The Truth Bar

This year French climber Anthony Loeff is reporting the scales for Everest after he reached the summit of Mont Blanc earlier this season.

They basically coerced the Nepali government to not allow any climbers past camp two on the Nepali side. They flexed their muscles this year all the in name of the Olympic spirit, but it was hardly spirited at all.”

Hall was frostbitten and severely disoriented due to altitude sickness. Andrew Brash returned a hero to Calgarians. Sherchan just 20 days away from his 77th birthday beat the age record set last year by 71-year-old Japanese teacher Katsusuke Yanagisawa.

“The Chinese weren’t allowing anybody on Chomolungma or Mount Everest. They ended up commandeering it for themselves, even though Mt Everest is shared by two countries. More than 3047 people have climbed to the summit since it was first conquered in 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary, who died in January, and Nepal’s Tenzing Norgay.

Now that Bahadur Sherchan has successfully scaled the tallest mountain in the world, he is once again ready to focus on his family. Man from Nepal, 75, oldest climber to conquer the top of Mount Everest Min Bahadur Sherchan last attempt resulted in the rescue of Lincoln Hall, an Australian climber who was left by his team in the “death zone.”

As he planned for the climb, Sherchan told reporters he wanted to inspire fellow senior citizens. He also said many Nepalese have established records on the Mount Everest, so it was only fitting that the record for the oldest climber to reach the summit should also belong to a Nepali. The Chinese were flying their airplanes over Chomolungma and had Chinese officials in Kathmandu. Nevertheless, he was all too aware of the potential dangers Mount Everest could bring. Certain parts of the climb are more dangerous than others and it is important for climbers to remain focused Indeed, the decision to actualize a long-time personal goal left Bahadur Sherchan with some internal uncertainties, he cited the political actions of China and Nepal as providing the greatest adversity he faced on his journey. His first found him within 215 metres of the peak when his team stopped to help a fellow mountaineer who was left for dead. Three years later, Andrew Brash, a University of Calgary alumni, returned to the Mount Everest to finish what he had started.

Andrew Brash and four climbing guides reached the 29,035-foot (8,850-meters) summit of the world’s highest mountain early Sunday, said Ramesh Chretri, an official with Nepal’s ministry of tourism.

“Everest this year became a political pawn,” he said with some frustration.

With the Chinese preparing for the impending summer Olympic Games, Min Bahadur Sherchan noted that the government’s actions hardly reflected the Olympic spirit. The 76-year-old man from Nepal is now the oldest person to have reached the top of Chomolungma. Min Bahadur Sherchan returned this week from Nepal after successfully climbing to the summit of Mt Everest.

Nice is the biggest city of the French Azure Coast with its population of about 340 thousands. Nice airport is on of the largest in the whole France.
Few words about Nice history - the city was founded in V century BC and was named after the goddess of victory - Nika. In XIX century nice became a very popular resort for the European elite. In this period the most impressive architectural masterpieces were built - palaces, luxury villas and boulevards. Nice was especially fashionable for the winter rest, when in all other Europe it was very cold.

Nowadays a lot of this chic atmosphere has saved, and Nice is still one of the best French resorts.

Modern Nice looks like some financial and commercial center, and to spend holidays there costs a little cheaper than in neighboring resorts of Azure Coast. Due to airport and direct train Paris-Nice, the city is the first resort, visitors see on Azure Coast.

The most famous attraction in Nice is Promenade des Anglais with its legendary Negresco hotel. Promenade des Anglais is a wide boulevard 6 kilometers long. It’s planted with palms and flowers and is the most popular place for walks. On the East Promenade des Anglais turns into the quai des Etats-Unis with the best Nice restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to taste the special dish - fish soup.

Nice strikes with the cozy narrow streets of the old city, greenery of the parks, fountains on the squares and the art treasures of Nice museums.
Nice is impossible to imagine without flowers, fruits and vegetables market Cours Saleya working in the morning. The market is surrounded by the restaurants and cafes.

The ancient cemetery, the largest in France the forth largest in Europe attracts a lot of visitors due to its magnificent monuments.

