Hyper Flavor

No hype, all flavor

Do You Really Need A Fishing Guide?

Copyright 2006 Prepaid Solutions

“Do I really need a guide?” is one of the most frequently asked questions from anglers going on their first fishing trip to a remote lake. It’s impossible to accurately answer that question with a “yes” or a “no”, but we can give you the information you need to know to answer the question yourself.

Guides can frequently be worth having as long as you know just exactly what you’re getting.

For example, hiring a guide is no guarantee that you’re going to catch a ton of trophy fish. The guide will take you to the places known to have fish, but catching them is still up to you.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, the guide can only help you so much. But, that said, if that’s the case, a guide may be well worth it to you.

Since you will be arriving at a lake you’ve never been on before, and you only have a few days to catch fish… a guide can really be a big help. Without a guide, you could spend several days just trying to find out where the fish are.

Also, keep in mind that most guides are great anglers themselves. They spend all spring and summer on the lake and surely know what works and what doesn’t.

Here are some things to discuss with any potential guide to give you a feel for whether or not you might want to hire him:

-The type of fish you want to catch -Whether you’re looking to catch lots of fish, or just trophy sized fish -Has the guide ever fished for the species you’re after? -What technique will the guide expect you to use?

This is what you’ll typically get when you hire a guide:

-Expert advice on the best locations to fish -Expert tips on how to best catch your fish -A deftly prepared, delicious shore lunch

You must decide if the above is worth paying the price for a guide.

But another option to consider is that you can hire a guide for just a day or two (be up front about this) and then use his (or her) advice on what to do the rest of your fishing trip. This will save you some money and still get you that expert advice you’re looking for.

Now, if you’re going on a fly-in fishing trip to a lake that you know (from your research and talking to others) is chock full of fish… you probably don’t need a guide! There, I even answered your original question for you.

That’s because many of the remote lakes have so many fish that even a beginner couldn’t help catching all they want.

How much does a guide cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 per day plus a tip of around $25 per person.

So, it simply becomes a matter of how much help a guide can be to you, and whether you’re willing to pay for the service.

There, now you can decide if you want to hire a fishing guide.

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Dirt Bikes For Kids

Can you get dirt bikes for kids?

Dirt biking has become a more popular and much more accessible pastime than it once was. The bikes, parts and accessories have become much cheaper and because of the increase in participants there are gradually more and more tracks to give it a go. It is true that dirt biking is one of the more dangerous sports you can take up and if you are already an avid dirt biker who hasn’t hit the dust yet, it’s almost guaranteed you will at some point.

That said, many of the accidents are through a lack of care or simply because the biker is inexperienced. There is no substitute for time on the track, and if you’re one of many considering the option of dirt bikes for kids then starting them young and keeping a close eye on them is a definite advantage.

Dirt bikes for kids are widely available now; 47cc dirt bikes becoming very popular. Basically, they look exact replicas of the real sized thing but have a smaller engine and lower frame. A mini-moto can safely hold up to about 10 stone in weight.

Are dirt bikes for kids safe?

As long as the bike is treated with respect and the kids have somebody responsible watching over them there is no reason why dirt bikes for kids can’t be just as safe as dirt bikes for adults. Taking attention to buying the proper gear and a bike in good condition will go along way to ensuring the experience is as safe as possible.

Also, be sure to go to a well managed track will offer a little added security. If the track is in good condition and managed on a regular basis there will be less accident black spots where unpredictable and often dangerous accidents can happen. Don’t, though, let your kids race around a track with older riders as this will undoubtedly lead to trouble.

Everything else about dirt bikes for kids.

Dirt bikes for kids are a relatively affordable pastime for your kids. The bike itself will cost around £200 or $400, and the same again for good quality and safe equipment. With a 5 litre tank dirt bikes for kids will go for miles and miles before you need to refill the petrol tank. Apart from these costs there isn’t very much else you need to worry about except paying for the use of a track.

Dirt Bikes HQ, www.dirtbikeshq.com/, for lots of information about dirt biking.

