Hunting in Alaska is best described by region. The type of Alaska hunting trip will vary throughout the entire state. Deer hunting is available in Southeast Alaska"s coastal rainforest, whereas musk ox hunting is practiced on the tundra of western Alaska. South Central Alaska is famous for Dall sheep hunting. The world-famous Kodiak is known for Alaska bear hunting.
Alaska Moose Hunting
If you are interested in Alaska moose hunting, you will want to head for the hills of the Interior. Because there are so many moose throughout Alaska, they have been crucial to the development of the state. Alaska moose hunting was once the primary method 0f supplying meat to the mining camps. Throughout the history of Alaska, moose were used as a source of food and clothing. Today, Alaskans harvest approximately 6,000 to 8,000 moose. This translates into 3.5 million pounds of meat. Since this is high quality meat, anyone on an Alaska moose-hunting trip is legally bound to salvage this meat for human consumption. If you end up with more moose meat than you will need, consider donating the excess to the Alaskan Hunters Fighting Hunger program.
You will need to need to sign a transfer of possession form and drop the game of at one of Food Bank of Alaska"s airline partners: Northern Air Cargo, ERA and Pentair. These partners will transport the game to Anchorage, where game processors will clean, grind and package the game for use by the nonprofit agencies involved in feeding feed hungry men, women and children throughout the entire state of Alaska.
Alaska Bear Hunting
The best Alaska bear hunting areas are found in the tidal areas in Prince William Sound southward through the panhandle of Alaska. Early May through early June is usually the best time for Alaska bear hunting. If you plan to use bear flesh for food, you must be certain that it is well-cooked. Alaska bears have been known to have trichinosis, which can be transmitted to humans who eating infected meat that is not cooked thoroughly. It also behooves you to realize that bears are extremely powerful animals that are capable of being dangerous to humans. Although they are cautious and secretive, they will defend their food supply against anyone who they perceive as an intruder. This is important to be aware of if you are hunting in Alaska.
Although hunting in Alaska can be an exciting experience, there are inherent dangers associated with the sport. These include, but are not limited to dangerous game, early winter weather, and distance from any viable source of help. Observe all safety precautions, and consider the services of an Alaska hunting guide.
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Alaska Heli Skiing
Helicopter skiing Alaska, and everywhere, challenges the norm and takes extreme sports enthusiasts out into the wild. The actor Steve McQueen once said that he’d rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city in the world. In their quest towards commercialism, many modern ski areas are beginning to resemble the urban locations that their visitors are escaping from. Indeed, some ski vacations merely present a replica of city life, albeit on the mountains.
Unfortunately, the crowding, long lines for lifts and gondolas and the lack of freedom as to where you can go can bring about the stress we strive to escape. For skiers who have finessed their skills, the predictability of perfectly groomed corduroy may grow to be far too mundane. Isn’t skiing about escaping a mundane existence? If you believe that skiing is about personal freedom, isn’t it time you experienced helicopter skiing? Alaska offers a vast variety of opportunities. In fact, it was Alaska that popularized the idea of the skiing helicopter in the United States. Lets’ take a look at the history of Alaska heli skiing.
History of Helicopter Skiing, Alaska
Helicopter skiing, Alaska began in Girdwood in the 1960s. At the time, most of the helicopter skiing was done either by people scouting for a new resort location, or by construction workers responsible for building lift towers. The first known helicopter skiing in Alaska that was open to the public took place at Hatcher’s Pass in the 1980s.
Alaska West Air was the first outfit to offer skiing helicopter service in Valdez. Chet Simmons, Doug Brewer and Tom Tibideau were pilots. They flew a Bell 206 skiing helicopter. The following year, they purchased a beaver as a ski plane shuttle.
Modern Alaska heli-skiing began in Valdez, Alaska in the 1990’s when Shannon Loveland, Mike Cozad and Chet Simmons, owners of the Tsania lodge, succeeded in bringing the World Extreme Skiing Competition to the area. Kim Reichelm was the winner of the first World Extreme Skiing Championship (WESC) in Valdez, Alaska in 1991. She had recently retired from the US Ski Team. This was her first time in a helicopter skiing. Alaska also gave Reichelm her first big mountain skiing experience. After her Alaska heli-skiing experience, Reichelm commented that her “mode changed” and the education involved in becoming a better backcountry skier began right there in Valdez. As a professional racer, Kim was an expert carver, but she knew very little about skiing chutes. She claims that her Alaska heli skiing experience helped her improve her ability to handle different types of terrain and conditions. Four years later, she returned to Alaska for the World Extreme Skiing Championships, and won the event again.
