If you are in the midst of planning a beach vacation, this is bad timing. I was just about to tell you about the World's Most Dangerous Beaches, as compiled by Forbes.

In 2006 alone, American households apparently took nearly 55 million trips to the beach. Most of those trips were totally safe and pleasant. The rest of them....not so much.

Here are the World's Most Dangerous Beaches by Forbes:

• Shark Attacks/Bites: New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Fla., Runner Up: Hawaii
• Pollution: Hacks Point Beach, Kent County, Md./Beachwood Beach West, Ocean County, N.J.
• Jellyfish Attacks: Northern Australia
• Rip Current Drowning: Brevard County, Fla., Runner Up: Volusia County, Fla.
• Boating Accidents: Florida, Runner Up: California
• Lightning: Florida, Runner up: Colorado

Umm, Colorado? They have beaches in Colorado?

P.S. Is it just me or is this list a little US-centric?

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

If you are an outdoor aficionado, you may already be familiar with Wend. The outdoor magazine based out of Portland, Oregon fills its pages with stories from around the globe that peak the interest of not only outdoor enthusiasts, but anyone with a wanderlust. The latest issue covers a trip through Iceland, volunteering in Indonesia, trekking Afghanistan and surfing the Great Lakes; that's what I call good reading material.

Being the eco-friendly souls that they are, the Wend crew finally put the magazine online, making all of the articles accessible via your computer. You can still buy the print version, but if you are out traveling -- or just want to save on paper consumption -- the new online version is just as satisfying. And it's free.

Check out the virtual version of the latest issue here. And if you are feeling truly inspired, shoot them an email and pitch a story.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Travel and Leisure's 2005 issue listed 50 romantic places. The description of Chaacreek in Belize was attention-grabbing. What does the "Screamer Room" sound like to you? The resort Web site doesn't list a room with this name, but what a gorgeous looking place. Perhaps the reference is to the Honeymoon Sky Room--it's set off from the rest of the hotel, perched among the trees.

The resort is a romance magnet, even if you stay in one of the cheaper rooms. First of all, it's located in a nature reserve next to the Macal River and mountains. At the spa, there's a menu of pampering treatments for those times when you're not horseback riding, hiking, canoeing-- or whatever you do to conjure up amour.

Romance or not, my kids would love this place. There's a package called Family Adventure that looks terrific. Children up to age 18 stay for free. That lowers the price tag a bit. Head here before the middle of April for the best deals. The naturalist on staff is a bonus and there are a variety of package options. Even for a solo getaway, Chaacreek looks sublime.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Cody Cowboy Village's name grabbed me when I was reading over Trip Advisors' Best of 2008. It's number 7 on the Best Bargains list. We head through Wyoming by car almost every year, and as timing has it, we usually stay for the night in a hotel somewhere in this state so we aren't totally road weary by the time we reach Montana.

Cody Cowboy Village looks like a good road trip stop for more than a couple of days. One thing that attracts me is the log cabin style rooms that are grouped into a setting conducive to feeling like you are part of a place. The decor captures the ambiance of staying in the West--much more interesting than another chain hotel that looks like all the others, no matter the location. According to the Web site there's a large swimming pool which is an item we list as our must haves after hours of driving. Staying in a hotel with a pool is one of the carrots we dangle to our son so that he gets the idea that road trips are fun.

Cody, Wyoming is worth a stop for a few reasons. A big one is the Buffalo Bill Historical Center that pays tribute to Buffalo Bill Cody, one of the American West's iconic cowboys. In this museum center there are other museums that highlight the Plains Indians, Western art and natural history. Check out the center's calendar for special events throughout the year. Cody is also only 50 miles away from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park and has a rodeo every night in the summer. Rafting trips and fishing are two more area offerings.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

