30-Minute Weight Loss Exercise Proves Most Effective

30-Minute Weight Loss Exercise Proves Most Effective

Word Count:
716

Summary:
Ten minutes of daily exercise is admirable because it's far better than zero minutes of productive energy expenditure. However, exercise physiology and weight loss science point to 30 minutes per day, at least three times per week, as part of your best body fat improvement scenario.

The bottom line is, essentially all experts agree that extended, low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity is yet the most significant and flexible factor in energy expenditure for losing weight.

Keywords:
how to lose weight, lose body fat, diet meal plan, online personal trainer, fat burning exercises, list of fat burning foods, weight loss, online weight loss programs, weight loss online

Article Body:
JUST A LITTLE BIT IS BETTER THAN NOTHING; STILL, A WEE BIT MORE IS SO MUCH MORE ADMIRABLE!

If you're "averagely overweight," that is, not doctor-diagnosed with extreme obesity, or if you just want to feel better by losing or shedding a few pounds, there's good news for you – from ACCREDITED, reliable, trusted experts who also care about your well-being. [See: ACE; ACSM; AHA; or AHA.]

Truth: Ten minutes of daily exercise is admirable because it's far better than zero minutes of productive energy expenditure. However, exercise physiology and weight loss science point to 30 minutes per day, at least three times per week, as part of your best body fat improvement scenario.

Why Does 30 Minutes Prove So Beneficial, And What's The Other Part of An Effective Weight Loss Scenario?

Your body has only three possible energy systems. Two of them are oxygen-INDEPENDENT. Yet, in order to metabolize fat, your body demands that oxygen be present. Long-story-short: brief, especially "quick" exercise bouts look for quick energy sources. These reside in blood and in muscle. It takes more than a few minutes to significantly tap into your fat stores, and especially, to burn enough of it for a long enough time to lose some substantial body weight.

This is almost the exact opposite of muscle tissue, where you can see and feel virtually immediate results. Burning fat requires patience. You simply have to allow yourself TIME to let exercise effects occur.

Reach Your Aerobic Threshold

Generally, exercise begins with a warm-up phase, at least 1-3 minutes. Provided your intensity remains within your target heart rate training zone, (about 120 heart beats per minute – an estimated average for most non health-impaired adults) you'll spend the next 7-10 minutes reaching your aerobic threshold. Staying near-to, but right below the point where your muscles burn (from a too-highly-intense performance causing lactic acid build-up) will bring you to a virtually perfect "fat-burn." Yet, THIS very special meeting only occurs at medium-to-low intensities, which takes longer periods of time.

Lipids (a simplified word for "non-water-soluble-fats" within your system) have to move from the outside of a cell, through the cytosol, mix with pyruvate, plus oxygen… then proceed to your "furnace" (mitochondria). This is where you break fat down into your "rewarding and much-wanted" by-products – energy (the work you've achieved); H2O (sweat); and carbon dioxide (a lot of continuous "exhaling").

So, if you quit at the 10-minute mark, you deny yourself approximately an additional 10 calories or more per minute of weight lost, primarily from fat stores. Stopping this process at 10 minutes is much like going all the way to the door of your favorite party but never stepping inside…for the "real" action.

Reasons Why You Should Work Out More Than Ten Minutes

With all of that said, there's an even more monumentally powerful yet scientific reason why you should work out for more than only ten minutes. In fact, at least 30-minute exercise sessions prove most beneficial for effective weight loss and improved endurance. You'll get three fundamental benefits from this:

First, you preserve your LEAN body mass (which you need because it burns fat far better than fat can burn itself).

Second, you get to expend MAXIMUM calories (the true key to losing weight – maximizing caloric expenditure, which is a time-consuming venture).

Third, your extended physical activity makes you change the way your body USES food internally or metabolically (for example, getting three-fold increase in calories expended, compared to person remaining sedentary.).

To Summarize, Experts Now Agree

The bottom line is that essentially all experts in diabetic science, obesity control, dietetics & nutrition, exercise science & personal training, and exercise physiology agree that extended, low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity is yet the most significant and flexible factor in energy expenditure for losing weight.

Mix that with practicality, reasonability, and utilize the following tip: Base your safe, effective weight loss goals around the fundamental principle that you need to alter your energy balance in the NEGATIVE direction by expending about 500 calories per day from smartly manipulating both EXERCISE AND DIET. You'll find that it's barely even possible to accomplish this feat by altering food alone. With exercise, however, you can obtain your weight loss objectives much more comfortably and conveniently, plus safely, too, for results that are long-lasting and health enhancing.

 

10 Killer Tips For Rapid Weight Loss

10 Killer Tips For Rapid Weight Loss

Word Count:
719

Summary:
In order to make the most of your weight loss program, finding the most effective ways to burn fat will maximize your results and minimize your waistline! Follow these 10 tips for fat burning if you want to lose weight and lead a healthier way of life.

1.) Drink More Water

One of the best weight loss secrets is to ditch the sodas and stick to water! Experts say you should drink approximately eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. Instead of turning t...

Keywords:
low glycemic index diet, low gi diet,

Article Body:
In order to make the most of your weight loss program, finding the most effective ways to burn fat will maximize your results and minimize your waistline! Follow these 10 tips for fat burning if you want to lose weight and lead a healthier way of life.

1.) Drink More Water

One of the best weight loss secrets is to ditch the sodas and stick to water! Experts say you should drink approximately eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. Instead of turning to calorie-laden or sugar-rich drinks, grab a refreshing glass of water. In addition to flushing toxins out of your system, drinking water encourages you to build muscle.

2.) Eat More Meals

A traditional three-meals-a-day plan just will not cut it if you are in the market to burn fat. Your body is not able to metabolize large meals and will quickly turn any excess into fat. Many experts believe you should eat six small meals a day. Be sure you cut back on your food consumption at each meal, or else you will be doubling your intake—and doubling your fat storage!

3.) Work Out with Weights

One great way to maximize the amount of fat you are burning is to add a weight program to your work out routine. Weight training will not only tone your physique, but will strengthen your body and improve your general health. Lifting weights will also burn calories and fat more quickly than traditional exercising, and it will also boost your metabolism.

4.) Choose Protein

Choose protein-laden foods for boosting your metabolism and enabling your body to burn fat rapidly. In addition to burning fat, consuming a protein-enriched diet will help you rebuild muscle after work outs and maintain leanness of that muscle. Wisely choose proteins for your diet. Take great care to pick proteins low in fat so you do not consume extra calories.

5.) Cut Calories Wisely

It may be tempting to drastically cut your calorie intake when starting a healthy lifestyle. Instead, use a step method when cutting your calorie intake to minimize risk. Reducing calories too quickly results in your body rapidly burning all available calories, which will lower your metabolism. Furthermore, you are more likely to maintain your healthy lifestyle through this step method.

6.) Reward Yourself

When it comes to successfully dieting to burn the most fat, be sure to reward yourself. Everyone has temptations and favorite treats—so allow indulgence. You will be less likely to cheat on your new diet if you grant yourself small rewards. If you are a chocolate lover, treat yourself to a small square of chocolate or single chocolate kiss each evening.

7.) Avoid Marathon Work Outs

The biggest mistake people make when looking to burn fat and lose weight is to have one long, extensive work out session. Instead, break up your work out plan into small chunks throughout the day. Take a brisk walk in the morning, enjoy a work out at lunch, and then exercise more in the evening. In addition to staying active all day long, breaking up your work out will better maintain your metabolism.

8.) Mix It Up

Choosing to engage in a variety of quality exercises will keep your interest and best allow you to maintain your goal of burning fat. Instead of doing the same exercises each day—mix it up! Opt to swim laps one day, jog another, and bike the next. Rotating your activities will not only allow you to experience a variety of athletics, it will also allow you to better tone your body.

9.) Skip Happy Hour

For those individuals who want to burn fat quickly, avoid alcohol. Rich in sugars and carbohydrates, alcohol is a calorie-rich substance. These empty calories can add up quickly and take away from necessary nutrients that should be included in your daily diet. Furthermore, alcohol acts as an inhibitor for burning fat, allowing your body to store it more quickly.

10.) Try a Low GI Diet

A low GI diet is an excellent method of burning fat quickly. This diet encourages individuals to consume high amounts of foods with low rankings on the Glycemic Index. These foods are nutritious and will aid your body in burning fats and calories at a quicker pace. This diet includes many of your favorite fruits, vegetable, meats, dairy, and grain products.

 

Best Clone Golf Clubs Are The Way To Go

 

Best Clone Golf Clubs Are The Way To Go

Word Count:
266

Summary:
The best clone golf clubs may be the best thing for your game no matter what level of player you are. Pay less for the same quality and performance as the leading brand names.

