Outdoor

Outdoor Fall Season Recreational Activities: Ecotourism Far and Near

Lyn Lomasi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:08 GMT

Because of the natural beauty of the seasonal change, fall is a great time to travel. Ecotourism is quickly becoming a popular way to tour the world as people are looking for more innovative ways to decrease their carbon footprint on the earth. Historically, travel has been one of those things associated with polluting the land. But it doesn't have to be. People all over the United states and around the world are working toward the common goal of making travel less harmful to the planet.

Ecotourism in the fall might consist of a green trip to Ireland. Go on walks along the ocean, through the forests and atop the cliffs. Ireland's natural beauty is stunning and should be preserved. Ecotourism groups in Ireland may appreciate the hospitality of the locals, as they provide locally produced food and offer shelter in an eco-friendly guesthouse. Solar-powered hot water and geo-thermal underfloor heating are a part of the eco-friendly lifestyle. This is just one suggested ecotourism trip in Ireland. Research to find various options.

South Africa's wildlife has in the past been threatened by hunters and poachers. Thanks to ecotourism, it is becoming much more common for people to aim toward protecting, rather than endangering wildlife. An ecotourism tour in South Africa might involve an eco-safari. In this adventure, eco-travelers can have the opportunity to take photographs of some of the most diverse and interesting wildlife in the world. The vast and protected lands are truly a wondrous sight. Natural colors of the fall season can also add to this one-of-a-kind ecotourism experience.

If you'd rather stay closer to home, there still are many ecotourism options. Think of becoming a volunteer to help clean up public areas such as city sidewalks and fields. Lakes and streams also can become polluted, especially in more populous areas. Do your part by not littering and also by helping to clean up these areas. This is a great way to get to know neighbors. Organize groups of people to work together in these eco-friendly efforts. There are many options available for ecotourism, both far and near. Location is not near as important as how far you are willing to stretch your personal efforts.

Sources:
http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotours/south_africa/
http://www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotours/ireland/tourism_pure_ireland.php
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2169355/travel_close_to_home_and_still_travel.html

Survival of the Fittest: Surviving a Deer Collision

Lee S. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:33:41 GMT

If you think the deadliest wild animal is a grizzly bear, a wolf, or a cougar, you're wrong. Each year, deer kill more humans than any other animal in North America. Deer range almost everywhere in North America, except for northern Canada and Alaska, and parts of Utah. They don't attack humans as prey; they cause car accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 1.5 million car-deer accidents each year, and that number is rising. Those accidents kill about 150 people each year, although the number was higher in 2008 and the NHTSA expects it to be still higher in 2009. They cost at least $1.1 billion in property damage; in 1990, the cost was estimated to be over $100 million in Wisconsin alone, and Wisconsin isn't in the top ten states for deer accidents.

Most deer-car accidents occur between October and December, which partly coincides with deer hunting season. It's not hunting that causes the accidents, though; those three months are deer mating season. During the rest of the year, groups of deer have a fairly small home territory, and stay within it. In mating season, or "rut," deer head out to find mates, and are more likely to stray onto roads.

So, what does that have to do with wilderness adventures? If you've been in the back country in the fall, you'll probably be driving home. And you'll probably see deer crossing signs on your route. Some drivers ignore them; a smart driver slows down, especially in the evening, and watches for deer. If you see one deer cross the road, expect more to follow and slow down accordingly. Insurance companies advise using your brights, and warn that deer whistles don't work. Don't swerve if a collision is unavoidable; you may hit another vehicle or a tree and cause more damage.

During the fall, wear a bright jacket to avoid becoming a hunter's target. Good sturdy boots are also a must, and a bright flashlight of your own will help keep deer from your path. And drive carefully when heading home!

Outdoor Movies: "Stowaway to the Moon"

Steve B. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:32:56 GMT

Those who came of age during the 1970's will remember how strongly "Moon Fever" burned in some people. After John F. Kennedy made his ambitious commitment to putting a man on the Moon, NASA came up with a system to send two men to the lunar surface 8 years later.

"Stowaway to the Moon," a made-for-TV movie, is geared to the fantasies of anyone who desperately wanted to travel with the astronauts. Child actor Michael Link plays Eli Mackernutt, Jr., a bright kid that everyone simply calls E.J. Living in Florida, E.J. naturally develops a love for the space program, learning everything he can about the Moon.

