We had wanted to try rainbow trout fishing at Big Bear Lake, but we were aware that the picturesque lake, which sits at 7000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, is both a summer and winter playground for several million people living in the Los Angeles area.  That’s why we decided to drive to the lake during the off-season. 

There’s a special time of year between early September when the kids go back to school, and the middle of November when the snow-bunnies start to appear on the slopes surrounding Big Bear Lake.  During that period, you will find both the lake and the village downright quiet, --and when compared to the summer and winter seasons, the price of lodging is much more appealing. 

On our first morning at the lake, we opted to get our bearings by taking a narrated boat tour.  When we checked into the lakeside Lagonita Lodge, and inquired about tour boats, the front desk clerk assured us that we could depend on the captain of the ‘Big Bear Queen’ to provide us with pertinent information and interesting tidbits about the lake and its history.  The ‘Queen’ turned out to be a Mississippi paddleboat replica that took us around the more than 22 miles of shoreline in complete comfort.

 

We boarded the Queen soon after breakfast and introduced ourselves to the ship’s captain, Chris Bellows.  The weather was excellent, with a pleasant temperature in the mid-70s.  Big Bear boasts sunshine 320 days a year -- a good reason why the location is a favorite of Hollywood filmmakers and TV producers. 

About 15 minutes into our excursion, we were fortunate to see an American bald eagle soaring high above our boat.  The eagles migrate to Big Bear Lake each fall from the colder climates of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.  We were surprised to learn from captain Bellows that our national bird has a wingspan up to eight feet, and weights between 10 and 14 pounds.  He also said, “It’s not unusual to see several bald eagles on any given winter day.”

Half way through our tour, we pulled into one of the lake’s many coves, where our captain called out to a waterfront cabin owned by the late Mel Blanc, who you will remember was the voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and other famous cartoon characters.  The captain’s call brought a jolly looking fellow out of the cabin and onto the front porch.  He lifted a waiting megaphone and replied to our captain in a loud voice, “badeep, badeep, badeep, that’s all folks.”  It was Mel Blanc’s son Noel.  He takes great delight in greeting excursion boat tourists with some of his dad’s famous dialogue.  Nice guy -- good impersonator, too.

We took note of a sizeable marina as we passed by another sheltered cove.  We thought it might be a good place to rent a boat for an afternoon of angling.  Captain Bellows suggested that if we planned to fish, we should make inquiries with Big Bear Charter Fishing. 

After disembarking the Queen, we drove the short distance to Holloway's Marina where we found Mike Marzell, the operator of a pontoon boat for Big Bear Charter Fishing.  Among other things, Mike told us “The rainbow trout are hitting well on worms today.”  Mike also seemed to know where the fish were biting, so we decided to hire him and his boat for a few hours.  We brought our own fishing equipment, but didn’t need to fetch it because rods, gear, and bait, were all provided with the charter.

 

Mike’s lovely wife Trish joined our party to help with the deep water trolling rigs the couple preferred for catching trout.  It didn’t take long before we had our first rainbow flopping around on deck.  Five more one and two-pounders quickly followed our first catch.  Mike and Trish seemed to be having as much fun watching us, as we were having catching the fish.  It was a great outing.

 

Our fishing time was up a little after two in the afternoon, and we decided to seek out the Visitors Center in the village to see what attraction might fill the rest of our day.  The center’s affable Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, Dan McKernan, suggested we try a late afternoon off-road tour.  Not the kind of thing that would normally appeal to us, but we thought it would be interesting to write about, so we signed up.  We were glad we did. 

We hooked up with Big Bear Off-Road Adventures.  The off-road vehicle utilized by owner Doug Walton and his crew is really something.  It looks like a khaki painted convertible panel truck without sides, but there the resemblance ends.  This machine has big tires and is awesome in appearance and performance. 

 

Within minutes of departing the parking lot at Big Bear Village, we were dashing along a dirt road and heading for the mountains on the north shore of the lake.  It wasn’t long before the dirt road turned into a bouncy narrow boulder-strewn trail.  It was an exciting ride. 

