To get to McDonald Lake, travel Highway 93 between Polson and Missoula, Montana. About 7 miles north of St. Ignatius, you turn right on McDonald Lake Road, following it straight east toward the mountains. Crossing a canal, you turn left and north, following the winding road another mile to McDonald Lake dam. Turning left again, follow the dirt road across the dam, past picnic spots and finally to the trail head at the end of the road.

I am always in awe at the up-close and personal proximity of the surrounding peaks in that area, providing the constant lure to the area. In particular McDonald Peak with the McDonald Glacier towers over me to the south, directly across the lake and creek. Even as I marvel at the majesty of the towering peaks, the imagination takes off, spying a hundred vantage points above me for
the local Grizzly population. I struggle to avoid picturing them sitting up there, flipping a coin for which one gets first crack at the prewrapped morsel blindly stumbling into their kitchen. The
amazing mountain scene, however, provides an unstoppable appeal, and the logical probability of having a bad day with a Grizzly is low enough that the exploration must proceed.

The first thing you notice as you hit the trail is that it is not overly used. Makes you wonder. Within a quarter of a mile on the trail around McDonald Lake, following a set of mild switchbacks, you find yourself out on a point above the lake, with an awe inspiring view of the lake and McDonald Peak. Many times Ive stopped when traveling through the area to walk that quarter mile to that point for just one more picture, as can be seen on our website in Gallery 3.

From that point leading back along the north side of McDonald Lake, the overall trail is surprisingly level for trekking into such steep mountains. The trail, virtually following the base of McDonald Peak sits at around 3,800 feet in elevation, with the peak right next to you up there at 9,868 feet. Leading around the lake, the trail crosses numerous wide open slide chutes leading clear to the top of the peak opposite McDonald. At another point the trail crosses a moss covered shear cliff, but is wide enough that you dont feel at risk for falling. Past the end of the lake, the trail drops down onto Post Creek, and in the next couple miles leads through an amazing old growth Cedar grove.

Needless to say, my bear paranoias prompted me to pick up a sturdy stick. Not that Im ready to put up much of a fight. Rather, I whacked that stick on every other rock and tree branch all the way up the trail. Bears really have no interest in spending time with the humanoid species. So if the bear hears you coming, they will interrupt their otherwise busy schedules to find pursuits clear up over the ridge from you. The key is to avoid surprising them. With all my noise, they at least stepped aside to a safe distance from the crazy person.

Past the wonderful cedar grove the trail gradually climbs through a brushier area approaching the upper end of the canyon. I hit a set of 4 or 5 switchbacks leading in a steep climb up a rock face
up the north side of the valley, opposite McDonald Peak. The trail then leads off from here in a loop circling around, crossing Eagle Pass and coming out on Eagle Pass Creek north of McDonald Lake.

Moon Lake was within striking distance. Once past the switchbacks and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the trail leads through some marshier areas in the upper reaches of Post Creek. At last, through the trees Moon Lake came into view, settled in the midst of tall pines. In late June this glistening jewel of a high mountain lake still entertained snowbanks along the shadier shorelines.

Settling on a sunnier lake shore spot under the tall pines I marveled that the Dieties allowed me this unbelievably unique opportunity. Flanked by the massive peaks all around I existed in this exquisitely rugged backcountry spot, far off the beaten path. No other human beings were anywhere within miles of this awesomely gorgeous corner of the world. In an emergency that might be a negative aspect. With the Dieties at my side, I wasnt living to always watch for emergencies, and savored that sense of uniqueness, and do to this day.

Soon enough I had to hit the rugged trail back out of there. Of course, coming back is quicker than going in. Its a downhill run. Still, the overall distance of around 5 miles each way made that return journey one of aching legs and feet. Finally, back to the car, I bid that awesome mountain paradise farewell and hit the highway to Polson. The prospect of soaking the tired, aching feet and legs in the motel jacuzzi became the primary driving force. Thank goodness I had found the perfect motel for the occasion through our website at http://www.montanaadventure.com When youre in the western Montana area, you dont want to miss the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the incredible Mission Mountains for yourself.

