Written on December 6, 2008 by round
Inn to Inn Horseback Riding in the Cascades
Mentioning horseback trip through the wilderness may conjure up images of smoky campfires, dusty bedrolls and cans of beans. There’s nothing wrong with these things, but sometimes you want a little opulence-or, okay, a lot of opulence-after a good hard ride. From the catered gourmet lunches on the trail to the spa services guests can purchase at night, this is the ultimate luxury riding experience-one of the few of its kind offered in Canada.
Northern Ontario Canoeing Mystery Tour
Wild women expedition’s popular mystery tours follow top secret routes to remote destinations. No one knows where they’re going until they arrive, the idea being to keep these clandestine routes out of the regular old guidebooks. We can tell you this : it’s a women only flat water canoeing journey with lots of portages, so you should be reasonably fit and damn well prepared for adventure.
Kayaking The Bay Of Exploits
The Bay of Exploits has more than 30 islands and the perfect mix of adventure and history for paddlers. New foundland’s early inhabitants, the Beothuks, used the area as a refuge and hunting ground before their extinction in1829. Now remnants of European homesteads are still found on the isolated islands, along with diverse plants, animals, and rock formations. Expect to travel five to six hours a day sheltered from the open ocean, exploiring the area’s natural and cultural history when you’re not paddling past iceberg of every shape and sixe.
Trekking Through the Katannillik
This 60 kilometer hike through Nunavut’s Katannillik Territorial Park, an arctic oasis on southern Baffin Island, will take you along the Soper River, designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1992 because of its natural beauty and cultural significance to the Inuit people. The areas has a surprising abundance of vegetation, including unsually large. 75 years old willows and vivid flowering plants that bloom mid July to August. The 10 day trip covers the most beautiful part of the park, an area rich with wildlife like caribou, wolves and foxes.
Cycling the Saguenay and Lac St. Jean
You don’t need mad cycling skills to enjoy this road ride along Quebec’s Saguenay Fjord, one of the world’s longest and deepest inlets. You’ll travel 50 to 150 kilometers a day as you circle Lac St. Jean, with side trips ( a hike near Saguenay National Park) and activities (whale watching at the mouth of the St. Lawrence) to break up the ride. Evenings are in bed and breakfast in communities along the route. The trip is best suited to a hybrid bike and rentals are available.
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Written on December 2, 2008 by round
Entering one of Tom Chudleigh’s round tree houses is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. The whole room sways and bounces with each step from table to bed, bed to loft, kitchen to door, causing a sort of “sphere sickness”. But after a moment, the sensation becomes almost magical.
The spheres, suspended by ropes, hang in a grove of trees on Chudleigh’s acreage outside Qualicum Beach on Vancouver island. He rents two of them out by the night like a bed and breakfast.
Part tree house, part giant floating alien eyeball, the spheres make strange looking lodging. A spiral staircase and a suspension bridge lead to a front door, which swings out like an airplane hatch. Inside are a hide a bed couch, a kitchen table that doubles as a bed, a mini kitchen and a loft. The whole unit is wired for electricity. Huge round windows provide most of the light and a bird’s eye view outside. The forest a mess of trees and shrubs at ground level suddenly doesn’t seem so foreign.
The spheres are a great place to communicate with nature. The ropes support the sphere without damaging a single tree. Each line is designed to hold the structure on its own, so if a branch breaks the sphere won’t fall. During big windstorms, like the ones that flattened Vancouver’s Stanley Park in December, the houses just away back and forth like boats on the ocean, which is where Chudleigh got the idea in the first place.
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Written on November 29, 2008 by round
There was a time when Sussex residents swaggered through the streets believing their own was the birthplace of the ice cream cone. when that lofty claim was debunked by the county’s own traitorous newspaper, Sussex assumed the more modest title of Dairy Capital of New Brunswick, an appropriate moniker given the town’s location amidst the numerous dairy farm dotting the gently rolling terrain east of Saint John. By and large, Sussexians are more concerned with Saturday Night Hockey-the beer leagues are the biggest draw in town-than with outdoor recreation. But thanks to Sussex’s proximity to the Bay of Fundy and Fundy National Park, any locals who do hanker to trek, slide, roll or float through the countryside will find themselves within easy reach of the best of southern New Brunswick’s natural resources.
Outdoor Lowdown
Hiking : Sussex may seem to sit in a quiet corner of the country, but the nearby Bay of Fundy shoreline is home to one of the toughest hikes going the 41 kilometer Fundy Footpath. It takes hikers on a rugged coastline slog. , with elevation changes of close to a thousand feet and frequent views of Fundy and sometimes Nova Scotia. Fundy National Park also offers more than 100 kilometers of hiking trails, including the demanding 50 kilometers Fundy Circuit.
