OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see *** http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see ***
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***



How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova Scotia?

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National
Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see ***
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***



How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova
Scotia?



Where do you look?

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

Calif Bill wrote in message news:xxI3c.31535
How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova
Scotia?

We wouldn't do the volume of Florida or California etc., but they estimate
500,000 tourists came in on cruise ships last year.
I think they fudge this a bit and count the tourists who hit the two main
ports as two visitors each.
After all only a little over 100 cruise ships visit a year and carry
somewhere between 2500 & 3000 passengers each.
This summer we expect the brand spanking new Queen Mary 2, so I'll have to
get out on the water to welcome her.
By the way, vehicle traffic from the US was down a bit (terrorism?).
Did you know there are only three provinces that do not border on the
US...and all three are in Atlantic Canada.
Two are islands and a narrow 30 km stretch of dykes and marshland is the
only thing that keeps Nova Scotia connected to the mainland.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...

Calif Bill wrote in message
news:xxI3c.31535
How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova
Scotia?

We wouldn't do the volume of Florida or California etc., but they
estimate
500,000 tourists came in on cruise ships last year.
I think they fudge this a bit and count the tourists who hit the two main
ports as two visitors each.
After all only a little over 100 cruise ships visit a year and carry
somewhere between 2500 & 3000 passengers each.
This summer we expect the brand spanking new Queen Mary 2, so I'll have to
get out on the water to welcome her.
By the way, vehicle traffic from the US was down a bit (terrorism?).
Did you know there are only three provinces that do not border on the
US...and all three are in Atlantic Canada.
Two are islands and a narrow 30 km stretch of dykes and marshland is the
only thing that keeps Nova Scotia connected to the mainland.




Vehicle traffic is down as you won't let us conservatrash bring in guns and
hand grenades. Even used ones. Bay of Fundy is on my short list.
Bill

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National
Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see ***
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***



How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova
Scotia?



Where do you look?



Lots of places. Magazines, newspapers. As I like to travel. Bay of Fundy
is on the short list, and we are looking at Galapago's in January.
Bill

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

Calif Bill wrote in message news:FaL3c.31844
Vehicle traffic is down as you won't let us conservatrash bring in guns
and
hand grenades. Even used ones. Bay of Fundy is on my short list.
Bill

We're not allowed to have them...why should you? :-)
I always wanted one of the stainless steel 'police special' 12 gauge
shotguns. (pistol or revolver grip)
Unfortunately, a restricted weapon up here.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National
Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see ***
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***



How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova
Scotia?



Where do you look?



Lots of places. Magazines, newspapers. As I like to travel. Bay of
Fundy
is on the short list, and we are looking at Galapago's in January.
Bill

The Galapago's are great.....was there last April. Wish I would have done
the 7/8 days instead of the 4/5. Take lots of film, or lots of memory for
the digital. I was disappointed with the NG article, it seemed to rate
highly places people don't often go, and downgraded more popular places
simply because of their popularity, and not how they managed the numbers.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...

Calif Bill wrote in message
news:FaL3c.31844
Vehicle traffic is down as you won't let us conservatrash bring in guns
and
hand grenades. Even used ones. Bay of Fundy is on my short list.
Bill

We're not allowed to have them...why should you? :-)
I always wanted one of the stainless steel 'police special' 12 gauge
shotguns. (pistol or revolver grip)
Unfortunately, a restricted weapon up here.



Helps keep the politicians in line.

Galapago's
 

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
The Galapago's are great.....was there last April. Wish I would have
done
the 7/8 days instead of the 4/5. Take lots of film, or lots of memory
for
the digital. I was disappointed with the NG article, it seemed to rate
highly places people don't often go, and downgraded more popular places
simply because of their popularity, and not how they managed the numbers.