E.J. then figures out a way to hitch a ride on the next Apollo mission. Disguising himself as a maintenance worker, young E.J. sneaks into Camelot, the Command Module, and hides out in one of the waste disposal units. At launch time, Mission Control detects E.J.'s extra weight, but the crew thinks it is just water that seeped in the spaceship and turned into ice.

When Ben Pelham (Jim McMullan), the baseball cap-wearing Command Module Pilot, gets violently sick in space, E.J. steps in and saves his life with a vacuum cleaner. The unofficial "fourth astronaut" then finds Little Dipper, the Lunar Module, when it goes off course. Obviously, it's handy to have a kid around on a Moon mission.

Based on the book by William R. Shelton, "Stowaway to the Moon" is a fun little movie that is highly unbelievable, but quite entertaining nonetheless. E.J. makes it through NASA's front gate and past all the security cameras with surprising ease. It's also hard to believe that a pre-teen could survive the incredible G-Forces that build up during a Moon launch, even if he is surrounded by blue garbage bags.

Lloyd Bridges is ultra-cool though as Charlie Englehardt, the flight controller, he is ready to abort the mission after the astronauts find their young stowaway. Veteran actor John Carradine and real-life astronaut Charles "Pete" Conrad also have small roles in this Made-For-TV adventure. "Stowaway to the Moon" definitely is worth a look when you come across it on television.

Television Shows with an Outdoor Setting: Jamie Lee Curtis Set Sail on the USS Sea Tiger in "Operation Petticoat"

Steve B. — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:31:22 GMT

A year before Michael Myers started terrorizing her in Halloween, Jamie Lee Curtis was part of the ensemble cast of "Operation Petticoat," a 1970's television comedy based on the movie of the same name. Curtis played Lieutenant Barbara Duran, a nurse who ends up traveling through the South Pacific in a pink submarine.

The sub in question, the USS Sea Tiger, is commissioned for duty during World War II, even though it definitely isn't sea-worthy. Because there wasn't enough gray paint to cover the hull, the Sea Tiger sets sail with just a few layers of pink primer paint. The pink becomes an oddly appropriate color after Captain Matthew Sherman (John Astin) rescues five stranded nurses, including the pretty Lt. Duran.

Much of the humor in "Operation Petticoat" comes from the battle of the sexes between the nurses and the sailors who share close quarters with them. One of the funniest ongoing battles occurs between Major Edna Hayward (Yvonne Wilder) and Chief Engineer Dobrich (Warren Berlinger). Typically, when Dobrich is stumped by a mechanical problem, Major Hayward finds a novel solution, such as using her girdle to keep the engine running.

"Operation Petticoat" sailed smoothly through its first season, especially with John Astin and Jamie Lee Curtis in the cast. One has to wonder, though, if Tony Curtis, who starred in the original 1959 movie, had anything to do with his daughter being cast in the TV series. The late, great comedian Jim Varney also had a supporting role as Seaman Broom.

For reasons that still aren't clear however, between the first and second seasons, most cast members were replaced with new characters, with Jim Varney and Melinda Naud surviving the change in command. Fresh off his stint on "Emergency," Randolph Mantooth started a tour of duty on the USS Sea Tiger as Lt. Mike Bender, but audiences didn't embrace the cast changes, sinking the show 10 episodes into the second season.

"Operation Petticoat" definitely was a quirky 1970's television show, and one that brings up fond memories for its fans. If you can find it on a retro TV station, it definitely is worth a look.

Best Beach of the Week: Reduit and Marigot Beaches, St. Lucia

Lee S. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:31:24 GMT

The next time you plan a Caribbean vacation, forget the Bahamas, Jamaica, or Antigua. Take yourself to the most beautiful island in the world: St. Lucia. It's a tropical rainforest with a steaming volcano, and beaches in white, gold and black sand. All the beaches on St. Lucia are free to the public, even if they're right in front of a ritzy hotel, although you may have to pay to rent a beach chair and umbrella!

Two St. Lucia beaches are this week's best; which one you choose depends on what you want. If it's a bustling beach with restaurants, bars, shops, and rental spots for every water sport, choose Reduit Beach. Five miles of beautiful white sand, and even when it's busy it's not too busy. If you start to get too hot, take a dip into the clear blue-green waters of Rodney Bay, or move into the shade of the palm trees. You'll never be bored on Reduit; if you get tired of the beach, how about a hike or a round of golf? A whale watching trip? Some time in a pampering spa? Whatever you want, you'll find it on Reduit.

