I speak of the mountains, most specifically those of Yosemite, for that place of history and wonder and grandeur is my querencia. My family has made it a yearly practice to stay in Yosemite, sometimes twice in on year, and because of this, it has become my sanctuary. I have so many incredible and so many warm memories of that place that  I can simply close my eyes and remember when I’m having a bad day. I hate school, I hate suburbia, and I’m not a great fan of cities (save for San Fran); but in this place of ageless splendor, none of the trifles of everyday human life matter. The towering walls of granite and fir pine meadows do not care that you got a ‘D’ on a math test. The trickling creeks and roaring waterfalls don’t judge your, but allow you to enter into this place where the very air seems to vibrate with age and wisdom. Here you can escape the dismal world of business and retail, for money has no meaning in a place such as this. Here one can leave behind the world of prejudices, indifference and intolerance and enter a small sanctuary where humans, no matter how powerful or how rich, are still small and insignificant. The towering peaks offer a valley of breathtaking scale and splendor, a valley of rolling meadows and thick forests, a valley that man cannot touch, no matter how many years he went to college, or how many buildings he owns.

Yosemite, since the first time I ever set foot in it, has always been a place where I’ve felt different. It’s the place where I am most inspired, most in tune with my thoughts, most at ease with my life and myself. I never grow tired of the ice-capped peaks or the meadows of dew-tipped grass blazing in the morning sunlight.

If you have never been to this incredible National Park, you should consider making a trip. It is a sanctuary away from the rumblings and horrors of the city, of society, of life. Lying nestled in the Sierra Mountain Range in California, Yosemite is a place that no human can touch. It’s almost as if there’s some sort of force-field surrounding it; when you enter into the valley amidst towering peaks and breathtaking waterfalls, you feel different. You know you are somewhere special, somewhere almost magical, a place that can’t be domesticated nor controlled.

There are some pretty big fish in that river too for all you fishermen out there! Oh! And don't forget about hunting. There are plenty of places for that also.

Fourth of July on the river is an annual celebration tradition for me and my sons. It's really the best place to watch the fireworks and it's free to go. We take a cooler sometimes with extra food and drinks for the all afternoon-evening event. When we get there early enough we head straight for the cherry limeade stand. They make it from scratch and it's very refreshing on a hot day.

Just up Heber Springs Road you can park your R.V. check out the country store then meander on down the highway to the car races that take place on the weekends.

Batesville is the second oldest city in the natural state of Arkansas. It was founded in 1812 and is the home of the Pioneers. We have two movie theaters,the firstWal-Mart superstore in the state, several hotels, fast food, Mexican, Chinese, and other restaurants like Western Sizzlin. If you are in north Arkansas and want to go to Little Rock, most generally you have to pass through Batesville. This is also true if you are south of us and want to go north, like to Branson, Missouri. We are in the middle of everything if you travel by interstate and major highways. There are also many scenic roads you can take if you have the time.

One thing this state has is a lot of beautiful scenery. I am at the point to where I'm trying to remember my camera whenever I go anywhere. It's just too beautiful to not take home.

Searcy is about an hour south and Little Rock is about another 30 minutes south. Little Rock was home to Bill Clinton when he was governor. Hope, Arkansas was his childhood home.When I keep traveling for about another 30 minutes or so then I'm in Hot Springs. All of these are great places to shop and have many sites to see.

Traveling north can take you to Hardy to shop antiques and Mountain Home to canoe down the Buffalo River. Closer by is Mountain View with dancing and music playing almost on every corner different parts of the year. Inviting you in are interesting little shops that are hard to resist. Check out the shops around the quaint courtyard that is a usual site for most Arkansas small towns. While you're still in town visit the Ozark Folk Center. People who work there dress and live as in the 'old days' making lye soap, brooms, cornhusk dolls, ice cream, and dulcimers; along with many more crafts plus! I'll post another shortly on the November calendar for Mt. View happenings.

Blanchard Springs and Caverns are a great place to check outwhen you leave Mountain View. The caves are what they call "living" and well worth the time to visit. If you go in the summer you can picnic and go swimming in the national park also. They have great hiking trails and camp grounds. I really enjoy our visits there.

There is so much more to this great state than I could write here. All I can say is you are officially invited to come, explore, and enjoy. Come to Batesville and I'll show you around sometime. I can get you a city map too. As some say around here "Ya'll come, ya hear!".

