Travel Ideas

by: Jakob Jelling

Houlgate is a sea resort town situated at the back of a hill, within the region of Normandy, in France. Due to its great beaches and charming general appearance, this town attracts visitors from many different spots, not only within France but many other places of the world as well. This place offers a wide range of activities of many different kinds in such a way that all visitors would surely find something suitable to them and their wishes fulfilled.
One first look at this town would show streets bordered by trees and leading to the beach located at the lower area. In general, a sight of this town would transmit peacefulness, fun, and relaxation combined with the sound of trees leafs slowly moving from the effect of a calm breeze and the sound of the sea.
One of the main characteristics of Houlgate and by which it differentiates from most other sea towns in the region is the fact that it maintains its antique constructions and its general original appearance almost untouched and without the addition of modern buildings. This way, by visiting this town, tourists can enjoy a typical French sea resort which shows an urban architecture that has not been affected by modern trends.
There is a wide variety of different spots and buildings throughout the town of Houlgate. Tourists who approach this town can meet from medieval buildings and Swiss chalets, to typical rococo constructions. It is interesting to remark that some of these constructions have become hotels and spots open for visitors to stay while being in the town.
Through the pass of centuries, many different people of historical importance have been at this town and even lived in it for some periods of time. Among these people, we can name, for example, Saint Saens, Sacha Guitry, Napoleon III, among many others before them. Nowadays, this spot offers a great combination of quiet spots such as its beaches and historical buildings mixed with other exciting places such as discos and pubs in such a way that there is something suitable to all different preferences.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/france.php if you’re planning a trip to France.

by: Genevieve Frederick

Motor homes usually have a driver, a passenger, maybe a few kids and at least one dog. It?s a prerequisite that to own a motor home you need at least one dog. Don?t be surprised when you see RV dealers matching a breed to a particular model in the future.
Taking a RV trip with your pooch should and will be pleasant if you:

Keep your dog safe; put his leash on before you open the door. Dogs are excited as soon as their home on the road stops and they want out! But not every place you stop will be safe; on coming traffic, glass on the side of the road, and other dogs near by could cause your dog to run on to the road.
Carry a health certificate issued by our veterinarian that clearly identifies the dog and certifies that the dog have been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36-month period. This is a must if you plan to travel from the United States to Canada. Different Canadian provinces may have different requirements. Be sure to contact the government of the provinces you plan to visit. It is rare to need the health certificate when traveling in the 48 states but if there is an incident both the certificate and the rabies vaccination certificate could help a bunch.
Respect all the rules of campsites and parks. That can mean a special Poop Park or a Dog Run Area and leash rules. You don?t want to be asked to move on if your dog misbehaves or is running amuck. Dogs in a new strange place will follow their nose so keep that leash on so he will not get lost. And be prepared to pay extra for your pooch. Some camps and parks have a ?dog fee.?
Always carry poop bags (zip lock sandwich plastic bags for smaller breeds and larger plastic bags for bigger breeds). The trick, using the zip lock bags, is to turn the bag inside out, pick up the poop, turning the bag right side again and zip the contents (and smell) closed. Always try to locate the nearest dumpster or trash can instead of bringing it back into your motor home.
D-rings are great! Hook it on his leash and then hook the D-ring to your belt loop. You?ll have both hands free. When in camp, tie a long rope to a boulder, picnic table, tree or the bumper of the motor home and tie the other end to the hand rail just outside the RV door. Next time your pooch needs to go out, get his leash, clamp on the D-ring and hook it on the rope and out he goes like a little paratrooper. D-rings make it easy to tie up the dog when you go into a store or shop. Just loop the leash around any post or tree and use the D-ring to secure the dog; this prevents those knots that seem to get tighter by the minute as your dog pulls on the leash.
When you go on a tour or shopping and have to leave your pooch in the RV make sure you leave the vents open, have fresh water out, and a few puddle pads on the floor just in case there is an accident. Open windows can become an escape route; right through the screen and a long way down to the ground, so only leave the windows open an inch.
The inside of a motor home is usually small and dogs do not get out as much as if they were at home. Brush your dog outside to remove dander, and loose fur, it?s much easier to let the wind take it away than to clog up your vacuum.
If you?re on the road for long periods check the local yellow pages for a dog groomer in the town you are visiting. Or ask at the campground or RV Park for a recommendation of a nearby groomer. A better solution than doggy day care, while you tour a museum or go to a ball game your dog will be pampered and clean when you pick him up.
Give your dog a special place, like a dog carrier or a dog pad or bed this provides him with a secure and comfortable place when he is feeling scared or tired.
If your dog gets nervous or anxious while traveling try Dramine? and St. John?s Worth. Ask your vet for the amounts to be given based on your pooch?s body weight.

