Nov
28
Filed Under Destinations | Comments Off
Erkan Kilim asked:
European E4 long distance path
The Cyprus section, which has been set up as a joint venture between the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Cyprus Tourism Organisations, connects Larnaka and Pafos airports. Along the way, it passes through areas of outstanding natural beauty, places of ecological importance and historic and archaelogical sites. All the roads and tracks on the route are well signposted and the CTO has published a booklet of the Cyprus section, splitting it into comfortable daily sections, with the distance and time needed to cover each one. Ot also gives useful information on the geology, flora, fauna and points of interest along each section of the route.
Hiking and rambling
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Forestry Department have created over sixty nature trails to assist hikers and ramblers enjoy the island’s hills and vales. The trails, some linear and others circular, help walkers discover the most fascinating corners of Cyprus. The terrain varies from that of Cape Gkreko in the southeast, through the Troodos Mountains, the foothills and forests to the Akamas peninsula in the west. The tyrails, which are designed to take in areas of outstanding, natural beauty and cultural importance, are on gentle gradients and are divided into three degrees of difficulty with two trails suitable for the disabled. Wooden signboards mark the start of each trial and there are pointers to interesting flora or geological features along each route. The CTO’S booklet ‘European Long Distance Path E4 and other Cyprus Nature Trails’ gives details of the European E4 path and all the nature trials with the length, duration and degree of difficulty of each one. You can pick up a copy at the nearest CTO information office.
Cycling:
If your idea of traveling is to have the wind on your face, the sun on your back, the gentle crunch of tyres on gravel, the scent of pines around you and a glimpse of the sea sparkling in the distance, then cycling in Cyprus is for you. Almost all the tourist resorts have bicycles for hire and the CTO’s guidebook Cyprus Cycling Routes can be picked up at the nearest CTO information centre. The guidebook covers main routes connecting towns or regions and excursions within a region. Each itinerary describes the route from point to point by altitude and the distance from the start point the total distance is given, as well as the difficulty rating, which is based on the average moderately fit cyclist. Recommendations are also made as to the type of bicycle suitable for each route and the road surface is described. The book includes a map of each route. There is also a longer cycling route in the Troodos mountains. This is split into three sections and takes riders from Pano Platres to the Karvounas mountain saddle; then to Prodromos and finally back to Platres. The route is on forest, rural and secondary roads and it passes villages, historical sites, monasteries and areas of outstanding natural beauty. It is signposted and there are markers pointing to viewpoints etc. for competitive cyclists, the Cyprus Cycling Federation, which is a member of the International Cycling Union (ICU) organizes an annual three-day international mountain bike competition called ‘Afxentia’ that attracts cyclists from all over Europe. The CCF also runs annual road races.
Horse Riding:
Riding is a different way of exploring the hidden secrets of the Cyprus landscape. There are riding stables and ranches all ovewr the island, so you can enjoy the Akamas peninsula, the Cape Gkreko Natiional Forest Park or the pine-scented Troodos Mountains on horseback. Riding allows you to enjoy nature at a slower pace, to hear the birdsong and watch the incredible colours of the last rays of the setting sun over sea or mountain. Riding can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the island’s climate and there is trekking and hatching for all levels of competence. Riding lessons are also available at centres with well-trained horses and qualified instructors. The CTO has published a pamphlet Horse Riding in Cyprus and more information is available from the Cyprus Equestrian Federation. For those who are nervous of horses, donkey rides are also available.
Skiing and Snowboarding:
Chionistra, the traditional name for Mount Olympus at the summit of the Troodos Mountains, means ‘the snowy one’ and in winter, it is covered with a good layer of snow.Cyprus Hotels There is a brief but vigorous skiing and snowboarding season from December to March. There are four main runs, on the southern slopes Sun Valley I is ideal for novices and Sun Valley 2 is for more practiced skiers. North Face I and North Face 2 are for the experienced. The Cyprus Ski Club runs t-bar lifts at Sun Valley and the North Face, where there are six alpine standard runs varying from 100 to 500 metres. There are two langlauf trails at Sun Valley; one of eight kilometres and one of four, which go through some wonderful and dramatic scenery. Snowboarding is growing in popularity and plans are afoot to create a park dedicated solely to this up-and-coming sport. Visitors can hire equipment from the ski store at Sun Valley and individual and group tuition is available for skiers and snowboarders.
Angling:
Angling in the dam reservoirs of Cyprus is a very popular pastime and twenty-one reservoirs provide excellent fresh-water fishing throughout the year. Seventeen species of fish are stocked, including trout, bass, carp, perch and roach. ‘Catch and keep’ is allowed at akk but two sites, Polemedeia (Lemesos District) and Achna (Ammochostos District) , which are ‘catch and release’ only. Anglers need a fishing licence, which can be easily obtained from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in Nicosia or from the regional offices of the Fisheries Department.
Ornithology:
Cyprus lies on one of the main migratory paths for bird species from Europe, Asia and Africa and there are many endemic species on the island. Winter is the time to enjoy spectacular flocks of flamingos and wildfowl at the Salt Lakes. High summer is a quiet time, as the number of breeding species is relatively small. Autumn is excellent for the passage of raptors, especially in September and October. The season also sees a massive movement of wildfowl, gulls and herons. Birdlife Cyprus is an NGO that promotes the protection of birds and their habitats. BLC is an affiliate of Birdlife Europe and it runs birdwatching trips and a birdline, through which visitors can find out what is happening on the local scene.
Botany:
In the heat of summer, visitors can be forgiven for thinking that Cyprus is bereft of flowers, as the dry rock-strewn hills show scant evidence that the island is home to an extraordinary variety of wildflowers and orchids, including around 130 endemic plants. The best time to see Cyprus’ wild flowers is in early spring (February-march). When most species enjoy a short period of blossoming and take advantage of the unusually moist climate. The country’s floral profile is the result of the catastrophic ice ages when much of the flora of northern and central Europe was glacier covered, while the Mediterranean basin escaped unscathed, providing a haven for the evolution of plant life.
