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You might ask why ski Alta Utah? The nice folks at the Alta Ski Area will tell you that Alta is a skier’s mountain, so no snowboarders allowed. Winter is here in the Rocky Mountains of Utah where you will find the greatest snow on earth. Don’t believe me? Just read the white Utah license plate. The license plate never lies. Plus they had the 2002 World Winter Olympics here because this is the place for wintery fun. I have been living in Salt Lake City Utah for over three years and my favorite thing about this place is the close access to high mountain peaks and a bunch of major ski areas.

MORE REASONS TO SKI ALTA

There are a lot of ski areas here, but my favorite (along with millions of other fans) is the Alta Ski Area. The scenery of the white rocky mountain peaks is my favorite! The people who work here are great, the atmosphere is fun even on a stormy day. Alta is also a small mountain town, and a neighbor of Snowbird Winter Resort where you can find great lodging. Salt Lake City is minutes away and Alta is like 30 some minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport.

The powder snow at Alta Ski area is awesome. The 2005-06 season at Alta Ski Area had 631 inches of snow! The ski area averages over 500 inches annually. If you want a comparison, Vail Ski area in Colorado got a total of 398 inches and Aspen Colorado got 308 during the 2005-06 season (those are about their averages). Although Colorado has some cool ski areas, none of them have an annual average over 400 inches. So if you are a skier looking for hard core peaks, runs and snow you gotta take on Alta. It will throw any challenge at you if you want it.

If you are an expert and haven’t tried it yet, you need to ski down Baldy Chutes. These make for great adrenaline runs. Although Alta’s ski lifts will take you up pretty high, you will still need to hike to the top of Baldy Peak to ski the Chutes. This just makes it extra special and the 360 panorama view at the top is amazing, you feel like you are in Nepal standing on top of the Himalayas surrounded by pointy mountain peaks in every direction. If you love skiing and the mountains, you have to come this winter and ski Alta. It will do you good.

If you love skiing you will love to ski Alta. Thirty five percent of it is black diamond. Forty Intermediate and twenty five percent beginner runs. So there is fun for everyone. If you are really really hard core, you can join Alta ski racing. You get a chance to do recreational racing or join the Alta Town Race Series which is open to anyone who wishes to participate as long as you are over 18. Plus, the men’s and women’s each have two divisions that split ability levels. If you are competitive in sports, this is a perfect reason to ski Alta.

Alta Ski area is also affordable compared to the many ski areas around the Rocky Mountains. When you think you’ve challenged all the runs, you can also try snowcat skiing for nothing more but pure powder skiing. With 2,020 skiable acres, and 116 runs in some of the most beautiful mountains, make sure you have your protein before you ski.

The Peak District holds the proud distinction of being Britain’s first National Park, and once you see the rolling hills and craggy dales of Derbyshire you’ll soon realise why. Situated right at the heart of England this is perhaps one of the most accessible areas, and it offers the broadest selection of landscapes and attractions.

This is a region of contrasts, with wild moorland, classic walking country which encompasses every kind of activity, from a gentle stroll to the lofty challenge of the Peaks themselves. The leafy lanes and quiet villages are ideal for that feeling of getting away from it all. With towns such as Buxton, with its wonderful architecture and cultural life, along with picturesque Bakewell and the attractions of Matlock, you’ll be spoiled for choice with places to stay and things to see and do.

From cosy farmhouses and welcoming guest houses to international hotels, you’ll find all the hospitality and comfort you need for a really memorable break. There’s plenty to see, such as breathtaking caverns where the precious Blue John stone is mined, the night-time spectacle of the Matlock Illuminations and a trip back in time at the Crich Tramway Village.

The Peak District contains all the best elements of Britain, and as a destination for that memorable break, it’s unbeatable.

Here’s my top 5 places to visit in the Peak District:

1. Chatsworth House is one of Britain’s most celebrated and best loved historic houses and estates, offering something for everyone to enjoy, from world famous works of art and spectacular fountains to elegant shops and more than a hundred miles of free walks. The home of the Devonshire family is set in the heart of England, in Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park, surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes in the country. Built to be seen and enjoyed, Chatsworth has a long tradition of welcoming visitors from around the world, who have always been drawn by its unique and welcoming atmosphere. Today, visitors of all ages come to enjoy Chatsworth’s fascinating mixture of tradition and innovation, learning and entertainment.

