Camping in Algonquin

We decided that we needed to take a complete get away from it all vacation, the kind of trip that meant checking out of society and escaping from everything.

Although I love the outdoors I have technically never been a fan of camping. I use to joke with friends that my idea of camping was staying at a Holiday Inn. It had been many years since I had the experience and from what I remembered of it, there was peaceful solitude that allowed for an escape not only of the parents but ones inner self.

I was in desperate need to get away from life and all of the telephone calls, cell phones and computers that seemed to possess it. I agreed that it was time to take up the challenge and venture into the unknown. I needed more then anything to find the solitude that seemed to not only escape my life but had been totally forgotten.

I grabbed the tent from the bottom of the storage unit, dusted it off and started gathering everything that we were going to require. Having made a list the night before we headed out, I realized it meant literally taking our home with us or just short of it. Outside of the kitchen sink and my cozy bed everything else seemed to be piled into the van.

I had the Coleman stove, lantern and new batteries. I put the plastic cutlery, paper plates and cast iron pans put into a box along with paper towel and the most important supply Toilet Paper. Not ever to be forgotten Bug Spray camping version and your camera.

Having been quite a few years since I had the opportunity to camp, I really forgot how much you actually need to take with you. When I was sixteen and went out camping for my first time Love was all that was needed. It didn't matter that it rained, that the tent was soaked or that the bugs were three inches thick, Love conquered all. With our cans of beans on the campfire and the beer cases stacked we feasted for the weekend. There was not one person in our group that was going to complain, we were all making memories.

However as we grew and realized that cottages existed the need to take the house with you was somewhere in the background I guess. In some ways I realized that I had became a little spoiled. It was now time for me to go back to my roots and rediscover the serenity and peacefulness that I so much needed in my life.

We arrived up to Whitney at Algonquin Park and filled up the boat with our supplies. Since we weren't sure how long we would stay we literally packed for what seemed like a lifetime. We found a beautiful camping spot that was totally secluded and one we could call our very own. There was no one around for miles and the scenery was outstanding.

We had a beautiful sandy beach that allowed us to park the boat right at our site and on shore. The camping area had been well taken care of by others and it was obvious that we had lucked in on probably one of the most pristine spots up there.

We had a special area that was dedicated to cooking and cleaning, a great fire pit, quite a few flat tent area's, picnic table and the ultimate outdoor bathroom that any camper would be more then happy to use.

Our ultimate port-a-potty was like winning the lottery of camping. Who wouldn't be happy to find such a luxury in the outdoors? I felt like I was in that commercial with the Charmin bears and there soft toilet paper in the great outdoors. The toilet was actually made from a big wood box and was extremely sturdy and on top a White Toilet seat and it was clean. There was No smell and it was an incredible experience to actually know someone had thought of others to not only build it but for others to have actually kept it so clean.

On our first night camping we had a funny incident after we fell asleep. We were probably sleeping for a couple hours when we were awoken to sounds close to our tent. It seemed we had a visitor and he was playing in all of our dishes. My husband tried making a lot of noise to scare it away, but it seemed like our new friend was not giving up that easily.

Finally, my husband went out of the tent buck naked. Well almost, he actually put on his slippers first. He then started to yell and grunt and make even more noise stomping his feet and flailing his arms in the air. It didn't take to much more time for that raccoon to take off running. He probably was laughing all the way through the forest telling his friends you wouldn't believe what I just saw. I know I was killing myself laughing in the tent and for days after when I thought about it. Poor little raccoon terrorized by the naked guy. I only wish I had grabbed my camera to capture the moment. I'm sure I would have won the funniest video moment.

Our goal was to be away and find quiet peaceful serenity that we had been lacking. Having the opportunity to actually escape to be alone and not have civilization interfere in our quite time was something that I could not only appreciate but now have the need to do again. Once I returned home I realized how noisy our society has really become. Oh how I miss those quiet nights and look forward to heading back to our special spot again soon. Camping really does make amazing memories.

