วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 28 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Relationship Between Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones and sandstorms are some of the most powerful natural disasters. The reasons for these massive calamities could be a natural process of Earth's changing demographics or due to man made activities. Either way, these calamities unleash their powers in unimaginable ways and can leave a trail of destruction.

Earthquakes and volcanoes have a close relationship and often exhibit their activity simultaneously. Tectonic plates found beneath the Earth's are responsible for triggering both these disasters. These plates have been moving since time immemorial and are continuing to move at a slow rate on the Earth's mantle. These movements are responsible for merging or drifting numerous countries and continents for over thousands of millennia now. Because each plate has its own speed of movement, a considerable amount of magma is generated over time on the plate's boundaries. When two plates collide or break apart and move away, a lot of pressure is generated on the Earth's mantle. When Earth is not able to take in any more pressure, it releases this force in the form of seismic movements or earthquakes. A mild tremor or earthquake is felt when two plates move away while stronger ones with a magnitude of over seven on the Richter scale are observed when two plates collide at a massive speed and force.

Volcanoes on the other hand are also caused due to plate movements. The constant build up of magma on the earth's mantle will lead to a build of pressure. An excess pressure will be released through the earth's surface into the environment as volcanic eruptions filled with magma, gases and other chemicals.




About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in global warming prevention. He also offers top quality articles like:
Trees in Rainforest, Global Warming Facts

วันพุธที่ 27 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Montserrat - Emerald Island of the Caribbean

Montserrat is known as the 'Emerald Isle' of the Caribbean. It has Irish roots and is covered in lush, green rainforest. A unique island, it is reknowned for the friendliness of the islanders and offers an excellent opportunity for nature lovers and sunseekers alike.

In 1995, the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted, destroying the former capital of Plymouth and meaning that many inhabitants moved overseas or to the North of the island. Today, Montserrat is rising from the ashes and with the opening of a new airport at Geralds last year, tourists are starting to consider the island as a serious tourist destination again.

Once the home of George Martin's Air Studios, it has seen many famous including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Sting and others. In fact, it used to be known as the jetset island of the Caribbean. The legacy continues and George Martin is currently involved in the development of a new cultural centre on the island.

Whilst the golf course and marina were destroyed by the volcano, yachts are increasingly mooring at the Little Bay Harbour and people are arriving to see this very special place. The volcano remains active, one of the most studied in the world, and is a draw also for scientists, tourists and independent travelers alike. Stunning views which have been likened to 'Dante's Inferno' can be seen from St George's Hill which overlooks both the volcano and what remains of Plymouth. Tours to view the volcano can easily be arranged, and trips to Plymouth with a police escort. There is also a chance to learn more about volcanic activity on the island by attending a tour at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (www. MVO.ms).

Current volcanic activity means that on a clear night, visitors can view the glowing dome and rock falls from Jack Boy Hill on the East of the island from a safe distance. The majority of the population live in the 'Safe Zone' which means that in the event of an eruption, there is likely to be no problems other than ash fall. Monitoring at the MVO means that residents would be notified in advance of a likely eruption but at the present time, this is unlikely.

The beaches on Montserrat are serene and uncrowded. You are unlikely to find more than a handful of people on most of the beaches at any time. Because of the volcano, most of the beaches have silver grey sand, some of which are surrounded by rainforest which makes them both picturesque and unique. The only white sand beach is at Rendezvous Bay and can be reached by hiking over the Silver Hills or by water taxi from Little Bay. After walking over the hills, you are rewarded by a pristine white sand beach, covered in coral and pink shells with crystal clear blue water. It is an amazing place for a day's outing.

During the turtle egg laying season, you may see baby turtles hatch. This is generally August and September, but you are quite likely to see turtles in the sea here at any time and recent visitors spotted baby turtles at Woodlands Beach in December. There are also magnificent reefs surrounding the island, some easily accessible from the beach as at Woodlands Beach, others further out at sea. Multi-coloured corals and fish make Montserrat a scuba diver's paradise and snorkeling is equally rewarding. Snorkelling and scuba diving trips can be arranged through The Green Monkey Dive Shop (www.divemontserrat.com) or the Seawolf Diving School (www.seawolfdivingschool.com) , both of which can offer PADI training if desired. Fishing and boat trips can also be arranged.

This year, the Montserrat Riding Stables should be opening which will give opportunities for horseriding on the beach or camping/horseriding trips. Please contact Turtle Bay Apartments for further details.

Festivals include a colourful month long Christmas festival, including calypso competitions, parades, bands and festivities around St Patrick's Day featuring celebrations at Festival City, food stalls and a boat trip round the island. See the Tourist Board website for more information.

Arts and crafts are thriving on the island. Montserrat is home to many artists and musicians, both local and international and craft outlets include Inge Kreb's craft shop where she has everything from pottery to lace that she makes herself, gift shops at the National Trust and Vue Pointe Hotel selling local crafts to beautiful handcrafted jewellery at several stores. There is a photography and painting gallery at the Turtle Bay Coffeeshop with a variety of work on show from both the resident photographer and local artists. A workshop with Caribbean Travel Photographer of the Year, Igor Kravtchenko, is planned for next winter. There is also a range of fantastic volcano shots taken by Kevin West for sale at his shop, The Last Coconut in Paradise.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars in Montserrat. Eating out is cheap and you can have anything from international cuisine to local specialities such as goat water (rich spicy gravy with goat) to Mountain Chicken (Montserratian frogs!). One of the most popular restaurants is Danny and Margaret's 'Jumping Jack' Beach Bar where you can sample Danny's freshly caught fish with delicious side-dishes and puddings. Matched only by the fantastic views of Old Road Bay Beach and the volcano.

There are numerous other places to eat, ranging from BBQ night at the Vue Pointe Hotel, with musical entertainment and a large variety of dishes, to lobster at Tina's Restaurant. Local dishes such as spare ribs or fried chicken can be bought at a large amount of roadside stalls. Rum and coke is the national drink!

There is quite a range of accommodation available, ranging from 2 hotels to various guesthouses where you will receive a friendly welcome. Turtle Bay Apartments is located in the quiet residential area of Woodlands and is situated in the rainforest, surrounded by mountains, overlooking the Ocean. We have an acre of tropical gardens, including banana, coconut, mango, guava and orange trees and beautiful hibiscus and frangipani flowers, frequented by hummingbirds. There is also a pool and coffeeshop/ gallery at the villa. It's ideal for a quiet break or for those looking for some privacy. The rainforest is 5 minutes walk away and the beach a short walk (in the summer, we plan to start turtle conservation holidays) -we are in an ideal location for eco-tourists, hikers and divers alike. Bars, restaurants and a supermarket are a 5 minute drive away and the apartments are comfortable, with all amenities. Prices start fromUS$60 pernight. Further details are available at http://www.turtlebayapartments.com or telephone Montserrat 4914985 or 4931520.

International flights are to Antigua and there is a Winair connection on to Montserrat from Antigua.




Carolyne Coleby has lived in Montserrat since 2004. Her villa is located in the rainforests, surrounded by mountains, overlooking the ocean. She is a photographer who has travelled extensively in Europe, Asia and Australia and currently rents apartments (Turtle Bay Apartments) and has a gallery/coffeeshop where she displays her own and other local artists work. She plans to hold a photographic workshop with Ivan Kravtchenko, Caribbean Travel Photographer of the Year, next winter. She considers it a privilege to live in Montserrat, a very beautiful island with diverse scenery and a live volcano plus the friendliest people in the Caribbean. Having travelled all over the world, she real believes that Montserrat feels like home.

For more information, see the Tourist Board website at http://www.visitmontserrat.com.

วันอังคารที่ 26 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Explore the Natural Wonders of Philippines - From White Sand Beaches to Tropical Islands

1. Explore Natural Wonders

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are another of the Philippines' natural wonders. Of uniform shape and rising from 40 to 120 meters, the 1268 hills look like a giant array of pregnant women. Others claim they are the solidified teardrops of a lovelorn giant.

El Nido Marine Reserve occupies 96,000 hectares and boasts diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier tourist destination.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River National Park is the world's longest underground river measuring 8.2 km and has recently been nominated for The New 7 wonders of the World.

You will find the entrance at the mouth of a cave in a beautiful lagoon about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. From here the river winds through formations of stalactites and stalagmites and several large chambers before flowing directly into the South China Sea.

The Hundred Islands National Park is composed of 123 islands (124 at low tide) and covers an area of 1,844 hectares. The islands lie at the south west corner of the Lingayan Gulf, just off Alaminos City in the province of Pangasinan.

Over the years the islands have inspired countless legends -- some tell of mermaids that once mystified fishermen; others tell of a primeval giant who lost his lady love.

2. Engage in Mountain Climbing and Nature Trekking

The Philippines with its large forests, pristine wilderness, and rugged mountains, is an ideal spot for mountain climbing and nature trekking.

On Luzon the Sierra Madre mountains form the longest range of the Philippines, extending along the island's eastern coast for 210 miles.

The Cordillera Central Ranges to the west contain Luzon's highest peak, Mount Pulog, 9,613 feet.

And of course, don't forget the  volcanoes. There are 37 volcanoes in the Philippines, of which 18 are still active. Many of these, like Mt. Pinatubo, have become popular trekking sites.

In 1991 the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo was the most destructive volcanic event of the 20th century. Today, surrounded by a vast expanse of lahar-filled valleys and boulders the size of cars, Mount Pinatubo offers a breathtaking view of a hidden lake inside its crater -- an enchanting reward for intrepid explorers and trekkers.

Taal Volcano is the smallest active volcano in the world. You will find it about 70km south of Manila on "volcano island" inside a lake called Taal Lake.

This is a popular trekking destination and, compared with other mountains, the climb is relatively easy. The view from the top is awe-inspiring.

Mayon Volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines, having erupted over 47 times in the past 400 years. It is also considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetrical cone. It reaches 2,460 meters and is the central feature of the Albay Province, about 300km southeast of Manila.

Climbing Mayon is possible but can be dangerous. Some organized treks are planned over a 4-day schedule.

The best time for mountaineering in the Philippines is either during the summer months from March to June, or during the monsoon season from November to February. It is best to avoid mountaineering activities during the wet season when strong typhoons buffet the provinces.