Modern Helicopter Skiing, Alaska
Nowadays, Alaska heli skiing is a snow sport enthusiast’s idea of nirvana. Can you imagine seven days without lift lines? Would you miss lugging your gear across an icy parking lot while a mob of tourists push past you? Wouldn’t you be thrilled by thousands of vertical feet of unblemished dry powder? Wouldn’t you like to fly? A skiing helicopter provides you with astonishing views that could never be seen from a chairlift. As Warren Miller says:
Remember, if you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do!
Unfortunately, the crowding, long lines for lifts and gondolas and the lack of freedom as to where you can go can bring about the stress we strive to escape. For skiers who have finessed their skills, the predictability of perfectly groomed corduroy may grow to be far too mundane. Isn’t skiing about escaping a mundane existence? If you believe that skiing is about personal freedom, isn’t it time you experienced helicopter skiing? Alaska offers a vast variety of opportunities. In fact, it was Alaska that popularized the idea of the skiing helicopter in the United States. Lets’ take a look at the history of Alaska heli skiing.
History of Helicopter Skiing, Alaska
Helicopter skiing, Alaska began in Girdwood in the 1960s. At the time, most of the helicopter skiing was done either by people scouting for a new resort location, or by construction workers responsible for building lift towers. The first known helicopter skiing in Alaska that was open to the public took place at Hatcher’s Pass in the 1980s.
Alaska West Air was the first outfit to offer skiing helicopter service in Valdez. Chet Simmons, Doug Brewer and Tom Tibideau were pilots. They flew a Bell 206 skiing helicopter. The following year, they purchased a beaver as a ski plane shuttle.
Modern Alaska heli-skiing began in Valdez, Alaska in the 1990’s when Shannon Loveland, Mike Cozad and Chet Simmons, owners of the Tsania lodge, succeeded in bringing the World Extreme Skiing Competition to the area. Kim Reichelm was the winner of the first World Extreme Skiing Championship (WESC) in Valdez, Alaska in 1991. She had recently retired from the US Ski Team. This was her first time in a helicopter skiing. Alaska also gave Reichelm her first big mountain skiing experience. After her Alaska heli-skiing experience, Reichelm commented that her “mode changed” and the education involved in becoming a better backcountry skier began right there in Valdez. As a professional racer, Kim was an expert carver, but she knew very little about skiing chutes. She claims that her Alaska heli skiing experience helped her improve her ability to handle different types of terrain and conditions. Four years later, she returned to Alaska for the World Extreme Skiing Championships, and won the event again.
Modern Helicopter Skiing, Alaska
Nowadays, Alaska heli skiing is a snow sport enthusiast’s idea of nirvana. Can you imagine seven days without lift lines? Would you miss lugging your gear across an icy parking lot while a mob of tourists push past you? Wouldn’t you be thrilled by thousands of vertical feet of unblemished dry powder? Wouldn’t you like to fly? A skiing helicopter provides you with astonishing views that could never be seen from a chairlift. As Warren Miller says:
Remember, if you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do!
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Vancouver Ski
A Vancouver ski vacation is a possibility even though the city rarely sees snow. But thanks to the abundance of mountain peaks close to the city, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other adventures once the weather turns colder. Some of the best ski resorts are located within a short distance of the city, and with easy-to-access transportation, it's a snap to add a skiing excursion to any Vancouver vacations.
Many ski resorts near Vancouver are busy places once the snow starts falling, which is most of the year at the higher elevations. The twin mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb are home to one of the world's top ski resorts, all within two hours of the city. The regularly scheduled Vancouver to Whistler ski bus makes it easy to travel the distance, and helicopter make the trip even shorter. Of course, if you have a rental car or your own car, a modern highway will lead the way.
The Vancouver to Whistler ski bus takes traveling in comfort to a new level. The luxury motorcoach stops at several places around town, with the first stop in Richmond at the Vancouver airport. Departures are available throughout the ski season, from November through April. On board, you can sit back and enjoy the free WiFi Internet access or watch a first-run movie on the way.
Whistler is a four-season destination, even though it's best known for winter sports. In fact, nearly half of the 2 million visitors each year come in the summer. The resort offers a mix of outdoor things to do, perfectly matched to the season. You'll also find an array of places to relax for the down time in your Vancouver ski vacation. Chic shops, exciting restaurants, and pubs are located close to spas and hotels, all in one walkable locale. The Vancouver to Whistler ski bus will take you right to the heart of the village. As one of the best ski resorts near Vancouver, Whistler is an exciting place to visit even if you don't want to hit the slopes.
