Recommend : Smokey Mountain Cabins Motels North Summer Trips
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
USA 2005 - Part 6 Washington DC & Atlantic City
See Also : Italy Trips Guide Danube River Smokey Mountain Cabins
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Happy Holiday 2009 The Hard Wear Store
See Also : Fascination Cruise Danube River Italy Trips Guide
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Shimla the Queen of Hill Stations
Natural bounty and picture-perfect location on mountains make Shimla the 'Queen of Hill Stations' which draws scores of tourists from several parts of the globe. This is among the most visited hill stations in India famous for lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, lakes and lush green pasturelands. Apart from these natural blessings the Victorian style buildings enhance its scenic charm which makes it an unparalleled destination of India. This awe-aspiring destination is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh State located in the north-west of Himalayan region. Some of the popular attractions of this place are:
The Mall:
It is the commercial street and the liveliest place of Shimla which is visited by every tourist who visits this destination. It is known as a shopper's paradise and a place of merriment due to the presence of major hotels, restaurants and entertaining centers. The Mall is 5 km in length which starts from the west gate of former Viceregal Lodge and ends at Chhota Shimla or 'Small' Shimla in the east. The Victorian Style Buildings on the both sides make this a picturesque place where one can see the natural and man made beauty composed together. Christ Church, Kali Bari Temple, General Post Office and Scandal Point are the well known attractions of this place.
Jakhoo Temple:
It is one of the oldest temples of India located at an altitude of 8048 feet above sea level. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman the Hindu monkey God where scores of devotees come to seek blessing. Apart from holding religious significance this place is also famous for its scenic location which gives bird's eye view of Shimla and the surrounding valley.
Chadwick Falls:
It is among the beautiful tourist attractions where one can see the 67 meters high water fall streaming down from the Summer Hill. The fall is located 7 km from the city amidst thick forest at a height of 1586 meters above sea level. Tourists can also go for trekking in the forest while their visits to this fall.
The salubrious climate, scenic view of the Himalayas accompanied by the Victorian style structures make Shimla a high-flying destination of India tourism which is visited in large number by national and international tourists as well. Some of the other known attractions of this place are Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Tattapani, The Ridge, Viceregal Lodge and Photo Art Gallery.
See Also : Smokey Mountain Cabins Coast Vacation Sun Surf Guide
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
HOT Women Dance to Jazz.
Related : Vanity Light Fascination Cruise
Monday, August 23, 2010
Rosslare - A Top Holiday Resort in Ireland
Rosslare or Rosslare Strand is not to be confused with Rosslare Harbour/Europort. Rosslare is a picturesque little town situated about 8km north of Rosslare Harbour. It has long been recognised as Ireland's premier family holiday destination and has been a tourist favourite for over 100 years!
Rosslare has a superb seaside location. With its blue flag beach and clear waters it's a mecca for swimmers and a wide range of water activities such as windsurfing, kayaking and sailing. Rosslare also boasts the title the 'sunniest spot in Ireland' as records show that Rosslare receives over 300 hours of extra sunshine that any other destination in Ireland, making it a favourite with sun worshippers!
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities. Rosslare Golf Course is a championship 18 hole links course with a fantastic location on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Irish Sea. There's also a watersports centre, a riding stables, a bowling green, floodlit tennis courts and soccer pitch, athletics track, crazy golf and a fantastic children's playground with swings, trampolines, climbing frames and lots more. Other activities to enjoy include fishing, hiking and quad biking.
If by chance the weather is poor when you're in Tramore, don't panick - there's still plenty of indoor activities and entertainment within a short drive such as Laser Mania - an entertainment centre where fun can be had with laser tag guns. Leisure Max Bowling is also within a short drive and is a fantastic family entertainment centre with tenpin bowling, indoor adventure playground, game zone and lots more.
The town itself is compact with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. From quirky tourist shops to cosy cafes, Rosslare has it all. And when the sun goes down, the town really comes to life as it's awash with pubs and restaurants.
Rosslare is a fantastic base for a holiday in the south west. When you stay here you're just a short distance from Wexford Town where you can visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship or Hook Lighthouse.