Mountain Biking : ten minutes outside Sussex, Poley Mountain, with its 660 foot vertical drop, offers bikers a 5 kilometers loop that seems like twice that thanks to the steep inclines that go up and down the summit.
Sea Kayaking : take a classic cove pocked shoreline, add the highest tides in the world, and you’ve got the perfect place to explore from the vantage point of a see kayak.
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Written on November 25, 2008 by round
A bear attack is an extremely rare thing. And when I say bear, I mean the black bear of North America.
Bears are very intelligent animals, incredible fighters, and extremely strong. And for the most part, they want to avoid encounters with humans.
There are a few simple ways to avoid a bear attack, and the best way is to simply avoid an encounter altogether.
Make lots of noise when you’re in bear territory. Talk loudly. Clap your hands occasionally. Travel in groups. Bears have excellent hearing, will appreciate the warning of your presence, and will avoid you. This is especially helpful if the bear has cubs, which she will naturally want to protect. You don’t want to surprise a bear, especially is she has cubs!
Keep food out of reach. Bears love food, and can literally smell food miles away. If you’re camping, make sure to keep food, trash, and waste far from your tents.
Never store food inside your tent. Bears will go anywhere for food, even your tent, with you in it. That’s why it’s best to store your food suspended, or in bear-proof containers.
Avoid traveling at dawn and dusk. This is when bears are most active. Try to hike, bike, and run during different parts of the day.
If you encounter a bear…
* Talk to the bear so it knows you are around.
* Hold your hands over your head, talk to it, slowly back away.
* If very close, give the bear room to escape. Chances are it will want to avoid you.
* Never run. This may trigger a chase, and bears can run over 30 mph. People can only run about 8 mph.
* If the bear charges, stand your ground. It may be a bluff attack.
If a bear attack occurs…
* Drop to a fetal position
* Cover your head and neck with your hands
* Play dead
This should make it clear to the bear that you are not a threat. If the bear attack continues with biting, fight back and make as much noise as you can as a last resort.
Common sense is the best way to avoid a bear attack. Be aware of your surroundings, and let the bears know you are around.
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Written on November 19, 2008 by round
When traveling to Akumal Mexico one nearly passes this small quiet village by without realizing that it is actually one of the Caribbean coast’s best locations for diving and snorkeling on the Yucatan Peninsula. Akumal is located a mere 65 miles to the south of the Cancun resort area and 50 miles from the Mexican airport. It may be small but it is the ideal vacation get away for families or divers who wish to escape the daily rush of Mexico’s often crowded beaches. Located in Akumal are two very tranquil bays as well as the Yalku Lagoon which is perfect for family swimming or snorkeling. The area boasts of 30 beautiful reef sites that are ideal for diving while the beautiful white sandy beaches invite one to enjoy the relaxing Mexican sun.
There is an abundance of accommodations in Akumal, five different restaurants which offer local and European Fare, several grocery stores, a few boutiques or gift shops plus an excellent Dive Shop. Most of these attractions are within a 15 minute walk of one and other. The best part of this small village is that should you be interested in snorkeling, diving, fishing or merely relaxing in the warm Mexican sun you will find you can walk to the various locations although buses and taxis are readily available should you desire them.
The temperatures in Akumal range around 80 degree during September to April and during the rest of the year you can expect 90 degree temperatures. The area receives a gentle sea breeze from the nearby Caribbean and during the winter season you may require a sweater in the evenings.
The local dive shop will setup your equipment and have it ready for your dive when you arrive at the dock. They have all the necessary diving equipment you will need at reasonable rental rates. You will be provided with an 80 cu. Ft aluminum tank which is filled to approximately 3000 psi. You will board one of the 28 foot open panga boats docked nearby. The dives are generally limited to eight people plus the dive master and the ships captain. Should you happen to be part of a larger group you can easily make special arrangements for all members to dive.
Most of the arranged dives are drift dives which take place over very stunning and colorful coral reefs. The typically currents are weak in this area and water temperature hover around 82 degree. The underwater visibility in the area can reach 50 feet up to 150 feet depending upon the weather. A light wet suit is recommended during the winter season.
If you are seeking a pristine location with clear water and an abundance of undersea life to view during your next dive adventure then Akumal Mexico is the place you have been dreaming abou
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Written on November 6, 2008 by round
Big, hooked-nosed, brown trout are found in many trout streams. These trophy trout are more plentiful than is generally believed, but they’re not caught as easily as smaller trout, chiefly because they feed almost exclusively on minnows and are extremely wary. Fishermen occasionally latch onto lunker brown trout when using worm baits immediately after sudden rains that raise and rile the streams. Now and then one is caught on a well-retrieved spinner or spoon.
But most tackle-busters are taken by fishermen who aim especially for big trout by, first, handling a minnow bait properly; second, recognizing the best places in streams harboring big trout; and, third, using proper tackle. Let’s examine each of these points.
