I must have travelled to Crete a hundred times; I go more frequently nowadays. Eventually I started to believe strongly that people like myself who love the place, deserve to look for a more permanent residence to stay for longer periods of time. At least getting a quality holiday house in Crete has become so inexpensive that can hardly be considered as financial risk.

I still haven’t managed to see even half of Crete - it is a remarkable and complex combination of places, landscapes, people, customs, smells - what can I say? I have more than enough in me to share with others, and this is why I decided to write about it. All I ask from you is to keep an open mind, get a fully insured car, and decide to expand your eating and drinking habits (after all you will be visiting the World’s capital of what is known as ‘Mediterranean Diet’).

Firstly, think seriously before packing your bags: do you deserve a good holiday? If yes, then: one, switch off your blackberry; two, don’t sit next to a hotels swimming pool for two weeks pretending you are enjoying yourself with a drink in one hand and a paperback on the other. You didn’t work hard for a year to deserve just this.

After landing, unpacking and taking a good sleep, prepare to expose yourself to the place and get the most out of it. Remember: you are safe, locals can help you anytime, thieves are practically non-existent, and you are an arm’s length away from an English speaker.

Hit the road with your family on a daily basis leaving around 9am; make every day an excursion somewhere on the island, no matter where your location. Your hotel is for breakfast and sleep, for at least one week of your stay.

I recommend places like Vai in Sitia, Agia Fotia in Ierapetra, Ledas outside Heraklion, Falasserna outside Chania, Fodele and Panormo which are both close to Rethymno, and Skala village in Elounda. They all have beaches so take your umbrella, towels suntan lotions and plenty of water with you on every journey. Sunbathing on a beach is more effective than swimming pools: you get a glorious tan to keep for months to come. To be on the safe side, ask for the existence of jelly fish and wear plastic shoes when you walk inside the sea.

The other way of doing excursions is to join a safari group; ask your hotel for details. You will have a wonderful time, and you will be in a safer, more controlled environment with people guiding you, and people from your own group joining you. You will still see lots of places off the beaten track, and keep it all on a daily excursion mode.

You should eat at the local tavernas; aim for the one that attracts most of the crowd. Open yourself to local food: try Dakos (wet rusk) small dolmadakia, fresh fish, oven food (like stuffed tomatoes and peppers), local pastries, and meat on the barbeque. Always have a salad on your table; ask for the local specialty. And always try the local sweets with honey and white sugar.

Except excursions, try and mix with the locals getting the most out of your journey. The unbeatable way of doing this is by sneaking into a local wedding; the best weddings take place on Saturdays at nearby villages. If you don’t manage to get invited, just head for one uninvited in one evening of your first days, leaving it to pot luck. People will invite you on the spot, and it will be a unique opportunity to get acquainted, eat fantastic wedding food and get lots of tips for your stay. If you have thoughts about a more permanent stay, it will be good for you to start making contacts anyway; in Crete people are very social and you will soon discover the snowball effect that this will have on you.

Keep the last couple of days to ease off; it’s time for swimming pool rest with plenty of reading, drinking and socializing with people from your group. Try to compare your experiences with theirs and see what difference this will make. I can definitely guarantee you that when you go back home you will talk about your holiday for the rest of the year. And maybe think of coming to stay in Crete for longer periods of time.

About The Author:
Kostandinos Papahatzis works full time on real estate crete finding homes to those who wish to stay longer and enjoy fuller, better and stress-free breaks in their lives. Learn more at: http://www.crete-real-estate-property.com

I must have travelled to Crete a hundred times; I go more frequently nowadays. I still haven’t managed to see even half of it - it is a remarkable and complex combination of places, landscapes, people, customs, smells - what can I say? Eventually I started to believe strongly that people like myself who love the place, deserve to look for a more permanent residence to stay for longer periods of time. At least getting a quality holiday house in Crete has become so inexpensive that can hardly be considered as financial risk.

I have more than enough knowledge in me to share with others, and this is why I decided to write about it. All I ask from you is to keep an open mind, get a fully insured car, and decide to expand your eating and drinking habits (after all you will be visiting the World’s capital of what is known as ‘Mediterranean Diet’).

