All Entries in the "Rivers" Category

Water Fun in Costa Rica; Water Activities with a Tropical Theme!

Costa Rica lies between Panama and Nicaragua and it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the North Pacific Ocean to the west. It is comprised of 51,100 square kilometers and the territorial waters take up about 589 square kilometers. The beaches extend to more than 1100 miles of sheer beauty with the Pacific Ocean on the western side and the Caribbean Sea on the eastern side.
At the Costa Rican beaches you can engage yourself in various kinds of activities. Among the numerous activities you can spend time in snorkeling, scuba diving, yachting, kayaking, surfing, water-skiing, deep-sea fishing, sports fishing, diving, swimming and many such water sports.
Surfing is perhaps the most popular activity. The Playa Avellana, Nicoya Peninsula’s Playa Santa Teresa, Santa Rosa National Park’s Playa Naranjo, Playa Negra, Playa Hermosa, Playa Grande, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Dominical and Playa Pavones are considered as the best options among the Costa Rica beaches for surfing with regards to the breaks and swells.
Fishing in this country, is also a popular most satisfying water sport. Costa Rica has a vast resource of fish in its huge stretches of lakes, seas and ocean. Be it deep sea fishing or fresh water fishing, Costa Rica has it all. Due to the large scale in which fishing is carried out there are several formal units of Costa Rica fishing. There is a wide variety of fish that are available, like the Sailfish, Wahoo, Billfish, Roosterfish, Marlin, Dolphins, Tuna, Cubera, Snapper, Blue runners, Snook and various other unusual fish. One can fish in various places with a lot of success.
The primary center for fishing is the stretch between Gulf of Papagayo Flamingo Beach and Cabo Blanca that has a complete marina option.
Popular ports of the Pacific area that is used for fishing are Flamingo, Carrillo, Coco, Ocotal, Tamarindo, Golfito, Dominical, Punta Leona, Puntarenas, Zancudo, Quepos and Manuel Antonio, Drake Bay, Zancudo and Tambor.
Another popular area for fishing in the Central Pacific region is the stretch between Drake Bay Quepos and Cabo Blanco.
Golfito is probably the major juncture for fishing in the South Pacific region with two developed marinas.
The lodges that let you experience great fishing at the Caribbean are situated in Parismina, Barra del Colorado and Tortuguero.
In Costa Rica you can also enjoy Diving and Scuba Diving. Little discovered, and still uncrowded, Scuba divers travel here from all parts of the world to see thousands of hammerhead sharks and enormous schools of innumerable fish in our tropical, plankton rich water. The waters offshore also teem with marine life.
You can dive in calm transparent waters on the Caribbean coast or opt for the wilder and more spectacular Pacific side. Most good diving is on the Pacific side. The Caribbean reefs were decimated some years ago due to pesticide runoff from the banana plantations although the last two or three years have seen a definite return of life to the region. The best months are in September-November.
There are three main areas for diving on the Pacific Ocean side. The first area is Isla del Cano, located on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica. The other two lie in the northern province of Guanacaste.
Canoeing and kayaking is one of best low impact ways to enjoy this amazing area and sea kayak and canoe tours are designed with an educative emphasis that seeks to assure preservation of the environment for years to come. The warm, rushing rivers which sweep through Costa Rica’s lush countryside offer world class white water rafting and kayaking opportunities. Rafting enthusiasts from around the world try their skills against these wild and turbulent rivers.
River Rafting is also great. If you’re trying river rafting for the first time, there are gentle rapids and lovely places to just float through. Whichever type of experience you have, you will be paddling through prime nature viewing areas, and so you will likely see otters, herons, parrots and iguanas too.
Most of the rivers in Costa Rica flow towards the Caribbean. After a heavy rain they come to life, going from being a reasonable river to become a place to enjoy the best whitewater rafting. The waters of these rivers are fairly warm so you are not at all uncomfortable unless you are nervous about trying Costa Rica rafting. Experienced water goers can also try their hand at kayaking the rivers as well.
Boating in Costa Rica is the ultimate experience. There are several boat trips that are well worth doing and are perhaps the most interesting way to get from one region to another. Traveling by boat across the eastern end of Lake Arenal is expensive, but by far the fastest and most beautiful way to travel between Arenal and Monteverde. There is a fascinating four-hour boat trip from Puerto Viejo on the Sarapiqui River into Nicaragua on the San Juan and on the Tortuguero. The boat trip from Cano Blanco to Tortuguero is also worth doing.
This a small list of the water fum you can have in Costa Rica. A country blessed with beautiful beaches, tropical waters and peacefull energy, has a lot to offer, especially for the water sports lovers!

