rafting &laquo; WordPress.com Tag Feed http://wordpress.com/tag/rafting/ Feed of posts on WordPress.com tagged "rafting" Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:00:53 +0000 http://wordpress.com/tags/ en <![CDATA[Es mantequilla]]> http://jessicavwild.wordpress.com/?p=113 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:59:51 +0000 jessvwild http://jessicavwild.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/12/es-mantequilla/ Beginning of EXTREME San Jose: 4 hours of whitewater rafting, Class I-IV. No more need be said.  

Here is my little room and a picture of my beautiful kitchen.  The girl is Hilary, one of the three people in my class (she is sitting, by the way, in the classroom; its a little small)

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Learning (slowly and painfully due to a lack of rhythm) how to salsa and merengue.  Spanish is improving, also slowly.  My favorite idiom may be "Es mantequilla" which literally translates to "it's butter."  However, it means something along the "Doesn't count" (for example, my teacher has two potential boyfriends.  However one lives in Germany--es mantequilla).  In other news, San Jose itself is great, although I would take my chances against poisonous snakes and wild animals over people with guns.  Being in a city where I have to worry about being mugged is so stressful.  

Hope you all are surviving the meltdown of our financial system and of Sarah Palin's credibility.  Look out for some good SNL.  Pura vida!

]]> <![CDATA[Denuncien poc control a les empreses d'aventura]]> http://sortactual.wordpress.com/?p=2196 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:03:12 +0000 bibliosort http://sortactual.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/denuncien-poc-control-a-les-empreses-daventura/ L'Associació de Guies de Rius del Pirineu, formada per uns 40 socis, va denunciar ahir que només una empresa d'esport d'aventura del Sobirà està donada d'alta en el registre d'empreses que porten a terme activitats en el medi natural, un requisit obligatori segons la llei. El col·lectiu demana que s'efectuïn controls dels contractes laborals a més dels professionals.

Font: SEGRE, divendres 10 d'octubre del 2008 (enllaç)

]]> <![CDATA[Los guías de río denuncian falta de control de titulaciones a los monitores]]> http://sortactual.wordpress.com/?p=2187 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:39:56 +0000 bibliosort http://sortactual.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/los-guias-de-rio-denuncian-falta-de-control-de-titulaciones-a-los-monitores/ A raíz de una inspección del Servicio de Protección en el Medio Natural (SEPRONA) en algunas empresas de deportes de aventura del Pallars Sobirà y a los guías de río mientras bajaban por el Noguera Pallaresa con clientes, los monitores dicen haberse sentido acusados por parte de los empresarios por ser los instigadores de estos controles. Los guías de río han querido dejar claro que a pesar de no ser ellos los promotores de los controles, son partidarios de que se hagan y dicen no entender cómo es que no se hacen más dado que son personas que llevan bajo su responsabilidad la vida de un grupo de personas. Este colectivo de profesionales pide no sólo controles de titulaciones a los guías de río sino también de contratos laborales. La Asociación de Guías de Río, formada por una cuarentena de socios, también denuncia que sólo una empresa de deportes de aventura del Pallars Sobirà está dada de alta en el registro de empresas que realizan actividades en el medio natural, requerimiento obligatorio según la ley. En enero de 2009 entrará en vigor la nueva ley que resolvió todas las actividades.

Font: LA MAÑANA, divendres 10 d'octubre del 2008 (enllaç)

]]> <![CDATA[Águas cristalinas chamam atenção em Bonito]]> http://ecoturismoembonito.wordpress.com/?p=110 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:18:11 +0000 ecoturismoembonito http://ecoturismoembonito.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/aguas-cristalinas-chamam-atencao-em-bonito/ águas cristalinas e transparentes recheadas de peixes de várias espécies e cores, cachoeiras, corredeiras, etc[/caption]

Descobri uma matéria no Terra sobre Bonito que mostra bem o que é você nadar ou mergulhar numas das águas mais limpas e transparentes do mundo. É incrível mesmo, você vê tudo que tem embaixo dágua, mesmo que esteja a uma profundidade de 5 metros ou mais. As fotos ao lado são da Estância Mimosa. No fim deste post tem outro link para uma galeria de fotos incríveis.

Não há como ignorar o trocadilho: Bonito é realmente muito bonito. A natureza foi ímpar em suas atribuições, e os privilegiados são os turistas, que a cada ano descobrem, no Mato Grosso do Sul, a 278 quilômetros da capital do estado - Campo Grande - esse paraíso. As atrações vão da simples contemplação - que em Bonito ganha um novo sentido - à mais pura adrenalina, especialmente concebida para os adeptos dos esportes radicais.

Bonito fica na Serra da Bodoquena - que abriga a maior extensão de florestas preservadas do Mato Grosso do Sul - e possui o maior aquário natural de água doce do Brasil. As opções de diversão e aventura são inúmeras: trekking, banhos de cachoeiras, grutas de águas cristalinas, como a belíssima Gruta do Lago Azul, flutuação nas correntezas de rios como Sucuri, da Prata e Formoso, rafting, mergulho autônomo (com cilindros de oxigênio), trilhas de bike, rapel, parapente, ultra-leve.

