Archive for June, 2010

Blues rule in Hill Country

Blues rule in Hill Country
For the past five years, a desolate field in Potts Camp has been the location of one the rawest and purest blues festivals in the South – the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic.

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DIVE SITES & DIVING AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE

DIVE SITES & DIVING AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE

Diving Ambergris Caye can be an exhilarating experience when you Dive the islands best dive sites.

This small article will educate you on what dives you will want to be sure to Dive when you Dive Belize, I will list some of the very best dives and some of my own personal favorites that you should include when you visit and dive the island of Ambergris Caye.

No matter where you stay on the island (see my other articles) you should be able to dive all the dive sites I list here.

HAPPY HOURS REEF North Ambergris Caye

Located North of San Pedro Because this site is a little out of the way of most dive operators it gets dived very seldom, which means lots of fish life and no signs of damage caused by divers. We particularly like this site as it has a lot of barrel sponges and is wonderful for macro photography due to the abundant small critters found at this site. Another observation we made at this site is at a certain time of the year we have noticed the coral spawning. This site is currently being studied by Professors from Texas AM University and is part of ongoing studied for the year of the reef..

Experience required: intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

LOVE TUNNELS North Ambergris Caye

This site is located north of San Pedro and the site got its name as a couple got married in the mouth of this huge tunnel. At a depth of 60ft we swim through the tunnel that comes out on the edge of the drop off at approx. 90ft, due to the unseen approach we have spotted many large pelagic cruising the drop-off, as we exit the tunnel.

As we swim along the drop off you see many varieties of hard and soft corals and the usual juveniles and groupers that are abundant in these waters.

At all times you can see the surface as we swim through the caverns and it is quite safe for all levels of experience, as we near the end of our dive we enter another small cavern that takes us to our exit point, a real exciting dive that ‘s a favorite with our visitors.

Experience required: intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

M&M CAVERNS North Ambergris Caye

Located north of San Pedro town lies M & M Caverns one of Ambergris Caye’s best cavern dives. The underwater topography is deep spur and groove formations formed by the wave action over thousands of years. It is literally riddled with swim through and tunnels.

As you descend down to 90ft you see a small entrance going up through the reef as you enter you see a small light at the end of the tunnel about 40ft away, it is an awesome feeling as you swim literally through the reef to come out at 60ft then enter another, a totally different dive that’s always a hit with our visiting divers.

Experience required: advanced

Depth: 90-120ft

Location: North Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

CYPRUS GARDENS South Ambergris Caye

This is an excellent site for all types of coral species, such as huge Pillar Corals, Elkhorn, Staghorn corals and very abundant with small reef fish and critters. Located in 50ft of water, this has long been one of my favorite sites for the sheer quality of the coral formations and the superb Macro photo opportunities. This site focuses on smaller marine life associated with coral reef and is sure to be a hit with visiting divers not to be missed.

Experience required: novice

Depth: 50-70ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE PILLAR CORALS South Ambergris

Hol-Chan Marine Reserve 5 square miles of protected habitat, makes for some great diving. One of our favorites is Pillar Coral, a 60ft dive with some wonderful Pillar coral formations, great for photography as during this dive there are resident grouper and Snappers that will follow you throughout the dive. It’s easy to position them around the Pillar corals giving the opportunity for some great pictures.

The site is protected and nothing dead or alive may be removed, gloves are not allowed to be worn in the marine reserve and there is entrance fee to the park which is used to maintain the buoys and fund the ongoing research conducted at Hol-Chan marine reserve.

Experience required: novice

Depth: 60-70ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE THE CUT South Ambergris

Another great site, this is a cut that allows passage through the Belize barrier reef to the open sea. Starting at 8ft and sloping down to a maximum of 25ft, this is an underwater wonderland with literally thousands of fish, including huge groupers and the biggest snappers you have ever seen.

As you enter the cut there are a variety of small caves which hide huge Moray Eels over 6ft in length. Because this park is in a protected area the animal life is abundant. At the buoy, which marks the maximum you may enter into the channel, there is a small swim through cave which usually has a giant Dog Snapper lurking in the back part of the swim, though he casually watches as you swim through. A very scary looking fellow showing his big teeth, but the slightest movement toward him and he’s off.

This site is used as our primary night dive spot. At night it is totally different: lobsters, giant spider crabs, Stingrays, and on many occasions the odd lemon Shark has passed through. All in all this is one of the best sites for marine life found anywhere in the Caribbean.

Experience required: Intermediate due to strong current

Depth: 30ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

EAGLE RAY CANYONS HOL CHAN

This site although not new has recently become known for regular sightings of spotted Eagle Rays. I recently dove this spot with some friends from Rodale,s Magazine. Steve, one of the dive masters, was guiding the dive and during his briefing guaranteed that we were going to see Eagle Rays, and was quite adamant about it. I asked him if he was sure because we now had some excited divers aboard who were expecting to see Eagle Rays and they would be disappointed if they didn’t. Steve assured me and down we went, sure enough after 15 minutes we saw our first 3 Eagle Rays, 5 minutes later we saw an additional 5 a lot closer this time. In addition to the Eagle Rays, lots of coral formations, spur and groove formation and the usual congregation of juveniles.