Firstly, think seriously before packing your bags: do you deserve a good holiday? If yes, then: one, switch off your blackberry; two, don’t sit next to a hotels swimming pool for two weeks pretending you are enjoying yourself with a drink in one hand and a paperback on the other. You didn’t work hard for a year to deserve just this.

After landing, unpacking and taking a good sleep, prepare to expose yourself to the place and get the most out of it. Remember: you are safe, locals can help you anytime, thieves are practically non-existent, and you are an arm’s length away from an English speaker.

Hit the road with your family on a daily basis leaving around 9am; make every day an excursion somewhere on the island, no matter where your location. Your hotel is for breakfast and sleep, for at least one week of your stay.

I recommend places like Vai in Sitia, Agia Fotia in Ierapetra, Ledas outside Heraklion, Falasserna outside Chania, Fodele and Panormo which are both close to Rethymno, and Skala village in Elounda. They all have beaches so take your umbrella, towels suntan lotions and plenty of water with you on every journey. Sunbathing on a beach is more effective than swimming pools: you get a glorious tan to keep for months to come. To be on the safe side, ask for the existence of jelly fish and wear plastic shoes when you walk inside the sea.

The other way of doing excursions is to join a safari group; ask your hotel for details. You will have a wonderful time, and you will be in a safer, more controlled environment with people guiding you, and people from your own group joining you. You will still see lots of places off the beaten track, and keep it all on a daily excursion mode.

You should eat at the local tavernas; aim for the one that attracts most of the crowd. Open yourself to local food: try Dakos (wet rusk) small dolmadakia, fresh fish, oven food (like stuffed tomatoes and peppers), local pastries, and meat on the barbeque. Always have a salad on your table; ask for the local specialty. And always try the local sweets with honey and white sugar.

Except excursions, try and mix with the locals getting the most out of your journey. The unbeatable way of doing this is by sneaking into a local wedding; the best weddings take place on Saturdays at nearby villages. If you don’t manage to get invited, just head for one uninvited in one evening of your first days, leaving it to pot luck. People will invite you on the spot, and it will be a unique opportunity to get acquainted, eat fantastic wedding food and get lots of tips for your stay. If you have thoughts about a more permanent stay, it will be good for you to start making contacts anyway; in Crete people are very social and you will soon discover the snowball effect that this will have on you.

Keep the last couple of days to ease off; it’s time for swimming pool rest with plenty of reading, drinking and socializing with people from your group. Try to compare your experiences with theirs and see what difference this will make. I can definitely guarantee you that when you go back home you will talk about your holiday for the rest of the year. And maybe think of coming to stay in Crete for longer periods of time.

About The Author:
Kostandinos Papahatzis works full time on real estate crete finding homes to those who wish to stay longer and enjoy fuller, better and stress-free breaks in their lives. Learn more at: http://www.crete-real-estate-property.com

I must have been to Crete a hundred times; I go more frequently nowadays but I still haven’t managed to see even half of it - it is a remarkable and complex combination of places, landscapes, people, customs, smells - what can I say? I have more than enough in me to share with others, and this is why I decided to write about it.

All I ask you is to keep an open mind, get a fully insured car, and decide to expand your eating and drinking habits (after all you will be visiting the World’s capital of what is known as ‘Mediterranean Diet’).

Firstly, think seriously before packing your bags: do you deserve a good holiday? If yes, then: one, switch off your blackberry; two, don’t sit next to a hotels swimming pool for two weeks pretending you are enjoying yourself with a drink in one hand and a paperback on the other. You didn’t work hard for a year to deserve just this.

After landing, unpacking and taking a good sleep, prepare to expose yourself to the place and get the most out of it. Remember: you are safe, locals can help you anytime, thieves are practically non-existent, and you are an arm’s length away from an English speaker.

Hit the road with your family on a daily basis leaving around 9am; make every day an excursion somewhere on the island, no matter where your location. Your hotel is for breakfast and sleep, for at least one week of your stay.

