Business, economic development - the unofficial Chamber of Commerce

Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It seems like fun and you’d like to try it, but you aren’t sure if it’s for you. Well, it’s a growing industry. Annual RV retail sales topped $14 billion in 2004. As baby boomers take to the road, the RVing pastime and lifestyle are becoming increasingly popular. If you have a hint of the RV itch, then here are 10 common reasons for taking an RV vacation:

1. Getting Back to Nature: If you are interested in the great outdoors, an RV is a great way to vacation. You can visit state or national parks, tour famous landmarks and simply enjoy some fresh air and natural settings. Take a hike or go fishing. Try white water rafting or canoeing. Play some golf, go swimming, ride your bike. Get some exercise or simply do nothing but enjoy your surroundings.

2. The Comforts of Home: In an RV, you can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy the great outdoors with more creature comforts than tent camping. Whether you own an RV or try a rental, most RVs are well equipped. You will likely have a kitchen with microwave, fridge and stove, a TV and VCR, beds, living and dining areas and bathroom with shower. Many RVs have slide out rooms that increase the living area at the touch of a button. You can sit outside under your awning, get out of the rain if the weather changes, and turn on the air conditioner if it gets too hot.

3. Family Matters: Family members of all ages tend to connect with each other when they are away from their normal routine enjoying a simpler lifestyle. Remember that family togetherness can be a double-edged sword. While the RV is comfortable, it is a small living area for a large family. If you are renting, bear this in mind in choosing the size of your rental RV. During the day, try to spend time outdoors or in different activities, so that each family member gets a bit of personal space and time for themselves. But the minor logistics can be managed. The general consensus among RVing families is that an RV vacation tends to bring the family closer together with more communication and the sharing of good times.

4. Cool for Kids: An RV vacation can be a great way to travel with children. They can go out to play or take part in campground activities. There are likely to be other kids to meet and new places to explore. Children of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned campfire complete with stories, songs and stargazing. And most kids think it’s pretty cool to be in an RV “home on wheels”.

5. Campgrounds: There are many choices in campgrounds and RV parks. In peak season and tourist areas, you should make reservations. Look for the amenities that are important to you. Campgrounds may have swimming pools, lakes, boating, fishing ponds, miniature golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, game rooms, walking or bike paths, tennis courts and activities for kids and adults. You may find dances, barbeques, contests or other entertainment. RV Clubs are worth joining to get campground discounts and other services. Consider the size and setting of the campsites and check out overall campground ratings in campground directories. Also consider proximity to other attractions or landmarks that you want to visit.

6. Flexibility: In an RV, you have the flexibility to change locations if you get the whim. But take this with a grain of salt. For popular destinations, you may not be able to pick up and find another campground without a reservation. You also want to strike the right balance between seeing different areas, the amount of time spent driving and ensuring you have enough time to relax. Cautions aside, an RV can give you a lot of freedom and spontaneity. RV travel appeals to an inner pioneering spirit and allows you to create your own adventure as you go along your way. You can explore the country at your own pace or take off for last minute mini-vacations, tailgating events and weekend trips.

7. Affordability: The question of whether it is cheaper to take an RV vacation doesn’t have a “one size fits all” answer. The comparison really depends on the type of vacations you would take instead, as well as the way in which you plan to RV. For a one-time trip, you can compare the costs of renting a suitable RV to the costs of hotels, airfare or other means of travel. Or if you are considering regular RV vacations, you may want to purchase a motorhome or towable trailer. In this case, you would need to factor in operating costs, maintenance and the purchase price. In an RV, you can save money by cooking meals at home vs. dining out. You can minimize expenses if you take advantage of activities and amenities already included in the campground rate. Fuel expenses can be managed by reducing the distances traveled and staying longer at a given campground or park.

8. Driving the RV: Driving yourself gives you control over where you go and the pace of your travel. You don’t have the hassle of airline counters and keeping to schedules. You can stop and take a break when you choose. You don’t need a special license to drive an RV. Sure, it takes some getting used to — but the number of RVs on the road should tell you that it is doable. Practice on your own (or with one other person) before you load up your passengers. Take advantage of any classes available through your dealer or one of the many RV organizations.

9. How about a relaxing vacation for a change? How many times have you returned from a trip saying you need a vacation from the vacation? Now don’t kid yourself - if you are the type who likes to schedule all the details of a trip, that’s not going to change simply because you are traveling in an RV. But in choosing an RV vacation, you may shift your thinking and be more apt to use your time off as an opportunity to truly relax and unwind.

