Tag-Archive for ◊ travel ◊

Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trips Are the Perfect Team-Building Events to Improve Morale in the Workplace
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• Saturday, May 19th, 2012


Looking to schedule an employee excursion to increase morale at the office? Want it to take place somewhere unforgettable and have it be a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure experience? If so, then the solution is simple: take a Grand Canyon white water rafting trip down the mighty Colorado River. When people think about visiting the Grand Canyon, they think about family vacations or spring break trips with friends. However, it’s also a fantastic working retreat for companies that want to reward their devoted employees and have them participate in team-building exercises. Grand Canyon white water rafting excursions are thrilling, enjoyable, and naturally, nothing short of extraordinary.

Grand Canyon river raft trips down a stretch of the Colorado River provide individuals the opportunity to experience otherwise inaccessible areas of the national park. Guided raft trips down the river are great for big groups of friends, families or, as it were, employees working on team-building exercises. Aside from the actual thrill of rafting one of the world’s wildest rivers through the geological wonder that is the Grand Canyon, guided group trips with a commercial outfitter stand out for some other reasons as well:

  • Commercial outfitters take care of every preliminary step, including obtaining all permits; and gathering all boat, safety, cooking, waste removal and sleeping gear. Plus, they manage all the food and fresh water you’ll need for your trip.
  • Every member in your group needs to bring just a couple things, including a small bag of personal items including essential clothing and toiletries, and other items like a digital camera, sunglasses, protective hat, medications, etc.
  • Their guides serve as raft navigators, cooks, storytellers, hike leaders, resident conservationists, and all-around river experts

Your employees need not be expert river dogs to go on a Colorado River rafting trip. However, everyone needs to be in good health with no serious physical impairments, and should be able to handle severe temperatures and be capable of hiking over tough terrain.

Assuming a company team-building adventure entails at least one overnight, here’s what you should expect from a typical day on the water:

  • Wake up, eat breakfast and break down the camp
  • Load up the rafts and head out for several hours of amazing whitewater rafting; several mammoth rapids like Lava Falls and Crystal, await you!
  • A few stops along the way for a picturesque side hike a ways up the canyon
  • Break for lunch (one of the hikes probably will happen at this time), and head out again
  • Venture to the next camping area before the sun goes down, do the “duffel shuffle” (unloading the rafts), make camp, eat dinner, and be entertained by your guide’s incredible story-telling skills
  • Hit the hay, wake up, and do it all over again

If a trip like this sounds too good to pass up, employers shouldn’t hesitate to contact a professional Colorado River whitewater rafting outfitter. Apart from the obvious benefits of hiring an outfitter as listed above, trying to obtain a private-use permit for Colorado River raft trips can be a disappointing experience, because it’s based on a lottery system. Going it alone also means you’ll need to put everything together yourself – permits, load-in and load-out transport, boats, food, water, sleeping gear, etc. Save yourself a lot of time, money and frustration and employ a professional to do all of this for your group, but be sure to plan well in advance because the spots fill up fast.

On a trip like this, your employees’ intelligence, expertise and teamwork will be put to the ultimate test. The harsh, unbridled reality of Mother nature will expose any leaks in the boat, so to speak, and it will quickly become evident that only via trust and teamwork will the adventure be a success.

Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2012 All Rights Reserved.

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Experience First-Class Salmon Fishing In The Queen Charlotte Islands
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• Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

If one were to ask a fishing enthusiast to describe heaven, he would probably say it was a place where the big ones ran all year, there were miles of water to drop a line into, the scenery was magnificent and the shore was teeming with interesting wildlife. He might also add that, at the end of a catch-filled day, he could return to a comfortable, well-appointed lodge and a gourmet dinner. In other words, he would be talking about a BC salmon fishing lodge in the Queen Charlotte Islands, now known as Haida Gwaii.