 

We asked our guide Doug if he knew of any old abandoned gold mines in the area.  He replied, “There are a good number of them in the San Bernardino National Forest wilderness.”  In a short time, we found and investigated three mines, circa 1850.  We were surprised that the openings to the mines were so accessible to the public, but the mines are in remote locations, so we guessed that was the reason for not having safety fences.  Gazing into the seemingly bottomless mineshafts, one could only wonder of the difficulties the miners faced as they worked deeper and deeper into the dark earth.  We were also impressed that these 150+ year old mines had wooden superstructures still in place and relatively intact.

 

The sun was beginning to set as we exited the third mine, so we headed back to the Lagonita Lodge for a well-deserved rest. 

The next morning we packed up and started our drive down the mountain and on to our next destination.  We reminisced about our fun filled day at Big Bear, and talked about how we would be recommending it as a first rate family vacation destination to our readers.  If you haven’t been there, -be sure to give it a try.

A wonderful estate for the family waits in Telluride, Colorado. We can provide the exciting vacation for dream skiers. The whole family can enjoy this vacation. I like the Columbia Place Condominium because it is a house with spacious bedrooms and several bathrooms that nobody has excuse that one needs to take turns for using it. The house is located in the core of Mountain Village. It is located near the lift ticket office and the ski school. The family can have amiable time learning how to ski. There is a nursery and couples private room for the comfort of the guests.

Many people say that Columbia Place is the perfect spot for a vacation. They are right because it matches the needs of children and adults. The space is right for small families and couples who want to use the house. The luxury condominium is like a second home for the family. The ski in and ski out is on lift 4. Let's look at how it appears in the pictures below.

The dining room and living room are separated from each other. It brings the look of a log cabin. The colors are bright yellow, orange, and white light shines from the windows. The kitchen is yellow, orange, and white all around. The inside of the house makes it look like country style. It is roomy enough for children to walk around the house when they get bored of staying in one area for too long. They can still be within eye distance of the parents. Let's look at the bedroom.

Couples bedroom.

The couple's bedroom is somewhat roomy in the front. The walls are white and make it look cozy. The design is country wood. It can be a good place for couples to relax and enjoy their new bedroom.

We will look at the Ripley's Mountain adventure customized Telluride in Colorado. The quote on the deal of Telluride's ski adventure is guaranteed. You do not want to miss this spectacular view. The morning and evening scenery are so good, that one can take a picture of the breathtaking nature in the woods. We can take you up hill or down hill which ever the visitor prefers to go. It is the most exciting tour. Many skiers love to ski the slopes into the woods below. Our teachers will meet you down the hill to assist with any emergencies or to make sure you are safe. The metro rail will lift the skier to the top to the hill. Then the skier must take his skis to the top slope and slide down. The skis will make the person come down the slope at a fast speed. In the night, the mountains look like a giant tidal wave. It looks so magical that if you put it on video, the extended family back home will want to make this place their vacation spot too. Welcome to Telluride, Colorado, the attendants waits for you.

Bibliography

Telluride, Colorado (2008) site; http://www.ripleyadventures.com/-dest-cote:htm

Children can have fun in the amazing winter resort. The equipment can fit kid's sizes and the skis and boots come in petit size. We provide ski lessons for anyone who does not know how to ski to enjoy the spendeur of the Steamboat slopes. We can teach you how to ski most efficiently. The student will learn all the basic techniques of skiing. Our teaching staff can instruct the ski student all there is to know about skiing in Steamboat Springs.

The “picnic basket” as it is called will provide refreshments to visitors. Let's come and enjoy the new food at the Steamboat ski resort. There will be homemade soup, breads, hot drinks, and many good stuff to eat. Most visitors will bring there time and mouth to the table.

If you are a pro in skiing, then try the Masters competition this November. The cost is $65 for the Silver master skier. You will receive two 90-minute sessions per week, 20% discount on equipment, clothing, and accessories, and waxing advice before all races. If you are a Gold master skier, then the cost is $200. You will receive all the above in silver master plus more. The course includes: unlimited noon clinics at no charge, unlimited use of hot box at no cost, two private video analyses to help you improve, a 25% discount on one pair of skis of your choice, 30% discount on all Cera F Fluorinated Wax, and free equipment wear throughout the season.