10. Test out the RV Lifestyle: The RV vacation may serve as a test drive to gauge your overall interest in the RV lifestyle. There are RVers who spend several weeks per year in RV travel. Other RVers take off for months. Snowbirds are RVers who make an annual trek to warmer climates for the winter season. And then there are fulltime RVers whose only home is their RV. Many of these people started out by vacationing in an RV as a way to try out the RV lifestyle.

Copyright 2005 Your RV Lifestyle, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Publication is permitted provided the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live. Please notify the author via the Contact Us form at http://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com, providing a link to the location of the article, or a copy of the newsletter.

About The Author
Jill is a fulltime RVer and the editor of http://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com, where you can find more advice for choosing, affording and enjoying your RV lifestyle.

Cool Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Ideas for Outdoor Gear
Enthusiasts

Do you have outdoor gear enthusiasts on your holiday shopping
list, and you don’t know what outdoor gear would make them
happy. Don’t worry. If they love “outdoor gear” they are easy to
please. We’ve made it easy for you by picking a short list of
“must have” gifts for any budget.

Outdoor Gear Gifts under $25

DMT - 6″ DiaSharp Sharpening Stone Fine - The stone offers a
continuous surface and is excellent for honing small and pointed
tools fast for any outdoor gear enthusiast. The diamond cuts
quickly with flatness endured constant angle and precision edges
that will not hollow or groove over the life of the stone HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/S2PD-DMT_6_DiaSharp_Sharpening_
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16 DLU Safari Compass - Never lets your outdoor gear sportsman
get lost in the dark. The Safari Compass offers 2° graduations
with a declination scale. Measurement in both Inch and mm scales
and includes a lanyard. It also has luminous points so not to
get lost on those dark nights. HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/S2PD-16_DLU_SAFARI_COMPASS-1109
00-355238.html" rel="nofollow">Find this outdoor gear here

Berlin Gloves - Deerskin Glove - This outdoor gear is pre
stitched with a glove liner of soft insulation, Gore-Tex glove
insert: waterproof, windproof, breathable, PTFE membrane heat
sealed for complete protection from water and wind. These gloves
provided unparalleled comfort and protection from the elements.
HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/S2PD-Berlin_Gloves_Deerskin_Glo
ve_Camo_M-223329-212.html" rel="nofollow">Find this outdoor gear here
Outdoor Gear Gifts from $25 - $100

Cascade Gaiters - These are terrific gaiters for ski touring or
mountaineering. They are waterproof with breathable upper and
lower 1000D with full lining. Any outdoor gear enthusiast would
love the elastic at the heel which allows for a more contoured
fit and greater ability for adjustment. Find this outdoor gear
here

Big Basin Sleeping Bags - Keep them warm in the cold elements
with these extreme outdoor gear sleeping bags with a temperature
rating down to 0°F. The bag is large at 39″ x 92″ with extra
duty fill of 68oz.Coletherm™ stuffing and a cover/liner of 210T
nylon/poly-cotton. HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/S2PD-CASCADE_GAITER_MED_ASSORTE
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Coleman Exponent Oryx 2 Remote Series Tent - This Oryx 2 classic
dome tent is perfect outdoor gear at a great price. It is a
roomy home for two. Double doors and adjustable vent create
optimal airflow and is a must for any outdoor gear enthusiast.
HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/S2PD-Coleman_Exponent_Oryx_2_Re
mote_Series_Tent-101100-9820_615.html" rel="nofollow">Find this outdoor gear
here

Browning - Upland Hydro Game Pack - The game pack includes a
two-liter bladder with a bite me valve and polyester canvas
fabric. It has double front pockets with easy to tuck-in flaps
and a large rear game bag. It is perfect for any hunter in need
of outdoor gear for the hunting season. HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/S2PD-Browning_Upland_Hydro_Game
_Pack_XL_XXL-214750-33254.html" rel="nofollow">Find this outdoor gear here

Outdoor Gear Gifts over $100

Garmin CF Que 1620 - This Garmin Global Positioning System
provides detailed mapping with auto-routing & voice guidance for
any outdoor gear enthusiast. It is an integrated GPS with
antenna & a CompactFlash® interface. The 12 parallel channel GPS
receiver continuously tracks up to 12 satellites to show
accurate location. It is compatible with most Pocket PC
platforms with a CF interface. It will plug into any standard
Type 1 CompactFlash® slot and it comes with Maps & a Que
application which are stored within a 68MB Flash memory. HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/S2PD-GARMIN_cf_Que_1620-93863-G
RM0029000.html" rel="nofollow">Find this outdoor gear here

