by Chris Adema

The time of year is upon us when students from kindergarten through grad school all across the country turn off their over-stressed and sleep deprived minds. It's time for Spring Break. Hordes of families, couples, and groups of college kids seek out a week of rest and a warm beach. For others, mountains of fresh powder complimented by blue skies and sunshine have been the beckoning dream during long nights of cramming and longer days of work. They want spring break, Colorado style.

Of all the ski resorts in Colorado, Winter Park's "Spring Blast" has been ranked in the top three for spring break visitors. Located just 1 and 1/2 hours from Denver, Winter Park is easy and cheap to reach by car, bus or train. The mountain offers world class skiing and the resort and town are loaded with apres-ski spots for the tourists and college kids on break. Relax on the decks of Derailer, Club Car and Doc's with drink specials and live music, shop the end of season blowout sales in the base shops and town, get free tips from the Winter Park Ski and Snowboard school, and watch the area's best free ride competitors in rail jam competitions.

For your Winter Park, spring break accommodations check out www.vacationsinc.com. Vacations Inc specializes in vacation home rentals, condominiums, and luxury town homes throughout the Winter Park region. For large or small groups a private vacation rental home will be your best value. Condos and town homes await couples and families. Spring break lodging can be hard to find and late season packages are available. Don't wait. The powder's ready! Book today.

About the Author

Chris Adema is an account manager for Blizzard Internet Marketing, specializing in online marketing for hospitality clients across the country and Caribbean.

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Enjoy A National Park Vacation
Author: Alan LeStourgeon
If you are planning a National Park vacation you might want to consider one or a few of these top 10 National Parks listed below.

There are many National Parks to visit, but the parks listed below are the most scenic and most popular of all the National Parks and recreation areas.

I can personally attest to the beauty and grandeur of all 10 of these favorite National Parks. They are truly the best natural recreation areas the United States has to offer.

Spending your vacation in the great outdoors is a much better alternative than staying cooped up in a hotel room or visiting touristy theme parks.
A National Park vacation is an incredible way to treat yourself and your family to the beauty of God's creation.

These top 10 National Parks below offer a vast array of activities for the entire family. Some of those activities include hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, tubing, horseback riding, snow skiing, bird watching, fishing, and much more.

As you can see you will never run out of things to do on your National Park vacation.

Here are my top 10 recommended National Parks for your vacation:

Acadia National Park
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and ocean shoreline.

Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is located in Oregon and is famous for the intense blue color of its waters and for its spectacular views. There are steep 1,500' to 2,000' drop offs all around the lake...simply beautiful.

Grand Canyon National Park
The beauty of Grand Canyon is beyond compare. When you first lay eyes on its magnificence it will take your breath away. You are completely humbled by it's immense beauty and size and there is truly no place like it on earth.

Grand Teton National Park
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is home to stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest National Park areas in the Eastern United States. It is also the most visited National Park.

Mount Rainier National Park
Mt Rainier National Park was established in 1899 and covers 235,625 acres (97% is designated Wilderness). Includes Mount Rainier (14,410'), an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. The park contains outstanding examples of old growth forests and subalpine meadows.

Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. The park features one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood and the multi-hued badlands known as the Painted Desert.

Rocky Mountain National Park
Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains and my favorite National Park vacation site.

Yellowstone National Park
In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law declaring that Yellowstone would forever be "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." Maybe one of the most famous National Parks and the home of Old Faithful.

Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890. Yosemite was made famous by Ansel Adams spectacular black and white photography.

Spending your next vacation in one or many of these National Parks will be a treasure and the memories will certainly last a lifetime.

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Emeralds in the Snow
Author: Reviewer's Bookwatch

Emeralds in the Snow

Maggie Bishop

High Country Publishers, Ltd.

197 New Market Center #135, Boone, NC 28607

www.highcountrypublishers.com 828-964-0590

1932158561 $12.00 188 pages

Lucky Tucker, member of the Sugar Mountain Ski Patrol, rescues Emerald Graham from a fall while skiing, and the two are instantly attracted to one another. Emerald is the granddaughter of recently deceased Everett Graham, a well-respected, wealthy businessman, and has lived a privileged life. Raised in a family that never seemed to have enough money, especially after his grandfather disappeared, Lucky has had to struggle to make ends meet. He is unsettled that Emerald has a doctorate in math while he only attained a high school education, yet this does not seem to matter to Emerald. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the two cannot deny their feelings and enter into a relationship. They discover a treasure map belonging to Emerald's grandfather, which guides them to land Lucky inherited from his grandfather. Lucky and Emerald hope this will lead them on a path that will bring good fortune; however, the secret they uncover threatens to separate them forever.

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Discover Your Back Yard
Author: BJ Baker

This past year with the travel budget a little light from the family ski trip we ditched the summer trip to Florida (sorry sis) to instead get to know some old familiar in the neighborhood activities. Well they familiar with me anyway, having grown up visiting these recreational areas several times through out my childhood. We started with the premise of heading to the heart of the hill country and making my mothers house the starting point of our day trips to the great swimming holes of central Texas. With the help of a few web sites and the book Splash Across Texas by Chandra Moira Beal, we found our targets of choice. We decided on Hamilton Pool, Krause Springs, the Guadalupe River, the Comal and Barton Springs as our natural swimming holes of choice.

When the chosen time arrived one Friday night we packed up and headed out of Hot Houston Town for the home base in Austin just off Mopac (Loop 1) Express in Northwest Hills. We put up camp in the 3 spare bedrooms my mom has to offer any wayward member of the clan - after the necessary hugs and greetings and a little obligatory catching up conversations. Bright and early Saturday morning I got up and made my usual trek out to find the best Latte in the hill country. Which quite often is Starbucks, but this time I gave a little place across from the running mecca of Murchison Middle school a try. It was a very pleasant surprise to find a great latte without out all the hype. After a quick haircut at my favorite Haircut Store in Austin, the family set out for Hamilton pool.

When we arrived at Hamilton pool just after noon we found the parking lot had already filled up and they were only letting cars in as others cars left. Seeing that we were the four or fifth car in line we made a u-turn and headed for the little known private swimming hole of Krause Springs.

Due to some great last minute planning and some last minute issues at work we left all the info and maps we downloaded off the internet sitting on my desk at home. So, using my male tracking, I got us in the general vicinity and let my wife ask for directions at the corner gas station for the final fix on our target.

Really, It is Their Backyard

Krause Springs is the back yard playground of Elton and Jane Krause. The Krause�s have taken this beautiful location and opened it to the public slowly building improvements over the years as time and monies allowed.

There are 32 springs throughout the campground which is complete with RV hookups. Two springs feed the 70' by 20' swimming pool at a rate of 70 gallons a minute at a temperature of about 70 degrees. The springs never slow down, even during severe drought. Below the house and man-made spring fed pool is the creek swimming hole, lined with towering cypress trees and a waterfall coming over a cliff covered with ferns.

Krause Springs is west of Austin off of TX 71 and Spur 191 into Spicewood. Take Texas Highway 71 west from Austin, cross the Pedernales River, drive 7 miles, turn right on Spur 191 at the Exxon Station, right on County Road 404 and look for a sign on the left directing you to this private park.

Fallen Grottos - Hamilton Pool

Day two brought us back to Hamilton Pool. We arrived early this time and managed to beat the crowds. The pool and grounds however are never crowded thanks to the effects by the Travis county parks department at the gate. Since the state has taken it over in partnership with Travis County it has turned from a old fashion wild and crazy swimming hole where bikers, frat boys and other rowdies partied to a family conservation and swimming field trip. Hamilton pool is a collapsed grotto with a 45 foot waterfall cascading into the pool basin and empting less than a mile downstream into the Pedernales River. We hiked the Hamilton creek trail and skipped rocks across the Pedernales from the beach.

