Covering one third of the Australia continent, Arid desert to the east and pristine coastline to the west, Western Australia is adored for its warm sunny climate, brilliant blue skies and towering forests. It is blessed with some of the worlds most precious natural phenomena including the dolphins of Monkey Mia, 350 million yr old Bungle Bungles & spectacular wildflowers. Home to beautiful national parks, gorgeous waterways, boutique hotels and award-winning restaurants; Perth is a modern, compact city set on the banks of the Swan River. Our Perth accommodation makes a great base for exploring the state of Western Australia and the Swan Valley wine region, which is perfect for a diving holiday.

Experience the real Australia, the red heart of the nation, the Northern Territory. Showcasing the world’s largest monolith, Uluru has breathtaking national parks, starry skies, and friendly outback towns like diverse landscapes of Kakadu National Park, Alice Springs, remote Arnhem Land & Gove Peninsula and multicultural Darwin. While you are in the Territory, stay in our Darwin hotels, resorts, apartments etc. The capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is one of the most multicultural and progressive communities in Australia. This city is an exotic mix of Asian, European and Aboriginal cultures with a distinctly Australian feel.

New South Wales has so much to offer, so why not get more for your holiday dollar by making big savings on NSW accommodation. Experience the real Australia travel using our NSW accommodation as a base. Against a stunning backdrop of endless beaches, World Heritage National Parks, Outback Australian desert, snow-capped ski fields, lush hinterland farms, and dazzling city lights you will find a network of historic towns, small town pubs, food and wine trails, premium shopping and fascinating Aboriginal heritage.

Sydney Australia the oldest, largest and one of the beautiful city in Australia is memorable for far more than its famous landmarks. In this great city, the stunning Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there’s much more on offer, Great accommodation, restaurants, shopping. Explore Sydney Accommodation options in the heart of the Sydney CBD, which range from hotels, motels and budget apartments. In the sprawling suburbs of Sydney the accommodation options cover resorts, hotels, motels, self-contained apartments, holiday houses and backpacker style accommodation.

The capital city of Australia, Canberra is one of the world’s greatest examples of urban planning and landscape architecture. Canberra offers a range of accommodation including five star hotels, motels, apartments and resorts. Canberra boasts famous national landmarks like parliament house, national gallery and museum and Canberra war memorial. Byron Bay is one of Australias top holiday destinations; with great sparkling beaches, an amazing marine park, award-winning restaurants, music festivals, skydiving and specialty shops. Whether flying solo or traveling with a group, there are bed and breakfasts, apartments, holiday homes and resorts galore.

While heading to South Australia to sample world famous Barossa Valley wines, witness the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges, view Kangaroo Island wildlife or sail a houseboat on the Murray River. Separated from mainland Australia by the 240 km stretch of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart a place of wild and beautiful landscapes; friendly, nice people; a pleasant, temperate climate; wonderful wine and food; a rich history; and a relaxed island lifestyle. Hobart is a blend of heritage & lifestyle, scenery & vibrant culture and rich in restaurants, bustling markets and festivals, with a fine selection of motels, apartments, boutique hotels, bed & breakfast and budget accommodation.

While your Australia travel, visit Victoria, Australias second smallest state that has something for everyone. Whether the vibrant nightlife, fabulous shopping and premium restaurants of Melbourne, the famous Great Ocean Road, wineries in the Yarra Valley or the tranquil villages of the Gippsland. Melbourne city is a spectacular combination of old and new architecture, stunning streetscapes, ethnic communities and lavish parks and gardens. Stay at one of our Hotels, resorts, holiday houses, and self contained apartments in Melbourne to experience the city that is full of art, shopping and food and wine.

Australia, being such a diverse country offers many contrasting climates, terrain, features, foods, travel experiences and has people from all over the world offering a truly multicultural experience. At last, for all those interesting attractions at Australia, you will need a good and also cheap flights, best accommodation at the right hotels.

I had been hiking nearly a week and it had rained every day. The trail became a river and it was impossible to keep my gear rain free. My pack was soaked through. Some food had become soggy and much of my clothing was damp despite having an adequate laying system and wearing a Gore-tex parka and wool sweater.

