Get The Best From Your Outdoor Camping Equipment

Some pieces of outdoor camping equipment can be quite expensive, but they will last you a long time if you look after them properly. Whether you go camping once in blue moon or whether you want to be out in the open every chance you get, you do much better if you have the right camping gear. Nobody wants to sleep in a tent that lets water, or where there is not room to move once you have got everything in it. If you are taking the family camping then think about buying a six berth rather than a four berth tent if you don’t like feeling cramped. Buy the best tent that you can afford and then look after it.
On your return from a camping trip, make sure that you check all your equipment thoroughly before putting it away. You want your outdoor camping equipment to last so get into the habit of maintaining it. There is nothing worse for a tent than an accumulation of damp and mold. Never put away your tent if it is still damp. Let it dry out thoroughly – if you don’t then the fabric will start to smell and rot. Clean the ground sheet and check that the guy ropes are ok and the pegs aren’t broken – replace any that are before you want to use them again.
If you look after your outdoor camping equipment then it will serve you well. Make sure that you air your sleeping bags after washing them. Check that the zips are working properly and then pack them away carefully in a dry place.
When you get home at the end of a camping trip you should check over all of your outdoor camping equipment. Whether you have a portable stove or a grill make sure that they are cleaned and oiled before putting them away. Clean and pack up all of your cutlery and crockery. If you have air beds than then make sure that they are clean and that all the air is out of them if you want them to be of service next time.
Wash and put away whatever survival clothing you have as part of your outdoor camping equipment. If wilderness hiking is part of your camping trips then make sure that you have the right kind of hiking boots. Always clean them thoroughly after a trip and stuff them with newspaper before you put them away.
The only way to get the best from your outdoor camping equipment is to keep it clean and serviced. Then the next time that you want to take off in the wilds it will be fit for service again.

The Best Sites In Alaska

One of the most beautiful places on earth is the state of Alaska. Although cold, the sites are simply stunning. Whether sightseeing through natural parks, looking for bear, camping, taking a tour, or just dining out, you will fall in love with the land and the people. If you have been thinking about a vacation and are not sure where to go, we recommend you consider a trip to the most stunning place – Alaska. To help you plan your trip, we have provided some suggestions on what you might do and see.
Alaska Native Heritage Center – Anchorage
To help you learn about the various cultures of Alaska and the native people, this center teaches about customs, practices, and arts. This experience includes walking through native homes, watching ancient practices and performances, and being able to gain a better understanding about the importance of hunting and fishing in this vast land.
Iditarod Headquarters – Wasilla
If you have never taken the opportunity to watch the Iditarod on television, you are missing an amazing adventure. At the Iditarod headquarters, you can learn about this massive dog sled race. Then on the first Saturday each March, the ceremonial start of the race occurs in Anchorage with the actual race starting in Wasilla the following day. Exciting and fun, this is truly an incredible experience.
Alaska Seal Life Center – Seward
From monetary settlements coming out of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, this center was created to help teach people about marine biology, seal life, and animal rehabilitation. This area of Alaska is mesmerizing, rich with an abundance of sea mammals, fish, and birds. Perfect for families, the Alaska Seal Life Center offers hands-on exhibits while teaching about this state’s ecosystem. Known as one of the most intriguing places to visit, we highly recommend it.
Denali National Park
Denali, which translates to “The Great One”, is the native name for the highest peak in all of North America – Mount McKinley. This mountain range offers a number of peaks where all types of wildlife live to include bear, wolves, Dall sheep, wolves, and moose. If you enjoy the great outdoors, you can take a tour of the area or enjoy a day of hiking. Spread out over some six million acres, you will immediately fall in love with the natural beauty.
Glacier Bay – South East Alaska
At Glacier Bay, you will discover 13 tidewater glaciers. Although they are all spectacular, the three largest and most impressive include Margerie, Muir, and Johns Hopkins. Glaciers are located in the south half of the state, with many of those being accessible by foot or vehicle. For those harder to reach, you can enjoy magnificent views from airplane or boat. To see the largest concentration of calving glaciers in the state, you want to spend time at Prince William Sound.
Bear Watching
One of the favorite things to do in Alaska is to look for bear. With grizzly, brown, and polar bears, the very sight of these incredible creatures is breathtaking. Of course, safety rules are important to follow but the best places to visit include the Anan Wildlife Observatory where black bear feed in the salmon stream and Pack Creek where brown bear live on the island. Additionally, Katmai National Park is an excellent adventure where from July to September, you can enjoy brown bear feeding off salmon runs and Kodiak Island, the famous place where the largest bear in the world is seen, the Kodiak brown bear.

