Posts Tagged ‘wildlife’

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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

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The Peak District – Matlock Bath

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Matlock Bath, at the south east tip of the Peak District is a perfectly located pretty village, popular with tourists and families. The scenery here is stunning and because the village is a designated conservation area a great deal has being done to conserve and protect the buildings from decline. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and a deep gorge, the village shares many superb attractions with nearby Matlock. Often described as the ‘Switzerland of England’, the area is home to cable cars, caves and even a theme park.

History of the village – The development of Matlock Bath really began in 1698 with the discovery of the possible attraction of thermal water at a constant 68 degrees. The first ‘bath’ was built by local entrepreneurs to attract people to the village. Matlock Bath so fashionable that Princess Victoria even visited in 1831. Lord Byron likened the valley to ‘ an Alpine Switzerland’ hence the nickname Little Switzerland.

Matlock Bath has always attracted tourism because of its natural beauty. The Parish Council, while encouraging tourism, will always lobby to ensure that the natural beauty of the area is not compromised. Once a society spa town now developed its inland ’seaside’ resort image that it still carries today. Perfect for families looking for an English holiday village in lovely surroundings.

Matlock Bath is blessed with natural beauty and incredible scenery. Perfect for rock climbers is the tall High Tor which overlooks the community. The River Derwent is another popular natural feature which is certainly great for lazy afternoons and boating. If you’re interested in history or trains then also try the charming stream train which runs between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley South.

Riber Castle, set on a hill between Matlock and Matlock Bath is a 19th century listed country house in the gothic style, and has seen a colourful past. It has been a family home, an MoD storage site, and most recently a zoo. The zoo had a less than desirable track record on animal welfare and closed in 2000. Now the castle is abandoned and falling into disrepair, but still makes for eerie sight.

There are plenty of attractions to visit in the area too, including a textile museum, the Life in a Lens Museum of Photography, and a lead mining museum. Check out the aquarium in the old Victorian Baths, as well as the Whistlestop Countryside Centre, with its wildlife garden and learning and play areas. Gulliver’s Kingdom is Matlock Bath’s popular children’s theme park, and features rides and play ares for the whole family. Also try Abraham Heights which is reached by a fun cable car ride.

To find out more great places in the Peak District see Inspire Breaks Peak District website www.inspirebreakspeakdistrict.co.uk for area guides, information and accommodation including places near Alton Towers

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Global Travel Experiences – How to swim with whale sharks

Friday, February 4th, 2011

You may or may not know about whale sharks. They are slow filter feeding sharks but much more gentle and kinder than the average sharks. Because they gorge on plankton and smaller marine wildlife they are considered safe. Although they are actually very large (some can grow up to twelve meters long) they pose no threat at all to humans and many love the idea of swimming with them. Photogenic, friendly and with a definite ‘wow’ factor they make great diving buddies! If you’re into global travel and want to try to see whale sharks for yourselves then here are some tips:-

Whale Sharks migrate every spring to the continental shelf of the central west coast of Australia. The Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia provides the whale shark with plenty of plankton and are often spotted here regularly at this time. Although there is also whale shark activity around the coast of South Africa, Yucaton, Mexico, Indonesia, Tofo Reef in Mozambique, Tanzania, Thailand, Maldives and the Red Sea. Whale sharks have an inquisitive nature so if you get your timings right there is a fair to good chance of seeing them.

Always remember safety is your priority. Never try to find these lovey creatures on your own, the best option by far is to research a good diving tour group in the country you are planning to visit. Ask around for reliable recommendations or do some research on trusted internet travel forums.

It’s definitely worth the hassle, despite their size, the whale shark does not pose significant danger to divers. They are gentle and docile creatures and sometimes allow swimmers to hitch a ride. They can be very playful and often a real joy to swim with. The only risk is the odd unintentional blow from the shark’s large tail fin.

Some people don’t like the idea of diving, if this is the case then you can also use snorkelling to see whale sharks. Dive or snorkelling tours will usually give you a couple of practice swims in shallow waters before taking you out. When heading out to the reefs you will normally be in groups of about 10-20 accompanied by experienced divers. The dive master will spot the whale sharks and tell you when to get into the water. This truly can be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.

For more advice on great places to travel visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on London places to visit

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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

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South Africa: Beautiful places you shouldn’t miss

Monday, January 24th, 2011

The beautiful country of South Africa makes an excellent travel or holiday destination. With diverse landscapes, miles of coastline and fantastic people makes this a good choice. Nature lovers and photographers also appreciate the wonderful and unique native wildlife also found here. To help you plan your trip in this vast country here are five incredible places you shouldn’t miss:

1. Kruger National Park – One of the best park’s in the world for seeing exotic and beautiful wildlife. Aside from cramped zoos there’s not many places in the world you can see The Big Five in one place. The Big Five are buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions and rhino. You can hire a four wheeled drive truck to drive yourself but the safest option is to take one of the great organised tours on offer.

