titleA View From the Top - How to Summit Quandary Peak/titlepHiking one of Colorados fiftysome fourteeners is certainly no easy task. Rather, its a challenge that takes preparation, skill, and hiking experience. If youre up for the challenge and find yourself looking for adventure while in Breckenridge, look no farther than Quandary Peak, the 14,265 foot peak that promises both challenge and reward. Located just south of Breckenridge, Quandary is the highest peak in the Tenmile Range and the fourteenth highest of Colorado fourteeners./ppbGetting There: /bFor the East Ridge trailhead, travel south on Hwy. 9 about 7.5 miles from the last Breckenridge traffic light. Turn right on Blue Lakes Road, and then take another right on No. 851. Youll find the trailhead in just about a mile, but youll have to park parallel to the road as there is no parking lot for hikers./ppbThe Trail: /bLike many of Colorados fourteeners, there are different routes you can take to summit Quandary depending on your skill level. If youre a beginner, the East Ridge is your best bet, offering broad slopes that arent quite as dramatic as other routes. The West Ridge, conversely, offers a more complex and challenging class three route. For the most intense adventure seekers, Quandarys north face is most difficult and will require hikers to climb or scramble through challenging terrain to reach the top. Once you reach the summit, however, youll be rewarded with panoramic views of Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Bross to the south and Mt. Grays and Mt. Torreys to the northeast. In addition, stellar views of the Blue Lakes at the base of Quandary are afforded from the summit./ppbLogistics:/b Give yourself a full day (about eight hours) to bag this fourteener and be sure to prepare yourself for an intense challenge./ppul libStart early/b in the morning to allow enough time to summit the peak before the threat of afternoon showers approach. The last place youll want to be in a mountain thunderstorm is on an exposed, highly elevated peak. Most importantly, keep an eye on the weather. If dark clouds begin to approach, seek shelter or quickly get down the mountain and save this hike for another day./li libGear up/b with proper clothing and supplies. While you dont want to load yourself down with heavy supplies, its a good idea to carry a lightweight pack that contains a dry layer of clothing and even a rain jacket. Avoid wearing cotton as sweat or water will stick to your body rather than drying quickly. Instead, choose clothing made of quick-drying, wicking materials. Also consider packing an extra pair of wool socks, a basic first-aid kit including band-aids or moleskin in case of blisters, sunscreen, a flashlight, and plenty of water. Quick-energy and sugar foods are also good to have on hand, such as nuts, fruit, and power bars. And, of course, dont forget your camera./li libBe smart /band always listen to your body. Hiking a fourteener is not an event to approach lightly, especially if youre out of shape. Practice first by hiking at smaller elevation gains in order to not only prepare yourself physically, but to get in tune with your body. While hiking a fourteener does require you to pay attention to time, dont be afraid to take frequent breaks and rest if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Additionally, hiking 14,000 feet means youre venturing into higher altitudes with less oxygen. Prepare ahead of time by drinking more water, and never attempt this high of an elevation gain if youre travelling directly from sea level. Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate to the thin mountain air./li/ul/ppThe view from atop Quandary Peak gives a whole new meaning to the wonder of Breckenridge. Viewing the town from more than 14,000 feet will truly make you feel like you are on top of the world. If youre up for the adventure, Quandary will certainly show you the challenge./ppChris Cook lives in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado and loves sharing her expertise on mountain safety and fun with visitors. If youre planning a trip to Summit County, make sure to book your a target=_new href=http://www.summitvacations.net/Breckenridge lodging/a before you leave, and check out all of Chriss advice on the area in her other articles!/pbrbr
titleOne You Can Expect From an Luxury Safari Vacation/titlepMost people never have the opportunity to experience an authentic African safari and for most people who do have the chance it is usually a once in a lifetime experience. When most people think about going on adventure safaris they expect that they will be roughing it in the wild. But, the option of a luxury safari is becoming more and more popular for those who can afford it./ppA luxurious African safari can really only be described as the ultimate vacation. When taking the luxury version of African safari travel you really have the opportunity to get the best of both worlds. You will be able to get out into the wilds of Africa to observe the animals that you will only be able to see live through wildlife safaris, but rather than roughing it, you will be pampered and catered to throughout your journey./ppThere are more and more African safari travel companies nowadays that are providing upscale versions of the more traditional safari experience. These luxury safari packages are designed to cater to the more demanding