3. Feast on Filipino mouth-watering delicacies.

In the Philippines you cannot escape the temptations of food; you are literally surrounded by it. Take a stroll down a beach and the chances are you will find vendors selling everything from barbecue sticks to balut -- boiled, unhatched chicken or duck eggs.

When it comes to food the Philippines has it all -- a fabulous mix of foreign cuisine plus its own mouth-watering delicacies.

Well, there you have it -- more reasons to visit the Philippines.

But of course there are more reasons than I have listed here. For example, festivals that bring out the culture of the people, historic churches that date back to the Spanish era, the exciting night life of Manila, Angeles City, and Cebu, or play golf on courses designed by some of the best golf celebrities in the world, and more ... come and enjoy!




Allan E Miller is a retired Airline Pilot who has lived in Asia for over 44 years and has traveled extensively all over the world. He has been a freelance travel writer for 19 years and specializes in articles about the Philippines and other Asian countries. He also maintains the web site for the Bali Hai Beach Resort in La Union, Philippines.

Bali Hai provides easy access to many of the attractions mentioned above. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently opened The Cliffs Golf Course, a nine-hole, par 72 all-weather championship golf course. The course features a unique ocean hole that is undoubtedly one of the best Par 3 holes in Asia. Nearby Baguio City also has two excellent golf courses.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 24 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

A Tourist's Guide to the Natural Sights of Oregon

Nature, the predominant element around which life in Oregon revolves, results in the state's topographical diversity and rugged, natural beauty, and dictates the experiences the tourist is likely to have.

The 362 mile long coast, for instance, comprised of rain forests, sand dunes, black sand beaches, and unique rock formations, is splintered by some dozen rivers, which flow into the Pacific. The spine of the Coast Range and the Klamath Mountains provides a westerly skeleton, while the Columbia River defines the border between Washington and Oregon in the north. The Cascade Mountains, black basalt formations densely carpeted with thick, green forests and capped with snow covered volcanoes, cradle alpine lakes and a national park, and extend form Mt. Hood in the north to Hayden Mountain in the south, serving to separate the western half of the state with its central high desert plateau. In the northeast, the 10,000-foot Wallowa Mountains invert themselves into 6,600-foot-deep Hells Canyon, the world's deepest river carved gorge.

Abundant vineyards produce an array of excellent wines, while locally grown marrion berries figure in Oregon cooking, along with the bounty of the land's fruits and vegetables and the rivers' salmon.

Columbia River Gorge

Formed by volcanic activity and both basalt lava and glacial floods, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, spanning 80 miles from Troutdale in the west to the Dalles in the east, and encompassing 292,000 acres on both the Washington and Oregon sides, had been created by Congress in 1986. The Columbia River itself, at 1,243 miles in length, is the second largest such artery in the continental United States and the only nearly sea level passage through the mountain range stretching between Canada and Mexico. Originating in British Columbia, it flows through the mountains, before turning south and finally west where it releases 250,000 cubic feet of water per second into the Pacific. Topographically featuring Douglas fir, hemlock, and western red cedar in the west, the gorge transforms into drier pine forest and grassland in the east.

Its primary Native American residents, the "Watlala," who had been more commonly known as the "Cascades," had lived on both sides of the river between Cascade Locks and Sandy River, using it for sustenance and trade by fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and eel. The land provided berries and roots and the nearby mountains facilitated hunting for deer and elk. Living in structures made of cedar planks, the Watlala seasonally traveled down the river to fish and gather plant foods, such as "wapato" and "camas," in cedar carved canoes, while wood and mountain sheep horns had provided the raw materials for tools, bowls, and pots. Wrap twined baskets sported intricate decorations of nature, people, and animals.

Controlling the portage round Cascade Falls, which had been too treacherous for canoe or boat passage, they collected tolls in the form of traded goods in exchange for access.

The Watlala signed Willamette Valley Treaty ceded their southern bank of the Columbia River to the US in 1855, and they had subsequently been relocated to the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation two years later.

Of the gorge's numerous waterfalls, Multnomah Falls, plummeting almost 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain, constitutes the second-highest year-round waterfall in the US. "Multnomah," translating as "those closer to the water," with "water" referring to the Columbia River itself, cascades down a cliff in which five flows of Yakima basalt are visible, and its spray, freezing in early-winter and melting in late-spring, causes the rock over which it travels to crack and break away. The falls are accessed by several hiking trails.

The adjacent, Cascadian style, natural stone Multnomah Falls Lodge, designed by architect Albert E. Doyle in 1925 to serve travelers arriving by car, train, or steamboat, sits on land donated by the Oregon and Washington Railroad and Navigation Company to the city of Portland. The lodge's east end, which includes the later added Forest Service Visitor's Center in 1929, had preceded its post war remodeling and 1946 reopening. On April 22, 1981, the lodge, along with the first 1.1 miles of its Larch Mountain trail, had been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the day facility sports two second floor, fireplace and stone dining rooms overlooking the falls and the Columbia River. An extensive gift shop is located on the main level.

The Columbia River Interpretive Center, located across the Columbia River spanned, erector set appearing Bridge of the Gods in Stevenson, Washington, provides snapshots of life in the area in a modern, two level museum, with exhibits such as a horse drawn buckboard from 1890, a wooden fish wheel, a 1921 log carrying Mack truck, an 1895 Corliss steam engine used to drive saw carriages and conveyors in a Cascade Locks lumber mill, hand crafted canoes, and a 1917 Curtiss JN-4 Jenny biplane, which had facilitated local transportation.

Further east, and back on the Oregon side, the Columbia Gorge Hotel, built on a scenic cliff overlooking the Columbia River, is a stately, neo-Morish structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of Interior unofficially dubbed the "Waldorff of the West." Constructed in 1921 by timber tycoon Simon Benson as a tribute to America's post-war prosperity, it had hosted social and political dignitaries, presidents such as Coolidge and Roosevelt, movie stars like Clara Bow and Rudolph Valentino, and musicians from the Big Bands, having played an integral role during the Roaring Twenties when Model T Fords had traveled the roads and steamers had plied the rivers. Voted one of the world's top 500 hotels by Conde Nast magazine, the hotel, sitting on meticulously manicured, tiny waterfall dotted grounds, features an elegant, chandelier and fireplace adorned lobby and restaurant.

The Mount Hood Railroad, located a short distance from the hotel, traces its origins to 1905 when Utah lumberman David Eccles laid track in order to transport timber between the forest and his lumber mill by a steam engine powered logging train, and today offers daily excursions along the 8.5 mile stretch between Hood River and Odell through predominantly forested and fruit orchard topography and less frequent runs the full 22 miles to Parkdale, gateway to Mt. Hood.

Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood, named after British admiral Samuel Hood in 1792 and part of the Cascade Mountains, is an inactive volcano whose last, although minor, eruption, occurred between 1845 and 1865. At 11,235 feet, it is Oregon's tallest peak. Glacier and river sculpted over the years, the snow covered mountain, rising above Trillum Lake, features a 50-degree slope at its last, 2,000 foot rise, and offers year round hiking and skiing.

Its story, however, is every bit that of the lodge designated "Timberline" and nestled on its south slope at the 6,000 foot level. The result of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the federal agency created in 1933 to provide gainful employment to Americans who had been rendered idle by the Great Depression, it had been constructed by a predominantly inexperienced workforce which had used natural, Oregon indigenous material.

Its initial site survey, made in the spring of 1936 under 14 foot snow accumulations and only accessible by a primitive road which terminated a half mile from the actual location, yielded to the first drawings and subsequent groundbreaking on June 11 of a European chateau and alpine style lodge designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood and constructed entirely of gray, almost rock-resembling wood whose roof line echoed that of the steep mountain slope behind it.

Oregon had provided its foundation in the literal sense by supplying the mountain it had been built on and the natural materials which had been severed from their wombs and reduced to the individual buildings blocks which had been intricately reassembled into the lodge itself, inclusive of the forest supplied wood for its exterior structure and interior furniture and carvings, and the mountainside- and quarry yielding andesite stone for its walls and fireplaces.

Featuring a hexagonal core known as the "head house," which had been inspired by the outline of the mountain peak behind it, and a single, angled wing extending from either of its sides, it had been designed as an extension of, as opposed to obstruction to, its surroundings.

Completed in only a 15 month period, it had been dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on September 28, 1937 and opened to the public the following February.

The hexagonally shaped head house, subdivided into the lower lobby, upper lobby, and mezzanine, features a truncated, 55 foot high "timberline" arch supported by carved sides and a top crossbeam, in the center of which is a six sided stone chimney which sports three, railroad track andiron adorned fireplaces. Hexagonal ponderosa pine columns, each weighing seven tons and milled from a single tree, surround the lodge, while Oregon white oak provides its floor planks. The hexagonal pattern is repeated in the hand forged wrought iron chandeliers and floor lamps, and floor to ceiling windows (attempt to) provide views through the 21 foot high snow banks. Some 820 pieces of wooden, hand crafted furnishings and carvings were made in the WPA woodworking shop in Portland.

The Cascade Dining Room, located off the main lobby and thresholded by wrought iron gates made in the WPA blacksmith shop, exudes rustic, early-1900s elegance with a polished, wooden floor; a wood beamed ceiling; a relief carving adorned stone fireplace entitled "Forest Scene," and a bar.

Guest rooms, varying in size and appointment from bunk beds to fireplace suites, are rustic with heavy wooden doors; wrought iron latches; leather-and-iron lamps; heavy, wooden beds; and knotty pine panelings.

Timberline Lodge, the only public building of its size constructed entirely by hand with original craft work in wood, wrought iron, mosaic, painting, and carved linoleum, and, since 1978, a National Historic Landmark, is every bit a "sight" as an overnight lodge. It serves some two million annual visitors, only a small percentage of whom are actually skiers.

Returning to a roaring fire which castes warmth and light into the wooden lobby from its central stone fireplace after a day of skiing and enjoying award winning cuisine in the rustically elegant Cascade Dining Room, and then cacooning oneself in quilts in a knotty pine paneled guest room on the other side of whose wall the half, snow-buried pine trees surround the base of Mount Hood whose jagged, black granite, snow blanketed peak is periodically shrouded in cloud and mist throughout the night, is a quintessential Oregon experience.

