Honolulu Hawaii

The mere mention of Hawaii is adequate to precise view of grass skirts and bright cocktails with small umbrellas. Honolulu is the capital and biggest city of Hawaii, on the southeast coastline of the island of Oahu.

The city is legitimately comparable with the county of Honolulu, which contains the whole island of Oahu and most of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, from Nihoa to Kure Atoll, except Midway.

While you will find some kitsch in Honolulu, you’ll also find art museums, bike paths, and some of the most very larg surroundings in the world. Famous Waikiki Beach has supple sands and enormous surf.

For splendid Oahu look tussle to the peak of Diamond Head – a 350-acre volcanic hole. Remarkable design like Iolani Palace and Ali’iolani Hale are worth a stay on a non-beach day.

It is the county seat of the City and County of Honolulu. Hawaii is a primary tourist haven and Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, is the major entrance to Hawaii and a main gateway into the United States.

The city is also a dominant center for global trade, military protection, as well as highly being anchor to a distinct collection of east-west and Pacific culture, menu, and beliefs. Honolulu is the active epicenter of Hawaii.

Here you’ll have everything from memorable milestone and preserved monuments to world-class shopping and a blooming arts and fashion scene.

Home to the majority of Oahu’s community, the rambling city of Honolulu increasing all over the southeastern borders of Oahu, from Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point, including the world brilliant Waikiki.

The inhabitants of Oahu makes up 73% of the state’s total population. It is placed in the middle of Pacific Ocean 2,397 mi west-southwest of San Francisco. Honolulu’s name obtains from the natural words hono, meaning “a bay,” and lulu, meaning “sheltered.”

Weather and Climate

Honolulu has a tropical savannah weather, with a mainly barren summer season, due to a rain shadow response. Temperatures change slight during the months, with ordinary high conditions of 80–90 °F (27–32 °C) and average lows of 65–75 °F (18–24 °C) throughout the year.

Honolulu’s freezing month is February when the normal climate overnight is 65.4°F. In August, the heated month, the average day time temperature increases to 88.9°F. The dehydrated month in Honolulu is June with 0.43 inches of rainfall, and with 2.85 inches December is the dampest month.

Temperatures reach or surpass 90 °F (32 °C) on an ordinary 38 days each year, with lows in the upper 50s °F (14–15 °C) taking place once or twice a year.

Highlights

For a lot of people, the trendy beachfront locality is all they see of the Hawaiian capital. Nonetheless, there’s more to the city than tourist-packed streets and beaches.

Waikiki

Waikiki is most famous for its beaches and every room is just two or three blocks away from the sea. Waikiki is within a half hour of a variety of Oahu attractions.

Leahi (Diamond Head)

The stunning views that greet you at the top of Diamond Head are well worth the effort. Diamond Head is a popular hiking destination with panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu’s south shore.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

This beautiful cove was once a volcanic crater. Home to an important nature preserve and the island’s most popular snorkeling destination.

Aloha Tower

Aloha Tower is still a docking port for Oahu’s cruise ships. This was the tallest building in the islands for four decades and its clock was one of the largest in the United States.

Bishop Museum

The museum is now the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. The museum holds millions of artifacts, documents and photos about Hawaii and other Polynesian cultures.

http://laurenceourac.com/honolulu-hawaii/

The Scenic View of Batanes, Philippines

When visiting places, it is not enough that we see the city – the tall skyscrapers, hustle and bustle of people, and man-made architectural beauty. We should try to immerse ourselves in the rural landscape – mountainous tops, hospitable native tribes, and natural beauty.

And in the Philippines one rural landscape that should be seen by both Filipinos and foreigners is Batanes.

Hill in Batanes (1)

Cows roaming the green hills in Batanes (2)

PROVINCE OF BATANES

The northernmost and smallest province in the Philippines is BATANES. It is an island province consisting of ten islands. Out of the ten islands, only three are inhabited which happens to be the largest islands in the area; these include the islands Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang.

