Archive for October, 2008
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Factory Butte, Utah - Protecting The Winkler and Wright fishhook cacti
Published by admin, under Road Trip. No Comments.
There currently is lots of controversy about access to Factory Butte. Located near Capitol Reef National Park, it has been a magnet for years for off highway vehicles. It is many times described as a barren moonscape, or a towering monolith. For years people have had almost unlimited access, until now!
Bob Therrien is a travel writer and has traveled all over North America. He currently operates the website at http://www.adventurezonetours.com
Author: Bob Therrien
http://www.factorybutteutah.com
Factory Butte Recreational Area, Utah is near Capital Reef National Park in Wayne County, Utah and seen off of highway 24. Currently there is much discussion on how to protect its unique badlands. Much of the discussion is on how to control erosion from ORV’s (off road vehicles). The concern is damage to the crust of the Mancos shale. The BLM announced fall of 2006 that it was limiting some motorized travel to designated routes while keeping a popular off-highway recreational area open to cross-country travel.
The area offers opportunity for hiking, canyoneering, camping, cycling in addition to the ATV’s and 4WD vehicles. The lands are administered by the BLM. The BLM has noted the rare species of fishhook cactus growing in the San Rafael Swell in the north to east of the Waterpocket Fold in the south. Unique formations include Mancos Shale, Morrison, Dakota, Carmel, Entrada, Moenkopi and Curtis.
The Richfield, Utah Bureau of Land Management announced in Sept, 2006 that some limiting of the area was now in place to protect two endangered species of cacti from recreational impacts. The BLM also announced that there were still lots of fun area, from challenging terrain to easy-riding scenic loops to the 2,600-acre “open play area” at Swing Arm City.
OHV riders will be able to access points throughout the 148,500-acre Factory Butte area on the extensive network of designated routes that run from the Emery County line in the north to the Garfield County line to the south, and from Capitol Reef National Park on the west to Skyline Rim on the east. Other motorized opportunities exist at Factory Butte for everything from passenger car touring to single-track motorcycling.
Many locals and people from surrounding states who are avid off-roaders who worship Factory Butte’s wide-open terrain are angry about the new rules. It’s easy to see why. These wide open badlands are well suited for dirt bikes, and ATV’s. The out of this world landscape is one draw. It’s one of the largest, most spectacular badlands on the Colorado plateau. There are miles and miles of rolling hills that the wind shaped the Mancos shale soil into a rider’s paradise.
Utah is one of the last Western states still largely wide-open for travel on public lands. The BLM controls nearly half of Utah, and offers more than 70,000 miles of dirt roads, tracks and trails.
Research, read and share trip reports and pics here.
Activities to Enjoy: |
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| Hiking | Golf | ATVs | Boating |
| Camping | Ice Skating | Biking | Rafting |
| Hunting | Wildlife | Fall Colors | Scenic Drives |
| Museums | Lakes/Rivers | Snowmobiling | Dog Sledding |
| Horseback Riding | Fresh Water Fishing | ||
| Climbing/Canyoneering | Festivals/State Fairs | ||
| Alpine & Nordic Skiing/Snowboarding | |||
National Parks, State Parks, National Monuments, and Wilderness Areas, All in One Website!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT OUR NATIONAL PARKS -
On AdventureZoneTOURS.com
Cedar City, UT (February 27, 2007) The good news is that the United States of America has protected some of the most unique and incredible places to see on earth, and to encourage visitors, AdventureZoneTOURS.com brings all the parks, monuments, and wilderness areas into one online message board where people can share information about these fantastic outdoors resources.
The bad news is that the National Parks face a budget crisis. Struggling to protect the historic, cultural and natural resources, the parks are short of funds for operating facilities, repairs to roads, bridges, trails and buildings. In 2006, a $814 million shortfall was reported. With the National Park Service covering almost 400 protected areas, NPS has fewer employees to service the growing number of visitors per year. Over 273,000,000 people visited the National Parks in 2005, with reports of declining visitors. AdventureZoneTOURS.com fills in the gap where information on locations and services are currently lacking. Instead of contacting a variety of parks or wilderness areas to compile your trip, now planning and previewing a vacation or adventure is just a click away on AdventureZoneTOURS.COM.
