Life of Adventure

Scott Taylor asked:


 

Extreme Nicaragua: Extreme Sport Just Got Crazier

When you think of Nicaragua what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s the Sandinistas, the left-wing revolutionary party that dominated the political landscape in the last part of the 20th century. For others, it’s images of romantic white sand beaches or lush tropical rainforests. But, did you know that Nicaragua is quickly becoming known as the world’s hottest extreme adventure destination for one of the craziest sports ever imagined?

 

In fact, adrenaline junkies from all around the globe are discovering that Nicaragua is home to some of the best rushes available, everything from windsurfing to crocodile safaris, extreme diving and mountain biking. However, one sport in particular is gaining worldwide attention…

 

You’ll never find it in the Olympics. Mothers won’t want their kids to take part in it. And, if you can escape a day of it without cuts, bruises, broken bones, or mild concussions, you’ll be one of the lucky few.

 

What is this insane sport, you ask? Volcano surfing, of course!

 

Volcano surfing is quickly becoming the latest craze that extreme sportists are flocking to Nicaragua to experience.

After heaving, huffing, and scrambling up the face of some of the country’s most rugged volcanoes – many of which are still very active, like the popular Cerro Negro – volcano surfers take a few minutes to view the amazing panoramic vistas, say their prayers, and then strap war-torn snowboards to their feet and hurl themselves right down the volcano.

 

Taking advantage of the ashen mountainsides – many of which are still smoking hot – surfers carve up the volcano and soar down the mountain like a blast of molten lava…careful to avoid (or attempt to do so, at least) the countless shards, rocks, and hidden obstacles that make the downhill experience more like trekking through a vertical minefield than a pleasant day in the snow.

 

Many veterans of this topsy-turvy sport say it’s an unmatched burst of adrenaline. Even when the going isn’t so fast and furious – often you’ll be knee-high in silt-like ash and moving slower than a turtle – the fact that you’ve chosen to ride down the face of an active volcano with only a little board between you and certain danger has a sexy quality all its own!

 

If you’re asking yourself what the draw of such an insane sport is…it’s probably not for you. But, if you’re that one in a hundred who, once they’ve heard of it, have to do whatever it takes to get on that volcano…you don’t need anybody to explain the appeal. Pure adrenaline, total excitement…and, often some wickedly good scratches and scars that will provide years of fireside story-telling of that one summer when…

 

So, if you’re headed to Nicaragua, take time to enjoy the timeless romance of the Caribbean Sea or the calm peacefulness of the white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Take in the remarkable magic of the tropical rainforests, jungles, and wildlife reserves. Check out the amazing real estate bargains that can be found in every corner of this beautiful country. But, when you’ve had your fill of these more placid experiences, take a bumpy ride west over toward Cerro Negro way and – even if you don’t do it yourself – check out the thrill seekers and action heroes who are defying gravity (and sanity) as they tear it up down the face of an active and ready-to-rumble volcano.

It’s an experience you (and your body) won’t soon forget!

India has always been known widely for its rich heritage, diverse culture and amazing sight seeing options. However, only few people know that the country also provides excellent options for adventure tours. India has gained immense prominence as a major adventure destination over the past few years.

Here is a list of adventure tour activities you can enjoy if you’re into a life of adventure.

Water sports

Kashmir’s two major natural advantages are its mountains on the one hand, and lakes and rivers on the other. These waterways enhance the beauty of the land and are one of the chief sources that attract tourists to its verdant valleys. But more than just a means of pleasure, the water-ways are an activity oriented way of discovering new lei-sure sports.

Angling

Kashmir has often been referred to as an angler’s paradise, with a network of rivers and streams as well as high altitude lakes all abounding in trout – both brown and rainbow. Trout fishing in Kashmir is far, far cheaper than it is in any other part of the world.

Skiing

Skiing in Jammu and Kashmir is a thrilling and exciting experience for any adventure enthusiast. The Ski Club of India was established in Gulmarg in 1927, which is now considered as the ski paradise of India. Just 50 km from Srinagar, situated at an altitude of 2,730 m, Gulmarg changes its scenery from a flowery meadow to that of a small ski resort in winters. Ski-lovers from all over the country flock to the place because it is the only ski-resort in the mighty Himalayas where you can ski with a magnificent view of the Karakorams.

