PNCR

Those who use their vacation time each year often opt to use it in the summer months when gas prices are high and everyone else is vacationing too. This often leads to flaring tempers on the road and at the destination due to overcrowding and the rise in prices. Taking your vacation in the summer means inevitably having to pay more because this is the time of year when travel companies and tourist destinations raise prices in an effort to bilk as much revenue as they can get within the short three month window in which their businesses operate in the red.

A vacation is supposed to be about relaxation and freedom from frustration and worry. I find this is easy to do if I take my vacations in the winter. I hate winter and the uncontrollable shivering that comes with it. For this reason, every year when my vacation rolls around I pack my suit case and head for a warmer climate, such as sandy beach destination.

It’s pointless to go searching for a warm beach destination in the winter though; especially on the East Coast, as well as on the West Coast (yes people, California is not always sunny and warm). This is why I choose Hawaii. I had one of the most spectacular beach vacations in a Hawaii a few years ago. It was filled with beautiful landscapes, crystal clear water and activities I never would have imagined could exist in one place. I haven’t been back since, but I intend on getting back there some day soon.

While Hawaii is nice, so is the Caribbean. Words can’t describe just how nice the beaches of the Caribbean islands are. The Dominican Republic is also a nice place to vacation (I did so last year). However, make sure and stick to the tourist areas and the gorgeous beaches for your own safety.

All of these destinations have provided me with one great beach vacation after the next, but my personal favorite was St. Lucia. Though it was the most expensive vacation I ever took, it was well worth it. I have a memorable picture of a beautiful sunset that I personally took while I was there.

On a sentimental level, Puerto Rico is a personal favorite of mine. It was not the best of the islands I have visited, but it is where I met my wife and remains a place that has etched many a memorable moment into my mind.

One of the best parts about taking an exotic beach vacation in the winter is that it is easy to find great travel deals. Oh, and did I mention the crowds are not nearly as bad. Keep this in mind the next time you’re dragging the family to Disneyland in August with a hundred-thousand other families in 103 degree temperatures, and maybe next time you’ll give the beach a try in winter.



By: Joe Goertz

About the Author:

Toileting (or using the potty) is one of the most basic physical needs of young children. It is also one of the most difficult topics of communication among parents, child care providers, and health care professionals when asked to determine the “right” age a child should be able to successfully and consistently use the toilet.

Most agree that the methods used to potty train can have major emotional effects on children. The entire process—from diapering infants to teaching toddlers and preschoolers about using the toilet—should be a positive one. Often, and for many reasons, toilet learning becomes an unnecessary struggle for control between adults and children. Many families feel pressured to potty train children by age two because of strict child care program policies, the overall inconvenience of diapering, or urging from their pediatricians, early childhood columnists, researchers, other family members, friends, etc.

The fact is that the ability to control bladder and bowel functions is as individual as each child. Some two-year-olds are fully potty trained, and some are not. But those that aren’t should not be made to feel bad about it. There are also many cultural differences in handling potty training, therefore it is important that families and program staff sensitively and effectively communicate regarding these issues.

The purpose of toilet learning is to help children gain control of their body functions. If a child is ready, the process can provide a sense of success and achievement. Here are some helpful hints on determining when young children are ready to begin the potty training process and suggestions on how to positively achieve that task.

Ready, set, go!

Children are most likely ready to begin toilet learning when they:

• show a preference for clean diapers—a preference adults can encourage by frequent diaper changing and by praising children when they come to you for a change.

• understand when they have eliminated and know the meaning of terms for body functions. For example, “wet,” “pee,” “poop,” and “b.m.” are words commonly used by children to describe bladder and bowel functions.

• indicate that they need to use the potty by squatting, pacing, holding their private parts, or passing gas.

• show that they have some ability to hold it for a short period of time by going off by themselves for privacy when filling the diaper or staying dry during naps.