2. Castleton Caverns. Castleton has four underground show caves, the main two being Blue John Cavern and Peak Cavern, alongside Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff being the most impressive. Peak Cavern lies beneath Peveril Castle whilst Treak Cliff and Blue John both contain veins of the rare mineral Blue John, that is only found in this area of Britain, and was discovered by miners who explored the caves originally looking for lead. Castleton is one of the most beautiful villages in the Peak District. It has an array of natural and historical features both above and below ground, and is surrounded by superb walking country. Whatever the weather Castleton has something to offer everyone.

3. Derwent Valley Reservoirs. In this beautiful part of the Peak District National Park there are three linked reservoirs - Ladybower, Upper Derwent and Howden - that offer an aura of wildness and beauty. This is a popular venue for cyclists, with routes for both mountain bikers and other cyclists, for walkers and horse riders. Its a great place for a picnic.

4. Cromford is an historic village, part of which is designated as a World Heritage Site, surrounded by some glorious scenery in the Derbyshire Dales. It is forever associated with Sir Richard Arkwright as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Arkwright built the world’s first water powered cotton mills here and pioneered the factory system. The village is full of history and interest. From the Cromford canal system to the Cromford and High Peak Railway to Nature Reserves and the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail. All this and within walking distance of Matlock Bath.

5. Mam Tor, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Peak”, rises on the west side of Castleton. Layers of gritstone and shale are exposed and there are constant landslips down the side of the hill. These have forced the closure of the road which used to run across its side. Legend has it that although the surface constantly crumbles and slides downwards, the shadow of the hill never grows any smaller. Mam Tor is also the Peak District’s highest and most impressive Bronze Age hillfort.

Ultralight backpacking? I remember when I first cut my toothbrush handle in half. I thought I was going light then, with thirty-five pounds on my back for a weekend backpacking trip. Now I am going heavy if get near fifteen pounds.

The biggest change was when I reduced the weight of the “big three.” These are your backpack, sleeping bag and tent. This article, however, is about some of the “little” things I have learned along the way. They include weight-saving tricks, but also ways to be safe and comfortable as well.

Ultralight Backpacking Tips

- To have warm hiking shoes in the morning, put them under your sleeping bag by your legs, or even in your sleeping bag if you have a plastic bag to put them in. I sometime keep my shoes warm by using them as a pillow - it is more comfortable than you might think. Point one shoe each way, so they cradle your head, and lay a shirt or other piece of clothing over them.

- Use less stove fuel by cooking out of the wind. Block the wind with a improvised windscreen of some sort. Cooking time can double in even a slight breeze.

- Evaporative heat loss results from evaporation of moisture (this is why your body sweats to cool off). To reduce this form of heat loss, you need to stay as dry as you can. Wear your rain gear when walking through wet bushes, and don’t sit directly on snow.

- Conductive heat loss results from heat being conducted away from your body by direct contact with colder things. Don’t sit directly on cold rocks or snow - use your sleeping pad, or sit on a log (wood is less conductive than rocks).

- The lightest pan? You probably won’t find it in backpacking catalogs. Every titanium pan I’ve seen weighs more than the cheap aluminum pan I bought in a local dollar-store. They make backpacking pans too thick. I removed the handle and added a wire hanging handle to my soup pan, and it weighs about two ounces.

- A light seat cushion can be made from a sleeping bag pad. Use an old basic blue foam pad. Cut a square about 12 inches square out of it. This will weigh about one ounce (3/8″ pad). It makes a nice waterproof seat when you want to sit on a wet rock, log or on the ground. Pack it against your back inside your pack and it will also pad you from any sharp or clunky items.

- The cold wind might chill the front of your body, even though your back is hot and sweaty. When this happens, put your jacket on backwards, and leave it opened. This will keep your back cooler while protecting the front of your body.

- When it is hot, soak your hat in every stream or water source you pass. A wet hat is like a little air conditioner on your head. Try a wet bandana around your neck too. This trick works best in dry climates.

- Attach alligator clips to the top of your pack, and you’ll always have an easy way to hang clothing to dry while you hike.

- If your damp clothes haven’t dried by morning, put them on - unless it is too cold. They’ll dry quickly once you start hiking. Drying them this way is generally safer than allowing damp clothes to accumulate in your pack.

- One way you can lighten your load is to carry high-calorie foods. Suppose you need 12,000 calories for a weekend trip. This could weigh from fifteen pounds down to four pounds, depending on the foods you select. Mixed nuts, for example, have twice as many calories per pound as bread. Plan for some variety, and balance the weight savings with decent nutritional choices, of course. Ultralight backpacking can still be healthy.