Day 3 took us to the Guadalupe River � Canoeing down the Guadalupe we rented two inflatable canoes from Jaks after checking several outfitters on our drive up the river road. We got a river map at one of the outfitters in Gruene (pronounced Green by the locals) We trying to find a descent trip for the canoes. Most river outfitters hare rent tubes form the lazy decent of Central Texas' finest river waters. Everyone was telling us that it would take all day to get where we wanted to go. We kept wondering what their point they were trying to make. The Guadalupe was trip was done in 3 hours, but my daughter quit paddling after 30 minutes, so we decided to call the river experience done for the day. My son managed to negotiate a small dam with a break in it without flipping, so he was bragging about it for days. The real trick was getting all three of us in the other canoe trough the same gap and keeping the drinks in the cooler.

Day Four we did the Schlitterbaun � Well it�s everything you�ve heard about. A big commercial water park nested along side the shortest river in the United States. The Schlitterbaun is different in several respects in that there are three parks in two different locations that you get to by hopping on the convenient Schlitterbaun shuttle. The West Park is different from most I�ve seen in that the water in pumped out of the Comal which is cool and refreshing and that the rides are all tube rides just like the original attraction in New Braunfels the tube shoot at Landa Park. The Master Blaster which has been rated the best water park ride in America for several years in a row was, well a roller coaster with water. We waited in the Master Blaster line for over 2 hours and all for a 90 second thrill. The kids loved the rides and we thoroughly enjoyed the family being together, so some adventure is a little kitsch.

Great American Shopping Adventure On day 5 my wife did the outlet mall shopping tour and my son and I took a different route. It turned out to be a real highlight for my son and I on this trip - the Texas Ski Ranch. The ski ranch has a cable lake that is perfect for beginners and experts alike. The layout gives the rider a perfect opportunity to learn and improve on new skills and tricks. My son and I got to learn how to wake board better without the trouble of getting up at 6 am for 30 minutes of perfect water. At the ski ranch the water was always perfect for wake boarding.

In all, don't take for granted what you have yet to discover in areas close to home. Just because you pass it every day on the way to work doesn't mean it is not worth exploring. Get out there and talk to the local outdoor sport shops and outfitters. What you find may just surprise you!

For more information about family adventure travel visit www.advenquest.com

Website: http://www.advenquest.com

BJ Baker is an avid outdoor enthusiast who currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas. As a child, BJ traveled the world with his family on excursions to The Far East, including Japan, China, Bangkok and other parts of South East Asia, as well as Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Old fashion load up the Buick trips throughout most of the USA and frequent trips west to the Rocky Mountains on snow skiing trips have left an indelible impression on BJ. Still roving the world and instilled with a love for travel and adventure, today BJ is the owner of several adventure and travel websites. http://www.placestosleep.com, http://www.vacationresorttravel.com, http://www.advenquest.com, and http://www.snow-skiing.com.

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Choose The Right Snow Skis - Part 2
Author: Ron King

Due to the great variety of skis available, the beginner can easily become confused as to what equipment to get. Instead of buying a set of ski equipment right away, renting is a good option to consider. Here are some tips to help the beginning skier aong either path.

Renting Ski Equipment

Beginning skiers are usually better off renting their ski equipment, for the first season at least. It can be an expensive mistake to buy boots, poles and a full set of skis, when you don't yet have the experience to choose the proper equipment.

Ski resorts usually have very knowledgeable staffs in their rental shops. They can be very helpful in choosing appropriate equipment for each skier. They will take into account height, weight, skiing ability and skiing style, as well as the current snow conditions. The rental shop staff has no interest in pushing one brand over another, because once you pay the rental fee you have your choice of any equipment in the shop. Of course, the staff does have an interest in making the skiing experience as enjoyable as possible. If you enjoy yourself, you are more likely to come back and rent from them again.

Renting is a great way to enable you to try out various types of skis and boots to see which you prefer. If you start with short skis, try a slightly longer pair each time to see what the difference is. Experimenting with skis from various manufacturers and skis made of different materials will help when it comes time to buy your own equipment. By then you will know exactly what works for you.

Buying Ski Equipment

After a couple of seasons of skiing, you will probably want your own equipment.

Information you'll need to tell the sales person:
- how the skis will be used -- on or off trail, groomed snow or powder, speed or stability
- your skiing ability
- your height and weight
- preferred length of skis
- for woman or man.

The staff in the ski shop, usually seasoned skiers, will help you make a good choice in your purchase. Be sure to give them as many details as possible about your skiing ability and style. This will enable them to guide you toward a suitable pair of skis for your needs.

Due to modern ski technology, skis can be designed so that one pair can suit a variety of conditions and styles. Of course, there are still specialized skis for specific purposes. The beginner to intermediate skier should probably get a pair of skis that can be used almost anywhere to try out different types of skiing as you progress.

Visit Ski snow to learn more. Ron King is a researcher, writer, and web developer visit Author Articles. Copyright 2006 Ron King.

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Are extreme sports extreme?
Author: Lawrence Pounds

Extreme sports are categorized as such and not as regular sports because they are thrilling. Now, maybe someone can become extremely excited when they see their favorite football team intercept a pass and run for a touch down. This even more so than watching hot dogging for instance but the idea is that there are more possibilities for injury with extreme sports. There are spectator extreme sports and individual activity sports such as bungee jumping. Yes, extreme sports are extreme not just because of the thrill they give but because they are generally more dangerous than regular sports.

This category of sport is relatively new to the scene. It was sometime in the eighties that someone came up with this name for sports that were out the realm of the more established sports. After this was done more and more sports were added to this classification. They caught on in popularity and even began to be televised on mainstream television. They even came up with the idea of an Olympics for extreme sports. Now this is watched by some but it hasn't been elevated to the same level of prestige as the established "Olympic Games" that are televised world wide and are watched by roughly one fifth of all people living on the planet. Whether this category of sports will ever become nearly that popular remains to be seen but extreme sports have caught on among young people and young people are our future.

Some examples of extreme sports include hot dogging (snow skiing off a ramp and performing flips), skateboarding on a U shaped course, bungee jumping, base jumping etc. Most people that like sports follow their favorite team. This team is usually is from their area. An extreme sport doesn't consist of teams. If there were more extreme sports that involved teams and leagues the popularity would soar.

Of course with extreme sports equipment is needed so this is a whole new market. Prices for this equipment are high. With regular sports such as basketball, baseball, football etc. a whole team must be equipped. Not so with extreme sports which is an individual sport for the most part. This is why the equipment can be expensive. So, if you are thinking of participating in an extreme sport make sure you purchase the proper equipment and don't forget the padding and possibly upgrading your insurance policy.

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It's Ski Town, U.S.A.: Colorado's Steamboat Springs is the ultimate snowy getaway
Author: Sunset

Bordered by endless ranchland and the snow-smothered Medicine Bow Mountains, Steamboat Springs peeks out of Colorado's broad Yampa Valley as a compact island of civilization more than 100 miles west of Denver.

Above the town, a cap of steam rises from its signature hot springs. Get closer, and you'll see SUVs topped with loaded ski racks, and pickup trucks and Stetson hats used for work, not show; you'll also sense an almost maniacal civic devotion to winter recreation.

You're entering "Ski Town, U.S.A." And with its historic Howelsen Hill Ski Area, world-class Steamboat Ski Area, miles of nordic ski trails, and profusion of great restaurants and cultural attractions, Steamboat Springs is one of the best places in the West for travelers who refuse to hibernate in winter.

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Best downhill racers: the right sled makes all the difference when you're playing in the snow
Author: Better Homes & Gardens

If it's been a few years since you were last in the market for a new sled, you'll be amazed at the choices now. Old-style wood-and-metal sleds still have their place on the hill. But new materials, especially sturdy, slick plastics and puncture-resistant nylons, have expanded the world of sled styles well beyond the toboggan you and your cousins used to pile onto, or the Flexible Flyer your Aunt Cathy gave you one Christmas.

