Lake Winnipesaukee – The Smile of the Great Spirit
at 7:50 am on Friday, 31 October 2008
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire. Centered in the popular vacation area known as the Lakes Region it provides 4-season pleasure for millions every year.
The lake is surrounded by the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, which provides stunning backdrops to this jewel of a New Hampshire lake, and magnificent views for those prepared to hike a few miles to the summit of surrounding peaks.
The lake is spring fed and clean, and many homes on the lake take their water supply directly without any filtering.
But the native people have known this lake and its beauty for 10,000 years. They gave Lake Winnipesaukee the Indian name meaning “Smile of the Great Spirit.”
These days people still fish and canoe on the lake but it’s shared with modern day jet skis and motorboats. But essentially Lake Winnipesaukee is an area to take your time exploring, and let the hours tick slowly by.
I’ve been visiting Lake Winnipesaukee for the last twenty years and I have these suggestions for enjoying your visit to the Lake.
M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISE
For a 132-years a cruise boat has been traveling up and down the 72 square miles of the lake. The current boat – M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON has been operating since 1946. Due to the demand it was extended in 1982 by cutting the boat in half and placing a middle section.
Today with it’s three decks and ample room there’s no better way of getting oriented on the Lake. You can board the boat at Weirs Beach and take the 2 and hour cruise down to Alton Bay or up to the picturesque town of Meredith.
When you make the trip be prepared to do a lot of waving. The M/S Mount Washington is a popular and the most distinctive boat on the lake, and you’ll find most boaters and people on the shorelines waving in recognition of this majestic large ship.
THE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE SCENIC TRAIN RIDE
The Lake Winnipesaukee scenic train runs from Meredith to Weirs Beach to Lakeport and back. You can take a 1 hour or 2 hour ride. You’ll get spectacular views of the lake and shoreline and Belknap Mountain.
This is a slow ride train as it travels the shoreline on Paugus Bay, and you’ll get plenty of time to admire many of the stunning homes built on this stretch of the ride.
Snacks and ice cream are sold on the journey.
THE CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS
The Castle in the Clouds is a magnificent home built on a mountaintop in 1913 by industrialist Thomas Plant.
You can tour the castle and grounds where you’ll find waterfalls and miles of trails to explore. During the fall foliage season it offers majestic views of the lake and surrounding area.
The Castle is near Moultonboro on the eastern side of the lake and you can get there by following Route 171 in Ossipee.
BELKNAP MOUNTAIN HIKE
For these willing to be a little more adventurous Lake Winnipesaukee offers some great hiking tails. Many are moderate to difficult, but the Belknap Mountain hike in Gilford is easy and can be done by most people including small kids.
This is an enjoyable walk and you should allow 2 and hours round trip to appreciate the walk to its fullest. At the summit you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Lake Winnipesaukee, and if conditions are right you can sometimes spot Mount Washington in the distance.
Take Route 11A to Gilford and drive south through the village. Stay on this road as it climbs Belknap Mountain road. Eventually you’ll see signs and a parking area on the left.
These are just a few activities you can do when visiting Lake Winnipesaukee.
For more information and details on Lake Winnipesaukee attraction and things to do visit the Lakes Region web site at www.lakesregion.org.
About the Author
Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com . You can read more about Lake Winnipesaukee and get a free travel report at his http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com web site.
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If you are chasing the best opinion with reference to trout
at 5:53 pm on Thursday, 30 October 2008
If you are chasing the best opinion with reference to trout fishing.
When you are in search of excellent information on trout fishing, you’ll find it difficult extracting the best information from amateurish trout fishing submissions and proposals so it is important to know how to moderate the information you are presented with.
Find trout fishing
Your relevant result is a click away!
Now we’d like to give you a few tips that we believe you should consider using when you are trying to find information about trout fishing. It is important to remember that the guidance we put forward is only pertinent to web based information about trout fishing. We don’t really offer any direction or assistance for conducting research offline.