An archipelago on the north coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii is made up of Graham, Moresby and about 150 smaller islands, including Anthony, Langara and Kunghit, all separated from the mainland by Hecate Strait and situated between Vancouver and Alaska. Because they are located directly on the route taken by migrating salmon on the way to their spawning grounds in virtually every river in the American northwest, BC salmon fishing guides can boast of the longest salmon fishing season anywhere. These sought-after fish run from April through October in the waters surrounding Haida Gwaii in great enough numbers for all fishermen to take home at least one trophy specimen.

Of course, King Salmon are not the only species that abound here. Cohos, halibut, lingcod and red snapper are also plentiful and during the winter months, the sporting steelhead can be caught and released. Additionally, the surrounding scenery is so spectacular that even without a line in the water, a visitor will be entranced with the frequent appearance of otters, bear, eagles, deer and whales among the other scenic attractions.

Aside from great fishing, the islands offer charter packages that include superb lodging, gourmet meals, and guided tours. Guides will also provide visitors with bait, tackle and other equipment, including foul weather boots and clothing when they do want to drop a line. When they’d rather stay on shore, they can indulge in strenuous activities like camping, hiking and golfing or more relaxing pursuits such as shopping and day spas, visiting art galleries, and viewing Ninstints, the best collection of in situ totem poles on the continent.

With so much beauty, so many activities and so much space, not to mention so many fish and so little competition for them, a fishing vacation off the coast of British Columbia is most assuredly an angler’s dream.

Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Rights Reserved.

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Learning Spanish Helpful for Outdoor Travel
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• Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

The outdoor adventure seeker will ultimately find themselves in Mexico.  Learning Spanish will be truly helpful.

 

Learning a second language like Spanish for example, can be a daunting experience for a lot of people especially as many of us decide to learn a language later in life. It is a well known fact that an adult’s capacity for learning reduces with age, hence the lack of the term ‘adults’ in the saying ‘kids are like sponges’, but that doesn’t mean to say that it is impossible or difficult to learn a new language, in fact it’s quite the opposite.

But, why learn Spanish?

The figures tell us that Learning Spanish would be the most sensible option when it comes to choosing a language to learn; it is the second most widely spoken language in the world after English with over half a billion speakers worldwide.

It is the primary language in more than 20 countries and a second language in many more including the US, home to over 40 million Spanish speakers which makes the US the fifth largest population of Spanish speakers in the world, with an estimated 17 million of those unable to communicate in English or at least not communicate very well!

The academic world is split as to the best way a language should be learned, many old school academics still believe that the student should learn the correct structure and grammar relating to a language before moving on to the practical implementation therefore protecting a language’s integrity. These purists however, are few and far between, with the vast majority of language scholars now believing that learning how to communicate through verbal interaction speeds up and enhances the understanding of any language let alone Spanish.

So what is the best way to learn Spanish?

It all depends on your circumstances really, many towns and cities provide Spanish classroom courses at local schools and colleges at a cost but with peoples’ hectic schedules nowadays these are not always the most viable option.

Immersion courses, although growing in popularity, are only suited to specific groups, namely students and retired people, as they rely on relocation for a set period of time. They are however, excellent courses teaching not only language interaction but social interaction, as you are required to take part in everyday life in Spanish communities.

The easiest way and by far the most common method of learning Spanish, is to use an audio/visual interactive course. There are many of these available nowadays, many of which are downloadable over the internet, they are extremely affordable and give the added benefit of being able to fit in around peoples’ hectic lives allowing you to study when you are able to study.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1714865

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Outdoors Travel in Mexico
Author:
• Monday, September 26th, 2011

You can combine your outdoors travel to Mexico to include hunting, fishing and many other activities.

 

 

Have you ever met an old building, a foundation or a big tree with carvings on it while hunting or fishing in the park? I, and I learned to put my metal detector in my travels.

During a hunt a few years ago, we had a four-wheel back to the hills of southern Arizona. We were about 2 kilometers from the border, in Mexico. Southern Arizona has a lot of history. Strong old, treasure, mines, Boot Hill, Tombstone.