expectations of well-to-do customers. These travel safari guide operations leverage their considerable knowledge and experience with the local, ready to make sure their guests are well cared for and even pampered./ppAny company that offers their customers the option of experiencing a luxurious African safari will diligently strive to assure that they provide safari holidays that will leave indelible and everlasting memories of the wild and amazing animals, landscape and people of the African continent. These safari tour operators know that their customers have very high expectations and they go out of their way to make sure that they deliver./ppOne of the many options in luxurious safari vacations in the horseback safari adventure. This venturesome vacation allows people to have an even better view of the wilds of the area that is being explored during the excursion./ppRiding on horseback provides better access to areas that are too difficult to access by foot. At the same time, the wildlife are not as likely to be frightened off by the sounds of a vehicles rambling along the dusty, dirt roads. And, being on horseback provides a better vantage point for seeing the breathtaking scenery than what can be seen either sitting in a vehicle or on foot./ppThis elevated vantage point also comes in handy for taking better pictures. With well-trained safari guides at your side at all times, you will not have to worry if you are not a skilled horseman, nor about wandering unwittingly into areas that could be dangerous. The guides are constantly on the lookout for any precarious situations that might develop and they will immediately lead their guests to safety if the need arises./ppAt the conclusion of an intense day of safari exploits on horseback, the safari guide will lead the group to where the camp has been relocated by the camp staff during the course of the day. The luxury safari guests will be met by a delicious gourmet meal, which they can enjoy while listening to the gentle sounds of the African night./ppA whole world of information about a target=_new href=http://africasafari.nicheinfoportal.info/Luxury-Safari.phpluxury safari/a eagerly awaits you from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our a target=_new href=http://www.mynicheportal.com/travel/luxury-safari-is-the-ultimate-vacationafrica travel/a blog./pbrbr
titleTop 10 Vacation Spots You Should Visit/titlepYou can find a lot of locations all over the world that can be viewed as top 10 vacation spots depending on the time of the year and the interests of people going on vacation. Travelers who enjoy skiing will prefer a place with lots of snow to take part of their favorite sports while other people enjoy the sun and water and lying on the beach may. Others again may prefer to head to overseas destinations and to visit exotic countries, taste native foods, are more interested to experience history and culture, or enjoy adventure vacations and prefer lesser known destinations off the beaten track as their top vacation spots./ppb#1 Mexico/b vacation is on the top place on my list of vacation spots. Because traveling into this country is a perfect combination of historical interest, beautiful beaches and fun on the night life. The stunning scenery of Mexico is so diversified with tropical jungle, mountains, desert, and some marvellous villages and resorts for the tourists. Another point of view is that this country has its own special fascinating history and culture. Another point is that Im an enthusiast of tasteful Mexican dishes and art as well./ppb#2 Hawaii/b, is that beautiful islands in the Pacific Ocean that yearly draws millions of visitors. Probably nearly all of holiday makers come to Hawaii due to its warm hospitality, impressive volcanoes, but first of all by its picturesque beaches. So it is absolutely easy to understand why Hawaii islands are listed here. One of the greatest benefits of Hawaii is the attraction of being conveniently located in the United States. This makes vacationing to and within Hawaii more comfortable./ppb#3 Las Vegas/b is well known all over the world as the capital of entertainment. If you would like to go for an mind-blowing city break with entertainment more than enough, the only thing you have to do is looking for the right vacation package to Vegas. Also renowned as the Sin City, Las Vegas is an attractive paradise and its totally legal too. None the less, over the past years, the reputation of Las Vegas has changed from Sin City to a destination that is more oriented to families. Today Las Vegas has to offer slightly something for every visitor./ppb#4 Walt Disney World/b is the perfect choice for a family vacation. Every year countless families with their kids are going to Disney World, making it one of the most popular travel spots in the United States. This is why Disney World is a truly magical place, full of clowns, pirates and princesses, and a couple of the most beloved characters well known in the United States. A getaway to Disney World is full of entertainment, laugh, and fun that couldnt be find on any other location around the globe./ppb#5 New York/b vacation is something that ought to be done at least once in your life, no matter if you are a resident of the US or not. For the metropolis that never sleeps, New York is absolutely a sight to lay eyes on. With the nearly uncounted number of activities you can do and see, you