Tagged With "Great Lakes"
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Re: Aarhus: Is it strictly for the birds?
Seagulls are just rats with wings. They ruin lake fishing when you scatter ground bait. Scare the fish. Take 12 inches of fishing line. Tie a hook at each end. Make a ball of bread at each hook. Shoot into the sky with your bait catapult. Catch a seagull at each end. The noise they make scares the rest of the flock. Instantly fly away !
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Re: May 5, 2016: Liverpool Homes That Were "Saved" by World War II
In May 1941 - during WWII - Liverpool and its docklands area was bombed for 8 consecutive days. 61,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. When the truckloads of bricks and rubble were removed they were placed between the houses in danger of disappearing and the mighty ocean. Eventually it was possible to reclaim 1000 feet of land back from the water. The tide covered it with sand. And Marren grass was planted along this 2 miles of reclaimed coastline. So today we have a boating lake, kids...
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Re: Most of China's Wall in danger: Can it be saved?
I'm not sure it's even a good idea to rebuild the entire thing, but certainly significant sections should be restored and preserved. I think most of us agree this great human site should survive.
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Re: Most of China's Wall in danger: Can it be saved?
This is old news. Very old. Villages in proximity to the wall have been built from it's bricks for eons and the parts that people love to visit and pretend are historical are nothing of the kind, but completely newly built and Disney-fied versions for the tourists, foreign & domestic. The Chinese government, in its (lack of) wisdom has no more interest in cultural preservation than it does in playing fair in any area of endeavor. History and its artifacts are tools having no value beyond...
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MsK
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david urmann
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Pam Price
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
Never been anywhere in Nevada except Vegas. Didn't know they had beautiful places like this. Can you get there from Vegas as a day trip? Was it hot?
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
Well, for a start, make sure you visit Reno, Travel Luver. It's a much small town than Vegas but still has all the casinos, restaurants, etc that you'd expect from a Nevada City. From here it's easy to do a day trip to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, or down to Carson City. Reno is actually the closest major city to Great Basin National Park, say about a 3-4 hour drive. Vegas is 6-7 hour drive away. Salt Lake City is closer to Great Basin than Vegas. But you really can't do it as...
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
A friend who was a park planner for the National Park Service said his favorite park was Big Bend in Texas. He's a lover of desert landscapes, wide-open spaces and, in the case of this park too, almost no visitors. Another orphan, no doubt. http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
Thanks for the note, PortMoresby. I've visited a lot of the US parks, but Big Bend is still on my "to do" list. They do white water rafting trips there, which appeals to me. One of the things that a lot of folks enjoy about these "orphans" is that they are so sparsely peopled, with few tourists. I think the US Parks system is the USA's biggest tourist asset. I'm certainly a huge fan. Seems whenever I'm in a US Park, more German is spoken than English. The German folks certainly are aware of...
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
The comments on "orphan parks" made for some interesting thoughts. How do we (as a society) choose what to save for parks? When you consider urban parkland, the point is obvious: people who have no land of their own need areas for public recreation. In other cases, individuals with wealth and influence have created parks in areas important to them personally (think of Acadia and the Rockefellers, Palisades Interstate Park and Morgan partners). But setting aside and maintaining areas like...
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
Pheymont, you speak as if budget cuts are in the future when in fact the Park Service has been functioning with less and less for years now. The Service has a mission to which they're dedicated but less funding has meant "deferred" maintenance on buildings, trails, you name it. And when features of a park are deemed unsafe or there isn't personnel to oversee visitors then parts are closed. I've experienced that myself recently when a trail I've visited in years past was closed. I have no...
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
Costs for the existing parks is mostly maintenance and salary. In the face of a broke federal government, I would favor increased user fees. $10-20 for a family to visit a national park for a week is the greatest bargain out there. People who love the parks would happily pay twice as much and I don't think the extra cost would be a deterent. Also, it's reasonable for those with concessions to pay up more than they are. They are given a monopoly and some of those profits should go back to the...
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
No, I'm painfully aware of the past and present cuts...but I see more ahead. My concern is that there are loud voices (my own included) to speak out against cuts to parks that have a big "fan base," including Gateway here in the NY area. Because so many speak out for those parks, I fear that NPS will increasingly "hide the damage" by even more drastic cuts to others--perhaps even outright abandonment. And that's not so far-fetched an idea. For some 20 or more years here in New York, Prospect...
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
PHeymont, I don't believe we disagree. I think the problem is that the park system relies on "federal handouts" and when a government is broke, there's less to hand out. As I said, I sort of favor them being self-funded by their user and concession fees. That's a lot of money already (if it was all kept in the parks) and people would be willing to pay more IF they knew the money stayed in the parks and didn't get diverted back into the Washington's general budget. Orphan parks would be...