By Terri MacKinnon
To find out more about Algonquin Park in Canada check out.
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/algo.html

Mona, Puerto Rico - an Untouched Treasure

Puerto Rico is known worldwide for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Travelers come to this Caribbean Island paradise to take advantage of the natural beauty and luxury Puerto Rico Resorts. What many don't get to experience are the 'untouched' natural wonders found in this fascinating country.

Located in the Mona Passage, Mona Island is something you don't read much about. This natural preserve is a flat plateau surrounded by dazzling cliffs on most sides. On Mona, you'll find many species that are either endangered or cannot be found anywhere else in the world. If is for this reason that Mona is often compared to the Galapagos Islands.

Take a tour of Mona and you'll find countless species of animals. On land, the Mona Iguana freely roams the island but cannot be found anywhere else in the world. You'll also find several species of rare birds. In the ocean, several endangered species of sea turtles swim freely amongst the unspoiled mangroves and rich coral reefs. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins or humpback whales.

Things to do in Mona Most visitors spend a great deal of time exploring the island. With plenty to see, this can easily keep your attention for your entire visit. For ocean-lovers, it has been said that Mona offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Healthy coral reefs, clear visibility and warm waters attract ocean-lovers from around the world to this island paradise.

Camping in Mona You won't find any hotels on Mona. In fact, the only way to stay overnight is to pitch a tent on the inland. Camping is allowed on three different beaches and is restricted to weekends-only during hunting season.

Getting to Mona

Accessing Mona can be done from the towns of Mayaguez and Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico. Charter boats carry visitors to the island. Since the trip takes 6 hours, you may want to plan to spend at least a couple days.

Next time you're in Puerto Rico, consider spending a couple days of your vacation in the natural wonder that is Mona Island.

By Enid Glasgow
Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys traveling in the Americas and Caribbean. When visiting Puerto Rico, she stays at luxury hotels in Puerto Rico like Gran Melia.

Not All Waterproof Jackets Keep You Dry

There is a huge difference in price in some waterproof jackets and here is why it is not always best to go for the cheaper option. With cheaply constructed waterproof materials such as waterproof coated nylon. It can do a great job of keeping the rainwater off you. But won't necessarily keep you dry.

Plastic Bag Technology

Have you ever worn a pair of those plastic gloves you get with using heavy peroxides for cleaning and dying hair? When you have finished and take your hand back out. It is sweaty and uncomfortable.

The effect of a low cost waterproof jacket can be similar to this.

Firstly: Condensation from the heat of your body will try to escape the inner lining of the waterproof jacket and will not be able to. Forming into water droplets and soak in to the layers of clothing next to the waterproof jacket

Secondly: Due to the extra heat. Your body will naturally sweat in the aim to cool you down and the Layers of clothes next to your skin will also get wet and uncomfortable.

Extra Negative Effects: When it is also cold as well as raining, because of the moisture trapped in your clothing you can also become cold. Making you sweat more and in turn making your clothes even wetter.

It is not a good idea to get cold when you have wet clothes as this can also lead to hypothermia and pneumonia. Which is a worst case scenario. But especially in mountain conditions. This should be more than enough of a reason for putting you off using a few thick fleeces and a cheap waterproof jacket rather than spending that bit more on a better piece of water proof technology.

Waterproof Jackets with technology such as GORE-TEX and eVent are designed to be breathable meaning not only do you stay dry from any downpour. But the heat can also be released from your body and out through the jacket. Avoiding the negative effects described above.

Keep this information in mind when you are choosing your next waterproof jacket, read the labels and do some research on the technologies listed on the jackets. If you are planning on getting a waterproof jacket. The last thing you want it to do is make you cold and wet.

By Paul D Fox
For a more in depth explanations on making the right choice. See the GO Outdoors guide on Waterproof Jackets.

Advice For Female Backpackers

Make sure that you have tampons, sanitary towels and other articles of hygiene that you need. They may not be available everywhere especially when you leave major cities behind. Consider getting discardable wash clothes for intimate hygiene if you are going places where hygiene may be problematic.

