Africa's Enchanted Forests of Mt. Kenya: a Writer's Recount of the Escapade

Africa's Enchanted Forests of Mt. Kenya: a Writer's Recount of the Escapade
By Robert Muhoho

The drive from Embu to Meru has some breath taking scenery.

We turn to the mountain, climbing higher up the slopes. The country side is picturesque, with a green carpet of tea plantations, coffee shrubs and macadamia trees. The air is tantalizingly fresh. From the main road, its hard to imagine that there is fertile farmland so far up Mt Kenya.

The clear rivers

A river runs from the slopes, crystal-clear cold water gushing out of the forest, skirting the farms and down to the plains. Its the Rupingazi. Near the indigenous forest, a trout farm has been set up by the Nyanjara Rivers Waters Association, not only an income generating venture to uplift their living standards, but also to save the mountains remaining forests.

Its a holistic approach to managing ecosystems. The trout must have clean, fast-flowing water to survive. High above the fish and the tea farms, the old forest line the skyline. Elephants sometimes stray out of the forest since farms wedge their way higher up.

The mega-sponge forests

But its these old forest that act as mega-sponges, providing the clean fresh water. It is, therefore, in the best interest of the community to look after the forests. Im shown a story book in Kiswahili based on an elephant and a farmer and the problems they have to deal with in the end, the farmer realizes that the elephant also need a space to live, and that cutting down the forests is not beneficiary to anybody. In the larger context, it all boils down to good management. Further down the road on our way to Chogoria, a ribbon of a water fall catches my eye. Its so beautiful that we stop to ask some people by the roadside what its called.

That waterfall is called Ina. It used to be on a white mans farm they reply.We decline. We have three days to go round the mountain to show the writer from Washington DC the community projects. We are on day two and hopefully, he will see the peaks of Gods mountain today.

Generating electricity

Again, we turn to the mountain at Chogoria to see a micro-electricity project called Baarani, an amalgamations of the two villages it will light, Baraimu and Mpiani. Chogoria is said to be the most picturesque route to the peaks. I can believe that.

At first, we can only hear the sound of the water. We walk down the slope to a dam and then a few steps away, a stunning waterfall called Owinga gushes over the rocks to crash at the bottom and continue its journey down the mountain. Its the River Mara, which forms the boundary between Meru south and central. The waters of the river are helping the people to light up there homes instead of using paraffin or burning firewood for fuel.

Again, the water is from the forests of Mount Kenya and without the force of the flowing river, the turbine would not function. One of the members is John, licensed guide for Mount Kenya. He cant remember the number of times he has scaled the mountain. Its easy to reach point Lenana. It takes only four days, he says. Its the mountains third peak. But Batian is where you require technical skills. Its the highest peak at 17,058 feet, followed by Nelion, only a few feet lower.

Giant Lobelias and raffia

Back on the main road, we drive to Meru, home of the Meru people. The road from Embu to Meru is full of picturesque drives, bends and twists and wide bridges over yawning rivers, providing the country with its hydro-electric power. Elegant raffia trees grow by the banks, their leaves, reputed to be the largest in the plant kingdom, sweeping the skies. By the time we get to Meru, its raining heavily. After a cup of tea, we decide to drive on to Nanyuki before it gets dark. Had we had time, I would have loved to spend a few days at Meru National Park, about an hour-and-a-halfs drive from town. The road out of Meru is lined with the old forest, once filled of the famous massive Meru oaks.

Bordering the Dry and scraggy North

We drive around the shoulder of the mountain from where the crossroad to the northern dry lands turns. In the soft light of the days end, the hills of Laikipia and Samburu meld into hues of quiet blues, creating waves against the sky line. It never ceases to amaze me how dramatically a landscape can change from lush farms and forest to dry scrub and dry rivers of sand.

We begin to ascend the mountain road, past Timau with its pastures of rich farm land and the sheep all mowing the grass. The mountain is shrouded in clouds. If the sky had been clear this would have been the best area to see the towering peaks of the mountain. No show. Day two is turning to night and our guest hasnt seen the peaks.

Community Tourism

Community tourism initiatives are interesting. Its a great way to meet people, discover their land and enjoy the country side. Its a fledgling industry and a break from the traditional tourist setup. Organisations here partner with local community in the management and conservation of the protected sites by using natural resources sustainably

There are camping grounds all around but if you would rather put up in clean motels like Embu motel, start discovering Kenya's beaten track. Mt Kenya is a world Heritage Site.