Keywords:
best clone golf clubs

Article Body:
If you are searching for the best clone golf clubs, there are a number of things you should be aware of. This is where the real value comes in to play when talking about golf equipment deals. Do not be mistaken by thinking these are low-grade clubs for the beginner golfer just because they are offered at a third of the price of top selling gear from companies like Callaway, Ping and comparable gear. The best clone golf clubs are made using the same top quality materials.

Whether you are in the market for irons, wedges, putter or woods, buying the best clone golf clubs may very well be the best option for you. If you are the type of person who doesn't give in to popular brand names, but stands by quality and performance, then the low price you will pay for clones will be a big bonus. These clubs are designed to look, feel and perform like the top brand named clubs, but will come to you at up to a third of the price.

Many times, the best clone golf clubs can be custom fitted to your body style and swing. Having them tailored to your specifications will ultimately give you optimal performance on the golf course where you demand it the most. Please take the time to research what clones can do for you before you go out and purchase a set of expensive clubs that may not be right for you, you'll be glad you did. It can save you a lot of money and a lot of unnecessary strokes.

 

A Training Guide to Baseball

 

A Training Guide to Baseball

Word Count:
624

Summary:
Handling the beater or putting wood at the ball, is the key with the success or the failure of the club of ball and the individual.

Keywords:
baseball, baseball drills, baseball pitches, baseball salaries, baseball terms, baseball tips, baseball facts, baseball school, who invented baseball, baseball lessons

Article Body:
Handling the beater or putting wood at the ball, is the key with the success or the failure of the club of ball and the individual.

There is no great mystery about what makes to a boy a good bruiser. He must have:

1. A certain quantity of normal capacities
2. A control of the fundamental principles
3. Confidence in its capacity to strike

Normal covers of capacities of expression much. They mean the arms, the wrists and the hands forts; fast reflexes, good coordination, perfect sight and speed under development.

Independently how much of normal capacities a boy has, however, of him will not strike like him if if it does not control the fundamental principles and does not believe in its capacity to strike the ball while it comes by the zone from strike. The confidence of art of the self-portrait, naturally, comes from success. Moreover, success in the wadding in sheet comes from the practice. The following text describes the mechanisms to strike while they apply to the bowlers in general. While following the implied principles, the well coordinated boy could easily become the wadding in sheet hold the first role of his team; the average boy could certainly become a bruiser better than average.

While getting information about handling the beater there are some key points which you will have to know. Those include sectors of

The Position The Step Positions of arm and hand The Oscillation

The position required depends on the side which they support. If a boy is a droitier, it should turn its left side in the jug; the good so left-handed side.

The body should rather right and be slackened with the weight distributed even on the two feet. The hips and the shoulders should be level. The feet should be width of shoulder with share with the toe of the foot before even with the instep of the back foot. When the ball is delivered, beats heels should be to the top slightly, its slightly bent knees. Covers of step how the call should be struck. While the ball is delivered to the dish, the smooth paste should raise its foot before Juste above the ground and slip it ahead (towards the jug) approximately six inches. This stage, a part criticizes to strike, starts what generally names synchronization. All other movements which are a part of flow handling the beater of it.

Practical with this formula:

Loan?

Stage and torsion. Again with the starting position. Still, stage and torsion. Back. Stage and torsion. Back

Co-ordinate of positions of arm and hand with the position and the step. Droitier beats: place your left palm against before your right shoulder, little finger to the bottom, inch upwards. Advance the left hand approximately six inches and made a fist.

Left-handed person beats: place your right palm against before your left shoulder, little finger to the bottom, inch upwards. Advance the right hand approximately six inches and made a fist.

The elbow of the arm which is now prolonged through the body should not have almost any curve in him and there should not be any constraint on the arm. In fact the arm and the hand guide the beater by the oscillation. The opposite arm and the hand provide the power.

Make a fist with the power give it and place on the hand of guidance.

Thus raise the elbow of the arm of power it is of level with the top of the shoulder. There will be a certain constraint there. Drop this elbow slowly until there is no constraint. The elbow of the arm of power should come to a stop approximately two inches below the top the shoulder.

Maintain the elbows and the hands left the body!

 

Advice for Hikers and Hunters

 

Advice for Hikers and Hunters

Word Count:
583

Summary:
Before hikers and hunters head out for recreation, check to make sure you have the proper footwear for your feet and ankles.

Keywords:
feet, ankles, hiking, walking, muscles, tendons, injuries

Article Body:
As brightly colored leaves dazzle the fall landscape, hikers and hunters nationwide will migrate to mountains, woods and fields, but many, unfortunately, are ill prepared for the beating their feet will take, warns the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

"Hikers, hunters and others who love the outdoors often don't realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain," said Marco Vargas, DPM, AACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon based in Sugar Land, TX. An avid outdoorsman himself, Vargas said lax physical conditioning and inappropriate footwear bring scores of outdoor enthusiasts into his office each fall for treatment of foot and ankle problems such as chronic heel pain, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, fungal infections and severe blisters.

"Walking up and down steep hillsides and tramping through wet, slippery fields and wooded areas puts stress on the muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles, especially if you haven't conditioned properly before hitting the trail," said Vargas. "Also, many don't realize that cross-training athletic shoes aren't the best choice for extended hiking and hunting.  Had some of my patients worn sturdy, well constructed hiking boots, they wouldn't have suffered sprained ankles or strained Achilles tendons."

Vargas advises hikers and hunters to make the investment in top-quality hiking boots. He said strong, well insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks offer excellent ankle and foot support that helps lessen stress and muscle fatigue to reduce injury risk. "The supportive shank decreases strain on the arch by allowing the boot to distribute impact as the foot moves forward. So if a boot bends in the middle, don't buy it."

In wet and cold weather, wearing the right socks can help prevent blisters, fungal infections and frostbite.  Vargas recommends synthetic socks as the first layer to keep the feet dry and reduce blister-causing friction. For the second layer, wool socks add warmth, absorb moisture away from the skin, and help make the hiking boot more comfortable. "Wool lets moisture evaporate more readily than cotton, so fewer blisters develop," added Vargas.
What happens if your feet or ankles hurt during a hike or hunt? Vargas said pain usually occurs from overuse, even from just walking. "If you're not accustomed to walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will get tired and cause muscles and tendons to ache," he explained. "To avoid a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for awhile if you start hurting."

According to the ACFAS consumer website, FootPhysicians.com, pain is a warning sign that something is wrong. "Serious injury risk escalates significantly if you continue hiking in pain," Vargas said. He likened hiking to skiing in that beginners should take on less difficult trails until they become better conditioned and more confident.

Vargas also recommends visiting a foot and ankle surgeon if there is persistent foot or ankle pain following a hiking or hunting outing. "I'm most concerned about ankle instability and strained Achilles tendons. Inattention to these problems at their early stages may lead to a serious injury that will keep you off the trails for a long time," Vargas said.

Hikers and hunters seeking further information about ankle sprains, Achilles tendon injuries and other foot and ankle problems, or looking for a local foot and ankle surgeon,

 

7 Things You Can Do Today To Get Rid Of A Beer Gut

 

7 Things You Can Do Today To Get Rid Of A Beer Gut

Word Count:
550

Summary:
There is much hype and misinformation surrounding the subject of how to get rid of a beer gut. If you can get past the infomercials selling their ab machines, diet supplements and magic pills you'll have a much better chance of actually seeing some proper results and holding on to the money in your pocket.

Like anything in life that involves hard work and desirable results there are no shortcuts. A task such as this requires some fundamental changes in how you live your li...

Keywords:
beer gut, beer belly, abdominal fat, six pack, 6 pack

Article Body:
There is much hype and misinformation surrounding the subject of how to get rid of a beer gut. If you can get past the infomercials selling their ab machines, diet supplements and magic pills you'll have a much better chance of actually seeing some proper results and holding on to the money in your pocket.

Like anything in life that involves hard work and desirable results there are no shortcuts. A task such as this requires some fundamental changes in how you live your life and exchanging bad habits for good ones.

Here are 7 small life changes you can make to your every day routine to help to get rid of a beer gut:

1. Park the car a few blocks from work forcing you to walk the rest of the journey every day to incorporate some exercise into your daily routine. If you take the bus or train try and get off a stop or 2 early (take a change of shoes for this).

2. Try and avoid taking lifts and escalators if there are stairs you can take instead.

3. Swap coffee for green tea.

4. Split your meals up into 5 or 6 smaller meals throughout the day, this will increase your metabolism and therefore burn more fat.

5. Drink lots of water, particularly when you get up and before you go to bed.

6. Eat larger meals earlier in the day when you need the energy and smaller ones in the evening when extra energy will only end up being stored as fat. Remember this expression;- "Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and sup like a pauper" but try and split this into 5 or 6 meals instead of the usual 3.

7. Be conscious of how you sit at your desk or how you hold yourself during your day to day routine. One of the best ways to develop a flat tummy is to exercise your transverse abdominus. You do this by holding in your stomach (without holding your breath). Aim to see how long you can hold it in for and better your time every day.

