We spent a month hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway which connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. We had amazing hikes but one that was very special was actually different from any I’ve hiked. I had never heard of a privately owned mountain but Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina is privately owned.

It is also the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain area at almost 6,000 feet. Grandfather Mountain with 12 miles of trails isn’t just for hiking; however, it is a tourist attraction and a nature preserve.

As a privately owned mountain you will have to pay to hike! One ticket includes the Mile High Swinging Bridge which I’ll talk about in a moment. There are other exhibits that are great for children. You’ll find picnic tables and guided tours as well as a restaurant and gift shop.

The hours for various activities are different so I’ll point you to the website for hours and phone number. The fees are $14.00 for adults; $12.00 if you are over 60; $6.00 for children 4 to 12 and under 4 go in free. We thought $14.00 was a lot to hike but it’s really a very special place and I recommend Grandfather Mountain. If you have AAA you’ll save a couple of dollars.

We got to Grandfather Mountain at 9:00a.m. It was really cool and windy. We went into the very nice Visitor Center where I was told that it is always windy at Grandfather Mountain and it gets windier and cooler as you get higher so I really recommend layers of clothes. In fact the average summer temperature is only 68 degrees.

We parked in the lot and headed to what looked like the main trail. There were many caution signs saying that Grandfather Mountain is dangerous (There are short easy hikes from here though)) and to wear hiking boots . They urge children not to climb (Although we saw at least two but they were experienced.) Our hiking book told us that there were 7 ladder. (Ladders used in hiking are there because the mountain is too steep to climb- unless you’re a goat- so ladders are built into the mountain!) There were cables to help climb up the ladder. It can be scary and nerve racking though truth be told my husband was more nervous than I was. The book went on to tell us we’d be on one precipice and one unnerving ladder but as it turned out we loved this hike and rate it in the top 5 hikes we have done. It took us 3 ½ hours round trip to hike 2 miles!

We hiked McCrea Peak (There are many peaks but the sky was getting cloudy and we didn’t want to have to climb down wet ladders, which at the time we thought we would have to do.) You may want to go all the way to Calloway if the weather is nice. We encountered a snake and had been warned there were poisonous snakes on the mountain but when we got down we found out this guy was a good guy.

We did a really dumb thing which you can avoid if you’re reading this. We like loops i.e. not in and out hikes but different scenery and terrain going up and down. Rather than going back the way we came we avoided the ladders and took Underwood Trail which as it turned out was not only a bit longer than the ladders but made up of boulders. The going was tedious, tough and not very pretty. . We had one long ladder with no rails that was steep but once we connected with Grandfather Trail we had bypassed the ladders. I’d go down the way I went up next time!

We headed over to the swinging bridge. The Mile High Swinging Bridge was built to give visitors a view of Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. It was a great view especially knowing we had been on the mountain even if we hadn’t been on Linville Peak. The bridge is a 228- suspension bridge so yes it does move and goes over an 80-foot chasm over a mile up. You’ll be climbing 50 steps to get to the Bridge; walk on rocks and really just enjoy the views . Enjoy this beautiful and challenging hike.

Please leave only footprints, take only pictures and kill only time.

Choosing the right cycling shoes is a top priority as you head to the great outdoors; use these key tips for choosing the right pair for your survival pack.

When you’re heading for the hills on a mountain bike, a good pair of cycling shoes, a helmet, and some protective clothing are all you need to make your successful trek in the great outdoors.

Choosing the right cycling shoes is a top priority – the right pair will help you get through that challenging ride with ease, keep your feet warm and dry in case of inclement weather, and also help you hike through rougher territory when you need to carry or walk your bike to the finish line. Whether you’re a regular weekend mountain biker or just taking on a new cycling challenge, here are some simple ways to choose the right pair of mountain biking shoes:

1. Know your budget. Quality mountain biking shoes can be as low as $50-$60, and as high as $300 or more depending on the brand, style and overall durability. Choose a reasonable budget range to narrow down the choices – without compromising on quality.

2. Try on the shoes while wearing cycling socks. Are you heading out to mountainous trails that require extra layers and thick socks? Or are you venturing off to beach country where lightweight clothing reigns the day? Try on shoes with the socks you plan to wear during the ride so you don’t end up with the wrong size.

