The LuxMob Info Tags

The best bathing suits resource directory online. Why pay
wastefully to those big companies.

Bathing suits lovers will find that they have been highly
charged for their bathing suits. The big companies have charged
us a lot. Anyone can feel good in a bathing suit and buy at an
affordable price. Search online at the major shopping centers
first. Go to ebay and froogle.com Do all the required research
on where to buy and which to buy. After all we want to feel good
not only about wearing bathing suits but a feel good factor for
our wallets.

Some tips for buying affordable yet class swimsuits.

1–Make sure that you buy your swimsuits from an exclusive
swimsuits showroom.

2–Ask for any seasonal discount prices. Many companies offer
discounts on swimsuits so be sure to ask about them.

3– Buy online .One of the best ways is to buy your swimsuits
online. Some companies offer free shipping. Also you can have a
detailed look on selection and see the varieties.

4–Check out discount stores for great deals.

5–Fashion magazines and catalogs are great ways to avoid the
crowded malls.

6–eBay.com often has brand-new designer suits just waiting for
a bid.

7– Always in doubt bring out your best friend with you.

To avoid confusion which sometimes occurs get online.

That’s the reason I put up my own bathing suits informative
site. I do not sell bathing suits online but only provide the
visitors the best information available on bathing suits. Read
our bathing suits articles and newsletters. Browse through our
resource section and you will make the best buying decision of
your life.

For more information visit our site www.swimsuitscorner.com

Also visit our sister sites www.bathingsuitsonline.com
www.weddingdresses101.com

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.

Back on the road head north towards Franconia Notch. This is a good stretch of road to have your camera at the ready. I can’t list all the stops you can make, but I’ll mention just two of my favorites in this area of the White Mountains.

The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago when the White Mountains were molten rock. It just so happens in this area when it cooled quickly, softer material was forced into the fractures that formed. These fractures wore down with natural erosion much quicker that the surrounding granite rock — leaving the gorge. And so now you get to enjoy a geological wonder at the base of beautiful Mount Liberty.

The Gorge has a visitor center where your tour starts and ends. And don’t forget to check out the covered bridge which crosses the Pemigewasset River — it’s one of the oldest on the White Mountains Trail.

The famous attraction you can’t see anymore…

You’re probably thinking why would I mention something you can’t see anymore? Well, the truth is… you can see some of it… but you’ll have to imagine the rest.

The Old Man of the Mountain was a jagged rock profile formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.

On May 3, 2003, admirers of the White Mountains region around the world were devastated, when this world famous monument to nature crumbled and crashed to the bottom of Cannon Mountain. How could this be everybody asked? Aren’t rocks and mountains… forever? Well, this incident proves they aren’t. Despite years of gargantuan efforts by many people to preserve it, centuries of the harsh winter climate found in the White Mountains, finally took its toll. It’s worth a stop as you journey on the White Mountains Trail to look and wonder at what once was. To me it’s a reminder that nature doesn’t play favorites.

Continue to head north on Route 3 until it joins Route 302 and follow 302 towards Bretton Woods. Here the mountains get taller and taller until eventually you see the grand daddy of them all — Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.

The Roof of the White Mountain National Forest…

Depending on time available, you’ve got four options for experiencing this gift in the White Mountain National Forest. Just stare — hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Take the Cog Railway train ride to the top. Drive the auto road to the summit — the quickest way. And of course you can hike if you’re well prepared. But just promise me you won’t hike to the top unless you are in great condition and with somebody. This mountain claims lives every year as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically within minutes.

Is it worth getting to the summit?

All I’ll say here is… the view is stunning. Visit the museum at the top and learn about the day in 1934 when the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was taken — 231 MPH. You’ll learn why its unique geographic position provides the mountain with the worst weather on earth.

Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to the town of North Conway.

The North Conway Scenic Area…

Schedule enough time to take the scenic train, which you board in North Conway. The station is an authentic Victorian style — it’s hard to miss and smack in the town center.