Look for trout fishing
Find trout fishing at one of the best sites the Internet has to offer!
A great tip to follow when offered information and advice about a trout fishing site would be to confirm the sites ownership. This may divulge who is behind the site trout fishing credentials The easiest way to find out who is behind the trout fishing site is to look for the ‘about’ page.
Any reputable site providing information concerning trout fishing, will nearly always have a ‘contact’, or an ‘about’, page which will record the site owner’s contact details. The fine points should detail some advice about the owner’s necessary expertise. You can then arrive at a decision about the webmaster’s training and understanding, to offer advice about trout fishing.
About the author:
Bruce Lyle is the webmaster for http://www.trout-fishing-help.info
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Grand Dame of the Grand Dunes, Myrtle Beach Marriott
at 7:05 am on Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Grand Dame of the Grand Dunes, Myrtle Beach Marriott
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/marriott/myrtle/myrtle.html
pampering begins the moment we arrived at the 400-room Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes in beautiful South Carolina. Courteous staff greet us in the light and airy contemporary reception area of the 14-story oceanfront luxury hotel that celebrated its opening in December of 2003. Within minutes after checking in we are making entertainment plans with John Shanley, one of the Concierges, located just across the lobby from the reception desk.
After settling into our room, my husband and I relax on the heated patio at The Bar that is open nightly. The lively atmosphere is the perfect setting for nibbling on a selection of fresh shrimp from the buffet and sharing a drink on this breezy summer night.
Venturing out onto the spacious central courtyard we take in the captivating view of the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Below, guests take a leisurely swim in the three tropical beachfront pools. The Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort’s infinity-edged pool, the first in South Carolina, appears to merge seamlessly into the scenic seascape. We hear children of all ages laughing their way down the waterslide at the pool set aside for kids. During the summer season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Marriott Resort at The Grande Dunes has a non-stop schedule of fun and games for kids. An indoor pool is rarely used on beautiful sunny days.
A lush tropical landscape of native plants and colorful hibiscus surrounds the pool that we pass on the way to the beach. Stretching 60 miles from Little River to Georgetown, we feel like we own our private piece of paradise along Myrtle Beach where a lifeguard keeps watch daily.
After our day at the beach we’re relaxing poolside at the Surfside Café, enjoying a refreshing glass of tea before dinner. We prefer the romantic setting of the Marriott Resort’s signature restaurant, Ocean’s on 82nd, that has a captivating view of the sunset. The staff is gracious and delightful, offering suggestions from the menu of eclectic American-Asian cuisine. Executive Chef Mark Galvin presents the delicious meal beautifully; extraordinary service adds the finishing touch to a perfect day. Within minutes of returning to our room we sink into the thick, comfy signature Marriott bed, the mattress forming to the nautral curve of our bodies; we are asleep.
After a refreshing and comfortable night’s sleep, morning arrives. My husband prepares the complimentary in-room coffee; I prefer the tea while reading the newspaper in a plush Marriott bathrobe. Rooms have hair dryers, irons, and ironing boards; laundry valets are available or use the self-service laundry facilities. We don’t spend much time in our room to catch in-room cable TV movies. I do use the high-speed internet access to send family a few pictures of the gorgeous beach. The work desk is spacious and includes a two-line phone, data ports on the phone, and voice mail. When not checking in with our family online I store our laptop in the in-room safe.
The aroma of fresh pastries, fruits, and breakfast selections greet us at the Breakfast Buffet at Ocean’s on 82nd. The lunch menu is also full of flavorful choices; call room service for dining in private.
We’re starting out our day with a visit with John Shanley, the Concierge, who suggests browsing through the boutiques, gift, and candy shops at Broadway At The Beach after visiting Ripley’s Aquarium, a 16-screen cinema, the Butterfly Pavilion, IMAX Discovery Theater, and numerous restaurants. John arranges golf outings, fishing excursions, wine tasting at area wineries, and transportation with Extreme Limousine service.