Who did you go with and a cost range? Did you like the tour company and
what size boat?
Thanks, Bill

Galapago's
 

The main tour operator was Far and Wide, which went bankrupt last June. The
local operator was very good, I forget the name offhand, it was something
related to the Equador.....(the one in Peru was Condor) , but can look it
up. I'm not sure what the cost of the Galapagos portion was, it was part of
a 3 week vacation.......week in Peru, week in Equador, and a week in Brazil.
The boat had about 40 cabins, but was only about half full. Even on that
size boat, almost everyone The food and service were excellant, and the
naturalists were outstanding. Unlike other cruise ships, there was not much
night life, because you are really beat by the end of the day. I can get
further info if you wish.....it was a couple of vacations ago..........it
was a good year economically :-)

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
The Galapago's are great.....was there last April. Wish I would have
done
the 7/8 days instead of the 4/5. Take lots of film, or lots of memory
for
the digital. I was disappointed with the NG article, it seemed to rate
highly places people don't often go, and downgraded more popular places
simply because of their popularity, and not how they managed the
numbers.



Who did you go with and a cost range? Did you like the tour company and
what size boat?
Thanks, Bill

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National
Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see ***
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***



How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova
Scotia?



Where do you look?



Lots of places. Magazines, newspapers. As I like to travel. Bay of
Fundy
is on the short list, and we are looking at Galapago's in January.
Bill

Maybe Nova Scotia doesn't need publicity to attract visitors. The
Adirondacks in NY State is like that. 75% repeat customers, year after year.
Same with Toronto.

Galapago's
 

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...
The main tour operator was Far and Wide, which went bankrupt last June.
The
local operator was very good, I forget the name offhand, it was something
related to the Equador.....(the one in Peru was Condor) , but can look it
up. I'm not sure what the cost of the Galapagos portion was, it was part
of
a 3 week vacation.......week in Peru, week in Equador, and a week in
Brazil.
The boat had about 40 cabins, but was only about half full. Even on that
size boat, almost everyone The food and service were excellant, and the
naturalists were outstanding. Unlike other cruise ships, there was not
much
night life, because you are really beat by the end of the day. I can get
further info if you wish.....it was a couple of vacations ago..........it
was a good year economically :-)

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
The Galapago's are great.....was there last April. Wish I would have
done
the 7/8 days instead of the 4/5. Take lots of film, or lots of
memory
for
the digital. I was disappointed with the NG article, it seemed to
rate
highly places people don't often go, and downgraded more popular
places
simply because of their popularity, and not how they managed the
numbers.



Who did you go with and a cost range? Did you like the tour company and
what size boat?
Thanks, Bill






Thanks. I am looking at the 16 passenger ships. As to Condor in Peru, I
used them for Machu Pichu in 2000. Fantastic people to tour with. At least
the Cusco and MP part.
Bill

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

Doug Kanter wrote in message
...

Maybe Nova Scotia doesn't need publicity to attract visitors. The
Adirondacks in NY State is like that. 75% repeat customers, year after
year.
Same with Toronto.

There's always room for one more tourist dollar.
I believe most of the advertising is focused on the New England area because
of it's closeness.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:55:08 GMT, "Don White"
wrote:


Calif Bill wrote in message news:FaL3c.31844
Vehicle traffic is down as you won't let us conservatrash bring in guns
and
hand grenades. Even used ones. Bay of Fundy is on my short list.
Bill

We're not allowed to have them...why should you? :-)
I always wanted one of the stainless steel 'police special' 12 gauge
shotguns. (pistol or revolver grip)
Unfortunately, a restricted weapon up here.


I've got a 12 gauge Remington 870 Marine Magnum.
You don't want the pistol grip though. Regular stock and forend is
the way to go on heavy shotguns.
In My Humble Opinion anyway.
Mark E. Williams

Galapago's
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...
The main tour operator was Far and Wide, which went bankrupt last
June.
The
local operator was very good, I forget the name offhand, it was
something
related to the Equador.....(the one in Peru was Condor) , but can look
it
up. I'm not sure what the cost of the Galapagos portion was, it was
part
of
a 3 week vacation.......week in Peru, week in Equador, and a week in
Brazil.
The boat had about 40 cabins, but was only about half full. Even on
that
size boat, almost everyone The food and service were excellant, and
the
naturalists were outstanding. Unlike other cruise ships, there was
not
much
night life, because you are really beat by the end of the day. I can
get
further info if you wish.....it was a couple of vacations
ago..........it
was a good year economically :-)

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
The Galapago's are great.....was there last April. Wish I would
have
done
the 7/8 days instead of the 4/5. Take lots of film, or lots of
memory
for
the digital. I was disappointed with the NG article, it seemed to
rate
highly places people don't often go, and downgraded more popular
places
simply because of their popularity, and not how they managed the
numbers.



