USA NATIONAL PARKS
TOP USA NATIONAL PARKS
LOWER YELLOWSTONE FALLS
The National Parks Service (NPS), part of The Department of the Interior was created by an Act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on 25th August 1916. Today NPS administers almost 400 sites in America covering approximately 84 million acres of real estate. In excess of 250 million people visit the sites each year.
The sites include, Monuments, Historical Sites, Military and Battlefield locations and Recreation Areas, plus 58 designated National Parks. In this article we feature five of the top National Parks. Our selection is subjective but based on scenery, visitor facilities, wildlife and annual attendance. We welcome reader’s comments and opinions on our choice.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
Glacier National Park in Montana, borders Alberta and British Columbia to the north and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to the east.
As an intact eco system, the Park provides amazing plant and animal research. 62 mammals have been documented. These include the threatened Grizzly Bear the Canadian Lynx and the rarely seen, Mountain Lion. A total of 260 species of birds have been recorded and include the Golden Eagle, Osprey and Peregrine Falcon.
Hiking is the most popular activity with nearly 700 miles of trails. Anglers can enjoy the finest fly fishing in North America, with the Cut Throat Trout,Northern Pike, Kokanee Salmon and the endangered Bull Trout in the lakes and streams.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS
The Park earns its name from the bend the massive Rio Grande River makes in the centre of 801,000 acres in west Texas.
Three major canyons,Santa Elena, Marsical and Boquillias are within the Park boundary together with the Chisos Mountains whose rock peaks rise to 7,825 feet.
The unusual combination of mountains, arid desert and muddy river has produced another unique eco system producing species not found elsewhere. The Colima Warbler, Sierra Del Carmen white-tailed Deer are normally not found north of Mexico and the endangered Mosquito Fishlives here. There are 400 species of birds co-existing with Javelina (wild hogs) and many more mammals. Plant life is plentiful with over 60 species of spectacular cacti.
Apart from fishing, hiking and photography the Park’s 100 miles of paved roads and 160 miles of dirt roads make Big Bend the premier mountain biking destinationand a must for anyone with a love of wildlife.
BRYCE CANYON, UTAH
Located in the south west of Utah, Bryce Canyon, despite its name is not a canyon but a natural amphitheatre. It is one of the smaller National Parks, covering almost 56 square miles and was established in 1928. Visitors in 2007, numbered around 1,000,000.
It is one of the most spectacular sites of the National Parks and famed for its geological formations. These include its Hoodoos, mountains up to 9000 feet high and vast amphitheatres. Bryce Canyon has a higher concentration of hoodoos than anywhere else in the world. These rock formations reach a height of a 10-storey building and were formed by wind, water and ice erosion. Their spectacular colours of red, white and orange provide magnificent views and photo opportunities for visitors.
The forests and meadows of Bryce Canyon support a diversity of animal life. Mule Deer are the most common with endangered species of Utah Prairie Dog, California Condor and the Southwestern Flycatcher also present. About 170 different birds visit each year. Reptiles include the Great Basin Rattlesnake, Short Horned Lizard, Striped Whipsnake and the Tiger Salamander.
Apart from sightseeing there are 8 hiking trails plus several skiing trails.
With its high altitude and clear air, landscape photography is popular particularly at sunrise and sunset.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK WYOMING.
Founded in 1872, Yellowstone is the second largest National Park in the USA and is the flagship of the National Parks Service. Located in Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho, the Park covers an area of 3,427 square miles or a massive 2,221,766 acres.
Half of the world’s geothermal sites are in Yellowstone because Lake Yellowstone is centred over the Yellowstone Caldera. The Caldera is technically an active volcano having erupted several times in the last two million years. The park has an estimated 10,000 thermal sites. Of these only 300 are actual geysers. The best known is probably Old Faithful which erupts every 40-90 minutes and Steamboat Geyser which is the largest in the world.
Yellowstone is home to over 60 species of mammals. These include the endangered Gray Wolf, Lynx and Grizzly Bear. Others are Bison (buffalo), Black Bear, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Lion.
