Friday, August 31, 2007

Holidays in Sardinia

The island of Sardinia is second in size only to Sicily among the islands of the western Mediterranean. It lies 120 miles 200 km west of the mainland of Italy, 7.5 miles 12 km south of the neighbouring French island of Corsica, and 120 miles 200 km north of the coast of Africa. The capital is Cagliari. It is not a big Mediterranean destination for tourist but a sophisticated island set in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. For many years Sardinia was considered a harsh and inhospitable country - a place to exile the unwanted. Today things have changed. This enchanting island where the incredibly clear light turquoise sea gently laps the sand and the shores, will be a welcoming refuge from the loudness and chaos of every day life. Like a magic place, it will wake up our sleeping senses and give us regenerating energy. It is small enough to be called an island but big enough to be a universe unto itself. It is renowned for its deserted beautiful beaches, its clear emerald coloured waters and fascinating rock formations. The people are warm and friendly and enjoy themselves. Yet all this is only 2 hour flight from the UK! Sardinia is an island that allows you to truly experience the very best of the Mediterranean life. The cuisine offers a rich repertoire of delicious dishes, heavily influenced by the country s various neighbours including Corsica and Italy, accompanied by an impressive local wine list! In this beautiful island not crowded with tourist yet, everyone could find what they are looking for. From sport fans to families and couples, Sardinia is a place full of surprises. Although there are plenty of beautiful hotels in sardinia, you should consider spending your holidays in a more local place. Villas in Sardinia are beautiful, and spending your holiday in one of them would be even better than in an hotel.

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Essential Hunting Camping Supplies

There are two different kinds of camping trips; ones that are a day trip and ones that you stay overnight. If you plan on staying overnight in the woods, than you ll definitely need camping gear. There are many helpful hunting camping supplies that should be bought to make your trip easier. Most of these hunting camping supplies can be picked up at local outdoor recreation stores. The first thing that you should pick up is your tent. Unless you re doing your hunting in a very dry and very safe area, you ll want to sleep in a tent at night. Tents ware hunting camping supplies that can be set up and taken down fairly easily. They are also water resistant just in case it rains. Essentially, tents are just a canvas dome and have no padding, so be prepared to sleep on a very hard surface. This is the most important thing you should buy. Of course, you can t just sleep in a tent. You ll need a sleeping bag, too. Be sure to pick up a sleeping bag that is made to fit your body type. If you re a big guy, then you might want to splurge on a double sized sleeping bag. After all, sleeping bags are hunting camping supplies that get zipped up around you. If you are prone to claustrophobia, you ll want get a sleeping bag that is big enough for you to be comfortable in. Also, the quality of sleeping bags varies greatly depending on price. The cheapest sleeping bags aren t very comfortable at all. If you are interested in having a comfortable night s sleep, then you should spend the extra bit of money. There are other hunting camping supplies that can be helpful as well. You should always carry a utility knife with you on these expeditions. These can be useful for many different tasks. You can use a utility knife to cut up wood to make a fire. You can use it to cut opening packaging or any other thing. They are called utility knives because they are very useful and can be used in many different ways. If you are going to only bring one thing with you on your trip, it should be the utility knife. If you shoot a rabbit to eat for dinner, you can use the knife to skin in before cooking it. The next time you plan a hunting trip that lasts many days, you should bring along these hunting camping supplies. They will be useful during your stay in the wilderness and help you deal with the elements.

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007

The Atheneum Hotel Delivers Elegance and Service

The Atheneum delivers elegance, comfort and unique style, earning it the status of Detroit s only AAA Four-Diamond hotel. This luxurious, all-suite hotel is situated in the heart of the charming Greektown Dining and Entertainment District. The Atheneum is adjacent to Greektown Casino, and restaurants, nightclubs and shops abound. So that makes your room only a short walk or luxury sedan or limo ride from the home of the Detroit Tigers, The Detroit Lions, The Detroit Red Wings and Detroit s growing Theater District. Whether you re planning a meeting, conference, wedding or reception, the Atheneum features elegant spaces for business and private events. And if your group is 10 or 1, 000, our professional staff is standing by to customize our Grand Ballroom or one of our many our smaller rooms to meet your precise needs. With state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, administrative services, concierge services, 24-hr in-suite dining and health and fitness facilities, you will find that both our hotel and conference center are on the cutting edge in delivering complete hospitality services. And our 174 elegant suites feature skyline views and indulgent marble bathrooms with whirlpools or deep soaking tubs. Each suite features two-line telephones and voice mail, high-speed internet, safety deposit boxes, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, and hairdryer. The Atheneum offers amenities that provide the comforts of home with the luxury of a four-diamond hotel. It offers Suite Hotel offers 24-hour suite service. Enjoy fresh fish and prime steaks or authentic New Orleans cuisine from our award winning restaurant, Fishbone s Rhythm Cafe, in the comfort and privacy of your suite. Your Atheneum concierge is standing by as your personal tour guide and assistant. Whether you seek fine dining exotic cuisines or hot nightclubs, tickets to sporting events, theater or opera, Tee time at a top course, designer shops, a bouquet of white orchids or personal transportation, your concierge will make all the arrangements. The Atheneum Suite Hotel is located in the heart of Greektown, a closely knit community of restaurants, bakeries, nightclubs and shops. Greektown Casino, the most luxurious of Detroit s casinos, offers full table games and slot action, plus free live music nightly, seven bars, two restaurants and unlimited fun! The hotel is also only moments from COBO Conference Center and General Motors World Headquarters, the Renaissance Center, as well as Comerica Park, Ford Field, the Red Wings Joe Louis Arena and the quaint dining and nightlife of Harmonie Park. The Atheneum Hotel offers a variety of special packages if you re looking to for a out-of-this-world weekend for your significant other. For example, the hotel s Detroit Symphony Orchestra Package consists of overnight accommodations in a deluxe suite and two tickets to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. With the Greektown Casino Package, you get one-night accommodations in a deluxe suite, along with a 40.00 dinner voucher to Fishbones, Pegasus or Mosaic restaurant. And finally the hotel s Greektown Opa Package offers one-night accommodations in a deluxe suite and a 50.00 dinner voucher to either Fishbone s rhythm kitchen cafe, Pegasus Taverna or Mosaic Restaurant.

