We all met and spent the night at Makarora, a small pastoral settlement on the banks of the Makoara River, there was lots of chat, catching up on gossip and sorting out hiking gear and food. The long term weather forecast was dodgy, but we figured good keen southern women could handle anything.

My husband decided to come along as the token male at the eleventh hour for which I was pretty happy about, as a cold front was washing up the country, his life long mountain experience wouldn’t go amiss. The possibility of off loading some of my gear on him is a plus. Plus it’s always good to have a man about the house.

We were all pretty keen to climb up to Lake Crucible a small mountain lake on Mount Alba; this would be a full day side trip. To save a day we elected to take a fixed wing aircraft into the Siberia Valley early in the morning, dump our packs at the hut and go ‘DO’ Lake Crucible that day, and we would leave a car on the other side of the Makarora River for our return journey.

After a good sleep and a healthy breakfast we took the 25 minute flight into the remote Siberia Valley and surprise, surprise, the valley did not at all resemble its name, no austere grey rocks and rubble, no salt mines, bogs and stunted undergrowth. The valley floor was a mass of wild flowers; the rugged mountains soared high above us, with many hanging valleys and glaciers. A delightful mountain stream gurgled its way across the valley to drop down the steep mountain side to the Wilkin River far below.

This had to be heaven – until we took our off boots to wade the cute little stream that intercepted with our nights accommodation – wow! It was colder than cold. After warming our numbed feet we dumped our packs on bunks in the hut and set off along the valley floor absorbing the sheer beauty of the place.

The markers turned abruptly up out of the valley into the beech forest for the 880m ascent. The steady up hill seemed relentless; I had just finished a stint of night duty so wasn’t on top form, all body functions were ass about face, this was the hardest work I had done since I had had my babies, whilst my school teacher daughter loped effortlessly uphill I figured the relevance of age. Oh yeah – I had been in denial.

Coming out of the forest at the tree line gave us all a new lease of life. The sky was blue, the midday sun was beating down, the boulders got bigger and the scree became more unstable. Over a moraine mound and there was Lake Crucible, and wow! It had real ice bergs, no need to do that Antarctic trip that was on the wish list. This was a photographer’s heaven. We settled on a hot rock to enjoy lunch surrounded by this amazing panorama, crickets croaking around us the alpine grasses smelling sweet, Kea’s circling high in the sky eyeing up a free lunch, sorry guys not today.

What an amazing day on top of the world – tired and weary we made our way down the steep mountain side, along the valley floor to our very welcoming mountain hut and yeah we had it to ourselves. And the very best thing about the husband coming along, besides his great company and mountain experience, is that he loves to carry in red wine, I myself would do water and hope it would turn into wine, but somehow that doesn’t happen.

The next morning we woke to rain pattering on the tin roof – ‘damn’ the cold front had come through. Wrapping up in all our wet weather gear we looked up into the mist shrouding the steep route up to Gillespie Pass and it did not look at all welcoming. During the 550m ascent from the hut, the rain continued pelting down turning to sleet the higher we climbed, snug under all the layers of poly prop, gortex and water proof boots we plugged on into the mist and on reaching the summit where it was zero degrees the cloud dispersed long enough for us to take a few snap shots of the great views of the Southern Alps. Stunning is all we could say mainly because we were slightly short wind.

Over Gillespies Pass we plodded and down the 550m descent into the Young Valley, the rocky track wound its way down the mountain side awash with Alpine flora, gentians, ourisias, buttercups, the Mt Cook Lillie’s had just finished blooming but their dead heads stood tall on healthy stems, small ferns grasses and mosses mingled with the rivulets of water running down the steep mountain side all good enough to drink.

The Young Hut was so welcoming set on the valley floor surrounded by soaring mountains, 100 pictures later we wrung out our wet top layers and hung them up to dry, which they didn’t, warming up we cooked up some truly gourmet instant soup followed by packet pasta, but sadly no wine tonight girls.

