Bird Watching Tips
June 30, 2007
Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around the world. It’s fun and relaxing at the same time.
Many people quite enjoy just watching the birds in their garden, yard, trees and bushes from their front window. And it’s even better to actually go out into the wild and watch the birds in their own natural habitats.
“Natural Habitat” of course usually means going into the woods, or to remote areas. So before going on a bird watching outing, be sure you’ve prepared a little. First and foremost, be sure you’re wearing the appropriate clothes for both the location you’ll be visiting, and the climate that area is currently experiencing.
If you live in a warm desert area for instance, and you plan to go up a mountain for a day of bird watching, you’ll want to first find out if there’s any snow on the mountain, or whether it’s cold during the daylight hours.
You’ll of course also want to be sure you have some food or snacks, and plenty of water to keep you hydrated.
The Old Man And His Bluegills
June 29, 2007
I started fishing a little lake just south of Somerset, Ohio, called Clouse Lake about 35 years ago. Matter of fact, when I first started fishing it, I fished with a fly rod. One day, I was fishing and noticed this older gentleman trying to get a little plastic boat on his car after a hard day’s fishing. He was using a fly rod too. We began chatting and discovered we lived about 10 miles from one another. He lived in Pleasantville. As the conversation closed, he said he would call me sometime and we would go fishing together. I thought “Yeah, I bet he calls me”. Imagine my surprise when he called two days later and wanted to know if I wanted to go fishing with him the next day.
Earl and I became good friends, we fished Clouse many times and about every other place that we could find, that held water. He was an excellent fly fisherman. There was only one thing wrong with Earl, he liked to catch bluegill. Actually, he loved catching Bluegill. He showed me how to clean bluegills in a matter of seconds. Here is how he did it. First, he got out his board and filet knife. He would scale the fish. Second, He would cut around the head but not clear through. He would leave just a piece of meat right under the head. Then he would twist the head and pull and the whole insides would come out at one time. He could clean bluegill faster than anyone I have ever seen.
Samoa, Heart of Polynesia
June 29, 2007
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This “Heart of Polynesia” is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 the name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa.
American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. Annexed by the United States for use as a naval base in 1900, the territory no longer has any military significance. Instead, Pago Pago currently hosts the StarKist and “Chicken of the Sea” tuna canneries, making it the most important commercial fishing port under the American flag.
The Samoan environment is tropically lush, with green volcanic peaks plunging to brilliant coral reefs, an ecotourism paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Visitors often stay in open Samoan beach houses called fale (pronounced FAH-lay) and adopt the laidback local lifestyle. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, and hiking opportunities are all close at hand.
Dry Fly Techniques
June 28, 2007
Dry fly angling is at the top of any fly fisherman’s list of fun fishing. The visual dry fly catch continues to excite many anglers as the best way to angle the fly. Many anglers try to keep themselves busy with various fly tying techniques as well as nymphing techniques. We will discuss several of those techniques below, but for now we will start with dry fly techniques.
To watch the fly drift free, then the flash of a trout, followed by your fly rod bend - thid is what most of us are after. To experience it, fly fishermen will go to measures beyond most other fishermen. I would say that 30% of fly fishing angling time is spent fishing a dry fly. My favorite fly fishing memories have included big fish taken on a dry fly. Sure, dredging a nymph and hooking an old Brown or a huge River Rainbow is satisfying, but I’ll take a brookie on a dry fly, at any size, on any day.
Unforgettable White Mountains Vacations ? The Most Scenic 100 Miles in New England
June 27, 2007
This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire has a gorgeous vista at every turn, oodles and oodles of family vacation fun, and a visit to the home of the world wind speed record. Just keep reading to discover a remarkable trip on your White Mountains vacation.
The White Mountain National Forest is about a 4-hour drive north of Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains Trail, and it’s a drive that’s arguably the most scenic 100 miles in New England. And so you’re in for a real treat. Let’s get started?
White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center?
Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N to the Franconia Notch area.
If you’re traveling with kids then you’ll want to pencil dates back in this area at the Clark’s Trading Post, and The Whale’s Tale attractions — both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark’s you can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally keep the young ones happy. The Whale’s Tale is a water park with a wave pool, picnic areas, changing areas, and live entertainment.
Trout Species ? Cutthroat Trout and Golden Trout
June 26, 2007
Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat Trout are generally found only in high alpine lakes or in some selected areas of the Pacific Northwest.
The Cutthroat Trout is the original trout of the Rocky Mountains. Unlike Brown Trout which were originally introduced to the Eastern United States, Cutthroat Trout are originally from the Western half of the United States.
