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    How Much Water For Baby?

    January 5th, 2009

    While drinking more water is a good idea for everyone,
    especially during hot summer months, too much water can be
    harmful to infants 6 months old and younger. According to a
    study in Clinicians Reviews a 1997 survey of new mothers
    found that nearly 25 percent give their babies water at
    least 3 times per week in the first month of life.

    Water intoxication is rare in children and adults who are
    able to judge their own water needs by thirst and activity.
    But babies are not able to do this. Also, the kidneys of
    newborns filter more slowly than those of older infants,
    causing sodium levels in the blood to be diluted.

    According to doctors, 24 cases of water intoxication were
    reported at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital in the years
    1989 to 1991. The problem seems to be increasing since only
    10 cases were reported from 1985 to 1988. In the cases
    reported the otherwise healthy babies were 4 to 5 months old
    and drank three 8-oz. bottles of water within 6 to 12 hours.

    Symptoms of water intoxication include pale urine, using
    more than 8 diapers a day, and baby sleeping more than usual
    and being difficult to wake up.

    Mothers should be advised that healthy infants get all the
    water they need in breast milk or formula.

    A baby can get water intoxication as a result of drinking
    several bottles of water a day or from drinking infant
    formula that has been diluted too much.

    Water fills baby without adding calories, so water
    supplementation can result in weight loss or insufficient
    weight gain for the baby.

    Pediatricians advise feeding babies 2 to 3 oz. more than
    their age in months at each feeding. For example, babies 4
    months old would be fed 6 to 7 oz. three times a day. More
    than 8 oz. at any one feeding rarely necessary. The usual
    proportions of milk to water should be about two-thirds milk
    to one-third water. With these proportions, the baby
    receives about 8 oz of water equally spaced over a 24 hour
    period. If the formula is diluted, mild should not be less
    than 50 percent.

    Only around seven months of age, when baby has started
    eating solid foods, should a little water be introduced in a
    cup.

    Water intoxication can be prevented by following your
    physicians instructions.

    For more information on water and it’s healthy benefits for
    old and young alike: http://www.apluswriting.net/health/babywater.htm

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    Author: Marilyn Pokorney
    Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
    environment.
    Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
    Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

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    African Safari Vacations

    January 5th, 2009

    Africa is a continent with diverse and rich resources, and to explore such a vast region, a traveler can undertake either a relaxing campfire vacation or an adventure wildlife tour. Safari vacations are not just restricted to game reserves; in fact, they offer a complete package where one can relax in the slower and quieter environment of the wilderness, far from the hectic world of the city life.

    Although game viewing is the core of safari vacations, you may also indulge in diverse activities such as ballooning, birding, canoeing or interacting with the local peoples. Many safari lodges also offer guided nature walks that provide interesting information about indigenous plant species found in Africa. Safari lodges, which are also known as ‘bush hotels’, offer a quintessential African experience, and most travelers would love to stay in such a lodge during their African vacation. Most of these safari lodges offer amenities at par with urban hotels, and include all meals and activities.

    While on an African safari vacation, one should be updated about the weather conditions of the region. Generally, national parks are best visited in dry seasons when the roads are easier to negotiate and the wildlife tends to congregate at waterholes. However, some parks, like Serengeti and Kalahari, are at their best during the rainy months, when migrating herds trail over grasslands that are completely waterless in the dry season.

    Some of the popular safari vacation packages are Kilimanjaro Climbs, Rail Tours of Africa, Family Safaris, Walking Safaris, Escorted Holidays, Flora & Garden Holidays, Spa Destinations, Golf Safaris, Fly-In & Transfer and Adventure Safaris. A traveler might choose any of the above-mentioned safaris; however, in order to spot wildlife during your tour, it is advisable to book a safari that includes a ranger and tracker in the deal.

    African Safari provides detailed information on African Safari, African Lion Safari, African Safari Vacations, Best African Safaris and more. African Safari is affiliated with Botswana Culture.

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    Uganda Gifted by Nature - a Perfest Safari Destination

    January 4th, 2009

    Uganda once called “the pearl of Africa” has recently been rebranded to “Uganda gifted by nature” The word ” Gifted ” in the brand tagline reflects Uganda’s extraordinary natural richness and cultural diversity, as well as the talents and abilities of the people - all bestowed as a gift to the world. ” Nature ” is seen as the giver of Uganda ’s uniqueness- dependent on human protection to preserve its uniqueness for future generations.

