Mountain Trekking In Nepal - 30 Suggestions

Whether you're into rock climbing or bird watching, on a tight budget or have money to hire porters and guides, you can always find a suitable trekking route in Nepal. A trip to the Nepal Himalayas is a fantastic experience for most of us, offering views of snow-capped mountain peaks and a chance to meet indigenous mountain peoples who live almost cut off from the rest of the world.

All that's required of you is that you like walking in the nature. You don't have to be super fit for every trek, but the better shape you're in, the easier your trek will be. The top season for trekking in Nepal is October-November and February-April. In the summer months the monsoon clouds obscure the grand views most of the time and in the winter months the high mountain passes are closed by heavy snow-fall. But with the right knowledge, you can always find a good trek in Nepal. Just browse through this list to get an overview of your options.

Nepal's Western Region

1. Simikot, Humla
You can fly in from Nepalganj and maybe read --Spy on the roof of the world-- by Sydney Wignall before you go. Permits are 90$ /person /week.

2. Rara Lake
4 days walk from Jumla to this the largest lake in Nepal. Getting to Jumla though is either a plane/helicopter trip or a several days long jeep ride on a mountain road that's still under construction -- and will be for any foreseeable future.

3. Upper Dolpo
First of all, see the movie --Himalayan Caravan - L'Enfance d'un chef-- (Eric Valli 1999, Oscar nominated). It's mandatory! Might want to pick up one of his books as well. Having done that, you'll want to go to the Phoksundo Lake, which you can do in 1 week or as part of either the 15 day Dolpa Experience Circuit or the 20 day Dolpa Heritage Trek, all out of Juphal --airport--. Another couple of one-week'ers are the Sundaha Nature Trek and the Sahartara Tour. Expensive permit are required, as in Upper Mustang it's $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days. No lodges. Annual number of visitors are in the low hundreds.

4. Lower Dolpo
Permits are 10$ /person /week. You might have to fly in from Nepalganj. Don't expect lodges here, so bring your own camping gear.

5. Upper Mustang
10 days. Home to the ancient kingdom of Lo, still in existence - sort of. Hefty permit required north of Kagbeni, $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days.

Annapurna Region

6. Dhaulagiri
20-30 days to complete the circle around this 8000+'er. Bring good boots and sleeping bag!

7. Annapurna Circuit
2-3 weeks minimum. This is where everyone goes. Except me. In the high season it gets rather crowded and is more appropriately named the Annapurna Circus. Lodges and tea-houses are everywhere. The Thorung La high pass (5400 m) usually closes down in the end of November. If you bring your own camping gear, there's also good possibilities of doing side trips off the beaten track. ACAP entry fees stand at 2000 rupees.

8. Jomsom & Muktinath
You can fly into or out of Jomsom, a days walk from Muktinath, and hike to or from Pokhara in about 1 week. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site nestled at 3800 m. It's on the Annapurna Circuit.

9. Annapurna Sanctuary & ABC
10-14 days, 2000 rupee ticket. Another popular option, since it's shorter and a little less demanding than doing the full Annapurna Circuit.

10. Ghorepani, Poon Hill
5 days out of Pokhara, it reaches 3200 meters and is accessible all year round. Famous for it's views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and rhododendrons in the spring.

11. Panchase Peak & Ghandruk
Another holy mountain, this one a couple of days walk west of Pokhara. Ghandruk is 3 days further and it's home to the Annapurna Conservation Project and a whole lot of Gurung people.

12. The Royal Trek
4 days out of Pokhara. With altitude no higher that 2000 meters it's open all year round.

13. Siklish, Begnas Lake, Lamjung
1 week return trip from Pokhara, 10-12 days through Lamjung to Besisahar. Lodges should be available, 2000 rupee ACAP permit required.

14. Manaslu
3 weeks, circle around this 8000+ m twin peak that can be seen all the way from Kathmandu. Pass over Larkya La at 5110 m. There's no lodges and the mandatory permit stands at almost $100 /person /week.

Central Nepal

15. Trishuli - Gorkha
The easy way: 4 days along the route that Prithvi Narayan Shah took in 1768. Apparently has village lodges and stays under 2000 m all the way.
The hard way: 2-3 weeks on remote, off the beaten track. Passes over Sing La (3570 m) and by the Jogeshwar kund (4500 m). Camping gear required.

16. Ganesh Himal
No lodges, rough and remote. But wow, wouldn't I like to go there! The highest peak is well over 7000 meters, and it's prominent view from Kathmandu makes it all worthwhile if you like to brag about your adventures when you get back to civilization!

17. Tamang Heritage Trail
8 days, lodges still under construction.

18. Langtang & Gosaikunda / Panch Pokhari
1-2 weeks minimum. Third most visited in Nepal, after Annapurna and Everest. Fairly easy, not too crowded, especially the Gosaikunda lake area (4400 m) which is arguably the most scenic. Langtang Valley has lodges every hour or so all the way to Kyanjing Gompa (3900 m), the Gosaikunda trail has fewer, but still enough for short days. Gosaikunda features the annual Janai Purniam festival and from there, you can walk back to Kathmandu in 2-4 days. Entry fee 1000 rupees.

19. Helambu
½-1 week, more jungle than mountains but still a rough trail. Tea-houses available if you don't get lost like that Australian guy. Distant, but awesome mountain views before you get too close to the mountain bases. --Walking distance-- from Kathmandu, circuit from Sundarijal to Nagarkot (4 days).

20. Namobudda
1 day, one of the few quickies you can do when the noise and pollution of Kathmandu starts to get on your nerves. Take the bus to Dhulikel and start walking.

21. Rolwaling & Gauri Shankar
2 weeks or so. Get up close and personal with Gauri Shankar (7130 m) and it's glacial lakes. Good view of Everest etc. Unspoiled landscape, permission still required but check with Nepal's Tourism Board when you get here. There's rumors that they're making this one permission free.

22. Chitwan Chepang Hills
7 days in the Middle Hills. No Himalayas and no higher than 2000 meters so it could be a good winter trekking possibility. Good view of the (distant) Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, Gurja Himal and Manaslu, but the main attraction is the nomadic Chepang people who live as hunters and gatherers. There's also a fort, a waterfall and some caves along the route together with 400 bird species. Start in Hugdi on Prithvi Hwy, end Shaktikor in Chitwan. Homestays are on the route.

Everest Region

23. Everest Base Camp & Kala Pathar
2 weeks out of Lukla, 3 out of Kathmandu/Jiri with return flight from Lukla. If you don't have a spare $50.000 lying around for an Everest climb permit, you can just settle for this Base Camp trek. Most people seem to choose the Tengpoche route to KP, which stands at 5630 m.

24. Mera Peak
2-3 weeks out of Lukla, 6500 m. A popular expedition/climb that requires some basic mountaineering skills, but without being too technical. Long march in, 2 high camps.

25. Island Peak
3 weeks out of Lukla. At 6100 meters, this trek is not for everyone. Although not very technical, it is a demanding snow climb. Views are everything you could ever dream of.

26. Gokyo Lakes, Peak & Renjo La
2 weeks out of Lukla. High pass at 5400 m. Lakes at 4800 m, peak at 5500 m. Some lodges along the trail. Great Everest views.

27. Pikey & Dudhkunda Trail
1 or 2 weeks in the less -much less- visited southern part of Solukhumbu. Both the Chiwong and the Thuptenchoeling Buddhist Monasteries are world renowned, the former famous for the Mani Rimdu Dance Festival, the latter is the biggest monastery in Nepal.

Nepal's Eastern Region

28. Arun Valley - Makalu Base Camp
3 weeks out of Tumlingtar/Khadbari. You'll get up to 5000 meters and still be 3500 meters short of the summit! Either go same way back or climb a couple of 6000'ers into the Khumbu region.

29. Kanchenjunga
3 weeks out of Taplejung, 3rd highest mountain in the world. Don't rely on finding any lodges here. Permits are 10$ /person /week.

30. Pathibhara
1 week out of Taplejung. The Pathibhara Devi shrine is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. There is lodges along the route.

The author, Morten Svenningsen, is a international photographer and photojournalist based in Nepal. Visit his web site, www.msmediaservice.com/ to see hundreds of photos from Nepal, on trekking, mountains and many other topics. It's even possible to order a few posters. Morten is in no way affiliated with any trekking agencies or hotels, but has compiled this list based on his own experience and research.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Mountain-Trekking-In-Nepal---30-Suggestions/429743
Travel Destinations Blog

Arkansas River Rafting: A Buffalo of A River

Arkansas has a lot of water: With a little over 9,000 miles of rivers, streams and other waterways, you can travel by canoe, kayak, raft, sea eagle or catamaran. One of the best ways to see Arkansas, too, is by river rafting in Arkansas on the Buffalo National River.

At a little less than 150 miles in length, and at just under 100,000 acres of public access space along its passageways, the Buffalo National River became the first national river (like a national park) in March of 1972. This is good for watercraft enthusiasts as there are no dams, obstructions or other impediments-you simply paddle and float along with no barriers but your own strength and rapids.

The Buffalo National River heads east and eventually joins the White River. Along its path, however, it is a very unique river indeed. It descends over 2,000 feet through towering bluffs, timeworn limestone and surroundings that haven't changed for centuries.

If you choose to travel by way of river rafting in Arkansas, then you'll witness other natural wonders, such as natural springs, caves, canyons, waterfalls and several naturally formed bridges. Additionally, time stands still as you pass generational cabins and farmsteads.

The US Forestry Service looks after the Buffalo National River. Ergo, you can camp anywhere you'd like to lay your head. If you're upcoming vacation plans involve Arkansas river rafting, and you choose the mighty Buffalo National River, then you'll find nicely trimmed grasses with WC facilities along much of the route. If you choose to fish (with a license), moreover, you can catch a scrumptious dinner of large-, small- and rock-bass, perch, catfish and sunfish.

The Buffalo National River is less robust than if you were to try Colorado River rafting or Kayaking in Maine, for example. However, the peaceful serenity of escaping to companionless nature (and cheaper prices) makes Arkansas river rafting along the Buffalo National River all the more eye opening.

