Posts Tagged ‘nature’

How To Experience Whale Watching With More Than Just Your Eyes

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

If you happen to be in Southern California, your gaze will undoubtedly wander towards the direction of the ocean. Past all of the human bodies catching some sun, while lounging on the beach, lives one of the most intriguing, majestic and massive animals that call the sea their home. The beauty and wonderment of these creatures can not be fully understood unless you witness it for yourself. Experiencing whales (or whale watching), for yourself, will not only be an adventure for the day. When you leave, you’re sure to take with you memories that will last a lifetime.

Imagine being able to be a part of one of the worlds most fascinating, underwater mammals, lives, if only for a day. When you’re this close to life under the surface, you might find it difficult to head back to shore. Many tours are given in places all over the world, but on most of these trips, you’re stuck up on top and are only able to see what’s going on when the whales decide to come up for air.

Some people dream of swimming right along side a whale, but no matter how trained you may be, accidents can still happen. Plus, many people believe that doing this is dangerous to both you and the whales. You may not be swimming freely alongside one of these majestic creatures, but when you’re below deck in the special area designed to see all sides of the world below, you might feel even closer to your dream.

A lot of tours have glass bottoms that allow you to see what’s going on right under your feet, but you can never be sure that you’re going to actually see what you want to see, swimming by. On this boat, you can see in every direction while being under the water. You can be sure, if you see them up top, you’re going to see them from below. It truly feels as if you’re a part of a totally different world.

You won’t just have the adventure of a lifetime, you’ll also get an education. The captain and the crew are there to teach, as well as lead the way into the great beyond and below. If and when the time ever comes where a dolphin or whale needs to be saved, these people are there to help.

Not only will you be able to see these amazing creatures closer than you may have ever thought possible, you’ll also be able to hear them. The voice of a whale, experienced up close and personal, is something that you are sure to never forget. Being able to see them below the water, doing what whales do, while listening to their songs, really can make you feel like you’re part of the family.

If you want to experience feeling the water on your skin, and happen to suffer from seasickness, there are nets around the boat that you are allowed to make yourself comfortable in. This is a perfect way to eliminate some of the dizziness that may happen from the motion of the boat, and you will be really close to the action above the water.

If you’re going to be traveling to Southern California, a whale watching trip could be just the thing to renew your spirit and your mind. Forget your land-legs for a while and experience what it might be like to live life under the waves above. Adventure is waiting, all you have to do is step on board.

Donald Smithe loves to write about whale watching in Southern California. These trips are great for people of all ages and is a great way to experience these amazing creatures up close and in their native habitat. Go to http://www.dolphinsafari.com for more information and to book a trip you won’t forget.

Global Travel – Five of the Best Towns to Visit in New Zealand

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

New Zealand is one of the word’s top global travel destinations has some incredible places of interest from naturally beautiful areas to laid back but interesting towns. From a tourist’s point of view, here are five towns in New Zealand you really shouldn’t miss:

1. Christchurch – Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and for those who don’t start your journey in Auckland then you’re likely to land here. It’s a beautiful and friendly city, as you walk around the streets you’ll be amazed how peaceful the city is. Christchurch is known as the “Garden City” because of it’s natural and photogenic beauty. One place that should be visited is the Botanical Gardens which was founded in 1863. There are lots of activities and attractions available here including museums and a thriving art and cultural scene.

2. Kaikoura – Kaikoura is a small town on the east coast of the Southern Island, approximately two and a half hours north of Christchurch. Local tour operators offer the chance to watch whales, dolphins, sea-birds and many other species of marine life on a daily basis; by boat, flight and by land. With wetsuits provided, visitors can even join dolphins and seals in their ocean environment.

3. Nelson – Nelson (the geographical centre of New Zealand) is a region renowned for warm sunshine, fine beaches, lakes, mountains and native forests. Nelson is an intimate, welcoming and friendly city. It is New Zealand’s largest fishing port and the gateway to a major forestry and horticulture industry. Add to this the attraction of fine foods, superb wines, an innovative craft industry, spectacular scenery and friendly Kiwi hospitality and you can understand why Nelson is a place to which visitors flock all year round.