    There are some places you would go to on a safari and then there are places that make the safari special. With so many things to do and see, Uganda is provides for a true safari destination. A gorilla safari is undoubtedly the top prefered tour for all most any tourist to Uganda. Uganda is the only country where the endangered mountain gorilla can be seen in its natural habitat.Uganda hosts more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world.A permit for a gorilla costs US $ 360 and must always be booked in advance since the number of people allowed to see these creatures is always limited.

    Uganda has over 1000 bird species. If your preference is a birding safari to Uganda, you will not miss the rare Shoebill stork and other species.Take an opportunity to look out for the shy and secretive birds along the channel.Uganda’s scenic diversity and richness of landscape compares favourably with anywhere on the African continent. Uganda is proud to be one of the Africa countries with the largest concentration of Crocodile and Hippo.

    The thrill of churning rapids has been added to the new adventures of Uganda. One of the longest rivers in the world, River Nile has enabled tourist activities including fishing and white water rafting and Bungee Jumping.

    The bio-diversity in Uganda’s forest reserves is impressive. Amongst the huge buttressed tress and tangled vegetation, of lianas and epipytes,you will find the habitats ad homes of literally thousands of forest species from the shy elephant shrew to the scaly tailed flying squirrel. Not forgetting our closest relative, the Chimpanzee As a means of conserving these valuable havens, the Uganda forest Department has set up 6 forest tourism projects at sites on popular tourist routes around the country.

    You may take on a Safari to Uganda for an experience which leaves you filled with great memories and certainly a destination not to miss out.

    Richard Dickson is an African Travel Writer, More of his articles can be found at Gorilla Safari, Uganda Safari or
    Uganda Tour, Safari.

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    We Love Growing River Birch Trees

    January 3rd, 2009

    River Birsch Trees are fairly easy to plant because they are fairly rugged and durable. Yet to plant or transplant them you do need to follow some basic guidelines. Two of the best cultivars or River Birch trees are Dura Heat and Heritage River Birches.

    All people handling seedlings and small trees need to help with the life support of your plants. Seedlings are like fish out of water and need care which is often overlooked between the time the seedlings are lifted and transplanted. Improper care means higher mortality. Do not try and reinvent the wheel. You must protect seedling from moisture and temperature extremes, as well as physical damage. Seedlings are living and should be handled carefully. For a higher survival rate, treat trees carefully and plant them immediately. I like to have a backup plan for planting if the weather turns bad. I will sometimes switch from lining out the seedlings to potting them up if I realize that the soil conditions will not be right for an extended lenght of time. If planting must be delayed a few days, keep the plants in a cold, protected place with air circulation between the trees. Keep the trees out of the rain and wind. To check if the trees need water, feel the media at the roots.. If it isn’t damp, water the trees and allow the excess water to drain. In cool, damp weather, the biggest threat to these trees is from mold. Try to keep out of soil seedlings moist by either restricting water loss with a water vapor barrier or by wetting the roots at regular intervals. While handling or planting try to reduce temperature and air movement around the seedlings. Windy days can dry out seedlings so consider waiting for calmer weather. Once your soil conditions are correct OUR FREE USE PLANTERS will make planting a snap so its will be worth waiting for good planting conditions.

    HOW TO PLANT

    Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don’t freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,”I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting”. This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don’t crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting …. digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

    Tangled roots Planting too shallow Planting too deep Air pockets Turned up roots (this is called J rooting) Planting trees that are not tolerant of wet soils in poorly drained areas Planting over rocks, septic tanks and leach fields, on sand mounds

    CARE OF TREES FOLLOWING PLANTING Check periodically to be sure that brush, grass and other vegetation is kept under control by mowing, mulching, spraying or a combination of these treatments. Always obtain advice from a licensed pest control advisor before using chemicals. You ag extension agency may offer courses in application of chemicals. Monitoring the appearance of your trees will help you to detect signs of insects, diseases or other problems. Apperances also help sell your product. Look for foliage turning yellow, new foliage drooping or other signs of poor health. It is easier to take successful corrective action if the problem is detected early.

    Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You probably won’t need to water more frequently than every 7-10 days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice, rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. In many states you may have to call your game commission and get their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and rabbitts combined. You an see more articles about the care of trees plants and nursery stock at our web site; http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

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    Capture Details with Digital Voice Recorders

    January 2nd, 2009

    Attention convention goers. Now you can easily record contact details and trade event conversations using some of the great, new, little digital voice recorders available for you to buy. Conventions are busy, time-consuming affairs where you meet a lot of people and can gather up loads of information that could be important both personally and professionally. By using digital voice recorders, you can be sure that you will not miss out on a single important word or idea that comes up.