If you want to relax somewhere more intimate, head for Marigot Bay, and take a 3 minute boat ride from the pier to the white sand beach. It doesn't have a lot of amenities, although recent additions include a small restaurant and bar, but it's quiet and romantic, and a favorite of the locals. Once you're on the beach, you can admire the steep palm-covered hills that surround three sides of the bay, really more of a narrow cove, soak up the sun, or go for a swim. For anything else, take the boat back to the pier, where you'll find almost everything.

St. Lucia is about relaxing, so don't pack too much. Throw in a pair of cute tropical-print shorts, a flirty white top, and your favorite sandals. Make sure to take a tropical tote to carry your water, reading materials, shades and sun screen. Then kick back and relax in the sand!

Survival of the Fittest: Surviving a Moose Attack

Lee S. — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:55 GMT

Many people think of the cartoon "Bullwinkle" when they think of a moose. Hikers in the northern U.S. and Canada who've actually encountered moose have an entirely different view. If you're hiking where they both live, you're much more likely to be attacked by a moose than a bear.

Moose aren't shy, like deer. They're territorial and aggressive, and their size - up to 6 ½ feet at the shoulder - and weight - as much as 1500 pounds - make them extremely dangerous. They have sharp hooves and impressive antlers. The two likeliest times of year for moose encounters are spring, when females have calves, and fall, when bull moose are looking for mates.

Never get between a female moose and her calf. If you come upon them on the trail, back up slowly and wait for them to move on; generally, they will. If a mother and calf wander into your camp, again, try to back away. Moose show aggression in several ways. They may toss or swing their heads, stamp the ground, lay their ears back, or actually charge you. Some of these charges are bluffs, and the moose will veer away at the last moment. But since most of us can't read their minds, you need to take a charge seriously, and try to get behind a large boulder. The moose will then, hopefully, decide you're not a threat.

In the fall, bull moose are just as deadly as females in the spring. Anything that moves is a potential rival. They've even charged locomotives, so if they charge you, don't assume they'll back off. If you can't get away, roll yourself into a ball, cover your head, and don't try to get up. You'll probably get kicked, but if you don't move at all until the moose has left the area, you'll survive. A broken rib is better than a smashed skull. If you have time, swing your backpack over your head to protect it. Pull your hiking boots up to protect your groin if possible.

Remember that you're in their territory, show them respect, and you'll survive a moose encounter.

Into the Wild - Outdoor Movies: Adrienne Barbeau Hangs Out with "The Swamp Thing"

Steve B. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:33 GMT

Twenty years before Spider-Man first appeared on the big screen, The Swamp Thing, a character from the world of DC Comics, appeared in the live action movie that bears his name. Wes Craven, the man who would later unleash Freddy Krueger on an unsuspecting world, wrote and directed this science fiction thriller that was set in and around a marshy swamp.

Dr. Alec Holland (Ray Wise) and his sister Linda (Nannette Brown) are developing a method to combine plant and animal tissues when Dr. Anton Arcane (Louis Jourdan) and his henchmen confront them. In the struggle for Holland's research, Linda is killed and Alec is doused in his own chemical formulas and starts to burn. To save his life, Dr. Holland then throws himself into the nearby swamp and disappears.

A short time later, Government Agent Alice Cable (the beautiful Adrienne Barbeau) finds Alec Holland, but he has been transformed into a hulking green plant creature. Still possessing his human mind and emotions, Alec and Alice start a kind of "Beauty and the Beast" relationship right there in the swamp. Arcane isn't content to leave them alone, however, and he wants to use the Swamp Thing to recreate Dr. Holland's chemical formula.

A cult classic from 1982, The Swamp Thing is based on one of DC Comics' lesser-known characters, but the film definitely is a lot of fun. It is strange, though, to see an established actor such as Louis Jourdan in a horror film, but he throws himself in the villain role with skill and class. Jourdan even gets his own dramatic transformation scene after he drinks Dr. Holland's special formula.c

When talking about this film, most comic book fans fondly remember Adrienne Barbeau's performance as Agent Alice Cable. Fresh off featured roles in The Cannonball Run and Escape from New York, Barbeau had a large fan following coming into The Swamp Thing, a movie that comic book fans still fondly remember.

Seven years later, The Return of the Swamp Thing picked up the storyline, but nothing can match the outrageous 1982 original.

Best Beach of the Week: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Lee S. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:59 GMT

If you're thinking Gulf Coast beaches, think Georgia. Georgia may not have a long coast, but what it has is absolutely beautiful. And one of the very best beaches is the 10-mile stretch of beach on Jekyll Island, a barrier island off Georgia's Gulf Coast.