In a recent trend, volunteering has become very popular with more people willing to offer their time or vacation in assisting the parks and outdoor organizations with clean up, rebuilding trails and other important tasks. AdventureZoneTOURS.com not only features a message board for each region of every state but under the category Special Interests members are invited to post messages for volunteer opportunities or find links to the volunteer opportunity just right for them.
Bob Therrien, President of TrainingPASS Sales, Inc., creator of AdventureZoneTOURS.com, outdoor writer, and constant traveler commented, “Over the years, the hardest part for me has been the research about which parks, hikes, climbs, guides I want to visit with my family and friends. Exploring site after site, then mapping the distance from each area of interest is inefficient and many times lacking in information. To solve that inefficiency we (AdventureZoneTOURS.com) have collected all the basic information about our parks, wilderness areas and national monuments into one website. We’re still working on the mapping solution right now, so that a visitor can visually see just a region of a state and distances between multiple areas of interest. AdventureZoneTOURS.com is an outdoors recreation message board that now needs real trip reports from people who love these parks and are willing to share information on their special places.”
The Outdoor Adventure Message Board opens up to reveal historic park photos and a listing of U.S. States separated into travel regions. Click on search to find your park or any state region and there are sub forums for all the parks, monuments and wilderness areas in that region. You’ll find links to park maps, webcams and several interesting choices to pick from within a state region. Choose just the park to visit or check special interest message boards for posts on volunteer opportunities and travel for women only, men, training retreats, or shuttle posts.
For the activity-specific minded, AdventureZoneTOURS.com encourages users to share trip reports for a variety of outdoor activities from hiking, climbing, canyoneering, geo exploring, photography, ghost towns, mines, and cave to water sports such as boating, fishing, jet and water skiing, tubing, rafting, and scuba. Winter travel sports locations for snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding are featured. Hunting locations, ATV and horseback trails as well as the most scenic areas for outdoor photography are also available as individual topic posts. To research or share your favorite adventure travel location, and for more information, log on to www.AdventureZoneTOURS.com.
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Key Largo is not only full of wildlife and underwater creatures, but there are tons of different shopping places to find some great souvenirs to take home and show your friends and family. Key Largo also holds some of the best hotels and restaurants for families or for romance. If you are more into the wild side of life and having fun, there are also many clubs and bars that you can go to so you cut loose and have fun with your friends. Therefore, if any of these awesome adventures is you are looking for to do, then make sure to visit Key Largo for the time of your life. Pago Galas Food can be outrageously expensive at Walt Disney World and sometimes, of poor quality. There are also great things with Disney World, like a great way to get rejuvenated and re-energized for the next busy day is to take advantage of one of the luxurious spas that are located at the deluxe resorts from Walt Disney World. Those are actually the only products of his prodigious and rich creativity. Get married in the Disney World but for real. A custom wedding with a more flexible package and with more than 10 guests, ceremony and personalized reception will cost you from $7,500. Not cheap but why not start your marriage in the world of fantasy. You can also start your day early at the Magic Kingdom as each morning one of Disneys theme parks opens an hour early only for guests staying at a Disney resort. If you are a registered guest of a Disney resort, you can drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 an hour per child where they are given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games.
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29
Anniversarah
Published by admin, under Boring Life Stuff. 4 Comments.
As of today, it’s exactly one year to the day since the Special Lady Friend and I arrived in Maine, fresh off our 4,300 mile odyssey, moving back from Seattle. (Although, if you want to be pedantic about it, this is a leap year, so technically yesterday was exactly 365 days. Luckily, I am not pedantic.)