O santuário ecológico ainda preserva uma admirável diversidade de espécies animais e vegetais. O mais impressionante é observar a riqueza que habita o fundo de rios e lagoas. A visibilidade das águas da região, garantida pela alta concentração de calcário, que funciona como agente purificador, permite que o turista desfrute desse privilégio.

O sucesso do turismo em Bonito está intimamente ligado à preservação da natureza. Qualquer passeio nesse santuário é acompanhado por um guia local registrado.

Nesse contexto, foram criados o Parque Ecoturístico da Bodoquena e o Projeto Vivo. O primeiro é uma iniciativa da ONG Instituto Peabiru de Ecoturismo e inclui passeios em canoas canadenses, mountain bikes, cavalos e trekking. Já o segundo, promove trekking, rafting no Formoso, passeios a cavalo e atividades especiais para crianças utilizando papel reciclado e reciclagem de lixo. Ambos são empreendimentos de lazer associados à educação ambiental e procuram mostrar como é possível aliar conservação da natureza, ecoturismo e geração de empregos.

Clique aqui e veja essa galeria de fotos. Depois corram direto pra Bonito. Acesse o site da agência Ar (www.agenciaar.com.br) ou então peça informações pelo Skype ou você pode ainda telefonar para eles (telefones abaixo). Diga que você viu a dica no blog e que foi o Ricardo, da emarket que indicou. Eles estão 24 hs no ar.

Agência Ar Bonito - 24 hs - Fone: +55 (67) 3255-1008
Agência Ar Pantanal / Miranda - Fone: +55 (67) 3242-3820
Agência Ar Brasília - 24 hs - Fone: +55 (61) 3717-1107
Agência Ar Curitiba - 24 hs - Fone: ( 41) 3941- 5119
Agência Ar Rio de Janeiro - 24 hs - Fone: +55 (21)3521-7233
Agência Ar São Paulo - 24 hs - Fone: +55 (11)3711-3101
Agência Ar Belo Horizonte - 24 hs - Fone: +55 (31) 3231-4021

]]> <![CDATA[Trekking Chiangmai Whitewater Rafting Mae Tang]]> http://queenbeetours.wordpress.com/?p=8 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:49:20 +0000 queenbeetours http://queenbeetours.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/trekking-chiangmai-whitewater-rafting-mae-tang/  

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08.30 Pick up from your accommodation and a drive by pick up truck for 1.30 hours to Shan village. Visit Orchid & Butterfly farm en route.Drop off at the elephant camp.     

10.00 Memorable elephant ridding through the jungle for an hour.

12.00 Lunch will be served. Thai food dish (fried rice or pad Thai and fruit)

13.30 Crossing the Tang River by hanging basket.

14.00 Hiking 45 minutes to visit water fall, enjoy sight seeing and swimming.

15.00 Get back to the raft station, safety orientation by the raft instructor.

15.30 Exciting a rapid White Water Rafting and Bamboo rafting for 1 hour.

16.30 Drive back to Chiangmai Make a stop at Akha hilltribe.Drop off at the hotel at 6.00 p.m.

 Please contact us for more information 
Queen Bee Travel Service
Tel 6653 275525, 6653 208988
Email: queenbeetours@gmail.com
           www.queenbeetours.com
]]> <![CDATA[Excursions Trekking Chiangmai]]> http://queenbeetours.wordpress.com/?p=3 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:40:14 +0000 queenbeetours http://queenbeetours.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/excursions-trekking-chiangmai/

Highlights of Chiangmai by foot, elephant ride, bamboo rafting

   Thailand is one of the most delightful places in south-east Asia, a land of idyllic beaches, tranquil bays, coral islands, spectacular mountains, valleys and primal forests, and is home to a warm-hearted and hospitable people. The striking and varied landscapes, from high rolling hills to undeveloped beaches, are a traveler's paradise and cover a wide range of climates. There is plenty to see from a long, varied history and not least in a serious interest in food.

   Chiang Mai's rich history goes back hundreds of years. Because of its prime location and fertile land, the valley that extends from the base ofSuthep Mountain to the Ping River was settled in early times by several different ethnic groups, including the hill tribe group know as the Lua tribe. Later, King Mengrai unified the different towns and villages into what came to be known as the Lanna Kingdom. In 1296, he fortified the fertile valley area with a rectangular shaped brick wall measuring 1.6 Kilometers (1 mile) wide, and 2.0 kilometers (1.25 miles) long. 

   There are many hill tribe people living in the mountainous districts surrounding Chiang Mai such as Omkoi, Mae Jam, Chiang Dao, and Mae Ai. Statistics reported by the Tribal Research Institute of Chiang Mai stated that in the year 1992 there were 1,049 hill tribe villages in the Chiang Mai province, constituting a total of 174,195 people. Of this amount, 106,116 were from the Karen tribe, 27,392 from the Lahu (Musur) tribe, 17,198 from the Hmong (Meo) tribe,10,873 from the Lisu tribe, 8,862 from the Lua tribe, 2,609 from the Akha tribe, 1,145 from the Mien (Yao) tribe, and 485 from the Palong tribe. 