SOS SB Avalanche Beacon - This avalanche beacon is top quality
and heavily dependable and has the added function of locating a
snowmobile which can be a life saving function that should be
included in any outdoor gear you take along with you in the
mountains. The SLED BUG attaches to the wiring harness on a
snowmobile and its transmitter is located in the same fashion as
a normal search, except that you use the SB channel of the
beacon. HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/S2PD-SOS_SB_AVALANCHE_BEACON-11
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This article is sponsored by HREF="http://www.bargaintable.com/" rel="nofollow">www.bargaintable.com .
Bargaintable.com is a major source for online discount outdoor
gear. For questions regarding any of the outdoor gear products
or Bargaintable.com, contact them at
customerservice@bargaintable.com .

Please share the content of these articles with your friends,
family and outdoor gear enthusiasts. Reprint rights granted. All
reprints must include a link to www.bargaintable.com . Content
may not be altered and articles must be as distributed by
eConcepts Marketing, Inc. and www.bargaintable.com . Copyright
eConcepts Marketing, Inc 2005

Camping and outdoors activities are a really great way to get in
touch with mother nature and to spend some “quality” time with
yourself and even your loved ones ; BUT ; getting lost is a
scenario you should always allow for in your mindset and basic
preparedness.This note is not meant to scare anybody, just to
inform and possibly make a difference.

Whether hunting,climbing,hiking,rescueing or just camping , in a
remote wilderness area , both your family members and friends
could get separated and ultimately lost; either individually or
in groups; so everybody needs to be prepared and be aware of the
do’s and don’t’s in the wilderness and general common sense
survival techniques.

Before you go off on your journey , tell somebody where you are
going , how many are going, and the length of time you will be
away so there is an outside person who can sound the alarm bells
if you don’t arrive back

Never think it will not happen to you ! Getting lost is a
milestone event that even the most experienced bushmen can
relate to and rememder the time ‘they’ got lost; these folks
know the roller coaster of emotions you will experience from
terror, to panic, to hopelessness , to desperation , ad
infinitum; I will always remember the time I got lost and the
chain of events that helped me get “out of there”.

Always carry the basics for your outdoors experience, if you use
a g.p.s.; these are a fantastic piece of technology;
maps,compass,matches/lighter,knife , and then add on from
there…tent,sleeping bag,water,first aid ; but the basic
compass and map and some matches/lighter should always be
carried.

Don’t panic, stay calm and show this to yourself and everybody
else around you as well ; just be ready to work it out when the
time comes.

A simple and handy idea especially with kids is to carry a
whistle, either in a safe pocket where it will not get lost or
fall out or on a lanyard around the neck although this is not my
preferred .

Although kids are always taught about ’stranger danger’, this is
a different position and that strangers could be rescuers [ some
children have been recorded as having hidden from ‘would be’
rescuers ]

Once a person realizes that they are lost; STOP AND WAIT !
Settle down and think things out, stay calm. Orientation methods
are local to every location; such as ; the sun comes up in the
west/east ; finding the north star and so on. My favourite is to
follow the streams/creeks downstream; since if you keep
following the streams downstream , you will usually find
‘civilisation’ and have drinking water along the way. If
nightfall approaches- get ready for a night alone [ except for
the creatures ] - both mentally and physically - you will hear
every little sound in the darkness and this could get freaky.You
may decide to find a campfire spot uphill from the creek away
from the mosquitoes and where rescuers could see you come
daylight; organize enough fire wood to keep it smoldering all
night; a good fire is a warm comfort at this time ; but don’t
forget the saying ‘the bigger the fire , the bigger the fool ‘.

Next morning; get the fire going steadily without starting a
bush fire and put on some green leaves to make enough smoke so
the rescuers can find you ; this is a long job but necessary.If
you hear any noises just shoot your gun , blow that whistle or
yell.

So don’t worry–it happens–just stop/wait and be calm.

This way you can enjoy the great outdoors knowing fullwell that
you can get yourself out of there!

These are just some of my thoughts on this matter and there
would be plenty other great bush survival techniques ‘out there’

“One of the World’s biggest spectacles”. Many have so described it. Many have come back time and time again. They have witnessed this mass movement of wild animals roaming free through unspoiled and savage wildness. The air fills with the click click of the cameras tirelessly. You have not seen something like it before.