The train rides are ambles and chugs along the scenic valleys and notches in the surrounding area. And as you wind through the rolling Mount Washington valley and squeeze through the notches under the gentle clatter of steel against steel, consider this was once the main form of transportation to the area, from Boston. Most of the trains they run are diesel locomotives now, but on special weekends and during fall they use their popular steam locomotive.

The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and the Notch train is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a different experience. The notch train has a dome car as well, where you get magnificent views of the steep ravines and sheer bluffs. I’m not sure my kids have the patience for a 5-hour train ride so we’ve always taken the shorter excursion. But as I love trains — especially steam trains — one day…

The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October. These scenic trains are very popular throughout the season and they accept advanced reservations for the Notch train and dinning cars on both trains.

This area of the White Mountains is full of shopping outlets, and also has plenty for the kids to do. Story Land and Heritage-New Hampshire, are right next to each other on route 16 in Glen. You and the kids will enjoy themed rides, live shows, play areas, and meeting storyboard characters.

The Kancamagus Highway…

Let’s finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.

This part of the trail is known as the Kancamagus highway. There are just numerous photo shoot opportunities along this highway. In fact, your challenge is having enough daylight left in this trip so you can take pictures.

But you can always come back tomorrow, right? No prizes for doing and seeing everything in one day. You are booking your White Mountains vacation for at least a week… aren’t you?

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of the New England vacations guide . You can read more about White Mountain vacations and get a free travel report at his New England vacation site.

Used mainly for outdoor birthday parties and other children’s events, inflatable slides and other inflatable options are super for outdoor fun.

As the spring/summer approaches, being prepared with a quality product can extend your rentals for the whole year and also for years ahead. Not only does this product have to last to make a “good” profit this year, but also for years to follow. As an inflatable rental company, there are many options to choose from when purchasing the inflatables from types offered to various supply companies. Below are some factors to think about. When purchasing inflatables for rentals, keep in mind your goals and the consumers wants and you are sure to have a profitable business.

What does your consumer want?

The consumer wants a product that will entertain the children. The main reason for renting inflatables is to give the kids a fun and lasting activity. There are many suppliers of inflatables, but choose inflatables that will keep the party going. You may choose from slides, obstacle courses, moonwalks, games, and the newest inflatable sensation, theatre systems. Having a well-rounded supply gives the consumer options.

In addition to making the children happy, you also want to make the purchaser feel safe and comfortable about the product. There are tons of low cost inflatables out there. But, with the low cost, comes low quality materials and construction. It is important to think of the user and their safety.

What are you looking for/your goals?

Any business owner knows that quality brings back clients. To have a long standing profitable business it is important to start with quality products. Purchasing low cost inflatables may help your bank account in the short run, but in the long run will not work. In addition to continual repair or even new purchase costs, accidents may happen that will not only hurt your bank account, but children as well. That is nobody’s goal.

Choosing a quality supplier with great customer service is extremely important. With good service and products comes trust and comfort. It is important to shop around and see what is out there. Talk to suppliers and read testimonials from others. Purchasing your product is an integral part of your business. It your product doesn’t work, your business won’t either.

In summary, think of the needs of both you and the consumer. A great business has a balance of pleasing both and it all starts with the product.

Ruben Soliman is father of 2 young children. If you are looking for quality products that last, check out
http://www.inflationcreations.net where you can purchase inflatable
slides, moonwalks, and much more.

I am The Outdoor Guy. I didn’t win a contest to get this name or lobby for the right to own it. I assumed the title. I doubt anyone will ever be able to take it away from me. No matter what happens, I will always be The Outdoor Guy – in my own mind. However, it is possible others won’t agree with me on this topic. Let me explain why I am convinced I am The Outdoor Guy.

My childhood of scouting, bike riding, hanging around the cemetery at night and playing baseball equipped me with complete comfort whenever I was outside. As a youngster, I was always outdoors, always sun-burnt and for some reason my night vision was creepy good. I was more comfortable camping, fishing and star gazing than I was watching television or playing around the neighborhood. I remember showing my friends how to use a telescope when I was only twelve years old. For the first time, we all saw the moons of Jupiter. As time passed, I drifted away from those who spent their time going to movies and shopping. I was at home in the woods and spent countless hours walking alongside the creeks, lakes and rivers. There was a time in my teens when I swear the mosquitoes left me alone. Looking back I doubt it, but I recall a three year period when I didn’t get a single insect bite - pretty impressive in Ohio.

