Inflatable trampolines can be enormously fun as well as being helpful to keep your youngster involved & amused for a lot of hours. Several trampolines are not just great for children, as many can be purchased by adults as an aerobic health work-out on top of a way for tightening & building up neck muscles all together. Due to this a trampoline has oodles to offer throughout September for the entire family and it’s of no shock that trampolines are such a well-liked toy throughout the sunny period.

The key thing bear in mind when browsing for a bouncy trampoline is to confirm it is correct for the age & ability of all the people who will likely to be using it, be it the youngsters’ or the mature people.

An additional thing to consider is evidentially going to be the position of the bouncy trampoline. A number of trampolines currently can take up a huge degree of garden space especially as you will require about 3 feet of grass more or less around the outer surface of the trampoline in order for the kids to get off in one piece if they accidentally plunge off.

It is also helpful to remember that the majority of outdoor trampolines will require to be placed on level ground or else the toughness and protection of the trampoline can be easily affected. With this in mind, several trenches may well need to be made in order for the trampoline to stand-up evenly. Click here now to find the prices on outdoor trampolines.

600 miles of trails stretch throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. Whether you choose to follow a babbling brook, stroll through a wildflower meadow, or climb up the side of a mountain, Winter Park offers hiking for every skill level.

Winter Park Resort has 50 miles of trails that are accessible by chair lift. At the top of the lift you will find the Sunspot, which is a great place to get a bite to eat and enjoy the 360-degree views of surrounding mountains.

Berthoud Pass also offers a high starting point, but you can get there by car instead of a chair lift. Hiking along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which follows the Divide from Mexico to Canada, gives you a feeling of being on top of the world. You can also access the Divide from Rollins pass. It tends to be a little less crowded, but that is because the road up is a little bumpy, unlike Berthoud Pass.

For those looking for a challenging hike, give Byers Peak a try. Reaching the peak at 12,804 feet may be difficult, but the views from the top are spectacular. Devil’s Thumb, 12,000 feet, is a nice area for hiking, however it is best known for snow shoeing during the winter months.

After taking a nice morning hike you can relax and enjoy some free music concerts that can be found just about everywhere in Winter Park all summer long. Music and food festivals also take place in the area, but generally cost up to $40 for admission. Events like the Jazz Festival and the Food, Wine & Beer Festival may require advance planning for stays in Winter Park.

It would be impossible to cover all of the hiking trails of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley in one short article. However, once you get to here, there are numerous free trail guides that can be found at most establishments.

Stay just a five minute walk from the base of Winter Park Resort. Slope View Bed and Breakfast offers views of the Continental Divide, unique amenities and a knowledgeable staff. 970-531-2386

Written by Shane, owner and operator of Slope View Bed and Breakfast in Winter Park, Colorado.

After doing some research on RV insurance claims I discovered what one insurance company listed as the top five RV insurance claims filed. Today we’re going to discuss what these claims are and how you can avoid them.

Claim #1
This insurance company stated that it receives at least 400 claims each year involving fires around the back of the refrigerator that are caused by leaking propane lines. If you’re using your refrigerator in the LP gas mode, with an open flame, you definitely don’t want a leaking LP gas line.

How to avoid it
To avoid becoming a statistic I recommend that you take your RV to an authorized RV repair facility annually and have the entire LP gas system checked. RV technicians have the proper equipment to check the system for leaks and to make sure the LP gas pressure is adjusted properly.

You, the owner, can periodically inspect for LP gas leaks. To do this turn the main gas supply on, but do not light any pilot lights or other burners. Take a bottle of approved LP leak detector solution and dab around all gas fittings. If there is a leak the small bubbles will grow into larger bubbles. Tighten the fitting and repeat the leak test. If the problem persists turn the LP gas supply off and take it to an RV repair center to have it checked out and repaired.

Claim #2
The next claim the insurance company listed was RV’s hitting gas station overhangs and bridges. RVers forget or don’t know the height of their RV and enter areas that don’t have enough overhead clearance.

How to avoid it
The first step is to measure the height of the RV from the ground to the highest point, usually the top off the air conditioner. Manufacturer brochures often times include this information. Check the footnotes to make sure it includes optional equipment like the air conditioner. For safety measures add an additional six inches to the overall height. Write this information down and post it in the RV or tow vehicle where it can be easily seen and will serve as a constant reminder for you. When you exit the interstate to refuel select an exit that has several fuel stations so you can pick one that is easy to navigate, and has plenty of overhead clearance. If you travel on roads less traveled be sure and check clearances on all overhead bridges before attempting to go under them.