3. Look for breathable materials. A challenging ride is going to make you sweat – and your feet are included. Look for a combination of leather and breathable material construction for your shoes so that you don’t end up overheating.

4. Find a pair with cleats. Cleats can help prevent slipping and sliding when you’re mounting and dismounting the bike, so choose a pair with even small cleats for extra grip. The extra tracking on the sole can save you from accidents and reduce the chances that you’ll lose control while pedaling.

5. Don’t forget safety! Make sure your shoes are outfitted with reflectors for any night riding you may be doing; if the shoes don’t have reflector patches on them, consider adding your own as an added safety measure.

6. Take a good look at your bike pedal. If you’ll be using straps on your bike pedal for extra support, don’t buy shoes made with very thick materials; these may not fit properly under the strap, and can make it difficult to balance during your ride.

7. Go for a stiffer pair. If you have a choice between flexible and stiff shoes, go for the stiffer pair that can provide comfort, support, and also withstand changing conditions. Remember that you may be doing more than just cycling during your venture, so you need a durable pair of shoes that can withstand changing temperatures and conditions.

It’s worth the time and effort to find the best fit for mountain biking shoes, especially when you’re heading off on a weekend excursion and are braving the elements on your own. The right pair of cycling shoes will be part of your survival pack as you trek on through the great outdoors; just use these tips to pick the perfect pair and look forward to a great ride ahead!

Camping is one of America’s most beloved pastimes, and many families throughout the United States choose a different camping destination every year. If you’re an outdoorsy type who enjoys sleeping under the stars, you might want to try camping at Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego, Louisiana.

Located just outside New Orleans, Bayou Segnette State Park is a unique camping ground where wildlife and vegetation are plentiful. Since the surrounding area is mostly made up of wetlands, visitors from other parts of the country are guaranteed a fresh new experience. Plus, this particular camping destination was named one of the Top 100 Family Campgrounds of 2008 by The Camping Club.

Wildlife

Most of your day at Bayou Segnette State Park will likely be spent in wondrous fascination as you study all forms of wildlife. Birds such as the bald eagle and cardinal flourish here among the swamps and marshes, and minks and nutria are likewise populous. Of course, you’ll want to heed the signs and stay clear of the alligators and snakes that have made this area their home for thousands of years.

If you want something to cook over the campfire for dinner, Bayou Segnette State Park has some of the best fishing in Louisiana. Catfish, bass, redfish and trout can be found in the many tributaries, streams and lakes that run through the camping ground. And don’t forget to make time for the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses several miles of hiking and biking trails, plus opportunities for canoeing.

Overnight Stays

Camping at Bayou Segnette State Park is a different experience every time, as the area provides a total of 98 different campsites from which to choose. Each site comes equipped with water and electrical hook-ups, or you can choose to sleep under the stars in your family tent .

Of course, some of us like the great outdoors during the day, but prefer the comforts of home overnight. If you don’t fancy the idea of sleeping in a tent or recreational vehicle, Bayou Segnette State Park also offers guest cabins at a reasonable rate, each of which contains amenities such as individual piers, air-conditioning, screened-in porches and heat.

Recreation

It is pretty much guaranteed that you’ll never be bored at Bayou Segnette State Park. If you’re in the mood to get wet, the wave pool is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer afternoon, or you can jump in a canoe and take a guided tour of the marshlands that surround the park. Children will enjoy playing in the facility’s many playgrounds or learning about wildlife with a park employee.

Bayou Segnette State Park is open year-round, with park facilities open daily from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Entrance costs $1 per person except for seniors (over age 62) and children under the age of three, who are granted free admittance. Camping in your RV or tent costs $18 per night, while Golden Age members receive a 50% discount.

If you are the only person in the household that truly enjoys fishing , it’s hard to find one vacation spot that will satisfy both the family and your desire to land those big fighting fish. To make everyone happy, take a trip down to Algarve, Portugal, which offers a something for everyone.

