Fishing, Oysters, Alligators and Me!

Sleet and occasional flurries of snow are making tap dancing sounds on my deck. Outside the cat is snuggled up inside his box in the garage. He's able to go outside if he wants, through the pet door which I have opened up again. A family of raccoons decided to move in with him and until they found a new home, I had to board up the pet door.

I'm keeping warm tonight by making plans for my summer vacation. I'm going to a warm and sunny beach on northern Florida's Gulf Coast. Having visited the Apalachicola area before, I've decided that that's where I'm going again! Since the last time I was there, I've done more research on the area and discovered that I missed a lot of things simply because I didn't do my homework before I arrived. This time I've made a list of some of the things I want to do when I get there this spring.

The first thing on my calendar when I get to the bay is to go oystering. I'm going to book a four hour trip with one of the guides who make his living harvesting oysters. I didn't make the trip any longer than 4 hours because after reading about the oystermen, who are called 'tongers', I don't believe my aching body would last more than a few hours. At that I may be pushing the limits of my endurance!

Charters will take 2-4 people with them at a time. That's about all the 20-24 foot boat will safely hold. The boat will have a culling board so you can sort the oysters according to size when you haul them aboard. The guide from whom I booked the charter says culling is not as easy as it sounds, but by the end of the tour I'll probably be an expert.

From what I have seen by watching oystermen from the shore, tonging looks like hard work. This is the way many of their fathers and grandfathers harvested oysters many years ago. They use a tool called 'tongs' that look like a heavy steel rake with long wooden handles that operate a little like a post hole digger. Sometimes the oyster beds are in 5-10 feet of water so the tonger has to be able to reach that far down.
This certainly sounds like work to me, but I want to take a shot at it.

Another item on my 'to do' list when I reach the Apalachicola area is to go to the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. It's a barrier island, providing natural protection for the mainland from damaging winds and waves. You can only reach this northwestern Florida Gulf Coast island by boat. One of the great things about this place is that there are no human inhabitants. There are caretakers who live on the island sometimes and keep the place as natural as possible.

This island, with its marshes on the bay side of the island, is home for many specie of animals including Sambar deer, white tail-deer, alligators, loggerhead sea turtles, raccoons, ospreys, and bald eagles. Threatened or endangered bald eagles, sea turtles and the red wolf, enjoy life of the island. My wife is not as thrilled as I about going to an island that has neither souvineer shops nor restaurants, but to me this sounds like paradise. Spending the day fishing on the gulf side of the island and picking up shells that haven't been picked over by others is my idea of a relaxing vacation.

One of the brochures I've read boasts that as many as 2400 visitors boat to the island and walk the beach each year. Can you imagine? There are 2400 people on most Florida beaches each day! The island remains primitive and pristine because visitors to the island take care and clean up after themselves as they should on every beach.

These are my two must see trips I'll put on my calendar for this summer, but no vacation would be complete without dining out at local restaurants. The last time I was on St. George Island which is one of the four barrier islands protecting the mainland, there were two restaurants. All I can say is that one was wonderful, the way a seafood restaurant should be when you're on an island. The other one wasn't great. I would not recommend that one!

It doesn't take much to make me happy. Just give me a couple of brochures about fishing and eating and I'm happy. With each day getting a little longer than the one before, I know it's getting closer to vacation time!

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Fishing--Oysters--Alligators-and-Me-/780355
boating equipment

Following Hidden Trails

I am a follower of hidden trails. In fact, on at least half of the hiking trips I take lately, I'm off the trails altogether, bushwhacking into the unknown. What do you get for doing as Walt Whitman suggested, and taking the "road less traveled?" A bit of adventure. Here are some of the things myself and a friend or two have discovered off the beaten path in the last year.

Old Mines - We have run across at least fifteen abandoned and sometimes hidden mines, many of them far from any trail. One had a mystery involved, with a possible death (although the police seemed to have no interest) based on the clothes and unopened food left at a nearby campsite. Another went a thousand feet into a mountainside, and had a rotting photo of someone at the back, in a hole in the wall that appeared to be a shrine of some sort. Another ended at a vertical shaft which we could not see to the bottom of with our flashlights.

