Travel Plan

Archive for July, 2009

A Land Divided – A World United – The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal has been called the big ditch; the bridge between two continents; and the greatest shortcut in the world;.
One look at the immensity of the Panama Canal and you will understand why a French company with a labor force of 10000 men went bankrupt trying to excavate it. The project while conceived in 1534 by Charles I of Spain began in 1882 and ended seven years later in disaster with over 22000 people dead from disease and pestilence.

The United States took over the assets of a French company in 1902 and began the process of finishing the canal.

It is a epic story appreciated best by transiting the canal by ship viewing what many historians say changed the face of the industrial world.

This 51 mile water tollway shaved over 7900 nautical miles off the distance between New York and San Francisco.

Sailing the Panama Canal not only offers a rich detailed and fascinating history narrated by an onboard Canal historian; it is the natural beauty that surprises most of all an ever changing panorama of jungle clad hills shimmering Lake Gatun the high arched span of the Americas Bridge and of course the intricate workings of the locks and gates themselves.

As you approach the canal from the Atlantic you travel through 7.2 kilometers of dredged channel. Your ship then proceeds for a little over 11 kilometers slightly westward before reaching the Gatun Locks. Huge ocean liners are lifted as if they were toys 85 feet by three sets of locks to the level of Gatun Lake. This lake resulted from damming the Chagres River and broaching the Continental Divide. This combined with the Gaillard Cut was a feat equal to digging a trench 10 feet deep by 55 feet wide from New York to California.

Passing through Gatun Lake to the mouth of the Gaillard Cut and down the 13 kilometer channel you arrive at the Pedro Miguel Lock which has a drop of 31 feet. This lock borders Miraflores Lake about 55 feet above the level of the Pacific. Your ship continues about 2 kilometers through Miraflores Lake and reaches two Miraflores Locks. These locks lower your ship to Pacific tidewater levels. Leaving the Miraflores Locks you continue 4 kilometers to Balboa on the Gulf of Panama.

From the deck of your ship or your own private balcony youll marvel as the locks open one into the other. The locks are double to allow one ship to be raised while another is being lowered. The lock chambers on the Panama Canal are 1000 feet long and 110 feet wide. Transit time through the canal is usually seven to eight hours. As a counterpoint there is the natural wonder that surrounds the manmade one; a lush virgin rain forest; impenetrable and inviolate except for the canal. Imagine yourself watching the sun rise in the Atlantic and set in the Pacific. Visit Mayan ruins and colonial cities.

You can watch cliff divers plunge from dizzying heights or hike in a cloud forest where hummingbirds dart in greater numbers than crows back home.

Early in 2000 the United States turned over 100 control of the canal to Panama after jointly sharing its protection and control since 1977. The final cost of the canal US336 million dollars which is less than the cost of the new cruise ships that pass through.

While transiting the canal is an incredible experience remember your cruise depending upon itinerary will also take you to places like Puerto Caldera Costa Rica; Cartegena Columbia; Santa Cruz; Zihuatanejo and Hualtulco Mexico or perhaps Ocho Rios Jamaica; Oranjestad Aruba or possibly Willemstad Curacao and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Engineered as carefully as the Canal itself these cruises combine just the right number of exciting ports with long leisurely days at sea. And no matter which direction you go youll discover a remarkable collection of wonders both natural and manmade.

Stay tuned this year marks the start of a great expansion of the Panama Canal another engineering marvel but that is a whole other story…

Sid Kaplan
Cruise Vacations Guide

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 25 years experience working for major cruise lines. Their website is Cruise Vacations Guide
which offers advice and tips to those looking to create memorable cruise vacations. Shore excursion and land tour information is also provided. Cruise hotel car rental and vacation adventure booking online.

Your Next Hiking Adventure – List Of Things You Must Carry

How would you like to go on a little outdoor adventure? Thousands of people around the world get a lot of fun having nature trips like hiking. In America alone many individuals or groups go on hiking trips whenever they get the time and opportunity to do so.