National Forest Parks:
There are seven national forest parks, including two within the environs of Nicosia-Athalassa Park and Paedagogical Academy Parks, which have nature trails, picnic sites, birdwatching basketball arenas. The Troodos National Forest Park is the largest and includes four Nature Reserves. It has the largest number of wild plats, including endemics, compared to anywhere else on the island and has been designated as one of the thirteen Mediterranean Plant Diversity Hot Spots. The Park has many recreational facilities, including picnic sites, a campsite, nat?re trails, riding and winter sport. The Cavo Gkreko National Forest Park in the southeast of the islands is ideal for hiking., picnicking, cycling, riding, climbing, swimming and diving.
MICAH
European E4 long distance path
The Cyprus section, which has been set up as a joint venture between the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Cyprus Tourism Organisations, connects Larnaka and Pafos airports. Along the way, it passes through areas of outstanding natural beauty, places of ecological importance and historic and archaelogical sites. All the roads and tracks on the route are well signposted and the CTO has published a booklet of the Cyprus section, splitting it into comfortable daily sections, with the distance and time needed to cover each one. Ot also gives useful information on the geology, flora, fauna and points of interest along each section of the route.
Hiking and rambling
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Forestry Department have created over sixty nature trails to assist hikers and ramblers enjoy the island’s hills and vales. The trails, some linear and others circular, help walkers discover the most fascinating corners of Cyprus. The terrain varies from that of Cape Gkreko in the southeast, through the Troodos Mountains, the foothills and forests to the Akamas peninsula in the west. The tyrails, which are designed to take in areas of outstanding, natural beauty and cultural importance, are on gentle gradients and are divided into three degrees of difficulty with two trails suitable for the disabled. Wooden signboards mark the start of each trial and there are pointers to interesting flora or geological features along each route. The CTO’S booklet ‘European Long Distance Path E4 and other Cyprus Nature Trails’ gives details of the European E4 path and all the nature trials with the length, duration and degree of difficulty of each one. You can pick up a copy at the nearest CTO information office.
Cycling:
If your idea of traveling is to have the wind on your face, the sun on your back, the gentle crunch of tyres on gravel, the scent of pines around you and a glimpse of the sea sparkling in the distance, then cycling in Cyprus is for you. Almost all the tourist resorts have bicycles for hire and the CTO’s guidebook Cyprus Cycling Routes can be picked up at the nearest CTO information centre. The guidebook covers main routes connecting towns or regions and excursions within a region. Each itinerary describes the route from point to point by altitude and the distance from the start point the total distance is given, as well as the difficulty rating, which is based on the average moderately fit cyclist. Recommendations are also made as to the type of bicycle suitable for each route and the road surface is described. The book includes a map of each route. There is also a longer cycling route in the Troodos mountains. This is split into three sections and takes riders from Pano Platres to the Karvounas mountain saddle; then to Prodromos and finally back to Platres. The route is on forest, rural and secondary roads and it passes villages, historical sites, monasteries and areas of outstanding natural beauty. It is signposted and there are markers pointing to viewpoints etc. for competitive cyclists, the Cyprus Cycling Federation, which is a member of the International Cycling Union (ICU) organizes an annual three-day international mountain bike competition called ‘Afxentia’ that attracts cyclists from all over Europe. The CCF also runs annual road races.
Horse Riding:
Riding is a different way of exploring the hidden secrets of the Cyprus landscape. There are riding stables and ranches all ovewr the island, so you can enjoy the Akamas peninsula, the Cape Gkreko Natiional Forest Park or the pine-scented Troodos Mountains on horseback. Riding allows you to enjoy nature at a slower pace, to hear the birdsong and watch the incredible colours of the last rays of the setting sun over sea or mountain. Riding can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the island’s climate and there is trekking and hatching for all levels of competence. Riding lessons are also available at centres with well-trained horses and qualified instructors. The CTO has published a pamphlet Horse Riding in Cyprus and more information is available from the Cyprus Equestrian Federation. For those who are nervous of horses, donkey rides are also available.
Skiing and Snowboarding:
Chionistra, the traditional name for Mount Olympus at the summit of the Troodos Mountains, means ‘the snowy one’ and in winter, it is covered with a good layer of snow.Cyprus Hotels There is a brief but vigorous skiing and snowboarding season from December to March. There are four main runs, on the southern slopes Sun Valley I is ideal for novices and Sun Valley 2 is for more practiced skiers. North Face I and North Face 2 are for the experienced. The Cyprus Ski Club runs t-bar lifts at Sun Valley and the North Face, where there are six alpine standard runs varying from 100 to 500 metres. There are two langlauf trails at Sun Valley; one of eight kilometres and one of four, which go through some wonderful and dramatic scenery. Snowboarding is growing in popularity and plans are afoot to create a park dedicated solely to this up-and-coming sport. Visitors can hire equipment from the ski store at Sun Valley and individual and group tuition is available for skiers and snowboarders.
Angling:
Angling in the dam reservoirs of Cyprus is a very popular pastime and twenty-one reservoirs provide excellent fresh-water fishing throughout the year. Seventeen species of fish are stocked, including trout, bass, carp, perch and roach. ‘Catch and keep’ is allowed at akk but two sites, Polemedeia (Lemesos District) and Achna (Ammochostos District) , which are ‘catch and release’ only. Anglers need a fishing licence, which can be easily obtained from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in Nicosia or from the regional offices of the Fisheries Department.
