The Mighty AuSable River in Northern Michigan
May 7, 2009
The Mighty AuSable River
The Mighty AuSable, as it is affectionately called. Known as heaven for fly fisherman from around the country. Also known, worldwide for the longest Canoe Marathon held the last weekend in July. Many visit the area for this big event, in fact, George Blaha (Detroit Pistons Announcer) was the Emcee in 2005). The race starts at 9:00p.m. in Grayling, Michigan and continues until 11:00a.m. and finished in Oscoda, Michigan where the AuSable empties into Lake Huron.
The Au Sable is a major tributary to Lake Huron. It drains a north-south basin that includes 1,932 square miles in north-central lower Michigan. The basin is approximately 90 miles long and 10 to 30 miles wide. The river basin is partially within the Huron National Forest and includes parts of Otsego, Montmorency, Crawford, Osco, Alcona, Roscommon, Ogemaw, and Iosco counties.
Iargo Springs: View from the Observation Deck
Almost to Oscoda is a miraculous place. A sacred ground to the Native Americans who once occupied this land, Iargo Springs is a must see attraction.
Iargo Springs Interpretive Site provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Au Sable River. It lies next to River Road and has been used as a drinking water source since presettlement times. Dams were constructed on the springs by early loggers, before the turn of the century. The dams were useful on diverting water to the logging camps nearby. Most of the waters of Cooke Pond were dry land then. Europeans have visited the springs for recreation since the 1920’s. A trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Early photographs show the dam being repaired and reinforced by the CCC’s. This work lasted until a storm took out the dams in 1981.
Iargo Springs Interpretive Site was renovated in 1991. The “One Step At A Time” campaign raised funds to rebuild the stairway. Additional grant moneys and Forest Service funds were used to landscape the area and construct the boardwalks
and dams.
With over 300 steps down to the over 1000 ft boardwalk that runs through out the natural springs, one must be in good physical condition to make the journey to the bottom. If you aren’t able to make it, the view from the Observation Deck places one at the top of the Hophornbeam trees.
Theatre and Performing Arts in New York City
April 25, 2009
Broadway
New York’s Broadway is famous for its many shows, especially musicals. You might want to visit TKTS online, which offers tickets for shows the same night at discounted prices, usually 50% off or visit BroadwayBox.com, a community site posting all recent Broadway discounts. TKTS has two offices, one at Times Square with lines often hours long, and a much faster one (sometimes minutes) at South Street Seaport (Corner of John St, just south of Brooklyn Bridge). Note that only cash is accepted at South Street. Show up at opening time for best selection. Tickets to most Broadway shows are also available from the Broadway Concierge and Ticket Center, inside the Times Square Visitor Center. They offer restaurant and hotel recommendations, parking help, and other services in addition to ticket sales, available in several languages.
New York boasts an enormous amount and variety of theatrical performances. These shows usually fall into one of three categories: Broadway, Off-Broadway, or Off-Off-Broadway.Broadway refers to the shows near Times Square that usually play to theaters of 500 seats or more. These include the major musicals and big-name dramatic works, and are the most popular with visitors. Tickets for Broadway shows can run to $100 a seat, though discounters like TKTS (above) make cheaper seats available. Off-Broadway indicates performances that are smaller, not located in or near Times Square, and usually of a certain intellectual seriousness. Tickets to Off-Broadway shows tend to range from $25-50. Off-Off-Broadway refers to those shows that play to very small audiences (less than 100 seats) with actors working without equity. These can be dirt cheap and often very good, but some may be sufficiently avant-garde as to turn off conservative playgoers. Off-Off-Broadway Theaters worth checking out are Rising Sun Performance Company, Endtimes Productions, and The People’s Improv Theater.