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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Finding Accomodation and Where to Stay in Northern Spain - Galicia

Northern Spain and Galicia offer an exceptional variety of visitor accommodation. Accommodation can be found that will fit all forms of budgets and even the most particular tourists will find something to suit their particular needs. If you want something slightly different then most people would head for one of the various exclusive hotels throughout the region or one of the â Paradorsâ that can be found in various key places throughout the area. Throughout the region there are various mountain refuges with stunning views as well as camp a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s in the coastal areas. As would be fit any major country in the western world, hotels in Galicia and Northern Spain are spacious, comfortable and clean. The hotels are awarded between one and five stars and these are allocated by the local tourist Authority. Hotels indicated by â Hâ. on a blue plaque near the hotel door are awarded from one to five stars from the local Tourist Authority. Hotels usually have en-suite bathrooms or at least a shower in the room. Hostels and â Pensionsâ usually do not have en-suite facilities and have fewer comforts than hotels so as to be expected are slightly cheaper. Don t assume that just because you might be forced to stay in a one or two star hotel that the quality of the service is inferior to a five star hotel because in some cases it might actually be better because the stars are allocated for the facilities the hotel can offer not the quality of the service. The more exclusive hotels offer all kinds of extra facilities, such as air conditioning, on- a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a parking, internet-access and rooms with televisions as well as facilities for the disabled. It is advisable to plan in advance when you want to come to this area because as you would expect, prices and rates can vary on the season or time of year that you choose to visit. A popular option available in all of the autonomous regions of northern Spain are hostels hostales and guest houses pensiones which are cheaper than hotels. These are usually small family-run establishments offering just a few beds. There are in excess of 1, 500 hotels with a total of 92, 000 beds registered in the territory of â Green Spainâ -- the Atlantic regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque country. The biggest hotel chains in northern Spain are the Grupo Sol-Melia and NH with hotels in the main towns. The standard of accommodation in these hotels is extremely high. There is also now a growing number of small individually run hotels with a distinctive character and charm, for a memorable and relaxing stay. In Spain you ll find an establishment called a Parador. These are classified from between three to five stars. The first Parador opened in 1928 and there is now quite a comprehensive network throughout the country. They are located close together so that there is never more than a dayâ s drive to the nearest one.

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Monday, August 27, 2007

Camping Equipment Check

You will have a more relaxed and enjoyable camping vacation if you are well organized. A sound camping equipment check will help you do just that. Whether you are going for a week end or a fortnight you also want to check where the camp a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s are at the location you want to go. It is a good idea to call ahead and make sure that there will be a space for you. This is especially important if the period includes a national holiday. Make sure that you have some knowledge of the area in which you ll be staying before you decide to stay there. If you plan on taking the family dog check whether that s allowed at the camping a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a. If it isn t then you may need to find a kennel. When camping, the following list includes basic equipment needed for all camping trips. Tent Ground sheet Tent poles Tent pegs Sleeping bags Camping stove and kettle Blankets - it gets cold at night A large torch Portable lamp Portable toilet Pots, pans and cutlery Insect spray Water carrier - you don t want to be trekking for this every five minutes If you re a seasoned camper you can probably think of other camping equipment that you would consider essential. It is a good idea to make your lists well in advance as people often forget the silliest things. As you are packing check your camping equipment and make sure that everything is in good order. There s nothing worse than putting your tent up and finding a split in the top. Many camp a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s will have a camp shop for daily necessities and some may even carry pieces of camping equipment - but it is best not to rely on it. Make sure that you have tea coffee, soda, dried milk, and water. The first thing you will want once you ve arrived and put up the tent is something to drink. Take some cookies and potato chips or your favorite treats for late night munching. If this is a family holiday then don t go without some books and games to keep the kids entertained. You might also want to add aspirin, bandages, and antiseptic cream to your camping equipment list. Whatever you do don t go without matches and paraffin if that s what you use to light the stove. Always take some insect repellent and sunscreen even if it isn t summer. You ll need it because you ll be spending time in the outdoors. Make sure that you have towels, soap and toothbrushes and toothpaste before you finalize your camping equipment check list. Have a great, stress free vacation.

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

Springfield is in Massachusetts in the United States

Springfield is a city in Massachusetts, United States. It sits on the bank of the Connecticut River, just a few miles north of the border between Massachusetts and Connecticut. Along the river, the city is fairly low and flat. Moving outward from the river, the terrain becomes hillier, most prominently along State Street and Belmont Avenue. The Battle of Wilsons Creek was fought in the first year of the American Civil War near Springfield and the a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a is now a national battlefield monument. Today the city is a regional agribusiness centre and a dairy product shipping centre. It was citied to have excellent public schools, low health care costs, and high quality of life. Just bring your car if you come. Urban Sprawl is spreading throughout the USA, and Springfield is no exception. It once boasted a central downtown, but a couple generations of city planners stretched roads farther and farther southwards, and the headaches infrastructure and now the towns about as centralized and cohesive as a trash fire in a dynamite factory. Bradley International Airport serves as the main gateway to the city from other parts of the world. Amtrak station that handles several trains links the city with other cities. Buses include the other forms of public transportation in the city. Highways, expressways and freeways constitute the wide road network in the city. Having a number of Victorian mansions, Springfield is known as the City of Homes. It is the largest city on the Connecticut River and the largest city in Western Massachusetts. It is also the county seat of Hampden County. More than 7, 500 miles of shoreline, along accessible lakes and floatable streams and rivers, are within a 100 mile radius of the city. Excellent hunting, camping and fishing are found throughout the area. Springfield is part of a resort area whose primary attractions are the largest cave in North America, an outdoor exotic animal park, and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, one of the most vi a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a d tourist attraction in the state. Springfield has been home to a number of minor league baseball franchises, the last club leaving the city after 2001. Today, the city is host to the Springfield Junior Blues, a minor league hockey team, and the Springfield Stallions, an indoor football team who played at the Prairie Capital Convention Centre in 2007, though the team failed to complete the season due to financial difficulties. Springfield experiences typical middle latitude weather. Hot summers and cold winters are the norm.

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Saturday, August 25, 2007

Costa del Sol Adventure Parks and Water Parks

Adventure Theme Parks All along the Costa del Sol in Andalucia, there are many adventure theme parks to choose from, each providing entertainment for adults and children alike. Many of the parks are located near holiday resorts that mean they are within easy reach, and many charge a fixed payment for unlimited usage of the fairground rides throughout the day. This makes them great value for the whole family. Isla Magica in Seville is an exciting and modern amusement park, which is divided into seven themed areas centred on a lake. Each of the areas represents a different episode in Spanish 16th century history, and all offer some fantastic rides and attractions. The seven areas are Gate to the Americas, Port of the Indies, Amazonia, Pirates Cove, Fountain of Youth, El Dorado and the Fury of the Gods. Tivoli World is a large theme park in Benalmadena, and offers the opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a fantastic day out on the Costa del Sol. Tivoli offers a world of magic to enjoy for all the family. You will enjoy exciting rides and a large and varied program of shows in different squares. Within the park can be found a large range of bars and theme restaurants for refreshments as you enjoy the fabulous park atmosphere. Water Parks Water parks are an excellent alternative to spending the day at the beach and offer a fun day out for the whole family. There are two aqua parks near Nerja, one in Torre del Mar and the other in Almunecar. Both provide numerous water slides for adults and children of all ages, including pure adrenaline-rush slides for the more adventurous. Aqua Tropic Water Park can be found next to Velilla beach in the town of Almunecar, on the Costa Tropical. The park offers a wide array of water slides including firm favourites like the kamikaze ring-rapids. There are also a range of swimming pools with wave machine, waterfall, inflatable and revolving current to choose from. There are also plenty of green areas and eateries to relax. Aqua Velis Water Park can be found oppo a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a El Ingenio shopping mall in Torre del Mar. It has over 20 different rides for all ages including some super-fast slides for the more adventurous. There is an inflatable ring ride and wave machine along with a large sun terrace for sunbathers and a cafeteria serving food and drinks all day.

