Archive for August, 2010

Utah

A recent trip to Utah, photographs of Arches and Canyonlands National Park…

Scuba Diving in Puerto Rico: What Underwater Sights to Behold?

It is always necessary to go with a dive guide when you are diving in a region unfamiliar to you. Scuba diving in Puerto Rico is as easy as inquiring at the front desk of your motel. Many diving centers that cover the island as well as most of the motels in Puerto Rico offer scuba training and diving guides. From there, you can begin your adventure into the wonderful, blue ocean.

From the Condado District of San Juan, you can start your journey. You will encounter amazing lava reefs that protect and shelter an array of sea life. From arrow crabs to coral shrimp and sea horses, as well as batfish and snappers, these beautiful reefs shaped from ancient volcanic activity provide an incredible view of ocean life that cannot be witnessed from above. However, the most popular areas for scuba diving in Puerto Rico is on the western coastline where reefs are surrounded by beautiful, clear waters adding to its attraction.

An excellent destination for divers of all levels is Desecheo Island, also on the west coast of Puerto Rico. From snorkeling to diving, there is much to behold. Mona Island is also an ideal place for scuba diving in Puerto Rico. This beautiful island is only accessible by boat and the marine life concealed here is incredible which includes dolphins, sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, whales, and hundreds of tropical fish.

At Mona Island, it is guaranteed that divers will see wide variety of fishes and sea animals on every dive. There is also many other spectacular places to dive in Puerto Rico. For instance, on the southern most coast of the island is Fajardo. It lets you see the world of caverns and reefs with clear view beautiful coral of all types. You can also see beautiful parrotfish, as well as bantailed puffers and more on the amazing double-barrier reef surrounding Palomino Island.

Cayo Diablo, just a little further east, is where you can as well find amazing corals, as well as marine life, such as green moray eels, octopuses, even the occasional manatee. Further south from Fajardo is the Humacao Region. Here you will discover the Basslet Reef and its amazing caves, overhangs, and incredible tunnels stretching over a mile long. Visiting this reef in the spring will enable you to swim with dolphins.

Not far from Basslet Reef is the Cracks. This is an area known for its incredible caves and alleyways that seem like they could hide an underwater civilization. Here is offered the benefits of visiting a cleaning station where goby-fish take advantage of the opportunity to clean and feed off of the local marine life. You are also likely to encounter a lobster and get a good up-close look at some amazing corals. In an area called the Drift, you can swim along side nurse sharks, as well as beautiful angelfish, and enter a world of incredible swim-troughs and amazing ledges.

Scuba diving in Puerto Rico would not be complete if you fail to visit Red Hog drop off. This area is relatively new for divers and offers an amazing panoramic view of a drop off that goes from eighty feet to over one thousand feet. It is indeed a wonderful experience in taking a dive in Puerto Rico that will stay with you forever. There are so many different things to do and views to see which you will surely enjoy.

Want to find out more about scuba diving in Puerto Rico, then visit MyDiveBuddies site and start planning your scuba dive today.

Bournemouth: the Happiest Town in the UK

Britain and bad weather go hand-in-hand, if we are to believe the rumours, but the south of the country isn’t actually all that bad and many of the south coast seaside resorts can be great destinations for domestic holidays.

Bournemouth is one such place and as a coastal town that has seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a year-round temperate climate and which is only a couple of hours commute from London, it’s hardly surprising that over two million people visit the town each year by rail.

In a recent survey, Bournemouth was identified as being the happiest town in the whole of the United Kingdom, with its beaches, nightlife and ease of access to open, green spaces cited as one of the main reasons for its perennial cheerfulness.

The town may have somewhat of a reputation as a place where people move when its time to retire, but nothing could be further from the truth. As Dorset’s most populous settlement, Bournemouth attracts almost fifteen thousand students to its university each year, meaning it has a very youthful, happening scene, with many pubs and clubs offering great opportunities for those wishing to party into the small hours.