This article contains spoilers. If you haven't seen the finale, please do not read this.The answer to "Now what?" of TK Eriwn and Rachel Rosale's Amazing Race million dollar win is travel first. Rachel is taking some time off and they are hitting the road with a hefty sum even though savings is part of their idea as well. I've done some imagining to see how the dollar amounts might work out. Each won $500,000. Let's say taxes take $200,000--maybe less, but for these purposes, let's work with $300,000 remaining. With $300,000 for each person what would you do? Both Rachel & TK did say they are going to travel. Since they are getting along so famously, they're going to travel together. Rachel also said she is going to do some work on her house, buy a few new outfits and save the rest for later. TK already got a haircut. Let's say Rachel decided to save $100,000 in some sort of aggressive funds. She's young so she can do that. Risk taking is on her side. In 8 years or so, she'll have $200,000. In 16 years, $300,000. In 24 years, at age 46, she'll have $600,000, and by the time she's 52, if all goes well, she'll have over $1,200.00. By 60, over two million. That's if she doesn't touch that $100,000. That strategy could give her a very sweet deal for later travel. But, that's later; this is now. Let's talk about the remaining $200,000. Even if they each spent $50,000 on travel over the course of a few years, providing she rents out her house so someone else is paying the mortgage, what a great time they could have. As a budget traveler, I've tended to stay in two-star hotels unless at a conference where the conference hotel has a terrific deal and my employer has helped pay. We did spring for the Westin in Taipei once. This is a honey of a hotel and well worth the money for a treat, but in general, we don't stay in our rooms much when we're traveling, so paying for elegance is wasted on us, but in some places elegance does come cheap. In India, even if one stays in a former Raj palace, such as a Grand Heritage Hotel, something I highly recommend, the chances of spending over $100 for a wonderful room is not going to happen. I should amend that this is funky, historical, artsy wonderful--not plush linen, a bed fit for a king, and fine china wonderful. I went to Neemrana twice. Besides staying in a Raj style hotel, here are three other suggestions for Rachel and TK based on my most deluxe trips. Pack mule trip to Ladakh: The most expensive trip I ever took was a pack mule trip to Ladakh where each grouping of people had their private guide who made sure stragglers didn't wander off into the hills, or if blisters were too unbearable, he had the means for doing some doctoring. The mules carried our stuff and there were cooks along to prepare wonderful vegetarian meals three times a day. They also made tea and gave us snacks. I'd suggest a trip like this one to TK & Rachel. They could do a private trip with two mules and one guide and a cook. Don't give up the cook and don't give up the guide. What's the point of all that money if you're on a mountain in Ladakh trying to breath and cook dinner? Better let someone else whip up a delicious dahl and rice dish. The guide is a necessity because this is a place of trails that head off in every direction without destination makers pointing the way. (Here's a detailed account of someone else's trip published in The Seattle Times three years ago. I bet the prices are not that much more.) Cycling in Western Australia: Another wonderful trip I took was an everything included cycling trip in Western Australia. That lasted for 9 days, but didn't cost me a cent. I went along as a chaperone for high schoolers--mostly 9th grade boys. Let's just say, I more than paid my way fair and square. If anything, I wouldn't have minded if someone had slipped me a $20 for my efforts of staying cheerful and upbeat. For Rachel and TK, they'll have the added bonus of being able to buy beer in one of the many pubs in Freemantle. Chaperones weren't allowed to drink, so I only gazed into the pubs with small whimpers of I can't believe I'm in Freemantle with all these great pubs and a slew of adolescent males. (Here's a previous post. There are links to companies that do such trips.) Antique Rice Barge Cruise in Thailand: If TK and Rachel have a feel for romance, they should take a rice barge cruise in Thailand. The one I took with my husband, dad and daughter (our theme was not romance) was one night complete with gourmet meals, tropical drinks and a full moon. The trip went from outside of Bangkok, including Ayuthaya and traveled along the river back into the city. Watching life awaken along the river as the sun came up was quite special. A warning though. The trip included a visit to a temple where we gave gifts to a monk who sprinkled water on us. It was part of a holy day. I got very unexpectedly pregnant right after. Perhaps there's no correlation, I'm just saying. Okay, maybe there was some romance.

What advice do you have for TK and Rachel for how to use their travel money wisely, but with style?

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Washington, DC —The Eightmile River will now be protected forever, after being added to the Wild and Scenic River System with a few strokes of President Bush’s pen.  The bill, which was included in a large package of natural resources bills, passed both houses of Congress with overwhelming bipartisan majorities. 

“Getting Wild and Scenic protection for the Eightmile has been more like a marathon than a 10K, but we’ve finally crossed the finish line,” said Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers ™. “Hard work really does pay off in the end.”