River rafting in Arkansas is accordingly possible during all four seasons as it doesn't get too cold during the winter months. If you're only able to raft, canoe or kayak incremental parts at time, then one of the most unique sections lie between Boxley and Ponca. Additionally, near the Richland Creek Valley, almost 12,000 acres of wilderness area is preserved for nature enthusiasts.

With over two-dozen shops along the way renting everything from canoes to kayaks, you'll have no problem finding a boat if you can't bring your own. If you plan on camping, you'll want to bring tents, coolers, canteens, hydration backpacks, compass, camp stoves, flashlights, lanterns, emergency first aid kits, and amenities such as camping gear or beach chairs and umbrellas (heck throw in a picnic basket full of your favorites!). It has been said that Arkansas river rafting is not only camping but also an indulgence in all this is wild and free.

How to Get There:

The Buffalo River is accessible by U.S. Highways 65, 21, 74, 7, 123, 333, 14, and 268. In addition, a good many county roads provide access to points between the highway crossings if you'd like to mix, match or mingle your course.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Arkansas-River-Rafting--A-Buffalo-of-A-River/431871
Tips for traveling

What Are Traditional Geocaches

Traditional geocaches are what you would call classic caches, like the first one ever hidden. Someone takes a container, whether a Tupperware box or an ammo can, and puts items into it like a logbook, pen and maybe a geoswag. The containers used are usually watertight, a must when hiding things out in the wild. They should also be pretty strong to protect them from animals that find them before geocachers do. Because of recent events, Tupperware boxes have become more widely used because someone carrying a "food container" isn't viewed as suspiciously as someone carrying an ammo can.

Items in a geocache container generally include a log book along with a pen or pencil so people can write down their name and time they visited the cache. They may also find a collection of toys, souvenir items, site-specific information, hitchhikers (travel bugs) or any other items of potential interest.

A souvenir item is to remind you of a particular geocache that you visited. It can be a cachecard, which is a business card that states the name of the cache and other information like the name of the cache owner, geocache coordinate and maybe even a photograph of the place where you found the cache. You can collect them or leave them at other geocaches to invite other geocachers to visit that cache.

Some people also buy geocoins to add to their own cache. Geocoins are usually metal and has an encryption of the cache's owner or the regional geocaching group and a logo. You can make your own out of polymer clay or order them from stores.

Cameras you will find in geocaches are usually the disposable type with a flash. You can use this to take a picture of yourself or your group to celebrate finding the geocache. The cache owner will from time to time pick up the disposable camera and have it developed. The cache owner can then scan the pictures and post them on a webpage so geocachers who found the cache can see themselves.

Site-specific information is rare but always fun. They are usually in the form of printed sheets which visitors can take with them. You can find out about the historical significance of the site or any other unusual information related to it. This usually adds more enjoyment to your geocaching adventure.

To learn more about geocaching as well as to purchase geocaching supplies for your geocaching adventure or to put in your geocache, please visit the Geocaching Gear and Supplies Store.

Bobby Bidan is a geocaching enthusiast. He does geocaching during his days off which goes well with his love to travel. He has an online store that promotes and sells geocaching gear and supplies for fellow geocachers. Visit www.geocachinggear.net to learn more about geocaching and check out some geocaching gear and supplies for your own geocaching adventure.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/What-Are-Traditional-Geocaches/431247
Camping gear

Exploring Mayan Cities A Cancun Detour

It would be a fair assumption that most Cancun vacations are products of the media. Let me clarify that; what I meant to say is that Cancun is beaches and night clubs and water sports and everything of and under the sun. There isn't necessarily anything inaccurate about that definition, but it is vague and lacks some of the oldest attractions that predate the city's existence. I'm speaking of the cenotes, and the subtlety of cross-water Isla Mujeres, and-what serves as Cancun's foundation-the remaining vestiges of the Mayan civilization.

The structures still survive; certainly not all of them or in their entirety, but a handful of Mayan sites remain open to tours and without all of the tacky connotation. There are no gift shops at the exits. The stone is authentically aged 900 years. Loudspeakers are not hanging from the ceilings to guide the tour and there are no diners littering the premises. These sites have only spoiled by the decaying affects of time.

If you can recall anything about Mayan history or culture from middle school history class, then you are lucky. I cannot. All of what I remember lies in two facts; that they were the last civilization to be conquered and that the Maya, as a tribe, once existed. Should that negate every word here on out? No. Does this make me any less credible? Only if I were a historian. But I claim no such thing. I am just another tourist that discovered a part of Cancun the commercials fail to show.

My first stop was Chichen Itza; what was believed to be a social and political center of the Mayan empire and, at a fraction of its original size, it still remains the largest accessible site.

The structures of Chichen Itza were never as massive or looming in the brochures as they were in person. I'm not sure exactly what I had expected, but climbing the steps of El Castillo put the ancient city into perspective; watching as people the proportion of ants scattered all about the pyramids base and in and out the Temple of the Warriors.

I would advise planning a day around visiting Chichen Itza because, like it or not, it will consume a full one. Mine was a 12 hour excursion; a shuttle taking me from my hotel at Paradisus Riviera Cancun, to the tour's drop-off, and then 3.5 hours in each direction. Be sure to pack plenty of water bottles and to wear comfortable shoes; the temperature is much hotter inland and you'll be doing a great deal of walking.

While not the liveliest of attractions-excuse the pun-nothing compares to exploring one of the oldest surviving cities in the world.

Tulum is a beachfront Mayan city that overlooks Caribbean waters and was my second destination, the following day. Although it is much smaller than Chichen Itza, it is the most visited site by tourists. And at only 81 miles from Cancun, it is only a half-day commitment.

Tulum is structured as a fort; walls sealing in the city on 3 fronts, and the ocean-side cliff functioning as the fourth.

Neighboring Xel-Ha was once a key port to Tulum and has since been converted to an eco-park. The site is 75 miles south of Cancun and within 8 of Tulum.

The location was seemingly lost within the engrossing mangrove forest and now serves as a natural aquarium. It is a brilliant green setting of coral snorkeling and dolphin swimming. If you are planning to visit Tulum or Xel-Ha, separately, it might make sense to make a full day out of it and visit both.

Exploring the dilapidated sites of thousand year old Mayan cities is not intended to serve solely as an example of what once was but, instead, they evoke an odd sense of nostalgia; that by resting your palms on the warm stone of a building, you were somehow a part of that long lost civilization.

Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys traveling in the Americas and Caribbean. When visiting Cancun, she stays at exclusive Cancun resorts such as Paradisus Riviera Cancun.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Exploring-Mayan-Cities---A-Cancun-Detour/430790
Cheap cruises

Choose the Right Fish Finder - What to Look For?

Technology has made fishing much easier. Consider how in the earlier days they had to use the trial and error method to locate fish and determine depth. Fish finders are devices that use sonar to find the fish under the water to increase the fisherman's chances of catching fish. There are a ton of different fish finders on the on the market today, so no matter what type of fish you are looking to catch, a fish finder can help you.

When you are looking at several different fish finders there are two differences in screens. The first type of screen is called the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) the other is called a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). CRTs have become increasingly less popular since the invention of the LCD screens. This is because LCD screens are able to display high resolutions. If you see a TFT screen it is just another version of the LCD screens.

For the average fisherman the CRT screen is your best choice. It's cheaper than a CRT unit and provides very good clarity and can be read well in direct sunlight.

Another thing you need to consider when looking for a fish finder is your budget; you do not want to get your heart set on something you cannot afford. The best thing to do is search for ones that are in your possible price range and not worry about the rest. If you are looking for a colored screen you are going to end up spending more money than you would on a plain, non-colored screen. Those who fish on a regular basis are more likely to spend more on a fish finder than those who only fish on occasions.

Now lets get into the more technical information like the frequency. kHz is a representation of frequency. This is what is used in the water to locate where the fish are so you know where the best place to cast your line is. The screen will not be able to show you specific types of fish but where groups of fish are located, so depth is important. The most ideal kHz would be between 80 and 125 kHz. The higher the frequency the narrower the signal range cone and greater detail.

Another thing you need to think about is whether or not you want to have a global positioning included in your fish finder. GPS fish finders are great for going on those weekend trips or somewhere you may not know your way around very well. You can easily record any position in the system and the GPS fish finder will be able to locate it again for you without problems.

Having a regular fish finder or a gps fish finder will be a great addition to your other fishing equipment. Just think of how many more fish you will likely catch with a great fish finder and how easily you can get back to a great spot if you have to leave for any reason. Just use this article to guide you when buying the perfect fish finder for all you fishing trips.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Choose-the-Right-Fish-Finder---What-to-Look-For-/430669
boating equipment

Diving in the Dominican Republic: The Perfect Caribbean Trip

Few things can bring a Caribbean trip to life like a couple of weeks' diving. And right across the Caribbean there are not many places that can compete with the diving in the Dominican Republic. The island's coastline is dotted with unusual caves, stunning coral atolls and even the wrecks of Spanish galleons.

On a practical level, diving in the Dominican Republic can cater for all ability ranges: from absolute beginners to time-served experts. Safety levels are good and prices are favorable, and there are a number of great dive sites that are within (fairly) easy access of some of the major resorts.

Cabrera
On the northern side of the island, Cabrera is one of the more unique dive sites in the Dominican Republic. Advanced level divers can swim through freshwater tunnels to emerge in an inland lake. As you come up, the light show playing on the roof of the caves is simply sensational.

Punta Rucia
Another spot on the north side of the island (also not far from the resort of Sosua), the whole area of Montecristi provides some of the best (varied ability) diving in the Dominican Republic. Punta Rucia, though, is a bit special, with an atoll - Cayo Arena - alive with multicolored coral and fish.

Really experienced divers can volunteer to help the North Caribbean Research Company with the salvage mission of the famous 1563 sunken fleet of Spanish galleons. Of the three ships that sunk, only one was found, and the sea still holds a king's ransom of gold, jewels and silver.

La Caleta National Park
Not far from the capital, Santo Domingo, (down on the south coast), the vast, sprawling dive site that is La Caleta National Park is studded with some of the best Dominican Republic diving. There are a variety of dive schools to help divers explore the remarkable reefs and handful of wrecks, including that of the treasure-hunting boat, The Hickory.