Central Oregon

Because the Cascade Mountains mostly drain traditional storm fronts of their moisture, and therefore provide distinct climactic zones on either of their sides, Central Oregon, to the east of them, forms a high desert plateau and enjoys 300 days of sunshine, as contrasted with the rain drenched coast. Access is via winding, ascending Route 20 through the dense, needle thin ponderosa and lodgepole pine of Willamette National Forest, over Tombstone and Santiam Passes, and finally through Deschutes National Forest, all of which are often shrouded in low-altitude cloud, and lead to an area of snow capped mountains, 150 mountain lakes, and 500 miles of rivers. They afford a variety of recreational opportunities, including golfing, fishing, biking, horseback riding, hiking, climbing, rafting, and skiing. Bend, an accommodations base and once a booming timber town, capitalizes on the area's attractions with hotels, resorts, restaurants, and services. The area is alternatively served by nearby Redmond Airport.

Sisters, one of Central Oregon's attractions, is a quintessential western town of about 1,000 with 1880s style storefronts and wooden boardwalks named after the Three Sisters Mountains in the southwest. Initially accessed by trails forged through the Santiam Pass to the high desert by those hoping to strike it rich in the gold mines of Eastern Oregon and Idaho, it had developed into a small town after the trails had evolved into wagon roads. Wood from the surrounding pine forests had established lumber as its principle economic activity, although tourism plays an increasingly important role. Bronco Billy's Saloon, built in 1912, is an historically important building in Sisters.

The High Desert Museum, located a few miles south of Bend on Highway 97, is a modern, continually expanding facility which showcases the wildlife and landscapes of eight western states in both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including those of western exploration and settlement, the Columbia River plateau Indians, a "desertarium," an 1880 homestead ranch, a working sawmill, and a raptor center.

The area's geology can be studied in nearby Newberry National Volcanic Monument. One of the largest "shield"-shaped volcanoes in the Lower 48 states and located along the Northwest Rift zone of faults, the 500 square mile Newberry Caldera, whose most recent eruption, the Big Obsidian Flow, occurred 1,300 years ago, cradles two trout and salmon abundant lakes: Paulina Lake, at 250 feet one of Oregon's deepest, and 180-foot-deep East Lake, are both fed by hot springs below them. Once believed to have existed as single entities, Paulina and East Lakes had been divided by pumice and water deposits 6,200 years ago.

Paulina Peak, the crater's highest at 7,985 feet, provides views of the High Desert plateau and the Cascade Mountains.

The Deschutes River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, flows through the monument's northwest corner, and offers fishing, kayaking, and white water rafting, while more than 100 miles of trails, interspersing the monument, facilitate hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing, and snowmobiling. Area wildlife includes deer, elk, black bear, ducks, osprey, geese, tundra swans, and bald eagles.

Aside from the caldera, three separate areas can be visited.

The Lava Lands Visitor Center, the first of these, depicts Central Oregon's geology, archaeology, history, and fauna. Ranger-led interpretive hikes take visitors through the volcanic landscape. 500 foot high Lava Butte, whose crater had been formed 7,000 years ago when it had erupted and spewed lava over a nine square mile area, is accessible by a perimeter road and affords views of the Newberry Volcano and Cascade Mountain Range.

The Lava River Cave, a one mile long lava tube, had been created when a river of molten lava had formed a channel whose sides hardened, creating a roof, but the hot lava had continued to flow through the tube, leaving it hollow. Its interior temperature is now a constant 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, the Lava Cast Forest had been created when Newberry Volcano vent originating lava had flowed through a miniature ponderosa pine forest, enveloping the trees and forming molds round their now burned bases when they had cooled. A one mile trail leads through the forest, which is being progressively reclaimed by young pines.

Aviation-Related Northwest Oregon

Northwest Oregon features two significant sights, which not only center round aviation, but also retain the state's nature oriented theme.

The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, the first of these, had been created by Delford M Smith, founder of Evergreen International Aviation, and his son, Captain Michael King Smith, who had served as Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force and had been an F-15 Fighter pilot and the head of the 123rd Fighter Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard. Centerpiece of the museum's three modern, A-frame, aviation, space, and IMAX buildings, located in McMinnville, is the Hughes H-4 Hercules, the world's largest transport flying boat, designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company entirely of natural, laminated birch wood due to World War II-imposed metal usage restrictions and hence given the unofficial nickname of "Spruce Goose."

Designed to fulfill the 1942 US Department of War requirement for a very large aircraft to transport personnel and war material across the Atlantic where aircraft had hitherto been frequent targets of German U-boats, it had originally been intended as one of three stipulated by the contract, which had dictated a two-year development period. Powered by eight, 3,000 hp Pratt and Whitney Wasp Major radial engines, the H-4, with a 218.8 foot overall length and a 319.11 foot wingspan, accommodated 750 fully equipped troops in its cavernous, dual deck fuselage and had a 400,000 pound maximum take off weight. The only airframe ever completed, and thus serving as the prototype, it had first flown on November 2, 1947 when Howard Hughes himself had covered less than a mile at a 70 foot altitude while maintaining a 135 mph air speed. It became its only flight.

The museum retains its natural theme by cultivating its own vineyard in front of it appropriately named "Spruce Goose Vineyards," and a wine tasting room and gift shop, where one can sample the wines of the area's abundant other vineyards, is located in the aviation building.

The second aviation related sight, the Tillamook Air Museum, is located on the Oregon coast and is accessed by Route 6, which curves through Tillamook State Forest's dense, multiply shaded pine and pinnacles at the 1,586-foot summit of the Coast range. One of 17 US Navy, coastline constructed hangars to house K class blimps used for antisubmarine coast patrol and convey escort, the 1,072 foot long, 296 foot wide hangar, made entirely of wood due, again, to war restricted metal use, had been commissioned in December of 1942 at Naval Air Station Tillamook to serve the Oregon/Washington corridor.

Of the two hangars constructed here, Hangar B had been the first to have been completed in the spring of 1943, followed one month later by Hangar A. Housing Squadron ZP-33's eight K ships, it features six, 30 ton, railroad track guided door sections covering the 120 foot high, 220 foot wide opening which thresholds the 15 story high, seven acre internal space. The 251 foot blimps, attaining lift with 425,000 cubic foot helium bags, could remain aloft for three days and cover 2,000 miles.

After the air station had been decommissioned in 1948, the two hangars had been used for several purposes, including those of hay bail storage, and the material in Hangar A had inexplicably sparked and ignited in 1992, destroying it. Two years later, Hangar B had been developed into the current, nationally historic aviation museum displaying a vintage collection of restored, exclusively flyable aircraft.

Here, wood, the natural element of Oregon's forests, had been used to build the hangars in which dirigibles, using the natural gas of helium to attain lift, had been stored, in an ultimate act of history preserving history, and of nature serving man, which is, in essence, the story of Oregon.




A graduate of Long Island University-C.W. Post Campus with a summa-cum-laude BA Degree in Comparative Languages and Journalism, I have subsequently earned the Continuing Community Education Teaching Certificate from the Nassau Association for Continuing Community Education (NACCE) at Molloy College, the Travel Career Development Certificate from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) at LIU, and the AAS Degree in Aerospace Technology at the State University of New York - College of Technology at Farmingdale. Having amassed almost three decades in the airline industry, I managed the New York-JFK and Washington-Dulles stations at Austrian Airlines, created the North American Station Training Program, served as an Aviation Advisor to Farmingdale State University of New York, and devised and taught the Airline Management Certificate Program at the Long Island Educational Opportunity Center. A freelance author, I have written some 70 books of the short story, novel, nonfiction, essay, poetry, article, log, curriculum, training manual, and textbook genre in English, German, and Spanish, having principally focused on aviation and travel, and I have been published in book, magazine, newsletter, and electronic Web site form. I am a writer for Cole Palen's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York. I have made some 350 lifetime trips by air, sea, rail, and road.

วันเสาร์ที่ 23 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

The El Teide Volcano - Tenerife's Sleeping Giant!

Belonging to the Canary Island group, Tenerife is a unique volcanic island which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Home to the dormant Mount El Teide volcano, this ancient island gives visitors a chance to explore the area's lunar like landscapes and experience the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it.

The imposing Mount El Teide which rises 3,718 metres above sea level is Spain's highest mountain and it is little wonder that it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. Situated near the Montana Blanca and Pico Viejo areas, Mount El Teide is set amidst the 18,900 hectare Teide National Park which boasts of spectacular flora and fauna that call this part of Tenerife home.

Those finding accommodation at Tenerife apartments and hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Playa de las Americas can catch the local TITSA bus service which connects these areas to Teide. Visitors planning to ascend the volcano can do so by cable car, by foot or by a combination of both.

Taking the Teleferico Cable Car is the easiest way to head up Mount El Teide and though the service does not run all the way to the peak, the bird's eye view that awaits passengers is truly awe inspiring. The eight minute ride stops off at the La Rambleta area which is only around 200 metres from the summit and those who have obtained permits can trek their way to the top.

Diehard adventurers wanting to truly experience Mount El Teide and its natural volcanic setting can alternatively plan to hike up to the summit by foot. Starting from Montana Blanca, this mountain path is demanding as it is breathtaking and the six hour climb is no walk in the park! Visitors planning to take on the challenge should keep in mind that as the path reaches higher altitudes breathing becomes less easy and those with heart conditions should be wary. As mentioned before, it is worth remembering that one needs to get a permit (given free of charge) from the Administration Office of the Teide National Park (in Santa Cruz de Tenerife) in order to reach the peak.

Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers wanting to maximize their time exploring the wide variety of flora and fauna at the surrounding Teide National Park should look to stay at apartments and Hotels in Tenerife that are within easy reach of this naturally rich area.

Despite the rugged landscape of Mount El Teide, one will find a surprisingly diverse array of plant life that have adapted to the seemingly inhospitable conditions. Home to Canary Island pine and cedar trees, the Teide National Park is also where one can discover such plant varieties as the Teide Edelweiss, the Teide Daisy, the Dwarf Bugloss and the Canary Island Wallflower. Some of these species are endemic to the area and make the park a rich repository of Tenerife's natural wealth.

Those interested in wildlife will also have plenty to see and discover at the Teide National Park. This is especially the case when it comes to insects since the park has become a home to over 700 species! Among the many animal, insect and reptile species one may come across when enjoying a trek include beetles, butterflies, the Canary Island Lizard, rabbits, wasps, the Algerian hedgehog and honey bees.