Become a cheerleader

• There may be times during the learning process when children accidentally go in their diapers or training pants. This can be very distressing and may cause them to feel sad—especially if they have been successfully using the chair for some period of time. When this happens, change the diaper without admonition—a caring adult can then try to pick up the child’s spirits with encouragement that she is doing well and will get better with practice.

• The most common cause of resistance to potty training occurs when children have been scolded, punished, or lectured too often about using the potty, or have been forced to sit on it for too long. This learning process usually is not fast or consistent. Children need your patience and support.

Have a plan

• Parents and child care providers should decide together when a child is ready and then negotiate a plan that will be consistent and manageable in both settings. Some questions may include the following:

1. Is special equipment needed—step stool, toilet seat deflector, potty chair?

2. Are extra clothing items needed?; and

3. Are good hygiene practices in place, for example, hand washing for children and staff, a system for handling soiled clothing, and a routine for disinfecting equipment?

• It’s a good idea for families and child care professionals to exchange information on the words for body functions most preferred by each child in order to avoid confusion and provide a consistent message for everyone engaged in the process.

Successfully learning to use the potty is a major accomplishment for young children, and patience and praise from the adults who care for them is an extremely important component to their healthy emotional and physical development. Each child will individually provide signals as to when he or she ready to make that leap. Good communication, appropriate expectations, and a consistent plan on the part of parents and caregivers make it easier to support this process and is the surest route to success.

Find features advice from experienced dads on parenting, pregnancy, newborn baby, child development, toilet training and on raising kids and teens.



By: Paul Banas

About the Author:

One of the great things about planning an Oregon camping trip is the number of options visitors have, both in things to do and see and in where to stay. With nearly 100 state and federal Oregon campgrounds and even more privately owned facilities, the challenge won’t be finding Oregon campgrounds, it will be deciding which ones to choose.

When to Go

For most people, work and school schedules often help determine when they can take an Oregon vacation. Those with kids typically have to wait for the summer months if they want to visit for more than a few days. For most this works out great because Oregon weather is at its warmest, and it is the peak of the travel season so all the Oregon campgrounds and attractions are open. Reservations are recommended during the summer months as many of the most popular campgrounds tend to fill up fast.

Many festivals are held in the summer, wild and cultivated flowers are in bloom, and there is even a resident group of whales along the coast for those that want to experience Oregon’s legendary whale watching.

Whale watching is at its peak in March, making spring an ideal time to visit Oregon, especially the coastal area. Snowmelt also increases the water levels in rivers, creating churning rapids just waiting to be kayaked or rafted.

Autumn is a good time to visit if you plan to fish Oregon coastal rivers and streams. Steelhead and salmon enter these waters to spawn beginning in September and continuing into late fall. Forest Service offices provide information on fishing conditions in their areas, as do websites for the local communities.

Fall is also a good time to visit one of Oregon’s vineyards. The Willamette Valley, slightly inland from Oregon’s northwest coast, is known as wine country, and there are numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings.

In addition to fishing and wine tasting, the fall foliage is in full color and the Oregon camping sites are typically less crowded than in summer months. Contact the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-547-5445 to find peak color times for the areas you plan to visit.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Oregon if you like skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. In the winter months, average inland daytime temperatures are often in the 40s. A second whale migration in December through January makes a winter trip to the Oregon coast appealing as well. The ocean climate helps keep temperatures relatively mild, and winter camping in Oregon can be cozy and comfortable with proper clothing and camping equipment. Even in mid January, temperatures often reach into the 50s in the coastal areas.

Many of the state park campgrounds remain open year round although running water may not be available. Fewer families come to Oregon in the winter months, so if you like quiet getaways, this may be the best time to visit Oregon.

Choosing Oregon Camping Sites

City living: Portland, Eugene and several other larger cities in Oregon have numerous campsites close to town for those that want to be close to the action but still enjoy the fun of RV travel or tenting it. Even Oregon’s more populated areas are surrounded by forests, mountains, and waterways, so finding a natural setting is not difficult.