In search of Moon Lake: a Montana Mission Mountain Oddessy is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Pesty ants can be a problem at a hummingbird feeder. The best way to prevent ants at your feeder is to use an “ant guard”. An ant guard is a barrier between the ants and the nectar, making them ant proof. These guards are built into many feeders but are also available as an add on accessory for existing feeders.

There are certain ways to attract hummingbirds to your feeder. Red! Red! Red! All hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. Most feeders that are purchased these days have red on them somewhere, but if you are in doubt that there is enough red, try tying a red ribbon on the feeder itself. Another way to attract attention to your feeder is to place it among flowers that hummers like, or hang a basket of flowers nearby the feeder. You will find that feeder activity slows as more flowers bloom in your yard. Do not panic! They prefer natural nectar over what we give them in our feeders, so as the flower start to diminish, you will see them come back again.

Hummingbird Information- Helpful information about the popular hummingbird! is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Looking for just one more adventure to round out your Alaska Vacation? Prince William Sound is a great addition to an Alaska vacation package that will likely be the highlight of your Alaska Vacation. Incredible marine life, stunning mountain vistas, glaciers and three port cities that offer an array of visitor services, make this an attractive add on. And the Alaska Marine Highway has new and improved ferry service to and from the port cities of Whittier, Cordova and Valdez so trip planning just became easier, faster and more affordable.

Alaska is so large and so diverse that it is often difficult to see it all in one trip. But a trip through Prince William Sound, with a stop-over in each of the three communities will allow you to experience much of what makes Alaska special. And with the Alaska Marine Highway it’s possible to make a loop so as not to repeat any part of your trip, always seeing something new and different.

In less than an hour, you can drive south from Anchorage to the port of Whittier. Whittier, an eclectic relic of a WWII army base is the gateway city of western Prince William Sound. Numerous charter operators large and small and expedition companies leading trips into the Sound can be found in Whittier. Small shops line the harbor offering food and gifts for visitors.

Alaska Marine Highway offers 30% off New High Speed Ferry
There is also a terminal office for the state’s Marine Highway system in Whittier. With its new high speed ferry, the M/V Chenega it is now possible to take a half day cruise across the Sound from Whittier to Cordova. This is called the Marine Highway because you can take your car (or your rental car) on board (highly recommended). And during the summer of 2006, the state is offering some great specials with 30% off all sailings to and from the port of Cordova. The Chenega is a brand new ship offering full amenities. Once on board you’ll feel like you are on a luxury cruise ship with beautiful local art hanging on the walls and its tasteful nautical dcor.

The state ferry also has National Forest Interpreters on board to provide a wealth of information on the marine and terrestrial environments of Prince William Sound. Besides the fantastic scenery, you can often see humpback and killer or orca whales, sea lions, sea otters, seals and other marine mammals. Look for puffins, arctic terns and other marine birds as well. For ferry schedule, lodging nature and glacier observation options in the Prince Williams sound visit: www.alaskarafters.com.

Alaska Adventure Travel
Cordova is a jumping off point for some incredible adventure. You will definitely want to spend a couple of days here, before moving on to the next port city. A small fishing port Cordova is quaint, picturesque, and so Alaskan. There are National Forest Trails with giant rainforest trees, road accessible glaciers, sea otters and other marine life. It is a friendly town too. There are outfitters like the experts at Alaska River Expeditions offering everything from river rafting and sea kayaking to glacier trekking, ice climbing and mountain biking.

Choices for lodging vary from a standard hotel or motel with ocean views, to those with great Alaskan appeal. An old cannery is the site for a new adventure lodge; there are nautical inns and wonderful B&B’s. Although there are no 5 star luxury resorts, most lodging choices offer great hospitality and all amenities as well as charm not found in large hotels. There are also several great restaurants offering local cuisine including the famed Copper River Salmon, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese entrees.

Cordova, Alaska – the “Little Switzerland” of Alaska
From Cordova, you can board the “Marine Highway” once again for the Port of Valdez. This is the terminal city for the Alaska Pipeline. You can see tankers loading and view the pipeline. It has cruise ships that dock so there are several shops that cater to visitors. Valdez is often referred to as “little Switzerland” because of the tall mountains surrounding the city.