The islands are approximately 162 kilometers north of Luzon Island (one of the three main islands in the Philippines) and 190 kilometers south of Taiwan.

CLIMATE

Batanes experiences a fair share amount of rain. The rainiest month is during August, while April is the driest month. Temperature ranges from 22 to 28.5 degrees Celsius.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The natives of the province are known as Ivatan – a mixture of Babuyan (natives from the Cagayan Valley, Philippines) and Tao people (natives from Orchid Island, Taiwan).

An Ivatan woman wearing a vakul, an abaca fiber-made headgear for sunlight and rain protection (3)

There are two main languages in the province. Ivatan is used on Batan and Sabtang Islands, while Itbayaten is used in Itbayat Island.

Traditional homes in Batanes are made out of limestone. These are sturdy materials that could withstand extreme environmental conditions in the province.

An Ivatan house: walls made of limestone and coral while rood is made from cogon grass (4)

TRANSPORTATION

The best way to reach the province is via place. There are two airports in the province: Basco Airport and Itabayat Airport. However there are limited number of flight from Manila (the country’s capital) and Tuguegarao.

Basco Airport (5)

PLACES OF INTEREST

BASCO

Basco is the provincial capital of Batanes and located on Batan Island. One of the domestic airports could be found here. It is a main entry and exit point to the province. Majority of the people live here.

BASCO LIGHTHOUSE

The most notable landmark in Batanes is the Basco Lighthouse. The beauty of the surrounding blended with the magnificent lighthouse makes it a picturesque scene. The lighthouse itself stands at 66 feet or six-story.

The fifth floor is used as a viewing deck for tourists. From the viewing deck one could admire the scenery of the ocean, hills, as well as neighboring islands. Surrounding the lighthouse are Ivatan houses.

Basco Lighthouse is just one of the three lighthouses built in Batanes to guide seafarers and serves as an attraction sight. The other two lighthouses are located at Mahatao (Tayid Lighthouse) and Sabtang Island (Sabtang Lighthouse).

Basco Lighthouse (6)

Basco Lighthouse (7)

SANTO DOMINGO CHURCH

Aside from the city proper and the lighthouse, tourists should not miss Santo Domingo Church or Basco Cathedral. The church was built in dedication to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception but the name of the church was obtained from the patron saint of Batanes who was Saint Domingo.

Sto. Domingo Church (8)

MOUNT IRAYA

Mount Iraya on Batan Island is one of the active volcanoes in the country. The place is perfect for mountaineers and adventure seekers.

Mount Iraya (9)

SAN JOSE DE IVANA CHURCH

A famous church in Batan Island is San Jose de Ivana Church or simply Ivana Church. Spaniards had a large impact in Christianity to the province. Because of this influence, a roman catholic church in dedication to Saint Joseph was established. In 2008 the church is a National Historical Landmark.

Ivana Church (10)

SAN CARLOS BORROMEO CHURCH

Another church in Batan Island is San Carlos Borromeo Church, also known as Mahatao Church. The church is dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo whose feast day is celebrated every Fourth of July. In 2001, the church was declared a National Cultural Treasure.

San Carlos Borromeo Church (11)

SABTANG

Sabtang is the southernmost island municipality in Batanes Province. Well-known attractions of the municipality include the lighthouse, churches, and white beaches.

San Vicente Ferrer Church (12)

White sand beach in Sabtang Island, Batanes, Philippines

VALUGAN BOULDER BEACH

Aside from fine white sand beaches, Batanes also offers a unique beach front. Instead of the usual fine white sand, tourists are greeted by boulders of igneous rocks. Swimming is not advisable in this part of the beach but, taking photographs during sunrise is perfect.

