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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.


    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.


    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


    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.


    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


    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.


    Taking Chances: Gaming Room Games of Chance

    December 21st, 2008

    On the assumption that you have not yet mastered betting room games of luck, feel free to read on.

    Lucky Stars video slots

    A running definition of a gambling house is a structure that organizes wagering. Aficionados are encouraged to take a wager by having a bash at coin operated machines or trying out another pastimes of luck. Casino games routinely have absolutely determined probabilities governing them which ensure the gambling establishment possesses its leverage versus the gamesters. A huge number of gaming hall games can sway you into getting obsessed speedily. A case in hand is the quintessential one-armed-bandit, a mechanical contraption with three discs that circle when a handle on its side is manipulated. This appliance on the whole will compensate punters with reference to a distribution of logos seen on the panel of the gadget. Deplorably, betting room pastimes offer the hallucination of supremacy, thus deluding the betting aficionado: the participant is passed decisions, but in reality they won’t ever truly match up the gamer’s statistical odds. That is induced by the betting establishment never paying up the full stake as expected. This modus operandi will generally be noticeable in popular casino games like poker, craps, roulette or blackjack.

    Stud poker is doubtlessly an incredibly trendy casino pastime. The gaming fans, religiously guarding their partially hidden cards, place bets into a principal pot which is ultimately paid out to the last gamer blessed with the best hand. (Of course, the shameless bluffer may well prevail as well!) Like stud poker, blackjack is also an incredibly fashionable casino game. Much of its popularity is caused by its particular mix of chance and craft and choice making, as well as a system labeled “counting”. The aforementioned is a peculiar playing tactics through which gambling enthusiasts are in a position to turn the chances of the game for their own good both by betting and strategy opetations in correspondence with the cards shown. “Craps” is another well-known game involving the roll of two dice. Aficionados place stakes on the result of one cycle, or on a series of rolls of two dice. Dissimilar to blackjack, there’s absolutely no available sustainable killer strategy punters can capitalize on to beat the odds. Roulette is another celebrated casino gambling pastime. Here, a croupier turns a roulette wheel which incorporates exactly 37 (French roulette) or, respectively 38 (American or Vegas roulette) independently tagged receptacles in which a white pellet will settle, which determines the winner and the connected odds. Supposing that our player wagers on any given number which hits it big meaning it’s actually having a streak of luck, the promised return is 35 to 1, the original wager itself being tossed back. Thus in total it’s increased by thirty six.

    Please try to be emphatically cautious as each of these betting room games of chance should be considered certainly habituating. Innumerable lives have been demolished thru gambling and even though it undeniably might be enjoyable, do your best to moderate your play.


    Campsite Meal Planning and Recipe

    November 27th, 2008

    Hello Again,

    Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals are one of the most memorable aspects of any camping trip and if one meal is a disaster you will never hear the end of it. I will show you how to avoid spending half the day in the kitchen and still deliver a meal that will knock their socks off. Pre planning and pre prep are a great way to buy more time for doing what you came for “Camping”. Later I will share a recipe that includes a great way to pre cook pasta. There are two methods for meal planning, the ration method and the recipe method. Today I will focus on the recipe method. I will go into depth on the ration method in a later issue. A small group in a camp setting will find the recipe method much easier to implement. If you have a very large group or need to be mobile the ration method is desirable.

    An efficient and fun way to plan your menu is to gather up all your favorite recipes and make a daily menu centered around your planned activities not worrying about space or supply restrictions. For example if you are planning some hiking, sandwiches will do the trick. If you plan to stay close to the site you can afford some more elaborate meals. I try to plan for a variety of situations. This allows you to be fixable once you hit the site. You don’t have to follow your menu to the tee. Mix it up, be spontaneous and have fun.

    Once you have your menu, figure out what supplies you will need, then depending on your space and weight requirements adjust your menu and/or your equipment accordingly. Otherwise just creating the menu can be a real challenge. Our goal here is to have fun. This method for meal planning is an easy way to figure out what supplies you will need without a lot of size and weight calculations. There are plenty of complicated formulas you can use for meal planning and in some circumstance like backpacking or extended trips these are essential, but for the average campsite certainty not necessary. If you forget or overlook something, most campgrounds either have a store on site or within a short driving distance. You might kick yourself for having to spend twice what something is worth but you won’t starve.

    When planning your menu include plenty of fresh water, high-energy snacks and trail foods like fresh fruit, beef jerky and granola. Stay away from things like chips, soda and cookies unless you plan on sitting around the campsite wishing you had a TV to watch. Outdoor activities require a lot of energy and burn a lot of calories. The best way to plan healthy meals is to use the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid. Keep in mind appetites will be up so plan accordingly. Click on the link above to visit the USDA’s site.