18 species of fish live in Yellowstone together with reptiles and amphibians. In the 311 species of birds the Common Loon, Harlequin Duck, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle are a special concern in view of their rarity.
For Campers there are 12 Campgrounds with over 2000 campsites. There are numerous eating places in the Park and dining facilities are available, ranging from fine restaurants to snack bars and cafeteria.
SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK , CALIFORNIA
Sequoia National Park is a National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of Visalia, California. It was established in 1890 as the second U.S. national park, after Yellowstone. The park spans 404,051 acres. Rising to 13,000 feet (3,962m) the park contains the highest point in the United States, Mount Whitney, which is 14,505 feet (4,421 m) above sea level. In the south the Park borders Kings Canyon National Park and the two are administered by the National Park Service as one unit.
The park is most famous for its Giant Sequoia Trees and has five of the ten largest specimens of these Redwoods in the world. The General Sherman Tree, 2500 years old is 275 feet (84m) tall with a girth, at the base, of 109 feet (33m).
The lower elevations of the Park are the only NPS-Protected, foothills eco system and home to Bobcats, Foxes, Squirrels and Rattlesnakes. At the higher elevations visitors can see Mule Deer and Black Bear who have been known to steal food from unattended vehicles.
The Park has over 240 known caves with more found each year, including The Lilburn Cave which is 20 miles long. Crystal Cave at 3.4 miles long is the only one open to visitors and its Marble Hall is full of amazing stalactites.
These Parks are home to giant trees, mountains and deep canyons. The Generals Highway climbs 5000 feet from oak-studded foothills to the Sequoia Groves, from where trails lead to a high alpine wilderness.
Apart from Lodges, the Park has a tent hotel and 7 campgrounds with Lodgepole being open all-year round.
The USA National Parks bring pleasure to millions of campers, hikers, photographers, skiers and tourists every year. They are a great natural treasure.
SANTA ROSA HARMONY FESTIVAL
The Santa Rosa Harmony Festival takes place in the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, California from the 12th - 14th of June 2009.
The is an exciting outdoor Music Festival and Progressive County Fair, an ongoing Music, Art, Green Environment and Sustainable Lifestyle Festival.
There will be 350 exhibitors and vendors. With five stages and dozens of bands and performers there will be something for every taste. The music genres are Americana, Reggae, Rock, Blues, World Beat, Latin, African, Electronica, Celtic and Hip Hop.
Among the exhibitors is the Eco Village. There are 60 booths providing various natural foods, green living, green business practices and interactive exhibits. There will also be free workshops and lectures. On the Eco Dome stage there will be several nationally recognized experts speaking.
On Saturday night is the Techno-Tribal Community Dance. This takes place at the Grace Pavilion in North Bay and is said to be the best dance party of the year. The dance starts at 8PM. It will be a truly fun packed evening with DJ’s, performing artists, circus troupes, and a laser light show.
Some of the acts performing during the Festival are: Cake, Bad Brains, The Orb, Rebelution, Shpongle, The Duhks, Mike Clark and Killah Priest. These are just a very few of the excellent performers you will be able to see and hear at the Festival. There are a great many more but too many to include in this article.
The key speakers are: Michael Beckwith and Rickie Byars Beckwith, Caroline Casey, Julia Butterfly Hill, George Noory, Daniel Pinchbeck, Joanna Macy, Starhawk, and Richard Heinberg.
This is definitely one to put in your diary. The Santa Rosa Harmony Festival is the place to be this June. Enjoy yourselves and have a really great time listening to all that fantastic music.
DISCOVER HONG KONG
HONG KONG HARBOUR
Hong Kong, or Fragrant Harbour, is where East meets West. The territory, now a Special Administrative Region of The People’s Republic of China reflects its Chinese roots, together with the culture brought to it during its time as a British Colony.
Apart from its many varied attractions, the relatively new Victoria Harbour Light Show is unique and the largest Symphony of Light and Sound in the World. It involves 44 illuminated buildings on both sides of the harbour. The show is a dazzling extravaganza of laser beams, searchlights and coloured lights synchronised with music and an English narration.