No matter where ones Tenerife apartment or hotel is, making a trip to the Mount El Teide volcano and its national park is well worth the time and effort. Those wanting to find out more about what one can see and do in the area can refer "Discovering Tenerife's Mount El Teide Volcano & National Park."




Larry Austin is a freelance journalist and who writes on topics related to travel, hotels and destination reviews. He is currently working for RoomsNet.com. Tenerife is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain and RoomsNet.com is a specialist for Hotels in Tenerife. You may view Tenerife Hotels here classified under many themes.

วันศุกร์ที่ 22 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Pinatubo Monster - The Volcano Lake Serpent

In the Philippines, near the town Buhawen (which is a mining town), there lives a large serpent-like creature that is currently making life dreadful for the locals. This creature is said to be around 7 feet long, with a width of roughly 3 feet. Although some people claim that this might just be mass hysteria or a case of mistake identity, the Aeta have assured everyone that this creature cannot be an eel, a large fish, or any other creature that is usually found in the river basin. This is because, according to the people, they know the river and they know the organisms on it and this creature is something new and something that scares them.

The very first sighting of the Pinatubo Monster was on November 5, 2002, when a young boy playing in the river noticed what he initially thought were logs floating in the water. Once he approached it to play with it, the serpent-like creature showed its true form, which caught the boy by surprise and thus, he gave out a loud shriek. This scream attracted other Aetas but when they got to the boy, the creature had swam away, bothered by the screaming. In January 12, 2003 there were a multitude of eyewitness accounts of seeing the serpent-like creature in the river basin.

After these incidents, the Aetas have taken drastic measures in protecting their people. They now forbade playing and bathing in the river to avoid any incidents with the creature. Unfortunately, these people are fisher folk but with the entrance of the monster into their workplace, they have been forced to abandon their livelihood. In fact, the situation is so bad that the Aetas have now relied on captured frogs and other small animals for their sustenance.

The Aetas believe that there is a wide government cover-up of the whole Pinatubo Monster incident. This is because, when they asked for the local government's help, they were either told that the monster was merely a school of fish, or they were made to go around in circles through bureaucratic red tape. Some people also believe that the government is covering up the effects of the dumping of toxic materials by the mining companies from the near by village.

No matter what is in that river basin or what caused it, one thing is for sure; there is something in those waters. There is something large and intimidating enough to drive people out.

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.




Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business since the 1970's on the C64, AMIGA, and WINDOWS Computer Systems. He has won magazine awards for the 'Game of the Month', and more, in several European computer magazines.

Win FREE Prizes! Send your ideas to Cure the Winter Blues - Send Also any Artwork - Photos - Poems:

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วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 21 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Volcano Hunting in Guatemala - Hot Stuff

If geography classes never used to excite you, Guatemala will change all that. Sitting on the boundary between two tectonic plates, the country is host to over 30 volcanoes of all shapes, sizes and states of activity. If you ever wanted to see what the inside of our planet is like and what happens when it decides to make an appearance, Guatemala is for you. From the thrill seeking adrenaline junkies that want to stand next to flowing lava to those wanting to see the lush tree-covered volcanic slopes rising above the gorgeous Lake Atitlan, there's something for everyone.

Active volcanoes - Bubbling Hot
If you want to feel like you're inside a National Geographic Channel episode, you couldn't go wrong with a visit to the following active volcanoes.

1) Pacaya
Pacaya is an active volcano located within easy reach, just 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Guatemala City. A short hike brings visitors to the summit, where they can observe eruptions of ash and lava at close range. Some even return with stories of how walking over the upper slopes melted the soles of their shoes...

2) Fuego
Constantly spewing small ash clouds, this monstrous volcano's last major eruption occurred in 1974. To hike up barren slope is grueling, and most visitors will be content to admire Fuego's beauty from the safety of Antigua's cobblestone streets.

3) Santiaguito
The most dangerous volcano in Central America, Santiaguito first erupted on Volcano Santa Maria's southern flank in 1922. It constantly spews spectacular ash clouds and lava, and may be safely observed from nearby Santa Maria's summit. The hike to the top of Santa Maria takes about 4 hours and camping on the summit is recommended, to witness a spectacular nighttime lava show from Santiaguito below.

Dormant volcanoes - Keeping Us Guessing
They can't promise booming gas eruptions or spewing lava, but these volcanoes are just as impressive to visit.

1) Acatenango
Acatenango's last eruption was in 1972, so you can climb all the way to the summit without dodging lava flows. One of the most beautiful and varied hikes available, you'll pass through entirely different ecosystems on the way to the summit. First farmland, then cloud forest followed by high alpine forest and finally the volcanic zone to the very summit.

2) Agua
Looming over the pretty colonial town of Antigua, a climb up this volcano is recommended for spectacular views. Hiking time is about 5 hours from Santa Maria de Jesus, or 2 hours from the end of road that climbs partway to the top.

3) Atitlan
The tallest of the three volcanoes dominating the stunning lake with which it shares its name, Atitlan's summit takes about 8 hours to reach; the reward is a breathtaking view of the world's most beautiful lake and Guatemala's Pacific coast.

Extinct volcanoes - Just Big Hills
Their glory days as unstoppable forces of nature may be gone, but the volcanoes left by ancient activity still have plenty to offer the visitor, especially in the way of flora and fauna left undisturbed by any activity.

1) San Pedro
Perhaps the most frequently photographed of all Guatemala's volcanoes, San Pedro's beautiful cone seems to rise from the waters of Lake Atitlan. The hike to the top takes about 4 hours, and while visitors will not get great views due heavy vegetation on the summit, the crater serves as refuge for rarely encountered species of plants and animals.

2) Toliman
One of the three volcanoes, along with Atitlan and San Pedro, that forms the natural dam holding in Lake Atitlan, Toliman has its own delights to offer. A small group of rare Horned Guans survives in the forest near the summit and hikers should plan on camping out for a good chance of sighting the birds.

3) Cerro de Oro
A smaller volcano on the south side of Lake Atitlan provides an interesting mix of geography and history, having once contained a Mayan fortress in its crater.

Getting to know the varied and spectacular geography of Guatemala will undoubtedly be an adventure, but that doesn't mean you should take unnecessary risks. If the lure of the active volcanoes should take your fancy, ensure that you book a tour with a reputable and responsible agency that provides you with a professional guide. This way you'll make sure that you will have nothing but incredible memories and photos of some of the most incredible and unique experiences that Latin America has to offer.




Gary Sargent is the Managing Director of the tour companies Escaped to Peru and Escaped to Latin America and has lived in South America for over 10 years. Gary is passionate about life here, the people, customs and places. Visit his website to learn more information about Guatemala or to look at tours in Guatemala.

วันพุธที่ 20 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Popular Legends and Myths of Hawaii

The Hawaiian culture is full of nature based legends and mythology, much of it similar to that found in other Polynesian islands. As in every culture, these grew out of the need to explain the world around them. They explain how life came to be, and were passed from generation to generation orally. There are far too many deities to detail in one article, but here are a few of my favorites.

The Menehune are the magical "little people" of Hawaii. The legend is strongest on Kauai, where some traditions say the Waimea Canyon was home to the Menehune. These people are generally regarded as very mischievous and physically short, usually about two feet tall, although some were only six inches high. The hand-built walls, temples and fishponds are said to be the work of these master builders. Interestingly, the Menehune would work only at night under the glow of the moon, and if they were discovered or didn't get their project completed before dawn, they would abandon it. Fortunately, this didn't happen often.

Pele, the Goddess of Fire, is said to live today in the Halemaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii. The legends vary in how Pele came to this place, but most say that she was born in Tahiti. She left her birthplace, maybe because she longed to travel, or because she was exiled by her father for her bad temper, or because she was chased from her home by her angry sister, whose husband she had seduce. Regardless of how it came about, Pele ended up in the Hawaiian Islands. First she sent to Kauai, then to Oahu, Molokai and Maui before settling on the Big Island. The best known of the legends about Maui is the bad luck curse she is said to put on anyone who takes rocks away from the islands. Thousands of pieces of lava rock are mailed back to Hawaii each year by people who claim to have had terribly bad luck since taking the rocks home.

The Night Marchers are another of my favorites. These are believed to be high-ranking ghost warriors or ali'i (ruler) spirits. They roam through specific places on certain nights, pounding drums, chanting and carrying torches. Some of the Night Marchers trails are rumored to be on Oahu -- the Pali Highway, Nuuanu Pali Lookout and Kualoa Ranch, among other. La Perouse Bay on Maui and the town of Kaunakakai on Molokai are other reported sites. IF you should happen to witness a night march, legend says you should crouch low, avert your eyes and play dead, else the Night Marchers will take your should and leave you dead. If you like ghost stories, take one of the Ghost Tours offered on Oahu.

There are many more popular Hawaiian legends and myths, among them Maui the trickster demi-god, Nana'ue the shark man, Laka the goddess of the hula, and Kane the father of living creatures. Many of these legends are still preserved and passed on today through the hula and the chants of the Hawaiian culture.




Bonnie J. Peterson is the owner of More Hawaii 4 You/More Travel 4 You. She is a Hawaii Destination Consultant, assisting clients with their visits to the Islands of Hawaii for vacations, weddings and honeymoons, and business. Her web site http://www.morehawaii4you.com offers information on the Islands of Hawaii, including travel specials and articles.

วันอังคารที่ 19 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

As If You Need One, Here Are 5 Reasons to Visit Hawaii

You probably don't need even one reason to visit Hawaii, but just in case, here are 5 that you may want to use.

  • Learn to Surf

  • Swim with Turtles

  • Visit the Arizona

  • See a Live Volcano

  • See Colored Beaches, Red, Green and Black

Learn to Surf

Sure, you can learn to surf in California or Australia or one of a myriad of other kicking places, but only on Oahu's Waikiki Beach can you learn to surf where it all began. This is the place where surfing came into it's own, thanks in part to Duke Kahanamoku and his group of friends in the early 1900's. They later became known as the the Beach Boys of Waikiki and were the catalyst for the reintroduction of the sport of surfing. Thank goodness that teenager and his group of buddies liked to hang out at the beach and surf!