Catalina Island
Just a short boat ride away from the La Romana resort, Catalina Island is perhaps the best place on the island to see some of the larger fish like grouper and barracuda amongst the reefs flickering with almost impossibly colorful marine life.

Punta Cana
Out to the east of the island, meanwhile, Punta Cana (one of the island's most popular resorts), is also conveniently surrounded with some of the best beginners' diving in the Dominican Republic. Many of the hotels offer guests diving certification courses - and there could be no better way to spend a Caribbean trip than learning how to gain access to the wonders of the ocean!

Paul Collins is an English travel writer who spends as much of his time as possible diving in the Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean generally. Rather than setting off from the UK, he often uses his Spanish to save as much money as possible on his beloved viajes Caribe (or Caribbean trips).

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Diving-in-the-Dominican-Republic--The-Perfect-Caribbean-Trip/429672
Air Travel Online

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Texas wildflowers are celebrated throughout the state of Texas thanks to the efforts of the late former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, and Austin is home to the institution she helped created, named in her honor. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a unique attraction, paying homage to the woman who helped elevate and preserve the native plants and the natural beauty of Texas.

The Wildflower Center works daily to educate the public on sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. With beautiful gardens, expansive meadows, and woodland trails to explore, visitors can experience the plentiful offerings of Texas's native plants up close. Tours are available, but visitors can enjoy the grounds at their own pace with the available printed information or with an audio podcast to guide them.

In addition to the gardens, the Center curates rotating exhibits, many of which include art. Whether viewing oversized bronze insects throughout the grounds, or viewing sculpture and paintings on display indoors, the beauty of nature is enhanced by its pairing with visual arts. Many exhibits are mounted in their McDermott Learning Center, which also holds a permanent exhibit, and features a large picture window from which to view the natural surroundings. A docent is often available in the learning center to answer questions, and to help visitors identify the plethora of different flowers and plants they will see on the grounds.

Children will find a world of fun and education designed especially for them. A tiny door indicates that the room within is dedicated to the wee ones, with puppets, books, arts and crafts that help illustrate the wealth of nature that exists at the center and throughout the state. This is also a great place to take a break and beat the heat while discussing the different plants located on the trails and in the gardens. A popular destination for school field trips, the Wildflower Center also offers teacher resources to maximize a class visit. They also offer summer camps - a perfect way to engage school-age youngsters in nature and science during their summer break.

The Wildflower Center is home to a delightful caf?Featuring fresh and inventive sandwiches, salads, baked treats and thirst-quenchers such as hibiscus mint tea, the caf?s almost a destination in itself. Soups are made from scratch, and vegetarian including the sensational Wildflower Wrap (Roasted Poblano & Portabella Mushroom wrapped in a tomato basil flour tortilla with lettuce and tomatoes,sun dried tomato spread) are available.

Events including fundraising galas, artisan nights, plant sales, and nature nights are held throughout the year, in addition to guided tours. Their website is an extensive resource both for planning a trip, and for learning more about the myriad of things encountered on a trip. They publish a newsletter and magazine in Austin, in addition to the materials available at the main office.

The last stop of the visit should be to their gift shop - featuring clothing, books, gifts and educational toys that will commemorate and unforgettable visit.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Lady-Bird-Johnson-Wildflower-Center/427986
Vacation planning

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Part of the Appalachian Highlands, the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee covers more than a half a million acres and its lush forests are home to thousands of species of wildlife.

The park includes several mountains which top 6,000 feet including Mount Le Conte which comes up just short of 6,600 feet and is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi and a favorite with visitors to the park. However elevations throughout the park vary from a mere 900 feet to 6,600 feet which provides a mixture of both easy hiking trails and some quite difficult trails for the more experienced climbers. Indeed, the very hardy can enjoy a super hike along the Alum Cave trail up to the highest peak in the park at Clingman's Dome. From this vantage point, which includes a 50 foot high observation tower, you can have a truly breathtaking and unobstructed view across thousands of acres of forest.

With a total of more than 850 miles of unpaved roads and trails the park provides some excellent hiking, including no fewer than 70 miles of hiking along the famous Appalachian Trail. One of my favorite trails takes you up to Chimney Tops where, atop these twin peaks, you get a fabulous view over the land below. Another firm favorite is the trail up to Laurel Falls which, with a drop of some 80 feet, is on a par with the falls to be found in Yosemite National Park.

But some great hiking is just one of the reasons for visiting this lovely national park and many visitors also enjoy cycling, especially in the area of Cades Cove, and also horseback riding from the park's four rental stables. And do not forget the fishing either, with some wonderful rainbow and brook trout fishing along more than 700 miles of streams.

The park enjoys a fairly good annual rainfall varying from about 50 to 60 inches a year in the valleys and 80 to 90 inches a year on the peaks so that no matter where you travel in the park you will always find lush vegetation and, with it, a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. Indeed, there are reported to be over 200 species of bird to be seen in the park as well as dozens of mammals including black bears, white tailed deer and raccoons.

For those who like getting out for a hike all year around, hot or cold, wet or dry, then the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect hiking venue with temperatures averaging in the mid 60s during the summer and dropping down to around 20 degrees in the winter.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Great-Smoky-Mountains-National-Park/426473
Outdoor adventure

What to Expect When Swimming With Dolphins

If you love dolphins, there are plenty of resorts and facilities that allow you to get up close to these amazing animals. Here's what to expect on your swim.

Expect to get more when you pay more. Group experiences cost much less than individual experiences, but you'll get less time with the dolphins in a group and may not get time to interact individually with the dolphins at all.

Expect to wear a life jacket. Those dolphins are strong, the tank is deep, and you could be treading water for a long time. Even if you're a strong swimmer, you'll usually be required to wear a life jacket.

Expect some physical activity. Most dolphin swimming experiences require some physical coordination and strength, as well as some endurance and swimming ability.

Expect a trainer-facilitated experience. There should be a trainer with you at all times to ensure a safe and fun experience.

Expect the dolphins to be wild animals. They might be well trained, but dolphins are still unpredictable. You'll need to be gentle with them, keep your movements slow and nonthreatening, and avoid harassing the dolphins.

Expect some excitement. Swimming with the dolphins is exciting, there's no question about it-and it's not an experience you're likely to forget anytime soon.

Swimming with the dolphins is an amazing experience-and one everyone should try once in their lifetime. If you love animals, are a strong swimmer, and are reasonably balanced and coordinated, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

J.Vince is MD of www.thanksdarling.com For a range of interesting gifts including adopting animals visit www.thanksdarling.com/categories/animal-adoption.htm

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/What-to-Expect-When-Swimming-With-Dolphins/426847
Tips for traveling

The Everglades National Park

Just about an hour's drive from the bustle of Miami you will find one of America's most unusual national parks covering more than one and a half million acres of southern Florida. The Everglades National Park is one of the most diverse ecosystems to be found anywhere in the world and is simple a wonderland for wildlife.

Great Blue Herons, American Egrets and White Pelicans are a common sight in the park as of course are alligators which find a plentiful supply of food along the edges of the miles of freshwater sloughs.

There are also many hiking trails through the famous mangroves and paths such as Anhinga trail allow hikers to get a close-up view of one of the freshwater sloughs. Although this particular trail is only about a half mile long through the saw grass it is a wonderful walk and you find not simply alligators but also turtles and many other species along the way.

One unique feature of the park is to be found in the fact that both alligators and crocodiles, which are often mistaken for one another, co-habit in reasonable peace and perhaps surprisingly this is the only place on Earth where this happens.

Although many people believe that the Everglades National Park is entirely composed of marsh and swampland this is not in fact the case and it also includes an area called Pine Forest which is the higher areas of the park and consists of species such as slash pine, palmetto and others.

On of the most beautiful areas of the park in to be found close to Mahogany Hammock where a short hiking trail offers a wonderful view of trees growing within the saw grass marshes and providing fascinating areas of dappled shade and a close-up view of royal palms, strangler figs and other hardwood hammocks.

If in addition to day hiking you also enjoy camping then the park provides over 200 campsites and, as long as you abide by the rules as far as speed and wash are concerned, you are even allowed to use a small motorboat in the park. Care needs to be exercised however because the park is also home to a large number of beautiful manatee which the park is eager to keep from being harmed by careless boaters.

Unlike many of America's national parks one of the best times of year to visit the Everglades is during the winter months when the temperature is pleasantly in the mid 70s and the air is relatively dry. In the summer by contrast the temperature can hover uncomfortably in the 90s with the humidity way up towards 90%.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Everglades-National-Park/426474
boating equipment

Reaching Land's End, Cabo

Rigid sandstone crags arch over a tiny peninsula off the shore of Mendano beach, Mexico. Standing off the shore, you can spot it jutting through the ocena's surface, stand as a tall salmon-pink castle of crass divots and ledges. From an aerial view, Land's End looks like a vacant and decomposing Mayan civilization, and if you are willing to comply with the 10 dollar fee, you can visit this Cabo San Lucas landmark.

The Land's End rock formations are some of the most unique in the world. They are featured in a hundred movies and you may have never even recognized them. Vacationing along Mendano beach and at luxury Cabo resorts allows you to simply venture out from your room to take in an angle of Land's End that does it absolutely no justice.

To size yourself up against the grandeur of its rocks, you must start by landing on Lover's beach, the secluded shore of Land's End, and can be accomplished in one of three ways. The first see you in a water taxi and is the quickest. The second, commute across the water in a rented canoe. The third, swim-something we don't recommend.

A few tips to make your trip to Land's End a success:

• If the waters are rough, don't agree to boomerang around the Land's End point and to the Pacific.


• Have a question? Ask a local.


• Tip your driver (assuming you cross by boat) and tell him or her that you want to be picked up at a specific time.


• Bring a towel and a camera.


• The excursion can be a bit physically demanding at times, so take that into consideration.

Land's End is not necessarily a full-day, or even half-day, commitment, and so it is something you can squeeze into a schedule or visit when time is ample and you just want to relax.

Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys traveling in the Americas and Caribbean. During this trip, she stayed at the Melia Cabo Real, a luxury resort in Los Cabos,.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Reaching-Land-s-End--Cabo/426052
Holiday Destinations

The Growth of Golfing Holidays

With people getting longer leisure time and the advent of cheap air fares there has been a massive increase in the number of people going on sporting holidays and staying in holiday villas. One sport that is experiencing a major boom is the sport of golf.

In the past golf has been restricted to the amount of time that you play by the climate and weather of the area that you live in. This is now no longer the case due to people now having the time and also being able to afford to fly to an area where the weather is suitable to play golf.

When thinking about booking a golfing holiday it is critical that you weigh up all of the options before you book. The first thing to do is to set yourself a budget; this has to cover the cost of the flight, accommodation, food and golf fees.

The most popular golfing holiday destinations are now in Spain, Portugal and Florida. Many Europeans take short golfing breaks to Spain and Portugal as they are just a short plane trip away and there are many cheap no thrills flights to these destinations. When there many golfers now stay in holiday villas.

It is advisable to book your accommodation and tee times before going, as due to the increase in demand the days of simply turning up and securing accommodation have long gone.

Many courses now insist that players are of a certain standard and insist that proof of handicap is provided before they let you play.

Florida is now one of the most popular golf destinations in the world and has a tremendous selection of golf courses and holiday villas to choose from. You also have the added bonus of plenty of motels and hotels in the area enabling you to choose accommodation to suite whatever your budget is.

An up and coming golf venue is Dubai, but this is a lot more expensive for both accommodation and actually booking a tee time can be quite hard and very expensive.

It is quite ironic that while thousands of Europeans are flying over to Florida for the sun and beautifully manicured golf courses, there are many Americans flying to Scotland to play on their famous cold windswept courses.

The one thing that all of these people have in common is their love for golf. Golfers are now in the fortunate position that no matter what their budgets are, there seems to be accommodation and golf courses available for them to play in.

Florida is now experiencing the creation of exclusive golf communities with golf course designed and built by past players. Typically they have holiday villas built around the course with great eating facilities and swimming pools. Many of these courses are private members courses but in some cases it is possible to rent the holiday villas from the owners and as a result get access to the course.

Many of these new luxury golf developments now have golf schools attached and are geared up for whole families. As a result we are now seeing whole families going on golfing vacations together. This has stimulated a demand for golf from a whole new generation of young golfers and the day of the golf course being male dominated are quickly disappearing.

It can now be seen that there are golfing vacations available for all age ranges at all price brackets and we can expect this sector of the travel industry to continue to grow and prosper.

Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line travel websites. To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Holiday Villas

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Growth-of-Golfing-Holidays/420881
Vacation tips

A Skiing Paradise, Worth Booking Your Trip Now

Baniff/Lake Louise Canada, round up the family and grab your passports, pack your bags and make plans to go to Canada. You can even go now and take an overview trip so that you can go home and plan that big skiing vacation with buddies, (mancation) or the family. Another great idea is for your honeymoon destination, they have fantastic honeymoon packages at almost all of the lodging accommodations.

This area is not just about skiing; what started it all is the natural hot springs, Upper Hot Springs in Baniff is the only naturally heated mineral spring-fed pool open to public bathing. There are sled rides, horse drawn sleigh rides, there is an indoor water slide and all kinds of spas and spa modalities in most of the hotels.

You can be pampered in the lap of luxury or rough it in a log cabin; there are bread and breakfasts and even a few of those typical chain motel/hotels with kitchenettes and suites.

The complete area is set up for family entertainment from kiddie slopes, to ski lessons, to babysitting at each resort and special sled "pulks" at many of the resorts.

Tired of skiing, the town of Baniff has just done a huge face lift of their town and now boasts lots of shopping, parking, eating abounds in the newly refreshed downtown area. Then you can take of to Lake Louise and visit the castle like hotel and just bask in the lap of luxury of this gorgeous hotel of decades gone by, but of course with all of the modern conveniences.

This area is known for its cross-country skiing and it is world renown and once you go and experience it, you will know why. Most hotels and resort have suppliers that rent all the ski equipment so if you don't want to haul it; it is available for you during your stay. Along with its world renown cross-country skiing it is know for it dry champagne powder snow to meticulously groomed slopes and state of the art snowmaking. You can purchase Tri-Area lift tickets, which lets you enjoy all the hotels and ski areas in the complete area.

Check it out now on your summer vacation and while there reserve your winter ski vacation at the exact location you want. Contact your Personal Travel Website and start your reservations today.

Dale and Bernice have enjoyed extensive travel and on one of their trips said to each other, we should do this for a living. With that said, they are now operating a travel website where you can plan a wedding on the beach in Tahiti including a Bridal Registry; a Golf Vacation including reserving tee times; Spa Vacations; Outdoor Adventure Vacations. They offer full personalized service online 24/7 at b.montz@comcast.net Let them be your Vacation Specialist Dale and Bernice Travel YTB Dale and Bernice Montz

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/A-Skiing-Paradise--Worth-Booking-Your-Trip-Now/420104
Travel Destinations

Bats In Austin Texas

One of the most unique and celebrated attractions in Austin is a naturally occurring phenomenon and costs absolutely nothing to enjoy. The 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed bats that live under the Congress Street Bridge from March to October emerge at dusk in a breathtaking display. This nightly (almost) occurrence can be viewed in a number of different ways, and is the kind of event that makes living in or visiting Austin so memorable.

Bats are much maligned and misunderstood in society. Often associated with vampires, belfries, and bad hair days, the bat holds a mystique of fright, and is tragically misunderstood. Although bats, like any other mammal, can carry rabies, and no one should ever touch a bat in nature, bats are an important part of our ecological system. According to Bat Conservation International, the Austin bats eat up to 20,000 pounds of insects every night!

Austin's bats migrate every spring from Mexico, and have made their home under the Congress Street Bridge by the thousands since 1980. Primarily female, the bats come to Austin to have their pups, usually in early June. They remain in residence under the bridge usually until mid-October, and each night they leave their roost to forage on the mosquitoes and flies and other bugs of Austin and its environs.

Two free viewing area provide different vantage points. Just under the bridge on the south side of the river is a dedicated park-like area provided by the adjacent Austin American-Statesman newspaper offices. Visitors can bring a picnic dinner on the grassy hill, and can read the posted information on the bat population's history and future. Others prefer to walk to the top bridge and secure a spot overlooking the river's eastern horizon. As the sun sets, soon the crowd will notice one or two brave bats flickering out into the dusk. The amount accelerates, and soon the air is thick with bats swirling out into the night. Visitors close to the bridge will get up close and personal with these fascinating but fast-moving creatures, watching them flutter by. Those with a view of the horizon will see columns and whorls of these little cuties silhouetted by the deepening shades of the twilight sky.

A number of boats are available to rent for bat viewing, from private riverboats to public platform boats, and the errant kayak, rowboat or canoe is sometimes found rising and falling with the river's flow near the bridge. Restaurants and hotels along the river also have patio dining with an excellent view of the show.

Although the best viewing is later in the summer, when the new pups have grown and begun to join the nightly flight, the bats put on a spectacular show most every night from spring to fall. Bat Conservation has a kiosk on the bridge with wonderful bat-related souvenirs and educational items, and they often have a naturalist on hand to explain further the wonder of Austin's unique and awesome Mexican Free-Tailed bats.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Bats-In-Austin-Texas/415627
Travel Destinations

Whitewater Rafting In Maine

Whitewater rafting is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. You can even share this experience with your close friends. Rafting is most commonly done on whitewater rivers and other types of rough bodies of water so that you, your family, and your friends get to feel all of the thrill and excitement that you expect. Doing this sport became considered a recreational activity in the mid 1970s. Since then, it has become more common for people to take part in this sport, and it has changed much since then.

In Maine, whitewater rafting is considered an experience that will stick with you for a very long time. This adventure, however, used to mean that you had to camp out in the wide outdoors. This made it a great experience, because there is nothing like sitting with the people you care about the most around a campfire, talking through all hours of the night. However, not everyone was interested in that particular part of the adventure. So now, in this day, you are given the choice to camp out or stay in a lodge, private home, or cabin. Although it may not seem like you are getting the whole benefit of the experience to some people, others beg to differ and will agree that the adventure is just as much fun without the camping.

Even though there are things that have changed, there is still one thing that will always remain unchanged, no matter how you decide to slice it. The thrill and excitement will always be as extreme as when it was in the 1970s when people first started rafting as a leisure sport. Your day will begin when you leave from the shuttle that takes you to the beginning of the river. Your guide will go over all of the basics of your day, and they will review anything that you will need to know about whitewater rafting, the language and commands, and of course, the safety. Then you will get into the raft where you will begin the adventure of your life. At times you will get to drift along the river while you enjoy all of the serene nature and wildlife of your surroundings. You may even be able to see a bald eagle flying above in the sky. Then all of sudden, you will come upon the rough waters of the river, and you will find yourself paddling through the rapids. You are guaranteed that you will not be thinking of any of the things that are your long to-do list at home anymore. Everyone deserves this once in a lifetime experience of the serene and peaceful moments of the river and the heart pounding excitement of the crashing rapids.

There are many whitewater outfitters in Maine that offer trips on three of the main rivers. These are the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers. In the Northeast, Maine is the only location that you will find that, even during the driest parts of the season, will guarantee good water levels in the rivers. This is all thanks to the daily hydropower dams. The beginning of rafting season is on May 1st and keeps going through until the middle of October. So if you are thinking of taking a trip to go whitewater rafting, do not think about it any longer. Make your trip arrangements now, and don't miss out on this once in a lifetime thrilling experience.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Whitewater-Rafting-In-Maine/416153
Cruises journal

Preparing For Your Maine Hiking Trip

As the warm sun has a tendency to heat up the mountain tops and hillsides of the landscape your going to encounter in northern Maine, we must be prepared for all elements. Anticipate Maine's sunny and somewhat cool weather with virtually zero chance for rain in the spring months. Regardless, here is a sample of what you might need to bring.