Camping proved a unique challenge. Placing my tent down quickly, I tossed the rain fly on top, then wrestled to set it up without getting water inside. During the few days I was fortunate enough to use traditional lean-to shelters, I found that wind would force the rain in sideways and sometimes the shelter roof would leak. My synthetic fill sleeping bag was not drenched but it made for a damp and clammy night of rest.

During an afternoon hiking the ridgeline, after a grueling climb, I found myself exhausted and soaked to the skin beneath my rain parka. Even with my wool sweater beneath I experienced mild shivering. The wind picked up and temperatures began dropping. A hiker’s “perfect storm” was forming.

I first realized something was wrong when my thoughts became foggy and unclear. I began to undergo what I will call “disturbed time” – the sense of losing awareness of what time of day it was or how long I had been walking.

by Tim Hodges
A writer living in metro Boston. Countless interests; life won’t be long enough to explore them all.

The planning process for any NYC walking tour vacation begins with searching for a great airfare. Online travel companies often offer unbeatable holiday and weekend package deals for visitors to select from. Packages often offer hotel rooms and airfare deals, as well as performance tickets and dinner options. A call or visit to airline websites can provide flight information, along with great package deals offered directly from the airlines.

You can find a variety of hotel rooms to choose from in the New York City area. Inexpensive hotels offer a range of options, for travelers visiting on a budget. Small family owned hotels offer a personal touch and large luxury accommodations can be found near all of the most popular attractions. When selecting a hotel, you can consider your budget, but also consider accommodations in areas close to the attractions on your itinerary. In your search, you can find hotels in the center of Manhattan, as well as in the outlying areas.

New York vacations are known for many great attractions and activities, and food is often at the top of the list for travelers. Restaurants in and around the city offer tastes from around the world, including Indian, Korean, Thai, Italian, German, Mexican and Argentinian cuisines. Neighborhood restaurants can offer an even greater treat, serving rich city favorites, with a local atmosphere that can create memories to last a lifetime.

Every visitor to NYC can find a world class museum to enjoy. Travelers can explore the history of crime at the Police Museum, discover the early beginnings of the USA in the American Indian Museum or examine what the American Museum of Natural History has to offer. The art scene in NYC is known around the world, as are its art museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.

Sports fans will find a wide variety of games to enjoy in New York City. Hockey fans can enjoy watching the Rangers, baseball fans can head over to Yankee Stadium for an afternoon game, NFL lovers can take in a Giants game and basketball fans can grab a seat next to the court for a night of Knicks hoops.

The attractions in and around NYC will offer something for any travel party. Christmastime visitors can enjoy skating in Rockefeller Center, while outdoor lovers can spend a day outside in Central Park. The historian in the family can explore the history of Ellis Island, while the animal enthusiast strolls through the exhibits at the Central Park Zoo. A trip to the Empire State Building will leave everyone in awe, gazing out over the spectacular views of the NYC area.

A trip to the Big Apple will produce memories to last a lifetime. The city has something to offer everyone, from world class performances, to world class sporting events. Planning a New York City vacation begins at home, and can be easy and fun

Before you start comparing the many brands and styles of hiking boot, consider the type of terrain and your style of hiking. Do you take extended treks through the mountains or just stroll through the local park or greenbelt? Select a boot based on the most difficult terrain you will encounter. Do you carry a heavy pack? The heavier the pack the sturdier boot you will need. Are you an all-weather hiker? Do you need a lightweight breathable fabric or a heaver waterproof material?

Modern hiking boots do not weigh as much as older styles. Lightweight high-tech materials have replaced the metal shanks used in older boots and modern fabrics offer many advantages. A lightweight boot can still offer plenty of support and be a lot easier on the feet over less rugged trails. Many of today’s top quality lightweight hiking boots offer a Gore-Tex liner that helps keep water out while still allowing your feet to breath. All-leather boots provide more support than the leather and fabric styles and they are easier to waterproof. They lend themselves to rocky terrain but they are heaver and less flexible. In my experience, leather boots will outlast the lighter styles, partly due to the heavier construction but also due to the fact that they have less seams which are always the weak point in any boot.