Its main themes are, Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and Celebration. On Festival Days, an added attraction is a fireworks display launched from the centre of Victoria Harbour. The best views are from a harbour cruise, the Star Ferry or the waterfront promenades alongside the harbour.
For its size, Hong Kong has a multitude of other attractions. In this article we suggest a selection that should not be missed on your visit to discover Hong Kong.
On Hong Kong Island, the views from The Peak are quite amazing. The ride up on The Peak Tram is an experience in itself. The tram, pulled by steel cables climbs 1,200 ft (373m) on a very steep track. Once there the lookout points at Lugard Road, Lions View, Peak Galleria and the Peak Tower provide stunning views.
The Chinese are inveterate gamblers and The Happy Valley Racecourse is quite a spectacle. The first races were held on a strip of reclaimed land in 1846 with night time meetings being introduced in 1973. This is the place for excitement and where to rub shoulders with the local community.
In Aberdeen Harbour is the famous Jumbo Kingdom. A floating restaurant modelled on a Chinese Palace, which accommodates 2,300 diners. Renovation in 2003 transformed it into a shopping, dining and cultural attraction. The restaurant has an open deck cafe, a wine garden and a tea garden.
The numerous islands around Hong Kong also provide some great attractions. A must, is a visit to Lantau Island to see the worlds tallest, outdoor Buddha in The Po Lin Monastery, on top of the Ngong Ping Plateau. The statue is 34m high, weighs 250 tonnes and took 10 years to build.
Lamma Island is the weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hong Kong. It has golden beaches, delicious seafood and great walks. There are no cars and bicycles are the main form of transport. The village of Sok Kwu Wan has delightful terraced seafood restaurants while Yung Shue Wan has handicraft shops and the 100-year old Tin Wau Temple.
On Kowloon (Mainland) is the famousLei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar. It came into prominence in 1960 when diners would select fish from the market and take it to the restaurant for cooking. A Seafood Festival was launched in 1992 and is now an annual if noisy event in the narrow streets.
If you need a break from the history and culture of Hong Kong or if you have taken the children with you, Hong Kong also has its own Disneyland.
Hong Kong has long been the place for shopping. However if you are tired of its glitzy, glass and chrome malls and huge department stores, visit the fabulous Street Markets. Visit these quaint places and haggle to your hearts content.
They include. The Ladies Market in Tung Choi Streetwhich has ladies handbags, clothing and accessories, children’s toys and clothing.
Temple Street Night Market is a memorable experience. This is a brightly lit chaotic affair selling just about everything. The food stalls offer hotpot and seafood. You can have your fortune told and see impromptu performances by Chinese opera enthusiasts.
Stanley Street Market fills the narrow lanes in the old fishing village. This is the place for Chinese artwork, curios, silk and clothing. You will need several hours and can then regain energy dining in the collection of fine restaurants in the restored Murray House or on the waterfront.
In Li Yuen Street you can buy ready made clothing or have a suit made within 24 hours. Jardine’s Crescent in Causeway Bay is also worth adding to your list.
Finally before leaving, ride the Hong Kong Subway which is a modern, clean and highly organised method of getting around the place. From a different era is the venerable Star Ferry which runs across Victoria Harbour from Kowloon. This is not only a cheap and practical way of getting across the harbour but is a great sightseeing trip too. A definite must see on both a daytime trip and of course during the evening when you can enjoy the colour and spectacle of the light show.
Whether you enjoy food, sightseeing, history, culture, fantastic nightlife or shopping, Hong Kong is a unique and fantastic holiday location. Enjoy yourself when you discover Hong Kong.
