Friday 18 July 2014

Wildlife Safari Tour in Dartmoor Zoological Park

There are over 200 animals at Dartmoor Zoological Park: from tiny stick insects to Ben our Brown Bear or Solomon our Lion all set in over 30 acres of beautiful parkland. Discover something different, learn something amazing and help us make tomorrow's world rich in animal life.

Dartmoor Zoological Park is a unique family owned zoo with a fantastic collection of animals. These include tigers, lions, jaguar, lynx and cheetah (the largest collection of big cats in the region), bears, wolves, tapir, capybara, racoons, meerkats, monkeys, a fantastic collection of bugs and reptiles and much more.
We work very hard to ensure that the development of the zoo does not have an adverse effect on the beautiful woodland environment which makes it quite unique among zoos.
                   

Popular exhibits include the Elephant Overlook and Lion Camp. The African Outpost is worth the walk-visit the lions along the way and observe a few of the local African flora before winding up at the Cheetah exhibit.You will be astonished by the breathtaking view in the Great Rift Lift Deck! When offers amazing views of huge sections of the park and surrounding terrain.The Cheetah Run is definitely one of the coolest exhibits in the park.

The park’s management took lengths to prevent any effect on the encompassing areas during its expansion, and also the views of their surroundings aren’t to become missed. Picnics are welcome, there are regular daily events including feeding talks, animal encounters and quiz trails to create your day special for smaller visitors, The Wildlife Safari Tour Dartmoor Zoological Park is open throughout the year, aside from Xmas day.

There’s ample free parking next to the main entrance. Disabled parking facilities can be found outside the Jaguar Restaurant at the surface of the drive. Should you wish to utilize disabled parking, please first pay at the main gate before proceeding to the surface of the drive.

You’ll find us easily from the A38. Take the Plympton switch off at Deep Lane Junction. Follow the brown “Wildlife Park” tourist information signs through Langage to the village of Sparkwell. Go through the village and you’ll find us approximately 300 yards outside the village.

Thursday 3 July 2014

Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park Hiking GuideHere you will find information on hiking trails for day hikes and backcountry exploration, biking paths, and wilderness areas of interest for hiking.Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park can be a fun and rewarding experience as in other national parks. It is a great way to both see and experience the park.

Grand Canyon National Park Service personnel and an NPS helicopter responded to the scene near Three-Mile Rest House, the statement said. The man's identity is being held until his family is notified.      
   
Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the Hiking in Grand Canyon. In the late 1800’s early Americans began exploring the area and by the early 1900’s the Hiking in Grand Canyon became a tourist destination. The canyon received federal protection in 1893 and was recognized as a U.S. Nation Park in 1919. Today the park receives over 5 million visitors annually.

If you are looking for the perfect hike in the Grand Canyon National Park, this is it. The 2 (or 3) day hike will take you down into the canyon to where few visitors have the privilege of going. Although the Bright Angel trail is not as steep and has more shade cover and water, the views from the South Kaibab trail are unbeatable. It is best to start from the South Kaibab, hike down to the Bright Angel campground, and back up the Bright Angel trail. This way you get a change of scenery and can hike up where there is more available water.

The Hiking in Grand Canyon along a flat path, this is the hike for you. It offers a great introduction to the Grand Canyon, and there are several shuttle stops along the way, allowing you to pick and chose the areas you want to explore. From many of the overlooks, you will have unrestricted views to the other side of the canyon, and sometimes as far as 40 miles along the canyon.

The Hermit Trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, 5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Springs, 7 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking. For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.

Bright Angel Point Trail Set out on foot along a self-guided nature trail to reach Bright Angel Point, just a short walk from Hiking in Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim. This easy, self-guided nature trail leads you to a spectacular view of the canyon. Here you can see and hear the Roaring Springs more than 3,000 feet below the Rim. (One-half mile, 30 minutes).

Tuesday 1 July 2014

Grand Canyon National Park Adventure Tours

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the world's top natural attractions. Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World on this exciting rail adventure. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's Southwest Chief bound for Williams Junction, Arizona, the gateway to the Canyon.

Traveling on to Grand Canyon National Park Adventure Tours , we’ll stop at several of the most prominent and breathtaking vistas to experience the vastness and grandeur of the canyon. There will be an opportunity for a brisk hike or ride along the rim to the famous Grand Canyon Village for some shopping and fascinating sightseeing.

West Rim Tours

Explore the Grand Canyon National Park West Rim with the Hualapai Indians! Sit back, relax and let us take you to the Grand Canyon in a comfortable motorcoach. On this Grand Canyon National Park Tour we visit the West Rim which is situated less than three hours from Las Vegas on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. En route to the West Rim you will make a photo stop at the Hoover Dam as well as pass through an ancient Joshua Tree forest. At the Grand Canyon National Park you will visit two different viewpoints where you can marvel at the size of this natural wonder.