Design influences from snowboarding, skiing, and aquatic sports have radically altered styles and shapes. Choosing the right sled depends on several factors. For instance, sleds with rails, which flounder in powdery snow, are a smart choice if you live where snow falls wet and compacts into an icy track. Inflatable and foam sleds work better on lighter snow. The sleds here appeal to a range of ages and appetites for thrill-seeking.

FROM $25 TO $100

SNOWBOOGIE BLADE RUNNER: Borrowing a page from the popular wave-riding boogie boards, the Blade Runner is a foam sled sheathed in slick polyethylene. Riders go downhill headfirst and steer by leaning. Higher-end models like the Blade Runner include special rails on the underside for snowboard-style turning. $25 from Wham-O, www.wham-o.com.

SKI-DOO: Inflatable sleds are a good choice for sledders who don't want to regret every bump in the hill the next morning. While they tend to work well on most sledding surfaces, these lightweight sleds are especially versatile in powder snow because they "float" on the surface better. The Ski-Doo is jacketed with a hard vinyl skin or protective outer sleeve that won't pop when you hit a root. $44.99 from Wham-O, www.wham-o.com.

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Author: B.J.Baker
Safety at High Attitude
The Rockies Mountains rest from 5,000 to 14,000 feet above sea level which equates to less oxygen. The fact that oxygen is one third less than at sea level can make low-landers feel sluggish and may bring about headaches, insomnia, nausea, fatigue and a shortness of breath. The medical term for these symptoms is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Generally speaking, the faster one ascends to the higher altitudes, the greater their chances of getting AMS. The symptoms can occur six hours to two days after ascent and can take up to a week to subside. Supplemental oxygen and descent to lower altitudes are the primary treatments for AMS. People with severe headaches. poor balance and extreme shortness of breath should seek medical attention immediately. Because our bodies need time to acclimate to the thin air, it is suggested that you avoid or moderately intake alcohol and caffeine for a few days, drink plenty of water, load up on carbohydrates, eat lightly and do not overexert yourself as it increases your oxygen demands. That may be hard considering you only have a 3-7 day vacation planned. In my experience I have only suffered attitude sickness when I have flown into an airport over 5000 feet and proceeded to play at attitudes over 9,000 feet with 24 hours. That may change as age catches up with me, but generally do some shopping in the mountain towns the first day you arrive and save two day for the real adventure.

About the Author

B.J. Baker is an avid outdoor enthusiast who currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas. As a child, BJ accompanied his family on family excursions to Japan, China, South East Asia, Europe and to the Rockies snow skiing. Still traveling the world and instilled with a love for travel and adventure, today BJ is the owner of several travel websites. www.placestosleep.com, www.vacationresorttravel.com, www.advenquest.com, and www.snow-skiing.com.

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Comal White Water or More Blue Green
Author: BJ Baker
White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is more of of toobers paradise than a rafter or kayaker's dreamland, but for a fun and relaxing family adventure I highly recommend the trip. For the second time in the last two years my family and I spent a few days partaking of fun, water and sun in and around New Braunfels, Texas on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Day one was spent on the Comal floating gently down the lazy 72 degree water from Prince Solms Park to the Rockin R take out. I have always rented tubes from Rockin R for as long as I can remember Rockin R claims to have been established in 1979, so maybe that first time I went to Camp Warneke it wasn't called Rockin R, but it sure seems it was on the same corner. Though Camp Warneke is no longer, the signs along the river still point to a simpler time when multi-million dollar water parks didn't dominate the landscape of New Braunfels.

Rockin R does a great job of shuttling around the huge qualities of toobers in old airport rental car shuttles who enjoy the relaxing beer soaked float down the Comal. Tubes can be rented with or without bottoms and don't forget your cooler float. Ours came complete with a nice little Texas flag painted on the front of our cooler.

Our first day on the Comal was later voted as the family favorite. The relaxing float which started just above Prince Solms park in Landa Park featured four trips through the tube hoot for my son and I. It wasn't until the third trip through that I noticed that the park was closed and there were No Trespassing signs everywhere. Opps! On the forth trip the rest of the family finally braved the light rain having waited out all the thunder, lighting and most of the heavy rain under the large oaks on the shores of the Comal in Landa Park. To tell the truth I was more than a little apprehensive this labor day weekend as scattered thundershowers followed us the entire vacation. They say lighting never strikes twice, but I wasn't in the mood to tempt fate as I was shocked by a lighting surge the previous week working at my computer with my hand resting on the mouse. My pinky may never be the same again.

Our first trip with the entire family down the Comal was as a classic. Exciting start and a smooth, relaxing finish. The urban Comal River is 2.5 mile in length and is one of the largest springs in Texas with 8 million gallons of water flowing through every hour. The water is pure, clear and cold, and a constant 72 degrees. The calm cool waters of the Comal in Landa Park are created by a small dam to the right of which is the mild adrenaline rush of the dam's S shaped spillway called the Prince Solms Park Tube Chute.

After the mild adventure of the tube chute at the start we had a incredible day on the water given the fact that we only had two beers in the cooler. A tactical mistake given the cases of beer that toobers consume during the course of any given day on the Comal River in Texas. On a side note the beer at the Rockin R was, lets say priced like a piece of plywood in Florida this hurricane season on the black market.

At the end of our trip, Rockin R's exclusive exit was where our crew and toobs were graciously hoisted from the water by the Rockin R staff. At the top of the stairs our Rockin R cruise director asked of our future intentions to float the river. The Rockin R will haul you from the finish line to the start from sunup to sundown. The family decided to have another go at the river after lunch. With tubes loaded in the trailer our old rental car shuttles vinyl cover seats served as our latest venue of relaxation. Several dads with water guns provided the entertainment spraying innocent bikini clad women from the bus windows as we made our way back to the Rockin R store on Liberty Street. The gang decided on Pat's Place for some old fashion burgers and iced tea from mason jars as the lunch de jour. After a satisfying meal and great service our only compliant being they had no outdoor full service deck, we headed over to the corner store to pick up some reasonably priced refreshments. Having fully stocked the expedition, we took the shuttle back to our starting point in Landa park. This time we all took the refreshing plunge into the cool waters of the Comal quickly and rafted up for the descent down the tube chute.

Our final trip through the tube chute stared the same as the last, but my ten year-old daughter who was tied off with her grandmother broke away and got caught up in the whirlpool action just behind the dam. She couldn't get back across the main outflow of the spillway, and couldn't grab the high bank wall to get back to the steps just behind the dam. She made several attempts just below the park rangers un-watchful eyes before I yelled and motioned to her to stay put in her tube. I waded back upstream on the opposite bank and dove into the main current of the tube chute which sent me rocketing across the river to the opposing shore. As I neared the high concrete embankment, I jumped and grabbed hold of the wall only to be swiftly washed off by an influx tubers and the surge of water preceding them. Trying to keep my head above water I got a very nice shin rash from the sharp concrete wall foundations as I grabbed for the stair rails and my second attempt to get out of the swift currents. Finally with a new found respect for the tame waters of the Comal I headed up stream on the opposite bank to assist my daughter. Having heeded my advise she was resting near the wall in a clam area where the top of the wall was just out of her reach. Laying down she handed me her tube and I pulled her out of the water for the brief trip on the walkway back downstream. As I ambled, fairly exhausted, past the park rangers I gave them the quizzical eye as if to say, �where the hell where you.�

The remainder of the float downstream I was amazed at the stupidly of jumping into the gushing confluence of the dam's spillway as I consumed a refreshing Mexican import. Kids being kids, my son and I tried our hand at standing on our tubes in the calmer and deeper sections of the Comal as our thoughts turned toward our next adventure at the Texas Ski Ranch.

