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.