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Friday, August 24, 2007

Holidays in Kazakhstan

There are about fifteen official holidays in Kazakhstan. But there are only three of this great amount that are very popular, widely celebrated and loved by the Kazakhstan women. They are: the New Year, 8 March, and Nauryz - Central Asia nations celebration of spring. Women of Kazakhstan wait and thoroughly prepare for each of these holidays, when they can give presents and receive gifts from all of the close people and friends. The NEW YEAR is the biggest and greatest holiday for the whole post-Soviet region. It is the most bright and marvelous holiday in the year. People start getting ready for the celebrations at the beginning of December, while in cities bright lights and evergreen -trees begin to appear, creating a festive holiday atmosphere and a good mood. It is a time for great joy for family and friends and time for discounts in shops, yet hardly anyone thinks about its history. The holiday has its roots in the ancient period. The occasion, originally, was not celebrated in December, and in different countries New Year was held in different times. But one thing all the states had in common was that almost everywhere the New Year began in spring, symbolizing the rebirth of nature, crops and labor. In Russia, from 10th to 15th century the New Year began on March the 1st. But later in 1699, Peter the First has ordered that the New Year would be celebrated on January 1st. From this time, the Russian traditions of decorating New Year s tree and wishing happiness began. By the way Peter the First said that that the celebrations should be dedicated to children. The main reason for starting the new year in March was because that was how things have been done since creation. At the end of 15th century, the Orthodox Church designated September 1st as the new year and the last time when it was celebrated on this date was in 1698, although there still exist some places, where according to the Orthodox Church - September 1st is the beginning of new year, and January 1st is just a civil holiday. Peter s the First goal in changing the date of the new year to the 1st of January was to align the Russian calendar with those of the countries in Europe. Right after the original New Year there comes another celebration for the CIS people, called the Old New Year, which takes place on night from 13th to 14th of January. Even here, in CIS many people don t know the real reason why they still celebrate the Old New Year. They just do it because of the tradition and because there is a common belief that on this day you ve got to say good bye to the year that has passed, and try to remember your lucks and misfortunes, preparing to live the new year that you already welcomed, in the best way you can. However, the real reason why people celebrate it is because very long ago, the Orthodox Church has refused to accept the new style calendar based on Julian calendar.

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Thursday, August 23, 2007

Sailing In The Andaman Sea

Every one of us will be thinking about a break or what we call a vacation, from our busy and hectic working atmosphere. There are a lot many options in front of us to choose how we want to spent our vacation. The only thing or the primary thing we need to give importance is to the choice which will provide us maximum enjoyment and relaxation from our present hectic mood. It should be worth the one or two or rare vacations we spend with our family to be very much enjoyable. At this stage, it is better to lean on an expert touring agent or any kind of vacation planning a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s. They provide you a variety of options to choose from. Ours is such a web a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a that it contains all information that help to you to make your vacation relaxing as well as enjoyable. All you have to do is to inform us your interests as well as likes and dislikes. We work on it and provide all conveniences to make your vacation experience hassle free. One of our prime attractions that we offer to our guests is the sailing in the Andaman Sea. From the earlier periods, sailing has been an important segment of the vacation activities. Further, it was the favorite pastime of both rich and poor alike. Nowadays, all kinds of sailing equipments such as boats and yachts are made available to make your sailing in the Andaman Sea a great experience. Al though they don t have any past experience in sailing or cruising, some people may be interested in sailing. For such people, simple training courses are available, which are usually imparted by expert trainers. Usually, the course lasts for four days, and covers everything from basic info on cruising to how to cruise and handle equipments on the Andaman Sea. In short, you needn t have to be a veteran to sail in the Andaman Sea. Let it be a yacht or a boat, this four day training given at the beginning of your vacation helps you to make a veteran sailor. Sailing in the Andaman Sea is also great for those who want to spend alone or who don t have anyone with them to spend the vacation time. Likewise, you needn t have to worry that you are alone in a yacht or boat. If required, our expert instructors or trainers will accompany you to provide you necessary assistance while sailing in the Andaman Sea. In other words, you can choose from any of the two options to explore the beauty of the Andaman Sea. If you would like to stay alone, you can sail by yourself to the isolated areas of Andaman Sea. On contrary, if you want to be social, then this is the right time, as you can meet a lot number of people, which enable you to make acquaintances, of which some may even turn into good relationships.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

How To Choose A Good Hotel

Whether you re going on a honeymoon, looking for a function venue, or just grabbing a couple of days out from your hectic schedule, choosing a hotel is one of the most important decisions in ensuring you have an enjoyable time. Despite the importance of finding the right hotel, it can often be quite difficult to strike a balance between quality and price, and often those hotels which appear more desirable are less than affordable. So what should you look for in selecting a hotel, and where should you go to try and find that perfect accommodation, whatever your needs? One of the best ways to determine which hotel is right for you is to consider what you re looking for, and to match your requirements against the star rating assigned by tourist associations. Generally, the star system ranks from 0-5 on an ascending scale depending on the extent of facilities and luxuries within the hotel. The higher the number, generally, the more expensive the room rate, which can help you gauge value for money. Of course, if you find somewhere with a higher star rating at a lower cost, then you can be sure this is likely to provide better value for money in terms of facilities and the level of service you can expect. Another way to choose a good hotel is by going on word of mouth. What do your friends think about various hotels in the region? Has anyone you know had a particularly good or bad experience of hotels around about the one you are looking for? These can be good ways to ensure you get good value for money out of your hotel, and it can also be a great way to ensure you don t get disappointed. Additionally, the recommendations of people you know aren t tainted with commercial interest, and if someone tells you they had a good experience, they re more likely telling the truth than if you hear it from the hotelier himself. Finally, a good place to check for hotel reviews and recommendations is the Internet, and there are numerous travel a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s which host impartial reviews and write ups of various hotels and hostels. This can be a great, low cost way of ensuring you find a hotel that meets your requirements, and provides you with an enjoyable trip to help you relax and unwind. Selecting a good hotel is never an easy process, but if you know where to look to find value for money, you might just end up with the right hotel for you. Finding a good hotel is partially down to knowing what you re looking for, and a great deal of it also comes down to experiencing what s available and at what price. However, with realistic expectations and an understanding of where to find good hotel rooms at an affordable price, you should be able to circumvent this traditional process, and end up having a great time, whatever the reason for your break away.