Valuga Beach (13)

http://laurenceourac.com/the-scenic-view-of-batanes-philippines/

REFERENCES:
“15 Must Visit Spots in Batanes.” Of Trips and Travel Notes. 3 Sept. 2014. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <https://banebanerbanest.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/15-must-visit-spots-in-batanes/>.
“Batanes.” Its More Fun in the Philippines RSS. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/batanes/>.
“Batanes.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batanes>.
“Pinoy Adventurista : THINGS TO DO IN BATANES: Batan Island North Tour – “Amazing Places to Visit, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Basco, Batanes”” Pinoyadventurista.com. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://www.pinoyadventurista.com/2014/01/things-to-do-in-batanes-batan-north-tour.html>.
“Places to See | Your Personalized Tour Operator for Batanes. ” We Make Everything Affordable” | BCTA.” Your Personalized Tour Operator for Batanes We Make Everything Affordable. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://batanestravel.com/discover-batanes-2/places-to-see/>.
“Province of Batanes Tourism.” And Vacations: 19 Things to Do in Province of Batanes. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Tourism-g1189840-Province_of_Batanes_Cagayan_Valley_Region_Luzon-Vacations.html>.
“Twelve Sights in Batanes You Shouldn’t Miss.” GMA News Online. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/224115/lifestyle/twelve-sights-in-batanes-you-shouldn-t-miss>.

IMAGES:
1. Bingbing. Hills in Batanes, Philippines. April 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
2. Bingbing. Cows roaming the green hills in Batanes, Philippines. April 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
3. Jimenez, Anne. An Ivatan woman. April 2007. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
4. Jimenez, Anne. Oldest house in Ivatan, Batanes. April 2007. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
5. Tharty. Basco Airport. June 2010. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
6. Bingbing. Basco Lighthouse, Batanes, Philippines. April 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
7. Bingbing. A lighthouse in Basco, Batanes, Philippines. April 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
8. KisekiLacroix. Sto Domingo Church, Batanes. May 2014. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
9. Davocol, Ardie. Mt. Iraya Batanes, Philippines. September 2012. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
10. Ivana Church. September 2013. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
11. KisekiLacroix. San Carlos Borromeo Church. May 2014. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
12. Rjruizii. San Vicente Ferrer Church. September 2011. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.
13. Jimenez, Anne. Rocky shore in Valuga Beach. April 2007. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 22, 2015.

Cityscape in Auckland, New Zealand

In a previous article we wrote about the “Green Pastures of New Zealand.” We talked and toured the mountains, lakes, beaches, and sand dunes. These are all breathtaking scenes and a place worth traveling and seeing.

But there is more to the country than the scenery. With the hard work and determination of the people, parts of the country are now urbanized and highly developed. These cities constantly welcome tourists from all parts of the world. One city that is worth visiting is Auckland.

Auckland, New Zealand(central business district) (1)

AUCKLAND

A panoramic view of Auckland City (2)

Auckland is a bustling city on North Island with a perfect backdrop of the mountain tops. Here one gets to enjoy the mixture of urban life with nature. It is a place for shopping, eating, and admiring nature including hiking and beaches; it is a place for everyone. With all the wonderful things to see and experience, one could truly have a great time.

PLACES TO SEE

Here are a few things and places that should not be missed when in Auckland.

HAURAKI GULF

Auckland has been dubbed as the “City of Sail.” The name is pretty apt since the Hauraki Gulf is a popular place to see and ride sailboats. This is an important landmark when entering the city of Auckland.

The picturesque scene welcomes tourists to the city. There are different activities and things to do such as visiting Waiheke Island, Motuihe Island, Kawau Island, Tiritiri Matangi and the Great Barrier Island.

Sunset at Hauraki Gulf

SKY TOWER

For those wanting a 360 degree view of the city, seeking adventures and high rise activities, visit Sky Tower or sometimes referred to as Auckland Tower. It is a 328 meter tall tower that is popular for activities such as Sky walk and Sky Jump.

One could enjoy the tower either day or night; during the day one could get a clear view of the whole city including the bay and islands, and during the night one could admire the brightly lit city.

Just below the Sky Tower is the casino. The casino offers entertainment and a different dining experience.