I recommend places like Vai in Sitia, Agia Fotia in Ierapetra, Ledas outside Heraklion, Falasserna outside Chania, Fodele and Panormo which are both close to Rethymno, and Skala village in Elounda. They all have beaches so take your umbrella, towels suntan lotions and plenty of water with you on every journey. Sunbathing on a beach is more effective than swimming pools: you get a glorious tan to keep for months to come. To be on the safe side, ask for the existence of jelly fish and wear plastic shoes when you walk inside the sea. For those who look for places truly untouched by tourism, I will recommend the beach of Xerokambos near Zakros, located in the South East of Crete. If you wish to see miles of golden sand, layered with white flowers, this is the place.

The other way of doing excursions is to join a safari group; ask your hotel for details. You will have a wonderful time, and you will be in a safer, more controlled environment with people guiding you, and people from your own group joining you. You will still see lots of places off the beaten track, and keep it all on a daily excursion mode.

You should eat at the local tavernas; aim for the one that attracts most of the crowd. Open yourself to local food: try Dakos (wet rusk) small dolmadakia, fresh fish, oven food (like stuffed tomatoes and peppers), local pastries, and meat on the barbeque. Always have a salad on your table; ask for the local specialty. And always try the local sweets with honey and white sugar.

Except excursions, try and mix with the locals getting the most out of your journey. The unbeatable way of doing this is by sneaking into a local wedding; the best weddings take place on Saturdays at nearby villages. If you don’t manage to get invited, just head for one uninvited in one evening of your first days, leaving it to pot luck. People will invite you on the spot, and it will be a unique opportunity to get acquainted, eat fantastic wedding food and get lots of tips for your stay. If you have thoughts about a more permanent stay, it will be good for you to start making contacts anyway; in Crete people are very social and you will soon discover the snowball effect that this will have on you.

Keep the last couple of days to ease off; it’s time for swimming pool rest with plenty of reading, drinking and socializing with people from your group. Try to compare your experiences with theirs and see what difference this will make. I can definitely guarantee you that when you go back home you will talk about your holiday for the rest of the year. And maybe think of coming to stay in Crete for longer periods of time.

About The Author:
Kostandinos Papahatzis works full time on real estate crete finding homes to those who wish to stay longer and enjoy fuller, better and stress-free breaks in their lives. Learn more at: http://www.crete-real-estate-property.com

With dozens of whitewater rivers around the Northern California region, it can be challenging to find just the right trip for the beginner whitewater rafting enthusiast.

The rivers in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe present the most attractive trips for beginners, and these trips are available year around. Beginner’s courses are usually more tranquil in nature, and offer scenic views of the landscape, semi-challenging rapids, and very few drops.

Some of the most popular rivers are simply too dangerous and violent for beginners, but there are still many exciting options available for those without advanced whitewater rafting skills. Here are some of the best whitewater rafting venues for beginners of all ages:

South Fork American Whitewater Rafting Trip for Beginners

It’s become one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in Northern California, and is perfect for beginners looking for a scenic and exciting adventure. The South Fork American River is a 21-mile stretch that can be found just 1-1/2 hours from Lake Tahoe and 45 minutes from Sacramento. The milder rapids make it easy to navigate along the river and still enjoy the view; you’ll be floating along California’s Gold Country, an area covered in lush hills, vegetation, and local wildlife. On a day with clear blue skies, this is one of the most attractive places to take in the best of nature in Northern California.

The most well known spots along the South Fork American include Racehorse Bend, Class III Troublemaker, and Triple Threat. After you paddle on through these somewhat rough waters, the river slows down around Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. After heading off to the steep canyon, you’ll experience a series of fun and exciting rapids such as the Hospital Bar, Fowler’s Rock, and more. The excitement runs high every season at the South Fork American, and is an ideal journey for beginners and lifelong whitewater enthusiasts alike.

Middle Fork American Whitewater Rafting Trip for Adventurous Beginners

Located just one hour east of Sacramento, the Middle Fork American is another ideal spot for rafting. It’s best suited for those want to build their skills for a fast-paced ride, as it does contain a number of challenging rapids, twists, and turns that add some fast-paced excitement to the trip. The river begins on the west rim of Lake Tahoe, and flows through the Auburn State Recreation Area and Tahoe National Forest.