Have your feet properly measured and wear the type and thickness of sock you will be wearing on the trail when trying on boots. Boots should fit snugly but not too tightly. Remember they will become more comfortable with wear. Make sure they fit and provide support around your ankle and instep. You will need good ankle support, especially when carrying a pack. Hiking boots will never feel as comfortable as that old favorite pair of sneakers, but if you develop blisters or have pressure points, then you need a different boot. Look for boots with foam padding around the ankle and tongue for comfort. Removable inserts will help to fine-tune for a perfect fit.

Once you’ve found the perfect pair of hiking boots, be sure to break them in slowly. Start with short walks around the neighborhood and progress to 3 or 4 hour hikes before that weeklong hiking vacation.

This article may be freely reprinted in its entirety only if unaltered and the resource box is included with live links.

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Whitewater rafting is becoming an increasingly popular past time for thrill seekers. Many however fail to fully research their trip and the result can be at best one of failing to live up to expectations and at worst putting personal safety in danger. Here are my 5 top tips to ensure a happy and a safe first time whitewater rafting experience.

Choose your tour operator and/or instructor very carefully. Do not go for the cheapest option! Ask yourself just why they are charging so much less than the next guy. Is your safety in the water worth compromising for the sake of a few bucks? Join some internet whitewater rafting forums and seek advice on the best operators.

Think about what time of year you will be whitewater rafting. Whenever you go you will get wet – as in absolutely drenched. Not a great scenario in winter, (being wet AND cold is never a good combination!). Yet in the summer months you will get wet and this may mask the heat of the sun – resulting in sunburn or worse. Think carefully therefore before booking your trip.

Can you swim? No really can you swim? I don’t mean doing a couple of lengths in your local pool. I mean swimming in strong currents fully clothed. Think about that for a second – have you ever tried swimming in a lot more than a pair of Speedos? If not go and book some lessons – some proper lessons where you can learn more than the basic breast stroke.

Choose what you are wearing carefully – it goes without saying that your clothes will get wet you won’t want to be weraing any designer items – but what about footwear. The experts all agree that the best option is soft soled canvas shoes with plenty of grip. You may even consider buying a pair of proper “river shoes” designed solely(!) for water sports.

In addition to researching your operator thoroughly it makes perfect sense to research whitewater rafting itself. Learn about the types of water – there are 6 classes of river conditions ranging from Class I (virtually still water) to Class VI (virtually un-navigable). Whitewater novices should start at Class II or Class III. Remember also that classification can change depending on the conditions at the time. Get to know also the types of craft available to you – will you prefer kayaks, rafts or canoes? Do some reasearch and listen to experienced “river rats” in the forums.

You can be sure that with a little forward planning your first whitewater rafting experience will a highly enjoyable one which you will want to repeat again and again!

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The kayaking event has a number of different races that test novice and advanced kayakers. There is the Kayak PaddleCross race where kayakers try to beat the clock and have the fastest time. Another race pits kayakers against each other as they battle it out over 200 meters of river. Kayaking fans will assuredly have plenty of kayaking events to experience. Attending the Teva Mountain Games can boost your enthusiasm for the sport as you admire the skills of professional kayakers. If you are unable to attend the games, then don’t worry because OLN cable network has you covered.

Fans at the Teva Mountain Games can choose from seven other outdoor adventure sports to satisfy their sports craving. Whether you are an aficionado of rafting or trail running, the games have spectacular events for you to enjoy. The outdoor sporting events are the mainstay of the festival, but art and music events are also offered. There are concerts and nightlife parties that will entertain you until the wee hours of the morning.

The Teva Mountain Games is also geared towards families. There is an event guide that will be of interest to families. For example, there is a list of events for each day. Families can figure out which events to attend by reading the tips and insights offered by festival officials. If your family has trouble deciding which events to take in, then the family information available will be a welcome guide. Plus, you’ll know where to take the kids for dinner. Finding a family-friendly restaurant is a major plus.

An outdoor sports festival wouldn’t be complete without offering clinics to the eager spectators. The games offer clinics in climbing, kayaking, adventure racing, fly fishing, trail running, and mountain biking. The clinics are geared for participants of all ages and skill levels. The clinics are free, so take advantage of them.