Sleeping bags are a brilliant idea if your plans include staying overnight on the trail. Many of Maine's trails have soft and plush terrain so discomfort on the trail should be at a minimum. Most sleeping bags are not waterproof but if you can find some that are, it will be a great benefit incase there is some rain in your forecast. Besides sleeping, a sleeping bag can sometimes be used as shelter from the rain and sun depending on the altitude can help from UV rays. Maine has some of the lowest UV ratings as they are as far north of the equator as possible and sunburns are always at a minimum. Sunscreen is recommended however not necessary as usual depending on the amount of cloud cover and the ever so important UV index.

Along with the sleeping bags, there are virtually zero stops along the various paths that sell concessions, obviously, so water and snacks are a must. If your journey along the Maine countryside consists of more than a few miles, consider taking beef jerky for the protein and water or Powerade.

Aside from the basic necessities, Maine has some of the most construed hiking paths, so visit a local Wal-Mart or outdoor store for a local guide map. Some of the licensed hiking trails have their own forestry station and have maps for free which are available to everyone. Be sure to arrive at the forestry station before 5pm EST to announce your departure and to pick up a guide map. Within the realm of hikers safety, announce your hiking plans to either a nearby friend or with the park ranger. If your not on an official hiking path, it is suggested that you either bring a GPS navigator to plan your route and a possible GPS phone is suggested for very rural areas in the northeast parts of Maine's terrain.

The temperature varies greatly in the northern and western parts of Maine, and as most of the popular hiking trails are located here, please check the daily forecast and have a strong plan to stay hydrated and healthy.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Preparing-For-Your-Maine-Hiking-Trip/416151
Holiday Destinations

Whitewater Rafting Rapids And Classifications In Maine

Whitewater rafting is a great activity that has become more common around the world since the 1970s. Since then, we have developed an expertise in the sport, and there is now better quality equipment available to use. Because of this, a river that has been known to swallow whole an expedition in the past is now safe enough for people to take their rafting trips down hundreds of times each year. There are also outfitters, which are rafting operators, who will be your guides for the trip. These outfitters have legislated safety requirements to go by, and they vary depending on the area you are rafting in. However, all off the requirements are closely the same to ensure that everyone is safe. You should talk with your raft operator about all of the safety guidelines and the classifications of the rapids before you decide to sign up for the trip.

There are six different whitewater classifications that range from easy to nearly impossible. Class one is, obviously, the easiest. It has no obstacles, only small ripples, and a slow current. Class two is considered moderately difficult with occasional obstacles and a medium current with waves. Classes one and two are ideal for younger and inexperienced people to run on. Class three is difficult with longer rapids and strong currents that are irregular, and class four is very difficult, longer with numerous waves, and has steeper drops. These two classes, three and four, are considered okay for more experienced groups to take. Class five is extremely difficult, has very big drops, is very swift, and heavily obstructed with obstacles, which is considered an amateur class. Then there is class six. This class is nearly impossible and extremely dangerous. It should only be run by expert teams, with all precautions taken and close studies completed.

Maine has three rivers that are usually used for whitewater rafting. These are the Kennebec River, Penobscot River, and the Dead River. Each one of the these rivers are different and unique in their own way, but you are sure to get the thrill and excitement that you seek for your adventure on at least one of these rivers. The Kennebec River has a twelve mile trip that begins on Indian Pond at Harris Station. It then flows through the Kennebec Gorge, which ends at The Forks. This twelve mile trip can be classified anywhere between a class two and a class four, because in sections of the river there are all of the traits that these classifications have. Next, is the Penobscot River, and this river has a fourteen mile long trip. For the first two miles, it descends from McKay Station through Ripogenus Gorge. The other twelve miles of rapids will take you on a journey that will end near Pockwockamus Falls. This river has all the traits of a class three to class four rapids. Last, but not least, is the Dead River, which has the longest stretch of continuous rapids at sixteen miles. Your trip will begin at Grand Falls and will end at The Forks. The Dead River has a classification of classes four and five and should only be run by experienced whitewater rafters.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Whitewater-Rafting-Rapids-And-Classifications-In-Maine/416155
Travel Cruises Online

The Hiking Terrain In Maine

It is best know to plan out your track even before contemplating how long and how far your hike will take you. It should be notably understood that many of the Maine hiking tracks are separated by different geological barriers such as rivers, streams, mountain tops, and rough terrain. Some of the more advanced hikers can dissent between which trail to choose, however this guide will help you pick the perfect trail. In comparison to many of the Colorado ski slopes, many of the Maine hike trails have the correlation that when you start at point A you will end up at point B. Sometimes, these differences in starting and ending points are sometimes miles away and planning ahead for each of these hiking trips is a necessity on all levels.

There are various different terms for different trails such as northeast Maine ground adventures and southern Maine river hikes. If you plan to see yourself as a scenic hiker or are with a companion, it's strongly suggested by veterans that you choose the river and stream routes. Some of these routes border some of the most pleasant streams throughout Maine's beautiful landscape and have an incline that typically is about 500 feet above sea level at the top peak. Unfortunately, since Maine is one of the most scenic states in the union, you will most surely have to climb various pikes in order to accomplish your ultimate views that are the treat of your hiking journey. For better information on smaller and more beginner trails that do offer scenic views of the Maine countryside, ask your travel agent or a park ranger.

Others can choose to go for the maximum. With these extreme inclines, you can expect to see everything from rugged rocky terrain to crossing streams on an upwards incline. Maine's terrain allows for many county park hiking trails to have upwards inclines on across both rivers and streams. These are considered very tough to accomplish even for the most experienced hiker. Many of these tough trails allow the hiker to encounter thick brush even in cleared pathways. Thick clothing is strongly recommended not just because of the bugs, but because of the close encounter with various types of plants that may seem foreign to many of the visiting tourists. Also, some various plants have an allergic reaction for some people and a few types of antibiotics and water are recommended if a rash occurs.

Just as a simple reminder, be sure to hydrate yourself often as the cool climate of Maine as it steadily decreases as your altitude gains will sometimes let you forget that the sun is out and your actually using a lot of fluid and hydration is key. The higher the altitude, the more likely you are to become nauseated.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Hiking-Terrain-In-Maine/416154
Cheap cruises

American River Rafting California Mini Vacations

Whether for 1 or a group of 200, finding an excursion that is both enjoyable and affordable can be a daunting task. With airlines bankrupting and cutting back services, gas prices soaring, and the general cost of living increasing by the moment, planning for fun can be a chore. Californians have more options than most other US Citizens when it comes to getting away and doing something new, exciting, and affordable. Perhaps this is why thirty-six-and-a-half-million people call California home.

Within a day's drive from any of the borders of California is the South Fork of the American River, a beautiful 21-mile stretch of class III whitewater. It is here that gold was discovered and the great migration west found its home. Groups from 1 to 200 or more can gather for one, two, or three days of adventure, gourmet dining, and a relaxing evening around a campfire.

Trips range from all inclusive 3-day 2-night sleepovers where you raft two different rivers with all the meals and bussing from Southern California included to one day trips where you hop on the river and raft for a few hours.

Most trips include incredible deli style gourmet lunches, all the equipment necessary to be safe on the river (PFDs - personal floatation devices, Helmets, Paddles, Rafts and Guides), and the shuttle to the put-in and from the take-out. If you're on an overnight trip, you can expect a world class dinner often prepared and served in camp by your day's guide. Evening fireside chats and tent-style camping under the clear skies of the Sierra Nevada Foothills is to be expected. In the morning, breakfast will greet you, again prepared for you by your staff and, as with all the meals, vegetarians and meat lovers alike will find plenty of choices at the impressive morning buffet.

After breakfast you'll follow the instructions of your trip leader and head out for another exciting day of whitewater rafting. The rafter can expect to float past historical artifacts, see local flora and fauna, and sometimes glimpse rare wildlife such as the river otter. Participation is required in most cases, but one needn't be an athlete; the crew is taught to paddle in unison and, coupled with the expertise of the guide, provide the power needed to navigate the river.

The American River South Fork has some of the most famous rapids in the world, such as the Meat Grinder, Trouble Maker, and Satan's Cesspool & Hospital Bar to name a few. The "big" rapids are powerful and fun, requiring no maneuvering while in the rapid and thus folks can hang on. If the three day adventure is chosen, the third day visits the Middle Fork of the American where there are class IV rapids that require paddling in the bigger rapids.

Once your trip is through, you'll be shuttled back to base camp where you'll be sure to hop on over to the photo shops to check out the action photos of you pounding through the rapids while conquering the river. It is here at the end that emails are exchanged, hugs are given, and promises to return are expressed as you've just experienced one of the most affordable, accessible, and exciting getaways available in all the world.

As a father and scout leader, Jarrard Keenson is constantly trying to find fun, outdoor, family-friendly activities. The best summer activities he found is American River rafting, an over-night excursion that includes a whitewater rafting trip down the American river south fork. The American river south fork river rafting are reasonable and adventurous.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/American-River-Rafting-California-Mini-Vacations/417169
Vacation planning

Respect For Maine And Other Hikers

As many hikers that you will come across on your adventure in Maine are typically day hikers. They are those looking for a nice stroll or a mini adventure lasting only a day. Others have their profession as hiking and Maine is one of the most populated states for having hiking as a career. Regardless who you come across, please be aware of the goals and paths of those around you and what they are trying to achieve as they will do with you. As Maine is a very pleasant state, many of the tourists who come to Maine to plan a hiking trip, please be aware of the respect many of them have for the locals and the employees and park rangers who run these hiking paths.

Another area of concern is pollution. Maine is one of the best states in controlling both air and garbage pollution. Maine is considered a progressive state in dealing with pollution control and it can become very easy for just about anyone to pollute the trails and paths along the tough terrain. Be advised of the massive fines that are levied against all polluters who do such along the trail. Also, respect for the environment and the effort Maine puts into creating these hiking trails as a tourist destination is something that must be taken into consideration. Some park ranger stations either sell for cheap or give away environmentally friendly green garbage bags that park employees will pick up at designated locations. Maine is one of the only states to offer the green garbage bags, so just in case, pick one up and bring it with you.

Sometimes, you can leave your bag at a trail next to someone else's and those hikers who have gone before you will take over the duty of taking your trash down with them but you are expected to be on the honor system and do the same as others have done for you. This has been specifically designed so that you properly dispose of your garbage on the Maine trails and keep the parks and mountains clean.