Claim #3
The insurance company lumped retracting the RV steps and awnings together in this claim. Traveling with the awning properly secured is one concern and stowing your awning in bad weather is another concern. Since the claim was not very specific about the awning I will address both issues.

How to avoid it
When I worked for an RV dealership I saw the end result of not retracting the steps on more than one occasion. It’s easy to forget the RV steps when you are getting ready go on a trip or leave a campground. I have two ways to avoid this from happening to you. First you should always use a pre-trip checklist anytime you plan to move the RV. Second you should always walk around the entire RV a second time just before pulling out. You’ll be amazed at some of the things you missed the first time you walked around the RV. I have a very thorough pre-trip checklist available in my “Checklists for RVers” e-book at www.rveducation101.com.

The first thing we’ll cover concerning the awning is stowing it properly for travel. Make sure the awning is properly stowed against the side of the RV and the roller tube lock mechanism is in the retract position. Make sure the awning arm travel locks are latched and tighten the black knobs on the back of the awning arms. The awning makes your RV six inches wider and you must always keep this in mind when you are traveling. I have seen many cases where the awning roller tube and fabric gets damaged by hitting or rubbing on something and the awning arms get damaged by catching on something. When navigating in close quarters, such as at a campground, use a ground guide to make sure you have enough clearance to avoid damage to the awning.

I’m not sure if the insurance company gets more claims for travel related damage to the awning or storm related damage. I think I have seen more awning damage caused by rain, wind and storms. You should always lower one end of the awning to allow for water run off. The weight from water pooling on the awning fabric can cause extensive and costly damage. Any wind over 20 miles per hour can also cause extensive damage to the awning and to the RV. Never leave the awning out unattended. If everyone is leaving the campsite, store the awning in the travel position. When you go to bed, store the awning in the travel position. Even when you are at the campsite, you should use awning tie downs to prevent any sudden damage caused by a high wind gust or a storm that moves in quickly.

Claim #4
The next claim the insurance company listed was for damage caused by tire blowouts. I have seen extensive damage to RVs caused by tire blowouts. Tire blowouts on RVs are caused by overloaded tires, under inflated tires, old tires and tires damaged by the ozone and UV rays.

How to avoid it
Just like the axles on your RV, tires have load ratings too. The maximum ratings are molded into the side of the tires. You need to have your fully loaded RV weighed to ensure that the tires are not overloaded. The only way to know if a tire is overloaded is to find scales where you can weigh individual wheel positions in addition to the overall weight, and the axle weights.

Another leading cause of tire failure is under inflated tires. The load rating for a tire is only accurate if the tire is properly inflated. Under inflated tires cause extreme heat build up that leads to tire failure. The appearance of the tire can look normal but the internal damage is not visible and the tire can fail at any time without warning. If you find any tire 20 percent or more below the correct inflation pressure have it removed, demounted and inspected. Driving on a tire that is 20 percent or more under inflated can cause serious, permanent damage to the tire that may not be visible.

Ideally you should check tire inflation, and adjust it if required, everyday that you move or drive your RV. If you can’t get into the habit of doing it on a daily basis you need to make it a point to check all tires weekly, at a minimum when you’re traveling. You always want to check the tires when they are cold, meaning that you don’t drive or move the RV before checking inflation pressure. The only way to correctly measure the inflation pressure in your tires is with a quality inflation pressure gauge. Don’t ever depend on your eyes to check tire inflation. There can be as much as 20 PSI difference between tires that look the same. You need to invest in an accurate inflation pressure gauge. You should get one with a double, angled foot. This makes it much easier to check the outer tire of a dual set.

The age of your tires is another factor that contributes to tire failure. If your tires are more than seven years old they should be replaced. All tires manufactured in the United States have a DOT number. You might have to look on the inside sidewalls to find it. The last three or four digits in the DOT number identify how old the tire is. Older tires used three digits. The first two identify the week of the year that the tire was built and the third identifies the year. Newer tires use four digits. Again the first two digits are the week of the year and the last two identify the year. For example 1005 is the 10th week of the year, and 05 is the year 2005. If you question the age of your tires, especially on a used RV, and you can’t find the DOT number have them inspected by a qualified tire center.

Ozone in the air and UV rays from the sun shorten the life of your tires. It’s not uncommon to see RV tires with low mileage and plenty of tread that are ruined by the damaging effects of ozone and UV rays. Ozone in the air causes tires to dry rot and deteriorate. UV rays from the sun make it happen quicker. This is especially true of the tires sidewall. Inspect your tires for checking or cracks in the sidewalls. If you notice any damage the tires should be inspected by a professional. To protect your tires from sun damage keep them covered with covers that will block out the sunlight when not in use.