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Monday, August 20, 2007

Munich. Cuisine in Its Abundance

Germany is a huge patch-work quilt which consists of federal lands. Each has its own administration, anthem, flag, national costume, dialect and of course its own culinary traditions. It is thanks to German conservatism only that national cuisine partly with medieval traditions is still popular with people. There is a beer river in Germany, with a city standing on its sausage banks. This is how a fairytale about Munich could start. But the story I want to tell you is a true one. So letâ s make a short tour around the kingdom of sausages and polonies. That is what modern Bavaria is. Munich is the third largest city in the south-eastern land of Bavaria. However a Bavarian is like a helix in its shell â he lives in his own microcosm. The rules in this world say that the main event is the neighbourâ s wedding and such megapolis as Munich is a real capital of the world. Like any other big city, Munich has its own unique life. The city is extremely hospitable and emigrants coming here bring their national culture with them. That is why there are so many Japanese, Chinese and Spanish food restaurants in Munich along with African, Indian, Indonesian and even Persian ones. However, you can still find places Bavarians themselves go to where traditional Bavarian dishes are served. Germans do like eating. Two main components of Bavarian cuisine are: sauerkraut sour cabbage and all kinds of sausages. By the way, there are different varieties of sausages found in each region. For instance, Nuernberg is famous for its â delicateâ sausages whereas rich Munich will offer you Weisswurst â strikingly delicate and aromatic white thick sausages. They are prepared of veal and pork and are served with sweet mustard, that is why the dish has an unusual sweetish taste. And if you want to feel like a real Bavarian, you simply have to order Brezel â a knot-shaped biscuit sprinkled with salt. But its better to make your order before midday â Bavarians think that this food is good for breakfast. What about dinner? If you liked your breakfast, try Bratwurst â thick long fried sausages, Schweinswuerstl â pork sausages, or one of other 1, 5 thousand types of this dish. But these are not all the variants. Depending on cookâ s imagination, meat can turn into schnitzel fillet or Agreed - roasted pork. So donâ t forget to take your stomach pills with you. As said above, Bavarians are very hospitable people, that is why if they invite you to a restaurant, be prepared for the worst. Whenever a Bavarian wants to impress his guests, he orders Schweinehaxe - pork shanks. For each. And your stomach will have to resign itself to it. And if you are still alive, you will be served with Dampfnudel - dumpling cake soaked in caramel sauce, or Datschi â a fruit pie. I guess after I have told you all this you will think that Germans donâ t care about their health.

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Sunday, August 19, 2007

Greenhorn Ranch will give you a healthier heart

Some of California s most beautiful and least developed countryside can be found in Plumas County, about an hour s drive west from Reno - which just happens to be where we found a real-life version of the movie City Slickers at Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. Sometimes you just know when you ve come home. Within about 30 minutes of our arrival at Greenhorn, we were chowing down on their Friday night barbecue of scrumptious, fall-off-the-bone ribs with all the fixin s. The owners of the ranch, Trish and Ralph Wilburn, were strumming their guitars and singing western songs by the campfire. Soon, the kids in the group were scurrying to get their marshmallows and chocolate so they could get more s mores than anyone else. Out there, the Big City might as well have been on the moon - which, incidentally, was just starting to rise to take its place among the sparkling stars visible above the towering dark pine trees surrounding the ranch. Paris Hilton might as well have been a Martian. The nearest Nordstrom s was probably 200 light years away, but my wife didn t even seem to mind. For this little space of time - a weekend to be exact - we were going to be living in a different time and place and, in essence, returning to the rural roots that have never been too far under the surface for either one of us. The Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch is where you go to get a healthier heart. Not that barbecue ribs and steaks and big breakfasts of bacon and sausage and biscuits are going to unclog your arteries. The heart we re talking about is the one that helps you look at the world and shape your reactions to it. It s the one that sometimes gets a little overwhelmed with the day-to-day and forgets about the big picture. The big picture is considerably brighter after spending a few days with fellow ranch visitors of all ages, shapes and sizes. Some of the people visiting the Greenhorn know about horses and may even have horses of their own. Others aren t sure which stirrup to step into first. Some are constantly running from one ranch activity to the next. Others are just content to sit on their cabin porches and inhale the Great Outdoors. Most people who visit the ranch spend at least a couple of hours each day on the back of a horse. Three levels of rides are offered - beginner, intermediate and advanced - and guests can get as many as a couple of two-hour rides each day, all included in the cost of their stay. The rides take guests not only to the 600 acres that belong to the Greenhorn Ranch, but also out into forests that stretch over a half-million deeded acres that Greenhorn is able to use for trail-riding. Depending on your skill level, you can ride on just about any kind of terrain you desire. We were especially impressed with Marty Orenstein, the head wrangler and the guy responsible for leading up to 11 other wranglers during the peak summer season.

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Saturday, August 18, 2007

Travel Insurance -- How To Get The Best Value Travel Insurance

If you are an occasional traveler you ll probably buy your insurance from the travel agent. But if you travel more than twice a year, it is much more cost effective to have one insurance lasting all year round, than buying one every time you travel. Think ahead, plan ahead. Annual travel insurance easily pays for itself with just a couple of trips. But not all insurances are worth the same and as always cheapest is not necessarily the best. More on this later. Annual travel insurance is not compulsory but it gives you the peace of mind case of illness and loss or damage to property and many other events. Where is the best place to buy annual travel insurance? 1. Your bank is probably the first place you ll try. Banks have in recent times become highly competitive and in order to retain your business, may offer better rates. For example my bank has upgraded my checking account to a premium account and for that I pay 20 per month. As a result I get several privileges including free, worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance. But here is the best part... I get all this free travel insurance not just for myself but also for any member of my family traveling with me including my parents and siblings. I said free because I am already getting other benefits which are worth a lot more than 20 per month if I were to buy them individually. I also save a lot of time as I never have to look around for insurance. So don t ignore your bank. 2. Credit card companies also offer similar insurances, with some added advantages. In case of theft or loss of your credit card, they will supply you with an emergency one, often within a few hours. In addition to travel insurance offers, there is another advantage in checking your credit card company s terms. If you book your travel using your credit card, pretty much all card companies give excellent cover against many of the things that can go wrong. Some credit card companies also have specialist travel departments which not only give you travel discounts but also give you even better protection, i.e. better travel insurance and at a much lower cost. But note that all insurance offers exclude you making a claims, for the same item, to multiple sources even if you do have multiple insurance cover. For example, let s say you have bought travel insurance separately and you have bought your travel ticket using your credit card. If your luggage is lost, you can almost certainly make a claim to either of the two sources but not to both at the same time. The reason is that the insurance companies have suffered massive fraud in recent years. Allowing multiple claims simply encourages fraudsters to have multiple insurances and make multiple false claims. For example, they can take an already damaged suitcase on a long journey knowing that it will fall apart. They can then claim damage and loss of property from multiple insurers.