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Re: Weekend getaways. Where's your favorite spot
There is always something to do here in Redding. This part of California is known for its natural setting and Gold Rush history. We like to picnic at Shasta Lake or visit the Gold Rush ghost town at Shasta State Historic Park. Hiking at Lassen Volcanic park is always invigorating. In the Spring, you cannot beat a visit to the 220 acre arboretum at Turtle Bay.
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Re: Crater Lake — The Most Beautiful Lake In The World(!?)
Certainly is beautiful DrF !! Those snow capped mountains scare me off from wanting to dive into the lake. People do apply odd descriptions to wonderful things. My favourite is "It was breath-taking" The number of times I've applied the Heimlich manoeuvre to someone who's been choking on a magnificent vista. Please tell me - are the Canadians addicted to calling everything "Awesome" too ?
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Re: Crater Lake — The Most Beautiful Lake In The World(!?)
Thanks for your comments, Garry. The lake, as you would expect for one so high up, is too cold for most people to want to swim in it. But it's pretty awesome, eh? I'd say the "eh?" is perhaps the best way to identify a Canadian. Awesome I've heard used most everywhere I go, and Awesome certainly can be applied to this lake. Hope you have a very pleasant New Year, GarryRF!
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Re: Crater Lake — The Most Beautiful Lake In The World(!?)
I would describe both Crater Lake and the Grand Canyon as Awe inspiring.. A fitting use of the word. You all have yourself an Awesome year too - eh ?
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #8
Goes to show! I didn't think the Helle Hansen logo was a giveaway (since I've bought their stuff in Lake Placid, NY!) but apparently the pink boat is more famous than I thought...I assumed (and you know what that does!) that it was a whimsical local owner... Again, congrats to the gang!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, December 12, 2013: Aerial Lift Bridge, Duluth, Minnesota
Hello again Theodore Sorry for the late response to your question. Personally, I do not think it is worth the time and effort it would take for you to drive to Duluth from Minneapolis for only one day in the winter time. The ride from Minneapolis to Duluth one way on Interstate 35 will take you 2.5 hours, and that's under good driving conditions. In the winter, chances are you will encounter bad weather, and that will definitely add to your driving time. Duluth doesn't shut down in the...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 6) Slea Head. A Tour of the Dingle Peninsula
Beautiful landscapes DrF. I especially like the stone walls and dwellings. There are similar ones in Malta except they are made of limestone
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 6) Slea Head. A Tour of the Dingle Peninsula
The landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula are truly beautiful and memorable. What will especially stick with me are the many rocks and stones and how they were used -- fences, beehive huts, even a grand old church (Gallarus Oratory). I become more and more intrigued by Malta ever day, IslandMan. It is quickly moving up my travel list!
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 6) Slea Head. A Tour of the Dingle Peninsula
Slea Head on The Dingle Peninsula is one of my favorite places in the world, even though it is not in Italy. The Slea Head Cafe is also one of my favorite places for a latte, a brownie, and the VIEW. The coffee and dessert. Between Sea Head and Dingle Town is the Stonehouse Restaurant, which overlooks the Dingle Bay. The crabmeat sandwich on brown bread was really good along with the view.
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 6) Slea Head. A Tour of the Dingle Peninsula
Thanks for those very helpful comments, rbciao! I definitely need to try that crabmeat sandwich at the StoneHouse restaurant next time we're there. I was extremely pleased with how helpful and pleasant the StoneHouse staff were!
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 6) Slea Head. A Tour of the Dingle Peninsula
IslandMan. Those limestone megalithic stones in Malta got me. I heard a passing tour guide telling folks "Where that man is standing is a fertility temple" Whoooa ! Too late .. first kid 9 months later - to the day !
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 6) Slea Head. A Tour of the Dingle Peninsula
Originally Posted by GarryRF: IslandMan. Those limestone megalithic stones in Malta got me. I heard a passing tour guide telling folks "Where that man is standing is a fertility temple" Whoooa ! Too late .. first kid 9 months later - to the day ! GarryRF. Any megalithic stone that can make a man carry and deliver a child for 9 months has earned my respect -- and a place in medical history!
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 6) Slea Head. A Tour of the Dingle Peninsula
As any Woman will tell you DrF. It is the male of the species that does all the hard work. Like popping snow peas !
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 11). On safari in Yala Park, with a stop in Kirinda
Thanks, TravelandNature! And how about that Junglefowl. Looks like a fancy chicken but apparently a wild species.