Ornithology:
Cyprus lies on one of the main migratory paths for bird species from Europe, Asia and Africa and there are many endemic species on the island. Winter is the time to enjoy spectacular flocks of flamingos and wildfowl at the Salt Lakes. High summer is a quiet time, as the number of breeding species is relatively small. Autumn is excellent for the passage of raptors, especially in September and October. The season also sees a massive movement of wildfowl, gulls and herons. Birdlife Cyprus is an NGO that promotes the protection of birds and their habitats. BLC is an affiliate of Birdlife Europe and it runs birdwatching trips and a birdline, through which visitors can find out what is happening on the local scene.
Botany:
In the heat of summer, visitors can be forgiven for thinking that Cyprus is bereft of flowers, as the dry rock-strewn hills show scant evidence that the island is home to an extraordinary variety of wildflowers and orchids, including around 130 endemic plants. The best time to see Cyprus’ wild flowers is in early spring (February-march). When most species enjoy a short period of blossoming and take advantage of the unusually moist climate. The country’s floral profile is the result of the catastrophic ice ages when much of the flora of northern and central Europe was glacier covered, while the Mediterranean basin escaped unscathed, providing a haven for the evolution of plant life.
National Forest Parks:
There are seven national forest parks, including two within the environs of Nicosia-Athalassa Park and Paedagogical Academy Parks, which have nature trails, picnic sites, birdwatching basketball arenas. The Troodos National Forest Park is the largest and includes four Nature Reserves. It has the largest number of wild plats, including endemics, compared to anywhere else on the island and has been designated as one of the thirteen Mediterranean Plant Diversity Hot Spots. The Park has many recreational facilities, including picnic sites, a campsite, nat?re trails, riding and winter sport. The Cavo Gkreko National Forest Park in the southeast of the islands is ideal for hiking., picnicking, cycling, riding, climbing, swimming and diving.
MICAH
Nov
27
Filed Under Travel | Comments Off
Cary Ordway asked:
Looking for a vacation that actually brings the family together? Try visiting one of California’s guest ranches, where the outdoor scenery is only exceeded by the down-home family values.
The summer season is prime time for guest ranching families who maybe have tried Disneyland or taken a family cruise vacation but have been searching for another unique experience that every member of the family can enjoy. A week-long stay at a guest ranch means that Mom, Dad and the kids will all be eating together — three hearty home-cooked meals a day - and that the parents will actually have some inkling where, at any given time, they can find their kids.
If that sounds good for parents, it gets even better for kids. There is a long list of games and family activities available as guest ranches compete with theme parks for the California vacation dollar. There’s the obvious - horseback riding, and plenty of it - but add to that such activities as swimming, tubing on nearby rivers, volleyball, darts, fly fishing, archery and gold panning.
“We had one Australia family visit Disneyland and our ranch in the same vacation,” recalled Alicia Ryan of Coffee Creek Guest Ranch, “and the family emailed us from home just to tell us that the ranch was all the kids were talking about.”
Score one for guest ranches. The ranches will score a few more points with adults who deal with city traffic and crowded workplaces every day of the work week and figure the last thing they want to do on vacation is stand in long lines for theme parks and their rides. Once they’re settled in at a guest ranch, they may find a total of just 50 or 60 other guests spread out over many acres with most guests out riding or involved in activities. End result: peace and quiet for Mom and Dad.
When the movie “City Slickers” came out several years back, the impact on the guest ranch industry was significant. Maybe it was the way the movie showed every-day city people adapting very well, thank you, to the Great Outdoors — whatever the reason, ranches saw more business than ever. In recent years, some ranches have found that growth has leveled off somewhat as competitors such as cruise lines lower their prices and rising gasoline prices discourage long distance car travel. So nowadays, many guest ranches are including everything but the kitchen sink in their “all-inclusive” price.
Operators of guest ranches say that most people who come to stay at a guest ranch share a love of the outdoors, although the majority of visitors are not experienced horseback riders. If you really want to get out and enjoy the scenery, the horseback riding is the best way. Rides generally are scheduled several times each day. Skill levels are taken into account when deciding what horse you will be riding while at the ranch and, often, guests will get training and greatly improve their skills as the week goes on.
But not everyone who comes to stay at a guest ranch is focused on horseback riding. “That’s where the swimming pool comes in,” says Trish Wilburn, owner of Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, “and the hot tub, the porch swing, the fishing pond - they never run out of things to do.”
Ranch accommodations vary, but generally the ranches offer a more rustic type of lodging than people expect from a fancy resort. Private bathrooms are generally the rule, but rooms and cabins are more “clean and nice” than luxurious. The only people who are disappointed, ranch operators say, are the people who expect five-star accommodations, which can be impractical in the more remote locations.
The home-cooked food is where most guest ranches shine - ample helpings of beef, pork, chicken and many other basics are available either buffet-style or in family-style serving dishes ready for guests on the table.
Most ranches offer all-inclusive rates that include lodging, food and activities, and sometimes unlimited horseback riding. Prices for a week at a guest ranch can run from $800 to $1,400 per person, per week, depending on the season and whether horseback riding, taxes and gratuities are included. Daily rates are available at some ranches while others require a one-week minimum. Also ask for family or group rates, which may save you money if you’re taking a family.
California offers several guest ranches located in various parts of California. Here are three examples of California guest ranches:
Greenhorn Creek Ranch - located near Quincy, California about 70 miles northwest of Reno, NV, this ranch has been catering to California travelers for many years. For the last five years, Ralph and Trish Wilburn have operated the ranch, steadily building clientele and adding amenities. This heavily timbered part of California is known for its many lakes and streams, and ranch guests are always impressed by the area’s overall beauty. The ranch can accommodate up to 80 people in 16 cabins and 12 lodge rooms. A week-long stay at Greenhorn begins with a one-hour riding lesson and basic orientation that matches each guest with the appropriate horse. Throughout the week, guests can get additional instruction and ride on various terrains ranging from gentle slopes to dirt and gravel roads to trails. Other ranch activities include trout fishing in the ranch’s own pond, swimming, frog-racing, square and line dancing, hayrides, bon fires, golf, hiking and even a rodeo. For more information, phone 800-587-2418 or visit www.greenhornranch.com.