Once we got to our hunting area, each of us went in a different direction, looking for a good place to wait for the game.

I had hiked about two miles into the mountain when I came up on an old rock wall. This wall was made of”stacked” rocks about 1 foot high. I imagine it was taller at one time. It was about 15 feet long. I could not figure out what a wall was doing way out in this area. No visible road or trail. I decided to sit on the wall while I waited for game. So did a Rattlesnake. Scared the living day lights out of me. I think I was uglier than he or she, so it slithered away.

After about two hours and not seeing any game, I decided to poke around this wall. It became apparent this wall was actually a foundation of a possible line camp, ranch or part of a fort. Usually when you see old buildings in Arizona, you normally see corrugated roofing sheets, or wood of some type. This site had none of those details.
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Needless to say, I did not have my metal detector that day. Using a rock I started digging around the wall. I came across an odd shaped piece of Iron. It was shaped like a “T” with one end of the top curled. I later found out what it was from an old rancher. It was a “Boot” cleaner. When the ranch hand was coming into the building they cleaned their boots off by running them over the T.

I have never gone back to that location with a metal detector, but it is marked on the map.

Over the years we have searched sights such as the old line camp. When searching around an old building such as a line camp, ranch house search around it. Most of these old timers would dig a hole outside by the building and pitch their trash in the hole. We have found some nice old bottles and other items in the trash hole.

If there is a fairly large tree close by, check it for past activity. Carvings, old rope hanging on the limbs. Might be a child used it as a swing. You want to search around the base. I remember doing one of our hunting trips, searching a long gone mining camp and a large tree next to the one of the buildings. Up about 15 feet embedded into the tree was an old License plate. The tree grew around the plate where only half of it was visible. You could not see the date. We left it there. I did not want to do any damage to the tree.

Look for fence post standing by itself. Miners use to use trees, post, walls to bury their items of value.

At the same location, we found old milk glass, square nails, old auto parts, old razor and few old coins. Research later indicated this mining camp shut down in 1935.

In summary, if your going on a hunting, fishing, pack packing or some other trip where there is an opportunity to find treasure don’t forget to take your metal detector. For other treasure detecting tips and information please checkout Azmuletreasures below.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/combine-hunting-fishing-trip-with-metal-detecting-267956.html#ixzz1Z5wfpU8U
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Guest Ranch Vacations
Author:
• Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

I’m always into new things.  Especially when I’m planning my vacations.  I tend to look for new and different places to visit.  So my travel to a Guest Ranch was no surprise.  Discovery and new experiences are exciting and fun. This is exactly what we all find. A well organized holiday Guest Ranch. There are only so many incredible things to enjoy in a Colorado Ranch, one may wonder what took so long to take advantage of this amazing experience. There is much more involved in driving in this area. Funny how I can not find anywhere else that compares.

 

The roads in the San Juan National Forest will put you in the center of some of the most beautiful mountain scenery you can imagine. You can ride on these rustic trails and that is  something that no one could ever forget. Even adventuresome people who have never before been in the saddle, will be on the slopes, forging rushig rivers on a horse and gallop across the lush meadows through a valley in no time. The Guest Ranch visitor has experienced wranglers on hand to quickly teach you the art of riding. Contrary to the riding stables at a local riding stables are still Guest Ranch in small groups.

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Fishing Travel
Author:
• Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

To get to the best fishing holes, you need to travel.  If you want to go out fishing in Sitka, you’ll be glad to know that there are many different kinds of fishes on their waters. Both the saltwater and freshwater areas of the place are rich with different species of fish. The most common kinds of fish that you could catch in these waters are salmon and halibut.

After a tiring day of fishing and exploring, you would need a place where you could rest and relax. A Sitka Alaska fishing lodge is the perfect place for you to relax and unwind after a long day outdoors. The fishing lodges in Sitka have accommodations that are perfect for the travelling fisherman. Many fishing lodges offer well-furnished rooms. Some lodges even offer private cabins for their guests.