4. Queenstown – for true adrenalin seekers Queenstown will be their ultimate destination. Almost every extreme sport you can think of is available here and the international resort attracts people from all over the world who want to skydive, bungee jump or go snowboarding. The Shotover River in Queenstown is now home to the Shotover Jet an incredible and unique vehicle which skids along the river surface.

5. Dunedin – Situated on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin has a population of around 125,000 and is the main centre of Otago, region recognized for its spectacular scenery. Dunedin is definitely regarded as a beauty spot with dramatic bush-covered hills and valleys at the head of a long natural harbour which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago.

For more great international travel tips visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes fun stuff such as quirky hotels Amsterdam

Global Travel: Top Five New Zealand Beauty Spots

Monday, March 7th, 2011

New Zealand is a fabulous country and one of the world’s top global travel destinations attracting many holiday makers and backpackers each year. Many visitors seek the natural beautiful areas that New Zealand is famous for. Here are five New Zealand Beauty spots you shouldn’t miss:

1. Rotorua – Rotorua is a stunning location found in the heart of the North Island, 230 kilometres (140 miles) southeast of Auckland. Rotorua is a great tourist attraction for two reasons; the first is for the city’s geothermal activity and the other is because it offers a chance to experience Maori culture. Here you will see steam rising from the ground which is an impressive sight. There are lots of geysers on view, most famously the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa.

2. The Bay of Plenty – The popularity of the Bay of Plenty region (located on the Northern Island) continues to soar as more people discover the region’s irresistible mix of coastal lifestyle, adventure activities and great dining experiences. The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and an easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here-sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop.

3. Milford Sound – The famous fjord located on New Zealand’s South Island is a spectacular sight. Here you will find waterfalls cascading from sheer rock faces rising 1,200 metres or more from the sea, lush rain forests clinging precariously to the cliffs, and the seals, penguins and dolphins that frequent the waters. Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand however the rain creates gorgeous treats for visitors with dozens of temporary waterfalls created both at Milford Sound and along the Milford Road.

4. Punakaiki – Punakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, between Westport and Greymouth. The Pancake Rocks are a very popular tourist goal at Dolomite Point south of the main village. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts though a number of vertical blowholes during high tides. An unusual and mysterious sight it’s also an unmissable stop on the country’s tourist trail.

5. Mount Cook – Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain standing at 3,754 metres. The more adventurous can climb the mountain or go on a guided trek which would take you very near the mountain. Another option is to witness the incredible Tasman Glacier on the east side and the Hooker Glacier to the west.

For more great international travel tips visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes fun stuff such as quirky hotels Amsterdam

Appreciating The Wild Jungles Of Africa Through Screen Savers

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

The wild animals in African game parks have a wide market on the international scene to the extent that many tourists drain their bank accounts in order to get a glimpse at the lovely wild life.

However, this idea might turn out to be a waste of time due to the fact that your financial position is not that good.

However, you don’t have to worry because the introduction of nice looking screen savers can make your dream come to reality. All you have to do is take a look at your computer whenever you feel like going to Africa and the lovely sight of the jungle will calm you down.

Imagine yourself taking a stroll in a zoo or any other game park in Africa. That’s the view you will get after applying a jungle screen saver on your desk top.

This advancement in technology has tempted many people to take it up in order to stay updated with the changing values of life. By browsing through the internet, you can join this category because the screen savers that you will find are so amazing and appealing.

The whole view will turn out to be a movie and as time goes on you will get to know that these 3D screen savers are one of a kind. It’s your choice to pick the best screen saver that will brighten up the appearance of your computer.

In this article I have put more emphasis on jungle screen savers. This doesn’t mean that the stock is full of animal wall papers because you will be surprised while going through the different screen savers and in the end, the choice will be hard due to the fact that the features are all awesome.

