Category Archives: On The Mountain

Skiing, Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking, General Outdoors

Log Cabin Holidays For Your Getaway

Choosing a log cabin for holidays can be a wonderful decision, especially for those that love the outdoors and privacy. Many cabins can be found to be less expensive than hotel rooms for the same duration. If expense is a determing factor for lodging during a trip, many find a cabin is the best choice.

Log cabins are a nice step up from camping on the cold ground. Many groups that choose a cabin enjoy being surrounded by nature, while having the modern comforts of home available to them. Log cabins are very popular in the United Kingdom , but many will find they exist all over the world.

Not only is this a cost effective way to travel, but offers other benefits as well. By being in a log cabin, it allows the advantage of enjoying nature. It keeps you away from the crazy activities of the city. Some cabins can be found as inconvenient because of the location away from popular tourist areas in the area they are located. However, if a log cabin was chosen to be able to have quiet time outdoors after returning from the tourist attractions this is the perfect choice.

Depending on the place that is picked, amenities vary based on price and location. Most cabins will include a some sort of fireplace (gas or wood burning). There are 1 bedroom cabins to 7 plus bedrooms available at many locations. Kitchens, living room, and bathrooms are laid out amongst the floor plans. They include electricity, tvs, and for an extra charge a hot tub may be available upon request. It is possible to find a great place that will suit the needs of the entire traveling group, with just as many options that a regular hotel would offer.

Planning a log cabin holiday can be easy to do using the world wide web. A search will provide accomodations available at several locations in a wide array of price ranges depending on your travel dates. A log cabin in the lake district can be an exciting luxury and is a great way to get everyone together for the holiday or it can even be a romantic destination.

In order to learn more about log cabin holidays and getting a luxury log cabins lake district holiday, visit the author’s website.

Backpacking: Go big or stay home?

There are so many reasons to visit Canada and the United States yet on the backpacker trail they are often overlooked. It’s no wonder that people are intimidated by backpacking Canada it’s huge! Canada is the second largest country in the world and its population is the same as Uganda. It has a total area of 9.9 million square kilometers so this population is quite spread out across the country. But to pass over Canada because of its size could almost be considered discriminative.

Canada has so much to offer backpackers and those with perseverance can cross the country in a summer. To travel the country on a budget you will need to take the bus or book your flights in advance. There is a budget airline, WestJet, you can use to further ease your budget belt. If you plan on traveling by bus there are passes that you can buy for a specified amount of days that will allow you to travel anywhere in Canada or the United States. The pass can be purchased from Greyhound or Greyhound Canada. Traveling by bus is economical in North America but you should be prepared for long bus rides, especially in Canada.

Lee´s Ferry - view up river from start of Spencer Trail

While the United States is not as large in landmass as Canada it is still a huge country to tackle. The population is denser in the U.S. and there are seemingly more attractions to see. The United States of America covers 9.8 million square kilometers (just slightly smaller than Canada) and has a population of over 300 million people. Instead of trying to see it all it would be wise to pick a region when you are backpacking the United States and expand your journey as time allows. Of course, if your budget can withstand multiple flights then perhaps a whirlwind tour of the U.S. could be achieved in one summer.

Outdoor Zoo Offers a Good Hike Too

Headed to Colorado? If you are visiting Denver, the kicked-back town of Colorado Springs is just a couple hours away to the south.

A trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs offers something of interest for everyone in the family. Founded in 1926, the zoological society was later incorporated into a recognized nonprofit.

The location is nothing less than spectacular, on the side of Cheyenne Mountain with a staggering view of the city of Colorado Springs and the easter plains.

hiking at the zoo

The elephants are always a favorite of zoo attendees. You can watch Lucky, Kimba, and Maliaka play in the water or with their plastic barrels. Did you know two sisters live at the Cheyenne Zoo? Yes, they are hippos (Nile Hippos) named Kasai and Zambezi. Studying the zoo animals in advance of your trip will make them seem like old friends once you arrive.

If you want a good sporting and outdoor hike at the zoo, it is easily available. Since the zoo is built on the side of the mountain, you can hike up for exercise. The only hiking equipment you will need is a sturdy pair of comfortable shoes. If you prefer, there is a zoomobile available to take you to the highest part of the zoo, and then you can walk down. Keep in mind that you will be visiting the Rocky Mountains where the air is thin. Stay hydrated, and if you begin to feel light headed, sit on a bench until your brain can gather a bit more oxygen in that thin air.

Another thing to remember when visiting the zoo is that the weather may be variable. Even if you begin your zoo trip in warm and sunny weather, bring along light jackets for everyone (even the stubborn teens who say, “I’m fine. I don’t need one.”) Sturdy shoes are also a must.

Besides giraffes and tons of other animals, you will be surprised that a trip to the zoo includes an unusual bonus. Each admission ticket also includes access to the historic Will Rogers shrine. It is located 1.4 miles further up the mountain by car (I suppose you could walk, but keep in mind you’d be going vertically uphill at a good grade). Citizen Spencer Penrose commissioned the monument to honor famous celebrity of the day Will Rogers who perished in an aircraft disaster in the year 1935. The altitude of the shrine is a lofty 8,136 feet above sea level.

Our experiences with family are a great thing at a great value. You will not regret visiting this destination and enjoying memorable moments of family time together.

Hiking equipment for a family hiking trip

Going for a hike with your family members is a great idea as this will enable you to bond even more and become a tighter unit. This is also a great way to get away from all the traffic jams and noise and spend time together as a family. It is supposed to be fun and an enjoyment break from the fast paced lifestyle we have gotten used to. However, this will be less of camping trip and a nightmare for your kids if they have to carry around bulky items that they may not necessarily need for the camping trip however short the hiking trip is going to be. Hiking equipment should be the absolute necessary essentials.

hiking equipment

hiking equipment

If you are going to camp, you need to make sure the kids have their own tent unless they are too young to be alone in the wild. Sometimes, it may be perfect to get one huge tent for all the family members especially if it is going to be cold. Teenagers may not be as comfortable living in the same tent as their parents even if it is just for the night so, depending on the ages of your children, you may need to get several tents for your overnight camping. The good news is that the more you are, the more people there will be to carry all the hiking equipment. You many want to carry sleeping bags as opposed to blankets since sleeping bags fold neatly and are less bulky to carry around. Make sure the backpacks you buy have strong support and they should be big enough to carry all your camping supplies. Some food is just as important and water as well. Get some first aid boxes and utensils. Any other hiking equipment may be good as long as it is lighter to carry. Don’t forget the toiletries, sun screen, lighting equipment, a compass and a map of the area you are going to be camping in. If it is going to rain, you may need some rainwear.