Who did you go with and a cost range? Did you like the tour company
and
what size boat?
Thanks, Bill






Thanks. I am looking at the 16 passenger ships. As to Condor in Peru,
I
used them for Machu Pichu in 2000. Fantastic people to tour with. At
least
the Cusco and MP part.
Bill

That was part of this trip as well, Where did you stay in Cusco and Machu
Pichu? What did you think of the approach and landing for the Cusco
airport?

The ship we were on was the Santa Cruz. (my daughter remembered the
name.) Some of those small boats looked a little scary. I was thankful
being on a larger boat the night we moved from one end of the island chain
to the other.....going against the current/wind......it was the only time in
my life I have ever had any motion sickness. And the flight to and from the
islands were in what appeared to be very old 727's.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...

Doug Kanter wrote in message
...

Maybe Nova Scotia doesn't need publicity to attract visitors. The
Adirondacks in NY State is like that. 75% repeat customers, year after
year.
Same with Toronto.

There's always room for one more tourist dollar.
I believe most of the advertising is focused on the New England area
because
of it's closeness.



Not only that, but its proximity too.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

Doug Kanter wrote in message
...



Not only that, but its proximity too.


We can't use big words like that...it'll confuse our 'Backdoor' friend.
:-).

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

Maynard G. Krebbs wrote in message I've got a 12
gauge Remington 870 Marine Magnum.
You don't want the pistol grip though. Regular stock and forend is
the way to go on heavy shotguns.
In My Humble Opinion anyway.
Mark E. Williams


I didn't want it for hunting...just to play with. I like to blast tin cans,
old derelict vehicles etc.
On the other hand, your version would be better for skeet shooting.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message thlink.net...
"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see ***
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***



How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova Scotia?

Perhaps because you haven't actually researched the topic.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"basskisser" wrote in message
om...
"Calif Bill" wrote in message
thlink.net...
"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National
Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see ***
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***



How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova
Scotia?

Perhaps because you haven't actually researched the topic.


Then of course there's the ever-present anti-Canadian bias around here,
because Canadians aren't as violent as they ought to be. :-)


--
Do not respond to my Hotmail address. It's never checked. Post all responses
here.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

Doug Kanter wrote in message
...

Then of course there's the ever-present anti-Canadian bias around here,
because Canadians aren't as violent as they ought to be. :-)



Funny isn't it. Most other countries in the world would love to have a
low-key, peaceful, law abiding country next door.
Go figure!

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"basskisser" wrote in message
om...
"Calif Bill" wrote in message
thlink.net...
"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National
Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see ***
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004...ia225.raw.html
***



How come I never see a lot of tourist dollars becing cited for Nova
Scotia?

Perhaps because you haven't actually researched the topic.


Then of course there's the ever-present anti-Canadian bias around here,
because Canadians aren't as violent as they ought to be. :-)


--
Do not respond to my Hotmail address. It's never checked. Post all
responses
here.



Lots of go gettum Canadians. Especially those in the ruling province. They
go after all the other provinces money. Is good to be a Republic as the USA
is. Prevents the area with the most votes from stealing from all the
smaller entities.
Bill

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...

Doug Kanter wrote in message
...

Then of course there's the ever-present anti-Canadian bias around here,
because Canadians aren't as violent as they ought to be. :-)



Funny isn't it. Most other countries in the world would love to have a
low-key, peaceful, law abiding country next door.
Go figure!



Yeah....especially if the neighbor has an amazing currency exchange
situation and a ****load of esox lucius. Big-ass esox lucius.

--
Do not respond to my Hotmail address. It's never checked. Post all responses
here.

Galapago's
 

"Paul Fritz" wrote in message
...
snip


Thanks. I am looking at the 16 passenger ships. As to Condor in
Peru,
I
used them for Machu Pichu in 2000. Fantastic people to tour with. At
least
the Cusco and MP part.
Bill

That was part of this trip as well, Where did you stay in Cusco and
Machu
Pichu? What did you think of the approach and landing for the Cusco
airport?