Be on the lookout for photos of Batesville in the coming days.

The next land is of all places Fantasy Land. Entering Fantasy Land the entrance looks a lot like It's a Small World. The next lands is surprise, surprise Tomorrow Land, I wonder where they got that name from? These are not the only lands one more exists the last land is the most original of all the lands its Samchulli Land, what that means I don't really know it probably translates into Frontier Land, Main Street, or Toontown.

The top ride at Seoulland is Sky-X. You have probably seen this kind of ride at other theme parks. Sky-X is not free it cost to use its one of those rides that pull you up in a harness and then swings you in the air.

Tomorrow Land has Shot X Drop that is a ride like many other parks as well. You sit down and then are launched up fast. It is not the tallest or fastest of rides the height is 52 meters but how tall that is in feet or stories I don't really know.

The Black Hole 2000 is by far the best ride at the park even though officially the park ranks it as their third best park. It is an amazing roller coaster. It is a good roller coaster not the best but this coaster can stand up against any that the U.S. has. The only fault it has is it is small but it is a very fun coaster.

There are a few rides that they have that are common like a Viking ship, a tumbler ride, and a spinning ride called the World Cup that was introduced during the 2002 World Cup.

The final ride that should be mentioned is the haunted house. If you love old dark rides you will love the haunted house. The haunted house is the most old school gimmicky lame ride but if you are like me and love the old classic dark rides that are sadly mostly gone or totally updated so they no longer look like they used to. It is a ride that has charm. If you heard of the guy who built a dark ride in his garage well that looked like a better more advanced ride then Seoulland version but that is part of why it is so much fun.

You go into a cave which is about the high point of the ride as it does give good staging and is kind of impressive its just not some building but a cave oh, ah (no I am serious I am not mocking its cave). The only bad thing about the cave is it probably shouldn't be called a haunted house if it's a haunted cave. As I understand things the ride features legendary ghost from Koreas history but not being Korean they are lost on me.

The park is not a great park by American standards; a typical county fair has the same rides or even better ones often. The only two rides that are worth going for are the haunted house and the roller coaster.

Though it was fun if you have lots of time like more then a weekend in Seoul then this is worthwhile park to see it is certainly one of the best theme parks in the country which isn't much of an accomplishment but since you can do most things you want in Seoul you should have some time to see frivolous places like Seoulland.

Arguably the Holy grail of Yellowstone is the wolf, each year I have been truly blessed to witness this great animal in its natural habitat, to witness the interaction between the adult wolves and younger off spring is nothing short of amazing, you can see the love, loyalty and affection these great animals have for their pack members, and the fierce way they protect that family is unconditional.

Along with the glorious wolf is another regal animal the Rocky Mountain Elk, with its large crown of antlers and its trumpet bugle call the elk moves silently among the meadows and pasture areas of Yellowstone, occasionally trespassing on some unsuspecting tent spot or crossing the road causing a traffic jam that can last for hours.

Rather you come to Yellowstone to witness the splendor of the west as what it was meant to be wild, untamed, free, or to spend a leisurely day walking among the meadows filled with wild flowers, take time to appreciate the fact that we still have this natural wonder left to enjoy, in this fast growing world of sky scrapers and housing developments every once in a while it's great to get back to basics and enjoy what raw nature has to offer.

While this might not be a surprise Disneyland employees can get friends and family into the park free. At times limitations may be made to this rule, like how many people n employee can get in. Another issue is that some employees get more people in then others, the higher up the corporate ladder they are more people they can get in. As you would expect the C.E.O. and other VPs get the best treatment for friends and family but the regular worker can get VIP treatment for their friends too. If you know someone who works for Disney Imagineering you will be in for a real treat if they bring you to the park since their knowledge of the rides is the best and they can take you behind the scenes of the rides and other areas the public isn't allowed in. If you only know a part time employee of Disneyland they are can still get perks besides the free admission, all employees can get cut in the front of the line passes (like a fastpass but better) which send you straight on the ride without waiting.

Another way that you can go to Disneyland free is if you go to Club 33.The only way to get to go to Disneyland's club 33 is if you know someone who is a member but unless you happen to be friend with the California governor or Michael Jackson you probably don't. The good news is there are corporate memberships and it is possible your company especially if it is local and a large corporation might be a member. If your company has a corporate membership you can go. While Club 33 gives you a free ticket to Disneyland you have to eat at Club 33. The cheapest meal they have is a brunch that cost $50. The meal cost about the same as getting in but you do get a great eating experience and can say you have been to the exclusive Club 33.

