Wildfires

Solomon A. asked:


The city of Arusha in Tanzania serves as a gateway to East African safaris not only because of its proximity to some of the largest wild animal parks in the region, but also because of the ease in which safaris and excursions can be booked from within the city. The bustling city nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Meru is home to dozens of safari guides and porters. The bus station in Arusha is a hub for trips to parks in Serengeti or a bus ride to Dar Es Salaam and then on to the Stone City on the island of Zanzibar. There is a variety of accommodations in Arusha, from five star luxury hotels to backpacker youth hostels, the city provides a welcoming atmosphere for travelers in search of the beauty of East Africa’s wildlife.

Arusha is a quick four hour bus ride from Nairobi International Airport and even Kilimanjaro Internationa Airport, KIA, the nearest airport, 45 minutes from Arusha. Once in the city you can enjoy first class restaurants, a market place with Maasai arts and crafts, internet cafes, and local walking tours of the foothills around Mt. Meru. The biggest benefit of starting your safari adventure in Arusha is the amazing game parks such as Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, just a few hours from the town.

Arusha National Park, just an hour from the city has the distinction of being one of the few parks in East Africa that allows walking safaris. An armed park ranger will take you throughout the park where you can see giraffes and buffaloes from the ground up. Another great park is only a three hour drive from Arusha, Lake Manyara has an underground water source that keeps everything overgrown with a jungle terrain. Here you can see baboons, monkeys, elephants, and many more.

The highlight of any Arusha safari is a trip to the Serengeti where you might catch a glimpse of a cheetah or a black rhino. An eight hour drive from Arusha, the vast plains with running ostriches and howling hyenas is a site that will take your breath away. Ngorongoro Crater is an amazing side trip while on the Serengeti, here you can travel down into the crater and view the migration of zebra, and wildebeest and perhaps stop to view a lake of pink flamingos. After all of your adventures out in the wilds of Tanzania, return to Arusha for some first class rest and relaxation.

Whether you are interested in a bike tour to the nearby city of Moshi, or a cultural tour of a Maasai Village, Arusha is the starting place for the trip of a lifetime. In Arusha, adventure seekers can book porters to take them to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, while those interested in a more leisurely pace can book a spa treatment at a five star hotel. No matter what activities you choose it is the warmth and hospitality of Arusha’s people who will make sure your travel to Arusha Tanzania won’t soon be forgotten.



ALVA

Cedric Canierro asked:


Famous for it’s coloured crater lakes, Kelimutu National Park also gain it’s cool climate and panoramic view. It is still a puzzle for both scientists and locals how the lakes gained it’s color and eventually change from time-to-time. The color of the three lakes are red, blue and white which eventually turns into black-brown, light green and black. The former red and blue lakes where separated by 200 centimeters wall of earth and located side-by-side while the former white lake is located to the west.

Declared as a national park on Feb. 26, 1992, this 1,051,000 square meter area not only consists of lakes but also mountains. It has Mount Kelibara as the highest peak and the whole area is located at East Nusa Tenggara, in the island of Flores, Indonesia. Rich in nature’s diversity, the park became the haven of various species of birds, plants and endangered animals. This park is not only rich in natural resources but also in their cultural heritage as evidently showed in the local’s traditional houses, weaving and dances.

Local folklore tells that the three lakes are gateways to different kinds of spirits. The first, having the name Tiwu Ata Mbupu is for the old people’s spirit. The second, named as Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai is intended for the spirits of young people. The third, intended for evil sprits and fortune tellers is called Tiwu Ata Polo. The best time to visit the lakes is between the months of July to September or in spring time. Pack your bags now and head way to Indonesia to see another nature’s wonder and asian destination.



DANE

Naveen Marasinghe asked:


About three and a half hours drive from Auckland or about one hour drive from Bay of Islands you can reach Opononi in Hokianga of North Island. There awaits the Footprint Waipoua, a not to be missed attraction in Hokianga, New Zealand. Take pleasure in this once in a lifetime jungle tour where you will be guided to the heart of New Zealand’s King of all forests, the Waipoua Forest.