   The hill tribe people are agricultural; planting fields, raising animals, and hunting for a living. Since each tribe has its own culture and language, they blanket the hills of Chiang Mai with an interesting patchwork quilt of diverse variety. Whether you are mountain hiking or mountain biking,Chiangmai offers a variety of colours, cultures and scenery to ensure you get a different scene for everyday.

   These following excursions Chiangmai trekking  with a difference, from the quiet mountain villages stuck.  A superb mixture of the adventurous and cultural activities. This tour has it all with  diverse culture, good food and amazingly friendly locals.

   We start Chiangmai trekking in the northwest  and work our way on foot, elephant ridding and adventurous bamboo rafting. The scenery on hiking is such you forget about time and distance as the surroundings become so fascinating. The ability to interact with the locals in the local markets and villages is a highlight of the trek and you will be left with an amazing feeling towards the Chiangmai trekking.

]]> <![CDATA[Rios Tropicales offers Ultimate Costa Rican River Rafting Expereince.]]> http://ecointeractive.wordpress.com/?p=126 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:10:52 +0000 ecointeractive http://ecointeractive.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/costa-rica-white-water-river-rafting-rios-tropicales-offers-ultimate-costa-rican-river-rafting-expereince/ [/caption]

COSTA RICA-Ríos Tropicales, a rafting and adventure company in Costa Rica, is committed to socially responsible business practices and initiatives. The founders understood from the beginning that in order to truly enjoy Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests, they would need to ensure that they were available for future generations, and that the local communities were involved in the development and growth of the business. Their efforts have brought entrepreneurs, trees, and even a jaguar to the local communities where they operate.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="A great adventure for adults and teens"]A great adventure for adults and teens[/caption]

In 1985, Ríos Tropicales became the first rafting company to hire guides from Turrialba, the town closest to the popular Reventazon and Pacuare rivers. Not only do these guides share their insider knowledge of the area with guests, but they also become role models for their communities - illustrating that other career opportunities (besides farming) are available. Ríos encouraged and supported their best guides as they transitioned from employees to business owners, or eco-preneurs. Rather than seeing them as competition, they collaborate with these companies to provide the best in ecotourism opportunities throughout the country. Many of the guides have moved on to other jobs in the industry - and some are even seeing the world as their careers have taken them to New Zealand, California, and the Himalayas. At least 95% of the staff at Ríos are native Costa Ricans.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="180" caption="Safty Training, Professional Guides"][/caption]

Keeping the rainforests available for future generations is an integral part of Ríos Tropicales operations. When Ríos was looking to expand near the Pacuare River in 1989, they purchased land from a local farming family, the Obandos, who had cut down many of the rainforest trees to convert the land to farmland. Then, Ríos hired the same family to reforest the area. The seeds planted were all local species, as the seeds had been collected by the Obandos. This reforestation continues today, with more than 5,000 new trees planted as of May 2008 - and a goal of 10,000 trees targeted by the end of 2008.

Illegal hunting and fishing are common practices in rainforest locations - and this was also true for the area surrounding the Pacuare River. When Ríos Tropicales purchased land along the banks in 1989, they opened up a dialogue with the indigenous Cabecar Indians and local residents, educating them on the dangers and consequences of this behavior. Once the community understood how important it was to protect the land, they took a proactive role in confronting poachers, which has led to the reappearance of several species of wildlife that were noticeably absent, including howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, ocelots, and many other cat species. Rarely seen at all in Central America, the endangered jaguar has once again made its presence known in the Pacuare Basin - and this would not have been possible without the partnership between Ríos Tropicales and the community.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Rios Tropicales Lodge"][/caption]

In addition to these specific programs, Ríos Tropicales also demonstrates conservation leadership in Costa Rica through the Fundación Ríos Tropicales (FRT), a non-profit environmental organization established in 1994 to assist in the preservation, protection and restoration of the rivers, streams and watersheds of Costa Rica, as well as through their partnership with numerous Non-Governmental Organizations. For more information on the sustainable tourism practices at Ríos Tropicales, visit www.riostropicales.com/tourism.php. Ríos Tropicales offers rafting, adventure packages and one-day tours throughout Costa Rica for all ages and activity levels year-round.

]]> <![CDATA[Outlet Libri Sailorado]]> http://sailorado.wordpress.com/?p=71 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:49:47 +0000 sailorado http://sailorado.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/outlet-libri-sailorado/

Filo conduttore: Il mare, La nautica, La passione

Il mare, La nautica, La passione
per gli appassionati un'occasione imperdibile

Promozione

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La Libreria Nautica di Sailorado si propone come maggior assortimento del mercato italiano di pubblicazioni nautiche, con una selezione di prodotti attenta a cogliere e soddisfare le richieste di ogni tipo di navigatore, coerentemente con l'obiettivo che l’azienda da sempre persegue: favorire la diffusione della lettura nautica con proposte di qualità, dalle opere di alto livello ai libri d'evasione e di intrattenimento.

Il vantaggio della Libreria Nautica "virtuale", senza muri, senza soffitti, senza confini, ma dall’assortimento completo e tematico, è la capacità di raggiungere la sua clientela fin tra le pareti di casa.