Private campgrounds in Oregon: There are hundreds of private campgrounds throughout all areas of Oregon. Some cater to families with children and offer playgrounds, activities, and other kid-friendly features. Others are more basic or focus on nature and peaceful settings. No matter what your areas of interest and your camping style, you can likely find a private campground to fit your needs. Begin by contacting visitor information offices or city chambers of commerce in the area of the state you plan to visit.

Oregon state park camping: The number of state parks, scenic sites and recreation areas in Oregon is simply amazing. While some of these are day use only facilities, many provide overnight camping with both tent and RV sites. Often, these Oregon state park camping sites are located in some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, and fees are typically comparable or less than those at privately owned campgrounds.

For a truly unique experience, some Oregon state park camping areas offer camping in tepees, yurts and covered wagons. Visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s state parks website at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml to find Oregon camping sites in the area you plan to visit. When you get to the park, don’t forget to stop and get your permit or park pass.

Oregon beach camping: Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. whose beaches are all considered public land. The beaches are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and many offer camping facilities. With the stars overhead and the sound of the surf providing background music, Oregon beach camping can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast. Note: it is illegal to camp on the beach in unauthorized areas, and anyone setting up camp without permission can be asked to leave.

What to Bring When Camping in Oregon

In addition to the standard food, water, clothing, first aid items and camping equipment, it is advisable to also include:

• a hat

• sweatshirts and jackets for layering

• a plastic garbage bag, to use as a rain poncho just in case

• a map of the area

• a flashlight

• bug repellent

• a pocket mirror (for signaling if you get lost)

• a whistle

Check all your equipment before you leave to make sure it works properly and is in good condition. Many Oregon campgrounds are in remote locations where it can be difficult to find replacement batteries or lantern fuel in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is also helpful to know some basic first aid and wilderness survival information.

Other Considerations

Weather conditions, construction and repairs, and standard regulations can impact campground activities and services. For example, some Oregon campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Open campfires may be restricted at certain times of the year. Buildings and natural areas may be closed. Pets may not be allowed or allowed only in certain areas of the campground. It is a good idea to contact your chosen campsite or visit their website to learn about rules, regulations, and current conditions.



By: David Nool

About the Author:

Embrace of God by Peter Menkin

Apr 24, 2006



Radiant Light, painting by Camaldoli Benedictine monk Father Arthur

I cannot say that the inspiration for this poem came from Father Arthur’s wonderful contemplative painting, “Radiant Light.” It does help the poem along, so it is here with this posting. The genesis was a moving experience of religious examination that has led me to believe that the healing quality of a relationship with God is a wonderful, practical thing. I do not mean this to be so much a personal testimony, but an introduction in poetic form to the relationship of divine love, as an expression of the religious experience and life. I think you as reader will find a resonance, that is my hope.

I have tried to add a substatement of theological reflection, and as an aspiring poet who does not want to be too self-absorbed, for contemplation is neither self-absorption nor navel gazing, I add that human love of God in Christ is also an experience that many Church goers share. 

 

The heart yearns,

wishes for warmth, finds opening

to the Lord. A deeper thing

like the blood that courses through the body

this divine love sustains life.

More.

In the secret of the self, within the psyche,

we yearn for knowledge with self recognition

of existence, Christ does feed us.

More.

The beyond

calls; mankind discovers something uniquely

greater than the mysteries that Intrigue senses and thoughts.

Easter reveals to us this greater than,

this renewal of the good, exploding with eternal might

there is love greater everlastinggift unforgettable recognized with prayer.

More.

With a knowledge of expanded eternity beyond

the measure of imagination–the gasp of surrender.

Promise that tells us God

Embraces the spirit of mankind.



Image: Painting by Camaldoli Priest and monk Father

Arthur, “Radiant Light:”

Camaldolese, Benedictine monk Father Arthur Poulin paints contemplative works, as he describes them. These shown here are selected from his many paintings.