I entered the United State Marine Corps and found myself at home on military excursions and cruises. I remember how I guarded trucks on the top deck of a ship in the North Sea - how crazy is that - and how I nearly wept when I first saw the Northern Lights. I volunteered for as much outdoor duty as I could. Everyone thought I was strange, but I thought being indoors was even stranger.

Life passed and I found myself making up excuses to be anywhere off of the pavement. I became a hunter, I picked up geocaching and I found that I couldn’t hike enough. I really, really, really liked being outdoors. I’ve found outdoor companions in my wife and our two Labrador retrievers. We all feed off each other’s zest for fresh air. I even started my own outdoor business. While it is product sales that pay the bills, it’s helping others find their own outdoor passion that provides me with the real rewards. I don’t know everything about outdoor recreation, but I know enough to thoroughly enjoy every minute doing it and I can’t wait to share it with others.

A person with the moniker of The Outdoor Guy should be someone who inspires others to wonder about their own outdoor life and someone who nudges them to pursue it. Welcome to my world.

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

Chuck Fitzgerald, The Outdoor Guy, has written a beginner’s guide to bird watching call “Learning to Bird.” Visit http://www.birdwatchingebook.com to see just how easy and how much fun Bird Watching really is. Chuck is the owner of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store helping you to have fun in the great outdoors. To get maximum enjoyment out of your outdoor life, visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com where you’ll find great gear and the Tips & Tales e-newsletter, “FreshAir.” (800) 316-9055.

It goes without saying that there are risks when it comes to camping in bear country.

In fact, on 14 April 2006 this risk became a tragic fact of life when a 6 year old girl received fatal injuries from a black bear while camping.

Campgrounds are now having to incorporate policies and procedures to ensure bear conservation and safety for campers. The DEC Campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves in New York State are two such campgrounds. Their staff have developed specific policies and procedures to minimize the occurrence of bear problems at their campgrounds while maintaining a healthy, natural black bear population.

There are ten critical ways that you can minimise the chances of getting hurt by bears by following these simple tips:

1. Avoid traditional bear feeding areas.

2. Avoid camp locations where bears have been known to roam in the past.

3. Avoid camping where you may have trouble seeing a bear through vegetation.

4. Avoid camping where you see bear droppings and fresh tracks.

5. Never feed wild bears.

6. Store your food in a cooler which is locked in the car

7. Like most animals, bears are attracted to garbage so make sure your campsite is very clean

8. Remember that behind every cute baby bear is a very overprotective bear mother!

9. Stop fishing when bears are present. They want your fish more than you do.

10. The minimum safe distance from a bear is 50-100 yards.

There are now a number of organizations that are working passionately on increasing bear awareness in the community. The National Spokesman of The National Be Bear Aware & Wildlife Stewardship Campaign, General H Norman Schwarzkopf, is dedicated to providing teachers, college students, youth groups and guiding/hunting groups with educational materials and training programs to teach outdoor enthusiasts and residents up to date safety skills and techniques for camping, hunting, viewing, hiking, photographing and living with wildlife like bears safely and responsibly. More information is available at the Campaign’s website at http://www.bebearawaresw.org.

Along a similar vein, The ‘Bear Safe Washington’ program began in 1999 with funding from the World Society for the Protection of Animals. This program of presentations, brochures and seminars was designed to raise awareness of all bear issues in Washington State. Its bear safe guide can be downloaded at http://www.insightwildlife.com/bearsafe.htm

The Get Bear Smart Society based in Whistler, Canada, educates people on dealing with bears in the community and promoting innovative bear management practices. Supporters can make donations by visiting their website at http://www.bearsmart.com.