Waitamata Harbor with ferry dock and Skytower at the back (3)

ECOZIP ADVENTURES

Another popular attraction for thrill seekers is EcoZip Adventures. The facility could be found in Waiheke Island and features ziplines and eco-immersive forest walk.

AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Auckland War Memorial Museum features art works and collections like rare Maori artifacts. The museum also showcases the history of the country, natural history, and military history. There are also daily cultural presentations.

Auckland War Memorial Museum (4)

AUCKLAND DOMAIN

The oldest park and one of the largest in Auckland is Auckland Domain. The park is actually explosion crater of Pukekwa volcano. Within the vicinity one could find the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland City Hospital, and Wintergardens.

Cherry grove in Auckland Domain

A bird of prey sculpture in Auckland Domain with Auckland War Memorial Museum behind

AUCKLAND ZOO

Auckland is the home to a number of wildlife and species which are featured in Auckland Zoo. There are more than 100 species living in the 16.35 hectare zoo. Exhibits include Elephant Clearing, Aussie Walkabout – features wallabies, kangaroos and emus, Hippo River, Orangutan Trail, The Rainforest – mimics the surroundings, environment and animals living in the rainforest, The Tropics – features South Americal animal species, KidZone – a children’s zoo and play area, Pridelands – features African animals, and many more.

Entrance to Auckland Zoo

KELLY TARLTON’S ANTARCTIC ENCOUNTER & UNDERWATER WORLD

Another place to see Antarctic animals like sharks, stingrays, and penguins is at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World which is now known as Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. It is a public aquarium in the city that allows guests to see marine life up close.

Tunnel inside Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

SYLVIA PARK

No place would be complete without a shopping area. Here in Auckland one of the most popular and largest business park and center is Sylvia Park. Sylvia Park includes cinemas, bookstores, supermarkets, and other retail stores. The said shopping center is one of the best in the country.

But of course these are just a few of the things that could be done and visited here in Auckland. There are so much more that one could do here. So get ready to go on an epic adventure in Auckland, New Zealand.

http://laurenceourac.com/cityscape-in-auckland-new-zealand/

REFERENCES:
http://www.newzealand.com/int/auckland/
http://www.portaloceania.com/nz-region-auckland-ing.htm
http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/australasia/new-zealand/auckland-around/
http://www.aucklandnz.com/
http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attractions-g255106-Activities-Auckland_North_Island.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland

IMAGES:
1. Partyzane. Auckland, New Zealand CBD. July 2007. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
2. Mehlfuhrer, Christian. A panoramic view of Auckland City. February 2008. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
3. Royan, Jorge. Waitemata Harbour, the ferry dock and Skytower at the back. 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
4. Antilived. Auckland War Memorial Museum. January 2008. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.

Green Pastures in New Zealand

Milford Sound in New Zealand – a famous tourist destination

From time to time, New Zealand has been named as a must-visit country. There are a lot of different reasons to come and visit this place. There are limitless green pastures that can take ones breath away.

The coastlines are stunning and give a panoramic view of the exquisite beaches and crystal clear seas. Other sights to see are the extraordinary geysers and majestic snow-capped mountains. Let us not forget about the forests, oceans and all its inhabitants including but not limited to the penguin, whales, and seals.

The citizens show great discipline that they can maintain cleanliness and preserve the natural beauty. It is a tourist-friendly country. The people are very welcoming and accommodating to anyone.

So come, let us travel to a beautiful country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean named NEW ZEALAND.

OVERVIEW of NEW ZEALAND

GEOGRAPHY

Whanganui River on the North Island (1)

The beautiful island country of New Zealand could be found in southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 1500 kilometers east of Australia. It is a long and narrow island, about 2,000 kilometers long and a width of 400 kilometers at the most.

The total land area is 268,000 square kilometers; and the coastline extends up to 15,000 kilometers. There are two main islands: North Island or Te Ika-a-Maui and South Island or Te Waipounamu.