You can complete your loop by driving north on the Richardson Highway. Waterfalls, glaciers and tall mountains surround you on your drive north through Thompson Pass. As you drive over the mountains to the other side, you will leave the coastal influence and enter another world. The evergreen forests give way to mixed deciduous forests with more birches and aspens, just two hours north of Valdez. The next bigger community north of Valdez is Glennallen. Here you will turn west onto the Glenn Highway. This winding highway takes you through the northern edge of the Chugach Mountains, eventually giving way to the farmland of the Mat-Su Valley. Picturesque farms dot the countryside before entering the more urban areas. Then its south onto the Parks Highway back to Anchorage, completing a great 3-7 day add-on loop for your Alaska vacation.

How to See the Best of Alaskas Nature, Mountains & Glaciers Close to Anchorage – Prince William Sound is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

When it comes to finding a campground park to camp at, you will find that you, literally, have an unlimited number of options to choose from. One of those options involves using your local telephone book. Your local telephone book should have the name and contact information of local campground parks. If you are looking to camp locally, this is a nice and easy way for to find and familiarize yourself with local campground parks.

In addition to using your local phone book, you may also want to ask those that you know for recommendations. Since camping is a popular activity in the United States, there is a good chance that many of your friends or family members have gone camping before. If they have, you may want to get information on the campground park that they visited, as well as a general overview of their camping adventure, like if they enjoyed it or not.

If you are looking for a campground that is local or even one that is a distance away from your home, you may want to think about using the internet. The internet is a great way to find and familiarize yourself with campground parks. One of the many ways that you can use the internet to your advantage is by using online resources like online phone books or online business directories. These online resources allow you to find a particular business, like a campground park, by searching in a specific area. Often times, you will get the name and the contact information of a campground park by using online business directories or online phone books.

In addition to using online business directories or online phone books to find a campground park to camp at, you can also use standard internet searches. When performing a standard internet search, you may want to think about searching with phrases like “campground parks,” or just “campgrounds.” If you know where you would like to camp, city and state wise, you may want to think about incorporating that information into your standard internet search. Your standard internet search will likely connect you to the online websites of campground parks.

Speaking of the online websites of campground parks, these websites are a great way for you to familiarize yourself with the park or parks in question. Many campground parks have detailed information on their online websites, like park maps, as well as pictures. You may also find the cost of renting a campsite on their website. It is also likely that you will come across a detailed list on onsite activities that you and your camping party may be able to participate in.

You can also find a campground park to camp at by keeping your eyes open at all times. Some of the greatest campgrounds are discovered purely by accident. Whenever you are out driving, you may want to always be on the lookout for campground parks. Many of these parks are advertised in plain site. You may want to think about stopping and requesting information or using the internet to research the park in question when you get home.

As outlined above, there are a number of different ways that you can go about finding a campground park to camp at. As a reminder though, you will want to try and do more than just find a campground park. You will want to make sure that you take the time to find and choose the one that is best for you and your camping party.

How to Find a Campground to Camp At is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

The dome tent has become one of the most popular tent styles today, which is available in a wide range of designs, shapes and sizes. Some of them may be regular dome shaped while others can be made up of several domes, but all dome tents use a geometrical design in their poles to hold the tent up, and rather than the firmness of the frame itself, the sturdiness of a dome tent depends on the structural integrity of the fabric, poles, ropes, and pegs combined.

In dome tents, poles, which are generally made of flexible materials such as carbon fiber, overlap each other to form an equal or almost equal geometric shape. This greatly determines the shape of the floor and the tent itself. For example, a dome tent with three poles would have a hexagonal shaped floor while a dome tent with four poles would have an octagonal shaped floor. Hence, this design method enables the dome tent to be a strong self-supporting structure which is aerodynamic and stable. So, no stakes or lines are required under normal circumstances.

Before buying a dome tent or any type of tents, keep in mind what time of year you are going to need it, how easy is it to set up, how well would it protect you from bad weather, and if size and weight is relative to the outdoor activity.

Main advantages of dome tents include:

1. Since they have a large number of corners, they can resist wind and all types of precipitation effectively. So they are really great for backpackers and canoeists.

