55 Search Results for "refuge"

• Fall Colors Fall Colors

  • From: nmeyerson
  • Description:

    Picture taken at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Rock Hall MD.

  • 3 months ago
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• Why Maui and Kauai are voted a Why Maui and Kauai are voted as The Best Vacation Island Of Hawaii?

  • From: deniswalter
  • Description:

     

    Nestled in Hawaii, Maui has been voted to be the best island in the world, featuring a wide range of terrains and natural wonders with unsurpassed beauty. From taking a stroll on the seaside streets of Lahaina to the lovely beaches of Kaanapali, there are number of reasons to choose this island as your vacation base. Maui is also known as “The Valley Isle” because of valley like shape of Maui, formed as a result of volcanic erosion.

     

    Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island with very little population, making Maui popular among the visitors looking for peaceful and secluded Maui vacation rentals. Being home to quite a few prized locales, Maui is an oasis of recreation, luxury, nature exploration and relaxation for both residents and visitors alike.
    
    Maui island encompasses a diverse climatic zone and varied natural environments ranging from mountainous view to lush green vegetation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, trekking and many more adventurous activities by making Maui beachfront villas as their base. The "Sunny Kihei" is another masterpiece of Maui, which offers nearly eight picturesque sand beaches with loads of recreational activities. Maui also has some of the finest golf and tennis clubs. The island comprises of world-class luxury afforded by Maui beach vacation rentals of your choice.

     

    Kauai is a tropical paradise of Hawaii. One gets spell-bounded by its diverse landscapes, and places of interest. Be it beaches, forests, parks, gardens or mountains, Kauai condo rentals suits to all your requirements and caters all modern amenities. Anahola, Lihue, Kapaa and Poipu are worth exploring places in Kauai. You can also visit the famous Hanelei Valley, and Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Besides, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kilauea Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge, Russian Fort, and Menehune Ditch are amongst some significant attractions in the city.

     

    Kauai is also known as Hawaii's Garden Isle because of its lush greenery, long white sandy beaches and beautiful flowers. And is famous for family and couple vacation. From the vast belt of Waimea Canyon to the cliffs of the Napali Coast, Kauai island features a panorama of cascading waterfalls, canyons, plunging ravines, pristine beaches and bays, and a multitude of activities therein. This is the reason why Kauai is also known as "The Island of Discovery." You can simply kick back and relax in your cozy Kauai vacation rentals and can enjoy air tours, boating, fishing, snorkeling, whale watching, horse riding, shopping, biking, golf and tennis.

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
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• Camping on Cuny Table Camping on Cuny Table

  • From: dbrown1793
  • Description:

    This extremely incongruous sight is of the Green Tortoise Adventure Travel bus parked on the fla,t never-ending prairie of South Dakota. Cuny Table is located between Badlands National Park and the Pine Ridge Lakota reservation. The view behind the photographer shows Stronghold Table of the Badlands, the last refuge of the doomed Ghost Dancers of 1890. The Green Tortoise itself is an innovative and exciting way to experience the United States off the beaten path, offering inexpensive coast to coast trips and well as other voyages. You must be willing, however, to rough it with 39 other people, most of them youthful.

  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 353
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• Praire Sunset Praire Sunset

  • From: mmiwig
  • Description:

    Photo taken in Aug. 2012 @ Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge located by Praire City, Ia.  The mission of the Refuge is to actively protect, restore, reconstruct and manage the diverse native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, and sedge meadow. 

  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 546

• Kentucky RV Camping – Camp in Kentucky RV Camping – Camp in the Land of Bluegrass

  • From: camping
  • Description:

    RV camping is defined as camping in an enclosed vehicle that resembles a living space. Most of these recreational vehicles come with a sleeping area, dining area, kitchen and a basic bathroom. The more luxurious units come with enhanced features and often include a living space or entertainment area. If you own a recreational vehicle and are wondering about where to camp this summer, Kentucky can be a great option. Known for its fields of bluegrass and horse farms, this state offers numerous facilities for RV camping. The most popular attractions for most of the campers are Mammoth Cave National Park, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, Abraham Lincoln's birthplace, locks along the Ohio River, Churchill downs, the Bluegrass Museum, and the Kentucky Derby. Better yet, Kentucky houses many RV campground and parks.
    