Enniscorthy is just a half an hour drive from Rosslare. Here you can explore some famous sights like the 13th century Norman Castle, the battlesite of 'Vinegar Hill' and the 1798 Rebellion Centre.
Of course, you're just a stone's throw from Rosslare Harbour - one of Ireland's main ferry ports, so Rosslare town is a convenient place to stay for a while if you want to be close to the port.
Related : Motels North
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Halloween Horror Hostel [FSK 0]
Thanks To : River Raft Summer Trips
Friday, August 20, 2010
Things to do in London: Notting Hill Carnival
My Links : Quality Suites Smokey Mountain Cabins Sun Surf Guide
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Club Mahindra Holidays - Fort Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan
Related : Gold Coast Quality Suites
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Things to Do on Holiday in Poland
Poland is located in the central area of Europe. Poland is a great holiday destination which is quite affordable and also it is worth holidaying in Poland during any season of the year. It has some great holiday homes for rental with holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments popular with tourists.
Poland remains evergreen for the entire year. Czorsztyn pond in Malpolska blossoms during the autumn season which is quite a spectacle. It is ideal for people with a limited holiday budget. Self service accommodation is very reasonable and eating from the outside restaurants will also be quite affordable. Beer lovers have good news as the prices are very cheap of the best beers. Public transportation in Poland is almost free as the fares are very meager. You can find cheap skiing compared to all the other European countries and there are some great ski chalets available to rent.
Skiing and snow boarding are popular winter sports with families staying in self catering ski chalets during the winter season. There are many ski slopes to choose from and they cater for skiers of all abilities.
Many holiday makers on a family holiday to Poland like to stay in a self catering cottage or apartment where they can explore the local culture. There are now many historical tours. Tours like Auschwitz and the Jewish quarter of Kazimiers in the city of Cracow remind people of all generations of what happened during the Second World War.
There are a lot of well crafted Churches with amazing architecture like the Polish wooden church which is made completely out of wood. Holiday makers come to experience this unique architecture and the late pope John Paul's birth place is also is a sacred holiday experience which is very enriching. You can see the places where pope had grown up while staying in a holiday apartment near by.
Lovers of the outdoors may rent a holiday cottage or holiday farmhouse near one of the national parks. Climbers like the mountains of Tatra and the Maciejowa hill which is around Rabka is also very magnificent. It is very ideal for walking tourists who would like to go for a distinct walk that feels different. It has great scenery and you can capture it by taking some spectacular pictures of this stunning scenery.
The area is also popular with holiday makers who like a variety of outdoor activities which include cycling, riding horses, orienteering, rambling and also canoeing. Tourists can participate in rafting in the white waters of the river Duanjec. It is very pulsating and is quite enjoyable and also has great sceneries along the way.
There are also things to do other than sightseeing such as aqua parks and the markets of the Poland souvenirs. Polish folklore and melodies are also very relaxing. You can just go to a polish restaurant and just enjoy the delicious polish cuisines. There are also bars and also theatres.
Related : Luxury Travel Guide Vanity Light Travel Around The World With Us
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Eric Hill Interview 2007
Tags : Travel Around The World With Us Smokey Mountain Cabins Italy Trips Guide
Monday, August 16, 2010
How to Find the Best Cheap Holiday Deal
Finding the best holiday deal is not a difficult task because there are available many more online agents that are always ready to offer best deal for you. There is no need to feel any stress because you can freely find out a suitable deal for you to enjoy cheap holidays. While booking a cheap holiday deal, you must see the necessary facts in your deal.
A good cheap holiday deal consists of all the essential facilities including cab facility, flights expense and even some other things. There are many more online as well as offline agents, which deal in the cheap flights and even holidays packages. These packages are offered for people so they could visit any place of their choice. Apart from this, these packages are not only beneficial for those who visit city for holiday purpose but also for those who have to visit cities for professional business.
