24 Hours in Fukuoka City Travel Journal

24 Hours in Fukuoka City - Travel Journal
By Anndrea Law

I visited a good friend, Keiko, in Fukuoka recently. It was my first long vacation since I started working.

Tenjin StationUpon arriving at Fukuoka City, we placed my luggage in a locker at Tenjin train station, and headed to a traditional garden called Yusentei. There, we had the view of the Japanese garden to ourselves while enjoying matcha (green tea). The path in the garden led you right up to the edge of the water, and was ornamented with a small waterfall. The name of the vila is indeed apt: friendship-fountain-restplace.

Yusentei Japanese Villa

After Yusentei, we walked to the city's popular public park with a big lake. There was another park that Keiko wanted to show me, but we could not find the place. So we decided to have lunch and stumbled into a street with a character that reminded me of my place in Barcelona's Sierra district: safe, upper class and good food.

Lunch at El Bacharro

As if in reminiscence of my memory, we settled for a restaurant that serves food from Valencia called El Bacharro. I had vegetable with cheese and anchovies 'fondue', a popular dish of the house. The place was small but everything was carefully placed. We were particularly intrigued by the carefully camouflaged toilet entrance, which was no more than a flat wooden plank that ran across the concrete wall.

Western Food in Japan

According to Keiko, western cuisine is expensive in Japan, as Japanese food would be in most other cities. So during my stay, I was reated to western delicacies a la Japanese style a few times, e.g. the cheesecake that Keiko's parents bought from their weekend trip to an onsen (hot spring), and citrus muffins at a flower garden.

Court House

After lunch, we visited the courthouse, where Keiko frequented when she was still an working as a legal assistant. She tried hard to find a hearing that I would attend, but there was none that was not already in session or has ended. Still, it was interesting to see how open the courthouse is to the public. Anyone could walk in and sit into a hearing and the place resembled more of a hospital than a courthouse.

Cultural District

From the courthouse, we headed to a cultural district lined with museums, shops and temples. It was interesting to see the traditional sweets that Keiko gave me as a gift when she visited my home last summer.

We played with the traditional toys. There was one called Pabo, or something that mimicked the sound it made. It was a magical wooden book that clapped continuously once you set it in motion. The toy still rings vividly as I think about it now. Perhaps I should have bought one like Keiko said. But then we agreed that she would buy it for my first-born.

The porcelain artiste was in the musuem today. He was affable and chatty. We asked him to recommend a place to visit. He checked the time and replied that there was a Buddhist temple nearby that was still open for another hour. There, we could go through a test to see if we would go to heaven.

Buddhist Temple

The test was a journey into a dark passage way behind the alter of a big Buddha carved out of cypress. If you groped along the walls and touched a metal ring, then you are going to heaven. Silly as it may sound, I felt a real sense of cleansing after the test. For in the pitch blackness, ironically, it was as if someone shone a bright light into my soul. There was no way I could hide from my deepest conscience. (Of course, if you are wondering, Keiko and I are going to heaven.)

Canal City

We headed next to the glittering material world of Canal City, a popular mall with canals not unlike the Venice wannabes in Las Vegas. Watching the sunset unfold on the panoramic window of the cafe, Sweet Museum, we knew it was time to go home.

The author is an avid traveller and amateur photographer.To view the above article with accompanying photographs and to see more photo-journals, please visit http://viewmesomefreejournals.blogspot.com

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Adventure Camping and Horse Back Riding

Adventure - Camping and Horse Back Riding
By Linda Meckler

When my children were young my husband and I purchased a membership in a real live cattle ranch in the mountains which had been re-created into a camp ground.

When my husband and I first visited the ranch we both fell in love with it for different reasons. I felt this was a wonderful place for our family to be together in a safe, outdoor camping atmosphere. My husband fell in love with the horses that were housed in the barn.

Of course before we could go camping we must have the correct camping equipment. We needed to purchase, two tents, four sleeping bags and various other camping gear.

On our ranch there were three ways to camp. You could camp in a tent, or bunkhouse with eighteen rooms and two bathrooms with a complete kitchen, or if you owned a motor home you could leave it on the ranch.