Opononi is home to one of the ancient Kauri forests of New Zealand known as Waipoua Forest. Kauri forests are considered quite special, as their trees are one of the biggest trees in the world enjoying longest longevity. Kauri trees are evergreen trees hailing since the Jurassic period. They were already thriving since the dinosaur era, more than 145 million years ago. In contrast New Zealand’s Kauri dates back to 20 million years.

Kauri trees grow to amazing heights and are usually up to 40 metres tall. These larger than life trees have considerable trunks where some have their girths measure over five metres. And occasionally their diameters can reach up to a staggering seven metres or even more. Kauri trees also have a one of a kind conical shape. Their boughs branch off at the top of the tree like palm trees. With such dimensions and contours, the vibe you feel when you step into a forest of Kauri is truly magical and surreal.

The early settlers of Waipoua Forest were the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, who knew the forest like the back of their palms. In 1950s this forest was claimed as a forest sanctuary and is preserved to date. Waipoua Forest also houses a considerable populace of North Island brown Kiwis, the native flightless birds who are classified as endangered. Apart from the giant Kauri trees there is an interesting array of fauna inhabiting this forest.

Your guide will be an experienced Maori who will narrate exciting tales and legends of their sacred Waipoua Forest, one after another during the tour. The exciting jungle adventure then turns into a spiritual encounter when you are surrounded by the giants of the forest. You can also meet the evergreen celebrities such as Te Matua Ngahere, Tane Mahuta and the Four Sisters.

Te Matua Ngahere in Maori language means ‘Father of the Forest’. Its trunk measures over 16 metres in girth and towers over 29 metres. Next to this giant sits even a greater giant called Tane Mahuta or ‘Lord of the Forest’ as coined by the Maori. This soaring tree has a girth of more than 13 metres while its stunning height reaches over 51 metres. The Four Sisters are also famous for their extraordinary setting. These four trees have grown side by side and hence appear like siblings of this Kauri family.

Footprints Waipoua is a must visit cultural and nature attraction in Hokianga of North Island. Tourists can conveniently stay at a Hokianga hotel and join the guided tour to Waipoua Forest. By reserving an Omapere accommodation such as Copthorne Hotel and Resort Hokianga, guests can indulge in a range of modern comforts. They can also have quick links to top tourist attractions in Hokianga.



ARON

Shanon Sandquist asked:


     Grand Teton National Park is a very scenic, beautiful place to get away, and explore.  Located in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park has mountains that look like artwork with trees, and lakes.  Grand Teton National Park is an adventure of a lifetime!

     Beavers live within the waters of Grand Teton National Park.  Moose also reside in the park.  People have also said that they have seen bears there!  Overnight camping is allowed in the Grand Teton National Park, which is a total in-debth experience of the mountains.

     Grand Teton National Park hiking is fantastic exploring fun.  Many people like going to Grand Teton National Park.  Millions of people from all over, come to visit Grand Teton National Park.  More than two, and a half million peoplevisited Grand Teton National Park in the year 2007.

     The highest mountain peak in Grand Teton National Park, is Grand Teton.  Which is thirteen thousand, seven hundred seventy feet high above sea level.  The Teton mountains are considered to be the most majestic mountains of North America, by many people.

     Grand Teton National Park was created in the year 1929.  Grand Teton National Park covers four hundred eighty four square miles of land, and also water.  There’s close to two hundred miles of trails to hike, in the Grand Teton National Park.

     Do make sure that you are alert to potential dangers there, when visiting Grand Teton National Park!  The animals there of course are wild.  Take pre-cautions around the wild animals.  Don’t go too close to them.  Check with the rangers at the GrandTeton National Park, to learn to know what to expect on the trails.



NORBERT

Diane Robbins asked:


Manual Antonio National Park is located on the western coastline of Costa Rica. It runs along the shoreline of the country, includes a tropical rainforest and encompasses absolutely beautiful beach coves. It is open from 7 AM to 4 PM daily. Besides great beaches, you’ll also find in Manual Antonio lots of wildlife, including sloths and monkeys.