12 INTERESTING EVENTS IN JUNE 2009
Here are 12 interesting events taking place around the world in June 2009
SALTZBURG WHITSUN (PENTECOST) FESTIVAL
29 MAY - 1 JUNE 2009
SALTZBURG, AUSTRIA
PINK POP FESTIVAL
30 MAY-1 JUNE 2009
LANDGRAAF, NETHERLANDS
56TH SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL
3-14 JUNE 2009
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
121ST ANNUAL SPRING ROSE SHOW
4-5 JUNE
PORTLAND, OREGON, USA
SASKATCHEWAN CHILDRENS FESTIVAL
3-6 JUNE 2009
KIWANIS PARK, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA
65TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY LANDINGS, WW2
6TH JUNE 2009
JUNO BEACH, NORMANDY, FRANCE
TROOPING THE COLOUR - QUEENS BIRTHDAY PARADE
13 JUNE 2009
HORSE GUARDS PARADE, LONDON, UK
SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
13-21 JUNE 2009
SHANGHAI, CHINA
48TH PARIS AIR SHOW
15-21 JUNE 2009
LE BOURGET, FRANCE
ALL ENGLAND WIMBLEDON TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
22 JUNE-5 JULY 2009
LONDON, UK
THE GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL
24-28 JUNE
PILTON, SOMERSET, UK
YUEYANG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE FESTIVAL
27 JUNE 2009
YUEYANG, CHINA
FUN PLACE FOR KIDS
CHILDRENS FESTIVALS
The month of May sees the festival season gathering pace. If you thought festivals were only about music, food and beer - read on. If your kids are into sports, music, art or theatre then here are a few of the great events for them. Childrens Festivals offer something for all ages, with performances to capture imagination, occupy and inform children.
In this article we suggest a few of the best in both the US and the UK. So, if you want to find a fun place for kids, read on:
PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS FESTIVAL 13-17 May 2009
Showcases amazing theatre from around the world, tailored for young audiences, with performers from Africa, Europe and USA. Involves theatre, puppetry, music, dance, comedy, acrobats and much more.
FLINT HILLS INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS FESTIVAL, ST PAULS MN 26-31 May 2009
International performers in music, dance and puppetry. Also includes a Family Weekend with the grown ups creating art, sampling international food, singing and dancing.
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS FESTIVAL, CANADA 19-23 MAY 2009
Apart from imaginative international performances there are interactive workshops in Theatre Improvisation and for the older children, Master Classes, exploring aspects of the performing arts.
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND 24 MAY-2 JUNE 2009
The UK’s largest Performing Arts Festival for children and young people. Performances by leading theatre companies are aimed at 3-12 year olds and bring together, children, families, teachers and professionals, celebrating theatrical talent. This is really interesting for kids and educational but in a fun way.
THE SPARK CHILDRENS ART FESTIVAL. LEICESTER, UK 25 MAY-8 JUNE
The city’s parks and sports centres are transformed, providing storytelling, performances, exhibitions and workshops. One event is a water-theatre production of SINBAD complete with pirates and sea monsters, real fun kids activities.
WYCHWOOD, CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE, UK 23-31 MAY 2009
Held on Cheltenham Racecourse, this is not technically a children’s festival and has been likened to a miniature Glastonbury Music Festival. Since its inception in 2005, this event has won the Best Family Festival Award each year. There are four music stages, a children’s literary festival and many workshops.
The festival season means fun for all the family. We hope the few we have mentioned will provide some ideas for you and ideas exciting for kids. We think they are all a fun place for kids of all ages.
INDIANAPOLIS 500 FESTIVAL
The Indy 500 24 May 2009
The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, often shortened to The Indy 500, is the legendary automobile race held annually over the Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The 2009 Race has for its theme, Laps, Legends and Legacy - The 100th Anniversary.
This event, probably one of the Greatest Spectacles in Motor Racing, attracts up to 500,000 visitors to Indiana.
While the motor race is famous worldwide, many people will not know of the associated Indianapolis 500 Festival, which has provided great entertainment for families since its inception in 1957. With one of the nation’s premier parades and the largest outdoor festival for kids, The Indianapolis 500 Festival has become a top event in the USA.
While there are Indy 500 Festival events throughout May, in this article we concentrate on the major attractions immediately prior to Race Day on Sunday 24 May.
