest technologies and products related to camping. This article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

7 Need to Know Campsite Cooking Strategies

Inflatable Pontoon Boats

Bryce Whitmore designed the modern whitewater inflatable pontoon boat, and in fact designed several models. The one that has been produced the most is a three-tube model of unparalleled maneuverability and load bearing capacity. This boat which is fourteen feet overall, can carry 6 passengers, their baggage, and a guide.Not all Pontoon boats are 14 feet long. Some are 8 or 9 feet long as well. Pontoon boats come in all sizes and prices from $200 to $1,000. Users looking for an 8 foot Pontoon should expect to pay $500 to $700 for a new entry-level boat.9-foot inflatable pontoon boats would cost between $700 and $900, but would offer stability in rivers with some white water. It should be noted, however, that Pontoon boats are not recommended for use in rapids rated higher than Class 2.Inflatable pontoon boats are also called "belly boats" and are popular for fishing. They are lightweight craft with a rocking chair. Inflatable pontoon boat owners say they like the freedom from trailers and ramps, as well as the Pontoon's stability on windy waters.Pontoon boats for fishing are small, usually not more than 8 feet long. How it works is that two Pontoons sit on either side of the user. Pontoon hulls are shaped in a V hull pattern, greatly minimizing water resistance by slicing through it when paddling and allowing for excellent maneuverability.The Inflatable Pontoons are connected by a frame, which also contains the paddles and the sitting area for the user. Inflatable pontoon boats are paddled similar to a rowboat, and the frame of the Pontoon boat makes paddling these boats easy.Inflatable pontoon boats with comfortable seats, oar locks and storage platforms are the most popular these days. Float tube users sit low and heavy in the water, but Pontoons perch people higher above the waterline and, with oars, are much more maneuverable.Inflatable pontoon boats with corrosion-resistant stainless steel or aluminum frames are durable and maintenance free. The Pontoon surface should be covered with polyurethane coated fabric, as it does not break down over time.<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-inflatableboats.com">Inflatable Boats Info</a> provides detailed information on pontoon, rigid and fishing inflatable boats, as well as trailers, repairs, used inflatable boats and manufacturers. Inflatable Boats Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.e-riverrafting.com">River Rafting Web</a>.

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at the Visitor Center overlooking the great Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau, Alaska. Before me was a beautiful scene. The glacier reflected in the large lake. Ooh, ahh. Both to the left and right were mountains. It was a beautiful clear day. I watched the people too, walking around taking photos, and looking at the scenery before us and at the displays in the center, just a few feet away.A constant roar came from a tall and full waterfall to the right of the glacier. Once, the glacier covered the waterfall. No one was aware of its presence before the glacier receded. I looked closer at the base of the waterfall. There seemed to be a sandbar and people walking on it. With my binoculars I traced the path they must have taken below me. It crossed large sandbars separated by streams and covered with bushes. I found the general location of the beginning of the path. A ranger told me that there was a way to get out there, but it wasn't official, and that it was a little steep at one point. I decided that the best way to see such a beautiful place was up close, so I decided to try it. My mom and my husband were along with me. I told them I wanted to try the path, and asked if they wouldn't mind just hanging around waiting for me since they didn't want to join me.Into the bushes I went. Immediately, I had to scramble along steep wet slate under the cover of brush. After following some wrong trails and trying again, I found myself in the large bush-covered sandy area heading towards the waterfall. I jumped little streams and plotted my course across to my goal. My last obstacles were climbing a large rock, and then traversing a 20 ft. wide stream dotted with well-placed stepping stones.I walked right up to the roaring waterfall, and even climbed up along side it a ways on large rocks. Walking away from the waterfall I encountered a large cloud of mist that emanated from its base. I walked out along the sandbar towards the center of the lake and found a large rock to sit on. I had a snack, enjoying being present in this amazing location -- surrounded by the lake and flanked by a glacier, a grand waterfall and mountains. I met people too. Some kids were climbing up much higher than I had on the rocks. A gentleman from Germany took my photo, and I took a photo of two girls out on their own adventure.After an hour of 'hanging around,' I turned back. I crossed the creek, climbed the rock, and then looked for hikers emerging from the bushes to find the best path back. A couple times I had to stop and wait for new hikers so I could find the path again. The sun was setting, the floating icebergs were glimmering on the lake, and I enjoyed every moment of delay.My entire trek took about two hours -- worth every moment. My husband and my mom were very understanding and said they enjoyed the visitor center and the scenery (which included me through the telescope!) I'm glad I had the courage to ask for that time. It would have been easy just to do the scheduled tour, and to take no risks. William Shedd once said, 'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.' I find that when I go further, it makes all the difference. It creates treasured memories.About The AuthorPaths began to beckon Theresa when she was 12, visiting the Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming. Walking, dancing, and movement are a part of her, nourished by John Denver*s musical challenge for her to *fly.* Join her *walking with women* Life Discovery Tours.Learn more about Theresa Gabriel - Women Summit LLC<a href="http://www.womensummit.com" target="_new">http://www.womensummit.com</a> - Life Discovery Tours, Women*s Retreats