The fun has just started. Please check the schedule message board at the resort for the appropriate times for all ages and all levels. You may find the directions to the Steamboat Springs in Colorado from our message center. This is a sample of how to reach Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

1. From Denver International Airport: From DIA take Pena Blvd South to Denver
2. Merge I-70 W. and stay on I70 for 78.39 miles
3. Take the CO-9 N exit- exit number 205-towards Steamboat Springs/US-6 E/SILVERTHORNE-DILLON. 0.32 miles
4. BLUE RIVER PKWY becomes CO_(. 35.95 miles
5. Turn left onto PARK AVE 0.38 miles
6. PARK AVE becomes US40. 51.60 miles
7. U.S. 40 becomes Lincoln BLVD. in Steamboat Springs

The Estimate time is 3 hours 40 minutes. I hope you enjoy this guide to Steamboat Springs skiing resort. It is a long driver from Denver Airport but the compensation comes when you experience the most exciting ski trip you will ever have. Cheers!

Bibliography

Steamboat Touring Center (2008) site; http://www.nordicski.net

Ayder Plateau (Rize)

It is located in the eastern part of Black Sea region. Administratively, it is located in Camlihemsin province. According to the naturalists and photographers, Ayder is the most beautiful one in Turkey. It is a good place for picnic and entertaining activities. In summer, Ayder is full of with people from coming both Rize and neighbour cities. If you go to Ayder one day, you'll also see Firtina River.

Uzungol Plateau (Trabzon)

It is located in Trabzon. Uzungol and Sumela Monastry are the most well-known places of Trabzon. Uzungol means “long lake”. There is a beautiful lake in this plateau to see. Uzungol attracts especially Turkish tourists and every year almost one million people go to Uzungol to see its beauty. There are hotels and camping regions there. You can participate in fishing and trekking activities while you are in Uzungol.

Bektas Plateau (Giresun)

It is located in Giresun, where it is always green. It is between Dereli and Bulancak towns and near Yoruk Hill. Whole plateau is covered with wildflowers. There is no water, electricity and telecommunication problem in Bektas Pleatau different from other ones. In winter, Bektas is covered with snow and melting continues to the onset of summer. Inhabitans of Bektas celebrate the coming of summer with a festival every year. Tourists can participate in climbing, skiing, walking and trekking activities.

West Virginia has some of the best white water rafting around at the New River and the Gauley River located near the New River Gorge Bridge. It is also home to Bridge day the largest one day extreme sports festival in the world along with fly fishing, hiking historical coal and timber camps. This is definitely a Fayette County must see. A must see on my list is Seneca Caverns home to some of the largest stalactite and stalagmites around and with lighted tours through the caverns every 30 minutes from April 16 to November 2 it is a great way to make your vacation fun and educational. If you do make a trip this fall be sure to check out Black Water Fall the leaves changing colors is like nothing you have ever seen .

West Virginia is also the home of great skiing. From Canaan Valley and Snowshoe Mountain to Oglebay and Timberline they have it all. Oglebay is open year round and has a breath taking light display at Christmas and Concerts in the park. Snowshoe is open year round with loads to do from playing golf to joining in the fun of Oktoberfest or the Fire on the mountain cook off. Canaan Valley is also a year round resort that offers everything from paint ball and hay rides to a skate park in the summer. Timberline is year round with mountain biking to horse back riding. All these resorts offer a wide variety of activities and great vacation packages and deals.

 If all that is not enough for you we also have tons of Bed and Breakfasts, Festivals like the Strawberry festival, Apple butter Festival to the Oak leaf and Forrest Festival. Or if you are just looking to get away to relax and be pampered, give the spa at the Stonewall Jackson Resort in Roanoke or The Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulfur Springs a try. The Greenbrier Hotel is an award winning, five-diamond luxury resort with more than 50 recreational activities, three championship golf courses, nine restaurants and a 40,000 square foot spa now that is sure to please anyone.

