Archive for July 4th, 2010

More People Camping

More People Camping
Local campgrounds are already filling up for the holiday weekend.

Read more on WCYB 5 Tri-Cities

Visiting Utah On Your Next Road Trip

While in Utah, look for mountains, deserts, colorful canyons, cool caves, natural bridges, arches and a big, bold, briny lake. Visitors to Utah are advised to keep their eyes and ears wide open so they won’t miss anything, since the “Beehive State” bedazzles guests with a real treasure trove of nature’s richness.

Antelope Island State Park is located near Syracuse between Salt Lake City and Ogden in northwestern Utah’s Great Basin country. Perched in the middle of the Great Salt Lake at 4,200 feet above seal level, Antelope is the largest of the big lake’s ten islands. The park is easy to reach via a seven-mile-long causeway that connects Antelope Island with Utah’s mainland. At one time a hunting ground for explorers like Kit Carson and John C. Freemont, a homesteading haven for adventurers, and a grazing range for domestic livestock, the 28,000-acre Antelope tract was designated a state park in 1981. Animals that currently live off the island’s bounty include elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope and a thriving herd of American bison. There are also resident coyotes, porcupines, jackrabbits, badgers and bobcats, plus an impressive variety of land and shore-dwelling birds, from raptors and burrowing owls to grebes and California gulls. Besides opportunities for wildlife observation, Antelope Island sits amid 1,500 square miles of Great Salt Lake, the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. There are sandy white beaches, glorious sunsets and soothing stretches of saltwater that render swimmers unsinkable. Antelope’s hikers, cyclists and horseback riders enjoy an assortment of roads and trails that provide sweeping vistas of the luminous lake and the island’s rugged terrain.

In the southwestern region of Utah, near Springdale, Zion National Park marks the incomparable connection of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave Desert. The Hebrew word Zion translates as “place of refuge or sanctuary,” and this 229 square-mile preserve certainly fulfills its calling. Towering sandstone cliffs, splendid canyons, and the largest natural arch in the world contribute to the majesty of Zion’s countryside. Designated automobile routes lead tourists onto Checkerboard Mesa, along Kolob’s finger canyons, or into terraced high-country. The park’s excellent system of hiking and biking trails introduces visitors to waterfalls, gardens, springs, rivers, and some of the most awesome panoramas you’ll find. For those who’d like to park their vehicles and take a carefree ride through Zion’s adventures, an efficient park transportation system takes the trouble out of touring.

Bryce Canyon National Park is in south central Utah near the town of Bryce Canyon. This park hugs the eastern edge of the high-lying, desert-fringed Paunsaugunt Plateau. It’s a special place where thousands of multicolored mazes, pinnacles, fins and spires have been crafted from the effects of erosion on local sandstone, limestone and mudstone. These unique stony formations are dubbed “hoodoos,” and are clumped together in U-shaped patterns along the plateau, giving Bryce Canyon a fantastic landscape. Besides admiring the captivating hoodoos, visitors hike, ride horses or drive on a self-guided auto tour of park territory. Wanderers see ponderosa pine trees, fir-spruce woodlands, elevated meadows, surrounding deserts and distant views of three states. Bryce’s air is clean and exhilarating, and its clear, unlit night skies are perfect for stargazing.

The southeastern Utah town of Moab is the home base of Canyonlands National Park. This preserve occupies a high desert basin rimmed by sandstone cliffs, and it’s a larger-than-life, naturally occurring tribute to the artistic merits of the mighty Colorado River. Through the relentless movement of the Colorado over vast spans of time, Canyonlands’ tinted sandstone scene has been eroded and layered into tremendous gorges, mesas and buttes. A major source of the park’s geographic variety is the presence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, which swiftly run through Canyonlands, slicing the park into several unique sections. The Island in the Sky district is a good place to begin a Canyonlands tour. This area offers visitors a marked automobile route with lots of scenic overlooks and a nice choice of easy-does-it hiking trails. Sightings of desert-dwelling animals such as spade foot toads, kangaroo rats, coyotes and bobcats add to the appeal of any visit.

The Maldives – A Beach Paradise

The Maldives are a collection of over one thousand islands in the Indian Ocean, almost 500 miles south west of Sri Lanka. They epitomise the phrase “tropical paradise” and as a result are a popular destination for couples and families wanting a really relaxing holiday. The Maldives is one of the most isolated countries is the world, and also one of the most dispersed, with atolls (islands made of coral that encircle lagoons) spread out over thousands of miles.