Set your sites on attending the next Teva Mountain Games or watching it on the OLN cable network from the comfort of your own home. It is thrilling to watch professional athletes in action. You might learn a thing or two about your favorite sport and have fun in the process.

About the author: Monica Marty is a kayaking fan and the webmaster of http://kayakingisfun.com/ where you will find a free directory and information on Kayaking.You may freely distribute this article, no need to obtain consent, as long as the author’s bio paragraph (resource box) is included.
Author: Monica Marty

The Equinox river camp is very basic, located around an old farmhouse are 3 different campgrounds (for noisy, semi-noisy and quiet campers..), an outbuilding with extremely basic men’s and women’s bathrooms that have 2 toilet stalls as well as 4 functioning shower stalls in a co-ed shower and an outdoor eating area covered by tarps that are draped over metal railings. Luxury accommodation this is definitely not.

Saturday morning we got started early, we actually got woken up by the mooing of cows in the farmers field next door at about 6 am. Other campers reported that some of the cows took a walk right through the camp ground and actually left some sizeable paddies behind. It was fabulous to be in a tent again after not having gone camping for about 8 years…. We got a simple breakfast, some pancakes and pre-packaged muffins (some of them a little furry) and we started picking our kayak gear and headed off with our knowledgeable guide Christine and her helper Krista in a van to the Ottawa River. We got suited up with our life jackets, helmets and sprayskirs, and then put our kayaks in the water.

I had a devil of a time getting my sprayskirt over the kayak’s opening because it was so tight. We started with simple paddling exercises in the calm waters of the Rocher Fendu dam and first learned how to do a “wet exit”: after you tip the kayak and are underneath the vessel (panic time for most people) we were taught to rip the sprayskirt off and swim our way out of the kayak.

Paddling was quite difficult since the angle of the blades of the paddle is offset, so while your right hand is supposed to stay still, the left hand is supposed to tilt a little so the left blade of the paddle goes into the water at the proper angle. I had a bit of a problem with that since my right arm is way stronger than my left arm (from playing tennis) and I couldn’t get the entry angle of the left side of the paddle right, so many times I ended up going in a circle off to the left, having to paddle 3 or 4 times on the left side just to straighten myself out again. The kayaks are perfectly flat on the bottom, so there is no hull to help you out with the tracking on the water.

Paddling got a little more difficult when we went up the Ottawa River and my own personal faulty technique caused me to veer off to the left all the time, causing me to get caught in the current of the river, drifting downstream, against the direction of where we were trying to go. I then realized a few things: that the currents on a river as big as the Ottawa River are extremely strong and that my upper body strength was waning pretty quickly. I really developed some major respect f

Summer Activities: Pilots from all over the world flock to the Mount 7 flying site to paraglide and hang-glide. Horseback Riding, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, and air tours. World class white water rafting, ATVing, motocross, and rock climbing attract international thrill seekers. Bird and wildlife viewing, slow floats, wetland scenic forest tours.

Boating and angling are common activities at recreation sites. Most sites allow car top boat launching only. That means you can hand-launch only canoes, kayaks and boats small enough to be carried on top of your car. Trailered boats can be launched safely and conveniently from those sites with ramp facilities. In most cases, the ramps are suitable only for small and medium-sized boats.

A plane or helicopter ride will show you the Selkirk, Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges and their glaciers. You can even land on a glacier for a closer look. Air tours are available year-round.

For local history there’s the Golden Museum where you can learn about the important role that Swiss Mountain Guides played in the birth of Canadian mountaineering traditions. Or at Ray’s Antique & Collectable Museum you can browse through some old farm equipment and antique tools. Take a guided hike way, way back [some 515 million years] and visit the fossils of the renowned Yoho Burgess Shale or, if art is your scene, there are many local art shops.

Tours: Cruise the numerous small mountain roads. Tour season is [weather permitting] from May to October.

Bird / Wildlife Watching: The Rocky Mountain Trench is a major migratory path, and a great diversity of birds also settles in the Columbia Valley. 265 transient and resident species have been counted in Golden so far. Reflection Lake, the Edelweiss slough and Moberly Marsh are favourite birding spots. You can do bird watching year-round, although there are more species during migration in spring [April to June] and fall [September to October].