Among other places to see in Nice are Opera, built in 1885, Saint-Reparate church of XVII century, Cesu church - a perfect sample of neoclassical style, Justice Palace established in the end of the XIX century.

Mediterranean resort, Nice is well known for its beaches. Mostly they are pebbly, warm and clean, but beginning with the Antibe cape they become sandy. It’s common not to acquire a tan in Nice but to boast of the sun tan you’ve already had. It’s a prestigious place to show off for the rich (and not very) people.

Nice has approximately 300 sunny days a year. The combination of the rich history, soft climate, diverse nature and highly developed infrastructure places Nice on the top of the list of the best resorts.

If you like to book hotel, please visit Nice hotels page.

Windsor Castle is understood to be the biggest populated castles around at present and the oldest in nonstop inhabitation (more than nine hundred years). It is one of Queen Elizabeth’s three sanctioned homes, and is tine & time again assumed to be her outright most treasured home. The Royal flag soars over the Round Tower of Windsor Castle at whatever time Queen Elizabeth 2 is at the residence - yet, at other times, the Union Jack banner soars as normal. Information about Windsor Castle can be found at the official site for tourism in England.

Samuel Pepys mentioned Windsor Castle to be “the most adored castle around.” That was said in sixteen-sixty-six and the equivalent can be said today.

Windsor Castle Exciting History:

The assembly of Windsor can be found in the beginning of the 7th century Saxon settlement of Windlesora, where the current day community of Old Windsor is situated. The settlement of Windsor is properly known as “New Windsor” - the word “new” being referenced in a strictly loose sense!

Windsor Castle was first put up by William the Conqueror, following his invasion of England in ten sixty six. The original structure was assembled from lumber with mud fortifications. The Castle held an understandable strategic location on a tall hill just above the River Thames, and was a division of a ring of strongholds in the region the City, with the Tower of London, one day’s trip away, at its middle.

The Palace was then later remade in stone, and increased in value during the years. More recently Henry the 2nd redesigned the Round Tower & the original stone outer wall. Following the English Civil War, the structure’s principal role became that of a royal residence. The Castle has remained almost totally unbothered since the start of the nineteenth century, apart from the restoration work right after the tragic fire in 1992.

When considering driving in Europe, the image that comes to mind for many of us will no doubt be something like the infamous driving scene in National Lampoon’s European Vacation: eternally trapped in a roundabout, surrounded by aggressive French (or Italian or British) drivers who won’t let the timid Americans out.

It’s true that driving in a foreign country can be daunting at first, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the driving rules in Europe, but driving is often a necessity for visitors renting a villa or apartment outside of the major cities.

So unless you’ve managed to convince your companions that a full-time chauffeur is the answer to your European driving woes, you’re going to need a little help. Here, for your edification, are some general guidelines about driving in Europe.

DRIVER AGGRESSION

Let’s talk first about “driver aggression.” In whether you’re driving in Italy, France, or England, drivers tend to be more assertive and quick-to-act than we are in the US. I once came across a website of a British woman who had visited America and marveled at the way everyone came to an orderly halt and waved each other forward at a four-way stop. Americans will know that this isn’t always the case in the US, but it does make the point!

When you start driving in Europe, you may find yourself feeling frustrated when someone “cuts you off” or fails to use their turn signal. However, because the pace of driving is faster in Europe, you’ve got to act more quickly. Often an opening between cars is only momentary, and if a driver takes the time to signal he’ll have lost his chance.

The key is not to hesitate. Don’t be reckless– use your signals, even if others don’t– but act quickly and don’t question yourself. Don’t be afraid to use your horn, either! It’s easy to become overly cautious in a new environment, but hesitation is likely to cause you more problems than anything else.

If you must drive slowly, however, be polite. When someone behind you flashes their lights, they are asking you to pull over and let them by. My advice? Do it! Being stubborn about your place on the road is considered incredibly rude, and if blinking is ineffective it will be followed by honking, cursing, or worse!