ever leave feeling that you have just scratched only the surface. Most visitors only have a short time frame in the city, so it may be wise to plan your New York vacation carefully, because the city is compact and several places of interest still take time to experience./ppb#6 Thailand/b is one of the most exotic and colorful countries of the world, full of history, culture and adventure I ever visited. When visiting Thailand it is to the best advantage knowing some basic information that will help you to have an unforgettable journey. Thailand, also named The Land of Smiles, because you are welcomed by smiling people for whom friendly service to tourists is a great delight, has a good deal more to offer than any other travel place in that part of Asia. It is the very excellent destination for any type of holiday, activities or relaxation./ppb#7 Choosing France/b vacations can end up being the best choice when consider going on vacation to Europe. This country has to travel a lot of stunning places of interest and so many cultural highlights. In this small and central country there are so many activities you can do. The weather is usually friendly. Visiting France is more than only to take in the highlights of Paris, there are numerous smaller cities to experience as well. Especially the countryside still provides a strong feeling of impressions of the Old World./ppb#8 Los Angeles/b, also known as the City of Angels, seems very familiar to travelers, even before they get there, because this city is the home for innumerable television shows and movies. A getaway to Los Angeles has truly something for every people. You are in a position to choose between a wide range of accommodations and youll find an unbelievable selection of culinary art from around the world, which symbolizes the cosmopolitan nature of LA./ppb#9 Aruba/b is the prime spot in the Caribbean Sea that looks to be something out of a picture show with its sparkling beaches and the first class resorts. Vacationing to Aruba could be a fantastic getaway to relax on an exotic and tropical island while passing on the rest of the world behind and look at the dark-blue ocean while slipping a long cool, drink./ppb#10 The Grand Canyon/b is probably the most popular and natural tourist attraction of the world. The monumental Grand Canyon, about 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, is located in the north-west of Arizona. At its deepest point, it is more than a mile from rim to river. Most of the Canyon lies within the Grand Canyon National Park. It contains three geographically separated regions: the South Rim, the North Rim and the inner Canyon./ppI am sure that one of the listed top 10 vacation spots should fit that kind of vacation you are looking for, no matter if you like to have some adventure, a romantic journey, traveling with your family, to experience culture and history of foreign countries or simply to relax./ppIf you want learn more about the a href=http://www.bestvacationtip.com/ target=_blankmost popular places to go on vacation/a stop for a minute and visit also a href=http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-vacation-spots target=_blanktop 10 vacation spots of the world/a and discover what you need to know about a href=http://www.bestvacationtip.com/articles/tourist-attractions-on-tours-of-italy-you-must-see-60.htm target=_blankbest sights on tours of Italy/a./pbrbr
Fall is an opportune time to get some beautiful pictures of the country side, while vibrant colors explode from the trees and leaves. To me fall and autumn has even more color than spring or summer. At least the colors do in the Appalachian Mountains where I live.
This article is written to give you a comprehensive guide to experiencing fall color in it fullness. The guide is not written for any area in particular as the colors vary in differing environments and areas. However, you can be certain that certain seasonal factors all remain constant no matter where you may experience the change from summer to winter.
The first and most important factor to having a pleasurable fall foliage experience is to choose an area that is near you which has a lot of trees which lose their leaves in the winter. Evergreen forests do not offer much color variation and you are certain to be disappointed if you visit an evergreen forest looking for fall colors. So find a rural area that has a lot of deciduous trees.
Next you will want to visit at the right time. The fall season begins around September 20th or so each year. So depending on your latitude (that is how far north or south you live) in our country you will need to plan accordingly. The leaves on the trees in the far northern areas such as Vermont or Connecticut will certainly change sooner that the leaves will in the South Carolina or Georgia mountains. So you may need to plan for your fall foliage vacation of photography shoot earlier in these regions.
The third factor that you will need to consider is the weather. Dry arid weather will definitely produce more vibrant colors but the leaves will be brittle and the first strong wind or storm that comes along will blow the leaves right off of the tree. The best seasons and the most vibrant colors will show when the weather is dry and not much rain is falling. So watch the weather and try to go before the fall rainy season begins and after the end of the dog days of summer.