2. Robben Island- Robben Island is seven kilometres off the coast of South Africa and is famous for the notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years. You can see the cell where he was held and gain an insight into how the prisoners lived. You can also see the memorial laid in 1995 by Nelson Mandela and all surviving South African political prisoners.

3. Stellenbosh – This lovely old town is best known for one thing – it’s production of wine. Come here and you will see acres of beautiful vineyards with many places to stop off, visit the cellars and of course sample some of the famous wine. There is a wide selection of different wines that can be tasted here including some well known brand names.

4. Oudtshoorn – A town blessed with great natural scenery and ostriches! They farm ostriches in Oudtshoorn and in this town you can even ride one if it takes your fancy. It’s a fun place to stop but also relaxing and makes a change from the madness of Cape Town.

5. The Drakensburg Mountains – An amazingly beautiful part of South Africa that really shouldn’t be missed. Head for Royal Natal National Park and the incredible Tugela Falls for the real beauty spots and make sure you bring your camera. For those who like to up the tempo there are lots of activities to choose from including hiking, climbing, watching wildlife, horse riding or going on a safari. The even more energetic might want to try the white water rafting or quad biking also available here.

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

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Why Marine Photographers Appreciate Nuweiba

Sunday, January 23rd, 2011

Nuweiba is really a relaxing, remote destination within the Northern Sinai and this tucked away treasure is one of the top sites in The Red Sea for underwater photography. The location is nowhere near as commercialised as Sharm which is situated 100 miles to the south down the coastline. Subsequently, this means less divers to disturb the marine creatures.

At the the north of the Gulf of Aqaba, the water is significantly calmer under the surface and combined with the clear waters, marine photography enthusiasts couldn’t require better conditions. The house reef at the Nuweiba Hilton is a well-liked spot for underwater photography classes. There is a superb array of underwater life with little pipefish and cuttlefish found in the shallows while a bit deeper, a good amount of vivid fish and coral reefs are found. The pier also offers a number of amazing photo possibilities.

Undoubtedly one of the fish Nuweiba is well known for is the frogfish. Even though it is present in other locations around Egypt, Nuweiba is something of a hotspot for this elusive little fish. Obviously, there’s no promise you’ll find a frogfish but you will find shrimp, seahorse and octopus in the area therefore you may get lucky and discover them as well.

A big advantage is the fact that all of this is the within easy reach from your room at the Hilton which means that when a keen photographer is on holiday with the family, they are not left behind right through the day, simply for the hour for the duration of the dive. Divers can go under the sea after breakfast, join the family for lunch just before going to the sea again.

Underwater photographers are often really eager to take pics on land and the surroundings in the vicinity of Nuweiba is wonderful. Across the sea lies Saudi Arabia and the mountains of the Sinai provide an excellent backdrop. It’s certainly worth taking an excursion to Mount Sinai or the Coloured Canyon since the scenery is amazing. It is hard to imagine a desert may well be so eye-catching.

There are plenty great places of underwater photos and Nuweiba is among the best places to visit.

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Five places you shouldn’t miss in South Africa

Friday, January 21st, 2011

South Africa is an incredible country. With it’s lovely mix of beaches, mountains, wildlife and 2500km of incredible coastline it’s no wonder it’s such a popular travel destination. Like any country of South Africa’s size, travelling in South Africa can be tricky. To help you plan, here are the top five places to visit in South Africa:

1. Table Mountain – Table mountain is probably the most iconic vision of South Africa. It’s a flat top mountain which sits imposingly over Cape Town. You can get a cable car to the top or even climb it! Either way the trip is worth it for the amazing views and wildlife.

2. The Garden Route – When in South Africa you’ll want to visit the stunning Garden Route. The scenic route actually starts at Mossel Bay ending in Storms river. There are also great places to visit along the way including a wide range of wildlife. Watch out for the marine life and over 300 types of very pretty birds. The best way to visit is to hire a convertible car, make sure you bring your camera!

3. Knsyna – Knsyna is a great stop off on the Garden Route. A laid back coastal town this place attracts visitors who just want to relax and take in the great scenery. It’s also home to some fine seafood restaurants and a oyster festival. If you’re feeling a little more energetic step up the pace and try jumping the waves in the town’s lagoon.