The river offers clear blue waters, lush landscapes, and views of the forested canyon and waterfalls throughout. The areas of smoother riding along this trip allow you to enjoy the scenic landscapes and catch a glimpse of the region’s wildlife. Popular rapids along this trip include the Kanaka, Submarine Hole, and the famous ‘Tunnel Chute’, one of the biggest rapids that are sure to pique the interest of the enthusiastic beginner.

Truckee Whitewater Rafting Trip for Beginners

Be prepared for seven miles of fun, excitement, and unique views from this river that parallels Interstate 80. The Truckee River is chock full of Class II and a few Class III rapids, but the last mile is famous for some of the most adventurous runs. Since most of the river is calm and mellow, it’s a great start for beginners who need to practice, but still want to enjoy a scenic trip.

The river is located in North Lake Tahoe, with gorgeous views of the surrounding hills, meadows, and forest. It begins near Carson pass and flows directly into Lake Tahoe; the best places for rafting are just below the Boca Reservoir known as the ‘Little Truckee.’ Being able to spot wildlife and regional birds are just a few other highlights of this trip, and it’s a fun adventure for white water rafting enthusiasts of all ages.

If you’re a beginner whitewater rafting enthusiast, or just looking for a safe and exciting trip for a group of beginners, there are a number of attractive options available. Finding the right match for your skill level is very important, as you want to enjoy the experience and stay safe at all times. Beginner’s journeys generally feature a few manageable rapids, small drops, and more tranquil spaces to float by and enjoy the scenery. From the Truckee River to the South Fork American, be sure to consider all of these amazing rivers for your whitewater rafting adventure.

About The Author:
Norm Schoenhoff and his crew have been leading river rafting trips down four of the most beautiful Northern California white water rivers, since 1978. Whitewater Excitement provides trips designed for beginners to experienced rafters, with \”Best in Class\” standards of safety, service, pricing and quality. Church groups, business organizations, families, and groups of friends regularly make the fun and exhilarating trip down the rivers, with the expert rafters from Whitewater Excitement. Learn more by visiting: http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com

When you’re looking for only the best whitewater rafting experience in Northern California, you have a number of scenic, exciting, and unique journeys to choose from.

From the captivating wilderness along the North Fork of the American River, to the amazing rapids in the South Fork American, there’s no limit on fun and excitement for whitewater rafting trips. Each trip offers a fresh perspective on the nature and beauty of the Northern California Rivers, and you’ll never have the same experience twice.

Here are just a few of the best rivers for white water rafting in Northern California:

Whitewater Rafting on the South Fork American

When you’re ready to experience one of the country’s most popular whitewater rafting rivers, make your way to the South Fork American. Both beginners and lifelong enthusiasts gather here each season for the beautiful views of the rolling hills, and nonstop action of the river as it flows past Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Sutter’s Mill, and a variety of other notable destinations in the area.

The rapids are both mild and intense, and you’ll experience a variety of different flows throughout your journey along this river. The South Fork American is a great start for beginners, and is guaranteed to give you a well-rounded experience of both the tumultuous and peaceful rivers in Northern California.

Whitewater Rafting on the Middle Fork American

Known for its amazing views of wildlife and forest scenes, the Middle Fork American is one of the most beautiful river journeys in Northern California. Your whitewater rafting excursion can begin on the west rim of Lake Tahoe, and you’ll float around Tahoe National Forest, Auburn State Recreation Area, and Canyon Creek.

This river is famous for its Tunnel Chute rapid, as well as the Kanaka, Submarine Hole, and Last chance. Lush vegetation, plants, forests, and wildlife surround the entire river. It’s a fun whitewater rafting experience for all ages, allowing everyone to take in the breathtaking mountains, stop along the way for a picnic, and spot a few animals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re enjoying a one-day journey or a multi-day whitewater rafting excursion, the Middle Fork American is one of the most scenic trips you’ll experience.

Whitewater Rafting on the North Fork American

If you’re looking for a more tumultuous whitewater rafting experience, the North Fork American promises all of that and more. This is the place to enjoy the sunset across the wilderness and valleys, and the narrow, more intimate setting is perfect for couples to enjoy a unique outdoor adventure together.