Sailorado Libreria Nautica offre il servizio di una ottima libreria classica con il vantaggio di avere tutto il tempo per consultare con tranquillità, semplicità e rapidità uno dei più grandi ed aggiornati assortimenti presenti in Italia di titoli di libri inerenti la nautica, il mare, le imbarcazioni e la navigazione.

Assoluta specificità tecnica, ampiezza del catalogo, continuo rinnovo e acquisizione di titoli sono i punti di forza che consentono alla Libreria Nautica di Sailorado di rafforzare continuamente la propria immagine anche presso le nuove generazioni di navigatori.

Dal punto di vista funzionale il sito www.sailorado.it è principalmente rivolto all'e-commerce dei libri di argomento nautico, marino, tecnico, con ricerche mirate per tematiche, per autore, per “descrizione” del testo.

Vasto spazio dedicato ai portolani, indispensabile supporto per la navigazione, di tutte le aree del Mediterraneo.

Sezione ampia e particolareggiata, con una grafica intuitiva che rende facile districarsi per la scelta della giusta mappa, riguardante la cartografia nautica di tutti i maggiori Istituti Idrografici, italiano ed europei, per un assortimento di carte di navigazione sempre disponibile a magazzino.

Le consegne sono rapide ed efficienti, affidate al comparto Editoriale di Poste Italiane, per garantire economicità nelle spese di trasporto e non incidere sulla spesa del cliente. In alternativa possibilità di richiedere la spedizione con Corriere Espresso, per la garanzia della consegna nelle 24 ore in tutta Italia.

]]> <![CDATA[Rafting]]> http://perplimo.wordpress.com/?p=71 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:41:20 +0000 perplimo http://perplimo.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/rafting/

]]> <![CDATA[Vacation advice for the adventurer ]]> http://swedenfinest.wordpress.com/?p=66 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:52:50 +0000 swedenfinest http://swedenfinest.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/vacation-advice-for-the-adventurer/ Rafting, Enduro Safari, tandem jumping or trying out the stunt man profession for one day. If you want to experience a real adrenaline rush you have every chance! Read more at swedensfinest.net

]]> <![CDATA[Detecten papers irregulars en guies de riu al Pallars]]> http://sortactual.wordpress.com/?p=2030 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:46:29 +0000 bibliosort http://sortactual.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/26/detecten-papers-irregulars-en-guies-de-riu-al-pallars/ Turisme - Les noves normatives
Després d'inspeccions del SEPRONA en activitats d'aventura
El Servei de Protecció de la Natura de la Guàrdia Civil ha detectat anomalies en les titulacions de tres monitors d'esports d'aventura al Pallars

El Servei de Protecció de la Natura (SEPRONA), unitat adscrita a la Guàrdia Civil, ha detectat anomalies en les titulacions i documentació de tres monitors d'esports d'aventura que presten els seus serveis en empreses del Pallars Sobirà.
Els agents van fer una sèrie d'inspeccions entre els dies 13 i 14 de setembre a diverses firmes de la comarca i van revisar la documentació de dinou professionals que treballen en el control i supervisió de les activitats d'aventura. Un total de setze monitors tenien la documentació en regla, mentre que la titulació dels tres restants no s'ajustava a la normativa vigent. També es van fer inspeccions a tres empreses de la zona i es va constatar que tenien la situació totalment regularitzada.
Per demanar-los la documentació, els agents del SEPRONA es van situar en un punt de la Noguera Pallaresa i van ordenar a diferents barques que hi descendien que s'aturessin, amb la finalitat de demanar la documentació als monitors.
També van fer inspeccions als vehicles que transporten els clients en la seua tornada al lloc d'origen de l'activitat practicada.
Fa uns quinze dies que el col·lectiu de guies de riu es va manifestar a la plaça Sant Jaume de Barcelona per mostrar la seua posició contrària a la nova legislació.

Font: SEGRE, divendres 26 de setembre del 2008 (enllaç)

]]> <![CDATA[Detectan a tres monitores de deportes de aventura sin la titulación en el Sobirà]]> http://sortactual.wordpress.com/?p=2027 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:36:02 +0000 bibliosort http://sortactual.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/26/detectan-a-tres-monitores-de-deportes-de-aventura-sin-la-titulacion-en-el-sobira/ El SEPRONA inspeccionó a 19 personas que trabajan en este tipo de actividades en el río Noguera Pallaresa