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Friday, August 17, 2007

Tourism Beyond the Winter Olympics

The increase in tourism has been rapidly increasing in Whistler for many years. Noted for being one of the best skiing and snowboarding areas in the world, having the largest skiing area in North America as well has having summer activities to match the winter, including world class golfing, mountain biking and hiking, thanks to the abundance of mountains warmed by the sea air in the summer making it an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Up until a couple of years ago, the increase in tourism had been fast but steady and controlled. Since the decision for Whistler to host the winter Olympics in 2010 things have changed. The recent unprecedented level of resort development comes with some urgency, as most developers want to take advantage of the attention the 2010 Winter Olympics will bring to the area. Despite skyrocketing construction costs, developers are feeling confident. The Government of Whistler has challenged the tourism industry to double in size by 2015 and interest in recreational real estate is so high that many projects are sold out before construction even begins. With a strong economy and the boost in global awareness that the Olympics will bring, the future of tourism in B.C over the next few years looks healthy. The questions arise when long term growth comes into question. Firstly the capacity - will enough people come to Whistler to fill the beds? Much of North America considers Whistler a difficult place to get too, and with impending tourism increase means possible problems with traffic, demand in air travel and traffic problems around B.C., which may put people off going there. Another potential problem is that most resort development is predicated on the sale of recreational real estate, whether its condo units, time share units, cabins or real estate lots. For a lot of people their considerable investment in recreational real estate means they are going to spend their vacation time using the property. They are less likely to be traveling around the province and sampling the various resorts being developed. With increasing costs in Whistler and BC, Canadians may be put off the idea of visiting Whistler, instead choosing holidays abroad or to other destinations away from the spotlight that Whistler has fallen under. These are not potentially catastrophic problems for the area but illustrate a need for long term planning and thought into the development of Whistler, and how to maintain momentum once the Olympics is over. Poor planning has often led to post-Olympic areas being turned into ghost towns, with unused facilities, empty housing etc. however, with limited space in Whistler, careful thought has led to large areas of the Olympic village being turned into housing after the event, the majority of which for employees of the event. This will limit the possibility of unscrupulous developers ruining the area trying to cash in and potentially destroying the beauty of Whistler. Despite the doubts and the potential for problems beyond the Olympics, the area looks set to continue with impressive growth in tourism, with 88 major tourism related development projects already underway, worth a combined 17 billion CAD.

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Thursday, August 16, 2007

Scuba Diving In Phuket, The Pearl Of The Andaman Sea

Phuket is the southern province of Thailand. The word Phuket, derived from Malay word bukit, means hill or mountain. Phuket is a beautiful island and it seems like a mountain or hill for a distant view. Being the largest island in Thailand, Phuket is blessed with several beaches. Beaches of Phuket are really amazing and that is why it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The coastal areas of the western Phuket have several sandy beaches while on the southern Phuket there are muddy beaches. Patong beach is the most popular beach among tourists. Some other beaches in Phuket include Nai Harn beach, Karon beach, Bang Tao beach and Kata beach. Southern Phuket has some coral islands which are suitable for scuba diving. Similian Islands and Phi Phi islands are remarkable coral islands in southern Phuket. Scuba diving, diving using underwater apparatus for breathing, is really suitable for viewing underwater spectacles like floras, faunas, beautiful fishes, coral reefs, especially in coral islands. SCUBA is the short form of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba diving is getting popular among people all over the world for recreational diving. It is simpler and safer for low depth diving and help you remain in underwater for longer periods. Scuba diving is the main attraction of tourists in Phuket. It is in the top 10 scuba diving destinations in the world. There are many agencies which provide scuba diving gears for tourists. There are many web a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s related to Phuket which provides details about Scuba diving in Phuket, wonderful scenery, facilities and other aspects. There are many travelling agencies which provide scuba diving packages specifically for tourists in Phuket. Day trips as well as night trips to diving areas are also included in the packages. There are many skilled scuba divers and certified trainers in Phuket who can help naive divers to get accustomed with scuba diving. There are some institutes which run courses on diving. These courses are devised for different skill levels. Standards of the training are world class. So even if you don t know diving, you can come here and learn it and enjoy scuba diving in blue Andaman Sea. You can enjoy the beauty of clear blue Andaman Sea by scuba diving in Phuket. There are dive boats which will take you to the diving destinations. Coral reefs in Phuket are some of the best spectacular reefs in the world. Over 200 species of hard corals are there vying their trade to build an amazing underwater ecological kingdom. Some of the exotic fish varieties that are seen in Phuket are dolphins, whale shark, manta rays, pelagic and numerous reef fishes and some of the turtle varieties that enchant the Phuket are Olive Ridleys, Hawksbill, Green Turtles and Leather Back. Hing Daeng, Richelieu Rock etc are some of the diving a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s in Phuket. There are live boards which provide food and accommodation as well as diving. Scuba diving in Phuket is becoming really a money spinner for the local enterprises as more tourists visits.

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Monday, August 13, 2007

How to be Safe While Staying in a Middle Eastern Hotel

Safety while on vacation or business is a concern for travelers, especially those on Middle East Travel. There are some steps you can take to ensure your well-being the next time you stay at Middle East hotels. You will need to keep your money safe while traveling. You might want to wear a money belt to hide your funds from unscrupulous eyes. It is a good idea to leave your valuable jewelry at home as well. In general, you will want to spread your money, credit cards, and or traveler s checks into different locations. Some might go into a safety deposit box at their Dubai Hotels, while some you might carry with you. That way, if your wallet is lost or stolen, you will still have some financial resources to fall back on. Along the same lines, it is wise to have photocopies of important information, such your plane tickets, passport, medical letters and prescriptions in a safe place other than your luggage or on your person, so if they get lost you will still have the information you need to get them replaced. Luggage can be kept safe with luggage locks and wire mesh packs for suitcases. The luggage locks must be TSA approved for travel within the United States, because going through check points at American airports will require a luggage check, and unapproved locks will be cut off your luggage. With the packs, you can place your suitcase inside, lock it and then attach it to your bed or other immovable object in Dubai hotels, for example, so that no one can access the luggage without the key. Travel warnings are available from the foreign affairs department in your local city. You can check with them to make sure that it is safe to travel in the area you wish to visit. You will also want to make sure you are covered for health emergencies by purchasing travel insurance before your leave home. It is best to study the local customs for the particular city you want to engage in Middle East Travel. There are strict rules of conduct during Saudi Arabia Travel, for example, and straying from them can result in dire consequences. Also, it bears remembering that not all countries allow citizens or visitors free speech, so you might need to assume that you are under surveillance at all times you are traveling. Also, check local medication rules for the country in which you will travel. Some medicines that people in the United States can be given with a prescription are considered illegal in some Middle Eastern countries, and not knowing this may result in jail sentences. A little education before you leave home will help you travel safely and well, during your Dubai Travel.

