Daniel Jowssey asked:


Thousands of delicately carved spires rise in brilliant color from the amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon National Park. Millions of years of wind, water and geologic mayhem have shaped and etched the pink cliffs at Bryce, which isn’t actually a canyon but the eastern slope of the Paunsaguant Plateau.

Bryce Canyon is not a canyon. It is the spectacular edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, a place where intricately carved towers and archways of stone shimmer in a dazzling array of color under the bright sun.

The state of Utah in the United States is home to many beautiful National Parks, and Bryce Canyon National Park ranks as one of the most magnificent and awe inspiring.

15 million years ago the earth in this region began to shift, forming a series of plateaus. The Paunsaugunt is an extensive plateau, with the Paria River gradually eroding away the edge to form Bryce Canyon.

The rock in Bryce Canyon is composed of layer after layer of sediment deposits, deposited millions of years ago when the area was at the bottom of a lake. Now the Paria River has exposed the layers, allowing a detailed history of the lake to be determined.

The Park itself was established in 1924, and was named after an early settler in the area, Ebenezer Bryce. He emigrated from Scotland, married a local girl then moved southwards in stages, building sawmills as he went. Bryce Canyon is not a canyon. It is the spectacular edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, a place where intricately carved towers and archways of stone shimmer in a dazzling array of color under the bright sun.

The state of Utah in the United States is home to many beautiful National Parks, and Bryce Canyon National Park ranks as one of the most magnificent and awe inspiring.

15 million years ago the earth in this region began to shift, forming a series of plateaus. The Paunsaugunt is an extensive plateau, with the Paria River gradually eroding away the edge to form Bryce Canyon.

The rock in Bryce Canyon is composed of layer after layer of sediment deposits, deposited millions of years ago when the area was at the bottom of a lake. Now the Paria River has exposed the layers, allowing a detailed history of the lake to be determined.

The Park itself was established in 1924, and was named after an early settler in the area, Ebenezer Bryce. He emigrated from Scotland, married a local

In the mid 1870s he reached the Paria River, where he and his family settled for a number of years. It was at this time that Bryce made his immortal comment about Bryce Canyon - he called it “”one hell of a place to lose a cow”".

The area remained basically undiscovered by European tourists, the first guest houses only being constructed around the time when the park was officially established.

Luckily this has led to Bryce Canyon being an area of largely unspoiled beauty, as well as the enormous scientific value of the historic information trapped in its pinnacles and spires.

The canyon is by no means a stagnant place - the rim recedes by an average of about a foot every 50 years, and in this ever changing scene it is water that plays the most vital role in the shaping and eventual destruction of the magnificent scenery.

Because the rock was laid down in layers, there is a variation in the hardness of the rock formed. When water runoff trickles across the rock, some areas erode rapidly whereas others hold firm.

This variation in erosion speed causes the formation of pinnacles, or “”hoodoos”" of stable rock. In some places the water seeps down through cracks and eats out holes beneath the surface. When the side rock erodes away, an archway is left behind.

Eventually the arch collapses, leaving two more pillars to join the rest. The ever changing vista of colors, spires, walls and archways is spectacular at any season, and the park is open all year round.

In the warmer months there are plenty of trails for the visitor to explore, ranging from easy strolls to hard hikes. Some of the best trails are located in the Bryce Amphitheatre, located near the entry to the park.

Here you can wander through the Queen’s Garden or gaze up at Queen Victoria herself surveying the ‘flowers’ in her garden. Some of the most awe inspiring lookouts are situated in this area, including Sunset Point and Inspiration Point - a must for any visitor.

Walkers can also follow the Fairyland, Riggs Spring and Under-the-Rim trails, which are longer, but allow more opportunities to see the different elements of the park at close quarters.

Summer months can cause temperatures in the base of the canyon to soar, so it is very important to be prepared for the heat, and carry plenty of water.

In winter the roads are opened between snowfalls, allowing a totally different perspective of the park. Snow capped pinnacles stand out sharply against the background of white snow and dark green trees. The air is also cleaner, allowing visitors to see great distances.

For the energetic, it is possible to cross-country ski in a number of areas in the park, and on some trails it is possible to go snowshoeing instead of hiking.

If you want a slightly different view of the park, it is possible to explore the park in a 1930 limousine. Alternatively, you can rent a horse on an hourly basis to trek some of the better trails.

There is plenty of interest to explore in the park, apart from the marvelous scenery of the ’silent city’, as the hoodoos are sometimes called. The park also contains a large variety of plants and wildlife, including meadows and forests.

Ground squirrels abound near the viewing areas, and their antics are almost enough to distract the visitor’s eyes from the scenery. On quiet mornings and evenings it is also possible to see deer, elk and antelope grazing on the meadows.

Some bears and mountain lions also enter the park occasionally, but are rarely seen by tourists.

Bryce Canyon is a hidden jewel, thoroughly deserving to be as well known as its southern neighbor, the Grand Canyon. Include it on your itinerary, and you definitely won’t be disappointed.

In fact, you may be completely overwhelmed by the fascinating and awe inspiring beauty of Bryce Canyon, just like almost every other visitor.



