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Archive for the ‘nature travel’ Category

Far and Away Adventures Announces Three American Safaris With Wilderness Photography Artist James Bourret

Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

We’ve not taken part in these programs, however they look so intriguing, I wanted to pass on the information from Far Away Travel.

SUN VALLEY, ID, April 6, 2011 – Known for blending river rafting with wilderness adventure and backcountry luxury, Far and Away Adventures (http://www.far-away.com/) announces three American Safaris showcasing wilderness photography workshops for aspiring shutterbugs.

These programs with fine art photographer and wilderness specialist James Bourret are July 27-29 and July 29-Aug. 1, 2011 on Yellowstone Lake and Aug. 11-16, 2011 on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho, one of the world’s most revered wild and scenic waterways.

The 2-night Yellowstone Lake photo workshop is priced at $1,040 per participant, double occupancy. The 5-night Middle Fork of the Salmon workshop is $2,990 per participant, double occupancy. A shorter 2-night Middle Fork trip option is also available. Prices include all customary tour inclusions plus associated workshop instruction and activities. For non-workshop tour participants, price is $100 per night less.

Bourret is also a practicing architect based in Ketchum/Sun Valley, ID. His love of the natural world was cultivated in his youth spent at play in California’s Sierra Nevadas. See: http://jamesbourret.photoshelter.com/.

Beginning the first evening, each day of a trip includes small group and one-on-one working sessions with Bourret who will focus on improving skills using the digital SLR camera and tripod.

Topics include, among others, composition, manual and long-exposure techniques, focus and depth of field, and filters as they relate to landscape, wildlife and outdoor action photography. Sessions will be split up throughout the day, with emphasis on spending time photographing during the magic twilight hours. Each day will also include a review of the day’s images on a laptop (not required) in camp, which will promote discussions of image adjustment techniques.

Steve Lentz, founder and owner of Far and Away Adventures, says participants on his American Safari can anticipate the quality of North American big game wildlife sightings in their natural setting to rival those of an Africa safari experience.

This Yellowstone program provides opportunities for lake kayaking, guided backcountry hikes, wildlife observation and fly-fishing based from a luxurious wilderness camp on Yellowstone Lake, the largest freshwater alpine lake in North America. Guests access the deluxe camp by powerboat from Bridge Bay Marina inside the Park. See

http://www.wildyellowstone.com/yellowstone.html

The Middle Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River departure comes with, in August, playful Class III rapids through a 100-mile stretch of pristine wilderness.

On river and lake alike, tented camps that could be straight out of Africa embrace guests after a day of exploring. A chef prepares organic feasts with local microbrews and wines to be sipped from crystal stemware. This level of sophistication, comfort and concierge attention attracts A-Lister’s Stephen Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Mariel Hemingway, and the Nordstrom’s, to name a few.

Solar lanterns, hot water for showers and state-of-art tents with elevated beds, flannel linens, carpets and nightstands ensure sweet dreams.

Far and Away Adventures has been sharing the excitement of paddling with adventuresome guests since 1980. Simply, the wonders of nature and those created by Far and Away Adventures for guests plying these and other privileged waters create a new category for those who seek experiences above and beyond the ordinary. Far and Away Adventures’ guests are moved beyond world-class into a universe where luxury and wilderness blend marvelously together. For a detailed itinerary on this and other programs on equally privileged waters, please contact Far and Away Adventures; toll free 800-232-8588 or visit the web site  http://www.far-away.com/.

Maralyn D. Hill, President

Sweet Sanibel Island

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Where in the world can you go for the one of the best shelling beaches on earth? The Hill Team loves Sanibel island in southwest Florida. We like finding these precious “Gifts from the Sea” We also enjoy the abundance of fresh sea food. The pristine sugar white sands draws me back to Sanibel when I long for a quick stay-cation. Did you know that anywhere you are in Florida is only 60 miles away, at most, from a beach? Back to Sanibel. Your choice of what to do…go fishing, shelling, boat to Cabbage Key from Captiva, or lay in a hammock all day.

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I am told that there is good shopping on Sanibel if you happen to hit a rare rainy day. For me, walking and shelling in the solitude of the warm rain is bliss. Our team’s first choice of island activities is to head to the adjoining island of Captiva. This island also captivates us.

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We stop at the j. n. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, named for Pulizter Prize – winning political cartoonist. Darling, an avid conservationalist. He created this 6,000 acre santuary as a refuge for hundreds of species of birds. It is half on Cativa and half on Sanibel. You do not want to miss this natural treasure trove of mangroves and wild life. Visitors to this natural park can drive, hike, bike or paddle the trails and streams. Call the Visitor’s Center (941-472-1100) for times and directions.

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Hill TeamTips: These southwest islands or keys in Florida are lovely all year, but off-season in summer, late spring and early autumn is the best time to visit. Call or email the Chamber of Commerce in the village or Island you plan to visit. They know of small B&B’s, as well as any festivals in the area. Maralyn has found Sanibel to be an excellent spot for business meetings. Several full service hotels have good meeting facilities, top chefs, spas, golf and safe, sandy beaches. One of the cafe’s will pack you a basket lunch for a picnic table in the park, beach, or sail boat feast. If on Captiva, watch the golden sunset and sip British beer and ale on tap at The Mucky Duck. The food is good too, especially the “catch of the day.”

Here is the website for Sanibel Island and it has a wealth of information.

Travel, Stonewater Cove, Mo, Luxury and Activities Abound

Thursday, June 5th, 2008

Looking for that rustic, out-of-the way place that is ideal for a family vacation? Somewhere that has something for everyone? The 43 thousand acre Table Rock Lake in Southern Missouri and Northwestern Arkansas has the answer with one of its luxury resorts, Stonewater Cove, www.stonewatercove.com.

If upscale suites with plenty of activities are what you want, you’ll find it here. ATV tours, boating, fishing, water sports, an adventure course, hiking, pool, and spa cover some of the activities available for all ages.

The resort philosophy is outdoor-in. One area in which you experience this is its spa, with treatment rooms in separate tree houses. Stonewater says, “Wanting nothing to stand out beyond the wild, comfort and bliss, this is a place to come and escape and be at one with each other and nature…”

Stonewater refers to its dining as American classic with a backwoods flare.

In investigating Stonewater Cove, what struck me was the natural beauty of the area and a wonderful environment to keep all ages busy appreciating outdoor activities.

You can fly into Springfield-Branson National or Fayetteville. Sonewater can arrange both helicopter and limousine transportation.

I encourage you to check out its website www.stonewatercove.com, or request information from info@stonewatercove.com, 1257 Sunset Timbers Trail, Shell Knob, Mo 65747, 800-SWC-3956.

For those who try Stonewater Cove, I would like to hear your comments.

Maralyn D. Hill
www.noralyn.com















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