If you do want to enjoy the Vancouver ski scene, it's hard to beat these peaks in the Coast Mountains. In total, the two mountains offer more than 8,000 miles of skiable terrain and a vertical drop at a mile. It's also the only place in British Columbia with glacier skiing, a thrill you won't soon forget. Whistler has the longest winter sports season around, one that begins in November and continues into July. The golf season overlaps the end of the season, beginning in April. The championship courses were designed by legends of the game Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and famed architects Robert Cupp and Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Grouse Mountain is another one of the most popular ski resorts near Vancouver. Fun in all four seasons, this hotspot for adventure is located in North Vancouver, just fifteen minutes from downtown. With amazing snow-making abilities and a bevy of trails, Grouse Mountain kicks into high gear once autumn arrives and it's chilly enough to make snow. No matter your ability, you'll be able to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the terrain parks all with excellent views.
Several clinics scheduled throughout the winter help even beginners take part in the tradition of Vancouver snowboarding. If you want to take a break from the adventure of skiing and other winter sports, a ride on the Sno-Limo is perfect for you. A chauffeur will take care of the driving as you're whisked on a tour of all Grouse Mountain has to offer.
Beyond Whistler and Grouse Mountain, you'll have many other choices for skiing in the Vancouver region. Cypress Mountain, located just 30 minutes outside of downtown, has opened the highest peak of the North Shore Mountains for fun. Besides downhill and Nordic skiing, Cypress Mountain is a favorite place for snowshoe tours and tubing. Mount Seymour is another Vancouver-area option, with a large freestyle terrain park and toboggan rides, in addition to the traditional winter favorites. This park is only open during the colder months of the year, while Cypress Mountain offers activities all year round.
Many ski resorts near Vancouver are busy places once the snow starts falling, which is most of the year at the higher elevations. The twin mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb are home to one of the world's top ski resorts, all within two hours of the city. The regularly scheduled Vancouver to Whistler ski bus makes it easy to travel the distance, and helicopter make the trip even shorter. Of course, if you have a rental car or your own car, a modern highway will lead the way.
The Vancouver to Whistler ski bus takes traveling in comfort to a new level. The luxury motorcoach stops at several places around town, with the first stop in Richmond at the Vancouver airport. Departures are available throughout the ski season, from November through April. On board, you can sit back and enjoy the free WiFi Internet access or watch a first-run movie on the way.
Whistler is a four-season destination, even though it's best known for winter sports. In fact, nearly half of the 2 million visitors each year come in the summer. The resort offers a mix of outdoor things to do, perfectly matched to the season. You'll also find an array of places to relax for the down time in your Vancouver ski vacation. Chic shops, exciting restaurants, and pubs are located close to spas and hotels, all in one walkable locale. The Vancouver to Whistler ski bus will take you right to the heart of the village. As one of the best ski resorts near Vancouver, Whistler is an exciting place to visit even if you don't want to hit the slopes.
If you do want to enjoy the Vancouver ski scene, it's hard to beat these peaks in the Coast Mountains. In total, the two mountains offer more than 8,000 miles of skiable terrain and a vertical drop at a mile. It's also the only place in British Columbia with glacier skiing, a thrill you won't soon forget. Whistler has the longest winter sports season around, one that begins in November and continues into July. The golf season overlaps the end of the season, beginning in April. The championship courses were designed by legends of the game Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and famed architects Robert Cupp and Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Grouse Mountain is another one of the most popular ski resorts near Vancouver. Fun in all four seasons, this hotspot for adventure is located in North Vancouver, just fifteen minutes from downtown. With amazing snow-making abilities and a bevy of trails, Grouse Mountain kicks into high gear once autumn arrives and it's chilly enough to make snow. No matter your ability, you'll be able to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the terrain parks all with excellent views.
Several clinics scheduled throughout the winter help even beginners take part in the tradition of Vancouver snowboarding. If you want to take a break from the adventure of skiing and other winter sports, a ride on the Sno-Limo is perfect for you. A chauffeur will take care of the driving as you're whisked on a tour of all Grouse Mountain has to offer.