We loaded up our car for the first time, we were all excited about our first trip to adventure. My husband and kids could not think of anything but horse back riding and fishing.

The ranch is vast and extends in every area. It consisted of a large playground for the kids, a pool, and tennis court. There were three man made lakes great for fishing. A few years later they added a three hole golf course.

I was raised in the city and had never ridden a horse. My kids had never ridden a horse either and they couldnt wait to hop on and take off.

After our tents were set up and we had eaten it was pitch black. I had never been outside in the mountains at night and the feeling was eerie. I was sitting down resting when my husband said, I want to show you something.

We walked out into an open field and suddenly I was surrounded by five huge horses that towered over me. I really could not see the horses but could feel their presence. I was over come with fear. After all I had never been near a horse before let alone five in the pitch black in the middle of the open field in the mountains.

He said, Open your hand. I did and he placed some small pieces of carrots in my open palm. He instructed me to keep my hand open and the horses would eat the carrots right out of my hand. It was totally amazing. I even was able to pet them before we turned and walked very carefully out of the open field.

The next morning our family of four was the first to the barn to sign up for horse back riding. My husband jumped right up on the horse he was assigned. My son managed to mount his horse. My daughter managed to mount her horse also but I had to use the mounting stairs.

We were riding along (not to fast) I was really beginning to enjoy my first horse back ride. Suddenly, my horse changed gait and picked up speed. Totally surprised, I lost my balance and the next moment I was hanging from the horse with my head almost hitting the dirt only attached by one stirrup. I yelled, HELP, loud and clear and my husband came to my rescue.

That first camping trip will always stand out in my memory and I hope my kids remember it also.

We continued to camp out on weekends and holidays for many years. These are the memories that cement family relationships.

I hope you enjoyed my article. Please feel free to check out my other articles. I love to hear from you.

Copyright 2006 Linda Meckler

Linda has wonderful memories of those wonderful years. Currently she is the author of Ghost Kids Trilogy, three books in one book. CHRISTY 12, AND HER BROTHER BRAD, 16 MOVE INTO AN OLD HOUSE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN AND MEET TWO GHOST KIDS. Meet a Magical Blue Vase. Join Christy and Brad on a Pirates' Treasure Hunt. ADVENTURE/MYSTERY Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages.

Visit my website at http://www.lmeckler.com my email lmecky@tns.net. Order my book at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.buybooksontheweb.com With an order of 5 books = 40% discount. An order of 20 books free shipping and handling. ISBN 0-7414-2273-5.

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You Have To Love The Location Say These Owners Of Orlando Florida Villas

You Have To Love The Location, Say These Owners Of Orlando Florida Villas
By David Leonhardt

It has been said that in real estate there are three things that count the most: location, location and location. I recently discovered how powerful this concept can be.

Not long ago, I wrote an article about owning a vacation rental and what to consider before making the plunge ( http://www.seo-writer.net/clients/villa-ownership.html ). Like every decision, there are pros and cons, and it also depends on an individual's temperament, comfort with risk and many other factors.

I asked a few dozen villa owners who were listed at an Orlando Florida villas rental listing site at http://www.lastminutevillas.net why they had chosen villa ownership and what cautions or advice they would offer somebody considering a Florida vacation rental.

What struck me, however, was how most of the vacation rental owners I interviewed offered more comments on why they chose Florida as a location, than why they chose to be a villa owner.

In other words, the location more than the occupation inspired villa ownership, and that location is Orlando, Florida. Considering the battering Florida had recently taken by one hurricane after another, this struck me as kind of odd. So I picked up the phone and called Stewart Granville, owner of the listing site.

It's late Fall and I'm sitting out here in my shorts. Do I need another reason? he asked. How are you doing up there?

Uh...let me just go get a sweater, was all I could respond.

To give you some idea of how important it for a vacation rental property owner to fall in love with the location, here are just two samples of what some villa owners told me:

When we are driving back to the airport in Florida we never want to leave, says Michelle Prince, owner of Secret Key Villa in Kissimmee, Florida ( http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa/166/ ), adding It was something we have always wanted to do since taking a Christmas break in Florida every year.