    Do as much pre planning and pre prep as possible. (Say that 5 times fast) I use a lot of zip lock bags, cutting up and cooking as much as I can before I get to the site. Use a cooler to keep your perishables like milk, condiments and fresh vegetables. I use powdered milk in all my camp recipes because it is convenient to carry and easy to convert your recipe to fresh milk if you have it. I usually use fresh milk for the first few days then go to the powdered milk after we have run out. At least that is the plan. My daughter loves to drink milk and always throws a fit whenever we run out of fresh. I often find myself reentering society in exchange for a little peace and quiet.

    The nice thing about the recipe menu planning method is most home recipes can be converted to outdoor recipes with very little effort. This next recipe is a perfect example of something that is equally delicious at home or out on the campsite. Note the pre planning tips that make this a quick fix without compromising on taste.

    Campsite Pasta Italiano

    7 to 8 oz pasta
    4 Tbsp olive or peanut oil
    1 lb Italian sausage cut into inch pieces
    1 28 oz can Italian Style crushed tomatoes (do not substitute with regular crushed tomatoes)
    1 tsp garlic powder
    Salt and pepper
    Parmesan cheese

    Do Ahead Tip: Cut sausage before hand and store in a zip lock bag

    Do Ahead Tip: Cook the pasta at home as directed on package. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl add pasta and 2 Tbsp oil. Toss until evenly coated, seal in a zip lock bag and store in cooler until needed.

    Do Ahead Tip: Plan several pasta dishes and cook all the pasta at once. Store each portion in a separate bag. Use a permanent marker to write the name of the recipe each bag is intended for.

    Before you prepare your meal remove the appropriate pasta bag from the cooler and let it reach room temperature.

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet on medium high. Add sausage and brown evenly until cooked through. Drain grease; add crushed tomatoes and garlic powder. Stirring constantly bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Simmer until thickened about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add pasta. Mix well. If your skillet is too small to add the pasta you can mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. The heat of the sauce will reheat the pasta. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with parmesan Cheese.

    Whala! A simple delicious meal whipped up in a flash. Guaranteed to stick to the ribs after a hard days play. Don’t forget to leave some room for the S’mores.

    Timothy D McBride

    I am an avid camper with a passion for the simple life. Growing up in Rural America meant camping and fishing from a young age. This has translated into a passion for providing only the best camping advice and services. As the owner and operator of Camping & Cooking Supplies I strive to provide a tremendous resource for the camping enthusiast. So come and visit us at Camping & Cooking Supplies. See you on the trails.

    I am an avid camper with a passion for the simple life. Growing
    up in Rural America meant camping and fishing from a young age.
    This has translated into a passion for providing only the best
    camping advice and services. As the owner and operator of Camping &
    Cooking Supplies I strive to provide a tremendous resource for
    the camping enthusiast. So come and visit us at HREF="http://store.camping-cooking-supplies.com" rel="nofollow">Camping &
    Cooking Supplies
    . See you on the trails.


    13 Lanzarote Beaches - Tinajo

    November 6th, 2008

    Tinajo is located in the central north part of Lanzarote and considered by many to have the best surfing conditions in Europe.

    Elements of the coastline have become synonymous with the term “The Hawaii of Europe”.

    The first of two beaches takes us to La Santa, in a village by the same name and developed around a natural lagoon that borders a little peninsula. This relatively quiet area is dominated by the internationally famous hotel and sports complex, known as Club La Santa, a ‘winter’ training ground for international sports stars.

    If you are into active sports or simply want to maintain your fitness regime whilst on holiday or if you want to pamper yourself whilst your partner ‘does his own thing’, then this is the place to go. Club La Santa offers just about everything you could want in terms of active sports and everything you’d find in the very best gyms or fitness centres ‘at home’.

    Another article I’ve written “31 Lanzarote Sports - Club La Santa” provides detailed information that might help you decide whether this is the place to stay, so I will only briefly cover it in this article.
    Activities include Tennis (10 courts), Squash (5 Courts), Badminton (6 Courts), Beach Volleyball (2 courts), Indoor & Outdoor Basketball courts, Golf (Mini Golf and short game training), 5-a-side football, Full sized Football, Aerobics, Leisure Pool, Olympic size Swimming Pool, Children’s Swimming Pool, Boxing, Weight Lifting and a fully equipped fitness centre with 6 Rowing Machines.

    There are lots of beach/water sports on a beach measuring 910m long and consisting of fine white sand.