The rooms of the fishing lodges are comfortably furnished and clean. The rooms they offer also come with private bathrooms, so their guests would no longer have the inconvenience of sharing bathrooms with others. Their rooms also have amenities that could compare to the many world class inns. They have cable television, internet connections, and telephone lines.

If you like to have a little more privacy, you could opt to stay in the private cabins of the fishing lodges. The cabins also include all the accommodations found on most hotels. Many fishing lodges in Sitka also offer wireless internet connectivity, so even if you are away, you could always stay updated with your family and friends.

A Sitka Alaska fishing lodge can also offer guides to their tenants. This is what sets them apart from the other types of lodges and inns. Their guides are much like those found on fishing charters, knowledgeable in the best fishing spots as well as the best tourist destinations. You could take your guides on your fishing trips out to sea. If you are more of the adventurous kind, you can even have the guide take you to the most thrilling places in the area. You could see nature up close and observe the animals go about in their daily lives.

When you are done fishing, you could even bring your catch in the fishing lodge and have their cooks prepare the meal for you. You could wait for your meal to be finished in your own room. Or if you prefer, you could hang out with other people on the public areas of the lodge.

If you want to be able to relax well on your fishing trips in Sitka, you should make it a point to stay at a Sitka Alaska fishing lodge. You could have all the amenities that you expect from a world class inn while still being able to stay close to the hobby you love.

Sitka in Alaska is one of the very best places that you could go fishing. Its waters are very rich with different varieties of fish. Aside from the rich fishing grounds, Sitka is also a good tourist destination. If you plan to spend a few days fishing and exploring in Sitka, you should stay in a Sitka Alaska fishing lodge.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/stay-comfy-on-your-fishing-travels-in-a-sitka-alaska-fishing-lodge-2474944.html#ixzz1UgjlRkbz
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RV Camping Tips
Author:
• Saturday, June 25th, 2011

RV camping can make for a great trip almost anywhere, but I think it is best in the west. In many areas, you can just drive into the desert, and stay free for up to two weeks. It’s true of most BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and national forest lands, and many state forest lands too. You have to move every two weeks, but how far are open to interpretation, and largely yours will be accepted.

RV camping or “boondocking” is growing in popularity. In fact, the BLM has begun to establish special areas for longer stays, particularly in Arizona. A permit fee is approximately $140 now, but this allows you to stay up to six months, and you get pump stations, dumpsters and water. People are living in some of these areas. It’s cheaper than paying property taxes or rent for a lot to park on.

RV camping is common in winter in Arizona. One of the biggest gatherings of “boondockers” is in Quartzite. Several hundred thousand people spend at least part of the year in their RVs here. It’s near the California border, on Interstate 10, only 20 miles from the Colorado River. Surrounded by BLM lands, Quartzite is famous for gem shows, swap meets, and the multiplying of its population each winter.

If you ask around when you are in the desert southwest, you’ll find there are RV communities that form every winter. Some of these temporary towns like “Slab City” in California have bookstores, foodstuff vendors, and other businesses run by RVers. Once summer returns, these boondocks communities fade, and reappear again the following winter.

Just look around, and you’ll find “hidden” places where you can park your RV for a week or a month in the desert southwest. Some are inexpensive, other’s free. The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, for example, north of Bowie, Arizona, costs $3 per night, and has nice hot springs and plenty of wildlife. An yearly permit costs $30, but you’re limited to two weeks per month (permits are sold at the BLM office in Safford). You can stay outside the fenced area free, but then you don’t get the hot springs and shaded picnic tables.

For info on other areas, contact the Bureau of Land Management. They can tell you what’s available under their jurisdiction. Also, the Woodall’s campground guide lists campgrounds that are free. Keep your eyes open for other RVs parked out in the desert or forest. Finally, ask around. Other RVers will give you the best information on RV camping.

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