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Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Florida

August 21st, 2009 No comments
by Patricia J Williams

Even though Florida is fairly flat, there are still plenty of places to intrigue and defy bikers of all skill levels. Some of the extra challenges this state provides are plenty of sand and mud (due to the high rainfall). You might even have to watch out for a gator or two!

Located not far from Sebring, Sun ‘N’ Lakes Park boasts five miles of rolling hill country trails perfect for novice bikers and seasoned veterans. Beginners will appreciate some of the nice dry trails while mid-level bikers will enjoy some of the obstacles that keep them from getting bored. And for the experts? Try tackling this terrain after a big rain and enjoy slipping and sliding in the mud! Be sure to pack bug spray, though. The insects can be vicious.

With 16-20 miles of marked trails to select from, Balm Boyette is also a fun place to go for a long bike ride. Beginners can choose flat, even trails and then boost their skill level by navigating some of the trails with rocks, tree roots, and sand as they gain their confidence. Take a map along and explore multiple trails. But don’t forget the water bottles. You’ll get some great exercise and don’t want to get dehydrated.

Set atop what was previously a landfill, Dryer Park boasts several diverse trails. Located not far from West Palm Beach, trail one goes up and down the old landfill hill for three miles of intense riding. Sharp inclines and turns make it exciting for bikers who want to experience a challenge. Trail two encompasses the park’s perimeter with more technical trails leading from it, along with some gravel roads and some paved, but use caution because these trails are also shared by riders on horseback. This is a great trail for riders with some experience who want to build their skills.

If a loop of twists, turns, and technical difficulties-including trees, stumps, roots, leaves, mud, and sand-intrigues you, head over toward Fernandina to tackle the 7-mile trail at Fort Clinch. Plan to bring $5 for admission unless you prefer to park near the beach and come in on your bike. Fort Clinch offers vending machines and has restrooms on the property, as well. Watch for bike trail signs and follow them to ensure you don’t get off on the wrong track, because there are some parts of the trail that can be a bit confusing.

Carter Road is a 6-mile loop near Lakeland. This area is home to an old phosphate mine and features hard-packed track. It has some pretty technical stuff like finger loops, jumps, and rollercoaster drops. All in all, it makes for an awesome ride. Watch out for alligators though!

If you’re in good shape and want to tackle steep hills and technical challenges, head over to Alafia where you’ll find 10 miles of exciting and well kept trails. This trail also has restrooms and a parking fee-usually $2-$4-but it’s worth it. Get a map of the area, though, before you head out, because sometimes the trails aren’t marked clearly and can get confusing.

Beginning bikers and experienced thrill seekers alike will find some fantastic trails to explore in warm and sunny Florida. Just remember to bring plenty of water so you can stay hydrated. And have fun!

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Skerries Lighthouse, Holyhead Bay, Coastal Navigator and Bird Sanctuary

August 20th, 2009 No comments
by David Phillips

Yachtsmen and women across the Irish Sea will probably have sailed past Skerries Lighthouse in Holyhead Bay, off North West Anglesey, Wales at some time or other in their sailing career. Whether they approach, from Dublin in the west, Port St Mary, Isle of Man to the north or nearby Pwllheli, Skerries rock and light soon comes into view. In fact the white flashing light of this modern automated 23 m high Trinity House lighthouse can be seen 22 miles away.

And Skerries rock is also home to one of the largest tern colonies in the world, which are monitored by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) who occasionally send a team out to the rock. But just go back over 200 years in history and there was barely any navigational help on this treacherous Anglesey coast. Then in 1713 Irishman William Trench took out a 99 year lease on the rock from local landowner William Robinson, and events soon took on a new dynamic.

Mr Trench was a determined man and his efforts paid off and when in 1716 the first Skerries Lighthouse started operating. Compared to todays modern lighthouse it was only a 35 foot high tower with an open grate, and a coal burning flame for a light. To make it worth his efforts, William Trench used his business skills and charged a fee on all passing ships except the British Navy based on their tonnage.

Levies charged in 1730 amounted to as much as $2,200 each year, a significant reward for the time. And over the following years the annual fees increased so that they were about $23,000 in 1828. During this time ownership of Skerries Lighthouse changed a few times and significantly in 1841, Trinity House paid $990,000 for the freehold, a very large figure for the 19th century.

Sailing through the gap between the Skerries Rock and Carmel Head on Anglesey, known as Langdon Ridge, can be a tough challenge for sailors even in fine conditions. In fact, some yachtsmen choose not to go through this channel at Langdon, especially at night because of the strong currents and closeness of the rocks. A full flood tide from Holyhead can push your boat along quickly towards Cemlyn Nature Reserve and Wylfa Power Station. These waters have now attracted the interest of tidal energy companies wanting to provide green, alternative energy.