South Rim Tours

Most visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park go to the South Rim. With its astounding views, breathtaking precipices, and miles of trails, it is a paradise to travelers, photographers, and adventurers from around the globe! You may take a bus tour to the South Rim, or ride in style in a propeller.

Bus Tour

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour. The South Rim lies in Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most popular national parks in America. This tour allows you to visit this amazing park in a comfortable motorcoach. After leaving Las Vegas you will make a photo stop at the famous Hoover Dam, where you can see the blue waters of Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the United States.

Helicopter Tour

Express Helicopter Excursion to the Skywalk Depart the famed Las Vegas Strip on your direct helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. On your flight, you will experience a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip. Upon landing, get ready to witness a true engineering marvel, the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Air Tour

On our Grand Canyon West Rim Air and Ground Tour you see the Grand Canyon from multiple perspectives. Fly like an executive to the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, aboard our elite pressurized airplane. Upon landing, get ready to witness a true engineering marvel, the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The Skywalk suspends more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River over the edge of the canyon wall and features a glass-bottom walking surface.

Saturday 28 June 2014

Camping in Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park Camping Guide.Here you will find camping and campground information including dates the campgrounds are open and the facilities offered to campers staying in the park.

Camping in Grand Canyon is an adventure into the Northern Arizona wild. As the closest KOA to the Grand Canyon, our campground is a great base camp for all of your Arizona adventures. Open year round, the Grand Canyon/Williams KOA offers RV, tent, deluxe tent and cabin camping within an easy drive to the South Rim. Guests love our modern facilities, relaxing by the pool, specialty coffees at the fireside coffee bar and finding memorable souvenirs at our 2000 sqft gift store. Join us for breakfast and lunch (Memorial Day Labor Day) at the Cowboy CafĂ© after busy days of hiking and sightseeing.        

Backcountry Camping To camp in the park in a location other than a developed campground on the rim you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center, this includes Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch. All campsites in the Inner Canyon require a backcountry permit. Applying well in advance is recommended although a small number of permits are sometimes available for the same day. There is a fee of $10 per permit plus an additional fee of $5 per night per person.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon Arizona is open all year and is located on the "Arizona" side of the Canyon. The South Rim is closer to Interstate 40 and to the transportation centers of Williams, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona. The South Rim also has a local airport and rail service.Since it is easier to get to, the South Rim is very busy, and during the summer season, campgrounds hustle and bustle and are often filled to capacity. Reservations are strongly recommended.

The North Rim is located on the "Utah" side of the Canyon. The nearest towns to the park's North Rim village are Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. There is no airport or rail service to the park. (that means that the North Rim village may only be reached by road) Because the North Rim has a shorter season, Campground Reservations are strongly Recommended.A 277 mile long (446 km) canyon separates the park into South and North Rims. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep, (1.6 km) and creates a barrier that bisects the park. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, be aware that it is a five-hour drive of 215 miles/ 346 km between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Hike Expeditions in Grand Canyon National Park

Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park can be a fun and rewarding experience as in other national parks. It is a great way to both see and experience the park.

Grand Canyon Field Institute is a program of the official nonprofit park partner, the Hike Grand Canyon Park Association, and serves thousands of Grand Canyon visitors each year. We offer fun and informative educational classes and guided hiking tours for everyone, from seasoned backpackers to families with children on their first visit to Grand Canyon.  
         
Grandview Trail. A 6.4-mile roundtrip with 2,500-foot return elevation gain on this unmaintained trail leads takes you to outstanding views from wooded Horseshoe Mesa. Very strenuous Trailhead at Grandview Point, 12 miles east of village on Desert View Drive.

Hermit Trail. This rocky unmaintained trail leads to views into Hermit Grand Canyon Park and a good day option is the hike to the shade and wild grapevines at Santa Maria Spring. It’s a 4.5-mile roundtrip with 1,760-foot return elevation gain. Strenuous Trailhead 500 feet west of Hermits Rest at the end of Hermit Road/West Rim Drive.

Rim Trail. The one truly level trail on the South Rim, it runs for 12 mostly paved miles with outstanding views along the way. Easy Trail access at viewpoints between Hermits Rest and Pipe Creek Vista off Desert View Drive.