Of course, the best surfing to be found in the islands is on the north shore of Oahu, not in Waikiki, but if you are going to Hawaii to learn to surf, I suggest you start with the smaller, gentler waves of Waikiki.

Swim With the Turtles

There are several places in the islands where you can swim with the turtles. Everyone seems to have their favorite spot. You can see them when you go diving in Hawaii, but you don't need to be a diver to swim with the turtles, snorkeling will get the job done. And for the water timid, you can even do it in water shallow enough to stand up in. Bu you will need to get wet and you really need a mask to be able to see them well.

Don't, however, ever grab one and expect it to pull you through the water like you may have seen on TV or in the movies. Interfering with turtles is illegal in Hawaii. You can see them laying on the beaches catching some rays just like a tourist, but you must give them space. Approaching closer than 50 feet to them can get you a serious fine.

Visit the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

Take a visit to a sad piece of American history and view the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The occasion is solemn, yes, but it is very moving. You will watch a short video on shore before visiting the Memorial.

The U.S. Navy will ferry you out to the Memorial and the boats run between the Memorial and the shore about every 15 minutes. You cannot take a lot of personal belongings out to the memorial with you. Large bags must be left on shore, so when you go, make sure to leave all unnecessary things in your room or your car.

While you are here you can visit the grounds where there is a display of Naval weaponry and you can also take a tour of the battleship the USS Missouri.

See a Live Volcano

How many places can you go to see a live volcano? Many volcanoes erupt violently, so it is too dangerous for the general public to be able to view such an awesome spectacle. Those sights are reserved for the scientist studying the event. But Kilauea has been quietly and continuously erupting since the 70's. Since the eruptions are not violent in nature, rather a slow oozing of magma, the National Park maps out safe zones on a daily basis that allows you to view the lava flow. There is, of course, always some risk involved. It is, after all, nature, not an amusement ride. If you are not intrepid enough to view a volcano on foot, you can always opt for the view from the sky via a helicopter ride.

See Colored Beaches - Red, Green and Black

There are great beaches the world over, but where can you find, all in one place, a collection of colored beaches? On the Big Island and on Maui you can find black sand beaches. When you stand on the beach and the waves roll over your feet it looks like tar oozing. The Black Sand Beach on the Big Island is a great place to see turtles sunning themselves.

On Maui, close to the black sand beach near Hana, you can find the Red Sand Beach. It is a beautiful little crescent of red sand that is fairly difficult to get to and is often inhabited by naturists.

Back on the Big Island you can find the Green Sand Beach. It too is difficult to get to, you will need a four wheel drive to get near it but it is worth the drive.

So, there are 5 reasons to visit Hawaii. Not the top 5 in my opinion and not the only reasons by a long shot. There is so much to see and do in Hawaii that I do not think I could pick a top 5, maybe if I could choose the top picks for each island, but even that would be hard.




Retta Carl is a self proclaimed travel junkie. She has talked her husband Lyn into going many places during their marriage, but the place that keeps drawing them back over and over is Hawaii. A visit to the islands always feels as if they are going home.

Recently Retta has started writing about Hawaii on a new website, http://hawaii-vacation-guide.org. You can feel how much she love the islands by reading what she writes there and she shares some of the photos she has taken there over the years.

Come visit and let her share some island aloha with you!

Meet the author

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 17 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Can an Ancient Volcano Cool the Earth?

According to some researchers, after the eruption of the volcano Toba, the Earth suffered a drop in temperatures around 10 ° C. From Rutgers University in New Jersey, there are new studies that seem to discredit these theories.

About 74,000 years ago, a volcano in the Sumatra Island, the gigantic Toba began to emit steam from the top, signs of strong ongoing activities. It erupted with the emission of rocks and other materials a thousand times greater than those erupted in 1980 from Mount St. Helens in Washington State.

Previous studies argue that, following the eruption, a long process of the Earth's climate cooling started, decreasing the temperature about 10 ° C. The main cause is thought to be due to greenhouse gases emitted by the volcano, together with carbon dioxide and sulphur. The latter, when combined with water vapour, spread sulphate on the terrestrial globe in the form of aerosols, delaying the journey to Earth of the solar radiation and cooling the air until the formation of acid rain and snow.

It was the start of an ice age that lasted about 1000 years and that may have led to a "volcanic winter", causing famine and a drastic reduction of the population over time. Some geneticists believe that it has had a catastrophic effect on human life, reducing Earth's population to just a few thousand people.

But the models developed by NASA and the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, does not endorse these theories, because the climate simulations have not reproduced the hypothesized glaciation.

Alan Robock of Rutgers University has conducted some simulations based on advanced models that include the effects of the death of vegetation due to the radiation and chemical reactions that simulate the condition of the volcanic origin cloud. The purpose of the study was to investigate additional mechanisms that could have improved and/or have extended the effects of the eruption of Toba.

The Robock's team simulated injections of aerosols (obtained by sulphur dioxide) in the processes, ranging from 33 to 900 times the quantities found for the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, but no glaciation was obtained from these simulations. The results, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, speak only of cooler climate for several decades. It was assumed therefore that the cold spell that lasted for 1000 years, follows a natural cycle, like the other dozen ice ages of the past.

Climatologist Ellen Mosley-Thompson of Ohio State University in Columbus says that according to this research, volcanic eruptions are excluded from being mentioned as one of the main causes of glaciation of the Earth. For this reason, the scientists should concentrate their studies more on changes in ocean circulation or cyclical variations on the Earth's orbit around the Sun

And if Toba erupted today as it did in the past? It would be a disaster.

Robock and his colleagues estimated that a big eruption would lower global temperatures about 17 ° C for several years, followed by decades to return to normal conditions. This could affect the human population reducing agricultural production and vegetation, causing lack of food, famine and death.

Two years after the Tsunami, the Toba volcano resumed its activity with harmonic tremor. Some scientists say it will again be a candidate to become a super volcano in 2012.

According with the results of these studies, let's hope that this does not happen.




Fabio Rizzo is the webmaster of a new UK price comparison service Priceandoffer: insert your products FREE. If you want to see the 10 most beautiful places to visit before they disappear, click here

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 14 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Travel Destination Tips - Tropical North Queensland Australia

Regional Overview:

The Cassowary Coast is centred in North Queensland's Great Green Way. The Bruce Highway motorway and Queensland Rail service the Cassowary Coast. The Historic Town of Cardwell is the southern gateway to the Cassowary Coast. To the south of Cardwell, Townsville is 2.0 hours by road transport. Cairns in far North Queensland is 2.5 hours by vehicle from Cardwell. Cairns and Townsville host domestic and international airports. With air connections to east coast Australian capital cities Brisbane, Sydney and international air carriers.

Cassowary Coast physiography embraces the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, islands, estuaries and isolated beaches. The tropical coastal plain hosts perennial rivers, rainforest, escarpment range gorges and waterfalls. The scenic Kirrama Range Road and Palmerston Highway road routes access the Atherton Tablelands and Savannah outback.

The Cassowary Coast is renowned for outdoor leisure, recreation and sporting activities. Circumvented by Forestry Plantations, Queensland Forestry Reserves, Queensland National Parks and Queensland Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas e.g. Cardwell Range Girringun National Park. Key nature based activity interests include:

  • Sighting Natural Attractions, Features, Flora & Fauna.

  • Landscape & Nature Photography.

  • Boat Cruising, Sailing, Island Camping & Trail Walking.

  • Reef Snorkelling, Spear Fishing and Scuba Diving.

  • Fresh & Saltwater Fishing e.g. Luring, Trolling & Sport Fishing.

  • Rainforest Trail Walking and Waterfall Viewing.

  • Swimming, Kayaking & Whitewater Rafting.

  • Rural Cross Country Road Cycling.

  • Road, Track, Trail & Downhill Mountain Biking.

  • Motorcycle Touring and Trail Bike Riding.

  • Picnics, BBQ's and extended stays Camping.

Review multi day hiking and camping adventure options e.g.

  • Hinchinbrook Island - Thorsborne Trail.

  • Hinchinbrook Island - Sea Kayaking.

  • Girringun National Park - Herbert River Gorge Juwun Walk.

  • Tully Gorge National Park - Misty Mountains Trail Networks.

Cardwell - Local places to visit on holidays: Port Hinchinbrook, Hinchinbrook Island, Hinchinbrook Channel, Goold Island, Garden Island, Brook Islands Group, Rockingham Bay, Cardwell Lookout, Cardwell Scenic Forestry Drive, Attie Creek Waterfall, Dead Horse Creek, Cardwell Forestry Spa Pool, Five Mile Swimming Hole, Dalrymple Gap Walking Track, Kennedy Valley, Cardwell Range Kirrama National Park, Kirrama Range Road, Society Flats and Blencoe Falls.

For an extended Cardwell vacation, multiple road trips and tours. These destinations are within a day trip drive, return to Cardwell:-

  • North Coast - West Inland

Cardwell Forestry Drive, Edmund Kennedy National Park, Jumbun - Murray Falls, Echo Creek, Tully, Mt. Tyson, Alligators Nest, Tully River Gorge, Tully Heads, Hull Heads, South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach, Bingil Bay, Djiru National Park, Licuala Walking Track, Lacey Creek, Clump Mountain National Park, Bicton Hill Lookout, El Arish, Silkwood, Japoonvale, Mena Creek, South Johnstone, Henrietta Creek, Nandroya Falls, Kurrimine Beach, Cowley Beach, Mourilyan, Mourilyan Harbour, Etty Bay, Innisfail, Flying Fish Point, Ella Bay and Wooroonooran National Park.

  • South Coast - West Inland

Lucinda, Ingham, Broadwater Creek, Herbert River Gorge, Wallaman Falls, Mt. Fox Volcano, Crystal Creek, Paluma Range, Mt. Spec, Paluma, Paluma Lake and Hidden Valley.

Explore Australia's Great Green Way tropical Cassowary Coast with Family & Friends.




SWIT Guide - Nature Sightseeing and Multi Sport Adventures. Sharing small group special interest travel activity experiences since 2003.