Coffee Creek Ranch - This ranch is about 72 miles northwest of Redding and located in the heart of the Trinity Alps. This mountainous location is quite wooded and has long been known as an outdoorsman’s favorite. Alicia Ryan is a third-generation owner of the ranch and has put together a variety of activities including horseback riding, swimming, gold panning, archery, skeet shooting and target practice, fly fishing, tubing on a local creek, kids’ games, hayrides, bon fires, line and square dancing and even a talent show. All horseback rides take guests into the high country and many include meals or overnight stays. There is about one ranch employee for every two guests, and typically the ranch will accommodate around 50 people. Hiking trips can be planned, and mountain bike trails parallel the wilderness area. Summer youth programs are specially designed by age group. The ranch even has its own musical group, the “Rattlesnakes,” to entertain guests. For more information, phone 800-624-4480 or visit www.coffeecreekranch.com.
Circle Bar B Ranch - located in the Santa Ynez mountains near Santa Barbara, the Circle Bar B is just three miles from the famous Reagan Ranch, where President Ronald Reagan lived, worked and played. Owner Kathy Williams and her family have been entertaining guests for many years not only with the ranch and its activities, but with a dinner theater that was started 38 years ago. Pat Brown, Kathy’s brother and ranch co-owner, has busied himself building cabins and renovating rooms to the extent that the ranch now has an overnight capacity of 45 guests. Outside the main lodge is a swimming pool, set in a grassy area amongst the oak trees that populate many parts of the property. Not far away are the barns and corrals, and a group of mild-mannered horses that, several times each day, take guests onto many miles of nearby trails and roads. The rides at Circle Bar B are gentle. Terrain is chosen to be well-suited to the horses and generally allows good footing for the animals and lots of space between the horses. The hearty meals at the Circle Bar B are family style and the ranch owners mingle with guests at almost every meal. For more information, phone (805) 968-1113 or visit www.circlebarb.com.
RODRICK
Looking for a vacation that actually brings the family together? Try visiting one of California’s guest ranches, where the outdoor scenery is only exceeded by the down-home family values.
The summer season is prime time for guest ranching families who maybe have tried Disneyland or taken a family cruise vacation but have been searching for another unique experience that every member of the family can enjoy. A week-long stay at a guest ranch means that Mom, Dad and the kids will all be eating together — three hearty home-cooked meals a day - and that the parents will actually have some inkling where, at any given time, they can find their kids.
If that sounds good for parents, it gets even better for kids. There is a long list of games and family activities available as guest ranches compete with theme parks for the California vacation dollar. There’s the obvious - horseback riding, and plenty of it - but add to that such activities as swimming, tubing on nearby rivers, volleyball, darts, fly fishing, archery and gold panning.
“We had one Australia family visit Disneyland and our ranch in the same vacation,” recalled Alicia Ryan of Coffee Creek Guest Ranch, “and the family emailed us from home just to tell us that the ranch was all the kids were talking about.”
Score one for guest ranches. The ranches will score a few more points with adults who deal with city traffic and crowded workplaces every day of the work week and figure the last thing they want to do on vacation is stand in long lines for theme parks and their rides. Once they’re settled in at a guest ranch, they may find a total of just 50 or 60 other guests spread out over many acres with most guests out riding or involved in activities. End result: peace and quiet for Mom and Dad.
When the movie “City Slickers” came out several years back, the impact on the guest ranch industry was significant. Maybe it was the way the movie showed every-day city people adapting very well, thank you, to the Great Outdoors — whatever the reason, ranches saw more business than ever. In recent years, some ranches have found that growth has leveled off somewhat as competitors such as cruise lines lower their prices and rising gasoline prices discourage long distance car travel. So nowadays, many guest ranches are including everything but the kitchen sink in their “all-inclusive” price.
Operators of guest ranches say that most people who come to stay at a guest ranch share a love of the outdoors, although the majority of visitors are not experienced horseback riders. If you really want to get out and enjoy the scenery, the horseback riding is the best way. Rides generally are scheduled several times each day. Skill levels are taken into account when deciding what horse you will be riding while at the ranch and, often, guests will get training and greatly improve their skills as the week goes on.
But not everyone who comes to stay at a guest ranch is focused on horseback riding. “That’s where the swimming pool comes in,” says Trish Wilburn, owner of Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, “and the hot tub, the porch swing, the fishing pond - they never run out of things to do.”
Ranch accommodations vary, but generally the ranches offer a more rustic type of lodging than people expect from a fancy resort. Private bathrooms are generally the rule, but rooms and cabins are more “clean and nice” than luxurious. The only people who are disappointed, ranch operators say, are the people who expect five-star accommodations, which can be impractical in the more remote locations.
The home-cooked food is where most guest ranches shine - ample helpings of beef, pork, chicken and many other basics are available either buffet-style or in family-style serving dishes ready for guests on the table.
Most ranches offer all-inclusive rates that include lodging, food and activities, and sometimes unlimited horseback riding. Prices for a week at a guest ranch can run from $800 to $1,400 per person, per week, depending on the season and whether horseback riding, taxes and gratuities are included. Daily rates are available at some ranches while others require a one-week minimum. Also ask for family or group rates, which may save you money if you’re taking a family.