Claim #5
Number five in the top five RV claims was for damage caused by rodent infestation. When RVs are stored for the winter it’s not uncommon for mice and squirrels to make their winter home in the RV. These animals are notorious for chewing through vehicle wiring and plastic and rubber lines, debilitating the entire vehicle.

How to avoid it
I don’t know if there is any proven, full proof method for keeping these rodents out of your RV but there is a long list of ways people have tried. I will list some of these ideas that you can try to keep these unwanted guests away from your RV.

Possibly the most important step is to try and prevent mice and other rodents from being able to access your RV. This can be difficult because they can enter the RV through some very small areas. Start by inspecting the underside of your RV for any gaps or holes. Fill these gaps using silicone or expanding foam. A word of caution, if you never used expanding foam before you should experiment with it on something other than your RV first. When it dries it can expand a great deal more than you expect. Next, open drawers and cabinet doors inside your RV. Look in all of the corners and crevices, especially where plumbing and wiring enter the RV. If you can see any daylight mice can get in. Fill these areas with silicone or foam.

Remove all food from the RV when it’s being stored and thoroughly clean it to remove any remnants of food that might attract mice and other rodents.
If at all possible try to park or store your RV on a solid surface like pavement or concrete. Try to avoid grass, fields or wooded areas.
If it’s a motorized RV start it every week to run any squirrels off that may be making the engine compartment into a home for the winter. This is where a lot of chewing damage occurs.

If you don’t mind the smell of mothballs scatter them throughout areas of the RV to include storage compartments and the underside. I have been told that mothballs will work for a while but eventually rodents will get used to the smell and it will no longer deter them.

Others say the alternative to mothballs is dryer sheets, like Bounce. People swear they work and the smell is much more pleasant. The problem with dryer sheets is once they dry out they are not really effective.
If you are close to where your RV is being stored you may want to use conventional mouse traps and check for mice every few days. The only problem with traps is the bait can actually attract mice. I don’t recommend any type of poison. It can take several days for the poison to work and the mice will usually die somewhere that you can’t find them. If this happens you may never get rid of the smell. If you do use poison make sure pets can’t get to the areas where you put it.

I have talked to RVers who suggest you spray some type of insect spray (that contains mint oils) around the tires to discourage mice. The only problem I see with this is you would need to do it every few days if the RV is stored outside.

There are numerous ultrasonic pest controllers on the market. Some even offer money back guarantees. Again, I have talked to some people who swear by them and others who insist they don’t work. I have never tried this method.

If all else fails I ran across a product called Fresh Cab that claims to put off a sweet woodsy-alpine scent that will keep mice away for up to three months. I have not personally tried this product, but if you would like to read more about it, go to http://www.goodearthenterprises.com

After a great deal of research on this topic I have come to the conclusion that the only way to really keep rodents away is to get rid of the rodent’s altogether. Continue to set traps for mice until they are gone and in the case of squirrels it may be necessary to trap and relocate them if there is no other method available to get rid of them.

I was surprised that damage to TV antennas did not make it in the top five RV claims. I have seen many TV antennas and RV roofs damaged by forgetting to lower the TV antenna. The damage isn’t just from the antenna hitting something when it’s in the raised position; it’s also because the antenna cannot withstand the force from highway speeds when it’s in the raised position. There are a couple of ways to avoid damage to your TV antenna. One is to stick to the trusty pre-trip checklist before you move the RV. Another way is hang the motor home or tow vehicle starting key, or something like a piece of colorful ribbon on the TV antenna handle whenever it’s in the raised position. This will serve as a reminder to lower the antenna before you move the RV.

Armed with this advice, hopefully you can avoid becoming a statistic in the top five RV insurance claims. Be safe and have a great time exploring this wonderful country in your RV.

Happy Camping!

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. Sign up for your free “RV Education 101″ Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/
Mark Polk is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. In addition to owning and operating RV Education 101, (based in North Carolina) since 1999, Polk also has a very extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management.

Polk has a degree in Industrial Management Technology and his 30 plus years of experience in maintenance includes working as an RV technician, a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic, an automotive maintenance technician, Battalion and Brigade level Maintenance Officer, an RV sales manager and also in the RV financing department as the Finance & Insurance manager. http://www.rveducation101.com/

Away from the bustle of the Beltway and the imposing monuments of American history rests a part of Virginia where things happen more slowly, and for the better. Here the beautiful birds indigenous to northern Virginia flutter and frolic without a care in the world; the pilated Woodpeckers beat a rhythmic tattoo in search of food, the goldfinches dance in the air, and the majestic eagle soars over land settled by the early fathers. Northern Virginia is a birdwatcher’s paradise, literally and figuratively.