Taal Volcano - Visiting a Unique Island Volcano

On the largest island of the Philippines, Luzon rises the Taal Volcano, an active volcano located in San Nicolas and Talisay in Batangas. Consisting of an island in Lake Taal situated inside a caldera that was previously formed by an enormous eruption, the island volcano is about 50km from the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Taal Volcano has been erupting a large number of times and several of those times violently. These eruptions have caused loss of life and property in the vicinity with a considerable death toll estimated to be approximately 5000-6000 casualties. Despite the alarming numbers, it is considered to be an great place to visit when it is calm and in it's less active state due to the elements that make this island quite unique.

Geological Information

The Lake Taal being located in in the Philippines, forms part of a chain of volcanos the lie along the western side of Luzon island. These volcanoes created by the subduction of the Eurasian Plate beneath the Philippine Mobile Belt are now either active or dormant in nature. The Lake of Taal which houses the volcano lies inside a 25 to 30km caldera which was formed by four violent and high intensity eruptions anywhere approximately 500,000 to 100,000 years ago.

Ever since the caldera's formation, subsequent eruptions eventually created one more volcanic island inside the caldera. This island is known as Volcanic Island and has an area of about 23 square kilometers that consist of craters and overlapping cones. So far 47 different craters and cones have been identified to be on the island.

The Crater and the Inner Island

Volcano Island already a volcanic island also contains a lake which is about 2km across on it is largest axis, this lake is called Crater Lake. Crater Lake a calm and serene warm body of water has inside it yet another volcanic island, and this is called Volcanic Point. This specific volcanic island is known to be the world's biggest island within a lake on an island within a lake on an island

These elements of Taal Volcano makes it a unique place to visit when it is not on it's most active state. There have been 33 recorded eruptions since 1572, now it lies in a dormant state and has been so since 1977 although the volcano has been showing signs of unrest since 1991. This has been evident with relatively strong seismic activity, ground fracturing events, and the formation of small mud geysers within the different parts of the island.

Even with the apparent state of unrest the volcano is experiencing, there has been a lot of visits to the island not only by the volcanologists and scientists, but also by the tourists and media. Lake Taal presents a unique opportunity to visit one of the wonders of nature which has taken hundreds and thousands of years to create, this uniqueness alone makes this an great place in Paradise Philippines [http://paradisephilippines.continentalgirl.com/places/taal-volcano-the-worlds-largest-island-within-a-lake-on-an-island-within-a-lake-on-an-island] to visit for the more adventurous and curious.




Luvi Marie Corcuera is the Editor of Informational sites such as:

Hydroponics Gardening and Home Improvement [http://www.houseimprovementguide.com]

วันอังคารที่ 12 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Volcanic Eruptions Build Personal Stress

As a professional, I write about stress all the time. I know the theory, the research, and the ways of reducing stress. I can help people clinically; I can talk at public seminars about stress. But today, I am experiencing an unusual level of first hand stress so it is insightful and helpful for me to think about how I intend to deal with his stress. Part of it is workplace stress; part of it is personal stress.

Today I am meant to be working with a group of people at Fairbanks but our Alaskan volcanic prima donna is performing brilliantly. Yesterday, an ash cloud was propelled 66,000 feet into the air by our own Last Frontier volcano - Mt Redoubt. Two large eruptions yesterday have caused chaos. Flights have been canceled, people are rushing to get safety gear for themselves and their houses, and they are trying to find air filters for their vehicles. All of our friends have volcano kits - masks, flashlights, candles, eye protection, plenty of water - and we have to fill up any cracks or holes that might let ash into our house.

Of course, Mother Nature has a very large impact on our lives. Whether it is snow, or tornadoes, or blizzards, or stifling heat - we react to our physical climate. This physical climate affects our personal and social climate. We feel relaxed, happy, fearful, tense, exhausted, and stressed by weather conditions that create issues for us. Our social life is determined by the weather, for example, we don't have many cook-outs here in Alaska in the winter!

Nature, climate, temperature, and, today, volcanic eruptions add considerable variety to one's life and also to one's stress levels. I'm not complaining about the eruption. Living in Alaska is amazing - the Iditarod, the snow, the wonderful fishing, the climate, the people. In some strange way, even having to deal with volcanic eruptions adds a touch of spice to life in The Last Frontier.

But yesterday's event has caused disruptions and these have required additional strategies, action, communication by phone and email, and re-organization. Not a huge deal but the situation does create extra stress; it requires me to make quick decisions, contact people, re-arrange timetables. If I can handle stress easily and productively, this will not be problematic. But what if I like predictability and certainty? Then my stress escalates. Anyway, I'll re-read my articles on managing stress and see if c=I can be my own psychotherapist!

There are two ways to cope with stressors like these. I can focus on my emotions, get upset and worried, grieve about lost opportunities, get anxious about missed opportunities, and even get mildly depressed. Emotion focused coping, as it is called, is a useful coping strategy as long as it does not overtake action. I encourage people to honor their emotions; however, we have to deal with the issue. I have to email the folk I was meeting; I have to set up alternative technology for what was to be a whole-day seminar. I have to arrange for materials to be emailed. I have to prepare new Powerpoints. I have to work with my team to set up either video conferencing, or Skype, or video share on Elluminate) a web based teaching tool). All of these arrangements require action - the planful, problem solving form of coping.

Oddly enough, both of these are essential coping mechanisms. But, in their own way, each adds a particular form of stress. Emotion focused coping adds internal stress (grieving, worry, anxiety, depression) while problem solving requires creative stress, organizational stress, even an emotional element - will it work?

All of this because the Alaskan volcano god decided to let us know he (or she) was unhappy. OK - so Mt Redoubt is NOT a god - just joking. It really is a vent formed by movement of the earth's tectonic plates; a vent that permits the escape of gases, ash, and molten rock that reside below the earth's crust. God or natural force - today it has caused me some additional work stress. My job now is to find effective ways of relieving the stress and dealing with today's challenges.




Dr Jeff, a psychologist, writes about workplace stress, personal stress, interpersonal stress, and how to manage stress. On his blog, http://www.drjeffbailey.com, he answers questions from readers. He works hard to make his articles practical and helpful and all of his articles are based on sound research evidence and extensive clinical experience. Please go to his Dr Jeff blog to get your free report on stress.

วันอังคารที่ 5 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Nature - The Way to Perfection

Nature exists in an optimum way, with the perfect equilibrium between friction and gravity, which when disrupted by disasters, manmade or natural, parameters of these outstretching and allowed by Nature, she has this way of adapting. An intriguing way that one feels compelled to analyse. Such extremes, yet such balance, I wonder in awe...such order.

When the two forces of friction and gravity become incompatible with Nature, higher forces must be addressed respectfully, in order to convert natural disasters into positive adaptation to restore equilibrium....in the same way our minds have the potential to work when we need to deal with disasters, changing kinetic minds to thermal, thinking minds, to facilitate resolve in dry or fluid issues. It is in this way that Nature transforms energy to create harmony and order. One would almost think that Nature has a mind of her own.

This 'mindset' is coefficient to achieve equilibrium, I have learnt this empirically, it is mandatory for her evolution and must be allowed for in striking the optimum balance in Nature. It is in this allowance for the extreme limits that she sometimes inevitably loses ground in pursuit of her dreams, sometimes even having to succumb to the avalanche of her will. This nurtures tolerant thoughts and consciousness is born inherently, resulting in the clear-thinking mind power of which Nature is truly capable and displays.

Earthquakes panic her but shake no fear in her, for Nature is fearless. Angry hurricanes ravish her hemisphere, but this serves to quench her thirst, for Nature aspires to greatness with resilience and overcomes any resistance. Pride and lust flood her, but never drown her security, for Nature is humble. Green-eyed tornadoes spin envy within, but she resists, for Nature knows her magnificent potential. Worldly volcanoes erupt vague lava, but in any difficult axioms she can still decipher, for Nature is honest. Drought drains the ecosystems, but she never becomes dehydrated, for Nature drinks sunlight and grows wise. Hailstorms and blizzards cry complaints constantly, but she endures,
for Nature knows perception. Forests burn, lies evaporate, but she remains patient, for Nature watches and waits.

Mankind wastes away talents, selfishly building monuments, but she shares hers with the less fortunate, for Nature puts her hands out to grab the fullness of gratitude and rests. For Nature knows that gluttony expands her universe, and that failure, weakness and asymmetry trigger dark energy; such is the nature of the kind, that closes in on herself and her whole terrain landslides. Even when that occurs, Nature corrects herself and adjusts...creating even better symmetry than before to recenter and thus regain her optimum equilibrium to wholeness and fullness.

Nature knows mystically that it is disrupted, the balance. She senses it. Tsunamis consume her heartbeat, sandstorms blur her vision and precious life slips by. Manmade disasters also cripple her world and people die. People are being killed by the unnatural, deceitful pandemonium of kidnapping, drug/human trafficking, poverty, famine, disease, pollution, terrorism, pandemics, radiation leaks. Crises that plague her people, that climax into vulnerability. Such is the result of disrupting Nature's balance, the barbaric reality, of a powerless, coy soul and its fate. Such is the species that Nature can neither control nor tolerate, but must adopt the 'mindset' in pursuit of survival/evolution.

To counteract these idiosyncrasies, Nature must be prepared to steer strong, to withstand currents of the oceans, to be resilient to wind erosion, to be highly charged in the face of friction and gravity. It is in this way that Nature learns in spite of being altered by intervention, to be wise, moderate and temperate, to thrive, transform, endure, retaliate, adjust, adapt, persist, develop, conquer, evolve and grow. Then Nature lives in bliss, eternally.

As experiences are thrust upon her, she metabolises a dense feeling, of joy, love and universal respect that is undebatable. Her mountains surround her with positive energy, intangible quantum of it. Protected and supported, she is empowered and her mind and soul are blown into whirlwinds that travel to other universes and back, while energetic, busy cities, peaceful countrysides, beaches, maintain the adequate balance that Nature yearns. Nature understands the power of multi-verses, the sun, stars, moon, planets, galaxies, rains gods, hope, faith and love. She believes in her own power to shape who she will become, knowing the power of five forces that pull at her feet and head...four that permit her journey, purpose and reason, though some say she has none, and one Great force that directs it, then she herself consciously determines it.

The world, its entropy and people are all subject to the thermodynamics of God. For this reason, Nature knows respect, but people don't. What seems like unconnected phenomena, Nature knows is the impact of a Super being, a Super power, a Strong, Supernatural, electromagnetic Force...God...onto this world. It is divine, ordered, symmetrical and harmonious, between all the friction and gravity, time and space, against all the currents and tides, storms and terror, amidst all the fires and forests.