These two islands are separated by Cook. There are also surrounding smaller islands such as Stewart Island, Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island, d’Urville Island, and Waiheke Island. The islands compose of mountains, volcano, lake.

CLIMATE

The best time to travel to New Zealand is the months October to April which is considered summer. Winter time in New Zealand is also popular due to winter sports and activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

DEMOGRAPHY

Majority of the population, 74 percent are European descendants. The remaining percentages are Asians and Pacific peoples. The citizens are called New Zealander or Kiwi.

Almost all could speak English, with a few who can speak and understand Maori and Samoan. Other languages spoken include French, Hindi, Yue, and Chinese.

The predominant religion in the country is Christianity including Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, and Methodism. The minority include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

TRANSPORTATION

Transport infrastructure from Wellington, New Zealand (2)

The best way to get in is via plane. There are a total of 113 airports in the whole of New Zealand. The main airport is at Auckland Airport which is an international airport that serves millions of tourists annually. Other main airports include Christchurch Airport and Wellington Airport. The national airline and flag carrier of the country is Air New Zealand and caters to flights to 15 countries.

New Zealand is an island country with a long coastline, due to this water transportation is very common. One example of water transportation is between the two main islands: North and South Island. Although the Cook Strait measures 24 kilometers wide, this would require a 70 kilometer ferry trip to transverse.

Cook Strait ferry (3)

Ferries are also available at the Bay of Islands, Rawene, Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Lyttelton, Bluff, and Halfmoon Bay.

Railroad system in the country is comparable to other first world countries. Trains in New Zealand can travel from one city to another.

But for those under budget, travelling by buses is the most affordable and easiest.

PLACES TO SEE

Tourism is very important to the government of New Zealand. The tourism slogan of the country is “clean, green” adventure playground. With all the green pastures and panoramic scenery, the slogan is apt. A few of the beautiful and must see places are listed here.

MILFORD SOUND

Mitre Peak, Milford Sound (4)

On South Island one could find Milford Sound a fiord. It encompasses Fiordland National Park, Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Peaks can reach as high as 1,500 meters. A few of the wildlife that could be found in the area includes seals, penguins, dolphins, whales, and birds. In 2008 it was awarded by TripAdvisor as Travelers’ Choice Destinations.

TOTARANUI

Totaranui, Abel Tasman National Park (5)

New Zealand has a few of the best coastlines in the world, one of which is Totaranui. This is a one kilometer long beach and a popular campsite. Tourists love the beach due to the sands golden color.

BAY OF ISLANDS

Dolphin watching by the bay

Bay of Islands could be found on North Island. It is very famous a fishing and sailing area. It is also a popular destination to see and watch dolphins.

TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

View from the summit over the Emerald Lakes, across the Central Crater to Blue Lake (6)

Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the tourist destinations in Tongariro National Park. It is one of the most popular hiking areas. Hiking on this area can lead tourists to the multi-cratered active volcano in Mount Tangariro. One must be physically fit when taking this hike since it is 19.4 kilomters long.

WAITOMO CAVES

Ruakuri Cave entrance at Waitomo (7)

Another attraction on North Island is Waitomo Caves. It is a popular place for those seeking adventure and willing to climb through caves.

MOUNT COOK

Mount Cook (8)

The highest point in New Zealand is at South Island and named Mount Cook with a height of 3,724 meters. It is a perfect place for mountaineers.

LAKE TEKAPO

Lake Takapo (9)

Another must see at New Zealand are the lakes. There are three parallel lakes in South Island; the second largest lake is Lake Tekapo measuring 83 square kilometers. The hotels and resorts surrounding the lake give a perfect and relaxing view of the place.

