Why You Should Create a Camping Checklist for Yourself
Are you interested in going on a camping adventure? Whether you would like to go camping alone, with a group of your friends, with your family, or with your romantic partner, you will need to bring multiple pieces of camping equipment with you, as well as other camping supplies. Unfortunately, many campers realizes, often too late into their adventure, that they didn't bring everything that they wanted to or needed to bring. To prevent yourself from becoming one of those campers, you may want to think about creating a camping checklist for yourself, as there are a number of benefits to doing so.

One of the many benefits of creating a camping checklist for yourself is that you are less likely to forget to bring important pieces of camping equipment or other needed camping supplies. Unfortunately, when it comes to camping, many individuals, just like you, often wish to bring something, but when it comes down to remembering, well, that is a different story. To help you remember everything that you want and need to bring, you will want to make sure that you create a camping checklist for yourself. Remember to add anything that you can think of as more items cross your mind.

Another benefit to creating a camping checklist for yourself is that it makes it easy to go shopping for all of your camping supplies. In addition to forgetting to pack something important, many campers draw a blank once they get to the store. To help ensure that you buy all of the camping supplies and equipment pieces that you need, you will want to create a camping checklist for yourself and make sure that you bring it with you when you go shopping.

Another one of the many benefits to creating a camping checklist for your next camping adventure is that it is easy to do. Many people can make their camping checklists in as little as ten or fifteen minutes. What you will want to do is sit down with a pen and a piece of paper and start writing. You will want to think of everything that you will need to go camping. One of the best ways to create a camping checklist for yourself is to go through your daily activities. For instance, you will need a camping tent and a sleeping bag to sleep. When it comes to your food, you may want to add a cooler, hamburger meat, ketchup, mustard, rolls and so forth to your camping checklist.

Although it is more than possible for you to create your own camping checklist, you should be able to find camping checklist templates or detailed camping checklists online. Many of these checklists are easy to find and print. You should be able to find a number of printable camping checklists by performing a standard internet search. Despite the fact that most camping checklists are detailed, you may still want to review the checklist in question and add anything that you may feel is left out or remove something from the list that you don't think is needed.

Of course, creating a camping checklist for yourself is something that is completely optional, but it may help to make your next camping adventure a memorable and a pleasant one. With camping checklists being easy to create, why wouldn't you at least want to give making one a chance? You may actually be surprised just how much a simple checklist helps to improve your next camping adventure.

What to Consider When Choosing a Campground
Are you interested in taking a camping trip? Whether you are interested in going camping alone, with your family, with your romantic partner, or with a group of your friends, you will need to find a campground to camp at. While many individuals just choose to go camping at the nearest campground, you may want to think about not doing the same. In the United States and probably even close to your home, you should have a number of different campgrounds to choose from. So, why not just take the time to make sure that you choose the best one for you and your needs.

If you are interested in taking the time to find the "perfect," campground you may be wondering exactly how you can go about doing so. In all honesty, it will depend on your own wants and needs, as well as the wants and needs of the rest of your camping party. Although not everyone wants to get the same thing out of their camping trips, there are a number of important factors that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at.

One of the many things that you will want to take into consideration, when looking for a campground to camp at, is the cost of doing so. In the United States, you will find that most campgrounds require the payment of an admission fee or a camping fee and occasionally even both. The cost of the admission fee or camping fee will all depend on the campground in question. For instance, many smaller campgrounds charge smaller fees. Also, you will likely find larger fees for campgrounds that have more onsite activities.

Speaking of onsite activities, activities are something else that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at. When it comes to the onsite activities of a campground, you may want to take a look at the scenery. If a campground has on onsite lake or pond then there is a good chance that swimming, boating, and fishing are activities that you may be able to enjoy. Campgrounds are also often home to hiking trails, biking trails, playgrounds for children, and much more.

How reservations are taken is another factor that you may want to think about taking into consideration, when choosing a campground to camp at. For instance, there are some campgrounds in the United States that randomly assign you a camping spot. On the other hand, there are campgrounds that allow you to handpick your camping spot out of all available locations. Many campers prefer choosing their own camping spots, as it tends to give them some freedom over their camping trip and how much fun they have. If you are picky about where you would like to camp, you may want to find a campground that allows you to choose your own camping spot.