Nature forges on to eternity. She is the epitome of beautiful, eternally thankful. With hopes for grand unification, abundant consciousness and lingering joy, beyond space and time. Nature is constantly nurturing and pruning her soul, body and mind. The whole of Nature persevering until she becomes distinguished to a degree of Perfection. If mankind would only emulate her, oh what a better place the world would be.

by Simone Galy-Laquis




Simone Galy-Laquis was born and bred in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. At the age of sixteen she went to England to further her education. Two years later she returned to her homeland to manage one of her father's businesses. By age nineteen she fell in love and married by age twenty-one. By thirty-one she had five children. She has enjoyed writing poetry since the age of six and has three published poems. Now at forty-one she spends her free time writing. She has a collection of sixty historical and inspirational unpublished poems.

Make Your Philippine Vacation Unforgettable

The Philippines are one of the leading tourist spots in Asia today. It is comprised of three major island groups namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is the biggest island and its Capital city is Manila. The country is blessed with so much natural resources, enriched cultural diversity, warm, loving and friendly people and magnificent tourist attractions.

There are different things that you can see and do and all these can keep you engross for days and even weeks. You will be surprised at how time flies and you realize your vacation is up. Any Philippine vacation is memorable but it will be more memorable if you plan your trip well and you have the best guide for all activities that you intend to do. Here are some well suggested things to see and do to make your vacation memorable.

Be with Nature

The country is home to many mountain peaks like Mt. Apo, volcanoes, rivers and lakes, and immaculate white beaches. It is rich in different types of plants and trees and it is amazing to discover lots of these varieties in just a small area. The Banaue Rice Terraces and Mayon Volcano will really take your breath away.

You can even try exploring its tropical rain forest which comprise about 10% of the total area of the country. It is home to infinite number of mammals and reptiles species, endangered species of birds and animals. You can also find various types of trees, orchids and ferns. When it comes with Marine life, it has plenty of varieties of fish species and you can find a great number of sharks and Whales.

Enjoy the Night Life

If you are delighted with what nature has offered you, you would enjoy too with what man can offer you. Night life in the Philippines is exciting, striking and extremely entertaining. Manila is really the hot spot when you talk about Night Life and Angeles city is the center of night entertainments. There are lots of bars, casinos, discos and night clubs which can keep you busy for days.

What is more interesting and will make your vacation memorable is when you meet the man or woman of your dreams. No one can really tell when attractions really sets off but most foreign visitors who come to the Philippines have special someone to meet and the rest of the story follows. You can read a lot of successful marriages that just started on online dating till they finally meet in this paradise island of the Philippines.

One thing important to note is that as a foreign tourist you have to be careful and be aware of pick pockets and swindlers who are out there. Also it is important that you show respect to the local culture and you will be rewarded with so much appreciation and respect too.

Being able to enjoy its natural beauty as well as enjoy socializing with he people just complete the package. Following these guidelines will surely make your vacation an unforgettable one.




If you want to know more about top vacation destinations in Philippines, try visiting topvacationdestinations.org, where you will find this and a lot more travel tips and reviews about top vacation destinations in US.

วันจันทร์ที่ 4 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Volcano Fitness

Volcanoes lie dormant, in most cases, for decades.

Massive piles of rock sitting static on the outside; but full of a brimming fire in the underbelly.

The catalyst of earth plates shifting creates a motivation that causes the mammoth structure to erupt with a force that shakes cities and an energy palpable for miles.

But as quickly as it started, the volcano retreats to its dormancy once again, almost immediately.

Topographic science notwithstanding, the reasoning is simple...

The motivating forces that compel these ancient structures to burst are completely and entirely unsustainable.

The chaotic and unbridled enthusiasm put forth by the volcano upon eruption requires far too much energy to maintain and the deviation from the laws of tranquility that exist in nature too strong to allow the madness to continue for any length of time.

In terms of the natural world, that's a good thing.

But in the perspective of your fitness goals, it's very, very bad...

Does it sound familiar?

You've finally reached a point of 'fed up'.

The motivating forces are igniting the fire that lives inside of you to want more for yourself.

After weeks, months or years of inactivity and dormant lifestyle, you awake with a burst of action.

Compelled and determined to make 'this time' the attempt in which you finally reach your fitness goals, you opt for a regime hefty in dietary discipline and abundant exercise.

But just as quickly as the motivation got you off the coach, it disappears.

And you find yourself nestled back in front of the TV every night, frustrated and defeated (yet again), but pledging different.... Next time.

Fitness sustainability is about taking small bites.

One step at a time.

Progression over time.

The inspiration to succeed and reach your goals with never dwindle when you carry the perspective that it is a marathon and not a sprint to the finish.

Take your time.

Enjoy the process.

And forever, remember my critical less on 'Kaizen'....

A refresher may be in order -------> Read this again For the first time.

Decide,

Donovan Owens
THE Boot Camp Godfather




Donovan Owens, is a Fitness Professional from Hutto, Texas, and invites you to connect with him over at his blog http://iDecideFitness.com/Blog and while you're there pick up his FREE Rapid Fat Loss Report.

Which Natural Hazards Present A Higher Risk: Earthquakes Or Volcanoes?

I've always been fascinated by natural hazards and therefore I decided to write this article on the subject.

There are many different factors which influence the magnitude and the frequency of either an earthquake or a volcanic eruption. But apart from this there are some major differences between earthquakes and volcanoes. Earthquakes for example are found on conservative plate boundaries, e.g. the San Andreas Fault in California. Whereas volcanoes are located on destructive or constructive plate boundaries, for example Mt. St. Helens or Heimaey in Iceland. But they can also be created on a hot spot, places that have fierce heat in the mantle; Hawaii is located on such a hot spot.

Furthermore you need to focus on primary and secondary effects which are different in volcanoes and earthquakes. Primary effects of volcanoes are for example lava flows, ash clouds, ash bombs and pyroclastic flows, whereas earthquakes only have one primary effect which is the tremor.

But the secondary effects are much more vigorous with an earthquake, like tsunamis where flooding causes disease, or it could result in massive landslides as a consequence of the eruption. The most common secondary effect of earthquakes is fire which can cause both high economic and high social loss. The secondary effects of volcanic eruptions are mudflows or sometimes landslides.

How much a country or population is affected depends mainly on three factors: the magnitude and frequency of the hazard, the population density which determines exposure and the ability to minimise the damage. Levels of development, education, technology and resources all influence the vulnerability of the location. But also the risk has to be reviewed towards social, economic and environmental impact and the effects on global warming. Long term and short term consequences have to be considered.

For the people concerned it does not make much of a difference which hazard destroys their lives. They constantly have to live with this threat. Most of them don't have enough money to move away to protect themselves and their families. In most cases there is no way to solve this dilemma and people have to accept this 'catch-22.'

In the end we can say that both volcanoes and earthquakes do present a major risk to life. It depends to a great extent on the development of the country, as the social costs are evidentially higher in LEDCs as in MEDCs. This is mainly because of community preparedness, predictions and monitoring. But however as 70% of the world's population live in earthquake zones, they obviously present a greater risk to humans than volcanoes.



วันอาทิตย์ที่ 3 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

In the Shadow of the Volcano - World Poetry

We have always lived
in the shadow of the volcano,
looming on the horizon,
like a sleeping, smoldering furnace,

like a fierce warrior-
that suddenly promises to rise
beautiful, billowing smoke rising gracefully,
ascending-

from within its folds,
clouds of escaping heat,
earth's boiling overloads
in the morning,

Dawn-
painted powder blue,
charcoal gray
in the evening,

Sunset-
painted gold hues,
end of the closing day
the volcano hasn't erupted-
in many years,
but still my heart
has lingering fears

when the roof was once-
covered in ash,
I wasn't sure
the city would last

like a voice from the past,
like my heart beating fast,
like something I can never forget

but the head of the volcano
returned to its shell,
and the town we have grown to love
remained-
us as well

we have always lived
in the shadow of the volcano,
every morning I rise,
eat breakfast
go to school

I always lift my head on the way,
to see if the mountain
is hot or cool,

when I disappear
into the walls where I study all day,
I worry sometimes
considerably-

how long we can continue
to live this way
we have always lived
in the shadow of the volcano

when I eat my tortillas for lunch,
yellow, white or blue corn,

I hope and pray we are on this earth
for a long time-

I hope to see
the Mexican sun
continue to shine

I dream of being a doctor one day,
-and I would help all of the children,
someplace very far away
the town that goes about its business-

busy hive of bees,
but in the air is a smell-
strangely unique
the city at times
is most serious,

twitching like a baton,
conducting a song
strange and mysterious
an eagle ready to dive-
a baby ready to cry, sharp-

like the cutting of a knife
the volcano reminds me
of the preciousness of life,
of using each day wisely
the turning hand of time

we have always lived
in the shadow of the volcano
I stay in this town
because I have nowhere else to go,
it is our only home.

Popocatepetl, Mexico




Dawn of a New Discovery: Inspiring World Poems
This is a small collection of poems, original and from several sources, that is hoped to inspire interest in writing and reading poetry. The poetry presents a kaleidoscope of ideas concerning lands, spirituality, children and youths, oppression and violence, school life and struggles, as well as painting a picture of hope.

Dawn Discovery-World Poetry

วันเสาร์ที่ 2 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2554

Bolivia Travel: Parque Nacional Sajama

Bolivia's oldest national park, Parque Nacional Sajama is a must-see for nature lovers. The 81,000 hectares of land are home to the eponymous volcano, Sajama. The scenery in the national park is spectacular and includes views of glaciers, geysers, thermal springs, and two other volcanoes, Parinacota and Pomerape. The national park holds the world's highest forest, consisting mostly of the rare Kenua tree which can survive at up to 5,200 m above sea level. Several rare species of Andean animals and plants thrive in the park, and the neighboring Parque Nacional Lauca in Chile.

The park appeals to mountaineers and scientists, but there are excursions for people without high-altitude experience. Due to the extreme temperatures and altitude, it is not advised to roam the park alone. You can hire jeeps at Tambo Quemado or at the junction into the village to see the sights. There's a fun bathing spot in hot springs 5 km north of the village. There are geysers 6 km west of the village with several lakes and herds of vicunas. There are a number of opportunities for hiking in the park, and you can rent mules, porters, horses, and equipment in the village.