Historically Jekyll Island was a winter resort and playground for the rich and famous, but now "Georgia's Jewel" is open to everyone. The 240 acres that encompassed the old resort is a National Historic Landmark, and is the largest such landmark undergoing restoration. But, the Historic District isn't all construction; it has shops and restaurants, and it's decorated in a 19th century style. Guides are dressed accordingly.

If lying on the beach and soaking up the sun isn't enough, put on your walking shoes and take a nature walk. You can go solo, or you can take a tour with an experienced guide from the Tidelands Nature Center. You may see some of the island's loggerhead turtles, who bury their eggs on the beaches and dunes from May through August. They're a protected species, and their nests are flagged by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. If you see a disturbed nest, or an unflagged one, let the Georgia Sea Turtle Center know.

Another great way to see the island and its many specimens of wildlife is by canoe or kayak. You can rent one and slide through the protected salt marshes and estuaries, and see birds, fish, dolphins and more. Be sure to bring a jacket in fall or winter, as it can get cool out on the water, and don't forget a good-sized tote to carry your camera, notebooks, water and snacks.

Jekyll Island's beach is divided into three named parts: north, middle, and south. You can park at the middle beach, and public restrooms are also available there. The north beach has an access ramp, but no parking or amenities and access to the south beach is a long boardwalk over the fragile and scenic oat grass covered dunes. Whichever you choose, you'll be able to enjoy the soft white sand and the Georgia Coast sunshine.

Outdoor Playlists for Your IPod: Wax Up Your Skis While Listening to These Songs from the Slopes

Steve B. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:46 GMT

Skiing is one of those sports that most people can enjoy, even if they have to stay on the "bunny slopes" for most of their trip. While you are waiting for some good powder, slip your headphones on over your beanie and get into the groove with these skiing songs:

"Bend in His Knees" (Sung by Bob Gibson)
Located on his album Ski Songs, Bob Gibson sings the sad tale of a young man who forgets that good skiers need to bend their knees to be low to the ground. Other cuts on Gibson's album include "In this White World "and "Skiin' in the Mornin." Although Gibson's album is 50 years old, you can still download the tracks and see the original cover art, featuring Gibson resting by the fire with his foot in a cast.

"Terrified Skiers on the Bunny Slopes" (Performed by Faust & Lewis)
The comedy duo of Faust & Lewis came up with Powder Party, a whole album of humorous skiing songs, including one about novice skiers who freeze up when they try their skills on the beginner slopes. "Psycho Skier" and "I Like Da Snow" are other offbeat tracks on this unusual album.

"U.B.R (Unwanted Binding Release)" (Sung by Eric T. & the Skis)
In 1984, the group Eric T. & the Skis released Ski Patrol, a novelty record containing some insightful skiing songs. "U.B.R." talks about the problems that occur when your boots come loose from your skis at the wrong moment. Decades later, this group also released a follow-up called Ski Patrol Revisited that contained a few more tunes.

"Super Skier" (Performed by The Chad Mitchell Trio)
A cautionary tale for anyone who spends more time at the lodge than on the slopes, "Super Skier" talks about a "Sundeck Charlie" who brags a little too much. When he finally gets on his skis, he literally goes to pieces while going on a downhill run. Bob Gibson originally performed this song on his 1959 album, but the Chad Mitchell Trio did a notable cover version of the tune.

Resources:
http://bobgibsonlegacy.com/SkiSongs.asp

Outdoor Fall Season Recreational Activities: Playing Softball

Lyn Lomasi — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Fall is a great time to play sports because it's not too hot and in many places it's not too cold either. Softball is a common fall sport and it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Exercise your whole body by playing softball and have fun while doing it. Softball is a sport that can be enjoyed with teammates, family, and friends of varied ages.

One way to enjoy softball is to play it with family and friends. Outdoor recreation is excellent for bonding. Plus it gets everyone moving instead of sitting in front of the television, computer, or video games. Don't worry about having exactly enough players to make an official team size. Make do with who you have and have some fun. Bases are pretty affordable at most sporting goods stores, as are gloves, softballs, and bats. When gearing everyone up, don't forget about the softball cleats.

Another way to enjoy softball is by joining the school or office softball league. Kids and adults alike can benefit from the teamwork, dedication, enjoyment, and fitness of being on a softball league. If the school or employer doesn't have a team, you could even volunteer to organize one or provide them with information on how to get one started.