After a long day’s work, its best if you relax in front of your computer watching the lovely screen saver and this can be done daily as long as you don’t keep your screen appearance similar.

Refer to additional pieces of work written by this same author dealing with areas such as health insurance comparisons and health insurance companies.

The Best Fishing Spot Nobody Knows About: Big Bend National Park

Monday, February 14th, 2011

We’re all seeking a real getaway, & fishing is really amongst the greatest ways to get away from the trials and troubles of every day life. Fishing is 1 of these opportunities of a lifetime that must not be overlooked, & Big Bend National park is one of those places that can offer you all the fishing you can handle. Found in Sw Texas alongside the Rio Grande in the center of the Chihuanan Desert, Big Bend National Park could be one of the Lone Star State’s best-kept secrets.

Big Bend is located in some of the state’s most stunning in addition to most barren surroundings that ranges from over a mile-and-a-half over sea level (the Chisos Mountains, which top out at over 7800 feet) to the river itself, which has engraved deep canyons into the local limestone. When staying close by, you will also view some of the greatest diversity on earth regarding fauna plus flora; a few of these animal and plant species, such as the local Chisos Oak, are found nowhere else on earth.

As you might expect, the desert inside the region is an ecologically delicate one, so there is some restrictions on what tourists will be able to and cannot do. But, the regulations governing fishing are not awfully burdensome on the U.S. side of the park. From their bases of operations at Big Bend cabin rentals, fishermen will probably be happy to know that fishing in the Rio Grande inside the park is open all year & as long as fishing is done in the open river within park boundaries, no permits or licenses are mandatory.

That said, fishermen should be aware that fishing in ponds or springs is strictly prohibited, as they are home to many rare and endangered fish species. Fishermen will also have to bring along their own worms or lures – or utilize bait minnows from the river itself, as digging for bait or using dead fish or amphibian bait within the park is prohibited. In addition, there is a limit of 25 fish per individual per day within the park, and fish may not be sold commercially.

As far as indigenous Texans are concerned, there exists just one facility available within the park itself; this is the Chisos Mountain Lodge, which has a total of 72 rooms and 6 cabins on hand. Out of the park are many lodging alternatives that include Big Bend bed breakfasts & a variety of attractively-priced hotels which include the Marathon Motel.

This venerable institution, was founded in 1940 & recently renovated, has a total of 10 rooms positioned in 4 cabins in addition to camping and RV hookup facilities. The attractive building is constructed in the local rustic adobe design, but additionally provides contemporary amenities including wireless Internet access, cable television & laundry services. Big Bend National Park is a really magnificent place to go to, although it’s reasonably unknown to people that reside within areas far away from Big Bend. Definitely keep in mind to make advance reservations for your Big Bend fishing holiday to make sure you get the ultimate experience.

Wesley Mathews is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on romantic getaways and things to do.

An Opportunity To Get Lost Among Magnificent Mountain Streams and Wilderness

Saturday, February 5th, 2011

If you’re after an icy vacation and the notion of snow exhilarates you, Boyne Mountain – among the finest beautiful locations across the state with miles of cross-country ski trails plus a number of devoted snowshoe paths is the place to be. It celebrates an extensive area of unspecified snowshoeing trails where you can lose yourself in a climate of snow covered mountains streams or hardwood wilderness. A magnificent panoramic view of beautiful terrain rolls from place to place, you’re most likely to be companioned by just the hum of your breathing and natures sparkling white splendor. You can choose to be secure and follow an already defined track while snowshoeing or you can be more adventurous and carve your own track through the unspoiled snow.

If this is your first time snowshoeing, Boyne Mountain is a super destination to break yourself in. The only items you have to bring are a rucksack, the right garments for the weather including winter boots which are impermeable, insulated and high-top; you’ll find the other stuff including gear, trekking poles and snowshoes are available on rent at the property. If you never owned a pair of winter shoes, rest assured, the resort’s ski and snowboard store (Boyne country Sports) stock footwear ranging in size for you to buy.