If you will follow these three practical common sense tips and plan for your fall and autumn foliage experience; it will certainly be an experience that you will remember and want to share until the following year.
ForestWander Nature Photography
Cruising needn’t be a sedate way of seeing the world - an adventure cruise could take you anywhere from the Amazon to the Antarctic.
If you are one of those people who still think a holiday at sea is just a pastime for the over-the-hillers with plenty of money, then think again. Adventure lovers can have fun in Alaska, discover there is more to the Persian Gulf than Dubai and visit the Viet Cong tunnels in Vietnam. You can cruise to little-known places such as Trabzon and Batumi in Turkey and Georgia in the Black Sea, Benghazi and Al Khums in Libya and Mangalore or Trivandrum on India’s west coast.
Cruising is an excellent way to get to know remote places in a short space of time. You can get right of the beaten track to remote places such as Antarctica, the Arctic and Galapagos. This is not for the faint hearted though as there are no ports at the destinations, definitely meaning no coach loads of tourists, so the only way on and off your ship is by an inflatable boat.
Cruise lines are investing massively in the exploration side of cruising. Expedition ships are generally smaller but this is because they are able to get into and out of remote ports. But if you book for the places you will see rather than the facilities aboard the ship you will not be disappointed. Having said that, Silversea’s newest addition the Prince Albert II will be the epitome of luxury, you can enjoy the thrill of true expedition whilst also enjoying the privileged lifestyle that is part and parcel of cruising.
In 2008 P&O Cruises are introducing 160 new tours ashore. Families will find there are some fantastic options for days out, from hours splashing around at a water park, to nature trails, pizza making in Naples, whale or dolphin watching or high-speed boat rides. There is an array of adrenalin fueled experiences for those wishing to push the boundaries, from roving island jeep safaris to zip wiring through rainforest canopies, glacier trekking, helicopter flights, river tubing through rapids or stingray encounters, the list is endless. Cultural adventures may tempt you too with many a destination offering the chance to indulge a love of art, architecture, history and cuisine.
A cruise holiday offers the chance to really see the world like never before. There are so many different options available now that a cruise is really specifically catered to your likes and dislikes. For instance if you prefer a quieter pace of life, sipping a wonderful glass of wine whilst watching the sun dip over the horizon, or reading a good book on the top deck or even just enjoying great conversation over a delicious meal then a children free cruise may be perfect for you.
Alternatively you may be an adventurous couple, perhaps on honey moon or even just having a final jaunt round the world before settling down to make a family, you may be interested in a more daring cruise. The chance to visit places off the beaten track and unknown to the every-day tourist, to see amazing wildlife in its own habitat and breath in breathtaking scenery that you might just miss with a traditional package holiday. The wonderful thing about a cruise is that you can enjoy all this and more but not have to miss out on all those little luxuries we have come to love in this day and age. Cruises also offer superb service with cruise staff really taking care of your every need.
Cruising in general is a unique and spine tingling way to travel. There is anticipation, excitement and wander lust every step of he way, including an ever changing panorama and the wonder of edging every closer to your next port of call.
To experience everything an adventure cruise has to offer P&O Cruises is an amazing choice. You could be having the time of your life glacier trekking, swimming with dolphins or zip wiring through a rain forest - the list is endless. http://www.jetlinecruise.com
I have discovered the ideal way to indulge my fishing and hiking interests. The new portable kayaks are canoe made by Foldlite Boats are ideal for family fun and adventure. If you like to fish a hidden lake, this is the way to go. The portable packs are only 25 pounds or less, and the boats assemble in minutes. If you are into lake or stream exploration, this is the ideal environment for you. Imagine, getting to the “other side of the lake or stream to look at that interesting rock formation! Taking this outstanding rugged boat for a float trip is one of the ways to truly enjoy life. These outstanding water crafts are lighter than water and require no blowing up or air bladders.
Another great feature of these crafts are when the outdoor season ends you don’t have to worry about a place to store the boat. Repacked in the rugged back pack, your boat can wait for the new season to arrive. The boat come four different eye-popping colors and make you look good on the water. You can foster family fun and adventure by including these in your arsenal of family things to do. Get two or more of these, and take your family to the water.