The crystal blue river and beautiful scenery make it an almost paradisiacal adventure; you can look forward to paddling across polished rocks, clear waters, and float on by the Tahoe National Forest and wilderness. This is the place to explore natural canyons, gushing tides, and long stretches of peaceful and tranquil river rafting at its best.

Whitewater Rafting on the Merced Rivers

As it twists out of the Yosemite Valley, Merced River is one of the most popular choices for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. You’ll be riding along intense rapids and experiencing some of the most heart-pounding drops from waterfalls just beyond the famous Quarter Mile Rapid. It’s not the best choice for beginners, but does offer plenty of excitement and amazing views of the Yosemite Valley and beyond.

The river is wild and explosive during the peak seasons of May and early June, but still a high intensity river in June and July when the water level drops slightly. The beautiful sparkling waters and steep slopes offer everything you need for the perfect whitewater-rafting trip. You can also make a stop at many camping sites around the area, or settle in for some house boating, wind surfing, mountain biking, or a guided nature tour along the way.

From the thrilling scenes on the North Fork American to the fast-paced action on the Merced River, there’s no limit on the unique and exciting adventures that await you on your whitewater rafting trip in Northern California. Whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong white water rafting enthusiast, you’ll find a new journey at some of these top rivers in the area.

About The Author:
Norm Schoenhoff and his crew have been leading white water river rafting trips down four of the most beautiful Northern California rivers, since 1978. Whitewater Excitement provides trips designed for beginners to experienced rafters, with \”Best in Class\” standards of safety, service, pricing and quality. Church groups, business organizations, families, and groups of friends regularly make the fun and exhilarating trip down the rivers, with the expert rafters from Whitewater Excitement. Learn more by visiting: http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com

Collectively, Aruba’s beaches are consistently ranked among the cleanest, widest and most beautiful of the Caribbean and the world. On the island’s southwestern coast, tourists will find one beach after another, each with its own distinct atmosphere and diverse possibilities. As nearly all of the beaches are public, access is a breeze. Furthermore, several Caribbean beaches have change and shower facilities, shade huts and water sport equipment provided by Aruba resorts and hotels. For travelers in search of more privacy, a number of public beaches offer dazzling blue water and immaculate sand without the crowds.

While most of Aruba’s best beaches are concentrated on the southwestern coast, a number of less frequented beaches on the eastern shores offer unique opportunities for families, surfers and sightseers.


Western Aruba

Arashi, Boca Catalina and Malmok Beaches near the California Lighthouse at the northwestern tip of the island, are all part of the Arashi Underwater Park. Calm water, gentle currents, shallow reefs, and outstanding visibility make them popular swimming and snorkeling sites. Snorkelers and swimmers can glimpse large elk horn coral, sea sponges and schools of colorful fish just six feet below the water’s surface.

Hadikurari Beach, directly south of Malmok Beach, is well known for its fantastic windsurfing. The Hi-Winds Pro-Am Windsurfing Competition is held here each June, but the vibrant sails and accomplished surfers entertain spectators year-round. Also known as fishermen’s huts, numerous shade huts and picnic tables are available for public use at Hadikurari.

Perhaps Aruba’s most famous and frequented beach, Palm Beach features miles of powdery, freshly raked sand, excellent swimming conditions, pristine water and numerous watersport activities. Palm Beach is also one of the best-equipped and serviced beaches on the island; public changing areas and refreshment stands are readily available. What’s more, many of the island’s finest resorts and hotels overlook the popular beach, granting a short walk to paradise for many travelers. Additionally, many resorts offer watersports equipment, shade huts and lounge chairs for their guests.

Directly south of Palm Beach behind a rocky outcropping lies Eagle Beach. With even more clean sand and luminous water than Palm Beach and fewer high-rise resorts, Eagle Beach is Palm’s less-crowded cousin. Though watersports and beach activities are still abundant here, Eagle Beach remains a local favorite and an ideal picnic spot.