    Whether it is a new idea for a product line, a great new way to provide quality service to your customers or an overwhelmingly innovative idea on new surgical procedures that could some day help same one of your patient’s life, you will be sure to get every intimate detail down when your are using digital voice recorders.

    To do all of this, you no longer have to worry about lugging around heavy, cumbersome equipment. Digital voice recorders now come in such small, convenient sizes that you can easily throw one into your pocket, keeping it handy for instant use whenever you need it. Better still, you don’t have to worry about lugging around a bunch of space eating tapes like you used to when the only available recorders used cassettes.

    And unlike those old cassette recorders, you can record for hours without every having to worry about running out of space. So if you are in the market for digital voice recorders take a look at these great little MP3s and never again miss out on important information.

    To purchase Gps Products and Surveillance Products Read other related articles on our Spy products blog

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    Creating Good Feng Shui in Baby’s Room

    January 2nd, 2009

    Getting ready for a new baby requires a lot of thought and planning from what diapers the baby will wear down to the decoration and arrangement of baby’s room. Today’s parents want to create a haven for their little one that will help the baby feel comforted and nurtured, as well as stimulated enough so that they thrive. Increasingly, parents are going beyond the traditional coordinated “theme” rooms to ensure baby has a healthy environment by incorporating feng shui.

    Feng shui, the Chinese system for arrangement and placement, so often used in businesses and homes is now making its way into the nursery, and for good reason, too. Feng Shui proposes that by arranging and aligning the room correctly, energy will flow better in the room and that all who reside in the room will thrive and prosper better than if the energy is the room was incorrect or did not flow smoothly. Understandably, no one needs to thrive and prosper more than a baby.

    To maximize the energy in baby’s room, there are several important factors to consider, such as room location, safety, colors, and furniture arrangement. Using feng shui in the nursery will help to make babies less fussy, who will feel more comfortable in their surroundings, and who will be healthy and flourish. What does it take to accomplish this? Following some basic considerations will help both baby and parents create a room that makes them both happy.

    Select a good location for the baby’s bedroom. A new baby should have a bedroom that is not over a garage or has an empty space below. The bedroom also shouldn’t be located where there is excessive noise that might keep the baby from sleeping, such as close to a living room where the TV is on, or close to a noisy street or neighbor.

    Bed placement is important. The bed should not be against a window or be directly in line with the door. Put the baby on a solid wall with the head of the crib against the wall, rather than lengthwise. Make sure the baby does not sleep or is placed against a slanted wall. These press on the baby. Avoid placing the baby against a wall that is shared with a bathroom, toilet, storage, or utility-type room.

    Opt for soothing colors. Children benefit from bright colors in play areas, but if these are used in a baby’s room, infants can be over stimulated to the point that they do not rest well. Because deep sleep in babies is necessary for healthy growth, be sure to select restful, muted colors. Whites are excellent for children, but avoid black and white color scheme because there is too much contrast. Select color palettes that are close to one another and harmonious, such as green and blue, white and beige, or pink and yellow.

    Create soft movement in the room. A room that is too still becomes stagnant and this is not beneficial for the growth of the child. To create good, but soft energy and movement, hang mobiles close to a window to move gently in the breeze and keep soft music playing in the room. You can also place a small fan on a dresser turned on low to keep air moving in the room. Avoid placing the baby under a ceiling fan as these disrupt their body energy.

    Watch for pointed objects. Make sure there are no hard corners from dressers or changing tables pointed at the baby’s head or body. Move these to another part of the room where they are not pointed in the direction of the bed.

    Select design motifs with care. Make sure that designs do not have harsh points, such as arrows, crosses, diamonds, or triangles. Nature designs are excellent and promote growth. Animal designs should also be chosen carefully. Ferocious or aggressive animals, even when they are made for a baby’s room, should not be chosen. Some of these are found in jungle motif designs and include lions, tigers, bears, and reptiles. Motifs with fish are fine as long as the watery theme is not overly dominant. Otherwise, respiratory, lung, nasal, or kidney problems could develop.

    Keep lighting balanced. During the day, the light in the baby’s room should neither be too bright or too dark. Install blinds that can be lowered or raised as needed to keep the room at a pleasant level of lighting. If the room is too bright, the baby won’t rest deeply. If too dim, the room would be too “yin” and the baby could fail to thrive or have respiratory problems.