You may or may not have gone on a hiking adventure before. And if this is going to be your first time to go out there and discover the fun and excitement that hiking gives you may be curious about the important things that you should bring to heighten that fun experience. It also goes without saying much that having the right hiking gear and supplies to bring along can make your hiking quest safer and more convenient. Here are things to consider.

First try to consider the length of time within which you plan to do with your hiking and where. Camping overnight whether on a hiking trail or hiking park would mean that you will need additional supplies with you such as a camping tent and a sleeping bag among other things. These first few things are considered the basic things to bring if your little adventure requires spending some nights over at a camp or trail. Or if you wish you may also come up with your own checklist for your hiking adventure. Having one especially if it is going to be your first will serve to guide you and make things a lot more convenient.

Another very important piece of hiking gear that you should never forget to have is a pair of hiking boots or shoes. A lot of people do not realize that wearing hiking boots or shoes instead of the ordinary sneakers or sandals is not only comfortable but will also keep a hiker safer. Since hiking shoes are specially designed for hiking terrains they protect your feet and ankles from possible injuries in case the trail is slippery or a little rough for hiking. In case of a slight fall or slip the toughness and good design of these shoes or boots can keep you safe and make hiking on rough terrains much easier too.

Also more than just helping to keep your balance on your hike a hiking stick is an important gear that you should also remember to bring along. In case of a fall or any untoward accident that may make walking or moving on again difficult this simple piece of hiking gear will be useful to create some rapping noise against rocks or any hard surface to call rescue people or any other passing persons attention and get help soon. You can find this clean and simplelooking gear either in the sports stores or by simply rummaging through your backyard.

On the other hand before you choose the kind of clothing to wear on your adventure try to review the weather forecast first as this can guide you on the clothing you will wear as well as for the length of time and location of your hike. If the weather forecast is good still bring some warm clothes you can never be sure of the weather anyway so it would be much simpler if you prepare. Extra clothes on your spacesaving hiking bag may also be good to bring along.

Moreover it would be convenient if you bring a good assortment of drinks food and even snacks on your hiking adventure. Water is still the best drink to bring along including small bags of snacks like pretzels trail mix and other kinds of snacks that come in small packs or are easy to carry on your hiking bag. But if you plan to spend a night or two on your hike and camping bringing some real food will be a good idea. Make some sandwiches or bring some pieces of fruits with you.

Some optional but still useful items to bring along on your hiking adventure include a map of the hiking trail a cell phone a first aid supply and a small compass. These things would be helpful if it will be your first time on a hiking adventure. Not only will they help you have a more pleasant adventure they can also keep you safe.

About the writer:  Abhishek is an avid Camping enthusiast and he has got some great Camping Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 84 Pages Ebook “How To Have An Unforgettable Camping Vacation!” from his website http://www.CampingGuru.com/768/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Why You Should Choose Youre Back Pack Carefully

First of all decide on the quantity and type of equipment you will need to bring. This will assist you in deciding which backpack you need. Deciding on the amount of space needed is also critical so pretend you are taking a long trip and prepare for space that is conducive to that. Comfort is the most important thing to consider when choosing a backpack. You need to be able to carry the most weight with the least amount of effort.

The backpack that you purchase should be able to distribute the weight efficiently which will allow you to carry the backpack with maximum comfort. Always test the backpack before embarking on a trip to see how well it handles the intended weight. Keep adding weight a little at a time. You are the only one who will know how much weight is comfortable for you.

The straps are another important item. The shoulder straps should carry about 30 of the weight and the hip straps 70. Make sure the straps are both comfortable and unrestrictive. With the weight in the backpack try moving around to check the mobility the backpack gives you.

The type of backpack you choose will depend on the type of hiking you plan on doing. There are two choices internal and external frames. Internal frames are great for hard trails; they are slimmer and hug the body closely. External frames are perfect for easy trails beginners and children. Most backpacks are designed so that you can include extra components such as rings and snapon.
Just remember at the end of the day your choice of backpack can make or break your camping experience. Choose it carefully.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Mark Schmitz has just retired and is embarking on a new venture. He has opened a new website called MMS Outdoor Fun which features quality camping equipment and supplies. This goes along with what his family loves to do. You guessed it They love to go camping.
Check out our camping supplies and camping equipment.com