Halloween Bird Watching – The Dark Side

Bird watching is just about the most unobjectionable hobby in the world. With Halloween approaching, however, it is time to discuss the dark, dark, dark side of birding.
Bird watching enthusiasts are always looking for good spots to whip out the binoculars and visually hunt for a new life bird. There are really only two potential downsides to this for bird watchers.
What Are You Looking At?
For backyard birding, one runs the risk of neighbors thinking you are a pervert of some type trying to look in their windows with your binoculars. This can usually be overcome by spreading the word in the neighborhood that you’re an avid birder and the binoculars are not pointing at anyone’s windows. Really.
If this doesn’t work, invite the offended neighbors over to do some watching. They will either grow bored and leave or get hooked. Either way, you’ll benefit and no longer have to deal with negative gossip.
Buffy the Bird Watcher
Cemeteries! Not just for demons, vampires and Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
A nasty little secret in the bird watching world is the fact cemeteries are good places to bird watch. Generally, the cemetery is quite, has lots of trees and hunters typically aren’t bold enough to have a go at the fowl. In short, a perfect place for birds to congregate and you to watch.
Now, it goes without saying that bird watching in a cemetery requires a certain etiquette. First, the staff at the cemetery may have a "get the hell off the property" policy towards birding enthusiasts. This can quickly be overcome by explaining that uncle/aunt [look at closest grave stone] was an avid bird watcher and you are bringing their equipment in remembrance. A little wailing may help with senior staff, while cigarettes seem to be preferred by staff carrying shovels.
Having dealt with the staff, small mention should be made regarding actual funerals. If a dearly beloved is being interred, do not pursue your birding within site of the event! Doing so could result in serious physical injury, as funeral goers do not seem to react well to a person with binoculars staring in the direction of funeral and writing down things. Keep in mind emotions are justifiably high. This means they can outrun you.
Typically, most will cluck in dismay at the idea of bird watching in a cemetery. You may be doing so now. Ah, but as Halloween approaches and you’re dying for a new sighting, you just might start to feel differently.

Yacht Charters: Top Places To Have A Boating Holiday In The U.S.A.

As an alternative to your usual way of spending your holidays, why not consider boating, if you haven’t already? These type of vacations are different from anything you have done before. They are intimate and relaxing. Besides, if you are aboard a big comfortable yacht, you can find a dozen of things to do. Even if you have just a small boat, the kids will definitely enjoy the ride, and you will feel so much more relaxed, basking in the sun from your fold-up chair.
Top destinations in the U.S.A.
Monterey Bay
This wonderful location for boating is situated between the city of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Peninsula. Boaters from around the world come here for a relaxing experience never to be forgotten. Sandy beaches, rocky shores and amazing seascapes are the main points of interest here. Stillwater, located south of Monterey Bay, is the starting point for many a boaters. Here you can hike on the coastline and golf at Pebble Beach. However, the weather is unreliable and, as many will tell you, while setting sail the weather can change out of nowhere.
Morro Bay, CA
Have you ever been to Hearst Castle? Maybe it’s time to go. This great building was built between 1919 and 1947, by William Hearst, one of the richest publish owners. The Hearst Castle represents one of the most important historical monuments in Central California, and while boating along the Central Coast, is a wonderful place to visit. Rocky cliffs end the rough shoreline abruptly, beaches so with sand so black you could mistake it for dirt and the Pacific Coast Mountain’s peaks that rise from the water like skyscrapers from a city is something worth seeing at least once in a life time.
Austin, TX
The capital city of Texas was named after Stephen F. Austin, also called the “Father of Texas.” It dates back to 1839. This is a perfect place for boaters, because of its lakes that cross along the city from the northern part to the very center of it. A series of damns on the Colorado River allowed these wonderful lakes to be formed. Even though boating is limited to canoes and electrically powered vessels, boating here is very unique, just because of the scenery. It is not everyday that you get the chance to cross a town by boat, especially in the US.
Chesapeake, Maryland
What would be the meaning of writing about boating in US, if I were not to mention Chesapeake? In the late 17th century, John Smith, an English explorer, said this would be the perfect location that God crated for man. As centuries passed his words came to be true, as, if you are a passionate boater, this location should be a must. Here you can find cruising occasions to last you more than a life time. The variety of things that can be done in Chesapeake couldn’t be charted even by an encyclopedic guide, so you should see it for yourself. But, it must be said that the weather is a major downside, as storms develop out of the blue. Nevertheless, you could visit this place for months and still find something new to see.
Regardless of whether you are a passionate boater, or you’re just looking for some relaxation, the above places are tailor made for having fun.