Drawing your belly button into your spine is sometimes referred to as 'activating your core'. If you work at a computer set a calendar reminder to 'activate your core' several times a day. If you don't work at a computer set your watch or phone alarm to remind you to do this. Tensing your stomach muscles and drawing your naval into your spine is something you can do sitting or standing and in almost any situation.

These 7 tips can make a world of difference to helping you get rid of a beer gut if you add them to your daily routine. Proper diet and exercise play an important part as well, however it is possible to 'multitask' and lose your beer gut when you're at work and even at play.

If you combine these routine changes with a solid exercise and diet system you'll start seeing results a lot quicker than you thought possible. Of course you'll want to make sure you're using the right diet and exercise system.

For more every day diet and exercise tips be sure to check out my site for in depth info on how to most effectively get rid of a beer gut and develop rock hard 6-pack abs.

 

Adventure Travel Tours: A Day on the Trail

Adventure Travel Tours: A Day on the Trail

Word Count:
757

Summary:
An adventure travel vacation is a great way to explore your world. Join a group of fun people who share your interests as we go on a day hike in the Alps. Enjoy a little taste of Switzerland.

Keywords:
adventure, travel, vacation, tour, hiking, Switzerland, mountain

Article Body:
An adventure travel vacation is a great way to explore your world. Join a group of fun people who share your interests as we go on a day hike in the Alps. Enjoy a little taste of Switzerland.

Up, Up, and Away

After consuming a hearty breakfast, we depart for the trailhead. It's close to our conveniently located inn, so we take a leisurely stroll - greeting friendly locals and shopkeepers along the way.

We board a bright red cable car that whisks us soaring above the valley to a far away peak. One of your companions excitedly nudges you, "Look, marmots!". We gaze at a trio of cuddly creatures staring back at us from the rockface - so close we feel we could reach out and touch them.

We disembark at a solid rock and timber mountain station - now peaceful, this station hosts a clattering mass of skiers during the winter season.

Clean Mountain Air and Emerald Lakes

Breathing in the fresh mountain air, we set out on our trail. Carpets of wildflowers surround us. Gentle cows graze the alpine grasses - serenading us with a cheerful tinkle of bells. Hiking here is so refreshing.

A meandering path leads us through hillocks of glacial moraine, now cloaked in a splendid green, to the edge of a startlingly beautiful emerald lake. The nearby mountains reflect on its surface.

We make a brief stop to admire this natural jewel. Some of our group rambles around the tiny lake - others lay back and enjoy the serenity.

Hiking Amongst Towering Peaks

Our trail continues along a high mountain valley bordered by towering snow-capped peaks. Beautiful Alpenroses form a lovely rolling heath. We tramp across a small snowfield - its coolness underfoot contrasts with the glorious warmth of the alpine sun.

We spy a cairn ahead with the familiar red-and-white trail marking painted on one of its rocks. Rounding a corner we spot our lunchtime destination in the distance - a solid Berghaus growing out of the surrounding rocks.

Lunching on the Sonnenterrasse

As we settle ourselves on a rustic, sun-drenched Sonnenterrasse, a tantalizing smell of frying onions and sausages greets us. Lunch is hearty mountain fare - plates heaped with Rosti mit Spiegeleier und Speck (a wonderfully golden, crispy fried potato pancake with egg and bacon) - served by a flaxen-haired girl in a traditional, powdery-blue farmer's smock.

We wash down our delicious lunch with bottles of local beer and gaze out across a massive glacier winding its way down between two peaks and glistening in the sunlight.

Stunning Views

Well sated, we regain our trail and soon find ourselves breaking out onto a sloping hillside - affording us stunning views of the valley far below. We see a tiny hamlet across the valley, its sun-burned houses and barns surround a central church spire. A massive mountain rears up behind this peaceful scene.

Slowly dropping down a gentle path, we enter a straggle of dwarf pine. We're greeted by a pungent fragrance that reminds us of the cleanliness of this wonderful habitat. The afternoon sun is gaining strength and it's a perfect time for us to enter the cool loaminess of the lower forest. We follow the edge of a cascading glacier-fed creek - its frostiness refreshes the air around us.

Warm Sun and the Smell of Hay

We clatter across an ancient wooden bridge - its surface well worn by generations of cows being driven to Alpine meadows. In the lower pastures, local farmers are harvesting the hay with large wooden rakes. A comforting, sun-rich smell of dried grasses greets us.

Off to the Konditorei

The relaxing smell of hay and the warmth of the sun has put us into a peaceful, lazy mood. We beeline to the nearest Konditorei to debate our biggest decision of the day - is it to be the daintily glazed apricot torte, the decadent chocolate mousse with lashings of whipped cream, or the traditional (and oh so tasty) Engadiner Nusstorte.

We relax in a cozy nook and relieve today's experiences.

Relaxing Back at the Inn

We amble back to our welcoming inn - a great time for relaxed exploration of the local shops. Back at the inn, some members catch up on reading in the inn's glorious wood-paneled library - others send postcards or nap in the warm afternoon sun.

Later, we'll watch as the sun paints the mountains with golden color. An adventure travel vacation in Switzerland is a fantastic experience.

Tomorrow, we set off on another lovely adventure.

 

Adventure Travel Tours: A Day on the Trail

Adventure Travel Tours: A Day on the Trail

Word Count:
757

Summary:
An adventure travel vacation is a great way to explore your world. Join a group of fun people who share your interests as we go on a day hike in the Alps. Enjoy a little taste of Switzerland.

Keywords:
adventure, travel, vacation, tour, hiking, Switzerland, mountain

Article Body:
An adventure travel vacation is a great way to explore your world. Join a group of fun people who share your interests as we go on a day hike in the Alps. Enjoy a little taste of Switzerland.

Up, Up, and Away

After consuming a hearty breakfast, we depart for the trailhead. It's close to our conveniently located inn, so we take a leisurely stroll - greeting friendly locals and shopkeepers along the way.

We board a bright red cable car that whisks us soaring above the valley to a far away peak. One of your companions excitedly nudges you, "Look, marmots!". We gaze at a trio of cuddly creatures staring back at us from the rockface - so close we feel we could reach out and touch them.

We disembark at a solid rock and timber mountain station - now peaceful, this station hosts a clattering mass of skiers during the winter season.

Clean Mountain Air and Emerald Lakes

Breathing in the fresh mountain air, we set out on our trail. Carpets of wildflowers surround us. Gentle cows graze the alpine grasses - serenading us with a cheerful tinkle of bells. Hiking here is so refreshing.

A meandering path leads us through hillocks of glacial moraine, now cloaked in a splendid green, to the edge of a startlingly beautiful emerald lake. The nearby mountains reflect on its surface.

We make a brief stop to admire this natural jewel. Some of our group rambles around the tiny lake - others lay back and enjoy the serenity.

Hiking Amongst Towering Peaks

Our trail continues along a high mountain valley bordered by towering snow-capped peaks. Beautiful Alpenroses form a lovely rolling heath. We tramp across a small snowfield - its coolness underfoot contrasts with the glorious warmth of the alpine sun.

We spy a cairn ahead with the familiar red-and-white trail marking painted on one of its rocks. Rounding a corner we spot our lunchtime destination in the distance - a solid Berghaus growing out of the surrounding rocks.

Lunching on the Sonnenterrasse

As we settle ourselves on a rustic, sun-drenched Sonnenterrasse, a tantalizing smell of frying onions and sausages greets us. Lunch is hearty mountain fare - plates heaped with Rosti mit Spiegeleier und Speck (a wonderfully golden, crispy fried potato pancake with egg and bacon) - served by a flaxen-haired girl in a traditional, powdery-blue farmer's smock.

We wash down our delicious lunch with bottles of local beer and gaze out across a massive glacier winding its way down between two peaks and glistening in the sunlight.

Stunning Views

Well sated, we regain our trail and soon find ourselves breaking out onto a sloping hillside - affording us stunning views of the valley far below. We see a tiny hamlet across the valley, its sun-burned houses and barns surround a central church spire. A massive mountain rears up behind this peaceful scene.

Slowly dropping down a gentle path, we enter a straggle of dwarf pine. We're greeted by a pungent fragrance that reminds us of the cleanliness of this wonderful habitat. The afternoon sun is gaining strength and it's a perfect time for us to enter the cool loaminess of  lower forest. We follow the edge of a cascading glacier-fed creek - its frostiness refreshes the air around us.

Warm Sun and the Smell of Hay

We clatter across an ancient wooden bridge - its surface well worn by generations of cows being driven to Alpine meadows. In the lower pastures, local farmers are harvesting the hay with large wooden rakes. A comforting, sun-rich smell of dried grasses greets us.

