Unique Content Article: Hiking Can Be Excellent Exercise

Hiking Can Be Excellent Exercise

by Chris Jacobs

Hiking may just be the best exercise you will ever get, and while it is good for the body, you will benefit in other ways that you may never have imagined. Should you decide to take up this great hobby, you will need to be sure to have all the right gear and that you are physically fit, or at least in good enough shape to get started. Keep reading to find out more.

When you think about a hike, you probably have an image of trekking up the side of a mountain or a steep cliff, with perilous rocks far below. Of course this might very well be true in some cases, however it does not have to require one to risk their life. There are other places that can provide excellent exercise while being relatively risk free.

If you enjoy the woods, you might take a trip to a national forest and wander through the trees either on a well defined path or one you create as you go. You can enjoy mother nature in all her wonder while never coming close to the edge of a cliff or worrying about a dangerous encounter with some sort of wild animal.

Other popular hiking locations include beaches and even deserts. These are common places where a nice hike can provide good exercise without all the danger. You can usually stay close enough to civilization to prevent any worry about getting lost. You'll get all the sun you can stand in a desert, and of course cool breezes attract many to the beach.

In any case, when you take a hiking trip you want to make certain you have the proper gear. This usually includes the proper apparel. Shorts may be appropriate in some locations while jeans are best in others. Regular shoes may do on the beach, however in the woods or in the desert and rougher terrain you will find that boots are a better option. Water, snacks, a compass, and even a cell phone carried in a back pack is a good idea for virtually any hike.

Hiking provides an excellent way to learn more about nature and your surroundings and offers the benefit of great exercise as well. Before getting started, be sure you talk with your doctor and always remember to bring along everything you might need. Once your all set, get out there and enjoy all that mother nature has to offer.

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Things to Do on a Rainy Day at The Beach

I'm a beach person. I live by the beach, often at the beach, and just love it. The beach has weather just like anywhere else, and whether you live there or visit, you just may hit upon rainy weather. Some people despair, which is silly, because every day is a beach day if you have the right attitude. Here are a few things to do on a rainy day at the beach.

First of all, it's wet but is it cold? You can't lie in the sun, but you can still swim and play. Frisbee, long walks, looking for shells, beachcombing etc. are still plenty of fun. Who cares if it's a little wet if it's still warm? Hope not you because you can s till spend a few hours having fun, assuming there is no thunder or lightning to drive you away.

Fishing is often better in the rain, and certainly tends to be better if overcast. Many places you can even rent fishing gear and you don't need to be an ardent fisherman to have fun for an hour or more.

Most popular beaches do have a built up tourist infrastructure, whether that's good or bad, and there are probably plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. There are often other attractions like aquariums and museums and more, not to mention shopping if you enjoy that.

And you know, sleeping in or taking long naps on a vacation can be exquisite too. The ocean and beach are just great, regardless of the weather!

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Akaka Falls in Akaka Falls State Park - Big Island, Hawaii

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can find the magnificent Akaka Falls State Park. Akaka Falls State Park is located about about 11 miles north of Hilo on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.

The drive to Akaka Falls State Park is somewhat scenic, offering nice views of Mauna Kea.

Once you reach the park, there is a short, half-mile loop trail that you will need to hike to view the falls. The easy trail is along a well maintained and paved route.

The path takes you through thick Big Island foliage and you definitely know you are in the tropics when you follow the path to the viewing area. The waterfall is located on the Kolekole Stream.

Akaka Falls is breathtaking as the 442 foot waterfall drops over lushly green coated cliffs and then into a deep blue pool far below.

The word "Akaka" means a separation, a split or crack in Hawaiian. The reason Akaka Falls was given this name is due to the deep gorge that the waterfall plunges into below.

Not only is view of incredible but so is the thundering sound. The amazing sound that Akaka Falls makes is caused by rushing water filling the air. The mist from the falls can be felt quite far away.

The legend of the falls surrounds a Chief named Akaka that lived in the area. He had an affair with a woman down stream. Apparently his wife caught them together, and ran away crying.

Chief named Akaka tried to catch her, he tripped and tragically fell to his death at the bottom of the pool.