Trekking

For trekkers, Kashmir is the ultimate paradise. The terrain from the Shivalik hills of Jammu to the rugged mountains of Ladakh is a geographer’s delight. Nowhere in the world can one see so much change in geography in such a small distance: flora and fauna; Alpine pastures saddled among snow clad peaks with pure oxygenated air; high-altitude lakes of Kishensar, Vishensar and Gangabal full of trout.

Mountaineering

Kashmir’s mountain ranges are both Alpine and Himalayan and can be grouped into four distinct regions: Kashmir, Kishtwar, Zanskar and Ladakh. The most well known peaks are Kolahoi (5,425 m) known as the Matterhorn of Kashmir; Harmukh (5,148 m) whose north face resembles Eiger; Tattakuti (4,742 m); Sunset (4,745 m) the highest peak in the Pir Panjal range, and numerous small peaks in Sonamarg and Pahalgam. One can climb these peaks quickly, making Alpine style ascents.

Martin Applebaum asked:


Who doesn’t like to travel? All of us do! In addition, when it comes to Overseas adventure travel, most people are thrilled with the excitement that comes along. The good news is that there are several options available for those who crave for Overseas adventure travel. Overseas adventure travel is about going to places that have never been traveled or less traveled. This further helps in facilitating the traveler to know a lot about different cultures. One can also have a look at the majestic wildlife that exists in the universe.

There are several companies online and offline that cater to Overseas adventure travel. They provide excellent services and top quality customer service to the people interested in travel. If you are looking forward to set out on a trip to Overseas adventure travel, you need to do some planning. Here are certain things that you need to keep in mind and follow:

a) The reason: Before planning for Overseas adventure travel, you must know what an Overseas adventure travel really signifies to you. Some people find it a way to bond with their family, some want to know about different cultures that exist across the globe and others want to explore many things. So, make sure you know what the trip really means to you and why you want to go out on such a travel prior to planning for it.

b) Planning: Plan a trip really well, knows exactly where you would be going, the number of days you would spend at a specific place and the amount of money you would be comfortable to shell out.

c) Preparation: When it comes to an Overseas adventure travel, you are expected to carry your own supplies. Good shoes are important for the trip. Do not forget a sunscreen, a hat and an effective insect repellent.

d) A budget: It is equally important to plan a budget and stick to it. Remember that a budget needs to be large when going on Overseas adventure travel. You may need to shop around and compare various package plans in order to determine whether the amount you spend is worth the cost.

e) Package: It is advisable to go for a travel package only after a lot of research. Evaluate the company’s authentification and whether it is giving you all the facilities for the money that you are spending. In addition, keep in mind that any trip that comes with a ‘cheap’ tag attached to it will have fewer amenities make sure you read reviews related to the price offerings and services of the company.

f) Analyze and act: Make doubly sure that you read all the terms and conditions of the fine print prior to agreeing and getting into a contract.

Overseas adventure travel is great fun especially if you love traveling. All you require to do is to do some research and a lot of planning prior to actually setting out on such a trip.

An adventure trip also works towards teaching you a lot.

Gerald Greene asked:


Casablanca is a famous classic movie if ever there was one set in the exotic Casablanca, Morocco of the 1930′s. Casablanca is a movie that expresses the irony and pain of life, but more importantly, it expresses the joys that life can bring.

With an unlikely and almost unwilling hero played by Humphrey Bogart, and a beautiful and naive heroine Casablanca will make you cry, laugh and feel as no other movie will.

Casablanca the city is a mixed bag of Morocco, where modern, hip and seedy all come together. Casablanca is 240 Km North of Marrakesh. There is train service for about 10 Euros/person.

Morocco’s gross domestic product grew 8.1 percent in 2006, up from 1.7 percent in 2005. Moody’s Investors Service rates the country as “stable,” with credit strengths that include a young population, as well as structural and democratic progress. Morocco’s Jewish minority has decreased significantly and numbers only about 7,000 (See History of the Jews in Morocco).

Most of the 100,000 foreign residents are French or Spanish; many are teachers or technicians and more and more retirees migrate to Morocco, especially to Marrakesh. Morocco is a great place for American investment and exports: the country has a stable political environment, an advanced privatization program, prudent fiscal policies, and a low inflation rate.

Casablanca’s modern attitude and big-city edge makes it today the most cosmopolitan of all Moroccan cities, a vibrant economic hub with the largest port found anywhere in the Maghreb. Some of the highlights worth exploring include the majestic Hassan II Mosque and the lively squares of Place des Nations Unies and Mohammed V, which host some of the city’s most impressive architecture.