A few games of cards by candle light, lots of jokes and gossip – we hadn’t run out yet, we turned in for the night. Only to be woken by crashing thunder followed by flashes of lightening. The bounce rate off the mountain side had a wow factor. It was consistent and so loud you felt the mountain side would crumble.

The next morning was a valley walk out to the Makarora River where we had left our car on the other side. The forest was magnificent, the ferns and mosses thriving in this wet environment. The thunder and lightening didn’t let up as we trundled down the track over gushing streams holding hands terrified of being swept into the raging river below.

Around midday at the insistence of our lone male we stopped to have hot soup and soggy bread and 4 hours later we arrived tired, wet, hungry and happy at the swirling mass of water, the Makarora River – no way could we wade across. There was a small shelter with only a roof so we decided this was it for the night, not quiet the Hilton – but we all had excellent down sleeping bags.

It was then that we spotted a red button on the side of the structure and a worn out notice saying “ring this buzzer and the National Park Office will answer”!! With fingers crossed that they hadn’t closed early, we rang that buzzer, and lo a human voice, no music, no press one for a jet boat hire, 2 for human resources and 3 for bookings. They could send a jet boat up for us but were so sorry it would cost $40.00 each, I’m sure we would all have paid ten times as much to get to the other side. The ‘other side’ had taken on a new meaning, hot shower, dry clothes, good food, and the all enticing warm dry bed.

The trip back down river was scary but our trusty boat driver was so experienced and confident we merely clung onto the rails till our fingers went numb and rolled with it; the boat was tossed like a match box in the ocean. But a hot shower changes everything, with renewed energy and zest we devoured huge steaks and salad washed down with no not pure organic mountain water, but beautiful mellow truly palatable New Zealand Merlot.

Elaine and Richard Bryant are born and bred Kiwis, experienced in the natural outdoors and love overseas adventures. They are independent and fun loving with a passion for finding that idyllic corner of the world sometimes overlooked by those seeking outdoor adventure travel experiences.
http://adventurealive.com

Article Source: U Publish Articles

Imagine diving in the waters that surround Borneo; this Malaysian scuba diving destination has more than ninety three fascinating dive sites to explore. There are specifically 79 diving destinations in Sabah and an additional 14 scuba diving Malaysia diving spots in Sangalaki. When visiting Sabah in the northernmost region of Borneo, the best sites await the diver in places like the Labuan Federal Territory, Kapalai Island, the Lankayan Island, Mabul Island, Mantabuan, Mataking Island, Pulau Tiga, the Semporna Marine Park, the Si Amil Island, the Sibuan Island, the Sipadan Island, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the Turtle Islands Park. Just a short distance away from Sabah, divers can travel to Sangalaki too, where even more beautiful underwater experiences await. Manta rays, jelly fish, turtles, and other water life can be viewed in places like Caro´s Cutto, the Channel Entrance, Coral Gardens, Cowtail Reef, Eel Ridge, Jellyfish Lake, Lighthouse Reefs, Manta Avenue, Manta Parades, the Sandy Ridge, Sherwood Forest, the Cleaning Station, the Lighthouse, and Turtle Town.

Among the outstanding scuba diving Malaysia locations you can explore are fifty one spots in Terengganu too; diving sites throughout Terengganu can be enjoyed in places around Lang Tehgah Island, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Redang, and Tenggol Island. While visiting Malaysia, you might take a dive at the Blue Corals diving site situated off of Lang Tehgah Island: a site that is accessible by boat. In the latter destination you can explore waters that are 25 meters deep and that are home to butterfly fish, groupers, parrot fish, nurse sharks, trevally, and a whole host of other fascinating underwater life.

Alternatively, you can head to the Japanese Landing Craft Wreck in Pulau Kapas: this exciting scuba diving site in Malaysia is accessible just after a thirty minute boat ride. The Japanese Landing Craft wreck is situated north of Pulau Kapas, and the wreck is twenty five meters down. Coral have now made the wreck their home, and schools of fish can be enjoyed during your underwater experience at this intensely popular underwater scuba diving Malaysia spot.