The ship we were on was the Santa Cruz. (my daughter remembered the
name.) Some of those small boats looked a little scary. I was thankful
being on a larger boat the night we moved from one end of the island chain
to the other.....going against the current/wind......it was the only time
in
my life I have ever had any motion sickness. And the flight to and from
the
islands were in what appeared to be very old 727's.





We stayed at the Monastery in Cusco. 1740 built monastery, converted to a
hotel by Orient Expess in 1996. We stayed at the hotel at the top at MP.
Refugio? Also an Orient Express hotel. If you want to watch the sunrise at
MP, you need to stay at that hotel, or walk up a long ways in the dark. Was
fantastic as we had maybe a 1/2 hour alone in the ruins before others
arrived. 2 swiss guys hiking the Inca trail. For those who like crooked
roads, the dirt roat from the bottom to the top at Machu Pichu does about 20
switchbacks in a 2000 foot climb. I loved the flight from Lima. Full
breakfast, and at least a foot of room in front of my knees. I think it was
a B-757. We were there in Spring (April) and I asked the hotel manager, how
rough the winters were. He laughed and said this is the cold season. For
those who have not been to Cusco, this city of about 350,000 people, sits at
11,500' elevation and the weather is about like San Francisco. Begonias and
other semi-tropical fauna. They only fly before noon to Cusco as the
elevation prevents safe flight after the air temps warm up.
Bill

Galapago's
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"Paul Fritz" wrote in message
...
snip


Thanks. I am looking at the 16 passenger ships. As to Condor in
Peru,
I
used them for Machu Pichu in 2000. Fantastic people to tour with.
At
least
the Cusco and MP part.
Bill

That was part of this trip as well, Where did you stay in Cusco and
Machu
Pichu? What did you think of the approach and landing for the Cusco
airport?

The ship we were on was the Santa Cruz. (my daughter remembered the
name.) Some of those small boats looked a little scary. I was thankful
being on a larger boat the night we moved from one end of the island
chain
to the other.....going against the current/wind......it was the only
time
in
my life I have ever had any motion sickness. And the flight to and from
the
islands were in what appeared to be very old 727's.





We stayed at the Monastery in Cusco. 1740 built monastery, converted to a
hotel by Orient Expess in 1996. We stayed at the hotel at the top at MP.
Refugio? Also an Orient Express hotel. If you want to watch the sunrise
at
MP, you need to stay at that hotel, or walk up a long ways in the dark.
Was
fantastic as we had maybe a 1/2 hour alone in the ruins before others
arrived. 2 swiss guys hiking the Inca trail. For those who like crooked
roads, the dirt roat from the bottom to the top at Machu Pichu does about
20
switchbacks in a 2000 foot climb. I loved the flight from Lima. Full
breakfast, and at least a foot of room in front of my knees. I think it
was
a B-757. We were there in Spring (April) and I asked the hotel manager,
how
rough the winters were. He laughed and said this is the cold season. For
those who have not been to Cusco, this city of about 350,000 people, sits
at
11,500' elevation and the weather is about like San Francisco. Begonias
and
other semi-tropical fauna. They only fly before noon to Cusco as the
elevation prevents safe flight after the air temps warm up.
Bill

We stayed at the same places..Both were great places......It was nice
watching the sun set and rise from the ruins.

What I thought was wild was the landing at Cusco is descending down the
mountain valley with the peaks above you on either side, then doing the 180
around the peak just off the end of the runway.
What did you think of the Coca tea? Didn't do much for me. I had never
experienced the altitude sickness before that either......Got about an
hour's sleep each night it Cusco. I thought the way they switchbacked the
trains to get over the mountains was interesting as well.......Did you climb
Wachu (sp?) Pichu as well?
s

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...
Where's Nobby?.......
As reported in today's newspaper...
A survey of industry experts in the March edition of 'National Geographic
Traveler' has Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
as the second top spot in the world to visit.

That's right...second only to the Norwegian fiords.

No mention of the 'Gulf Coast of Florida'.
see

If you read the entire article that you cited, you'd know *why* the Gulf
Coast of Florida wasn't listed:

"Popular places today are subject to a variety of pressures - development,
pollution, globalization, mass tourism," the magazine's publisher stated.
"We wanted to get a measure of how well destinations are taking care of
themselves."