For visitors wanting a birds-eye view of the town, the Bournemouth Balloon offers a spectacular position from which to see the surrounding area. The helium-filled craft is attached to the ground with a steel cable and the balloon lifts passengers five hundred feet into the sky, offering panoramic views of the English Channel. On a clear day, people can see for up to twenty miles and this is by far the highest public observation point in the whole of Bournemouth.

For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, then Bournemouth offers up amazing opportunities for visitors with a penchant for nature. Many remarkable species of plants and animals can be found here and the nearby Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour is one of the last few places in the south of England where red squirrels can still be found. This is due to the fact that grey squirrels have never been introduced to the island.

There is so much to keep the fussiest of visitors entertained in this splendid seaside resort, which means that accommodation is always in demand throughout the year. However, even in a year-round busy town such as Bournemouth cheap hotels can still be found, just make sure to book ahead.

With an abundance of unique wildlife, green spaces, beaches and warm weather, Bournemouth is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday, and for those who already live there, it’s hardly surprising it is the happiest town in the country!

An Ecuador Adventure

The Republic of Ecuador is located in the Andeas and regarded as a famous tourist destination for many reasons. Traveling to Ecuador means climbing mountains, trekking the famous Amazon Mountain, careless walk along with the inviting beaches, and hospitalities at the Ecuador hotels and inns, isn’t it? Many people come to this country for visiting the acclaimed Galapagos Islands. In addition to above mentioned attractions, the country has a lot more to amuse all travelers that come here to enjoy a great time here:

Quito:
Being the capital city, Quito clearly displays imprints of colonial architecture. Ecuador is considered the smallest yet most beautiful country in the entire South America. Features that make the country look different and distinguished is the architecturally masterpieces of white washed buildings with red tile roofs in contrast with a clear view of the modern Ecuador Hotels.

In addition, you can observe snow-capped mountains almost throughout the year. The Avenida Amazonas is another interesting feature which is considered an active area with thousand of good people watching and outdoor cafes.

Avenue of the Volcanoes:
At Ecuador, you cannot resist visiting the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes. It is a must see place which is located in the south of Ecuadors Capital. If you run down the valley, you will find so many mountain peaks dotted with inactive volcanoes.

The Galapagos Islands:
The Galapagos Islands is one of the major attractions of visiting Ecuador. Located about 600 miles off the mainland, the Galapagos Islands are a collection of 13 islands with unusual wildlife.

Indeed, the country has a lot to offer. Plan your visit now!

Cuba, Travel Guide

- To get into the tropical atmosphere of Cuba at its fiftieth. Among the American automobiles, the smoky bars of Havana, the effect is assured.

- For its fantastic sea. Cuba offers about six thousand kilometers of splendid Caribbean coast, with beaches and cliffs for all likes.

- For the people’s hospitality, not always interested as it is wanted to make you believe. The Cubans are people full of happiness and eager to leave, people who love to find the foreigner, just to exchange ideas.

- To smoke the best tobaccos in the world, made by hand with the leaves of Vuelta Abajo. You can also attend to the making of the tobacco in a factory or maybe inside of a big hotel, where there are exhibited in parties, authenticate preparations for the tobacco’s artists.

- To travel through out the town of Hemingway, a North American writer that lived in the island from the 1939 to the 1961 and where he wrote some of his romances.

GEOGRAPHICAL DATA

Located in the Caribbean Sea, Cuba, with a longitude of about 1.200 kms and a surface of 110.860 Km., is the biggest island in the biggest Antilla. It is at about 200 Km. from the island of Keys and it is close to The Mexican peninsula of Yucatan in and the island of Hispaniola. More than the main island, The Cuban Republic gathers all the isles and islands that surround it. Great part of the Cuban coast is low and sandy, with numerous bays and areas of lagoons and paludose. Its interior is of plains, interrupted by the Sierra de los Organos to the west, the Sierra del Escambray to the center and the Sierra Maestra to the east. Its population is of about 11 million inhabitants.

Time Zone: -6.0 (summer); -6.0 (winter)

Duration of the days 13.5 hours (June); minimum 11.0 hours (December)

WHEN TO GO

Period better: February, March

Good period: January, April, December

Worse Period: September, October

WEATHER

The dry station which is naturally the best period to go, begins at the end of October and finishes in April. The rains station is from April to October, but in these months precipitations, although are abundant always occurs in the half-day and for a short period.