ROUNDABOUT

So now let’s take a look at that roundabout, most commonly encountered when driving in France. The most important thing here is to realize that cars already in the circle have the right-of-way, so you need to let them out. You’ll also need to wait for a break in traffic before you “go for it” and join the flow. The great thing about roundabouts is that you can, in fact, circle them as many times as you need, so if you miss your exit the first time, it’s okay.

ROAD SIGNS

Since the Union, European countries are now implementing a set of standardized road signs that you should be familiar with. Here are some common international road signs to watch out for while driving in Europe:

PARKING

Parking is usually not a problem in more rural or countryside areas, but finding parking in London, Paris, Rome, or another large European city can be a major ordeal. Traffic is simply horrendous, and the majority American drivers are just not prepared. My suggestion is to park in a garage on the outskirts and use local transportation within the city. You could search for a “free” parking spot, but these are few and far between. Finding one is also risky in an unfamiliar place, since most parking is restricted to locals and police are quick to give tickets. Having a rental car makes no difference: even if you try to avoid payment, they will track you down. It might be one year, or it might be longer… but they will find you!

CARRY CASH

Wherever you’re driving in Britain or France, it’s a good idea to carry some cash. The reason for this is threefold: First, older gas stations may still be on a cash-only basis. Secondly, there are many toll roads, which you will need to pay for in cash. And thirdly, in many countries (France, for example) tickets are “on the spot,” which means that if you get pulled over the officer is going to expect you to pay him immediately! Hopefully this doesn’t happen, but it’s good to be prepared.

Now that you’ve got a leg up on driving in Europe, be bold! European drivers may seem reckless and aggressive, but in fact they’re accustomed to their way of doing things. So as long as you obey the rules, pay attention, and pull over when you’re asked, you should be fine.

Oh, and one last note to all Americans driving in Europe: NO RIGHT TURN ON RED!

Suzanne Pidduck is a veteran traveler and the founder of Rentvillas.com, an online company with more than twenty years’ experience connecting you with European villa rentals and apartments for rent in Tuscany, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and other destinations throughout Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and the rest of Europe. Visit her new travel tips blog for more helpful articles!

Growing up in the Midwest, I was a frequent visitor to the theme park, and even in my youth I heard whispered rumors about a secret restaurant built by Walt Disney above Pirates of the Caribbean. It was ultra elite, I was told, and only millionaires and movie stars were allowed inside. My youthful imagination went into overdrive. Disneyland was my idea of a garden of earthly delights, and if there was a secret place inside that garden so special that the general public was denied accessthen that place had to be out of this world.

An Invitation into the Inner Sanctum

Over the years I queried people about this restaurant, getting a wide variety of responses. Some said it was an urban legend. Others said that it was an eatery for Freemasons and masters of industry. Eventually I met a fellow named Tom who worked for W.E.D. (Walter Elias Disney Corporation) in the capacity of “imagineer.” When I inquired about the restaurant, he unhesitatingly said, “Oh, you mean Club 33.”

So, it was true. It really existed. It’s also true that Walt was a Master Mason of the 33rd Degree, the highest you may rise, which is why I believe it was named Club 33 (there are many other theories). Tom regaled me with strange and humorous anecdotes about the club and, noting my obvious enthusiasm, he eventually asked, “Hey, would you like to go there?”

Yes, I immediately informed him, I would.

At the time (1980) reservations had to be made months in advance, to allow for the attention to detail that made every guest feel as if he were a god entering Valhalla. When you were led to your seat, a shiny black book of matches sat at your place setting with your name embossed upon it in silver. Though this may not be your idea of Valhalla, it’s undeniably highfalutin’ and I’ve never heard of another restaurant to go to this extreme in courtesy.

Secrets of the Pirates

Since the entrance to Club 33 is secreted away near the exit to Pirates of the Caribbean, we went on the ride prior to visiting the restaurant, a ritual I’ve repeated to this day. As a student of the occult, I’ve come to appreciate the Masonic influences of Disney’s rides. Pirates of the Caribbean in particular recapitulates the symbology of the ancient mystery religions. First, you are warned to turn back by a talking skull warning that death may be imminent. Then you descend into a fantastic underworld. After enduring various trials and tribulations, you experience absolute destruction and finally ascend into the light. What better prelude could there be to entering the fabled Club 33?