I believe that to feel that you wish to buy property in Florida you must think further than 'Profit', says Dave Gordon, owner of Lindisfarne Villa in Orlando ( http://www.lastminutevillas.net/villa/89/ ). I sincerely believe that most foreign villa owners have the 'feel good' factor themselves and buy because they want to return time and againif they make a profitwhat the heck!

Of course, no business venture should be run on the off-chance of making a profit, but every business venture should be a labour of love, and few require as much love as the tender nurturing of vacation rental homes.

About The Author

David Leonhardt is a freelance writer

http://www.seo-writer.net/freelance/writer.html

Info@thehappyguy.com

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23 Lanzarote Attractions Rancho Texas Western Theme Park

23 Lanzarote Attractions - Rancho Texas, Western Theme Park
By John Plumb

Rancho Texas is located on the outskirts of Puerto del Carmen and on one of our many trips recently, we decided to spend a day out their with the children. Rancho Texas features amongst its attractions, an Indian amphitheatre where we witnessed a stunning display in falconry, a Nature Park where our children watched and even played with some of the animals, a Goldmine Where the big water-wheel runs water to gold-bearing sands and where the children can try to find hidden treasure and an Indian Village where they took a ride in an Indian canoes and visited the Tepees.

If youre looking for somewhere for the adults, then why return when they host one of the now legendary Rancho Texas Country and Western Nights.

We started our visit in the Nature Park, host to a wide variety of Animals and Birds. This area includes The Opera- A round enclosure with a great variety of singing birds where you can experience amazing sounds, The Promenade of colour with its sensational variety of birds and colours, Liliput Farm, where the children held the worlds smallest farm animals and saw much larger ones in the form of Turtles, Iguanas, Armadillos and Prairie dogs.

Before we could finish, we were attracted to crowd gathering in the Indian Amphitheatre (one of three live shows we would witness on the day). Once we settled down, the guide entertained us with a fantastic falconry demonstration, part of which involves the falcons flapping people on the head with thweir huge wings as they swoop from high gantries to the central stage.

After this, we took the children to the Indian Village to calm them down a bit. Our youngest (4 at the time) played in the Tepees, paddled a Canoes and found Treasure having followed the water from the big water-wheel to the gold-bearing sands. Our eldest (9 at the time) thought it was too young for him but agreed to look after his brother and clearly enjoyed himself, although he denied it at the time.

Next we were attracted to the restaurant area as we were informed that a second show would start in 15 minutes time. Like everyone else, we decided this would be a good time to have something to eat and drink and were surprised to see our Falconry expert helping out behind the food counter (we assumed he had washed his hands !). This would not be our last meeting, as he hosted the Parrot show whilst we had lunch. Another good show and some great pictures for the family.Our two boys wanted to let off some steam, so we let them play for a short while in the adventure play area, before going back to complete out tour of the animals.

Our third show of the day, was to be the best. Our expert returned (clearly multi-talented) and decided hed jump into a pit with the Alligators. He then crept up behind one of them and played with it (in case youre wondering, he has very quick reflexes). Toward the end of the show he decided to jump on the Alligator and sis finale involved holding the Alligators mouth closed between his chin and his chest some show !

The children were as amazed as we were and it just about rounded off a great day out and fantastic value at 14 Euros per adult and 9 Euros for the children (under twos are free).One of the most modern of Lanzarotes attractions, Rancho Texas, still has an element of the Manrique influence, with 60,000 m of theme park, designed with the utmost respect to the ambience and everything built with natural materials such as stones and wood.

At night the place comes alive with the Rancho Texas Country and Western Night, legendary in these parts. A party night for the whole family and the entertainments team (yes he was back), kept everyone entertained with Live Music and Line Dancing and special entertainment for the Kids. You can eat as much of the American Food, BBQ and Desserts as you like and enjoy free-flowing Beer, Sangria and Soft Drinks.Adults: 44,00 Children 2-12 years : half price Children to 2 years: free

and finally, if you want to Discover Lanzarote on horseback, Rancho Texas also has riding stables. Why not plan your day to include a trek on this wonderful island (three hour trek to the beach, for experienced riders only @ 54 or a One hour trek, no experience needed @ 21).

