It's hard to beat the beauty and enjoyment of canoeing in the great outdoors. There is something so serene that you must experience it to truly understand it. That being said, a successful canoe trip requires a fair deal of planning. You need to get to your starting point, figure out what gear you'll take and make arrangements for your return trip. Part of that planning should also include looking at lightweight canoes.
While all canoes are lighter than they used to be, lightweight canoes are a good option in many cases. Keep in mind that you will have to not only transport the canoe to where you're setting in, but you may also have to portage your canoe over land. After all, you won't only be portaging your canoe, but also all of your gear. If you are alone, then the weight of the canoe becomes even more of an issue.
It used to be that you only had two choices when it came to lightweight canoes: aluminum Or fiberglass. Today the choice of materials has expanded to include Royalex, Kevlar, carbon and composites. That being said, most of the canoes on the market today are made of fiberglass because it's inexpensive and light weight.
You still need to be careful before buying a fiberglass canoe. The use of different construction techniques means there are serious differences in the final quality of each model. The use of chopped and shorter fibers of fiberglass leads to a weaker canoe; while the use of long fibers gives a canoe more strength but at a higher price. The catch is that you can't always judge quality by price alone, and you would need a microscope to see which method was used to make the various lightweight canoes. However, you can go online and read about which method each manufacturer uses; that way you will know ahead of time which brands to consider.
But as mentioned earlier, fiberglass isn't your only option. Kevlar, the same material used to make bullet-proof vests, is an excellent blend of high strength and low weight. Generally speaking, they are better suited for calmer water, though. Kevlar canoes are a great choice, but they can be a bit expensive for those of us who are on a budget.
If you plan on being in rougher water, or even going through rapids, then Royalex is a good chance. This material for makes for lightweight canoes that can withstand the punishment of more turbulent waters.
Canoes made out of carbon fibers are some of the lightest there are, but they aren't as strong as Royalex or Kevlar. But if you know you will be in very calm water most of the time, or won't be overloading the canoe, then it's a fine choice.
That brings us to wood and aluminum canoes. While they may be okay in some cases, they are heavier than other materials and should only be considered in very specific circumstances.
Regardless of what you finally buy, lightweight canoes will help you to enjoy paddling through the great outdoors.
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Sunday, May 27, 2012
Enjoy Great Summer Activities In The Heart Of The Rocky Mountains!
Winter Park has so many outdoor activities to choose from, you could spend the whole summer here and never see and do everything. Regardless of the activity you choose, you will enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Continental Divide that Colorado has to offer.
A 600-mile trail system spreads throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. These trails are great for either hiking or mountain biking, and have something for every skill level. Also known as “Mountain Bike Capital USA”, Winter Park hosts many bike races throughout the summer that are open to the general public. Winter Park Resort offers 50 miles of trails that can be accessed by chair lift, and it’s all downhill from there. You’ll need to purchase a lift pass, but your bike rides up for free. Before heading down you may want to stop at the Sunspot for lunch and enjoy 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. There is also a 18 hole disc golf course that may keep you up top for awile.
Winter Park Resort is also home of the longest Alpine Slide in Colorado! A 3000 foot long slide, with a 600 foot drop winding through the wilderness. At the base you can also find a miniature golf course, a climbing wall, Rock N' Roll Gyro, Human Maze, Leaps & Bounds Bungee and a whole lot more.
If you are in search of fishing holes, you can wade 1,000 miles of streams, wander around 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, or troll 11,000 acres of reservoirs. Rainbow, cutthroat, brown & brook trout can be found in most of the rivers, while mackinaw and kokanee salmon cruise the depths of the larger bodies of water. Having so much water also provides ample opportunities for rafting, canoeing or kayaking.
Music always sounds better with a backdrop like the Continental Divide, and free music concerts can be found just about everywhere in Winter Park all summer long. Music and food festivals also take place in the area, but generally cost up to $40 for admission. Events like the Jazz Festival and the Food, Wine & Beer Festival may require advance planning for stays in Winter Park.
Stay just a five minute walk from the base of Winter Park Resort. Slope View Bed and Breakfast offers views of the Continental Divide, unique amenities and a knowledgeable staff. 970-531-2386
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
A 600-mile trail system spreads throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. These trails are great for either hiking or mountain biking, and have something for every skill level. Also known as “Mountain Bike Capital USA”, Winter Park hosts many bike races throughout the summer that are open to the general public. Winter Park Resort offers 50 miles of trails that can be accessed by chair lift, and it’s all downhill from there. You’ll need to purchase a lift pass, but your bike rides up for free. Before heading down you may want to stop at the Sunspot for lunch and enjoy 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. There is also a 18 hole disc golf course that may keep you up top for awile.
Winter Park Resort is also home of the longest Alpine Slide in Colorado! A 3000 foot long slide, with a 600 foot drop winding through the wilderness. At the base you can also find a miniature golf course, a climbing wall, Rock N' Roll Gyro, Human Maze, Leaps & Bounds Bungee and a whole lot more.
If you are in search of fishing holes, you can wade 1,000 miles of streams, wander around 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, or troll 11,000 acres of reservoirs. Rainbow, cutthroat, brown & brook trout can be found in most of the rivers, while mackinaw and kokanee salmon cruise the depths of the larger bodies of water. Having so much water also provides ample opportunities for rafting, canoeing or kayaking.
Music always sounds better with a backdrop like the Continental Divide, and free music concerts can be found just about everywhere in Winter Park all summer long. Music and food festivals also take place in the area, but generally cost up to $40 for admission. Events like the Jazz Festival and the Food, Wine & Beer Festival may require advance planning for stays in Winter Park.
Stay just a five minute walk from the base of Winter Park Resort. Slope View Bed and Breakfast offers views of the Continental Divide, unique amenities and a knowledgeable staff. 970-531-2386
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
Hammock Care- Tips On Cleaning And Storing Hammocks Without Spreader Bars!
If you plan on
If You Plan On Machine Washing Your Hammock
Start by holding the two hanging end rings in your hands and bring them together, folding the hammock in half. Tie the hammock together with string just below the hanging rings. Tie the hammock together again, at the opposite end, and once more in the middle of the hammock. This should prevent the metal rings from becoming entangled with the string bed of the hammock, and the strings themselves from getting tangled as well. Put the tied up hammock into a pillowcase, and tie the pillowcase closed. Be sure to tie it securely, as the washing machine has rigorous agitation, and you do not want the hammock to come out of the pillow. Use mild detergent to wash your hammock. DO NOT USE BLEACH. After washing your hammock, carefully remove it from it’s pillowcase and untie. Hang up your hammock and spread out as much as possible to dry completely.
If You Plan On
Hand Washing Your Hammock
Start by holding the two hanging rings in your hands, bring them together, folding the hammock in half. Tie the hammock together with string just below the hanging rings. Tie the hammock together again, at the opposite end, and once more in the middle of the hammock. This should prevent the metal rings from becoming entangled with the string bed of the hammock, and the strings themselves from getting tangled as well. In a large sink or bathtub, immerse the hammock in water mixed with a mild detergent and again, DO NOT USE BLEACH. With your hands, agitate the water until you feel the hammock is clean. After washing, carefully untie and unfold the hammock. Hang up hammock and spread out to dry completely.
After You’re Done Washing And Want To
Store Your Hammock
Start by making sure your hammock is clean and completely dry, hold the two hanging rings in your hands, bring them together, folding the hammock in half. Tie the hammock together with string just below the hanging rings, and again just above the point where the hammock bed begins, to prevent tangling. When storing, it's important to protect against moisture, soiling and critters. The easiest way to prevent these threats to your hammock is to use a storage bag made of outdoor, weather resistant, durable fabric that allows the hammock to breath. If you do not have a storage bag, hang the hammock from its metal rings in your garage or basement, or anywhere it will remain dry and out of the way. If you find any mold or mildew when you bring your hammock out the next season, we recommend using a mild detergent.
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
If You Plan On Machine Washing Your Hammock
Start by holding the two hanging end rings in your hands and bring them together, folding the hammock in half. Tie the hammock together with string just below the hanging rings. Tie the hammock together again, at the opposite end, and once more in the middle of the hammock. This should prevent the metal rings from becoming entangled with the string bed of the hammock, and the strings themselves from getting tangled as well. Put the tied up hammock into a pillowcase, and tie the pillowcase closed. Be sure to tie it securely, as the washing machine has rigorous agitation, and you do not want the hammock to come out of the pillow. Use mild detergent to wash your hammock. DO NOT USE BLEACH. After washing your hammock, carefully remove it from it’s pillowcase and untie. Hang up your hammock and spread out as much as possible to dry completely.
If You Plan On
Hand Washing Your Hammock
Start by holding the two hanging rings in your hands, bring them together, folding the hammock in half. Tie the hammock together with string just below the hanging rings. Tie the hammock together again, at the opposite end, and once more in the middle of the hammock. This should prevent the metal rings from becoming entangled with the string bed of the hammock, and the strings themselves from getting tangled as well. In a large sink or bathtub, immerse the hammock in water mixed with a mild detergent and again, DO NOT USE BLEACH. With your hands, agitate the water until you feel the hammock is clean. After washing, carefully untie and unfold the hammock. Hang up hammock and spread out to dry completely.
After You’re Done Washing And Want To
Store Your Hammock
Start by making sure your hammock is clean and completely dry, hold the two hanging rings in your hands, bring them together, folding the hammock in half. Tie the hammock together with string just below the hanging rings, and again just above the point where the hammock bed begins, to prevent tangling. When storing, it's important to protect against moisture, soiling and critters. The easiest way to prevent these threats to your hammock is to use a storage bag made of outdoor, weather resistant, durable fabric that allows the hammock to breath. If you do not have a storage bag, hang the hammock from its metal rings in your garage or basement, or anywhere it will remain dry and out of the way. If you find any mold or mildew when you bring your hammock out the next season, we recommend using a mild detergent.
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
African Safaris - Where To Go?
If you have never been on an African safari before, you may be at a loss as to where to go. If you have been on one, you might want to plan on going somewhere different. Not because you didn't enjoy where you went, but because there are so many beautiful things to see in Africa.
From snow covered mountains and beautiful waterfalls, to sandy deserts and aquatic reefs, Africa has got it all. Not to mention all the wildlife. Gorilla trekkers, bird watchers and fly-fishermen will all be equally delighted. If you love beautiful landscapes and communities rich in culture, you'll find that, too.
East and Central Africa
The eastern Africa and central African regions are loaded with many game parks which include a large variety and population of animals, from the wildebeest of Kenya (middle of the year) and Tanzania (early in the year) to the gorillas of Uganda.
East Africa's landscape includes the spectacular and majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, the largest of its type in the world, which is home to thousands of animals such as Zebra, wildebeest, black rhino, prides of lion including the black-maned males, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephants, warthog, impala, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and other members of the antelope family.
South Africa
Southern Africa also offers a magnificent scenario for a great safari. South Africa offers an outstanding and rewarding game-viewing experience. Tours here are normally conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles, giving you greater visibility than a mini-van (commonly used in eastern and central African safaris).
South African guides are highly trained and professional. Many camps offer night tours and walks, as well as safaris by canoe and even elephant back!
Some of the cities are beautiful, and the coastline of South Africa and the striking landscapes are sure to please.
Namibia is a good place if you are looking for elephant, rhino, lion and giraffe.
All the large mammals can be found in Botswana; elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, lion and cheetah are plentiful.
Many consider Zimbabwe to be the best of Africa. This beautiful country offers Victoria Falls, rolling hills, rock art, and game parks that are home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, sable and roan antelope.
Zambia is a definite favorite for those who love to go on an African safari. Zambia has many well managed camps in wilderness areas known for concentration and diversity of game, bird life and game fishing. These can be found in the national parks of South Luangwa and Kafue National Park.
A great way to wrap up your African safari is to visit the Indian Ocean islands, which include Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles Islands. These waters hold hundreds of species of fish, making them a haven for anglers. You can also enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving among the colorful fish, gorgeous flora and fauna, countless coral reefs and marine life.
Be sure to send a postcard.
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
From snow covered mountains and beautiful waterfalls, to sandy deserts and aquatic reefs, Africa has got it all. Not to mention all the wildlife. Gorilla trekkers, bird watchers and fly-fishermen will all be equally delighted. If you love beautiful landscapes and communities rich in culture, you'll find that, too.
East and Central Africa
The eastern Africa and central African regions are loaded with many game parks which include a large variety and population of animals, from the wildebeest of Kenya (middle of the year) and Tanzania (early in the year) to the gorillas of Uganda.
East Africa's landscape includes the spectacular and majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, the largest of its type in the world, which is home to thousands of animals such as Zebra, wildebeest, black rhino, prides of lion including the black-maned males, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephants, warthog, impala, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and other members of the antelope family.
South Africa
Southern Africa also offers a magnificent scenario for a great safari. South Africa offers an outstanding and rewarding game-viewing experience. Tours here are normally conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles, giving you greater visibility than a mini-van (commonly used in eastern and central African safaris).
South African guides are highly trained and professional. Many camps offer night tours and walks, as well as safaris by canoe and even elephant back!
Some of the cities are beautiful, and the coastline of South Africa and the striking landscapes are sure to please.
Namibia is a good place if you are looking for elephant, rhino, lion and giraffe.
All the large mammals can be found in Botswana; elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, lion and cheetah are plentiful.
Many consider Zimbabwe to be the best of Africa. This beautiful country offers Victoria Falls, rolling hills, rock art, and game parks that are home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, sable and roan antelope.
Zambia is a definite favorite for those who love to go on an African safari. Zambia has many well managed camps in wilderness areas known for concentration and diversity of game, bird life and game fishing. These can be found in the national parks of South Luangwa and Kafue National Park.
A great way to wrap up your African safari is to visit the Indian Ocean islands, which include Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles Islands. These waters hold hundreds of species of fish, making them a haven for anglers. You can also enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving among the colorful fish, gorgeous flora and fauna, countless coral reefs and marine life.
Be sure to send a postcard.
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
Camping Makes the Weekend Perfect!
Do you have a weekend without anything to do or a weekend when you don’t want to do anything? I know what I’d do. I would pack up the truck and head for the woods. Sitting by a camp fire with your favorite people solves many problems, so you shouldn’t wait too long between fires. My favorite thing to do on a weekend is to camp. Are you looking for an easy way to camp? How about car camping? I love it!
First of all, let’s define car camping? When you can drive your vehicle right up to the camp site, that’s called car camping. Even if you’re driving a truck it’s still called car camping. The advantage of car camping versus primitive or base camping is that you can take anything you want with you. If you want to take a hammock or huge grill or a stack of magazines, you can. Load your car or truck with food, clothing, shelter, bedding, games and anything else you want to take along and get going. It’s really that simple.
So where can you car camp? Just about anywhere. National and state parks don’t allow car camping except in designated campgrounds, other than that, you can car camp virtually anywhere on public lands. The internet is loaded with websites that can help. Start looking at www.backcountrytoys.com/education.htm. Our Education Center is loaded with up to date camping information.
Here are some things I take along when I car camp: hiking gear, bird watching binoculars and field guide, a radio for music and weather updates, tent, cot, sleeping bag, grill, shovel, fire starting gear, lots of food and drink, first aid kit, a stack of reading material – this can also be used for building a fire – such as newspapers and magazines, rain gear, hammock, dogs and dog food, folding chairs and table, stove, table service and utensils….you get the idea. I take all that I need to be comfortable. If you don’t have these things, don’t fret, all you really need are food, shelter and common sense.
Camping is a great way to renew and strengthen relationships. Take your spouse, your children, your siblings, your friends. Without the distractions of television, telephone, internet and alarm clocks, you will have a wonderful time. I’ll always remember something a dear friend of mine told me years ago, “Time spent in our great outdoors is time added to your life.” That sounds like a good reason to go.
Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!
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Friday, May 25, 2012
Taking A Motorcycle On Your Camping Trip!
Traveling across the country on a motorcycle can be exhilarating. You have a greater sense of your environment and immediate surroundings on a motorcycle and can have a sense of freedom when riding. It’s a wonderful way to explore the countryside. Camping with your motorcycle, though takes some planning and adjustments from other, more traditional forms of camping.
Because you won’t have as much space on a motorcycle as with a car, you have to pack lightly and include only the essentials. This is easier then it sounds but will take some planning. Make sure you choose items to take with you that are small and have multiple uses. A good multi tool knife is great and will allow you to do repairs and maintenance, cooking and preparing.
Take a small bag for personal items and choose travel size bottles of everything needed. These are readily available at discount and grocery stores and will help save storage room. Use saddle bags for storing food, clothing and personal gear. You’ll have to economize so be prepared to wear the same clothing several times. Take re-closable plastic storage bags or plastic trash bags for disposing of items and for storing dirty clothes.
You should have ample room in saddlebags and the glove compartment for small items. For sleeping and camping equipment, use the luggage rack or passenger seat and secure these items with bungee cords. Make sure to bring compact equipment that can tightly fold or roll up. You should easily be able to store a collapsible tent and sleeping bag. You can even add a sleeping mat for added comfort.
If you intend to cook while camping out pack only what you’ll need. Look for camping recipes that only require one pot. There are many available and this will help conserve space. You can get eating utensils to store in a saddle bag. These do not take up much space.
For safety, make sure your motorcycle is serviced and in good working condition before embarking on a trip. Chart your route so you know where gas stations and restaurants are on your route. These can be valuable in restocking food supplies and in emergency situations. Keep a map and compass handy so you don’t get lost on the road or while camping.
You may not be able to camp in the lap of luxury when you bring your motorcycle but it will be a fun experience. Your motorcycle has ample room to store the necessities and if you can accept sleeping outdoors and only packing essentials, this can be a highly rewarding experience. Having a motorcycle available also gives you a lot more flexibility in traveling in and out of campsites. It is easy to pack all your gear and leave or go on a short sight seeing trip.
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
Because you won’t have as much space on a motorcycle as with a car, you have to pack lightly and include only the essentials. This is easier then it sounds but will take some planning. Make sure you choose items to take with you that are small and have multiple uses. A good multi tool knife is great and will allow you to do repairs and maintenance, cooking and preparing.
Take a small bag for personal items and choose travel size bottles of everything needed. These are readily available at discount and grocery stores and will help save storage room. Use saddle bags for storing food, clothing and personal gear. You’ll have to economize so be prepared to wear the same clothing several times. Take re-closable plastic storage bags or plastic trash bags for disposing of items and for storing dirty clothes.
You should have ample room in saddlebags and the glove compartment for small items. For sleeping and camping equipment, use the luggage rack or passenger seat and secure these items with bungee cords. Make sure to bring compact equipment that can tightly fold or roll up. You should easily be able to store a collapsible tent and sleeping bag. You can even add a sleeping mat for added comfort.
If you intend to cook while camping out pack only what you’ll need. Look for camping recipes that only require one pot. There are many available and this will help conserve space. You can get eating utensils to store in a saddle bag. These do not take up much space.
