The oregon trail beginning in arrow rock missouri

The Oregon Trail holds a unique place in the history of the United States. Thousands of pioneers used the trail to populate the middle and western parts of the country in the 19th century.

Oregon Trail

In the eighteen hundreds, the east coast of the United States had become overcrowded and expensive. For relief, people looked to the opportunities in the then limitless west. Over the next 100 years, hundreds of thousands of people undertook the six month quest to find a better life. Tens of thousands died along the route.

The Oregon Trail begins in Independence, Missouri and winds its way to the Willamette River Valley in Oregon. Follow the trail from beginning to end and you’ll pass through the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho.

Tracking the Oregon Trail can take a month by car, so I am going to highlight certain spots in this and further articles. Arrow Rock, Missouri is as good a place as any to start.

Arrow Rock, Missouri

Although Independence, Missouri is technically the beginning of the Oregon Trail, Arrow Rock is a better place to start. Arrow Rock is a tiny town of maybe 100 people and remains much the way it was during the hey day of the Oregon Trail. You’ll get a real taste of the way things were by visiting the tavern and old seminary. One of the odder attractions is the Calaboose.

Arrow Rock has the rather peculiar Calaboose Jail. Built of stone, the jail is particular because it is built for only one person. By one person, I mean no lobby, no office, no nothing, just a stone structure with one wooden door.

To get a better understanding of Arrow Rock, make sure to visit the Arrow Rock Historic Site center. For lodging, there are four or five bed and breakfast options in the town. Campers can stay at the Arrow Rock Historic Site camping grounds.

Visiting Arrow Rock is like stepping back into the Wild West. Look to the west and you can get a feel for how the pioneers felt as they started their long journey.

Joshua tree hiking ryan mountain

With the onset of winter, hikers in California turn to Joshua Tree in the Mojave Desert. Hiking Ryan Mountain is good way to see an excellent summit view of the park.

Joshua Tree – Ryan Mountain

If you’re looking for the best view in Joshua Tree National Park, Ryan Mountain is the undisputed winner. Make it to the top and you’ll find a 360 degree view of the park with mountains on one side and the sprawling desert on the other.

Ryan Mountain is reached by hiking the…drum roll please…Ryan Mountain Trail. The trail is roughly one and half miles and takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace. Easy to follow, the trail winds to and up the mountain, giving you a unique panorama as you climb. The incline is pretty moderate, but hiking the trail can be a good workout if you happen to catch it on a really windy day.

The winds on Ryan Mountain can get very serious. We are talking gale force winds. Even if the winds are roaring on the day you visit, go ahead and make the hike. It is relatively short and the views definitely make the effort worth it.

Once you reach the summit, you are going to be literally and symbolically blown away. It is a rare day the wind doesn’t blow like all get out. Still, you’ll hardly notice since the view is incredible. From the summit, you’ll be able to see Queen Valley, Pinto Basin, Lost Horse Valley and even the snow covered peak of Mount San Jacinto in the distance.

To get to Ryan Mountain, take Park Boulevard out of Joshua Tree Town. After 16 miles or so, you’ll see a sign for Keys View. Turn left and go a bit over two miles till you see a parking lot on the side of the road with a sign for the trail. Crowds are usually at a minimum.

While much of the country is in a deep freeze in the winter, Joshua Tree is at its best. Hiking the Ryan Mountain Trail is a good way to check it out.

Water parks make a great summer family outing

Quality family fun is what every parent looks for. And what better way to spend a relaxing day with your family then near the water. That’s why water parks make a great summer family outing.

Water parks have plenty of entertainment to offer including all kinds of water rides, arcades, outdoor games like miniature golf and go carts, and good food. All you need to do is show up to discover the excitement that awaits you.

There are slides for all levels and ages including water pools for the very youngest family members. So whether you like a real challenge or prefer a ride that’s relaxing, it’s there.

The larger parks have intertwined looping tube slides which are a blast; some starting 6 stories above the park and ending with a splash landing. There are a variety of tubes to choose from, so if 6 stories is too high you can play on one of the smaller ones. And who says a water park is all about the slides?

These days wakeboard and knee ski are growing water sports that many water parks are now offering. The courses are usually about Ѕ mile long and you can test your skills. Levels start at beginner and go right up to expert. And, if you aren’t ready to give it a try you can watch. It’s a great spectator sport too!

If you prefer to partner up with your buddy, there are usually some great two person water rides to check out. The inner tubes are one of the most fun. Or why not take a ride down a twisting turning slide reaching maximum speeds as you drop from an elevated shoot.

If that’s not your style why not try the Black Hole or the equivalent offered by most parks. Here you’ll jump into a raft and take an exhilarating journey down a twisting tunnel of darkness – whoo-eee fun with a capital F!

And if you’re lucky enough to visit Orlando’s Wet and Wild, be sure to check out The Blast which will have you screaming for more as you get soaked to the core in this stimulating ride complete with sound effects. You’ll twist and turn your way down through waterspouts and burst through pipes. What a ride! If you can’t get to Orlando don’t worry. Other water parks are offering similar rides.

When you need a rest from the water you can soak up some rays on the side. Grab a chair or relax on your beach towel. And then why not take the family for a game of miniature golf?

Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious burger and order of fries with a nice cold drink. And the day won’t be complete without an ice cream.

Water parks offer a full day of fun and relaxation for the entire family. So why not get out and enjoy it? You won’t be sorry!

Langkawi gets world class scuba and snorkel

The honeymoon paradise island of Langkawi in Malaysia is recognized by travel insiders as one of the world"s great nature destinations with million year old rainforest, spectacular ancient mountains, and stunning wildlife including hornbills, monitor lizards, monkeys and rare species including the colugo.

The island boasts a modern cable car, a leading international Regatta, a top world bicycle race and a brand new Four Seasons resort that seems certain to become Asia's premiere honeymoon spot.

The exciting news is that Langkawi visitors have just gained access to the nearby Tarutao National park in Thailand which looks like the paradise used for those dreamy Bounty Bar commercials with azure seas, white sand beaches and more. Tarutao is normally only accessible by small boats from Satun Island for six months each year, but a new ferry service from Langkawi will make this marine paradise available to Langkawi visitors year round.

The islands of Ko Lipe, Ko Adang, Ko Tarutao and 50 more that comprise the Tarutao National park in Thailand are know to divers around the world as a dream destination that is difficult to access. They offer kilometers of colorful coral, white powder sand beaches, dozens of world class scuba diving sites and high concentrations of amazing underwater life including dolphins, whale sharks, manta, migrating whales, turtles and more.

This fabulous world class marine playground is now available year round to visitors to Langkawi due to a new ferry service opening 8 June 2005. The ferry service has been made possible through the cooperation of the Thai and Malaysian governments and the opening of a Thai Consulate in Langkawi last month.

Daytrips to the national park from Langkawi will operate three days a week and more frequently during peak season. The daytrips include the one-hour ferry trip, island hopping by speedboat, snorkel gear and a buffet lunch with refreshments.

Special trips include scuba diving trips with 2 dives, game fishing trips (catch & return), and a guided ecotour to explore the island"s corals and forests with a trained naturalist.