Continuing south from Eagle Beach, the island’s widest stretch of unspoiled sand rests at Manchebo Beach. As the land juts out further into the Caribbean Sea at Punto Brabo, the surf here is much stronger than at Eagle Beach. Motorized watersports are not permitted at Manchebo, allowing this beach to retain a sense of tropical seclusion. As the coastline again turns inward south of Manchebo, the typically overlooked Druif and Surfside Beaches offer excellent swimming conditions.

Sonesta Island, a 40-acre private tropical retreat with spectacular white sand beaches, secluded coves and protected swimming areas, has long been a tourist favorite. Here, travelers can rest in hammocks under shady palm trees or engage in snorkeling, scuba diving or kayaking.


Eastern Aruba

As the name might imply, Baby Beach is known as Aruba’s premier family beach, highlighted by its placid turquoise waters and endless sand. Located at the southeastern end of the island in the area known as Seroe Colorado, the calm lagoon surrounding the beach is also ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Like so many other beaches in Aruba, Rodgers Beach features plush sand and excellent swimming in reef-protected waters. Though the surf at Rodgers is slightly more robust than at Baby Beach, recreation is still possible for the whole family.

Lastly, as one of the few accessible beaches on Aruba’s windward side, Dos Playa is a smaller white sand beach surrounded by an imposing, rocky coastline. For those in search of waves for a challenging surfing experience, Dos Playa is certainly the beach of choice.

About The Author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in Aruba and other Caribbean resort areas for Marriott Resorts. http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/AUAAR

Dude ranches, rodeos, western home cookin’ and ghost towns: this is authentic cowboy country. Alberta’s historic Cowboy Trail runs through Rocky Mountains and rolling foothills and grassland prairies as it tumbles from north to south through the province, and it’s got star power.

If you’ve seen movies including Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning Unforgiven, Kevin Costner’s Open Range and Robert Duvall’s unforgettable work in Lonesome Dove (as well as his work with Costner), you’ve seen the beauty of this awesome stretch of land. The scenery is amazing and the activities for travelers along this 700 km (435 mi) trail are plentiful. You can explore the Cowboy Trail and discover how the Old West lives on in its art, history, food, hospitality and culture.

You’ll find an easy-to-follow and detailed driving map of the Cowboy Trail available at the bottom of this story.

The Cowboy Trail makes ranch and farm vacations, small town rodeos and lively cowboy towns available so you can experience the Wild West aspect of Alberta. Along the way are activities and attractions such as barn dances, heritage museums, heli-tours, and rafting and paddling adventures.

Major attractions include the Bar U Ranch, a national historic site of Canada that has attracted artists, princes and outlaws including Harry Longabaugh (better known as the Sundance Kid). And there’s the Remington Carriage Museum, chosen by Attractions Canada as ‘the Best Indoor Tourist Attraction in Canada’, featuring horse-drawn vehicles in North America from coaches used by royalty to the stagecoaches of the Old West.

Visit Calgary, the international gateway to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, for the annual Calgary Exhibition and Stampede (the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, July 7-16), and you’ll find the Cowboy Trail and its distinctly western charms accessible within just an hour’s drive of the city. Says Duvall in the June issue of Cowboys and Indians magazine: \”I love Alberta…it’s like Texas without the accent.\”


Broken Trail Breaks Out

He has a new western project shot in Alberta as he stars in Broken Trail, a four-part miniseries which airs on AMC. This four-hour, two-part epic tells the story of two cowboys, who embark on a close-of-the-19th-century horse drive from eastern Oregon to Sheridan, Wyoming. Alberta’s marvelous mountains and prairies stand out, as they did in the Oscar winning movie Brokeback Mountain.

Duvall considers this latest epic the end of his Western trilogy, says the magazine, which also included Lonesome Dove and Open Range (both shot in Alberta in areas including the Cowboy Trail and featuring the province’s remarkable scenery). While Broken Trail included shooting on private sets unavailable to the public, it also shot in easily accessible regions open to travelers.

Peter Horn, location manager for many shot-in-Alberta productions including Broken Trail and Open Range, says that if you travel down the Cowboy Trail, you will be in the vicinity of a lot of these western movies.