Those of us who like to fish, find that these nifty units easily get us to the fishing holes we always dream about. They make getting to the other side of the river or lake as easy as possible.
I am reminded of a fishing trip I took years ago with my son. We carried a heavy two man boat into a lake over the snow. My back has yet to recover. Ah, but that is another story…Maybe later I will spin that yarn.
http://www.liteboat.com is where you can get your own portable canoe or kayak for great water adventure. These 25 pound packs are easy to carry and assemble on site in minutes. No air bladders or blow up issues. These durable and lighter than water materials will provide years of fun and adventure. Get your boat now!
Alpine National Park
This is Victorias largest park, and its 646000 hectares covers just about all of the high country. The landscapes and features that it covers are too immense for words, but it is some of the most rugged and beautiful countryside n the whole world. Snowfall on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range in the winter months pulls in the ski tourists, who stay in the adjacent ski resorts of Falls Creek and Hotham. Then in the summer months other adventure sports such as cycling and rock climbing become prevalent. Fishing is pursuit with a strong following here, especially in the King and the Rose Rivers, where the brown trout grow thick and fast.
Bushwalking is very popular too, with walks ranging from the short to the very long. The 655 kilometre long Australian Alps Walking track that runs up to Canberra passes begins down here, but of course should only be tackled by fit hikers who understand the weather conditions.
A popular touring route is the Great Alpine Drive, which runs from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale. The 110 kilometre stretch between Bright and Omeo provides the greatest views of the park however- just stop in at Danny Lookout and experience the views of the park and Mt Feathertop for yourself.
Lake Eildon National Park
150 kilometres north east of Melbourne lies this lush, forested national park on the shores of Lake Eildon. Easily accessed via the Goulburn Valley Highway, this is the perfect spot for a weekend break from the city in your campervan. Nestled into the northern foothills of the Central Highlands, this 27750 hectare National Park has a wealth of Australian wildlife roaming freely through it.
There are plenty of designated nature trails and walking tracks that bring you into close contact with this wildlife and the beautiful landscapes of the park, which makes bushwalking very popular here.
The lake itself is a perfect bases for watersports of all kinds, and is used for skiing, boating, fishing and swimming. There are a number of campsites both near to the lakes edge as well as deeper in the park, and a new online booking service has been implemented by the government to make booking and paying for your camping easier.
Mt Buffalo National Park
Established well over a century ago, this is one of Victoria’s oldest National Parks, and it protects the stunning Mt Buffalo and its surrounding landscapes, covering most of the sub alpine plateau.
It lies just to the east of the town of Bright, which is reached by a 320 kilometre drive from Melbourne. There are a number of camping grounds in the park, or you could base your motorhome in Bright and explore it from there. The heritage listed Lake Catani has a very popular campsite next to it. There is lots to see, from giant rock tors to 300 metre high cliffs to dense woodlands, sparkling creeks and crashing waterfalls, so if you want to fully appreciate the park you will need more than a day trip.
There are over 90 kilometres of walking tracks taking you to some of the most beautiful parts of the park, and in the winter the snow attracts cross country skiers who utilise over 11 kilometres of demarcated trials. Hang gliding and abseiling off the high cliffs are also popular in the summer months, as is rock climbing. Summer visitors will be pleased by the colourful exhibitions of wildflowers that add dazzling colour to the rugged landscapes.
Beechworth Historic Park
The town of Beechworth lies 280 kilometres north east of Melbourne, just pay the larger settlement of Wangaratta. With just 3000 residents, Beechworth is one of the most well preserved Gold Towns in the state, with over 30 of its buildings being heritage classified. They are still in pristine condition, having been well maintained since as far back as the 1860’s.
The Beechworth Historic Park lies above and below the town, and is home to a number of important old gold mining sites. Its only 1080 hectares in size, but theres a lot to see and do in this beautiful park.
Creeks wind their way through thick eucalyptus and pine forests, and steep granite gullies mark the spots where miners once toiled away. A couple of the mining sites have been dammed to create lakes (Lake Sambell and Kerferd), and a network of walking trails take you past these and other attractions.
For the lazy or the time constricted there is a five kilometre drive called the ‘Gorge Scenic Drive’ which takes you past some stunning waterfalls. There is no camping in the park but in Beechworth town there is plenty of accommodation options that cater to all levels of tourist.
Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Discovery Campervans
When you, your family or friends decide to go on a fun-filled camping trip, you need to prepare for it if you want to make the most out of such an adventure. And gearing up correctly and adequately will surely help you make that wish come true.
Camping gears of different brands - from the high-end, pricey ones to the reasonably-priced–are available at sports and department stores. The Ozark Trail camping gear tops among other quality brands with reasonable price tags. Among other outlets, all Wal-Mart stores sell Ozark Trail camping gear. These stores also recommend this brand to their camping equipment-hunting you want and the budget you have may also help you decide if you want a waterproof tent, a clients. Manufactured by NorthPole USA, Ozark Trail has been cited for its durability, safety, reliability and at its best quality.
The Ozark Trail has a wide array of equipment and camping gears to choose from, such as footwear, sleeping bags, lights, stoves, sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks. These items are available in varied colors, styles and sizes. An array of sleeping bags designed for cold weather and warm weather conditions are also available. You may also choose either down or synthetic fibers for the type of filling you need. A variety of lighting equipment like lanterns, flashlights or headgears can also be had at average prices. Tents, on the other hand, come in different sizes and styles to conveniently accommodate a solitary person or as many as a family of six. The size warm-weather tent or an all-weather tent to keep you comfortable or even cozy when the weather gets a little awry outside.
If you are still clueless about what to get for your little camping adventure, Ozark Trail also comes in packages or kits that you can buy at one go. These kits include one lightweight tent that can sleep four persons, two water-repellent, machine-washable quality sleeping bags, a portable krypton bulb camping light as well as one reliable, collapsible water cooler. This starter kit is ideal especially for the eager first-timers; it contains all the basic equipment or items you need for an easy, comfortable camping trip.
With Ozard Trail, you may even be able to purchase other equally important gears or equipment that will be very useful for your camping ventures, also at reasonable costs. It further helps to bring along a tarp. You can put it under your tent as added protection, especially when you are about to retire for the night after an adventure-filled day. You may also unfold it above your cooking and eating area to shield you from any sudden rain.
When planning for camping trips, you would want everything to be perfect and well-prepared. That includes knowing what equipment to bring along and use during those enjoyable days and nights outdoors, in whatever time of the year and under any weather conditions.
Hermilando Aberia is an expert in social development work with at least 22 years of professional experience as either consultant or key staff member of health, community development, education and local governance projects. He has a master’s degree in development management from the Asian Institute of Management. Contact Information: B21 L59 Kassel Kristina Heights, Tacloban City, Philippines. Mobile: (+63) 9058664106; Website: http://www.freewebs.com/iaberia
For some 30 years I practiced law in Mesa, Arizona. (Please don’t hold that against me. I really wasn’t a very good lawyer.) When I was about to turn 62 years old and collect social security I decided to quit my practice and go camping. I already owned a Coleman tent-camper and a small pick-up. My marriage had gone to hell and I had a bad case of the woe-is-mes. I decided that a few days or months on the road would be a treat.
I loved it immediately. I spent weeks and months in campgrounds around the Southwest. I fished in dozens of lakes and met dozens of people, most of whom were far finer persons than
those I had associated with in my practice. I enjoyed them all but found that most were either married or seriously mated. I was still in a couples society. I was not really a part of any social group. I missed sitting around the fire and telling lies to people with my own lifestyle. I loved the RVing lifestyle but missed a closer social life. Then I discovered Loners on Wheels, Inc.
I don’t know where I first heard about the Loners on Wheels (LoWs) but somehow I was invited to a camp-out sponsored by the Tucson chapter. I loved it! Here were a bunch of campers, just
like me, having the time of their lives. Card games every night. Happy hour each evening. Coffee together each morning. Hikes and fishing and doing nothing. It was great! I joined
immediately.
A few words about the LoWs. This is a club composed of thousands of single campers. It has chapters in every state and most of the provinces of Canada. To be a LoW, one must be legally single and have a desire to socialize and camp with other singles. It is not a dating service. If your sole purpose is to find a mate, you can do much better with Parents Without Partners or any one of a number of like organizations. The 3,000 or so members of this club plan camp-outs at least once a month. We band together simply because we are not comfortable with the couples only society from which we all came. In this club we can enjoy wonderful social activities and
yet retain our happy single lifestyle.