For a relaxing vacation in the great outdoors, nothing beats a serene morning of nature at play. In the Stafford area of northern Virginia, there are a number of spots away from the usual tourist traps where one can enjoy the show of beautiful summer plumage and birdsong.

Aquia Landing

A public beach in Northern Virginia? True, this area might not have the beachy feel of towns on the southern shore, but Aquia Landing offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere and ample opportunity for birdwatching.

Abel Reservoir

There’s more than fish biting at this popular picnic spot. If the idea of sitting in a boat for hours in this fully-stocked lake holds no appeal, take a hike along the many trails bordering the water. Abel Reservoir is one of the most beautiful, natural spots in the county, home to many flying friends.

Washington’s Ferry Farm

The former home of a great founding father has hosted nearly 100 known species of birds! So popular is this area that the farm hosts regular birding tours. This informative morning will teach you everything you want to know about the mating and living habits of these creatures.

Chatham

Stroll through the gardens of this famous Virginia manse and you might spy a few finches among the flowers. The beauty of Chatham mansion is enhanced daily by the many species of birds that flutter among the grounds.

From public beachs to living museums, northern Virginia provides a home to many species of birds. Grab your binoculars and zoom lens camera and be ready, because you never know what to expect when you go birding in Virginia.

Ondeck Sailing has been operating as a Sailing School for well over ten years. The new outlay Ondeck Sailing School have made on sailing boats means the firm have built on the already current sea school business to make available a comprehensive list of events aboard high performance yachts, for skippered charter, business sailing, race charter, mile building opportunities, cruising, adventure sailing trips, ocean passages & Caribbean charter. Ondeck’s central office is based in Portsmouth at Gunwharf Quays Marina although Ondeck do run from Greenwich as well. Find the best Corporate Sailing Days with Ondeck.

Yachting can be a great sport, hobby, personal challenge or service tool. It is greatly satisfying for all that take part & Ondeck can provide for people of all experience from absolute learners to yachting experts.

Ondeck corporate sailing gives you an enjoyable & inventive selection of sailing packages, so there can be something for everyone to decide from. Ondeck Sailing do not solely supply spectating and racing at all of the key events in the corporate and group sailing chart, Ondeck Sailing also have the capability to deal with thrilling racing or sailing events for corporate hospitality, rewards, celebrations, networking, team and personal development.

There are corporate yachting events which provides unequalled fun and is something everyone can participate in. In this sort of surrounding sailing provides each individual an occasion to come together and triumph over problems including productivity, teamwork & leadership all of which can benefit your firm. Ondeck can provide for anything between 6 to six hundred people & can provide a large flotilla of cruising boats & racing yachts to pick from, depending on your company’s desires.

They also offer corporate Yachting trips, where you will do an entire days corporate & group sailing work, stopping for food rations and then finishing in corporate & group sailing matches with some of your colleagues so you have the ability to see how much you have remembered.

I’ve been known to set off for a short hike, and find something interesting and meander all day.

You can enjoy the same freedom, if you plan ahead. This light-weight, ready-to-go checklist includes everything necessary to enjoy a short hike or a longer trek.

I carry the following items in the pockets of my cargo pants, but a fanny pack will work just as well.

* Compass

* Topographic map

* Notebook or paper and pencil (pens freeze)

* Plastic bags

1. heavy plastic garbage/leaf size
2. “Zip lock” gallon size and pint size - solar still, carry water

* Bandana - head covering, water collecting

* Mirror/Sewing kit - mine is a set

* Folding scissors - mine’s on my key chain

* Dental floss - 100 feet at least

* Disposable lighter

* Firestarter - tiny tampon, cotton balls, lint

* Knife - I’m fond of my Swiss Army knife

* Magnifying glass

* First aid kit

1. antiseptic wipes
2. water purification tablets
3. pain killer
4. Epsom salts - 4-oz to 32-oz water
5. bee sting kit
6. sunblock - at least 30 SPF
7. bandaids
8. antibiotic ointment [in an emergency, smear this on firestarter materials]

* Small flashlight - I’m fond of my mini Maglite

* High energy bar - Larabar works best for me

* Thin gloves

1. Plastic MD office w/o powder - to carry water
2. Wool and nylon for hand warmers

* Bright color flagging tape - to mark the route

Check the contents weekly and replace whatever you use as soon as you get home.

JJ Murphy is an avid hiker covering 3-10 miles daily on her favorite trails in Harriman, NY. She shares wild recipes, nature education materials, and wilderness survival knowledge at http://www.writerbynature.com - Creative Content for Your Nature Endeavors.