The number of Malaysian scuba diving destinations that you can choose from are vast; this makes the location a hot spot for divers looking to experience the beauty and surrealism that only an underwater adventure can offer. Destinations are available for the novice and inexperienced, for the skilled and intermediate diver, and for the advanced diver seeking an underwater challenge and adventure. For your next dive, give serious consideration to heading to Malaysia: a destination filled to the brim with superior scuba diving Malaysia destinations for you to experience and explore.

Visit DiveTime for over 10 000 scuba diving sites, thousands of scuba diving Malaysia images and videos along with reviews and gear items for sale.

Article Source: U Publish Articles

In India there are around 70 national parks and 450 wildlife sanctuaries. These national parks and sanctuaries preserve varied species of wildlife and astonishing birds for so many centuries. You will also find some endangered wildlife species in the wildlife parks of India. Some of the endangered species found in India are Nilgiri Leaf Monkey, Nilgiri Tahr, Asiatic Lion, Lion-tailed Macaque, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Particoloured Flying Squirrel, Kashmir Stag, Red Fox, Malabar Large-Spotted Civet, etc. The list of endangered species is long and one can find these species in the national parks and sanctuaries of India. Visitors can book wildlife tour package from the any of the wildlife tour operator in India and can explore the rich flora and fauna of the country.

Some of the famous wildlife parks and sanctuaries of India are:

Ranthambore Wildlife Park:
It is the national park of India situated in the royal state of India Rajasthan. This national park is famous especially fro tiger reserve and varied wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy morning and evening jungle safari in this forest. One can see varied wildlife species and especially tigers taking guard of its kingdom. Enjoying a elephant safari in this national park will be the delightful experience of your wildlife trip of India.

Keoladeo National Park:
Keoladeo National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan is famous for avifauna sanctuary. The sanctuary has preserved around 230 species of birds and in winter one can see the endangered Siberian Crane. It is the also the major tourists destination of Rajasthan. This park is the ideal destination to watch varied species of birds in their natural home. During the hibernal season scores of ornithologists visit this national park to study about the nature and behaviors of the birds.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region of the western ghats of Kerala India. It is an abode of reptilian fauna and is richest in the south India in terms of the number of species. Santalum album, Anogeissuslatifolia, Tamarindus Indica, Terminialia Arjuna, Pongamia lanceolata, Dalbergia latifolia, Tectona grandis, Cassia Fistula and Terminalia bellerica are some reptiles and wild species found in the wildlife sanctuary.

Beside these forests there are many other parks and sanctuaries found across India. Every national parks and sanctuaries are quite different from one another are well known for the conserving varied wildlife species. Come to India and enjoy the thrilling tour to explore the varied wildlife parks and sanctuaries of India.

Meenakshi is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. She has authored many books on tour guide for Rajasthan Wildlife Tours and Wildlife Packages in India.Find more packages at http://www.indianwildlifetourism.com/

Article Source: U Publish Articles

Rifle Hunting
For rifle hunting, you need little more than a rifle, ammunition, a hunting knife for cleaning, the appropriate attire for the terrain, and any general camping or hiking gear. Additionally, many consider rifle hunting to be slightly easier than using a bow, simply because it is easier to load a rifle and make a kill with a bullet than it is with a bow. Larger rifles are used to bring down larger game, like elk and bear.

Bow Hunting
Bow hunting is the preferred hunting type for those who wish to get more in touch with the primal nature of the sport. As it is quieter than rifle hunting, bow hunting often allows opportunities to bag several animals, since others aren’t spooked when you fire. However, since bows generally can’t produce the same type of power as rifles, aim and accuracy are much more important. Bow hunters generally carry their bow, a hunting knife, extra arrows and arrowheads, extra bowstrings in case of breakage or other string damage, and a rangefinder. They typically aim for only large game, as it is very difficult to bring down smaller animals with a bow.