If you want to find the best cheap holiday package, you should do a sincere research through online. Well, it is true that holidays can remove your mental as well as physical stress and you can get rid of them by enjoying a happy tour. It is also suggested for vacationer to book their holiday packages in advance so that they could save some money. The good thing with these packages is that they help you visit any location in the world and it will also help you quench your thirst of knowing more and more about different places.
In addition, enjoying a holidays is also a good thing to bring intimacy between you and your family because you can enjoy happy days.
My Links : Luxury Travel Guide
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Coomera Houseboat Pure Paradise
My Links : Hill Holiday Quality Suites
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Holiday Shopping in Boston - 3 Best Areas For Finding the Perfect Gifts
Are you planning to visit Boston near the holidays? If so put holiday shopping in Boston near the top of your must-do list. Not only will you get your shopping done, but you'll get to experience different areas of the city at the same time.
So where should you go?
I'm going to give you three suggestions for shopping areas to explore. Each has a different mix of stores, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. Best of all, each is in a different neighborhood in the center of the city--so if you have time, go to all three!
Beacon Hill, located to the north of Boston Common and the Public Garden, is one of Boston's most historic neighborhoods--and definitely one of the most picturesque. You'll find most of the shops in the red brick 18th century buildings lining Charles Street.
What makes Beacon Hill special? Almost all of the small shops are locally owned and have unique collections of items that you won't necessarily find elsewhere. While some items are quite expensive, others are very affordable--even the antique shops. Two of my personal favorites for gifts are Beacon Hill Chocolates, where you'll find exquisite chocolates in gorgeous handmade boxes, and Black Ink, which specializes in what they call "unexpected necessities."
Downtown Crossing lies just to the east of Boston Common and perfect for a different kind of holiday shopping. Boston's downtown retail district centers on Washington Street. A large Macys anchors the area and is surrounded by discount clothing stores such as H&M and DSW Shoes, but as in Beacon Hill, the local stores give the area its particular flavor. Some of them specialize in "joke" items, which make great gifts for quirky friends and colleagues.
One of the most unique businesses is Brattle Book Shop. Established in 1825, they specialize in used and rare books, antique maps, autographs, and old postcards. You never know what you'll find! Treasure seekers usually pack this small shop. Prices range from downright cheap to the heights that you might expect for very rare items. If you have someone hard to please on your shopping list who might appreciate an old map (especially if you have it nicely framed) or a rare book or perhaps the autograph of someone famous, this is the place to come.
The Shops at Prudential Center mall, on Boylston Street in Boston's fashionable Back Bay neighborhood (a 5-minute walk from Beacon Hill and 10 minutes from Downtown Crossing), boasts Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor as its anchors. You'll also find other clothing stores such as Ann Taylor and Talbots here, as well as specialty stores such as L'Occitane among the 75 shops and restaurants.
Why is Pru Center a good place to come? Well...aside from the wonderful shopping options, it's warm and enclosed. Although Beacon Hill looks like a Currier & Ives print if a few snowflakes gently drift down, it and Downtown Crossing can be more than nippy when a nor'easter starts howling. In the Shops at Prudential Center, you can happily breeze through your shopping list and reward yourself with a nice dinner at one of the many great restaurants without setting foot outside.
As you can see, you'll find many wonderful gifts in all three of these areas and get to see different parts of the city at the same time. If you're staying in a downtown hotel, all are within easy walking distance--although if you're loaded down with overflowing bags after a successful shopping expedition, you may want to take a cab back to your hotel.
Copyright 2008 Boston-Discovery-Guide.com
Recommend : Fascination Cruise Luxury Travel Guide
Friday, August 13, 2010
A Murray Little Christmas
Friends Link : Coast Vacation
Thursday, August 12, 2010
An Experience of Creation: Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat
Related : Hill Holiday Direct Path
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Come to Kingsbridge-Devon For a Holiday to Remember
Kingsbridge-Devon has splendid beaches teaming with sea life and historical sites like no other. The natural beauty of this place is enough to draw crowds of tourists year round but there is much more still offered in this sea side town. Located in the centre of the South Hams, Kingsbridge boasts a very mild climate that is perfect for walking through the rolling hill side or strolling along one of the many beaches in the area.