Various sports organizations also have leagues for both kids and adults. Can't find any? Try contacting your local parks and recreational department. Many of them offer fall sports such as softball. Be sure to choose a league whose practice schedule works with your other responsibilities. This way, you don't have to miss out on softball games due to those responsibilities.

If you just cannot find that perfect method that suits your needs, why not create your own softball league? Many individuals and organizations do this. This makes it so that, for the most part, you can determine the scheduling of practices, games, and get-togethers. Softball can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, as evidenced above. The method is not the most important aspect. Rather, if this is something you're interested in, the fact that you get outdoors and enjoy softball in some way is the most important part.

Survival of the Fittest: Surviving a Rip Tide

Lee S. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:37 GMT

If you were planning to head to the Jersey shore or Cape Cod on August 22 and 23, you probably changed your plans. Beaches were closed along the east coast as Hurricane Bill, downgraded by then to a Class I tropical storm, kicked up riptides as it passed.

Riptides, more properly rip currents, are narrow but long bands of water that can pull anything in them quickly out to sea, and they're potentially deadly. The average swimmer or boarder might not recognize a rip current, but lifeguards do. They look for an area of a lighter green color that may be swirling like a washer, or may look like a flat rippling river. Like a river, the rip current's fastest flow is in the middle.

Obviously, the easiest way to avoid a riptide is to stay out of the water. But where's the fun in that? Don't assume you're safe if you're close to shore; rip currents can happen in water that's knee deep. They can also occur when there aren't high wave warnings or beach closures, so you need to know what to do if you're caught in one.

First, don't panic. That's easier said than done, but if you stay calm, you're more likely to survive. Second, don't try to swim against the current. Doing that will wear you out and exhaustion is the cause of most riptide drownings. Relax, tread water and get your bearings. If you can, swim sideways to the edge of the riptide, where the flow lessens and you can probably get to shore. If you see a large wave coming at you, take a deep breath and go under it. If there's an undertow, a frequent companion to riptides, do the same thing: take a quick deep breath before you're pulled under, and relax; you'll pop up again quickly.

Whether the ocean is calm or choppy, be cool in trunks like these Ryan Spooner Hybrid board shorts. Avoid a rash with an Oakley rashguard shirt, and keep your feet from getting too sandy with these sweet Beachcomber Flip Flops by Ed Hardy.

Into the Wild: "Iron Eagle"

Steve B. — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:30 GMT

Months before Tom Cruise felt the need for speed in Top Gun, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Jason Gedrick starred in Iron Eagle, an ultra-patriotic film that flew into theaters in early 1986. Gedrick plays Doug Masters, the son of a well-respected Air Force Colonel. After his father is captured by a power-mad, Middle Eastern dictator, Doug hatches a wild plan to fly into this foreign country and rescue his dad.

With the help of his friends, Doug gathers enough Air Force Intelligence and secures the use of two fighter jets to make the trip. Doug then seeks out Colonel Charles "Chappy" Sinclair, a good friend of his father who is played by Gossett. Chappy has been mapping out his own rescue plan, but he can't believe this cocky teenager would be able to fly a jet, much less mount a rescue mission.

Definitely a movie from the 1980's, Iron Eagle is both ultra-cool and highly unbelievable. If, for instance, the security on that Air Force Base was so lax that teenagers had the run of the place, Russian MiG fighters could have easily flown in and bombed the whole place out of existence.

As played by Jason Gedrick, Doug Masters is a hotshot kid who thinks he knows everything about flying. Doug spends quite a bit of the movie wearing a flight jacket, but when he's in the cockpit, he has to listen to hard rock music. In those pre-iPod days, however, Doug has to settle for a cassette player strapped to the leg of his flight suit, and, in one funny sequence, Chappy reminds Doug to make sure that he's playing the right music when he's firing missiles.

Fresh off his Academy Award-winning performance in An Officer and a Gentleman, Louis Gossett, Jr. brings Sergeant Foley's bad attitude to Colonel Chappy Sinclair. Even with Gossett in the pilot's seat, it's hard to believe that two unauthorized American fighter jets could have left United States airspace as easily as they did in this movie.

Still, Iron Eagle has some excellent flying sequences, such as when Doug starts dropping bombs on an oil refinery. Iron Eagle definitely is a wild ride, especially if you, like Doug, remember to play the right music.

Outdoor Fall Season Recreational Activities: Craft Time with Fall Foliage

Lyn Lomasi — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:47 GMT

Fall is the perfect time to get out and collect a piece of nature. Leaves are turning colors and can be found just about anywhere in any shape or size. Leaves can be used in many crafts and fall decorations. It's a great way to decorate with nature without taking too much from it. Be sure to take only leaves that have already fallen from the trees.

