June 30th, 2008

Winter Safety in the Mountains

Snow-topped mountains look beautiful but they can be death-traps for the unprepared hiker or hill walker. Sadly, every year, people die and are badly injured whilst exploring these regions at this time of year.

Harsh weather conditions, bad visibility and shorter daylight hours can all conspire to catch-out the unwary. The consequences can be extremely serious.

Good preparation and a sensible attitude are essential for keeping yourself safe. Here are a few tips that could help save your life.

1) Check the weather report: Take time to listen to the radio or TV report for the area you are intending to visit. A number of websites and phone services also provide detailed information on wind speeds, temperatures and avalanche risk. Don’t be afraid to change your plans to suit your abilities.

2) Proper clothing and equipment: Make sure you have suitable clothing to keep you warm and dry. Plan for sudden changes in the weather. Conditions are likely to be very different as you climb to higher elevations. Always take a map and compass (and GPS if you have one) and know how to use these. Remember to check your GPS batteries and take a spare set. In snow and ice conditions you may need to take an ice axe and crampons with you. Make sure your crampons are compatible with your boots. You can get advice on this from any good outdoor shop. Know how to use an ice axe properly. Get tuition if necessary.

3) Route planning: Plan your route carefully beforehand. Taking into account the conditions and fitness and experience of you and your group. Avoid dangerous or high risk areas. Plan an ‘escape route’ if conditions deteriorate. Leave details of your intended route with a trusted person at home. Check-in with them when you have safely returned. Give them clear instructions of what to do if you do not contact them by a certain pre-arranged time. Don’t forget that your route will take longer to complete than it would in summer.

4) Food and drinks: Take plenty of food and high energy snacks with you. Take a flask for a warm drink. You are likely to be expending much more energy at this time of year. Eat snacks regularly and drink often. Just keeping warm takes energy! Make sure you are well hydrated before you set out and have a good breakfast. Take some emergency rations with you in case of problems.

5) Be aware: Be aware of any deterioration in the conditions. Take sensible precautions to avoid dangerous areas. Look out for slippery ground. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Watch for signs of hypothermia and exhaustion of group members.

6) First Aid: Take a good first aid kit with you and know how to use it. There are many excellent First Aid courses available. Having these skills can be a great asset.

7) Emergencies: Take an emergency blanket or shelter with you and an emergency whistle. Six blasts of the whistle is an internationally recognised distress signal! Don’t rely on your mobile phone to get help. There are many areas that you cannot get a signal.

Winter in the mountains can be a magical experience and one that can be enjoyed safely if you are properly prepared and equipped.

Take a little time to get prepared - it could save your life.

About The Author

M. Elliott is Director of the U.K. based outdoor company - Hill-Tribe Limited, PO Box 52, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0WF, U.K.

Website: http://www.hill-tribe.com

info@hill-tribe.com

Tags: hiking, , , , , , , , , , , , hotels, jungle lodge, leisure, lodges, mountains, outdoor, Resorts, ski, ski hill, travel, vacation

May 14th, 2008

Discover The Boca Raton Resort And Club

Situated in the city of Boca Raton, Florida, just 50 miles north of Miami and 26 miles south of Palm Beach, you will find the beautiful luxury resort hotel, The Boca Raton Resort And Club. This hotel sits on 356 acres of beautifully tended well manicured grounds with gorgous gardens, one half mile of private beach, thirty tennis courts, a full service marina, three fitness centers, two championship 18-hole golf courses and much, much more.

The famous Boca Raton Resort And Club, has five distinct styles of deluxe guestrooms and suites:

1. The Cloister which is the most classic of the Resort’s five accommodation choices. Set within an intricate pattern of tropical gardens, tiled courtyards and sparkling fountains that seem suspended in another era.

2. The Tower which is a dramatic contrast, being a sleek and modern high-rise soaring 27 stories above the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Florida Gold Coast. The decor is contemporary, yet comfortably inviting and the views from the guest rooms and deluxe corner suites are truly inspiring.