What to take

Without doubts the bathing suit. And then summer clothes, shirts and cotton pullouvers, short and long pants. And do not forget besides, the shoes for walking in the afternoons, to take also a pair of sandals.

CULTURE/MUSEUMS

City Museum

Address: Plaza de Armas, Havana

Schedule: 9.30-18.30

Entrance is paid

One of the main museums of histoty and culture of the isle. It offers a rich exposition ofartistic testimonies bengining from the colonial period up to firts years of the republic.

Revolution Museum

Address: Palacio Presidencial, Calle Refugio, Havana

Schedule: 10-17; Saturday up to 18

Entrance is paid

All that is wanted to know about the myth of the Cuban revolution is exposed in this place, in the ex-presidential building that housed as last tenant, the dictator Batista up to 1959,documents, registrations and movies on the revolutionary epic poem.

National Museum

Address: Calle Trocadero, Havana

Schedule: 10-17; closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Entrance is paid

The exhibition is divided in several sections. The pinacoteca, with linens from Spanish, Englishmen, Danish teachers, among them stand out Velásquez, Murillo, Goya and Turner; the Egyptian old art collection, grecian and Roman, considered the most important in Latin America, the gallery dedicated to the Cuban painting from the XVII century to our days, the ceramic collection, and a space for the contemporary exhibitions.

Hemingway Museum

Address: San Francisco de Paula, San Miguel del Padrón, 12 km from Havana

Schedule: 9-16; Sundays 9-12.30

Entrance is paid

Dedicated to the enthusiasts of North American writer who lived in this building from 1939 to 1961. It was here where Hemingway wrote “Whom sound the bells for” and the “Old man and the sea”.

Music National Museum

Address: Calle Cárcel, Havana

Schedule: 9-17; Sundays 8-12; Closed on Mondays

Entrance is paid

There are exposed numerous Afro-Cuban musical instruments, besides the Fernando Ortiz anthropologist’s private collection. Disks, scores and instruments are sold, also some concerts are presented in the museum saloon.

CUBAN CUISINE

The traditional cuisine in Cuba is excellente and it would be a sin to get lost looking for other inetrnational plates, proposed in other local. The Cuban culinary art is born from the encounter of the precolumbian cuisine with the African, French, Spanish, English, and the Hindu and indonesa. The result of this is a miracle of the balance. There are fruits very often so as (mango, papaya, avocado,) mainly to accompany salted plates and to form part of the base of cocktails and drinks.It is used a lot the pig meat, lots of chicken, mainly in the inside of the country, while in the coastal restaurants are intend exquisite sea plates: fish, crustaceans cooked in several ways. The national plate is the “ajiaco” a soup with the help of potato, banana, corn, calf meat, Chicken, and dry meat. Another typical food is the “congri”, made with black beans and rice cooked all together , accompanied by “pig pork cracklings”. The “fufú” is on the other hand a banana puree seasoned with “mojo”, a fried lightly of oil garlic and cumin. Do not loose teh oportunity to taste the “Creole lobster” that is nothing else but a fried lobster with tomato, onions, peppers, spicy pepper and sour orange juice. Among the candies the “boniatillo”, made of sweet potato and sugar and the “coquito acaramelado” also “la mala rabia” also made of sweet potato sugra cane sirope, cinnamon and sweet orange shell. The diffused drink is the coffee, served to the American way, that is to say not few, and the rum is pure that serve as base to any prepared swig or the numerous cocktails so as Cuba Libre, the Rum punk or Piña Colada. Cuba also produces an excellent beer. The diffused national marks are the Mayabe and The Lagarto.

FUN/SHOPPING

Who doesn’t know the Cuban rum and tobacco, known for everyone as best in the world? In the island there are lots of opportunities to return home with some good music, revolutionary souvenir and why not an automobile of the fifty years.