California offers several guest ranches located in various parts of California. Here are three examples of California guest ranches:
Greenhorn Creek Ranch - located near Quincy, California about 70 miles northwest of Reno, NV, this ranch has been catering to California travelers for many years. For the last five years, Ralph and Trish Wilburn have operated the ranch, steadily building clientele and adding amenities. This heavily timbered part of California is known for its many lakes and streams, and ranch guests are always impressed by the area’s overall beauty. The ranch can accommodate up to 80 people in 16 cabins and 12 lodge rooms. A week-long stay at Greenhorn begins with a one-hour riding lesson and basic orientation that matches each guest with the appropriate horse. Throughout the week, guests can get additional instruction and ride on various terrains ranging from gentle slopes to dirt and gravel roads to trails. Other ranch activities include trout fishing in the ranch’s own pond, swimming, frog-racing, square and line dancing, hayrides, bon fires, golf, hiking and even a rodeo. For more information, phone 800-587-2418 or visit www.greenhornranch.com.
Coffee Creek Ranch - This ranch is about 72 miles northwest of Redding and located in the heart of the Trinity Alps. This mountainous location is quite wooded and has long been known as an outdoorsman’s favorite. Alicia Ryan is a third-generation owner of the ranch and has put together a variety of activities including horseback riding, swimming, gold panning, archery, skeet shooting and target practice, fly fishing, tubing on a local creek, kids’ games, hayrides, bon fires, line and square dancing and even a talent show. All horseback rides take guests into the high country and many include meals or overnight stays. There is about one ranch employee for every two guests, and typically the ranch will accommodate around 50 people. Hiking trips can be planned, and mountain bike trails parallel the wilderness area. Summer youth programs are specially designed by age group. The ranch even has its own musical group, the “Rattlesnakes,” to entertain guests. For more information, phone 800-624-4480 or visit www.coffeecreekranch.com.
Circle Bar B Ranch - located in the Santa Ynez mountains near Santa Barbara, the Circle Bar B is just three miles from the famous Reagan Ranch, where President Ronald Reagan lived, worked and played. Owner Kathy Williams and her family have been entertaining guests for many years not only with the ranch and its activities, but with a dinner theater that was started 38 years ago. Pat Brown, Kathy’s brother and ranch co-owner, has busied himself building cabins and renovating rooms to the extent that the ranch now has an overnight capacity of 45 guests. Outside the main lodge is a swimming pool, set in a grassy area amongst the oak trees that populate many parts of the property. Not far away are the barns and corrals, and a group of mild-mannered horses that, several times each day, take guests onto many miles of nearby trails and roads. The rides at Circle Bar B are gentle. Terrain is chosen to be well-suited to the horses and generally allows good footing for the animals and lots of space between the horses. The hearty meals at the Circle Bar B are family style and the ranch owners mingle with guests at almost every meal. For more information, phone (805) 968-1113 or visit www.circlebarb.com.
RODRICK
Nov
26
Where can I find horseback riding around the Ohio, Michigan, Indiana area to take my girlfriend?
Filed Under Other - Entertainment | Comments Off
Workout Guy asked:
I would like to take my girlfriend horseback riding, I went to a place in Indiana when I was a kid and I believe it was called Camp Popenhagen, but i can’t find anything about this place now. I am trying to find a good place to take her to ride, but I don’t want lessons, and thats all I can find on the internet. Any help would be great. Thanks
CARLOS
I would like to take my girlfriend horseback riding, I went to a place in Indiana when I was a kid and I believe it was called Camp Popenhagen, but i can’t find anything about this place now. I am trying to find a good place to take her to ride, but I don’t want lessons, and thats all I can find on the internet. Any help would be great. Thanks
CARLOS
Nov
26
Filed Under Vacation Rentals | Comments Off
Frank Sinsky asked:
Don’t waste any more money on taxis or waiting around for the bus because Aruba car deals are cheap and driving around the island is easy. Just take your pick from the three most popular choices: taxis, buses, and rental cars in Aruba.
Of course, there are a few other ways to get around in Aruba. It’s totally possible to walk the entire island since it’s only six miles wide and twenty miles long. If you’re a marathon runner, you’ll enjoy the trails and scenic views. You also have horseback and motorcycle. However, Aruba car deals are the most viable option for most of us.
The bus might be a good choice if you only plan on going from your hotel to Oranjestad. Just remember you’ll have to carry those souvenir bags around all day. Personally, I take my Aruba car rental and park it in the Renaissance Mall.
Getting around this city is a lot easier than any in other city in America. Just remember that the speed limit is 40km/h and the international signs operate strictly by picture. Grab a map and look at the sign references.
If you truly want flexibility to discover the island, look around for some Aruba car deals. If you don’t want a rental the entire time that you’re there, see if the rental company will deliver to your hotel.
All you have to do now is hop in your car and drive it up the northwest coast to the California Lighthouse. Then, drive around to the southernmost tip and see what’s up in San Nicolas.
Taxis are great in other resort lands such as Mexico, but they’re too expensive for me in Aruba. Moreover, you’re not going to find many that go off the beaten path of the Oranjestad-resort-airport triangle.
Don’t waste your hard-earned vacation time waiting for a bus. Aruba car deals give you the flexibility and independence that you need to truly enjoy this cultural crossroads.
For More Details Visit: http://www.autorentalsaruba.com/
EMMANUEL
Don’t waste any more money on taxis or waiting around for the bus because Aruba car deals are cheap and driving around the island is easy. Just take your pick from the three most popular choices: taxis, buses, and rental cars in Aruba.
Of course, there are a few other ways to get around in Aruba. It’s totally possible to walk the entire island since it’s only six miles wide and twenty miles long. If you’re a marathon runner, you’ll enjoy the trails and scenic views. You also have horseback and motorcycle. However, Aruba car deals are the most viable option for most of us.