Canoe / Kayak Tours: At the Columbia River you can view birds of prey, herons and ducks. Paddle the Blaeberry River for more action. The Kicking Horse River is the place to be for great whitewater action. For very experienced kayakers the lower canyon with its class IV rapids is ideal. Season: May to October.

Climbing: In 1912 six Swiss Mountain Guides and their families moved permanently to Golden. Canadian Pacific Rail had hired them as professional mountain guides for the many tourists who wanted to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Today there are many ACMG certified mountain guides who live and work in Golden and the mountains around. Golden attracts climbers from all over the world.

Cross-Country Skiing: Track-set trails are just minutes from town at the Golden Golf Course. More challenging trails can be found at Dawn Mountain Nordic Trail System at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Many more tracks set by XC-enthusiasts can be found in the Blaeberry and Columbia Valley. The season is from December to April.

Cycling: Golden is the centre for the ‘Golden Triangle’ Tour where you cross the Continental Divide twice. You can go at your own pace or book a package with one of the tour companies.

Dog Sledding: Season lasts from late November to April.

Downhill (Alpine) & Cat Skiing / Snowboarding: The new Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is being developed into a 250- acre resort, encompassing 4005 acres of ski and snowboarding terrain, with views of the Canadian Rockies. The new gondola rises to the summit of the Dogtooth Mountain Range at an elevation of 7705 feet [2350 meters] where the new Eagle’s Eye Restaurant is located. The excellent snow conditions will include a vertical drop of 4,133 feet [1260 meters] from the top lift, making it the second highest in Canada. Ski season is from early December to the end of April.

Freshwater Fishing / Ice Fishing / Heli-Fishing: The area’s fishing opportunities are endless, ranging from early and late rainbow trout, small cut-throat trout in alpine lakes to char in the river and giant ling [turbot] and Dolly Varden in the hydro reservoir. Guides can take you to the type of fishing you prefer and provide all the equipment from boats to heli-fishing. One of the more popular lake areas is south of Golden, near Parson and Brisco. Many of the lower lakes open early in May, and more fishing can be found at higher elevations as summer arrives. A popular lake is Mitten Lake. Also excellent are the Cleland and Jade Lakes, and to the west, the Blackwater Lake. Stocked rainbow trout up to 24-inches can be caught in these areas. North/northwest of Golden are the Susan and Jeb Lakes in the area of the Big Bend Highway and are usually open by early July. These two lakes are renowned for their Brook trout. Anglers should note that the waters to the north remain cooler longer in the summer and often provide a more vigorous fish than the lethargic ones of the southern waters. Many of the higher alpine lakes, which open at various times later in the summer offer exciting and picturesque fly and spin- cast opportunities. The more popular areas include Gorman, Quartz and Silent Lakes – and all trailheads are within 25 minutes of town. Hike-in distances range from several kilometres to much longer.

For river fishing, the Columbia opens early in the spring providing Rainbows and Char. With a red and white spoon or a wet fly you’ll likely nab one. Also available in the Columbia are Dolly Varden, Whitefish and Kokanee. Creeks and streams open officially on June 14. and a lightweight fly rod is recommended. In the Glacier and Yoho National Parks is superb fishing but you must have a special permit aside from your regular license to encourage catch and release in these areas.

Golfing: The Golden Golf & Country Club is rated one of the top 10 is B.C., the 75th best course in Canada by Score magazine, with Golf Digest rating it three-and-a-half stars. Whether you play pro or beginner there are complete facilities and services at the 18-hole championship course. The season is from mid April to October. The course ranges from 5,380 yards to 6,818 yards long. One hole, the 11th, has such a fine setting that wedding parties have utilized the spot for photographs. It is a par 4, running 385 yards downhill from an elevated tee, with Holt Creek running beside it. This course features a pro shop, which can completely outfit all golfing needs. As well, there is a full-service restaurant, lounge and outdoor patio.

Hangliding ~ Paragliding: The Mount 7 hangliding site is one of the top ten sites in the world. Mount 7 is year after year the site of National and International Championships. If a novice you can take a tandem-flight with an experienced instructor. The season is [weather permitting] from May to October.

Heli-Hiking / Skiing: The birthplace area of the sport and one of the best in the world. Daily to weekly packages.

