1000 Islands Vacation

1000 Islands-Seaway Region, 2009

This short video gives an overview of the 1000 Islands-Seaway region of Northern New York and Southeastern Ontario.

Sanibel Island Sharks? Here’s the Real Scoop!

With the recent shark bite in the shallows of the Gulf of Mexico off Sanibel Island comes the usual media blitz about the dangers lurking in the waters.

But let’s put this recent nip in perspective.

In the period between 1882 and 2007, there were a documented 5 unprovoked shark attacks in the WHOLE of Lee County (the county where Sanibel Island is located). And regarding attacks leading to mortal wounds, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, 4,406 people drowned in America during 1998. That’s about 550 times as many deaths as caused by sharks in an average year.

OK, sharks exist, and once in a great while, one takes a human sample (and more often than not the shark is just looking to see what species the human is before attacking: thankfully most of them are none too keen on the way we taste).

Five bites in all of Lee County in 125 years is hardly worth panicking over. But if you are the panicking type, here are some suggestions for making your Gulf visits as safe as possible: 1. Always swim in a group. Sharks most often attack lone individuals. 2. Don’t wander too far from shore. Doing so isolates you and places you away from assistance. 3. Avoid the water at night, dawn, or dusk. Many sharks are most active at these times and are better able to find you than you are to see them. 4. Don’t enter the water if bleeding. Sharks can smell and taste blood, and trace it back to its source. 5. Don’t wear shiny jewelry which does attract sharks.

But the reality is that it is unlikely that you will ever sight a shark on Sanibel much less be approached by one. And if you are approached, stay. Erratic movements will just make the shark curious as to whether you are edible. So be calm in your movements.

All that said, the risk of a shark bite is infinitely smaller than other “dangers” on this beautiful, tropical island. And these can be easily avoided.

Sunburn, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke are much more prevalent than are sharks. So, wear sunscreens, hats, foot protection, sunglasses and extra clothing. Rent an umbrella or sit in the shade as much as possible. Drink plenty of water. Any time you visit  the beach, bag up and bring all these items and a first-aid kit down to the beach with you. A day at the beach – or an entire family vacation – can be easily ruined for each and all by bad sunburns, headaches, sunlight sensitivities, heat exhaustion or worse.

Equally prevalent is the lightning storm that can generally be spotted well in advance. Florida is the lightning capital of the USA, but not the world, the international title held by Africa. Lightning storms ares a serious risk for those at the beach. When you see the skies darkening, leave the beach and head home. Why take the risk to see if it will blow by as it often does?

The joys of a Sanibel Island vacation outnumber 1000 to 1 the dangers. And the dangers are largely preventable. So shouldn’t you be thinking of making plans to visit paradise now?

Daddy and Vic swimming

In the Marriott in Augusta Georgia where we stayed for a week and a half, they had a nice indoor pool. So every night we went swimming. Here Vic is acting like she hasn't been swimming in a while.. but had me swim alongside her and coax her. But she is a little fish.

1000 Islands Clayton NY Food & Wine Festival – June 19-21, 2009

Visit www.nysfoodwinefestival.com for more info! This is an event celebrating quality "Made in New York" food & wine products including candy and cheeses, nuts, sauces, herbs & spices, maple syrup and other maple products, apple cider, cookies and ice cream and of course, NYS wines. Participating exhibitors will come from Long Island to Buffalo and the Finger Lakes to the upper reaches of the state along the Canadian border. Already, it is a full fledged NYS product showcase. As a designated "Farmer's Market," event visitors will find exhibitors anxious to introduce you to their great products, let you sample and purchase them. At the same time visitors can become part of a new customer family throughout New York, across the country and around the world. With the convenience of internet purchasing, all who visit the show will be able to become potential "customers of convenience," right from their own home, or office for customer appreciation gifts, through the exhibitor's websites with purchasing sections. Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, on the Canadian border in New York's famous 1000 Islands Vacation Region, Clayton is a village of 2300 year around residents and a summer township population of 10000. One of the most beautiful vacation regions in the state, iit has hosted consumer shows of every description for over 30 years. The facility is the finest consumer show venue in upstate NY. This is a one of a kind consumer festival, complete with live music daily by north country performers. Come and join in the fun. Sample dozens of fresh food goods of every description and taste the many different wines that will be showcased.

Places to Visit on Your Vacations Panama

Panama, one of the major travel destinations of Central America is a place that you must visit. You will find a lot of travel sites and attractions listed out and written about in some good travel websites and blogs. Before embarking on your vacations Panama, you should always go through the information given on these websites about the different places that you must visit. Though many people stay in hotels, these days, Panama rentals are also being hired quite often by tourists who want to stay in these places of scenic beauty for a longer time.

While on your vacations Panama a place that you should visit after the fabulous Panama City is the Contadora Island situated in the beautiful Perl Island Archipelago. This picturesque island is located about thirty kilometers to the south east of Panama City, in the Gulf of Panama. The eleven white sand beaches that nature gifts to you in this place is a feast to the eyes. You can hire Panama rentals and spend some quality time here. Just relax and watch the waves dance in front of you.

Another place that you should not miss out on your vacations Panama is the Bocas del Toro Panama that is situated in the vicinity of the Caribbean sea. The Isla del Colon Island in this region is a tourist hotspot and it has resorts with very steep charges. When you visit Bocas del Toro Panama always try to get some good Panama rentals for yourself. The advantage is that you can hire them for as long as you want to. They make you feel at home and give you the much-deserved privacy that one wants while on a holiday.

Anton Valle is another destination on your vacations Panama that you should not miss out upon. For an adventurous traveler this volcanic valley that is located in the higher levels of Panama City is like heaven, where he or she can spend some precious moments watching the lush greenery and wildlife. Tourist trips are arranged for this place during the daytime from Panama City. You have to lodge in the Panama rentals that are available in the foothills of the valley.

Boquete that lies around Western Panama is a place that you should visit during your vacations Panama. It is located at an altitude of 1000 meters and it offers you a naturally pleasant and cool weather. If you are a lover of hills you will be lost in the beauty of this magnificent valley. This place is well known as an eco-tourism hub. Apart from tourists this place is a favorite with all those retired people who have taken Panama rentals on this hilly area to lead a peaceful life.
In Panama rentals you can search for apartments, beach homes, business or commercial properties, country houses, independent houses, condos and many more. Get yourself acquainted with Panama rentals laws before you take your decision. Your vacations Panama and your Panama rentals should be planned out and reserved well in advance to avoid disappointment during the holiday season. Good websites give you accurate contact information of reliable travel agents. You need to contact them and get your holiday confirmed as soon as possible.

Where are the 1000 Islands that they talk about on salad dressing?

I want to take vacation there cuz paul newman told me so

Where can I, economically, take a vacation in solitude?

I’d like to take a vacation in solitude; as far away from other people as possible. Just 3-4 days, maybe somewhere with trees or some water or something.

I can’t afford a private beach house on some private island, so I’m looking for suggestions. I’m OK with rustic accommodations, although I’d prefer something with electricity and that isn’t a tent.

I live in Michigan and am working with a budget of about $1000 (including travel).