2. Corners which cannot be used for sleeping can conveniently provide extra storage for gears.

3. Dome tents are generally much lighter in weight than the equivalent size frame tent.

4. They give greater amount of head room than conventional ridge tents.

5. They can be easily installed or set up, and dismantled.

The fabric used for the body of the dome tent is usually nylon, and the average weight is approximately two and one-half to seven and one-half pounds. The Rain Fly is usually UV-resistant and can be used as a tarp or its own tent when basic, ultra-light shelter is desired. Dome tents can cost from $70 to $600, and may also come with porch extensions, and in larger sizes that can accommodate up to ten people.

Dome tents can be classified under 3-season type of tents those that work well for all but the harshest cold weather condition. However, dome tents also do have a few disadvantages:

1. The geometric design can limit ventilation.

2. There tends to be less usable space inside the tent.

3. Moisture tends to gather at the top of the dome.

These shortcomings may create some problems when using a dome tent but it is still the number one choice for most backpackers, mountaineers, campers, and hikers etc.

How To Choose Your Dome Tent is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Well, a right backpack is the one that sits comfortably on your shoulders and back and make you comfortable to carry your load during long and short trips alike. To select a right backpack you need to consider many things, such as comfort, load distribution on your spine, important features and functionalities you required in your back pack and finally the budget. Among other things, comfort should be on your first priority, because you are buying backpack for comfortable journey. Therefore, to make a good selection decide which feature is important for you, how long is your journey, what is the actual weight you wish to carry etc.

Literally, there is a large variety available in the market to choose from, such as crush resistance, frameless backpack, internal & external backpack, lumbar & torso packs, lightweight, single strap & double strap backpacks, infant & child backpacks, hydration etc. Remember, they are all different so try them actually to see which ones suit you better. Before answering these questions, some important elements should be considered, such as purpose of your trip, duration of your trip along with the capacity you’ll need and the features you demand in a backpack.

First of all, remember the golden rule of backpacking buy right and pack light. That means you should buy the right backpack according to your needs and pack it light with essential things only. A right backpack is the one with the right size to fit your torso. It is the first and most important step to safe backpack use. If you can bring one of your friends with you while buying any backpack then it is ok, otherwise ask the salesperson to help you measure your backpack properly.

Next important point can be to purchase adjustable backpacks. Nowadays market is full of good quality adjustable backpacks. No doubt, adjustable back systems are great, but will cost you a bit extra than your bulk standard pack. Actually, adjustable backpacks will allow you to set the height and weight of the pack in the perfect position on your back. Either you can set it yourself or ask your friend or salesperson to adjust and fit your pack on your back by sliding it up and down until you are comfortable. So, when you feel it is right, you lock it off.

Next is to choose the correct frame size. Remember every backpack is useless (regardless of your good height and top quality of backpack) unless it has a correct frame size according to your body and shape. Gone were the days when people think one-size-fits-allit far from the truth. Experts strongly believe that your torso size and your overall height are two completely separate measurements when it comes to backpacks. Actually Wayne Gregory was the first backpack designer who thought seriously about the importance of correct frame size to fit your torso.

According to him, your correct frame size can be found by measuring your torso from the seventh vertebra down the spine to the point in the small of your back which is horizontally level with the top of your hip bones. To find this point, use your fingers to trace the hip bone upwards till you feel the point where the top edge of your hip bones curve inwards, on the side of the hip, creating something of a shelf. This measurement is the torso length, especially useful to consider those packs with non-adjustable back system. In fact this system that is used throughout the outdoor industry today to measure the exact body size and to determine the correct frames size.

Similarly, another important consideration is proper fit of waist belt by knowing its correct size. In simpler words, the hip belt is meant for hips and not for your waist. Therefore hip belt should rest on your hipbone, not on your waist, because if it is on your waist then you will carry too much weight on your shoulder. In the same way if it is too low, it is bound to interfere with your walking. Quite frankly, both are undesirable. Ideally with a full pack on, the top edge of the waist belt should ride one inch above the top of the hip bone. Lastly, you should also pay attention to shoulder straps. These days many good quality backpacks are available in the market with adjustable shoulder straps. Backpacks with self-adjustable shoulder are regarded as top backpacks, because in these backpacks the shoulder straps can be rotated to accommodate individual neck and shoulder shapes.