It’s been an eventful year. Since setting up shop back on the East Siiiide, I’ve
- Gotten married
- Changed careers
- Reached the statistical halfway point of my expected lifespan
- Cheered for not one, but two championships by professional franchises from my general geographic area, which of course covers me in vicarious, unearned glory
- Been bitterly disappointed by a third. (Yes, I realize I’m ridiculously spoiled. It’s not as if anyone from, say, Seattle would have any pity for me at all)
- Posted treasonous, objectively pro-Elitislamohomoliberofascist insults of Dear Leader on no fewer than 19 occasions (ok, so maybe that’s not a big change)
After being away from my home state for the better part of a decade, I can say it’s changed quite a bit. I used to curse the place for being too conservative and claustrophobic, but an interesting thing happened while I was gone: Mainers have loosened up quite a bit. There’s state-run health insurance for the poor, every 8th grader gets a laptop, the Green Party has official standing, marijuana laws are fairly lax, and George W. Bush is staggeringly unpopular, even in Kennebunkport.
In fact, given its large size, low population density, large swathes of pristine wilderness, and odd mix of rednecks and hippies, Maine less resembles its urbanized, overpopulated Northeast neighbors than a large, Western state.
Except, of course, that here, the sun rises out of the ocean, instead of setting in it. As it should be.
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Many of these couples return year after year to celebrate anniversaries and keep romance alive. Try some of our romantic ideas. Even if you are at Disney with your kids - take some time out just for you and your loved one. Disney World is the most magical place to be with that special someone. ** Have a Grand Romantic Evening at The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club Take a luxurious spa treatment - together in the candle lit couples room. Call 407-842-2332 for more details. ** Watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electric Water Pageant over Bay Lake from a hammock on the Polynesian”s beach ** Rent a surrey in the evening At Disney”s boardwalk and enjoy the ambiance ** Take a horseback ride on one of the beautiful trails at Fort Wilderness. Led tours last 45 minutes through the sublime pine scented woods. Perfect for nature lovers. The more energetic might like to cycle along the trails. Bike rental is available from the Fort Wilderness Bike Shack ** Stroll round the world showcase at EPCOT after the illuminations. You have time to walk right round the world at a slow pace before the park closes for the day ** Snuggle close together on the Tower of Terror at night. The views across the park are awesome. ** Ride the transit authority monorail at Magic Kingdom after dark - magical! ** Take a walk anywhere in Disney World after dark but a particularly nice walk is from the Polynesian Resort to the Grand Floridian. ** Share an ice cream sundae at Ghiardelli”s Ice Cream Soda Fountain at downtown Disney.
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Eternal City - Rome
Published by admin, under Europe. No Comments.
I’m just on my way back from ROME..and here are some pics that I added in facebook..
Please sign in to your facebook to see the whole pics…
Love,
Ste
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Philippines Underwater Pictures available on Flickr
Published by admin, under Philippines. No Comments.
I’m still reviewing over and over the pictures I took during my dive trip to the Philippines, over 75 of them are now online on Flickr where you can see the slideshow. I suspect I’m at about 60% of the reviewing work and I should probably manage to get 120 worthy shots online by the end of the month. I’m so far extremely pleased (and pleasantly surprised) by all the feedback I received from friends and colleagues about it and this is heart-warming and encouraging.
I got a few questions whether I thought about selling pictures and such, and no this is not something that exactly crossed my mind, but …now with so many questions.. i’m thinking: ‘why not’. Mainly as experiment, as it is in those days much easier than before.. and I’m pretty intrigued by it. If people want to buy a print well I would be extremely happy about it and this is further encouragement. I would first need to be my first customer however and would need to spend some money doing some prints to evaluate the quality that I can expect out of it.
That said, don’t hesitate to comment on pictures, it will give me an idea of the one that you like best !
There will be more amazing underwater critters published this month, so if you want to see them, the best way is probably to subscribe to the photostream rss feed.
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Clube Albufeira Reservations - Avoiding Disappointment
Published by admin, under Club Albufeira Holiday Rentals. No Comments.
As so many holiday-makers for Club Albufeira in the Algarve region of Portugal are now booking for the high season months July and August you will be well advised to join them now.
Do not delay or you will only be disappointed.
Most owners of holiday rental apartments require just a 20% deposit to secure the reservation and then the balance is due 6-8 weeks before the start of the holiday.
The booking deposit is usually fully refundable in the event that the holiday has to be cancelled for whatever reason provided that 8 weeks notice is given. So with your deposit paid you can sit back and be confident that you holiday plans are secure.
So don`t put off booking until later -do it now -to avoid disappointment!