    Most of the Kentucky RV campgrounds feature large open spaces and can accommodate the biggest rigs available in the market. You will find all kind of RV camping sites including full-hookups, water and electric only sites, primitive camping sites, back-ins, and pull-thru sites. Besides, they all offer easy access to the major highways and interstates. These RV campgrounds and parks also offers a wide variety of outdoor opportunities such as fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and playgrounds. Some of the RV camping facilities also organize special events and planned activities throughout summers.
    
    The following are some of the popular RV Parks and campgrounds of Kentucky:
    
    Cave Country RV Campground: Located close to the Mammoth Cave National Park, Cave Country RV Campground is just off Exit 53 on Interstate-65 in Cave City, Kentucky. This RV campground features around 51 campsites with all kind of modern amenities. It has a comfortable clubhouse and a new fitness room. It is a pet friendly facility with fenced pet run area. Propane is available on-site and the camp store sells souvenirs, gift items and first-aid items. Cave Country RV Campground offers easy access to several area attractions such as The National Corvette Museum, Lost River Cave & Valley - Underground Boat Tours, American Cave Museum & Hidden River Cave, and Dinosaur World to name a few.
    
    Bluegrass Music RV Park: This RV park is located in Franklin, Kentucky. It is only a few minutes from Opryland, Bowling Green, Nashville, and the Cave Country. Bluegrass Music RV Park is close to Interstate-65 at Exit 6. There are around 118 RV camping sites including 90 full-hookups and 28 water and electric only sites. The back-in & pull-thru sites can accommodate larger units and this RV campground offers repair and wash services. In addition, Bluegrass Music RV Park features one and two bedroom cabins and tent camping sites.
    
    Indian Hills KOA: In Russell Springs, the Indian Hills KOA overlooks Lake Cumberland, the most scenic recreational areas of Kentucky. This RV campground offers a combination of conveniences with comforts. There are around 180 RV camping sites. It also offers cabin rental and designated tent camping space. For recreational purpose, this RV campground features 18-hole miniature golf course, scenic trails, playgrounds, tennis court, TV lounge, swimming pool and a recreational building.
    
    Kentucky Road Rules
    The state follows a seat belt law and hence, all passengers are required to wear seat belts and children less than 40 lbs. need to be in a car seat, which should be federally approved. Though you can use hand-held cell phones while driving, texting is illegal in Kentucky as your drive.

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Snow Geese Stop Snow Geese Stop

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    Annual migration of snow geese at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge in southern New Mexico.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 237
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• Bosque del Apache Visitors Bosque del Apache Visitors

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    Annual migration of sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge in southern New Mexico.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 248
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• Rajasthan Tourism - A Fantasti Rajasthan Tourism - A Fantastic Experience to Explore

  • From: abhishektch
  • Description:

     

    Rajasthan, the area of kings, is the biggest condition of the Republic of India. It is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the country. It possesses unique social and geographical features which have made a prominent India vacationer getaway. The condition is visited by a lot of domestic and international vacationers each year. Tourist in this royal and imperial India condition provides the vacationers an excellent encounter to take pleasure from for life-time.

    The traditional condition of Rajasthan is well known for its beautiful fortifications, stylish palaces, delicately designed wats, designed havelis and prosperous museums. Hence, the condition is also sometimes described as the Property of Ancient typical monuments. You will have a amazing opportunity to some most outstanding India fortifications & typical monuments while checking out the traditional places of the condition.

    Jaipur is the capital and biggest town of the condition. City Development, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and Jordan Hall Art gallery are most well-known points of interest in the town. Due to many lilac painted houses and buildings this town is also known as the Pink Town of India.