Being near the equator, The Maldives has hot temperatures all year round. However, between June and October, monsoons are common due to interactions between the sea and air in Asia to the North. Rainfall is a lot lower between October and April so this is the ideal window for a holiday. Temperatures average 30°C in these months. This climate combines with possibly some the finest beaches on the planet. The spectacular formations of coral that have formed the islands have to be seen to be believed. The lagoons that form within the islands have a brilliant blue colour, and look as they do on the postcards. Palm trees swaying with the sea breeze help complete the idyllic setting.

Most of the islands are still uninhabited, so if you want to be completely isolated, you can simply hire a boat and explore. There can surely be no better feeling that lying on a beach with nobody for literally miles around. The corals that make up the island act as a food source for small animals which leads to a diverse range of animal life â?? perfect for snorkelling. If you travel at the right time you can also be lucky enough to swim with Whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet.

It’s no wonder why Maldives holidays are so desirable. It’s such a relaxing, paradisiacal place – a world away from the hustle and bustle of the West.

Lake Lanier Homes

Lake Sidney Lanier, most often just called Lake Lanier, is located in the northern portion of Georgia. The lake was created from the development of the Buford dam, and is fed from both the Chattahoochee River, and the Chestatee River flowing south down from the North Georgia Mountains.

Lake Lanier is a thirty eight thousand (38,000) acre lake encompassing over six hundred and ninety miles of beautiful shoreline. The lake was developed by the army corp. of engineers and development began in 1950, and actually began filling with water in nineteen fifty six (1956). Lake Lanier spans multiple counties including Dawson, Hall, Forsyth, Lumpkin, and Gwinnett.

Lake Sidney Lanier was named after the famous poet Sidney Lanier. The original intent of the Buford Dam was to control flooding, and hydroelectricity, though it has now largely also being utilized as a water supply for the City of Atlanta, and a huge source of entertainment for Georgia residents. Lake Lanier has grown in popularity over the years as an excellent location for boating, fishing, and skiing. The addition of the Lake Lanier Water Park and Lake Lanier Island resort has brought even more visitors every year.

Lake Lanier has been experiencing extensive growth on and especially around the lake since the early nineteen nineties. There has been a huge rise in residential homes and commercial development over the last fifteen or twenty years, as more Atlanta residence acquire the desire for a further North suburban appetite. This onslaught rise in commercial and residential home development has however failed to damper the ever increasing constant flow of weekend visitors plying to take part of the activities that are abundantly available at the lake. Lake Lanier home ownership has always been a long time prize possession of many Georgians. Historically owning a Lake Lanier home has been a status symbol for many Georgians as a sign of success or a sign of retirement.

Lake Lanier is an angler’s paradise with a wide variety of fish species to target ranging from small mouth to large mouth bass, catfish, white and striped bass, and a huge abundance of crappie. Those anglers that desire trout fishing will find some of the best trout fishing Georgia has to offer with the trout fishing opportunities available in the portion of the Chattahoochee River lying just below the Buford dam. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and the occasional brookie can be pulled out in large quantities, and often ranging in size of up to nineteen inches.

For the skier, Lake Lanier offers some excellent calm smooth as glass waters back in one of the many large open cove areas. Weekends can often be a bit crowded, but for the avid skier, a quick run up during a week day can offer some skiing experiences not found elsewhere.

So if you find yourself in Georgia, Lake Lanier is a must visit. You will most likely want to stay at one of the several well maintained campgrounds, or if your taste leans toward a more luxurious accommodation, you will most likely want to stay at the Lake Lanier Island Resorts area.

No matter where you decide to stay, you will not be disappointed in all that Lake Lanier has to offer, and like many who visit, you will most likely find yourself seriously considering purchasing a home here, and staying on as a permanent resident, If not, you will still not be disappointed in your visit.

Why A Bali Holiday Is Ideal For A Family

Bali is an island of dreams known for its picturesque natural beauty and romantic backdrops. Whilst it certainly is one of the worldâ??s best destinations for couples, it is also ideal for family vacations. No matter the age of visitors, a Bali holiday will be filled with adventure, breathtaking sights and a chance to take in educational opportunities all along the way.

There are a number of reasons that combine to make Bali vacations an excellent choice for family adventures. When this Indonesian island is the destination, families of all sizes and age compositions will find these factors stand out to make Bali a good selection:

* The weather â?? Whilst there is a monsoon season that runs between December and March, Bali is practically postcard perfect in weather throughout the year. With temperatures that range between 20 and 33 degrees Celsius, there is little reason to fear having to spend days inside Bali hotels to wait out inclement weather. Even during the rainy season, the storms tend to come in the evening hours.