Exiting the ride, you’ll wander onto a faux New Orleans street named Rue Royale and to your left, behind an apparently fake door with the innocuous marker “33″ is the entrance. Even if you’ve been to the club a dozen times and think you remember clearly where it is, you can miss it. It seems almost invisible. For good reason. Disney’s imagineers have scoured the color spectrum and discovered the shades least noticeable to the human eye. The color which ranks the highest they call “No-See-Um Green.” If you look around the park with a critical eye, you’ll find many things hiding behind this shade, including the door of Club 33.

Beyond the Green Door

In the old days there was a secret panel near the door concealing an intercom that would allow you to get buzzed in. Nowadays you need a keycard to access the doors to Valhalla.

Once inside, you’ll enter a small antechamber where a hostess verifies your reservation then directs you to an antiquarian 19th century elevator that will lift you to an eatery that replicates the fineries of a bygone age. When first I dined here, a harpsichordist played Mozart tunes. The club as a whole possesses an understated sense of elegance.

Stepping off the elevator into the Gallery, you’ll find a wooden telephone booth with leaded glass panels identical to the the one used in the Disney movie “The Happiest Millionaire.” Other interesting-looking pieces of antique furniture abound and the walls are decorated with a vast array of original (and undoubtably invaluable) works of art by Disney artists.

The Gallery leads you to Lounge Alley, the buffet room for the Main Dining Room and the Trophy Room. The Main Dining Room is an elegant remembrance of the Napoleonic era. Lit by three glimmering chandeliers, fragranted by fresh flowers and populated with antique bronzes, it emanates warmth and dignity.

The Trophy Room is a bit less formal. Wood-paneled and rustically refined, it brings to mind the den of a 19th century sportsman of no small means. There was a time when it was less refined and much more macho, with big game trophies, Fijian war clubs and even a mastodon tusk adorning the walls. But alas, they went the way of the wooly mammoth and were replaced by sketches and paintings. A few birds remain, notably an animitronic turkey vulture lurking in a corner. Walt envisioned the vulture conversing with guests (microphones were planted in the chandeliers to collect personal information) while they dined, but he died before he could put his strange and brilliant plan into operation. Which is a pity. What could be more exciting than, while digging into a steak, having a mechanical vulture start hassling you for a cut of the action. And, what’s more, the cheeky bastard would hassle you by name.

And as you might expect, the food is fabulous. The pasta bar dishes out everything from gnocchi to fettuccine al pesto, cooked to order. There’s beef briquette, chicken fricassee, and mushrooms stuffed with crab meat. It’s a flabbergasting buffet featuring every delicacy a condemned man (so long as he was a man of taste) might wish to enjoy as his last meal.
Above and beyond all this gastronomic majesty, of course, is the restaurant’s greatest allureit’s the only place in the Magical Kingdom where alcohol is served.

Drinking in Disneyland

When I stopped in a year ago, my pals and I waded through several bottles of a very nice chardonnay before our meals were finished. Bottles of wine start at around fifty bucks a pop, but how can put a price on the experience of getting drunk in Disneyland? We then proceeded to some serious drinking. The club assembles an excellent martini and I lost count of how many I consumed before we realized the restaurant was empty save for us gin guzzlers. We’d arrived at noon and it was presently dark outside. The tab was twice as much as I pay for a month’s rent, but hey I was in the happiest place on earth and I know what makes me happy.

We stumbled out into the warm California night and made our way to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. This was always a favorite of mine, another simulated occult rite of death and resurrection. During the ride, you are nearly killed a half of a dozen times, consummating with a head-on collision with a train, then ultimately end up in Hell before being cast back out into the park. Under any circumstances the ride is a laugh riot. After having consumed four hundred bucks worth of gin and chardonnay, it’s damn near a religious experience.