So if you are considering a vacation regardless of the season be sure to take a look at Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. For more information on all the wonderful things to do go to visitwv.com

Mammoth Lakes resides on the edge of the Long Valley Caldera, a large area that subsided after an enormous eruption 760,000 years ago. In fact the same magma chamber that was the source of the heat that eventually caused this great eruption. Mammoth Lakes enjoys unique opportunities as the Town is entirely surrounded by the Inyo National Forest and is home to the world renowned winter recreation facility of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and the beauty of the Eastern Sierra. With so many great attractions such as biking, camping, skiing, hiking, swimming and lots more. Mammoth is a great place for a vacation.

Some interesting facts I found out is that the highest peak is 11,053 feet. The town is 24.8 square miles, with a population of 7,093 people. An average snow fall per year is around 395 feet.

Only 40minutes drive either side of Queenstown and Wanaka, this quiet valley encompasses a prime position of being half way between two major holiday tourist towns and four popular ski resorts. Popular by name these resorts are Cardrona Alpine, Treble Cone, Snowpark NZ and Snowfarm NZ. This sleepy town could be easily missed but for those who are enlightened they will find it is worth stopping in at simply for its sleepy charm and peaceful surroundings.

This small village was originally a hustle and bustle of horse draw carts, gold mining activities, small Chinese stores, hotels and the center of trade for the butchery industry within the Central Otago area. Inhabited by settlers in the early 1860's the small town began to grow as gold was found in the meandering fresh water streams and extracted from within the hills. The town's population remained stable through five key gold mining phases eventually subsiding to a few local residents once the mining era was over. A lot of the town's buildings were collapsed leaving only a few original buildings remaining.

Cardrona Valley is now currently home to one of New Zealand's oldest pubs providing a historical focus for the valley and its people. The Cardrona Hotel is an iconic hotel that entails a rustic charm offering a warm open fire place and hearty cuisine. After going through extensive refurbishment in 2002 the Cardrona Hotel stands as a historical après destination offering modern facilities and traditional hospitality with quality and affordable accommodation. Accommodation prices ranges from between $135.00 - $185.00 depending on the time of the season. Popular throughout winter and summer the Cardrona Hotel is also a surreal and idyllic venue for wedding functions and events.

Situated behind New Zealand's highest highway via the Crown Range, it is the location of this valley that truly makes it a unique experience. Not only are you tucked into a winter wonderland during the snow season but you are also exposed to the tracks and trails that inhibit Cardrona's dry rural mountain range. This tussock and rock country is what gives Southern New Zealand its true rugged experience. To take you there are a number of options including tramping, 4wheel driving, hunting, gaming, mountain biking and horse trekking. A popular choice for families is the Back Country Saddle Expeditions located at the far end of the Cardrona Valley. The trail combines high alpine country views, fascinating small gorges and canyons and the ruins of mining huts, gold panning races and sluices and costs NZ $175.00 per person including lunch.

Cardrona Valley is not only surrounded with the ambience of the Central Otago Region but is also surrounded by wine country that entertains extravagant award winning vineyards and quality retreats and lodges. For those who wish to taste the local wines Queenstown Wine Trails offer relaxed daily wine tours for around NZ $120.00 per person leaving from central Queenstown.

For those who wish to wonder abroad there is the opportunity to experience the tranquil and breathtaking sights of New Zealand wetlands in Milford Sound. Scenic flight tours are a spectacular way to view the Milford Sound and Fiordland areas. Flight packages range from between NZ $350.00 to NZ $800.00 per person. If you wish to get out on foot and walk around you can take a day tour out to the West Coast to visit the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The Glaciers offer a stunning and magnificent display of active ice that grows approximately 30 meters every year flowing into temperate New Zealand rainforests. The West Coast takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach by car or bus where as the Milford Sounds take approximately 5 hours.

For those who want to get involved the local area invites you to participate in a variety of activities for both the adrenaline seekers and the relaxed. Activities range from golf, fishing, camping, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, snowmobiling, four wheel driving, paragliding, skiing and much, much more. The best part about participating in these activities is that you get to do all this whilst surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges and crystal blue glacier lakes.