Father Arthur lives and works at Incarnation Monastery, Berkeley,

CA USA–study house of Camaldolese monks located near the Graduate Theological Union, and University of California’s North Gate.

This description of his paintings, from I. wolk Gallery in St. Helena, California USA:

Father Poulin’s paintings have been acquired extensively by people here inthe US and abroad. Many of his commissioned works hang in churches here in California.

 



By: Peter Menkin

About the Author:

Travel safety is the utmost of importance especially when traveling with your family. Tourists and vacationer often fall prey to perpetrators because they do not prepare properly before embarking on a road trip. Make sure to follow these 5 simple steps for a saver vacation.

1. Proper planning.

Before you even leave the house, try to be sure you’ve thought through every possible scenario. Make sure to bring medical records for everyone in the family, particularly for kids and the seniors or anyone with medical issues. Have a first aid kit tiny enough to keep on you at all times.

Have a common medications bag, with things like children Tylenol for the flu and colds. If anyone takes prescription meds, be sure you carry enough for your trip and have a copy of prescriptions just in case. If your vacation will be extended or out of the country, consider buying travel insurance

2. Situational awareness.

The second key to safe traveling is situational awareness. Distractions because of luggage, children, hotel personnel, strangers, etc. can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation.

3. Protecting your belongings.

The third important factor is protecting your belongings. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well. Stay with your baggage until the baggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle. Carry important papers with you all time in a fanny pack or brief case

4. Hotel Safety.

The fourth component is hotel safety. Try to only stay in a hotels that uses magnetic cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and a deadbolt lock on the door. Secure the chain and secure the room door by pushing a rubber stop under it. Also Never take the elevator if a fire or smoke is detected. Make sure to use the stairs instead.

5. On the road.

If you’re traveling by car while on vacation, make sure it’s in great working condition. Not only will this contribute to your safety as far as crime, but it will also mean you’ll have much less risk of being in an auto accident or having a breakdown Make sure your tires are inflated to proper levels. If the pressure is too low or too high it can be risky.

When your car breaks down, your personal safety is at risk in more ways than one, especially when you’re away from home. Make sure you look under the engine and other parts of the car for drips and leaks. Verify the rental vehicle has a spare tire, and a jack, and a non an emergency spare is preferable. You should also keep a good working flashlight in your car. A flashlight can be of great help if the car breaks down at nights.

Following these steps will insure your family has a fun safe trip with few surprises.



By: Jason Creation

About the Author:

Location: La Paz, Bolivia – El Mercado de las Brujas/Mercado de Hechiceria (Witches’ Market)

Street Location: Calle Linares, between Calle Sagarnaga and Santa Cruz

“Son para dinero y trabajo,” the plump little witch raises the talismans to eye level. “Con estos tu tendras buena suerte.”

Magic talismans for money and jobs? Do they work? Of course not, but I need all the luck I can get, so I purchase the talismans for five Bolivianos. Darn cheap if they’ll do as claimed. Depositing the new toys in my leather shoulder bag I continue down the street, with my wife teasing me to the tune of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” She says that I have the hat, jacket and bag similar to Indiana Jones’, but lack the bullwhip and gun. I left those in the States.

The cobbled street of Calle Linares hosts a crowded line of unusual stores collectively known as El Mercado de las Brujas, The Witches’ Market, located in downtown La Paz, and it sums up Bolivia’s strangeness quite well. Bolivia is where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and revolutionary Che Guevara all met their fate. This is where the British ambassador to Bolivia was strapped naked to a donkey, paraded around the capital, and forced to eat a huge quantity of chocolate after declining the local drink ‘chicha.’ This is where the original Garden of Eden is located (or so the locals colorfully exclaim). This is where the Salt Palace sits, a hotel made entirely of, well, salt. And this is where a young girl in Aymara dress, sitting amidst an array of several curiosities, offers my wife and I a dried llama fetus to protect our house against evil spirits. I nod my approval, Veronica makes a face and shakes her head.