Although it is nice to know what you should look for in a campground, it is also important that you know how to find them. If you are interested in camping locally, you may already know of a number of local campgrounds. If not, you should be able to use your local phone book or ask those that you know for recommendations. As for campgrounds that are located a ways away from your home, you may want to think about using the internet. A large number of popular campground parks have online websites and a standard internet search should them you find those websites, which could be used to learn more about the campground in question.

As a reminder, you may want to think about taking the time to research a number of different campground parks. It is important that you remember that no two campground parks are the same. To ensure that your next camping adventure is as memorable as possible, you may want to make sure that your intended destination is perfect for you and the rest of your camping party.

Whitewater Rafting in Oregon
For whitewater rafting in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is an enthusiasts dream! The rivers available only short drives from the major cities provide beginners and experts, alike, with an exciting and fun challenge for half, one, and two day trips. For those who want a longer, more impressive experience, Oregon also offers some of the best four and five day river trips anywhere!

The Umpqua River is, simply put, a dream! Flowing North of Crate Lake, the Umpqua River has Class III and IV rapids and flows through some of the most beautiful surroundings in the Pacific Northwest. The Umpqua has exceptional pool-and-drop rapids and has more rapids per mile than any other Oregon river.

The Mackenzie River, specifically the Lower Mackenzie, is perfect for beginners and families. Usually run as a full day, the river alternates long, tranquil and relaxing stretches through beautiful country with spicy, exciting Class II (easiest) and Class III
(moderately challenging) rapids.

The John Day River is perfect for a multi-day trip, providing an excellent vacation for the family or group of friends that loves the outdoors and the river life. The river provides the opportunity for many different activities, such as camping and fishing, but also
provides an excellent long stretch of Class II (easiest) and Class III (moderately challenging) rapids.

The Rogue River is one of the most popular destinations in Oregon for multi-day raft trips. Located in southwestern Oregon, the Rogue River cuts through the beautiful terrain of the Siskyou Mountains. The river has over 80 rapids, with many Class III and a few Class IV surprises to spice up the trip.

The Deschutes River is one of the best-known rivers in Oregon. The river flows through spectacular desert canyons and rocky mountain vistas, for sightseeing, but also has great Class III and Class IV rapids for those more interested in trying their skill against the
river. The Deschutes River is very popular and, during the height of the season, you’ll never lack for company along the river.

The Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival in Utah
Coming up on its eighth year, the Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival is good get away for birders. Of course, a chance to visit Salt Lake City isn’t so bad either.

Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival

The Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival is both a mouthful and a great event. Close to Salt Lake City, but actually centered in Farmington, Utah, the festival is put on by the Davis County Tourism agency and typically runs for five days in the last two weeks of May each year.

As with many birding festivals, the Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival offers workshops for kids and adults. Workshops include everything from building bird houses, birding for kids, and lectures on a variety of bird species with physical birds present.

Of course, field trips are the key to any bird watching festival and Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival doesn’t disappoint. Traditional sighting trips can be taken on land. The added bonus, however, is the fact birders can rent kayaks to float about the lake looking for new life birds.

Common Sightings

While each year will present variations, a birder can expect to see a variety of bird species at Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival. A variety of Heron, Pelican, Grebe and Cormorant species are plentiful. White-faced Ibis and Snowy Egrets are also often seen as are a variety of geese and ducks. A variety of falcons and hawks are surprisingly plentiful, but there is one prize sure to make it on you life list.

The rare American Bald Eagle lives in the area. Due to low population numbers, there is no guarantee you’ll see one, but at least four sightings occurred at the 2004 festival.

Whether you attend for the chance to see a bald eagle or the chance to meet other enthusiasts, the Great Salt Lake Bird Watching Festival is a good time.

Stalking Alligators In Florida
Alligators were the furthest thing from our minds as my wife Ana and I traveled along the coast of northern Florida. We had paid $23 to camp in our conversion van at a beautiful state park on the beach the night before. In the morning we saw a dolphin swimming near shore.

Then we heard we could camp for free at the isolated campgrounds which dotted the Apalachicola National Forest. Our frugality sent us into alligator country.

We spent two nights in the dark woods next to the dark waters of a slow river. Our only company was an old guy who seemed to be living there, and a nice couple with their two-year-old daughter. Lester was from England, Kari from Texas, and Indya was born in Guatamala. They met in India, of course.

Our little group circled the fire at night, trading stories, and occasionally sneaking down to the water with flashlights to look for the eyes of alligators. We heard splashes in the night, but saw nothing.