Kenya safari: The fate of the rhinos

In Africa today, the fight for growth of the rhino population is an everyday activity. After being declared an endangered species, Kenya has put up big efforts financially to see to it that their habitats have been safe guarded. As one of the ‘Big five’ the rhino is one of the most sought after animals on a Kenya safari.
The history of the rhino can be traced back to 45 million years ago. The Baluchitherium, an ancestor of the Indian rhino, was the largest land mammal that ever lived. It was 18 feet high and 36 feet long. It lived over 20 million years ago.Fortunately, the rhino is on its way back, thanks to the efforts of well wishers and volunteers.
THE PROBLEM.. The problem of the rhino has been its beauty, the horn. It is made of keratin, a substance found in human hair and nails. Powdered Rhino horn has been used extensively in traditional medicine in Asia and to make ornamental dagger handles in the Yemen. The demand is so great that traders are prepared to pay poachers vast sums to kill rhinos for their horns.Because of these, Rhinos have faced wholesale slaughter. To stop these abuse governments and bodies such as Save the Rhino teamed up together to halt the abusive. Thanks to them, the overall decline of the rhino has been halted, and populations in Africa are beginning to stabilize.
A CLOSER LOOK..... The rhino belongs to the family Rhinoceroteridae. They are 5 species placed in 4 genera.Three of these species are found in south-central Asia and the other two live in Africa south of the Sahara. Rhinos inhabit savannahs, shrubby regions and dense forests.The African species live in more open areas than do the Asian species.Their habitat has to generally have access to water. They usually drink everyday.Their horns are dermal growths originally composed of compressed keratin. Usually they have 1-2 horns. Both hind and forefeet have 3 digits with a small hoof. They are known to have poor eye sight but strong hearing and smell. The tough and wrinkled skin has very few scattered hairs. The tail ends with stiff bristles.
BREEDING...Female rhinos give birth every 2 years to a single calf, which is active soon after birth. The calf remains with the mother until the next offspring is born.Gestation is 420-570 days. Sexual maturity is reached at 7-10 years for bulls and 4-6 years for cows.They a life span of up to 50 years.
Note that the African rhinos are more aggressive than Asian species. They use their horns to attack and toss their enemies.This can be especially dangerous and can kill attackers instantly.African white rhinos have a preference of feeding low to the open grounds whereas the black rhino usually browse on leaves and have a tendency to stay hidden.They have been noted to be more active in the evening, through the night and in early morning, spending their days resting in heavy cover. Rhinos sleep in both standing and laying positions and love to wallow in muddy pools and sandy riverbeds. They penetrate dense thickets by shear force, often leaving behind a trail that other animals later use. Rhinos run with a cumbersome motion, reaching top speed at a canter. They can, however, attain speeds of up to 45 km per hour for short distances.Basically the black rhino is more solitary and territorial except for the mother-child unit.Groups of adult cows or bachelor bulls are sometimes formed, however, and during the mating season pairs of rhinos may stay together for up to 4 months. Rhinos mark their territories with urine and by dropping their dung in well-defined piles that can reach up to 1 m in height. They often furrow the areas around these piles with their horns and make the piles even more conspicuous.The black rhino has a wide vocal range and can possibly communicate like an elephant,through frequencies below the range of human hearing. Breathing is an important part of communication.Unlike the white rhino-calf, the black rhino calf normally runs behind its mother.
CURRENT STATUS…There were an estimated 20,000 black rhino in Kenya in the 1970s. By 1982 the population was reduced to fewer than 400. Since then, their number has increased and now stands at over 450. The number in fenced areas has risen at an averagerate of four percent each year when the conditions are good.Since 1984 the Kenyan government has pursued an active program devoted to the recovery of Kenya’s black rhino, with efforts centering on the development of speciallyprotected or fenced sanctuaries on government and private land, such as Lewa.
Rhino populations under custodianship both on private land (Solio Ranch) and in some State-run areas (such as Nairobi National Park) have provided set up for new populations (including reintroducing animals into an electrified-fence sanctuary inside the KWS-run Tsavo West and Meru National Parks). The private sector thus plays an important part in the conservation of rhino in Kenya and currently supplies many of the animals being used to restock state parks.
Kenya is currently the stronghold of the Eastern African subspecies Diceros bicornis michaeli, a home to about 88 % of the population in 1995. Like South Africa and Namibia, Kenya is doing translocation to set up new populations while aiming to ensure that donor populations remain productive. The public plight of the black rhino has attracted support from many different areas. Today, scientists are formulating a method of «fingerprinting» rhino horn based on the nutrient content of each specific rhino conservation area. This will enable them to pinpoint the area a rhino came from, its family group, and even its preferred diet. It is also an important step toward eradicating poaching, as scientists will be able to determine where a rhino was when it was killed.