Old Houses and Towns - A couple months ago we lost the trail we were on and instead started to follow a dry wash. Twenty minutes from the car we came upon what looked like a ghost town. Upon closer inspection we discovered that it was an old ranch, with about six or seven buildings and three old cars from the fifties. After poking through the main house for a while (there was still a wood stove and a chair or two), we headed up the little creek that ran through the property.

Caves - Up the stream from that old ranch, I saw a spring coming out from under a large limestone rock. I knew this made caves in the nearby cliffs likely. Sure enough, five minutes later we were 100 feet into the hillside, looking through a narrow opening and wondering what we might find further inside the cave. I went back later and explored the system for over an hour.

Natural Oddities - In addition to the waterfalls and fantastic rock formations that we find whenever we follow hidden trails and canyon-bottoms, we are sometimes surprised. Ten miles south of the town of Fairplay (all of these examples are from Colorado), we stumbled upon a stream that came gushing straight out of a grassy hillside. We will likely return to see if there is any way to access the caves that the underground stream undoubtedly has carved uphill from there.

Rocks And Minerals - In addition to possible flecks of gold in the bottom of my gold pan (it's hard to tell for sure), I am always finding crystals, rocks and interesting minerals. In the spring of 2008 a friend and I became somewhat lost on the backside of a mountain, after climbing to the top to check out a cave or mine we saw. At some point we discovered boulders of quartz and followed them up the hillside. We came to an incredible fifteen-foot-high wall of white quartz, laced with veins of transparent/translucent mica. The wall had resulted from a miner blowing open the side of the mountain many years earlier. Since gold is often found with quartz, we may return.

Today (12/30/08), before writing this, I hiked a couple miles up a canyon near where we live. I try to take advantage of these occasional December days in the 60s. Trudging through the snow in my t-shirt, I eventually came to the end of my road-less-traveled, after it passed by an old mining building. From there I followed barely visible trails created by deer and elk through the scrub oak. At the top of a rocky (and dry) hill, I found an old camp site, with old tin cans from who-knows when. The day after tomorrow I may start the new year by hiking another hidden trail I've been meaning to explore.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Following-Hidden-Trails/778999
Tips for traveling

Experience the Great Outdoors by Camping on Sanibel

As part of an online Vacation Rental Owners discussion group, I frequently answer questions about Sanibel. Most of the time, I know the answers to the questions.

But last week one of the group participants asked me a question that I could not answer.

She inquired whether the campground on Sanibel Island still existed, an experience that she enjoyed many years ago.

Since camping is not in my nature, prefering the comfort of a condo or spaciousness of a home when on vacation, I had never noticed that Sanibel does have a campground.

In fact, The Periwinkle Trailer Park and Campground is a great place to camp out. Doing a little reading about it, I could see where someone who is inclined to camp would find great appeal in this campground.

This is apparently a well known campground which includes full hookups for recreation vehicles, sites for motorhomes, pop up campers and tent sites. There are facilities on site for hot showers, restrooms, laundry, picnic tables, ice, LP gas and a pavilion to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you travel with a recreational vehicle the campground offers complete electrical, water and sewer hookups. The tent sites are secluded and are available with shaded areas.

This Sanibel Island camping ground has long been considered a bird lover's paradise mainly for the reason that Periwinkle Trailer Park and Campground features a number of species of exotic and native birds such as toucans and macaws.

They also have brown and ringtail lemurs there for the looking but not touching.

For those who are seeking an encounter with nature, The Periwinkle Campground may be your spot in Paradise.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Experience-the-Great-Outdoors-by-Camping-on-Sanibel/778384
Vacation planning

Winter Hiking Done Safely With 5 Rules

For novice and avid summer hikers alike, the winter hiking season does not need to be feared or avoided. It should however be respected. The precautions a hiker should take when hiking in winter conditions are similar to those they should in the summer, with only some minor variations to account for the weather and potential changes in weather.

Below are the five keys to being a safe winter hiker.

Be Conscious of the Weather
If you are planning a hike, check the local weather forecast for your destination area throughout the week prior in order to better understand the current weather patterns and temperatures. Make very sure to check the forecast on the day of your hike and take note of the expected weather and temperatures for the day of the hike as well as a day or two past. Also, it is best to understand how those weather conditions change or are modified as your elevation changes in the area. Never plan a hike when the conditions are expected to be harsh and unnavigable.