If you are looking for a beach holiday then Kingsbridge can cater to your every need. Not only can you lie on the beach and watch dolphins, whales, sea lions, and any other number of sea fairing creatures but they also have abundant water sports available. These include surfing, sailing, wind surfing, and even fishing.
If you prefer to take in local wildlife they are home to many species of birds and have farm animal you can touch and feed. Or if nature isn't of interest to you, you could just play a round of golf or visit a museum. At night you can visit the local theaters and take in a live concert or frequent one of the many cafes, restaurants, or pubs that are open year round for public enjoyment.
Weather you prefer rolling hills, patchwork fields, or sandy beaches, Kingsbridge has something for anyone looking for a relaxing and peaceful vacation. They also boast beautiful gardens and festivals during the summer months. And with several other villages of interest close by you can be sure you will never be bored.
For accommodations you can choose a bed and breakfast or a quaint private cottage. They also have guest's houses and even suits in local historical farm houses. Ladies can treat themselves to a weekend of pampering in the fitness and beauty clinic while their husbands fish or golf their day away.
The South Hams have always been a classic vacation spot and Kingsbridge-Devon offers everything you could want. Weather it's to get away from you troubles or explore a new land you will be pleased with this choice.
Tags : Nature Hill Coast Vacation
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Smart Tips For Choosing the Perfect Caravan Parks Holiday
Are you planning the perfect holiday getaway for you and your family this summer? Last year, I was stuck with the same problem and I ran into a friend who recommended staying at either caravan parks or luxury lodges. I've never vacationed at either, but I am happy my family did. It was one of the most fun-filled, entertaining holidays we've ever experienced and that's no easy task considering how difficult it is to keep the children entertained.
Holiday trips to caravan parks or log cabin holidays in Wales are a wonderful way to enjoy a few relaxing days at the beach. What's better than waking up early one morning to take a leisurely stroll across the sand as you look out at the ocean? Even better, the kids can enjoy the afternoon splashing around in the waves. This is one perfect holiday trip for families of all sizes.
Finding a particular park is easy to do once you know what your needs are and learn which parks can accommodate these needs. For families with kids, I recommend choosing luxury lodges with some sort of activity such as a swimming pool or playground. Are you bringing the family dog with you? Find a park which permits animals.
One of the first things you'll notice during your parks research is that most luxury lodges and log cabin holidays come in different layouts and sizes. This may affect your decision of campsite. Another important factor to keep in mind is the time of year you plan on traveling. If you plan on taking your vacation during the busier months of the year, it is highly likely that you will get limited selection of places to stay. Many park sites book in advance. So always plan ahead of time and avoid any such disappointments.
Here is one secret I learned from a well season traveler of caravan parks. When choosing a site, look to see how well-tended the grounds are. The condition of the grounds helps to give an overall idea of how friendly the site is for camping and extended stays. Owner-operated holiday parks tend to provide a more friendly service compared to chains. Always see what types of basic amenities are offered on the grounds, such as toilets.
Hopefully, some of my tips and experience with luxury lodges and log cabin holidays have helped you get a better idea of how to go about choosing quality camping sites for you and your family. All that's left is to pack up the caravan and get ready for a great campfire! Whether you are thinking of taking a caravan holiday for the first time or you return to the same park every year, there are some ways you can make the most of your time away.
See Also : Summer Trips Smokey Mountain Cabins Vanity Light
Monday, August 9, 2010
Gelatin Molds
Nothing is worse than an overstuffed stomach searching for a dessert and finding only an assortment of heaviness adding to the misery of overindulgence. Shining like crown jewels, gelatin molds are one way of alleviating the bloatedness resulting from the usual holiday meal.
Served attractively in a gelatin mold, a cherry cola salad glows like a ruby necklace while resembling something sinfully richer. For the sugar restrictive, a sugar-free product is substituted. For the carb and the cholesterol conscious, a low-fat cream cheese is substituted.