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Michael Lee asked:


You can enjoy quad biking around La Manga, Spain, as an experienced rider or a novice. Once you learn the ropes, you can have a great time riding alone or with your family and friends. Be prepared to enjoy speed, mud, jumps and off-road challenges based on your expertise. If you prefer to slide and skid through mud and over jumps, indulge yourself. If you would rather take it easy and enjoy the scenery, then just take things at your own pace. La Manga quad biking offers rides for all experience levels.

The Quad Bike

The quad bike is basically an engine-powered quadracycle. It is a four-wheeled motor bike that is straddled by the rider. Many of the safety concerns related to quad bikes are highly dependent on the skill and responsibility level of the rider.

The quad bike was originally designed for road use as a form of horseless carriage. In the early 20th century, the quad bike was redesigned and improved for rough terrain and to move through water. In the 1970s, a top motorcycle manufacturer began designing quad bikes based on the features of its motorcycles. This began the popular off-road use of today’s quad bikes. Today’s quad bikes are lighter in weight and designed to use in off-road situations that would be difficult for larger vehicles.

La Manga Quad Biking

Why not spend the day quad biking up and down the hills, through the forests and across the fields of La Manga? Enjoy a fun and exciting way to view scenery, play hard, enjoy fresh air and even get a little exercise. You can rent quad bikes from various locations.

When you arrive for your quad biking experience, you will be given detailed information regarding rules and safety procedures. The bikes are legal on the roads in Spain, but proper safety gear must be worn to comply with local laws. Your equipment should consist of a helmet, goggles and waterproof clothing to wear over your own clothes.

If you prefer, you can request more detailed instructions and training and reserve a guide for your quad biking excursion. After your briefing, you can hop on your bike and begin familiarizing yourself with the controls and the feel of the machine. Your instructor will guide you through everything you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Once your training is completed, you will be off on your adventure. It is best to do a little homework before renting your quad bike to find out where the best trails are. The Portman Guns and the Calablanque National Park are known as very enjoyable riding areas.

Riders must be at least 16 years of age or have parental consent. If you have children that are old enough to ride on smaller machines, La Manga has junior quad biking as well. All riders must be in reasonably good health and able to climb on and off the vehicle without difficulty. Included in the standard rental is:

* Use of the quad bike

* Safety equipment

* Full instruction and training in using the quad bikes

* Typical rental time of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours

Quad biking in La Manga offers visitors an opportunity to see the sights and experience the wonderful weather and lifestyle of Spain. A variety of terrain offers both the beginner and the seasoned rider with a wealth of different experiences. Whatever your tastes, La Manga will give you an exceptional adventure from the seat of a quad bike.



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Sarah Fox asked:


As summer comes to a close, Breckenridge Colorado has a lot more to give than a countdown to the ski season. Although it’s often joked that there are really only two seasons in Breckenridge—summer and winter—autumn does in fact take shape in Colorado mountain towns in many remarkable ways. Sure, the warm days of white water rafting, fly fishing, and basking in the sun may end, but that doesn’t mean that outdoor adventures in Breckenridge stand still until the snow falls. While Colorado can never claim to be home to the gloriously renowned fall foliage that swells the canvas of New England and Midwestern autumns, there’s certainly enough splendor to go around due to the wonderful aspen tree.

Although aspens are recognized as the most abundant tree across North America, they are most rampant in Utah and Colorado. Aspen trees call the Rocky Mountains home and fill towns like Breckenridge with striking, tall and slender, white-barked trees that almost reach to the sky. Underneath an aspen grove is a breathtaking experience, not only due to its exquisiteness but also the soft sound the wind makes as it tears through the leaves. Quaking aspens get their name from the flickering sound the tear-shaped leaves make as the wind blows through them. This majestic sound is best heard and experienced if you’re standing right under an aspen grove so planning a mountain picnic under aspen cover is a brilliant fall experience. Aspen leaves glimmer bright green throughout the summer months but turns yellow in the early fall. While aspens are certainly a sight to behold in the summer, you’ll have to hurry because the leaves are certain to fall fast and surely you won’t want to miss their autumn transformation.

A simple drive along I-70 toward Breckenridge will provide a display of aspens. An early fall drive will grant you a royal view of the many aspens that fill the mountainsides and mark the end of summer in Colorado. To get a closer look, go on a hike on your favorite trail or take a mountain bike ride on a brand new trail. These activities will give you a precise look at the sight and sound of aspen groves in their prime. Since aspens like light and acidic soils that drain well, chasing the fall colors gives you a perfect excuse to get out to the mountains as you aren’t likely to find many aspens in an urban setting.

Mid-September has customarily marked itself as the time of year when Colorado mountains turn gold. Then again, if you do not pay attention to your surroundings during the fall in Colorado, you just might miss the season. Snow storms are most likely guaranteed to hit before Halloween and the colder the weather gets, the sooner the aspens will lose their leaves. Furthermore, if the summer season has been particularly dry, fall leaves will unfortunately be wiped out fast. Aspen trees always make an appearance no matter what and since Colorado is so aspen-struck, local television stations provide constant updates on their status and on the best places to bask in their beauty. In addition, because the weather is still likely to be warm throughout September, mountain towns like Breckenridge normally host outdoor festivals or activities that give you even more reasons to go picnic on the hills.

There is absolutely no bad season to visit Breckenridge Colorado. Fall days are still plenty warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities and relish in the aspen glow. If you’re worried about keeping yourself under control while waiting for the ski season, take a deep breath and welcome the golden fall showers of the mighty aspen trees with delight.

 



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