Hiking and Hiking Guides: Take a stroll along the dike of the Kicking Horse River or along the numerous trails to the alpine on your own or join a group at one of the remote alpine lodges accessible by helicopter or a guided tour to the world heritage site of the Yoho Burgess-Shale.

The day-hike trail at Gorman Lake is the most popular. Mammal Activities and sightings of bear, muskrat, fox, and many others are not uncommon just strolling in the woods. Some areas are known to shelter abundant wildlife.

Back- country camping sites: The lake affords excellent fly-fishing. You can find marmots and pikas along talus slopes and goats on the cliffs above. The hike is three kilometres in length, ending at the lake, and takes about 90- minutes.

The Moonraker Trails at Canyon Creek are popular for hiking as well as biking and horseback riding. There are some 45-kilometres of loop trails stretching from the Cedar Lake area to Canyon Creek. This is only minutes from town but home to wild mountain goats and bears.

The Mummery Glacier Trail is three-kilometres in length through old-growth cedar and hemlock and spectacular views of the glacier for which it is named. After a short trek up an old creek bed and across the creek by bridge you’ll arrive at the immense moraines left by the glacier. The trail ends at one of these moraines, near the top where there is a view of the glacier and waterfalls above – but look out for calving ice off the glacier! The Quartz Lake Trail west of town is a five -kilometre hike and is recommended for the area’s pristine beauty.

The recent elimination of the Ministry of Forests’ recreation program, may have lead to the dismantling of signs, toilets, and picnic tables at some recreation sites, but you may find a guidebook at Golden’s bookstore.

Horseback ~ Trail Riding: You will find specially trained horses for the beginner to the expert. Tours range from short rides to multiple day excursions. Riding season is from mid-June to October.

Hunting / Guide Outfitters: Although most people like to go hunting with their cameras, some take a rifle and want to come back with a trophy. The BC Government allows hunting of black bears, mountain goats and other animals within limited quotas and led by certified guide outfitters. Hunting seasons vary depending on species.

Mountain Biking: With 7,700 feet of vertical terrain enthusiasts can ride the mountains themselves or with guides, which are available at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort where they launch their rides down the mountain. For the price of a day’s lift ticket you can bike down 4200 vertical feet, accessed by the gondola. Mount 7 is the location of the legendary Mount 7 Psychosis downhill race offering some 12 kilometres of downhill drops, steeps and technical woodwork playgrounds. People can pedal to the top, with several jump-off trails at three, five and six- kilometres. Shuttling via truck 15-kilometres to the top is a popular option.

Mountain biking cross-country: Golden has an in-town trail system as well as a 45-kilometre trail system on the west bank of the Columbia River along the Canyon Creek trail along the narrow deep canyon, which is a steep climb up with a long, rolling descent. Motocross racing comes to Golden in late May.

Mountain Climbing: Golden has been well known for its mountain climbing since the end of the 19th century with the coming of the Swiss Guides to the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains. Local climbers have developed several areas around Golden over the last decades. The most popular area is Jubilee Mountain near Spillimacheen, 45 minutes south of town. It offers over 70 climbs, mostly sport [bolted] ranging from 5.8 to 5.12. Another popular area that is easer with low-angle climbs is up the Mount 7 road at the 6-kilometre parking lot, with most of the climbs slab in nature with a handful of short, pumpy climbs. Difficulty ranges from 5.6 to 5.11, some bolted and some mixed. A 60-metre rope is recommended for top-roping the longer routes.

A new climbing area is in the Kicking Horse Canyon, 10-kilometres east of Golden called ‘The Glen’ after nearby Glenogle Creek. This is a quartzite area and will provide a wide range of climbing, from slab to severely overhanging and difficult routes. Another short, quartzite crag is up the forest service road on the west side of the Columbia River near Nicholson [five-kilometres south of Golden]. This is a steep sport climbing wall with approximately 10 climbs from 5.10 to 5.11 plus.

Snowmobiling is popular with routes too numerous to mention.