Beyond Whistler and Grouse Mountain, you'll have many other choices for skiing in the Vancouver region. Cypress Mountain, located just 30 minutes outside of downtown, has opened the highest peak of the North Shore Mountains for fun. Besides downhill and Nordic skiing, Cypress Mountain is a favorite place for snowshoe tours and tubing. Mount Seymour is another Vancouver-area option, with a large freestyle terrain park and toboggan rides, in addition to the traditional winter favorites. This park is only open during the colder months of the year, while Cypress Mountain offers activities all year round.
Friday, 8 October 2010
Adventure Landing Water Park
While spending the day at the beach is always ideal when the weather is warm in Jacksonville, Florida, you might change things up a little and pay the Adventure Landing Water Park a visit instead. For those who want to do both in the same day, that is definitely possible as well since you can find the Adventure Landing Water Park in Jacksonville Beach. Jacksonville Beach is one of the top places to hang out when vacationing in northeastern Florida, especially if you want to be close to the sand.
Open from the start of March until the end of September, the Adventure Landing Jacksonville Water Park provides relief from the hot Florida sun during the warmest time of year. The water park's sister property, which is also known as Adventure Landing and can be found closer to downtown Jacksonville, is open year round and features things like miniature golf and small rollercoasters for the whole family to enjoy. When opting to hang out at the water park in Jacksonville Beach, it's all about zipping down water slides and splashing around in the wave pool. Young children can enjoy some wet and wild fun in the special Kiddie Cove area, and visitors of all ages can always treat themselves to a trip down the lazy river on an inner tube.
The water slides at the Adventure Landing Water Park aren't overly intimidating, but that doesn't mean that they aren't thrilling. Take the Hydro Halfpipe, for instance, which rises 35 feet into the sky. On this ride, you and your inner tube are in for a fast descent into the pool below. The Undertow is another water slide that is sure to prove exciting, especially since you can reach speeds of up to 23 miles per hour while going down it! Two people can ride down the Undertow at the same time, so you might challenge a friend to a race to the bottom. There are twists and turns along the way, and you'll cover some 400 feet before splashing into the pool at the bottom.
When you're not enjoying the exciting water slides at the Adventure Landing Water Park in Jacksonville Beach, hanging out in the Wave Pool is always a blast. You can opt to wade with or without an inner tube in this 500,000-gallon pool, which features three- and four-foot waves that are machine generated on a consistent basis. Families with kids are also bound to enjoy the Pirate's Play Village, and should you be visiting with toddlers, the Kiddie Cove is sure to keep them entertained. The Pirates's Play Village, which is an interactive play area, boasts a dozen small water slides, numerous squirt guns, waterfalls, and plenty of other things to check out if you are up for exploring. Over at the Kiddie Cove, which features two small water slides of its own, toddlers can splash around in an environment that is tailor made for them. Between Adventure Landing and the Jacksonville Zoo, keeping the youngest members of your group happy during a Jacksonville vacation won't be hard.
Whether you are visiting the Adventure Island Jacksonville water park with friends or family, renting a cabana for the day is worth considering. You'll most likely want to make reservations if you plan on securing one of the newer cabanas, which offer sun and shade areas and can accommodate up to eight people. Included in the fee for a cabana at the Adventure Landing Jacksonville water park are lockers and special food service. Unfortunately, admission to the park is not included in the fee, and unless there are special arrangements, the food will cost extra as well. Whether you rent a cabana or not, the rates at the Adventure Landing Water Park are more than reasonable, and if you live in the area, picking up a season pass is something worth considering. The park is open daily during its season, and while the hours vary quite a bit, it often stays open until midnight or 1 a.m. The prices go down in the late afternoon, so you might head over after spending the day at one of the nearby beaches, such as Neptune Beach or Atlantic Beach.
Open from the start of March until the end of September, the Adventure Landing Jacksonville Water Park provides relief from the hot Florida sun during the warmest time of year. The water park's sister property, which is also known as Adventure Landing and can be found closer to downtown Jacksonville, is open year round and features things like miniature golf and small rollercoasters for the whole family to enjoy. When opting to hang out at the water park in Jacksonville Beach, it's all about zipping down water slides and splashing around in the wave pool. Young children can enjoy some wet and wild fun in the special Kiddie Cove area, and visitors of all ages can always treat themselves to a trip down the lazy river on an inner tube.
The water slides at the Adventure Landing Water Park aren't overly intimidating, but that doesn't mean that they aren't thrilling. Take the Hydro Halfpipe, for instance, which rises 35 feet into the sky. On this ride, you and your inner tube are in for a fast descent into the pool below. The Undertow is another water slide that is sure to prove exciting, especially since you can reach speeds of up to 23 miles per hour while going down it! Two people can ride down the Undertow at the same time, so you might challenge a friend to a race to the bottom. There are twists and turns along the way, and you'll cover some 400 feet before splashing into the pool at the bottom.
When you're not enjoying the exciting water slides at the Adventure Landing Water Park in Jacksonville Beach, hanging out in the Wave Pool is always a blast. You can opt to wade with or without an inner tube in this 500,000-gallon pool, which features three- and four-foot waves that are machine generated on a consistent basis. Families with kids are also bound to enjoy the Pirate's Play Village, and should you be visiting with toddlers, the Kiddie Cove is sure to keep them entertained. The Pirates's Play Village, which is an interactive play area, boasts a dozen small water slides, numerous squirt guns, waterfalls, and plenty of other things to check out if you are up for exploring. Over at the Kiddie Cove, which features two small water slides of its own, toddlers can splash around in an environment that is tailor made for them. Between Adventure Landing and the Jacksonville Zoo, keeping the youngest members of your group happy during a Jacksonville vacation won't be hard.
Whether you are visiting the Adventure Island Jacksonville water park with friends or family, renting a cabana for the day is worth considering. You'll most likely want to make reservations if you plan on securing one of the newer cabanas, which offer sun and shade areas and can accommodate up to eight people. Included in the fee for a cabana at the Adventure Landing Jacksonville water park are lockers and special food service. Unfortunately, admission to the park is not included in the fee, and unless there are special arrangements, the food will cost extra as well. Whether you rent a cabana or not, the rates at the Adventure Landing Water Park are more than reasonable, and if you live in the area, picking up a season pass is something worth considering. The park is open daily during its season, and while the hours vary quite a bit, it often stays open until midnight or 1 a.m. The prices go down in the late afternoon, so you might head over after spending the day at one of the nearby beaches, such as Neptune Beach or Atlantic Beach.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Las Vegas Entertainment
Las Vegas entertainment, from the elaborately themed Casinos, the Vegas strip, the hot nightclubs and world famous shows of Las Vegas, can give provide you with whatever type of fun you're looking for.
Sightseeing is where a lot of visitors start, just walking up and down the Vegas strip and checking out the incredible architecture of some of the most costly resorts and hotels in the entire country. A Las Vegas Entertainment Guide will list each hotel's popular attractions. In Caesar's Palace, the fountain is a fun and free delight, which has a Fall of Atlantis show. Every hour on the hour, the life size animatronic figures come to life and explain the myth of Atlantis.
The fountains of the Bellagio are hard to miss, and are one of the most well known events in Las Vegas Entertainment. This free display of music, water and light takes place every half hour until 7pm, after which it repeats every 15 minutes, making it easy to add to your Las Vegas Entertainment schedule. This $40 million dollar fountain shoots jets of water 240 feet into the air, and is an impressive sight that is also free and attracts crowds of spectators.
The $15 gondola ride at the Venetian is a great way to tour the Grand Canal shops. Float by cafes under bridges and relax as you take in this beautiful setting a relaxed pace. For more exciting fun, the Stratosphere is a good place to go. Start by taking the $9 ride up to the top of this observation deck. The indoor deck is at 857 feet, the outdoor one at 869 feet. Follow it with a ride on the X Scream, a hair-raising one-minute ride. At the top of the observation deck, this ride takes you upwards the outdoor deck, where you suddenly take a 30 degree nosedive, then come to an abrupt halt as the ride ends with you suspended in the air, 900 feet above the ground. If you have a fear of falling this ride will most certainly test your limits.
At any time of night or day there is something going on to fit into your Las Vegas Entertainment schedule. The shark reef at Mandalay Bay is open from 10am to 11pm, and has piranhas, sharks, crocodiles, eels, stingrays and real coral reefs along with petting pools. Circus Circus is home to the World's Largest Permanent Circus, putting on shows every half hour daily from 11am to midnight, and is another free attraction that should not be missed. 200 different games line the midway, making for an authentic carnival atmosphere. High wire and trapeze artists as well as acrobats and jugglers provide circus entertainment, Las Vegas style. Arrive 15 minutes beforehand to get one of the 60 seats in the stands, which are always full by show time or you will have to stand and watch from the other side of the stage. For any activity you choose to go to be sure to check if you need tickets. Buying your Las Vegas tickets ahead of time can save you a lot of time and hassle.
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