    About The Author

    KATHRYN WEBER is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter (http://www.redlotusletter.com), the Web’s largest weekly feng shui ezine. She is also a certified feng shui master practitioner whose been featured in Seventeen and Martial Arts Professional magazines, among others, and is sought after for her expertise with a witty, down-to-earth style.

    kweber@redlotusconsulting.com

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    Bird Watching Mecca - 338 Species At Acadia National Park

    December 31st, 2008

    When it comes to birding, Acadia National Park is a mecca for sightings. The Park has 338 bird species, which is a record for any national park in the United States. The list of species includes such rare birds as the bald eagle, 23 warbler variations and falcons by the bushel load. If you’re looking to fill out your life list, Acadia is the place to be.

    The park has such a wide variety of bird species because of a unique environment. Part of the park consists of offshore islands that provide protected nooks and crannies that are ideal for nesting. To this end, numerous species use these island nooks as their southern breeding headquarters. Nesting species include eiders in addition to other sea birds, herons and raptors. Sandpipers and a wide variety of ducks can also be found on the islands.

    In addition to the nesting areas, Acadia is famous for its rare, predatory species. The park is home to a wide variety of eagles, including the bald eagle, and falcons. Indeed, Acadia is the home of the very rare Peregrine Falcon, which was nearly pushed to extinction in 1964. Reintroduced to Acadia in the mid 1980s, the Peregrines have flourished and established nesting patters in the park.

    If you’re looking to add to your life list, Acadia National Park is a destination you must visit. Here’s a list of bird species you just might see:

    Red Throat Loon

    Common Loon

    Pied-billed Grebe

    Horned Grebe

    Red-necked Grebe

    Great Cormorant

    Double-crested Cormorant

    American Bittern

    Least Bittern

    Glossy Ibis

    Black-bellied Plover

    American Golden-Plover

    Semipalmated Plover

    Killdeer

    Pomarine Jaeger

    Parasitic Jaeger

    Dovekie

    Common Murre

    Thick-billed Murre

    Osprey

    Bald Eagle

    Northern Harrier

    Sharp-shinned Hawk

    Cooper’s Hawk

    Northern Goshawk

    Red-shouldered Hawk

    Broad-winged Hawk

    Red-tailed Hawk

    Rough-legged Hawk

    Golden Eagle

    American Kestrel

    Merlin

    Peregrine Falcon

    Gyrfalcon

    Common Nighthawk

    Whip-poor-will

    Red-breasted Nuthatch

    White-breasted Nuthatch

    Bohemian Waxwing

    Cedar Waxwing

    Solitary Vireo

    Warbling Vireo

    Philadelphia Vireo

    This list is a very small sample of the species you will find at Acadia. Located in Maine, the park is highly recommended as a destination for amateur and fanatical bird watchers.

    Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com makers of diary and writing journals for bird watching. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles on bird watching and the great outdoors.

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    Preparing Your Sailboat for a Hurricane

    December 31st, 2008

    During a hurricane your sailboat can be in severe jeopardy even if the storm doesn’t pass near to you. The most important thing is to make preparations in advance. As a storm grows close the weather can make it difficult to prepare your boat and supplies could already be sold out. There are different strategies you need to be aware of if your boat is moored at a dock or kept in dry-dock on a trailer. If at all possible it is always best to try to move your boat inland and toward high ground.

    If your boat is moored at a dock it is important to re-enforce the moorings and double check that the cleats on the boat and dock are secure. Attach double lashings at each of the four points you are tied off to, and make sure to move the attachment higher up on the pylons to allow for the rising tide. During a rough storm the lines will chafe along the boat, which can cause one of the lines to break free and slam your boat into the dock. Cover any points that make chafe with leather, plastic or rubber coverings to prevent a line from breaking free. Old garden hose cut into sections will work well for a line covering. Secure any equipment from the deck down below and pull any outboard engines to be stored. Secure bumpers and tire to the sides of the boat to prevent damage from the dock.

    If your sailboat is stored on a trailer make sure to lash the boat down to the trailer at more than one place. Tie the boat down to four different points to secure objects. Follow the advice above in removing any equipment possible and storing anything possible down below. Drain the air from the trailers tires and place chocks (Bricks, wood or cinder blocks) in front and behind the wheels. Strip the boat down as much as possible and try to place the trailer in a secure location with enough distance from other boats.

    Find out everything that you should know about hurricanes at http://my-hurricane-guide.info

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    Doggin’ Jacksonville, Oregon: Where To Hike With Your Dog In An Old Gold Mining Camp

    December 29th, 2008

    Gold was discovered in Oregon’s Jackson Creek in 1851 but it brought neither fame nor fortune to the prospector, a lone miner remembered today only as “Mr. Sykes.” Gold fever ignited soon enough and within two years there were thousands of men tediously pulling flakes and nuggets from area creek beds.

