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We’ve skied in different French alpine skiing areas for instance Val Thorens, La Grave, La Chavanette and Les Houches, however in my experience in all the family’s ski holidays Chamonix Mont Blanc has to be our top place to go for ski holidays.

The provenance of French Alpine history and dwelling to the heroic Mont Blanc - at 4807m Europe’s most eminent point - Chamonix town features a superior historical snow record, a elongated season (Dec-May), unrivaled off-piste skiing, and panoramas to die for. Indeed Chamonix village has an worldwide reputation for more or less the most dramatic, stimulating, and exciting alpine skiing procurable anyplace in the world.

Chamonix France is extensive and every bit as confusing, and that’s before we count the connected skiing fields; for example Flegere, Chamonix, Val-d’Isere, Isola 2000 and Espace Killy.

The Mont Blanc Unlimited skiing pass covers nine Chamonix valley, and fourteen departmental snowboarding fields; with pistes equal to 3842 metres, over 230 snowboard lifts, and 770 kilometres of ski runs - with the bulk of the snowboarding towns higher than 2020 metres. They caters for each tier from initiates including professional skiers. See our snowboarding domains page for an in depth look at every the big fields: La Clusaz, Courchevel, Gourette, La Tania, Chatel and Luz Ardiden.

The national park system in the United States is full of beauty and surprises. Still, you’ll be wondering if they’re worth it when you run into the crowds of other visitors.

Road Side Viewing

Sure, millions of people visit our national parks each year, miles of cars creep through at a painfully slow pace, parking lots are full and busses are packed. Cars stop in the middle of the road to view wildlife, backing up traffic for miles.

Is it all worth it? Should I just get stuck in a Los Angeles traffic jam with DVD player showing some nice mountain scenery?!

I travel through the Rocky Mountain Nation Park, using Trail Ridge Road, on a regular basis throughout the summer to reach some of my favorite fly fishing spots on the other side of the divide. I also have hiked many of the park trails. Let me tell you, I have seen the frustration of the gridlock national park experience.

Do you think the national park experience is looking out the window of your car or bus? How about stopping at the most popular scenic spots that are located within a stones throwing distance from the parking lots? If you do, well, you likely have missed out on 95 percent of the park and a serine magical experience that only those willing to put on the hiking boots get to see.

The system of roads in a National Park is designed to minimize the impact on the park. It is not designed to get you to the best places. If you do not get off your butt and hike a bit, you are not seeing the beauty of the park. Sure, you may have to deal with the cattle drive to reach your desired trailhead, but a leisurely stroll of about 1 mile leave the hordes of arm chair park goers long behind. You could be standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people looking across Bear Lake at one moment, and in near solitude one hour later if you’re willing to exert just a bit more energy than the majority of the park visitors.

Thanks goodness for the fast food armchair lifestyle!!!! Get on those boots and leave the crowds behind. It’s worth it.

Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjournals.com - makers of hiking journals. Writing journals make great Christmas gifts for him or her. Visit www.nomadjournaltrips.com to hiking stories and hiking articles.

I for one am not going to let sky rocketing fuel prices change my plans for using and enjoying our RV. So, with that said and a motor home that averages 7 to 8 miles to a gallon I am forced to find ways to save on fuel rather than waiting and hoping that fuel prices will go down. After a little research I was surprised to learn how easy it can be to improve our fuel economy. Whether you’re towing a trailer or driving a motor home there are many ways to improve fuel economy. By performing some simple maintenance procedures and changing our driving habits a little we can save a significant amount of fuel.

One shocking discovery was that for each 5mph you go over 60mph is equivalent to paying 10 cents more per gallon. So if you’re traveling down the Interstate at 75 mph add 30 cents to the price on the pump! Wow, that can add up quick. If fuel prices drop to $2.65 a gallon you’ll still be paying $2.95 a gallon.

So how can we improve our fuel economy?

• Talk to other RVers that have a motor home or tow vehicle and trailer similar to yours. Compare gas mileage. If there is a significant difference compare notes and try to determine what makes the difference.

• Something as simple as a clean air filter can improve your fuel economy up to 10%.

• Checking and adjusting your tire pressure to the proper pressure can increase fuel economy by 3%, not to mention preventing premature tire wear and failures or blowouts caused by over or under-inflated tires. Tires can look normal when they are seriously under-inflated. Use a quality air pressure gauge and check your tires when they’re cold, before traveling more than one mile.

• Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you’re going to be sitting still for more than a couple of minutes shut the engine off.

• Using overdrive whenever you can saves fuel by decreasing the engines speed.

• Using the cruise control whenever possible saves fuel because it keeps the vehicle at a constant speed rather than variable speeds. This applies when you are driving on a relatively flat surface. Keep in mind the over 60 mph rule applies here too.

• Keeping the vehicle tuned up and in top running condition saves fuel. A poorly tuned engine can lower fuel economy by 10 to 20%.

• Poor emissions and / or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40% reduction in fuel economy. Can you believe that? A 40% REDUCTION.

• Following the recommended service and maintenance schedules will save you fuel.

• Using the recommended grade of motor oil will increase fuel economy by 1 to 2%.

• Using synthetic oils will increase fuel economy by 2 or more percent.

• Speeding and rapid acceleration reduces fuel economy anywhere from 5 to 33% depending on your individual driving habits.

• Added weight that you don’t need reduces fuel economy significantly. We’re all guilty of this one!

• Only using the dash air conditioner when it is absolutely necessary will save a significant amount of fuel.

• Use regular gas unless your owner’s manual specifies a higher octane gas. You’re just throwing money away when you pay the extra money for premium fuel.

We may have no control over the prices at the pump, but as you can see we have total control over getting the most out of the fuel we put in our tank.

Happy Camping!

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101

About the Author:

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. Sign up for your free “RV Education 101″ Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/
Mark Polk is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. In addition to owning and operating RV Education 101, (based in North Carolina) since 1999, Polk also has a very extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management.

Polk has a degree in Industrial Management Technology and his 30 plus years of experience in maintenance includes working as an RV technician, a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic, an automotive maintenance technician, Battalion and Brigade level Maintenance Officer, an RV sales manager and also in the RV financing department as the Finance & Insurance manager. http://www.rveducation101.com/

If you’re a birder, you want to keep a list of sightings when you bird watch. Your life lists should be kept in a bird watching journal.

Life List

A life list is a record of the species of birds you’ve sighted over time. Typically, the list is kept in a journal. Each entry notes the bird species, the date, location and any notes you want to add. Depending on your particular bird watching exploits, you can keep one global list or separate lists as you see fit.

For many bird watchers, one life list simply isn’t enough. So, how can you break down your lists? Here are a few ideas:

1. House Lists - A list of birds sighted around your home.

2. Yearly Lists - A list for each year you bird watch.

3. State Lists - A list for sighting by particular state.

4. Trip Lists - Journals for particular bird watching vacations or tours.

5. Wish Lists - A list of birds you haven’t seen, but hope to. You simply cross them off as sightings occur.

Computer Life Lists

You can purchase computer life list programs or use online variations. Each program is different, but most come in a checklist format. You enter information and the program spits out your list.

The problem with using computer programs is…well, the computer aspect. Unless you are willing to lug a laptop around with you, there is going to be a delay between sightings and your journal entries. Using a computer program is also troublesome if you want to keep a collection of sketches of particular species you’ve identified. For most birders, a computer list is a supplement to a good journal, not a replacement.

Bird watching is an extremely personal passion. If you’re just starting, you may think you don’t need to keep a life list. The problem with this approach, of course, is you will regret the decision if you later decide to do so. All those sightings will be gone with time…

If you’re going to start bird watching, make sure you keep a life list journal from the outset. As I like to say, “Preserve the experience!”

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Bird watching journals are great bird watching gifts for bird watching tours and vacations. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more bird watching articles.