The State Park is a 66-acre preserve that's covered by a canopy of lush rainforest vegetation. The park includes beautiful birds of paradise, azaleas and giant plants with leaves measuring almost 2 feet in length.

For those that are more adventuresome, take a short nature walk that will lead through a variety of bamboo groves, ferns, ti and orchids. You will then have the opportunity to see the 100-foot high Kahuna Falls.

To reach the falls, take Route 19 and pass by several sugar cane fields. You will see a turnoff for Akaka Falls State Park around the 13 mile marker towards Honomu. Simply follow the signs.

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The Best Way to Get Cheap Flights to Mumbai

I have been cracking my head on how to get cheap flights to Mumbai for a while now having gotten cheap flights to Dubai. You see, I have been a fan of Indian movies for as long as I can recall. I guess that means right from when I was a little kid. I watched all the popular ones and knew all the characters by name. I guess I can say that my interest in the Indian film industry has a lot to do with that early exposure to them. The larger issue is my interest in the ancient city of Mumbai. It used to be known as Bombay but today, Mumbai is the popular name although many things in the city still revolve around the old name. For example, the globally renowned movie industry has its own Hollywood equivalent right there in Mumbai and it is known as...Bollywood. This has become a source of attraction to many tourists who are probably as crazy about Indian movies as I am.

I recommend that you plan your cheap holidays trip well in advance. The fact is that flying to Mumbai should not be a spur of the moment issue. Remember that you are trying to get what can be considered to be cheap flights to Mumbai. Incidentally, Mumbai is also home to one of India's major international gateways as well as its busiest airport, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. This airport has two terminals; one for domestic air operations and another for international air operations. There are two sub terminals within the domestic terminal, one serving Air India and Kingfisher Airlines while the private airlines make use of the other part of the terminal. These private airlines include SpiceJet, Jet Airways etc which have cheap flights. The international terminal is used by Air India and its partners as well as other international carriers which are your best bet for a cheap flight to Europe.

If you wish to compare flight prices one determinant of the fares will be the point of origin of the flight. If you are taking off from a location close to India, you will get cheapest airfare. For example, Air Arabia which is UAE's low fare airline flies from Sharjah in the UAE to Mumbai amongst other Indian cities, providing some of the cheapest flights. Air India Express also offers low cost fares links Mumbai and many other Indian cities to other cities in Asia while offering really great rates so you can compare cheap flights. Singapore's low fare airline, GoAir also offers really friendly rates while linking 13 Indian cities including Mumbai. Other airlines that fly in and from Mumbai while at the same time providing budget friendly airfares include the following; IndiGo, Jazeera Airways, Jetlite, Kingfisher, Sama (Saudi Arabian low cost airline) and SpiceJet. It is important to take note of these airlines of you really want to get a pocket friendly rate and compare holidays.

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The Enchanting Golden Triangle Tour With Ranthambore

Indiais a wonderland when it comes to tourism. Its fascinating destinations and attractions earned it international fame attracting scores of tourists throughout the year. Although every tour of India has its own charm and attractions but the Golden Triangle Tour seems to top the list. It is a big hit with international tourists who come to India to see its rich cultural heritage.

On this tour you will get an opportunity to explore the three most enchanting tourist destinations of India- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The attractions such as heritage monuments, beautiful temples, stunning palaces, fortified forts, museums housing royal articles, intricately carved havelis, bustling bazaars, colorful handicrafts and different cultures are a part of this tour. This tour can be combined with Ranthambore National Park tour to add some wildlife charm to it.

All these three destinations of Golden Triangle Tour offer amazing tourist attractions, each having its own significance and charm. From modern lifestyle to the lifestyles of the raja-maharajas of the bygone era, all can be experienced on this tour.

Delhiis a wonderful destination offering historic as well as modern attractions. Laced with significant history, Delhi is the capital city of India. Its famous attractions include Qutub Minar, Red Fort(Lal Quila), Moti Masjid, Raj Path, Jantar Mantar, Chandini Chowk, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat and Humayun's Tomb.