The Lake Talquin Monster

When the old guy told us camping was free at Wiliams Landing, on Lake Talquin, we all moved up there for a week. The hot showers convinced us. We continued trading stories around the fire each night, but now we saw all kinds of wildlife. Armadillos walked through camp, giant grey herons fished just offshore from the van, and there were racoons, owls, squirrels, ducks, and turtles. Then was also the "monster."

March is a great time to get out in the woods in Florida, so I was poking around near a corner of the lake, when I heard the splash. There were no fish that big, I knew, and we had already seen two small alligators sunning themselves the day before. This one had to be a giant. Ana and I returned the next morning, and again heard the splash. It was under the water before we could see it.

In the coming days, we visited the monster each morning once the sun was high enough for him to come out and soak up the heat. We caught enough glimpses to know he was at least ten feet long. Kari and Lester made a "Crocodile Hunter" movie of us stalking it.

In time, it no longer panicked, but just slowly lowered itself into the water, as if getting ready to hunt us properly. We stopped trying to get so close to it. Our gang went to view alligators safely after that, from the tour boat at Wakulla Springs.

The Best Way To See Alaska Is On An Alaskan Cruise
Nothing is more fun and exciting than taking a cruise. But why not go one step further and take a cruise in Alaska. It is just a matter of making up your mind that it is time to take an Alaskan cruise and see one of the natural wonders of the world. An Alaskan cruise will be a beautiful memory.

There are various ways to cruise in Alaska; here are a just few of them:

• Alaska Inland Cruise – you will have the chance to visit all the inland wonders of Alaska. You will surely be captivated with icebergs and glaciers. It is truly amazing to see walls of ice that are thousands and thousands of years old. When you see the icebergs “calving” you will be awed. The Alaskan inland cruise is offered by all of the Alaskan cruise ships.

• Alaska Day Cruise is just what it states, a tour on a day cruise. You can have a face to face with a huge wall of ice on an Alaskan day cruise. Or experience the beauty of dancing humpback whales. Of course, this is only practical for people who are doing a land package in Alaska.

• Alaska Celebrity Cruise – this is the so-called first class cruise of Alaskan ships. You will experience more royal treatment with a Celebrity cruise. On the other hand, this is a little more expensive among all the Alaskan cruises.

The usual attractions that passengers love about Alaskan cruises are the humpback whales, deep sea fishing and sailing through the Fjords and glaciers. The sights you will see will amaze you. Nothing can compare to the magic of Alaskan cruises. This is the only place where you will see the mighty glaciers and experience incredible wildlife.

The Alaskan cruise package that you choose will also determine the length of your stay. Usually, most Alaskan cruises are seven-day cruises. This is enough time for you to explore the intriguing ports of Alaska. However, the length of your stay can also be extended to as long as 14 days.

The other option is to book a day or two pre or post-cruise package where you can stay in Anchorage or even Vancouver. Many of the cruise lines run what is called land tours. This is where you take your cruise than you board a train that will take you through Alaska to places like the Denali National Park. It includes first rate accommodations and usually lasts 10-14 days including your Alaskan cruise.

Consider the size of the ship before you book your Alaskan cruise. On a smaller ship you will have less passengers and less competition for the incredible views. The smaller ships can also get into smaller coves that are less traveled.

On the bigger ships with more than a thousand passengers, it is harder for you to get out of the crowd, get a closer look, or even touch one the glaciers. But be aware that on the larger ships you will find more amenities.

Find the best Alaskan cruise that will fit your needs. When taking an Alaskan Cruise be sure to book some of the Alaskan cruise tours offered by the cruise line. Some of the tours offer amazing trips like a helicopter ride where you will land on one the glaciers. If you want to experience a real adventure, book the tour where you go dog sledding. (Book it early –it sells out fast). Go to a salmon hatchery and watch the bears eating the fish.

Nothing will ever compare with an Alaskan cruise; this will be a cruise of lifetime.

What are you waiting for?

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Royal Caribbean – excellent way to travel
Royal Caribbean is a cruse line that offers you many different travel choices, destinations and activities to make your vacation perfect. Whether you would like to travel with your family, take a slow and relaxing vacation, participate in new and exciting activities or explore the new places, cultures or countries, the Royal Caribbean will definitely satisfy all your needs and desires. You can even visit several locations and participate in a number of different activities in one single Royal Caribbean cruise. And in addition to all these benefits traveling with Royal Caribbean is one of the least expensive ways to travel. Royal Caribbean would be the best choice whether you are traveling alone or with family.