A Gem In A Little Known Place Called Crested Butte!

I have never been too fascinated with the tabloids.  Sure, like most people, the act of picking up one of these ‘yellow journalistic’ publications is much better then waiting for the person in front of you at the check-out line in the grocery store who has to make sure that they have all their coupons, is fun.  When such a moment occurs, vacation spots is what I would say is what’s most appealing to me.  I like to see where the next starlet is going to spend their vacation.  

In one such instance, I remember reading about a place called Crested Butte.  Located in Gunnison County, Colorado, this little known spot has been a outdoor adventure haven for those who knew about it…and that wasn’t too many people.  The population of this place, according to the 2000 census, was only 1,529 people. 

Chances are you may have never thought of this destination for winter/summer activities and vacations, that may have been because there was very little air service there. Now with its influx of air crafts flying into its local airport from such hubs as Atlanta, Denver, Salt Lake, Chicago and others, it won’t be long before you appreciate this small piece of outdoor paradise.

You may think that skiing and snowboarding are the only things that go on here; after all, it is labeled ‘the last great Colorado ski town’, but with spring having sprung, they are rolling out the preverbal red carpet…and catering to you.  

Some of the things you can do in Crested Butte Other then Skiing!

Ok, its true that the main draw here is the amazing skiing and snowboarding that goes on – but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  This is a list, albeit a small one, but it gives you a general idea of what other wonderful things await you here:

1.  Arts, Culture, Culinary and Well Being.  A number of walking tours make a great day of exploring the arts within the city limits.  Great for the whole family, some of the local facilities include Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Crested Butte Mountain Theatre & the Pioneer Museum and Train Museum where you can learn about how it all started back in 1880.

2.  Horseback Riding: The expansive National Park in Gunnison makes this activity an authentic experience.   From stables in Almont and Mt. Crested Butte, families and friends enjoy a variety of wilderness trail rides; and the feature ride is through Maroon Bells Wilderness from Crested Butte to Aspen.

3.  Whitewater Rafting – whether you’re a first timer or a veteran pro, you will quickly understand why whitewater enthusiasts have been coming for years to Colorado.  One of the largest tributaries to the Colorado River, the Gunnison River, has a network of steep creeks & Streams.   The Gunnison River is characterized as a scenic stretch; and also a number of fun rapids to navigate in.  Another winner for the whole family!

4.  Boating -Blue Mesa, the state’s largest body of water makes its home here; and some of the states biggest fish might explain why boating is big out here.  If your looking for another reason, then check out The Taylor Lake, Morrow Point and Crystal reservoirs which all offer boat tours.

5.  Scenic Drives – The key word here is ‘scenic’; because that’s what you get with these small country roads.  Like something out of a John Denver song, these roads lead deep into the Colorado wilderness and offer up some of the most remarkable views of nature that you will see anywhere.   Described by one park ranger, The West Elk Loop is the “closest you can come to a wilderness experience in a passenger car”.

As stated above, these are just a short list of things to do here.  And if you’re wondering where to stay while vacationing here…you don’t have to spend your next month’s paycheck as once was the deal here.  Amazing lodges start at under $60!  Vacationing like one of your favorite stars never was so relaxing and inexpensive!