Using Decoys
Decoys are typically used for hunting waterfowl, although large game decoys do exist. Generally used in conjunction with fowl-enticing calls or scents, decoys are placed in the sight of hunters who are camouflaged within a hide or a blind. Decoys often reduce the skill level needed for a successful hunt, as they often bring game to the hunter. Decoys also increase the chances of having a successful hunt, which is especially important if you are hunting for meat instead of trophies.

Tracking
Regardless of their weapon, many hunters choose to track their game instead of simply waiting for the game to come to them. Bow hunters are more likely to track than rifle hunters, mainly because a bow is quieter and less likely to spook game if the hunter misses. Tracking requires skill in the form of being able to identify animal tracks, scat, and other signs that your desired game has been in the area recently. A skilled tracker can almost guarantee contact with the game that they are hunting. Hunting gear for trackers tends to be sparse and lightweight, since they have to carry everything with them as they go.

Blinds and Hides
The use of blinds, hides, lodges, and similar hiding spots is more common than tracking because it requires little more than patience in order to have a successful hunt. Blinds and hides are set up in areas where the desired game is common, and then the hunters simply wait in their hiding spot for their targets to arrive. Abundant hunting gear can be stored in the blind. The main drawbacks to using a blind or a lodge are that they require time to set up, and there is no guarantee that the desired game will make an appearance.

~Ben Anton, 2009

Find out more about hunting gear and method options at our web site for Coast hunting lights and knives.

Article Source: U Publish Articles

The Ionian Sea lies to the west of the mainland of Greece, it combines both good sailing weather, sunny and warm with predictable winds with a fascinating group of islands. Navigation is generally by line of sight and a passage between islands is generally only a few hours in duration The islands are attractive and steeped in Greek mythology. This is a great place for people learning to sail or building experience and so it is no surprise that it is home to several companies running flotilla sailing holidays. Islands that can be visited include; Corfu, Paxos, Levkas, Meganisi, Ithaca, Cephalonia and Zakinthos. More information about yacht charter in the Ionian Sea can be found here.

The Aegean Sea lies to the south and east of mainland Greece and can be divided into the following areas; Crete, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Eastern Sporades, Gulfs of Corinth and Patros, Northern Sporades, Peloponisos and the Saronic

Crete is the largest island in the Aegean Sea and marks the boundary between Europe and Africa. It is 140 miles long (E – W) and around 20 miles wide (N – S). The centre of the island is mountainous and it is rocky and barren in the main. The exceptions being the plains on the north coast and Lasithi Plateau in the mountains. These areas are cultivated and a wide range of fruit and vegetables are grown on Crete.

The Cyclades is the central group of islands in the Aegean Sea. It can be split into three groups; the Northern Cyclades that includes the islands of Kea, Kithnos, Andros, Tinos, Yiaros, Siros, Mikonos, Delos and Rinia; the Central Cyclades that includes Serifos, Sifnos, Andiparos, Paros, Naxos, Dhenoussa, Iraklia, Skhinoussa, Koufonisia and Amorgos; and the Southern Cyclades including the islands of Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikonos, Ios, Thira and Anafi.

The Dodecanese is a complex of over 163 islands and islets of which only 26 are inhabited. The islands form part of Greece’s eastern border with Turkey. The group of islands can be split in three groups; the Northern Dodecanese and the islands of Arki, Lipso, Kalimnos, Levitha, Leros, Patmos and Gaidharos; the Central Dodecanese and the islands of Kos, Astipalea, Niseros, Symi and Tilos; and the Southern Dodecanese including Rhodes, Karpathos and Kasos.

The Sporades. The Northern Sporades is the correct name for what people usually call the Sporades and the yacht charter area is made up of the scattered, widespread and fertile islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros, Pelagos or Kira Panayia and the uninhabited Peristera, Skantzoura, Yioura, Piperi and Psathoura. Skiathos and Skopelos are the main yacht charter bases in the Northern Sporades. The less travelled Eastern Sporades refers to the yacht charter area that includes the islands of Lesbos, Limnos and Chios that run along the Turkish coastline.