\”When I work down the Cowboy Trail, I can get everything I need,\” he says. \”There are incredible grasslands, and then you go up and over the rise and bam, there are the mountains. Vast is a word you have to use when talking about Alberta, because Americans tell me when they come up to shoot on location that it just goes on and on forever.\”

Broken Trail showcases a great river crossing scene at the Highwood River in the vicinity of the cowboy town of Longview, where much of Unforgiven was shot. And if you watch the last great shootout in the epic series, you’ll see the sprawling land around the Cochrane and Bragg Creek areas. These towns offer great dining and shopping, and are within a 45 minutes drive from Calgary.


Driving the Cowboy Trail

Officially, the Cowboy Trail stretches the entire distance of Highway 22 from Mayerthorpe (northwest of Edmonton) south to Pincher Creek, flirting with Banff National Park’s scenic drives. It then jogs south on Highway 6 and east on Highway 5, ending in Cardston, a nudge above Montana, USA.

While it’s possible to drive and camp along the entire distance, most people carve it into little two and three day loops, using Calgary (the official gateway to The Cowboy Trail) as a starting point. Whatever portion you choose, you’ll be on the skirts of the Rocky Mountains, which means you’ll witness a great diversity in wildlife and scenery. From deer and elk to numerous small town rodeos, this scenic drive is full of geographic and historic gems.

Officially, the 640-kilometre-long Cowboy Trail stretches the entire distance of Highway 22 from Mayerthorpe (northwest of Edmonton) south to Pincher Creek. It then jogs south on Highway 6 and east on Highway 5, ending in Cardston, a nudge above Montana, USA.

While it’s possible to drive the entire distance, most people carve it into little two and three day loops, using Calgary - the official Gateway to The Cowboy Trail as a starting point. Whatever portion you choose, you’ll see cowboys ropin’ cattle, experience small town rodeos, country fairs and rich ranchland where quarter horses still reign. The proximity to the Rockies means you’ll also witness a great diversity in wildlife and scenery. From deer and elk to numerous small town rodeos - The Cowboy Trail is full of geographic and historic gems.

Out of convenience, let’s start in Mayerthorpe and head south along the eastern flanks of the foothills to Rocky Mountain House. Here is a superb National Historic Site where the story of Canada’s fur trade and rugged voyageur life is re-enacted. For a different perspective take a Voyageur Canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan River, ending at this very site. So wild is this forested area that when you spot the teepees and smell the smoke from the site’s camp, you’ll be spirited back 200 years when the trading post was first built.

Back on Highway 22 continue south through Sundre, which is a good jumping-off point for wilderness trips or horseback ventures into the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve. Or, just poke around Sundre’s Pioneer Museum.

For more of the Wild West, visit Calgary at Stampede time (early July) and kick up your heels at the 10-day whoop-up, known as \”The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth\”.

From Calgary, veer west to Bragg Creek. Full of artisans, this funky little village is a great place for a picnic, a hike and horseback riding, as well as shopping for western art and unique crafts. Bragg Creek is an ideal gateway into Kananaskis Country, should you want to add another loop to your itinerary.

Back on The Cowboy Trail, continue south through towns like Millarville (famous for its farmers market held on Saturdays throughout the summer), Turner Valley (it was here, in 1914, that Canada’s first major crude-oil discovery was made), Black Diamond and Longview. These towns are all part of Diamond Valley - The Heart of the Cowboy Trail. For an unusual diversion take a gas plant tour in Turner Valley. The tour tells the story of the area, once one of the most active oil and gas fields in the British Empire.

Just south of Longview is another excellent interpretive centre, the Bar U Ranch, full of original buildings, ongoing archaeological digs and intriguing exhibits. At this point you could take Highway 541 into Kananaskis Country for a horsepack trip or gentle trail ride. Or, stick to The Cowboy Trail, bound for Pincher Creek - most noted for Kootenai Brown’s Pioneer Village. And just a jog east on Highway 3 is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the fringes of Fort Macleod.