Top Three USA Destinations to Take a Pit Stop At

Boasting a plethora of golden beaches, breathtaking landscapes and an eclectic array of lively cities, the USA is a magnificent country, bursting with a unique sense of character and style. Offering up a varied and exciting travel experience, visitors’ taste buds cannot fail to be tickled by the sheer amount of sights, iconic attractions and activities on offer. Argued to be the only way to see the USA, driving holidays are extremely popular. And, considering the prospect of cruising along legendary highways like Route 66, whilst soaking up the remarkable scenery, it’s easy to see why. Not only that, but you also have the added advantage of freedom, meaning you can stop and start according to your mood! There is a great range of deals for ‘Fly-Drive’ holidays available and with the possibility of being able to rent a car in one city and return it to another, they offer the traveller a great deal of flexibility. The only conundrum you’re left to face then, is where you want to go. Definitely the first place you should stop off at, especially if you have children, is Florida. Known as the Sunshine State, it’s renowned for its exciting collection of theme parks, stunning natural wonders like the Everglades and the vibrant cities of Miami and Hollywood. Walt Disney World is a must-see. Cited as the largest resort of its kind, it offers up a huge selection of activities to pursue, including four theme parks, two water parks and numerous shopping and entertainment options. With more than enough to amuse the children, adults are also well catered for, meaning the whole family can indulge in the fun! To experience the USA in all its glory, a trip to the Grand Canyon is essential. Located in the state of Arizona, the gorge – formed by the Colorado River – is one of the country’s most famous landmarks. The canyon itself is 277 miles long and reaches down to a depth of over one mile. Whether you simply want to take in the awe-inspiring sight, or try your hand at river rafting or hiking, this is one attraction you have to take a pit stop at. No driving holiday in the USA would be complete without visiting the Big Apple. The country’s capital, New York is a city that is as cool as they come and offers the visitor an unparalleled array of cultural attractions, shopping opportunities and sites of interest. Split into five distinct boroughs – The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island – its electric atmosphere is guaranteed to leave you breathless for more. There is an endless list of places to experience; consequently one trip is never enough to soak it all up. Driving is a great way to see as much as possible, however, and allows you to make the most of the time you do have. While USA holidays often focus on one city or area, driving holidays give you the freedom to see a much greater number of areas and cities within the same amount of time.

Grand Canyon Hotels

One of the eight wonders of the world, the majestic canyon, an ever-changing display of colors, stretches nearly 280 miles from end to end, is ten miles wide on the average and descends 6,000 feet at its deepest point.
The Grand Canyon is multihued, steep-sided chasm, engraved by the Colorado River, in the State of Arizona. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the world’s leading natural attractions, drawing about five million visitors per year. You won’t leave without experiencing the astonishment that this overwhelming Canyon evokes in the millions of visitors who come to see it each year.
There are some historical buildings located next to the South Rim; mostly in Grand Canyon Village.
In 1908 American President Theodore Roosevelt declared the Canyon a National Monument calling it, “the one great site which every American should see”. You will be amazed at the scenic view of East or West Rim Drive descending into the “Inner Canyon”. You can go by foot or by riding on a mule or by taking a raft down the Colorado River.
Grand Canyon National Park offers hotels, inns, lodgings, and other accommodation for millions of visitors who come here every year. Here are some of the best hotels with their full facilities and amenities to offer you when you want to go to the Grand Canyon National Park.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel Inn is modeled after the historic Williams depot and is located just one block from the famous route 66. Guests can visit some places, and by the time they return to the hotel, they can relax in the outdoor pool and spa tub. The hotel’s front desk is open 24hours daily, with health club and fitness equipments, fireplace, tour assistance and concierge, grocery store and gift shop, conference rooms, café, game room arcade, and picnic areas with barbecue grills. This hotel was calculated to appear a lot like the train depot’s earliest Fray Marcos lodge. The guestrooms have a neoclassic French decor, with southwestern accents and have separate sitting areas, kitchenettes, coffeemakers, satellite TV, and complimentary toiletries.
Grand Canyons Hotels Rim South
If you need a reasonably priced place to stay, think about stopping at the Canyon Grand Hotel Rim South. In winter months, rooms should be booked at least 6 months in advance. Rooms and cabins mostly feature rustic furnishings. The Buckey Suite is definitely the finest room available, the oldest structure in the Canyon Rim, with a gas fireplace, king-size bed, and Canyon view. The tour desk, museum, fireplace, and restrooms account greatly for the constant coming of crowds.
Canyon Grand Hotel El Tovar
The historic El Tovar Hotel opened in 1905, with a design that was fashioned after European hunting lodges. Like any old hotel, El Tovar has its own story to tell, some were peculiar and the others out of place in today’s world. The hotel originally had separate sitting rooms for men and women. There’s a men’s grotto, a rooftop garden, a darkroom with photography studio, wine room and billiards parlor. While the dining room has been famous for the high quality of its meals, it was difficult in early times to obtain a fresh ingredient. That is the reason the hotel reared its very own Jersey cows, poultry barn, a milking barn, bakery, cold storage, and butcher shop. In the 1930′s, a pipe was placed from the South Rim to Indian Gardens and the water was brought in the train.
Grand Canyon Hotels North rim
The 3 beautiful North Rim viewpoints offer a sense of looking across the expanse of the Canyon, rather than into its depths. These descriptions may help you to plan your visit. From the parking area it’s a short and easy walk to Grand Canyon Lodge and a classic view of the Canyon. For the fearless, the DeMotte Campground is a great place, where campers have options from 22 attractive tent sites with picnic tables, grills, toilets, and drinking water.