Agra is a Mughal city which needs no introduction as it is the home to world famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also a World Heritage Site. Its architectural beauty is simply breathtaking. The other two must-see attractions of Agra are Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Jaipur, the very word conjures up images of palaces and forts. Taking pride in its rich culture, this city is famous for City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort and semi-precious and precious stones.

RanthamboreNational Park: Venture into this Park and experience the charm of a variety of wildlife.It is one of the top most wildlife destinations of India where wildlife lovers come from across the globe. Known for its tigers, the Park is a home to around 40 mammal species, 35 reptile species and 320 avian species. The park is also known for its Ranthambore Fort, which is one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan.

Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore Wildlife is a wonderful option for those who want to experience India's cultural heritage and wildlife at the same time. Golden Triangle tour offers enchanting attractions such as palaces, forts, havelis, wildlife, heritage monuments, colorful bazaars and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Manish_Caper

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Discover Malaga Province by Car - Guadalhorce Valley

Whoever takes the time to get away from the Costa del Sol, can enjoy only a few kilometers away the other side of the province of Malaga, with beautiful valleys, rivers, forests of fir, pine and chestnut trees. Just a 45 minute drive away is situated the Guadalhorce valley.

The Guadalhorce River runs nearly through the entire province of Malaga and is one of its three major rivers, along with the river Velez and the river Guadiaro. This river rises in the mountains of Antequera and passes through the mountains of Ronda and has its mouth near Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol.

About halfway along this path, just after the spectacular gorge of Los Gaitanes in the Sierra de Ronda, the river widens in a valley, the most important of all Malaga, the beautiful Valle del Guadalhorce.

Situated among its mountains we find these beautiful villages belonging to this valley: Coin, C?rtama, Almogia, Alora, Ardales, Pizarra, Valle de Abdalaj?s, Alhaurin de la Torre and Alhaurin el Grande.

Among all these villages and their forests and ecosystems are the most beautiful secret places of Malaga, with an exceptional microclimate perfect for rural tourism or sports, like the National Park Sierra de las Nieves, the Reservoirs of El Chorro, the gorge of Los Gaitanes and the mountains of Malaga.

The villages began to form with the arrival of the Romans in this area, showing the architecture of Roman, Arab, Jewish and Castilian culture, which is also reflected in the typical food; so you should not pass through the area without visiting some of the villages.

From any point of the valley you can appreciate the variety of landscapes. There are many activities on offer, including numerous cultural and gastronomic routes through its traditional villages, plus the sports you can practice, such as trekking, climbing, paragliding; or enjoy the reservoirs, the varied fauna and flora and the streams flowing through their gorges creating incredible waterfalls.

Without doubt the star of this valley is the gorge of Los Gaitanes or Garganta del Chorro, reaching up to 400 meters high and three kilometers long, and many tourists and adventurers come to enjoy the vastness of this impressive place. This route is known as The path of the King, but unfortunately here we have to utter a word of warning: The path is currently closed to the public for being too dangerous.

However, the scenery of the valley is beautiful and there are many other places in which to enjoy, without putting lives at risk. The Guadalhorce Valley is definitely a great choice for day trips near Malaga.

A car hire at Malaga Airport gives you the freedom to explore at ease these hidden corners, which you can?t reach be any other means. Getting around the area is easy and comfortable, as the road network along the Costa del Sol is very good.

Check for car hire Malaga airport prices comfortably from home, taking your time and choosing the model which fits the best to your needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raul_G.T.

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Tips to Backpacking Vacations Adventure