Off to the Konditorei

The relaxing smell of hay and the warmth of the sun has put us into a peaceful, lazy mood. We beeline to the nearest Konditorei to debate our biggest decision of the day - is it to be the daintily glazed apricot torte, the decadent chocolate mousse with lashings of whipped cream, or the traditional (and oh so tasty) Engadiner Nusstorte.

We relax in a cozy nook and relieve today's experiences.

Relaxing Back at the Inn

We amble back to our welcoming inn - a great time for relaxed exploration of the local shops. Back at the inn, some members catch up on reading in the inn's glorious wood-paneled library - others send postcards or nap in the warm afternoon sun.

Later, we'll watch as the sun paints the mountains with golden color. An adventure travel vacation in Switzerland is a fantastic experience.

Tomorrow, we set off on another lovely adventure.

 

Adventure Summer Camps - Tips For Finding The Best Ones

Adventure Summer Camps - Tips For Finding The Best Ones

Word Count:
356

Summary:
The true reason behind any adventure summer camps is to send the children somewhere where they will not only have a great time but will learn and grow as a person. The adventure summer camp programs that you are searching, should offer a wide range of adventurous activities to choose from. If the summer camp is a special type camp, then their summer camp programs must focus on the specialty areas. An example is that an adventure summer camp programs especially for a 'baseball...

Keywords:
adventure summer camps, summer camp programs, summer camp activities, teen's summer camps

Article Body:
The true reason behind any adventure summer camps is to send the children somewhere where they will not only have a great time but will learn and grow as a person. The adventure summer camp programs that you are searching, should offer a wide range of adventurous activities to choose from. If the summer camp is a special type camp, then their summer camp programs must focus on the specialty areas. An example is that an adventure summer camp programs especially for a 'baseball camp' should include things like batting, catching, defense, running bases, etc. Make sure that the programs offered by the camp organizer will make the child have a good and challenging time.

Why You May Ask?

Well! Students will benefit from a broad ranging and 'all-inclusive' summer camp activities program. You may start with an exhilarating selection of outdoor activities, day trips, evening entertainments and the exclusive Highland Adventure, that guarantees the summer of a lifetime, not to be missed. On the other hand, teen's summer camps focus on things that are important to teens like growing up and learning about real life and gaining a sense of independence. The key to any adventure summer camp grilling is to be safe. Do not attempt to grill indoors under any circumstances.

Programs without clear features, meanings or definitions use phrases like outdoor behavior programs, boot camps, wilderness camps, wilderness programs or 'wilderness boot camps'. 'Behavior Outdoor Intervention' curricula have been mounting in 'popularity and variety' enormously for the past few years. Programs are essentially free to call themselves whatever they want. Parents' understanding of these programs is becoming imprecise and uncertain. So don't go with these catchy words, know in detail what they actually offer before you make any payment.

Parents searching for an 'unrealistic quick fix' to their youngsters behaviors, particularly over the 'summer months', generally prefer and hunt for what are known as troubled kid's summer camps. Whether you go for boot camps or wilderness camps, make sure that the summer camp activities are clearly displayed and you understand them properly to choose the best one form the options.

 

Adventure on HooDoo Creek: the boys explore Mount Gunnison in Colorado

Adventure on HooDoo Creek:  the boys explore Mount Gunnison in Colorado

Word Count:
983

Summary:
Adventure on HooDoo Creek lures three 13 year old boys to explore Colorado's Mount Gunnison and West Elk Wilderness.

Keywords:
Colorado, Mount Gunnison, boys, children, Paonia, Minnesota Creek, Beaver Reservoir, motels, Delta, Cedaredge

Article Body:
Mount Gunnison was calling as we three 13 year old boys laid our plans and set out on our next Colorado back country adventure.  We had studied our Forest Service map and convinced our parents that we knew what we were doing.  It seemed fairly straightforward.  We would follow the Forest Service trail about a mile toward Minnesota Pass from Beaver Reservoir up the East Fork of Minnesota Creek.  To get there you headed southeast from Paonia, Colorado following Minnesota Creek along road 710.  Paonia, Colorado, was a quiet little town about 25 miles up in the mountains from Delta, Colorado following highway 92 and 133.  Growing up in the area I saw Paonia valley as a Shangri-La.  The mountain ringed valley provided a glorious abundance of apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and pears, and the 4th of July was a community celebration called "Cherry Days".

Completing the Shangri-La illusion, southeast of Paonia, Mount Lamborn and Landsend Peak form an amazingly close mountainous backdrop for the town.  East of Lamborn, above Minnesota Creek, Mount Gunnison stands tall, remote and seemingly inaccessible.  We three boys meant to change that perspective, taking on the peak, or at least taking a good shot at it.  Ron, Larry and I laid out our provisions across the living room floor, checking our lists and divying up the loads accordingly.  Larry with his weight training had the dubious honor of the heaviest pack load.  Ron and I split the remaining supplies.

Our adventure forty some years ago was outfitted in a pre-modern camping gear era - at least in our lives.  My Boy Scout backpack was an open bag into which everything was piled, our tent a piece of tarp strung between two trees.  And my bedding - a couple of wool blankets that Mom thought couldn't get too badly damaged.  Interesting the way the world and our expectations change over time.  

My folks dropped us off up at the Beaver Reservoir dam, and the adventure began.  We excitedly covered the first mile of the trail quickly.  Around a mile, a side trail turns sharp left leading around the side of Mount Gunnison, over to Coal Creek on the other side.  That was not for us though.  It appeared on the map that you could head directly east at that juncture, following HooDoo Creek as it led up a draw toward the summit of Mount Gunnison.  You could see the beginnings of a trail heading up that direction - the trail we chose to follow. 

The excitement of exploration drove us onward, upward through aspen groves on the lower flanks of Mount Gunnison.  Always keeping HooDoo Creek within sight to our left, we followed that narrow, windy trail through the increasingly dense brush.  It became apparent that the "trail" we were following was probably a game trail going nowhere in particular.  Hitting multiple forks on the path, within an hour of leaving the main Minnesota Pass Trail our trail disappeared completely.  Undeterred, we struggled onward and upward through dense brush for another hour or so.  The relatively open aspen grove transitioned into dense pine forest, the trek becoming even more challenging as dissension arose within the ranks.  It was unclear that there was any easy route through the timber, or which way to go, and some were questioning if we were - lost. 

Lost?  How could we possibly be lost?  Three 13 year old boys way off trail, bumbling around in dense forests on the flanks of Mount Gunnison in the West Elk Wilderness Area - lost - it's possible.  Ron climbed a taller pine in the forest to see if he could make out where we were.  It was obvious where we were - in the middle of a deep pine forest somewhere on the side of the mountain. 

We seldom apply - lost - to our adventures.  Afterall, we spent days and days out exploring the mountains, creeks and draws throughout the whole Paonia valley.  As long as we could hear HooDoo Creek cascading down the draw to our north, we hadn't strayed far from it.  We knew we could follow it down to the East Fork of Minnesota Creek and our main trail out.

But the upward trek toward the summit of Mount Gunnison was questionable.  The journey became bushwhacking, and the day was waning.  So, we halted our upward struggle, worked our way across to HooDoo Creek, and found a wonderful spot on the creek bank under the tall pines to pitch camp. 

The tarp strung between trees, the three of us jockeyed for which rock we were going to be sleeping on underneath it.  With a fire in the fire ring, we whipped up standard gourmet camp fare - Lipton chicken noodle soup - accompanied by excellent shoestring potatoes and home made cookies.  Following rousing camping songs, where we learned that Larry had a budding career in the bluegrass industry, we settled in for a memorable night in the woods.  

The following morning dawned cold and rainy.  Yes, a little rain into the "tent" during the night, soaked the three of us to the skin.  We struck camp early and waded through dripping wet brush, plodding back down from the lower ridges of Mount Gunnison, continuing singing those same great tunes we shared around the campfire.  Maybe we understood why there was no trail straight
up next to HooDoo Creek, leading to the top of Mount Gunnison.  "Wouldn't it be great if there were a trail up there?" we laughed, enjoying the view of the peak as we waited at Beaver Reservoir for our ride. 

 

A spectacular trail find on the Swan Range of Montana - a trek to the summit.

A spectacular trail find on the Swan Range of Montana - a trek to the summit.

Word Count:
945

Summary:
A spectacular find on the Montana Swan Range.  East - the vastness of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.  West the Swan Valley with the Mission Mountain Range on the horizon.  The majestic Montana peak of Sunday Mountain is a wall face that I would not expect to yield a trail to the summit - but it did!