Arkansas is not called, “The Natural State”, for any old reason. The state of Arkansas is home to a fabulous wealth of mountainous landscapes, valleys, plains and woodlands. Positioned not far from the state capital of Little Rock is the Pinnacle Mountain Valley, a 2000 acre site situated around the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Within the beautiful Pinnacle Mountain Valley is the Maumelle State Park, one of Arkansas’ natural treasures and also one of the top locations for visitors to the Little Rock area, especially for all nature-lovers.

At Maumelle Park, visitors will find a diversity of wildlife in a variety of habitats. The area may be of particular interest to bird watchers, as it attracts an exciting assortment of birds and wildlife. Hikers are also well catered for, with various hiking trails traversing the region, so visitors who enjoy nature walks will find Maumelle Park and the surrounding Pinnacle Mountain Valley a delight; these trails include the Arkansas Trail through the Arkansas Arboretum (a 71-acre site dedicated to representing Arkansas’ six main natural divisions); the Kingfisher Trail next to the Little Maumelle River; and the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

With so many hiking trails to enjoy, visits to Maumelle Park can often exceed the remits of a day trip. But with over 129 campsites to choose from, all of which are equipped with water and electricity, visitors to Maumelle Park will find camping a comfortable experience. Maumelle’s Parks campsites are also open to visitors to the neighbouring Pinnacle Mountain State Park, which has no camping areas of its own. Its optimal site is situated just next to the Arkansas River which means that campers can enjoy beautiful vistas, as well as tables and grills nearby, bathhouses with hot water, a playground and a boat ramp for anyone wanting to sail or paddle through the park rather than hike.

However much you enjoy the beauty of Maumelle Park, camping may not always seem to be the most enjoyable mode of accommodation for a vacation, especially when with family members. Thankfully however, Maumelle Park is only a convenient fifteen minute drive away from the city of Little Rock where you can choose from a number of comfortable hotels. Maumelle Park’s proximity to Little Rock means that visitors, if they choose to stay in the city, can enjoy the comforts of urban accommodation whilst revelling in the delights of the park’s natural scenery and clean mountain air. Many of the hotels in Little Rock often offer package deals for larger parties, so that groups or families travelling together can often find some great deals to enjoy during their holiday to Maumelle Park.

Camping can give you a great chance to get away from all the hustle and bustle for a chance to experience the great outdoors with the people that you love. There are many different kinds of tents available for sale, and the more that you know about the different types available, the better chance you have of picking the tent that is right for you. In this article, we’ll go over some basic information that you need to know before you purchase a tent.

The first thing to consider when purchasing a tent is the amount of space that you require. While tents commonly advertise how many people that they can sleep, you have to take into consideration the fact that not everybody is the same size. As a general rule of thumb when estimating how big of a tent you need, you should consider 30 square feet of room for every person that will be sleeping in the tent. You’re also going to need room for the supplies and food that you bring with you - be sure to make a realistic estimate when it comes to the size that you’ll need. Also, you’re going to want to think about the level of privacy that you and your traveling companions would need - there are tents available that feature separate rooms, allowing for a decent level of separation between travelers. In addition, you need to determine how much trouble you want to go through setting up the tent. While some involve complex systems of poles and stakes that you need to assemble, there are many different types of tents that feature collapsible poles that make putting them together a breeze.

When it comes to actually picking the individual tent that you wish to purchase, you should test it’s durability while you’re still in the store. Run the zippers on the tent up and down, being sure that they don’t catch or break. You’re also going to want to consider the quality of the material that the tent’s canvas is made out of - check if it’s waterproof, and feel the fabric to ensure that it’s thick enough to hold for a while.

Now that you know a little more about the qualities of a tent that you need to consider, you can make a more accurate purchasing decision.

Head Fractures

Very dangerous and mostly fatal. Classic signs would be bruises behind the ears or around the eyes, and fluid coming from the ears and nose. This is serious because the brain tissue would be damaged and will swell as the body tries to bring extra blood up to the brain.

Therefore never raise the patients legs as this would increase the blood flow to the brain and cause even more swelling and eventually death. Never stop the fluid from trying to escape out of the ears and nose, as this is the body’s way of trying to reduce the swelling of the brain. Try to keep the patient awake and get help ASAP.

Rib Fractures

Fractured ribs could puncture the lungs and cause difficulty and even death. The only thing you can really do is try to sit the patient up or in a comfortable position and put a jacket or blanket under his arms to “pillow splint” his ribs and make breathing easier. Also raise his legs to counteract shock.