What to Expect:

When you go to tube chute, on the Comal expect the ride to be swift, you should wear water shoes or rafting sandals to protect your feet from the concrete and uneven river bottom - the rocks and steps are covered in algae and are slippery. You can go through the tube chute as many times as you want and with a tube outfitter shuttle float the Comal several times in a day. The tube chute is not recommended for weak swimmers or children under 6. The remainder of the 2.5 mile river is pure family enjoyment. The crowd can be load and rowdy at times including some beer bong drinking college students in the shallows on long the way. So be sure to avert the eyes if some beer drinking young lady should flash the cheering crowds. You will be floating through the lush backyards and urban parks in the town of New Braunfels, so if you need to exit the river for any reason make sure you are not trespassing as the landowners are not tolerant due the the aforementioned beer drinking crowds. The Trip is a definite must do if in central Texas in August. On the up side, this is not the Schlitterbahn, this is what inspired the Schlitterbahn. My 14 year old son after a day at America's favorite water park (we got waited in line for the MasterBlaster for 1:43 minutes starting at 10:26 am and we were off the ride at 12:11) and a day on the Guadalupe pronounced the Comal his favorite.

For more information about family adventure travel visit www.advenquest.com

Website: http://www.advenquest.com

About The Author

BJ Baker is an avid outdoor enthusiast who currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas. As a child, BJ traveled the world with his family on excursions to The Far East, including Japan, China, Bangkok and other parts of South East Asia, as well as Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Old fashion load up the Buick trips throughout most of the USA and frequent trips west to the Rocky Mountains on snow skiing trips have left an indelible impression on BJ. Still roving the world and instilled with a love for travel and adventure, today BJ is the owner of several adventure and travel websites. www.placestosleep.com, www.vacationresorttravel.com, www.advenquest.com, and www.snow-skiing.com.

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Banff & Lake Louise, Canadian Rocky Mountain Jewel
Author: Clint Leung2
One of the most beloved travel destinations in Canada is the Banff and Lake Louise area located in the province of Alberta. The town of Banff is 90 minutes (75 miles) west of Calgary and is within the Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. One can see the Rocky Mountains from Calgary since the Banff area is at the eastern edge of the Canadian Rocky Mountain range. It is also one of the most visited areas in Canada all year round since the rugged beauty of the mountains and the protected wilderness draws tourists from around the world. During the winter, the three local resorts of Sunshine Village, Norquay Mystic Ridge and Lake Louise offer some of the best snow skiing around.

There are numerous shops, restaurants and small to mid-sized hotels in the town of Banff which is why the majority of travelers use it as the base during their stays. The town itself is small enough to walk around in since large scale development is limited since Banff is located within a national park. As a result, the town of Canmore just outside the national park boundary has become a recent spot of development. This offers tourists with rental cars another choice for accommodations. There is a complete range of accommodations from budget motels to the ritzy and majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel overlooking the nearby valley. Many hotels have views of the mountain ranges and I can personally claim that there is something very magical about waking up and seeing a snow capped peak first thing in the morning, particularly during the non-winter season.

Like the choice of accommodations, the range of dining opportunities covers the entire spectrum as well. Travelers can dine at the most fancy eating establishments or buy their own groceries at the local grocer. One thing for beef lovers is not to miss the Alberta prime rib here which is a local specialty. It practically melts in your mouth. Some restaurants serve very generous 24 ounce (or higher) portions called mountain cuts for those who think they can eat it all.

There are numerous activities during the non-winter seasons including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, golf and a hot springs spa heated naturally by the mountain. The wonderful mountain scenery just makes these activities seem that much more special here. Imagine golfing with views of mountains in the background and glimpses of elk. Of course, the winters have the skiing and snowboarding but there are other winter activities such as dog sledding and snowmobile tours. For skiers and boarders, there is a very good bus shuttle system set up which picks skiers up at various locations around town and transports them to any of the three ski resorts mentioned earlier. Some shuttle stops are right outside of the many hotels so for many, it can be door to slope and return service. Most skiers opt to ski all three resorts during their stays.

Lake Louise is about 45 minutes (35 miles) further into the mountain range and home to one of the largest ski areas in North America. World class events are held here as well as a previous winter Olympics and the resort Lake Louise is serviced by the ski shuttle system from Banff. Even for non-skiers, a day trip to Lake Louise is a must. The largest hotel there, the Chateau Lake Louise, is right beside the beautiful Lake Louise itself. There is a glacier named Victoria Glacier which is nestled between snow capped mountains. During the winters, the lake is completely frozen and people can walk right across it. The hotel usually sets up a skating area on the lake. During the summers, one can still see some of the white snow capped peaks along with the glacier but what makes things really special is the lake itself too which is an emerald green color. On certain days and hours, the lake gives a stunning reflection of the mountain/glacier scene. This combination offers one of the most beautiful and photographed scenes in Canada. No motorized boats are allowed in the lake but there are canoe rentals available. Taking a canoe across the lake while seeing the glacier and mountain range is one of the most special, peaceful activities one can do.

The wildlife in the Banff and Lake Louise area is another attraction. There are wildlife spotting tours available but every time I have traveled to the area, I've seen deer and elk along the roads and highways. I've even seen them wander right into the front of the Banff Springs hotel. The road that leads up to the Norquay Mystic Ridge ski resort just outside of Banff is a golden spot for wildlife. On every drive up that particular road whether during the winter or summer, I have always seen curly horned mountain goats. Many are so used to cars that they would just move aside for vehicles to get by but would still stay on the roads. This makes great photo opportunities.

One thing to be careful of especially when hiking is the possibilities of bears. During the non-winter seasons, pay attention to the local rangers who give reports of bear sightings as it is not recommended to go on trails where bears have been recently.

Many world tourists think of Canada as a land of wonderful natural scenery and although the country is much more than that, the Banff and Lake Louise area is probably one of the best examples of Canadian natural beauty. It is a place that draws visitors, foreign and Canadians alike, back to the area like it does for me every few years.

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by Chris Adema

The time of year is upon us when students from kindergarten through grad school all across the country turn off their over-stressed and sleep deprived minds. It's time for Spring Break. Hordes of families, couples, and groups of college kids seek out a week of rest and a warm beach. For others, mountains of fresh powder complimented by blue skies and sunshine have been the beckoning dream during long nights of cramming and longer days of work. They want spring break, Colorado style.

Of all the ski resorts in Colorado, Winter Park's "Spring Blast" has been ranked in the top three for spring break visitors. Located just 1 and 1/2 hours from Denver, Winter Park is easy and cheap to reach by car, bus or train. The mountain offers world class skiing and the resort and town are loaded with apres-ski spots for the tourists and college kids on break. Relax on the decks of Derailer, Club Car and Doc's with drink specials and live music, shop the end of season blowout sales in the base shops and town, get free tips from the Winter Park Ski and Snowboard school, and watch the area's best free ride competitors in rail jam competitions.

For your Winter Park, spring break accommodations check out www.vacationsinc.com. Vacations Inc specializes in vacation home rentals, condominiums, and luxury town homes throughout the Winter Park region. For large or small groups a private vacation rental home will be your best value. Condos and town homes await couples and families. Spring break lodging can be hard to find and late season packages are available. Don't wait. The powder's ready! Book today.

About the Author

Chris Adema is an account manager for Blizzard Internet Marketing, specializing in online marketing for hospitality clients across the country and Caribbean.

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Enjoy A National Park Vacation
Author: Alan LeStourgeon
If you are planning a National Park vacation you might want to consider one or a few of these top 10 National Parks listed below.

There are many National Parks to visit, but the parks listed below are the most scenic and most popular of all the National Parks and recreation areas.