Tobaccos

The tobaccos or cigarettes are of different sizes, they are sold loose or in elegant wooden boxes. Just to see them makes yoy buy them although you are not a smoker, maybe for a beautiful gift. The prices are almost half of the prices in Italy. For example a box with three Montecristo Sigars N.4 costs at about 10 American dollars. They can be bought in the stores. At Havana in the House of 5a and 16 (5a Ave y 16). In Santiago in Casa del Tabaco (Ave. Jesus Menéndez 730). Pay attention to the conservation of the tobacco. An adequate humidity is needed for them.

Craft

Cuban craft reflex the influence of diverse cultures, mainly the African. Many objects are related with the santería, the Afro-Cuban religion diffused per excellency in the island. There can be dolls of pieces and ceramic, masks made of paper maché and wooden sculptures. Puppets of tamarind seeds are also made. Pretty hats palm feathers fibers or of knitted coconut. Baskets and bags are also made. In old Havana there is the Craft Palace (Calle Cuba 64). In Santiago in the Craft House (Cathedral Plaza).

Foods

The rum is bought obligatorily and the most famous mark is The Havana Club in several versions: Liquor, the most economic; Carta Blanca 3 years and particularly used for the cocktails. Carta Oro, 5 years, and the most refined matured during 7 years. The precise goes from 4 to 7 American dollars each bottle. For adventurers the most valuable rum in Cuba is the retained Matusalem, product from Santiago de Cuba matured during 25 years, it can be around the 15 dollars the bottle in Casa del Ron de Obispo y Bernaza in Old Havana.

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The 10 Best America?s Campgrounds

As the summer starts, RV campers hit the road for the first camping trip of the season for many people and families. But, this year that holiday weekend and summer kickoff is met with expenses and gas prices making heads spin.

Therefore, many of them are exploring the camping spots close to home and using the gear they’ve got (tents, sleeping bags, or maybe a camper) for the most fun they’ve had in a long time.

But, there are thousands of campgrounds around the country, many of these in national and state parks and forests.

Privately run camps, such as those in the KOA system (“Kampgrounds of America”), charge some fees, and a number of public lands require permits of various kinds. But if you take a do-it-yourself approach to everything else, you can manage to pull off some adventure on a sensible budget, with a little planning.

Here are 10 best campgrounds in America according to Forbes.

1. Sterling Highway, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

The Kenai Peninsula’s Sterling Highway runs through a major chunk of Alaska’s gorgeous southern-coast scenery. There are numerous places to stop and camp along the Highway, from Sterling Junction to the very end at Homer Spit, whether you just want to pitch a tent or park an RV.

Along the way, you’ll have chances to spot moose, eagles and bears. And in the summer, you’re smack dab in the middle of the biggest salmon-fishing party in the world, when the wildlife extends to the numerous good-time taverns and road joints in various towns along the highway.

Chill out at Centennial Park in Soldotna, which is roughly halfway. Carry the salmon-fishing gear with you, and book ahead for some halibut fishing out of Homer.

2. Roan Mountain

In the East, some of the greatest Appalachian Trail scenes are available to those hikers who climb and camp on Roan Mountain, known for incredible views of rhododendron-covered hillsides and spruce groves.

Roan Mountain shelters a rich diversity of life, from spruce-fir forests to vast grassy balds.

Access is through Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, or Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. Moving south from Carver’s Gap to the Roan High Knob takes hikers through some of the thicker spruce on Roan.

Look for rhododendron gardens a short distance off the main trail on High Knob, along gravel paths. After some steep climbs, those who want to pitch a tent off the trail can do so, but be careful of sensitive areas.

3. San Gorgonio Wilderness Area

Those campers in the West who are willing to do a little hill climbing for the sake of a great eco-adventure should look to the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area in the San Bernardino National Forest.

The San Bernardino Mountains aren’t your typical desert range. For one, they are well watered and forested. They are also extremely high, rising like a fortress and walling in the eastern edge of the Los Angeles Basin. San Gorgonio is popular with back-packers and climbers seeking incredible views of the Mojave Desert and Los Angeles.

4. Cotter Trout Dock

Looking for some terrific Arkansas trout fishing? Looking for a whole lot of fun, a real getaway, and relaxation all at the same time? Cotter Trout Dock specializes in just those very things.

