Nature


May 20, 2010: 2:45 pm: Nature, Travel

The island of Corsica is located in the Mediterranean and much like the sea in which it exits, the island is beautiful and captures imaginations and passions for people across the world. And while it might seem like the entire island is something of a paradise natural park, there is actually a designated park on it that is amazing in its own right. The Parc Naturei Regional de Corse is relatively new and was established in 1972. It includes some of the highest mountain ranges on the island in its borders as well as the Golfe de Porto and the Scandola Nature Reserve.
It is one of the top attractions for tourists who visit the island and information on it as well as directions to it can be found at some of the top resorts and hotels in Corsica . And while many people assume the great beaches to be the top geographic attractions on the island, they are surprised to find the extend of the offerings and importance of this great park.

Although the park is protected and cannot be accessed by foot, it is possible to visit the park and arrive there by a boat that originates in the village of Galeria. Thousands of rare animal and plant species thrive in and are protected by this park and part of its function is to serve as a major conservation effort. As is true for most of the world, Corsica has seen its share of indigenous species become extinct through the centuries and it recognizes the environmental importance of preservation. In addition to some of the rare species that are found there the park also features endangered species. Two sub species of hoofed animals the mouflon and Corsican red deer are found here. In addition to the amazing beauty of the park it is also a great place to visit and see rare and endangered animals and plants.

April 23, 2010: 5:54 pm: Nature

Though many states are still buried deep in snow, there are many more than are experiencing the warmer weather of spring time.  With such nice weather, there is no excuse not to get out of the house and enjoy nature.  This week is National Park Week and to celebrate over 300 national parks are offering free admission as well as special events and programs for the kids.  It only runs through Sunday so make plans to take part.  For more information and to take advantage of this offer visit the ChicagoSunTimes.com.

April 1, 2010: 4:23 am: Nature

Denver, Colorado is an extremely popular city for many reasons. One of the obvious ones is its close proximity to some great ski resorts, though that is definitely not the only thing that attracts guests to its friendly hotels . There are numerous cultural attractions and landmarks that entice people to this mile high city, and once they are there they frequently discover a favorite aspect of it that they were previously unaware. Denver has some incredibly beautiful parks and recreational areas and they are typically full of not only residents but also tourists. Some of the parks are centered around historical aspects of the city and area, while others are specific plant life and cultural and entertainment attraction oriented.

The Four Mile Historic Park is one of the favorite visitation centers for tourists, and this is also one of the parks that visitors are frequently aware of before arriving. This large park is located on twelve acres of land and is just four miles from downtown. It includes some of the city’s oldest buildings and is full of reminders of the pioneer days. In addition, the park hosts some exciting events and festivals. The Seventh Annual Colorado Corks and Cuisines is just one of them and is one the schedule for May 3rd. The festival this year has been expanded and there is more food and drinks planned as well as art exhibits.

The Lakeside Amusement Park is located, appropriately, right on the lake at Sheridan and I-70. In addition to the great attraction features of this theme park, there are incredible scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This is an extremely popular place for families and is also suited to be a celebration venue for large parties. There are numerous rides in the park and they are for children and adults. There is a special Kiddie’s Playland area that children absolutely love. There is a new ride in this area and it has become one of the kids’ favorites. It is the Mini Skater ride, one that mini humans can’t get enough of. There are numerous food options available and patrons are also welcome to bring their own picnic items.

July 14, 2009: 12:31 pm: Business, Economy, Nature, Travel

Many people have been traveling to Singapore for purposes of business for many years, whether in marketing, banking or trade.  Singapore is well known for the excellence in practice, and for the convention halls, lectures and seminars dedicated to expanding the knowledge of the Singapore business world, and creating new business as well.  The city is a bit congested and for anyone working there on a daily basis, say in a Singapore private bank, office building or hotel trips outside the city become a necessary retreat for peace of mind and well being.  One of the best get aways close enough for a day trip is to the rain forest.  The surroundings of the natural world will bring one back to onself, and give one the sense of the proper world.  One of the largest trees in the rainforests of Asia are the Tualang Trees.

And of the most distinguishable features of the tree is that honeycombs, like large disks, hang from the branches high above the top of the forest canopy.  One of the aspects of the trees is that the natural predator for honey, the bear, is unable to grip the sides of the tree due to the slick bark.  Which means, the honey is there for the people.  The honey harvestd from these trees is worth more than the timber would be should they be cut down, so the trees remain.  Some of the combs reach a diameter of six or more feet, containing as many as thirty thousand bees.  The bees are of the species of Asian bees, the largest honey bees in the world, averaging about a foot in length.  An average tree will contain about one thousand pounds of honey.  The ritual harvest of the honey occurs in February and March, and holds religious significance for Hindus and Muslims.  This is one of the times of great festivals, and work.  This is just one of the many aspects of the forest of interest when one decides to head to the rainforest of Singapore for a break from the city life.

July 8, 2009: 2:00 pm: Nature, Travel

We came to Cape Town South Africa to visit the renown Cederberg. We booked one of the Best Cape Town Hotels and hired a Range Rover so we could drive ourselves there and take our time exploring this pristine wilderness of South Africa. We could have booked a hotel there, but it’s more convenient for us to stay in Cape Town.

The Cederberh Wilderness area is approximately 200 kilo meters north of Cape Town and it stretches from Middelberg Pass to Pakhuis Pass. It encompasses about 71,000 hectares of pristine, stark and dramatic shaped rock sandstone formations, waterfalls, caverns, streams, peaks and deep valleys. The Cederberg is one of the most ancient landscapes with a unforgettable view.

When we arrive to the wilderness we were astonished with the amount of small game such as Dassies, Klipspringers, Grey Rhebok, Grysbok and baboons. The leopards that roam here, which we did not see one, are protected. Our eyes were filled with a tremendous diversity of wild flowers and trees. We even got to talk to several local farmers which are allowed on the land which are encouraged to rehabilitate and conserve this unique flora kingdom which, apparently, was exploited ruthlessly until the late 1800′s. Even the trees, including the Clanwilliam Cedar were almost on the brink of extinction. But, due to the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree project and the Cape Leopard Project of the University of Cape Town, both of these precious items have been saved and are doing well and regaining to foothold in this vast wilderness.

We found out that several farms in the Cederberg also form part of the Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor, one of the three Mega-Reserves in South Africa where the public and private sectors have joined hands to create a conservation corridor. We were grateful to have had a chance to hike a site see this wonderful treasure of South Africa. We decided we will be back when we retire and help with the conservation efforts. We feel it’s the least we can do so that others may have the same chance we had to explore the natural beauty of this country.