El Servicio de Protección a la Naturaleza (SEPRONA) llevó a cabo, los pasados días 13 y 14 de septiembre, un control en empresas de deportes de aventura que operaban en el río Noguera Pallaresa que concluyó con el resultado de 19 monitores inspeccionados.
Del total de inspeccionados 16 cumplían con las titulaciones correspondientes y la documentación exigible y 3 monitores no se ajustaron al establecido por la normativa.
También se realizaron controles en 3 empresas de la zona y todas las inspecciones cumplían con la normativa vigente. Estas inspecciones las lleva a cabo SEPRONA en relación a la protección del Medio Ambiente. De momento, no efectuaron ninguna denuncia, a la espera de recibir más documentación.
Para pedir la documentación a los monitores los guardias iban deteniendo las barcas que bajaban por el río con clientes y les pedían la documentación correspondiente. No solamente pararon en las barcas sino también a los vehículos que hacían el seguimiento de las barcas que bajan por el río o en los conductores que transportan a los clientes.
Hay que recordar que hace unos 15 días el colectivo de guías de río se manifestó en la Plaza Sant Jaume de Barcelona para mostrar su posición contraria al desarrollo de la nueva ley del ejercicio de las profesiones del deporte. Este colectivo lamenta que una persona que pueda demostrar 700 horas trabajadas se lo habilite de la misma manera que a una persona que se ha sacado las titulaciones oportunas. Los profesionales del río se preguntan en qué deporte se los habilitará y quién los controlará.
Otro punto de la ley que indigna en este sector es que una empresa con sede fuera de Catalunya que opere en el territorio catalán con sus clientes no tienen porqué estar titulados, ni habilitados, ni reglados y creen que eso supondrá un agravio comparativo. En cambio cuando alguien de España va a Francia a trabajar en este campo, por ejemplo, se le exigen unas titulaciones mínimas para poder hacerlo.
La nueva normativa para el ejercicio de las profesiones del deporte entrará en vigor el próximo día 1 de enero del 2009 aunque ya fue aprobada por el Govern de la Generalitat de Catalunya.

Font: LA MAÑANA, divendres 26 de setembre del 2008 (enllaç)

]]> <![CDATA[Karsts and rafts in Yangshuo, China]]> http://ilohoblog.wordpress.com/?p=92 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:06:47 +0000 ilohoblog http://ilohoblog.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/26/karsts-and-rafts-in-yangshuo-china/

Top 10 Tips for a weekend break in Yangshuo, China - from how to avoid a hot air balloon crash to rafting the Yulong River.

Even at 500 metres in a faulty hot air balloon Yangshuo is a breathtaking place. At that nail-biting height the region's famous limestone karsts look even more dramatic; their pointed peaks rising up from flat, green rice fields that spread out from the Li and Yulong rivers.

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The town of Yangshuo was until recently a sleepy provincial village. Now it's a bustling tourist hub that has seen phenomenal expansion. Visitors are drawn to the town by the busload, eager to soak up its stunning views and raft down rivers made famous through centuries of Chinese paintings and, more recently, scenes from The Painted Veil.

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Parts of Yangshuo can feel a bit like a Chinese Disneyland, especially around West Street. If you're prepared to go off-the-beaten track, and to spend just ¥100 a day on using a local guide, it's easy to experience a Yangshuo that's as far away from package tourism and flag-following lemmings as you can imagine.

TIP 1: The lovely Lilly

We used Lilly Lu for the two days that we were there. She speaks excellent English and can arrange everything from a hot air balloon rescue mission to airport transfers to lightshow tickets to unspoiled stretches of river to simple, but utterly delicious, local dining. Lilly has lived in Yangshuo and its nearby villages all her life. She's an expert on what to do and can guide you to places that package tourists can only dream of. For Lilly's contact details and more info on her tour and services, please leave us a comment with your email address at the bottom of this post.

TIP 2: Cycle far, far away

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Get those legs pumping and be prepared to spend at least 2.5 – 3 hours in the saddle. Don't fret: it's flat and easy cycling along river banks and through stunning fields and tiny villages. Bike all the way up to the 400-year old Yulong Bridge and then have lunch. If you're with Lilly she'll show you where to go, but if you're heading up alone make sure you go to the first restaurant downstream from the bridge. The food is fantastic – lots of fresh vegetables stir-fried with garlic, the delicious local specialty "beer fish" and local chicken dishes as well. Note: this is not for the squeamish… if you order fish or chicken you'll see the cooks fetching live catfish from the river or live chickens from a hutch that they polish off in the kitchen and then gut. It's really not that bad, and the end result is well worth any misgivings you might have about ending an innocent life!

TIP 3: When it comes to the rivers, don't follow the crowds

The river trips in Yangshuo are one of the big highlights. At the weekend, especially if it's a public holiday, hundreds of people flock to the water to ride on bamboo rafts and squirt each other with enormous water pistols. If throngs of over excited water rats don't spell tranquility in your book, make sure you make the effort get away from the crowds.

For the Yulong River – bamboo rafts punted by boatmen – spend 3 hours in the saddle biking up to Yulong Bridge and escape the crowds. You'll be rewarded with a 2 hour trip downstream in complete quiet and isolation as it only gets busy for the last 10 minutes (and there it's phenomenonally busy). For the Li River – motorized bamboo rafts – hire a car for the day (only ¥300 - ¥550) and drive to XingPing Town. From there head upstream and you'll be on more or less your own.

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TIP 4: Get up early

Set your alarm for 6am and head to Moon Hill. This karst peak has a hole straight through it that makes for some seriously impressive photographs.

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You can hike to the top of the peak up a concrete staircase. The steps are pretty steep and it can be hard going unless you're a regular gym bunny. During the summer months the weather gets sticky at about 9am so it's well worth rising early to beat the heat. Getting there before breakfast also means you'll have Moon Hill entirely to yourself; we did and it was amazing.