NINETY MILE BEACH

Ninety Mile Beach (10)

The country also offers numerous beaches, one of which is the Ninety Mile Beach in North Island. The actual length of the beach is 55 miles or 90 kilometers. Tourists visiting the beach would love the sand dunes.

http://laurenceourac.com/green-pastures-in-new-zealand/

References
“New Zealand.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand>.
“New Zealand Travel | Places to Visit in New Zealand.” Places to Visit in New Zealand. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/australasia/new-zealand/>.
“Places to Visit in New Zealand – Plan Your New Zealand Vacation.” New Zealand Destinations: Auckland, Wellington. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://www.newzealand.com/int/destinations/>.
“Touropia.” Touropia. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-new-zealand/>.
“Tourism in New Zealand.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_New_Zealand<.

Images:
1. Shook, James. The picture shows the Whanganui River on the North Island of New Zealand. January 2005. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
2. Capper, Philip. Transport infrastructure from Wellington, New Zealand. April 2005. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
3. Dignan, James. The Cook Strait ferry. February 2000. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
4. Maros Mraz. Mitre Peak, Milford Sound, New Zealand. January 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
5. Hillebrand, Steffen. Totaranui, Abel Tasman National Park. 2007. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
6. Yogi de. View from the summit over the Emerald Lakes, across the Central Crater to Blue Lake. 2004. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
7. Shook, James. Ruakuri Cave entrance in Waitomo. October 2005. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
8. C.M. Lynch. Mount Cook. N.d. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
9. Price, Adrian. Lake Tekapo. January 2009. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
10. MartinRe. Ninety Mile Beach. May 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.

Adirondack Park

The Adirondack Park is a openly shielded, oval-shaped field including much of the northeastern lobe of Upstate New York, United States. It is the biggest park and the largest state-level protected area in the contiguous United States, and the largest National Historic Landmark. From sparkling sunrise to alpenglow sunset – experience one of the most action-packed winters on the East Coast in New York’s Adirondacks.

This is where rolling fields and wooded trails are second homes to cross-country skiers and snowshoers, where snowmen are made, and snowball battles waged. This is where, regardless of skill or experience, you can become the skier or rider you were meant to be.

Adventure awaits on the slopes, on the ice and at festivals long-cherished and much anticipated. The Adirondack Park is the only wild lands preserve in the U.S whose fate is decided by the voters of NY, the state which it resides in.

History

Native American Tribes, such as the Iroquois, Huron, Algonquian people, and Mohawk people, hardly occupied the Adirondack Mountains for most of the 1500-1700s, battling for authority of the land particularly for hunting intentions.

Even though there is a proof to back up the European associate with nationals through the fishing trade, the first documented European contact with a native group was a French trailblazer by the name Jacques Cartier in 1534. The Adirondack Park is a very exclusive parcel of land, and has been for a couple of years.

The Adirondacks are the only mountains in the eastern part of the United States that are not geographically Appalachian. In the late 19th century, it was acknowledged as the most distinguished resort field in the country.

In the 1900s, the Adirondacks evolved into the only area in the western hemisphere to anchor two Winter Olympic Games. The first gathering of the Adirondack forests started quickly after the English replaced the Dutch as the landlords of New Netherlands and alternated its name to New York.

Deforestation movement produce resources, opened up land for agriculture, and detached the lid that brought a sanctuary for Indians. This devastation of Adirondack forests became a growing concern after 1850, as the continued depletion of watershed woodlands reduced the soil’s ability to hold water, hastening topsoil erosion and exaggerating periods of flooding.

Lumbering was not alone in depriving the forest: the tanning industry exhausted the hemlock; the paper industry used spruce and fir; and the charcoal industry absorbed wood of all sizes and shapes. 1885: The Forest Preserve “Had I my way, I would mark out a circle of a hundred miles in diameter, and throw around it the looking after protection of the nature.

I would make it a forest forever. It would be an offense to hack down a tree and a crime to clear an a piece of land within its borders.”

Climate

the Adirondack Mountains screens 6.1 million acres of densely forested tops, sweeping valleys and charming lakefront locals. The region has four different periods and though the weather can be cool during much of the year, inhabitants and guests don’t let cold temperatures keep them off the backpacking tracks.