Many of us LoWs are retired. The RVing lifestyle was made for us. Most of my family are working their hearts out trying to get to the point where I now am! We still have loving family and friends “back home” but they simply don’t have the time to give us the love and affection we find in this club.
Come join me!!
Jack Matlock is a senior and single full time RVer who has enthusiastically endorsed the RVing lifestyle. He started his RVing with a small pick-up and a Coleman tent camper. He presently has a 33 foot 5th wheel with three slide outs.
As a single Jack quickly learned that we live in a mated society. Even the RVing society was based on couples. He wanted to escape into a world where he could socialize with other singles. He looked for a group of single campers who would share his coffee hours and fishing trips. He found Loners on Wheels, a singles only RVing club dedicated to enjoying the single lifestyle and retaining the independence and travel each RVer enjoys. For the past seven years he has enjoyed this group. He plans to enjoy it for the rest of his life! http://www.lonersonwheels.com/
At one time or another, we have all had to have our nine-to-five job. Although, we are grateful for the money that comes in, at certain points, we feel bored or maybe even down-hearted. That is when we need to find our escape point. After work, I escape to my kitchen, where I can create and (hopefully) make something absolutely terrific. My escape is even better when I can combine that with my other happy spot, Disneyland.
When I created this cake and finally bit into it, I was whisked away. It was not to some exotic jungle, but to Adventureland. After all, there are some modern conveniences and safety precautions that Disneyland offers compared to some jungles.
This cake took me to that exact spot in front of Bengal Barbecue that I and my family always sit at to watch the world go by. I can feel the roughness of jungle rope, or the feel of climbing into great heights to reach the goal of being at the top of the Tarzan Treehouse (what we once knew as The Swiss Family Treehouse). Adventurous and mystified we sit and take it all in from a chair.
People are walking by, happy, carefree, and excited by that life that has brought them to this beautiful place. I watch the Jungle Cruise where families are coming from while the kids still are laughing at the lame jokes that came from their captain. I look to the right and I see the Indiana Jones Adventure. Kids looked stunned and parents look excited and happy. You wonder if these people look this happy at home. Everyone should look this happy everyday. That’s when I look towards the tree house where all the rowdy kids are acting like monkeys and getting out all their energy (at least a third of it).
Sweet and savory barbeque chicken mixed with exotic yet playful spices tantalize my senses. Over the sweet barbeque scent, I detect the smell of dew. That’s right, the smell of ancient and green rainforest soaked in its own moisture (it might be the smell of the water from the Jungle Cruise, but I am still going with the rainforest story).
Children laughing and screaming in good natured fun wake me from my fantasy. For a second there I thought I was in a rainforest, but no, I am Disneyland, safe and unscathed, but feeling still very adventurous. The hooting of the tropical birds and the old-fashioned sounds of the skippers’ radios complete my happy picture.
Suddenly, I am back in my kitchen with the cake that started it all. Deep, exotic and playful, it matches where I am with that which makes us happy.
For an exotic cake of your own that might bring your sweet escape, try this:
“Adventureland Marbled Spice Cake”*
Ingredients: 1 and ½ tsp baking powder, 1 and 1/8 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted, 6 tbs softened butter, 3 tbs non-fat milk, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup Splenda, 3 tbs molasses, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 eggs lightly beaten, 7/8 cup all-purpose flour, and a few drops of vanilla extract.
1) Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8 inch cake pan.
2) Cream the butter, sugar, and Splenda. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
3) Sift the flour and baking powder together and fold into the mixture alternating with milk until combined.
4) Spoon 1/3 of the mixture into a bowl, and stir in the molasses, ginger, and cinnamon.
5) Drop alternating spoonfuls of dark and light mixtures into the pan. Run a knife through them to get the cake marbled.
6) Bake for 50 minutes. Leave in pan for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.
7) Stir enough warm water in the confectioners’ sugar to make a smooth icing. Spoon quickly over the cake. Allow to set.
Enjoy with the feelings of your exotic sweet escape.
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* Base for recipe from Cake and then I molded it from there.
Rachael Rizzo has been acting since she was nine years old. She uses her experience to write about what the things she loves mean to her (mostly movies and baking). She is twenty-three years old and resides in beautiful Oregon.