Travel To Japan And Experience The Far East

If you’re determined to explore Asia but unsure which country to visit, you might want to set your sites on Far East Asia and travel to Japan. Here is some general but useful information that is good to know when you travel Japan. It will help you get a better understanding of Japan before your trip and allow you to experience Japan more comfortably.
About the CountryJapan consists of four main islands and several smaller ones. Together the islands take the shape of a sea horse and occupy an area of 377,435 square kms. Tokyo, the capital city, is very modern and bustling with activity, so when you travel to Japan, be ready for a few crowds. The landscape of Japan, away from the big cities, is mountainous with spectacular scenery; some of the mountains are volcanic. Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and is known for its symmetrical slopes.
About the ClimateWhen you travel to Japan, it’s important to know the country’s seasons and when they occur during the year. The islands of Japan lie in the temperate and at the northeastern end of the monsoon area. The climate is generally mild, although it varies considerably from place to place when you travel Japan. Summer, which is warm and mild, begins around the middle of July following a rainy season that usually lasts for a month. Except in northern Japan the winter is mild with many sunny days. Spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year with balmy days and bright sunshine.
About the PeopleBefore you depart to travel Japan, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the people and their culture. Japan is one of the most densely populated nations in the world, with some 330 persons per square kilometer (almost 860 persons per sq. mi.). The Japanese are a Mongoloid people, closely related to the major groups of East Asia. However, some evidence also exists of a mixture with Malayan and Caucasoid strains. About 750,000 Koreans and much smaller groups of Chinese and Caucasians reside in Japan.
Religious BeliefsWhen you travel Japan, you will be exposed to a new world of religious and personal beliefs. Buddhism is important in Japan's religious life and has strongly influenced fine arts, social institutions, and philosophy. Most Japanese consider themselves members of one of the major Buddhist sects.
Shintoism is an indigenous religion founded on myths, legends, and ritual practices of the early Japanese. Neither Buddhism nor Shintoism is an exclusive religion. Most Japanese observe both Buddhist and Shinto rituals: the former for funerals and the latter for births, marriages, and other occasions. Confucianism, primarily an ethical system, profoundly influences Japanese thought as well.
About 1.3 million people in Japan are Christians, of whom 60% are Protestant and 40% Roman Catholic.
Japan is an exotic and beautiful travel destination that is worth traveling to. Now you can travel to Japan for less with the lowest discount airfare on cFares. The number one wholesale travel site for the shrewd international traveler.