As you prepare to embark on snowshoeing, dress warmly in enough layers for your preferences, carry along an energizing beverage, snacks, not to mention water. Take a couple of Kleenex and most significantly, bring your camera to seize the magnificence of the mountains. Be advised to have your cell phones turned off while exploring along the mountains so there will be no distractions from experiencing the wilderness.

The staff at Boyne Mountain Cross Country Center offer guides for the trail system. Ikens, a crew member, advises the buddy system to keep you safe. He states, “Get out there and enjoy that time with other people. If you’re going by yourself, he recommends, “stop in here and we’ll give you a trail pass. It helps us know the number of people who are ‘out there’ so that all of a sudden if we’re missing somebody at the end of the day we can go look for them. He advises adventurers who want to explore alone to inform somebody of your trail plus the estimated time you plan to be outside to ensure your safety.

Collin Stackus is an experienced snow-shoer and a team-member at the Center who explained how it feels after you get snowshoes on your feet, its like going for a walk, there is no lesson required. There’s a binding that attaches to your foot. You strap them to your feet and you walk. There is no gliding. It’s just a larger platform below your foot. The final thing you’ll need is a nice, cozy Bluegreen resort equipped with a warm fireplace to return to following a day on the snow.

Cedric Fairchild is a tourism and amusement writer specializing in Bluegreen resorts at astounding Bluegreen resort destination points all over the planet. You can contact Bluegreen now for data on the topic of the top travel accommodations in the world at www.bluegreenonline.com.

Great Outdoor Destinations in the USA

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Getting away from it all is one of life’s pleasures. Outdoor destinations in particular can offer the chance of vast open spaces, beautiful scenery and plenty of fresh air. Some of these areas are even close to many neighborhoods. If you live in North America or are thinking of travelling there here are some of the best outdoor destinations in the USA.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – This national park is famous for it’s rocky peaks and incredible photogenic scenery. There are plenty of activities on offer here from walking and hiking and cycling for the energetic to the wildlife watching and relaxing in a romantic lodge.

A paradise for nature lovers, Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect for everyone seeking a relaxing time full of fun, romance and adventure. Be it a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a group trip, Rocky Mountain National Park has everything to make your vacation an unforgettable one.

Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania – These mountains are a tourist hotspot and when you see the amazing scenery, flower covered mountains, incredible waterfalls and clear still lakes its easy to see why. Again you can choose to camp or stay in a luxury lodge here and get involved in as many activities as you like. There are more gentle pursuits such as fishing, walking, cycling or golfing. To up the tempo you can go rafting in the rapids, horse ride, rock climb or go skiing (in the winter).

Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada mountains – Lake Tahoe is definitley one of the most popular outdoor spots in the USA. Located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains this stunning lake is perfect for leisure whether its winter or summer. In the winter it draws people looking for a base to go skiing and in summer you can do anything here from hiking, sailing, fishing, nature watching, cycling and even diving. A lovely way to truly get away from it all.

For more great advice on global travel visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on Top 10 Australia

Chain Yourself To A Palm Tree In Luxury On An Eco Vacation In Mexico

Monday, December 6th, 2010

Most of us assume that a vacation in Mexico is just about resort luxury. For some people, though, it’s related to experiencing rustic living and just being at peace in relation to the environment. It is possible to experience both by staying at a eco resort. While not really common yet, these resorts are becoming more popular for people who consider themselves to be ecologically minded however are keen to indulge in the nicest, more luxurious experience possible. In most cases eco resorts provide their services using solar, wind, or water power. Most take advantage of one or two energies, or even all three of them.

They are wonderful for an individual conscious about the environment to take comfort in the fact that he or she is doing right by the planet as well as continuing to to delight in the fantastic offerings of a Mexican resort. A lot of people who travel to Mexico for a holiday will not feel the need to explore the rest of the country, and with an eco resort you won’t feel you have to. Sure, it’s a pleasure to spend the day sightseeing if you fancy it, but you’ll find everything available within the vicinity of the resort in addition.