Use a sports bra when you travel on bumpy roads and rivers. Six hours on the back of a truck on bumpy roads is not what your breasts are longing for.

Attractive women with long blonde hair and shiny blue eyes (well not only them for that matter) get a lot of attention in some parts of the world. In fact, looking someone in their eyes may be regarded as flirting in some places. This may be a lot of fun for the first couple of days but it soon gets weary. Being approached and asked if you are married 32 times a day can be exhausting and drain your energy (which should be focused on all the positive aspects of travel).

Here is some advice for attractive women in order to avoid unwanted attention:

• Wear a fake wedding ring

• Claim that you are married to a big jealous wrestler

• Get a picture of a mean looking guy from the Internet and keep in your pocket, show it to your potential suitors and claim it is your husband

• Team up with a fellow male traveler

• Dye your hair (if blonde)

• Wear baggy clothes and avoid wearing make-up, make yourself unattractive

• Cut long hair or keep it under a hat

By Peter Siljerud
This article is based on the free e-book The Backpacker's Toolbox It contains checklists, templates, FAQs and practical advice (and a few bad jokes) to make your backpacking experience as smooth as possible.

http://www.hellobackpacker.com - practical advice for new and experienced backpackers for all trip stages: get inspired, plan your trip, advice on the road, tips when back home.

Leave As Individuals, Come Home a Family - Vacationing in a Log Cabin

Many urban families dream about getting away from the fast pace, concrete landscaping, and high pressure surroundings associated with city life. Typical family vacations include sunshine, beaches, amusement parks, and staff dressed as cartoon characters. While these types of holidays are great for blowing off steam and having fun, they're not very conducive to reconnecting with each other as a family.

Sunbathing and reading on the beach are solitary activities, and it's hard to have a meaningful chat with your teenager while riding on a roller coaster. If you're looking for a different kind of vacation -one that's fun, educational, and involves lots of interaction with your kids- then staying in a log cabin in the woods may be just what you're looking for.

Children that are under the age of twelve are particularly suited for log cabin vacations because of their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for trying new activities. Kids enjoy learning how to fish and hunt with their parents, while the little ones love jumping in mud puddles and splashing in water.

Children of all ages are enchanted by local wildlife like deer, squirrels, and rabbits that pass by. Indeed, observing wildlife in their natural habitat is an excellent opportunity to teach your children about the wonders of nature, the cycle of life, and about respecting our animal neighbors.

Older children and teenagers may be skeptical at first about spending their holiday surrounded by mountains and trees rather than beaches and shopping malls. If they've been raised in a city environment, the idea of being in the American wilderness may sound boring or even frightening. It's important to listen to their objections and empathize, but if you can convince them to be open-minded to the experience, they may end up having the time of their lives.

With hiking trails, lakes, rivers, horseback riding, fishing, and more, spending time in the mountains can be very rewarding. You're able to spend quality time with family members who won't be tied up with school, work, or household concerns. In fact, vacationing in the back country can afford parents an excellent opportunity to work on their relationships with their children, especially teenagers.

The teen years are a precarious time for the whole family, as the teenager tries to find his or her own identity. They need to separate from their parents in order to grow, but they're still vulnerable and immature, and need their parents' support during this tumultuous time. With a cabin vacation, the focus is on activities that are best enjoyed together, which enables family members to communicate and get to know each other on a deeper level.

There are a number of recreational activities to enjoy in the outdoors such as kayaking or hiking, but there are also things to do as a family indoors. Leave the video games and television shows behind and do things as a group, such as playing board games, pool, or darts. Old fashioned ghost stories can also provide a great deal of entertainment on a stormy evening for those with a strong constitution. Many vacation cabins also have hot tubs, which gives the entire family a place to relax.

Curl up by the fire and listen to the sounds of the wilderness. Enjoy being away from the daily grind, and being close to nature. This is your chance to get grounded, relax, and to have fun together. Get to know your family while on vacation this time, and return home a stronger unit.