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Be Prepared For Your Kayaking Adventure With the Corrrect Paddles

The paddle is probably the most important part of kayaking. Harmony paddles are the best for both new and experienced kayakers.

Professional and sporting kayakers know how important paddles are to their kayaking abilities. Harmony kayak paddles are top-of-the-line kayak paddles. They are definitely what you want. In kayaking, paddles are the last item that you want to cut corners on. Most of the time, they are more significant than the kayak itself.

Harmony paddles are made in three different styles:

1. Recreational
2. White Water
3. Touring

You must choose one in the same way that you chose your kayak. How will you want to use your kayak? You will want to buy the best paddles for your interests in the sport. Harmony paddles are available almost everywhere that sells kayaks! You can easily find paddles of various sizes and lengths. You want to buy paddles that are compatible with the length of your kayak.

Some people don’t believe that buying the right paddles can involve so much research and thought. The paddles you buy make a big difference in your kayaking. You will find that Harmony paddles are made with various materials in many widths, lengths and textures. There is a large variety to select from and can easily find the best set of paddles for you and your kayak.

Don’t forget that the paddles have to be bought before the kayak. Harmony paddles will be your first purchase related to your kayak. The more advanced your kayaking experience is going to be the more advanced your paddles must be. If you are a beginner, you do not have to worry because the average recreational paddle is all you will need.

Begin your kayaking adventure with the best paddles. The better the paddles, the better your kayaking experience will be. Test them for yourself, and you will experience the difference immediately!

Following this advice will ensure you start this exciting sport with the best possible preparation.

You can find great deals, tips and news, information and reviews to help you buy kayak paddles at CanoesAndKayaks.info.
Copyright www.canoesandkayaks.info.
This article can be reproduced in full as long as the resource box and live links remain intact.

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2004 Poor for Movies

Here is a case in point- 2004 was a strange, if not bad, year for movies. Now, I’m not talking about the quality of films, they were probably right on par. But, Hollywood has been growing scared. Scared to create films that fall away from standard conventions and afraid to try films that may tilt a couple heads or raise a few brows. If it wasn’t for a few HUGE films in 2004, including some that distributors were afraid of, everybody may have felt that Hollywood was losing us. However, it seems that Hollywood is willing to turn a cheek and come stronger than it ever has this century [never mind Lord of the Rings] with the bringing in of 2005.

2004 Poor for Movies

I can understand how it may be hard to fathom that Hollywood did not have one of its best years during 2004. Sure, the film companies were still able to pull in film revenues with a little over nine billion, but ticket sales were actually DOWN by a startling two percent. Now, I know this doesn’t sound like much, but it is! For the year of 2004, distributors were planning on conquering the box offices with films such as Troy, Alexander, The Whole Ten Yards, The Village and Van Helsing. However, all of these films flopped [Van Helsing is doing great with DVD though]. No matter how impressive the battles or sequences, audiences left the theatres feeling unsatisfied. So what was wrong with the films? And who saved 2004?

Four of the biggest hitters of 2004 came out of either CG animation or children’s tales. Shrek 2 began with a bang and was able to gross somewhere just under $450 million in ticket sales. Then we had Pixar’s The Incredibles, which proved that animated films with adult-style action and subject matter can still be successful [~$275 million gross]. Last of the animations was Spider-Man 2 [the fights were almost entirely animated]. I can call this an animation as the fight scenes were well animated and the film seemed to run like a perfect animated comic [~$370 million gross]. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, based of the ‘childrens’ book [I beg to differ], couldn’t lose with a darker atmosphere set up by Alfonso Cuaron [pulled in $250 million]. Obviously, the four listed films were expected to do well in the theatres and all three performed gracefully. But what about the films that nobody wanted or were afraid to touch?

The two films that were handled like boiling water were Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ and Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11. Even though these films caused a lot of tension amidst their distributors [Einstein was pissed!], the two films managed to pull just under a combined $500 million in ticket sales. So that would make five big blockbusters for the year; not nearly enough. While Passion and Fahrenheit were more than plesent surprises, what about the other films?