"Typical sun-and-sand destinations score low because most are vulnerable to
overbuilding and degradation."

----------------------------------------------------

Wanna know *why* we're vulnerable to "overbuilding and degradation"?
Because people actually *want* to live in Southwest Florida. I know it's a
difficult concept to understand for someone that lives in a place where
more people are emigrating from than immigrating to...

Galapago's
 

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"Paul Fritz" wrote in message
...
snip


Thanks. I am looking at the 16 passenger ships. As to Condor in
Peru,
I
used them for Machu Pichu in 2000. Fantastic people to tour with.
At
least
the Cusco and MP part.
Bill

That was part of this trip as well, Where did you stay in Cusco and
Machu
Pichu? What did you think of the approach and landing for the Cusco
airport?

The ship we were on was the Santa Cruz. (my daughter remembered the
name.) Some of those small boats looked a little scary. I was
thankful
being on a larger boat the night we moved from one end of the island
chain
to the other.....going against the current/wind......it was the only
time
in
my life I have ever had any motion sickness. And the flight to and
from
the
islands were in what appeared to be very old 727's.





We stayed at the Monastery in Cusco. 1740 built monastery, converted to
a
hotel by Orient Expess in 1996. We stayed at the hotel at the top at
MP.
Refugio? Also an Orient Express hotel. If you want to watch the
sunrise
at
MP, you need to stay at that hotel, or walk up a long ways in the dark.
Was
fantastic as we had maybe a 1/2 hour alone in the ruins before others
arrived. 2 swiss guys hiking the Inca trail. For those who like
crooked
roads, the dirt roat from the bottom to the top at Machu Pichu does
about
20
switchbacks in a 2000 foot climb. I loved the flight from Lima. Full
breakfast, and at least a foot of room in front of my knees. I think it
was
a B-757. We were there in Spring (April) and I asked the hotel manager,
how
rough the winters were. He laughed and said this is the cold season.
For
those who have not been to Cusco, this city of about 350,000 people,
sits
at
11,500' elevation and the weather is about like San Francisco. Begonias
and
other semi-tropical fauna. They only fly before noon to Cusco as the
elevation prevents safe flight after the air temps warm up.
Bill

We stayed at the same places..Both were great places......It was nice
watching the sun set and rise from the ruins.

What I thought was wild was the landing at Cusco is descending down the
mountain valley with the peaks above you on either side, then doing the
180
around the peak just off the end of the runway.
What did you think of the Coca tea? Didn't do much for me. I had never
experienced the altitude sickness before that either......Got about an
hour's sleep each night it Cusco. I thought the way they switchbacked the
trains to get over the mountains was interesting as well.......Did you
climb
Wachu (sp?) Pichu as well?
s





Did not zing me, maybe not enough coke in the tea? I ski at 10,000' and
spend a lot of time at Lake Tahoe, so the altitude did not bother me
headache wise, but not a lot of energy. We took a bus 1/2 way to MP as
there were bad rains and lots of landslides blocking the tracks. Wachu
Pichu was not recommended as a climb because of the rain. We were there
just before the elections, so got to see lots of the Indio's in local
regalia demonstrating in Cusco. As to altitude, later in the trip we went
to Lake Lugara, highest lake in the world. 14,500' Walked across the road
and head spun like in my younger years and excess celebrating.
Bill

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 15:05:41 GMT, "Don White"
wrote:


Maynard G. Krebbs wrote in message I've got a 12
gauge Remington 870 Marine Magnum.
You don't want the pistol grip though. Regular stock and forend is
the way to go on heavy shotguns.
In My Humble Opinion anyway.
Mark E. Williams


I didn't want it for hunting...just to play with. I like to blast tin cans,
old derelict vehicles etc.
On the other hand, your version would be better for skeet shooting.


Better for any shooting with a shotgun that takes 3" magnums. The
pistol grip tends to lower your elbow while sighting. Not a minus
with a weapon that doesn't kick hard (the M16 comes to mind here).