On the point of booking a resort for your Mexican vacation, investigate whether or not it is ecological. If you find that it isn’t, and you happen to be dedicated to ecological travel, then no doubt you’ll have to decide upon some other spot better suited to your requirement. There is a chance that you may not locate a resort that ticks all of the boxes, but you can generally find the things that mean the most to you as long as you spend time investigating. It is possible to call the various resorts, and you may also review online in order to identify which one you prefer.

If you’re taking friends or family members with you, get their advice. Take into account that many of the resorts don’t cater to children. You may want to arrange a trustworthy babysitter for your kids or even a member of the family to watch them when you’re in Mexico.

The beautiful Yucatan peninsula of Mexico is one the of the places it is possible to locate first-rate eco friendly resorts along with Yucatan hotels. There are numerous Playa del Carmen hotels and resorts, as well as many Yucatan hotels and resorts which will cater for the eco-warrior within you. Should you wish to take your kids along so to have a family vacation at an eco resort in Mexico, guarantee that you consult the resorts you’re contemplating to confirm those best suited for children. Which enables you to book early, and you won’t have any surprises when you get there – just unwinding and enjoying in the comfort of nature.

Ron Williams has been a freelance adventure critic staying year round within Tulum, Mexico specializing in vacation info about playa del carmen hotel mexico accommodations plus life in the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to drop a line to Ron directly if you would like local recommendations as well as information for experiencing a tremendous journey inside Yucatan.

What My Wife Taught Me

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

The love of my life, Lee Hiller, now my wife Lee Hiller-London was moving from Portland, Oregon to the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas where I had been settled for twelve years. She moved here a year ago this month. She had lived virtually all over the world from the Asia Pacific to New Zealand and just about everywhere else, following the “technology dollars” which was her work.

The only thing she hadn’t experienced was the sweet magnolias of the south, not to mention the myriad of wildlife in the Hot Springs National Forest which is our yard; front back and sides, where we share a neighborhood with thousands if not tens of thousands of foxes, wolves, small bears, chipmunks, squirrels, possum, raccoons, and so many exotic birds one might think they are in the Amazon Rain Forest. It is the only National Park that is actually inside of a city. Water boils up that is 2000 years old before it reaches the surface. The city has found a way to tap it and it is completely free of any toxins.

Lee was born and raised in Portland, Or, and as anyone knows who has visited, is quite a unique and beautiful city. But Lee had not been able to take advantage of all nature had to offer there as she was caring for a sick spouse who needed full time assistance, and in spite of the mountains, trails, wildlife, etc, she was unable to partake. She had to be at home at all times. The hospital was her other home.

It became evident her husband’s only chance was to get him back to his home country of Canada as he was perishing rapidly. He lived over a year longer (than he would have lived here) where he would have gotten minimal medical care. The U.S. medical system after ten years had virtually given up.

To keep her mind occupied during this ten year ordeal, in which she also sold on Ebay, and even became a powerseller, was to learn tai chi and practice it daily. When I visited she showed me a part with a walking trail at the fork of two beautiful rivers and her sincere health regimen was on. She was already eating nothing but healthy foods, and though a cancer survivor, she had a chance for a new beginning.

Love was definitely in the air, and it was consummated by my sister former model/now entrepreneur Kathy Ireland when she popped the question to Lee (for me) on Twitter, “Lee Angel. Would you be my darling SIL (Sister In Law). I had talked to Kathy beforehand so she knew I was going to ask, she simply didn’t think I was moving fast enough. Lee and I married on June 18, 2010 in a tiny hut in the mountains, which Lee calls our “wedding chapel” on Hot Springs Mountain. I had been a cartoonist and marketer for the cartoons and licensed gifts for 12 years. Lee had revealed that Ebay sales were way down and she could no longer find the justification to do her hunting at thrift shops, and selling them on Internet auction sites.