In the past months there has been an increasing interest in
landscape design for energy conservation. Tensions in the middle
east equal rising fuel costs. Heating and cooling costs can be
offset by landscaping. The primary goal is to control wind and
sun. In areas of Pa such as Berks County the first line of
defence for energy savings can be protection from the cold
winter winds by the use of landscaping. Research shows that
properly designed screens and buffers can reduce the heating
cost of a typical residence by as much as 30 percent.
Landscaping For Winter Fuel Saving There have been studies that
show that wind speeds around homes can be reduced by as much as
90%. The best design for windbreaks depends on the use and exact
location of the site. However, in most of Pa. the prevailing
winds are from the northeast, thus, the maximum protection
should be concentrated in the north east. A single row of
conifers with staggered spacings is the best for protection from
both wind and blowing snow. The wind is deflected up and over
the screen, creating a well protected zone. The area of maximum
protection can extend outward several times the height of the
trees. If space is at a premium, fewer plants will be helpful,
but the use of conifers and other densely branched species is
essential for maximum winter protection.arborvitae make an
excellent choice for providing winter protection. Arborvitae are
commonly used evergreens useful in urban areas where low
maintenance and durability is needed. Many cultivars with forms
such as being globed in shape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal,
tend to be near buildings, doors, and walkways. Other forms
which are larger are used for screens and buffers that are
planted in rows. The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or
large depending on the cultivar. Some reach 50′, others only 3′.
Even small Arborvitae can help breakup the wind and drifting
snows of winter. Most prefer full sun to partial sun. Planting
in dense shade conditions should be avoided. A moist, well
drained, loamy soil in full sunlight are ideal conditions for
growing healthy arborvitae. These plants will tolerate rocky,
clay, urban conditions of heat drought and pollution. The most
important pest we have is bagworms which must be controlled to
prevent complete defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple
leaders which also prove to be a detraction for the plant.
Pruning out multiple leaders in some cultivars is a simple
remeady. The ease in planting and maintaining this plant make it
an ideal choice for planting around the house. Plant shrubs with
wind direction in mind. Since south winds are generally warmer
than northeast winds, it is considered sufficient to have
moderate protection on the east and desirable to leave the south
open or restricted to rows of shrubs and deciduous trees. More
openness to the south allows solar gain in the winter and for
summer ventilation house. The economic incentive of reduced
heating costs is additional to known benefits of reduced snow
clearing. While most homes have at least some naturally treed
areas or planted screens protecting their yard, the full
potential benefit from tree planting is far from being realized.
Energy conservation is a growing concern. Current studies
confirm what fuel oil dealers have known all along, homes with
screens and buffers use considerably less fuel. The time to
begin planning for an energy conscious future is now. Types of
evergreens at Highland Hill Farm

There many trees and plants that can be used in
windbreaks,hedges, screens. The White Pine is another special
plant. It is fast growing and durable. Two foot trees can grow
into a large fuel saving shelter belt quickly. We sometimes see
3′ of growth per year when then conditions are correct. Its soft
graceful blue needles can complement your backyard and give
quick privacy. Besides it is one of least expensive plants and
is not invasive….You can read more articles at
http://www.seedlingrus.com

We’ve all seen rock climbers on television or in the movies.
Climbing rocks and cliffs take skill and endurance. In case you
were thinking about taking up rock climbing, a listing of the
necessary equipment is outlined below.

Shoes: You can’t wear your everyday hiking boots to climb a
rock. Your shoe should be stiff and fit like a glove. Snug but
not too tight. Because comfort is a concern, it’s best not to
mail order shoes for rock climbing, you’ll definitely want to
try them on first.

Harness: A harness is worn for safety and attaches to a rope so
you won’t fall off the rock. Your sales associate will help you
find a harness that fits properly, but you’ll want to be sure
the harness fits comfortably around your thighs and waist.

Carbiners: These are actually hooks. You’ll use these to attach
different items to your harness.

Helmet: This very important piece of rock climbing equipment
will protect your head from falling debris. It will also guard
you against bumps and bruises if you should happen to bang
against a wall. This may in fact, be the most important piece of
rock climbing equipment you own. Make sure you try on your
helmet prior to purchasing and that it fits comfortably.

Chalk: Rubbed on your hands, chalk will help you grip rocks.
Comes in powdered or ball form.

Chalk Bag: Holds chalk and attaches to your harness.

Rope: Rope should be 10 or 11 millimeters in diameter and 50 to
60 meters long and should be able to stretch a bit under tension
to protect a climber in the event of a fall.

Belay Device: This is used to hold a climber’s rope. It helps
the belayer protect the climber.

If you’re interested in rock climbing but don’t know where to
start, be sure to do your research. Not only are there plenty of
books available, but there are articles all over the internet.
It’s strongly urged that you take lessons with an experienced
instructor. If you’re unsure of the proper equipment, your
instructor or experienced sales person can help you with this.
It’s better to pay extra money to ensure safety than get
seriously injured or worse because you don’t know what you’re
doing.