All Around Las Vegas

When the words “Las Vegas” are mentioned, thoughts of sunshine, sightseeing, bright lights and casinos spring to mind. The city certainly is fun filled and exciting though there are also several opportunities to take a break from Las Vegas’ lights and explore both natural and manmade wonders.

You could take a trip to nearby Hoover Dam which rises 220 metres from the ground. Around a million visitors take a tour of the famous construction every year and millions more drive across the dam itself.

Hoover Dam is located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on US Highway 93 at the Nevada-Arizona border. If you are planning to drive across the dam then it is worth noting that some restrictions apply. All passenger vehicles that weigh one-tonne or less are permitted to cross, including cars, vans and motorcycles.

If you don’t fancy driving then the best option is to get a guided bus tour of Hoover Dam that begins in Las Vegas. This way you can relax and enjoy the sights without having to navigate your way around.

You could extend your trip to Vegas by taking a boating excursion on Lake Mead. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the USA. Located on the Colorado River about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, the lake spans the states of Nevada and Arizona.

Formed by water stored by the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers year-round leisure opportunities. The lakes cater to boaters, swimmers, and fishermen whilst the desert is popular with hikers, wildlife photographers, and sightseers.

If you like the sound of an active holiday then you could set out from Vegas to nearby Red Rock Canyon, another conservation area which boasts 30 miles of hiking trails and plenty of great spots for picnicking and photo opportunities.

The conservation area is home to a set of large red sandstone peaks and walls called the Keystone Thrust. The highest point, La Madre Mountain, stretches to more than 8000 feet. The soaring sandstone formations make the area a popular spot with hiking and rock climbing enthusiasts.

Las Vegas also has one of the world’s greatest natural wonders on its doorstep, The Grand Canyon. Mile-high, multicoloured rock walls, craggy cliffs, and sandy slopes stretch as far as the eye can see and you can visit on a day trip or plan to take a few days and explore the area.

You can book Grand Canyon tours and stay in hotels near the National Park or in a city nearby, such as Williams, Flagstaff or Sedona. Helicopter tours offer a bird’s eye view of this natural wonder and you can take to the Colorado River and try your hand at rafting.

There are attractions such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk and Grand Canyon Railway so whatever way you want to view the sights you should be able to find a suitable solution.

The surrounding areas prove that holidays in Las Vegas can offer glitz and glamour as well as natural beauty.

Lcra, Redefining Outdoors

If you’re looking for a great weekend getaway, LCRA Parks and Reserves is one great place to go to. With its beautiful sights and developed parks, you can enjoy nature in another level. Experiencing the different activities offered by LCRA Parks and Reserves will surely make your trip memorable and keep you coming back for more.

What is LCRA?

LCRA stands for ‘Lower Colorado River Authority’. It is a public agency that is owned and created by the state of Texas. It holds jurisdiction over the lower part of the Colorado River and is authorized to store water and sell it, generate electricity, avoid flood damage, and execute reforestation programs and soil-conservation programs.

Since 1935, up to now, the LCRA still operates and develops various parks in the Lower Colorado area. It provides a different kind of getaway experience for those who are up to the challenge and adventure, with a whole bunch of fun-filled activities for you, family, and friends!