City of Mesa

Mesa Arizona Location

Mesa is located in the eastern most area of metropolitan Phoenix. A full 12 miles east of the center of Phoenix Mesa is directly west of Tempe is to its west.

Both Chandler and the town of Gilbert are to the south of Mesa and the mighty Salt River Indian Community is to the north, and the city of Apache Junction is to the northeast.

When you’re out this far from downtown freeway access is very important. And this was not lost on the city planners, who know the importance of tapping into multiple markets. So this city has numerous highway connections available everywhere to get everybody out there shopping.

The Superstition Freeway (or Interstate 60) runs the entire length of Mesa’s southern rim and The Red Mountain Freeway (or Loop 202) follows the northern most boundary of Mesa. Loop 101, Price Freeway, freeway is continuing to grow and expand southward through the Valley.

The Loop 101 separates of Mesa from Tempe. All of these freeways give residents several convenient ways to travel to other parts of the Valley of the Sun.

Mesa History

“Great People, Quality Service” is how Mesa wants people to think about it. And think about it they do! This simply stated Wal-Mart/Target-like motto honestly reflects the city’s character.

The area was popular with Native American and Mexican dwellers long before the arrival of the white man. That changed in 1878 when a group of white settlers from Utah called the Mesa Pioneers arrived in the area.

A city was hastily set up by stern Mormon settlers who decided to stake their paramount claim more than 120 years ago.

Like most things in Arizona, the authentic heritage is Mexican. The Mexican-American War of acquisition changed a lot of that- but the names of the places, and the look in that faces of the people, show the undeniable truth of the authentic past, present, and the future of this entire area.

The name Mesa means “tabletop” in Spanish. Mesa is located along the Salt River. People are still drawn to this area today. The city of Mesa is continuing to grow and develop as this area has become a fan favorite for unassuming whites and savvy Mexican settlers as well…

The Mormon community designed streets wide enough to allow for commercial drivers today. What foresight. Hallelujah! Their vision also included homes with gardens and orchards with only four homes to a block.

Falcon Field Airport and Williams Air Force Base were built for training during 1941 for World War II. Today Falcon Field and Williams Gateway Airport (formerly Williams Air Force Base) offer complete aviation facilities to industrial to commercial development.

First manufacturing, then tourism became the favored ways to exploit Mesa’s virginal beauty.

For years, Mesa has recognized the value of tourism and has worked on its hospitality, which makes visitors from the east flood here in wave after wave.

The wide range of attractions and outdoor activities make it a popular vacation spot.

Mesa boasts a strong economy with top manufacturers and diverse businesses from the service industry to medical. Mesa continues to grow from an agricultural community to a high-tech town.

Mesa Entertainment

Mesa is known for being a “hot spot”. People from all over the world come to this city to take part in its fantastic live life. The hometown feel that people come to the area for can also be seen in the city’s festivals.

The Mesa Pow-Wow is a big-time tribute to fortunate Native American performers who are allowed to share their invaluable contribution the local culture through dance and arts and crafts at those too-few select times. Festivals and celebration reveal give a brief glimpse of Mesa’s authentic roots and their importance to the community.

The eternally-blessed and supremely sacred Mormon Church built the Arizona Temple Visitor’s Center in 1928 still stands erect as a sign and a guide for all souls who visit the area. The temple gives free tours everyday and during the Christmas season stunning visual displays and remarkable musical performances are generously shared with the public.

Advanced degree education is also found in the city of Mesa. Arizona State University and Mesa Community College is the largest school within the Maricopa County College District.

The city of Mesa provides its residents with many higher educational opportunities. A respected and solid school system is an important part of Mesa. So if you want to get a good start and be real smart then you must take part in Mesa.

Retail shopping is spread throughout the city. Superstition Springs Center, Fiesta Mall, and the Factory Stores of America make it easy for residents to shop. Restaurants ranging from rustic western grills to gourmet dining are also found in the community. This makes deciding which restaurant to try first is more difficult than locating one.

Cultural events and museums are located in Mesa. Residents and visitors have a host of choices.

Arizona’s largest collection of dinosaurs can be found at the Mesa Southwest Museum. This premier museum is known as “Arizona’s Natural History Museum” with the largest dinosaur exhibit west of the Mississippi River. (Samuel Clemens will concur!)

Many also like to visit the Champlin Aircraft Fighter Museum. The world’s biggest collection of flyable, vintage fighter aircraft are on display.

The Park of the Canals gives visitors a chance to see ancient Hohokam Indian canal systems that date back to 700 B.C.

The Museum of Youth offers hands on exhibits and was voted one of the best museums for children. Families know that Mesa has many opportunities for growth culturally and educationally. Four theaters make up the Theater Complex with a continuous lobby, concessions, and dressing rooms.