    Jodhpur is a adventure town located at the edge of the Thar Leave. It is also known as the Pink Town of India due to glowing blue homes. It is the second biggest town of the condition. Mehrangarh Ft, Umaid Bhawan Development and Jaswant Thada are main points of interest to see in the town.

    Udaipur, known as the Venice of India, is a romantic town in Rajasthan. It is also known as the Town of Ponds & Development due to many lovely lakes and stylish palaces. City Development, Pond Development, Jagmandir Development, Pond Pichola, Jagdish Forehead, Monsoon Development and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari are points of interest in the town which will never fail to surprise you.

    Bikaner is a beautiful town which is well known for fort, palaces, havelis and wats. Junagarh Ft, Ft Art gallery, Lalgarh Development, Deshnoke Rat Forehead and Camel Reproduction Farm & Research Center are major points of interest to see in this town.

    Jaisalmer, the Fantastic Town of India, is a amazing vacationer getaway to see in Rajasthan Tour. It is famous for Fantastic Fort, Jain Temples, Havelis and Sam Sand Sand hills.

    Apart from traditional places and spectacular fortifications & typical monuments, Rajasthan tourism is also well known for creature’s sanctuaries and nature. The condition offers ample opportunities for creature’s tourism at its creatures stocks and recreational areas. Ranthambore Nationwide Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve and Bharatpur Bird Refuge are very well-known on Rajasthan tours in India.

    Rajasthan tourism is imperfect if you do not discover its desert areas. Camel opera is the most well-known way to discover the desert and ripping sand dunes.

    Hence, it is but obvious that tourism in Rajasthan is an excellent encounter to take pleasure from for life-time.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Let's Explore Knights in Shini Let's Explore Knights in Shining Armor and Tales of Princess Castles...Bečov nad Teplou

  • From: evbk
  • Description:

    

     

    Not to sound like a broken record, but... I LOVE castles.  It's time to squeeze in as many castle visits as possible before they close for the - gasp! - winter (oh the disdain I have for that season).

     

    Today I'm feeling like a trip to Bečov nad Teplou, the Gothic castle above the steep valley of the river Teplá.

    

     

      In the 13th-century the Lords of Osek founded the castle Bečov nad Teplou (130 km from Prague) on a cliff over a provincial route for its protection and collecting duties.  

     

    

     

     

    The castle reached its peak in the late 15th-century, when it belonged to the Pluh family of Rabštejn, who were engaged in gold, silver and tin mining.  The Pluh family connected two older parts of the castle and later built a new residential palace in the Renaissance style there.  The Thirty Years' War brought an end to tin prosperity and in 1648, the Swedish army damaged the castle and occupied it.  The most valuable part of the castle is the Chapel of the Visitation of Our Lady from the year 1400 - with original frescoes depicting 17 Biblical motives.

     

    Chapel of the Visitation of Our Lady 

    

    

     

    In the 18th-century, on the site of the former fortifications above the castle moat, a Baroque chateau with an octagonal tower was built.  The tower houses state rooms, a library and fountains.  In the 19th-century, the castle was connected with the chateau into one complex, and a beautiful complex it is! 

     

     

    

     

    

     

    

     

    I love the color combination...there is just something about pink and yellow that makes me ...happy.

    

     

    The interiors were renovated in the Romantic style by architect Josef Zitek.  There are valuable collections of paintings and tapestries from the property of Belgian Beaufort-Spontin family, who bought Bečov in 1813.

     

    Architect Josef Zitek

    

     

    On most, if not all castle tours, you see this sign:

    

     

    But some rules are meant to be broken, no?

    So with flash off and camera silenced and hidden from the tour guide's view, let's proceed...

     

    Library

    

     

    

     

    The view from the library...overlooking the village of Bečov

    

     

    Another view from the library

    

     

    

     

    I fell in love with these girly chairs... 