I can personally attest to the beauty and grandeur of all 10 of these favorite National Parks. They are truly the best natural recreation areas the United States has to offer.

Spending your vacation in the great outdoors is a much better alternative than staying cooped up in a hotel room or visiting touristy theme parks.
A National Park vacation is an incredible way to treat yourself and your family to the beauty of God's creation.

These top 10 National Parks below offer a vast array of activities for the entire family. Some of those activities include hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, tubing, horseback riding, snow skiing, bird watching, fishing, and much more.

As you can see you will never run out of things to do on your National Park vacation.

Here are my top 10 recommended National Parks for your vacation:

Acadia National Park
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and ocean shoreline.

Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is located in Oregon and is famous for the intense blue color of its waters and for its spectacular views. There are steep 1,500' to 2,000' drop offs all around the lake...simply beautiful.

Grand Canyon National Park
The beauty of Grand Canyon is beyond compare. When you first lay eyes on its magnificence it will take your breath away. You are completely humbled by it's immense beauty and size and there is truly no place like it on earth.

Grand Teton National Park
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is home to stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest National Park areas in the Eastern United States. It is also the most visited National Park.

Mount Rainier National Park
Mt Rainier National Park was established in 1899 and covers 235,625 acres (97% is designated Wilderness). Includes Mount Rainier (14,410'), an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. The park contains outstanding examples of old growth forests and subalpine meadows.

Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. The park features one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood and the multi-hued badlands known as the Painted Desert.

Rocky Mountain National Park
Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains and my favorite National Park vacation site.

Yellowstone National Park
In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law declaring that Yellowstone would forever be "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." Maybe one of the most famous National Parks and the home of Old Faithful.

Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890. Yosemite was made famous by Ansel Adams spectacular black and white photography.

Spending your next vacation in one or many of these National Parks will be a treasure and the memories will certainly last a lifetime.

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Emeralds in the Snow
Author: Reviewer's Bookwatch

Emeralds in the Snow

Maggie Bishop

High Country Publishers, Ltd.

197 New Market Center #135, Boone, NC 28607

www.highcountrypublishers.com 828-964-0590

1932158561 $12.00 188 pages

Lucky Tucker, member of the Sugar Mountain Ski Patrol, rescues Emerald Graham from a fall while skiing, and the two are instantly attracted to one another. Emerald is the granddaughter of recently deceased Everett Graham, a well-respected, wealthy businessman, and has lived a privileged life. Raised in a family that never seemed to have enough money, especially after his grandfather disappeared, Lucky has had to struggle to make ends meet. He is unsettled that Emerald has a doctorate in math while he only attained a high school education, yet this does not seem to matter to Emerald. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the two cannot deny their feelings and enter into a relationship. They discover a treasure map belonging to Emerald's grandfather, which guides them to land Lucky inherited from his grandfather. Lucky and Emerald hope this will lead them on a path that will bring good fortune; however, the secret they uncover threatens to separate them forever.

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Discover Your Back Yard
Author: BJ Baker

This past year with the travel budget a little light from the family ski trip we ditched the summer trip to Florida (sorry sis) to instead get to know some old familiar in the neighborhood activities. Well they familiar with me anyway, having grown up visiting these recreational areas several times through out my childhood. We started with the premise of heading to the heart of the hill country and making my mothers house the starting point of our day trips to the great swimming holes of central Texas. With the help of a few web sites and the book Splash Across Texas by Chandra Moira Beal, we found our targets of choice. We decided on Hamilton Pool, Krause Springs, the Guadalupe River, the Comal and Barton Springs as our natural swimming holes of choice.

When the chosen time arrived one Friday night we packed up and headed out of Hot Houston Town for the home base in Austin just off Mopac (Loop 1) Express in Northwest Hills. We put up camp in the 3 spare bedrooms my mom has to offer any wayward member of the clan - after the necessary hugs and greetings and a little obligatory catching up conversations. Bright and early Saturday morning I got up and made my usual trek out to find the best Latte in the hill country. Which quite often is Starbucks, but this time I gave a little place across from the running mecca of Murchison Middle school a try. It was a very pleasant surprise to find a great latte without out all the hype. After a quick haircut at my favorite Haircut Store in Austin, the family set out for Hamilton pool.

When we arrived at Hamilton pool just after noon we found the parking lot had already filled up and they were only letting cars in as others cars left. Seeing that we were the four or fifth car in line we made a u-turn and headed for the little known private swimming hole of Krause Springs.

Due to some great last minute planning and some last minute issues at work we left all the info and maps we downloaded off the internet sitting on my desk at home. So, using my male tracking, I got us in the general vicinity and let my wife ask for directions at the corner gas station for the final fix on our target.

Really, It is Their Backyard

Krause Springs is the back yard playground of Elton and Jane Krause. The Krause�s have taken this beautiful location and opened it to the public slowly building improvements over the years as time and monies allowed.

There are 32 springs throughout the campground which is complete with RV hookups. Two springs feed the 70' by 20' swimming pool at a rate of 70 gallons a minute at a temperature of about 70 degrees. The springs never slow down, even during severe drought. Below the house and man-made spring fed pool is the creek swimming hole, lined with towering cypress trees and a waterfall coming over a cliff covered with ferns.

Krause Springs is west of Austin off of TX 71 and Spur 191 into Spicewood. Take Texas Highway 71 west from Austin, cross the Pedernales River, drive 7 miles, turn right on Spur 191 at the Exxon Station, right on County Road 404 and look for a sign on the left directing you to this private park.

Fallen Grottos - Hamilton Pool

Day two brought us back to Hamilton Pool. We arrived early this time and managed to beat the crowds. The pool and grounds however are never crowded thanks to the effects by the Travis county parks department at the gate. Since the state has taken it over in partnership with Travis County it has turned from a old fashion wild and crazy swimming hole where bikers, frat boys and other rowdies partied to a family conservation and swimming field trip. Hamilton pool is a collapsed grotto with a 45 foot waterfall cascading into the pool basin and empting less than a mile downstream into the Pedernales River. We hiked the Hamilton creek trail and skipped rocks across the Pedernales from the beach.

Day 3 took us to the Guadalupe River � Canoeing down the Guadalupe we rented two inflatable canoes from Jaks after checking several outfitters on our drive up the river road. We got a river map at one of the outfitters in Gruene (pronounced Green by the locals) We trying to find a descent trip for the canoes. Most river outfitters hare rent tubes form the lazy decent of Central Texas' finest river waters. Everyone was telling us that it would take all day to get where we wanted to go. We kept wondering what their point they were trying to make. The Guadalupe was trip was done in 3 hours, but my daughter quit paddling after 30 minutes, so we decided to call the river experience done for the day. My son managed to negotiate a small dam with a break in it without flipping, so he was bragging about it for days. The real trick was getting all three of us in the other canoe trough the same gap and keeping the drinks in the cooler.

Day Four we did the Schlitterbaun � Well it�s everything you�ve heard about. A big commercial water park nested along side the shortest river in the United States. The Schlitterbaun is different in several respects in that there are three parks in two different locations that you get to by hopping on the convenient Schlitterbaun shuttle. The West Park is different from most I�ve seen in that the water in pumped out of the Comal which is cool and refreshing and that the rides are all tube rides just like the original attraction in New Braunfels the tube shoot at Landa Park. The Master Blaster which has been rated the best water park ride in America for several years in a row was, well a roller coaster with water. We waited in the Master Blaster line for over 2 hours and all for a 90 second thrill. The kids loved the rides and we thoroughly enjoyed the family being together, so some adventure is a little kitsch.

Great American Shopping Adventure On day 5 my wife did the outlet mall shopping tour and my son and I took a different route. It turned out to be a real highlight for my son and I on this trip - the Texas Ski Ranch. The ski ranch has a cable lake that is perfect for beginners and experts alike. The layout gives the rider a perfect opportunity to learn and improve on new skills and tricks. My son and I got to learn how to wake board better without the trouble of getting up at 6 am for 30 minutes of perfect water. At the ski ranch the water was always perfect for wake boarding.