Once you're at the top you can scramble up a dirt track right to the top of the hole. The guides tell you to allow 1.5 hours for a round-trip. If you're fit it'll take more like 45 minutes.

TIP 5: Breakfast late

The tourist groups tend to leave Yangshuo after breakfast to go sightseeing. If you're prepared to stick around you can wander the town's pretty streets in relative peace. We headed in for breakfast at around 9:30 / 10am and everyone had left. After breakfast at Café Mimosa (16 Gui Hua Road) we spent a relaxed hour exploring old streets that are normally swarming with crowds.

TIP 6: Stay out of town

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Daily bicycle rents are cheap (from ¥5 - ¥20 per day), as are taxis (from about ¥30 per trip), so it's easy to travel in from a hotel that's slightly out of town.

We stayed at the Li River Retreat, which was about a 10 minute bike ride from the centre of Yangshuo. The hotel has stunning, un-obscured views from its terraces and balconies. Almost all the rooms have private balconies and they're clean and very reasonably priced (from ¥250 - ¥490 per night). Staff are friendly and can speak English. The Yangshuo Mountain Retreat also gets good reviews from friends who have stayed there (from HK$229 – HK$800 per night).

If you're prepared to stay further outside Yangshuo, the new Hotel of Modern Art gets fantastic write ups (from ¥2080 per night). It's the only hotel in China that's a member of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux alliance.

TIP 7: Don't hot air balloon unless you're very brave

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We had a bad experience. At 500m our pilot laughingly announced that we had a small problem. Pointing inside the balloon he told us to look up at the hole that had appeared in the silk. We didn't think it was so funny and spent the 30 minutes it took for us to land in palpations of worry. Added to this terror was my

crippling fear of heights: I should never have got into that basket…

Other friends tell of a white-knuckle ride that involved crash landing in the trees on the side of a steep karst.

Although everyone in Yangshuo does their best to convince you that the balloon pilots are highly experienced, that it's not dangerous and that there have never been any accidents don't believe them. Hot air ballooning is by far and away the most expensive activity you can do in Yangshuo (¥700 - ¥900 per person for 70 minutes) and the local operators want your business.

TIP 8: Check out Fuli

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This small town is home to families of fan makers. For centuries Fuli's inhabitants have painted fans and scrolls depicting traditional scenes. They used to make fans for the queen of one of the Chinese dynasties.

If you want to buy scrolls or fans whilst you're in Yangshuo it's worth hiring a car and visiting Fuli as they're about a third of the price and of a much higher quality than the ones selling in Yangshuo's markets. Expect to pay about ¥200 for a big silk fan.

TIP 9: If you're going for the weekend forget about Guilin

The boat trip down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo takes about six hours and you have to pack onto a big cruiser. If you're only visiting for the weekend it makes far more sense to arrange for a car to pick you up from Guilin airport and drive you straight to Yangshuo that night. The stretches of river around Yangshuo are quieter and you can travel them on a traditional bamboo raft away from hordes of snap-happy tourists.

Guilin is also a city with 1.32 million inhabitants – it's not the quaint town some brochures depict. If you're in search of peace and quiet ditch the city and head straight for Yangshuo. Hotels can organise a car from the airport (¥380 one way, travel time 2 hours) as can Lilly.

TIP 10: Don't go in a guided group to the light show

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It's not as complicated as people have you believe. If your hotel or guide organizes the tickets for you then arrange a driver and go on your own. You'll save being herded about like cattle and will be able to escape the crowds and mayhem much more quickly. Tickets to the light show cost ¥180 per person.

All photos © Emma Torry / Bryony Greenwell ]]> <![CDATA[Andesbjergene er vores legeplads]]> http://amerikapaalangs.wordpress.com/?p=126 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:40:28 +0000 Kasper http://amerikapaalangs.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/andesbjergene-er-vores-legeplads/ Siden vi rejste rundt i Venezuela, har Andesbjergene været en fast rejsepartner. Vi har krydset, rejst langs, brugt timer i dårligt affjederede busser, der tager de mange hårdnålesving i et hårrejsende tempo, tumlet og leget i denne fantastiske bjergkæde, der med sine sine majestætiske grønklædte bjerge og sine enestående udsigter jævnligt tager pusten fra os.
I Ecuador landede vi midt i bjergkæden igen, da vi satte benene i Quito i over 3.000 meters højde. Luften er tynd, og bare den mindste fysiske anstrengelse giver åndedrætsbesvær.
Fra Quito kørte vi sydpå til Baños, hvor varme kilder, brusende floder og aktive vulkaner kæmpede ivrigt om vores opmærksomhed. Vi indlogerede os på et fint hotel med store vinduer ud mod bjerge og vulkaner.


Op på krikken, amigo
Byen er fyldt med hostaller, turist-restauranter og rejsebureauer, for den er udgangspunkt for alverdens forlystelser. Det udnyttede vi til at prøve lykken til hest endnu en gang. Første gang var på sletten i Venezuela for nogle uger siden, og nu gjalt det en rundtur på en aktiv vulkan. Sammen med et engelsk  par og to lokale teenagedrenge som guider satte vi os godt tilrette i lædersadlerne - allerede et godt tegn på en mere komfortabel tur end den forrige i plastiksadler.