It is a small park that can be managed in a one day visit. There are several clearly marked hiking trails and overlooks. However, if you are a beach person, it would be better to spend two full so you can take advantage of the beautiful beaches, the water and still have time to hike the trails and watch for wildlife. Also, if you’ll be spending a full day in Manual Antonio National Park, be sure to pack water and food as there is none to purchase within the park.

We saw black iguanas, capuchins, raccoons, and lots of sloths. We hiked to Cathedral Point, the end of which landed us in the midst of a troop of capuchins who were only a couple of feet away from us and tried to steal our food. We ended up eating our lunch siting on a beautiful beach, watching the gorgeous turquoise water, and only protecting it from the iguanas..

Just outside the park are shops, restaurants and street vendors selling everything from typical tourist items to full plates of grilled chicken with vegetables (a great dinner) and cut pineapple (wonderful desert). We ate our dinner while being treated to a beautiful sunset. This park was a definite highlight of our Costa Rica trip.



ELWOOD

greengirl sydney asked:


Sunshine, Pines, Mountain peaks, lakes are some of Colorado’s preview. It presents another destination for your RV vacation – The Rocky Mountain National Park. The rich scenery of the park typifies the massive grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.

Drive from Denver and the east, take U.S. routes 34 or 36 through Estes Park, Colorado. If you are from west or south, take I-70 to U.S. Rt. 40., then to U.S. Rt.34 through Grand Lake, Colorado. The Trail Ridge Road gives the best view of the Rocky Mountain National Park while it is considered as the highest continuous motorway in the United States. The Road promises a spectacular view and in the early morning when the sun is about to rise.

Adventure, solitude, family vacation, camping and romance are some popular getaways to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. For those coming in through an RV vehicle you can choose among five of RMNP’s campgrounds. They are Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, Moraine Park, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek, with group camping at Glacier Basin. All of the mentioned campgrounds do not have electric, water or sewer hookups.

The Aspenglen Campground on US Route 34 just west of the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park has 54 sites open from mid-May through mid-September  first come, first served. Camping fee $20/site/night. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 30 feet.

The Glacier Basin Campground is located near the Fall River Entrance on the east side of the park with 150 Individual and 15 Group sites first come, first served. Typically the reservation period is mid-May through mid-September. Reservations are 5 months in advance of desired camping date through 1-800-365-2267.

The Longs Peak Campground has 26 sites  located nine miles south of the town of Estes Park on Route 7. Camping fee $20/site/night when water is on, approximately late May-mid September; $14/site/night when water is off. There is a three night stay limit during the summer and fourteen nights during the winter.  Observes first come, first served basis.

The Moraine Park Campground has 247 sites located in a ponderosa pine forest, just off the Bear Lake Road. The rolling terrain is also dotted with boulders. Many sites look out over the large meadows of Moraine Park. Moraine Park Campground can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet and trailers up 27 feet. Reservation period is only approximately mid-May through mid September conveniently through 1-800-365-2267.

Timber Creek Campground has 100 sites open year ’round on a “First Come, First Served” Basis.  Located on the west side of the national park, ten miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance. The campground is in the Kawuneeche Valley near the Colorado River.



ROBBIE

DEEPA AZAD asked:


As we moved a little in dense forest canopy, there was  silhouette of a primate on a tree top, I was full of joy as it was lion-tailed macaque, an endangered mammal. The joy was not a short-lived one as the silent valley was teeming with wildlife. In less than two hours, we came across a herd of elephants, a giant squirrel, great Indian hornbill, nilgiri tahr, numerous insects- amazing wildlife if we compare with other national parks of the country.

Silent valley was discovered by British explores in 1847 & so named by them. The valley is very unique & isolated as cliffs of Nilgiri mountains surrounded it on all sides cutting it off the rest of world. This valley was made national part in 1984 & became part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve in 1986. It is a small national part covering just 89.52KM but it biodiversity value can be understood from the fact that more than 200 spices of birds, 15 of these are endemic, primates like rare Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, gaurs, barking deer, Nilgiri Tahr, tiger, 110 special of butterflies & 25 species of replies inhabit this tiny biodiversity hotspot. Its isolated status has led to unique species.