Our professional Extreme Limousine chauffeur gives us a tour of the town on the way to Broadway At The Beach. The affordable service escorts guests to and from the airport or for social gatherings such as weddings, or drives families and groups to entertainment venues about Myrtle Beach. The personal and friendly service makes our visit exciting because our driver points out interesting sites like the NASCAR experience, the Alabama Theater, and the Carolina Opry. The House of Blues showcases a wide range of musical and comedy shows, including monthly concerts for teens.
For dancing, John suggests one of the local clubs featuring the state dance, the Carolina Shag, considered the swing dance of the South. At Fat Harold’s Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach, Shag dancers range in age from the young to the young at heart. Accompanying us to the club is our new friend, Judy, who dances with a native shagger. Each spring Shaggers migrate to Myrtle Beach to attend the “Spring Safari” held in March. “Fall Migration” is another nostalgic gathering for Shaggers held in September. The popular Shag Clubs are found throughout many of the Southern states.
With more than 120 golf courses designed by pros such as Jack Nicklaus, Francis Duane, and Arnold Palmer, Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise. Guests at Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort have privileges to one of America ’s top new courses, The Golf Village at Grande Dunes. The challenging 18-hole championship course is a Roger Rulewich design, with the distinction of being the longest course in South Carolina. Golfers enjoy panoramic views of the waterway, maritime forest, and the Atlantic Ocean. After a round of golf guests relax at the clubhouse, browse through the pro shop, or dine on fine cuisine onsite.
Test your tennis skills at the Tennis Club at Grande Dunes, a professional facility featuring 10 Har-Tru tennis courts and a pro shop. Afterwards, take a refreshing dip in the pool or workout in the fitness center equipped with the latest cardiovascular equipment, strength machines, and free weights. Contact a Marriott Concierge, for tee times and transportation to the Golf Village and Tennis Club at Grande Dunes.
To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/marriott/myrtle/myrtle.html
Melody Schubert , Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
About the Author
Melody Schubert, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave Your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.
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Five Ways to Get the Lowest Airfare
at 6:17 pm on Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Five Ways to Get the Lowest Airfare Possible
The easiest way to break the traveling budget is with your flight. It’s hard to find the lowest airfare out there these days, especially with the myriad of companies trying to tell you that THEY have the lowest airfare prices, or know where to find them. Lucky for you, there are several ways to take a bite out of the cost of flying. Here are some tips and techniques to make sure you are getting the lowest possible airfare. Please note that the advice given here is just that: advice. Companies mentioned are not better, or worse, than any other organization out there that claims to offer the lowest airfare possible.
Lowest Airfare Technique #1: Courier It
Without a courier, many important packages that are working their way through the flight system would be stuck in customs an awfully long time. Therefore, courier companies “hire” people to transport their packages for them in a set. All that you have to do is forfeit your baggage space, and you can receive some of the lowest airfare prices available. There isn’t actually a “payment” that is exchanged here; you are providing a service, but in return you are only getting the lowest airfare that the company can afford. Also, scheduling can be a bit of a pain in the butt – you may have a quick stopover in one place you wanted to visit, and days in another that really doesn’t interest you. Plus, can you imagine flying to Paris with only your overnighter bag? Those with light luggage and really flexible schedules may love this option, though.
Lowest Airfare Technique #2: Bid
Online services like Priceline can be risky. However, if you are willing the tradeoff of ‘maybe’ getting a ticket with some amazing deals, it’s a great route to go. The idea behind these types of companies is that you post a bid on their web site for the lowest price you are willing to pay for airfare. Then, you wait. Once you’ve bid, its set in stone; if someone accepts the bid, you are required to follow through. If no one does, then you’re off the hook (although also without your lowest airfare!). I would recommend this option only to people who have highly flexible itineraries.