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #13. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia
It is beautiful. I thought it was Lake Louise.
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #13. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia
Similar, but different. Some photos of Lake Louise and the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, one of my favorites.
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Re: Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, Redux
Hmm.... maybe I was right ! I have no wish to terminate my "footloose" attitude. Sounds like a lake with thin ice. Diamond Head on Hawaii was my limit !
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Re: Yosemite National Park: A walk among Giants. Hiking in the Mariposa Grove
I'm so jealous you got to see deer! We were there a couple of weeks ago and the most wildlife we saw were some birds and adventurous squirrels. I was hoping for a bear or deer. Random question - I've been trying to find out the temperature of the water in Yosemite. Mirror Lake in particularly. You don't happen to know, do you? I went swimming in Mirror Lake and everyone looked at me like I'd spontaneously sprouted a second head.
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Re: Yosemite National Park: A walk among Giants. Hiking in the Mariposa Grove
Thanks for all your comments. Followup: DrY. Yes, you and your family should see this sometime. You would love it! We need to plan out a trip to California for you that includes its best parks and some city sites. PHeymont. Yes, you must DO Yosemite. I recommend mid to late May as the best time to go as the waterfalls are brimming with meltwater. I like hikes of all types and can still do "moderate" hikes, though no longer take on "challenging" ones. But the Mariposa grove is doable by...
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Re: Banff National Park: Hiking in the Subalpine Splendor of Sunshine Meadows
Those photographs are wonderful, they're really giving me the itch to be there in person again. My visit to Banff and Lake Louise many years ago is one of my fondest travel memories. Imo, Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful, majestic and peaceful places to spend time. Recently, I've been considering going back, but I'm not one for cold weather. So it's gone on my list for next summer and I'm really looking forward to it. The last time I went, we drove from Seattle, and the drive through...
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Re: Banff National Park: Hiking in the Subalpine Splendor of Sunshine Meadows
Thanks for the nice comment, MsNomadica, and welcome to TravelGumbo! The Canadian Rockies are a very special place and perhaps no place is this better demonstrated than in Lake Louise. If you're traveling from Seattle, a trip up through Victoria and Vancouver, up and north from Whistler towards Jasper, then down the Rockies through Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore. I'd recommend making a loop drive, down through the Crowsnest Pass, Fernie, Cranbrook, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Couer d'alene and...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 23, 2014: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario
Sometimes we do, Garry. Like Lake Minnewanka, Kakabeka falls, and so on. But more often Anglicized names are used, or translation of native names into English (eg. "Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump"). What say you, Ottoman?
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Re: The (Long and Winding) Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Some wonderful pix of Australia that bring back so many memories of my visits Islandman I could look at those rock formations for hours. Looking into a million years of history. Australia is certainly like nowhere else on Earth and every day is a fascinating adventure. Certainly is a well written comprehensive Blog you've presented. I've enjoyed it. Thanks.
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Re: The (Long and Winding) Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Thanks for sharing this interesting and most beautiful roadtrip with us, Islandman! Another one for my bucketlist.
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Re: The (Long and Winding) Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Wow Islandman ,thank you for this blog. it really moved Australia up on my list. When i saw your photo of the Loch Ard Gorge i immediately thought of the Calanques near Marseilles, France .
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Re: Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto. Where Gumbo was #77
Thank you very much for the informative post. I have only been to Toronto once. I went up the CN Tower and took this picture of the Billy Bishop Airport.
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Buffalo-ed by the snow? Airlines waiving change fees
Each with its own set of rules, but American, Delta, Southwest and JetBlue are all adjusting rules on schedule and flight changes for passengers affected by the huge snows in the Great Lakes region. The USA Today article has more DETAILS and...
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Charleston's Grand Mansions: Middleton Place
On a recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, I bought a 2-day pass, called the Charleston Heritage Passport , at the North Charleston Visitor Center near the airport, and planned to include as many of the sites it offered of...
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Walking on ice
Came across this video of some guys walking across a frozen and crystal clear lake in Slovakia. Quite interesting footage. Some are claiming it's a hoax, but looks pretty convincing to me. Thought some of you might enjoy it.
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, December 15, 2014: The artificial Lake Reschen - Italy
I have visited a few artificial lakes on my travels but Lake Reschen tops my list - simply breathtaking. It is located in the western portion of South Tyrol, Italy, approximately 2 km south of Reschen Pass which forms the...
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Arctic Birds on Migration: Saskatchewan
Many of the Arctic birds are large white birds such as geese and swans but also include smaller and different coloured sandpipers and other birds. Where is the best place to see these magnificent Arctic birds? The most...