Reaching out to others through art and enhancing the quality of life in Mesa is the facility’s goal.

Mesa Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreational fun is great for any age. Numerous golf courses dot the city. These courses give residents and visitors many opportunities to get out and play a round.

Within Mesa’s 122 square mile city limits, there are countless city parks. Local Mesa parks offer picnicking areas, playgrounds, grass fields, and courts. Getting outside and playing a game is more to do fun at a Mesa park than at anyplace else in the world that you can imagine.

The Chicago Cubs make Mesa their home every spring. HoHoKam Park is the second largest stadium in the Cactus League. The 25,000 square foot facility offers four practice fields, one practice infield, batting cages, and much more.

R. Steven Thomas Yacono is a legal scholar, educator and writer who has traveled extensively over the course past decade. From Beijing to Barstow and Xiamen to Sedona, his journeys have provided a wealth of experiences about fascinating people and places to share with interested readers. You can find out more about Arizona at http://www.arizonan.com; and to plan your next trip visit http://www.on-holiday.com

Your comments are welcomed. Please direct correspondence to R. Steven Thomas Yacono at aztreking@hotmail.com

Remember your auditory sense:

It is said that while in Oaxaca, if you don’t look up while sightseeing, you’ll miss a lot (i.e. centuries old detailed carvings, moldings and frescos, trees growing perpendicular out of walls and elaborately landscaped roof-tops). Similarly, if you don’t keep your ear to the ground your stay in the city will not be as culturally complete and informative as it could be. What follows is a sampler of the range of sounds you might hear from car-top loudspeakers, truck and scooter horns, steam whistles, stereo systems and live bands, and an explanation of what each signifies, as well as how to tell them apart.

It is not necessary to venture off into the pueblos to experience the plethora of diverse and colorful sounds, which in and of themselves provide you with a greater understanding of life in Oaxaca. Just head outside of the Centro Histórico by taking a bus or taxi, or simply going for a long walk, even a kilometer or two beyond the Periférico and N. Heroes de Chapultepec. I am referring not to the continuous din of donkeys and dogs, toads, turkeys, roosters, and the more exotic birds and bovine, but rather to man-made articulations. Such sounds advise the residents of the city of the proximity of vendors of a variety of goods and services, regarding religious and secular events, or that a rite of passage of a neighbor is under way.

Commercial vendors create most of the daily discord on the streets, and inform us of what fruits are seasonally inexpensive, delicacies which tempt the taste buds of locals, and how important it is for Oaxacans to have their fresh tortillas and other baked goods. The most unusual sound comes from a metal wagon wheeled along the streets, its operator selling hot fried plantain, with sweet cream and other condiments sprinkled atop upon asking…simply delicious, and generally a “safe” food to eat on the street. Usually during the evenings one can hear the pitch of its steam whistle, starting off with a low tenor, and reaching a high screech…can’t be mistaken. At the other end of the spectrum are the tortilla vendors who often drive by the same neighborhood streets 2 – 3 times daily, usually in a VW Beetle, or on a scooter, notifying residents of their presence by short beeps of their horns. You might also hear the bread and pastry truck trolling the streets, with loudspeaker atop, the driver busking the virtues of his bolillos and variety of pan dulce. When he’s not so extolling, he has music blaring, the same songs day after day so neighbors can identify particular songs with baked goods for sale. The same pattern of dividing announcements between the shouted word and recorded music is encountered with the fruit trucks, pickups sometimes selling simply oranges by the bagful of 25, 50 or 100, or in conjunction with other types of citrus, melons and piñas, by the piece or kilo, scales loaded in the back of the vehicle, young associate bagging, weighing and taking cash. When the voice goes hoarse, on comes The Beatles, Revolver. We learn a little about culture and economics…the price of gas and labor relative to the sale of such perishables and required profit margins; the importance for residents to have fresh foodstuffs; lack of proximity to more traditional retail outlets with such offerings; and finally, the availability of at least one person in the home throughout the day to make such purchases. Think of what percentage of your neighbors are home throughout the day to welcome such purveyors. In Oaxaca, with its extended family tradition, and responsibility for making purchases entrusted to quite young children, it is feasible for such a method of marketing to continue.