Your own backyard is one great place to find leaves. But if you haven't any trees or just want some variety you can try local parks and nature reserves. Even a stroll around the block could net you some interesting leaves to add to your collection.

Be sure to collect leaves that are both big and small and in a variety of colors. Be diverse in your selection. To make the activity the most eco-friendly, be sure you are not wasting plastic bags to collect the leaves. Instead, use your reusable shopping bag. Don't have one? Why not? Go pick one up before heading out to collect your leaves. Nature will thank you when you reuse it again and again for many other things.

Now back to the leaf collecting. If you plan to use the leaves to make a fall garland or some other similar fall decor, be sure to collect a good amount of each desired shape and color. That way, the decoration can match throughout. On the other hand, if you just plan to spread them across a fall table, variety is key.

Benefits to leaf collecting are endless. For one thing, it gets you out into nature. When was the last time you did that? Looking up cool nature videos and pictures online does not count, by the way. It also is great for exercise. Once you get started, you may not want to stop. It also can save you money, as well as help save the Earth. Don't even think about buying another strand of those plastic and cloth things they call fall garlands in the craft store. Yours will look more authentic, it's free, and it's even naturally biodegradable.

Best Beach of the Week: Clearwater Beach, Gulf Coast, Florida

Lee S. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:50 GMT

South Beach is not the only hoppin' beach in town: Florida's Gulf Coast responds with its own up and coming party on Clearwater Beach.

After a beautiful Gulf Coast sunset, the lights turn on and the music turns up at Clearwater Beach bars and clubs. And as day turns to night, party-goers trade in their flip-flops for stilettos and bikinis for a short summer dress. But don't wear yourself out dancing, because you'll want to be ready to rise and shine the next day.

If you prefer a more low-key celebration, don't worry, you can keep your flip-flops and head to one of many small bars and family-run restaurants on Clearwater Beach to eat, drink, and wait for the sun to come back up.

And when the sun does come up, Clearwater Beach doesn't disappoint. Sure, Clearwater Beach doesn't have the glitz or glam of South Beach...at least not yet, but it does have sand. Miles of wide, white sandy beaches stretch into the soft warm, waves of the Gulf. Visitors to the beach can lie back and soak in the sun, take a swim in the sandy-bottom waters, or go shopping. Mandalay Avenue is filled with boutique shops, gift shops, and plenty of restaurants.

But as the day comes to an end, you really have to head to the Pier for the nightly Sunsets at the Pier 60 Festival celebration. This can't-miss family event features artisans, crafters, street performers and live musical entertainment. And after the sun goes down, it's back to party time at this beautiful beach.

Best Rivers for Whitewater Rafting: Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River, Colorado

Lee S. — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:22 GMT

The Arkansas River in Colorado is one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting in the U.S., and the most challenging stretch is the Royal Gorge, running through a narrow canyon with 1000 foot walls. The Arkansas is also the most popular river, and is crowded from May through September. The folks who aren't actually on the river are usually watching it from the suspension bridge over 1000 feet above.

With its long stretch of class III to V rapids, the Royal Gorge has unbeatable whitewaters. There are plenty of named rapids, like the Sledgehammer, Boateater, and Wall Slammer, giving you an idea of what the unnamed ones are like. Besides rapids, you'll hit narrows, big holes, high waves, and lots of steep drops into pools. The highest, coldest flows are in May, when the snow-melt from the Rockies heads down the Arkansas River from the Continental Divide. If the flow is higher than 3200 cfs, rafting is prohibited through the Royal Gorge, and you'll be rerouted to a safer run.

Dozens of rafting adventure companies are happy to provide rafts and guides if you're flying in and can't bring your own gear. They all provide helmets, wetsuits and life-jackets, but some charge extra for use of their gear, so be sure to read the fine print. Most won't accept anyone who doesn't have at least Class III experience for the Royal Gorge whitewater run, so if you have beginners or kids in your party, plan on an easier route like Bighorn Sheep Canyon.

If you want to raft on your own, be aware that recreational use of the Gorge is regulated by the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, and if you put in at any of the possible sites upstream, you'll have to pay a fee for daily use.

After May, it gets really hot in the area, so wear something cool like this Topanga tank from Columbia, that's fast-drying and has UV protection, and these comfy shorts from Cloudveil. Make your feet happy with Salomon's Techamphibian 2 shoes that convert to sandals. And don't forget the sunscreen.