By Pat Trainor
Check out RentGeorgiaCabins.com to see beautiful North Georgia rental cabins. The properties listed are perfectly situated for enjoying Georgia trout fishing.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes - What You Can Do to Minimize the Risk of Mosquito Bites

Over the past few years mosquitoes have developed from a nuisance into a real public health danger. These pests spread dangerous diseases such as the West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis as well as malaria and yellow fever. It is more important than ever to protect your family from mosquito bites and learn how to get rid of mosquitoes.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the mosquito problem, there are many things you can do to greatly minimize the threat. Some of these things involve changing the surrounding area to be less habitable for the little buggers and some involve temporary measures to keep them away for a short period of time.

One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is to remove any standing water outside your house. This includes flower pots, buckets, pails, wheel barrows and bird feeders that may be filled with rain water. This standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and you will never be rid of them until you can eliminate this factor. Empty water out of these containers on a regular basis, maybe even make a hole in the bottom so that they cannot hold water.

Another step you can take to get rid of mosquitoes is to eliminate as much brush and tall grass as you can. Mosquitoes love to hide in grassy, overgrown areas and if you can keep the lawn cut short and clear out any unwanted brush on your property it will really help cut down on the mosquito problem.

There are several types of plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. Some of these are horsemint, marigolds, catnip and rosemary. You can also use lemon eucalyptus oil as a mosquito repellent.
The next step to take against the mosquitoes is chemical warfare. There are several types of lawn treatments that you can spray on your lawn which contain DEET. These are fairly effective at keeping mosquitoes away from your property for up to 2 weeks at a time. Other chemical treatments can not only act as a mosquito repellent, but actually kill any larvae that are waiting to be hatched.

Other mosquito repellent products such as citronella candles and any burning/smoking products have such a limited radius that they are not that effective. One device that does have some effectiveness is the "mosquito magnet" type of device. These machines use propane gas to produce carbon dioxide which attracts mosquitoes. They are then trapped in a net inside the device where they die of dehydration. Some of these devices can attract mosquitoes from up to a whole acre away. One drawback to using these devices is that when they break down you will need to spend additional money on mosquito magnet replacement parts such as CO2 cartridges, trap netting, thermistors and of course you have to have a supply of propane gas too.

Mosquito repellent that you wear on your skin is also somewhat effective. Products that contain DEET are most effective, while some people swear that Avon's Skin So Soft works just as well with DEET. You should wear long sleeves and pants to minimize the amount of exposed skin.

It is my hope that this essay has shown you how to get rid of mosquitoes. As you can see, there are several steps you can take to minimize the threat of mosquitoes. It takes a multi-layered approach to achieve real effectiveness. You can't just perform one of these steps. To achieve real results you need to do as many of them as you can. If you do all of these things you will have a much better chance at enjoying your outdoor activities without worrying about mosquitoes.

How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Francis

How to Get Rid of Bears

Since bear and man live in the same world and often occupy the same space, man-bear encounters are not uncommon. When you pit a man against a bear, the latter would surely win unless the man is armed with a weapon.

Due to the changing environment, bears are either losing their habitat or the sources of their food. In that case, bears, being highly adaptive, search for other sources of food - the food or even garbage that humans make. Bears are naturally shy and would avoid being seen by man, but when their survival is at stake, they get over their people-shyness and attempt to steal some snacks from humans. There are two common man-bear scenarios:

Scenario 1:

* You live in either in Canada, the United States, or any place where bears such as brown, grizzly, or black bears are native.
* The season is temperate, somewhere between spring and fall.
* You are either having a barbecue cookout or you store a lot of aromatic food in your home.
* Your house is located near the woods or some forest.

Scenario 2:

* You decide to go camping in the woods or in the forest.
* You have a lot of food that is good for several days.
* You cook the food (of course, out in the open).

In Case of Bears...

These are just two of the most common scenarios where bears show themselves to humans. If you do see a bear, you should not be afraid. They are just hungry creatures looking for food. It is only very rare that these bears attack people. Bears only attack people when you get in the way of their food or their cubs.

When you do see a bear, you don't need to panic. In cold climates, bears usually appear between May and October, so be alert. Make sure you, your children, and your pets stay clear of bears.