The Peloponnisos can be split into the coast of the Western Peloponnisos and the Gulfs of Corinth and Patras. The Western Peloponnisos is in the most part high, rugged mountains, still often snow capped in the spring. The two principal ranges, Taiyetos and Parnon, run south ending at the capes of Matapan and Malea respectively. The northern coast of Peloponnisos is made up of the Gulfs of Patras in the west and Corinth to the east. The Peloponnisos was originally an island but great geological upheavals united with the mainland. A later retreat by the sea formed the Isthmus of Corinth which in turn was cut in the 19th century to make the Corinth canal and made Peloponnisos an island again.

The Saronic Gulf lies to the south of Athens, the capital of Greece. As a practical sailing area it includes the Athens or Attica coast on the mainland, the eastern coast of the Peloponnisos including the Gulfs of Idhras and Argolikos. Some of the better known Islands include Aigina, Poros, Idhra or Hydra and Spetsai.

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
Follow this link for more info on Greece Yacht Charters.
See our Cruising Guide for Greece Marinas

Article Source: U Publish Articles

Depending on the time you get there, you may want to relax a little bit instead of jumping into activities right away. Fishing can be a way to relax after that long drive you may just had. You can sit back and wait for those fish to hook onto your line. If your family all goes out on the boat, you may want to make sure they don’t make too many movements or they might scare the fish away.

Once all of you are rested and energized, you can go hiking. Hiking can be a great and healthy exercise. You can bring a book to identify and teach yourself and your family about the surrounding wildlife. Remember to bring a camera though, you never know what you may encounter while you’re walking around out there and to wear comfortable shoes! Hiking in uncomfortable boots and even flip flops can annoy and stress you out rather than take it away. If this is too much walking for you, there should be biking trails. Not many people bike these days, so it’s a great opportunity to make you feel like when you were a kid.

If you are traveling with kids, you can bring card games like Uno or even just a deck of cards and play poker, speed, or rummy. You can also have a little scavenger hunt with your kids. While they’re playing cards or running around, go take some items, like plastic eggs with goodies inside, and hide them around your camp. Give them some directions and let them loose. Just be sure to not forget where you put everything!

When it gets dark, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. If you brought some graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows, then bring on the s’mores. Build a campfire and you can start cooking. If someone knows how to play the guitar and remembered to bring it, you can all sing songs and even make some of your own, or just sing acapella! If you and your kids are up for it, you can tell ghost stories that you learned as a kid or just some funny ones you know. Being out in the open is perfect for stargazing also. Put out the fire, and make sure it’s all out, and look up at the stars. Try to name as many constellations as you can and create some yourself. Don’t forget to watch out for shooting stars and make a wish!

These are just a few activities you can do out there, but even if you can’t find or think of anymore, then these can keep you entertained. Also, don’t forget to allow some downtime between the activities. Part of being on vacation is to relax and have fun!

For more information about camping, please visit http://www.myrvlink.com/

Article Source: U Publish Articles

The walking boots should be structured to meet your performance levels, providing sufficient shock absorbent soles and a contoured foot bed to aid in metatarsal support. For long distance walking or treks through rugged terrain, try durable and breathable uppers fitted with a gusseted tongue for comfort. For flat and level treks, a medium grade walking shoe should be sufficient. But for climbing or activities requiring added traction, you may wish to invest in a heavier shoe with attention to fully padded ankle support and a rugged sole to provide better traction.

When shopping for a new pair of walking boots, be sure to wear the socks you intend to use with the new shoes as the thickness and texture of the socks will affect the fit of the boots. If you are shopping out of season for best bargains, be sure to bring your heavy grade thermal socks in the summertime.

If you need the new walking boots for a specific upcoming event such as camping trip or to use for your next holiday, be sure you purchase the walking boots well in advance and give yourself plenty of time to break them in. Stiff components, such as the tongue or the instep area need to be stretched and moulded to your individual foot characteristics. Allowing sufficient time to break the shoes in is especially important for high-top models that have a snug fit around the ankles, where abrasions and chaffing may disable your feet.