There are many different destinations where you can travel on the Royal Caribbean cruise. For example, you can take a Royal Caribbean cruise to Caribbean, Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal and other locations. You will travel in comfort. Your accommodations on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship would include all the necessities and amenities to make your trip the most enjoyable. You will have access to such equipment as radio, phone and TV. Royal Caribbean also offers you a broad selection of dining choices on the ship, including 24-hour room service, fine dining, restaurant and buffet.

There are many things to do on the Royal Caribbean cruise. Besides all the activities at the destination locations, you will have access to many activities on the ship to make your Royal Caribbean trip even more fun and enjoyable. For example, you can visit the onboard fitness center to participate in sport activities. You will enjoy the Royal Caribbean cruise by using a swimming pool, mini golf course, library, skating track and other onboard activities. Royal Caribbean also offers various entertainment options that include but are not limited to evening shows, live music, comedy shows and even onboard casino.

Find more information by clicking on the link in the resource box.

Prepare Yourself For Nature And The Outdoors
Camping outside in the woods or forest with your family, friends, and loved ones can be a very enjoyable experience. Whether sitting around the campfire and telling stories or bird watching and exploring nature, being outdoors can leave you with unforgettable memories. Now what memories you will leave with depends on how well you are prepared. If a camper is not knowledgeable about his surroundings, nature can give some pretty nasty surprises. Below are some advice and tips that will help you avoid certain situations that can damper your trip.

Bugs go away.

Bugs are always a very annoying problem for a lot of campers. These critters keep flying around your food, and buzzing in your ears. Also let’s not forget about more serious problems from some insects, like mosquitoes, which love to bite and give you itchy bumps. Then there are lice and ticks which can pass on diseases. Here are some tips to help keep the bugs away.

1. Try not to use fragrant lotions or products. Sweet smells attract insects.

2. Try to stay cool. Bugs are attracted to sweat.

3. Bring bug repellant/ Sunscreen. Just don’t use too much,

4. Avoid eating bananas – this fruit secretes an odor through your pours which attracts mosquitoes.

5. Use coconut oil – this repels mosquitoes

Beware of Ticks

Ticks can be a problem due to the fact they can spread diseases. Ways to prevent yourself from exposure to ticks is to avoid grassy areas, wear a hat, and do not wear shorts when you are on a trail. You should check for ticks and if detected remove it as early as possible. If you find a tick attached to your skin, use tweezers close to your skin as possible and pull off the tick, but do not squeeze its body. You should have the doctor check the bite as soon as possible. Ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis to humans, which is fatal if not treated.

General Advice

Here is some useful advice that is good to know on every camping or outdoor trip or vacation:

1. Bring and keep a picture of the travelers with you, in case anyone gets lost.

2. When hiking remember to bring some water, food, a flashlight, and bandages.

3. Never hike by yourself.

4. 80% of your body heat is lost through your head, so to keep warm, wear a hat.

The advices I gave in this article I consider very important in helping to keep your outdoors experience an enjoyable one.

Riding In The Lap Of Luxury Travel With A Virgin Island Yacht Charters
If you've never had the experience of being at the helm of a yacht as you sail through the crystal waters of the Virgin Islands, then consider making that your next vacation goal. A variety of yacht rental and/or vacation facilities are available that will provide you with a complete line of vessels from which to choose for your luxury excursion.

Yacht Chartering Services

+ Bareboats BVI - Located in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, this facility offers a comprehensive line of yachting models and services. Complete with Caribbean sailing charters, motor yacht vacations and crewed yachting holidays, there's something for everyone - with every level of experience - at this premier yacht chartering establishment. They can be located online at www.bareboatsbvi.com.

+ Island Yacht Charters - Be the skipper of your own chartered yacht or rent a crewed charter when you choose a vacation package through this top-of-the-line Caribbean facility. Located in the Red Hook area of St. Thomas, these folks also offer land packages which include accommodations at Villa Nathalie - a two-bedroom villa on the island's east end. For more information, visit their website at www.iyc.vi.