South Kaibab Trail. A less crowded alternative to the Bright Angel Trail, its easiest day hike is the 1.8 –mile roundtrip to views at appropriately named Ooh-Aah Point 600 feet below the rim. It's one of two main routes to the canyon floor, and there is a very strenuous trailhead south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access by shuttle bus only

Bright Angel Trail. A good though long day option on this classic route into the canyon is the 9.2-mile roundtrip (with a 3,000-foot return climb) to the spring at Indian Garden. Very Strenuous Trailhead next to Kolb Studio in Grand Canyon Village.

Blending forest and canyon scenery, this trail starts at the Widforss Trail parking area, one mile on the dirt Point Sublime Road, one-quarter mile south of Cape Royal Road turnoff. (10 miles, six hours)

The only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim gives hikers an appreciation for the beauty and immense size of the canyon. A full day should be allowed for a trip to Roaring Springs and back. This hike is strenuous. (9.4 miles, six to eight hours).

Thursday 15 May 2014

Australian Geelong Adventure Park For Your Amusement

Awesome family fun all day long, Adventure Park Geelong is home to some of the coolest water rides in Australia.Victoria's hottest and biggest theme park, Adventure Park, located just ten minutes from Geelong boasts exciting rides and attractions, perfect for the whole family.

Adventure Park is an amusement and water park in Wallington, Victoria, Australia Geelong Park. The park contains many attractions such as numerous water slides and water playgrounds. The park is the first water park in Victoria.        
                                     
Geelong has many tourist attractions and travel activities with something to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. From adrenaline-pumping adventure to a relaxing day out, you need never be bored in Geelong.

Take your pick from 4WD off-roading, bungy jumping, white water sports, caving, canyoning, diving, snorkelling, gliding, paragliding, horse-riding, skiing, hunting, jet-boating, mountaineering, skydiving and more.

We visited Adventure Park Geelong with our 15 years old daughter and our son aged 12 years. Getting into the park is pretty pricey charging each one of us $30 and no family tickets were available. The water slide really offered us a good race and we really enjoyed racing one another down.

However, the park seemed over crowded and crappy at the same time and depending with the expensive park fees we had paid, we felt like they had simply robbed us! If it were not for its expensive nature, the park can provide a good day out for the family to enjoy.

Adventure Park is doing it for the kids, too! The Tiny Tots Splashzone keeps the young ones cool, safe and entertained, with waterfalls, mini waterslides and spray cannons throughout. While Bonito's Bay Water Play offers a state-of-the-art aquatic playground including waterfalls, water jets and more pirate-filled water fun.

The families can take a ride on the popular Go Karts and Little Buggy Speedway, try a hand at archery, discover the Galactic Games World, challenge family and friends to a game of mini golf, take a leisurely ride on the new Paddle boats and watch the world go by on the classic carousel.

Bring in a picnic, hire a barbecue and relax lakeside under shaded picnic areas, marquees and pavilions, set amongst 21 hectares of landscaped parkland.

California Disneyland Adventure Parks

The most popular California Disneyland Adventure Parks in California.Between Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park, the family fun in Los Angeles never ends. With your choice of a pass to either park, or a pass to both on the same day, a memorable time awaits you, whether you’re 5 or 95. Downtown Disney, located between the two parks, offers dining and shopping.              

Disneyland California Adventure Park is the original Walt Disney theme park and a Los Angeles staple. From Dumbo the Flying Elephant to Indiana Jones, more than 60 attractions for all ages provide endless fun for your family. You’ll embark on a journey through the “happiest place on Earth,” with rides like the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion and the Jungle Cruise. And don't forget to meet those lovable Disney characters - Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and more.      

Disney's California Adventure is a 55-acre theme park located right next door to Disneyland. There are five themed lands to enjoy: Sunshine Plaza, Paradise Pier, Hollywood Backlot Pictures, Golden State and A Bugs Land. Discover a world of bugs in the hilarious It's Tough to be a Bug! 3D movie. Ride the looping California Screamin' roller coaster. Fly over some of the state’s biggest attractions in Soarin' over Disneyland in California, an amazing virtual experience.

Located just outside the front gates to both theme parks, Downtown Disney is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Here you will find more than 30 unique shops, live entertainment and an array of fine restaurants including Rainforest Cafe, ESPN Zone and the House of Blues.

The main attraction in Condor Flats is the ride Soarin’ Over California. Soarin’ is my husband’s favorite ride. In it you take a simulated hang glider ride through different places in California. That description really doesn’t do it justice, it is an awesome ride and it actually feels pretty real. We took Gordie (4.5) on it and it was a little too scary for him even though he met the 40″ height restriction. If you have a younger kid who is on the cautious side you may want to wait until they are a bit older.