Protecting the Eightmile River as Wild and Scenic was the first piece of legislation ever introduced by freshman Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT). It first passed the House in July and Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate along with Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).  Due to legislative rules, the House was forced to pass it again before sending it to the President.

"After many years fighting for the preservation of the Eightmile River, local advocates now have their victory," stated Courtney.  "I am pleased to have successfully ushered this bill through the House, but the credit belongs to the local residents and environmental leaders who made the conservation of our local environment a relentless priority."

The watershed, studied by the National Park Service and determined eligible for national Wild and Scenic status, is the largest unfragmented forest region in coastal Connecticut, and its scenic beauty, historic character, and abundant fisheries serve as a tremendous source of pride for the residents of the local communities. The Eightmile will become the second river in Connecticut protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Farmington River is the other.

"The towns who have worked so long and hard to protect this treasured river and its watershed can finally celebrate.  Not only does passage facilitate watershed protection efforts, but it also illustrates the scope of accomplishment when communities join together,” said Anthony Irving, Chairman of the Eightmile Wild and Scenic Committee.  “We are greatly honored to be the nation's newest Wild and Scenic River."

“Every other legislator can, and should give the same gift to their constituents that Congressman Courtney gave to the people of Connecticut,” added Wodder. “Currently Congress is considering adding 200 rivers to the Wild and Scenic System.  Such legislation must be wrapped up, before congress wraps up this session.”

One of those bills is the Snake Headwaters Legacy Act (S. 1281), sponsored by the Senator John Barasso (R-WY), as a legacy to the late-Senator Craig Thomas who was the original champion of the bill.  If passed, the legislation would constitute the largest expansion of the Wild and Scenic Rivers system since the law’s passage in 1968, nearly 400 miles of 14 rivers.

“I look forward to celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers act with river lovers and conservationists from both sides of the aisle,” concluded Wodder.  “Protecting our natural treasures shouldn’t be a political issue, but rather a gift we can all give to our children.”

About Wild & Scenic Rivers
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers system includes the nation’s most outstanding rivers totaling 165 rivers in 38 states.

To be eligible for wild and scenic river designation, a river must be free-flowing and have at least one outstanding resource value, such as recreation, scenery, wildlife and fish habitat, history, geology, or other similar values. Rivers may be added to the system by an act of Congress. Or, if a river is protected through a state program, it may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior upon official request by the governor.

To protect and enhance the resource values for which a river was designated, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act affords a river legal protection from adverse development impacts.

The Act:

• Forbids the construction of new federally licensed dams
• Limits inappropriate streamside development
• Protects the river’s unique values
• Mandates the creation of a management plan for the wild and scenic river

Oregon leads the nation with 49 rivers designated, while Alaska boasts a stunning 3,210 miles of Wild and Scenic rivers. The Missouri River explored by Lewis and Clark, the Delaware River that cradled the American Revolution, and the Tuolumne River loved by John Muir are all protected by this visionary law.

###

American Rivers is the only national organization standing up for healthy rivers so our communities can thrive. Through national advocacy, innovative solutions and our growing network of strategic partners, we protect and promote our rivers as valuable community assets that are vital to our health, safety and quality of life. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and online supporters nationwide, with offices in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions. www.AmericanRivers.org

The Sewage Overflow Community Right to Know Act (H.R. 2452) was introduced by Congressman Timothy Bishop (D-NY) and Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) almost 1 year ago. It has wide support on both sides of the aisle with 55 cosponsors, as well as the support of over 150 groups and individuals including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), representing sewage treatment plant operators across the country.

Below is a statement from Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers in response to today’s events:

“Clean water isn’t and shouldn’t be a political issue. The dirty little secret is that each and every year hundreds of billions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage finds its way into our waters.  Taken as a whole, it’s enough to cover a state the size of Pennsylvania ankle deep. It’s not only disgusting, but it’s downright dangerous. Even conservative estimates show we spend billions of dollars each year on health care associated with the problems of contaminated water. 

What we don’t know can hurt us, and taking a swim should never be a guessing game. Passing this law isn’t about assigning blame, but rather shining a light on a rather odious problem to build support for solutions.  Much of our nation’s water infrastructure was built generations ago. It’s overburdened and overwhelmed.  The Right to Know Bill is an important first step to addressing these problems. 