Keywords:
Montana mountain climb hike Swan Range trail Grizzly bear motels base-camp

Article Body:
This time was different.  Previous years I had settled into a tent near the car at the viewpoint below Richmond Peak, a timbered ridge to the north and east of Seeley Lake, Montana.  Time and again I had enjoyed the awesome view of the mighty wall of mountain ridge that rose up from the canyon below me, towering over all surroundings - the majestic Montana peak of Sunday Mountain.  From the Richmond Peak vantage point the face of the peak, made up of bare slide zones, with a few ridges of trees and brush, appeared to rise almost straight up from the valley floor below.  It was not a mountain wall that I would expect to yield a trail, a bit of a cliffhanger path that would lead to the summit. 

Awakening that Saturday morning in August though, again at the Richmond Peak viewpoint, after a quick breakfast, I threw my pack on my back.  I then hit the trail up the side of Richmond Peak across the canyon from Sunday Mountain.  On a previous hike in the area I had found an unmarked trail that departed the mapped trail/abandoned logging road leading up the side of Richmond Peak.  The unmarked trail crossed the saddle where the canyon rose to meet the ridge, and appeared to connect with the Sunday Mountain face, and then head upwards - at a sharp incline.  I wasn't certain where the trail would lead, but it sure gave the appearance of providing a possible access route to the top of Sunday Mountain. 

With clear blue skies of an incredible Montana August day, the climb ahead would still be a cool one as the sun of the day was to the east behind the Sunday Mountain ridge.  No question about it, this was also bear country - Grizzly bear country.  The initial distance on this unmarked trail led off through dense, overgrown brush as it led across the saddle. What better place for them to be hanging out than in the dense brush I was working my way through. 

Such a huge relief to make it past the dense brush, with no bear tales to write home about.  Out into the open I was on the lower flanks of this mountain I had dreamt of tackling for years.  As noted, the trail immediately took a sharp turn, upward in a steep climb.  Then, veering off to the north across the face, a slightly leveler trek ensued as it angled upward across the face through wonderful fields of bear-grass mixed with a myriad of flowers in a rainbow of colors.  It was almost beyond belief - trekking through chest high fields of flowers on the trail to Sunday Mountain.   

The trail led across 2 or 3 avalanche draws filled with bear-grass, then doubled back, requiring scrambling up rock ledges, and again leading off across the draws.  With another hour of scrambling the steep path, to my surprise I found myself working through a high mountain meadow area apparently home to a band of mountain sheep.  My heart beat faster as I realized that this high meadow was tucked in directly below one of the summit cliffs outcroppings.  Given the climb to that point, like my heart could beat much faster.

Another 20 minutes of scrambling, and at last, the summit ridge for Sunday Mountain was conquered.  The view stretched before me down and back into Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness Area.  To get to the Sunday Mountain summit called for another half hour of scrambling, following the ridge up and up until I could go no further, the highest point on the mountain ridge. 

What a sense of triumph!  In all directions the ground dropped below me, to the east off into the vastness of the Bob Marshall Wilderness with a large expanse of Grizzly Basin directly below.  To the west from this birds eye view, the steep drop off I had just come up opened out on an expansive view of the Swan Valley with the Mission Mountain Range lining the western horizon.  Below me, drifting lazily on the breezes, an eagle circled looking for it's afternoon snack.  To the east from my perch at the top of my world, 2 or 3 snowbanks in the draws below me persistently held out for upcoming fall and winter reinforcements.

An absolutely spectacular find on the Swan Range.  From that wonderful vantage point other primary access jumping off routes for the Bob Marshall Wilderness were visible up and down the Swan Range.  To the north Holland Lake marked the trail system from there, and south Pyramid Peak marked the access routes over Pyramid Pass.   The area - such a wonder, and now I knew there was another route into the Bob.  Truth be known, even though the climb was, well....,  a climb, it really didn't take as long to make it to the Bob Marshall boundary as taking the other two primary routes. 

Regardless, it was still a physically challenging journey that would lead to a host of aches and pains in this 50 something Montana explorer.  It was certainly great to know that there was a cozy, comfortable base-camp set up in place with a hot shower when the hammering up the face and back was accomplished.  Either direction from this incredible corner of Montana there were whole sets of quality motel accommodations with soft beds, hot showers or even a Jacuzzi to soak the tired muscles.  Perfect base-camp lodgings were available either locally in the Seeley - Swan Valley, at the northern end in the Kalispell and Columbia Falls area, or at the southern end in the Missoula area   The crowning touches to a truly stellar Montana mountain adventure.

 

A Mental Wilderness Survival Kit

A Mental Wilderness Survival Kit

Word Count:
455

Summary:
A wilderness survival kit should have matches, a knife and a few other items, but what is most important may be what is in your head.

Keywords:
survival kit, wilderness survival, survival

Article Body:
A survival kit should be carried by anyone who goes deep into the wilderness. What should be in it? Matches, a blade of some sort, and first aid supplies are among the usual recommendations. When you read the true stories of survival, though, you start to see that it is what's in a persons head that often determines if they survive or not. What, then, should be in this mental survival kit?

<b>A Survival Kit In Your Mind</b>

1. Willingness to learn. Even those who know nothing about survival until lost in the wilderness can still learn as they go - if they are willing to. If you're cold, watch that squirrel dive under a pile of leaves, and try that to stay warm (it works). Notice what's working and what isn't, and keep trying new things.

2. Willingness to do what's necessary. This is one of the most important items in your mental survival kit. Hey, they can eat hissing cockroaches just for the chance to win some money on "Fear Factor," so you can do it to save your life, right? Spoon with your buddy to stay warm, break open logs to find grubs to eat - do whatever it takes.

3. Positive attitude. This is an essential. In many stories of survival it is clear that those who expected to survive did. Even if you're not sure you can survive, encourage this attitude by acting as if you expect to.

4. Inspirational thoughts. This is how to have that positive attitude. An easy and enjoyable way to get this inspiration is to read true stories of wilderness survival. Some of the stories are about situations far worse than anything you are ever likely to encounter. Remembering them at the appropriate time is a sure way to see that you can survive. tell them to others too, if you are in a group.

5. Wilderness survival knowledge. You don't have to go to a survival training school to read and remember that you can safely eat all North American mammals, or that you can stuff your jacket with cattail fluff to create a winter coat. Any little bit helps, so learn a new trick or two each season, or take an edible plant guide on your next hike.

6. Reasons to survive. We all have reasons to want to live, but we need to remember to pull out those reasons when the time comes. Many people have attributed their survival to the constant thought of a loved one waiting for them, or something they want in the future.

Maybe you've already done this mental preparation, but it can't hurt to look over the list above again. Is there anything you need to work on in your mental survival kit?

 

Hiking Guide to Easter Island

Hiking Guide to Easter Island

Word Count:
886

Summary:
Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer hikers and I'll probably answer Easter Island. Here on an island 11 km wide and 23 km long you'll find nearly a thousand ancient Polynesian statues strewn along a powerfully beautiful coastline or littering the slopes of an extinct volcano.

Keywords:
easter island, south pacific, hiking, guide, hikers, polynesia

Article Body:
Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer hikers and I'll probably answer Easter Island. Here on an island 11 km wide and 23 km long you'll find nearly a thousand ancient Polynesian statues strewn along a powerfully beautiful coastline or littering the slopes of an extinct volcano.

The legends of Easter Island have been recounted many times. What's less known is that the island's assorted wonders are easily accessible on foot from the comfort of the only settlement, Hanga Roa. Before setting out see the sights, however, visit the excellent archaeological museum next to Ahu Tahai on the north side of town (the term "ahu" refers to an ancient stone platform). Aside from the exhibits, the museum has maps which can help you plan your trip.

The first morning after arrival, I suggest you climb Easter Island's most spectacular volcano, Rano Kau, where Orongo, a major archaeological site, sits on the crater's rim. But rather than marching straight up the main road to the crater, look for the unmarked shortcut trail off a driveway to the right just past the forestry station south of town. It takes under two hours to cover the six km from Hanga Roa to Orongo, but bring along a picnic lunch and make a day of it. (If climbing a 316-meter hill sounds daunting, you can take a taxi to the summit for around US$6 and easily walk back later in the day.) Once on top, you'll find hiking down into the colourful crater presents no difficulty. It may also look easy to go right around the crater rim, but only do so if you're a very experienced hiker and have a companion along as shear 250-meter cliffs drop into the sea from the ridge.

Another day, rise early and take a taxi to lovely Anakena Beach at the end of the paved road on the north side of the island (you should pay under US$10 for the 20 km). A few of the famous Easter Island statues have been restored at Anakena and you could go for a swim, although the main reason you've come is the chance to trek back to Hanga Roa around the road-free northwest corner of the island. You'll pass numerous abandoned statues lying facedown where they fell, and the only living creatures you're unlikely to encounter are the small brown hawks which will watch you intently from perches on nearby rocks. If you keep moving, you'll arrive back in town in five or six hours (but take adequate food, water, and sunscreen). This is probably the finest coastal walk in the South Pacific.