If your planning on brining water with you to wash your hands or whatnot, be sure to also ask for complimentary bio-degradable hand soap that is provided by either the park ranger station or some of your fellow hikers. As aforementioned, Maine has a huge policy on pollution and with these specific bio-degradable soap bars are find to use anywhere; in creeks, streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers.

As Maine has respect for the environment like none other, you'll become an environmentally aware hiker once you take on the trails on the Maine countryside. As your experience in this vast countryside will prove healthy and eye-opening enough, you'll fell as if you come away a better person with a higher respect for both the environment as well as the Maine trails.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Respect-For-Maine-And-Other-Hikers/416160
Outdoor Adventures

Binoculars: A Necessary Tool for Birding

For the beginner bird watcher, there are only a few tools that are necessary to enjoy the hobby. A local field guide that explains which birds you should be looking for, a notebook to record your sightings in, and good binoculars are all it takes to get started. Of these items, binoculars are arguably the most indispensable.

If you can't get a good look at a bird, you really can't be watching it, can you? Spotting a bird is important, but getting a good detailed look at the bird is more satisfying that just spotting it.

Serious birders often have more than one type of binoculars so they can get the most detailed view of a bird under varying conditions. Beginners, however, should begin with good, general-purpose binoculars to start with.

How do you choose binoculars as a beginning birder? Here are some things to take into consideration:

Magnification and the diameter of the objective lens - Most binoculars are described by two numbers. For example, good basic binoculars may be described as 10x42. The first number 10 is the magnification of the lens. The second number 42 is the size in millimeters of the diameter of the larger front lens known as the objective lens.

The larger the number of the magnification the closer the bird will appear when viewed through the binoculars. Binoculars with a magnification of 10 will make the bird appear ten times closer than it is. It may seem that a higher magnification would always be desirable, but binoculars with lower magnifications show a brighter, sharper image and they are generally less heavy. These are things that need to be considered when choosing binoculars.

The objective lens lets in light and the higher the diameter, the more light that will enter the binoculars. As with the magnification, the higher the number, the more the binoculars will usually weigh so that needs to be kept in mind when choosing.

Design - There are several design features to consider when a beginner chooses binoculars. Size is important. Smaller, pocket binoculars are easy to carry, and a birder will be more likely to carry them often, but they usually don't have the quality of view that larger binoculars have.

Another feature to consider is durability. Binoculars are likely to get bounced around and dinged a bit while hiking, so durability is an important consideration. Some binoculars are even water resistant making them very durable.

Ease of focusing is an important design feature, too. Birds can fly away quickly, and a birder is likely to miss a good view if focusing the lens on the binoculars takes too long.

Cost and Warranty - This is important when buying any product. Fortunately, there are several good binoculars available for beginning bird watchers that are moderately priced. After deciding which features are needed, a beginning birder should do not only price comparisons on those binoculars that meet his needs, but also compare warranties. A great deal isn't that great if a warranty doesn't cover unexpected problems.

I have been an avid birder and hunter for many years. My experiences with binoculars both good and bad make a long list! I have learned over time that yes, you get what you pay for with binoculars, but also having the right binocular for the job is very important. Russ www.bestopticsunlimited.com opticsunlimited.blogspot.com/

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Binoculars--A-Necessary-Tool-for-Birding/414863
Boats accessories

When Buying A Hammock The Spreader Bar Is The Most Important Factor

In the summertime there's nothing like lazing around in the back garden and having an afternoon nap under the shade of a tree swinging gently in a hammock. I've tried to make hammocks in the past and they've never worked very well and all because of one simple design flaw called the spreader bar.

The spreader bar is something that I've learned about while doing my research into buying a hammock for my backyard and it really is the single most important factor to consider when buying a hammock. The spreader bars are at each end of the hammock and do exactly what they say which is to spread the bed out so it does not collapse in on you when you get in it. So when looking to buy a hammock take special care to check the quality of this important part.

Other areas to check for good quality are also the straps and the links chains. Again, make sure that these are robust to ensure that your safety is not compromised.

So what other marketing gimmicks are there out there to try and confuse you? There's a lot of differentiation made by the origin of manufacture some being Mayan, Brazilian or Nicaraguan for example. There's many more but these seem to prevail. All this means is that in general the hammock has been hand crafted using naturally fibres and this has two important impacts:-

1. It's more comfortable than the traditional rope hammock
2. The weave can be a little loose and so care is required when getting in and out and no sharp objects

Moving back to the traditional rope hammock for comparison, these can be made out of cotton or polyester. The tighter weave making the cotton version more robust than the hand crafted works above and it's still pretty comfortable compared to rope hammocks made out of polyester. The advantage of the polyester is that the hammock is significantly more durable so basically it comes down to a trade off between comfort and durability.

The poolside hammock demonstrates this perfectly. It's certainly the least comfortable but the needs of a poolside hammock differ considerably. The essential feature is that the hammock is quick drying and to a lesser extent it's also designed to be colourful and both these factors determine the type of fabric used and this is at the expense of comfort.

So there's no real mystique to buying a hammock, there are some choices that you need to make depending on the functionality that you want and you may have to compromise on comfort but that's about it. Once you've made your choice for fabric then it's time to look at the quality of the spreader bars and make sure that these are sufficiently robust to ensure that your purchase lasts a long time.

It terms of setting it up, a hammock does require two trees in close proximity otherwise you are probably better acquiring a hammock stand as well but if this is more equipment than you can handle then maybe it's time to consider a hanging chair?

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/When-Buying-A-Hammock-The-Spreader-Bar-Is-The-Most-Important-Factor/414592
Air Travel Online

50 Year of Taurus Firearms

Taurus firearms have been made since the 1940s when Taurus Forge began production of their famous Taurus revolvers. Based out of Porto Alegre, Brazil, Taurus Arms has risen above their place as the underdog, to become one of the top ten revolver producers in the world. During the 1970s Taurus was bought by then parent company of Smith & Wesson, which encourages the sharing of technology and designs.

In 1977 Taurus regained their independent status, and had full rights over the company once more. This changed the entire direction of Taurus, from a revolver company to a world player in the firearms industry. In 1980 Taurus Arms had the opportunity to purchase the Beretta factory in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which helped launch Taurus pistols.

During the purchase of Beretta's Brazilian factory Taurus Arms obtained all machines, barrels, frames, tooling, and other materials, which were merged into the design of the Taurus PT-92, PT-22, and PT-25 pistols. Shortly after that purchase, Taurus began their latest push into the US civilian market with Taurus USA. Taurus Arms soon started making waves in the firearms industry with their lifetime warranty, reliable revolvers, and Beretta influenced pistols.

Despite the fact that Smith & Wesson and Beretta helped to put Taurus on the scene, they had a few tricks up their sleeves. Taurus began production of new more powerful revolvers like the Taurus Judge, Taurus Raging Bull, and Taurus Tracker. The Taurus Judge itself became a must-have for hikers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts, because of the versatility of each firearm, capable of firing a .410 or 45 long colt round from a revolver.

Now Taurus is winning the hearts and minds of more law enforcement with the Taurus Millennium pistols, as well as the Taurus 24/7 OSS pistols. The new era of Taurus firearms integrates polymer and steel to make a durable, comfortable, and lightweight pistol, which has been an instant hit within the firearms community.

Taurus went from being the new kid on the block, to a dominant force in the firearms industry, and continues to lead the way with constant innovations, and new products built to stand the test of time. Taurus Arms has also become a leader in safe firearms, with their key lock firearms system, which allows owners to ensure the firearm will not function without the owner's consent. This has lead to many families turning to Taurus, because of the unmatched internal locking system.

The selling point of most Taurus firearms is definitely the price point, which in no way reflects the reliable precision in each Taurus firearm. Due to low labor costs and directly selling their products, Taurus maintains their edge on the competition by keeping a consistently affordable product line. You won't find a better firearm for the money. There are cheaper firearms available, but reliability and precision are generally lacking. I recommend giving Taurus a shot before counting them out.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/50-Year-of-Taurus-Firearms/413620
Cruise plaining

Father's Day, Let's Make Travel Plans

Have you heard of "Mancations" yet? It is the latest term out there when referring to vacations. They are just exactly what it says, vacations for men, and what better time than to give one on Father's Day. With the three suggestions below you will get some really great ideas on "Mancations" which men love to take vacations around.

The really great thing about giving a travel vacation to Dad for Father's Day is that the whole family can go along, or not. The other great thing is that it can happen anytime, not just on Father's Day weekend, so you can give the gift on Father's Day and then plan and build excitement until the actual vacation happens

Golfing: Of course this is at top of the list for a very good reason, it is the number one sport of men, there are more men golfers than any other single sport, I would say even surfers in the beach areas. The options for golf vacations are many, you can just have a day of golfing, several days of golfing and staying in your own accommodations and then there is a destination resort which could be a golfing resort with all the amenities all in one spot and there would be activities for the whole family as well, if they decided to go along.

Skiing: I know it is the furtherest thing from your mind right now but it isn't to early to book your skiing vacation and what better time than for a Father's Day present. You can get that perfect ski package you always wanted and they were all booked ahead of you, you can get that room you always wanted and never could get, see, they booked it at Father's Day. Again your possibilities for your gift giving are endless, you can book ski lift tickets at your favorite resort; amenities that are offered at the different resorts where you are staying; or you can stay in a destination ski resort where all your amenities are in one spot.

Outdoor Adventures: All the other outdoor adventures, river rafting, scuba diving, all kinds of fishing, boating, the possibilities are endless and they are covered in this section. In this area you can also reserve your equipment you will need and/or you can purchase it, which is another gift idea for Father's Day.

Personal travel websites are a newer concept in making your travel arrangements. All of the above gift ideas can be arranged through a personal travel website. The advantage to a personal travel website is exactly that, you have the ability to contact an individual directly to assist you if you need and/or want it.