Once we know just what’s in our water, we can then take the steps required to get it out. We as a nation must invest in the next generation of infrastructure to ensure our communities, and water resources will be protected from the challenges of global warming.

Both Congressman Bishop and Congressman LoBiondo should be thanked for introducing this common sense piece of legislation, and there’s no better way to thank them than by quickly passing this bill, and having the President sign it into law.” 

###

American Rivers is the only national organization standing up for healthy rivers so our communities can thrive. Through national advocacy, innovative solutions and our growing network of strategic partners, we protect and promote our rivers as valuable community assets that are vital to our health, safety and quality of life. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and online supporters nationwide, with offices in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions. www.AmericanRivers.org

 

Seattle, WA - The Bush administration today released its revised salmon management plan for the Columbia and Snake rivers. This latest salmon plan calls for less protective operation of federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers than have been ordered in recent years by a federal court.

The plan also gives only superficial treatment to the impact global warming will have on endangered salmon runs both in rivers and in the ocean, and it fails to analyze the salmon survival gains that would come from removing the four high cost, low value dams on the lower Snake River.

Michael Garrity, Associate Director of Columbia Basin Programs for American Rivers, made the following statement:

“It is time for new leadership and new solutions. At a time when the west coast’s salmon fishery is being declared a failure, and our rivers and salmon are increasingly stressed by the impacts of global warming, we need creative and bold ideas that will move us beyond the unacceptable status quo embodied by the Bush administration’s salmon plan.”

“For years, removing the four lower Snake dams has been framed as a painful measure, but it is time for Northwest leaders to acknowledge the facts. These dams provide very limited benefits in a basin with over 200 dams. We can remove the four lower Snake dams, restore a healthy river, bring back salmon and steelhead, protect farmers, invest in clean energy, and ensure a strong economic future. Dam removal is a necessary part of an effective salmon recovery package and can be done in a way that works for local communities.”

“The people of the Northwest want to be able to fish for abundant salmon and steelhead. They want healthy rivers, strong family farms and clean energy. The Bush administration’s plan clearly won’t get us there, but we can achieve these things if we have the right leadership, if we work together, and if we make the right investments.” 

###

About American Rivers: American Rivers is the only national organization standing up for healthy rivers so our communities can thrive. Through national advocacy, innovative solutions and our growing network of strategic partners, we protect and promote our rivers as valuable community assets that are vital to our health, safety and quality of life. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and online supporters nationwide, with offices in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions. www.AmericanRivers.org.

 

 

Filson Stockingfoot Waders, featuring a proprietary five-layer construction, are waterproof, breathable and salt water resistant. Performance elements include a gusseted crotch and articulated knees for freedom of movement, outer leg seams for greater durability, neoprene booties to accommodate a large range of foot sizes and Mackinaw wool lined handwarmer pockets. The suspenders are removable for quick conversion to waist-high waders with a removable belt and drawstring top closure. Classic Filson design elements include bridle leather trim and Filson brass snaps on the mesh front pocket.

“Filson customers will be wearing our new waders on the many rivers protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act,” said Bill Kulczycki, president and CEO of Filson.  “It is our responsibility to preserve the wild places where our customers play.”

Proceeds from Filson’s initiative will be utilized by American Rivers to support its Wild and Scenic River campaign which increases the protection of the nation’s most outstanding rivers through Wild and Scenic designations.

“Filson’s reputation as a heritage outdoor brand known for quality and commitment to the outdoors makes it an ideal partner for American Rivers,” said Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers. “We appreciate their support for our mission of standing up for healthy rivers and the communities that depend on them.”

Other keystone items from Filson’s fishing line include:  Men’s and Women’s Feather Cloth Fly Fishing Shirt (long and short sleeved); Oil Finish Cover Cloth Wading Jacket; Foul Weather Fly Fishing Vest; Fly Fishing Strap Vest; and Fishing Waist Pack.

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. A Wild and Scenic designation forever protects the free-flowing condition and outstanding values of our country's most precious rivers. To qualify, a river must be free-flowing with outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values. There are currently more than 165 Wild and Scenic rivers (totaling 11,000 miles) in 38 states.

