Archive for Recreation Resources
November 6, 2008 at 11:54 pm · Filed under Recreation Resources
I love the poem Summer by Walter Dean Myers.
The line “Bugs buzzin’ from cousin to cousin” puts a smile on my overheated face. Hot summer days and nights are perfect for studying all kinds of insects.
Since I take steps to make myself inedible to insects (see my article How to Enjoy a Tick-Free Nature Experience) it’s much easier to observe and get to know the ones that crawl or fly across my path.
Here is a list of insects you’re likely to see in northeast North America and some interesting facts about each as spring turns into summer:
Ant Lion: The larval stage of the lacewing fly, this million-year-old insect distinguishes itself by digging conical pits in sandy soil. When an ant crosses the rim of this pit, the soil caves in like a funnel, sending the ant to the waiting ant lion.
Ant: This insect uses a chemical scent (pheromone) to mark the trail from a food source to its nest. The ant’s nest-mates will follow this trail to the food source. That is why the ants travel in a line.
Bees: Bees also use pheromones to alert hive members to a food source. Honeybees have an internal “clock” attuned to the 24-hour solar day, so they can maximize nectar collecting while flowers are in bloom. Bee hives are typically located in the rotten core of a living deciduous tree, like an oak or maple.
Butterflies: These winged beauties are active during the day, typically keep their wings folded when at rest and have long slender antennae with knobbed ends. Beyond that, each species is distinct. The deep purple Mourning Cloak winters over in northeast North America. The non-poisonous Viceroy Butterfly looks so much like the poisonous Monarch Butterfly that it fools predators.
Daddy Longlegs: This harmless insect has a one-piece body; a spider’s body has two segments. I love the delicate feel of a Daddy Longlegs walking along my arm. The longer legs are this insect’s sense organs. If I tap my hand launching Daddy Longlegs into the air, its body turns into a parachute, guiding this sky diver to earth. This is one of my favorite summertime memories.
Earthworms: These worms plow the soil, leaving behind castings rich in nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. A good place to see earthworms is any moisture-rich soil, like open woods, a grassy lawn, a garden - especially after it rains. Watch how they move their muscled, segmented bodies. If you watch a Robin pull a worm from the ground, you’ll see the worm hang on sometimes until breaks. The bristles that it holds on with are called setae. Scientists say that if the worm breaks, new segments will grow.
Fireflies: The higher the temperature, the shorter the period between the flashes this insect makes. When attracting fireflies, notice that each different species of firefly has a distinct pattern of flashing light.
Hornets/Wasps: There are more of these stinging insects flying around late summer, once the workers are no longer needed to forage for food to feed the larvae. Unlike Yellow Jackets, which build their nests underground, Hornets and Wasps build hanging paper-like nests.
Mosquitoes: Entomologists say that larval mosquitoes live harmlessly in water, adult mosquitoes feast on nectar from flowers and when the egg-laying female mosquito does bite, it usually is species-specific. Most mosquitoes prefer the blood of other species to humans, but thanks to habitat destruction, we are often all that’s on the menu.
Moths: These winged insects are typically nocturnal, rest with their wings spread and have short, feathery antennae. They typically have subdued colors and will flock to a source of light, making them another fun species to study at night. Bats eat moths and so moths have evolved ways to “hear” the bat sonar and avoid capture by either fancy flying or folding their wings and dropping to the ground.
Spiders: This is another group with a range of distinct members. Wolf Spiders don’t weave webs at all, but roam for prey. Certain spiders weave distinct web patterns, others weave distinct shapes. Orb Spiders typically live outdoors, while Brown Recluse Spiders may live indoors or outdoors. In addition to making spider web art, it’s fascinating to watch a spider spin a web. Could you weave as efficiently with thread?
Water Striders: These insects use their short front legs to grasp their prey, their middle legs as oars and their hind legs as rudders. They can balance on the water surface without making ripples. Other insects, including moths, that touch the surface of the water, make ripples. Those ripples tell the water strider just where its meal is located. Water striders move by giving a backward push with its middle legs, which do create small ripples, but do not break the surface tension of the water.
Writer and naturalist JJ Murphy http://www.writerbynature.com offers creative nature curriculum, wild food recipes, fiction, poetry, articles and writing services for individuals, entrepreneurs, small businesses and ecologically aware companies.
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November 6, 2008 at 10:02 am · Filed under Recreation Resources
Part of planning a trip in our RV is planning which KOA campgrounds we will be staying at along the way. We know what to expect at a KOA campground and we have never been disappointed. If you have been RVing for any amount of time you already know that a big part of the camping experience is the campground experience. This month I am including a checklist that will help you get the most from your campground experience. Most of what is written in this checklist is common sense, but it helps to serve as a reminder of how to make your next stay at a KOA as pleasant and carefree as possible.