Finally here is the secret you really want to learn, how to get into Disneyland free. To get into Disneyland you go to the customer service next to the entrance of California Adventures. At customer service say you want to buy some souvenirs. They take either cash in the amount of a ticket, or they will slide your credit card. Then you are allowed one hour in the park. This may not be much time but it's free and you could get on a ride or two. If you return in an hour you will get a refund your money. Some rules apply and the rules can change. There are some times that you can't enter Disneyland, currently they are Monday through Friday opening to 5PM times may change.

It may be only an hour but it is a free hour.

 

Now, some Force followers have found that place, guided by those hints and synchronizing with the Force that flows with an unknown intensity and are willing to tell all Jedi so they can benefit too of this knowledge.

An Amazing Force Reservoir

Check most of the maps of the world, Spain is in the middle. Templars moved there and then disappeared. They found a place where, as I have told before, Force is extremely intense. This place is located in the middle of the Canyon of the River Lobos, a beautiful, peaceful and special place. Almost hidden in Soria (Spain) it has only two entrances, protected and controlled by two villages: Ucero and San Leonardo de Yagüe. Approximately in the middle of the Canyon, the reservoir is located. There Templars built a small church named to Saint Bartholomew, but it's clear that the building only focuses the Force from the reservoir, that's inside the Cave. Watched down up while entering, the image is like returning to a womb. Also, there is a Psychological Panic Wall that only blind or hypersensitive to Force people can trespass easily. Inside, it's told and are slight hints about; Templars meditated and explored the Force. Nowadays, this place is a Natural Park of Spain, so its environment is protected and maybe a must visit. Not much time ago, when Force was just called “Energy”, complex and deep research showed that the flow was really intense, like a spring or a river that spreads that “Energy” around the world. It's stupid to say that Spain is the centre of the world, because there are many other places where Force flows almost this intense too, but in Europe, there are very little places where this happens, just like Stonehenge. Here is an image of this gorgeous place: . Now let's talk about the two entrances to the canyon.

Ucero: The Lighthouse of the Canyon

Ucero, if you add to the beginning of the word an “L”, you get the word “Lucero”, that means beautiful star or light, it's the closest village to the Canyon, also, has the shortest way to the force spring. Walk around its streets and discover an obvious Templar origin, their symbols are all around, and an impressive castle on top of the cliffs guarding the Canyon and all accesses to it. If you walk close to the river, there in the park, you'll find Force running in the crystalline waters, where trouts swim and water lilies dance sweetly. Dusk and down are amazing everyday, the high calcite walls burn with colours and energy, boosting Force to the nearby villages, woods and fields. The access to the Canyon is done aside the Park House, then walk around 2 Km to the spring, following the river Lobos, clear waters, beautiful wood and an great calm to meditate and obtain a close relation with Force and own abilities.

San Leonardo de Yagüe: The Backdoor of the Canyon

This big village, almost a city, controls the access to the holiest entrance to the canyon, but in a way that don't give that impression of control. You can go both ways to Ucero or Santa Maria de las Hoyas, that is, to the Park House or the Seven Eyes Bridge. If you roam around the streets, you'll find at least 2 fonts with the Templars cross and if you are good viewer, the shape of its castle will show you that cross again, and inside the main church other symbols that they used. It can be said that St. Leonardo is the face that Templars showed to the world so they couldn't be identified. There is not much Force around, but when you lead to the Canyon following river Navaleno, its presence is increased, then when you reach the river Lobos and the Bridge, Force turns into an hypnotic feeling that force eyes and feet to follow the longest way into, around 8 km through the Canyon. In summer the river Lobos don't carry water at view but, down some meters below ground, it flows strong and its water is one of the purest water in the world.