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Sunday, August 12, 2007

Visiting West Wittering Beach

Of course, parking comes at a price, and you can expect to pay up to  6.00 per day in the Summer, compared to up to  2.00 in Winter. These prices do vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week weekday or weekend. In the Summer the beach is open from 6:30 to 20:30, after which the gates are locked; it is therefore advisable to leave slightly in advance of this time. If you are planning a short break or holiday in West Wittering then it may be more economic to book a hotel in Chichester within driving distance of the beach. Crouchers Country Hotel in Chichester near West Wittering provides outstanding accommodation in Chichester and is one such hotel, and a viable option. Towards the Eastern side of the beach is East Head, a naturally occurring sand dune spit. The pseudo island is a sight of special scientific interest, and is only connected to the land by a narrow pathway. This pathway referred to as the hinge flooded in October 2004, completely isolating the spit from the land â though it has since been recovered. Occupying ten hectares and spanning four hundred metres at its widest point, East Head is a small area of land consisting of wetlands, grass, shingle and fine sand. The spit is open to the public, but is managed by the National Trust, and fires are prohibited. The beach is a haven for many kinds of wildlife, including lizards, rabbits, butterflys, oysters, crabs, woodmice and numerous species of bird. Obviously this makes the area hugely popular amongst nature watchers and ecologists. Of course, not only ecologists and nature watchers can take advantage of the rich variety of animal life on the beach â anyone with a remote fascination with nature will be able to appreciate the vast array of animals coexisting. The beach also features a crabbing pool. West Wittering beach really is the cream of the crop of south coast beaches, but if it doesn t catch your fancy then there are plenty of other beautiful beaches along the South coast that you can choose from. Bognor beach is a superb shingle beach with a promenade and fair ground rides which make it fun for all the family. Bognor Regis also provides a great opportunity for holidays or short breaks.

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Saturday, August 11, 2007

Great Destination Central America

The best course of action to take sometimes isn t clear until you ve listed and considered your alternatives. This could apply to travel subject as there is endless information that you can find on both off line and on line resources. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what should be beneficial when you are looking for travel information for a certain destination. Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious and you have to keep searching, just like when you want to go to somewhere that seem not to appear on the map. Keep reading to get the complete picture. That s the latest from reliable resources. Once you re familiar with these ideas, you ll be ready to move to the next level. When people think about travel to America, what first come to their mind is probably travel to the Central America. This is because Central America, is the region that can be described as the highlight of travel to American and it has massive of tourist attractions that will make you impress. The rich history and breathtaking scenic beauty makes them the favourite place to visit all the year round so you do not be afraid that you will miss the travel season of it because you can go whenever you want, even in freezing winter or extremely hot in summer. Apart from that, there are some other countries such as Costa Rica or Panama, which shine up this region and they are also beautiful destinations themselves. There is very interesting environment and historical a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s waiting to be vi a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a d. You can learn and appreciate with American history. There are also hundreds of building and constructions where you can see the Americaâ s glory in the past. Central America is one of many places where has great reputation of historical a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s. You may be surprised that when you plan to travel to central America and would want to see beautiful scenarios but when you arrive and start to realised that central America is not only has beautiful attractions but also historical heritage. The rich history of the place reminds the people of the numerous settlements that took place in the region and today the political scene in these countries is ever dynamic. One of the most reputable historical a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a s in Central America is Mayan civilization. It is considered as a place that if you come to Central America but did not visit this place is as if you never been to Central America. Mayan is the civilization that has great impact and influence to Central America from past to present time. Many of tourists will be amazing when they have a chance to walk into corridors of the ancient Mayans. There is also some interesting local market attractions where you can find some local agricultural products to buy as souvenirs when you return home.

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Friday, August 10, 2007

Simple Ways to Eat Healthy While On Vacation

If you re like most people, going on vacation isn t something you get to do very often. As such, you may feel the urge to treat yourself to foods you wouldn t normally indulge in at home. Although an occasional dessert or fried temptation will not harm you, frequently making those food choices during your vacation will only lead to regret. First of all, by making poor food choices during your vacation, you could end up establishing a bad-eating habit that will be hard to break once you return home. Secondly, choosing the wrong foods means you ll have less energy for activities during your vacation. Last but certainly not least you may be in for a surprise a few days later when you get ready to don a swimsuit! Now that you re convinced of the importance of eating healthy on vacation, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover how easy it is to actually do. Eating in Route Flying to your destination? These days, it s easier than ever to request a low-fat or vegetarian meal on an airplane flight! If your flight doesn t provide meals, you should consider bringing along a healthy snack in your carry-on bag. Fruit, nuts, trail mix, or beef jerky are good choices. Making it a road trip instead? You don t have to rely on a roadside drive-thru to feed your family along the way. Bring yourself a cooler full of ice packs, and fill it with fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, bottled water, and sandwich meats. Carry along some bread, crackers, and trail mix, and you ll be ready on-the-spot for a healthy roadside picnic! Once you arrive If you will be staying in a hotel with a minibar, do yourself a favor -- turn down the key. It s better to completely avoid the temptation. If your lodging offers a continental or buffet breakfast, stick to the fruits, low-sugar cereals, and proteins. Just be sparing on the fattier proteins like bacon and sausage! Avoid donuts and pastries at all cost, as they are full of empty calories, sugar, and fat. If your hotel has a stove or microwave, consider bringing your own healthy food with you. When you do eat out at a restaurant, do so only when you re hungry. Just be careful not to over-do-it. Remember that most restaurants serve large portions, and depending on your entrée selection you may also receive salad and bread as part of your meal. With this in mind, it is generally best to skip ordering any appetizers. The less food in front of you, the less you will be tempted to eat. If you do go a little overboard on one meal, however, simply cut back on the next. If you find it difficult to fit in three well-balanced meals a day, then try to fit in five or six smaller meals or snacks. Your body really needs fuel about every four hours anyway. Whatever you do, do not skip any meals.