If you know where you’ll be staying make campground reservations in advance, particularly during the prime travel season. This way there is always a site waiting for you when you arrive.
You should stop traveling while there is still plenty of daylight to set up and get settled in at the campground.
Make sure the electrical source is compatible with your RV’s electrical system.
Make sure the site will accommodate the length of your RV.
If temperatures are hot outside, request a site that is in the shade, if possible. Try to position the RV, with the side the refrigerator is located on, in the shade to help the refrigerator work more efficiently.
Check the site for any overhead obstacles that might interfere with setting up the RV.
When you position the unit at the site make sure there is enough clearance for slide-outs and the patio awning.
Level the RV and chock the wheels before disconnecting from the tow vehicle (for towable RVs).
Test the polarity and voltage before plugging the RV into any electrical source. After you test the polarity and voltage turn the breaker off, plug the RV in, and turn the breaker back on.
Campground voltage can fluctuate depending on the demand. You should monitor the AC voltage coming into your RV, with a digital voltmeter, throughout your stay at the campground. Plug the meter into any 120-volt outlet in the RV where it will be easy to monitor the AC voltage during your camping trip. By monitoring the AC voltage you can protect thousands of dollars worth of electrical equipment and appliances in your RV. If AC voltage drops below 105-volts or goes above 130-volts you should turn electronic equipment and appliances off until the power is restored. Some digital meters have an audible alarm to warn you of high or low voltage conditions.
Keep a variety of electrical adapters on hand in case you need them. You should also have an extension cord that is compatible with the electrical system on your RV. The gauges of wire used in standard household type extension cords are not suitable for RV hook ups.
Use a water pressure regulator at the campground water source to prevent damage to your plumbing from high water pressure.
Use a white RV drinking hose to connect from the water source to the RV. Hoses not labeled safe for drinking can contribute to lead and other dangerous chemicals getting in the water. It’s a good idea to have a 4-foot, 10-foot and 25-foot hose so you can always reach the campground water hook up.
You should always filter the water going into the RV with a high quality filtration system. The 4-foot or 10-foot drinking hose can be used to go from a water filter to the city water connector on the RV.
Take along a green or black garden hose for all other uses, like flushing out holding tanks or cleaning the RV.
It’s a good idea to have a 10-foot and a 20-foot sewer hose available so you can always reach the campground sewer connection. Spend a little extra and get heavy-duty sewer hoses. Keep an assortment of sewer hose adapters and connectors on hand.
If you’re going to be leaving the campground for more than few minutes it’s a good idea to turn the water supply off until you return.
Always store the awning when you’re not going to be at the campsite and leave it in the stored position at night.
Lock your RV and secure valuables when you are not physically at the campsite.
Always keep a spare set of keys for the RV and any other vehicles.
Always practice good campground etiquette and be sure to leave the campsite in the same condition you found it, or better.
If you travel with pets, respect other campers as it pertains to your pets. Always use a leash, control any barking and always clean up after your pets.
Hopefully this will help make all of your campground experiences happy memories rather than memories you would like to forget. For checklists like this and many more, be sure to get a copy of my Checklists for RVers E-book. Have a great time camping at your favorite KOA campground.
Happy Camping!
Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101
November 4, 2008 at 2:19 pm · Filed under Lots Of Travel Resources, Recreation Resources
On researching a ski vacation the pick of French alpine field can be somewhat difficult. Particularly whilst attempting to find a ski field suitable for self catered skiing holidays. Luckily we’ve made a top ten of the most suitable French ski areas best suited for self catered chalets:
Montroc, La Mongie, Les Trois Vallees, Portes du Soleil, Tignes, Verchaix, Grand Massif, La Rosiere, Serre Chevalier, Flegere.
Nick Coeckx hailing from Poland is a Leather-Belt Maker, we interviewed him about his most enjoyable alpine resort. Unsurprisingly he voted for Super Besse a French alpine field well regarded for its choice of luxury self catered chalets.
Why do you prefer self catering skiing holidays instead of the normal option of a b&b?
Well now I enjoy the freedom that self catering chalets provide. The luxury chalet is invariably outstanding and rather than the uninspired cooking in catered chalet I can prepare a delicious dinner.
What if you’re not a good food maestro?
Then you just head out to a nearby pub.
That’s interesting do you have a good tips for us?
Without doubt it’s Cafe Metro managed by Bekki and it’s coffee fudge is unmissable.
Therefore if you are interested in self catering skiing holidays then how about considering one of skiing field on French skiing the list.