Casablanca is a giant metropolitan port city with unmistakable Moroccan flavor and international appeal. Casablanca is also a mixture of old and new, with the recently completed Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world, and a notably historic medina of its own. Casablanca stands for one of the most progressive African cities.

Casablanca is also the center for more than half of all bank transactions in Morocco. Casablanca is the seat of numerous Arab and French schools, an art school, the Goethe-Institut, and the Hassan II mosque (1993), one of the world’s largest. Casablanca is also the home of the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world. The Jewish community contributed to the construction of this mosque, which was inaugurated in 1994.

Casablanca the movie is useful as it offers a snapshot of a moment when World War Two was just getting underway and was yet to be won. To think about the flow of history can result in an understanding of the fear that the Nazis instilled or the difficulty involved in assembling a workable allied unity. Since the movie, Casablanca the city and Morocco have attracted people from all over the world who were influenced by the intrigue of the movie and who savor travel adventures.

Casablanca has a reputation for its beaches and nightlife. While in Casablanca, be sure to visit the Royal Palace and the Great Mosque, as well as the Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the only mosques in Morocco that a non-Muslim person can enter.

Casablanca is the economic center of Morocco and its most modern city. The largest city in North Africa, with a population of more than 4 million people, Casablanca is renowned not only in movie lore but also for its fascinating array of eclectic architecture, its leather work and its Medouin carpets.

For a holiday in a cosmopolitan and exotic North African city Casablanca is well worth checking out.

Polished Garnets

India and Idaho are the only two places in the world that star garnets are found.  They range in size from a grain of sand to golf ball in size.  Star Garnets display a reflection of the light with a four or six ray star, which is caused by an inclusion of rutile in the gemstone.  Idaho is the only known place where six ray star garnets are found.

The U.S. Forest Service operates a star garnet gemstone collection area at Emerald Creek Idaho.  For a fee of $10 per day the treasure hunter can search for garnets and remove a maximum of five pounds of gemstones.  Screen boxes, buckets and shovels are provided by the Forest Service; however you should bring drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, gloves and a container for your treasures.  The treasure hunting season starts at the end of May and lasts until after Labor Day.  No pets allowed.

How Is It Done

Use the shovel and fill your five gallon plastic bucket with dirt and rocks at the mining area.  Next take your bucket to the screening area and sift all of the dirt and sand leaving only the rocks.  Next take your collection of rocks to one of the two sluice boxes to wash the material and look for garnets.  Any rock that appears to have a shiny plastic like shine could be a garnet.

Rough Garnets

The garnets found at emerald creek are nearly opaque and will be a dark reddish or purple in color.  Good quality large gemstones are rare and about one half of the gemstones you discover will not be of a quality suitable for cutting or polishing.  Many of the stones will show a four ray star but the six ray star is quite rare.  A good quality star garnet may fetch up to $100 per carat.

The garnet name is believed to have come from the pomegranate.  Many of the ancient pieces of jewelry have clusters of red stones that do look a lot like a cluster of pomegranate seeds.  Travelers often carried garnets to protect them from accidents.  Legends suggest that garnets will glow at night and will protect the owner from nightmares.  Noah has also been rumored to have used a garnet lantern to navigate the Ark at night.

Happy Treasure Hunting.



By: David Cowley

About the Author:

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Walter Minton asked:


Are you a movie fan that likes to take interesting vacations? Wouldn’t it be fun to take a trip to southern California to see movie filming locations?

California is rich with movie history with many interesting filming spots you can visit. If you have never been to Universal City then this is a good place to start. Here you can go behind the scenes and see sets used repeatedly in the movies. After your tour, visit Universal city walk with dining and shopping.

Nevertheless, everyone visits these major attractions and you and I are serious movie buffs and want something more interesting.

The very best place in the world for movie and western history fans is Gene Autry’s Museum of the American West witch is part of The Autry National Center at 4700 Western Heritage Way off interstate 5 near Griffith Park. Let me tell you folks this Museum has the most amazing things you have ever seen. Some exhibits are from movie history and many of the exhibits are real life. Annie Oakley’s true history and the actual gun she used to make it for example will have you saying, “Hey, this girl was the real deal”.