Robert Muhoho
http://www.landmarksafaris.com
If you havent scaled Kenyas tallest mountain, give it a try.

Robert is a tour consultant in Kenya and has planned safaris for over 50,000 tourists in the East African region. He is a tour operations- major and has been involved in community tourism National tourism policy development in Kenya.

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RV Camping 5 Tips to Consider Whenever Buying a Used RV

RV Camping - 5 Tips to Consider Whenever Buying a Used RV
By Geri Stogsdill

For several years now, my husband and I have dreamed of some day RVing full time. In the past, we have owned a fifth wheel trailer as well as a c class motor home. But when it comes to living full time in an RV, we decided that it was time to do a little shopping around to see just what kind of options we had. If you have ever checked out any new recreation vehicles or maybe have gone to an RV show, you soon learn just how expensive a motor home or 5th wheel trailer can be and really does your budget justify buying something so expensive. There were some RVs that we looked at that had more luxury than what we were even use to in our own home so why in the world would we need something like that. It was then that we decided to start checking out the used RVs that were available.

Buying a used recreational vehicle can be very tricky and tedious. In fact, some people view it as a gamble. You are definitely at risk once you do not know how to choose used recreational vehicles correctly.

Buying used recreational vehicles does not necessarily mean you have to settle for less just because you do not have the money to buy a brand new recreational vehicle. All you have to do is to be smart and knowledgeable in choosing a used recreational vehicle.

Here are some tips that you can consider before buying one so that you only get the best and the most dependable used recreational vehicle you can find:

1. Do your homework

Before anything else, especially where your money is at risk, always do your homework. Try to research on the current status of used recreational vehicles.

The value of a used recreational vehicle may vary depending on the owner. Hence, it would be better to find out about the current value of the brand new recreational vehicles and its possible depreciation value when bought second hand.

There are a lot of information that can be found in the Internet. These things can be very useful when choosing a used recreational vehicle.

2. Seek the help of a professional mechanic or technician

Before closing the deal with the seller of a used recreational vehicle, it would be better to have the vehicle checked first by a professional technician or mechanic, especially if you do not know how to do it.

In this way, you can be sure if the vehicle is technically in good condition. Certain aspects of the vehicle can be overlooked if you really do not know how to analyze it meticulously.

3. Check for any repair history of the vehicle

There are certain agencies like the CARFAX that can provide you with some of the important data regarding the vehicles repair history. Hence, you can decide whether or not the used recreational vehicle is still a good buy considering its repair history.

4. Check its individual components

Do not just rely on the vehicles performance. Try to check on its individual components as well. For instance, the refrigerator inside the recreational vehicle might be malfunctioning. Hence, it would be better if such problems are described and defined by the seller.

5. Test drive

All of the problems, whether vehicle-related or component-related will be verified once you have test drive the vehicle.

The bottom line is that you have to be smart when buying used recreational vehicle, otherwise, having fun will never be a part of you travel.

Geri Stogsdill is a freelance writer specializing in healthy lifestyle information. For more RV Camping tips, visit us at http://www.bestrvcampingtips.com/rvingblog/

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What is the Significance of Mount Kailash?

What is the Significance of Mount Kailash?
By Paul Cris

Mount Kailash is regarded as one of the most sacred places in the world. Mount Kailsh is situated in Tibet. It is situated 22,000 ft above sea level. In Hindu mythology, Mount Kailash is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva.

It is one of the least visited holy places. There are many monasteries and places of great importance on the route to Mt Kailash. There are many stone carvings and other attractions for pilgrims. Most of the visitors take a dip in the Mansarovar lake. The Mansarovar lake is 18 miles from the Mount Kailash. Taking a dip or soaking the head in the holy water provides spiritual benefits and only the brave could take a dip in the icy water.

Devotees walk many miles, to reach the Mount Kailash. It takes 1-3 days to walk and some people do full body prostrations, which could take up to 1 month. Hindus walk the mountain clockwise which is called is Parikrama, which takes up to three days. Some people think that the walk around Mount Kailash should be completed within a day. Not many people can do this until they are fully fit. Due to altitude sickness and uneven terrain and harsh weather it is difficult to walk within a day.

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You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

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The Island of Beautiful Waters

The Island of Beautiful Waters
By Linda Thompkins

Guadeloupe, known as the island of beautiful waters, has the most unique shape of any island in the Caribbean chain. The butterfly shape evolved from the geographical movement of two separate islands, which pushed them together, with only a narrow river dividing them. Instead of one island, they could be considered as two since there are quite different.