Well folks, these were just few considerations for choosing a right backpack for your hiking or trekking. Your backpack contains all of your surviving things in a wilderness so you always try to select a good and comfortable backpack. The only cause behind the selection of an expensive backpack is comfort, so while purchasing any backpack, do some research to find the pack that’s right for you.

How To Choose A Right Backpack? is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Although it is nice to hear that camping in a unique, yet fun way to spend a romantic getaway, you may be wondering exactly why that is. If you are, you may be pleased to know that there are a number of different reasons as to why camping is perfect for romantic getaways, like your next one. Just a few of the many reasons why you may want to think about further examining camping are outlined below.

One of the many reasons why camping is perfect for romantic getaways is because of the nature. When camping, you are, literally, one with nature. You will find that the surroundings are absolutely beautiful. Most campgrounds have hiking trials, lakes, forests, and much more. You and your romantic partner should love waking up to the beautiful surroundings each and everyday of your romantic getaway.

Another one of the many reasons why camping may be perfect for your next romantic getaway is because you may be able to handpick your own camping spot. If you make your camping reservations in advance, you will find that many campground officials give you the opportunity to choose which camping spot you and your partner would like to have. If you prefer hiking, you may wish to be located close to a hiking trial. On the other hand, if you would like privacy on your romantic getaway, you may be able to choose a camping spot that is more secluded than the others.

Also, what is nice about camping is that you have a number of activities to choose from. When examining the activities, it is important to remember that camping is an activity all by itself. When camping, you can either choose to rent or buy an RV or you can choose to camp in a tent, both of which are pretty romantic. As for the other activities that you may be able to participate in, you may be able to go hiking, swimming, or boating. You may also enjoy just spending time with your partner around the campfire.

If you are interested in making your next romantic getaway a camping one, you will want to start planning your getaway well in advance. By taking the time to actually plan your next camping getaway, you can ensure that it is exactly how you wanted it to be. You may want to think about reviewing a number of campgrounds, to find the perfect one. Unless you are planning on making your camping getaway a surprise, you may want to think about planning your camping adventure with your romantic partner. This will help to ensure that both of you enjoy your next camping getaway.

Of course, your romantic getaway doesn’t have to be a camping adventure, but you may at least want to think about it. For many, camping is a great, yet unique way to spend quality time with their romantic partners.

How Camping Can Be a Unique Romantic Getaway is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Evidence of this uniqueness is partly visible in the outer appearance of the streets with old, moss-encrusted architectural works with their ancient decorative patterns and in the extant names of the lanes. It can be found in the clubs and head quarters of the guilds of different styles and worshiping statues imbued with distinctive East Asian features of the glorious past. The beauty of the citys old streets expresses something that cannot be easily captured, with their native cultural depth that has been formed and nurtured from integration and creation, hence the particular and unmistakable colour of the city.

Isnt it the reason why Hoi An is always animated and busy, but not boisterous, sustaining its natural peace and tranquility in spite of the changes that time has brought. People of all ages and nationalities, who have mingled with the life of the town, weaved through the flow of its traffic, visited its old sites of interest, has a cordial talk with its people, and shopped here and there, will quickly realize the gentleness and elegance of the ancient town. This simple and plain cultural quality is just like an early morning mist shrouding the environment and social life naturally, unpretentiously, and exactly as the trading port is called in Vietnamese.

These days, on the evening of the 15th day of the lunar months, all homes in the city douse the electric lights and hang up their fancy lanterns of all shapes and forms. Loopahs and pumpkins, octagons and merry-go-rounds, all flickering from dusk till dawn turn the old streets into a glittering fantasy land, attracting more and more people onto the roads. One day as the viewers quietly walked on and on, contemplating the lanterns and the streets, I was one among them, mixing and mingling with them and making the mose of the lofty pleasures of contemplation, windows-shopping or enjoying the evening snacks and delicacies. At every corner, Hoi An was engulfed in an atmosphere of open-heartedness, rustic yet elegant, simple yet colourful, plain as the chracters of its soil and the virtues of its folk, something intermingled between the true and the false, between poetry and painting, between the present and the past between introspection and external settings. On such nights, you want to stay awake all night with Hoi An since wherever you go youll get some feeling of profound attachment.

I soon found myself in an old house, a very wealthy merchants home, built 400 years ago, still standing there intact as a historical witness to the city. With the exception of two brick walls, it was built of iron wood, glistening with the passage of time, decorated with vertical and horizontal wooden plaques, panels and couplets flowing calligraphy in the lounge, including this exceptionally interesting poem:

As the apricot blooms try to blossom before the others,
How beautiful those snow-white flowers on the distant mountains are
Contemplating the spectacular scenery,
who could realizeThe beauty of spring at the harmonious moment of heaven and earth

The private properties of the wealthy in Hoi An always includes a “back garden”, unlike other areas of the country. Often this area is doted with rare bonsai plants for the owner to enjoy during leisure times, feasting his eyes on the miniature landscapes and reciting poems.

Thuong Chua Cau – Ha Am Bon is the main axis that leads to the centre of the town. Along its side runs the Hoai Pho River weaving through the old streets. This name brought me some sweet nostalgia of the past. It was a Vietnamese articulation of the term “Faifo” given by the European merchants, implying an urban area with a trading port, or a “port city”, to be brief. The Chinese in Hoi An, however, pronounced it in their own way, transcribing it into “Hoai Pho”, to signify their longing for the ancient town. Either term accurately expresses what exist in Hoi An.

And like the feelings invoked by the name “Hoai Pho”, those who travel along the ancient streets of Hoi An seem to go back against the flow of history, into the depth of its cultural layers. There, in the 17th century, it was a prime center for trans-shipment and distribution of commodities of the South. Besides aloes and gold, its fine arts articles accounted for a high percentage of the exports of the Dai Viet. The “Phu bien Tap luc” (Miscellaneous Annals – Revised and Amended) by Le Quy Don records: “Hoi An has so many commodities on display and on sale that one cannot remember them all. There are silk and silk products, medicinal herbs and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and costumes, high-quality paper and stationery, glass and fans, pins and needles, furniture and pottery, copper and silver wares, tea and dried foods, candies and cookies. It goes on and on”.

Thus you may see that as early as the 17th century, the handicrafts produced by private house holds and guilds developed well. The artisans of a craft would be living in the same communes, such as carpentry at Kim Bong, ceramics at Thanh Ha, mental casting at Phuoc Kieu, textile at Minh Huong. It is quite well known that the ancient houses and monuments of the town with delicate carvings were made up virtually by the clever hands of Kim Bong and Phuoc Kieu artisans, that is, these workmen made no small contribution to the formation of the cultural values of these old streets. Later, they were recruited by the Nguyen Court to construct the ancient capital of Hue.

So where are these renowned artisans today? I immediately felt some touch of nostalgia when I suddenly recalled the verses of late poet Vu Dinh Lien:

People in the days of yore,
Where are you now?

Embroidery, one of the traditional crafts in Hoi An, is being restored and developed, and is cherished by many people. Hoi An embroideries are really gentle and graceful, as elegant as its young girls with subtle movements and delicate tasteful lines. The colours are fantastically vivid. I stood there, astounded and stunned, contemplating the products of their producer. Possibly both!

Gastronomy constitutes another distinctiveness of Hoi An culture, with tea from Phu Thuong, cinnamon from Tra Mi, cane-sugar from Dien Ban, noodles, half-done beef, and ambrosia from the Quang region. In particular, the herbs from Tra Que are quite indispensable spices for discriminating connoisseurs of fine food. According to old folks in town, these spicy legumes, a variety of aquatic weeds take from a lake and planted on the promontory of Tra Que, provides micro-quantum elements, which produce a particular aromatic taste cherished by so many people, perhaps thanks to the growers own secrets to their cultivation.

Hoi An has so many exotic things! So exotic yet so popular!

People say visiting Hoi An is like a homecoming, back to the old scenes of trading boats moored at the riverbanks, back to the roots that embrace the whole course of history and glory of a most frenetic trading port, and back to a place of peace and benevolence, imbued with immense humanity and profound values.

The writer Nguyen Ngoc, born of Quang Nam Province, has come to settle down in Hoi An after traveling to all corners of the country, seeing the town as his “native land”. Its attraction means the magnetism of the “native land”. In the age of the vibrant and frenetic industrial civilization of today, more than ever, the appeal of the “native land” seems to be the call of the innermost recess of the human heart.