About Filson:  Filson, a leading outfitter for outdoor enthusiasts, is committed to providing the highest performance apparel that stands up to the toughest conditions. The company’s 111 year legacy is built upon its reputation for honesty, quality and durability.  The brand’s tough yet comfortable outdoor clothing is a favorite among hunters and fishermen, engineers and explorers, mariners and miners, and anyone who has a passion for the outdoors.  Renowned for proprietary fabrics such as heavyweight Tin Cloth and warm, rugged Mackinaw Wool, Filson’s quality apparel and accessories have made it a trans-generational brand.  The company’s flagship retail store is located in Seattle, Washington, where the company is headquartered, and another retail store is located in Denver, Colorado.  For information or a free catalog, call #800-624-0201 or visit http://www.filson.com/.

About American Rivers: American Rivers is the only national organization standing up for healthy rivers so our communities can thrive. Through national advocacy, innovative solutions and our growing network of strategic partners, we protect and promote our rivers as valuable community assets that are vital to our health, safety and quality of life. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and online supporters nationwide, with offices in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions. www.AmericanRivers.org.

Washington, DC — Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Copper Salmon Wilderness Act introduced by Representative Peter DeFazio that would establish the newest Wild and Scenic Rivers and Wilderness in Oregon. The bill would safeguard wild salmon, old-growth forest by designating new Wild and Scenic Rivers and wilderness in the beautiful Elk River watershed. Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith introduced a companion bill in the Senate that now awaits passage.

David Moryc, Director of the Wild Rivers Program for American Rivers, issued the following statement:

“An artist would have a hard time painting a more pristine picture than that of the Elk River Watershed. Teaming with abundant salon and steelhead, and covered by a lush forest, the area is not only a scenic wonder, but an economic engine. With salmon closures spreading up and down the Oregon coast, protecting these natural treasures becomes even more vitally important.

I join with others in offering my thanks to Congressman Peter DeFazio for not only standing up to protect the Elk watershed, but for also for showing the courage to propose protecting its neighbor, the Rogue, which was recently named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers ™ of 2008. American Rivers is honored to be part of a broad coalition, including sportsmen, fishermen, businesses, outdoors people supporting this vital legislation, and I look forward to the day when we can all hail the passing of Congressman DeFazio’s Oregon Treasures legislation.

Both Senators Smith and Wyden have been outspoken in their support of protecting Oregon’s waters, but now is their chance cross the finish line, and hear the crowd applaud them. This legislation must be acted on immediately. With their leadership, these bills will be able to clear any potential obstructionist tactics and be quickly signed into law by President Bush.”

Background

Tucked away in the northwest corner of the Siskiyou National Forest, 11 miles east of Port Orford on the Elk River, lies a 12,000-acre treasure trove. Adjacent to the east boundary of Grassy Knob Wilderness, this natural wonder known as Copper Salmon includes the North and South Forks of Elk River and the upper Middle Fork of Sixes River.

The Copper Salmon area contains the north Fork of the Elk, one of the healthiest salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout runs in the continental United States. Its forests feature Douglas fir trees as large as 10 feet in diameter and up to 300 feet in height, and large disease-free stands of Port-Orford cedar, North America’s most endangered forest tree. Copper Salmon is also blessed with an abundance of wildlife--from endangered marbled murrelets and northern spotted owls to Roosevelt elk, mountain lions and black bears.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the nation’s strongest conservation tool to provide lasting protection for some of our most valued rivers, their free-flowing qualities and outstandingly remarkable values. Enactment of the law in 1968 signified a fundamental shift in the way we value rivers. For the first time in our nation’s history we embraced conservation of rivers for their inherent unique qualities and free-flowing nature as wild and scenic. In recognition of the upcoming anniversary, American Rivers has set the goal of designating 40 new Wild and Scenic Rivers by the 40th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in October 2008. 

###

American Rivers is the only national organization standing up for healthy rivers so our communities can thrive. Through national advocacy, innovative solutions and our growing network of strategic partners, we protect and promote our rivers as valuable community assets that are vital to our health, safety and quality of life. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and online supporters nationwide, with offices in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions. www.AmericanRivers.org