Santa Maria de las Hoyas: The Secret Connection with the Reservoir

If you ever read Parsifal, you'll find the description of the castle where Grail was kept very accurate when you visit this village, following the road past the Seven Eyes Bridge, or from Ucero through a rural road where in the early morning you can find wild life like rabbits or deers. Maybe at first eye the village doesn't seem big or full of symbols, maybe because most of the buildings have been rebuilt; but don't worry, even if the castle is a bunch of rocks almost unidentifiable, or the river Lobos is invisible the energy that flows from it is amazing as the underground waters of the river comes straight from the Force spring, walk around the wood of pines back of the village till you find a hidden prairie, maybe you can find there some young men of the village practicing motocross, and their noise won't disturb the peace of the place, or if you are really lucky, you'll find there a Jedi woman, meditating, or practising archery or sword fighting, the only one around in miles, she'll love to chat with you about whatever you want. Not far from that prairie there is a font where many people goes because of its water, no wonder why, this water comes from the river Lobos and calms thirst and soul. Walking on the other side, where the castle or the small church are, there are lot of caves, fossils, and great place to meditate and watch the skies at night clearly. About these caves, called Hoyas (holes), there are some amazing ones, many of them has a lot of energy and are hints of Templars and Iberics (a tribe that shared Spain with Celts). It's told that inside the hill where the castle is lies a lake deep inside, and no one has reached it ever but few special persons… it may sound as a legend but considering the kind of terrain and some studies, that would be very possible…but from years and years nobody has seen it.

Advice

If you're thinking of visiting these places be sure what you want, be brave and your relation with Force will be stronger. Maybe that Jedi woman I can't remember her name now will offer to show those places, organise activities that makes better your relation with nature and Force, I saw her few times and she has smiles, patience, knowledge and an interesting life.

May the force be with you all.

There are always different shows and performances that you can see. There are various singing and dancing groups. The diving show is always a crowd pleaser. You can hear a story being told by Santa Clause himself. The music shows vary from country, to gospel, to oldies, and even karaoke. You are sure to be entertained and have a few laughs no matter what show you decide to see.

Their wooden roller coasters consist of the Raven, the Legend, and the Voyage. The Voyage roller coaster has been voted number one wooden roller coaster in the planet. It's maximum speed is 67.4 miles per hour. The Raven is the first wooden roller coaster that was built at Holiday World. It was first introduced to the world in 1995, and has been loved by thrill seekers ever since. The Raven was named the number one wooden roller coaster on the planet from the year 2000 through 2003 and has remained a Top 10 coaster ever since. It is okay to scream, but be warned, there are hidden cameras that will take your picture and everyone can see after the ride is over!

Splashin' Safari is definitely the best water park that I have ever been to. There are many different water slides to go down. There are two large wave pools. You can be lazy and float around in an inner tube in the lazy river. You can race your friends by going down the Jungle Racer and seeing your times on a large screen. You will be able to slide, splash, laugh, climb, and "monkey around" in the new Kima Bay water fun park. The Monsoon Lagoon is similar. The Bahari is a larger wave pool with less intense waves than the original wave pool. The Zinga is a large slide where up to four people can ride in the same tube. You are in an enclosed slide, until you are slung into the large funnel. It is so much fun! The Zoombabwe, Watubee, the Bamboo Chute, and the Amazoom are other fun water slides. With the Otorongo, you have your choice of slides: the Oto, the Ron, or the Go.

The Raging Rapids and the Frightful Falls are two rides that will get you wet and cool you off outside of the Splashin' Safari. The Rapids will seat your eigtht and will take you around a little town that is full of suprises! The Frightful Falls is a log ride that goes up high, and drops you fast. Be sure to smile; your picture is taken in the middle of the fall. You will definitely get wet in both of these rides.

The Liberty Launch is like the reverse of other theme park's Hellevator. In the launch, hydrolics launch you up high into the sky. Paul Revere's Midnight Ride looks like a large spider or octopus. Your cart will spin in circles as you go around, up, and down. The Scarecrow Scrambler is a similar ride, but it does not go up and down. You can bump into someone you know, in the Rough Riders bumper cars, that is! There are also bumper boats. There are many different rides for the little ones to enjoy as well.

Be sure to visit one of the many gift shops. Hungry? You have many options of food, from Mexican, to pizza, to burgers, to chicken strips, dippin dots, funnel cakes, ice cream cones, and just about everything else you could crave.

Thrills, chills, sun, and fun: that is what you can expect by going to Holiday World. There is fun for the entire family, no matter what age or interests. There are shows, roller coasters, trains, the Holidog, rides, water, and yesSanta himself. The only thing missing is you! There are lifeguards and slide attendants on duty at all time for your safety. All of this fun, for one low price. What is better than that?! So what are you waiting for? Come on down to Santa Claus, Indiana and visit Holiday World and Splashin' Safari.