For current and upcoming Broadway and Off-Broadway info and listings, visit Playbill.com. This site also has lots of articles on what’s going on in the NY commercial theatre scene. Broadway.com and Newyorkcitytheatre.com also has plenty of info, as well as some videos and photos. Theatermania has many discounts to the bigger shows, and also provides listings for the Off-Off scene. If visiting in the summer, brave the huge lines and attempt to get tickets to the Public Theater’s annual “Shakespeare in the Park,” which often features big-time stars of stage and screen. Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Natalie Portman, and Liev Schrieber are just a few of the actors to have appeared here in recent years. Oh, and it’s free. Just get to one of the box offices ridiculously early, especially the one at the Park.
It’s possible to purchase tickets to The Tony Awards, Broadway’s biggest award ceremony and the culmination of the theatrical season in the city. These aren’t cheap, but if you’re into the theatre scene and know something about the various performers being honored, it can be an exciting night. In any case, the performances are always fun, and you can catch moments that aren’t in the broadcast. Always the first or second Sunday night in June, visit The Tony Awards website for the most current details.
New York has a wide variety of musical and dance companies, including several that are among the world’s most renowned. There are also numerous small companies putting on more idiosyncratic shows every night of the week. The following are just a few of New York’s most high-profile music and dance options.
- Brooklyn Academy of Music(BAM), 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn. Home to the impressive Brooklyn Philharmonic, BAM is one of the best places in the country to attend cutting-edge new musical and dance performances. The Next Wave Festival every autumn is a much-anticipated event of the New York performance scene.
- Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue. The premier venue for classical music in the United States, Carnegie Hall is famous around the world for its dazzling performances. Playing at Carnegie Hall is, for many classical musicians, the epitome of success. Carnegie Hall houses three different auditoriums, with the Isaac Stern auditorium being the largest venue.
- Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, 155 West 65th Street (at Broadway). The Chamber Music Society is the most prestigious chamber music ensemble in the United States, playing in the acoustically impeccable Alice Tully Hall.
- Metropolitan Opera at Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center, 155 West 65th Street (at Broadway). The Met (as it is known) is one of the greatest opera companies in the world. The company performs six days a week (Monday-Saturday) during the season (September-April), and always lands the greatest singers from around the globe. Expect to pay a small fortune for the most expensive seats, but upper-tier seats can cost as little as $25.
- New York City Opera at New York State Theater in Lincoln Center, 155 West 65th Street (at Broadway). (Closed for renovations until Fall 2009.) The slightly more accessible and energetic younger sister of the Met, the NYCO is a world-class company that puts on a dynamic range of performances. Plus, tickets can go for as little as $16.
- New York City Ballet at New York State Theater in Lincoln Center, 155 West 65th Street (at Broadway). Founded by George Balanchine, the New York City Ballet is among the world’s best dance companies. Their performances of the The Nutcracker, during the holiday season, are enormously popular.
- New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, 155 West 65th Street (at Broadway). One of the premier orchestras in the United States, playing a wide variety of concerts (more than 100) every year to sold-out crowds, the Philharmonic is well-known for its standard-setting performances of the classical canon. The season runs from September to June, and in the summer they play free concerts in parks around the city.
- Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, (212) 632-3975, [110]. See the Rockettes, another show or just tour the famous Art Deco masterpiece.
It is our goal to provide hardworking vacationers with the ability to enjoy their vacations at a discounted price that makes vacationing affordable for everyone. We make it possible for vacationers to save time, energy and effort along with their money using Sealand Travel Club.
Vacation Clubs are the new innovation in the travel industry, and Sealand Travel Club is at the top of their field. Whether you need an incentive to start vacationing or you are an avid vacationer already, Sealand Travel Club can accommodate you in many ways and save you money. Whether you like to drive and camp or fly first class, cruise the world or just tour the good old USA, Sealand Travel Club provides its members with the most convenient options at the very best price.
Vacationing on Lake Superior in the Summer
April 25, 2009
Lake Superior
If you are into pristine landscapes, untouched land and nature, then you will surely love Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located along the northern boundary of the U.P., as it is affectionately called, is Lake Superior. Lake Superior is one of the five Great Lakes. Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the second largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and is the world’s fourth-largest freshwater lake by volume.