Located near the southernmost tip of Portugal, Algarve has some of the best fishing opportunities in the world all year round, with a few species that put up a whale of a fight:

Shark

The waters of Algarve are home to the blue shark plus the beautiful but deadly Mako shark, which can be caught year-round. The Mako arguably puts up the fiercest fight when hooked and can cause some real problems if boated.

Dorado

Small but tasty, the warm-weather dorado is a pretty fast-mover, which makes catching one a real trick. If you want to really test your fishing prowess, dorado season in Algarve starts in July.

Tuna

With weights approaching a full ton, the bluefin tuna ranks high amongst the most difficult fish to land. The skipjack tuna is much smaller and easier to catch, but in either case, tuna season in Algarve runs from June through December.

Blue Marlin

Because the blue marlins off the Algarve coast can weigh as much as a half-ton, fishing from a fighting chair is recommended. The best time to catch one of these big beauties is between August and October.

White Marlin

With weights as high as 140 pounds, the white marlin is quite a catch and, because this fish swims in packs, it is possible to land more than one at a time. As is the case with the blue marlin, it is easier to catch one of these acrobatic marlins between August and October.

Fishing charters in Algarve are as plentiful as the fish swimming off the coast, many of which feature shark and dolphin watching cruises plus fishing tours for the whole family. Reef fishing for bass, grouper and other fish also is available from some of the charter companies.

For anyone in your group that would prefer non-fishing activities, Algarve has such pleasant diversions as casinos and wonderfully fresh seafood for dinner. After a hard day in the fighting chair, make sure to take some time to enjoy one of the many Algarve golf courses.

To reach Algarve, you will have to fly into Faro Airport, which is serviced by American Airlines, US Airways, United and Continental Airlines. Bus, train and taxi services are available at the airport, but renting a car is a great way to enjoy the Portuguese scenery.

A little slice of fishing heaven, Algarve, Portugal can satisfy your desire for the big fish 12 months out of the year.

Sources:

Virtual Portugal: href=[http://www.portugalvirtual.pt/_tourism/algarve/index.html

Reefcat Fishing: http://www.reefcatfishing.com/

Algarve Fishing Charters: http://www.cruzeiros-da-oura.com/algarve-fishing-charters.html

Premier Direct Holidays : http://www.premier-direct.com/fishing_algarve.html

Algarve Golf Courses: http://www.algarvegolf.net/

Portugal Airports: http://www.ana.pt/portal/page/portal/ANA/AEROPORTO_FARO/

When summer season calls for hiking and exploring beach territory, being well-equipped with the right survival gear helps you forge ahead on those travels without the stress.

Since you’ll be foregoing the standard hiking boots and spiked shoes for the beach, you’ll need to choose a pair of rugged sandals instead – the type that provide comfort, support and durability for rockier pathways and potential rock-climbing adventures, but can also withstand the ocean waves or occasional thunderstorm.

Thankfully, you have several styles and designs to choose from; whether you’re a flip-flop enthusiast or prefer clog-style sandals, consider these variations of the casual sandal for your beach trekking adventures:

The Clog Sandal

Clogs continue to be a top pick for eco-friendly types, and these versatile resin shoes are a great match for beach weather. The clogs are made with built-in arch supports and will keep your feet dry and comfortable even during the next tidal wave. The innovative design of these shoes also provide extra comfort and support for rockier paths and small climbs; use the adjustable heel straps to keep feet snugly in place, or remove them completely when you want to enjoy a slip-on style instead.

The Water Sandal

If you’ll be spending lots of time near the ocean, sandals with webbing and extra lining will help protect your feet from the elements and keep your toes dry. Water sandals are also great for biking and hiking around the beach because they’re designed with rubber toe guards and extra cushioning for arch support. Look for styles with extra traction so to avoid slipping and sliding on wet surfaces.

The Criss-Cross Flip Flop

Though flip-flops aren’t the best pick for rockier climbs and hiking adventures, they do serve a purpose on the beachfront and can help you enjoy flatter terrain with ease. Flip flops made with a thick rubber sole and criss-cross straps can support your feet better than the standard thong-style, and also make it easy to kick off those sandals completely for that beach volleyball game.