Located in the French West Indies, Guadeloupe has three sets of offshore islands, which offers visitors an opportunity to island hop. Aside from the opportunity to visit several islands for the price on one, Guadeloupe offers first class beach resorts, some of the Caribbean's best outdoor markets, French and Creole cuisine, rain forests, volcanos, numerous waterfalls, a variety of beaches, and a variety of exotic flowers and plants.

That's more than enough for one vacation, but more the adventurous can easily continue their travel by catamaran or ferry to the neighboring islands of French Martinique, Dominica and St. Lucia.

The culture of the island is definitely French, however most locals speak Creole and French. Overall the culture of France, Africa, West Indian and Hindu makes a fascinating mix.

The people of Guadeloupe believe strongly in their form of culture, and many would like to be independent from France. However, financial support from France provides the island with a high standard of living, so the push for independence remains more talk than action.

Basse Terre is the larger of the two, with a rugged coastline, mountainous terrain and an active volcano. The west coast rich highlands offer a panoramic view of lush rainforests, banana plantations, and a waterfall at every turn. As you enter the rainforest, your visual senses are overwhelmed by the fusion of colors, the shapes of orchids, flowering trees with baskets of exotic flowers, and the ever present dwarf palms. Odd clanking sounds ring out through the forest, and I was surprised to find the strange noise was being made by the huge Hercules beetles. I never saw them, nor did I have any desire to after hearing their metal like sound.

After leaving the rainforest I traveled to La Soufriere, an active volcano which hovers 4,800 feet, and has steam constantly spurting from its top. As I looked at my map, it appeared that the Transcoastal Highway was the best route to the volcano, however one of the locals directed me on a southern route.

As I drove around endless fields of banana, coffee and cocoa plantations, I wished I had paid the local for his advice. The guide books state that the views of the volcano are often clouded, but on this day the sky was crystal clear. Its times like this that I wished I had brought along a traveling companion to take the wheel, so I could fully take in the beauty of La Soufriere. Upon arrival I was not prepared for the rumble from this huge volcano, or the taste of sulphur in the air, or the heat from the ground. I was so uncomfortable I could not stay longer, and hurriedly took my photographs of this magnificent landmark, and then headed out for my favorite spot, the beach.

After arriving at the beach, I was not pleased with the course brown sand on this side of the island - I prefer my beach sand to be soft, and white or pink in color. After meeting several visitors on the beach, I was told that my preferred beach sand was farther east. Before leaving I took the opportunity to take a dip in the blue Caribbean water to get the sulphur smell off my body, and have some of the best Creole stuffed crabs I've ever had in my life at a small beach bar. Now, I was fully ready for my trek east.

Grande Terre, the smaller of the two island masses is on the eastern coast and considered the low lands. I was delighted to see beautiful white sand beaches, along with clear water, and pristine coral reefs. This side of the island is an oasis for tropical birds such as pelicans, egrets, doves and sandpipers. While the western coast is home to lush rainforests, the eastern coast has countless rows of sugar cane fields and mangroves.

As I drive towards Pointe-a-Pitre, the metropolitan area, I was a little taken back by the lack of Caribbean charm of the city. Aside from the French architecture, this area is more like suburban America with high rises, shopping centers and freeways.

I'd heard about the open air markets in travel literature, so I had to make a visit. Oh, such a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits to rival the best of American produce. The women vendors have brightly colored head wraps, they love to wrangle over prices, and they give the liveliest descriptions you've ever heard about their wares.

One hour later, I left loaded down with fresh French bread, butter and lots of vegetables and fruits. Whenever I get back to Guadeloupe, I will definitely visit the market, but overall the city is too commercial, very noisy and the traffic reminded me too much of the U.S., so after loading up the car, I headed out in search of the perfect white sand beach.

Heading east from Pointe-a-Pitre, there are 20 miles of the most exquisite beaches any soft, white sand beach lover could hope to find. The farther you drive from the capital city, the beaches become less crowded.

I finally settled on the small town of Gosier which has the perfect soft, white sand beaches, lots of little bars, shops and cafes, bread and breakfast inns, along with big hotels.

Gosier is on the coast, and the rises into the hills where you can view the out islands of Marie-Galante and Les Saintes. While the thought occurred to visit these islands, I instinctively knew that my short time on Guadeloupe would be spent right there in Gosier on the beach. After three wonderful days, I headed back to the beautiful island of St Lucia, where my island hopping trip had started.

Too many islands, too little time.