Cola Salad
1-6oz package black bing cherry flavored gelatin
1-8-oz.can crushed pineapple in syrup
1-8-oz cream cheese, softened
1-12 oz can cola
1-8oz can black bing cherries, in syrup
Directions: In a saucepan: drain the juices of the black bing cherries and the crushed pineapple setting aside the fruit.On medium heat dissolve the black bing cherry gelatin in the fruit juices. Into a large bowl: refrigerate the gelatin mixture until it is thickened. Mix in the softened cream cheese until it is well blended. Fold in the black bing cherries and the crushed pineapple, stir in the canned cola. Pour into a mold that has sprayed with a canned cooking oil. Refrigerate until the mold is well set.
Emerald green congealed lime gelatin salad shimmers as a light alternative to the more weighty desserts as well as a delicious addition to a holiday meal.
Congealed Lime Gelatin Salad
1-large package lime flavored gelatin
¾-cup of shredded cabbage
½-cup of diced celery
1-small can of crushed pineapple
Directions: Mix the lime flavored gelatin as directed on the package. Add the four ingredients to the gelatin stirring well and then pour into a plastic mold. Refrigerate until the mold is well set. Unmold the gelatin serving it on a bed of shredded lettuce with a side dish of mayonnaise. For the carb and cholesterol conscious, a sugar-free flavored gelatin and low-fat mayonnaise is substituted.
Brassy oranges, toasty coconut and crushed pineapple hang on the fringes of the more established elements. Yet, they have always managed to impress even the most jaded tastebuds.
Orange-Pineapple Gelatin Salad
1-small can mandarin oranges,the slices cut into fourths
1-large box of orange flavored gelatin
1-medium sized can of crushed pineapple
1-medium carton of sour cream
1-large carton of whipped topping
Directions: Sprinkle the orange gelatin into the bottom of a plastic mold. Drain the juices from the pineapple and the mandarin oranges mixing the fruits into the orange flavored gelatin then letting the mixture chill for two hours. Add the sour cream and the whipped topping mixing it well with the gelatin and the crushed pineapple. Let the ingredients chill until it is well set.
Gelatin like diamonds is usually dull unless it gleams with strawberries, cranberries and sliced apples that gives the mold the essence of something much grander.
Strawberry Gelatin Salad
1-large package of strawberry flavored gelatin
1-large red apple
2-cups of cold cranberry juice
Directions: dissolve the gelatin in two cups of boiling water. Add the cold cranberry juice. Peel the apple and dice it into small pieces stirring it into the gelatin. Pour into a mold that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Let chill and serve.
Thanks To : Sun Surf Guide Luxury Travel Guide Gold Coast
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Latest composition buys vid Part 1, inc No7, Smashbox, Korres and Mark Hill
My Links : Coast Vacation Holiday Mountain Danube River
Thursday, August 5, 2010
J.Holiday-Suffocate allotment 1 (Kelsey Duran)
See Also : Wooden Bridges Luxury Travel Guide Danube River
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Require Motivation? - Ride a Tandem Bicycle
One day a friend of mine told me that he and his daughter had a very pleasant afternoon cycling round the country lanes. They had hired a tandem for the weekend and it had not only been enjoyable, it had also given his daughter tremendous motivation and confidence when he let her ride in front on some of the quiet sections.
The tandem was the property of the Birmingham school for the blind. It was used by sighted people to take blind children for a ride. If it was not in use for this purpose, it was available for members of the public to hire.
My wife and I often spend Sunday afternoons walking in the country and I have tried on several occasions to interest her in cycling, without success. As a child she did not had a bike, and now she lacked the motivation to try. A tandem was a splendid idea to get her motivated, I thought!
I phoned the school to enquire and the very next Saturday hired the tandem for the weekend. When I brought it home my wife was not impressed, "I am not riding that round here" she said, "the neighbours might see us!"
"OK," I said, "we will take it in the car; into the country somewhere and cycle from there!"
She reluctantly agreed that we would go; tomorrow!
That Sunday morning was one of those marvellous summer days, the air was fresh and warm, just like being on a Mediterranean holiday; perfect day for a tandem ride.