“Africa is changing at a quick pace and human encroachment into the wildlife reserves has continued to erase the traditional routes. In association with development and changes of the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free is slowly getting erased. Fortunately, Masai Mara National reserve holds on to its charisma of an open, limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that yet prides in wildlife concentration and everybody has to see it.” Victoria, Washington.

Masai Mara is located in the Southwestern of Kenya, 180 kilometers from Nairobi. World famous for the abundance of wildlife and the remoteness of the reserve implants memories that no money can buy.

The Migration is a recent phenomenon (60’s and 70’s was the biggest boom) with about 250,000 individuals and gradually with time the number has risen to the current population of over 3,000,000 individuals. Add to it an estimate 1,500,000 Zebras and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. The massive display attracts hundreds of the big cats as the populations provide abundant prey. The giant African crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the big herds come to cross or to water.

It is the masai community who are not so pleased with the whole phenomenon: competing with the wildebeest for pastures and rear their huge herds of boran cattle to the grasslands. To them it is a big calamity especially because the “wild cattle” transmit diseased to their herds and poison the waters their fetal sacs.

This world famous phenomenon is a circle of life which in simple terms means that there is not a start or an end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The big determinant is the availability of pastures. The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find as safe place to graze. It also here that over 500,000 new calves are born and many are taken by the nearby waiting Jackals or Hyenas.

Survivors have little time to strengthen their legs as soon after the pilgrim continues in April. By then, the rains are over in southern Serengeti and the plains have dried up. The great herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawn mowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western Corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria. The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras as they prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way they leave behind them shorter grass to the wildebeests.

In late June to July the mass starting pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve where fresh, tender and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry the pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures.

The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 31/2 months in the Mara crossing through Sand River which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and across the Mara river and sometimes the Talek river. Usually around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of Mara River) fill the Mara river to the brim. This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking crocodiles while they await the forthcoming feast.

Finally they jump into the river and this gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds, sometimes teamed with zebras, creates an unimaginable scene. Usually they wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is usually a moment filled with tension for both the gnus and the audience. They survey for a convenient crossing point, less steep and with no obvious danger. Finally one takes courage and plunges into the river and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line cross the river.

In addition to the crocodiles, dangers also occur whereby the current of the river can be too strong for some simply getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs. This is a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles.

Finally the crossing is done and the trek to their unknown destiny (or known) continues.
In the month of October they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again they are heading to the southern plains of where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again.

Philip is a Natural Track Kenya Safaris wildlife guide. The article has been written from previous migration experiences.

Factors that can degrade the GPS signal and thus affect
accuracy include the following: * Ionosphere and troposphere
delays — The satellite signal slows as it passes through the
atmosphere. The GPS system uses a built-in model that calculates
an average amount of delay to partially correct for this type of
error. * Signal multipath — This occurs when the GPS signal is
reflected off objects such as tall buildings or large rock
surfaces before it reaches the receiver. This increases the
travel time of the signal, thereby causing errors. * Receiver
clock errors — A receiver’s built-in clock is not as accurate
as the atomic clocks onboard the GPS satellites. Therefore, it
may have very slight timing errors. * Orbital errors — Also
known as ephemeris errors, these are inaccuracies of the
satellite’s reported location. * Number of satellites visible –
The more satellites a GPS receiver can “see,” the better the
accuracy. Buildings, terrain, electronic interference, or
sometimes even dense foliage can block signal reception, causing
position errors or possibly no position reading at all. *
Satellite geometry/shading — This refers to the relative
position of the satellites at any given time. Ideal satellite
geometry exists when the satellites are located at wide angles
relative to each other. Poor geometry results when the
satellites are located in a line or in a tight grouping. *
Degradation of the satellite signal — Selective Availability
(SA) is an intentional degradation of the signal once imposed by
the U.S. Department of Defense. SA was intended to prevent
military adversaries from using the highly accurate GPS signals.
The government turned off SA in May 2000, which significantly
improved the accuracy of civilian GPS receivers.

Thousands of golfers flock to the Carolinas each spring and fall to enjoy some of the greatest golf courses in the country, and booking a golf package in Myrtle Beach is one of the best ways to experience what the area has to offer to devoted fans of the sport.

Purchasing a golf package in Myrtle Beach not only provides visitors with great opportunities for golfing but can also make available the finest in first-class accommodations, great meals, and a chance to hear some of the area’s best entertainment.