    

     

    ...and these pink walls!

    

     

    

     

    

     

    The castle grounds are spectacular - let's take a walk around...

    

    
    

    View of the mansion (pink) with the Pluh's Palace behind it (yellow)

    

     

    

     

    

     

    

     

    

     

    Burning coal on a chilly day...

    

     

    A chata in the distance...

    

     

     

    

     

    The garden replaced the original moat...the building beyond is the Burgrave's residence

    

     

    

     

    The dark gray sky was a pretty contrast to the lightness of the buildings 

    

     

    

     

    The Keep

    The central portion of the site was guarded by the circular keep, the last refuge of the castle's owners.  This tower had to be dramatically lowered in 1623 due to its poor condition.  In the 19th century, its preserved 6-meter-high portion was transformed into an observation gallery

     

    

     

    The largest part of the gardens is situated on the place of the former castle moat and brewery.  The garden is divided into six terraces that are interconnected by balustraded staircases, thereby forming an exceptionally picturesque space.  You can see why this castle is the site of many weddings.

    

     

    

     

    

     

    

     

     

    

     

     

    View of the valley and the river Teplá

    

     

    

     

    

     

     

    Bečov offers a viewing of the reliquary of St. Moor, which was bought by Alfred de Beaufort for 2,500 francs.  He had it restored and brought it to Bečov.  At the end of WWII, the Beauforts, active collaborators with the Nazi regime, left the chateau in a hurry.  The reliquary was hidden under the floor of the castle chapel for 40 years.  In 1985, the reliquary was discovered, surrounded by bottles of wine and cognac - would love to have a taste of that!

     

    Reliquary of St. Moor

    

     

    The town of Bečov was founded by the magnates of Czech princes from the noble family of Hrabišice at the beginning of the 13th century...shall we take a look around?

    

     

    

     

    

     

    

     

    

     

    Iron work exhibit

    

     

    

     

    

     

     

    It wasn't until July 15, 1996, that the castle of Bečov was opened to the public after many years of building and renovation work.  It sits proudly overlooking the town.

    

     

     

     A very difficult place to resist is the local pekařství... 

    

     

    

     

    

     

    My favorite - koláč 

    

     

    Why don't we sample a little bit of everything!

    

     

    Hope you enjoyed your trip to Bečov nad Teplou!  

     

     Address:  Státní hrad a zámek Bečov nad Teplou 

    364 64 Bečov nad Teplou

    
    

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Takapu Refuge Gannets Takapu Refuge Gannets

  • From: sandyjklein
  • Description:
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 126
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• place of refuge place of refuge

  • From: scubafan67
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  • 2 years ago
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• Kona Hawaii July 2011 Kona Hawaii July 2011

  • From: scubafan67
  • Description:

    We were limited on our airline choices because we had $800 in credits from United. Still, it never hurts to check with www.kayak.com for other fares. We had been to Oah'u last year so we contacted our dive guide and asked for his input on finding a dive operator and accommodations on The Big Island. Based on his suggestions, we went with Kona Diving Company and used www.vrbo.com to compare and contact owners of vacation rentals. It was a little unsettling at first to rent from an owner versus going thru a property management company but for us, it worked out great. We are more about economy than luxury so the 1 bedroom studio in a residential neighborhood (versus a condo or hotel in the hubbub area) was perfect for us. We had a full kitchen so we went to the nearby Target and bought a few groceries so we could have breakfast and a few lunches and suppers at the house. We still did our share of eating out, but it certainly cuts food expense when you don't have to eat out every meal. There is also a Costco and Wal-Mart along with a few grocery stores and a Farmer's Market but for our purposes, a simple trip to Target worked.