My wife insisted on a leisurely breakfast, just a healthy cereal with fruit, followed by toast and coffee. The emphasis was on leisurely, she was in no hurry.
I put the tandem on the roof rack; it was too big to go inside the car. I suggested that we take a picnic with us but my wife said that if I was going to cajole her into riding that thing, the least I could do was to buy her a Pub Lunch.
We eventually set off. "Where would you like to go to" I enquired.
"Somewhere very quiet, with no one else around" was the reply.
"How about Lapworth Junction" I offered. She agreed with indifference.
Lapworth Junction is a very pleasant location in South Warwickshire. It is where the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and The Grand Union Canal are joined by "a cut."
The area has car parks and picnic areas with manicured lawns and barbecue places set up ready for use. There are at least four tow-paths that are perfect for walking or cycling along and there are also several bridleways and many quiet lanes in the area.
The tandem was unloaded and we had a few wobbly goes in the car park; then we set off down one of the lanes. After twenty minutes or so we came to the M40 motorway, which, at that time was nearly complete but not yet open.
"This will be good," I said, "We can have the whole six lanes and the hard shoulders, all to ourselves."
After we had been up and down the slip road and across the central reservation a few times, we decided to set off along the motorway, to see how far it was complete. We were going up hill for a time, this was quite strenuous. After we reached the summit it was so nice to free wheel down the far side.
We free wheeled on and on, it was marvellous, we must have gone 14 or 15 miles. It was so relaxing; we were really enjoying ourselves, travelling with so little effort.
As the motorway levelled out and we had to start peddling again, we saw the signs for Warwick. "Let's go there for lunch," I suggested, "Great" was the reply from behind me.
We tandemed along in the warm sunshine, into Warwick town centre, and found a nice place for our Sunday Lunch. The bike was chained to a lamp post and we went in.
The waitress said that we could have a table for two, but as they were very busy, the food may be some time. I explained that we were in no rush, they could take their time.
We had a very pleasant lunch; it must have taken a couple of hours or so. Sitting in their soft chairs relaxing we did not have a care, all was well in the world for us.
Have you ever put the wrong key into a lock and had the shock that the key would not turn and the door would not open? That was the feeling we had when we tried to get out of our chairs. It was as if somebody had set our feet in concrete whilst we sat in the restaurant.
First of all we had a laugh together and joked that we had eaten so much that we no longer had the strength to move our inflated bodies. This mood soon changed to annoyance that I really thought that a practical joker had tied me to the chair whilst we had our lunch!
The truth then dawned on us that from the morning's exertions on the tandem, we had aches in muscles that we had not used for years. As we finally managed to get into an upright position, we found that we also had aches in places that we did not realise we had muscles.
The true facts of the situation then dawned on us that we were in agony; we were dressed in shorts and tee shirts, in Warwick. This was about 40 miles from home and also 16 miles from our car. The car was in a car-park that I would not want to leave it in overnight and we were in charge of a tandem that had to be back in Birmingham for the morning.
Our minds were working overtime as we tried to think of the best way of resolving our situation. Then the solution suddenly hit me.
Our car was parked at Lapworth, near the Grand Union Canal. This canal passes through Warwick. We are in Warwick. As everybody knows, canals have to be level.
All we have to do is find the canal in Warwick and we have a level tow-path back to our car. Simple!
In excruciating agony, we leant on either side the wretched tandem and waddled our way along the road that a passer-by had assured us, led to the canal.
My memory of the beautiful haven at Lapworth where my car was parked is of manicured lawns flowing down to block paved tow-paths. Unfortunately this is not the case at Warwick!
As we peered down at the canal from the bridge, it was difficult to imagine if either side of the canal had ever been a tow-path. It was also hard to imagine how the boats passed between the brambles that appeared to meet from either side of the canal.
With aching muscles and sinking hearts, we explored the area and finally found the overgrown tow-path.
The ground was so uneven that cycling was out of the question; we could not even push the dammed thing, I had to carry it. You cannot imagine how heavy a tandem is, especially when you need all your strength just to carry yourself upright.