Get help ASAP. You might have to do mouth to mouth if he stops breathing.

Pelvic Fractures

The patient can lose up to 2 - 3 Litres of blood internally, and considering that you only have about 6 Litres in the body, this is very serious and life-threatening. Other complications include a ruptured bladder, and you will find that the patient automatically urinates when the patient has fallen, on impact.

The only thing you could really do to make him comfortable is to put a blanket or something under his knees, as this takes the weight and pressure off the pelvic bones. Do not allow the patient to urinate as a full bladder (if he has one and it is still intact) will act as an internal splint and keeps the pelvic bones together.

If he does urinate, the pelvic bones have more space to move and can cause more damage.

Arm Fractures

Three things to always remember with broken bones is:
a) they can severe or squash nerves and cause paralysis.
b) they can severe or squash blood vessels(arteries) and cause death of tissue resulting in amputation in hospital.
c) bones make blood in their marrow, and when broken, blood will leak out of the bone and therefore cause internal bleeding.

Use the body’s torso as a splint. Let the patient hold his arm against him and make sure he elevates the forearm. You can take the bottom the his jersey or jacket and fold it over his arm to keep the arm against his body. Or you can use a triangular bandage and make a sling for the arm.

Please do not forget to check for a pulse in his wrist and to test for sensation by scratching his palm. If you have no pulse, please get help ASAP.

And perhaps you could try to ever so slightly pull traction on the arm to try and free the artery, although this is not really suggested as it could cause more damage and of cause is very painful. No win situation there.

Leg Fractures

The same 3 points as above apply. Check for a foot pulse and sensation on top of the foot. Never scratch underneath the foot as this might tickle the patient and cause more damage as the patient pulls his leg back.

Try to find three fairly sturdy straight branches and splint the leg by putting one splint underneath the leg for support and the other two on the inside and outside of the leg. Tie the splints together with cloth or triangular bandages at all 4 joints of the leg, i.e. at the top, above and below the knee and at the ankle.

Always use branches that are the full length of the leg irrespective of where the fracture is. If you can only find one branch, put it underneath the fractured leg and then tie both legs together. Always raise the legs once splinted as this will slow down bleeding and treat for shock. If you see that a bone is protruding, never try to push it back, just make a ring bandage and put it around the bone, then bandage the wound.

Don’t forget to recheck for a foot pulse once you have splinted, in case you have tied the bandages too tight and inhibited blood flow. If you have no foot pulse, once again try to pull slight traction on the leg to free the trapped artery. Also remember that when you are splinting a leg, you should try to support it by putting one hand under the ankle and the other under the knee, and if you have someone else with you, they should put the triangular bandages underneath the leg at the 4 joints before you put the branches under the leg.

Are you looking for something unique and invigorating for your next family vacation? Something exciting which you can experience together? If that rings true, then you may consider a sea kayaking trip as a family vacation. Every day, more families are looking for an outdoor activity which can offer some element of excitement and discovery, as well as physical exercise and adventure. Sea kayaking has this and much more to offer to your family.

This type of vacation takes you directly outdoors, to places without noise, pollution, motors – just you the rippling of water, pristine beaches blooming flowers, mountain peaks and the occasional overhead bird. The experience is enjoyable for all ages and the family will be taking home memories of a lifetime.

You may find yourself meandering between narrow twisting fjords, glaciers, mangroves and romantic waterways. With the opportunity to watch wildlife such as dolphins, whales and turtles up close. These animals will be just as curious about you, as you are about them. Then once on shore, there will be even more opportunities for unique family vacation experiences such as: scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, hiking or just relaxing on a sandy beach soaking up the warm sun. Quant towns which are perfect for sight seeing dining and shopping are common in places which are popular for sea kayaking. Some top sea kayaking destinations are Chile, Baja, Canada and Alaska.

Each family has a wide range of choices in destination and duration for trips. For example, a simple three nights, two day trip versus a ten night, nine day trip. Think of the age of the children along on the trip when scheduling the vacation though, some smaller children may not be able to ‘rough it’ for very long. Or your children may be keen to go for a longer sea kayaking vacation.

An exceptional type of sea kayaking vacation is the whale watching trip. Just imagine making your way out onto eerily still waters, then hearing the puff and noticing water shooting up and spotting the immense dorsal tail of a killer whale! This is just one example of the amazing experiences you can only have while sea kayaking. You may also spot dolphins, porpoises, river otters, or sea lions. Just imagine the stories your family will have to share after such an adventure.