Even the best laid plans can be thwarted by the weather. It is best to be prepared for the worst weather should it unexpectedly sneak up on you. The following tips will ensure you are prepared should such arise.

Layers. Layers. Layers
When you're hiking, increased blood circulation will keep your body warm but when you stop, the temperature will quickly catch up with your body. It is therefore important to wear multiple layers of clothes so that you can add and remove clothes without putting yourself at risk of hypothermia or overheating. Choose hiking clothes that made of breathable fabrics and that do not absorb water or moisture. Cotton is a particularly bad material for winter hiking clothes because it absorbs sweat, rapidly cooling the body and keeping it that way.

Essential Gear
There are a few equipment items you should never hike without. Stock a comfortable backpack or waist-pack with these essentials:
- Water: You simply cannot survive without it.
- A few energy rich snacks. Trail mix, protein bars, nuts and dried berries work well.
- A flashlight, headlamp, or lantern. A light will help you signal for help, find your way to a path or stream and just add some needed moral should you be stuck over night.
- Small first-aid kit with an emergency blanket and whistle
- Map and compass (see below)
- Cell Phone: Not all areas will be accessible by cell phone so do not rely on this solely but do carry it in case of emergencies
- Knife, pocket knife, or multi-tool. A knife, coupled with the many functions of a mutli-tool is invaluable for cutting branches for a fire and protecting yourself

Have A Plan
Never go hiking without a clear plan for where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Include in your plan where you need to be by a certain time in order to make it back or to your intended destination before nightfall. You should always tell someone your planned route and the estimated times of departure and return. Use your map of the area and compass throughout the day to make sure you are following your intended route, especially if the weather begins to worsen.

Have a Friend
It is never advisable to winter hike alone. Not only is hiking with others far more fun, it is also much safer. By hiking with another, you can share the responsibilities of carrying supplies and monitoring your hiking route. Should you fall or become ill, you will have someone with you who can call or get help.

Don't let the winter keep you caged in. If you love to hike or explore nature, consider planning a winter hike with your friends. By following these five steps, you will be well on your way to a safe and fun outdoor adventure.

~Richard McNeal, 2009

Richard McNeal lives in the Northwest and writes for Discount Lights and Knives.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Winter-Hiking-Done-Safely-With-5-Rules/777830
Outdoor Adventures

Emergency Tube Tent: A Must-Have for All Outdoor Enthusiasts

While there are more luxurious and spacious kinds of tents available in the market, emergency tube tents tend to be the favorite of campers and other outdoor enthusiasts because of their quick, no-hassle setup.

Advantages of Using an Emergency Tube Tent

Compact
Emergency tube tents are commonly used for outdoor trips and as such, they come in compact designs to take up as little space as possible in your camping gear. Unlike other types of tents, they don't require you to bring several poles with you for setup. All you need to do is find the ideal location, one where you can tie the nylon rope (included in your emergency tube tent kit) from one end to another, insert the rope through the tube attached to the tent and voila! You've got you're A-shaped tent up and ready to use.

Reusable
Not infinitely, but it will definitely last for several trips. As such, you need not worry about having to take with you several emergency tube tent kits for a three-night camping trip this summer. One would do very well already.

Lightweight
Emergency tube tents are not only compact but lightweight as well due to the materials used for making them. You can put it inside your backpack and it won't make a difference.

Safe
First and foremost, emergency tube tents are fireproof and fire-retardant. This is an excellent safety feature when you're battling the forces of nature and lightning's striking close by. Emergency tube tents are also weatherproof: neither water nor wind will be able to prevent you from having a good night's sleep.

Be aware, however, that emergency tube tents are designed to have their sides opened. If you want those ends covered, you'll have to use clothesline pins to keep them closed securely throughout the night.

Shopping Tips for Emergency Tube Tents

Size
Some emergency tube tents can only accommodate one person plus gear while others are large enough to accommodate two persons. It's best to take this up with your camping partners and base your purchase on your sleeping arrangements.