To get to Sajama there is a paved road from La Paz to Arica in Chile which passes through the park. There is also a scenic route from the north along the road from Patacamaya, which takes seven hours. Once you arrive, visit the Centro Asistencia Turismo (CAT) office for help with arrangements. Some community members offer basic accommodation in their homes. These should provide mattresses and blankets, but it can be very windy and cold at night so pack a quality sleeping bag, gloves, hats, and warm clothing. There are four basic restaurants in the park but no fresh food, so you must bring your own.




This guide to Parque Nacional Sajama was written by a Bolivia travel expert at Bolivia For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Bolivia vacations.

Top 5 Activities You Can Do Best in Nicaragua

Adventure-seekers who want to experience the beauty of nature should travel to Central America. Countries in Central America offer different kinds of exploration and escapades to tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. One such country is Nicaragua wherein you can really savor nature's exquisiteness while having fantastic adventures. There are a lot of activities that you can do in Nicaragua, making your trip truly unforgettable.

  • Trekking and Nature Tours - What better way to explore the exoticness and beauty of nature than by trekking in Nicaragua? Nicaragua is teeming with a lot of jungles, villages, rainforests, and even beaches that you can explore. You may also walk on riverbeds, trek through dry forests, or even visit a butterfly farm. Central America travel deals are available to help you find the perfect trekking spots or nature tours to make your exploration memorable.

  • Water Activities - With Nicaragua's pristine beaches, clear waters, and crater lagoons, water-related activities are popular among tourists. You can make the most out of the tropical sun by tanning naturally, enjoy the cool waters by swimming, and even ride the waves by surfing. Moreover, the clear waters of Nicaragua allow you to enjoy underwater beauty through snorkeling and scuba diving. And if you get tired of the beach, you can go to a volcano where there are crater lagoons which can provide you with warmer waters to relax in.

  • Climbing or Hiking - Nicaragua has a lot of beautiful volcanoes which you can climb. This may be a challenging and tiresome activity, but it will fill you with excitement and anticipation. Once you reach the top of the volcano, you may see a beautiful volcanic lake making you forget about the exhausting climb. The captivating panoramic view of the scenery beneath the volcano top is also very much worth the hike. Nevertheless, climbing a volcano in Nicaragua surely is breathtaking - literally and figuratively - and will definitely make your Latin America travel a trip you will never forget.

  • Camping - There are many neat sites in Nicaragua wherein you can camp out. You may opt to camp on the beach, near a dormant volcano, or on the Zapatera Archipelago. The Zapatera Archipelago is famous among campers - it consists of eight islets and the Zapatera volcano. The splendid islands of the archipelago are perfect for camping. You can also explore their forests and wander along the shore. Some Latin America travel packages may offer you this one-of-a-kind experience with no hassle.

  • strong>Hot Air Balloon Rides - A travel to Central America won't be complete without seeing spectacular landscapes and natural attractions. So, if you want to enjoy the view of Nicaragua's volcanic craters without the exhausting hike, you can choose to ride on hot air balloons. A hot air balloon ride will allow you to experience the captivating aerial view of the mouths of the volcanoes, as well as the amazing scenery on the ground.

Whether you want to enjoy nature's beauty through exciting adventures or laid-back activities, a trip to Nicaragua will surely make your Latin America travel complete. With a lot of extraordinary activities to choose from, there would certainly be no dull moments during your stay here.




Find all the info, tips, and strategies for budget travel to Central America at CheapCentralAmericaTravel.net.

Copyright © 2010 Cheap Central America Travel. All rights reserved.

Aloha to Hawaii - The Most Beautiful Island of the World!

There are several beautiful islands on the planet, Crete ( Greece ), Bali ( Indonesia ) and Sicily ( Italy ), but Hawaii is the most beautiful island of the world. Why? Despite the small size of the island, it is world of wonders that words can't define but that luckily for you can be revealed live and in color place by place. Here you'll find everything you need to enjoy your stay. From natural wonders --  warm beaches, spectacular volcanoes, fantastic waterfalls, and nature sanctuaries -- and unique hospitality to modern wonders -- tall buildings, Olympic stadiums, transportation  network -- and amazing traditions -- as the "lei", the "hula dance" and the surfing. For this reason, no other island on Earth can compete with Hawaii. In addition to these selected wonders, Hawaii is a world-class resort destination with state-of-the-art accommodations. Certainly Hawaii seems to have discovered the secret of successful: Tourism.
 
The 47th largest state in the United States, Hawaii is the size of Northern Ireland. It is an American state of 132 islands stretching over 1,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. The eight main islands are: Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Kauai, and Nihau. Thanks to its natural wonders, Hawaii now has one of the highest standards of living in Oceania. Certainly Hawaii is a great example of what happens when the modern technology is applied to the economy.
 
Mauna Loa - A Natural Wonder of the World
 
Hawaii is also well-known for its famous volcanoes and craters. Haleakala --  the most popular tourist spot on the island of Maui -- is the world's largest dormant crater. The crater measures about 20 miles around and is about 3,000 feet. From the top, you can see the principal islands of the archipelago. But Haleakala is not the only volcano. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the world's most amazing volcanoes -- Mauna Loa ( 13,680 feet ). Here, too, is Kilauea volcano ( 4,009 feet ).
 
Like the Galapagos islands ( Ecuador ), Tanzania's Mount  Kilimanjaro and Nepal's Mount Everest, Mauna Loa is one of the world's most attractive natural wonders. Mauna Loa is not violent because the eruption occur only in limited sections of the crater. This eruption is one of the most impressive spectacle on Earth. It is surrounded by fern forest.
 
The Most Beautiful Girls
 
Here you can see some of the most beautiful girls of the world. Curiously Hawaii is an ideal place for fashion photographers, film directors, and models agents. Like Venezuela, Texas, and India, Hawaii is famous for its beautiful women. Certainly it is birthplace of several spectacular girls -- Nicole Kidman ( actress ), Patricia Ford ( fashion super model ), Carolyn Suzanne Sapp ( Miss America 1992 ), Tia Carrere ( singer and actress ), Renee Alway ( super model ), Kelly Ho ( actress ), Angela Perez Baraquio ( Miss America 2000 ), Agnes Nalani Lum ( top model ), Kelly Preston ( actress ), and Maggie Q ( actress ). In addition to this, Hawaii has won four Miss USA crowns and one Miss Universe title. In 1952 Kananiopepau Edsman finished second at the First Miss Universe pageant in Long Beach, California.
 
Astounding Oahu
 
In this island there are so many different types of scenery and climate. There are lots of beaches, where you can go swimming, fishing, surfing and sailing. Oahu is home to Waikiki Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Earth. It offers a mixture of wonders: world-class resorts, luxury restaurants, night clubs, and water sports facilities. Oahu is also home to Honolulu, the capital city. Honolulu - which is actually the biggest city in terms of population --is one of the world's top destinations for businessmen. Besides all that, the island of Oahu has other fantastic places. Diamond Head, an extinct volcano, is one of the world's most famous promontories and one of Oahu's most popular tourist spots. But it isn't the only wonder. The Underwater Coral Gardens of Kaneohe, in Heeia, is an amazing marine world.
 
There's also lots of beautiful historic buildings where you can stop. In Laie, for example, you can visit the world's most beautiful mormon temple. It is an architectural gem of the modern world.On the other hand, Nuuanu Pali, at the upper end of Nuuanu valley, offers an amazing view of the northeastern coast. And it was here that Kamehameha I won a battle.
 
To appreciate the history of Hawaii, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is recommended. Here are the remains of the more than 16,000 persons who lost their lives during the World War II and the Korean War. Under this historic atmosphere, you also can visit the Pearl Harbor Naval Base. This place, one of the largest natural harbors in the Pacific Ocean, is used as an American naval base. Sixty-eight years ago, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor plunging America into World War II. The battleship Arizona, sunk in the Asian attack, rests here.Finally, Makapuu Beach offers its outsiders a charming and comfortable environment. This beach -famous for its "perfect waves" - is a sanctuary for many body-surfers in the Pacific Ocean.
 
Hawaii - The Island of Orchids
 
Each Hawaiian island is a wonderland - a mixture of the modern, natural and the old. In this context, Hawaii  --the largest Hawaiian island- gathers many of the most beautiful orchids on Earth. In this island, there are more than 20,000 types of orchids. Here, too, is Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, a national park since 1972, which was an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary for criminals, ex warriors and other fugitives.
 
Captivating Kauai
 
Kauai -- a masterpiece of landscape gardening -- is home to one of the world's most stunning natural wonders : Hanalei Valley, also known as the birthplace of rainbows. With its unique tropical landscape, here you will find the most beautiful rainbows on the planet. According to many travel writers, it is Hawaii's greatest tourist spot.But it isn't the only wonder.  It's also home to Waimea Canyon -- it has an amazingly colored gorge 3,600 feet deep.  Waimea Canyon offers beautiful scenery for photographers, hikers ands naturalists. On the other hand, Mount Waialeale, in the center of the island, is the wettest spot on Earth. It has an average annual rainfall of 460 inches (1,170 centimeters).
 
Akaka Falls
 
Much of what offers to the tourist is amazing and unique. In addition to its black sand beaches, snow-covered mountains, perfect climate and other natural wonders, Hawaii is also home to some of the world's most beautiful waterfalls. In this land, the nature lover can satisfy a lifetime thirst for beauty in the incomparable waterfalls. The most important waterfalls in the island is Akaka Falls, 442 feet high. It, near Hilo (Hawaii island), is a long, slender waterfall on Kolekole stream. Likewise, Akaka is one of America's largest waterfalls.




Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has published more than seventy-five research paper in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latin America.

He admires Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter), José Gamarra (former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee ,1970- 1982), Hillary Clinton (ex-First Lady of the USA), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA). Alejandro said: "The person who I admire the most is José Gamarra . He devoted his professional and personal life to sport. José played an important role in the promotion of Olympism in Bolivia -it is one of the Third World`s poorest countries- and Latin America. His biography is interesting". The sportspeople he most admire is Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. "This African-American sportswoman is my idol... "