September 10, 2008 at 8:59 am · Filed under Lots Of Travel Resources, Recreation Resources, School of Information
The most important thing to factor into anything related to booking a place at an airport parking facility, be it a really busy place like the Heathrow airport parking facilities, or the not so (relatively) busy places like Liverpool airport parking, is time. If you don’t factor in the exact time of your arrival, departure and time away, then booking a slot at an airport parking place can be pretty difficult. It’s not as hard as it sounds, all you have to do is know when you’re arriving at the car park, how long you’re away, and when you’re going to leave. But one thing you really do have to be careful about is making sure that you give yourself enough time to get to and from the car park so that you don’t miss your plane. Find out how far the terminal is away from the car parking centre and book accordingly, so then you should leave yourself with enough time to be able to make it to the plane on time. Also, when you come back, make sure you’ve booked a good leaving time that’s suitable for you, because if you stay in the car park too long, you might be liable for additional charges because you’re staying longer than you should, which is similar to what happens in normal pay to park car parks anyway, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
June 10, 2008 at 11:17 pm · Filed under Recreation Resources, Shopping Stuff
A radio controlled car consists of a remote and the motor car. By turning or pushing the joystick up or down & left or right, the handler has the capacity to let it go in numerous directions.
There are so many unique types of different types of makes currently in the shops. The basic replica vehicles can only travel a little distance. Those that hunger to feel the real deal ought to procure the model that needs to be constructed and customised from scratch.
Remote controlled toys are grouped either as electric operated or as nitro power-driven. The marvellous characteristic concerning vehicles that adopt an electric powered motor is that the battery element is completely reusable. Remote control cars that make us of fuel require to be replenished as well as lubricated after a particular period of time, which is incredibly identical to today’s road legal cars.
These cars are frequently used by kids & adults of varying ages. Specific stores have radio controlled cars similar to those used in NASCAR and monster trucks that are frequently seen in the demolition derby. This clearly emphasises that people can take pleasure in remote operated cars both on and off the road.
Do these fabulous toys entail a lot of preservation? Yes they can. The owner would be advised to analyse the battery unit, the shock absorbers and the tires often. This will ensure that the model car is capable to preserve its pace and efficiency every occasion it is taken to the race course.
The hobbyist must be conscious that not all of the cars components can be repaired. This is down to toy manufacturers designing their cars to operate only until the components merely stop working. Customers that want to enjoy the remote control toy will somehow have to replace the components, nonetheless this can every now and then be tricky to procure.
Remote controlled toys don’t only relate to cars. There are also planes, ships and helicopters accessible in the toy outlet.
Both parents & children alike who are inquisitive & for some reason have never done this previously in all probability stick to the entry level model(s) and then only upgrade at a later stage if the individual is actually serious about it and wants to take part in official remote control car contests on a regular basis. Check out Toy Shopper today for the all the essential info on nitro radio control cars.
May 15, 2008 at 3:13 am · Filed under Betting, Lucky Gambling, Recreation Resources
In fact you do not have to leave your desk for a stint of online poker or related games since everything is done from your home office if you have a functional laptop or pc and, obviously, an Internet connection.
Though, read on first, for there are quite a lot of important things that you’ll want to realize about online poker or related games, all the more if you are still inexperienced in this area. OK, stifle those hormones to inspect the following recommendations. Here is a little rough that is intended to describe what to observe if you are trying to select a bona fide online poker or related games Web site.
The topmost thing that any nifty Internet risker is sure to look out for is an online poker or related games Web page of the type which offers top winning odds. Make certain that the online poker or related games Web page has partnered with a bona fide bookkeeping company in order to examine their official casino games’ payout odds in a monthly manner. This can be useful to determine the roll you are willing to stake in your prospective orgy will vindicate it.
Also, read on for a small number of fresh pointers about picking your virtual blackjack Web page.
Always take care to confirm the virtual blackjack Web page holds a license, such as by scrutinizing the license information on site. If you’re unable to determine any license information on your chosen virtual blackjack Web page, don’t ever attempt to try your hand at this place.
After that you should exhaustively let your mind read and absorb the mix of special deals that the virtual blackjack Web page promotes.
Beyond that, another advice could be to lay your bets at first in limited amounts instead of squandering more than you can afford immediately. Check first the soundness of this specific virtual blackjack outfit rather than provoking any undue hazard– all the more money loss! Last but not least, here’s the most substantial pointer about online texas holdem. It must be this- never to neglect that gaming halls should be actually about pleasure and not so much about money. Casino betting is definitely no regular employment, but, rather a leisure pursuit that should help you become bright and living pleasing.
Finally, after you have kept to the explained prompts, set off to yield to the magnetism of virtual blackjack…
Barney Frank Introduces New Anti-UIGEA Bill