In all, don't take for granted what you have yet to discover in areas close to home. Just because you pass it every day on the way to work doesn't mean it is not worth exploring. Get out there and talk to the local outdoor sport shops and outfitters. What you find may just surprise you!

For more information about family adventure travel visit www.advenquest.com

Website: http://www.advenquest.com

BJ Baker is an avid outdoor enthusiast who currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas. As a child, BJ traveled the world with his family on excursions to The Far East, including Japan, China, Bangkok and other parts of South East Asia, as well as Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Old fashion load up the Buick trips throughout most of the USA and frequent trips west to the Rocky Mountains on snow skiing trips have left an indelible impression on BJ. Still roving the world and instilled with a love for travel and adventure, today BJ is the owner of several adventure and travel websites. http://www.placestosleep.com, http://www.vacationresorttravel.com, http://www.advenquest.com, and http://www.snow-skiing.com.

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Choose The Right Snow Skis - Part 2
Author: Ron King

Due to the great variety of skis available, the beginner can easily become confused as to what equipment to get. Instead of buying a set of ski equipment right away, renting is a good option to consider. Here are some tips to help the beginning skier aong either path.

Renting Ski Equipment

Beginning skiers are usually better off renting their ski equipment, for the first season at least. It can be an expensive mistake to buy boots, poles and a full set of skis, when you don't yet have the experience to choose the proper equipment.

Ski resorts usually have very knowledgeable staffs in their rental shops. They can be very helpful in choosing appropriate equipment for each skier. They will take into account height, weight, skiing ability and skiing style, as well as the current snow conditions. The rental shop staff has no interest in pushing one brand over another, because once you pay the rental fee you have your choice of any equipment in the shop. Of course, the staff does have an interest in making the skiing experience as enjoyable as possible. If you enjoy yourself, you are more likely to come back and rent from them again.

Renting is a great way to enable you to try out various types of skis and boots to see which you prefer. If you start with short skis, try a slightly longer pair each time to see what the difference is. Experimenting with skis from various manufacturers and skis made of different materials will help when it comes time to buy your own equipment. By then you will know exactly what works for you.

Buying Ski Equipment

After a couple of seasons of skiing, you will probably want your own equipment.

Information you'll need to tell the sales person:
- how the skis will be used -- on or off trail, groomed snow or powder, speed or stability
- your skiing ability
- your height and weight
- preferred length of skis
- for woman or man.

The staff in the ski shop, usually seasoned skiers, will help you make a good choice in your purchase. Be sure to give them as many details as possible about your skiing ability and style. This will enable them to guide you toward a suitable pair of skis for your needs.

Due to modern ski technology, skis can be designed so that one pair can suit a variety of conditions and styles. Of course, there are still specialized skis for specific purposes. The beginner to intermediate skier should probably get a pair of skis that can be used almost anywhere to try out different types of skiing as you progress.

Visit Ski snow to learn more. Ron King is a researcher, writer, and web developer visit Author Articles. Copyright 2006 Ron King.

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Are extreme sports extreme?
Author: Lawrence Pounds

Extreme sports are categorized as such and not as regular sports because they are thrilling. Now, maybe someone can become extremely excited when they see their favorite football team intercept a pass and run for a touch down. This even more so than watching hot dogging for instance but the idea is that there are more possibilities for injury with extreme sports. There are spectator extreme sports and individual activity sports such as bungee jumping. Yes, extreme sports are extreme not just because of the thrill they give but because they are generally more dangerous than regular sports.

This category of sport is relatively new to the scene. It was sometime in the eighties that someone came up with this name for sports that were out the realm of the more established sports. After this was done more and more sports were added to this classification. They caught on in popularity and even began to be televised on mainstream television. They even came up with the idea of an Olympics for extreme sports. Now this is watched by some but it hasn't been elevated to the same level of prestige as the established "Olympic Games" that are televised world wide and are watched by roughly one fifth of all people living on the planet. Whether this category of sports will ever become nearly that popular remains to be seen but extreme sports have caught on among young people and young people are our future.

Some examples of extreme sports include hot dogging (snow skiing off a ramp and performing flips), skateboarding on a U shaped course, bungee jumping, base jumping etc. Most people that like sports follow their favorite team. This team is usually is from their area. An extreme sport doesn't consist of teams. If there were more extreme sports that involved teams and leagues the popularity would soar.

Of course with extreme sports equipment is needed so this is a whole new market. Prices for this equipment are high. With regular sports such as basketball, baseball, football etc. a whole team must be equipped. Not so with extreme sports which is an individual sport for the most part. This is why the equipment can be expensive. So, if you are thinking of participating in an extreme sport make sure you purchase the proper equipment and don't forget the padding and possibly upgrading your insurance policy.

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It's Ski Town, U.S.A.: Colorado's Steamboat Springs is the ultimate snowy getaway
Author: Sunset

Bordered by endless ranchland and the snow-smothered Medicine Bow Mountains, Steamboat Springs peeks out of Colorado's broad Yampa Valley as a compact island of civilization more than 100 miles west of Denver.

Above the town, a cap of steam rises from its signature hot springs. Get closer, and you'll see SUVs topped with loaded ski racks, and pickup trucks and Stetson hats used for work, not show; you'll also sense an almost maniacal civic devotion to winter recreation.

You're entering "Ski Town, U.S.A." And with its historic Howelsen Hill Ski Area, world-class Steamboat Ski Area, miles of nordic ski trails, and profusion of great restaurants and cultural attractions, Steamboat Springs is one of the best places in the West for travelers who refuse to hibernate in winter.

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Best downhill racers: the right sled makes all the difference when you're playing in the snow
Author: Better Homes & Gardens

If it's been a few years since you were last in the market for a new sled, you'll be amazed at the choices now. Old-style wood-and-metal sleds still have their place on the hill. But new materials, especially sturdy, slick plastics and puncture-resistant nylons, have expanded the world of sled styles well beyond the toboggan you and your cousins used to pile onto, or the Flexible Flyer your Aunt Cathy gave you one Christmas.

Design influences from snowboarding, skiing, and aquatic sports have radically altered styles and shapes. Choosing the right sled depends on several factors. For instance, sleds with rails, which flounder in powdery snow, are a smart choice if you live where snow falls wet and compacts into an icy track. Inflatable and foam sleds work better on lighter snow. The sleds here appeal to a range of ages and appetites for thrill-seeking.

FROM $25 TO $100

SNOWBOOGIE BLADE RUNNER: Borrowing a page from the popular wave-riding boogie boards, the Blade Runner is a foam sled sheathed in slick polyethylene. Riders go downhill headfirst and steer by leaning. Higher-end models like the Blade Runner include special rails on the underside for snowboard-style turning. $25 from Wham-O, www.wham-o.com.

SKI-DOO: Inflatable sleds are a good choice for sledders who don't want to regret every bump in the hill the next morning. While they tend to work well on most sledding surfaces, these lightweight sleds are especially versatile in powder snow because they "float" on the surface better. The Ski-Doo is jacketed with a hard vinyl skin or protective outer sleeve that won't pop when you hit a root. $44.99 from Wham-O, www.wham-o.com.