The regular stock tends to raise your elbow thereby pulling the stock
into your shoulder. More controllable recoil and less shoulder
damage. :o)

Mark E. Williams

Galapago's
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"Paul Fritz" wrote in message
...
snip


Thanks. I am looking at the 16 passenger ships. As to Condor
in
Peru,
I
used them for Machu Pichu in 2000. Fantastic people to tour
with.
At
least
the Cusco and MP part.
Bill

That was part of this trip as well, Where did you stay in Cusco
and
Machu
Pichu? What did you think of the approach and landing for the
Cusco
airport?

The ship we were on was the Santa Cruz. (my daughter remembered
the
name.) Some of those small boats looked a little scary. I was
thankful
being on a larger boat the night we moved from one end of the
island
chain
to the other.....going against the current/wind......it was the
only
time
in
my life I have ever had any motion sickness. And the flight to and
from
the
islands were in what appeared to be very old 727's.





We stayed at the Monastery in Cusco. 1740 built monastery,
converted to
a
hotel by Orient Expess in 1996. We stayed at the hotel at the top
at
MP.
Refugio? Also an Orient Express hotel. If you want to watch the
sunrise
at
MP, you need to stay at that hotel, or walk up a long ways in the
dark.
Was
fantastic as we had maybe a 1/2 hour alone in the ruins before
others
arrived. 2 swiss guys hiking the Inca trail. For those who like
crooked
roads, the dirt roat from the bottom to the top at Machu Pichu does
about
20
switchbacks in a 2000 foot climb. I loved the flight from Lima.
Full
breakfast, and at least a foot of room in front of my knees. I
think it
was
a B-757. We were there in Spring (April) and I asked the hotel
manager,
how
rough the winters were. He laughed and said this is the cold
season.
For
those who have not been to Cusco, this city of about 350,000 people,
sits
at
11,500' elevation and the weather is about like San Francisco.
Begonias
and
other semi-tropical fauna. They only fly before noon to Cusco as
the
elevation prevents safe flight after the air temps warm up.
Bill

We stayed at the same places..Both were great places......It was nice
watching the sun set and rise from the ruins.

What I thought was wild was the landing at Cusco is descending down
the
mountain valley with the peaks above you on either side, then doing
the
180
around the peak just off the end of the runway.
What did you think of the Coca tea? Didn't do much for me. I had
never
experienced the altitude sickness before that either......Got about an
hour's sleep each night it Cusco. I thought the way they switchbacked
the
trains to get over the mountains was interesting as well.......Did you
climb
Wachu (sp?) Pichu as well?
s





Did not zing me, maybe not enough coke in the tea? I ski at 10,000' and
spend a lot of time at Lake Tahoe, so the altitude did not bother me
headache wise, but not a lot of energy. We took a bus 1/2 way to MP as
there were bad rains and lots of landslides blocking the tracks. Wachu
Pichu was not recommended as a climb because of the rain. We were there
just before the elections, so got to see lots of the Indio's in local
regalia demonstrating in Cusco. As to altitude, later in the trip we
went
to Lake Lugara, highest lake in the world. 14,500' Walked across the
road
and head spun like in my younger years and excess celebrating.
Bill

We were in Cusco on Easter, so all the locals were dressed up as well.
Going up Wachu Pichu was like walking up a skyscaper......,mostly switchback
stairs, unitl you get to the top, where rain would have made it tricky.

Getting back to the Galapago's.....you should take time to spend a couple
of days in Quito, it is an interesting town. Guayquil is mostly an
industrial prot city. Equador uses U.S currency, but makes its own coinage
as well. If you ever wonder what happened to all the one dollar coins....I
think they all ended up there. Don't know if you know, but there is a
$100.00 entrance fee you pay immediately when you land on the islands. One
of the naturalists told me that if you sail your own boat, the cost is $200
a day per person, and you have to pay for a naturalist to stay on board the
entire time you are there. It is definitely worth the trip. My daughter
decided that she wants to work there now.

OT National Geographic - favourite tourism sites
 

"NOYB" wrote in message
k.net...

If you read the entire article that you cited, you'd know *why* the Gulf
Coast of Florida wasn't listed:

"Popular places today are subject to a variety of pressures - development,
pollution, globalization, mass tourism," the magazine's publisher stated.
"We wanted to get a measure of how well destinations are taking care of
themselves."