The best thing to come out of 2004 is the amount of surprise hits that were able to maintain some theatre presence longer than just opening weekend. The only thing that hurt most the surprise hits for 2004 was the invisible barrier that would not allow a lot of films to break the $100 million mark. Here are some of the films that were able to break that mark [with a brief thought on how they were]:

  • Shark Tale- I would hope this out of a high cast CGI animation

  • I, Robot- I still don’t know if I liked this film or not. Seemed a little rushed.

  • National Treasure- One of the best surprise films all year.

  • The Village- Only got passed $100 million thanks to hype.

Luckily, Hollywood did not have to rely on only these films. Even though the industry hoped to have at least double the number of films to get passed the $100 million mark, there were some other sleeper films that helped maintain high 2004 numbers. Some of these films include Mean Girls [a teenie bopper that anybody could like], Man on Fire, and The Notebook, Friday Night Lights and Napoleon Dynamite.

What’s Wrong with Movies in 2004?

Eternal Sunshine takes you on a journey through love and the mind. The best example to give for what happened to movies in 2004 is the upcoming Academy Awards. Take a close look at the nominated films, what we have are dramas and bio-pics. People are losing interest; our top rated films are the ones that few people saw. We don’t have a Lord of the Rings this year, or any other film that people want to sit down and root for. Want further proof? Why do you think Chris Rock is stepping in as host in order to atract a younger crowd?

Also, where the hell is Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind? I know it has a few nominations, but it deserves a few more. The film, starring Jim Carrey, only grossed $34 million in ticket sales [domestically] and was probably one of the most unique and plain out cool films of the year. Forget the biographies and the straight forward dramas, Spotless offers up an extremely unique outlook on love and the new ways to handle it. And, mind you, it falls entirely away from the simple conventions overly used in films during 2004.

In conclusion– Hollywood needs to get people back in the theatres and buying tickets for films that deserve hyped attention. The best way to do this is by creating blockbusters that can actually remain in theatres longer than an opening weekend or two. Viewers are tired of films that just go through the motions and are now seeking something extremely polished or unique. Films of 2004 had lost the ability of ‘word of mouth’, but I expect that 2005 should regain all of this– as Hollywood now seems ready to take some chances.

About The Author

Ryan Parsons is the owner of the Movie Entertainment Site CanMag.Com.

All articles can be reposted by permission with a link back to CanMag.Com.

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NFL Football — Are You a Real Fan?

It doesn't matter what time of year it is — you crave NFL football. This is one sign that you are a real football fan. But there are many other signs that prove your loyalty to this major sport.

NFL Draft — Ah, finally, it's spring and there's some football action. Even though it is too early for the regular season, at least there's the draft. You follow it on TV and on the Internet. You live and breathe it.

Apparel — You have all the apparel of your favorite team. This can and should include a jersey, a sweatshirt, a cap, a tie, socks and many more items. Even pj's!

Souvenirs — You've got a football or jersey or poster or anything autographed by your favorite player.

Posters — Your game room is wallpapered with posters of your team.

Fantasy Football — Of course you play!

Screensaver — Your computer even knows you're a fan.

Super Bowl — You throw the biggest and best Super Bowl party in town!

For all the real football fans out there, hike! (Gives you chills, doesn't it?)

Copyright © 2005 Susan Daniel and Debbie Overstreet

About Susan and Debbie: Susan and Debbie are internet marketers. You can review more articles and Web sites on the NFL and football souvenirs by visiting http://www.bestnflsource.com.