3. The Boca Beach Club presents the irresistible lure of staying and playing on the Atlantic seashore. Lanais and guest rooms provide views that beckon guests to pursue their favorite water sports by simply stepping out the door. Recreation amenities include a half-mile of private ocean beach, two pools, private cabanas, a whirlpool, and a variety of watersports.

4. The Yacht Club, which is Reminiscent of a grand Venetian palace, commands the Resort’s waterfront, with 112 of the country’s most luxurious guestrooms and suites, the Yacht Club features custom-designed appointments and luxuries as well as private balconies with sweeping views of the Resort’s marina, the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

5. The Boca Bungalows, casual and quiet, are available with one-and two-bedrooms, have an easygoing charm all their own. Many are conveniently equipped with kitchens for informal entertaining. They provide an opportunity for golfers to stay near the beauty of the rolling fairways and manicured greens.

The Boca Raton Resort & Club offers its guests an unmatched variety of sports and leisure activities. Boca Raton Resort & Club offers two championship 18-hole golf courses with fully-stocked pro shops and complete practice facilities. The Resort Course which is located directly on the resort grounds is a 6,253 yard, par 71 course highlighted with a variety of elevation changes and 12 surface acres of water including a signature water feature designed by Hugh Hughes. The Country Club Course is located at the Boca Country Club, just minutes from the Resort and is a 6,585 yard, par 72 course with an 18th hole island green.

The full-service marina features 30 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 170 feet and longer. The Resort also offer one of the widest varieties of water sport facilities in the United States. From fishing and sailing charters to cigarette boat rides and yacht rentals, the Resort delivers an ocean of good times.

The new tennis facilities include a tennis clubhouse with viewing deck and elaborate pro shop, as well as 18 Har-tru clay courts. These courts utilize the latest in HydroGrid technology to maintain a consistent level of moisture on the courts’ surface. Tennis Magazine listed the Resorts in it’s “The 50 Greatest Tennis Resorts in the United States”, list.

There are 19 dining and entertainment venues housed in a variety of unique locations, these many eateries share several common themes - fantastic food, impeccable service and total exclusivity. Because every one of these establishments is open only to guests and members, the Resort can consistently provide access to great tables and personalized service.

Check out the Spa Palazzo, a perfect sanctuary of peace and tranquility, in a private, beautiful and unique environment. According to the Resort, “At Spa Palazzo your every desire will be met, and more importantly, your need to invigorate the body and restore the spirit will be fulfilled.”.

Boca Raton Resort And Club isn’t cheap, but it is definitely worth the price and more. Relax, be pampered and enjoy the beauty of the Resort and of the city. When you come home after your vacation you’ll feel rested and wonderful.

For more information about the city of Boca Raton, Florida see: http://bocaratonfl.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of Boca Raton, Florida guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Tags: boca raton resort and club, , , , , , , destinations, hotels, leisure, Tourism, travel, vacations

April 19th, 2008

Unique Islands Offer a Luxurious Seychelles Vacation

The Seychelles islands cluster, off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is a tropical remote location. This collection of 115 islands is home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife. Unlike many of the other island clusters in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is large enough to support a healthy population of natives. Because some of the islands are fairly distant from one another, travel between them is accomplished by small airplanes, ferry or helicopter. If seeing nature is the goal, a private helicopter transport between islands is breathtaking.

On the capital island Victoria, there are marketplaces filled with cultural arts and crafts, museums detailing the rich French culture of the area, five-star restaurants featuring exquisite local cuisine and even a golf-course. Many Seychelles hotels and resorts are attractive destinations in and of themselves. On some of the smaller islands it is possible to schedule a local guide for a hiking trip or boat tour around the island. On these nature excursions, a glimpse of the rare giant tortoise is not uncommon. In addition, the islands feature lush green jungles alive with local birds, like the glamorous Seychelles Flycatcher. In fact, the Garden of Eden, from the Judaeo/Christian faith, is said to be located in the Vall

Tags: beaches, , , , , , , , , , , diving, fishing, holidays, hotels, islands, leisure, Resorts, seychelles, travel, vacations

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