Archive for February, 2009

Are Surfers Brave Or Crazy

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

For those who thought that maybe surf clothing was for pansies who couldn’t cope with the elements, you may want to re-think that attitude after reading this article. It’s all very well surfing in the warm seas off of Florida or the Australian coast where the water is warm but just how extreme do you need it to be before you give in to the protection of surf clothing?

One such surfer who can extol the benefits of the protection of surf clothing is a professional surfer who took some time out in Hawaii to indulge in his favourite past time. Not normally considered an extreme sport, this man decided to take it to new lengths and surf alongside an erupting volcano.

Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano was busy doing its thing and erupting into the sea off Hawaii when this thrill seeker decided to get a better look. Pulling on his surf clothing and grabbing his board, he paddled out to get a close up tan from the lava. Getting within twenty feet of the lava, where the water temperature reached 200 degrees in places, the surfer found the wax on his board melting and his feet burning. Refer to Great white shark diving for more information.

I’m sure most of us could have told him this would happen even before he started heading that way. There’s a clue in the name of Kilauea, which means ‘much spreading’. So, you have molten rock spewing 150 feet into the air at temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees and lava flowing down to warm up the sea at the base of Big Island. On top of that, or beneath it rather, are underground ‘tubes’ sending lava directly into the Pacific Ocean creating clouds of steam and ash. And it’s not just the lava and ash to consider. This volcano also gives off noxious fumes that irritate respiratory disorders and has killed several people in recent years.

So this surfer thinks it will be a good idea to wade in for a closer look? It just goes to show what a special lot these surfers are! So just to add to that notion, a pair of surfers were photographed doing their stuff in the water at New Smyrna Beach in Florida just yards away from a 6′ shark. For more information visit white shark diving

Having said that, these surfers were completely oblivious to the danger they were in as the shark was only seen by the photographer after the event. Surfers are debating whether the photo is the result of digital trickery but the fact that this is called the bite capital of the world probably means that it was real enough. Sounds like reason enough to go in the water but I think you are going to need a little more than surf clothing to protect you from these beauties.

However, the shark seen in the photographs has been identified as a Black Tip shark which is not considered to be dangerous to humans - but would you want to argue with it and find out? Twelve surfers and swimmers have been bitten in this area in the last year which is a little too many for the comfort of the average seagoing person! However, seasoned surfers are getting used to the sight of sharks in this area to the point where they simply accept it. “You can see several sharks on one ride on a good day” says one crazy surfer.

Refer to great white shark diving for more information.

Find out about Chamonix Accommodation

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

The 250-year old Savoyard style chalet named La Retraite is barely five minutes away from Chamonix’s centre district, and quite conveniently located for those who are looking to head to the ski resorts.

La Retraite, a three-storey building that is completely refurbished, has a charm that is enriched by its sympathetic restoration in the Savoyard style. It makes for practical chamonix accommodation.

The well-appointed chamonix chalet features three double bedrooms-one that has its own balcony where you cant take in the enthralling views of Mont Blanc Massif.

They also provide you with a loft area which has its own specific bathroom downstairs.

Le Retraite’s lounge space, with traditional wood burning stoves and high ceilings, creates a perfect welcoming atmosphere for either romantic dining or apr

Tips on How Not to Spend More and Enjoy the Best of Your Australian Tourist Visa

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Acquiring an Australian visa is almost a fantasy come true for most people who would like to catch a glimpse of its innate beauty. This remarkable place is blessed with verdant and flourishing rainforests, amazing beaches, unique wildlife, and excellent kindness. No wonder why many people have been aspiring of going to this location even though it is just for recreation.

Whether you have your Australian tourist visa or an Australian working holiday visa, you will definitely value the moment you get it because this will be your gateway to a remarkable vacation you will never forget.

However, even if you have the resources of experiencing a grand holiday getaway to this country, it is vital that you reserve a discounted holiday package ahead to save you time and money. You may choose to work though on holiday break if you assume you have by now stretched out your resources to the limit, but this is only feasible if you have an Australian working holiday visa.

What if you only have an Australian tourist visa? What will you figure out to offset the expenses when taking a trip to this country? That’s the time you need to work out and select some cheap holiday packages. But before you do this, you need to take into account the list below first:

1. Start with your homework

Research on information you need to plan out your cheap holiday getaway to Australia. The first thing you need to work on is your accommodation. Finding a cheap accommodation in Australia is not actually a bad idea since the place can give you a dozen of affordable hotels without batting an eyelash. However, you really need to work on your research first because not all cheap hotel accommodations can give you the amenities or service you need.

2. When to go

You should also consider the best time of the year when traveling to this country. If you are going to consider the season, the northern and southern hemisphere is totally opposite. For instance, if it is winter in the northern hemisphere, then expect a summer season in the southern part. If you go for summer, try booking a vacation between November and March. If you book between July and August, you can expect a colder climate during that time.

Also, try to book flights beginning on the middle of April to late August since airfares in Australia are at its cheapest during these times of the year. With this, you can easily visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Centre without stretching your budget.

Try not to book during holidays too, especially during summer vacations which will start from December to January. Most of the holiday spots and hotels are fully booked.

Remembering these things will definitely help you reserve an expensive holiday package to Australia.