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Maximum Muscle Development with Chaos Training

(May be reprinted freely if linked to www.ExerciseCertification.com)

Chaos is the scientific study of orderly disorder. It offers a way of seeing order and pattern where formerly only the random, the erratic, and the unpredictable (viz., the chaotic) had been observed. If a rock cliff is inspected, with its many jagged and irregular patterns splitting off in all directions, it can be concluded that the rock’s pattern appears the same whether looking at 100 square feet or 1-square inch of area. Hence, although the overall structure appears different, i.e. the divergences and measure of rock cut, the fragments that constitute the composition maintain close resemblance. Consequently, although chaotic in appearance, its nature is predictable and purposeful. Similarly, exercise can be very chaotic yet predictable, ever changing from one workout to the next but with direction… extreme variety coupled with standardization for purposes of sufficient measurement and comparison.

Chaos TrainingTM is the randomization of exercise stimuli that includes a limited measure of standardization in order to maintain a benchmark in which to compare exercise performance. In other words, this method provides from workout to workout an accurate method of measurement, to establish and test training progress, yet it allows for dramatic alteration of the stimulus, making exercise (at the very least) more enjoyable and interesting. Chaos TrainingTM is an ideal method for maintaining motivation while instilling structure - two indispensable considerations for trainees as well as exercise instructors needing to collect feedback data from their clients.

Now, perhaps the most relevant concern when altering a program too frequently is consistency in the maintenance, and collection of data, to determine whether there is progress and by how much. Essentially, trainees must have a benchmark from which to compare, to determine the cost or benefit of current and future protocols. However, a person should not maintain the exact protocol from workout-to-workout for too long, since this causes an over-adaptation to the exercise stimulus. In other words, a person wants to adapt to the program by developing larger and stronger muscles, but does not want to adapt to the methods of exercise that act to stimulate gains.

On that basis, a highly variable routine enhances productivity, yet there needs to be some degree of consistency to gauge progress. This is possible so long as there remains some consistency at some point in the workout. And the best time and place for being consistent and standardized is at the commencement of a workout. Consider, for example, a trainee deciding always to alter his workouts, e.g., no two workouts will be exactly the same, or that it may be several weeks or months before the same sequence and set variables are repeated in the same manner. Three different workouts (for any exercise) using the breakdown/rest-pause method of exercise could appear as follows:

WORKOUT 1

3 repetitions (5/5 cadence)
30 second rest
3 repetitions (5/5 cadence)
30 second rest
1 repetition at a slow 10/5 cadence followed by…
8 top partials + 1 forced

WORKOUT 2

3 repetitions (5/5 cadence)
40 second rest
4 repetitions (3/4 cadence)
0 second rest
4 negatives, followed by 10-second static hold at bottom

WORKOUT 3

3 repetitions (5/5 cadence)
60 second rest
8 repetitions (3/3 cadence)
0 second rest
2 forced, followed by 1 set of pec decks x 5 reps

At first glance there appears to be no resemblance among the three examples, with each consisting of various loads, reducing or maintaining the same weight and tension times, allowing for different levels of recovery and metabolic demands, etc., in order to accommodate the various prescriptions.

Obviously a thirty-second rest is much different from a 40- or 60-second rest, or if a trainee implements near-zero rest. The magnitude of necessary weight reduction to complete a further 3 repetitions in a similar style, for example, will be much greater with a few seconds rest only than if preceded by a recovery break of 60 seconds. Repetition cadence can also have a bearing on performance and demands; a slower cadence makes it more challenging to complete a particular number of repetitions (consider lifting 100 pounds in one second as opposed to five or ten seconds). The altered mental and physical energy reserved for the remainder of the workout after the first set, the second set, and so on, must be considered.

However, close examination discloses that each example initially consists of 3 repetitions, all performed in an identical manner of 5 seconds up and 5 seconds down (for 30 seconds total); and that is the benchmark - a biomarker buried within a realm of chaos. An increase in the load under the same conditions would conclude an improvement in lifting ability or function. Thereafter, the trainee is free to be inventive and spontaneous for the remainder of the workout for that muscle group. This is but one example of how a person can apply Chaos Training’, limited by one’s imagination.