+ St. John's Classic Motor Yacht - Complete with public cruises and private charters, this establishment - located in Cinnamon Bay - offers a variety of vacation and charter packages. Destinations include Virgin Gorda, Outer Cay and Norman Treasure Caves, and will personally customize your trip to accommodate up to 40 guests. Their luxurious yachts include amenities such as spacious salons, teak and mahogany construction, awnings, oversized sun decks, on-board heads and more. Visit their website at http://motoryachtcinnamonbay.com to check out their vessels and vacation options.

+ Destination BVI - This wonderful online travel facility allows you to charter a yacht, plan a vacation and virtually tour the surrounding areas that you may choose to sail by visiting www.destinationbvi.com. Both motor and luxury yacht charters are available to guests, as well as special holiday options that are available during designated times. Whether you prefer a sailing yacht, motor yacht or luxury crewed yacht, you'll find what you're looking for at Destination BVI.

+ VIP Yacht Charters - With more than a dozen models to choose from and a variety of locations throughout the 75 islands which comprise the Virgin Islands territory - including both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands - VIP Yacht Charters offers comprehensive packages for vacationers who are looking for more than the run-of-the-mill boating excursion. Their website, www.vipyachts.com, includes fully linked pages that provide information on all aspects of your Caribbean vacation.

Amenities and Activities

For the most part, the basic types of activities and amenities that can be expected from a yacht chartering vacation are pretty much the same, regardless of which facility you choose for the planning of your excursion.

Although the particular attractions will vary from one destination to another, you can expect to enjoy excellent opportunities for fishing, water skiing, wind-surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking, in addition to other water-related sports. For those who prefer to soak up the sun at the water's edge, there are plenty of beaches throughout the Virgin Islands, and most of the chartered yachts are equipped with spacious decks that are just right for getting a bit of sun without ever leaving your lodgings.

If you're booking a crewed yacht charter, or taking a group tour with others on a luxury yacht, then the menu is often prepared in advance, offering a delectable assortment of foods that will appeal to just about everyone. In addition, most will offer custom dishes for those who wish to enjoy a special favorite, since the chefs that accompany such cruises are generally pleased to accommodate guests in such a manner. Other amenities include a wide variety of luxury items, specific to each model.

For a great sea-going vacation in the Virgin Islands territory, treat yourself to a chartered yacht, and enjoy the best of all possible worlds.

Moonlight Hiking
I started moonlight hiking when I was a teenager prowling the streets and fields of Michigan. I later found that if I timed my backpacking trips to coincide with a full moon, I could hike every night. The two primary motivations for doing this are the adventure and mystery of night hiking, as well as the practical advantages that it has.

Moonlight Hiking - A Unique Experience

It's a great experience to hike away the hours of the night under a full moon. My first time doing this on a longer backpacking trip was on a five-day hike in the Sierra Nevadas. Every night I slept next to a lake, waking up when the cold bothered me. Then I easily hiked through the rest of the night by moonlight.

This meant getting up between two and four in the morning and hiking the rest of the night. I was moving during the coldest part of the night, so I was able to get away with a lighter sleeping bag on this trip. In fact, since there wasn't a cloud in the sky during those five days, I just slept in the open, without a tent or tarp every night. Most afternoons I took a leisurely nap in the sun to catch up on sleep.

Hiking at night meant no other people on the trail. Crowded trails were not actually a problem where I was, but I would like to go moonlight hiking to avoid the crowds the next time I am in Yosemite National Park, or in the Smoky Mountains. Sometimes it is nice to have the trails and whole mountain valleys to yourself.

You can hike a lot of miles at night, without any problems of over-heating. When the sky is clear and the moon is full, or within three days of its fullest, the moonlight is more than bright enough for hiking in fairly open terrain. In thicker woods you may need a flashlight for assistance.

If you do try this, plan your trip with the full moon coming right in the middle of the time span (if you can). This is how you get the maximum use of the moonlight before, during and after the full moon. Also note the time that the moon rises. About an hour after moonrise you'll have enough light to hike, unless it is overly cloudy (something else to check on).

When moonlight hiking on isolated beaches in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I could clearly see animal tracks in the wet sand along the water's edge. They included fresh bear tracks. Though black bears in this area are not usually dangerous, it keeps your senses tuned in when you know there are eyes in the woods watching you and none of them are human.

The lakes reflect the moon, owls swoop by almost without sound, and animals move in the bushes as you pass. The many shadows hide things, but you walk on by them, leaving these little mysteries unsolved. The trees and rocks take on a different, starker appearance than during the day. Moonlight hiking is a beautiful and unique experience.