A number of golf packages may be booked through the town’s many resorts. While some resorts limit the number of area courses from which visitors can choose, many offer the full gamut of nearly 100 courses in the Myrtle Beach area, in conjunction with accommodations at the resort and the other amenities and activities available on the premises. Such resort-based Myrtle Beach golf packages often include reduced-rate accommodations and meals as compared to the cost of booking only a room at that particular resort during a golf vacation in Myrtle Beach.

Many golfers choose to book their golf package in Myrtle Beach through companies that are experts in the area’s golfing resources. Such companies usually offer packages at any of the areas fine courses so there are plenty of choices and visitors needn’t repeat the same courses year after year, if they so choose.

Golfers may want to play on the courses of North Myrtle Beach during one season, come back and experience the links of the south part of the Grand Strand the following season, and return the next year to enjoy the courses on South Carolina’s Brunswick Isles like Bald Head Island. The choices are plentiful and experts can help golfers choose the courses that are right for their skill level, ensuring an enjoyable game.

Packages such as these may include beachfront accommodations but quite often offer lodging at golf villas, condos, or hotels located on the grounds of a chosen golf course. Such accommodations offer close proximity to the golfer’s favorite activity, meaning that they’ll be able to take advantage of each and every moment on the links without having to travel a distance to play each day.

Many golf package accommodations include fully-equipped kitchens and visitors may also take advantage of the other activities and amenities available onsite, such as tennis, swimming, fitness centers, and fine restaurant meals.

When visitors book a golf package in Myrtle Beach, they’ll have the opportunity to choose all features that will make their golf vacation the perfect one for them, whether they’ve been playing the sport for years or are new at the game, having just recognized the tons of fun involved in being a golfer.

Gregg Gillies is a freelance writer and long time Myrtle Beach lover. Check out his new site, the Myrtle Beach Guide

South Africa is a country synonymous with the concept of ‘safari’. Safari is the Swahili word meaning long journey, it is most often used to describe overland adventures through African national parks and reserves to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. South African reserves encompass every possible landscape; from deserts, bushveld and forests to mountains and coastal regions. Home to over 100 game and nature reserves South Africa is Africa’s premier safari destination. Out of all these reserves the internationally renowned Kruger Park and its surrounding reserves is the most popular amongst safari goers.

The Kruger National Park

Each year approximately half a million domestic and international tourists visit this premier game reserve. The Kruger National Park is a 2 million hectare park that was established in 1898 to protect South African wildlife and is today an unrivalled leader in environmental management. Surrounding the Kruger National Park are several smaller game reserves, there are no fences between any of these reserves allowing the animals to roam free. The area is most celebrated due to the fact that it is Big Five country, during your stay you will have the opportunity to observe every one of the members of the Big Five: the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo.

Luxury Safari Options

Safari tends to be associated with “roughing it” and while a few years ago that was what safaris were about, fortunately you no longer have to concern yourselves with the thought of outdoor ablutions or a lack of electricity. Today all you need to do is sit back, relax and let the power of nature envelop you.Luxury safari’s are extremely popular amongst visitors to South Africa, the thrill of the wild is effortlessly combined with 5 star guest lodges and amazing entertainment. You really do get the best of both worlds with a holiday option such as this. One of the most luxurious accommodation offerings is Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, which is owned by Sir Richard Branson. Situated in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve which is one of the Kruger’s fenceless neighbours this 5 star reserve offers safari travellers everything they would expect from a South African safari and more. From morning and evening game drives with experienced game rangers and the luxurious massages you’ll receive at the aromatherapy spa to the amazing African and international cuisines – a safari holiday at Ulusaba will not disappoint.

Summer vs. Winter

There’s nothing better than an African summer; the days and nights are warm, the vegetation is lush and the heat of the day is broken by the sporadic bouts of thundershowers in the late afternoon. The summer months last from October to March and in the main game viewing areas (Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal) summer temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C and in isolated cases can exceed 40°C. The summer months at these reserves are renowned for the host of beautiful migrant birds and the newborn additions to the animal families within the park (November and December).
With the exception of the Western Cape, South Africa experiences summer rainfall so its winters are generally quite dry.