John Plumb, frequent visitor to Lanzarote, a place that is now my 'home from home' having taken the plunge into villa ownership on the island - See http://www.villa-rochelle.co.ukJohn is also the administrator of the Lanzarote Villa Owners Club @ http://www.lanzvillaowners.com.

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Tedious Travel Preparation

Tedious Travel Preparation
By Stephen Thomas

Travel preparation is often conducted as a last minute thought by many flying away for their holidays. All too often we hear stories of people who have forgotten to take their passport to the airport and end up missing their flight.

Preparation need not be a tedious task every time you take a holiday, if you come up with a plan that can be followed every time you go on a trip. If you are not careful though, this list can extend half way down your drive. In reality you only need certain essential items to make sure your trip goes ahead and a few precautions while you are away.

Lets look at the essential. Passport, money, flight ticket, accommodation booking reference and any medication you may be taking. Those few items will ensure that you are able to actually go on your trip.

Precautions you may want to consider are related to the what if scenarios. Here are a few to consider. Losing your passport, credit cards, money or drivers license can turn the best holiday into a nightmare. Some one off preparations can save you a potential big headache. Make a separate note of your credit cards, 24-hour telephone cancellation number, your passport number, travellers cheque numbers and driving license number.

Now give these details to a trusted family member or friend for safe keeping while you are away. It is much easier to get replacements if you actually know your document numbers. Now if your were to experience an unfortunate event while away, all you would need to do is give your relative or friend a call (I am guessing you know their number right) and you have access to all your details. Which would not be the case if you had them stolen from you.

So making sure you have your essentials before leaving for the airport and noting a few numbers down before you go away can take a lot of the must remember and what if stress away from you.

Creating a small list covering the points discussed is like having your comfort cushion with you at all times. You will have already prepared for the most common types of problems faced by some travellers.

About The Author.

Stephen Thomas is a website business developer with many years experience of the online travel market. The latest development project was the Airport Parking Guide ( http://www.airport-parking-guide.co.uk), where customers can access a resource area that has free travel planning software and airport guides available for download.

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Taking the Plunge at Niagara Falls

Taking the Plunge at Niagara Falls
By Herod Jacobs

Perhaps the most well-known set of waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls is a sight to behold. Made up of three different falls (the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls) that move over six million cubic feet of water per minute, Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America. Exceptionally wide, incredibly beautiful, and an important source of hydroelectric power, the falls are an invaluable resource and brilliant natural wonder. However, some people see them as something else: a challenge.

Everyones heard of it, although very few people attempt it: going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. This world-famous stunt was first performed in 1829 by Sam Patch, the first famous US stunt performer. Patch simply jumped off the edge of the Horseshoe Falls to the amazement of the huge crowd. It wasnt until 1901 that a barrel would be used to go over the falls. This attempt was also the first by a woman. Annie Taylor survived her attempt with only a few bumps and scratches, and since then, fourteen others have made the attempt. Some, like Karel Soucek in 1984, survived only to face still fines. Others have not survived their attempt to defeat the powerful falls. The most recent person to leap from the falls was Kirk Jones, who leapt from the edge without a floatation device in October of 2003. While Jones did survive, many speculate that he was attempting suicide, not a stunt.

All of the attempts at going over Niagara Falls, whether in a barrel or not, have been done at the Horseshoe Falls. This is because it has fewer rocks than the other two and a faster current, which propels daredevils farther out from the rocky edge. Because of the rocks and other dangers, it is now illegal to attempt to go over the Falls in any way. This hasnt stopped people from attempting it, although those who survive find themselves facing high fines and possible arrest.

Despite the small number of people to leap from Niagara Falls and the even smaller number to survive, the stunt remains one of the most well-known and amazing feats a daredevil can attempt. To jump from the top of the majestic falls and survive proves one has courage, bravery, and the ability to defeat one of natures most spectacular sights in the world.

http://www.onlineniagara.com

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Racecourses UK Let Your Imagination RIDE!