What separates the Cutthroat Trout from other trout is that Cutthroat Trout are found primarily in remote and pristine locations. Unlike their larger cousins, the rainbows and the browns, Cutthroat Trout tend to fare poorly in highly competitive environments ? especially when predatory fish like Pike are introduced into their waters. As such, the range of the Cutthroat Trout has been driven back over the years.
While Cutthroat Trout are still found in good numbers in many of the rivers in Montana (such as the Yellowstone), the best Cutthroat Trout fishing will usually now be found deep in the backcountry - in isolated mountain lakes and streams. This requires lots of effort by the angler just to reach the Cutthroat Trout, because they are often found in very remote areas. Cutthroat Trout do not receive as much fly fishing pressure as their rainbow and Brown Trout cousins. As such, they are generally easier to catch and found in greater numbers. However, Cutthroat Trout do not get as large as rainbow or Brown Trout, and generally lack the aerial abilities that other trout display when hooked.
Ten African Safari Tips That You Must Know Before You Go
June 25, 2007
1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though that often means getting up while it’s still dark. You’ll be very glad you did because your wildlife sightings will improve.
The animals are a lot more active in the early morning and late evening because it is cooler and the nocturnal species are either getting up or going to bed so your chances of spotting them are generally much better.
2. A safari is not only about the big game. Take enjoyment from the surroundings and all the wildlife you see because if you turn it into a “big five” tick list exercise you might be disappointed. There are a multitude of insects, birds and smaller creatures that can be just as interesting if you take the time to look and find out more.
3. A pair of good quality binoculars is absolutely indispensable on a safari so make sure you take your own with. Some safari companies do provide them but they might be a little worse for wear after a lot of use and it can be frustrating to have to pass them along to the next person when you actually still want to look at that lion stalking it’s prey.
Trout Species ? Brook Trout
June 24, 2007
Brook Trout: Frequently gullible, yet extremely tasty, Brook Trout are wonderful trout to fish for - especially since they frequently inhabit the most beautiful stream settings in the U.S.
The Brook Trout was originally found in the Midwest and along the East Coast. It is sort of the Eastern counterpart to the Western Cutthroat trout ? with its range extending all the way from Canada down to the streams in Georgia. Interestingly, the Brook Trout is not even part of the trout family, but instead belongs to the Char family of fish that also includes the Lake Trout and Dolly Varden.
Brook Trout live in clear, cold waters. Due to the cold waters and the fact that Brook Trout live a shorter life generally than rainbow and Brown Trout, Brook Trout usually do not grow nearly as big.
Today, most of the best Brook Trout fishing is no longer found out East.
The cold, clear water that Brook Trout prefer no longer exists like it use to. Instead, Brook Trout are mainly found in the Western United States (mainly due to transplanting) in the colder rivers and lakes of the Rocky Mountains - especially in higher lakes that often require hiking to reach. Canada also continues of provide excellent fishing for Brook Trout, while Argentina is now also home to some of the worlds’ largest Brook Trout.
Unforgettable Cape Cod Vacations: The National Seashore Gift
June 24, 2007
Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore with miles of white sandy beaches, trails and hikes to take your breath away, and majestic dunes. Just keep reading and you can visit all those places right now.
The Cape Cod National Seashore is a 4,308-acre park set aside by an act of congress in 1961 to preserve and protect a unique geological area and wild life habitat of New England.
Cape Cod is about 60 miles south of Boston, Massachusetts. It was formed when the last glaciers to visit the region melted about 12,000-years ago leaving a large lake. Because of special features and material surrounding the glacial lake, the water drained out exposing the sediment and deposits left by the glaciers from earlier times.
With the rising sea level and the protection from the battering ocean provided by Georges Bank gone, nature started to reshape the whole of Cape Cod — especially the Atlantic facing National Seashore area.
The relentless shaping of the Cape continues even today. But this is the place to come to escape. This is the place to come to experience nature.
So let’s take a brief Cape Cod vacations trip together. Are you ready?
Hiking in the Forest Knowing When to Slow Down
June 23, 2007
One morning in mid summer, I headed out for some time to myself on the trails of Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, Nebraska. As usual, I stopped in at the Visitor Center to pay the entrance fee, then got back in my car and drove a couple miles down a long and winding road to the quieter back entrance.
It was a typical warm and humid summer day in Nebraska. Starting out on the lush green trail, I was already uncomfortably warm. The bugs were everywhere: mosquitoes, gnats, flies, bees, you name it. I followed the stream trail, which made its way through four-foot high grass. I tried to enjoy the setting but had to constantly fan away the bugs in front of my face. I grew increasingly frustrated.
Eventually becoming exasperated with the bugs, I stopped dead in my tracks and waved my arms all around while turning around in a circle. I accentuated my attack on the insects with a slight growl to alleviate my anger. Just then the whole world moved and went tearing around me. After my initial shock, I saw what I had missed the moment before.