Waterproof Leather Sandals

If you’re looking for a classic beach sandal with some extra durability, a waterproof leather sandal is the perfect fit for your outdoor ventures. Hook and Loop straps and buckles can keep your feet securely in place on almost any venture; look for styles made with molded rubber for comfort and support, since these types of sandals can keep moisture at bay and absorb the shock from your daily travels.

The Hook and Loop Slide

If you’re just settling for some fun in the sand and party-hopping at the beach house, a pair of simple Hook and Loop slides may be all you need to get through the day in style. Casual, comfortable and cool, a Velcro slide is a versatile pick for any day on the beach. Just slip into a pair of waterproof rubber sandals for those laid-back days in the great outdoors.

Whether you’re setting your sights on hiking on rocky terrain around the beach coves or just settling in for a game of beach volleyball, make sure you have the right gear to survive the season! From water sandals to the classic clog, you have several options in beach-ready footwear for your summer ventures.

Many adventurers believe that if they can conquer Mount Everest, one of the most daunting climbs in the world, they can tackle just about any hill or mountain that comes their way. Reaching a staggering height of 29,035 feet, Everest offers challenges unlike no other mountain in the world, which means reaching the summit gives you a lifetime membership
to a very exclusive club.

Long after Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to successfully reach the top on May 29, 1953, Everest continues to claim lives each year at the eye-opening rate of 1 death for every 10 attempts. Severe injuries always are among the factors to consider when climbing any mountain, but there are lots of ways to die on Everest, including sudden avalanches, hypothermia, pneumonia and infections.

A surprising number of Everest climbers are struck down by something as simple as a lack of oxygen, which causes a condition known as hypoxia. At altitudes above 7,000 feet, the atmosphere contains less oxygen and this makes your heart and lungs work a lot harder. Some symptoms of altitude sickness identified by the American Heart Association include
insomnia and swelling of the hands and feet; ignoring these warning signs has proved fatal for some climbers.

In a 2006 report, BBC News reported that Dr. Andrew Sutherland, who has served as a medical advisor on some Everest attempts, said that he was “shocked” at the amount of altitude-related sickness that’s found among Everest climbers. With all the modern equipment and online resources available to climbers in the 21st-Century, many still neglect to account for the effects of thin air and sometimes don’t make it back.

To combat altitude sickness, most climbers do spend time getting their bodies used to the lower oxygen content. Experienced climbers also carry oxygen tanks when climbing Everest. Without this extra air, climbing the entire 29,035 feet to Everest’s summit could become a
slow, plodding and perhaps fatal undertaking.

Even with the threat of altitude sickness, a few climbers have successfully tackled Everest without benefit of supplemental oxygen tanks. In 1980, Reinhold Messner, considered by many to be one of the greatest climbers in the world, made a successful solo climb to the summit without extra oxygen, Sherpas or ladders, a method that’s referred to as “fair means.” For Messner, it was the man versus mountain….and Messner won.

In addition to injury, money and bureaucratic red tape can keep even an experienced climber from conquering Everest. Unlike a mountain or hill in a national park, an attempt at Everest can set you back about $25,000, with $10,000 going towards your permit fee. Climbing this
mountain takes more careful planning, preparation and work than any other mountain in the world.

For those who have the drive, determination and guts to make the attempt, though, Mount Everest sits patiently waiting.

Resources:

http://www.extremescience.com/HighestElevation.htm
BBC News: “Concern over Everest Death Rate”: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5281344.stm
http://www.mnteverest.net/history.html
High-altitude sickness: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4618
http://www.mounteverest.net/expguide/survivalrules.htm

Whitewater rafting has become a favorite American pastime for those who love the river and who don’t mind a bit of danger with their vacations. If you’re looking for a unique outdoors vacation, this might be the perfect solution.

Whitewater rafting has become a favorite American pastime for those who love the river and who don’t mind a bit of danger with their vacations. A whitewater vacation is not necessarily relaxing, but it provides outdoor lovers with a rejuvenating experience and plenty of healthy exercise.