Distinctly different sounds are made for announcing the arrival of necessities. It is trite to note the importance of drinking water. Several times a day water trucks loaded with 19 liter blue plastic or clear glass bottles patrol every street in every colonia, although sometimes economics may dictate use of a large tricycle instead of the motorized vehicle. The sound one hears is always the same, and unmistakable…..agua (¡aah-gwaaah!). Almost as frequently one can’t help but miss the trucks selling propane by the tank, usually in your choice of three sizes…exchange your emptied for filled. No human voice used here, but rather one or more of perhaps three familiar signals…a deep fog horn type of sound, the racket of a chain dragging along the street, and/or the recorded sound of a mooing cow followed by a jingle. Propane is residentially used primarily for stoves and hot water tanks…no underground oil or natural gas lines…here in Oaxaca we have enough trouble getting the government to just repair streets and sidewalks, and make somewhat safer the tap water we receive from the broken, antiquated and inefficient underground water delivery system—let alone embark upon changing the entire system of fuel delivery to subsurface (although recently the downtown sidewalks and streets were dug up to bury utility lines).

Much more often than in earlier eras, residents are opting for the use of larger stationary propane tanks which are filled pursuant to a delivery schedule so that these larger single receptacle propane trucks do not notify households that they’re out on the street. Similarly, the large water trucks—which fill cisternas and tinacos for household use apart from drinking—need not signal their presence, since they arrive by order only. But if you’re downstairs when the cow bell signals the arrival of the garbage truck, you’ve missed it for another week, unless you track down the truck with the week’s refuse in back of your pickup, either that day, or another if you know the dates and routes closeby.

There are also three types of informational announcements you may hear on a regular basis. Once again there are merchants, not peddling their wares on the street, but rather notifying Oaxacans of bargains or sales by means of car-top speaker, for example a supermarket chain promoting products, or a pizza franchise selling a large with two selections, plus two liters of soda for only 100 pesos. The second and perhaps more vital type of information that is received by residents is public service in nature, consisting of local news events. Often when someone in a colonia dies, a truck winds the neighborhood streets advising of not only the passing, but of pertinent details regarding mass, burial, and so on.

When there are public works to be completed that the municipio does not deem within its mandate to address in a timely fashion, the president of the colonia may arrange for the work to be done by residents, for example clearing brush. The announcement traditionally includes where and when the project will be commenced, with a plea to attend ready for work and to bring as many picks, shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows as are available to you. When hearing this type of exhortation you know that there is a neighborhood organization in place that sees part of its duty to pick up where the “higher” levels of government have left off, or is not prepared to wait until government gets around to prioritizing what the residents deem important.

The final type of information your auditory sense picks up on the streets emanates from celebrations, evidencing the richness and diversity of social life, and signifying the arrival of an important customary or religious event. While often a part of the event may take place in a hall, church or salon, in this fiesta oriented society celebrating includes at minimum a portion of the festivities occurring on the streets or at a home, or entirely in a local setting. At any time of day or night it is not unusual to hear the blaring of a sound system or live band music echoing across a valley through neighborhoods. There may be a wedding of 400 people, a 50th birthday celebration or a quince años (elaborate celebration when a girl turns 15, similar to a Bat Mitzvah in the Jewish faith) well under way. Depending on the makeup of the crowd, you may hear deafening rap, hip-hop or that otherwise deep base type of teenager-oriented music, or perhaps the more traditional cumbia tunes, or a combination of D.J. contemporary music in one set, followed by live band Latin music in the next. The most modest $100 stereo system can be hooked up to an amp and monster speakers to create a deafening diversion from otherwise relatively tranquil surroundings. The other type of music one often hears comes from more informal bands winding their way through the streets as a part of religious customs. Just look in any book which enumerates the multitude of saints’ days and other ritual dates, and you can pretty well assume that you will hear band music swinging up and down streets, weakening as the procession winds further away, and strengthening until it is upon you. Stop and ask what’s going on. Have a drink if you’re offered a small cup of mezcal, and eat up all that the festivities are willing to offer.

Follow your ears to the origin of the music, and peek in if you can, no matter how formal or informal the setting may be…you just may be welcomed inside, and really have an experience to tell the folks back home. If you simply “listen to the music” your Oaxacan experience will be that much richer.

Grant Park, bounded by Atlanta Avenue, Sidney Street, Cherokee Street and the Boulevard, is named for Colonel Lemuel P. Grant, a civil engineer for the Georgia Railroad who helped bring the railroad to Atlanta and earned the name “Father of Atlanta.”

Grant Park is near the site of the battle for Atlanta in the Civil War and defensive
breastworks, constructed under the supervision of L.P. Grant, can still be seen in the
144-acre recreation area. The land for Grant Park was at one time part of Colonel
Grant’s extensive land holdings in young Atlanta. Dogs are welcome on the scenic
trails although they are not permitted around the two prime attractions of the park:
Zoo Atlanta or the Atlanta Cyclorama, the 360-degree painting of the Battle of
Atlanta.

Nearby to enjoy with your dog is Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
less than one hour north of Atlanta.