Darlene has been an active traveler and most of it was done as a single traveler. She was traveling alone long before it was a popular thing to do for women and to make the story even more interesting she is a Polio survivor and uses a walker and a small scooter to be mobile when she travels. She, needless to say, is a Specialist in Traveling with Disabilities and can personally assist you in all of your mobility traveling needs. She knows the right questions to ask, to get the right answers. Of course she can assist mobile and active customers with the same expertise. as she is a Personal Travel Specialist also. Darlene Siddons Travel

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Father-s-Day--Let-s-Make-Travel-Plans/410473
Cheap cruises

Bear Safety Tips While Camping

It is possible to rest easy while camping amongst bears. But, you must follow a few basic rules to ensure that bears don't ruin your great outdoor adventure. Below are the basic steps to take while camping in bear territory.

Never store food in your tent. This is the most important rule to follow. And in fact, never store anything even remotely smelling of food in or near your tent. Keep in mind that any time you cook and eat a meal, you and your clothes soak up food smells. It is said that black bears have even been attracted by the scent of toothpaste or even peppermint camp soaps. And to be on the safe side, treat breath mints, throat lozenges, and other sweet-smelling toilet or medicinal items as bear attractants too.

Set up a kitchen area. The farther away from your tent the better, but a general rule to follow is at least 50 yards away. If you notice a consistent pattern to the wind, locate it downwind from where you're going to sleep. Remember to do all the cooking, dish cleaning, hanging out and campfire-sitting, and washing at this kitchen area. It's also a good idea to designate one set of sleeping clothes and change into them here.

Store the food smelling clothes properly. If you're car camping everything goes into the trunk of a locked vehicle. Some state and national parks now offer storage bins for securing coolers and other food items. But if your backcountry camping, you need only look for the nearest sturdy tree. Hang all of your kitchen gear, backpacks, basically everything except you and whatever else you may need for the night in the tree. Just make sure to pack at least 25 feet of rope so you can effectively hang your load in the tree.

If for whatever reason there is no trees in the area you plan on camping in, there is bear proof canisters that you can purchase to store the food smelling items. These typically range from $25-$75 and can be found at most outdoor stores. This is also an easier alternative to hanging your food from a tree. Keep in mind that you still want to leave the container in your kitchen area, and not in your sleeping area. While the container might be bear proof, it's not a chance you want to take.

Keep these tips in mind next time you head into bear country and remember to have a safe and fun camping trip!

Rick Ross is an avid outdoor enthusiast, writer and contributor to the on-line community at DNR-Pro.org - The Web's Leading Guide To The Outdoors. For more information visit DNR-Pro.org's Camping Forum

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Bear-Safety-Tips-While-Camping/410926
Outdoor adventure

Travel Ideas to Give for Father's Day

The latest term out there is "Mancations" and they are just exactly what it says, vacations for men, and Father's Day is the perfect time to give one of these. The suggestions below are three areas that men love to take vacation around.

The really great thing about giving a travel vacation to Dad for Father's Day is that the whole family can go along, or not. The other great thing is that it can happen anytime, not just on Father's Day weekend, so you can give the gift on Father's Day and then plan and build excitement until the actual vacation happens

Golfing: This is at the top of the list for the very most important reason is that there are more men golfers than any other single sport, I would say even surfers in the beach areas. There are many options for golf vacations, there can just be a day of golfing, several days of golfing and staying in your own hotel and then there is a destination resort which would be a golfing resort with all the amenities to keep you active even in the evening.

Skiing: It isn't too early to book your skiing vacation and what better time than for a Father's Day gift. You can get that perfect package you always wanted and they were all booked ahead of you, you can get that room you always wanted and never could get, see they booked it at Father's Day. You can book your ski lift tickets at your favorite resort and all of the other amenities that the different resorts have where you are staying; or you can stay in a destination ski resort where all your amenities are in one spot.

Outdoor Adventures: This area covers all the rest of the outdoor adventures, river rafting, scuba diving, all kinds of fishing, boating, the possibilities are endless, this area you can also reserve your equipment you will need and/or you can purchase it, which is another gift idea for Father's Day.

All of the above gift ideas can be arranged through your personal travel website, which is also a newer concept in travel arrangements. The advantage to a personal travel website is exactly that, you have the ability to contact a direct individual to assist you if you need and/or want it.

The latest term out there is "Mancations" and they are just exactly what it says, vacations for men, and Father's Day is the perfect time to give one of these. The suggestions below are three areas that men love to take vacation around.

Dale and Bernice have enjoyed extensive travel and on one of their trips said to each other, we should do this for a living. With that said, they are now operating a travel website where you can plan a wedding on the beach in Tahiti including a Bridal Registry; a Golf Vacation including reserving tee times; Spa Vacations; Outdoor Adventure Vacations. They offer full personalized service online 24/7 at b.montz@gmail.com . Let them be your Vacation Specialist Dale and Bernice Travel YTB Dale and Bernice Montz

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Travel-Ideas-to-Give-for-Father-s-Day/410502
Cruise plaining

Area Pools and Springs in Austin Texas

Though the heat of the summer in Austin can be a real drain on exercising or any outdoor activity, the city is blessed with several public pools in which to cool off.

Probably the most well known pool to Austinites, and those visiting, is Barton Springs Pool located near the Barton Hills neighborhood. The pool sits on a lovely 3 acres of hillside, with a nice shallow end for children, and a deep end for those who brought their floats, as well as others who want to swim a lap or two. The pool is a natural spring, and got its name in 1837 from William "Uncle Billy" Barton, who owned the tract of land which included the springs. Once the area became a city park in 1917, the residents began to flock to the refreshing spring water, which averages 68 degrees year round.

People-watching at Barton Springs is phenomenal. All walks of life enjoy the pool, from tattooed bohemian types, to legislators, and all those in between, with a rash of topless sunbathers in the 1970s. The diving board in the middle of the pool provides hours of entertainment for the divers and the spectators who will break into applause for a triple flip or a belly flop.

Many make a trip to Barton Springs pool a daily event, and a summer pass is available for those who frequent the pool. Beverly Sheffield served as director of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department from 1946-1973 and swam 3 times a week for 73 years before his death.

Just down the Colorado River from Barton Springs pool lies the Deep Eddy Pool. Deep Eddy is the oldest swimming pool in Texas, built in 1915 by A.J. Eilers. What used to be a popular swimming hole became a concrete pool, though still spring-fed via a 35 foot hand dug well. During the 1920s, the pool became part of the Deep Eddy Bathing Beach, with cabins and camping areas surrounding it. At that time, Lorena's diving horse was a big hit, with horse and rider diving off a 50 foot platform into the water.

The Deep Eddy pool is still a popular cool off spot today, and is perfect for those looking to swim laps or laze in the wading pool. During the summer, a large movie screen is set up for Splash Party Movie Nights, when family friendly films are shown in the evenings when the air is still hot enough to enjoy a nighttime swim.

In Travis Heights, Stacy Pool is open year round. The land was donated by Stacy's Real Estate Company in 1929, and the pool was built by the government sponsored Works Progress Administration project in 1935. For those that enjoy warmer water than that of Barton Springs or Deep Eddy, during the winter months, Stacy pool's water is a mixture of city water and 100 degree well water pumped from the Trinity Aquifer, resulting in a pool temperature around 80 degrees. The residents of Travis Heights use Stacy pool as a meeting place to chat and exercise. Some of the families in the area have been doing so for the past 80 years, generation after generation.

There are many other neighborhood pools, such as Ramsey pool in Rosedale, and Shipe Pool in Hyde Park, but there are also several small wading pools tucked in parks all around the city. These pools, such as the Clarksville Wading Pool in Clarksville and Eastwoods Wading Pool, were mostly built in the 1930s and 40s as a place for children to cool off after a day of playing at the park. Today, these pools are still a great place to take babies and small children, and tend to be more secluded, though most are only open from mid-June through early August, and stay open daily for just a few hours.

If the summer heat gets to be too much, take a dip! There's probably a pool nearby.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Area-Pools-and-Springs-in-Austin-Texas/408494
Holiday Destinations

Liveaboard Diving Thailand Your Home At Sea

Try a liveaboard diving Thailand vacation for a one of a kind and unforgettable diving adventure. You can dine on the Thai cuisine and take in the culture while your charter boat takes you to some of the most outstanding diving areas in the world.
For newcomers to Liveaboard Diving, the diving boat is your dwelling place and mode of transportation for your dives. Your excursion is an exciting mix between scuba diving and going on a cruise. It gives you an unforgettable holiday like no other!
Just think of being pampered while staying on a liveaboard diving Thailand yacht, it will be a cozy and personalized experience for a lifetime. The mid-sized state of the art yachts tend to carry 12 to 24 passengers, so you can meet and get to know interesting people who love diving as much as you do.
You can reserve either budget or deluxe cabins on the yachts. If you don't mind being below deck, try the budget cabin. The deluxe cabins offer beautiful water views and are above deck. Both cabins have all of the amenities including television, dvd player, ensuite bathrooms, and more.
Phuket is an island region of Thailand which boasts an international airport. It is an ideal locale for liveaboard diving adventures. On shore, you can find many nightclubs and shows. And once you're out on the water, all sorts of wondrous scuba locations will be accessible to you.
The yachts that offer liveaboards Phuket include all the services you require for a fantastic dive including a wide stern dive platform, several exit ladders and showers that use fresh water. A camera rinse tank is provided for photographers and there is plenty of space allowed for assembling and taking apart your equipment.
Following an unforgettable dive you can take pleasure in the boat's evening offerings like delectable meals served in both the local and western style, communal rooms with libraries and musical entertainment and movies. Or you can simply unwind on deck and relate the day's experiences to your cohorts.
There is nothing quite like live onboard diving in Thailand. If you're a scuba diving enthusiast who wants the ultimate experience then you needn't look any further. Sail to the premier scuba destinations in style.

If you have been searching for a memorable diving vacation, liveaboard diving Thailand is something you have to do You will not only experience the tastes and culture of Thailand, but you will also explore some of the most thrilling diving spots on earth, all while in the comfort of your chartered vessel.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Liveaboard-Diving-Thailand-Your-Home-At-Sea/406376
Air Travel

The Newest Remington, Truly A Spartan

The Remington Spartan series shotguns are the latest implementation by Remington Arms, which is well known for producing firearms, ammunition, and much more. The Remington Spartan series ranges from rifles to various styles of shotguns. The Spartan is well known as being produced by Baikal Arms which, during communist Russia, produced a great deal of military firearms.