Trout Baits
Big brownies that have grown to hooked-jaw proportions want food in mouth-sized quantities. They will rise occasionally for a surface fly or grub, but, as a rule, they prefer minnows as the chief item on their menu. It requires less energy for them to lie hidden beneath an undercut bank and dart out to seize a minnow when one swims into view. They are constantly on the alert for a crippled minnow, which can be caught without too much exertion.
The minnow fisherman sews a minnow to the hook in such a manner that it rolls or spins slowly when retrieved through the current. With just enough weight added to the line to carry the bait down to the bottom, the fisherman works pockets that big fish normally inhabit. When a big one’s hooked, don’t hurry it. Follow it downstream if you have to.
Trout Habitat
Big browns pick locations in streams where they are able to hide, have access to food lanes and don’t need to fight strong currents. The attractive locations are deep cut banks and ledges, log jams, boulders or points of islands where flow is reduced.
The minnow fisherman flips his bait toward such locations and retrieves it in such a way as to simulate the action of a cripple. Four to six split shot are added to the line to keep the bait close to the bottom. Having failed to get a strike at a likely pool or riffle, the angler approaches the spot from a different angle on the next occasion.
Trout Fishing Tackle
Lunker trout can really smash tackle. Living beneath banks and ledges, they are experts at entangling lines and leaders around roots and in crevices. Six to eight-pound-test monofilament is a good size for fly-rod leaders or spinning line. This line is sewn through or wrapped around the minnows body and fastened to a No. 4 hook. Split shot is added to the line, 18-inches above the bait, to keep the bait on bottom even in the swiftest current.
Rods of medium action are best and a landing net is essential. And remember, your clothing is important. Big trout are wary of shadows, noises and movements. The skilled fisherman uses the sun to his advantage by fishing on the sunny side of the creek, so that the fish are blinded by the bright light. He dresses in subdued colors, such as brown or green, which blend with the shoreline.
It’s a thrilling experience to hook, battle, and finally land one of these trophy brown trout. The action can be fast and furious. It’s a long, drawn-out battle; one that any fisherman will long remember.
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Written on November 1, 2008 by round
There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. A friend or partner teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a boat and descend holding hands with an instructor. (The French system). “Batem”. Some join a scuba diving club or sign up for a scuba diving course at their local dive shop. The best way to get a ‘taste’ for it and having the greatest chance of having a safe enjoyable diving experience is at a holiday resort. Preferably on a tropical island holiday resort. Mauritius Island in the Indian Ocean is surely one such place - Diving Mauritius. The calm clear water, the relaxed atmosphere and your own relaxed state of mind will all contribute to the success of the experience.
Before signing on and paying your money for a full open water certification diving course. Participating in an ‘easy diving lesson’ or ‘resort course’, as it is also known would be the answer. An ‘easy diving course’ or ‘resort course’ usually starts at the pool and consists of a lecture or discussion by a certified instructor explaining about the pressure, the equipment, and everything that will happen on the dive. He will also go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. “Seeing hearing and doing is the best way to learn.”
After all is well understood the students go into the pool with full scuba gear donned. At a standing depth in the pool the instructor will group the students in a semi-circle so that they can a see well what he is explaining. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the students having to complete each of the skills, will demonstrate some basic skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidents to participate in an open water dive. The instructor them allows the students to swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.
Directly after the pool lesson is completed while the student divers are comfortable, confident and relaxed from having had such a great time in the pool they go directly to the sea to complete a safe controlled open water dive. The sea dive is usually from a boat in crystal clear water to shallow sites that are perfect for beginners.
After the student divers have completed and enjoyed their first open water scuba dive. They surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.
Prodive Limited is a professional scuba diving company at the Casuarinas Hotel at Trou aux Biches, Mauritius. They offer easy scuba diving courses, full certification courses (PADI), diving excursions, private dives and exclusive dive charters.
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Written on October 30, 2008 by round
Cooking is something almost everyone encounters in his or her life but not everyone can cook. It makes the people healthy and alive because food is what the body needs. Of course when preparing and cooking the meal itself, you need a handy cooking outdoor utensil to make things easier. Just imagine doing it all manually, you will surely have hard time and it will take up too much time. There are electric appliances that do the work for you so you just dump everything in the pan when it is ready.
For some, the kitchen is their haven. They can be whoever they want to be in this place. They can experiment creating mouth-watering dishes to feed for their family, friends and relatives. For individuals who can really cook, it is nice to have a friendly showdown once in a while just like in Iron Chef. That adrenaline rush just keeps you going until the dish is finally over. Nevertheless, what to cook is hard to do since you do not know what ingredient you will use. In addition, pressure with the time limit is sinking in so fast that whatever you will prepare needs to be finished before time runs out.