Copyright 2006 Karin Manning

Karin Manning is the author of The Ultimate Campfire Kitchen & Camping Guide which contains 580 delicious and easy camping recipes guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. To immediately download your copy go to http://www.easy-family-camping-recipes.com

Have you observed that most children, by nature, are naturalists? When I’ve watched children, I’ve often noticed that they will pay close attention to the details of the natural world: a little plant or animal, a dandelion, or an ant hill. Adults might say, “Look, an ant hill,” and by naming it, we walk on — we dismiss it. What would a child do?

There seems to be a trend today that allows people to believe that scientists will give us all of the facts we need to know about Nature. Much of the “environmental” education involves no contact with plants and animals. Students may watch videos, memorize how many legs a spider has, or learn that biological diversity is being lost in some remote rainforest. I know some kids — and no doubt, so do you — who spend more time in front of a computer monitor than in direct contact with Nature. Not to mention adults! I know, I know — I’m sometimes guilty of it too.

But the spontaneity and unpredictability of the natural world are never communicated to us in this “virtual environment.” What we get is Nature being sold to us as an economic system, as part of a great machine. Regrettably, our links to the land, and to our childhood, become disconnected.

Each of us is capable of making valid observations about how the natural world works. We have all, at one time or another, been inquisitive children. It’s been said by contemporary anthropologists that we need everyone to behave as naturalists, to observe and judge whether the ecological processes around us are working. I have read of Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotanist, who has said, “conservation is too important to leave to scientists alone.”

Our environment is wherever we choose to live. It is not an isolated scientific topic, but a unifying and fundamental theme across all disciplines. To be aware of how the environment underpins all human pursuits is to learn how the world works and how there are wonderful lives being lived very near us, and all around us, even in our own backyards. It’s time we stepped back outside, into Nature’s living room.

Taking a walk in the wild - even our own backyards - can enrich our lives. It costs very little for the well-being that is gained. Those moments can provide an escape from the craven virtual environment — an escape that can further enrich us when accompanied by an awareness of the place we choose to live. It’s more than knowing the names we give to things — it’s bearing witness to the relationships those things have to us and to each other. In microcosm, it’s about living in, and recognizing our effect on, the present moment in the natural world. In macrocosm, it’s about the legacy our human society will leave to the future.

Our thoughtful stewardship of the land, this Earth we call home, is often perceived to be our fundamental obligation as humans. Why? For our the sake of ourselves, and our children.

It is not outside the realm of possibility and imagination to believe that we have the power, collectively, to sustain and perpetuate the quality of life on our planet — our only home — to enrich the lives of our children, and for all species yet unlived.

Take a moment to think about that. How important is it to you?

Be daring! Vow to take the rest of your lifetime to rediscover the child within, and to rediscover your role in the life of Planet Earth. Take that first step to connect, or reconnect, with the wild lands. Take a hike!

Russ Beebe is an experienced wine tasting host and hiking guide who leads naturalist tours in the California wine country. Discover how you can enjoy the quintessential California outdoor experience at californiawinehikes.com.

To be honest this vacation paradise has been doomed and unused for the last five years plus. I was there in September 2004 and how quiet it was, which was great for us, but not for the local and Zimbabwean economy. Can you imagine being in the heart of the African wilderness, nothing around but a huge expanse of water, mountains and the knowledge that on shore there are really naturally wild animals? For me, Lake Kariba is the home of the “Houseboat”. Ever since I was in my teens I had heard of these houseboats. A floating holiday on a huge expanse of water. What I did not know was the size of these floating hotels and how large Lake Kariba really is. At a vast majority of our ports of call all you can see on the horizon is water.

Landing at Harare airport is much like arriving at any third world airport. Not too much different nowadays to the first world except being a lot smaller. The drive, in convoy to Kariba was pretty exciting due to the knowledge of the turmoil in the country and not knowing what to expect, although we did have some locals with us and they assured us that it would be fine. What a change though having been in Zimbabwe seven years prior, the degradation had taken its toll. Most service stations closed, fenced and locked- waiting for fuel. Driving through the countryside, desolate farms, barns with only shells, the timber and roofing scavenged for creating makeshift houses (shacks). Once a thriving farming country now reduced to a subsidence-producing nation. The drive to Kariba takes about 5 hours. Three hours plus out of Harare you enter the national park. Wow - no fences and the game is plentiful.