Blaze a trail towards Grizzly Peak for an outdoor adventure surrounded by majestic evergreen trees, roaring rapids and rugged mountains. Take a thrilling, spinning plunge on Grizzly River Run or explore wilderness paths, march across rope bridges, climb over rocks and zip down suspended slides.

Visit Paradise Pier and discover an exciting land filled with boardwalk thrills and Disney and Pixar characters. Journey beneath the waves on Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure, zoom above the pier on California Screamin', play the game that's a ride on Toy Story Mania! and learn to fly at Goofy's Sky School. After the sun sets, Paradise Bay springs to life with music, light and magic at the World of Color nighttime water spectacular.

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Camping At Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park encompasses canyons, river tributaries, and surrounding grounds. The Grand Canyon is situated in Arizona's northwestern quadrant. With five million visitors making the trip to the canyon each year, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. In addition, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

The Grand Canyon Park had a long and arduous road to becoming a national park, beginning in the 1880's with several failed congressional bills. After making multiple visits to the area, Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument in 1908. The bill to grant national park status to the area was passed in 1919 and signed by then-President Woodrow Wilson.                
           

Despite having more than million annual visitors, Grand Canyon National Park has only four campgrounds in its developed areas. These campgrounds frequently fill up during high season. By calling 800-365-2267, you can make reservations at the two largest ones Mather and North Rim—both of which are located near showers, laundry facilities, and stores. These campgrounds, and the first-come, first-served Desert View Campground (located on the South Rim near the Desert View Overlook), all offer comfortable tent camping, fire pits, and at least partial shade. There's also an RV-only campground, Trailer Village (303-297-2757), on the South Rim.

The South Rim is the more accessible part of the park, with many opportunities to see the Canyon from the comfort of your car. 90% of visitors only visit the South Rim. Along the Rim there is the Grand Canyon Village which is the center of activity and the transportation hub of the South Rim. It is the only spot where the railroad reaches the Canyon. Grand Canyon Village also has a historic district which was primarily built by Santa Fe railroad workers in the first half of the 20th century. All along the Grand Canyon Village, there are museums, areas to view the Canyon, and a free shuttle service.

Mather Campground is the only place for tent campers to stay in the Grand Canyon village.  This large campground also has space for small RV's, but hook-ups are not available.  The South Rim shuttle system comes right to the campground, and Market Plaza as well as laundry and shower facilities are within walking distance.  This is also a very busy campground so advanced reservations are advised. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times, and may not be left unattended. Wood and charcoal fires are only permitted in provided campsite grills. No gathering of down wood - wood may be purchased at the general store.

The North Rim campground is a tent campsite located in the North Rim village.  This is your only option for a drive-in campground in the North Rim village area.  Sites can be booked via an advanced reservation system, and for those don't make a reservation you will usually find all the sites full. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times, and may not be left unattended. Wood and charcoal fires are only permitted in provided campsite grills. No gathering of down wood - wood may be purchased at the general store. Coin operated laundry and showers are located at the entrance to the campground. Accessible campsites and restrooms are available.


Tuesday 4 February 2014

Discovering Underwater Caves Diving in Mexico

The most beautiful and highly decorated underwater caves in the world can be found on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.  If you look at a map, you'll find no rivers at all on the surface, they all flow underground, through the limestone bedrock.  They are fed by the rain in the interior, which slowly makes it way to the Caribbean Sea in the east.                                        
     

Quality cave diving instruction and guiding in Mexico at the ProTec Dive Centers in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Mexico Cave diving is different from any kind of diving you’ve probably ever done. Admission to these wonder-filled playgrounds comes with a price. To safely cave dive one must be cool and level-headed, exercise mature judgment, be properly equipped and every dive must be well planned and executed.

The by far most beautiful underwater caves and Cenotes on the planet are located here in Mexico either in the Riviera Maya, the area around Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum or within the large, mostly unknown and unexplored area of the the Central Yucatan Peninsula around Merida, Homun and Tizimin.

Much of the cave diving done in Mexico is done in the Yucatan, where nearly 33,000 feet of caves have been explored. Though there are areas where relative novice divers can "get their feet wet," some of the best diving locations are reserved for experienced divers. There are multiple systems in the area, and there are even opportunities for those who would like to combine multiple disciplines - such as repelling and diving.

Cave diving is serious business. You have to carry all the oxygen that you will need with you, as there is no coming up for air. There are a variety of cave types, including long caves and deep caves. It is best to research well before deciding which type of cave you would like to explore.

Cave diving is truly and "off the beaten path" kind of adventure. It is reserved for only the bravest and most well prepared divers. But, for those who are ready to put in the work, the rewards are worth it. They will be among the few who explore the majestic underwater cave systems which dot the coast of Mexico.