In 1970s, its existence came under threat when a dam was proposed on kunthi river which was later abandoned due to protests by environmentalists .It is rightly said by someone that salient valley  is“richest expression of life on earth”.The best time to visit the part is September to March. November is best time to see wildlife. A must visit place for true wildlife lovers.

How to reach:-

By Air – Delhi – coimbatore. Hire a taxi to reach Mukkali.

By Rail – Delhi-Bangalore- Palakkad- take road route to Mukkali.

By Road – Delhi-Chennai , Chennai- Mukkali

CONTACT: - WILDLIFE WARDEN :-

PALAKKAD – 04924-222056.

wildlife,indian wildlife,Silent Valley national park,rainforests of India



ARNULFO

DEEPA AZAD asked:


As we moved a little in dense forest canopy, there was  silhouette of a primate on a tree top, I was full of joy as it was lion-tailed macula, an endangered mammal. The joy was not a short-lived one as the silent valley was teeming with wildlife. In less than two hours, we came across a herd of elephants, a giant squirrel, great Indian hornbill, nilgiri tahr, numerous insects- amazing wildlife if we compare with other national parks of the country.

Silent valley was discovered by British explores in 1847 & so named by them. The valley is very unique & isolated as cliffs of Nilgiri mountains surrounded it on all sides cutting it off the rest of world. This valley was made national part in 1984 & became part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve in 1986. It is a small national part covering just 89.52KM but it biodiversity value can be understood from the fact that more than 200 spices of birds, 15 of these are endemic, primates like rare Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, gaurs, barking deer, Nilgiri Tahr, tiger, 110 special of butterflies & 25 species of replies inhabit this tiny biodiversity hotspot. Its isolated status has led to unique species.

In 1970s, its existence came under threat when a dam was proposed on kunthi river which was later abandoned due to protests by environmentalists .It is rightly said by someone that salient valley  is“richest expression of life on earth”.The best time to visit the part is September to March. November is best time to see wildlife. A must visit place for true wildlife lovers.

How to reach:-

By Air – Delhi – coimbatore. Hire a taxi to reach Mukkali.

By Rail – Delhi-Bangalore- Palakkad- take road route to Mukkali.

By Road – Delhi-Chennai , Chennai- Mukkali

CONTACT: - WILDLIFE WARDEN :-

PALAKKAD – 04924-222056.

wildlife,indian wildlife,Silent Valley national park,rainforests of India



WILBUR

Sanjog asked:


Offering great opportunities for sighting a variety of wildlife, especially the endangered Great-One-horned Rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park is one of the most appealing attractions of the north-east Indian state of Assam. Located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the state, the Park attracts wildlife lovers from across the globe.

Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage Site providing shelter to the two-third population of One-horned Rhinoceroses of the world. One more reason to shower accolades on this wonderful National Park is that it has the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world. It is also a Tiger Reserve and has achieved great success in conservation of wildlife. Not only this, the Park has also been recognised as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International for conservation of avifaunal species.

The Park has tall elephant grass, marshland and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests and several small water bodies. Four beautiful rivers including Brahmaputra pass through the Park. The beauty and wilderness of the Park has inspired many a writer and film maker.

Fauna:

Kaziranga National Park boasts of a rich variety of wildlife species. The Park houses around 35 species of mammals of which 15 are threatened such as Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Asiatic Water Buffalo and Eastern Swamp Deer. Some of the other wildlife present inside the Park are wild boar, hog deer, Indian Muntjac, Indian tigers, leopards, Golden jackal, Sloth bear, Chinese Pangolin and Golden langur.

Birds

The Park is truly a heaven of birds. It shelters a variety of migratory birds, water birds, predators, scavengers and game birds. Some of he fascinating birds found in the Park are Ferruginous Duck, Baer’s Pochard duck, Lesser Adjutant, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Greater Adjutant, Black-necked Stork, Asian Openbill stork, Blyth’s Kingfisher, White-bellied Heron, Dalmatian Pelican, Spot-billed Pelican, Spotted Greenshank, Black-bellied Tern, Eastern Imperial, Greater Spotted, White-tailed and Pallas’s Fis.