Lowest Airfare Technique #3: Special Offer Pages
Every airline has a ’special offers’ page on their web site. Do you check them out regularly for the lowest airfare deals or at all before booking a flight? If you bookmark all of the airlines catering to your geographic area, and any areas that you plan on traveling to, many of these ’special fares’ will be better (in most cases, much better) than any search engine lowest airfare peek-a-boo that you do. There are several finer points to watch with these lowest advertised airfares, though; look for hidden charges, read the fine print, make note of any restrictions, and take action quickly (because most of these special offers are a limited time only).
About the Author
The author has traveled the world in search of adventure. For more
travel tips or to find the lowest airfare visit us at
http://www.fly-the-skies.com
If you are looking for a toned body for you trip check out our
weight loss resources site
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B&B Moschino in Foligno
Surrounded by the characteristic and impressive hill landscape between Foligno and Spello B & B Moschino lie. The house from the 70’s – years one converted in the year 2005 to as guesthouse led in the family business. In the ground floor rooms present b are exclusively intended for the guests of the b &. As a guest of the b & b you can use our comfortable private parking lot directly at the house. The environment of the house promises a stay in conformity with nature in perfect peace and relaxation. For the children a playground is available. The breakfast is rich and versatile. They can enjoy the typical umbrischen „Dolce except the conventional breakfast also “. There is a breakfast room, but on the beautiful days it is possible for the guests to take the breakfast outside in the roomy summerhouse course. There you enjoy a breath-robbing view on Spello and the Valle Umbra. The three guest rooms are roomy, cool and bright. They are simple, but appropriately furnished. All rooms have WC and shower. They are equipped with laundry and heating. There is a daily room service. All rooms have a separate entrance. They are therefore independent and flexible with your enterprises and your return to the house. With the car or with the bus you reach the center from b&b the Folignos in approx. 5 minutes. The b & b are ideal for the holiday-maker, who would like to unite physical and mental well-being and explore also the environment. It lies traffic-favorably; They reach the E 45, which leads you in all directions in few minutes.
Planning a trip to Italy? The top 3 destinations in Italy are Rome, Venice and Florence; for example, in order to make it easy to find an hotel in Rome, you can have a look at our advanced search. Simple as 1-2-3, the same method can be applied to find guided tours in Naples, or to compare price for different hotels in Palermo, from bed and breakfast to Hotels.
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Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica
at 5:10 pm on Monday, 27 October 2008
One of the ports of call for our Royal Caribbean cruiseship was Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Probably the most famous site in the region is Dunn’s River Falls and we chose to tour it on our own rather than through one of the cruiseship tours. Once we disembarked from the cruiseship, there were cabs and shuttlebuses available at the pier. Cabs to Dunn’s River Falls were $22 US for a return trip. Cabs allowed 1-3 people per vehicle. We were also told at the pier that small shuttlebuses also go to the Falls at $5.50 US per person. These were also based on return trips. The only problem with shuttlebuses was that we had to wait until they filled up the shuttle before leaving for the Falls so since we were the first on the bus, we had to wait about 15 minutes for it to fill up. The driver then asks you when you want to be picked up at the Falls for the return trip. Our driver suggested 2 hours to see the Falls so we agreed on this time duration.
Once at the Falls, a woman then came onboard the shuttle to sell tickets for admission to the site at $10 US per adult person which was the same rate at the park’s ticket booth. Once inside the Dunn’s facility, there were rentals for special rubber shoes as well as lockers. We carried a small backpack so we didn’t require paying for a locker. We also brought along our scuba diving booties so we didn’t have to rent those rubber shoes on site either. The cruiseship shop was also selling these rubber shoes in advance. Shoes of some type are highly recommended as the rocks on the Falls can be slippery and some of the bottoms of the water pools are a bit rocky. If you have old sneakers you don’t mind getting wet, they will be suitable for the climb up the falls as well. Our scuba diving booties turned out to be sufficient. The entrance to the site is at the top of the falls so we took some stairs that were adjacent to the falls to the bottom where the beach and entrance to the climb were.