Turning off the main road, otherwise you end up in Zambia, is truly amazing. Don’t drive too fast as you are now really in the wilds with. We saw elephant aplenty, giraffe and lots of buck. Also the scenery is picturesque, winding down through hills and mountain passes, flat landscapes with the famous African bushveld and still knowing that you will be enjoying the next ten days on a fully catered for houseboat cruise - paradise. Driving through the last mountain pass and seeing the vast expanse of Lake Kariba is magnificent. I could not believe that it was so vast, also around the town of Kariba and towards the wall are mountains overlooking the water. The scenery is breathtaking.

I expected the houseboat to be small, old and dilapidated. What a surprise when I saw it and the crew of four, waiting with the welcoming drinks. It is hot, very hot. The houseboat has one floor at water level and one upstairs. Downstairs are the four cabins, kitchen (galley) and storerooms. Upstairs a vast entertainment area come dining room all under an awning with the sides open, the bridge where the captain drives the boat and then in front in the open is this plunge pool. Two tender boats get towed behind this massive house on the water powered by a huge diesel engine.

Once all the luggage, food and drinks were loaded the captain cruised us out of the mini harbour. I had often heard of Lake Kariba and the vast expanse of water, now sitting in the pool in the front of the houseboat, cooling down with an ice-cold beer, I could not believe the size of the Lake. We cruised out of the harbour into the open water and it was vast. The African landscape on the Zimbabwean side is picture perfect with the mountains sharply descending to the lake around the town of Kariba and towards the wall. South of Kariba town the mountains are further back from the lake and descend gradually towards the African bushveld which eventually the shore. An hour later and still in the pool relaxing with ice cold beers not too far away, we are warned to put on sunscreen protection from the harsh African sun and harsh it is. We hear shouts of excitement and there on the shoreline is a huge heard of elephants. The shoreline on the Zimbabwe side is about one and a half kilometres from us. To see them close up you need the binoculars. The Zambian shoreline is beyond the horizon of water. This gives you an idea of how wide this Lake really is. We move back into the shade of the entertainment area and relax in the many lounge chairs protected from the sun now by the huge awning. This must be one of the most relaxing holidays I had ever been on. Perfect for the afternoon siesta. We are cruising to our first port of call. The ports of call are remote stops on the cruise on either little islands or on the mainland in the nature reserve. There are no towns or villages but just wild animals that greet you i.e. no civilisation, don’t take your cell phone.

Late afternoon, plus 4 hours into the cruise we hear the engines slow and realising we have reached our destination. The captain gradually negotiates the houseboat almost onto the shoreline and the crew tie the boat up with long mooring ropes. We are now actually parked on the shore. The captain turns the engines off and there is silence like you have never experienced. You then start hearing nature. The hippos bark and we all look, sure enough there’s a family of hippos. I counted six. The two tender boats are loaded up with refreshments, the fishing equipment and snacks. We choose a boat and off we go. This is the highlight of the trip. Small bays along the shoreline abound but the captains of the tender boats, one is the captain of the houseboat and the other is the chief housekeeper, know these areas like the back of their hands, steer us to the best fishing spots.

As you can imagine the fishing is good (mainly bream) because you are in the wilds where not many humans venture. We keep the larger catch for supper and snacks. I was a bit sceptical about eating bream, I prefer saltwater fish and had never eaten fresh water bream before. The sun is now beginning to set on the horizon over the water. We are told that we must head back. There is nothing like a late afternoon cruise on the water with a relaxing gin and tonic and the beautiful African sunset. On the houseboat we head for the showers. Back up on the top deck we are greeted with a pre-meal drink and with darkness looming we chat about the events of the day. All of a sudden it is dark and the crew are summoning us for supper. Man they can cook. By eight p.m. everyone was bushed and retired to bed. Most of us slept on the deck upstairs on mattresses in the open. The older folk slept in the cabins downstairs.