The park provides an enormous variety of interesting and unique wildlife including: Andean condors, pumas (cougars); and the non-flying rhea which is similar in appearance to the ostrich of Africa.

The park also is home to the guanaco which happens to be on the endangered species list. This mammal is related to the llama and is generally found between southern Peru and Tierra del Fuego. It is the largest mammal found within Patagonia. Its food choices include grass and it lives in small-sized familial groups.

The park itself provides most appropriately, the visitor with an organized set of trails; shelters and camp sites. This, in turn, allows the visitor the opportunity to freely hike through the park. The only drawback may be the changing weather; however, long summer days make long summer walks realizable.

Now I'm not into touristy areas or big throngs of people, but Chicago's Navy Pier tourist trap does offer FREE fireworks every Wednesday at 9:30 and Saturday at 10:15.

The best part is that you don't have to go onto Navy Pier to see them, you can watch them from one of the many Chicago beaches or rooftops in the area. I personally recommend Oak St. Beach.

Local Chicago Radio Stations will also synchronize their music to the fireworks. I don't know any

better way to end an evening than hearing Bruce Springsteen's 80's driving music to giant explosions over Lake Michigan.

Every tuesday in Grant Park the Chicago Park district projects some great movies... FOR FREE! Were not talking about lackluster B films that your friends enjoyed five years ago.

Heres a rundown of the lineup for this summer. All films start when the sun goes down, don't forget a blanket and a cooler of beer!

The 2008 Movies in the Park lineup:

The museum of Contemporary Art isn't chock full of hoity-toity tourist thinking they're cultured (well maybe some.) The MCA is full of abstract displays, interactive art, video projections, audio rooms and a plethora of stimulation. This summer don't miss the Jeff Koons Exhibit, which runs until the 21st of September.

Best thing about the MCA and the reason it made this list, is that it is ABSOLUTELY FREE every Tuesday, all day, all summer long.

So weather you're into a string of christmas lights laying on the ground where the name placard seems to have more thought, or a giant room covered floor to ceiling with Vinyl records, the MCA is for you.

Just Walk east on Chicago Avenue until you see the car that appears to be wrecked into the building.

The Good Chicago Beach

The beaches around Chicago are great. The best part about them is that they are also free!

Many beaches are extremely overcrowded, such as North Avenue Beach. To find some better spots, and a place to actually lay out, try the north side of Montrose Beach or Foster Beach. These beaches are bigger than North Avenue and generally have about a quarter of the number of people.

Bring a cooler and make some sandwiches, or find some local vendors for a tasty regional treat.

Be careful of the water as well, Lake Michigan is known to have had incidents of high levels of mercury. So look out for three eyed fish and mermaids, but if your the adventurous type paddle on out and enjoy a dip. The lake is warmest in Late July and August.

The Baha'i Temple is in Cook County, but north of Chicago in the neighboring suburb of Wilmette. Hop on a bike and enjoy a day trip north along Lake Michigan's biking trail then spend some time at the temple.

The Temple and grounds are gorgeous, standing 140 ft tall and made of white concrete and exquisitely adorned. Spend some

time walking around and don't forget a camera.

You can visit the Baha'i Temple any day of the year, until around 7pm.

So get out there and enjoy summer, because activities are best when they're free. And as Chicagoans know, nothing beats a Chicago Summer, but you sure pay for it in February with the cold.

Come join us for a visit to Toogood Pond in Unionville. We can assure you that you will have a visit worthy of what is truly a magnificent landscape.

Toogood Pond is one of the most beautiful features of Markham's historic Unionville community. Neighbouring the Varley Art Gallery and scenic Unionville Main Street, the pond is part of Rouge Park, North America's largest natural environment park in a natural setting.

The famous 33-hectare park, which features a marsh and a partially naturalized pond, is home to a variety of birds, animals, and waterfowl. Canadian geese and mallard ducks can often be seen gliding across the pond's rippling green surface. Eastern Cottontail rabbits can also be found around Toogood Pond.

Toogood Pond is known for its many species of birds and geese, especially Canadian geese. This is a great place to take a break from life and enjoy some nature.

For humans, a walkway circles the pond and a meandering boardwalk cuts through the marsh, making Toogood Pond a popular spot for leisurely walks.

This meandering bridge will definitely provide a great view of the scenery.

Toogood Pond is located between Carlton and Kennedy Roads in Markham, behind Unionville Public School. Please join us to make your weekend an unforgettable one.