As we left Warwick the tow-path became recognisable as just that. I assured my wife in triumph that we could now leisurely ride our machine along a nice level tow-path, back to the car. She was not impressed but she was hopeful that I was right.
Over the years we have walked most of the lanes and the tow-paths in this area and I was sure I knew them all. For some unbelievable, extra-ordinary reason one part of the local topography had eluded me. At Hatton, on the Grand Union Canal, there is a flight of 20 locks!
As we passed under the A46 trunk road, The Hatton locks rose majestically in front of us, looking every inch of their 100 foot height!
To cycle up this flight would be like trying to ride up the roof of a house. I tried to assure my wife that if we took a run at it, we may get half to three quarters of the way up.
With severely aching limbs beginning to regain their movement, we mounted the tandem and took a run at the path that ran to the side of the locks. It was not a smooth slope but a series of level sections and then steep parts.
On the first level section we managed to achieve enough speed to help us up the next slope. I tried to shout motivational encouragement back to my wife, saying that it was not as bad as we had feared. I then shouted that she must push hard on the pedals as we climb the next rise.
The next rise was very hard to climb. As the bike slowed and I pushed with all my strength, I noticed my wife's feet sticking straight out either side. We came to an abrupt stop and nearly toppled into the deep section of the canal lock.
"Why are you not pushing," I yelled, "We nearly made it that time."
"Don't you shout at me," my wife screamed back at me, "You are the one that got us into this mess."
"I didn't want to ride it here; I didn't want to ride it anywhere and I am not riding it again." With that she flounced off up the hill.
What a weight this contraption is I thought as I tried to encourage passers-by to help me push it. The trouble was that the few people around were helpless with laughter, embarrassed at the spectacle before them, or both.
When I finally reached the summit, my wife was waiting for me, sitting on a bench. We kissed and made up and tried to ride the tandem along the now level tow-path.
"There are no more locks between here and Lapworth," I promised her, "I checked with a boating couple who have just come down from there. It is about 6 miles along a level canal, so we should get back to the car within the hour, without any further problem."
For the first time since we reached the tow-path, we were at last able to ride the tandem, it was such a relief. There were no lights on the tandem and it was now beginning to get dark, we could see the canal glistening before us in the half light, it was a lovely sight.
I say the canal was a lovely sight, but I could not see where the tow-path went? Maybe it was just a trick of the rapidly fading light.
No it was not! The tow-path was definitely rising as the canal disappeared into Shrewley tunnel!
As darkness fell, along with the rain, we were frozen in our shorts and tee shirts. My wife was now sobbing uncontrollably. There was no more animosity or recrimination, she was just distraught.
The tow-path was now a very steep climb. Its surface was worn smooth from centuries of foot and horse traffic. This was made treacherously slippery by the now very heavy rain.
In the dark and rain, I had to walk backwards up the hill. I was wedging my heals into the cracks between the stones of the floor of the tow-path as I dragged the tandem up the slope.
When I reached the top of the climb, I was exhausted. I just collapsed on the ground on a grassy patch beside the road. The tandem lay on the ground next to me and my wife was kneeling nearby sobbing.
If anybody had seen us they would have justifiably assumed that we were the victims of a hit and run road accident. Nobody did see us. Everybody with any sense was at home in doors on such a wet night.
When I recovered my breath and my senses I looked around and noticed a road sign that said, Lapworth three miles. It was all we needed to see. In the pouring rain and in the pitch dark we rode the tandem with no lights, along the winding country lane. There was no alternative, we had no reserves left.
Thankfully it was nearly all down hill, so we could free wheel a lot of the way.
Reaching the car park at Lapworth was rather an anti-climax, as opposed to the jubilation that one would expect after such an ordeal. We were so drained that there was no room for any further emotions.
When we first caught sight of our solitary car amongst the trees and lawns, it looked so ordinary that it was almost unbelievable. We half expected the mirage to disappear at any moment.