Approximately four thirty a.m. you are woken by movement downstairs and a rich aroma of coffee being made. You have twenty minutes to wash, apply generous amounts of sunscreen lotion and have coffee and rusks before another adventurous fishing venture on the tender boats. The sun is rising now above the mountains, you can feel the heat and you realise that the rest of the day is going to be a scorcher. Between ten and eleven am we are arrive back with our catches and eager for some food. We are greeted with a magnificent brunch. While we are enjoying our brunch the captain starts up the engines and the rest of the crew are untie the moorings of the houseboat. He manoeuvres out of the bay and heads out back into the vast expanse of Lake Kariba. We are on our way to our next port of call. We finish brunch and some of us take a quick dip in the pool and relax with the gentle motion of the houseboat cruising along the lake. The rest of the day’s cruise is spread between siestas, spot the wild animals on the shoreline and playing card and board games.

We arrive at the next port of call with totally different scenery. A larger but we are greeted with a family of elephants. Now elephants are my favourite animals. Up close and in the wilds like this is one of the highlights of my holiday. The hippos are there too along with the wide variety of buck. The routine is the same as the previous day with the tender boats and fishing. This is by no means boring as there is always something to look at, wide varieties of birds with elephants appearing out of the bush, buck all over the place and the odd hippo close by in the water. Crocodiles are also plentiful but it is the hippos you need to keep an eye on, as they will charge your boat if you get too close to them. If they do then you will definitely end up being a meal for the crocodiles. After another very successful afternoons fishing we have another sundowner cruise back to the houseboat.

The rest of the trip is pretty much the same as the first day but as I have said it is always entertaining and never boring. So much wild life, fresh air and the days fly by. Evening star gazing is incredible, with falling stars and satellites moving around the sky. With so many hundreds of miles between you and the nearest city you can imagine the amount of stars you can see. We did not see the lions but heard them roar one or two evenings. The one-day after the roaring we could see the vultures hovering. The locals and the crew said they were waiting for the lions to finish their “kill” so they could move in after them. They must have been about five hundred meters from us.

Sadly, the time had come to return back to Kariba town. Some said they have had their holiday and now need to get back to their daily lives. I could have stayed on for longer. I would normally recommend this amazing houseboat vacation on Lake Kariba to anyone, however considering the state of the country of Zimbabwe at the present time is a no-no unfortunately. Who knows in a little while things might change for the better and this would become a very popular destination indeed?

Gary Pitman is a writer for the mySunSite which provides information and listings of vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, self catering, resorts and basically all types of holiday accomodation. Also there are a vast amount of articles on vacation destinations and more so take a visit to http://www.mysunsite.com.

Visitors to the Australian state of Victoria and its capital Melbourne should definitely consider reserving two or three days to explore Victoria’s own Costa Verde, the Great Ocean Road. This magnificent coastal tour combines spectacular Southern Ocean scenery, huge cliffs, towering rock stacks, lush temperate rainforests, tranquil bays, intriguing coastal villages full of history, clean uncrowded beaches and great surf.

The Great Ocean Road winds its way along the breath-taking coastline of south-west Victoria, from Geelong in the east to Nelson in the west, with the area between Lorne and Apollo Bay being the most picturesque. It is without doubt one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. It traverses an extended length of coastline that includes the world-famous Twelve Apostles rock formation, the Otways rainforest, and Bells Beach on the Surf Coast. The Great Ocean Road also regularly passes through coastal resort towns including Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay, coastal cities including Geelong and Warrnambool, and historic villages including Queenscliff, Port Campbell, Port Fairy and Portland.

There is ample opportunity to expand and extend the Great Ocean Road experience by detouring inland to the magnificent Grampians National Park and the Goldfields, continuing across Victoria’s western border to South Australia, or exploring Port Phillip Bay in the east including the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas.

Portland (population 11,000) was founded by the pioneering Henty brothers in 1834. Today, it boasts more than 200 well-maintained heritage buildings and private residences. Visit the Maritime Discovery Centre for an insight into Portland’s long seafaring history. Portland’s waterfront is still alive with commercial activity today, and whales sometimes visit in the winter months. Portland is also an angler’s paradise, the range of fish in the area including King George whiting, flathead, snapper, tuna and mulloway.