Linda Thompkins is a Caribbean Travel Consultant, and owner of Travel 2 the Caribbean online agency. The agencies motto is Know Before You Go

Visit Travel 2 the Caribbean's site at:http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com

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Racecourses UK Let Your Imagination RIDE!

Racecourses UK Let Your Imagination RIDE!
By Mandy Chagger

I bring you thirteen of Europe's premier racecourses to offer space for conference & meetings. From South Downs to Cumbria Hills, allowing to be inspired by 3,000 acres of land, enjoying the glorious views.

1)Aintree Racecourse Home of John Smith Grand Stand National, Aintree offers a variety of suites within its three grandstands, providing you the versatility to host a wide range of events, It has expansive exhibition space, exclusive conferences suites with panoramic views of the racecourse, over 30 glass fronted syndicate areas with natural daylight. Aintree is located on the A59, just 1 mile from the M57 and M58.

2)Carlisle Racecourse the border of the city of Carlisle has a history of horse racing spanning five centuries, so naturally Carlisle Racecourse is at the heart of civic pride. The legendary Red Rum romped home first here in every year that he won the Grand National. The Grandstand is the ideal venue for meetings, seminars, and exhibitions product. Having 10 function rooms available over three floors including an exhibition hall, seven syndicate rooms, only 2 miles from the centre of Carlisle, is accessed from Junction 42 of the M6.

3)Cheltenham Racecourse The Regency town of Cheltenham is set in the stunning beauty of the Cotswold with the racecourse at its heart. Hosts a quarter a quarter of a million visitors. The rooms can accommodate anything from an intimate meeting in the Grandstand to a conference for up to 2250 people, Centrally located in the heart of England within a few miles of junction 9-11a of the M5 and easily accessed from the A40.

4)Epsom Downs Racecourse Has hosted The Derby, Europe's most famous flat race, since 1780. Epsom Downs also hosts over 450 other events each year running from conferences to launches. Situated in the heart of Epsom Downs, the venue is easy access from London only half an hour from Gatwick,

5)Haydock Park Racecourse Housed within 127 acres of beautiful parkland, Haydock Park Racecourse enjoys the best of both worlds a lush green setting and a central Northwest location halfway between Liverpool and Manchester , offers 6 large rooms with capacity for upto 500 guests One mile from junction 23 of the M6 or A580.

6)Huntingdon Racecourse Voted Best Small Racecourse in the South Midlands and East Anglia by the Racegoers Club, The Racecourse is an intimate racing venue. The course is less than 5 minutes from the pretty market, the conference accommodation in the Goodliff Stand includes six syndicate rooms, each with private balcony. Racecourse is centrally located just half a mile from the A1 (M) link road on the A14.

7)Kempton Park Racecourse Recently transformed into Europe's premier floodlit racecourse, offers 50 racing fixtures, which can be enjoyed after an off-site meeting or client conference. Its famous Boxing Day racing has featured champions like Arkle, Best Mate and desert Orchid. Only 35 minutes from London the six conference suites can cater for theatre or boardroom, Kempton Park is on the A308, one mile from junction 1 of the M3.

8)Market Rasen Racecourse is a bastion of summer jump racing and known for its informal, relaxed atmosphere, there is a range of flexible event accommodation over two floors, with larger rooms and bars, Market Rasen is 12 miles North East of Lincoln, at junction of the A46 and the A631.

9)Newmarket Racecourse Newmarket Racecourse at the heart of the most famous centre of thoroughbred horse-breeding and horseracing in the world. The conference centre at the Natwest Rowley Mile Course features 685m of marble floored exhibition area with a nine screen video wall and four large plasma screens. Just 12 miles from Cambridge and 60 miles from London.

10)Nottingham Racecourse Is just two miles from the lively and historic city of Nottingham, yet surrounded by the 280 acres of flower and lawns of Colwick Park. All suites are have ample natural daylight and view over the course. The Racecourse is on the A612, easily accessible from the M1, A1 or A46.

11)Sandown Park Racecourse is a big, bright versatile and inviting for organisers and visitors alike, The venue features over 500m of exhibition space and six distinctive suites in the Grandstand. Sandown Park is signposted from A3 and a few miles from junction 10 of the M25.

12)Warwick Racecourse- The historic market town of Warwick provides the backdrop for Warwick Racecourse. The castle with its magnificent turrets and towers is only a mile to the east of the course. The original Grandstand event rooms dating back 1808. Warwick Racecourse is just off the A429, two miles from junction 15 of the M40.