Der var dog ikke gået lang tid op af skråningen, før Kasper måtte skifte krikke. Hans unge hest var for vild, mente drengene, der havde set det lille kræ sparke bagud. Nu havde Kasper ellers lige fået styr på den. På en større hest var han dog klar til at tage kampen op, så vi fortsatte ad de støvede stier.
“Har I prøvet det før?”, spurgte drengene os, før vi sparkede  hælene i pelsen, og vi fik fremstammet “en smule” og ”aldrig”, men svaret så ikke ud til at hænge fast, for pludselig satte vi i galop og fløj fremad i dundrende fart.
Faktisk undgik vi næsten at trave, og på toppen af vulkanen følte vi os som ægte cowboys - klar til at vende tilbage. Sådan skulle det bare ikke gå. Vi red og red, ned ad enge, over porrøst vulkanaske, gennem tætbevoksede stier og oftest uden at drengene viste, om vi kunne komme frem. Efter 4½ time (vi havde forventet 3), kunne vi endelig stige af med møje og besvær. Cecilies fod havde på et tidspunkt sat sig fast i stigbøjlen, da hun skulle af, så hun var faldet nede på stenene, og hendes sadel havde hængt skævt det meste af turen. Kasper havde trods sine stærkt forbedrede rideevner ikke helt lært at sætte sig op i sadlen, så vi måtte nærmest humpe tilbage til byen. Ryg, lænd, ben og baller fuldstændit smadrede. Hele næste dag kunne vi ikke andet end at ligge i sengen med selvmedlidendhed og masser af godter. Derpå fik vi en god omgang massage, så vi var fit til nye eventyr.

Fra Ecuador

Våd, kåd og fornøjet
Stadig med eftervirkninger fra rideturen spændte vi hjelmen, tog fat om åren og satte foden godt fast under nylonremmen. På en rafting-gummibåd sidder man nemlig på kanten uden noget at holde i, og nu skulle vi ud og slås mod strømmen. Selvsikkert udpegede kaptajnen os til at sidde forrest i båden for at sætte tempoet. Usikkert skævede vi til hinanden, kiggede på den kraftigt brusende flod, og derefter på de tre små piger, der vr med i båden. De var så små, at de ikke engang kunne udfylde våddragten, og lignede bestemt ikke nogle, der var mestre i pagajfægtning. Med vores sparsomme svenske kanoerfaringer i baggagen og kaptajnens konstante kommandoer blev vi sendt ud i et langt, vådt adrenelinchok. Vi klarede flodens hidsige strømme, kom under vandfald, over sten og var endeligt en tur i baljen. Helt uden skrammer.

Efter et par actionfyldte dage drog vi videre for at slutte vores Ecuadoreventyr med besøg i en gammel koloniby, bestigning af et gammmelt inkatempel og et hurtigt visit i verdens bananhovedstad.

Nu venter nye eventyr i Peru. Vamos, chicos.

]]> <![CDATA[Yet Another Adventure: Rafting the Ocoee]]> http://upsidedownstar.wordpress.com/?p=156 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:27:51 +0000 lmilam1 http://upsidedownstar.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/yet-another-adventure-rafting-the-ocoee/ A couple of weekends ago, I went rafting on the Ocoee with a big group of sorority girls and fraternity guys.  It was my third time, so I knew it would be fun, but this was definitely my favorite trip so far.

And why was that?

1. A cool tour guide from Costa Rica who got our raft trapped "surfing" and had to have help to get us out

2. It was my first time to "Ride the Bull" which basically involves climbing into a precarious position at the front of the raft and waiting to be pummeled by rapids.  You don't have to wait very long.

3. Getting knocked out of the raft. All right, maybe that wasn't the best time ever.  I got stuck between a rock and a hard place in literal terms. But it's the experience that counts, right?

4. Rowing in a raft full of girls. We scream a lot, but I think we have more fun.

[caption id="attachment_159" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Rafting the Ocoee"]Rafting the Ocoee[/caption]

Rafting, like a lot of cool things, is cooler when there is a little bit of surprise. It's fun to be challenged.  But then, the picture speaks for itself.

]]> <![CDATA[Kasembon Rafting]]> http://malangrentcar.wordpress.com/?p=157 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:11:49 +0000 Aidey (ID) http://malangrentcar.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/kasembon-rafting/

Mencapai lokasi Kasembon Rafting tidak terlalu sulit, perjalanan dari arah kota Malang dapat ditempuh sekitar 45 menit perjalanan sedangkan dari arah kota Kediri dapat ditempuh sekitar satu jam perjalanan dengan kendaraan pribadi. Dari Kota Malang para rafter harus menuju arah barat melewati kota Batu-Pujon-Kasembon. Sedang dari kota Kediri Para Rafter menuju arah timur melewati kota Pare-Kandangan-Kasembon. Infrastuktur yang cukup baik dengan ditunjang penunjuk arah ke lokasi disisi-sisi jalan menuju lokasi menjadikan para rafter akan mudah mencapai lokasi tersebut.