Dogs enrich our lives in everyway and they deserve a road trip too. Besides, they?re a lot easier than kids and dogs don?t keep saying over and over ?Are we there yet?? or ?where?s McDonald?s?? The only draw back, dogs can?t use the bathroom so they compel us to ?stop and smell the roses? every so often.

About The Author

Frederick is the Publisher at Paw Publishing, Inc. The newest title ?Happy Tails ? Hilarious Helpful Hints for Dog Owners,? is a rib-tickling look at why we both love and are puzzled by our four-footed friends by Dr. Gary L. Ailes. Subscribe at http://www.pawpublishing.com and receive by email his free handy checklist ?Dog Poisons and Other Items to Avoid.? Contact Dr. Ailes at dogdoctor@pawpublishing.com.
publisher@pawpublishing.com

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

by: Theresa Gabriel

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at the Visitor Center overlooking the great Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau, Alaska. Before me was a beautiful scene. The glacier reflected in the large lake. Ooh, ahh. Both to the left and right were mountains. It was a beautiful clear day. I watched the people too, walking around taking photos, and looking at the scenery before us and at the displays in the center, just a few feet away.
A constant roar came from a tall and full waterfall to the right of the glacier. Once, the glacier covered the waterfall. No one was aware of its presence before the glacier receded. I looked closer at the base of the waterfall. There seemed to be a sandbar and people walking on it. With my binoculars I traced the path they must have taken below me. It crossed large sandbars separated by streams and covered with bushes. I found the general location of the beginning of the path. A ranger told me that there was a way to get out there, but it wasn’t official, and that it was a little steep at one point. I decided that the best way to see such a beautiful place was up close, so I decided to try it. My mom and my husband were along with me. I told them I wanted to try the path, and asked if they wouldn’t mind just hanging around waiting for me since they didn’t want to join me.
Into the bushes I went. Immediately, I had to scramble along steep wet slate under the cover of brush. After following some wrong trails and trying again, I found myself in the large bush-covered sandy area heading towards the waterfall. I jumped little streams and plotted my course across to my goal. My last obstacles were climbing a large rock, and then traversing a 20 ft. wide stream dotted with well-placed stepping stones.
I walked right up to the roaring waterfall, and even climbed up along side it a ways on large rocks. Walking away from the waterfall I encountered a large cloud of mist that emanated from its base. I walked out along the sandbar towards the center of the lake and found a large rock to sit on. I had a snack, enjoying being present in this amazing location — surrounded by the lake and flanked by a glacier, a grand waterfall and mountains. I met people too. Some kids were climbing up much higher than I had on the rocks. A gentleman from Germany took my photo, and I took a photo of two girls out on their own adventure.
After an hour of ‘hanging around,’ I turned back. I crossed the creek, climbed the rock, and then looked for hikers emerging from the bushes to find the best path back. A couple times I had to stop and wait for new hikers so I could find the path again. The sun was setting, the floating icebergs were glimmering on the lake, and I enjoyed every moment of delay.
My entire trek took about two hours — worth every moment. My husband and my mom were very understanding and said they enjoyed the visitor center and the scenery (which included me through the telescope!) I’m glad I had the courage to ask for that time. It would have been easy just to do the scheduled tour, and to take no risks. William Shedd once said, ‘A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.’ I find that when I go further, it makes all the difference. It creates treasured memories.

About The Author

Paths began to beckon Theresa when she was 12, visiting the Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming. Walking, dancing, and movement are a part of her, nourished by John Denver*s musical challenge for her to *fly.* Join her *walking with women* Life Discovery Tours.
Learn more about Theresa Gabriel - Women Summit LLC

http://www.womensummit.com - Life Discovery Tours, Women*s Retreats