“Por favor entren,” with a slight bow the girl opens her hands to the store’s entrance. “Hay muchas mas cosas adentro.”

The untidy place looks like something out of a horror movie. Mounted animal heads glare at me with unseeing eyes, feathers and potions adorn the tables, herbs spill from their dirty bags onto the wooden floor as a dog sniffs the powerful smells. I examine the items in no particular order as the girl offers them. For luck with a new business enterprise I can buy a llama fetus burnt on a plate of sweets and herbs – too big to pack. The love amulet is to get married – don’t need that one. An amulet of a naked couple embracing to improve the sex life – hhhmmmmm.

Dried frogs for more money, armadillos to prevent thieves from entering the house, love potions, magic charms, animal skins, medicines and remedies used in Aymara traditions are all for sale – what should I choose?

I notice a large collection of different colored candles. Intent upon making several sales the girl provides me with an explanation of their powers. They are made of animal wax and when burned release their magical properties. The blue candle is for good luck with work, yellow – health, green – money, purple – happiness, black wards off evil spirits, only to be used in a cemetery covered by night, white – protection…

With reverence I pull the black candle off its shelf . “Look at this Vero! This is what we need.”

“Hey Indiana,” she looks up from the naked couple amulet. “I don’t think so.”

Where did I leave my bullwhip?

If the black candle is going to cause problems a few talismans will have to do. I load up ten more in my shoulder bag, making sure that I include the toad talisman for good luck with money, and the deity talisman for buena suerte with jobs.

But do they actually work? Well, you’re reading this article.



By: Thomas Carroll

About the Author:

Most people are unaware or uninformed of how to properly clean and care for a saltwater tank. It’s best to understand how to care for your saltwater tank before even buying one so as to avoid possible problems down the road. The first thing you should be aware of is that you will need to buy filtered water or buy a reverse osmosis kit. Otherwise you can use regular water, making sure it is at the correct temperature, and add in chemicals to remove chlorine and other unwanted chemicals. Maintenance is a necessity and you will need to clean your tank at least once a month. It is best to try to clean the tank as often as every two weeks however, don’t over clean your tank or you will remove some of the beneficial bacteria. Most people think that removing this bacteria is a good thing, but it’s the exact opposite for a saltwater tank. This bacteria is actually essential to maintain a healthy and balanced aquarium.

If you are just starting out with a new saltwater tank, you will need to let the tank sit for 30 days before adding anything to it. It is recommended that you buy some test strips to test out the water and make sure everything is balanced. Nobody wants to invest in a $60.00 fish and have it die because the water was not tested and the chemical balance was off. Once the tank is established and the chemical levels are stable, it will stay that way, and you shouldn’t need to test it if you do frequent water changes. When cleaning the tank, you will need remove of stir the gravel to remove sediment that could possibly change the chemical make up of the tank. Use caution when cleaning an acrylic tank and be sure that the cleaning supplies being used will not harm the tank in any way.

The best thing to use to remove algae is phosphate drops. When added to the water on a regular basis, algae does not build up as quickly. Another way to avoid an algae problem is to invest in some hermit crabs and snails to keep your rocks and tank clean. Hermit crabs and snails are known to be the clean up crew, and can make a huge difference in your saltwater aquarium if you have enough of them. You will also need to buy a scraper or a scratch pad to clean the glass. A regular cleaning tool will not be strong enough to remove the algae from the glass.

It is very important to aim the filter head down into the water. Failure to do so will result in a build up of salt on the lid of the tank. Good lighting and a strong and efficient filter are a necessity. The tank should only be lit for about 6 hours a day. The more lighting, the more algae will form. You can buy a timer from the pet store to make sure the light is on at the exact time each day. Otherwise the lighting could range from day to day and algae will form. Try to position the saltwater aquarium away from direct sunlight as this will also add to the growth of algae.

The key to maintaining a healthy saltwater aquarium is to keep it clean and algae free. By remembering the ways to avoid algae, you will be able to keep a healthy aquarium for years to come.