It’s fantastic sailing around the Anglesey coast. Either from a boat or the coastal path you can appreciate rich and diverse marine wildlife – razorbills, porpoises, seals, and puffins. As you pass Skerries just imagine the efforts of young Trench, and the ships since saved by the reassuring presence of these Anglesey Lighthouses. A flotilla of kayaks can sometimes be seen leaving Church Bay on an expedition to Skerries lighthouse. They need to get the tide and wind right to avoid being carried way off course.

So over 250 years ago William Trench started the Skerries Lighthouse story and it has been a colourful one since. The rock witnessed the end of sail and advent of steam, and the lighthouse keepers would have admired famous ships like the Great Eastern and Royal Charter, as well as seen numerous wrecks. Yachts and kayaks sometimes visit the rock and this Anglesey Lighthouse, while a large tern colony exists on the rock.

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Enjoying a Night Out in Breckenridge, Colorado

August 15th, 2009 No comments
by Monique Mertrandes

If you are searching for another fun-filled place to spend your vacation and escape, temporarily from all the hassles of your day-to-day activities, Breckenridge, Colorado could be the best choice for you. A mountain town, Breckenridge in Colorado is a very popular choice of those who would like to rough it up in the snow or under the sun or those who would just like to enjoy the quiet charm and beauty of the place. Even if its not your top priority, make a plan to see what Breckenridges night scene is. It would be an easy task because the choices are endless and wide-ranging in Breckenridge. Here are some suggestions you may consider to help you choose your evening hours entertainment.[I:http://phila-airport-parking.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//2009/08/MoniqueMertrandes4.jpg]

Live Entertainment: For 34 seasons, Backstage Theatre has provided Breckenridge, Colorado with high-quality theatre fare. With well-loved stories such as Easy Living and The Wizard of Oz among the summer productions, you will most likely want to see the other productions as well. Its not a bad idea since only award-winning plays are chosen for production. You will find Backstage Theatre inside the Breckenridge Theatre located at South Ridge Street.

Usually, no less than seven and not more than nine productions are staged starting the summer up to the winter seasons. Backstage Theatres productions are well attended by the community, so you are not guaranteed a seat unless you have reservations.

Food Trip: Make plans to check the food scene. Surely, there is nothing wrong with allotting time to check and enjoy the food while planning your visit to Breckenridge A wide variety of cuisine identified with other counties are offered by food establishments in Breckenridge. And, if you feel nostalgic about the old times and at the same time you wish to experience eating in a floating restaurant, go to The Dredge Boathouse, a replica of Summit Countys 1900s dredges. To make the day complete, treat yourself for some ice cream or a drink at the pub and you will go to sleep with a smile on your lips.

Blues and Drinks: Mountain towns usually have watering holes and Breckenridge makes an effort to set its bar scene at a different and higher level than those at the other similarly situated communities. Since there are over 130 bars and dining places open to the public, there are more than enough destinations should you decide on a whole night tour of the bars of Breckenridge.

Try the unique taste of local brews at Breckenridge Brewery and Pub, the recommended starting point of your bar tour. Although Avalanche Ale is good, you would want to visit Downstairs at Erics for more beer varieties. The place boasts of its wide variety of brews on stock, you have an almost perfect chance of finding the taste you like there.

After a few cold mugs, you might have eased up a bit for more excitement that live music brings. Sherpa & Yetis, a favorite among the locals, is an excellent selection for musical shows just like the acts offered by The Salt Creek Restaurant and Saloon. But if your disposition is towards some high end night out, drop by The Cellar and try their wine and tapas. Or if you prefer the relaxed atmosphere in a rustic setting, you will find it at Gold Pan, an old-style saloon.

So, whether you would like to indulge your taste buds, enjoy the quiet atmosphere, enhance your theatrical awareness, or dance to the beat of live music, Breckenridge is the place to experience a memorable night out. [youtube:nuYt9YJHB30;See Specific [link:Breckenridge Rentals];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuYt9YJHB30&feature=related]

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The Best of Breckenridge for Golfers

July 17th, 2009 No comments
by Monique Mertrandes

Have you played in a 27-hole golf course constructed according to Jack Nicklaus design? If you have, then it could only have been at the Breckenridge Golf Club. The Jack Nicklaus designed course opened in 1985 with 18 holes. Its successful operation made the town officials decide to expand the course with nine holes, which was named The Elks Nine. The expansion, constructed at a higher elevation than the first 18 holes made Breckenridge Golf Club more prestigious.