Fun-filled and Developed Parks

LCRA’s developed parks have lots of activities to offer. With over 40 parks to choose from, a whole week’s stay wouldn’t seem like a week at all. Time passes by so fast, as you have tremendous fun exploring the area. Its parks are truly one great weekend getaway spot for family bonding or an exciting adventure with friends.

There are a number of things you can do in the parks. You can go swimming, sailing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, observing and seeing wildlife, and taking a river trip guided with well-trained personnel. You can also do nighttime activities, like stargazing. There are even spots where you can also ride your horse.

The park’s facilities are well maintained and very much up to date. They provide your basic needs, while away from the city. There are boat ramps, cabins and mini cabins, canoe and kayak launch sites, equestrian trails, fishing piers, picnic pavilions, walking & hiking trails, picnic tables & grills, restrooms, screened shelters, tent camping sites, and many more.

Recreational Areas

There are recreational areas in the rustic High Land Lakes. Here, you can also go tent camping. There are boat ramps, fire rings, picnic tables, and trails, giving access to one of a kind sceneries and views of the lake. You can have one great camping trip here for the whole family.

Educational Programs

Nature Parks and Nature Centers offer very interesting educational programs for people of all ages. Twelfth grade students and youth groups can take part in the Natural Science Programs, which teach about wildlife, water quality, geology, and many more environmental topics. Programs can vary from one day to multi day, depending on your preference.

Adventure Programs

LCRA Parks and Recreations also offer water adventure programs. Here, you can go rafting, kayaking, and boating along the High Land Lakes, Matagorda Bay, and Colorado River. Whether it is an individual or group program for schools, corporate groups or youth groups, the adventure experience is all the same.

Team-building Programs

A Challenge Course in McKinney Roughs is equipped to house team-building programs. Schools, corporate groups, and other organizations can enroll in this kind of program, which has personal and interpersonal growth as its goal.

The beauty and benefits of the work of the LCRA has created fabulous homesites that avail homeowners views and access to the beauty of nature.

The Driving Force Behind the High Demand and High Prices of Breckenridge, Colorado Real Estate

Most Breckenridge real estate listings probably fall into the condo category, but there are also single family homes, duplexes, town homes and building plots for sale as well. Some homes cost as little as $140,000, but the median price for a home in Breckenridge is $625,000.
Though priced much higher than the national average, the benefits of living in Breckenridge are catered to the high-class tastes of those who have the wealth to live there. Investors also know that the area has continued to enjoy steady appreciation and that each new gondola and lift at the ski resorts continue increasing real estate demand.
Location is the main factor that gives Breckenridge real estate its high price tag. In the winter, Breckenridge is a perfect place to live if you enjoy skiing, ice climbing, snowboarding, ice skating and curling up by a warm fire in as you look out your window at glittering snow-covered forests. In the summer even more activities are available for filling your leisure time. Spend the day swimming, fishing, rafting or kayaking on the Blue River or get your heartbeat up in a game of paintball.
For more relaxing pass times, available activities include ballooning over the Colorado Mountains or perfecting your game on the golf course. When you’re not in the mood to live the upper-class lifestyle, the whole family can go hiking together with a picnic lunch or bike on scenic trails in the trees.
Horseback riding, train rides, historic tours, hot springs, camping, shopping and boating are also great summer activities. All of these activities are far from typical with your standard middle-class neighborhood. Indeed, Breckinridge is a do-it-all place for the powerful and the wealthy.
For those that don’t like exercising in the cold weather, no matter how beautiful the mountains are, a built-for-the-privileged Breckenridge recreation center has them covered. There are tennis courts, racquetball courts, a weight room, lap and leisure pools, saunas and hot tubs, a track, rock climbing walls, cardiovascular equipment and a gymnasium all in one beautiful facility.
It’s often said that you get what you pay for, and grade school education is no exception. Kids of Breckinridge residents belong to a school district with six elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The high school provides at least 50 teachers for less than 800 students, which means class sizes are small and kids can benefit from more one-on-one attention with their teachers.
Breckenridge real estate listings are varied, attractive and ideally located. Combine this with nearby activities of the type that are often exclusive due to the high prices of admission and you have a recipe for high-priced real estate that only goes higher.