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Author: B.J.Baker
Safety at High Attitude
The Rockies Mountains rest from 5,000 to 14,000 feet above sea level which equates to less oxygen. The fact that oxygen is one third less than at sea level can make low-landers feel sluggish and may bring about headaches, insomnia, nausea, fatigue and a shortness of breath. The medical term for these symptoms is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Generally speaking, the faster one ascends to the higher altitudes, the greater their chances of getting AMS. The symptoms can occur six hours to two days after ascent and can take up to a week to subside. Supplemental oxygen and descent to lower altitudes are the primary treatments for AMS. People with severe headaches. poor balance and extreme shortness of breath should seek medical attention immediately. Because our bodies need time to acclimate to the thin air, it is suggested that you avoid or moderately intake alcohol and caffeine for a few days, drink plenty of water, load up on carbohydrates, eat lightly and do not overexert yourself as it increases your oxygen demands. That may be hard considering you only have a 3-7 day vacation planned. In my experience I have only suffered attitude sickness when I have flown into an airport over 5000 feet and proceeded to play at attitudes over 9,000 feet with 24 hours. That may change as age catches up with me, but generally do some shopping in the mountain towns the first day you arrive and save two day for the real adventure.

About the Author

B.J. Baker is an avid outdoor enthusiast who currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas. As a child, BJ accompanied his family on family excursions to Japan, China, South East Asia, Europe and to the Rockies snow skiing. Still traveling the world and instilled with a love for travel and adventure, today BJ is the owner of several travel websites. www.placestosleep.com, www.vacationresorttravel.com, www.advenquest.com, and www.snow-skiing.com.

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Comal White Water or More Blue Green
Author: BJ Baker
White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is more of of toobers paradise than a rafter or kayaker's dreamland, but for a fun and relaxing family adventure I highly recommend the trip. For the second time in the last two years my family and I spent a few days partaking of fun, water and sun in and around New Braunfels, Texas on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Day one was spent on the Comal floating gently down the lazy 72 degree water from Prince Solms Park to the Rockin R take out. I have always rented tubes from Rockin R for as long as I can remember Rockin R claims to have been established in 1979, so maybe that first time I went to Camp Warneke it wasn't called Rockin R, but it sure seems it was on the same corner. Though Camp Warneke is no longer, the signs along the river still point to a simpler time when multi-million dollar water parks didn't dominate the landscape of New Braunfels.

Rockin R does a great job of shuttling around the huge qualities of toobers in old airport rental car shuttles who enjoy the relaxing beer soaked float down the Comal. Tubes can be rented with or without bottoms and don't forget your cooler float. Ours came complete with a nice little Texas flag painted on the front of our cooler.

Our first day on the Comal was later voted as the family favorite. The relaxing float which started just above Prince Solms park in Landa Park featured four trips through the tube hoot for my son and I. It wasn't until the third trip through that I noticed that the park was closed and there were No Trespassing signs everywhere. Opps! On the forth trip the rest of the family finally braved the light rain having waited out all the thunder, lighting and most of the heavy rain under the large oaks on the shores of the Comal in Landa Park. To tell the truth I was more than a little apprehensive this labor day weekend as scattered thundershowers followed us the entire vacation. They say lighting never strikes twice, but I wasn't in the mood to tempt fate as I was shocked by a lighting surge the previous week working at my computer with my hand resting on the mouse. My pinky may never be the same again.

Our first trip with the entire family down the Comal was as a classic. Exciting start and a smooth, relaxing finish. The urban Comal River is 2.5 mile in length and is one of the largest springs in Texas with 8 million gallons of water flowing through every hour. The water is pure, clear and cold, and a constant 72 degrees. The calm cool waters of the Comal in Landa Park are created by a small dam to the right of which is the mild adrenaline rush of the dam's S shaped spillway called the Prince Solms Park Tube Chute.

After the mild adventure of the tube chute at the start we had a incredible day on the water given the fact that we only had two beers in the cooler. A tactical mistake given the cases of beer that toobers consume during the course of any given day on the Comal River in Texas. On a side note the beer at the Rockin R was, lets say priced like a piece of plywood in Florida this hurricane season on the black market.

At the end of our trip, Rockin R's exclusive exit was where our crew and toobs were graciously hoisted from the water by the Rockin R staff. At the top of the stairs our Rockin R cruise director asked of our future intentions to float the river. The Rockin R will haul you from the finish line to the start from sunup to sundown. The family decided to have another go at the river after lunch. With tubes loaded in the trailer our old rental car shuttles vinyl cover seats served as our latest venue of relaxation. Several dads with water guns provided the entertainment spraying innocent bikini clad women from the bus windows as we made our way back to the Rockin R store on Liberty Street. The gang decided on Pat's Place for some old fashion burgers and iced tea from mason jars as the lunch de jour. After a satisfying meal and great service our only compliant being they had no outdoor full service deck, we headed over to the corner store to pick up some reasonably priced refreshments. Having fully stocked the expedition, we took the shuttle back to our starting point in Landa park. This time we all took the refreshing plunge into the cool waters of the Comal quickly and rafted up for the descent down the tube chute.

Our final trip through the tube chute stared the same as the last, but my ten year-old daughter who was tied off with her grandmother broke away and got caught up in the whirlpool action just behind the dam. She couldn't get back across the main outflow of the spillway, and couldn't grab the high bank wall to get back to the steps just behind the dam. She made several attempts just below the park rangers un-watchful eyes before I yelled and motioned to her to stay put in her tube. I waded back upstream on the opposite bank and dove into the main current of the tube chute which sent me rocketing across the river to the opposing shore. As I neared the high concrete embankment, I jumped and grabbed hold of the wall only to be swiftly washed off by an influx tubers and the surge of water preceding them. Trying to keep my head above water I got a very nice shin rash from the sharp concrete wall foundations as I grabbed for the stair rails and my second attempt to get out of the swift currents. Finally with a new found respect for the tame waters of the Comal I headed up stream on the opposite bank to assist my daughter. Having heeded my advise she was resting near the wall in a clam area where the top of the wall was just out of her reach. Laying down she handed me her tube and I pulled her out of the water for the brief trip on the walkway back downstream. As I ambled, fairly exhausted, past the park rangers I gave them the quizzical eye as if to say, �where the hell where you.�

The remainder of the float downstream I was amazed at the stupidly of jumping into the gushing confluence of the dam's spillway as I consumed a refreshing Mexican import. Kids being kids, my son and I tried our hand at standing on our tubes in the calmer and deeper sections of the Comal as our thoughts turned toward our next adventure at the Texas Ski Ranch.

What to Expect:

When you go to tube chute, on the Comal expect the ride to be swift, you should wear water shoes or rafting sandals to protect your feet from the concrete and uneven river bottom - the rocks and steps are covered in algae and are slippery. You can go through the tube chute as many times as you want and with a tube outfitter shuttle float the Comal several times in a day. The tube chute is not recommended for weak swimmers or children under 6. The remainder of the 2.5 mile river is pure family enjoyment. The crowd can be load and rowdy at times including some beer bong drinking college students in the shallows on long the way. So be sure to avert the eyes if some beer drinking young lady should flash the cheering crowds. You will be floating through the lush backyards and urban parks in the town of New Braunfels, so if you need to exit the river for any reason make sure you are not trespassing as the landowners are not tolerant due the the aforementioned beer drinking crowds. The Trip is a definite must do if in central Texas in August. On the up side, this is not the Schlitterbahn, this is what inspired the Schlitterbahn. My 14 year old son after a day at America's favorite water park (we got waited in line for the MasterBlaster for 1:43 minutes starting at 10:26 am and we were off the ride at 12:11) and a day on the Guadalupe pronounced the Comal his favorite.

For more information about family adventure travel visit www.advenquest.com

Website: http://www.advenquest.com

About The Author

BJ Baker is an avid outdoor enthusiast who currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas. As a child, BJ traveled the world with his family on excursions to The Far East, including Japan, China, Bangkok and other parts of South East Asia, as well as Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Old fashion load up the Buick trips throughout most of the USA and frequent trips west to the Rocky Mountains on snow skiing trips have left an indelible impression on BJ. Still roving the world and instilled with a love for travel and adventure, today BJ is the owner of several adventure and travel websites. www.placestosleep.com, www.vacationresorttravel.com, www.advenquest.com, and www.snow-skiing.com.