* The outdoor fun â?? Going to Bali without exploring its natural wonders would be like travelling to Americaâ??s Disney World without ever once going on a ride. It just wouldnâ??t make sense. The outdoor activities for families that visit Bali are almost endless. From the pristine white sand beaches to the breathtaking mist-covered mountains, Bali and the great outdoors just go hand-in-hand. Those on a Bali holiday will find they can do such things as swim, water ski, white water raft, hike, bike, horseback ride, golf and even go on tours of volcanoes. There is no end to the potential for outdoor fun when a Bali holiday is on tap.

* The attractions â?? From the monkey forest and the elephant safari to the many museums, shops and restaurants, Bali has no shortage of attractions that are well suited for family adventures. The islandâ??s many attractions are almost all considered very family friendly.

* The accommodations â?? Bali accommodations are designed not only for couples, but also for families. If a little more room is needed than an average hotel might offer, Bali villas and apartments can give families the space they need to spread out.

* The history â?? The islandâ??s history dates back thousands of years into the past. Visitors here will find that temples built over a thousand years ago still stand and that historic sites can be taken in throughout Bali. From the temple Pura Besakih on Mount Agung to the Tanah Lot, young visitors will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the Indonesian culture through the years.

* The pricing â?? A Bali holiday does not have to cost a fortune to be incredibly memorable. Families will find that Bali accommodations are quite reasonable in pricing as are many of the main attractions on the island.

Whilst Bali is an excellent vacation destination for couples, it offers families plenty of excitement. A Bali holiday can suit visitors of all ages who will be blown by the islandâ??s natural beauty, many attractions and history that lives on.

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Named for the Timucua Natives, who inhabited the region, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve spreads over thousands of acres Northeast of Jacksonville, Florida.  The Preserve, under the auspices of the National Park System, consists of Fort Caroline, Teddy Roosevelt Ecological Preserve, Kingsley Plantation, Ribault Club, American Beach, and many smaller units.  Each unit has a unique story to tell.

The Timucua Nation settled this region for thousands of years.  Both the men and the women were over six feet tall.  Oysters and other sea creatures provided much of the protein in their diet.  Eight-foot high middens of shells with tree growing from them dot the Teddy Roosevelt Ecological Preserve.

Their first known encounter with Europeans was with Jean Ribault and his French Huguenots in 1562.  Catherine d’Medici allowed Ribault and company to sail to the New World, for God, glory and gold (not necessarily in that order).  This was the beginning of the religious wars between the Catholics and Protestants in Europe.  Catherine tried to relieve some of the pressure by letting Ribault explore the New World.  He sailed into the Mai River, a.k.a., St. Johns River and encountered the Timucua, who were very friendly.  He left a marker there and proceeded Northward into present day Charleston SC, where he established a small fort.  Leaving a few men, he promised to return with reinforcements and supplies.  He was slow to keep his promise, because he was imprisoned.  When he did return, three years later, he could find no one there.

Meanwhile Rene de Laudonniere brought three hundred settlers to the Fort de la Caroline.  One of group was the French artist Jacques le Moyne de Morgues who recorded the life of the Timucua on paper. These drawings were later published in France.  The Timucua and French were allies.  But when the Timucua asked for French help in a dispute with another group, the French refused.  Relations between the two nations went South after that.

Fort de la Caroline was nicely situated near an eighty-foot high bluff overlooking the Spanish galleons heading to Spain loaded with the gold that the French sought.  The Spanish caught wind of the French presence and sent Pedro de Menendez with ships of soldiers to remove Fort Caroline.  He arrived shortly after Ribault returned with his men.   The French ships were faster and more maneuverable than the Spanish galleons.  Menendez retreated twenty-seven miles South and built a fort there at present-day St. Augustine.  Ribault, against the advice of Laudonniere, sailed his fleet to destroy the Spanish.  A hurricane struck them and they were marooned.  Menendez retaliated by attacking Fort Caroline via land.  Few Frenchmen escaped back to France, including le Moyne.  Menendez found Ribault.  He massacred him and all his men.  Not only were they the hated French, but also Huguenots.

The present Fort Caroline is a replica of the original fort, which lies somewhere in the middle of the St. Johns River.  The Visitors Center has many interesting displays about the Fort, the Timucua and the area.  One of the most interesting objects is a ten-foot tall owl totem.  This was found in the swamp near Gainesville, FL.  It was carved using shark teeth and seashells.  With five toes on each foot it stands on a perch looking at the passersby.  The feathering on its back is exquisite.  Also in the collection is a dug out canoe, which was not very useful.  After spending so much time hollowing out the log, the natives found an unseen knot.  When it was placed in the water, it sank.

Across the St. John River on Fort George Island sits Kingsley Plantation.  The plantation house dates from about 1797, but has been closed to the public for the past seven years due to restoration work.  New exhibits are panned for the house once it opens in the future.  The plantation also has a large barn, a house that was the kitchen and alternative living quarters; Union Hall with meeting hall and employee residences upstairs and many tabby slave quarters.