4. Durban – One of South Africa’s main cities Durban makes a good stop for travellers. Away from the city hassles you can mind the ‘Golden Mile’ which is a beautiful series of beaches popular with surfers. Try the promenade for a great selection of places to eat, shop and attractions including the city Aquarium.

5. Soweto – Whilst Soweto is not the best looking location it’s classed as one of the most important and educating sights in the country. The area is broken into three different areas – the rich, middle class and the poor. There are vast areas covered by shanty huts, all of which would have been made by people who occupy them. Take a tour for the safest way to explore the area.

For more great advice on top tourist destinations visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on London places to visit

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Swimming With Dolphins

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

Any time of the year is a good time for planning family vacations, but you should plan well ahead in order to get the exact vacation that you want. The perfect family holiday really depends on the sort of family that you have: is it a young family; are the children all boys; are the children and the parents for that matter adventurous or not; are they sporty or laid back?

Some people who do not get enough excitement during the year, like say office workers, prefer to go on adventure vacations when that time of the year comes about, whereas people with dynamic jobs may want to laze about, say on a cruise, although cruising is not the perfect holiday for young children. There again, you might prefer to go on a holiday where you can take your dog.

In fact, it does not matter where you go or what you do, family vacations are times for giving the kids special memories that will stay with them for ever and family holidays also allow some very busy parents to bond with and get to know their children better.

Family vacations can also be used to further children’s horizons: city kids can go and look at the countryside or the seaside and vice-versa or you could take them abroad so that they can actually meet foreigners and learn a few words of another language.

One vacation that would permit adventure and seaside lounging about would be a trip to swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove, Florida, which is situated near SeaWorld. People are shown around Discovery Cove in small groups so that you get to ask all the questions you want.

One hitch is that children under six years of age are not allowed to swim with the dolphins, but other than that, all the apparatus you will need and lunch are included in the cost. It is not especially cheap to swim with dolphins because dolphins are expensive to feed and maintain in a healthy condition, but it is definitely an unforgettable experience. It is a boon that all the equipment is included in the price covering items like wet suit, snorkel, flippers and even towels.

However, you have to pre-book, you cannot simply walk in off the street. This is so that they can be sure to have enough team-leaders and enough apparatus for everyone. Once you have swum with the dolphins and played with them, the rest of the day will be yours to enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the shallows and observe the wild birds that are to be found on the property in profusion.

There is also a work training programme for those who think that they would like to take up this form of work. Job training or work experience permits you more time with the staff and the animals behind the scenes so that you can get a sense of how such an establishment is run. If you are interested in a day out like these two examples, why not look them up on the Net for more details?

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on various topics, but is now concerned with Push Up Bikinis. If you would like to know more, please visit our web site at Swimwear for Big Busts.

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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.

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Punta Gorda Belize – What Is The Attraction?

Friday, September 17th, 2010

There is so much Belize attractions that will mesmerise you, and whet your appetite. One place in particular is the gorgeous Punta Gorda. This destination is where you will feast your eyes on flourishing emerald jungle that stretches beyond her boundaries, and sparkling waterfalls that tumble down looming mountains.

Folks dream of places like this so put it on your list of destination to choose from for your next vacation trip. The amazing pictures you take of the place will just capture the attention of family and friends. It`s just the perfect place for shots of the wildlife that habitat here.

The seashore is just a short walk away where the sight of a vivid blue ocean, and smell of the salty sea air will refresh and excite any tired holiday maker. The rocky narrow beach is appealing where you can absorb some sun and join the locals for a swim.

Beyond the borders of the town, one can find more Belize attractions that might interest you. The Mayan Ruins and ancient tribes which have captured people`s attention for centuries, comes to mind. Hidden ancient temples, stelae, and fascinating history awaits you out there in the dense jungle.

Could there be even more to this luscious place apart from the enjoyment of taking a swim in crystal clear water, sun soaking, and exploring the emerald jungle? Seeing is believing! Taking a plunge into the depths will thrill any scuba diver, and this place is just teaming with certified dive companies that will hire their services, or hire out boats to the more qualified diver.

Local dining is an experience as well! Many people find that the native dishes are among the best in the world. Just like certain areas of the world, the food found here won’t be like anything you’ve ever had before. You can choose from local flavours, as well as Chinese and other foreign favourites as well.

Do you like birdwatching? Then you have picked the right destination. The bird spotting is exciting as this is a habitat for many endangered species. Because of the protected wildlife reserves the birds are free to breed in safety.

Visiting Punta Gorda and around Belize in the off-peak season rather than at other times of the year suit the needs of many visitors. It runs from May through to October with great discounts being offered at that time, and fewer travellers about.

Looking to find the right Belize attraction, then visit www.belize-attractions.com to find the best advice on where to go in Punta Gorda.

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