The Remington Spartan shotguns have a very attractive appearance with chrome-lined hammer forged barrels, titanium coated triggers, remarkable deep blued finish, and flawless walnut stocks. The action of these firearms was as smooth as silk, offering reliable shooting and a clean sight system. After a good amount of research and handling various shotguns, the Remington Spartan seemed to be the perfect match of form and function.

After much comparison, the Remington Spartan was clearly the best buy, with a price tag well under the four digit price of the more popular competitors' firearms. I felt confident that the Spartan was the service shotgun for me. The competition offers a wide range of high priced alternatives, but I work for a living and I see no point in spending money for a name, rather than a reliable shotgun.

The Spartan shotguns offer a wide range of configurations and styles, which vary from repeating action shotguns, over & under shotguns, side by side shotguns, and rifle shotgun combos. For such a relative newcomer, the Remington Spartan has something for every type of shooter, from hunting to skeet to plinking; there is a Spartan ready to help you hit your mark.

I decided to move toward the Spartan SPR220 series, which offers a double barrel shotgun (ideal for hunting) with the option to have bird shot and a slug at the ready when working my way through the fields. Unlike most double barrel shotguns, the Remington Spartan offers an auto-tang safety system and chamber indicator. This was a major selling point since I take safety very seriously, especially when hiking for hours on end.

After a very fruitful hunting season I was sure to make the Spartan a must-have at my skeet club, and decided to move toward the Spartan SPR453, which allows for ease of recoil with an auto-loading shotgun. The Remington Spartan SPR 453 also takes standard Trulock choke tube threading, which was something I certainly didn't expect, but lead to a wide range of affordable chokes that helped me blow away my competition.

There are hundreds of great shotguns on the market which have their purpose. Without spending an arm and a leg, the Remington Spartan offers the best of all the competition, with a great deal of key selling points. You won't find a better shotgun for the money, no matter what type of game you are going after. I would highly recommend any of the Remington Spartan shotguns to a friend, customer, or anybody looking into a high quality shotgun but is on a budget.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Newest-Remington--Truly-A-Spartan/404880
Travel Tips

Tips on Buying a Used Golf Cart

1. Find a Trustable Dealer
Make sure the dealer you buy from is both reliable and trustworthy. You can ask other golf cart owners for suggestions, or you could research a potential dealer online.

2. Prepare for Repair
Just like cars, golf carts need to have repairs from time to time. Choosing a golf cart dealer who also offers free or discounted repairs for their buyers will save you time and money in the future.

3. Test Drive It!
Test drive any golf cart you are considering buying. If it looks great but does not run like you might like it to, then keep looking.

4. Know Your Price
You can purchase a good used golf cart for between $2000 and $4000. If you rent golf carts often, this will pay for itself within a year.

5. Ask Around
If you have any family or friends who have owned a golf cart before, ask them what they liked and disliked about their golf cart, how much they paid, and where they have it serviced at.

6. Gas Vs. Electric
You can purchase either a gas or electric golf cart and while they both have advantages and disadvantages, it really depends on what you are going to use it for. Gas-powered carts have more power and therefore can travel at higher speeds. On the other hand, having an electric cart is much more cost-efficient, and if you're not planning on taking it very far the lower speed should not matter.

7. Stay Away from As-Is
A big "Sold As-Is" sign on the cart you like should be a huge red flag. In many cases this means the dealer bought the cart as it was and did nothing to repair any problems. Additionally, they may not have even checked it for major malfunctions.

8. Say Yes to Reconditioned
A reconditioned cart is usually a safe bet. This means the dealer checked the cart for problems and fixed what needed to be fixed. Reconditioned carts often come with warranties or guarantees as well.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Tips-on-Buying-a-Used-Golf-Cart/405176
Travel Tips

Have Your Wildest Experience Ever!

"All work and no play make John a dull boy". Make sense isn't it? Yeah, even though machines deserve to have a break. Especially us people, we often get tired and fed up with the everyday work. Try something new. There are these Arizona hiking team that will be of great help when it comes to therapeutic getaway.

We deserve a break. Like what the famous wafer chocolate advertisement carries its tagline. Weekdays in our house were not enough. We must go beyond the horizons and enjoy what the world can offer to us. We have a lot of malls that we can flee upon to. We have ubiquitous parks and museums that we can mingle with our family. We have these hi-tech amusement parks that we can enjoy. There are lots of places that we can enjoy our day-off with.

Still, nothing beats the touch of nature. Maybe a fantastic swimming vacation to one of the finest resorts in town or some sort of a family picnic in a well-furnished Bermuda-grass garden. An unforgettable boating with your loved ones in a famous river in the suburb will do. Or most probably, an adventurous trekking that will challenge the famous hiking trails in Arizona.

It's a challenge. Climbing up against the gravity, reaching out the high peak of the world, but honestly speaking, it is somewhat exciting. It can bring you frills and thrills especially when you came to the point that you happened to be climbing in the middle of the mountain (or hypotenuse in the Trigonometry Lingo). You can almost wander the different attraction areas in the threshold of the mountain. Like the caves and even the Grand Canyon hiking trail in Arizona. It is really fantastic and exciting to climb mountains. It is not the climbing experience per se; it's the experience while you were climbing. It is all about the things that you encounter while you are on your way to the top. Patience, hunger, thirst, friendship, knowledge, experience, stories, stories of other people, you may win an acquaintance throughout your travel and he/she become a friend. Anything-anything that one can imagine. You realized that you have improved something. That's the other advantage of mountain climbing. It results to bonding. It results to care. It results to learning, it teaches us how to care-to care and appreciate. Not only about others but also for the sake of nature-to save the dying world. Hahaha...what a hilarious legacy, isn't it? Impossible to think about, but possible if we learn to believe and appreciate. Right? Hahaha...

After the long and tiring mountain-climbing process, at last, eureka! You now reach the mountain's summit. Do you think it's over? Nah, you still have something to work out onto. Who said that camping's only goes best with forest parks? Better try this one. A hiking camping in grand canyon.
After the exhausting trek, it's now time to relax and give yourself a treat. After the delicious meal, it is good to rest in a plain tent with the ambience of nature.

And that's what you called adventure. A fantastic and worthful unwinding vacation experience-a Grand Canyon hiking-together with your love ones. It is more of a vacation. But of a learning experience as well. You get close with nature. And it is really a remarkable moment you will surely keep.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Have-Your-Wildest-Experience-Ever-/404953
Holiday Destinations

Six Flags Season Pass Discounts & Deals for 2008 Season

Overview
There are quite a few Six Flags season pass discounts and deals that you can grab. But before that you need to know what are the advantages of buying a Six Flags season pass. A very common misconception amongst the Six Flags visitors is that the Six Flags season pass cost 5-6 times the Six Flags daily tickets. This is very untrue and unless you know the options and benefits of Six Flags season pass you will not be able to decide this for yourself. In fact the Six Flags season passes is a great deal because at most of the Six Flags parks the cost evens out the Six Flags ticket price if you plan to visit the park more than once during a season. There are a lot more benefits that you get when you buy a Six Flags season pass.
Six Flags Season Pass Deals & Benefits
Early in the year Six Flags Season Passes were out for the lowest prices of the year and when you buy the season pass you get the 2008 Six Flags value book that include free tickets to bring your friends along on certain days of 2008 operating season. You also get $300 in passholder perks that include discounts on food, games and more. Also the Six Flags season passes give you free entry to the Halloween Fright Fest. These perks are valid on season passes across all Six Flags Theme Parks in the US. Also the Six Flags season pass is accepted across 15 Six Flags parks nationwide.
Free Water Park Admission & Free Concerts at Certain Parks
Six Flags season passes at some parks have a even better benefit which is the free entry to the water parks. For Six Flags Great Escape, the season pass gives you free admission to the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Six Flags St Louis season pass gets you free admission to the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park and admission to 15 concerts during the season. With Six Flags over Texas season pass, you get admission to 10 concerts and also free admission to Holiday in the Park. Six Flags Fiesta Texas season pass gets you free admission to the White Water Bay water park and 8 free concerts. The pass holder perks for Six Flags fiest texas is of $400 value compared to the regular $300 in passholder perks which are offered at other parks along with the season pass. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom season pass gets you free admission to the Holiday in the Park. Six Flags Great Adventure season pass gives you free admission to 20 concerts during this season. With Six Flags America play pass you get free admission to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park and free admission to 10 events & concerts. Six Flags Magic Mountain season pass gives you $400 in passholder perks instead of the regular $300 offered at other parks and admission to 10 concerts and events. With Six Flags Great America season pass you get free admission to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park and a whopping $500 in passholder perks which is the highest passholder perks offered with season pass at any of the other Six Flags parks. And not to forget the free admission to 8 concerts and events. Six Flags over Georgia season pass gives you free admission to 15 concerts during the season. Remember these are additional benefits of having the Six Flags season pass apart from the free tickets for friends and the pass holder perks.
Are there any Six Flags Season Pass Discounts available ?
Now after we have seen the amazing benefits and the fact that Six Flags season passes pays for itself in less than two visits makes it a great deal. Think about it like this! You are planning to go say 2 or more times to the park during the season. Now you buy the season pass and you can have unlimited visits to the parks and at most Six Flags the season passes allow free admission to the water parks. There are even better deals although you may not find Six Flags season pass coupons that you can carry with you or use online. If you buy Six Flags season passes for family or in a group then you get the season pass for $5-$10 off the regular season pass price. Six Flags season passes are $5 off the regular price of $69.99 if you buy 3 or more season passes. You can get two park season pass for Six Flags over Georgia for $99 which is just $25 more than the theme park season pass. Six Flags Great America season pass discount is $5 less than the regular price for families. You have to buy 4 or more season passes to get this Six Flags season pass discount. Six Flags Fiesta Texas Season Pass discount of $10 off the regular season pass price of $69.99 if you buy 4 or more season passes. So with this Six Flags season pass discounts you no longer have to look for Six Flags season pass coupons.

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Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Six-Flags-Season-Pass-Discounts---Deals-for-2008-Season/401690
Tips for traveling