Due to the dry weather the bush at the game reserves tends to be dry and thin which enhances visibility. Water is quite scarce at this time of year so it is more likely that you will see large herds of elephant or antelope gathering around the waterholes. During the winter months (May – July) the temperatures range from 5°C to 24°C, the mornings and evenings tend to be quite cold but the days are rather pleasant so be sure to pack some warm items for your winter safari. Game concentrations are high during the winter months you will see a variety of species which are sometimes harder to spot in summer – Experience the majesty of the African Big Five during a winter safari in South Africa – we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

A South African safari is an amazing experience regardless of what time of year you decide to visit. Each time of year has its own unique appeal to safari travellers - from the lush vegetation, hot weather and afternoon thundershowers of summer to the colder, dryer, peak game viewing months of winter the South African Game Reserves will not disappoint.

The privately owned Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is the epitome of luxury safari travel. The exclusivity of Ulusaba affords us the luxury of personally looking after each guest and you can be sure that staff will be on hand to share in your adventures as well as to look after your every need.

For many people the feeling of diving in nature with nothing on is ver relaxing and for that reason, you will actually find a number of naked scuba diving clubs consisting of people who enjoy being free while in the water. Diving in the nude is very exhilarating, allowing the water to caress the body naturally. The number of people who enjoy naked scuba diving would probably surprise you.

In addition to the great feeling that you get while diving nude, there are also the safety considerations. For instance, some subtropical and tropical waters have problems with sea lice that become caught under clothing. The problem is that sea lice sting and it hurts. However, sea lice do not cling to exposed skin, which means people can scuba dive naked and not have to worry about these annoying creatures. Keep in mind that it is recommended body hair be trimmed or shaved.

Additionally, naked scuba diving also helps the diver to become better aware of the underwater environment, which actually teaches better diving skills. For instance, underwater, there are rocks, cliffs, coral, and other items that when brushed up against with a wetsuit can do damage to expensive gear or even create a safety hazard. By feeling the environment on the body, you become more aware of your diving and the environment, which means being more careful.

Just as there are many benefits of naked scuba diving, there are some risks too. In this case, male divers should avoid the process of feeding fish. The reason is that some fish cannot tell food from a male’s appendage, thus causing a bite. In addition, men should protect themselves when in large schools of fish. While this might sound funny, it can be a problem and bites do occur. Therefore, just be aware of the environment when diving without a wetsuit or bathing suit so you take the right protective measures.

Interestingly, many divers are now trying naked diving and finding they love it. The following are some sites that accept nude diving should you decide to try it for yourself:

St. Maarten - Orient Beach French

Mexico
§ Cozumel - San Francisco Beach
§ Yucatan, Mayan Corridor - Playa Del Carman
§ St. Barts

Honduras
§ Half Moon Bay
§ West End Bay

Antigua
§ Hawksbill

Bahamas
§ Nassau (Breezes)
§ Cat Island (Cutlass Bay)

Bonaire
§ Sorobon Beach Resort

Dominican Republic
§ Hispaniola (Eden Bay Resort)

Florida
§ Key Largo (Jules Undersea Lodge)

Jamaica
§ Runaway Beach (Breezes)
§ Braco (Grand Lido
)
§ Nigro (Grand Lido)

Naked Scuba Diving , Scuba Diving Equipment and More at http://www.getscubadiving.com

Bird Watching Is More Popular than Ever!

Bird watching has now become the fastest growing recreational activity in the nation. Government estimates show that an estimated 50 million Americans take part in birding every year! Guided tours will take you into unique areas of the country and show you birds you may never knew existed. In addition, bird feeders and bird baths are more popular than ever, allowing birders to enjoy the local birds in their own back yard!

The Lord God Bird

Nothing has stirred up excitement than the possibility of the re-emergence of the Ivory Billed Woodpecker (or nicknamed the Lord God Bird, from “Lord, God, look at that beautiful bird”). Thought to have been driven to extinction by development and hunting, some scientists may have found this bird in the eastern Arkansas forests. Swarms of bird watchers have joined in the search for this beautiful woodpecker.

It is a large woodpecker with a red and black crest on its head. While the body is black, it has distinguishable white patches on the wings.

Where Should You Bird?

Many beautiful locations exist where a variety of birds can be viewed (not to mention your back yard). Some areas that are recommended include;

- Resurrection Bay (Alaska)
- Ellensburg (Washington)
- Mogollon Rim (Arizona)
- High Island (Texas)
- Bald Head Cliff (Maine)
- Niagara Falls (New York)
- everglades (Florida)

To read more on Bird Watching, please visit
Bird Watching USA : Your Guide to Birds

http://www.bird-watching-usa.com/

Your Bird Watching and feeder resource for the birding enthusiast.