There are official guides dressed in blue polo shirts and shorts who will take groups up the falls. Normally, they will ask to carry all cameras for you so they can take photos of you as you climb. Of course, they expect to be well tipped for their services. Also, groups were told to hold hands forming a human chain up the falls. This was suppose to make things safer but as we witnessed, this method of going up the falls is not a guarantee against falling. We saw a woman let go and she fell down the rocks during one of the steeper sections. She wasn’t badly hurt but we imagined that she sustained some nice bruises. There are various points along the falls where you could get off the falls and back on the stairs to walk up the rest of the way. Not everyone there attempted to climb the falls as many were happy to just walk dry along the side on the stairs. We chose not to go with any of the groups which tend to go up the left side of the falls. We made our way up on our own mostly on the right side. With some breaks for photos, we made it all the way up the falls in about 30 minutes. Going with a group would have taken longer for sure. The water is a bit cool and if you have a wetsuit, it is highly suggested that you wear it for the climb. Cameras used there up the falls are also recommended to be water resistant since they likely will get wet. We left our digital camera on the ship and took one of those $25 underwater cameras.
After climbing the falls, we headed back down to the relatively small but uncrowded beach where the ocean water was warmer until it was time to depart. The exit back at the top of the falls was strategically located at the end of a market so we did have to go through some locals who tried to sell us their souveniers. These locals who worked inside the Dunn’s site were hustling but not as aggressively as those in the town of Ocho Rios. The shuttlebus arrived at the site parking lot on time as agreed. The total amount we spent including the park admission and the shuttle was $31 US for the two of us. Taking an organized tour through the cruiseship would have cost more than double this amount. So it is quite possible to tour Dunn’s River Falls on your own rather than take the more expensive tours. We were glad that we did see Dunn’s River Falls but we thought that it was not nearly as impressive as depicted on photos in travel brochures.
The official website for Dunn’s River Falls is http://www.dunnsriverja.com
About the Author
Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca), an online gallery specializing in Eskimo Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native art as well as free eCards.
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Graduation Stationery Cards
Graduation Stationery Cards
Along with invitations and announcements, graduation stationery cards are part of the etiquette of inviting and thanking friends, family and other people for this special event. A graduation nowadays is less formal than a wedding or some other big occasions, and a degree of informality is appropriate. Of course, it depends on the level of schooling. Although the graduate is involved with many good friends, classmates and activities, attention must be given to demonstrating with ease the good manners that are part of the traditional ceremony.
Different Forms of Stationary Cards
Some cultures and societies have different ways of doing things, there are different relationships and kinds of people involved, and there is a variety of printed materials to choose from to assist in communicating correctly. At the same time, these tools are flexible in enabling the graduate and family to convey personal feelings and respect with the chosen degree of formality. There are three simple forms of graduation stationery cards:
Graduation Name Card
The graduation name card is different from the cluttered business card that must contain a lot of location, title, company and contact information. It may only contain a name and a little more information. It is a matter of choice, and it is flexible enough to enclose with other communications such as printed invitations. Adding the card lends a personal touch, and even allows for a brief, handwritten personal phrase or two. You can also use it as a calling card or as a card to accompany a gift.
Saying “Thank You”
The graduation thank you card is most useful in saying thanks for the gift, for coming to the ceremony, or even just for sending a note of congratulation. It adds a degree of formality and makes it easier to express thanks to a lot of people instead of trying to write letters. It is an obvious necessity for gifts, and maintains a personal contact with those you did not have much time for at the graduation. If you print some extras, you can use them later for similar purposes.
The printable graduation card is just a pre-designed computer graphic, folded after printing in large numbers, and appropriate for many occasions for young people. It is low-cost, colorful and there are lots of choices as you tailor it for your name and situation. There are many kinds of graduation stationery cards, very much a matter of personal choice and flexibility within the rules of etiquette, but they will save you a lot of time and give a good impression in communicating personally with so many different people.