This is a Marine Reserve so nothing may be touched or taken, we ask that you are careful with your fins and avoid accidentally touching the reef. If you feel you would like to improve your buoyancy, we will be happy to assist you.

Experience required: Intermediate due to strong current

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

AMIGOS BARGE HOL CHAN

One of my favorite sites, and fantastic for photography, is the wreck of an old barge located in 70ft of water in front of Shark Alley. It was sunk by Amigo’s Del Mar, a local dive operator and is named after them.

As you descend, you are literally surrounded by big groupers, lots and lots of Snappers and GUARANTEED Nurse Sharks. Unlike Shark Ray Alley, where it is only 8ft deep, at the wreck you will be able to get a shark silhouette shot and some great close-ups guaranteed, plus some amazing eye to eye encounters with some big groupers. Its amazing that this wreck has abundant marine life and is covered with coral growth.

This is definitely one of Ambergris Cayes best dives. The Wreck is now located in the marine reserve we ask that you conform to the marine reserve guidelines on all dives conducted in the waters of Belize to preserve and protect our resources for future visitor

Experience required: Intermediate

Depth: 60-80ft

Location: South Ambergris Caye

Type of Dive: Boat

SHARK RAY ALLEY HOL CHAN

This is not a Dive Site but I thought I would include it as it is unique and usually included as a surface interval stop so you can snorkel with the sharks and rays.

This is an unbelievable snorkel site similar to Caymans Stingray City except we have in addition to the resident Stingrays, 15 to 20 Nurse Sharks which means double the action. Located south of Hol-Chan Marine reserve, in only 8ft of water, this spectacular site is the only site in the world where you can interact with both Stingrays and Nurse Sharks.

So unique is this site it attracted the attention of Jean Michel Cousteau and Skindiver magazine, who have featured it on the cover page of Skindiver in 2 issues. Jean Michel told me that they are all female juveniles and it is most likely a nursing ground and kept in the area from years of fishermen cleaning their catch and discarding the scraps to the sharks.

Most dive operators offer a complimentary stop at Shark Alley during surface interval the opportunity for photography is endless.

The Nurse Sharks and Stingrays steal the show but the coral formations and other fish life is worth a mention. I visited Shark Ray Alley many times before I discovered the superb coral formations and dense fish populations. Remember to check them out when you visit Shark Ray Alley.

I hope this short article will give you an idea of some of the excellent dives on offer when you dive Ambergris Caye. Be sure to visit my website for additional articles on Diving Belize

Dive Safe

Gaz Cooper

Why Buy Florida Timeshare Resales?

If you are thinking of buying a Florida timeshare, you may want to consider the benefits of purchasing a timeshare resale.  Why buy a Florida timeshare resale?  The biggest reason is the prices are significantly lower than what one pays when they buy from the developer.  In many cases when you purchase a timeshare resale unit it has the same benefits as when purchased from the developer. However, if you purchase from a developer it is often a high pressure situation where you are asked to make a buying decision in a very short period of time.  Just as in all real estate transactions, you must do your research, consider all the facts and take the time to consider the pluses and minuses of your timeshare purchase.

Reasons why people sell their timeshares? Timeshares are a way for people to vacation with their family. When the children have grown and moved away from home, very often many people experience a change in their vacation lifestyles. Health is another reason people sell, in addition to divorce, age and sometimes their financial situation changes.  There are a variety of great destination areas to vacation in Florida; Orlando, Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West and Daytona Beach, Naples, Ft. Myers and Sanibel Island to name just a few.  These areas have great attractions for people of all ages.  Many of the name brand resorts have championship golf courses, on site spas and world class restaurants.  A timeshare gives you a resort with endless amenities for you and your family to enjoy.

There are a number of name brand luxury hotels and resorts that have entered into the timeshare business. Following are some of the name brands that have timeshare resorts in Florida: Disney, Starwood, Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. These name brand timeshares offer high quality vacations and timeshare resales will get you great prices.  Timeshare literally gives you and your family the opportunity to travel the world by exchanging into thousands of resorts worldwide through two exchange companies.  Resort Condominiums International has over 4000 resorts and Interval International has over 2500 resorts which opens up a whole new world of exchange possibilities.