For safety, make sure your motorcycle is serviced and in good working condition before embarking on a trip. Chart your route so you know where gas stations and restaurants are on your route. These can be valuable in restocking food supplies and in emergency situations. Keep a map and compass handy so you don’t get lost on the road or while camping.
You may not be able to camp in the lap of luxury when you bring your motorcycle but it will be a fun experience. Your motorcycle has ample room to store the necessities and if you can accept sleeping outdoors and only packing essentials, this can be a highly rewarding experience. Having a motorcycle available also gives you a lot more flexibility in traveling in and out of campsites. It is easy to pack all your gear and leave or go on a short sight seeing trip.
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
The Freedom Of Travelling In A Camper Van!
In this article, I am going to write about the joys of going on holiday in a camper van. Owning and travelling around in one of these vans gives people a lot of freedom of where they want to stop to sleep and for how long they want to stay in each destination. Many people from the UK decide to tour parts of Europe over a period of months in one of these type of vehicles.
I was recently talking to a neighbour of mine who owns a very impressive camper van which is why I have decided to write this article, his name is John. John and his wife decided to sell their big house when they were in their late fifties and move to a smaller flat. This flat was then going to be their base in the UK to return to when they were not travelling. They had a lot of excess money from selling their old house and buying the new flat and decided to spend part of this money on a very good quality camper van. The plan was then to travel around different parts of the UK as well as visiting other countries in the world.
John and his wife have two wonderful dogs which they adore. They have never enjoyed leaving these dogs with friends or in kennels when they have been travelling in the past and now they do not have to, as there is plenty of room of course in the camper van.
When talking with John I asked him where he was planning to travel to next. He replied that he was going to drive down to the South West Coast of England. He would tour through parts of Devon and Cornwall stopping for a few days in different areas. I asked him what day he would be returning, he stated that he was not sure and that it would depend on the weather. Maybe one week or four, I am not sure yet Steve, he said. I could not believe his attitude and his lifestyle, I have to say I was very jealous. What freedom, I thought to myself.
John then stated that next month he was going to travel to Portugal but that there was no rush to get there. I wish I had started to do this years ago, but what with work it was impossible really, he continued.
I also have a dog and would love to have this form of travel freedom. I have spoken to my wife about it and she has said that she would prefer to stop in a hotel. Oh well, I have years before I retire to try to work her around to my way of thinking.
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
I was recently talking to a neighbour of mine who owns a very impressive camper van which is why I have decided to write this article, his name is John. John and his wife decided to sell their big house when they were in their late fifties and move to a smaller flat. This flat was then going to be their base in the UK to return to when they were not travelling. They had a lot of excess money from selling their old house and buying the new flat and decided to spend part of this money on a very good quality camper van. The plan was then to travel around different parts of the UK as well as visiting other countries in the world.
John and his wife have two wonderful dogs which they adore. They have never enjoyed leaving these dogs with friends or in kennels when they have been travelling in the past and now they do not have to, as there is plenty of room of course in the camper van.
When talking with John I asked him where he was planning to travel to next. He replied that he was going to drive down to the South West Coast of England. He would tour through parts of Devon and Cornwall stopping for a few days in different areas. I asked him what day he would be returning, he stated that he was not sure and that it would depend on the weather. Maybe one week or four, I am not sure yet Steve, he said. I could not believe his attitude and his lifestyle, I have to say I was very jealous. What freedom, I thought to myself.
John then stated that next month he was going to travel to Portugal but that there was no rush to get there. I wish I had started to do this years ago, but what with work it was impossible really, he continued.
I also have a dog and would love to have this form of travel freedom. I have spoken to my wife about it and she has said that she would prefer to stop in a hotel. Oh well, I have years before I retire to try to work her around to my way of thinking.
Get This Unrelated Website I Have For You Available For $25 Today! @ http://thegoodoilews.com
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