     

    We still did our share of eating out and found a few places we really enjoyed. Da Poke Shack is a tiny little "shack" on Ali'i Drive that serves fresh, traditional poke made from the fish caught the night before. They are a small operation but efficiently run by super friendly people who take the time to answer all your questions about Hawaiian poke and even offer samples so you can try before you buy. They sometimes have poi as well but the place is popular with locals and the few tourist who venture far enough down Ali'i Drive to find it. They have a simple website www.dapokeshack.com and if you are a sashimi eater, then you will likely be a poke eater. My suggestion is Da Shack Special with the Ocean Salad (seaweed salad), but it is best if you do a little research and find out exactly what poke is and whether you'd even be willing to try it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poke_(Hawaii)).

     

    We also found a place called L&L Hawaiian BBQ where we could get the lau lau and kalua pork (http://hawaiianbarbecue.com/live/menu/the-ll-menu/) and Genki Sushi USA (http://www.genkisushiusa.com/index.html) that was great. At Genki Sushi, the prices are based on the color of the plate that is coming along the conveyor belt, or you can simply order exactly what you want. We had fun watching it all come to us but before we knew it, we had way more plates stacked up that we thought. Take your time and eat what you have before reaching for another plate (that advice is to me!).

     

    Kona Diving Company (www.bottomtimehawaii.com) is family run and has an exceptional crew. The boat can feel crowded when everyone is getting on but once gear has been stowed and the trip begins, there is plenty of room to move about. They provide meat or veggie wraps, trail mix, brownies and drinks between dives and while we were there, they never rushed us thru a dive to meet a time limit. We dove till our tanks were pretty empty. We took advantage of their 5 day package deal and turned one of our day-dives into the night dive with Manta Rays. We had a great week diving with them and highly recommend their operation to new or experienced divers going to Kona.

     

    There is a black sand beach north of Kona around mile marker 83. It is not a popular as the famous Black Sand Beach on the southern point of the Big Island but for us, it worked fine. It was much closer and just amazing to see.

     

    When renting a car, we chose to pick up at the Kona airport and by doing so, we paid a "convenience fee." Off site rentals do not have that fee and are regularly cheaper if only by a few dollars, so if you are staying at a hotel that has a pickup service, you would get a better price for a rental car if you waited till you got to your hotel. The rental agencies will tell you there are lots of places you cannot go without a jeep or 4WD vehicle, but we found that we didn’t go to those places anyway. If you plan to go to the volcanoes or some of the remote hiking areas, waterfalls, etc., then you would need to be absolutely sure if your rental car would be allowed. We wound up getting a jeep only because they had "extra" and gave it to us for no additional cost although in hindsight, we probably spent more in gasoline than we would have with the mid-size car we originally were getting.

     

    Some people say there is "nothing to do" in Kona, but that depends on your interests. We found plenty of "free" things to do like going to Mountain Thunder coffee plantation for their free tour (http://www.mountainthunder.com/kona_coffee_tour.php) and visited The Place of Refuge (http://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm) both of which were just a couple of many ideas from the tourism website www.http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island.com.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• February birding on North Shor February birding on North Shore

  • From: birdergirl
  • Description:

    Birding in the rain at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge near Kahuku, Oahu

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 164
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• Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge

  • From: Faraway Inn
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  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 177
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• Cedar Keys National Wildlife R Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

  • From: Faraway Inn
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  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 140
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• Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge - F Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge - Florida

  • From: Faraway Inn
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  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 115
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• Looking West Over the Small Is Looking West Over the Small Island Chain of the Cedar Keys

  • From: Pat Bonish
  • Description:

    Looking West over the Small group of Islands that make up the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge - Photo by Pat Bonish

  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 270
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• Merrit Island Gator Merrit Island Gator

  • From: rockon
  • Description:

    Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to get up and close with the wildlife in Florida. Along the one way road I was able to see several gators, spoonbills, and even wild boars.

  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 139
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• Winter on Pinckney Island Winter on Pinckney Island

  • From: ecrudden
  • Description:

    Winter in the marshes on the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 581

• Place of Refuge Place of Refuge

  • From: MeowMaker
  • Description:
  • 3 years ago
  • Views: 135
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