Apollo Bay (population 2,000) is regarded by many as a paradise by the sea. The town is characterised by a wide, crescent-shaped sandy swimming beach, a backdrop of undulating green Otway hills, relaxed lifestyle, waterfalls, national and state parks and abundant flora and fauna in the nearby ranges. The beach at Apollo Bay is a focus for activity all year round. Swim in the clear sea waters, kayak with local seals, go deep-sea fishing, surfing, or simply take a relaxed horse ride along the beach at sunset.

Anglesea (population 2,500) is a favourite Great Ocean Road holiday destination due to the great beaches, bushland, wildlife and stunning coastal scenery in the area. Located on a wide sandy expanse beside the Anglesea River, Anglesea’s main beach is perfect for swimming, surfing and relaxing. Anglesea is also a great place to explore on foot. The 35 kilometre Surf Coast Walk passes through the town and can be followed along the coast in either direction. Coogoorah Park fronts the river and has a series of walking tracks, boardwalks and bridges winding through native bush and reedy wetlands teeming with birdlife.

Aireys Inlet, just a few kilometres from Anglesea, is a peaceful village nestled in the shadow of Angahook-Lorne State Park. Clifftop tracks provide views of rocky reefs, rock pools and sheltered coves. Aireys Inlet has superb beaches suitable for swimming and board riding, with a national park at its backdoor which is home to native trees and heathlands that are alive with colour when wildflowers bloom in winter, spring and early summer.

Port Campbell (population 200) is located amongst some of the most spectacular coastline scenery found in Victoria, including the Port Campbell National Park and the Twelve Apostles. Sheltered by towering cliffs and Norfolk pines, Port Campbell has the feeling of a haven on the edge of wild nature. It is a great base for a day tour to the Twelve Apostles, the dramatic rock stacks that have made this section of Victoria’s coastline famous. Other spectacular coastal features include Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and the Bay of Islands.

Torquay (population 3,670) is a major holiday resort town, and also Victoria’s surfing capital where beach-based culture is strong. Many of the best known names in surfwear and accessories are based in Torquay, with anything and everything connected with surfing available in retail outlets at Surf City Plaza. The Surfworld Museum captures the spirit of surfing in a variety of multimedia and hands-on displays. Famous surf beaches in the area include Jan Juc and Bells Beach, famous as the venue for the Rip Curl Pro (held in Easter), one of the most sought after titles on the World Championship Tour.

Lorne (population 1,170) has a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere and outstanding picture-postcard scenery. This beautiful coastal town has been attracting visitors for more than a century. Located between Loutit Bay and the cool Otway ranges, Lorne’s charm is difficult to beat. Mild weather, a thriving café culture, and a full range of shops, boutiques and galleries make Lorne one of the Great Ocean Road’s most popular holiday destinations.

The City of Warrnambool (population 29,500) is situated in one of the most picturesque locations in Victoria, nestled into the coast amid green countryside and overlooking the deep blue of the Southern Ocean. Warrnambool has a long and colourful history linked with the sea, much of which is on show at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the early life of the city, and includes original buildings, a lighthouse and a recreated port complete with ships. The many shipwreck relics on display include the famous porcelain peacock salvaged up from the tragic wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878. Giant southern right whales return to Logan’s Beach near Warrnambool every May to October and can frequently be seen just 100 metres off the shore.

Port Fairy (population 2,600) is a charming old fishing village with wide streets lined by 19th century cottages, old stone churches, boarding houses, inns and imposing Norfolk pines. Many fine examples of 19th century architecture can be found, with more than 50 buildings classified by the National Trust.

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Australian tour topics such as Great Ocean Road Tours and Barossa Valley Tours.

This article is designed to help Wrightstown Pa. residents
select plants and shrubs for hedges. Not all plants that are
suitable are listed here but most common and easy to raise ones
are listed.