Whitewater Rafting: The Kicking Horse River originates from icy glaciers at the western boundary of Yoho National Park and runs along 20-kilometres, has class three and four rapids careening through a canyon and right into Golden. There are roughly a dozen rafting companies in the canyon. These attract thousands of visitors from May to September each year. Rafting begins at the upper canyon through the first set of Class IV rapids known as Shotgun and Portage followed by a dozen Class III rapids. It continues into the lower canyon where Class IV rapids, Double Trouble, Riptide, and the Nozzle spread over three-kilometres. Many guiding companies offer a variety of trips from one-day to multi-day raft outings and even heli-rafting, which takes advantage of other nearby rivers, one being the Blaeberry River.

Flat-water excursions: Available through the Columbia Valley Wetlands, a popular kayaking and canoeing destination.

Before you leave Golden, the new pedestrian bridge is a must-see. This was completed in the fall of 2001 by volunteer timber framers from Golden, Europe, and the United States. Because of the high waters in the fall, the installation of the bridge didn’t occur until October 25, with the help of Sterling Cranes from Calgary, which took three full days, inching along and out onto a temporary footing, and finally onto the far shore where it was fitted into its concrete abutments. The bridge is 150- feet-long, with a 210,000-pound burr arch structure. The cost of the bridge is estimated to be $250,000, but considering the volunteer time and the donated materials its value would be over twice that amount.

Author: Margot B

Boatertalk.com: (http://www.boatertalk.com) Boatertalk.com has a bounty of boating and kayaking resources including forums, articles, gear swap, and events. Forums range from Boatertalk to SurfZone and RaftZone. Each discussion board is filled with helpful hints, information, and personal experience. To post to the boards you must pay a small membership fee. There are different types of membership ranging from $6 to $36. Paddler

Magazine online: (http://www.paddlermagazine.com) They have a bulletin board with industry news and several discussion boards. The discussion boards are broken down into whitewater, squirt, touring, and gear swap. Under ‘touring’ you can find a kayak forum. This forum is for sea kayaking and discusses trips, kayak building, technique, and design. It is a public forum so you can read messages on it. Your name and email address are the only requirements to be able to post on the discussion board.

The Alaska Outdoor Journal Discussion Board: (http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/cgi-bin/ib/ikonboard.cgi) Discussion boards for various states and regions around the world are popping up each day. When planning a kayaking trip to another state, check the Internet to see if there is a discussion board for that state. For example, Alaska has this discussion board that presents pertinent information about kayaking in Alaska. You can peruse the message boards. If you wish to post a message you must register. Registration is free. How do you find other kayaking discussion boards? Your best bet is to go through an Internet search engine such as Google or Yahoo.

Search by the keywords kayaking discussion boards or kayaking forums. A long list of websites will unfold. Sift through the websites until you find the discussion board that is right for you.

The Internet has become a well received form of communication between fellow kayakers. Take advantage of the knowledge and resources available to you. Your next kayaking trip could be the thrill of a lifetime.

Author: Monica Marty

Of course, not all adventures can go this smoothly. I’m sure there are many instances where people have noy brought their whitewater kayak paddle or their life jacket and have not had the good fortune of such wonderful friends to lend them the necessary equipment. Being, literally, up the creek without a paddle can be a daunting experience as you have effectively removed control of the water from your own power.

It is now up to the water, the waves, and the sheer force of nature to carry your adventure through to a safe landing on the shore. In the case of whitewater rafting, however, this isn’t usually a gamble many want to take; whitewater rafting can be vicious and brutal.

Adventurous Captivity

There are some that are, as many in the industry call it, captivated by adventure. These people are likely to let the waves carry them and will deliberately start their rapids trip without a whitewater kayak paddle. This is not recommended as it leaves them in the hands of nature and the clutches of the vicious white water as it rages forth carrying the small raft into certain oblivion.

Although this type of adventure is frowned upon, year after year many people embark on a similar type of adventure without a whitewater kayak paddle and, worse yet, without a proper life jacket.

Imagine being captured by an enormous wave and being tossed around like a cork in the raging waters, flipping and spinning about with no control over the direction your body is headed. This type of helplessness could have been entirely prevented with the proper use of a whitewater kayak paddle and some basic safety equipment.

Do not be captivated by adventure to the point that you lose sight of logic and common sense; take the proper equipment with you when you go whitewater rafting.

Author: John Mailer