Since bears are shy and timid creatures, they can be easily scared away by shouting, banging pans, waving, or any loud noises. Those that are used to being around humans won't be easily scared off, though. Some brave people may even try to fake a chase of the bear so that it would flee. If you try scaring a bear off, make sure it is not cornered and it has a clear escape route. When attempting to fake a rush towards a bear, never go nearer than 15 feet. These scare tactics are very effective when there are many people; otherwise, it is better to stay at a safe distance and simply make loud sounds to scare it off.

There are some bears that are not easily scared off, though. If you live in an area that is frequented by bears, it is better to have bear repellant like Capsaicin, a natural chemical found in most peppers. When sprayed directly into the eyes of a bear, it will cause the animal to flee. This repellent causes eye irritation that last for several minutes, but does not have permanent and damaging effects on the bear's eyes.

If the bear seems to be aggressive or threatening, never attempt to scare it away. Instead, contact a wildlife conservation office and report the incident. They will be the ones who will deal with the bear by either relocating it or destroying it if it fights against capture.

Bear No-No's

Even though bears are timid creatures, when cornered or provoked, they can be very dangerous. Bears can seriously injure or even kill even a strong man. That is why you must be very careful when dealing with bears. There are certain things you should not do when you are confronted by a bear in your backyard or at a campsite. Here are some bear no-no's:

* Never feed a bear - No matter how cute or how gentle it may look, you should never feed a bear. Doing so is very dangerous. Bears are very strong animals, so when you attempt to feed them, you may risk getting scratched, bitten, or thrown away by a powerful swing.

* Never leave food unattended - If you will be having a cookout, or when you're camping, never leave your food unattended. Clean up the mess right away and store foodstuff in bear-proof containers. Garbage bins are also a favorite of bears, so make sure your garbage bins are bear-proof too.

Why Bears Come

Bears are naturally shy, but when survival is at stake, they have no other choice but to overcome their nature. When bears come to humans, most of the time, they are just searching or attracted to food, but there are several reasons behind them coming out in the open.

The number one reason is because of us humans. The changes in the environment directly or indirectly caused by man makes the food supply of these bears scarce. They are also attracted to the smell of food. Since bears need large quantities of food for the winter, they will get as much food as possible in order to survive the punishing weather ahead.

Bears also have a keen sense of smell, so they seek out the source of the food they detect. They can open doors, garbage bins, backpacks, or even cars just to get the food. Since they also have good memory, they will remember the taste of the food and the location where they got the meal and remember it for a long time.

Younger male bears are also usually not tolerated by adult bears, forcing them to search for new territories. Mother bears may also flee to nearby human homes along with their cubs because adult male bears usually kill other bear cubs.

When there is a shortage of food, usually when the winter season nears, bears become desperate, so they seek out human settlements to hunt for something to eat. Also, when bears are too old, injured, or sick, and foraging for food becomes difficult, they go for easy targets such as the food that people eat.

Avoiding Bear Contact

Bear attacks are very rare, but still, they do happen. It is only safe to make sure that bears would not wander into your yard or campgrounds.

If you are on going camping, be aware of your environment. Stay clear of bear paths. Signs that bears may be near are their droppings or leftovers of food. If there are fruit-bearing trees around, don't set camp there. After cooking and eating, make sure you clean up the mess right away. Throw leftovers in a faraway place instead of burying them near your campsite.

At home, keep foodstuff indoors. Make sure your garbage is sealed in bear-proof garbage bins. If you have fruit-bearing trees in your yard, pick them and don't allow the fruit to fall on the ground. If you have beehives, set them higher, at least two feet above the ground, so that they are out of reach for the bears.

Bears are wonderful and graceful creatures, in spite of their size. It is nice to watch them from afar, but can bring panic to you when they come too close. With these necessary steps, you can "get rid" of bears and avoid further confrontations with them.

Want to know more? You can read more tips on How to get rid of Bears, plus information to get rid of practically anything else that ails you - from bad breath to telemarketers to cellulite - at http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Rivera_Mae