After the museum since you are already in Griffith Park take the drive up to Griffith Planetarium and see the spot where James Dean made Rebel Without a Cause. Remember the school trip and the climactic shoot-out. The studios filmed many movies here in this huge city park. Remember the scene in The Rocketeer in front of the planetarium when he fights the hoods and flies up to the blimp. Other films featuring the Observatory include the Steve Martin’s Hollywood satire Bowfinger, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, the spoofy 1987 film Dragnet with Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd.

If you are adventurous and do not mind lot’s of driving, there are many famous filming locations scattered all over southern California. These are houses, stores and malls like the Puente Hills Mall 1600 Azusa Ave., City of Industry, California where in 1985, Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean “time machine” invented by slightly mad scientist Christopher Lloyd.

Some locations can be found on the internet. Some are no longer there but are born again, like the ruins of a demolished steel plant at Fontana, on the outskirts of San Bernardino Route 10 east of Los Angeles where scenes from the Terminator, and future resistance hero John Connor were filmed, is now the California Speedway. Here you can see where Lindsay Lohan made the movie Herbie Fully Loaded and raced the Volkswagen bug with a mind of its own on this racetrack.Not far away in the Lake Arrowhead area is where Lindsay made her first Movie The Parent Trap. You can drive around the lake ( Lake Gregory not Arrowhead ) and discover many scenes from the movie.

North of Los Angeles on highway 14 is an area called Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. Hundreds of films and commercials are made in this area since they started making movies, including Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the ‘Vulcan’ planet: Vasquez Rocks has been used in hundreds of Westerns and sci-fi movies. The Flintstones, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles, and too many others to name. It is off the beaten path in the middle of the desert but well worth seeing. The entire village of the Flintstones was built here and was open to the public for a while. Just remember that it is a park and after filming is done, the sets are taken away but those crazy rocks are interesting. Take pictures and compare them with movies you see later.

While you are in the area, you must visit The Shambala Preserve for movie and other animals not far away at 6867 Soledad Canyon in Acton. It was started by actress and conservationist Tippi Hedren who is the beautiful blonde in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (And 67 other movies). Mr. Hitchcock said once “Tippi Hedren is really remarkable”. He did not know how right he was even if it was for different reasons. Tippi has devoted much time and effort to charitable causes. Trust me, you will have a great time and be sure to leave Tippi a little donation to help feed those big kitties.

If you plan a trip in October and you do not mind a drive through the desert, you may want to visit The Lone Pine Film Festival. It is held every year in October. This year the dates are October 6th. 7th. & 8th. Taking place in and around the town of Lone Pine California, where filming has continued every year since 1920. Actors and stunt men show up unannounced every year. The area is for sure Hollywood’s favorite movie location for 85 years. Nearly 400 feature films have shot scenes here. It is a huge wilderness area in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. During the festival, they put up hundreds of little stands with movie photographs on them in the exact spot where they filmed the scene. One of my favorites is the big rocks where Richard Boone held Randolph Scott prisoner in The Tall T. This is where John Wayne made many westerns and in fact, his last public appearance was here in the Great Western Savings commercials.

You never know who may show up at this event. Sometimes actors are filming in the area and just show up. I turned to see why my wife was taking pictures and saw Fred Dryer and Hugh O’Bryan standing beside me. You should see the photo she took of Robert Blake. Because it is not overcrowded, it is easy to talk to someone famous. I have stood on a street corner and talked with Gregory Peck and John Mitchum without anyone bothering us. I talked to Robert Blake and saw him and Dale Evans (Yes Dale Evans) sitting at the same table. I don’t think she cared for his language but she didn’t say so. She told us stories about her and Roy making movies in Lone Pine. Blake complained about how awful it was being a child star but he also told some funny stories.

East of Los Angeles near Palm Springs is an old historic western town called Pioneertown. Gene Autry and Roy Rogers built the place to make western movies. The old western-style saloons and storefronts that once were props for movie cowboys were in danger with the brush fires this year but the firefighters saved them. Their still using the town for movies and the last time I checked it was open to the public. It’s in the high desert near Palm Springs.

Since we are near Palm Springs guess what? Even the streets here are named after movie stars. My son and I once sat on a golf course out here asking silly questions to stars as they played golf. I thought it was funny when he asked Don Knots “Who’s Don Knots”?

P.S. Don’t forget to research places and events. In the case of most Film Festivals, it’s difficult to get a hotel unless booked months in advance. We used to stay a few miles away in Big Pine. Check my website http://www.TravelNetMall.com and get ready for the best Vacation Ever!

Walter