Thickness of Material
Some emergency tube tents are only 1.5 to 2 millimeters thick. That's more than enough to protect you from adverse weather, but it might not be enough to prevent accidental tears. For greater durability, try looking for emergency tube tents made of thicker materials.

Color
Lastly, choose a bright shade for your emergency tube tent so that you're easily seen at night. Having a highly visible shade for your tent will also make it advantageous to use as a signal if you're lost or you wish to make contact with other campers from a distance.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Emergency-Tube-Tent--A-Must-Have-for-All-Outdoor-Enthusiasts/777816
Vacation planning

Swinger Travel - A getaway for sexually explicit couples

The swinger lifestyle has caught the fantasy of several married and unmarried couples. However, the society doesn't approve of the lifestyle that provides sexual liberties to the couples. Hence, they need to go for a swinger travel to the socially liberal cruises and resorts. The swinger vacations are full of open minded individuals, who wish to explore their sexual capabilities.

Some people have a hidden attraction towards similar sex but they can't realize their sexual fantasies due to social obligations. Some people dream to experience group sex but they can't find like-minded individuals who can support their views. Some people feel the urge to enjoy pleasures of couple swapping and exhibitionism. Hence, a swinger vacation gives them the opportunity to realize their sexual fantasies after the mutual consent of other individuals.

Moreover, a swinger travel is not only about sex. You can also indulge into exciting activities like snorkeling, water-skiing, scuba-diving, water sports etc. Just imagine spending some dare to bare moments on the deck or enjoy an erotic body massage with your swinging partner. Moreover, most of the swinger travel destinations believe in the "Au Naturel" concept. Hence, there won't be any luggage problems, since your luggage will contain few clothes and the necessary travel documents.

Nowadays, you can plan a swinger travel to a resort or a cruise. These naturalist destinations provide amazing facilities to the travelers. You'll be provided with well furnished rooms, spas, Jacuzzis, bars, discotheque, fitness center etc. Hence, you can also pamper your body and enjoy the sexual activities in a highly comfortable environment.

Nowadays, you can book your tickets for the swinger travel through an online travel portal and get them delivered at your doorsteps. So, go through various swinger packages provided to the swinger couples and plan an erotic vacation to fulfill your sexual pleasures.

About the author:- John Lewis is a renowned writer who has been writing articles on the lifestyle needs of people. He keeps the reader updated with the latest news about swinger travel and swinging behaviors. So, bookmark the page and keep reading his swinger travel content.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Swinger-Travel---A-getaway-for-sexually-explicit-couples/777050
Air Travel Online

Basic aspects of the Swinger Parties

The swinger parties are a great way to meet swinger couples and indulge into various sexual activities. It is a very popular way to explore your sexuality to the hilt. Generally, these lifestyle parties are arranged by swinger clubs and groups, who wish to spend a highly erotic evening or a day with their swinger friends. Some people also organize a home swinger party for a certain group of friends.

However, there's slight difference between a swinger party being organized by a club and one planned at the home. The club swinger parties are attended by club members only. These members have official passes or invitations to join the party. Moreover, the clubs can organize swinger activities inside the premises or outside the premises. The club provides you with a large number of options, since you can meet several swinger couples and choose the one that can understand your swinger desires.

However, a swinger home party has limited gathering. These parties are conducted by people who wish to indulge into private and confidential sexual pleasures. Moreover, the party will consist of people with similar interest and desires. You can also call your online swinger friends to your home party and enjoy various activities like homosexuality, polygamy, wife swapping, exhibitionism etc.

Moreover, you should be properly dressed at the swinger parties. Most of the swinger parties have a certain theme to add fun to the event. However, if there's no theme, then you can dress according to the occasion and mesmerize other swinger couples. You should wear something trendy so that you can catch attention of other swingers. If you are a woman then you can wear sexy attire, while men can go for a classy look.

Hence, if you are a swinging couple then plans an erotic evening at the swinger parties and get ready for lots of adult fun.

About The Author:- John Lewis is a renowned writer who has been writing articles on the lifestyle needs of people. He keeps the reader updated with the latest news about swinger travel and swinging behaviors. So, bookmark the page and keep reading his swinger parties content.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Basic-aspects-of-the-Swinger-Parties/777041
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