According to legend, Lake Superior never gives up her dead. This is because of the unusually low temperature of the water, estimated at under 36 °F (2 °C) on average around 1970. Normally bacteria feeding on a sunken decaying body will generate gas inside the body, causing it to float to the surface after a few days. The water in Lake Superior is cold enough year-round to inhibit bacterial growth, and bodies tend to sink and never surface. This is alluded to in Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”. The Edmund Fitzgerald’s 29 crew members all perished. Edmund Fitzgerald adventurer Joe MacInnis reported that in July of 1994, explorer Frederick Shannon’s Expedition 94 to the Fitzgerald discovered and filmed a man’s body near the port side of her pilothouse, not far from the open door, “fully clothed, wearing an orange life jacket, and lying face down in the sediment.”[18] No crew members were ever recovered. The Fitzgerald got swallowed up so intensely by Lake Superior, that the 729-foot (222 m) ship split in half. Its two pieces are sitting approximately 170 feet (52 m) apart in a depth of 550 feet (170 m).
Freighter on Lake Superior from a Distance
Regardless of the temperature of Lake Superior, the beauty is breathtaking.
It is our goal to provide hardworking vacationers with the ability to enjoy their vacations at a discounted price that makes vacationing affordable for everyone. We make it possible for vacationers to save time, energy and effort along with their money using Sealand Travel Club.
Vacation Clubs are the new innovation in the travel industry, and Sealand Travel Club is at the top of their field. Whether you need an incentive to start vacationing or you are an avid vacationer already, Sealand Travel Club can accommodate you in many ways and save you money. Whether you like to drive and camp or fly first class, cruise the world or just tour the good old USA, Sealand Travel Club provides its members with the most convenient options at the very best price.
Advantages and Disadvantages of All-Inclusive Cruise Ships
April 17, 2009
Vacationing is the American pastime that is enjoyed by many. While vacations are nice, needed, and important, they can become costly. This cost is often associated with additional expenses such as food, beverages, and entertainment. If you are interested in vacationing aboard a cruise ship, but you are worried about the cost, you don’t necessarily have to be if y ou choose Sealand Travel Club.
All-inclusive cruise ships are cruise ships where just about everything is included. The cost of your drinks, food, and entertainment are often taken care of. If you are wondering whether or not you should book reservations aboard a traditional cruise ship or an all-inclusive cruise ship, you are not alone. A large number of travels wonder the same thing.
When it comes in all-inclusive cruise ships, there are advantages and disadvantages. To determine whether you could benefit from an all-inclusive cruise ship, you are encouraged to weigh the advantages and disadvantages each. After, you are encouraged to make a decision. If the advantages outweigh the disadvantages then an all-inclusive cruise ship may be just what you need and visa versa.
The biggest advantage of all-inclusive cruise ships is that most of your needs are taken care of. As previously mentioned, most all-inclusive cruises cover food, drinks, and entertainment. If you are interested in drinking a large amount of alcohol or feasting on the amazing onboard food, you may be able to do so free of charge. You may also be granted exclusive admittance into movie theaters and video arcades.
To many, having foods, drinks, and entertainment provided free of charge sounds too good to be true. In some cases, it may be. While many of your food and drinks are included in an all-inclusive package, not all are. It is possible that you may be required to pay for your alcoholic beverages. There are some cruise ships where alcohol beverages are included in the package, but on others it is not.
When it comes to food, your food at a sit-down restaurant may be provided free of charge, but your snacks are typically not covered. This often includes snacks or small meals purchased at onboard specialty shops and vending machines. If your snacks and small meals are not covered, you can prevent the extra expenses by eating a large meal. You may also be able to save money by brining your own snacks onboard, if the cruise ship allows it.
As mentioned above, entertainment is often included in an all-inclusive cruise ship package. As with food and drinks, the entertainment is often limited. It is likely that you will gain free admission into a dance or ball, but you will not be able to gamble free of charge. If you are interested in gambling aboard the ship’s casino, you will have to come up with your own funds.