Visiting Hoi means not only coming back to the old villages and ancient streets but returning to mean tracing the footsteps of the ancient Viet people of Sa Huynh Culture. Staying in Hoi An can lead to seeking Prophet Trang Quynhs old oracle “Hoanh Son nhat dai, van dai dung than” (literally, the Long Range may be a place for eternal habitation), in order to realize and reflect upon the far-sightedness and the undaunted will of our ancestors. You will be lead to understanding the origin and development of Hoi An as a trading port, and to contemplate it as a heritage of all humankind and the pride of the Vietnamese nation, which has won the admiration of friends from all corners of the globe who are coming ever larger numbers, like coming back to their “native land”.

Hoi An – The Colour of a City is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

Hiking Journals

Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent hiking experience. What sticks out in your mind? Who did you go with and were there any incredible views? Now think about the first time you ever went hiking. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with and the particular hiking routes. The experiences youve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep a hiking journal, this wont be the case.

There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Franks Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your hiking experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.

A good hiking journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you dont have to lug extra weight around. Second, it should have a case to protect it from the elements. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:

1. Who you went hiking with,

2. The length and difficulty of the hike,

3. Who you met and contact information for them,

4. The weather conditions,

5. Any unique things that occurred while hiking,

6. The routes you took on the hikes and alternatives you might want to try later.

7. Unique information about the particular hiking trail, and

8. Any inside information provided by locals or other climbers you met.

At the end of the hike, you should be able to get the following from your journal:

1. Contact information for other hikers you met,

2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you or they hike the location a second time.

3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and

4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.

To get the most out of your hiking journal, you should write in it just before you start, during breaks such as lunch and when you return. It is always interesting to see the different impressions you have before and after a hike as well as your mood changes as the hike progresses. On a miserably rainy day in winter, the journal will make for good reading

Hiking is a great way to commune with nature and spend a weekend. Make sure to preserve the experience with your hiking journal.

Hiking Trails Preserve Your Experiences is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com

One of the easiest ways that you can go about finding a great hiking trail to hike is by asking those that you know for recommendations. Asking those that you know for recommendations is nice and easy because it limits the amount of research that you have to do yourself. If you know of anyone, like a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker, who enjoys hiking, you may want to see if they can recommend any good hiking trails to you. You will want to try and find hiking trails that are well maintained, cheap to hike, as well safe.

Another way that you can go about finding a great hiking trail to hike is by contacting any of your local hiking trails or hiking parks. If you are looking to hike locally, you should be able to find the contact information of local hiking trials or hiking parks by using your local phone book. By contacting some of your local hiking parks or hiking trails, you may be able to get information on the trials in question. In addition to getting information over the phone, you may also be able to request that you have a few brochures, like maps, mailed to your home. If you live close enough to the hiking trail or park that you would like more information on, you may want to think about stopping by to get the same information in person.

If you are interested in not hiking locally, but hiking a distance that is away from your home, you may be wondering how you can go about researching hiking trials or hiking parks. Of course, you can use the internet and other resources, but you may want to think about waiting until you get to your destination. As previously mentioned, asking those that you know for recommendations is a great way to find a good hiking trail. When you arrive at your destination, you may want to think about asking some local residents for hiking trail recommendations.

As previously stated, you can also use the internet to help you research local and non-local hiking trails, as well as hiking parks in general. When it comes to using the internet, one of your best options is performing a standard internet search. When you perform a standard internet search, you will want to search with phrases like “hiking parks,” or “hiking trails.” If you know where you would like to go hiking, like in what city or in what state, you may want to incorporate your destination into your search. This may help give you more tailored results. Speaking of those results, you will likely be connected to websites that are referred to as hiking websites. These websites often provide you with information on hiking, as well as information on popular hiking trails.

When performing a standard internet search, you may also come across the online websites of local hiking parks or hiking trials. If you find those online websites, you will want to thoroughly examine them. The internet is a great way to research hiking parks and hiking trails to find the one or ones that are best for you, your wants, as well as your needs.

Hiking Trails: How You Can Choose the Best One is a post from: Tours And Travel - thosenorwegians.com