I loved that she shared her dreams with me, and work goals. She didn’t need my permission, just someone to run it by. Next thing I knew she was doing it. She had her own line of shoes, clothing, household goods, and much more. Lee Hiller Designs, within a year (or less) was a dream come true. She had now moved to the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and hiked daily 3-4 hours taking beautiful pictures which she posts to her blog and onto her products. It is a most unusual venture, and I’m very proud. She has won The People’s Choice Award for wildflower photography in Arkansas and received a congratulatory letter from the governor’s office. Her Hot Springs merchandise has been covered by our local Hot Springs Sentinel Record. Every day orders come in from almost every country on the planet, not to mention America. I love watching her build her brand from scratch.

Promises are made by many people, and then often you never hear another thing about it, the promises, or anything else. You just learn their characterfast. And there are people of action. Lee is a person of action. More importantly than that, she is a person of generosity. If she learns something, and I don’t know it, she is more than not available to teach me how it is done. We do that for each other. I think it is one of the many elements that keeps us in love and respecting each other. We do not make a promise unless we know we can keep it. And we do. We try to find each others needs. We can’t fulfill them all but we do our best to help. Our love continues to be a major passion in our lives. We are also best friends.

If you love nature and wildlife photography and the most gorgeous floral photography, visit Lee’s blog.

5 Techniques For Good Outdoor Images

Friday, September 17th, 2010

Everyone adores an outstanding nature snapshot. It’s effortless for viewers to put themselves within the photograph. Even tough they’ve never traveled to the lake, people like contemplating photographs of lakes because it brings them, for a brief moment, into a peaceful environment.

To help you get the most out of the time you spend outdoors with your camera, here are five elementary tricks for taking superior nature photos. As a photographer, I’ve realized that should you attack your outdoor photography with the correct mindset, you’re sure to do well, quite often in ways you never predicted.

Tip number 1: appreciate the character of nature. There’s an old adage, “You can’t battle Mother Nature.” Aim on utilizing the requirements belonging to the environment you’re shooting. A backyard squirrel might not blink at the sound of your shutter.

Everything connected with nature functions distinctively in numerous weather situations. When you are targeting the “money” shot, you need to realise the circumstances you’re doing work in, as well as the subject that you’re photographing.

Tip # 2: Be ready. Study the region you mean on photographing, even if it’s your personal garden. Observe how the light plays on the flowers at different times of the day, and under diverse cloud conditions. Give attention to the patterns of birds. Animals are known to be creatures of habit.

The same goes if you plan on diving into the wilderness. Get acquainted with the neighborhood surroundings by chatting to locals, watch weather reports on TV or Internet, and by just taking some time to get familiar with your surroundings.

Tip # 3: be acquainted with your equipment. If you are trying to get a close up photo of any deer in the wild, even if you’re using a telephoto lens, switch off your motor drive, auto flash and auto focus. Know your camera settings, from the shutter and f-stop speed to the ISO and ASA settings.

Tip # 4: Be tolerant. Natural events occur when they occur. You will not hurry that beaver out of his watery lair any quicker. The ideal sparkle of sunlight playing off your prize rose bushes won’t come about any sooner or later than you would like it to. Don’t force the shot and keep your camera at the ready. You might show up five minutes too late for the grand shot, but you could be five minutes premature for the ideal shot.

Tip # 5: Have a product in mind, but be prepared for the unpredicted. Should you head out targeting cardinals in the forest, you’re possible to uncover some. So be ready by bringing a tripod, a telephoto lens if required, perhaps a bird handbook to help with identification, and something comfy to sit down on. Take water and food for yourself. Visualize the shot you desire in your Imagination. You’ll frequently get something close.

The sun may be completely wonderful at that time of day, so you could catch a astonishing picture of rays of sunlight shooting the forest canopy. Ansel Adams’ well-known “Moonrise over Hernandez” was taken while he was driving down a highway. He stopped the vehicle, hopped out, took hold of his camera, got one shot and nailed it because he was prepared for the unpredicted.

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