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Thursday, August 9, 2007

Why Plumbing The Depth Is So Important

I have been fishing for over 30 years and in that time tackle, techniques and baits have changed so much at times its difficult to keep up with them. There have been some fantastic improvements in fishing tackle which has undoubtedly enabled even the novice angler to catch large weights of fish, especially at many of the new venues springing up all over the country. It seems nowadays if you have some land dig it out and fill it full of fish and charge between 5 and 10 a day and you are made, don t get me wrong some of these venues are cracking and you will catch a lot of fish but I have literally seen what I call wholes in the ground, no features and not very picturesque either! , these are not my cup of tea I would much rather fish a natural lake, river or stream I get far more satisfaction catching my fish form a natural environment. Ok, so back to basics I have mentioned how fishing has changed dramatically over the years and at times it seems like you need a degree in science to catch fish, this is not the case, the methods may have changed but fish have not, find them, offer them a tasty bait with the right method and you will catch them, its as simple as that! . I have read many fishing books and articles over the years and I rarely see people talking about the importance of plumbing the depth which is astounding really it is one of the most important things you must do when you start fishing. Think about it, you arrive at your peg and start to bait up the area you are going to fish in, what happens to the bait you are throwing in, it falls through the water and sinks to the bottom, the fish find the bait and start chomping away, the more bait you feed, usually the more fish you will attract but never over feed, when I start to get bites I usually feed a small handful of bait about every 10 minutes, this will keep them in my peg and stop them from moving off in search of other offerings, usually the bloke fishing next to me! So not to pluming the depth, this is a really simple thing to do and I see so many young anglers completely ignore it, they set-up cast in and start fishing at any depth, they are usually nowhere near the bottom and are fishing mid-water, and yes they chuck in loads of bait which sinks to the bottom and that where the fish are but there hook bait is not, big, big mistake. This is how we plumb the depth. We attach our float and hook and nothing else, NO shots yet, just the float and hook, we take a guess at the depth, always go shorter than what you think the depth is, there is a reason for this. Now we get a plumb bob, you can buy these in any tackle shop, they are simply a weight with cork in the bottom to stick your hook in, if you don t have a plumb bob use a weight that is heavy enough to pull the float under, most cases a big swan shot will do the trick.

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How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Certain Kind of Limo

Distinguished travelers in Dallas and Fort Worth often rely on the timely use of a Dallas limousine service. Perhaps you are planning a wedding, and would like to transport the wedding party and relatives to the wedding a href http: travel.rvbest.info site a in a luxurious manner. Young people going to a big prom often enjoy traveling together in style in a Dallas limo rental. Business people need on time and reliable transportation to and from all of the Dallas and Fort Worth-area airports, and there are plenty of reliable dfw limo services that provide excellent DFW Airport Transportation. There are many different types of Limos in Dallas that will suit your every need. You can choose from sedans, stretch limousines, SUV limos, as well as limo buses, limo vans and limo mini-buses. Limousine providers want to offer you the best in luxury travel, and it all starts with the vehicles they purchase for use. There are a few variables that can affect the price of buying a limousine. If you think about auto prices in general, you realize that vehicles vary wildly in price range. For example, very broadly speaking, a regular automobile that cost 20, 000 new, if turned into a stretch limousine, would instead run between 60, 000- 80, 000. New vehicles would obviously cost more than used, but the drawback is that the older vehicles will require more maintenance. The cheapest limousine in purchase price is not always the best buy. A vehicle that is put together with inferior parts might initially cost less but will break down more often, costing more in maintenance and upkeep in the long run. A vehicle that is broken down and in the shop is not being rented and earning its keep, which needs to be factored into the cost of buying a limousine. A new Lincoln Federal Silverstone 120 limousine, which has a 4.6 liter V8 engine with automatic transmission will come in around 75, 000. A Mini Cooper XXL Stretch limousine could run you between 66, 000 and 90, 000. But good things come in small packages, so this might be the investment vehicle for you. And it comes with a hot tub, no less. A new Hummer H2 limousine might run between 165, 000 to 220, 000. This is luxury--driving in a vehicle that costs as much as a house! A 2007 BMW Stretch limousine, which is styled on the BMW 745i and includes a fax, not one but two phones, a laptop computer and a satellite receiver set for Internet access, will cost around 344, 600 dollars. You will be happy to know that you get to select the color. At the outer limits, a 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom Stretch limousine will take you for a whopping 1 million to 1.2 million. In addition to the cost of the vehicles, limousine companies also must set aside funds for maintenance, insurance, payroll for employees, as well as procure a facility for storing the vehicles. All of this considered, it makes Dallas limo rental a bargain compared to owning and maintaining a limo of your own.

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Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Hawaiian Cruises - Something For Everyone, Whatever Budget!

Great for all kinds of people, Hawaiian cruises are the dream come true for many - so what is it about these vacations? What s So Special About Cruises Then Cruises are one of the top vacations of choice for many people, for a multitude of reasons. Being on the ocean is one of the best ways to unwind and relax, whilst also offering great opportunities to dress up and go posh and amaze yourselves! With loads of top quality entertainment, a cuisine choice unsurpassable so close at hand and the gently lull of the waves - what s not to relax about? Taking a family? Well cruises are set up for kids too - with very special treats for them so that they can have fun and - you deserve it - you can relax as well, safe in the knowledge that they are doing just fine! And of all the destinations in the world, why not Hawaii, because cruises to Hawaii generally last the perfect length of around two weeks - enough time to find your way around onboard, as well as sample th delights of all those on-shore excursions. Why Cruise To Hawaii? Hawaii has become the perfect destination for many. Taking a Hawaiian cruise is a dream way to see the Hawaiian islands and spend time exploring on shore too - each island is different with very varied cultures and attractions too! Hawaiian cruises offer a memorable experience and one that most vacationers will enjoy, perhaps because there is something for everyone. From pure relaxation to the lure of the Hawaiian Islands - what more could you want. Indeed, a dream come true for many lucky people from all around the world. A vacation of a lifetime on a magical ocean liner, to the destination of your dreams. Hawaiian Cruises - Vacations With Ease! Ready to be seriously looked after, from the time you get up, to the time you rest your head on your pillow? With the most extraordinary food and entertainment at what is often a great value all-in deal, a Hawaiian Cruise is definitely something you need to try out at least once! Offered year round, Hawaiian cruises are accessible, flexible and way more fun than ever before. Don t forget either that there are lots of ports of embarkation dotted all along the West coast, as well as cruise that set off right from the islands too - the choice is yours! With Hawaiian cruises slashed to unbelievable prices for last minute cruises, your dream vacation is just about ready for you, so, what are you waiting for!

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Canada Fly In Fishing Trips - Return To Nature!