Cooking outdoors and indoors does not have much difference. The only major difference is the venue and the stove. However, the ingredients and your trusty cooking outdoor utensil are the same ones you use when you decide to cook outdoors. At least you do not need to worry about the exhaust since all the smoke is gone as soon as it appears. The air carries it off thus making you able to breathe fresh air and still enjoy cooking while exchanging stories with your family and friends. Cooking outdoors is fun especially for a reunion.
When you are outside, you do not feel crowded since people are able to walk around freely and unrestraint. Unlike when inside the home, you are concerned about the stains on cloths, breaking of priceless pieces, dirt and filth on the rugs and the like. When compared to cooking outside, there may be some trash but you clean them instantly. You can even put a big garbage bag on one side so that people will know that their trash goes there. It makes cleaning up more efficient and less time consuming. Cleaning is something that must be a group effort too since you all contributed to the mess there is.
Overall, that memory of being able to cook for your friends and family alongside your cooking outdoor utensil is an accomplishment already. At least you know that when these people go back to their homes, you know that they have smiles in their faces and large bellies. Make them enjoy the event itself and try to start a conversation to keep it going rather than waiting for each other to speak up first. Nevertheless, having some quiet time is okay too since everyone needs peace sometimes but not all the time.
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Written on October 24, 2008 by round
The Scottish Highlands and Islands epitomise Scotland with its picture-postcard scenery; awesome wild places with towering mountains, ancient pine forests and shimmering lochs.
Discover a wonderful variety of contrasting landscapes that will make a lasting impression, from the remote rock-hewn wilderness of far north west Sutherland to the green rolling coastal lands by the Cromarty Firth. Maybe take the ‘Road to the Isles’ via Mallaig and beyond to Skye or appreciate the ‘brooding’ and spectacular natural beauty of Glencoe. Wherever you travel you’re surrounded by outstanding natural beauty and famous landmarks like the Cairngorms National Park, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness.
The Highlands is not only blessed with wonderful countryside, there are also miles of dramatic coastline, with quiet pristine sandy beaches, picturesque sea lochs and a scattering of pretty coastal villages close to clear turquoise waters.
This is a place to really enjoy ‘The Great Outdoors’, with plenty of activities from mountain climbing and white water rafting to gentle family walks and mountain biking for all abilities. This part of the British Isles is also a great place to see wildlife; unsurprisingly wildlife flourishes in this great wilderness and there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about on land and sea - take one of the many boat trips on offer for close encounters with seals, whales and dolphins or simply get out into the glens, hills and forests to see eagles, deer and maybe even the elusive pine martin to name but a few.
For a holiday at a more leisurely pace visit the region’s many historical sites, ancient castles, stately homes and fascinating museums, learn about the Highlands rich history and culture, its clans and conflicts, the tragedy of the Highland Clearances and its role in the Jacobite risings. Summer visitors to the Highlands (mostly July and August) may not want to miss the annual Highland Games, which are held across the Highlands and are a unique spectacle of athletic, dancing and piping events which should not be missed.
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Written on October 15, 2008 by round
Taking a hike means expecting the unexpected, so it’s best to be prepared for some of the more common things that can occur on a daylong or weeks-long trek. There are some very useful items that you should always take with you any time you go hiking.
Obviously, you want to take a backpack. It contains EVERYTHING - the things you need to survive in the wilderness. Most people remember to take a backpack, but it is surprising how many forget to think about taking some kind of rain cover. You may think that you just won’t go hiking if it is raining, but you should consider the fact that, many times, a sunny day can turn rainy in an instant. Also, going for a hike on a rainy day will get you used to hiking in rain that is likely to occur when you take longer treks. Get a raincoat and include it in your day-hiking equipment.
You may think that you’ll only be gone a few hours, so why carry the weight of food, but it is always a good idea to have some food with you on a hike. You never know when a 2-hour hike will last longer than that. You might find an interesting trail and find yourself walking around in the woods for many hours. Ultimately, you will get hungry; so carry some food with you when you go hiking.
Your boots are critical. When choosing hiking equipment, remember that every pound of weight in your boots is equivalent to adding five pounds on your back. When you put too much weight on one part of your body, another part is sure to complain. The boots you wear depend on the kind of trail you are hiking. Many trails can be hiked with just a pair of sneakers on, but others can only be handled with serious and heavy hiking boots. Make your choice appropriately.
If you plan to hike in the rain, you should get a pair of gaiters. They prevent water from running down your legs and into your boots. If you’ve spent any time waterproofing your boots just to find all your efforts have gone to waste because you didn’t seal around the space where your legs go in, you’ll appreciate adding gaiters to your hiking equipment.
You should wear two pairs of socks. Having and outer wool sock and an inner sock made of polypropylene is a good combination. This method is effective in draining moisture from your feet, and every hiker should use it.
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