Tips For Buying a Kayak

Have you ever thought about trying the magnificent experience of gliding your way through the smooth and sleepy waters of the ocean? Ever thought about the thrill of maneuvering a sleek boat through choppy rills and rivulets, gushing rivers and bubbling streams? Do you dream of a sport that takes you outdoors in the sun, water and lush, green foliage of forests, that will not only challenge and test your skill, but also take you to faraway places you hadn't dreamt of? If you do, then kayaking, with its combination of unspoiled natural surroundings pitted against technical expertise, is the ultimate sport for you. An important part of the expertise, of course, comes from first taking lessons in a hired kayak, and eventually, in choosing the right one to buy. An inappropriate purchase can cost dearly on the high seas!
Choose your kayak keeping in mind the focus of your mainstay kayaking interest as kayaks are made to specification for the differing intensities in water mediums. There is a special kayak for the torrents of white-water rafting and another for the bobbing and surfing of sea kayaking. For the gentle forays of river kayaking, there is a touring kayak. Sit-on kayaks are also on offer. Explore all possibilities and options before you make your choice.
If you’re a beginner you’ll want to buy a kayak that is shorter than a kayak for the more experienced boater. This is because shorter boats are easier to handle than longer ones. A sea kayak will come in lengths from 10 to 22 feet. A kayak meant for white water will generally be 9 feet long or less. Once you become more experienced at kayaking you’ll want to have a longer kayak, since long kayaks are more suitable for fast paddling and for tracking.
Having determined the right size of your kayak, the next step is to ensure that it "fits right". Your purchase is an important one and it is imperative that it meets all your personal requirements. You should therefore first test the seat, shifting around in it, adjusting the backrest, footrest and seat leverage, making sure you achieve optimum comfort levels and that it "feels right". Remember that you're likely to spend long pleasurable hours in this kayak!
When you’re looking for a kayak to buy you should also bring along your spray skirt to make sure that it fits any boat that you’re considering. You don’t want to buy the kayak only to find that you now need to buy a new spray skirt.
Don’t forget to take a look at the advantages of different hull sizes. A shorter hull that is made of plastic is good if you’re just starting out as a sea kayaker. You may like the way a wooden hull looks but it requires a lot of maintenance and you won’t want the worries of damage if you’re a beginner.
The key thing about kayak buying is that like every other important purchase, it ought to be done in consultation with an expert, well versed in the art of kayak buying, thereby leading to the incredible and memorable experience and thrill of kayaking.

1st Time on the Ski Slopes

Learn to Ski
We at Thomson have Learn to Ski packs which include everything - from skis and boots to high quality instructors and are aimed at complete beginners. We take pride in welcomming entrants to this fantastic winter sport by ensuring that our 'Learn to Ski' packs are uncomplicated, affordable and easy to book. To make it even simplier, we have specificly chosen the best resorts which we know will deliver an exciting and fun-filled winter holiday experience for couples, families and groups of friends of all ages.
Learn to Ski includes
- English speaking instruction
- ski and boot hire
A lift pass may be included in the price depending on the resort.
We highly recommend pre-booking these ski packages in the UK as they may not always be available locally.
Learn to Cross-country
From £105 including 5x2 hours tuition and 6 day equipment hire in Seefeld, Austria. Ruka in Finland also have a Learn to cross-country package with prices from £100.
Learn to Board
Your first time on a snowboard does not have to be a painful and frustrating experience. Snowboarding has a swift learning curve and with the right instruction, this can really pay off. At the end of the day, you will want to be the one at the bar bragging about your riding, not aching in your room like you have just run the London Marathon.

The Beach

What better way to unwind far from everyday life than to go on a beach holiday? Sun, sea and sand...they’re what beach holidays are all about. With hundreds of exotic summer sun and winter sun destinations available at thomascook.com, whenever you plan to travel you can find a beach resort hotel to suit your plans and budget. Relax at one of our Greece hotels, sip cocktails on a Caribbean beach at sunset or watch the children splash around in the Mediterranean Sea. Many beach resorts also offer all inclusive packages, so you can let your hair down and enjoy the hotel facilities without worrying about spending too much. Book early to get your favourite beach holiday. But don’t worry if you haven’t - we also have last minute beach holiday deals to some great destinations.

Thailand Temples

Wat Phrasrirattana Sasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo), or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, situated within the Grand Palace, near Sanam Luang, is a sacred symbol of the Rattanakosin, or Bangkok, Dyansty and the most important temple in realm. It was built by King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, at the same time as the Grand Palace in 1782, when he established Bangkok as his capital, in order to serve as the palace chapel, in which traditional royal ceremonies would be conducted. It thus has a sanctuary for the performance of Buddhist rites, but no residences for monks.


The temple is richly endowed with fine art and architecture. The Emerald Buddha image is enshrined in the phra ubosot, the exterior walls of which are covered with beautiful designs in gold leaf and glass, while the interior walls bear murals depicting the life of Buddha and other subjects.The phra mondop, or library, is set on a high base surmounted by a stepped pyramid. Inside is reserved a chest containing the Tripitaka, the Buddhist sacred scripture.The Royal Pantheon, or Prasat Thepbidon, has a high spire. Inside are enshrined statures of the eight previous kings of the Chakri Dynasty.Next to phra mondop is a miniature replica of Angor Wat, which King Rama IV had constructed.The walls of the cloister are decorated with murals showing scenes from the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Ramayana. These were originally painted during the reign of King Rama I and have been restored several times.