Tabby is a building material found here, in Southern Georgia, and East Africa.  The lime-based mortar is leeched from seashells and other ingredients, which cannot be duplicated as of this date.  Seashells also form the aggregate forming the walls of the quarters.  Each one has two rooms, is well ventilated.  The houses are arranged in an arc facing the plantation house.

The principle crop grown there was Sea Island cotton, which is the finest cotton in the world; far superior to upland cotton, Egyptian cotton and Indian cotton.   The plants grow to a height of seven feet and are harvested over a month’s time.  The cotton has long fibers and cannot be ginned, because the fibers will be destroyed.  The seeds, however, are smooth.  So the cotton can be processed by hand; a very labor-intensive product.  The last time it was commercially grown was during World War II.  It was used for making parachutes, because silk was in short supply.  Nylon and other synthetics have replaced the need for Sea Island cotton.  You can see it growing in the small garden at the plantation.  Sugar cane was also grown on the plantation and indigo under previous owners.  Indigo is also labor intensive and those processing it have a short life expectancy, because of its carcinogenic properties.

Zephaniah Kingsley owned the plantation in the early nineteenth century.  He was a slave trader from Charleston, SC and came to Florida to make his fortune.  After the Patriot War of 1813, he purchased the plantation for pennies on the dollar and lived there from 1814-1836.  He purchased a young slave girl in Havana, Cuba whose name was Anna Madgigine Jai.  She had been a princess in Senegal, Africa, but was sold into slavery.  After fathering three children with Anna, Zephaniah married her and manumissioned her in 1811.  As a present he have her five acres.  She petitioned the Spanish government for more acreage bought slaves and worked the land.  She helped the Spanish win the war.  They compensated her for her loses and gave her more acreage. She and her husband continued to buy up the land and ended with 32,000 acres, more than 200 slaves, and four working plantations.

When Florida became a territory of the United States (a hostile takeover) in 1821 Zephaniah was a member of the board to determine the kind of slavery which would be the law in Florida.  Under Spanish rule a slave could buy his/her freedom, unlike the other states.  Florida had been the end of the Underground Railroad under Spanish rule.  Zephaniah lost the battle.  Seeing that his family was in jeopardy of being enslaved again, he left Florida and started a new plantation in free Haiti.

He died shortly afterwards at the age of seventy-eight.  After his death his white relatives contested his will and vied for Anna and her children’s inheritance.  She returned to Florida and overcoming insurmountable odds won in court.  She continued to live in the new Jacksonville on the St. John River.  Kingsley Plantation had been sold to a relative previous to Zephaniahs death.  When the Civil War erupted, Anna decided to move to New York to avoid the hostilities.  She returned to Jacksonville after the war and died in 1870.  She left no photographs, any letters.  Her will of 1860 states that she had $3,000 in cash and four Negro slaves.

The Theodore Roosevelt Area offers the visitor 600 acres of quiet and solitude in an urban environment.  Miles of trails take the visitor past eight-foot high middens of shells accumulated by the Timucua Natives over the centuries.  Trees grow from their midst as a testimonial to the power of nature.  A walk to the observation tower allows the visitor a view of the St. Johns River estuary salt marsh.  At low time the oysters clack their shells in a concert.  Look for heron, egrets and other birds that frequent the area.

Willie Browne, born in 1890, lived here his entire life and gave The Theodore Roosevelt Area in 1969 to The Nature Conservancy. In 1990 it became part of the National Park Service so that others could enjoy the beauty of “Old Florida”.  Willie allowed no hunting on his property.  It remains as pristine today as it was during his life.  Developers offered him large sums of money so they could develop it.  He wanted the property named after his favorite president, Theodore Roosevelt.

The Ribault Club on Fort George Island was built in 1928 as a resort for the rich and famous, who traveled there by boat.  It sported a golf course, tennis courts, dining room, yachting facilities, etc.  Membership declined during the Depression.  It fell into disrepair, but subsequently has been restored to it former grandeur.  The facilities are available for rental today for weddings, meetings, etc.  One area contains exhibits about its history and the history of Fort George Island.

A recent acquisition to The Timucuan Historical and Ecological Preserve is The American Beach Sand Dune.  American Beach on Amelia Island was one of the few beaches on the South Atlantic Coast open to the African American Community.  Great Jazz musicians would meet there on weekends and play on.  Local citizens flocked to the beach in numbers.  Hurricane Dora destroyed much of the area in 1964 and The Civil Rights Act put the final nail into the coffin, because Daytona, Miami and other places opened their beaches to the African American. MaVynee Betsch, who passed away in 2005, tirelessly preserved this little place of history.  A visitor center is planned in the future to preserve this unique location.