The best way to achieve a custom fit is to wear them around the house for a week or so to soften up and mould the boots to your foot. Professional shoe stretching does nothing to train the walking boot to your individual shape and contours and will fail you if you plan to wear the walking shoes for long periods of time. Shoes that are not properly broken in may cause blisters and cutting, and if left untreated may result in an infection. By wearing the walking shoe a little each day, you may naturally break the shoe in for a perfect comfort fit in just a few days.

The packyourbags Travel Store is your one stop shop for travel accessories and outdoor gear, as well as a complete range of walking boots and walking shoes . To find out more, visit http://shop.packyourbags.com .

Article Source: U Publish Articles

Packed to the gunnels with everything and more than anyone would need if stranded in the Outback Australian bush for a week, in short we had a week to do Cape York Peninsula, there and back!

Lakeland was our first stop, a small tidy outback Australian community surrounded by banana, peanut and coffee plantations, with a nice green shady camping area, and the best coffee in outback Australia. We set up the tent, cooked a divine barramundi and green salad meal and swapped stories with a few alternative life-stylers dining out of sardine tins, who had hitched down from the 3 day Laura music festival. Packing away our gear we had no sooner settled in for the night when it started to rain and rain it did, all night, heavily.

The next morning we headed north to the small township of Laura and on to the Musgrave Roadhouse on stretches of seal alternating with patches of soft red dirt connecting one distant horizon with the next. The rain pelted down filling the deep causeways, and creek crossings quickly becoming a gal’s worst nightmare.

The road deteriorating before our eyes, the dirt road turning to red mud, reminding me of the soggy clay you throw at a potters wheel in the days when I made many lop sided ash trays for all the relies Xmas parcels. The expedition was going steadily down hill, visions of ending my days buried in red mud under a gum tree was not on my list of things to do.

Slithering into the very outback Australian, Musgrave Road House, we carefully parked on the only rise in Cape York Peninsula, so we could slither downhill to resume what was slowly becoming an epic journey. Our little Hyundai was looking like a Tonka toy smothered in thick red mud amidst ’see how many wheels you can have on the road’ trucks, enormous 4WD’s, and ‘in need of panel beating’ coaches.

I hastily ordered cappuccinos, cold beers and all the unhealthy food I could muster whilst the warrior pounced on the diners to get the latest road updates. A coach driver had slithered side ways toward a cattle stop with 10 senior citizens on board, only straightening up seconds before crashing and loosing only his bumper bar.

The general consensus was that apart from the next 25 clicks (km’s) where the cattle stop was number one hazard, the road wasn’t too bad, but in our not so Outback Australian vehicle, boxing on wasn’t advisable, of course if we could sit out the rain, e.g. camping in a soggy inhospitable outback Australian paddock, we would be sweet in a couple of days.

The bowels of the roadhouse harboured a large T.V. with Wimbledon happening. I settled down to munch my unapproved heart foundation tasty morsels, 100% happy with the Williams sisters, leaving the warrior to exchange near mishaps and make new best friends, I was not moving north, and not camping in a soggy paddock, of that I was certain.

Finally the decision was made after many hours to turn around and retreat as we would run out of time to reach the tip and return safely. Retreating along the red slippery road which didn’t seem quiet so bad, my warrior was constantly trying to convince me the road was rapidly drying out.

And as we know from those child hood fairy stories every story has a happy ending. We found a beautiful white sandy un-rutted beach with divine warm salty ocean, and not a rain cloud in sight. Here the warrior spent the next week justifying bailing out!

Elaine and Richard Bryant are born and bred Kiwis, experienced in the natural outdoors and love overseas adventures. They are independent and fun loving with a passion for finding that idyllic corner of the world sometimes overlooked by those seeking outdoor adventure travel experiences.
http://adventurealive.com

Article Source: U Publish Articles