The weather alters related with climate change — a more unpredictable but normally warmer climate year round in the Adirondack Park — put at risk ecological processes, usual neighborhoods and local worldly and marine groups in the Adirondacks. Summers in the Adirondacks are warm but not hot.

What to do in Adirondack Park

The Adirondack Park presents brands of recreational and amusing leisure which can additionally discovered in Tourism and recreation in the Adirondack Mountains.

• Museums

• Mountain Biking to Micro-Breweries

• Coast Regional Attractions

• Lake George Regional Attractions

http://laurenceourac.com/adirondack-park/

Tear-Drop Shaped Island: SIARGAO

Siargao is a tear-drop formed island in the Philippine Sea positioned 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the area of Surigao del Norte. It has a land area of roughly 437 square kilometers.

The east coast is somewhat straight with one profound inlet, Port Pilar. The shoreline is significant by a series of ridges, tiny points and white, grainy beaches.

The bordering islands and islets have same landforms. Siargao is known as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines”, but you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy the beautiful scenery and natural attractions on the island.

The island is composed of municipalities of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, San Benito, Pilar, San Isidro, Santa Monica and Socorro.

HISTORY

It all started way back in 1980 when two foreigners, namely Tony Arruza and Steve Jones, who were surfers looking for the “perfect wave.” They apparently found it within the municipality of General Luna, which they called the Jacking Horse.” It is actually what most people today know as Cloud 9. Until now, the place is well known for its waves that couldn’t be compared elsewhere.

First documented glimpse by Europeans of Siargao Island was by Spanish skipper Bernardo de la Torreon board of the carrack San Juan de Letrán in 1543, when trying to go back from Sarangani to New Spain. It was mapped as Isla de las Palmas (Palm Island in Spanish).

But Siargao didn’t turn out to be a famous tourist destination yet. For a the meantime it was still underneath the radar, only identified to some surfers who peeked for it. Among them was a surfer named Max Walker, who was proven to have iniatiated a lot of surfing camps around Southeast Asia before he disappeared. But this paved way to more and more people knowing and discovering about Siargao.

GEOGRAPHY AND LOCATION

Siargao is situated 800 kilometers southeast of Philippines’ capital Manila. It belongs to the area of Surigao del Norte, set at the northeastern tip of Mindanao. Siargao Island has the biggest mangrove forest resources in Mindanao, at Del Carmen.

Long tracts of swamps signifies a possiblity for marketing seaweed breeding. Siargao Island is very much shaped by the winds and currents coming continuously from the Pacific Ocean, aggravated by the Mindanao stream flowing westward across the Siargao Strait.

According to wikipedia “Siargao Island contains the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, at Del Carmen. Long stretches of wetlands indicate a potential for commercial seaweed propagation.

Siargao Island is greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming uninterrupted from the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running westward through the Siargao Strait.

Siargao Island is situated at a coordinate of 9°52′N 126°03′E. It is composed of municipalities of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, San Benito, Pilar, San Isidro, Socorro and Santa Monica.”

THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO ISLAND – FOR NON-SURFERS

1. Go Diving – although Siargao is known for surfers and surfing enthusiast, there are also diving spots around the island that have amazing coral deposits.

2. Island Hopping – you can lease a boat and ask for the trip of Naked Island and Guyam Islet. Naked Island is an island with not much on it, serves a resting place for the birds and has discarded shells. Calm waters sorrounds the island and you can do snorkeling. Guyam Islet has white sand and a little small island that is perfect for a good picnic siesta.

3. Suhoton Cove – Employ a boat going to Suhoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island. This odd cove which we think is a residence of goddess, mermaids, and sylphs can only be accessed in certain conditions., home to hundreds of stingless jellyfish.

4. Taktak Waterfalls – Hire a motorbike going to Santa Monica’s Taktak Waterfalls, keep your eyes open for a variety of seagoing birds that frequent the area.

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