By: Li Ming Wong

About the Author:

Most of us like traveling. Going to new places with friends and family is a prospect that excites many of us. But when we finally manage to get away from it all and land up in a new place, and after the excitement of the itinerary and the new locale wears off a little, it’s easy to start feeling a little homesick. After all, your home is where your heart is. And few places will ever match the warmth and comfort of one’s home.

It’s a strange predicament. How do you get away from home without really getting away from it? The simplest solution in such a case is to carry your home with you wherever you go. Fix a set of wheels to your house and tow it with you. Paradoxical as it may seem, with a motorhome, you can make the impossible possible.

Welcome to the wonderful world of RV motorhomes (RV, by the way, stands for Recreational vehicles in case you didn’t know.) Owning an RV motorhome is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. It’s just like traveling with your home as you from location to location and explore your country. RV motorhomes come in two distinct varieties – towables and motorized. Towable RVs include such variants as the travel trailer, the fifth wheel and the tent trailer. A more recent addition to this category is the toy hauler, which features both ample living areas and a secure place to keep your favorite ‘toys’, like ATV’s and motorcycles. A towable RV motor home is designed to be towed by a pick up. It therefore provides the added flexibility of having a car that can be easily separated from the RV and put to independent use.

The real fun with RV motorhomes begins with the motorized kind. These are the bigger, better boys of the pack, and also among the more expensive ones. A motorhome, as it is popularly called, can belong to any of 3 Classes. Class A Motorhomes are either gas or diesel powered, with the diesel Class A motorhomes being referred to as Diesel Pushers and often the most expensive and luxurious of the RV types. Class B Motorhomes or van conversions are a large self-contained van, which includes living accommodations, and are the smaller version of the motorhomes. Class C Motorhomes are built on a truck chassis. They are cheaper than the other two types, yet offer excellent amenities and ample space.

So what should one expect from an RV motorhome? Well, a typical RV, even in its most humble manifestation, would include beds, a table, and food preparation and storage areas. Larger RV models come with full bathrooms, refrigerators, and living areas, master bedrooms, etc. Some of the more expensive and more elaborate RVs feature satellite TV and Internet access, slide-out sections, and awnings.

Everyday, more and more people are waking up to the grand experience of owning and raveling in an RV motorhome. It’s a unique mobile living experience that’s hard to match. A recent consumer study indicates that an estimated 7.9 million American households now own an RV. Truly enough, the fun and enjoyment that these travel trailers, motorhomes, campers and van conversions offer are hard to match anywhere else.

For all those already yearning for this exquisite piece of mobile luxury, there’s good news. Did you know that the Internet now offers excellent facilities to locate and purchase the motorhome of your choice? All it takes is just a few clicks of your mouse to quickly locate the best deals on RV motorhomes. So get online and take your pick from brand new or used RVs. Get the best deals on the RV motorhome of your dream.



By: Simon Churchgate

About the Author:

The current recession has hit people hard. In these troubled economic times most of us have had to tighten our money belts. A number of compromises, right from entertainment to accommodation have been forced on us due to lack of adequate funds. The one thing which cannot be compromised upon is health. Scarcity of funds might lead us to cut down on those shopping sprees or even on the caviar, but delaying a cardiac surgery or even a dental operation due to financial reasons is not an option. However, medical travel, also referred as medical tourism is most definitely a viable option.

 

Medical travel refers to people traveling across the globe for getting medical treatment. Medical tourism is by no means a modern concept, traveling for health gains has been done since centuries. However, only recently has medical travel been converted to a highly lucrative industry.

 

Several Asian and Middle Eastern countries are profiting by the medical tourism concept. The cost of medical treatments in these countries is almost ninety percent lower than that in European and other western countries. Offering low cost medical aid to a western traveler seems a great idea for these countries to make considerable profits.