Tempat rafting ini memiliki aliran spoting atau irigasi murni sehingga debit aliran dari sungai ini dapat dibesarkan atau dikecilkan. Adanya aliran spoting ini maka dapat mempermudah bagi rafter-rafter pemula maupun profesional untuk mencoba seberapa besar tingkat difficulty yang mereka inginkan. Setelah dibuka selama satu tahun saat ini tempat rafting ini setiap hari selalu dikunjungi oleh pengunjung yang ingin mencoba berrafting dengan rata-rata pengunjung perbulan yang datang yaitu 200 orang yang berasal dari kalangan eksekutif muda, rafter profesional, para penggila olahraga Adventure, aktivis lingkungan dan karyawan-karyawan dari instansi-instansi swata maupun pemerintah.

Tarif per paket untuk dapat melakukan rafting ditempat ini yaitu pada hari biasa Rp100.000, sedangkan tarif pada Weekend day yaitu Rp125.000, dan pengunjung juga akan mendapatkan fasilitas-fasilitas seperti soft drink, Perlengkapan standar rafting, kendaraan penjemput dari finish hingga kembali ke shelter, guide profesional , air mineral, snack, kelapa muda, makan siang dan asuransi dari pengelola tempat ini.

Selain itu adanya tempat rafting ini juga mampu meningkatkan kecintaan remaja sekitar terhadap olah raga ini dengan dibantu para rafter profesional para remaja sekitar diajari tehnik-tehnik rafting yang baik. Saat ini banyak dari remaja sekitar yang sudah menjadi guide-guide profesional dan mampu mendampingi para rafter yang ingin mencoba rafting ditempat ini. Bakat alami yang dimiliki remaja sekitar tempat rafting ini sangat baik sehingga dalam kurun waktu beberapa bulan saja belajar rafting mereka mampu meraih gelar juara umum ke II tingkat nasional di Sungai Serayu Kabupaten Banjarnegara Propinsi Jawa Tengah pada 21-23 Juli 2006, remaja-remaja tersebut menyabet gelar juara pada beberapa kategori yang dilombakan yang diajang tersebut, beberapa kategori yang mereka raih yaitu untuk kategori Slalom mereka mendapat gelar Juara I, untuk kategori Head to Head mendapat gelar Juara II dan kategori Down river mendapat gelar juara III.
Sumber data: http://mapala.net/archives/296

]]> <![CDATA[Gates of Lodore Trip]]> http://martincolorado.wordpress.com/?p=145 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:28:05 +0000 Martin Wiesiolek http://martincolorado.wordpress.com/2008/10/04/gates-of-lodore/ I will update this page when I have more time. In a meantime, just a few photo samples.

Gates of Lodore, Green River, Sep 30 - Oct 3

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Levi on the Lucifer rock. A classic.   (click to enlarge)

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Todd takes his first swim in Green River.   (click to enlarge)

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Ginger says hello to a rock on the bottom of Tripplets.   (click to enlarge)

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Marc and Jim are happy together.   (click to enlarge)

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Those 1,000 years old pictographs on the canyon wall don't even come close to beauty of Cynthia's rock art.   (click to enlarge)

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No, Kima, Todd, Camille--this is not an elk, a deer or a pronghorn. It's a big horn sheep.   (click to enlarge)

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Ginger: it's not coke in that Coke can.   (click to enlarge)

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As always, I am making stupid faces.   (click to enlarge)

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Me. Don't ask. What a little bit of wine will do...   (click to enlarge)

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Cynthia and Kima. They are hydrating with water.   (click to enlarge)

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Whuut?   (click to enlarge)

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Cynthia and Joel.   (click to enlarge)

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Marc going through Hell's Half Mile.   (click to enlarge)

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Levi falling off the Lucifer rock.   (click to enlarge)

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Joel throwing a peace sign after flipping. Moments later he disappeared in the hole.   (click to enlarge)

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Another supermodel Tecate commercial.   (click to enlarge)

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Jim. It's early in the morning and he didn't take his meds yet.   (click to enlarge)

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Marc and Kima   (click to enlarge)

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Jim at the speed of light.   (click to enlarge)

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Ginger picks the best line. You go girl!   (click to enlarge)

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Jim   (click to enlarge)

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Where did it come from? It was hard to spot that tiny rock ahead.   (click to enlarge)

Stay tuned! More to come...

]]> <![CDATA[McGyver Rafting Crew - Team Bedpan]]> http://loutopia.wordpress.com/?p=10 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:33:36 +0000 loutopia http://loutopia.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/mcgyver-rafting-crew-team-bedpan/ Click on the pictures to enlarge.  Click again on the medium size picture to see Full Size picture.

[gallery] ]]> <![CDATA[Sunshine Crew]]> http://loutopia.wordpress.com/?p=106 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:34:06 +0000 loutopia http://loutopia.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/sunshine-crew/ Click on the pictures to enlarge.  Click again on the medium size picture to see Full Size picture.

[gallery] ]]>