Racecourses UK Let Your Imagination RIDE!
By Mandy Chagger

I bring you thirteen of Europe's premier racecourses to offer space for conference & meetings. From South Downs to Cumbria Hills, allowing to be inspired by 3,000 acres of land, enjoying the glorious views.

1)Aintree Racecourse Home of John Smith Grand Stand National, Aintree offers a variety of suites within its three grandstands, providing you the versatility to host a wide range of events, It has expansive exhibition space, exclusive conferences suites with panoramic views of the racecourse, over 30 glass fronted syndicate areas with natural daylight. Aintree is located on the A59, just 1 mile from the M57 and M58.

2)Carlisle Racecourse the border of the city of Carlisle has a history of horse racing spanning five centuries, so naturally Carlisle Racecourse is at the heart of civic pride. The legendary Red Rum romped home first here in every year that he won the Grand National. The Grandstand is the ideal venue for meetings, seminars, and exhibitions product. Having 10 function rooms available over three floors including an exhibition hall, seven syndicate rooms, only 2 miles from the centre of Carlisle, is accessed from Junction 42 of the M6.

3)Cheltenham Racecourse The Regency town of Cheltenham is set in the stunning beauty of the Cotswold with the racecourse at its heart. Hosts a quarter a quarter of a million visitors. The rooms can accommodate anything from an intimate meeting in the Grandstand to a conference for up to 2250 people, Centrally located in the heart of England within a few miles of junction 9-11a of the M5 and easily accessed from the A40.

4)Epsom Downs Racecourse Has hosted The Derby, Europe's most famous flat race, since 1780. Epsom Downs also hosts over 450 other events each year running from conferences to launches. Situated in the heart of Epsom Downs, the venue is easy access from London only half an hour from Gatwick,

5)Haydock Park Racecourse Housed within 127 acres of beautiful parkland, Haydock Park Racecourse enjoys the best of both worlds a lush green setting and a central Northwest location halfway between Liverpool and Manchester , offers 6 large rooms with capacity for upto 500 guests One mile from junction 23 of the M6 or A580.

6)Huntingdon Racecourse Voted Best Small Racecourse in the South Midlands and East Anglia by the Racegoers Club, The Racecourse is an intimate racing venue. The course is less than 5 minutes from the pretty market, the conference accommodation in the Goodliff Stand includes six syndicate rooms, each with private balcony. Racecourse is centrally located just half a mile from the A1 (M) link road on the A14.

7)Kempton Park Racecourse Recently transformed into Europe's premier floodlit racecourse, offers 50 racing fixtures, which can be enjoyed after an off-site meeting or client conference. Its famous Boxing Day racing has featured champions like Arkle, Best Mate and desert Orchid. Only 35 minutes from London the six conference suites can cater for theatre or boardroom, Kempton Park is on the A308, one mile from junction 1 of the M3.

8)Market Rasen Racecourse is a bastion of summer jump racing and known for its informal, relaxed atmosphere, there is a range of flexible event accommodation over two floors, with larger rooms and bars, Market Rasen is 12 miles North East of Lincoln, at junction of the A46 and the A631.

9)Newmarket Racecourse Newmarket Racecourse at the heart of the most famous centre of thoroughbred horse-breeding and horseracing in the world. The conference centre at the Natwest Rowley Mile Course features 685m of marble floored exhibition area with a nine screen video wall and four large plasma screens. Just 12 miles from Cambridge and 60 miles from London.

10)Nottingham Racecourse Is just two miles from the lively and historic city of Nottingham, yet surrounded by the 280 acres of flower and lawns of Colwick Park. All suites are have ample natural daylight and view over the course. The Racecourse is on the A612, easily accessible from the M1, A1 or A46.

11)Sandown Park Racecourse is a big, bright versatile and inviting for organisers and visitors alike, The venue features over 500m of exhibition space and six distinctive suites in the Grandstand. Sandown Park is signposted from A3 and a few miles from junction 10 of the M25.