    If you are an experienced diver and want to go on a snorkel safari, an ‘intermediate’ or simply a beginner keen to learn then checkout the diving centre programme (by the leisure pool) as it caters for all three levels. Equally, if you are into surfing then you’ve come to surfers paradise as this areas has some of the best surfing waves in Europe.

    If you’re more into the pampering side of a sports centre at home, then why not consider the Hydrotherapy bath/ Jacuzzi, Cold Dip and Shower, Steam bath/ Saunas, Hydro-massage bath with essential oils, in private room (additional payment required), Hydro-jet massage, in private room (additional payment required), Manual treatments (additional/ seperate payment required), Physiotherapy, Massage (Sports-, Relax-, Lymphatic Drainage-, Shiatsu Massage and Foot Reflexology).

    After a hectic day, there is a range of entertainment on hand from Karaoke to guest appearances from semi-professional artists. As you’d expect, there is excellent parking on site, although it can be accessed just as easily by guaguas (autobus) and most equipment can be hired on the day at the club.

    Our second beach in this area is the neighbouring beach known as Tenaza (it is actually 2km. away from Tenaza itself), located in a rural area and measuring 90m long by 6m wide and consisting of sand mixed with fine grained black gravel. There is a parking available locally.

    John Plumb, frequent visitor to Lanzarote, a place that is now my ‘home from home’ having taken the plunge into villa ownership on the island - See http://www.villa-rochelle.co.uk

    John is also the administrator of the “Lanzarote Villa Owners Club” @ http://www.lanzvillaowners.com


    RV Awning Use, Care & Maintenance Tips & Advice

    November 5th, 2008

    RV awnings are a great feature to have on your RV. There are different types of RV awnings and they serve different purposes. There are window and door awnings that provide shade over your RV windows or entry door. There are slide out awnings that protect the slide out roof from debris and water. And there are patio awnings that provide us with shade when we want to sit and enjoy the outdoors. The awnings on your RV will provide years of reliable trouble free operation, if you take the time to do a little preventive maintenance and cleaning.

    The fabric used on awnings is made from vinyl or acrylic. Some awnings have an aluminum or vinyl wrap-around weather guard that protects the awning fabric when it’s in the travel position. When you open the awning for the first time each year, or if it has been stored for a while, you will need to inspect the awning fabric for any signs of mildew or stains. Vinyl awnings will mildew. If the awning fabric is fairly clean, normal cleaning can be accomplished with a soft brush and mild soap and water. Do not use oil based or abrasive cleaners. Clean and thoroughly rinse both sides of the awning. For more difficult stains, or mildew, there are after market commercial cleaners made just for awning fabrics.

    Note: Carefully follow all awning and cleaner manufacturer directions.

    Inspect the awning fabric for any tears or excessive wear. Do not store the awning when the fabric is wet. Allow it to dry completely on both sides before storing. You can clean the awning hardware with the same cleaner you use to wash the RV. While the awning is out, inspect the awning hardware. The bottom awning brackets support most of the load from the awning. Check that the lag screws in the awning brackets are tight. Inspect the arm pivot holes for any enlarged holes or broken rivets in the handles. Check for a warped roller tube. If the roller tube is warped it will be noticeable when you roll the awning out. Inspect the end caps for secure mounting and broken rivets.

    Caution: Do not attempt to remove the awning end caps. Spring tension can result in serious injury.

    Make sure the awning rail is securely mounted to the side of the RV. Have any damaged or broken parts repaired before using the awning. In addition to cleaning and inspecting your awning there are a few things to keep in mind when using the awning. Always lower one end of the awning to allow for water run off. The weight from water pooling on the awning fabric can cause extensive and costly damage.

    Wind gusts over 20 miles per hour can also cause extensive damage to the awning and to the RV. Never leave the awning out unattended. If everyone is leaving the campsite, store the awning in the travel position. When you go to bed, store the awning. Even when you are at the campsite, you should use awning tie downs to prevent any sudden damage caused by high wind gusts or a sudden storm. You have the option to position the awning arms straight down and stake them to the ground, but you will get better support if they’re attached to the bottom awning brackets on the side of the RV. Remember, it is much easier to prevent damage to your awning than it is to repair it.

    Happy Camping,
    Mark

    Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101

    Mark Polk - EzineArticles Expert Author

    RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

    Mark Polk is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. Polk owns and operates RV Education 101, (based in North Carolina) since 1999, and also has an extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management. Polk has a degree in Industrial Management Technology with 30 plus years of experience in maintenance includes working as an RV technician, a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic, an automotive maintenance technician, Battalion and Brigade level Maintenance Officer, an RV sales manager and also in the RV financing department as the Finance & Insurance manager. http://www.rveducation101.com/