Almost as good is the hike along the south coast, although you're bound to run into other tourists here as a paved highway follows the shore. Begin early and catch a taxi to Rano Raraku, the stone quarry where all of the island's statues were born. This is easily the island's most spectacular sight with 397 statues in various stages of completion lying scattered around the crater. And each day large tour groups come to Rano Raraku to sightsee and have lunch. However, if you arrive before 9 am, you'll have the site to yourself for a few hours. When you see the first tour buses headed your way, hike down to Ahu Tongariki on the coast, where 15 massive statues were reerected in 1994. From here, just start walking back toward Hanga Roa (20 km) along the south coast. You'll pass many fallen statues and enjoy some superb scenery. Whenever you get tired, simply go up onto the highway and stick out your thumb and you'll be back in town in a jiffy.

An outstanding 13-km walk begins at the museum and follows the west coast five km north to Ahu Tepeu. As elsewhere, keep your eyes pealed for banana trees growing out of the barren rocks as these often indicate caves you can explore. Inland from Ahu Tepeu is one of the island's most photographed sites, Ahu Akivi, with seven statues restored in 1960. From here an interior farm road runs straight back to town (study the maps at the museum carefully, as you'll go far out of your way if you choose the wrong road here).

A shorter hike takes you up Puna Pau, a smaller crater which provided stone for the red topknots that originally crowned the island's statues. There's a great view of Hanga Roa from the three crosses on an adjacent hill and you can easily do it all in half a day. A different walk takes you right around the 3,353-meter airport runway, which crosses the island just south of town. Near the east end of the runway is Ahu Vinapu with perfectly fitted monolithic stonework bearing an uncanny resemblance to similar constructions in Peru.

Easter Island's moderate climate and scant vegetation make for easy cross country hiking, and you won't find yourself blocked by fences and private property signs very often. You could also tour the island by mountain bike, available from several locations at US$10 a day. If you surf or scuba dive, there are many opportunities here. A minimum of five days are needed to see the main sights of Easter Island, and two weeks would be far better. The variety of things to see and do will surprise you, and you'll be blessed with some unforgettable memories.

 

Guide To Resorts In The Alps

Guide To Resorts In The Alps

Word Count:
492

Summary:
The alps are a popular winter travel destination. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and other winter activities abound throughout the mountainous area. The Alps are shared among many countries, including Austria, France, German, Italy and Switzerland. Whether you are looking for a family vacation or are more adventurous and enjoy mountaineering and extreme skiing, you will find something for every one in this area.
 
Family Resorts in the Alps
 
Many resorts throughout t...

Keywords:
alps,munich,germany,austria,bavaria,

Article Body:
The alps are a popular winter travel destination. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and other winter activities abound throughout the mountainous area. The Alps are shared among many countries, including Austria, France, German, Italy and Switzerland. Whether you are looking for a family vacation or are more adventurous and enjoy mountaineering and extreme skiing, you will find something for every one in this area.
 
Family Resorts in the Alps
 
Many resorts throughout the area cater to families. In these resorts, families with children make up the bulk of their business. There is plenty for both parents and children to enjoy. Horse drawn sleigh rides, skiing and snowboarding are popular family activities. Just about all family resorts offer ski instruction especially for children as well as adult lessons for mom and dad. Some offer night skiing, either nightly or on certain evenings during the week.

After a day of skiing, parents can enjoy the sauna and Jacuzzi, while children enjoy the variety of play areas and activities geared especially for them. If mom and dad want an evening alone, many resorts offer babysitting services. Many family resorts are low tech and don't have internet access or video games, but some do have these features available. Many families enjoy the low tech atmosphere, which encourages children to enjoy the outdoors and other activities offered.

Many of these resorts are located in small villages scattered throughout the alps. These offer quaint scenery and older hotels. Restaurants are nearby, if you want to leave the resort, or you can eat right inside the resort. Others are in larger tourist areas and contain luxury hotels and apartments for families to rent.
 
Singles Resorts in the Alps
 
Other resorts are geared for the younger crowd. These are more popular with single people in their 20s and couples without children. These resorts offer more expert runs for skiing and snowboarding. Many are near glaciers and have monster pipes built into the glaciers that allow snowboarding even in the summer. More experienced skiers generally choose these resorts.

Many of these resorts are wired with internet access. Rather than family based activities, they contain bars, lounges and a busier nightlife. Most offer night skiing with lighted trails for skiing or snowboarding in the dark.

For the more adventurous, mountaineering is a popular activity in the area. Daily climbing excursions or multi day trips are common here. Hut to Hut tours make it easier to climb more difficult routes. These are great for multi day excursions. You won't need to carry heavy overnight gear with you, as you would when camping. The huts have what you need for sleeping.

Easier to more difficult routes are available with hut to hut climbing. The easier routes tend to be more crowded and the huts fill up quickly. The more difficult routes are less crowded, but are not meant for beginning mountain climbers. There is generally more room in the huts on these trips.

 

Guide to Arizona RV Rentals

Guide to Arizona RV Rentals

Word Count:
336

Summary:
Arizona is one of the most beautiful desert states in America. It is home to the Grand Canyon, the red cliffs of Sedona, mountains, and endless sights in Phoenix. And perhaps the best way to see all these attractions is to travel by RV whenever and wherever you like.

Keywords:
RV Rentals, California RV Rentals, Alaska RV Rentals, Las Vegas RV Rentals

Article Body:
Arizona is one of the most beautiful desert states in America. It is home to the Grand Canyon, the red cliffs of Sedona, mountains, and endless sights in Phoenix. And perhaps the best way to see all these attractions is to travel by RV whenever and wherever you like.

The cost of owning an RV, or the long drive from your home to Arizona may make RV travel seem impossible. It's not. The solution: renting an RV in Arizona.

KOA, or Kampgrounds of America, provides a list on its Web site of its preferred Arizonan RV rental agencies, which are located throughout the state. The larger cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff and Mesa all have RV rental agencies.

The class-C motor home is the most popular RV rental for families or couples. The motor home has one double bed, but can comfortably sleep six to nine people. It also has a toilet and shower, microwave and refrigerator in the kitchen, and heating and cooling. Most Arizonan RV Rentals also sell home-keeping kits with dishes and linens for your trip, perfect for when you fly into Arizona.

The summer season in Arizona lasts from the end of May to the start of September. This is the busiest and most expensive time to rent an RV in Arizona. RV rentals in the off-season cost around $20 a day less than during the summer season. You will generally get a cheaper per day rate the longer you rent your RV.

Before you rent, shop around. Pay particular attention to the pricing of each Arizonan RV rental agency and find a scheme that works for you. Many companies charge a day rate on top of an additional mile charge. Also ask about insurance, as your car insurance may not cover the RV rental. Ask about clean-up costs and if a security deposit is needed. A little preparation in the beginning can save you money and frustration in the long run, but don't forget to have fun along the way!

 

Few Words In Praise of Birds

Few Words In Praise of Birds

Word Count:
1348

Summary:
An appreciation of birds and the many reasons why birds and birdwatching appeal to so many people, this article discusses such factors as the beauty of birds, their songs, and the symbolic associations that we attribute to bird behavior.

Keywords:
birds,birdwatching,nature,bird,wildlife,nature lovers,animals,environment,ecology

Article Body:
Why do birds appeal to us ? Most people enjoy the sight of birds, even people who have never been active birdwatchers. Although birds are less like us in appearance and habits than our fellow mammals, birds undeniably hold a special place in our hearts.

One reason that birds capture our imaginations is that they can fly, while we remain trapped here on earth. What child hasn't watched a bird fly overhead and dreamt of being up there in the sky flying alongside ? What adults have not, at one time or another, wished that they could take wing and fly away from all of their everyday troubles and cares ? Birds are natural symbols of freedom and escape. After all, what could better encapsulate our vision of pure freedom than the ability to fly off into the sunset ?

Birds can soar overhead and they can also cover great distances. They are privy to a "bird's eye view" of a single building or a park, or an entire city or landscape, making them a perfect metaphor for obtaining a fresh perspective on a situation, or for taking a larger view of an issue.

Birds often symbolize other things, as well, such as human character traits and qualities. There's the proud peacock, the noble eagle, the thieving magpie, squabbling crows, and billing and cooing love birds. Gliding swans are the perfect picture of grace and elegance in motion. The hawk is a symbol of war, the dove a symbol of peace.

What else attracts us to birds ? Birds have feathers, soft to the touch and a joy to look at. Plumage seems to come in an infinite variety of lovely colors and patterns, from the subtle, earthy tones of the common house sparrow to the outrageous, iridescent regalia of the showy peacock. Birds are beautiful works of art, signed by nature. Their plumage adds color and spectacle to a humdrum world. Their colors may also suggest many different locales and associations to us.