It is important to remember to choose a sea kayaking vacation which suits your family’s unique needs. As an example, your chosen destination dictates what kind of gear you will need. There are many kayaking outfitters who provide everything from kayaks to accommodation and activities. Or there are outfitters who only provide the bare minimum requirements. For a first sea kayaking vacation with the family, we would suggest warm weather destinations such as Belize or Baja. There you can start simply, and if the children should roll over they can enjoy the warm water.

There may come a time when you will need to camp somewhere not designated as a “campsite” or “campground”. Here you are, after hiking into the woods, stopping by a creek or a woodland clearing; or maybe the side of a mountain. Whatever location you choose, you don’t want the site you pick to ruin your outdoor experience. The “ideal” site for your camping area will have some trees for severe weather protection, a relatively close source of water, a reasonably flat grassy area, and enough space to be able to light a fire with no risk of turning the surrounding trees into an inferno. You will not usually find a spot with all these components within easy reach, but the more of them you have in your chosen site, the better your camping experience will be.

Try not to pitch your site where the danger of nature’s changing conditions may affect you. For example, a great spot under a tree in nice, blue-sky weather may be dangerous in a thunderstorm, the stream bed you are next to might result in a flash flood if a sudden storm rolls through, or the boulder field above your location might let loose a few random projectiles.

The surrounding tree-line can offer some protection from the wind, wood for your cooking fire and a degree of shade, but also continue to cover your camp with dripping water long after a storm passes along with the danger of branches or even the entire tree crashing down around you if the wind is high enough. Stay safe by using common sense, planning ahead, and keeping an eye out for weather changes. If you have no other choice than camping surrounded by a canopy of trees make sure the tree you select to pitch your tent under is healthy and sturdy enough to withstand.

The most important feature of your campsite is that it enables you to pitch your tent on ground that slopes gently away from it. A slope like this will allow any rain runoff to go past your campsite and not drown your tent. After all, you don’t want to wake up to a wet sleeping bag, surrounded by a puddle. Be careful though that if you pitch on too steep an angle you may end up curled at the bottom of your tent in the morning.

Located 75 kilometers from Northern Kuantan, Cherating city is one the finest destinations in Malaysia which is occupied by the tourists in all seasons. This city features Asia’s first club Med that hosts many excellent leisure activities. Snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, swimming and many others constitute the bunch of interesting activities at this club. You can enjoy several beach attractions over here too.

The Rustic atmosphere in Kampungs is an interesting feature among the beach’s attractions—the inhabitants of this place render a warm welcome to you in very traditional manner. Cherating is also visited by many backpackers. Hotels in Cherating Kunatan Malaysia serves very nicely. Most of the guesthouses serve dinner at a fixed time.

However, beach is the quite uneventful place in the city. It is a famous rendezvous for also sorts of visitors. Sea turtles also make it a famous area in the region. Characterized with shallowness and murk it does not let you do most of the interesting sea activities. And moreover, the seawater at the eastern coast of Malaysia is not considered to be crystal clear as rivers into the sea silted up by mangrove forests and logging in main range.

Cherating city proves to be a good point for exploring surrounding areas. You have a good opportunity for shopping the nice handicrafts materials and observing cultural festivals. Mats, hats, bags weaved by village maidens are quite beautiful items to buy a piece or two. . Cultural shows include wayang kulit and silat.

Considered as one of the reclusive part in the world, North Korea allows limited number of tourists groups to visit it. Tough some selected Koreans are allowed to visit their families in the South; this country requires people to have an organized touring operation to visit it. Since many people access to North Korea via China, the visits are tacked on to China tours.

With a population of more than 23 millions, North Korea is bigger in area than South Korea and slightly smaller than England. Most of the areas are occupied by military people where one is not supposed to enter. On the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea is situated. Demilitarized zone in south, japan in the east, china in the North and yellow sea in the west flank North Korea. You will find this country a happening place the dark in contrast to South Korea.

This country is ruled by Kim Chong II after his father and the founder president died in 1994. Since most of the land consists of rugged mountains, the grain productivity is very less and the country has to depend upon the International food aid to feed its population. Decades of mismanagement are also responsible for this fact. Only a small is cultivable. The eastern part is rocky and western part has the coastal plains. North Korea’s climate is temperate. It is slightly colder and drier than South Korea in winter. Summer is hot, rainy and humid. May, June, September and October are the best months to visit this country.