The Praise

That Breckenridge Golf Club is the foremost golf course to visit whenever you are in Colorado is supported by the ratings, recognitions that it gets from both national and local organizations. For example, it was recognized twice by Colorado Golfer- as Best Mountain Course then as Toughest Mountain Course. Another publication, Golf Digest gave it 4-1/2 stars in its Places to Play guide, and identified it as one of the countrys Upscale Places to Play. [I:http://phila-airport-parking.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//2009/07/MoniqueMertrandes0.jpg]

The Courses Distinct Features

The High-Altitude Effect

What makes this course magnificent aside from its legendary designer? Jack Nicklaus has designed hundreds of golf courses worldwide. A good starting point would be to cite the basic characteristic that is unique to the golf course”its high-altitude base at more than 9000 feet measured from sea level. At this elevation or higher, air resistance, which hinders your ball from soaring higher and ending more accurately to your intended spot, is much less than in the lower level courses. Well, golfers know what that means to their game scores.

Great Golf Weather

During summer its still cool at higher elevations. You can play for hours and forget that its summer because you dont perspire so much as you walk towards each hole. You wont be as comfortable at lower elevations. Summer temperatures are between the 70s to 80 degrees. During spring and fall, it lowers from 50s to 60 degrees. Bring a jacket when you play during spring or fall.

Difficult Terrain

A well designed golf course will always have exciting terrains. Choose one according to your expertise level. Can you well mange gently rolling terrains or that is already too tame for you?

Splendid Panorama

Probably, the best advantage of a golf player in Breckenridge is the fantastic panorama of the mountains. In addition, if you staring right there at Bear Nine, that is the location of the tent city that the gold miners put up while they were searching for the precious metal in Breckenridge. While walking from hole to hole, you can also view the beauty of the wetlands, the native plants plus the spectacular sight of Ten-Mile Range and the overview of the vast Breckenridge Ski Resort. If youre interested about history, Beaver Nine has loads of the rock pile that some miners left behind. You may notice that the beaver ponds are adding to the players frustration in some holes. However, whenever you find yourself in that situation, take time to enjoy the beauty of Buffalo Mountain and after sometime, your frustration has eased. The players at Elk Nine are very lucky to be facing the widest panorama of nature showing Breckenridges Ten-Mile Range as well as the greenery and lake that add to the courses difficulty level.

Staying in a vacation home or a Breckenridge condo that is close to the golf course will allow you to maximize your time playing golf. A highly-rated golf course, surrounded with a wonderful vista, plus the perfect weather– there can be no other better place for a golf player. [youtube:nuYt9YJHB30;See Specific [link:Breckenridge Rentals];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuYt9YJHB30&feature=related]

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Travelling With Vertigo

February 6th, 2009 No comments

I travel extensively – primarily by air. That allows me to meet and talk with a number of different people.

People have brought up the subject of vertigo on more than one occasion. They’ve mentioned that it seems to be brought on by travel or that travelling makes it worse.

Vertigo can create a feeling of motion or spinning when in fact the person and objects are stationary.

Dizziness can also occur during a vertigo attack. However, not everyone who experiences dizziness has vertigo. Vertigo is usually caused by an inner ear disorder. Although the central vistibular system can also be responsible.

Vertigo is still often associated with the Alfred Hitchcock movie which involved the fear of heights. This phobia simply happens to have similar symptoms to vertigo (dizziness). Ironically though, most people with a fear of heights don’t even have a problem with flying.

A common type of vertigo is BPPV. Head movement tends to bring this on.

Some symptoms are: nausea, vomiting and eye shaking. Some exercises can help prevent the onset of vertigo as these attacks can linger for week to months.

Travel does not tend to spur BPPV, but rather head positioning when sitting (such as on the plane seat.)

Temporary vertigo can be triggered with alcohol so it is suggested to abstain when flying and most certainly if driving.

Psychogenic vertigo is less common but worth mentioning. This can be brought on due to anxiety or panic disorders. It can worsen as a result of travelling.

The discomfort most travellers suffer is motion sickness. Motion affects the balance system which can bring on the nausea and dizziness. While boats are best known for bringing this on, planes and automobiles can also create the problem.

The motion sickness sufferer tends to start experience symptoms rapidly. Headaches, dizziness or nausea are present.

It is recommended that you not drink, smoke or read in order to help prevent motion sickness. Getting fresh air, and keeping a steady gaze with a still head can also help alleviate the symptoms.

A number of over the counter drugs are popular for treating and preventing motion sickness. However, as with all drugs, side effects tend to occur as well.

An all natural treatment is my Dizziness and Vertigo Program. It is very successful at curing and alleviating vertigo and dizziness. It is also very effective for motion sickness.

EL331001

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