13)Wincanton Racecourse In the heart of glorious Somerset countryside, Wincanton Racecourse is thought to have played host to one of Britain's earliest steepchase races. It offers conference space to accommodate 120 and 12 smaller breakout rooms. Wincanton Racecourse is on the B3081 just off the A303 between London and the Southwest.

Free Venue Finding Service UK & Worldwide+ 44 (0)8700 490000 FREE call back serviceFree Hotel Accommodation Booking Service UK & Worldwide

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The Laphroaig and Lagavulin Water Dispute on the Isle of Islay

The Laphroaig and Lagavulin Water Dispute on the Isle of Islay
By Ron Steenvoorden

The name Laphroaig is Gaelic and means The beautiful hollow by the broad bay. Laphroaig is one of the oldest distilleries on Islay and this story shows that, despite whisky distilling is often romanticized, it was also a dangerous occupation.

After the Rebellion of 1745, which was actually a civil war, the clearances started and in that period three Johnston Brothers came to Islay. Their purpose was farming and they occupied different parts of Islay. Two of their sons, Donald and Alexander, started their own farms at Laphroaig around 1810 and started distilling soon afterwards. When Alexander died in 1836 Donald became the sole owner of Laphroaig. At that time the Campbells, who owned Donalds land, leased a plot to James and Andrew Gairdner who built a rival distillery next to Laphroaig. They installed two experienced Clackmann distillers, James and Andrew Stein, to take charge. Donald Johnston, owner of Laphroaig at the time, was deeply disturbed finding out that the new, Ardenistiel distillery, proposed to use the same watersource. Water that made a vital contribution to Laphroaig's unique character. Specially when Donald was about to expand his business leaving him with a too small water supply.

Donald appealed to the judiciary the probems he had with the sharing of the water supply and the fact that the expansion of his business wasnt possible without a proper watersupply

The dispute lasted almost 6 years and ended abruptly when Andrew Stein fell ill with fever and died soon afterwards. His brother James, who couldnt cope distilling alone, stopped and moved to Port Ellen. In June the following year Donald himself died in a tragic accident at the Laphroaig distillery. It was a hard life in those times....

The Ardenistiel Distillery was also known as Kildalton (1849-52) and Islay (1852). This distillery was taken over by Laphroaig in 1853.

Laphroaig became a successful whisky distillery and the neighbouring Lagavulin distillery built identical stills to try and get the same taste as Laphroaig. The Lagavulin distillery however got its water from the other side of the hill which was the reason for the different character of Lagavulin whisky and not succeeding to copy Laphroaig. It is also said that the location of the maturation houses from Laphroaig, being so close to the sea, make a difference in the taste.

I am a regular visitor of Scotland and the Isle of Islay in particular. Islay has a rich and interesing history and I publish information about Scotland and Islay on my three websites:
http://www.scotlandview.co.uk
http://www.islayinfo.com
http://blog.islayinfo.com

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Travel Maryland Unique and Amazing Tourist Attractions of Frederick Maryland

Travel -- Maryland -- Unique and Amazing Tourist Attractions of Frederick, Maryland
By Ugur Akinci

Every September, on the third week following the Labor Day holiday, the Great Frederick Fair welcomes all visitors with a program that is worthy of its name. The Fair was first held back in May 1822. How's that for some tradition? It first started as a Cattle Show and progressed to its current status as a 4-H agricultural educational fair and good old fashioned entertainment for the whole family. Local farmers compete to win the top prizes for their exhibited cattle and livestock.

If you like history and architecture you must not miss the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum in Frederick, MD. This is the oldest building in Frederick and a perfect example of the mid-18th Century German architecture (built in 1756).

Here is another attractions you might definitely want to include in your tour of Frederick, Maryland:

The fantastic Lilypons Water Gardens present one of the largest lilly ponds in the world. People from all over the world come to see this garden situated in historic Buckeystown, just outside south of Frederick. Founded in 1917, this is really the place to be if you'd like to rest your tired eyes with the gorgeous spectacle of all kinds of delicate lilies. Koi & Wine Festival, Ed Sander Memorial Bike Ride, and Family Festival at the Farm (in October) are just some of the events held at this unique tourist spot (http://www.lilypons.com/).

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Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Senior Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 corporations since 1999.

You are most welcomed to visit his COPYWRITING WEB SITE http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials.

Register at his web site to get your FREE Writing and Marketing Tips & Ideas.

He is the editor of PRIVATE TUTOR FOR SAT MATH SUCCESS web site http://www.privatetutor.us

In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), Member of Bethesda / Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce of Maryland, and a Member of the American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).

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