Fly Fishing in Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge, Colorado is known for its majestic mountains that draw hikers, bikers, skiers and snowboarders from all over the country. The mountains and trails of Breckenridge is busting with activity and excitement in every turn. But amidst the splendor of the trails, summit country’s numerous rivers and streams is also overflowing with excitement of different water sports. Whitewater rafting and fly fishing just to name a few. So if you’re planning a trip to Breckenridge, consider spending some time in the water, a day of two of fly fishing will guarantee you a relaxing, engaging and exciting time of spending the day outdoors. Remember to check rules and regulations for limits and restrictions, there are different rules for each body of water. Make sure to acquire a fishing license as well.

Expert fly fishers usually flock to Breckenridge when the run off starts, Breckenridge local fishing spots are popular because not only do they have the best trouts to catch but the view is just fantastic. But even experts don’t know the waters that well, so they hire a guide to take them to the best spots. So if you’re new to fly fishing, you ought to hire a guide as well, they will give you tips on the best techniques to hook that trout, or what kind of fly bests attracts a kind of fish, or even teach you how to do a perfect cast.

When you’re new to the sport, it never hurts to read and learn about the sport beforehand. Getting some background of the new sport you want to try out will definitely help you. Even though guides will help you through the most basic information first, it never hurts to study on your own before taking your trip. Take the extra step to learn about fly fishing, read about the sport, the gear, the equipment and its uses, but most of all; the basic principles of fly fishing. Make sure to acquire a license and check on the internet and read about the different regulations and limits of fly fishing in the area you are going as well.

Now you feel you’re ready to spend the day fishing. Not quite yet. Make sure you have the right gear in order for you to have the most fun out of the day in the water. Spending the day in the water is sure to keep you wet and cold, so make sure you have wader and boots. Boots are necessary to keep you upright when wading in the water. Their soles are made for the slippery stream and river beds. Waders are worn to keep you dry in general. Beginners and even professional fishermen that don’t know the fishing areas well are bound to some slips and falls throughout the day. Since you will be spending most of your time on your behind, well fit waders will definitely keep you dry. Being wet and cold is not so much fun than going home because you are wet and cold. That could totally ruin what is supposed to be a perfect fishing day. Make sure to wear a wading belt. When you’re casting, most of the action is done by your upper body, from the waist up, leaning forward and back can take a toll in your lower spine, wading belts help prevent this, they also help keep the water out of your waders when you fall and water starts to seep in, wading belts are know to save lives too. Spending the day outdoors mean getting close to nature, and too close to insects. So instead of taking your concentration from fishing because the flies are bothering you, slather a generous amount of insect repellent, make sure it is non-toxic for the fish and other wildlife. Breckenridge is known for its sun filled days too, so to keep yourself sun burn free, apply sunblock every few hours, and make sure its non toxic too. Wear a hat and sun glasses to complete the look. Keep hydrated by taking frequent sips of water or your favorite energy drink.

Fly fishing is a very popular sport. It can be both very relaxing and quite exciting too. And you will probably enjoy the sport more when you’re surrounded with the most beautiful Rocky Mountains covered with aspen trees and wildflowers. Whichever season you’re coming, fly fishing in Breckenridge will most definitely be on top of your must to do list the next year.