If you don’t vacation every year you may want to consider a biennial usage.  This will allow you to vacation every other year.  Remember, timeshare is not a financial investment.  It is a way for you to vacation with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Greece – the Most Admired Land on Earth

Greece is widely regarded as the place where the western civilization was born many centuries ago. It is widely acknowledged as the guiding force that has driven the human civilization for over 2500 years now. It is also the place where three continents, namely Europe, Asia and Africa, and three varying climatic conditions submerge into one. These enthralling shades make it one of the most visited places on earth today. Roughly 16 million tourists walk on its soil every year, thus allowing several hundred thousand Greek nationals to be employed by its tourism industry. Located at the southeastern fringe of the European peninsula, Greece is spoken of highly for its world class beaches, lavish hotels and the level of hospitality it offers. Hotels in Greece are an integral part of its tourism infrastructure, which earns around 15% of the nation’s entire GDP in revenues.

Rich visuals may be recalled; if one began examining how the events of Greece had benefited the world we are part of. It was Greece that first gave the idea of democratic governance almost 2500 years ago. The word “democracy” itself stemmed out from the Greek language, meaning the rule of the people. In spite of its initial doubts, the Greek democracy survived on and was later followed by many other states. Modern states are often seen mimicking the same federal structure that Romans established around 2000 years ago. However, it should be noted down for academic reasons that Romans were more of an autocratic regime, as their later years suggest. Only parts in and around Athens had democratically elected councils to look after their people.

Greece also gets known for having gifted the world with Modern Olympic Games. It was Athens in 1896, where the first Olympic Games were organized after its modern-day revival. Olympic Games have since become a rallying point for the players and athletes from all over the world to compete and people from varying backgrounds to mingle with each other. Remains of the ancient Olympia stadium were excavated and restored in the middle of the 20th century. It is the same location from where the Olympic Flame starts its journey and gets carried to the game venues. These and many other exciting stories may suggest why Greece has been admired for ages now.

The world loves visiting Greece in huge numbers as a result, providing an immense boost to its tourism infrastructure. Its scenic Mediterranean coastline and the yearlong pleasing weather make holiday making fun and frolic. Athens, Peloponnese, Cyclades and Crete are some known cities carrying immense historic significance, where most travelers prefer heading on to. Hotels in Greece would be seen having high occupancy rates throughout the year, in this process, and one should plan their journeys in advance, for the same reason, to make their trips hassle free. Travelers can buy both cheap and high end accommodation from hotels in Greece, and also try to get best deals from tour operators, which include last minute holidays.

There is enough online support available for those who might be willing to book their accommodation from hotels in Greece. Sea-side resorts and self-catering apartments should also be taken into consideration apart from prime hotels in Greece for garnering accommodation. Planning out in advance should make your Greek journey memorable, since there were plenty of activities to be entertained from apart from visiting the usual heritage sites.

Traveling in Great Exuma: What to Do and Where to Go on your Great Exuma Vacation

Overview

The Exuma Islands are a string of Caribbean islands just south of the Bahamas. The largest of this string is Great Exuma, a land once a haven for pirates. Today, Great Exuma has an airport and is much more accessible to tourists than ever before. The primary draw of Great Exuma is its white sand beaches that spill into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. However, there are more than just beaches in Great Exuma; in fact, Great Exuma was voted as one of the top ten vacation destinations in 2004 by the Washington Post. The capital of the Exuma Islands, George Town, is located in Great Exuma, and, although it is the primary tourist destination, it has retained its relaxed atmosphere. This is the site of the Out Islands Regatta, a yearly boating event held in April at Elizabeth Harbor.

Sightseeing Attractions

While the fantastic Exuma coasts are a sight of their own, Great Exuma also has its share of man-made sightseeing attractions. The three main attractions are the Shark Lady Museum in Little Exuma, St. Andrew’s Church in George Town, and the ancient Stromatolites.

Outdoor Activities

Great Exuma’s beaches are nearly deserted, allowing tourists a much-needed break from the bustle of their everyday lives. They’re also great places for swimming, as the currents around the islands are not strong. Snorkeling is available on every beach, but more adventurous tourists may want to snorkel at the Staniel or Crab Cays. Staniel Cay offers shallow reefs and blue holes and is the sight of the Vulcan Bomber, the ship sunk for special effect during the making of the James Bond film Thunderball. Crab Cay is the sight of the Exuma Pride wreckage, and it is also a great snorkeling location for viewing thousands of different types of tropical fish. The last huge outdoor attraction in Great Exuma is fishing. The most desired catch around the islands is the Bonefish. Deep sea boats also offer deep sea fishing opportunities, with most vendors operating out of George Town.

Nightlife

Great Exuma is not known as a nightlife hotspot, primarily because it is a destination for relaxation. The island has no clubs; however, get-togethers occur around the hotel districts frequently, and barbeques are held twice a week on the beaches. There is also weekend dancing available at the Two Turtles. Dining in Great Exuma is a great experience with most restaurants offering fresh fish dishes. However, don’t expect to find too many different types of cuisines on the island. Most restaurants are clustered around George Town.