About the Author

Brian D. Johnston is the Director of Education and President of the I.A.R.T. fitness certification and education institute. He has written over 12 books and is a contributor author to the Merck Medical Manual. An international lecturer, Mr. Johnston wears many hats in the fitness and health industries, and can be reached at info@ExerciseCertification.com. Visit his site at www.ExerciseCertification.com for more free articles and offers.

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Learning To Kayak

All right, so you’ve decided that you want to learn how to paddle
a kayak, but you’re not sure where to start. Should you take
lessons, learn from an experienced friend, or wing it on
your own?

The answer is that all of these options can work, and have
for thousands of paddlers. Learning on your own can be
tricky, and you’ll probably make every mistake in the book
before you get comfortable, but it certainly is a viable
option. Just make sure you’re in reasonable aerobic
condition, have a modest amount of smarts and common sense,
and are willing to be patient.

A good kayaking instructor, on the other hand, can make the
whole process much easier–and safer–and it doesn’t have to
be a formal instructor from a paddling shop or business.

If you have friends or family who are experienced paddlers,
consider asking them for some informal instruction. Just let
them know that you’re just starting out, and that you’ll
need a lot of patience and understanding for the first few
excursions. If you have access to a pool that allows kayaks
in the water, this can provide a great way to get some
initial training, especially in getting your roll mechanics
down.

If you don’t know any experienced paddlers, consider joining
a local kayak club in your area. These clubs and
organizations can be great resources for all kinds of
paddling information, tours, instruction, and networking.
You may even find someone in the club who’s a certified
instructor or who’s willing to help a newbie get their feet
(and all their other parts) wet.

And then, of course, there’s the option of finding a
certified kayaking instructor. Ask to see the person’s
resume, and any certifications and formal training he or
she’s had. And before you whip out your checkbook, ask to
see your perspective instructor on the water. Does he or she
seem skilled and confident when handling their kayak? Does
their equipment look to be well maintained? Do they explain
what they’re doing and why they’re doing it?

Most of all, how does this person come across? Do they
appear to be patient and approachable? Do they answer your
questions quickly and with confidence? Is this someone who
makes you feel comfortable? Without a good rapport, after
all, it’s almost impossible to get the most out of any
instruction, paddling or otherwise.

In the end, the best approach to learning how to kayak is up
to you. If you feel comfortable learning on your own, go for
it. Just make sure to take your time and always think safety
first. If you decide to go with an instructor, take the time
to choose wisely, and get the most for your training
dollars.

About the Author

Kent Johnson–author, webmaster, kayaker
Want your next kayaking adventure to be the best ever?
The Kayaking Journal–your source for paddling tips and info
==> http://kayakingjournal.com

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Hotel Delfino in Massa Lubrense

The Hotel Delfino is the ideal solution for those looking for a vacation on the splendid Sorrentina Peninsula, surrounded by the sea, nature, art and history.

Located a few kilometers from Sorrento, the hotel overlooks the Gulf of Naples, facing the Isle of Capri: a spectacular panorama that all guests can see from their rooms.

This comfortable Massa Lubrense hotel provides many pleasant and relaxing common areas such a TV-reading-relaxation room whose shape will remind you of a ship and windows looking out on the coast and an large scenic restaurant and a beautiful sea-water swimming pool.
To discover the beauty of the surrounding area, the Hotel Delfino organizes excursions to the peninsula’s principal tourist areas both by land and with a private boat that picks guests up directly at the hotel.
The hotel offers other exclusive services such as free parking, an Internet Point, wi-fi and, upon request, shuttle service to the Naples airport and Sorrento train station.

A cool, restful environment, ideal for relaxing after a day spent outdoors… The Hotel Delfino’s rooms are comfortable, airy and pleasant: pastel tints, wood furniture and a terrace overlooking the deep-blue sea, where guests can also eat breakfast.

Each room is equipped with a mini-bar, satellite TV, individually-controlled air conditioning and heating, direct-line telephone, wi-fi Internet connection, safe, private bathroom with shower or tub and hair dryer.