Colorado’s Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

Hopefully you have taken a spring vacation with the family. If not, there is still time before the crowds and the heat limit privacy and comfort. But it’s not too early to be thinking about a special summer vacation in the Colorado Rockies. But where?If you’re a native of Colorado, you already know that you have lots of options; If funds are not a problem, you can choose from amusement and theme parks in the city, swimming and slides at Glenwood Springs, cave excursions, white-water rafting, zoos, mountain climbing, hiking one or more of the many 14,000 foot peaks, jeeping, 4 wheeling, and many, many other options.Of course, Colorado offers hundreds of camping, hiking, and mountain climbing locations ranging from primitive and secluded to purely touristy. May I suggest an inspirational area that is somewhere in the middle of that range, but definitely a number 10 in beauty and variety – Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area?Maroon Bells is a popular summer attraction and you’ll meet lots of people, but you all have something in common, and your shared desire to revel in the splendor of mountain peaks, lakes, streams, and wildlife will add an exciting dimension of human connection.The most popular access to Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, which totals more than 174,000 acres in two national forests, White River and Gunnison, ascends from the popular ski resort of Aspen, Colorado. Motorized travel from Aspen to Maroon Lake is restricted, and you’ll want to check the times and exceptions. A convenient bus makes regular trips up the valley to the lake for a nominal fee, thus attempting to curtail traffic and pollution. Bus drivers provide an interesting and entertaining tour dialog for the short drive. The trip up the road is free of charge for non-motorized travel including biking and hiking.Activities in the area include:• Hiking• Biking• Skate Boarding• Camping• Fishing• Wildlife and Scenery Photography• Dining• A Variety of Activities in the Town of Aspen Including Summer Concerts and Cultural EventsSeveral Internet sites provide more in-depth information as well as the Chamber of Commerce in Aspen.If you haven’t yet explored this part of Western Colorado, consider this summer of 2007 the time to do it. If you have vacationed in this beautiful wilderness area in the past, this is your invitation to do it again, perhaps in a more challenging arena. Really, the choice is yours.

Skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado

You’ll be welcome with open arms in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge ski resort offer the world’s finest powder and terrain anyone can imagine. Half of the slopes at Breckenridge ski and snowboard resort are for beginners, while the other half are for moderate to extreme skiing. Breckenridge is the only ski area to offer this much skiing for all types of ability levels.The town of Breckenridge is just like you would dream about on the way to your ski vacation. The town has a Main st. with stores, restaurants, and variety. You won’t be disappointed as you stroll down Breckenridge’s Main Street; the main area is about 1/2-mile long and makes for a lovely walk during the daytime or nighttime.As far as resorts go, you can stay in a classy hotel and pay big bucks, or you can stay just outside of town nestled in the Rockies. Many condos are located a few miles down the road on RT. 9 otherwise known as Main Street.If you decide to book a condo out of town, you’ll get a better sense of what a mountain vacation is all about. On top of this advantage, you can also expect to pay significantly less than if you stay in the busy town of Breckenridge . Be prepared to breathe the fresh Colorado mountain air. It’s truly invigorating!As the seasons change in Breckenridge, Colorado your outdoor options expand and contract. Once Spring comes, the skiing gets better and the temperature goes up. Yes, it still snows hard in the Spring time.The only difference is the quality of the snow. It tends to be wetter than the winter when it is dry-fluffy snow. Either way, it’s great and you’ll love the Spring time snow as much as the Winter snow. After all, the base of Breckenridge in April is about 60 inches deep.Summer time in Breckenridge is truly a beautiful time! You can fish the streams for Rocky Mountain trout or you can mountain bike, raft, boat (Lake Dillon) or just relax in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. There will never be a boring day during your Breckenridge ski or summer vacation.Fly fishing is a very enjoyable sport to engage in during the Summer time. It seems like every stream or lake in the Rockies, houses some of the largest trout in the world. Since fishing season is only 5-months out of the year, the trout seem to jump right on to the hook. Just kidding of course! It’s not that easy to catch Trout, but if you use the right flies, you just might find the statement above to be true.Mountain bike trails are everywhere, but be careful!! Be sure to have a map and enough food & water in case you get lost. The smartest thing to do is mark your course with sticks in the ground if you have any doubts about not getting back home or to your vehicle.As long as you are sure of this, you’re going to have a great time. Breckenridge offers mountain bike trails that go to the tops of mountains and down to the valleys. The scenery is breathtaking and without a doubt, you’re going to love mountain biking in Breckenridge, CO.As far as rafting goes, there are many options within 20-miles of Breckenridge. The water flows highest around mid-July because of all the snow which has melted from the mountains. There are plenty of guided trips who will help you navigate through the rivers.Once you experience all the Breckeridge has to offer, you’ll surely come back every year to enjoy yourself again and again. Also, did you know the state of Colorado has more blue sky days than any other state in the U.S.? It’s true!