12)Warwick Racecourse- The historic market town of Warwick provides the backdrop for Warwick Racecourse. The castle with its magnificent turrets and towers is only a mile to the east of the course. The original Grandstand event rooms dating back 1808. Warwick Racecourse is just off the A429, two miles from junction 15 of the M40.

13)Wincanton Racecourse In the heart of glorious Somerset countryside, Wincanton Racecourse is thought to have played host to one of Britain's earliest steepchase races. It offers conference space to accommodate 120 and 12 smaller breakout rooms. Wincanton Racecourse is on the B3081 just off the A303 between London and the Southwest.

Free Venue Finding Service UK & Worldwide+ 44 (0)8700 490000 FREE call back serviceFree Hotel Accommodation Booking Service UK & Worldwide

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Cruising the Popular Holiday Choice

Cruising - the Popular Holiday Choice
By John Gibb

Cruises are currently in the middle of a big resurgence in popularity. For a few years, it seemed like cruises might have been killed off by an age of ever-faster trains and cheap flights, but something about the romance and the luxury of the experience has managed to keep them alive. For most cruisers today, the cruise is no longer about a way to travel in style from one place to another instead, its all about enjoying your time on the boat itself, living the sea life and relaxing on the ocean waves. This has led to a shift in focus, from trying to make the ship go as fast as possible to it taking weeks for it to get anywhere.

The nice thing about cruises is that your holiday starts as soon as you get on the ship: theres no sitting around in departure lounges and on planes. Most big cities have a port somewhere nearby, and the chances are that there are cruises no more than a few hours drive away from you.

So what can you do once youre on a cruise ship? Modern cruise ships are basically like big, luxurious floating hotels, and are often truly huge, big enough to include a whole towns worth of facilities. The worlds largest ship is currently Freedom of the Seas, and listing everything on board would take a long time: it includes swimming pools and a water park, shops and cafes, an ice rink, a boxing ring, and more. The second-largest, the Queen Mary II, is arguably even better equipped, with restaurants and bars, a casino, swimming pools and a planetarium among other things.

The best thing to do, though, is just sit back and relax. Because cruise ships are open at the top, its no trouble for them to set sail down towards the equator and give you some real sun to enjoy. All you need to do is wake up, get out of your room and go up on deck, and youre set.

John Gibb is the owner of cruise guidance. For more information on cruises please check out http://www.cruise-extreme3k.info

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21 Exciting Maui Activities

21 Exciting Maui Activities
By Scott Grover

There are a multitude of reasons to choose Maui for your next vacation destination. It could be to enjoy its 30 plus world-class beaches, experience its breath-taking vistas including incredible sunrises and sunsets, discover a tropical paradise, or to just relax and get away from it all. Part of Mauis lure is that it offers such a wide variety of activities, many family-oriented. Below Ive summarized 21 exciting Maui activities available to its visitors in no particular order.

1. Sunrise at Haleakala Crater. There's only one way to see the sunrise and that's at Haleakala Crater in Maui. Its an experience that is truly difficult to describe because of its stunning beauty. You begin to sense the magnitude of it when you see a photograph, but its something that you have to experience to really appreciate.

2.Biking Down Haleakala. We have seen two wonderful sunrises at Haleakala on two separate trips to Maui. Both times we drove (up and) back in our rental vehicles. Unfortunately, biking down Haleakala has never made it into our agenda. So we have now officially added it to our Maui Activities Wish List.

3.The Road to Hana. The drive on the Road to Hana is an experience of a lifetime. Along the way on this 60 mile winding trek you will see some of the worlds most beautiful rain forests, water falls, and enjoy some of the most gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.

4.The Seven Sacred Pools (formally called Ohea Gulch). Almost everyone who takes the Road to Hana ends up at the Seven Sacred Pools. Waterfalls connect each pool, and the last pools waterfall empties into the Pacific Ocean. Legend has it that swimming in each pool (in order from one to seven) will bring the swimmer good luck.

5.Snorkeling in Maui. Change your view of the island to an underwater perspective by snorkeling in Maui. There are countless places to snorkel here with amazing views of marine life of all kinds.