 

Medical tourism is a boon to the people in the western countries. Health cannot be compromised but with medical travel it can be achieved at a lower cost. The facilities which are offered by the health care centers offering medical travel are just as good if not better than the ones found in European countries. The medical capabilities of doctors are impeccable and the medical treatments, techniques and equipments are all top notch.

 

Medical travel is generally not undertaken for cosmetic or any other voluntary treatment. Medical tourism is undertaken by westerners with real health problems, right from a bum knee to a weak heart. In this phase of economic recession medical tourism is blooming as it offers a low price health solution to westerners. The disparity in medical costs between US and India (a nation offering medical tourism) are colossal. Cardiac surgery which costs up to $24000 in US is performed in India for a paltry $6000. Knee surgery which is very common amongst the aged if undertaken in US costs around $17000 while in India the same is performed for $1000.

 

This huge disparity in cost explains why medical tourism has become so popular. Traveling to a new country might be an inconvenience to some, but compared to the benefits that medical travel offers this inconvenience pales into insignificance. Medical travel also provides the opportunity for people to club their medical trip with a vacation. Asian and Middle Eastern countries are very popular tourist attractions apart from being nations which support medical travel.

 

Medical tourism has led to the booming of some other related businesses as well. There are companies whose sole responsibility is to cater to the demands of a medical traveler.

Medical travel has always been a booming business but in these financially troubled times the significance of medical tourism has increased manifold.

 



By: Vikram kuamr

About the Author:

Man always loves to visit new places around the world. He searches many places and instruments to travel. A kayak is the product of this search. Kayak travel is one of the good means of traveling in the early times. But in early days food and shelter are his main goals. Kayak travel are first created by native people from Arctic region. They use it to hunt on lakes, rivers and water of the Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic, Bering Sea and North Pacific oceans. Koyak travel is used for their life and struggle for extsting. Some people become so expert that they can balance their bodies on koyak.

What is kayak travel?

Kayak has a meaning as mans boat or hunter’s boat. It means a small boat powered by human beings. This boat is like a concave lence in shape. This boat is covered by deck and its cockpit is covered by a spratdeck. This boat can work with the double bladed paddle by a sitting paddler. Kayak is also known as canoes.

Kayak travels gives you immense pleasure to travel in. the place can be anywhere like sea, river and lake. You trip will be full of enjoyment and excitement. If someone likes to do new things then kayak traveling is best thing to do. You can feel the beauty of water and nature at the same time. Explore new places and enjoy yourself to the fullest. You can find new fishing spots and wild animals. This is kayak travel is all about. How exciting it is!!

Everything changes with the time and need so is the case with kayak travels. There is changes in the structure and shapes of the kayak travels. It depends on the use of the kayak

The kayak travel named baidarka created by indigenous people was useful for their bunt and transport of people and goods. Umiak is used in vast sea. It works with single bladed paddles. It requires more than one paddler.

Old kayaks work with one, two or with three paddlers. Spray deck is used to prevent entry of water from waves. It is attached to the edges of the cockpit. Most of the traditional kayaks are made up of wood material. There are three types of traditional kayaks. These are Baidarkas ,Alaskan and chines.

West Greenland kayaks are angular in shape. East Greenland kayaks are similar to West Greenland kayaks.

Now days kayaks are made by rotomolded plastic, fabric, fiberglass, Kevlar, wood and carbon fiber. Modern kayaks are of many types. They are sea kayaks, white water kayaks, surf kayaks and racing kayaks.

Sea kayaks are of three types. They are sit-on-top kayaks, recreational kayaks and skin-on-frame boats. Some sea kayaks can be used for surfing. Wooden kayaks are of two types. They are Stitch & Glue and Strip-Build.

Kayak Travel destinations:

Everglades National park, Florida is one of the famous places for kayak travel. Potomac river, Maryland is known as a whitewater gem. Puget sound, Washington

East Matagorda, Texas.

You will definitely enjoy a trip of kayak travel.



By: Muna wa Wanjiru

About the Author: