Island Discovery through Bora Bora Cruises

For a romantic and leisurely vacation, discover the island of Bora Bora onboard luxurious and ultimately private Bora Bora cruises. The two popular yachts for Bora Bora cruises are the elegant and custom-built Tu Moana and Tia Moana, each 230 feet with 30 large cabins. These gorgeous Bora Bora cruises will bring you to Bora Bora’s tranquil lagoons and neighboring islands to include Taha’a, Raiatea, and Huahine. On these islands you can enjoy numerous activities from a leisurely island tour to thrilling submarine, helicopter, Jet Ski, scuba diving or shark feeding experience.

The Tu Moana and Tia Moana feature spacious and sophisticated cabins with designer amenities that include a flat screen television, DVD, extra-wide windows, original works of art, individually-controlled air conditioning, elegant beds and linens, and locally made special bathing products. These super yachts have several Jacuzzis, sundecks, a spa nd other facilities that will make your travel experience truly restful, relaxing and rejuvenating.

Bora Bora cruises are usually available in travel packages, which often include airport transfers to and from your yacht and hotel accommodation in addition to the cruise itself. Guests of the Tu Moana and Tia Moana super yachts are welcomed at the airport with fresh fruits and champagne. Their package price includes gourmet meals served any time and a selection of hot drinks and wines.

Some of the special events that guests will be treated to include extravagant dinners, outdoor film showings, kayak and canoe expeditions, snorkeling, breakfast at a lagoon, plantation tours, sunset viewing, and island dances, among many activities.

Bora Bora cruises are also known for excellent guest services provided by well-trained crew experienced in hotel and luxury yacht service. They are attentive to the needs of the guests, efficient and friendly.

The Bora Bora cruises onboard Tu Moana and Tia Moana last 6 nights and 7 nights. You can easily book a cruise online through the website of the cruise company or through a representative agent based in California, France, Spain, Australia, Italy, and Japan.

Before booking a trip, make sure you have read all the necessary information provided on the company’s website such as package inclusions, policy about children, payment, refund and cancellation policies, taxes, pickup times, and other important notices. In addition, make sure you have secured all necessary documents for your trip. For example, on the Tu Moana and Tia Moana cruises, you should have with you a voucher provided by your travel agent. Lastly, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance from a reputable company relevant toy your trip.

Milos Pesic is a professional tourist guide who runs a highly popular and comprehensive Bora Bora web site. For more articles and resources on Bora Bora vacations packages, Bora Bora hotels and cruises, Bora Bora pictures and much more visit his site at: =>http://borabora.need-to-know.net/

Don't be an Ice Cube

Water is great to play in. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, rafting. There are lots of ways to get wet and have fun. But there are dangers too.

Of course everyone is aware of the threat of drowning. So we learn to swim and take other proper precautions such as wearing flotation devices. But water presents another more subtle danger that many people, especially novices to outdoor recreation, are not aware of.

Hypothermia! Water actually has the ability to drain the warmth from your body and turn you into an ice cube. Well, not literally (unless you are swimming in the Arctic Ocean) but the effect will be the same. You will die.

It’s all a matter of simple physics. You can handle cold air because your body has the ability to manufacture enough warmth to compensate for heat it loses.

But water transfers heat over 200 times more efficiently than air. Immerse yourself in water and your body simply can’t keep up. Even when the water is relatively warm, say 65 degrees, your body can’t generate enough warmth to compensate for the heat being sucked out into the water.

You can be in danger even if you are not actually in the water. Maybe you are in a boat or even on shore, but you are constantly being splashed by the water spray. Combine that with a good wind blowing and you have the potential for hypothermia.

You may be comfortably dry in your canoe or kayak, enjoying a bright warm sunny day. But an unexpected event could send you into the lake or river.

The time it takes for hypothermia take hold varies depending on the water temperature and other factors. But be aware that even in 65 degree water, a person could succumb to it within a few hours.

One of the early symptoms of hypothermia is reduced ability to speak and think. Observe the members of your party and watch for signs of impaired speech. Other tings to look for are increased irritability, blue lips, uncontrolled shivering and clumsiness.

These early stages are the time to do something before hypothermia really sets in. Getting warm and dry will get you back to normal so you can continue with your activities.

If nothing is done, then hypothermia will set in and professional treatment will be needed.

The threat of hypothermia is something that you need to be aware of anytime you are near the water. The colder the water is, the quicker it will hit you. But even warmer water can kill you if it is given enough time. So be careful around water.

The good news is that even acute hypothermia need not be fatal provided you get out of the water and obtain treatment. If your planned outdoor activities involve water then it is your responsibility to learn how to avoid and how to treat hypothermia. Otherwise you could end up an ice cube.

Peter Shannon is a writer and author of the popular http://www.1001VacationIdeas.com – a Web site born out of his passion. Perhaps you have a passion or hobby that you would like to write about. Discover how to turn it into a profitable Web site like Peter has. Visit http://www.1001VacationIdeas.com to learn more.

Thunder Rock, Tennessee: A Place Where Natural Treasures Abound

The Cherokee National Forest in southern Tennessee is home to a number of fantastic campgrounds for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. Thunder Rock, one such campground which runs adjacent to the Ocoee River, is among the most popular destinations for hikers and campers alike. And it's not hard to see why; with a vast array of recreational opportunities and an abundance of natural beauty to offer, what's to keep you away?

At an elevation of 1,040 feet, Thunder Rock offers phenomenal hiking and mountain biking trails with some truly breathtaking views. The campground's two main hiking trails - Thunder Rock Trail and Benton Mackaye Trail - provide access to miles of natural splendour for visitors of all ages. There are seven walk-in sites to the campground, all of which are situated in close proximity to one another, and camping sites include tent pads, tables and cooking grills. The campground is open all year, making it a popular holiday destination for all; a number of people even choose to travel with RVs, enabling them to move easily between surrounding campsites such as Chilhowee, Lost Creek and Quinn Springs.

The nearby Ocoee River provides independent and guided kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting opportunities. Visitors may also be interested to know that that Ocoee Whitewater Center, located only one mile from Thunder Rock campground, is the site of the 1996 Olympic kayak and canoe competition. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting rentals are readily available from local outfitters, making it simple for anyone to partake in these terrific outdoor activities.

The campground is equipped with hot showers and toilet facilities for those who plan to stay for a few nights. But rest assured that you do not have to camp out to enjoy the recreational splendours of Thunder Rock. If you're a nature enthusiast but prefer to stay in a hotel rather than to camp out, you'll find a number of fantastic options when it comes to choosing hotel accommodation in nearby cities and towns. Chattanooga, for example, is 58 miles from Thunder Rock and provides all the comforts of a big city, so it's just as convenient to stay in a hotel and simply drive to Thunder Rock for nature excursions during the day.

So whether you're after a day-long nature hike or a week-long camping trip, head to Thunder Rock, Tennessee, where nature is displayed in all its magnificence. Rest assured, you'll come away from the experience feeling relaxed, renewed and rejuvenated.

Useful Links: http://theblueridgehighlander.com/mountain_biking/tennessee/index.html http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ocoee

Butt Inertia - Getting off the Couch and Chasing Your Dreams

"A butt at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. A butt in motion will stay in motion if it just gets off the couch." -John Pugh

I'm a slothful individual. I can heat a house with burnt time. I slid just under the tax deduction wire by being born on December 31st. Odds are I'll to be late to my own funeral. You get the picture.

That said, I think the only way to achieve anything is to just get off your butt and start. Just getting a goal and starting toward it is the big thing. Details work themselves out over time so don't sweat the small stuff to begin with. Any progress is good progress. Just do something.

Tell people what your plans are. Parents, family, friends, strangers off the street, it doesn't matter. Some will be supportive. Some will say you're a fool. Listen to the former but don't ignore the latter. It helps to have people to face up to when you're scared out of your wits and want to quit. Peer pressure isn't always bad.

Taking the chance of falling on your face occasionally is good for the soul. When I'm old and grey(er), I don't want the regret of not trying something just because I was lazy or doing busy work . Life's too short for that. My father passed away when I was four and I doubt if given the option he would have asked for more time in the office. This trip down the Mississippi was one of the hardest things I've done but also the most fulfilling.

I was a wreck for months before we started. Sleepless nights thinking about details, worries about failure, and nagging doubts about doing the right thing were all part of the process. Once the canoe hit the water everything fell into place. Of all the miles, the first one was the sweetest. Just getting out of the rat race and trying something else was its own reward.

I made a deal with myself at the end of my thru-hike to do something cool at least every five years. That could be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, biking across the country, or building a house from scratch. Anything to get off my butt and do something besides watch the years go by. If nothing else, I'll have some good stories to lie to my unconcieved grandkids about.

The first and hardest thing is to get off the couch and start. Once that butt inertia gets going, it's all downhill from there

John Pugh has over 5,000 miles of backpacking and paddling experience, including a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail and paddling trip down the Mississippi River. His book, Source to Sea, is being released in early 2007. Book excepts can be found at http://www.sourcetosea.net He is available for speaking engagements, and can be reached at source2sea@gmail.com

Why Choose Inflatable Kayaks?

Why Choose Inflatable Kayaks?

I don't consider myself an expert paddler, by far. I have enjoyed kayaking and canoeing for over 30 years. My experiences have taken me down the Snake River, Idaho, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and a few ventures that add up to about 20-30 paddling adventures. I have seasoned over the years and I look for ease, reliability, comfot, and convenience in my adventures.

The ease of spending a few minutes of unloading and inflating, I know I will spend more time doing what I like, enjoying the outdoors! Being experienced, I know the reliability and control you need when hitting those rough areas and being light makes it easy to cruise the flats.

These are not toys! Comparing the patented designs and construction, they are similar to molded or rigid kayaks. I do take my pump and repair kit with me, but I only had to pump it up a little. Like a balloon, the temperature will, hot/cold, affect the pressure of the kayak. Just a couple of pumps, I am back in action.

Well, I am in my 50's and I enjoy a few more comforts in life. When you carry, drag, cart, etc. that hard-shell kayak, it sure becomes a little more uncomfortable and tougher to launch in those hard to reach areas. The typical inflatable kayak weighs 30 lbs or less, and it can be carried on a backpack, with paddle and PFD Vest, with little effort.

To bad I can't go back in time. I know how much more fun it would have been with the family. When you live in apartments, condos, and even a home, it is so inconvenient to move and store the hard-shell kayaks. All the preparation loading up the trailer, dedicating the extra time neccessary to pull out of the storage area, having a truck and trailer, and finding a place to launch. Now, I drive an SUV, and I carry a canoe, 2 kayaks, and camping gear for 4 in the back. My storage in the garage is minimal, but there is plenty of room to handle my weekend or anytime adventures.

Of course, there are disadvantages to the inflatable kayaks:

They are not as robust as rigid plastic ones.
Inflatables are affected by wind a lot more, exercise caution if using on the sea.
A Buoyance Aid should be worn at all times or a lifejacket if a non-swimmer.
Inflatable kayaks and canoes do not give you the same performance as plastic kayaks or canoes, but you can find products that have quality and design as close as you can get!

If you have an interest in finding out more, Paddling is a great word search for researching. This was the first place I started my research.

Steve Fuwider, CEO, River Valley Inflatables, offering quality and service. http://www.rvinflatables.com

Memphis' Mississippi Mud

It’s been done before - but not quite like this.

We’ve all seen scale-models. Cars, trains, airplanes, boats. But this ‘miniature’ is five city blocks long. In conjunction with the adjoining museum, it tells a large part of the story of our nation.

We were there in July. Almost didn’t go. Too hot. Too humid. Oh, well, we should at least be able to say we’ve been there. We’ll give it an hour … then go find a cold drink somewhere. We started with the mono-rail ride across the harbor to Mud Island. We stayed for hours.

The Mississippi River Museum, located on the grounds, details the development of the midwest from the Mississippi River’s point of view. Fascinating! Barges and riverboats, traders and farmers, gamblers and entertainers. Slaves and free men. Frenchmen and Spaniards and English. Native Indians and settlers. Captains and thieves. We easily spent three hours browsing our history in air-conditioned comfort. We particularly liked the dioramas and reproductions of the boats that influenced the river’s development. From the French & Indian War through the Civil War and WWII, the museum is very thorough in telling our story. The story of the growth and development of America.

Aah, but the miniature … Wait till you see that!

Can you imagine calculating how many gallons of water flow down the Mississippi daily? Can you contemplate creating a model that mimics that flow? Pumping thousands of gallons of water daily from the river’s sources: stone walls that represent the Ohio and Missouri basins. A scale model that represents every mile of the lower Mississippi in each 30-inch stride. A 1,000-mile journey from Cairo, IL to New Orleans that flows along the edge of the real Mississippi at Mud Island River Park in Memphis, TN.

Wade the ‘river’. Stroll from town to town, each laid out in scale, precisely placed. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and seating is convenient for quiet moments along the river’s edge. We loved watching little ones splash in the water, the depth of which also mimics the Mississippi River in scale. Meander along the banks of the river to the Gulf of Mexico, a one-acre lake that holds 1.3 million gallons of water – recycled every twelve hours – from the Ohio and Missouri basin walls up river.

Plan a day, so you can explore everything … then swim in the ‘Gulf’ lagoon, rent a paddle boat or canoe.

Whether you like history - botanical gardens - tourist attractions - or just a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, this is it. The Mud Island River Park is a ‘must see’ in Memphis, Tennessee.

For more than three decades, Ruth Seebeck and her husband, Ed, have been encouraging, coaching, mentoring and teaching friends, family, neighbors and strangers to find a more enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle. As avid travelers, gardeners, history buffs and expert organizers, they share lifestyle tips, topics, and travel expertise at http://www.touringwithus.com St Augustine said "The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Come, turn the page with us and discover new chapters for your own life.

Boating Safety Equipment You Must Have

Whether you're piloting a 40-foot sailboat or a canoe, the United States Coast Guard requires that every boat carry certain safety equipment. The equipment is not expensive or hard to find and may save your life in an emergency. Boaters who carry the standard safety equipment are statistically far more likely to survive a boating emergency than those who don't.

The Coast Guard requires that there be a personal flotation device for each person present on the boat. Although the Coast Guard does not mandate that the personal flotation device actually be worn, some state laws require them to be worn at all times when the boat is underway by children under a certain age. Most reputable marinas will be able to provide you with information on applicable state laws regarding personal flotation devices. Additionally, if a boat is more than 16 feet in length a personal flotation device that can be thrown into the water, like a life ring, is required by the Coast Guard.

Every boat, of all sizes, must have a whistle or horn. This noisemaking device serves to warn other boats of your presence and to use as a distress signal in case of emergency. Boats larger than 39.4 feet must carry both a bell and a whistle. The whistle must be able to be heard at a distance of one half a nautical mile. The bell must be at least 7.87 inches in diameter.

Visual distress signals for night time use, such as emergency flares, are required on all boats traveling coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and any connecting body of water that is more than two miles wide. Larger boats are required to carry a daytime visual signal as well. Besides flares, other visual distress signals include flags, flashlights, water dye markers, and smoke signals.

Boats larger than 26 feet must carry a Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher. Boats with no motors such as canoes or row boats and boats less than 26 feet that don't have permanent fuel tanks are not required to carry a fire extinguisher.

The Coast Guard recommends, but does not require additional safety items. These include a blanket, oars in case the motor is disabled, a bucket for bailing and a first aid kit. Other useful items include rain ponchos and a tarp or plastic garbage back to keep yourself and your boat dry in a storm.

Finally, the Coast Guard recommends filing a plan with a responsible party before you leave so that there is at least one person on land who knows where you plan to be.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Boating, Baseball, and Sport