CHASE 500 FESTIVAL KID’S DAY SUNDAY 17 MAY
You and your kids will not want to miss this one! This year’s theme is Batman and Robin, who will perform daily. The fun-filled day also has Mini Car Racing, Games, Face Painting, Clowns, Entertainment and of course, Food.
CHASE 500 FESTIVAL ROOKIE RUN
Also on Sunday 17 May is the non-competitive, mini marathon for kids. Kids aged 3-12 can run and everyone is a winner and will receive a goodies bag and a medal, just like the grown-ups. 3-5 year oldscover a 2-block course, 6-7 1/4 mile with 8-12 running 1/2 mile in downtown Indianapolis.
FESTIVAL COMMUNITY DAY 20 MAY
Here is your opportunity to experience a unique view of the Raceway by driving your own car around the circuit. Visit the Pit Lane, tour the official facilities, collect autographs, visit the Hall of Fame and listen to great music.
INDIANAPOLIS 500 FESTIVAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FRIDAY 22 MAY
The festival embraces Memorial Day and The Memorial Service recognises the ultimate sacrifices made by men and women of the armed forces both from Indiana and the Nation. Speakers include distinguished military officers, The Governor of Indiana and the Mayor of Indianapolis. The service normally concludes with a flypast of USAF aircraft.
THE IPL 500 FESTIVAL PARADE SATURDAY 23 MAY
The Annual Indianapolis 500 Parade is the highlight of the Festival and this year celebrates 52 years of tradition. The pageant includes national celebrities, costumed characters, marching bands, patriotic units, spectacular floats and giant helium-filled balloons. Children will enjoy the sight of favourite characters such as Sponge Bob Spare Parts and Dinosaur and Wags from The Wiggles. In line with tradition, the 33 qualified race drivers act as Parade Marshalls.
After these great events, you can settle down to watch the race itself on Sunday, 24 May.
Before you head home, a must from the many food vendors at The Indy 500, is the traditional choice of a pork tenderloin sandwich which is a well known Midwestern creation
Enjoy one of the world’s largest, single day, sporting events.
PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAYS
5 Fabulous Holiday Destinations for Photographers.
Beijing, China.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
For all of the photographers out there whether professional or amateur Beijing has plenty to offer in the way of delightful scenery and unusual subjects. There are of course all of the usual tourist sights. The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, the nearby Great Wall of China, Beijing Zoo, colourful markets and oh so many more places of interest. But something you may not have heard of and which make a wonderful collection are the Hutongs of Beijing. Hutongs are the little streets and alleys of the city. The real China, picturesque and interesting. Where there is always something new and unusual to see and photograph. This is the real China, at it’s best and most photogenic. They are particularly well suited to black and white photographs and will make a very interesting collection of memories of your photographic adventure in Beijing.
African Safari.
For those of you interested in photographing wild animals what could be better than an African Safari. With well informed staff most Safaris offer the chance to see big game up close. If this is too expensive a holiday you can opt to travel independently and book a guide for the day. Apart from the exciting wildlife there are an abundance of unusual trees, flowers, insects, birds and of course people to provide plenty of subjects for your photographs.
Underwater Photography.
If you are a keen diver you also have the chance to take wonderful underwater photographs. You have your choice of the Oceans and lakes of the world. One exceptionally good place to visit would be Malta. Located in the beautiful blue Mediterranean there are excellent opportunities for underwater photography. The water is exceptionally clean and clear. There are plenty of wrecks, fish and caves for you to explore and photograph. You could also take a boat to the nearby island of Comino to the famous Blue Lagoon.
Great Britain.
If you have an interest in History and Photography what better place to enjoy both than Great Britain. Whether you chose to visit England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales there are an abundance of historical sites, castles, cathedrals, henges, medieval towns, Roman remains and beautiful scenery all of which are sure to please and delight the photographer.
Paris.
For the more romantic photographer what better place than the home of romance - Paris. Atmospheric photos of the Left Bank, river views of the Seine and endless romantic cobbled streets and beautiful architecture. Not forgetting of course the magnificent Eiffel Tower itself and the spectacular views of Paris from the top. There are so many places of interest in Paris, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs Elysees, Versailles, pretty pavement cafes, parks, museums and galleries. All of them just waiting for you and your camera.
CANNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Film Festivals are held throughout the year in cities such as Berlin, Venice and Toronto. From the 13th to 24th May 2009, the small resort of Cannes on the French Riviera becomes the epicentre of the World’s Film Industry. Over 200,000 film makers, actors, A-List celebrities , the Paparazzi and wannabee, bikini-clad starlets hit the town for the Cannes International Film Festival.
Originally held in Venice, the Cannes Film Festival’s modern home is the result of a spat between the French and Italian Governments, in 1938. A French film, acknowledged to be the favourite for the top prize, The Mussolini Cup, was awarded to a German entry. The French withdrew and the US and UK jury members resigned. Eventually,the French Government agreed to underwrite an alternative festival and chose Cannes over Biarritz. The Festival reappeared as the Festival International du Film in 1946. Today, it ranks alongside the Academy Awards (Oscars) Ceremony.
At Cannes, in the In Competition, the best film is awarded the top prize, a gold statuette, The Palme d’Or. Within the festival there are other official and non-official, fringe competitions and screenings.
Hors Competition (Out of Competition) screens films that have not met the criteria for full entry. Cinefondation Competition was added in 1998 for short-mediumlength films made in film schools. Cannes Classics, introduced in 2004, showcases restored classics, tributes to foreign cinema or rediscovered footage from days gone by. Tous les Cinemas du Monde presents daily programmes of films selected from countries which historically have had a low cinema output.Quinzaine des Realisateurs (Directors Fortnight,) presents films free from politics and censorship. Marche du Film (Film Market) is a trade show for the buyers and sellers, attracting over 10,000 industry people. There are also special programmes for Producers and Short Film Makers.
Unlike most other festivals, most events are reserved for film industry professionals and the Press and require prior accreditation. Admission to venues is strictly controlled. Cinephiles Accreditation allows residents of Cannes to see films shown in the fringe events. All is not lost as there is the Cinema du Plage which is an outdoor, large screen set up on Plage Mace. Tickets - first come, first served -are available at the Cannes Tourism Office.
For tourists the favourite activity is celebrity spotting. The prime spot is the red carpet at the entrance of The Palais des Congres. The golden rule is get there very early with the best spot being on the road looking up the steps, where you will not be submerged by the hordes of press photographers. Lobbies of the luxury hotels such as The Carlton, Martinez and Miramar are good, if you can get in! Alternatively, sit at a cafe on La Croisette, on the Promenade, and sip your cafe au lait and watch the film world go by. You may also be able to solicit a ticket from the Accredited Ones who find it impossible to use all their invitations and may have been up all night!
The best time to visit depends on your interests. The first weekend is manic while the festival is quieter on the second weekend. The latter may be the time for you to see something of Cannes its self.
La Croisetteis the waterfront boulevard with its cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Great for star and exotic car watching. Le Suquet is The Old Town. The 12th century Tour de Mont Chevalier, the ramparts and the Church of Notre Dame de L’Esperance provide its medieval flavour.
Cannes is great for shoppers, looking for the chic and expensive. Rue d’Antibes, Boulevard de La Croisette and the Zone Pietonne (Walking Street) will satisfy all. Forville is the daily, covered market which becomes a Marche Brocante- a Flea Market-on Mondays. The many museums include The International Perfume Museum.
Unless you have an executive jet, helicopter or luxury motor yacht, your best bet is to travel from Paris to Nice using the superb Train Grande Vitesse (TGV) - hopefully with discounted tickets. Cannes is then only 15 miles from Nice.
Even if you have deep pockets you are unlikely to obtain a hotel room in central Cannes. A cheaper alternative is to stay in nearby Antibes or for the brave rent a mobile home or pitch your tent on a site such as Camping Parc Bellevue.
Whether you are a film buff or tourist, the Cannes International Film Festival is a unique event blessed with great weather on the beautiful French Riviera.