The bus might be a good choice if you only plan on going from your hotel to Oranjestad. Just remember you’ll have to carry those souvenir bags around all day. Personally, I take my Aruba car rental and park it in the Renaissance Mall.
Getting around this city is a lot easier than any in other city in America. Just remember that the speed limit is 40km/h and the international signs operate strictly by picture. Grab a map and look at the sign references.
If you truly want flexibility to discover the island, look around for some Aruba car deals. If you don’t want a rental the entire time that you’re there, see if the rental company will deliver to your hotel.
All you have to do now is hop in your car and drive it up the northwest coast to the California Lighthouse. Then, drive around to the southernmost tip and see what’s up in San Nicolas.
Taxis are great in other resort lands such as Mexico, but they’re too expensive for me in Aruba. Moreover, you’re not going to find many that go off the beaten path of the Oranjestad-resort-airport triangle.
Don’t waste your hard-earned vacation time waiting for a bus. Aruba car deals give you the flexibility and independence that you need to truly enjoy this cultural crossroads.
For More Details Visit: http://www.autorentalsaruba.com/
EMMANUEL
Nov
24
Where can I find a place to go horseback riding in Fort Worth or Dallas, Texas?
Filed Under Dallas | Comments Off
Miss.J asked:
I want to go horseback riding and I don’t have a horse. So does anybody know a good place to go horseback riding around Fort Worth or Dallas?
MOHAMMED
I want to go horseback riding and I don’t have a horse. So does anybody know a good place to go horseback riding around Fort Worth or Dallas?
MOHAMMED
Nov
23
Filed Under Home And Family | Comments Off
Dan Novenschi asked:
Do you want to escape the long commute and the stressful life of a big city? Do you want to enjoy the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains almost everyday of the year?
We have the perfect answer for you - Redding, CA -centrally located in the beautiful northern California, within 2 hours from Sacramento, 4 hours from San Francisco and 4 hours from Reno, NV.
Discover why this area has been called a “wonderland” for almost a century and is one of the country’s most beautiful regions.
What does Redding have too offer?
Breathtaking vistas, towering volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls, dense forests, pristine lakes, 30 miles of walking/hiking trails, 33 public parks, 2500 hotel rooms, 200 restaurants, 12 major shopping destinations, two enclosed malls, nine major shopping centers, a factory outlet center and a warm welcome!
Interested in fishing? We have the best spots all over Shasta County, just ask us and you’ll get the best fishing locations.
From mountain climbing, camping, house boating, hiking, cycling, hunting, canoeing, water rafting, caverns, skiing, snowboarding, golfing, horseback riding, when it comes to outdoor recreation Shasta has it all.
Families who crave recreation in the great outdoors, high-country scenery, and sightseeing in historic towns can spend a lifetime of vacations in the Shasta Cascade area.
Have you heard about the magnificent Sundial Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2004? The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding, California.
To learn more about Redding, visit: http://www.reddingcommunity.com
Come and visit us!
CLIFTON
Do you want to escape the long commute and the stressful life of a big city? Do you want to enjoy the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains almost everyday of the year?
We have the perfect answer for you - Redding, CA -centrally located in the beautiful northern California, within 2 hours from Sacramento, 4 hours from San Francisco and 4 hours from Reno, NV.
Discover why this area has been called a “wonderland” for almost a century and is one of the country’s most beautiful regions.
What does Redding have too offer?
Breathtaking vistas, towering volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls, dense forests, pristine lakes, 30 miles of walking/hiking trails, 33 public parks, 2500 hotel rooms, 200 restaurants, 12 major shopping destinations, two enclosed malls, nine major shopping centers, a factory outlet center and a warm welcome!
Interested in fishing? We have the best spots all over Shasta County, just ask us and you’ll get the best fishing locations.
From mountain climbing, camping, house boating, hiking, cycling, hunting, canoeing, water rafting, caverns, skiing, snowboarding, golfing, horseback riding, when it comes to outdoor recreation Shasta has it all.
Families who crave recreation in the great outdoors, high-country scenery, and sightseeing in historic towns can spend a lifetime of vacations in the Shasta Cascade area.
Have you heard about the magnificent Sundial Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2004? The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding, California.
To learn more about Redding, visit: http://www.reddingcommunity.com
Come and visit us!
CLIFTON
Nov
23
Filed Under Sports And Fitness | Comments Off
Mike Freemen asked:
While in generations past children and adults alike rode their bicycles without giving helmets a second thought, today no responsible parent allows their son or daughter to ride without first donning their high quality bike helmets.
Part of the reason for the changing attitudes about helmets has to do with better education and research. Study after study has shown that those wearing helmets suffer from much lower rates of head trauma than those who ride their bikes unprotected. Simply donning a bike helmet provides the rider with a much greater chance of survival, and helmets are the number one most effective pieces of equipment for any rider.
Of course helmets are not just for bike riders. There are many sports that use helmets as part of their basic safety equipment. These sports include snowboarding and skiing, skateboarding and horseback riding. All are sports that provide a great deal of enjoyment, but that also have a high rate of injury. Simply by wearing the appropriate helmets, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of injury without interfering with the fun and exercise these great sports provide.
When it comes to motorcycle riders, helmets have always been, and probably always will be, a matter of contention. Some riders insist that the decision on helmets should be made by each individual motorcyclist, while others feel that the decision to require helmets should reside with the state. Safety experts agree, however, that helmets are an important safety measure for any motorcycle enthusiast.
No matter what sport or activity you participate in, however, it is important to purchase the helmets for those sports from reputable, quality manufacturers. Not all helmets are created equal, and it is important to choose helmets that are made to the toughest quality specifications.
It is also important to buy only those helmets that have been designed specifically for your own sport or activity. For instance, the safety requirements for horseback riding are quite different than those for riding a bike or a motorcycle. For this reason, bicycle helmets simply will not do for horseback riding, and riding helmets will not be appropriate for riding a bike or motorcycle.