The Cardrona Valley includes not only a destination but a place where you can create a magical experience from the time you arrive until the time you depart. There are a few ways of getting to Cardrona Valley and one of those is the beautiful scenic flight into Queenstown International Airport landing adjacent to the famous Remarkable Mountain Range. From there it is easy to catch an airport shuttle up into the valley climbing over 400m of rugged rural landscape via the mountainous Crown Range. The airport shuttle costs the average visitor around NZ $25.00 including luggage. Surrounded by snow and beautiful mountain scenery it is then time to settle into Cardrona for the night and plan the exciting and paramount activities for the days ahead. For entertainment head to the Cardrona Pub, the only original Cardrona Restaurant and Bar from the gold mining era. Here you can relax and enjoy the extensive wide range of local and imported beer and wine along with the innovative and tasty range of meals

Due to the popularity of the Hotel and its central location the Cardrona Valley is growing in demand and numbers. To cope with this demand it is currently on the path to re-designing itself towards an international ski village complete with accommodation, shopping, dinning and entertainment. Plans and visions are being put together by the local ratepayers association along with local investors and entrepreneurs.

The most recent edition to the Cardrona Valley and in harmony with the Cardrona vision is the luxurious Benbrae Cardrona Valley Resort. Complete in 2006 these modern studios and villas are architecturally designed for quality comfort with amenities that allow for a total retreat in comfort. Nestled amongst the stunning landscape is a beautiful outdoor pool and Jacuzzi with adjacent BBQ, fire brazier and bar. Accommodation prices range from NZ $150.00 to NZ $400.00 per night depending on the size of the unit.

1. Vail

   By far the best ski and snowboard resort in America, Vail is number one on our list. It is over 7 miles wide, and on 80% of the mountain you'll find clear blue skies and open terrain. If you like wide plains and powdered back bowls, Vail is the best place there is. Ranked the largest ski resort in the world, Vail's official site claims on busy days you will only find 4 people per acre. Not to mention the quaint European styled town that really is one of the best in America. One last upside is that Vail is located in Colorado, so if you have the money only a fortunate few can make it over there each year.
   

2. Whistler

   Though not “technically” in America, I am putting this on the list at number 2. Whistler is located in British Colombia, Canada, so they get all the benefits of being farther north. More snow and an average colder temperature means Whistler is open a long time. This mountain is also one of the largest in the world, with over 200 skiable trails and 8000 acres.
   

3. Heavenly

   This is one of my favorites, even though it might be a bit controversial. One of the best mountains I've seen in California, Heavenly makes up for its size in quality. The largest in California, Heavenly has 4800 acres of skiable terrain and 95 trails. The reason I like it is because you're in California, and the sun is always shining. Another great thing is Heavenly is open until May 4, when a lot of other mountains have to close in late April. Heavenly really represents it name well… it's heavenly.
   

4. Beaver Creek

   Look, I'm not putting this on the list for skiing. Beaver Creek is on this list because it is the most family friendly ski resort in America. The town is modern to the utmost, with actual escalators (If you believe me!) leading up to the base of the mountain. Beaver Creek also sports some of the best eateries and hotels in the country, making it a great place if you're not a hardcore skier.
   

5. Stratton

   Alright, so I'm a little biased from New York, but I had to put at least one east coaster on the list. The East and West coast aren't really comparable, but I think Stratton is the best representative of the East. Almost an exact inch by inch model of the town of Vail, Stratton strives to be close to it's west coat buddies. Now some of you are wondering, we'll why didn't you put Killington or Stowe on the list, I mean, they are much bigger. But I believe in quality not quantity, and Stratton definitely has that as an advantage.

We also went to Crest Voland a village round the corner from where we were staying, there on Mont Lachat there were even better runs with longer relaxing green runs to the blue runs that carried you down the mountain. There were no Black runs here but there was a bar and restaurant you could ski to if you wanted a snack or drink.

We also went to Les Saises which was a more touristy place but it was obvious why as the snow was much deeper there. The runs were a lot easier than I had expected with the red runs being more like blue runs and the blues like greens. But was still a great day skiing.

The Best runs in this area though were:

• Mont Rond - Red Run - Notre Dame de Bellecombe
• Bleue de Lac - Blue Run - Notre Dame de Bellecombe
• La Criee - Blue Run - Crest Voland
• Les Deserts - Green Run - Crest Voland
• Grande Combe - Blue Run - Les Saises
• Chevreuills - Red Run - Les Saises