When it comes to the cost of an all-inclusive cruise, there are many travelers who get confused. The cost of an all-inclusive cruise may seem high, but it is often that way to cover the cruise line’s expenses. For many individuals, the cost of an all-inclusive cruise is a great value. To determine whether or not you will save money aboard an all-inclusive cruise, you need to estimate your cost of food, drinks, and entertainment aboard a traditional cruise. Simply by comparing the two, you can easily determine which cruise package offers the better deal.
The advantages and disadvantages of all-inclusive cruise ship vacations are important. By examining each and comparing them to what you want and need out of your cruise, you can easily determine which cruise ship vacation package is right for you.
Sealand Travel Club has high purchasing power with luxury resort providers, hospitality companies and major cruise lines, and we are able to pass wholesale savings on to you. This means you can vacation in style at a fraction of the cost of what others normally pay.
Sealand Travel Top Tourist Sites in Mexico
April 17, 2009
It is the goal of Sealand Travel Club to provide hardworking vacationers with the ability to enjoy their vacations at a discounted price that makes vacationing affordable for everyone. We make it possible for vacationers to save time, energy and effort along with their money using Sealand Travel Club.
Mexico
The allure of Mexico has an appeal that crosses countries and borders. Mexico is well-known for its fabulous resorts and luxurious beaches. From white sand beaches to the mountains, Mexico is host to a wide range of natural wonders and breathtaking sights. Mayan ruins, mountains, volcanoes, and a wide collection of tropical fish and sea life can be found in Mexico. Mexico is home to some of the world’s top tourist attractions. Of these destinations, the top five Mexican tourist sites include Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cozumel.
Acapulco
Acapulco is rated as one of the top tourists attractions in Mexico. It is also considered Mexico’s largest beach resort. It is home to some of the world’s finest hotels, as well as many beautiful beaches. Acapulco offers a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, fishing, golf, tennis, and scuba diving. Boats trips are regular features of a trip to Acapulco. Acapulco is also a great place for family vacations, as well as romantic getaways. Many all-inclusive packages offer fun filled activities for couples and families, but at a descent price.
Cancun
Cancun is one of the world’s most famous resort towns. According to the town’s history, a computer selected its location when the Mexican government was looking for the perfect location to build its newest resort. Since then, Cancun has grown into a large community and one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. When looking for a vacation spot, many individuals automatically consider vacationing in Cancun. Cancun is most known for its nightlife; however, that is not all that Cancun is about. With nearby Mayan ruins, you can incorporate education into your vacation.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is another popular Mexico tourist attraction. It is considered a tropical paradise. As with Cancun, there are a large number of local historical sites. The Sierra Madre Mountains are home to a number of guided tours. While on these tours, you can easily spot exotic wildlife. Fishing and scuba diving are perfect daytime activities to engage in. Puerto Vallarta is also known for its nightlife. There are many bars, nightclubs, and discos. Another popular and great feature of Puerto Vallarta is the fine shopping experience. You will likely enjoy shopping at many high scale boutiques.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is famous as being one of the world’s greatest fishing ports. The waters are known as being the perfect debt and temperature for fishing. Some of the other popular activities available in and around Mazatlan include surfing, tennis, golf, and fishing. It is also known for the malecón. The malecón is a long winding stretch that runs through nearly the entire city and covers roughly five miles of beach. Another great feature of Mazatlan is a celebration that is similar to Mardi Gras. It is held before Ash Wednesday and lasts for five days. This event often involves fireworks, parades, dancing, and music.
Cozumel or the Coral Island
Cozumel or the Coral Island is Mexico’s most populated island. It is a popular attraction for who love to go snorkeling or scuba diving. This is due to the beautiful coral reefs that can be found underwater. Cozumel is the ideal vacation destination for those who wish to see the ocean at its finest.
If you are interested in scheduling a vacation to Mexico, you will want to examine the top tourist sites mentioned above. With an unlimited number of activities and unique events, you are sure to find what you are looking for in Mexico.
Sealand Travel Club
Sea land Travel Club has high purchasing power with luxury resort providers, hospitality companies and major cruise lines, and we are able to pass wholesale savings on to you. This means you can vacation in style at a fraction of the cost of what others normally pay.