6.Sugar Cane Train. If you (or your kids) love trains this inexpensive Maui activity is a must! Circling from Lahaina to Puukolii and back, a ride on the Sugar Cane Train will show you all the beauty of Maui from the coach car of an unforgettable real working historic steam engine. The conductor is more than knowledgeable. He's practically a one man show complete with ukulele and musical repertoire!

7.Maui Ocean Center. This was a great day activity to do with your kids. The Maui Ocean Center offers many hands-on activities that our kids loved. The three-acre marine park hosts more than 60 interactive exhibits, an outdoor central courtyard, two restaurants and the Maui Ocean Center Store.

8.Sightseeing on Front Street. A shoppers paradise! Quaint shops, restaurants and historical spots line Front Street in Old Lahaina. Our favorite discovery was the Bubba Gump's Shrimp Shop and Restaurant.

9.Sandcastle Contest Day. An activity the whole family can participate in is a Sandcastle Contest Day on Kaanapali Beach. Our kids have a ball building tunnels and mountains and the adults take the challenge very seriously!

10.Horseback Riding. You don't have to be a cowboy to enjoy some of the best horseback riding you'll ever experience. You're in Maui - which means you are riding in the some of the most beautiful countryside that you can imagine. Our ride took us through pineapple fields and a rainforest.

11.Parasailing. If you can handle being a human kite and enjoy the silence and peacefulness of gliding 500 feet above the ocean (except for the whisper of a light breeze), parasailing is a must-do Maui activity for you.

12.Scuba Diving. If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime and you want to experience a side of Maui many people miss, Maui Scuba Diving is the way to go. It is not uncommon, on a Maui scuba diving experience, to have water visibility around 100 feet, and it is sometimes better than 150 feet!

13.Golfing. Whether you're the casual golfer that hits the links three or four times a year or the avid golfer that never misses a weekend, you simply will not be disappointed with your morning (or afternoon) of Maui golf. There are over 180 courses in Maui to choose from -- besides the fact that you'll be playing in arguably one of the most scenic places in the world.

14.Helicopter Tours. Several companies offer a variety of Maui helicopter tours that can include viewing some or all of the following: the West Maui Mountains, the island of Molokai (just west of Maui), waterfalls and beaches of East Maui including the Seven Sacred Pools and Haleakala Crater. A bird's eye view of Maui is nothing less than spectacular.

15.ATV/Quad Tours. Not only can you hike parts of Haleakala Crater, you can also now take an ATV/quad tour of this scenic place.

16.Submarine Adventures. If you don't like to scuba dive, you don't have to miss the beauty of Maui's oceanscape and marine life when you are in a submarine with a view.

17.Jet Skiing. If you have enjoyed jet skiing anywhere else, just add Mauis unsurpassed beauty to the thrill of the ride and you start to get an idea of how fun it would be to jet ski in Maui.

18.Kayaking. This is an activity that is not only environmentally friendly but will also give you a good cardio workout.

19.Jeep Tour. Rent a jeep or other four wheel drive vehicle for an enjoyable excursion around the southern and western end of Maui. Most visitors to Maui don't take advantage of this scenic tour. You will see two of the most recent Haleakala lava flows that reached the ocean, dating back less than 500 years to 800 years old.

20.Cave Exploration. Explore some of the worlds largest lava tubes.

21.Surfing on Mauis North Shore. Surf enthusiasts from all over come here to ride some of the biggest waves in the world.

This is by no means a complete list of Maui activities, but it should give you a good idea why Maui has become our number one vacation destination.

This article was written by Scott Grover who considers himself a Maui enthusiast with three vacations to Maui over the past 9 years (1997, 2000, and 2004), and another family vacation planned there for December 2006. You can read about him and his familys Maui adventures at his website http://www.Barefoot-In-Maui.com

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The Laphroaig and Lagavulin Water Dispute on the Isle of Islay

The Laphroaig and Lagavulin Water Dispute on the Isle of Islay
By Ron Steenvoorden

The name Laphroaig is Gaelic and means The beautiful hollow by the broad bay. Laphroaig is one of the oldest distilleries on Islay and this story shows that, despite whisky distilling is often romanticized, it was also a dangerous occupation.