    Jacksonville’s first brick buildings were in place by 1853 as the town thrived. It
    even became the county seat but when the Oregon & California Railroad headed for
    nearby Medford in 1887 and by-passed Jacksonville the good times ground to
    a halt.

    Jacksonville residents built their own railroad four years later but the
    struggling line was dismantled and sold in 1925. During the Depression struggling
    residents dug deeper into the hills around town to extract a few dollars of gold to
    survive. Not much happened in town after that. So little changed, in fact, that the
    entire downtown was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

    In 1989, Jacksonville residents formed the Jacksonville Woodlands Association
    to preserve and protect the quiet forests on the slopes surrounding the town. Most
    explorations of the dog-friendly Jacksonville Woodlands will start in town along
    the Zigler Trail, a flat one-mile journey to hike with your dog along the Jackson
    Creek where gold was discovered in 1851.

    A detailed brochure tells the fascinating story and makes for a prolonged walk
    with your dog. Strollers will want to turn around at the footbridge and retrace your
    pawprints but adventurous canine hikers will turn left and climb the ridges and
    canyons above the town. The three-mile Rich Gulch Trail leads to a panoramic view
    of the town and countryside.

    On the east end of town, behind the country Gothic house built by apprentice
    carpenter-turned-pioneer banker Cornelius Beekman in 1873, you will find the
    Beekman Canyon Loop. The trail begins and ends in a small arboretum that displays
    eight distinct bio-habitats found in the region. The trail climbs somewhat steeply
    through light woods before descending back into the Beekman Garden.

    After hiking through the peaceful Jacksonville Woodlands, be sure to take your
    dog on a walk through town. More than 80 original brick and wooden buildings
    from the 1800s are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can
    continue just outside of town into the Jacksonville Cemetery that has been in use
    for over 150 years. Dogs are as welcome in Jacksonville today as they were in the
    mining camps of yesteryear - there is a water bowl placed for dogs outside the
    Visitor Information kiosk.

    Jacksonville is located on Route 238 off of I-5 out of Grants Pass to the north
    or Medford from the south.

    copyright 2006

    Doug Gelbert

    I am the author of over 20 books, including 8 on hiking with your dog and the widely praised The Canine Hiker’s Bible. As publisher of Cruden Bay Books, we produce the innovative A Bark In The Park series of canine hiking books found at http://www.hikewithyourdog.com Articles in the Doggin’ America series of dog-friendly parks can be found at http://www.DogginAmerica.com

    During the warm months I lead canine hike tours, guiding packs of dogs and humans on hiking adventures. Tours, ranging from one-day trips to multi-day explorations, visit parks, historical sites and beaches. My lead dog is Katie, a
    German Shepherd - Border Collie mix, who has hiked in all of the Lower 48 states and is on a quest to swim in all the great waters of North America!

    Click here to see Katie! ==>http://www.hikewithyourdog.com/NewKatiesQuest.html

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    The Oregon Trail - Beginning in Arrow Rock, Missouri

    December 28th, 2008

    The Oregon Trail holds a unique place in the history of the United States. Thousands of pioneers used the trail to populate the middle and western parts of the country in the 19th century.

    Oregon Trail

    In the eighteen hundreds, the east coast of the United States had become overcrowded and expensive. For relief, people looked to the opportunities in the then limitless west. Over the next 100 years, hundreds of thousands of people undertook the six month quest to find a better life. Tens of thousands died along the route.

    The Oregon Trail begins in Independence, Missouri and winds its way to the Willamette River Valley in Oregon. Follow the trail from beginning to end and you’ll pass through the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho.

    Tracking the Oregon Trail can take a month by car, so I am going to highlight certain spots in this and further articles. Arrow Rock, Missouri is as good a place as any to start.

    Arrow Rock, Missouri

    Although Independence, Missouri is technically the beginning of the Oregon Trail, Arrow Rock is a better place to start. Arrow Rock is a tiny town of maybe 100 people and remains much the way it was during the hey day of the Oregon Trail. You’ll get a real taste of the way things were by visiting the tavern and old seminary. One of the odder attractions is the Calaboose.

    Arrow Rock has the rather peculiar Calaboose Jail. Built of stone, the jail is particular because it is built for only one person. By one person, I mean no lobby, no office, no nothing, just a stone structure with one wooden door.

    To get a better understanding of Arrow Rock, make sure to visit the Arrow Rock Historic Site center. For lodging, there are four or five bed and breakfast options in the town. Campers can stay at the Arrow Rock Historic Site camping grounds.

    Visiting Arrow Rock is like stepping back into the Wild West. Look to the west and you can get a feel for how the pioneers felt as they started their long journey.

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