For example, those small, round, brown sparrows are homey, comforting and familiar to those of us who live in temperate climates. They are our backyard friends and neighbors. American cardinals and blue jays are highly colored, cheerful sights to behold on gray days, from the tips of their tail feathers to the fanciful crests on their heads. They are a bit more exotic, yet they are still familiar backyard friends. Then there are those birds who live in far off exotic places, such as African pink flamingos and tropical parrots, who sport wonderful tropical colors. We love them, not only for their magnificent colors, but also for their association with far-flung lands and exotic adventures.

Birds also come in a great variety of shapes and sizes, which further adds to their appeal. We can relate to them, in so far as they, and we, have two eyes, one mouth and bilateral symmetry. Yet, they are also very unlike us. They have protruding beaks, from the sparrow's tiny jabbing beak to the toucan's enormous appendage. They have wings, more unlike human arms than those of other mammals, or even of reptiles. In fact, when their wings are folded against their sides, birds appear to have no arms at all. They also have thin, bare legs and they have claws. Their heads and necks flow smoothly into their bodies. Their forms create graceful outlines, whether round like a chubby European robin, long like an African parrot, or sleek like a regal swan.

Yes, birds are beautiful to look at, but the beauty of birds is not confined to the visual aspects of shape and color alone, because birds also fill the air with music. They seem to offer us their song simply to entertain us, and they ask for nothing in return. Like a garden bursting with colorful flowers, the fantastic colors and songs of birds seem frivolous and out of place in a world full of harsh realities. It seems as though they were put on earth expressly to make life more beautiful. They were not, of course. Their color and song serve biological ends in the process of natural selection, but that does not prevent us from enjoying such sights and sounds. We can listen in on their free concerts and derive pleasure and serenity from the experience. We can also be amused when a few species of birds even mimic our own speech.

Another characteristic of birds that we humans respond to is the fact that they build nests. They seem so industrious and we watch with wonder as each type of bird builds its own species-specific nest, ranging from a simple assemblage of twigs to an intricately woven masterpiece of craftmanship. "Nest" is such a cozy word. Birds build their cozy nests, care for their young, and raise their families, all in the course of a single spring or summer. We admire their patience and devotion and attentive care to their offspring. We observe and marvel at a parent bird's countless trips to and from the nest to diligently feed the helpless chicks. Birds provide us with fine role models for parenting.

Yes, birds are homebodies during the nesting season, but they also migrate. Birds are free to come and go and many cover vast distances each year, as they travel between their summer and their winter homes. They are social creatures, moving in flocks and creating great spectacles as they fly. A glimpse of a V-shaped flock of geese passing overhead thrills us and stirs something in us. We admire their strength and endurance in carrying out such grueling journeys year after year. We envy them, too, for they are free to go beyond mere political boundaries and to cross entire continents. We up north are sorry to see them part each autumn and we are heartened to see them return each spring. The return of such birds as the swallows signals the return of spring, with its promise of birth and renewal.

Each spring we are able to welcome them back into our midsts, for nearly everywhere that humans live, birds live also. Birds cover the earth. There is such a diversity of bird species to fill each ecological niche on earth and to contribute to its balance by doing such things as eating insects and dispersing plant seeds. There are the ducks and moorhens of rural ponds. There are birds who live in the forests. There are birds in the mountains and birds in the deserts. The forbidding oceans have their hardy puffins and pelicans. Even frozen, icy places have their own birds, the lovable penguins.

Birds adapt to so many different habitats and situations, including human environments. The often ignored pigeon is a beautiful bird. (I have cared for and been grateful to have known many individual pigeons over the years.) As a species, they have managed to adapt to modern cityscapes, substituting cliff-like building ledges and bridge girders for their ancestral cliffs of rock. Other bird species may be less tolerant of such disturbances and avoid the prying eyes of humans.

Wherever they choose to live, birds remain symbols of untamed nature, surviving despite man's interference with their habitats. They remain proud and free to the present day. They are also a living link to the mysterious and fascinating history of life on our planet, as birds are the surviving heirs to the dinosaurs. One look at unfeathered baby birds, with their oversized beaks and feet, and it is easy to see the dinosaur in them.

Each of us may have our own reason, or combination of reasons, for loving birds, but their appeal is indisputable  and universal. Birds represent the perfect blend of beauty, strength, grace and endurance, from the cuteness of a tiny sparrow to the majesty of an imposing raptor. Birds fill both the eye and the ear with beauty. We enjoy them. We admire them. Sometimes we envy them. They add appreciably to the quality of our lives and to the diversity of life on earth and the world would be a smaller, sadder, emptier place without them.

 

A Backpacking List - Ten Things To Learn

A Backpacking List - Ten Things To Learn

Word Count:
422

Summary:
If you want a safer and more enjoyable trip into the wilderness, learn a few skills first. This backpacking list will get you started.

Keywords:
backpacking list,backpacking,hiking,skills

Article Body:
Have you ever had a backpacking trip that was a disaster - even though you brought everything you needed? Maybe you had matches, but couldn't get that fire going. You need more than good gear to assure a safe and enjoyable wilderness experience. You need to know how to do a few things, and the following list will get you started.

 1. Learn firemaking. Practice in your yard if you have to, but try to start that fire with one match. Try it the next time it's raining too.

 2. Learn to pitch a tent. Do it wrong and the rain will come in, or the the wind will tear the seams. Tents should be pitched tight, and you should be able to set your tent up in a few minutes.

 3. Learn how to stay warm. Practice camping in the yard, to see how blocking the wind, wearing a hat, and eating fatty foods before sleeping can keep you warmer.

 4. Learn to cook over a fire. It's not as easy as it seems. Block the wind, cover the pan, keep the fire small and concentrated. Practice, and time yourself. Faster is better in a jam, and it's always possible your stove will break.

 5. Learn about edible plants. Knowing how to identify cattails and three or four wild edible berries can make a trip more enjoyable, especially if you ever lose your food to a bear.

 6. Learn how to walk. Learning how to pace yourself and how to move comfortably over rocky terrain means you'll be less tired, and less likely to twist an ankle.

 7. Learn about animals. Can you tell if a bear is "bluff charging" or stalking you? If it's the latter, playing dead will make you a bear's supper. Hint: lots of noise usually means he just wants to frighten you, but you need to read up on this one.

 8. Learn to watch the sky. Is that a lightning storm coming or not? It might be useful to know when you're on that ridge. Learn the basics of predicting weather, and you'll be a lot safer.

 9. Learn basic first aid. Can you recognize the symptoms of hypothermia? Do you know how to properly treat blisters? Good things to know.

 10. Learn navigation. Maps don't help if you don't know how to use them. The same is true for compasses

You don't need to be an expert in wilderness survival to enjoy a safe hiking trip. It can help to know a little more though. Use the backpacking skills list above, and learn something new.

 

A Backpack With Wheels?

A Backpack With Wheels?

Word Count:
478

Summary:
A backpack with wheels and the other backpacking gear ideas it inspired.

Keywords:
backpack with wheels, backpack, backpacking

Article Body:
I wouldn't have thought a backpack with wheels would actually work for backpacking, but when I saw the web site for the "Wheelpacker"(TM), I was impressed. You wear a frame that attaches you to a wheeled pack. It can even go over logs and rocks. It started me thinking about what other backpacking innovations are just waiting to be marketed. Here are a few of the things I came up with. Steal these ideas, please.

Inflatable Frame Backpack

With frame-less backpacks we often put folded sleeping pads in the pack for cushioning against our backs and some support for the load. Why not just have the part of the pack that rests against the user's back inflate. With the same technology used for lightweight self-inflating sleeping bag pads, it would only add about six ounces. The backpack could then double as a foot-bag/pad for sleeping.

Taking this idea further, I imagine a self-inflating backpack that folds out into a sleeping pad. The backpack "frame" would be the pad, in a "U" shape for some rigidity in the pack. Self-inflating sleeping bag pads are as light as 14 ounces now, and frame less packs 12 ounces, so the combination could probably be made to weigh just 20 ounces.

Wax Paper Food Bags

Put backpacking food in wax-paper packaging instead of plastic. The packages then double as emergency fire-starters, since wax paper will usually burn even when wet.

Pillow/Waterbag

When I need to carry more water I use the plastic bladders from boxed wine. They are light, strong, and I inflate the bag with air to use as a pillow too. To market a dual-purpose water container/pillow, it just needs a soft removable covering of some sort.

Jacket Backpack

Why not a frame-less backpack with a jacket that is a part of the pack? It can be folded out of the way, and the pack would have normal shoulder straps. When wearing the jacket, though, it would stabilize the pack, keep you warmer, and make it easy to push through heavy brush, because it wouldn't catch on things as easily. It is something like wearing a large jacket over a backpack, but with the weight-savings and stability that come from combining them. It could be called a "Jacket Pack-it."

Backpacking Game

Print a chess/checkers board on a jacket or backpack, and you have a carry-along game that weighs nothing extra. Great for spending hours in the tent waiting out the rain. If you don't carry the pieces, stones or pine cones could work as checkers.