After the Rebellion of 1745, which was actually a civil war, the clearances started and in that period three Johnston Brothers came to Islay. Their purpose was farming and they occupied different parts of Islay. Two of their sons, Donald and Alexander, started their own farms at Laphroaig around 1810 and started distilling soon afterwards. When Alexander died in 1836 Donald became the sole owner of Laphroaig. At that time the Campbells, who owned Donalds land, leased a plot to James and Andrew Gairdner who built a rival distillery next to Laphroaig. They installed two experienced Clackmann distillers, James and Andrew Stein, to take charge. Donald Johnston, owner of Laphroaig at the time, was deeply disturbed finding out that the new, Ardenistiel distillery, proposed to use the same watersource. Water that made a vital contribution to Laphroaig's unique character. Specially when Donald was about to expand his business leaving him with a too small water supply.

Donald appealed to the judiciary the probems he had with the sharing of the water supply and the fact that the expansion of his business wasnt possible without a proper watersupply

The dispute lasted almost 6 years and ended abruptly when Andrew Stein fell ill with fever and died soon afterwards. His brother James, who couldnt cope distilling alone, stopped and moved to Port Ellen. In June the following year Donald himself died in a tragic accident at the Laphroaig distillery. It was a hard life in those times....

The Ardenistiel Distillery was also known as Kildalton (1849-52) and Islay (1852). This distillery was taken over by Laphroaig in 1853.

Laphroaig became a successful whisky distillery and the neighbouring Lagavulin distillery built identical stills to try and get the same taste as Laphroaig. The Lagavulin distillery however got its water from the other side of the hill which was the reason for the different character of Lagavulin whisky and not succeeding to copy Laphroaig. It is also said that the location of the maturation houses from Laphroaig, being so close to the sea, make a difference in the taste.

I am a regular visitor of Scotland and the Isle of Islay in particular. Islay has a rich and interesing history and I publish information about Scotland and Islay on my three websites:
http://www.scotlandview.co.uk
http://www.islayinfo.com
http://blog.islayinfo.com

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San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook Suggested 2 Day Trip

San Francisco Bay Charter's Handbook- Suggested 2 Day Trip
By Bob Diamond

Suggested 2 day trip

South Beach Harbor at Pier 40 in San Francisco is a great destination for a first overnight cruise. It's a reasonable distance from Redwood City. At about 20 miles, it's only 4 hours away even at the stately speed of 5 knots. The harbor is easy to find, easy to get in and out, and easy to maneuver in. There are facilities such as heads and showers and lots of restaurants and other shops ashore.

We suggest you plan your trip on a weekend when there is morning maximum ebb approximately between 9:00 and 10:30. This will give you a favorable current heading up to San Francisco in the morning and favorable current coming back in the afternoon the next day. If you leave Redwood City as late as the time of maximum current, you'll be arriving about the time the current goes slack. This would give you plenty of time to get to South Beach and may even give you enough time to sail past Pier 40 and the Bay Bridge to check out the North Bay, Alcatraz Island, etc. before settling in at South Beach Harbor.

Make your reservations with harbor office at (415) 495-4911. The overnight fee is $1.00 per foot. There is also a $50 key deposit, which can be done with an authorized credit card. The harbor master monitors VHF channel 16 if you need to call via marine radio.

Pac Bell Park is within walking distance and there are several restaurants in the area. Take advantage of the extra time the next day to explore the North Bay a little before heading back to Redwood City. Just allow about 4 hours of sailing time from the Bay Bridge for the trip south. It's likely you'll have the wind in your favor the whole way and if it's a normal spring or summer day there will be lots of it. What a way to finish a weekend sail!

For more information please visit our website at http://www.spinnakersailing.comFor this article in its entirety including links and photos go to: http://www.spinnakersailing.com/noframes/charters/sbcharterhandbook.htm

Bob Diamond has been head sailing instructor at Spinnaker Sailing since 1984.

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