Seeing this world is mostly one of the top ten things which the people usually want to accomplish during their present lifetime but large number of them may not be able to do so because they can't afford it.
Though fancy and high priced vacations may be out of question, but a backpacking adventure may be a sort of thing which can get many people going. This type of vacationing can take you to those places which you may never be able to see on the usual vacations. Lots of planning is required for making this rip and large amount of help is available on the internet including help for getting your passport.
Seeing this world on the backpacking adventure will give you a thrill which is un-comparable to anything else. Personal safety is very important part of this backpacking adventure and we are discussing few points on this which you must keep in mind.
One important part while on a backpacking vacation is to use only a single backpack without any more luggage or bags. Carrying large number of bags will create unnecessary stress and will also limit the areas which are conducive to this kind of travel. You should pack only those items which are necessary and just pack with them only. You should always carry your passport always with you. If you need a new passport there are many online agencies which can assist you in this.
Personal safety should be your primary concern while backpacking. Try to travel in the groups and avoid any night travel. Be cautious when approached by strangers as you are most vulnerable at the new place.
If finance is an issue with you, you can easily choose the destination which you can easily afford. Travel to India will provide you with rich cultural experience. Greece is not that cost effective as India but also offer you much in terms of history and culture. Mexico is a great place where you can get good value for your money with easy accessibility to the beaches, mountains and ancient ruins. Though bit expensive, Italy and Spain surely provide you with fabulous food and breathtaking landscapes.
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African Safari : Dont miss out the Land of the Born Free

It is our day on an african safari to Samburu with Lil Super Safaris have just had a five-hour drive from Nairobi to Shaba National Reserve. We have arrived at the Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in Samburu and ushered in with a glass of fresh juice and warm face towels.

This is the same lodge that hosted the cast and crew of the film, Born Free, a true life-story of George and Joy Adamson in 1998. We cant hide our joy on being here. We were shown into our rooms which were all chalet style and tastefully furnished with private balconies opening to the sight of River Ewaso Nyiro.

After freshening up, we go for dinner at the Boma which is meant for the VIPs and Honeymooners. It is an area normally set aside for VIPs and those on honeymoon. It's decorated in samburu fabrics, beads and handicrafts.

The menu consisting of traditional, Asian and European dishes. For entertainment were the samburu morans singing in harmony. After an evening well spent away from the noise in the city, we were back to our rooms.

We were ready to have a deserving sleep only to be woken up the next day morning by the chirps and songs of crickets and birds blended with the endless rod of the waters cascading down the well-manicured and traditionally maintained lawns. In harmony to this was the high pitched chattering of monkeys filling the air. This produced a wonderful song by the nature. What a wonderful way to wake up.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is a mix of modernity and tradition. The roof is uniquely thatched with Samburu grass, exhibiting the native's house making skills. The wood, the stone and the grass all bespeak tradition. It is set in the middle of a desert of volcanic earth in an area punctuated by rocks.

Described by many as Kenya's best kept secret, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is, in the words of some, a jewel in the North. Assembled in a haven around the natural landscape of this splendid arid region, the lodge is attractively laid out with holiday home-style rooms overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. The ever-flowing stream gives guests a therapeutic feel.

A natural spring runs through the lodge creating striking scenery. Viewing the pool in the luxuriant garden and tall trees, it cuts a true magical feel to the natural sanctuary. Shaba, where the lodge is found is over 350 km from Nairobi by road on the Westside of Isiolo.

This game reserve offers a unique experience which extends beyond just game drives in the Samburu National Game Reserve. For those who want to get away from the bustle and hustle of the city, Shaba offers an excess of peace and tranquility that soothes away your stress and returns you to your wholeness.

Other than bird watching, game drives and camel safaris, you have a chance of feeding crocodiles, albeit from a safe distance.

The nearby Samburu National Game Reserve is famous as the place where naturalists George and Joy Adamson raised orphaned lions and reintroduced them into the wild. Both Joy and George wrote several books about their experiences and it has also seen a lot of screenplays shot over the years.

The most famous being the Born Free based on the book of the same name. It tells the story of Elsa the lioness, which the Adamsons raised to adulthood and successfully reintroduced into the wild. Shaba was one of Joy's greatest African loves.

Iit was in this tranquil wilderness where she released the first hand-raised lions. With a determined driver guide whose skill in the nature was unrivalled we set out for the game drive in the morning determined to at least see one of the Big Five.

Our main priority being to see the king of the jungle which turned out to be an uphill task. With the help of the radio communicating system and some strange language from our driver guide we were able to locate the king of the jungle.

The 3 lions were by the road lazily taking in the morning sun rays. What a good life this creatures live. We were able to see a couple of guinea fowls, elephants, cheetah, antelopes among others. The only animal that we were not able to come across was the elusive leopard.