In-room services:

  • Satellite TV
  • Direct-line telephone
  • Mini-bar
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Safe deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-fi Internet connection

    The Hotel Delfino has a luxurious panoramic restaurant where guests can enjoy the area’s delicious enogastronomic specialties.
    Fish is the absolute star of the table and is the basis for several delicious, classic Sorrento recipes created with passion by our chefs. Every day we prepare fresh pasta for traditional first courses such as “scialatine”: short linguini with a sauce made from cherry tomatoes and extremely fresh seafood. It is a real pleasure for the palate to be savored while admiring the splendid panorama of the Gulf of Naples through the restaurants large windows.

    For wedding banquets, the Hotel Delfino has a large air-conditioned hall that seats 200, while the newly weds will be offered the first honeymoon night in a splendid bedroom with a panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples and the Isle of Capri or an enchanting arrival at the hotel by sea in a motor boat.

    Looking for budget Hotel in Massa Lubrense? Pls visit our catalogue of Hotels, where you can find also a wide range of Hotels in Naples and compare price for double room in Massa Lubrense.

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  • Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - NO Nitric Oxide

    Nitric oxide is a free form gas produced by the body in order to communicate with other cells. It is created when enzymes break down the amino acid arginine. The main benefit of nitric oxide is its role in controlling the circulation of blood and regulating activities of the brain, lungs, liver, stomach and other organs. It also helps in the control of blood pressure, dilates blood vessels to cause penile erection and is used by the immune system to fight viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.

    It is the ability of nitric oxide to increase blood flow that is of most interest to bodybuilders who can benefit as follows:

    1. The increased blood flow delivers more nutrients to the muscle cells thus helping them to grow during the adaptation and recovery phase.

    2. Its ability to reduce inflammation helps muscles that have been subjected to extreme stresses.

    Given its close relationship with arginine care should be taken in applying small doses and increasing them gradually until an optimum level is reached. Bear in mind that many protein powders and other supplements are fortified with amino acids so check the labels carefully. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed in all instances.

    About the Author

    Rick Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

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    Howl On a Cliffhanger in the Canadian Rockies - A Golf Featu

    Howl On a Cliffhanger in the Canadian Rockies - A Golf Feature for Women

    Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

    To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
    http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/golf02/canada/gray/graywolf.html

    I write this golf feature for women who love to golf. Women are falling for this game and I too have fallen truly, madly, deeply in love with golf. My summer afternoons are spent daydreaming about which course to play and plotting whether I can sneak away early enough from the office to play a full round.

    I want to share my passion for the game. My features will discuss the journey, the accommodations, the game and experience, from a woman’s perspective. Yes, I will describe the game from the forward tees.

    My goal is simple: to share my “experiences” hoping that you, my dear readers, are encouraged to explore some of the wonderful golf resorts that North America, and the world, has to offer. Golf is a wonderful game and I hope to share my enthusiasm with you.

    Girls just want to have fun, and in our case, fun means golf! I love to golf and in fact, the gals and I belong to a “ladies league” just so we can golf once a week. We do this for a couple of reasons - to improve our game and to escape from life’s daily annoyances, if only for a few hours.

    By January, I commence fantasizing about golf as I shovel mass amounts of snow. I stand in my driveway, shovel in hand, totally engrossed in my fantasy. I smell the freshly cut fairways and hear the chatter of the birds. It’s hot and I wipe the sweat from my brow as I plan my next shot. I remove my driver from my golf bag, and then reach into my back pocket for my tee and ball. Instead, a cold, wet mitt presents itself. Reality strikes once again!

    I call my girlfriend and shriek, “I need to golf, where are we going and when? It’s time to plan our annual golf vacation! - Mexico, the Carolina’s and California are discussed as possible destinations. In pursuit of our goal, I discovered a great website that offers vacation packages to all these locations.

    After a lengthy discussion, we chose the interior of British Columbia for a few reasons. First, the flight is fairly short from Toronto, second, the climate is less forgiving out West, and, third, that naughty little phrase, “exchange rate” need not apply.