"Typical sun-and-sand destinations score low because most are vulnerable
to
overbuilding and degradation."

----------------------------------------------------

Wanna know *why* we're vulnerable to "overbuilding and degradation"?
Because people actually *want* to live in Southwest Florida. I know it's
a
difficult concept to understand for someone that lives in a place where
more people are emigrating from than immigrating to...

As with most magazine articles, the data is too simple to draw any
conclusions from, other than to say that some types of people want to live
in a certain type of environment. If the area you're talking about continues
to rise in popularity, it's inevitable that it'll turn into an endless mass
of concrete and strip malls. The only people with a decent view will be
those who can live right on the beach. This is OK with some people, I guess.
But in other parts of the country, the trend is to reverse this process. To
each his own, I guess.

--
Do not respond to my Hotmail address. It's never checked. Post all responses
here.

Galapago's
 

"Paul Fritz" wrote in message We were in
Cusco on Easter, so all the locals were dressed up as well.
Going up Wachu Pichu was like walking up a skyscaper......,mostly
switchback
stairs, unitl you get to the top, where rain would have made it tricky.

Getting back to the Galapago's.....you should take time to spend a
couple
of days in Quito, it is an interesting town. Guayquil is mostly an
industrial prot city. Equador uses U.S currency, but makes its own
coinage
as well. If you ever wonder what happened to all the one dollar
coins....I
think they all ended up there. Don't know if you know, but there is a
$100.00 entrance fee you pay immediately when you land on the islands.
One
of the naturalists told me that if you sail your own boat, the cost is
$200
a day per person, and you have to pay for a naturalist to stay on board
the
entire time you are there. It is definitely worth the trip. My daughter
decided that she wants to work there now.



I have been in the coastal areas of Equador. Manta, and another town. Took
a 16 day cruise from Val Pariaso to Ft. Lauderdale via the Panama canal. I
am looking at landing in quito and some of the group going to MP and I plan
on an Amazon side trip out of Quito. Probably a months vacation from the
wrecked.boats political wars.
Bill

Galapago's
 

Calif Bill wrote in message news:i3n4c.17225$%
blah, blah
Paul Fritz" wrote in message
blah, blah

Hey what gives.. I was shamelessly using this thread to promote tourism in
my home province....
whats with all this Galapagos talk??

Galapago's
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...

Calif Bill wrote in message
news:i3n4c.17225$%
blah, blah
Paul Fritz" wrote in message
blah, blah

Hey what gives.. I was shamelessly using this thread to promote tourism in
my home province....
whats with all this Galapagos talk??



You do not freeze your Patootie off in the Galapago's. Makes it higher on
the tourism list than places that freeze the waters. And the Canadian
Looni is creeping up in value, making it less desirable to travel in your
area. And Equador uses US currency, so do not have to deal with your
colored monoply money. psssssst! And Bloom County would say.

Galapago's
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"Paul Fritz" wrote in message We were
in
Cusco on Easter, so all the locals were dressed up as well.
Going up Wachu Pichu was like walking up a skyscaper......,mostly
switchback
stairs, unitl you get to the top, where rain would have made it tricky.

Getting back to the Galapago's.....you should take time to spend a
couple
of days in Quito, it is an interesting town. Guayquil is mostly an
industrial prot city. Equador uses U.S currency, but makes its own
coinage
as well. If you ever wonder what happened to all the one dollar
coins....I
think they all ended up there. Don't know if you know, but there is a
$100.00 entrance fee you pay immediately when you land on the islands.
One
of the naturalists told me that if you sail your own boat, the cost is
$200
a day per person, and you have to pay for a naturalist to stay on board
the
entire time you are there. It is definitely worth the trip. My
daughter
decided that she wants to work there now.



I have been in the coastal areas of Equador. Manta, and another town.
Took
a 16 day cruise from Val Pariaso to Ft. Lauderdale via the Panama canal.
I
am looking at landing in quito and some of the group going to MP and I
plan
on an Amazon side trip out of Quito. Probably a months vacation from the
wrecked.boats political wars.
Bill

We spent three days in the Amazon as well.......in Brazil.....great
place....the Ariana Jungle Towers....out of Manaus, but it took a bit of
flying to get there. The Equadorian side (according to my travel agent) is
a bit more unstable, and would not have been comfortable taking my 13 y.o.
daughter there.