Holiday Related Post
16
Trip Update - Out of Taichung
Published by admin, under Family. No Comments.
We’re back in Taoyuan. Took the Bullet Train north. Wicked cool ride.
We had an awesome time with Mark Forman and his family. We owe him a lot.
Made up two quick videos in our spacious hotel suite.
Video 1 (6 MB)- My entry in the coolest 7th Son T-Shirt location ever
Video 2 (29 MB)- Our upgraded suite at the China Trust
More on Taichung, Forman, and stuff later this week as I have face time with the Mac to create. Until then, I’m counting the days until The Beast and I are reunited.
I forgot to mention in the video. This hotel room comes with it’s own fish!
[Editors Note - iTunes is pulling video 1, so I’m putting it in the feed so I can track it. I wanted to make it optional. ]
15
Visiting Prakash in SF
Published by admin, under Food. No Comments.
Like much of the exciting times in my life, this plan came together rather quickly. Thanks to Google Calendar, I was able to find a weekend P$ wasn’t busy (harder than it sounds), and after a few IM’s and despite many emails (due to my detailed planning), I was set to visit on the weekend of August 16th.
I did the research, made the reservations, and arranged dates. We were all set. The flight out of SBA to SFO was uneventful. I still cannot sleep on planes and the flight was early enough that it made me wish we had. Prakash picked me up in his beautiful IS350 and we were off to Berkeley. We actually had time to kill since the reservation was for 1:15 PM. We went to Haight and Sutter. We grabbed a quick bite to eat at La Boulange and shopped at True Sake and HUF.
Then, we headed off to Berkeley where Dave and Jessica met us at Chez Panisse for a late lunch. I was hoping they still had their duck confit but I settled for grilled squid instead. After, we crossed the busy street to visit a cheese shop and pizzeria. Prakash and I got some bread pudding. Then we drove about 5 miles away to Ici where we had some of their innovative ice cream flavors which ranged from Basil to a 50/50 orange sherbert.
As we said our goodbyes, I handed Jess three bottles of sake to give to her parents to take back to SB for me. I still need to pick them up! Anyway, we head back to Sunnyvale and hang out at Prakash’s apartment which was super clean and nicely decorated, I might add! We hung out for a bit, watched some movie clips then his (former) PM met us and we went off to Los Gatos to Manresa. The meal was a marathon and we were literally the last ones to leave the restaurant. When we got back, everyone just went to bed, exhausted.
The next day we got up early and got some boba (not too good), and drove to Napa to meet Noelle at Ubuntu. I had arranged to have Chef Fox cook us a tasting menu and boy did he deliver. We were seated outside on a picture perfect Napa afternoon. Then we went to Bouchon to get some pastries, wine tasting at a castle, and Dean and Deluca so Noelle could get some European butter. Yummy.
Back to Berkeley to change, then Ame at the St. Regis for dinner. Tropic Thunder (hilarious) then sleep for the flight the next morning. We woke up at 7AM for the flight and when we were almost at the airport, United texted me saying it was delayed. It was too late to turn around and I ended up leaving over an hour later than planned. What the heck? Shane picked me up at SBA and after grabbing a quick lunch I went to work.
P.S. Recently, when I told people about where I went in SF, they all exclaim “all those places?!” Sitting in the car and talking to a friend I’ve known for years made time fly. I do realize that it was an enormous undertaking (having me visit) and I am eternally grateful.
P.P.S. Complete reviews of Chez Panisse, Manresa, Ubuntu, and Ame coming.
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FREE Christmas Quilt Pattern by Mary Englebreit
Published by admin, under Quilting. No Comments.
Click Here for Free Pattern
It’s Christmas in July and nobody does it better than Mary Englebreit for Moda Fabrics. With her whimsical prints and spirited coordinates, you’ll be in the holiday mood in no time as you stitch up your favorite quilt pattern or follow the free pattern directions for “Isn’t Christmas Jolly” courtesy of Moda Fabrics.
“Isn’t Christmas Jolly” features colorful motifs of the season–peppermints, polka dots, paisleys and pretty packages are just a few of the fun designs you can stitch up in holiday style.
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