    We chose to stay at Panorama Resort, and resort known to Canadian’s for its skiing and golfing. The resort is approximately 20 minutes southwest of Radium, BC. It is rated as a four-star resort, complete with all the amenities: spa, restaurants, tennis courts, and shops that sell snacks, beer and a decent bottle of wine. The package also included three rounds of golf, at local courses. We were fortunate enough to choose the courses and book our tee-off times prior to our departure. Panorama is also home to Grey Wolf, classified as one of Canada’s top 100 golf resorts.

    We flew direct to Calgary, Alberta. Total flying time was 4 hours. We departed early in the morning to ensure that we arrived in Calgary with enough daylight to drive through the mountains. We packed our rental car (one large enough to fit our clubs and massive amount of luggage), found the map, and headed west. Much like our ancestors, I knew heading west would eventually lead me to my paradise where my fleeting dream would be fulfilled.

    The drive from Calgary to the interior BC is approximately 2.5 hours. I love to drive, but my girlfriend was driving, and I was jealous! However, after some thought, I changed my mind and considered myself lucky, because while her eye was on the road, mine was on the approaching vistas. If you have the opportunity to take this trip, happily relinquish your driving rights because the sights are truly breathtaking.

    Majestic mountains appeared on the horizon - the snow-capped Rockies, the symbols of Canada that they are, dominate the countryside creating a perfect picture postcard.

    On your way, make sure you stop in Banff for a bite to eat; it’s truly a town worth seeing. Sure, it’s full of tourists and tourist shops that sell overpriced, tacky items, but it’s a quaint village in its own right, so take my advice, make a stop.

    After lunch, we continued the drive to British Columbia. Remember, we are driving from one province to another. (For those of you unfamiliar with traveling in Canada, there are NO border stops between provinces.) The trip from Banff, Alberta to Radium, British Columbia, is approximately one hour. That is if you don’t stop. But you will stop, and have your camera ready because the views are breathtaking. Valley upon valley unfolds before your eyes. As the mountains reach for the sky, I spotted where the tree line ended and was replaced by stark protruding rock faces. I can’t help but ask my girlfriend to stop the car, so I can take pictures. I feel compelled to photograph everything, as I didn’t want this memory to fade.

    When we arrived in Radium, I noticed the hot springs were open. Note to self about Radium. Natural hot springs are favorite tourist spot, so if you’re into this type of scene enjoy, if not, wave to the “springers” and keep driving. Another note to self. Beware of mountain sheep on the side of the road and don’t stop to close to take photographs, as they get frightened and begin to “joust” right in front of your car.

    Twenty-five minutes later, the car stops. I am at Panorama Resort! www.panoramaresort.com Greeted by friendly staff, I was handed a map and promised the weather would cooperate. I was somewhat dubious about the weather comment and I became fixated on the weather channel.

    We arrive at our condominium and as we pull up, I squeal, “this is too good to be true!” Picture this: four chateau-style condominiums, perched high on a hill. Behind them loom snow-capped mountains as far as the eye can see. Traces of the snow remain on a few of the ski runs, making me consider that I might have to return for a ski trip. The car stops and I get out. Silence. I inhale deeply and my lungs welcome the fresh air. I feel like I’ve been beamed from a busy, stark city into an enchanting countryside that offers nothing but splendor and peace of mind. Blue sky, tall pines and silence are the elements the make-up the landscape.

    It’s one of those moments one experiences when s/he realizes there is much more too life than daily rituals - it is a moment where values are questioned. I hadn’t even golfed yet and I was ready to move here!

    Our suite is on the fourth floor. It is a corner suite that overlooks the pool area as well as provides us with a panoramic view of the mountains (I’m guessing that’s how the resort acquired its name.) It’s been a long day, it is time to get some supplies, soak in the hot tub, and eat.

    To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
    http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/golf02/canada/gray/graywolf.html

    By Lise Lacasse, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

    About the Author

    Lise Lacasse, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

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