Hedges are one of the major components of your landscape.
Hedges define the limits of your landscape and thus should be
the starting point in your landscape design. Before selecting
plants, you should carefully consider their landscape
requirements and the characteristics of the plants. For example,
deciduous plants drop their leaves in the fall and are effective
screens mainly during the growing season. Evergreens provide
good screening all year. Gardeners considering a sheared, formal
hedge should realize that they may need to be pruned (sheared)
several times a year to remain attractive. In comparison, an
informal, natural hedge is relatively low maintenance. Select
shrubs that grow to the desired height. Planting a tall-maturing
shrub where a short, informal hedge is desired creates work.
Many landscaping problems are prevented by selecting the correct
planting material.

Our plants are well suited for many hedge plantings. We sell
many types of plants and shrubs which can work well as a natural
privacy boarder. Bare-root material is the most economical type
of nursery stock when planting a hedge. However, bare-root
plants are rather small. For the beginner, bare root is the
hardest type of plant to grow out. Container-grown and balled
and burlapped plants are larger, but are more expensive. You
will have better luck with potted and B&B stock…The added cost
will be worth it. Most B&B and potted stock can be planted
whenever the ground is not frozen as long as you have the
knowledge to help the plants along.

Plant spacing is determined by the plant species and hedge type.
Most plantings will range from a spacing of a foot or two to a
couple of feet. Many people will plant the shrubs and fail to
prune them back hard. Pruning generally will make the shrubs
more dense and compact.

The following is a list of shrubs suitable for hedges that we
sell:

Amur maple Acer ginnala 15 to 18 feet natural Barberries
Berberis species 1 to 5 feet natural or sheared Boxwood Species
2 to 4 feet natural or sheared Redosier dogwood (D) Cornus
sericea 8 to 10 feet natural Burning bush (D) Euonymus alatus 6
to 15 feet natural Junipers (E) 8 to 15 feet natural Beautybush
(D) Kolkwitzia amabilis 8 to 10 feet natural Spirea VanHoutte
(D) 6 to 8 feet natural Lilacs (D) 4 to 15 feet natural Yews (E)
Taxus species 2 to 10 feet natural or sheared Arborvitae (E) 3
to 15+ feet natural or sheared Arrowwood viburnum (D) Viburnum
dentatum 6 to 8 feet natural American Cranberry (D) 8 to 12 feet
natural

When you visit Highland Hill Farm at 5275 W Swamp Rd. (rt. 313)
Fountainville Pa. we will be happy to show you these plants. You
can also go to our web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com

Looking for a new and exciting destination in which to get married but need not be expensive? Want a beach, sunshine and an English speaking location but don’t want to travel miles away? Want your closest friends and family to attend your Big Day without burdening them with the huge cost (and embarrassment) of travelling transatlantic?

Then consider getting married in Gibraltar, just a short 2 and half hour flight from the UK and with year round sunshine, a choice of up to five beaches and being a duty-free tax haven, Gibraltar is fast entering the top ten bracket of favourite places in the world in which to get hitched! Unlike the Caribbean, it is not expensive and unlike Las Vegas, it is not crass! You can get married in Gibraltar within 24 hours of arrival without the residency requirements of other countries. Apart from the traditional registry office or church, you can get married al-fresco in a picturesque Italian garden with fountains and a magical backdrop of a waterfall and tropical flowers or even on a rose bedecked terrace overlooking the blue azures of the Mediterranean.

Famous celebrities who have chosen the lush backdrop of palms and fountains in Gibraltar for their Wedding Day have included John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Sean Connery (married twice here!) and Roger Moore. Further 007 connections include the filming of ‘Living Daylights’ starring Timothy Dalton on The Rock itself.

Amit Verma writes about “An Exiciting Destination for Weddings and Travel - Gibraltar.” More Information at - http://www.mygibraltar.co.uk/

Extremely competitively priced flight and hotel packages are available by booking online at www.mygibraltar.co.uk who also offer a fabulous one-stop Wedding service where they even match the colour of the bridal bouquet to the colour of the dress! You even get a £5.00 per person discount and free night offers when you book online!