One of the great things about Canada fly in fishing trip packages is that you are really getting the opportunity to return to how nature used to be, untouched and without the interference of human habitation. There is a variety of types of Canada fly in fishing trip opportunities, two of them are walk wade trips and the other is the float trip. This usually involves first flying in to a remote location, then heading out for some fly-fishing. There is nothing like the feel of walking out into the river or wading out into the lake and throwing out a line to see what you can bring in. Canada fly in fishing trip packages that involve fly-fishing may involve the following locations Owens River, Piru Creek and Deep Creek, along with the Delaware River, Stillaguamish River and Idaho Falls. Depending on the Canada fly in fishing trip you, choose you may be hitting a rustic cabin or a hotel, resort, or bed and breakfast for your fly-fishing. For a listing of what locations are ideal for a Canada fly in fishing trip check out the fishing guide or travel guides for the locations, points of entry, times of year that provide the best fishing and the types of fish that are available in a particular area. If you are looking to travel during the summer and early fall June through September one fly in fishing location you should consider is Hearne Lake. Here trophy-fishing trips are available and the catch is Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Walleye, artic grayling and lake white fish. Depending on the type of fish you are going after you may want to consider the timing of your trip. In June, typically the catch is going to be Northern Pike, Lake Trout and Walleye. Artic Graylings show up in July and run through September and Lake Whitefish provide the catch from the end of August through September. The best way to experience a fly in trip or a fly-fishing trip is to be aware of what the catch is and find someone familiar with the area that can provide you with tips and locations that provide the best fishing.Canada provides some of the best fishing opportunities, locations and catches in the world. If you are a serious angler or someone who just enjoys camping out and fishing there is something for you in Canada s fishing trips. Depending on the type of experience you are looking for you may want to consider the various travel options that are presented. There are even travel agents that deal specifically in fishing tips to these remote and pristine locations whether it is fly in, fly-fishing, or deep-sea, lake or river or inland sea, Canada has something to offer everyone.

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Where Do Summer Trout Go!

Many anglers have no idea what happens to the trout once summer arrives. Many anglers think that most of their streams that warm up that the trout just disappear. This isn t the case. Water temperature is the most important limiting factor for trout. In trout streams that are marginal which usually means summer temperatures approaching the high 70 s to 80 degrees a number of different things occur in these streams. In some waters that have a lot of tributaries or feeder streams the trout will migrate to the mouth of these streams or even further upstream to escape the nearly lethal temperatures of the main stream or river. Many of these feeder streams are heavily canopied and very hard to fish affording the trout added protection. Two things usually happen in these streams. Either the trout stay in these streams during the hot weather for the duration or in some waters the fish will move back to the main river towards evening as the main stream cools. In some waters where the main river stays in the mid to high 70 s the trout will just find a cool spot under a bank or in some shade. The fish do not feed and basically are there just to survive. As the evening approaches the temperature in the stream will drop by 4 to 6 degrees which will put the stream around 67 to 69. This is when most of the feeding occurs and this is when any major insect activity will happen also. It s good practice to carry a stream thermometer and to monitor your waters. Many streams hold large fish that have escaped the hordes of spring anglers. Remember it may not be the actual temperature of the stream but the rising or falling of that temperature to the proper feeding range of the fish in that stream. The easiest way to do this is to monitor what night time temperatures will be. When you see a couple of days in a row where the temperature is dropping greatly in the evening this is the time to be on the stream. Know the area before you fish it in the evening and prepare for it with heavier leaders and perhaps even a streamer or large Wooly Bugger because when most anglers are sitting this one out you could get quite a trophy especially if there are brown trout in the stream which are notorious for night feeding once they get past around twelve inches. Whether you are fly fishing or spin fishing this is way to get them.

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Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Respect for the Sport of Deer Hunting

Deer hunting is a major pastime and hobby in many areas of the country but perhaps none so strongly adoring as the state of Texas. While many hunters are found throughout the south, the majority of deer hunting takes place in Texas, where several types of deer and other game and foul can be found for hunting purposes. The most common type of deer found in Texas and throughout the southern region of the country is the whitetail, named such because its erect tail is white on the underside. This makes the species easily identifiable, especially in conjunction with their miniscule size compared to most other deer species and their tendency in youth to have spotting on the rear parts of the body. The second most popular target for deer hunting is perhaps the mule deer, a larger species that is also less regulated by hunting laws and restrictions. Because it is such a common way to spend a few days during open season from late November to mid December, deer hunting is strongly regulated both to preserve the deer population and to assure the safety of hunters. The sport is set up so that no hunter takes advantage of the heavy population in a certain area and wastes the product; deer are to be killed and harvested with reserve, making sure that both hides and meat are used from each deer carcass. While trophy hunting is allowed, it is usually restricted to certain areas, and only one trophy taken per season per hunter under normal circumstances. For the safety of all who partake of deer hunting, there are rules in regards to daylight and hunting. In Texas, you may not discharge a firearm from thirty minutes after dusk through thirty minutes before dawn. This is a safety precaution for other hunters, whose orange reflective gear will be unable to reflect enough light to be identified and could be hit with friendly fire by mistake. Also, fully automatic weapons are illegal throughout the state. In deer hunting, you must also learn to respect the prey for which you aim, allowing them certain space. In Texas, there are some public areas where it is illegal to hunt, including federal and state parks and wildlife reserves and refuges. In these areas, the native wildlife is allowed to roam free and reproduce to keep the population in balance. Deer hunting is a beloved tradition in many families, but it is necessary to obey the laws and to maintain safety while hunting as well as to have a good time. Laws and regulations are in place for the safety of the hunters and the preservation of wildlife for future generations of hunters, so ignoring them is to your own detriment.

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Have You Been To France?

A friend sent me a postcard from France. The rolling hills of Provence, lush vineyards and charming chateaus - yes, I remember it well. When my husband and I went to France, I packed so much he accused me of trying to smuggle things into the country for a garage sale. I m a girl scout at heart. I wanted to be prepared. To be prepared for the change in time a friend advised me to stay awake on the flight and go to bed at my usual time - local time. Blurry-eyed and exhausted, I collapsed into bed in Paris at 10pm, having lost a day - but not my luggage. By 10am 1am PST the next day I was tempted to call my friend to thank her for her advice. The advice on hotels came from a guide book, but hotels in France are like hotels everywhere - overpriced and understaffed. Of course, if I d had the right adapter to plug in my hair dryer, I wouldn t have needed one hotel s electrician to help dry my hair. If I d restrained myself from buying funky souvenirs, I wouldn t have needed bellboys to help with my luggage. Small things, such as the corkscrew shaped like the Eiffel Tower, weren t problems. However, transporting a pillow that looked like a giant croissant and umbrellas decorated with French fries were problems - for my marriage. John didn t think France was the place to Christmas shop. John s idea of a souvenir was his now-gray underwear, on which a hotel laundry had written his name in large, indelible letters. If John had given me time, I would have introduced the French to laundry whiteners and brightened their lives. In France our lives were full with quaint buildings, which would be called dilapidated in the States; and there was always one more museum to visit - but not by taxi. French taxi drivers should have to take their foot off the gas pedal as often as they take their eyes off the road. I should have taken my eyes off the pastries, but I couldn t. A morning break with coffee and pastry; followed by an afternoon break with wine and pastry; and, of course, pastry for dessert at dinner - I carried memories of those pastries home on my hips. Yes, I remember France. If we go there again, I m sending a postcard to myself. It will say, Wish you were here .

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