My wife helped me lift the tandem on to the roof rack and we both got into the car and wrapped ourselves in a jacket and a rug that happened to be in the car. This was all achieved in absolute silence; we were both completely drained of any possible emotion.
As we drove out of the car park I had the feeling that it was not me driving; it was like an out of body experience with me being an observer to the event.
The rain was now torrential as we drove slowly home along the country lanes. We had not gone far from Lapworth when suddenly there was a flash of lights in front of us. A car coming towards us crashed through the hedge on our side of the road.
I stopped our car and we both rushed over see if we could be of any help. There were four teenagers in a mini. They had skidded on the wet road and lost control; their car had rolled completely over and was now upright again.
There was a strong smell of petrol and we could not open the doors. Without a word between us, my wife and I ran back to our car. I grabbed a shovel that just happened to be in the boot of our car; my wife got on the car-phone to the emergency services and then rushed back to help me.
With the aid of the shovel, we managed to get the doors open and the occupants out of the mini. They were still very dazed when the police and ambulance crews arrived promptly.
Before we could continue our journey home, we had to give statements to the police regarding the accident we had witnessed. Although this is a formal procedure, the officer in charge tried to be as casual as he could.
"What sort of day have you had, before this happened," he asked me.
"Oh, just an ordinary Sunday," I lied.
"It looked more than that," he said, looking at my soaked shorts and tee-shirt and the tandem.
So I gave him a very quick resume of the pertinent parts of the day's adventure.
He laughed out loud before I finished the sorry tale.
"Why on earth did you not come back on the train," he said, when he finally stopped laughing. "It is a very good service between Warwick and Lapworth, they are every two hours and the journey takes about twenty minutes."
"Don't you dare tell my wife," I insisted.
As we drove home, it was my wife who broke the silence. She asked me where I found the energy from, to have dealt so efficiently with the situation we had just experienced, in view of the day we had gone through.
"Well," I said proudly, "I was just about to ask you exactly the same question!"
Recommend : Summer Trips Quality Suites Coast Vacation
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
{[ T. h// e. R .ed.// R oo/m/ Ho/rr .o/r }] -AMV-
My Links : River Raft European Beach
Monday, August 2, 2010
A Ski Holiday is Outdoor Fun
A great way to spend the holiday season is with your family at one of the many beautiful ski resorts around the country. If you think that a ski holiday might be the right decision for you, you should see what holiday lettings are available at different skiing locations. You will have enough room at the rental apartment or villa to store all your equipment, and your entire family will have a much more enjoyable vacation.
Ski holidays are great for a family because skiing is a sport that all ages can enjoy. Even small children can benefit from the exercise they'll get while on the ski slopes, and will love being outside. You can get them private lessons for children, or you can enroll them in some group lessons geared towards kids. Professionals who have lots of experience working with these age groups will teach these classes.
If you are an experienced person with the ski slopes, you'll inevitably know the rush of adrenaline that comes with rushing down a mountain at high speed. You'll know the anticipation as you ride the ski lift up to the top of the mountain, and enjoy gorgeous views of nature as you climb the hill. This is why you will want to share this experience with your children and make it something you all can enjoy together as a family.
A holiday that involves ski adventures can often be quite tiring. You'll be spending lots of time outside in the sun, and the sun reflecting off the crisp, white snow is likely to give you sun burn. Or, if you're out of shape, you might just have some very sore muscles the day after you first hit the slopes. You'll definitely want a cozy and comfortable place to relax and put your feet up in front of a fire. You will want this place to be very inviting rather than either drab and dark or simply uncomfortable.
If you happen to rent a cottage or apartment for your ski vacation, you can be sure that your family will have a perfect place to relax. They will feel like they are at home when they're in the cottage, and they will be able to get lots of rest overnight. This is important if you've planned an extended stay at the ski resort. You will want everyone, especially the kids, to get enough rest so that they will want to be out on the slopes for the entirety of the trip.
Tags : Luxury Travel Guide Smokey Mountain Cabins Holiday Mountain
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Break-A-Thon 2007 Announcement
Friends Link : Luxury Travel Guide Accommodation Coast Hill Holiday