Our last evening was spent with a superb sun downer. Watching the sunset over a cocktail drink at the rocks, the breeze and ethereal feel leaves one gasping for more. This is the perfect way of soothing the evening with a few friends and strangers you have met for the first time.


The culmination of the Sun downer is the bar that is well set up on the rocks where Samburu Morans' jig ushers guest to a dinner on the rocks. A bonfire is lit casting long shadows in the night as guests enjoy their dinner.

This is done to give our guest the fun filled way of ending their day at the Sarova Shaba. This experience gives an exhilarating effect, like a balm that, soothes life's worries away.
 
The next day we departed for the city. Back to the noise that characterizes it. Ooh, how I wish I could be back to the wild, just to stay away from the modernity that makes man a slave of civilization and like the lion wake up to natures best therapy.I will surely miss those wonderful experience in Africa.
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Coober Pedy : Don't miss the Historical Mines

The town that has been supplying 80% of the country's mined opal can be found in Flinders Ranges. The city name is Coober Pedy- the opal capital of the world. It's 846 km north of Adelaide and a home to 3,500 residents of diverse ethnicities.

Accordingly, there were few residents in the place prior to the discovery of opal. Regardless of the ranging hot temperature, migrants in city retained their Flinders Ranges accommodation hoping to find fortune in opal mining. Mining began as early as 1915 when a four-year old boy found an opal in the area.

Currently, opal mining is still ongoing and the old mining places have been given great importance to the place. One will find three pioneering mining spots in the city namely The Old Timers Mine, Faye's Underground Home and Opal Mine and Umoona Opal Mine and Museum

The Old Timers Mine was established in 1916. It is one of the Flinders Ranges attractions that become a part of South Australia's leading tourist attraction. The museum conveys much about the early mining field of the place.

It displays underground houses of miners, information galleries, and collections of opal jewelry. The galleries depicts how pioneer miners struggle to drill down for opals. There were sculptures of pioneer miners doing specific chores. Among the sculpted old miners are Jim O?

Neill, George Burford, Ben Mohr, Mick O?Reilly, Bob Trow, Carl Wills, Ron Gough and Minnie Berrington. The place features the gallery of Ron Gough who fathered opal mining in the city. Varieties of opals dug from the location are displayed like the seam gray opal, the horizontal pocket of crystal opal, the pocket of potch and colour left by old miner, and also the opalized sea shells.

One can also see the hand-made shaft, the walls manually dig by hand using the old digging tools, the dirt or mullock and backfilled shaft. The museum also houses the ancient tools that were utilized in the mine such as cow buckets, windsocks that ventilated the mine, and windlass. The museum alsohas an opal shop for tourists who want to buy souvenirs.

Adjacent to Old Timers Mine is Faye's Underground Home and Opal Mine. Initially, it was a small hole resulted from an excavation for mining an opal. It later became a room for mail truck driver.

In 1961, a lady named Faye Nayler who moved to the town as a cook purchased the place. She then developed the room with the help of two other women. The three women utilized shovels and pick to expand the room adding three bedrooms, kitchen, wine cellar and swimming pool. The house is well ventilated with shafts.

There's no need to utilize air conditioners during daytime and heaters during nighttime since the underground house provides a steady heat of 20-25 deg. The house is presently managed by Colin McClean and his wife. The McCleans opens the house to guests.

One will see Umoona Opal Mine and Museum in the main street of Coober Pedy. It displays opal cutting and polishing, genuine underground houses, South Australia fossil, wide range of opal jewelry for sale, postcards and souvenirs. One can see the 20-minute documentary of opal mining history in the spot.

Underground homes dug by hand and by machineries are also displayed. There are also historic photographs exhibited in the area. There are also exhibit of authentic old paintings and artifacts by locals.
Be part of Coober Pedy's opal mining history. Visit the underground museums of historical opal mining places in the city.

Flinders Rangers accommodations is built underground. Give yourself or your family an experience of staying and sleeping under the ground. It's worth the trip!
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