Fit is another vital consideration when it comes to choosing helmets. Helmets that are too large or too small will be worse than useless, and an ill fitting helmet could actually be dangerous if it interferes with range of vision. It is important to purchase helmets for every member of the family, and family members should not switch helmets unless their head sizes are exactly the same. Every manufacturer of helmets will provide an easy sizing chart, making it easy to choose the right size helmets even when ordering those helmets through the mail or over the Internet.
Finally, while no parent can put a price on the safety of their children, the price of helmets is of course an important consideration. Nobody has unlimited funds, and it is important to shop around for the best helmets at the best prices. After you have determined which helmets are of the highest quality, it is important to shop around for the best prices on the helmets you need for yourself and your family.
MICHEAL
While in generations past children and adults alike rode their bicycles without giving helmets a second thought, today no responsible parent allows their son or daughter to ride without first donning their high quality bike helmets.
Part of the reason for the changing attitudes about helmets has to do with better education and research. Study after study has shown that those wearing helmets suffer from much lower rates of head trauma than those who ride their bikes unprotected. Simply donning a bike helmet provides the rider with a much greater chance of survival, and helmets are the number one most effective pieces of equipment for any rider.
Of course helmets are not just for bike riders. There are many sports that use helmets as part of their basic safety equipment. These sports include snowboarding and skiing, skateboarding and horseback riding. All are sports that provide a great deal of enjoyment, but that also have a high rate of injury. Simply by wearing the appropriate helmets, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of injury without interfering with the fun and exercise these great sports provide.
When it comes to motorcycle riders, helmets have always been, and probably always will be, a matter of contention. Some riders insist that the decision on helmets should be made by each individual motorcyclist, while others feel that the decision to require helmets should reside with the state. Safety experts agree, however, that helmets are an important safety measure for any motorcycle enthusiast.
No matter what sport or activity you participate in, however, it is important to purchase the helmets for those sports from reputable, quality manufacturers. Not all helmets are created equal, and it is important to choose helmets that are made to the toughest quality specifications.
It is also important to buy only those helmets that have been designed specifically for your own sport or activity. For instance, the safety requirements for horseback riding are quite different than those for riding a bike or a motorcycle. For this reason, bicycle helmets simply will not do for horseback riding, and riding helmets will not be appropriate for riding a bike or motorcycle.
Fit is another vital consideration when it comes to choosing helmets. Helmets that are too large or too small will be worse than useless, and an ill fitting helmet could actually be dangerous if it interferes with range of vision. It is important to purchase helmets for every member of the family, and family members should not switch helmets unless their head sizes are exactly the same. Every manufacturer of helmets will provide an easy sizing chart, making it easy to choose the right size helmets even when ordering those helmets through the mail or over the Internet.
Finally, while no parent can put a price on the safety of their children, the price of helmets is of course an important consideration. Nobody has unlimited funds, and it is important to shop around for the best helmets at the best prices. After you have determined which helmets are of the highest quality, it is important to shop around for the best prices on the helmets you need for yourself and your family.
MICHEAL
Nov
22
Filed Under Travel Tips | Comments Off
Nancy W. Mccarther asked:
Don’t waste any more money on taxis or waiting around for the bus because Aruba car deals are cheap and driving around the island is easy. Just take your pick from the three most popular choices: taxis, buses, and rental cars in Aruba.
Of course, there are a few other ways to get around in Aruba. It’s totally possible to walk the entire island since it’s only six miles wide and twenty miles long. If you’re a marathon runner, you’ll enjoy the trails and scenic views. You also have horseback and motorcycle. However, Aruba car deals are the most viable option for most of us.
The bus might be a good choice if you only plan on going from your hotel to Oranjestad. Just remember you’ll have to carry those souvenir bags around all day. Personally, I take my Aruba car rental and park it in the Renaissance Mall.
Getting around this city is a lot easier than any in other city in America. Just remember that the speed limit is 40km/h and the international signs operate strictly by picture. Grab a map and look at the sign references.
If you truly want flexibility to discover the island, look around for some Aruba car deals. If you don’t want a rental the entire time that you’re there, see if the rental company will deliver to your hotel.
All you have to do now is hop in your car and drive it up the northwest coast to the California Lighthouse. Then, drive around to the southernmost tip and see what’s up in San Nicolas.
Taxis are great in other resort lands such as Mexico, but they’re too expensive for me in Aruba. Moreover, you’re not going to find many that go off the beaten path of the Oranjestad-resort-airport triangle.
Don’t waste your hard-earned vacation time waiting for a bus. Aruba car deals give you the flexibility and independence that you need to truly enjoy this cultural crossroads.
EVAN
Don’t waste any more money on taxis or waiting around for the bus because Aruba car deals are cheap and driving around the island is easy. Just take your pick from the three most popular choices: taxis, buses, and rental cars in Aruba.
Of course, there are a few other ways to get around in Aruba. It’s totally possible to walk the entire island since it’s only six miles wide and twenty miles long. If you’re a marathon runner, you’ll enjoy the trails and scenic views. You also have horseback and motorcycle. However, Aruba car deals are the most viable option for most of us.
The bus might be a good choice if you only plan on going from your hotel to Oranjestad. Just remember you’ll have to carry those souvenir bags around all day. Personally, I take my Aruba car rental and park it in the Renaissance Mall.
Getting around this city is a lot easier than any in other city in America. Just remember that the speed limit is 40km/h and the international signs operate strictly by picture. Grab a map and look at the sign references.
If you truly want flexibility to discover the island, look around for some Aruba car deals. If you don’t want a rental the entire time that you’re there, see if the rental company will deliver to your hotel.