MARVIN

Angela Titus asked:


Wildfires have scorched acres of National Forests lands in the last several dry years. Manned fire lookouts can prevent such fires, which close OHV trails and limit forest access. The Forest Service has dismantled hundreds of lookouts despite their importance. Remaining lookout towers, intriguing structures perched in precarious and remote locations, have achieved cult status. Many have been refurbished into rustic cabins and campers rent them for overnight backcountry trips.

Plumas National Forest in northeastern California has two adjacent off-road trails with a total of 5 fire lookouts to visit. Not all the lookout towers still standing are currently in use. Advancements in fire detection systems and budgetary restrictions gradually eliminated the need to man all the towers. Plumas, like most other California National Forests, still staffs lookouts in the summer.

Thompson Peak Trail starts 9 miles south of Susanville. Grizzly Ridge Trail is located about 24 miles southwest of Susanville off Highway 89. Both trails are easy dirt roads with more difficult spur trails leading up to the towers. These are just two of the trails in the area that form a network of interesting 4-wheel drive roads for all difficulty levels.

One trail climbs to Thompson Peak and Red Rock Fire Lookouts. Both are staffed during fire season, and the watchman typically gives visitors permission to climb the towers and admire the view. Constructed in 1955, Red Rock Fire Lookout fell into disuse for a short time, but rejuvenated and reopened in 1984.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built Thompson Peak Lookout in about 1931. The square concrete building beside the lookout was added in 1950 as the seat of a three-legged iron tower. A radar dome topped the 34-foot tower and scanned the sky as part of the Early Warning Defense System, created during World War II. Throughout the war, a typical part of all lookouts’ jobs included scanning the horizon for Japanese aircraft.

Not only does the Thompson Peak site serve as a fire lookout, it is also a noted observation point for raptor migration and a popular hang-glider launch site. Falcons, bald eagles, and hang-gliders ride thermals, created by warm air rising from Honey Lake below, to gain altitude.

The other trail winds through the forest with spurt trails to Mt. Hough, Argentine Rock, and Smith Peak Fire Lookouts. It is also part of a designated Forest Service OHV trail network for ATVs and dirtbikes. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers flock to this trail in winter. Lake Davis, at the road’s end, is stocked with trout and is popular with boaters, picnickers, and campers. Remains of the Walker Mine and mill are located at the mid-point of this drive. This extensive copper mining operation once employed 600 men and maintained a sizable town for its workers nearby. Beware; the huge tailings pond and mill remains have been declared a toxic site.

Established in about 1909, Mt. Hough (pronounced Huff) is one of the earliest lookouts erected in Plumas National Forest. Construction costs totaled only $303 at the time. Plumas replaced the original lookout tower with a new structure in 1916 and another in 1934. The forest finally built the three-story structure on the site today in 1986.

With its commercial phone line directly to “civilization,” this station acts as a hub for the forest’s other lookouts. With permission, visitors can normally climb the tower during the summer to see the expansive 360-degree views. Like the site of Thompson Peak Lookout, hang-gliders also launch from Mt. Hough. The spur to the lookout continues past the tower, descending steeply to the picturesque Crystal Lake. This rough, steep descent is difficult.

Argentine Rock Fire Lookout is 10 miles from the turn-off to Mt. Hough Lookout. The forest constructed this now-abandoned structure in 1934. Budget cutbacks and the use of fixed-wing aircraft to spot wildfires eliminated the need to staff this lookout. Vandalism and neglect have made the structure unsafe.

At Smith Peak Fire Lookout, you can look back over Grizzly Ridge and overlook Lake Davis. The Smith Peak site was initially used only as an emergency vantage point. Only the most rugged watchmen manned the rock crest before the forest constructed the current structure in 1935. Forest service staff welcomes visitors in the summer between 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.



NORBERT