Galapago's
 

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"Paul Fritz" wrote in message We
were
in
Cusco on Easter, so all the locals were dressed up as well.
Going up Wachu Pichu was like walking up a skyscaper......,mostly
switchback
stairs, unitl you get to the top, where rain would have made it
tricky.

Getting back to the Galapago's.....you should take time to spend a
couple
of days in Quito, it is an interesting town. Guayquil is mostly an
industrial prot city. Equador uses U.S currency, but makes its own
coinage
as well. If you ever wonder what happened to all the one dollar
coins....I
think they all ended up there. Don't know if you know, but there is a
$100.00 entrance fee you pay immediately when you land on the islands.
One
of the naturalists told me that if you sail your own boat, the cost is
$200
a day per person, and you have to pay for a naturalist to stay on
board
the
entire time you are there. It is definitely worth the trip. My
daughter
decided that she wants to work there now.



I have been in the coastal areas of Equador. Manta, and another town.
Took
a 16 day cruise from Val Pariaso to Ft. Lauderdale via the Panama canal.
I
am looking at landing in quito and some of the group going to MP and I
plan
on an Amazon side trip out of Quito. Probably a months vacation from
the
wrecked.boats political wars.
Bill

We spent three days in the Amazon as well.......in Brazil.....great
place....the Ariana Jungle Towers....out of Manaus, but it took a bit of
flying to get there. The Equadorian side (according to my travel agent)
is
a bit more unstable, and would not have been comfortable taking my 13 y.o.
daughter there.






I am 61 and I think the situations have quieted down.
Bill

Galapago's
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"P.Fritz" wrote in message
...

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"Paul Fritz" wrote in message We
were
in
Cusco on Easter, so all the locals were dressed up as well.
Going up Wachu Pichu was like walking up a skyscaper......,mostly
switchback
stairs, unitl you get to the top, where rain would have made it
tricky.

Getting back to the Galapago's.....you should take time to spend a
couple
of days in Quito, it is an interesting town. Guayquil is mostly an
industrial prot city. Equador uses U.S currency, but makes its own
coinage
as well. If you ever wonder what happened to all the one dollar
coins....I
think they all ended up there. Don't know if you know, but there is
a
$100.00 entrance fee you pay immediately when you land on the
islands.
One
of the naturalists told me that if you sail your own boat, the cost
is
$200
a day per person, and you have to pay for a naturalist to stay on
board
the
entire time you are there. It is definitely worth the trip. My
daughter
decided that she wants to work there now.



I have been in the coastal areas of Equador. Manta, and another town.
Took
a 16 day cruise from Val Pariaso to Ft. Lauderdale via the Panama
canal.
I
am looking at landing in quito and some of the group going to MP and I
plan
on an Amazon side trip out of Quito. Probably a months vacation from
the
wrecked.boats political wars.
Bill

We spent three days in the Amazon as well.......in Brazil.....great
place....the Ariana Jungle Towers....out of Manaus, but it took a bit of
flying to get there. The Equadorian side (according to my travel agent)
is
a bit more unstable, and would not have been comfortable taking my 13
y.o.
daughter there.






I am 61 and I think the situations have quieted down.
Bill

If it was just me, I would have had no problem with it....On the other hand,
there was a riot in Lima about a month after we had been there.

Galapago's
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

"Don White" wrote in message
...

Calif Bill wrote in message
news:i3n4c.17225$%
blah, blah
Paul Fritz" wrote in message
blah, blah

Hey what gives.. I was shamelessly using this thread to promote tourism
in
my home province....
whats with all this Galapagos talk??



You do not freeze your Patootie off in the Galapago's. Makes it higher on
the tourism list than places that freeze the waters. And the Canadian
Looni is creeping up in value, making it less desirable to travel in your
area. And Equador uses US currency, so do not have to deal with your
colored monoply money. psssssst! And Bloom County would say.

Yes, but we are getting close with that new $20.

No Loonies in the Galapago's......didn't meet any Canadians either......but
lots and lots of boobies. :-)