If you choose not to go to Fort Macleod, head south on Highway 6 to Waterton Lakes National Park (see Trail of the Great Bear), full of charming B

About The Author:
Copyright (c) 2006 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved

Travel Alberta is the destination marketing organization for the Province of Alberta. Guided by the Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, Travel Alberta is the steward for the effective delivery of tourism marketing programs. For information about our organization, please visit our Travel Alberta industry web site at http://www.travelalberta.com

California has received lots of snow and water for the upcoming season, which means more flows and exciting opportunities on the natural, undammed rivers. Snowstorms in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California will ensure that this year’s rafting season will be truly one of a kind. From the North Fork American to the Merced Rivers, whitewater rafting enthusiasts can enjoy unique adventures and trips throughout the Northern Californian region. Here are just a few highlights of the 2008-rafting season:

Snow Drifts in Tahoe

With the frequent storms and snow piling up ever day in the Tahoe region, the state Department of Water Resources report a 40% increase over previous years. The higher the snow pack, the larger the release of water into the rivers this spring and summer. This strong snowpack will mean great rafting opportunities by April and May, so there will be many chances to enjoy high water levels throughout the region, right in time for prime rafting season!

The American River Flows Free

After local agencies rebuilt the riverbed around the Auburn Dam, The American River is finally flowing free after 40 years. The project is a step towards restoration of the region, and cost over $30 million. What this means for whitewater rafting enthusiasts is more recreational opportunities along the river, and also a new ‘portage’ path. Boaters will also have access to a new recreation area, and this is a lighter region compared to the Middle Fork further upstream. This area is expected to open in early spring 2008, and will encourage more people to head to the Northern Californian area for white water rafting, paddling, boating, and even canoeing adventures.

North Fork American River Offers Unique Hiking Trails Before Rafting Season

The freezing cold temperatures around the North Fork American River promise scenic views and unique hiking opportunities before the spring rafting season begins. The trail is known as the Euchre Bar Trail, and goes right on through ‘Chamberlain’s Run.’ If you’re looking for a reason to head outdoors without the rafting gear, be sure to catch the fresh landscaping and outdoor trips available by hiking around this region before the ice and snow begin to melt. It’s a beautiful trip just a few miles from Interstate 80, and promises gorgeous sunrise and sunsets as well.

Exciting New Experiences on the North Fork American River

The North Fork American River boasts 11 miles of Class IV whitewater rafting adventures, and this year may be one of the best. The deep plunges down the western slope of the Sierra and challenging rapids throughout offer a fresh experience for both amateur and professional white water rafting enthusiasts this season. You can also set up camp at the Whitewater Excitement Camp in Coloma, the scenic campsite located near Highway 49 in Coloma.

More Skiing Opportunities in Tahoe

Because of the increased snow around Tahoe, you can look forward to even more skiing and snowboarding opportunities before spring rafting season begins. Hit the slopes to enjoy some of the decades best snow packs; the high water content of this year’s snowfall is good news for rafters, and the opportunities for a strong rafting season ahead look more promising than ever.

The Best of Merced River Rafting in May and June

When the season’s snow melts rapidly enough this year, white water rafting enthusiasts can begin to enjoy the Merced River rafting adventures as early as mid-April. This area is typically ideal for whitewater rafters by May an late June, but beginning paddlers will need to wait until the wildest waters settle down – usually around late-June to early July. The Merced River offers 18 miles of nonstop action, adventurous river flows, and rolling rapids that are truly one of a kind.

Rafting season begins as early as March of each year, and runs through late September. The Merced River is expected to be raft-able through July, and the last few weeks will offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy all-day trips. The American River will also be raft-able until the late-September, offering scenic views and landscapes at the turn of the season. No matter what experience level you may have, 2008 offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of this decades most memorable and exciting adventures.

About The Author:
Norm Schoenhoff and his crew have been leading river rafting trips down four of the most beautiful Northern California white water rivers, since 1978. Whitewater Excitement provides trips designed for beginners to experienced rafters, with \”Best in Class\” standards of safety, service, pricing and quality. Church groups, business organizations, families, and groups of friends regularly make the fun and exhilarating trip down the rivers, with the expert rafters from Whitewater Excitement. Learn more by visiting: http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com