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Banff & Lake Louise, Canadian Rocky Mountain Jewel
Author: Clint Leung2
One of the most beloved travel destinations in Canada is the Banff and Lake Louise area located in the province of Alberta. The town of Banff is 90 minutes (75 miles) west of Calgary and is within the Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. One can see the Rocky Mountains from Calgary since the Banff area is at the eastern edge of the Canadian Rocky Mountain range. It is also one of the most visited areas in Canada all year round since the rugged beauty of the mountains and the protected wilderness draws tourists from around the world. During the winter, the three local resorts of Sunshine Village, Norquay Mystic Ridge and Lake Louise offer some of the best snow skiing around.

There are numerous shops, restaurants and small to mid-sized hotels in the town of Banff which is why the majority of travelers use it as the base during their stays. The town itself is small enough to walk around in since large scale development is limited since Banff is located within a national park. As a result, the town of Canmore just outside the national park boundary has become a recent spot of development. This offers tourists with rental cars another choice for accommodations. There is a complete range of accommodations from budget motels to the ritzy and majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel overlooking the nearby valley. Many hotels have views of the mountain ranges and I can personally claim that there is something very magical about waking up and seeing a snow capped peak first thing in the morning, particularly during the non-winter season.

Like the choice of accommodations, the range of dining opportunities covers the entire spectrum as well. Travelers can dine at the most fancy eating establishments or buy their own groceries at the local grocer. One thing for beef lovers is not to miss the Alberta prime rib here which is a local specialty. It practically melts in your mouth. Some restaurants serve very generous 24 ounce (or higher) portions called mountain cuts for those who think they can eat it all.

There are numerous activities during the non-winter seasons including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, golf and a hot springs spa heated naturally by the mountain. The wonderful mountain scenery just makes these activities seem that much more special here. Imagine golfing with views of mountains in the background and glimpses of elk. Of course, the winters have the skiing and snowboarding but there are other winter activities such as dog sledding and snowmobile tours. For skiers and boarders, there is a very good bus shuttle system set up which picks skiers up at various locations around town and transports them to any of the three ski resorts mentioned earlier. Some shuttle stops are right outside of the many hotels so for many, it can be door to slope and return service. Most skiers opt to ski all three resorts during their stays.

Lake Louise is about 45 minutes (35 miles) further into the mountain range and home to one of the largest ski areas in North America. World class events are held here as well as a previous winter Olympics and the resort Lake Louise is serviced by the ski shuttle system from Banff. Even for non-skiers, a day trip to Lake Louise is a must. The largest hotel there, the Chateau Lake Louise, is right beside the beautiful Lake Louise itself. There is a glacier named Victoria Glacier which is nestled between snow capped mountains. During the winters, the lake is completely frozen and people can walk right across it. The hotel usually sets up a skating area on the lake. During the summers, one can still see some of the white snow capped peaks along with the glacier but what makes things really special is the lake itself too which is an emerald green color. On certain days and hours, the lake gives a stunning reflection of the mountain/glacier scene. This combination offers one of the most beautiful and photographed scenes in Canada. No motorized boats are allowed in the lake but there are canoe rentals available. Taking a canoe across the lake while seeing the glacier and mountain range is one of the most special, peaceful activities one can do.

The wildlife in the Banff and Lake Louise area is another attraction. There are wildlife spotting tours available but every time I have traveled to the area, I've seen deer and elk along the roads and highways. I've even seen them wander right into the front of the Banff Springs hotel. The road that leads up to the Norquay Mystic Ridge ski resort just outside of Banff is a golden spot for wildlife. On every drive up that particular road whether during the winter or summer, I have always seen curly horned mountain goats. Many are so used to cars that they would just move aside for vehicles to get by but would still stay on the roads. This makes great photo opportunities.

One thing to be careful of especially when hiking is the possibilities of bears. During the non-winter seasons, pay attention to the local rangers who give reports of bear sightings as it is not recommended to go on trails where bears have been recently.

Many world tourists think of Canada as a land of wonderful natural scenery and although the country is much more than that, the Banff and Lake Louise area is probably one of the best examples of Canadian natural beauty. It is a place that draws visitors, foreign and Canadians alike, back to the area like it does for me every few years.

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by Chris Adema

The time of year is upon us when students from kindergarten through grad school all across the country turn off their over-stressed and sleep deprived minds. It's time for Spring Break. Hordes of families, couples, and groups of college kids seek out a week of rest and a warm beach. For others, mountains of fresh powder complimented by blue skies and sunshine have been the beckoning dream during long nights of cramming and longer days of work. They want spring break, Colorado style.

Of all the ski resorts in Colorado, Winter Park's "Spring Blast" has been ranked in the top three for spring break visitors. Located just 1 and 1/2 hours from Denver, Winter Park is easy and cheap to reach by car, bus or train. The mountain offers world class skiing and the resort and town are loaded with apres-ski spots for the tourists and college kids on break. Relax on the decks of Derailer, Club Car and Doc's with drink specials and live music, shop the end of season blowout sales in the base shops and town, get free tips from the Winter Park Ski and Snowboard school, and watch the area's best free ride competitors in rail jam competitions.

For your Winter Park, spring break accommodations check out www.vacationsinc.com. Vacations Inc specializes in vacation home rentals, condominiums, and luxury town homes throughout the Winter Park region. For large or small groups a private vacation rental home will be your best value. Condos and town homes await couples and families. Spring break lodging can be hard to find and late season packages are available. Don't wait. The powder's ready! Book today.

About the Author

Chris Adema is an account manager for Blizzard Internet Marketing, specializing in online marketing for hospitality clients across the country and Caribbean.

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Enjoy A National Park Vacation
Author: Alan LeStourgeon
If you are planning a National Park vacation you might want to consider one or a few of these top 10 National Parks listed below.

There are many National Parks to visit, but the parks listed below are the most scenic and most popular of all the National Parks and recreation areas.

I can personally attest to the beauty and grandeur of all 10 of these favorite National Parks. They are truly the best natural recreation areas the United States has to offer.

Spending your vacation in the great outdoors is a much better alternative than staying cooped up in a hotel room or visiting touristy theme parks.
A National Park vacation is an incredible way to treat yourself and your family to the beauty of God's creation.

These top 10 National Parks below offer a vast array of activities for the entire family. Some of those activities include hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, tubing, horseback riding, snow skiing, bird watching, fishing, and much more.

As you can see you will never run out of things to do on your National Park vacation.

Here are my top 10 recommended National Parks for your vacation:

Acadia National Park
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and ocean shoreline.

Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is located in Oregon and is famous for the intense blue color of its waters and for its spectacular views. There are steep 1,500' to 2,000' drop offs all around the lake...simply beautiful.

Grand Canyon National Park
The beauty of Grand Canyon is beyond compare. When you first lay eyes on its magnificence it will take your breath away. You are completely humbled by it's immense beauty and size and there is truly no place like it on earth.

Grand Teton National Park
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is home to stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest National Park areas in the Eastern United States. It is also the most visited National Park.

Mount Rainier National Park
Mt Rainier National Park was established in 1899 and covers 235,625 acres (97% is designated Wilderness). Includes Mount Rainier (14,410'), an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. The park contains outstanding examples of old growth forests and subalpine meadows.

Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. The park features one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood and the multi-hued badlands known as the Painted Desert.

Rocky Mountain National Park
Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains and my favorite National Park vacation site.

Yellowstone National Park
In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law declaring that Yellowstone would forever be "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." Maybe one of the most famous National Parks and the home of Old Faithful.

Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890. Yosemite was made famous by Ansel Adams spectacular black and white photography.

Spending your next vacation in one or many of these National Parks will be a treasure and the memories will certainly last a lifetime.

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