All you have to do now is hop in your car and drive it up the northwest coast to the California Lighthouse. Then, drive around to the southernmost tip and see what’s up in San Nicolas.
Taxis are great in other resort lands such as Mexico, but they’re too expensive for me in Aruba. Moreover, you’re not going to find many that go off the beaten path of the Oranjestad-resort-airport triangle.
Don’t waste your hard-earned vacation time waiting for a bus. Aruba car deals give you the flexibility and independence that you need to truly enjoy this cultural crossroads.
EVAN
Nov
22
How does horseback riding break your hymen?
Filed Under Women's Health | Comments Off
shooshawah asked:
I just read a question and someone mentioned that.
can you like ****** while horseback riding?
BRANDEN
I just read a question and someone mentioned that.
can you like ****** while horseback riding?
BRANDEN
Nov
17
Filed Under Non Fiction | Comments Off
Christine Harrell asked:
By becoming one of the many new Costa Maya residents you can leave behind your stressful, rushed life and adopt the local “manana” philosophy. Aside from the fact that the Costa Maya has been deemed one of the top investment choices among professional real estate investors, the laid back attitude is a big reason why so many are drawn to the area. However, if you need to take a break from relaxing in your hammock on your own Caribbean beachfront property, there are plenty of aquatic adventures around the peninsula and in your own front yard.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling:
Travelers from all around the world travel to the Costa Maya region for the amazing scuba diving and snorkeling. The Great Mayan reef that runs parallel to the Costa Maya coastline is home to hundreds of species of sea life. In the clear blue waters you’ll see colorful saltwater fish, sea turtles, and anemones in their natural habitat. The reef is the largest in North America and the second largest in the entire world.
There are plenty of snorkeling and diving excursions you can enjoy from Cancun all the way down the coast to Majahual. If you’ve made the decision to own Costa Maya property you can venture right out from your own beach and make this peaceful experience a part of your everyday life.
Beach Horseback Riding:
One of the joys of owning Costa Maya property is the sense that you are truly free to live life according to your own desires. Perhaps no activity embodies that feeling more than riding a horse along the Caribbean coastline. Horses love running along the lapping shoreline and you’ll love the feel of the fresh and clean breezes blowing off the Caribbean Sea.
You can join one of the many beach horseback riding excursions or choose to stable your own horses on your Costa Maya property. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, you may quickly find yourself with a new hobby after a meditative solo ride or a romantic sunset experience.
Fishing:
Fishing has been the main source of income in this region for centuries. Just 30 years ago, places like Cancun were nothing more than little fishing towns. Today fishermen come from all over the world to fish in the abundant seas and lakes of the Yucatan Peninsula.
When deep sea fishing off the Costa Maya, you can expect to catch Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Tuna, Snapper, Marlin, Permit, Tarpon, Jack, Sierra and Sailfish. Most of the packaged fishing excursions offered are per boat, so take as many friends and family members as you can fit and have a memorable adventure. For day to day fishing, you can build a pier on your Costa Maya property, take a chair and just relax and enjoy the view of the Caribbean.
When you own property in Costa Maya, you’ll not only get in on a great investment opportunity, but also enjoy the many pleasurable, eco-friendly activities that the Costa Maya has to offer. From scuba diving to horseback riding to fishing, visiting ancient ruins, and sailing, there is no shortage of things to do here if you tire of relaxing.
DWAYNE
By becoming one of the many new Costa Maya residents you can leave behind your stressful, rushed life and adopt the local “manana” philosophy. Aside from the fact that the Costa Maya has been deemed one of the top investment choices among professional real estate investors, the laid back attitude is a big reason why so many are drawn to the area. However, if you need to take a break from relaxing in your hammock on your own Caribbean beachfront property, there are plenty of aquatic adventures around the peninsula and in your own front yard.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling:
Travelers from all around the world travel to the Costa Maya region for the amazing scuba diving and snorkeling. The Great Mayan reef that runs parallel to the Costa Maya coastline is home to hundreds of species of sea life. In the clear blue waters you’ll see colorful saltwater fish, sea turtles, and anemones in their natural habitat. The reef is the largest in North America and the second largest in the entire world.
There are plenty of snorkeling and diving excursions you can enjoy from Cancun all the way down the coast to Majahual. If you’ve made the decision to own Costa Maya property you can venture right out from your own beach and make this peaceful experience a part of your everyday life.
Beach Horseback Riding:
One of the joys of owning Costa Maya property is the sense that you are truly free to live life according to your own desires. Perhaps no activity embodies that feeling more than riding a horse along the Caribbean coastline. Horses love running along the lapping shoreline and you’ll love the feel of the fresh and clean breezes blowing off the Caribbean Sea.
You can join one of the many beach horseback riding excursions or choose to stable your own horses on your Costa Maya property. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, you may quickly find yourself with a new hobby after a meditative solo ride or a romantic sunset experience.
Fishing:
Fishing has been the main source of income in this region for centuries. Just 30 years ago, places like Cancun were nothing more than little fishing towns. Today fishermen come from all over the world to fish in the abundant seas and lakes of the Yucatan Peninsula.
When deep sea fishing off the Costa Maya, you can expect to catch Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Tuna, Snapper, Marlin, Permit, Tarpon, Jack, Sierra and Sailfish. Most of the packaged fishing excursions offered are per boat, so take as many friends and family members as you can fit and have a memorable adventure. For day to day fishing, you can build a pier on your Costa Maya property, take a chair and just relax and enjoy the view of the Caribbean.
When you own property in Costa Maya, you’ll not only get in on a great investment opportunity, but also enjoy the many pleasurable, eco-friendly activities that the Costa Maya has to offer. From scuba diving to horseback riding to fishing, visiting ancient ruins, and sailing, there is no shortage of things to do here if you tire of relaxing.
DWAYNE