There are literally hundreds of places across the United States where you can explore whitewater rafting , and the location you choose will depend largely on your experience. If you’re terrified by the thought of going into the water, and if you don’t have much rowing strength, a “baby trail” is probably in your best interests. If, however, you’ve gone whitewater rafting before, and provided you are in top physical shape, a more challenging course might be right up your alley.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River

One of the most popular whitewater rafting adventures in the U.S. is the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. This hundred-mile stretch of river drops nearly 3,000 feet in elevation, and is the focus of more than a dozen local outfitters who offer guided whitewater tours. This is an excellent vacation option if you want to enjoy breathtaking scenery while getting a workout that you’ll remember for years to come.

Although the Middle Fork can be a one-day excursion for whitewater lovers, most outfitters run three- to six-day tours that include lodging, meals and your choice of boats.

The start of the Middle Fork is shallow and steep, with plenty of boulders to navigate and gorgeous tree-lined hills on all sides. As side creeks merge with the Middle Fork, however, the river grows deeper and more aggressive, with more than 100 challenging rapids total.

Later on in this whitewater adventure, boaters come to intermittent pools of still water where rainbow trout are spawning in the spring among the rocky ledges of the banks. Guided tours usually include brief pauses to explore Indian relics-such as rock paintings-before heading back down river again.

At the end of your whitewater trip down Middle Fork, you’ll be rewarded with a long soak in one of the natural hot springs that grace this area of the country, as well as visits to some of the waterfalls. This is truly an amazing adventure, and although difficult, can provide a lifetime of memories.

For the Less Experienced

If you don’t think you can handle the Middle Fork whitewater rapids, there are other rivers in this part of the country that might be more your style. The Payette River, for example, is only one hour outside Boise, and is perfect for family outdoor adventures because the whitewater rapids aren’t nearly as challenging.

Or, if you prefer something with more of a view, the South Form of the Owyhee River is an excellent beginner-to-intermediate adventure that provides vista views of surrounding mountains. Owyhee is also great for families and groups of friends who have different levels of experience because the river contains both easy and challenging rapids, depending on your skill level.

Whitewater rafting is exciting, adventurous and one of the most active ways to commune with nature. Just make sure that you work with an experienced outfitter who makes safety a priority, and you can’t go wrong.

Middle Head Trail is in the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must see. I fell in love with this entire area of Canada. Middle Head Trail isn’t a difficult trail and it isn’t a long trail, so most people can easily walk it.

Middle Head Trail starts at the Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa on the Middle Head Peninsula on Ingonish Beach. You’ll find Highland Links Golf Course and tennis courts at Keltic Lodge but I’d rather be hiking! Keltic Lodge is impressive with its many buildings and matching outdoor chairs. Keltic Lodge is now owned by the government. A lot of this trail was a carriage road that connected what was a private estate to the fishing village.

There is a reason for the name, Middle Head Trail. Middle Head is a narrow, rocky protrusion that divides Ingonish Bay in half. You’ll find beautiful beaches on the coast. You’ll start out at the Lodge. After about one half mile you’ll come to an area that can easily be mistaken as the end of the trail. The trail loops around at that point. If you are a novice hiker you may want to take the loop in this area that will bring you back to the point of the trailhead heading to Keltic Lodge.

We thought it ended when we came to an expanse of rocks and a railing. Walking out to the rocks we looked to the right and saw the end of the point and wondered if we could get to it. In fact the trail continues to that very point. The trail is only 2.5 miles round trip but we spent a lot of time walking around and enjoying the scenery.

The elevation is only 50 feet and if you don’t stop and smell the ocean, it will take you about 1 1/2 hours to complete Middle Head Trail. The trail is comprised of amazing views of the ocean and woodsy areas.

You’ll find interpretive signs along the way, a lot of birds, and wonderful views of the ocean. There are benches along the way as well as overlooks that allowed us to get off the trail; go through some brush and look out onto amazing views.

Middle Head Trail was an easy hike/walk depending on one’s ability with only 2 small hills, one of which was on the steep side; boardwalks, and stairs to help people maneuver their way. You will be treated to one of the most beautiful and serene spots that I can say I have ever encountered. Since it’s not a difficult hike, you might feel as if you want more of a challenge, but take some time out of your challenging hikes and see this beautiful spot at the end of Middle Head. Don’t be surprised to see people meditating or just looking at the scenery in
awe.

Please leave only footprints, take only pictures and kill only time.