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What All Trainees Must Know in Regards to Internet Sports Results Laying
Tips, tricks and strategies for all the top custom sports wager games here.
Join both of everybody’s dominant quests and you’ve got is something named a sportsbook betting Web property. And seriously: what could believably be more creative. If you see a set of guys cheering in support of any favorite local lineup, and ceaselessly antes are assured to be pinned down along with the racket. So as to get a share of the excitement, spectators will habitually essay to estimate who is the likeliest to prevail in the upcoming game. Put together, all of this eventually evolves into a little affable game named sportsbook betting Web property.
If you want to place any bet, you will want to check out a sportsbook betting Web property, that’s to say a place which accepts sportsbook betting Web property. In the US, you have no less than four states where to go for sportsbook wagering in a legal manner, but inofficially you may go for it everywhere assuming that you are able to find a bookie AND you’re of age. Covered sports you have a choice of betting on are professional plus, naturally, college level football + basketball, professional hockey, professional hockey, plus, naturally, wagers on both horse and dog racing. You’ll have a choice of risking some money on the comprehensive combined score of a contest or game, on what round an opponent will be knocked out, and even if a tossed coin in a contest or game will land heads or tails.
We can select multifarious classes of bets– straight bets, parlays, i.e. combined antes on some sports activities, and so on, the straight bets being the most common in sportsbook wagering.
So, why don’t you just experiment with it and entertain yourself at the same time. Just make certain that you won’t get seized and waste your complete income on a quirk! After all, chances are you’ll end up lamenting it till the end of your days!
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Did I Pack My Toothbrush? Getting Organized for Travel
at 6:06 am on Saturday, 25 October 2008
For many of us summertime = vacation time. Some people will spend their days off at the local pool. Some may choose to sightsee in their own town. Many will leave behind the comforts of home for the open road. Regardless of the destination or mode of transportation, it is important to be organized for travel.
A few benefits of being organized for travel:
1. Being organized will save you time.
Having a copy of your packing list on the computer will cut down on the time used for re-creating it every time you travel.
2. Being organized will save you money.
Doing pre-travel shopping at home will save you big bucks (especially on film and batteries…) that might be otherwise be spent at a tourist trap.
3. Being organized will save you stress.
No need to stress while scrounging for your tickets and ID at the airport if all of your paperwork is organized in one place.
Follow these organizing tips to keep your vacation a stress-free, time and money saving event:
Plan ahead. Create a general itinerary before you travel. Grab pen and paper and jot down your travel times, hotel check-in/check-out times, and a list of activities/places you’d like to visit. This will help you make sure you have allowed enough time to get to your destination, and whether or not you’ve scheduled too many activities for one day.
* Stop by your local ‘AAA’ office for a Triptik and other travel-related services to help map out your route if driving.
Create a checklist to help you pack. Keep it on the computer so you don’t have to write it over every time you leave home. Use it as a template and update it before each trip to include anything new such as medications, toiletries, accessories, etc.
Keep all information related to your trip in one place. Create a folder for papers such as reservations, confirmations, and tickets. When you look for the information you need before or during your trip, you’ll have it all at your fingertips.
Keep a toiletry bag packed with small sized travel sized-containers all year round. By doing so, you’re always ready for a long trip or an overnight stay. Take a quick inventory of its contents before you leave homeyou might have run out of toothpaste on your last trip.
*If your favorite products don’t come in sample sizes, purchase small, travel sized containers and fill them with your favorite shampoo and creams. Label them clearly so you don’t accidentally condition your hair with a facial moisturizer…
Place items you’ll need immediately at the top of your suitcase. Items such as comfortable shoes, pajamas, and toiletries are more easily accessible if they’re closer to top. When you’re tired from a long journey, the last thing you want to be doing is rummaging through your suitcase.