Backpacking gear ideas and innovations keep popping into my head as I write this. Most are based on the idea of "dual purpose" items. They may work, some may not, but it is an entertaining dose of inspiration from a backpack with wheels.

 

30 years in Themed Entertainment : Blooloop talks to Nick Farmer

30 years in Themed Entertainment : Blooloop talks to Nick Farmer

Word Count:
991

Summary:
In November 2007, Nick Farmer will become the first European President of the TEA (formerly the Themed Entertainment Association), a post to which he was unanimously elected. Blooloop talked to him about his 30 year career in the themed entertainment industry and ambitions for his presidency.

Keywords:
theme park design, water park equipment, amusement park business, family entertainment centre, FEC

Article Body:
In November 2007, Nick Farmer will become the first European President of the TEA (formerly the Themed Entertainment Association), a post to which he was unanimously elected.  Farmer has 30 years experience of working for theme parks, amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, science centres and other leisure destinations.  He advises clients on park, story and brand development and new attraction planning in Europe and Scandinavia.   Blooloop talked to him about his 30 year career in the themed entertainment industry and ambitions for his presidency.

Early Career
 
Farmer started his career in marketing with Palitoy, makers of Action Man, Tiny Tears dolls and Star Wars toys.  He then formed his own production display company, Farmer Studios, in 1976 which rapidly expanded to offer full design, production and installation services.  4 years ago, having become increasingly frustrated that the growth of the company meant that his time was spent on management, administration and cash flow rather than design and creativity, Farmer disbanded the production company and established Farmer Attraction Development.

By reorganising and developing a team of freelancers which can be gathered together as needed for projects, Farmer has created a more efficient business model with a lower fixed cost base.  This flexibility allows the company to weather the seasonality of the industry, as well as reducing project costs.  He is now free to concentrate on attraction concept development, production and consultancy.

Farmer's core business involves drawing on his experience in the industry to create and develop attractions.  Most of his business is in Europe and Scandinavia and reflects the current state of the European market, with few new parks opening and most work revolving around existing parks by either reworking existing rides or enhancing new standard rides.  He particularly enjoys the challenge of working with established venues to develop attractions which will change the direction and the public's perception of the park.

Recent Projects

Farmer worked on seven new rides and several other attractions for the 2007 season.

Recent projects include:
• Grona Lund in Stockholm.  Farmer developed the name, graphic identity and station design for Kvasten, their new suspended coaster.  Kvasten is playing a major park in repositioning Grona Lund within the Swedish leisure market.

• Bewilderwood in Norfolk.  Farmer provided consultancy to the 50 acre family "curious treehouse adventure" which opened to such acclaim in May 2007.  His contribution was to enhance the original concept and to provide "a layer of storytelling engagement on top of the basic attraction to deliver a much richer experience and a highly marketable attraction"

• Earth Explorer in Ostend.  Farmer developed a concept using a standard drop ride to create an educational experience which takes children on a flight around the solar system.  In this case Farmer produced a custom video show to integrate with the basic ride, so children have fun at the same time as leaning about space.

In addition to his consultancy business, Farmer is a non-executive director of Wicksteed Park Ltd, Kettering, one of the UK's oldest leisure parks.  This gives him the additional benefit of an operator's perspective.  He finds this useful for an appreciation that "operators battle with budgets just as much as suppliers".

Industry Trends

In terms of demographics, the market has now finally realised the long heralded aging population is finally here and Farmer is working with parks to help ensure new attractions are designed to cater for grand parents and grand children.  In his own business for attractions aimed primarily at small children he will usually try to "add a layer of entertainment", often humour, that will appeal to adults too.

Geographically, he believes that there is still growth available in Europe, although this is largely through updating of existing parks and attractions rather than new projects.   In his own business, of the fourteen projects he has worked on this year only one has been a completely new enterprise.  As far as industry expansion into India and China is concerned, while these markets are growing at an incredible pace, those entering will need "nerves of steel".  Farmer recommends the fellowship to be gained by membership of the TEA, as many members are already operating in these regions.  Discussion amongst fellow members can often be very helpful when dealing with such critical issues as contracts, terms of payment and business ethics in these regions.

The TEA

Farmer was effusive about his experience of TEA membership saying that it had been an "incredible thing" and had expanded his network within the industry enormously.  The TEA (formerly the Themed Entertainment Association) is an international non-profit organization, founded in 1991, dedicated to connecting around 6,500 creative specialists in nearly 500 firms in 39 different countries.  Farmer has been a TEA member in Europe since the association established its European Division in 1998, and has served three years as European President. He is currently in his second term on the International Board and has been a Vice-President for the past five years.

Around 80% of TEA members are based in the US.  However Farmer, despite not working in the States, feels that he has learned a great deal from US operators and creative suppliers.  "Our members in the US have been the driving force behind so many key developments in our industry," he says. "Our own European industry has benefited enormously from the work of these pioneers"

"The TEA exposes you to the world's brightest people and most exciting ideas, helping to develop your own creative thinking and good business practice."

Farmer hopes to develop two key aspects of TEA membership.  The first is to expand membership within architectural and digital production disciplines to better reflect the wide range of skills and creativity now found in project teams.  The second is to expand the TEA's horizons by bringing in members from around the world; there are positive benefits of membership where-ever creatives are based.

He sees his tenure as the TEA's first European president as "a great opportunity to confirm to the world that the TEA is a truly international association".

 

30 Top Camping Tips For Beginners

30 Top Camping Tips For Beginners

Word Count:
613

Summary:
How much effort you put into adequately planning your camping trip will determine how successful (and enjoyable) your trip will be. Though some of these tasks may seem tedious and tiresome, the more often you put these tasks into practice the more fun you will have doing them. Here are 30 top camping tips for beginners. Don't go on your first camping trip without them.

Keywords:
beginner camping, camping food, camping food idea, camping food recipe,camping food list, camping food take, easy camping food, bring camping food, camping food checklist, food menu camping, freeze dried camping food, camping accessory food, camping

Article Body:

Seasoned novices and beginners alike all over the world every weekend enjoy the simplicity of camping.

The idea of camping to some of you conjures up images that may make you cringe, especially those of you who have never camped as a child or have heard horror stories from friends and relatives, and have unfairly decided never to give it a fair go.

How much effort you put into adequately planning your camping trip will determine how successful (and enjoyable) your trip will be.  Though some of these tasks may seem tedious and tiresome, the more often you put these tasks into practice the more fun you will have doing them.

Here are 30 Things You Must Know Before You Go On Your First Camping Trip:

1.  Gather all your camping equipment in a corner of a room and keep adding to it as you think of it.

2.  Use basket shelves in your car for easy storage.

3.  Store your clothes in sports bags.

4.  Make sure all heavy items are secure and are packed at the bottom of your car boot with lighter items on top.

5.  Take one prepared meal in a freezer meal that can be easily reheated on arrival at your destination.

6.  Make sure you have everything you need for a drink stop like tea bags, instant coffee, sugar, condensed milk, cordial, powder, biscuits, a two litre bottle of water, matches, kettle, wet wipes and tea cloth

7.  If you are going away for a short trip prepare your hot dishes so that you have more time to relax at your camp site and enjoy yourself.

8.  Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables at every chance.

9.  List everything you will eat on the number of days you are away.

10. Keep extras always on hand which includes flowers for cakes and breads, noodles, rice, beans and lentils.

11. Remember long life milk (two to three cartons of long life milk per day should be sufficient for a family of two children and two adults as a guide).

12. Try camping in your backyard to see how you feel about your tent and sleeping bags etc.

13. Your first camping gear does not have to be expensive.  It is more important that it is durable and keeps you protected from all weather conditions.  Bring a piece of ground cloth with you, a piece of plastic that goes under your tent.  Tuck the edges neatly underneath the tent.  The first thing you must consider when choosing the tent is the size ie the number of people your tent is going to house.

14. Take cutlery with you that is old and definitely won't be missed if it doesn't come home with you.

15. Keep cutlery separate from crockery by placing them in plastic containers with lids or in a tea towel in a plastic bag.

16. Here is a list of items of cutlery and crockery that may be useful for your next camping trip.  A fork, knife, teaspoon and dessert spoon should be enough for each person.   17. Have a serrated edge knife that can also be used as a bread knife.

18. Vegetable peeler and knife.

19. Metal egg lifter.

20. A large aluminium coffee pot, the larger the better.

21. Barbeque tongs.

22. Egg rings.

23. A small meat mallet.

24. A sharp knife and sharpener.

25. Can opener.

26. Large serving spoon and wooden spoon.

27. Make sure you have an enamel cup, bowl and plate for every person.

28. Use an enamel plate next to the fire to warm food.

29. Use an enamel plate as a base for food in your camp oven.

30. Bring paper plates in case you are in an area where water is scarce, and be sure to take your rubbish with you.