Most rivers meander and change course over time but the Chattahoochee River is
locked in place by the 320-mile Brevard Fault that divides the Appalachian
Mountains and the Piedmont Plateau. As such, it is one of the oldest rivers in
America.

President Jimmy Carter created the Chattahoochee River National Recreation
Area in his home state to protect 48 miles of the slow-moving waters south of Lake
Lanier. Today the 4,100-acre dog-friendly preserve - Chattahoochee means place
of flowered rocks - is one of the most popular destinations in the national park
system, attracting more than three million visitors each year.

Two visitor centers, Paces Mill at the southern access and Island Ford near the
center, service the Chattahoochee River NRA’s 14 land units and more than 50 miles
of trails. Much of the canine hiking on these day-use trails is easy, through
meadows and wooded gorges along the river. Expect a cool swim for your dog when
she plunges in - the water temperature rarely warms to more than 50 degrees.

The stability of the Chattahoochee River has enabled much of the history of
inhabitation on its banks to remain in place. Keep an eye out for archaeological
remants of the Indian tribes that lived here for hundreds of years. Among the 19th
century structures that can be seen are the ruins of antebellum textile mills.

One of the premier places to hike with your dog is the Jones Bridge Trail, a 2.6-mile
jaunt that hugs the Chattahoochee for most of its length before ascending a small
ridge.

To reach the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Paces Mill travel on
US 41, north of I-75. Admission to the recreation area is free but there is a
nominal parking fee.

copyright 2006

Doug Gelbert is the author of over 20 books, including The Canine Hiker’s Bible.
To subscribe to his FREE Newsletter on hiking with your dog and receive a copy
of Rules for Dogs in 100 of the Most Popular National Park Service Lands, visit
http://www.hikewithyourdog.com In the warmer months he leads canine hikes
for hikewithyourdog.com tours, guiding packs of dogs and humans on hiking
adventures. Tours, ranging from one-day trips to multi-day explorations, visit
parks, historical sites and beaches.

If you decide to take a fly fishing trip, you may get
astonished how readily the trout will peck, having in mind a few
tips. Many enthusiastic anglers, no matter how inexperienced
they are, soon come to realise that fly fishing can be extremely
easy. You just need to learn a few things about casting,
presentation, retrieving and fighting the fish. But these can be
easily picked up, if you have good instructor. Going on a fly
fishing trip is great on Lake Taneycomo, and many novices have
learnt their first fly fishing lessons there.

Lake Taneycomo is famous for the midge hatch. That is why many
anglers take a fly fishing trip to its coasts. Midge hatch is
the only hatch that occurs there every day of the year. What are
midges? They are small bugs, their colors differ from brown and
cream to olive or black. Midges are just like most bugs, and
they begin their existence on the bottom of the lake. The warm
mud helps the eggs grow and get prepared to hatch. They hatch as
larvae and start feeding mainly with rotten plants until they
are strong enough to leave the muddy bed and swim up looking for
better water conditions. Trout feast on their migration, making
the best of it. The larvae which survive soon begin the process
of pupation. Pupas are mutating fast , and soon their wings are
well-shaped. The legs and abdomens are also changed. The
pupation process takes place near the surface of the water,
which is called “film”. Pupas swim to the surface, where they
start crawling out of their skin, finally emerging out of the
water as full- grown adult midges, with heads and wings. You
need to know these details about midges before starting your fly
fishing trip, as the success depends mainly on them, because
they are trout’s basic food. For more information click Fly Fishing Trip

Trout use the pupation for gorging up with young midges. They
catch the moment when the pupas are swimming up their way to the
surface, as they are too slow to escape from the fast swimming
fish. Trout are easy to be seen on the surface or near the film,
where they are having their meal. They even spring out of the
water to swallow the new born midge. When feeding, trout are the
easiest catch. So, if you plan to take a fly fishing trip, you
had better put a dozen of targeting flies that imitate midges.
There are several types of different flies, such as Zebra,
Brassie, Midge Pupa, Miracle, Thread Midge, Loop Wing,
Crackleback, Renegade, Griffin’s Gnat, Emerger, Krystal Pupa,
RS2 and WD40. They can be used as soft hackle, either on the
surface or the film.

As you have understood, fly fishing is easier than it may seem.
Going on a fly fishing trip is really a nice way to spend your
holiday. Even the most inexperienced novice can learn to catch a
trout if he or she comply with the trout’s meal hours. Another
advantage of going on a fly fishing trip to Lake Taneycomo is
that hatching and pupation are in progress all the year round.
Every day there are hungry trout to be caught by a cunning
angler. So, you’d better try it. Get you bags packed and start
on an adventurous fly fishing trip!