A cool destination around Lake of the Ozarks is the Cotter Trout Dock fishing camp on Smith Island, at the confluence of the White and Buffalo rivers.

You can treat yourself to a day (or several) of fishing, fun and relaxation.

5. Seawall Campground

In Maine you never run out of outdoors amusing stuff. Coming to this campground is always a great idea. Seawall Campground sits at the southern end of the island, so it often sees less of a crowd than the campsites near Bar Harbor.

Seawall Campground is right by the Harbor Trail, and you absolutely ought to stop at Lamoine State Park since you’re here. So much cool stuff in the vicinity of Seawall Campground, and it’s always fun to be here.

Near Seawall Campground you stumble on splendid places like Long Ledge; do take a hike on the Wonderland Trail.

6. Kirk Creek Campground

To pitch a tent in ocean breezes, your best bet for scenic coastal camping on the West Coast is Kirk Creek Campground in the northern section of California’s Los Padres National Forest.

It’s situated on a bluff 30 miles south of Big Sur, and trails from the campground lead down to the rocky beach.

The best way to discover the wonders of Big Sur is to stay awhile. An excellent way is provided by the Los Padres National Forest at Kirk Creek Campground. For campers, either in a tent or recreational vehicle, who want to experience both land and sea, Kirk Creek is the best campground on the Big Sur.

7. Brickhill Bluff, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Ga.

Feeling shipwrecked never felt so good on this Spanish-moss-strewn island where you can kayak, swim, fish, watch for dolphins, sea turtles, and wild horses, and then camp in one of three wilderness areas or two main campsites.

The mosquitoes can get thick in wet periods, so be prepared. The only way to get to the island is by ferry, which departs from the park visitor center in St. Marys, Ga., not far off Route 95 (exit 3, about half an hour south of Savannah).

8. Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Ky.

If you err on the side of a pretty loose definition of “camping,” Barren River Resort might be just the thing for you. Maybe “camping” means a cottage on a lake and a little tennis every afternoon. Or it means an improved site for a trailer camper and a couple rounds of golf.

You can do that here, plus fishing, boating, lake swimming, cave exploring, riding, and just about any organized outdoor group sport. The main lodge has 51 rooms for those whose relationship with nature involves an actual bed and bath.

9. Dispersed Sites, Colorado State Forest, Colo.

While there are four areas of developed campsites in the Colorado State Forest, the 60-odd first-come, first-serve “dispersed” sites scattered around the County Road 41 and the Bockman, Montgomery Pass and Ruby Jewel road areas provide some of the best seclusion and allow for spur-of-the-moment access to adventure.

Backcountry camping is allowed in many places in the forest, especially around a number of alpine lakes. Located northeast of Estes Park, this is the place to turn to for a whole host of wildlife—elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, moose, porcupines, eagles and bobcats. Take your fly rod for the trout and grayling.

10. Juniper Woods Campgrounds, Catskills, N.Y.

How free do you want to be in the outdoors? Juniper Woods lets you go all the way, with its clothing optional/nudist campground (50 campsites total, and filling up fast), right in the storied Catskills region of New York.

Natural beauty is abundant here from the wooded rolling hills to the open meadows perfect for sunning and relaxing. Set your mind and body free and wrap yourself in nature’s magnificence.

So shed that uptight ‘tude, get rid of the polo shirts and skinny jeans, and live like Adam and Eve before the apple incident. But don’t expect some kind of Bacchanalia—this is a mellow, family-oriented place that doesn’t put up with weirdos, shenanigans, or cell-phone cameras (you’ll get tossed out on your bare bottom if you try).

Campers enjoy barbeque’s, parties and karaoke nights. The first-time visitor day fee is waived for those who want to spend an afternoon getting to know the camp.
Check out these top Canadian camping destinations.

We got a new puppy today!

The girls brought a surprise back from their camping vacation — a 12 week old Maltese puppy! Still working on a name, we’re thinking Lilly or Madison (Maddie). Yet another thing to be grateful for blog.10k3.com