Use suitcase organizers to separate outfits or types of clothing. Products such as Pack-It Cubes or Ziploc bags do the job well. Hefty makes One-Zip 2.5 gallon bags (found in many supermarkets) that are large enough to organize clothes and later can be used to keep laundry or wet bathing suits away from the rest of your belongings.
*Wearing your bulkiest pair of shoes while traveling will give you more space in your suitcase.
Organize your wardrobe around one basic color such as black, navy, or brown to prevent overpacking. You’ll be able to mix and match easily and you won’t need to bring a ton of different shoes. Also, when packing–think about your vacation activities. Will they include hiking? Days at the beach? Having dinner with relatives? Think ahead and pack items you may need for those activities such as band-aids for hiking, aloe vera for sunburns, and the scarf Aunt Shirley gave you for your birthday if you’ll be seeing her.
Travel safely and have an organized trip!
Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and owner of Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms ‘mess’ into ‘masterpiece’ with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For more articles and to get your FREE e-list of ‘Top Ten Tips for Organized Living’ visit http://www.organizedartistry.com.
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Cape Lookout National Seashore – North Carolina
at 12:54 am on Friday, 24 October 2008
Stretching from Ocracoke Inlet to Beaufort Inlet on the North Carolina coast, Cape Lookout National Seashore is the southern-most section of the famed Outer Banks. The Cape, which gives the seashore its name, has been identified on charts dating back to the earliest explorations of the New World. Spanish, English, Dutch, and French explorers, traders, settlers and pirates all knew and feared the Cape and its shoals. The history of the Cape Lookout region reflects its ties to the sea and its importance in the early sea-borne economy of the nation.
Today Cape Lookout is better known for its outstanding recreational opportunities. Surf fishing, sea kayaking and backcountry camping draw visitors from across the country. For the less adventurous, beachcombing and shelling are favorite pastimes.
The 56 miles of undeveloped beach also provide nesting sites for a wide variety of shorebirds including the endangered piping plovers. Loggerhead sea turtles find the dark deserted beaches ideal for nesting as well.
Cape Lookout Trivia
1. Cape Lookout National Seashore was authorized in 1966 but was not fully established until 1976 when the state of North Carolina officially transferred the property to the National Park Service.
2. The seashore contains 56 miles of undeveloped beaches on four barrier islands. The number of islands within the seashore varies with how many inlets are open or closed following storms.
3. The islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore are located between two and three miles off the mainland shore.
4. The only part of the park reachable by road is the Visitor Center on Harkers Island. A boat trip – either on your personal boat or one of the commercially operated ferries – is necessary to reach any other part of the seashore.
5. Cape Lookout National Seashore is one of the few places on the East Coast where you can experience the magnificence of a dark night sky. The stars appear to shine brighter and seem a little closer when the only artificial light source of any consequence is the periodic sweep of the lighthouse beam.
6. There are no hard surface roads on the islands. Any vehicle ferried to the barrier islands must be able to handle the deep sand of the open beach. “Beach driving” at Cape Lookout National Seashore is to be taken literally.
Cape Lookout Attractions
1. Beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day, a variety of ranger-led programs are offered daily. These programs include talks on lighthouse history, surf fishing demonstrations, horse-watching hikes and guided walks through historic Portsmouth village.
2. On Shackleford Banks graze a herd of Banker Horses. These small horses freely roam the nine-mile island as their ancestors have done for centuries. The stuff of legends, their very existence sparks the imagination with stories of storms and shipwrecks.
3. Just south of Ocracoke Inlet is the Portsmouth Village Historic District. Walking the sandy lanes through Portsmouth transports you back in time to an Outer Banks village of the 1930’s. Here it is easy to understand what it was like to live by the rhythms of the tides, weather and seasons.
About the Author
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals – makers of outdoor writing journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more.
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