And so it was with the other rides in Fantasyland. In Snow White’s Scary Adventure, the last tableau you see is the witch about to launch a gigantic boulder down a path to crush the hapless seven dwarfs. Immediately afterwards you travel through a set of doors and note a huge sign reading “And they lived happily ever after.” This odd mix of death and happiness pervades Disneyland. There are 999 happy ghosts in the Haunted Mansion, but “there’s always room for one more.” “Hurry back!” the little wraith at the ride’s end entreats visitors, “and be sure to bring your death certificate.” It’s all too easy to imagine that this morbid humor is indicative of a more innocent age in which people could still smile about death and destruction, but even the newest rides are imbued with a sense of the macabre. “Temple of Doom,” as the name indicates, is one such example. It’s a roller-coaster ride past a fiery abyss, death-doting Kali worshippers and mountains of human skulls. If you’re looking for a celebration of mass death and fetishistic danger, look no further than “the happiest place on earth.”

Penetrating the Green Door

Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to visit Club 33 about a dozen times. I say lucky because I’ve always had the great fortune of knowing people who knew people who could get me in. I say great fortune because the rules governing access to the club have become increasingly stringent. Disney employees, such as Tom the Imagineer, are no longer allowed in. I recently met a high-level Disney employee whose jaw dropped when I mentioned I had reservations at the club. “I’ve worked for Disney for over ten years,” he exclaimed, “and I’ve never been allowed inside.”

If you’re Michael Jackson or a high-powered CEO, the red carpet is rolled out for you at Club 33. If not, there’s a $7,500 membership fee plus $2,250 in annual dues. There’s only room for 400 members on the club’s rolls, so you can expect a three-year waiting list.

Despite the obvious appeal such elitist and exclusionary tactics lend to the club, it’s sort of a shame. Disneyland and drinking go together like Peter Pan and Tinkerbell.

In a better world, they’d serve daiquiris as you waited to get into the Enchanted Tiki Room, and Bloody Marys while you languished in the line for the Haunted Mansion. Disney’s rationale for not serving booze in the park is that it might detract from the wholesome atmosphere. Which is ridiculous, of course. What could be more wholesome than a belt of rum while watching crazed pirates raping, pillaging, and burning a village to the ground; a shot of schnapps while a vengeful witch attempts to crush dwarves with a boulder; and what better than a mint julep to make a trip through Hell more pleasant?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Paisola is an international motivational speaker, trainer and author. He is an expert in the field of Personal Real Estate Investor Training. He is a professional speaker who has been featured on CNN, CNNFN, and the Wall Street Journal. He can answer your questions on the “Basics of the Real Estate Investing Business” to detailed issues regarding your specific transactions. Life Experience Robert Paisola is a Professional International Seminar Speaker in the Areas of Real Estate Investing, Tax Lien Investing, Rental Property Management, Real Estate Coach and Mentor Training and Business Management. He has served companies throughout the world. If you are interested in learning the business from someone like Rob email his office at robert@trumpworldwide.com or call our offices Nationwide toll Free at 1-877-517-9555 or visit http://www.successtrainingnetworks.com or http://www.allexperts.com/displayExpert.asp?Expert=38419

Fancy a beach stag weekend in an Ibiza-like atmosphere that’s close to home? In this case, Bournemouth in Dorsett is the closest to your preference. What is it that makes Bournemouth so unique? While Bournemouth was previously branded as a blue-rinse paradise, this destination is currently populated with bars and clubs, all located within close proximity and thus turning this city to popular stag weekend destination.

However, stag weekends in Bournemouth are not all about night activities. There are lots to do in the daytime here as well. In fact, Bournemouth is also a popular team building event destination, with group packages available just for this purpose. For instance, activities such as the Mexican Railway and Ground Action Learning Tasks are some of the team building activities that can be organised by a corporate event organiser such as Chillisauce.

Other than that, your Bournemouth stag weekend will be short of exhausting as you are provided with a platter of daytime activities to choose from. Be a spy for a day as you enroll in the Spy School at Bournemouth. Learn how to use spy equipment, drive like a spy and more importantly, shoot like one!

If this is not extreme enough for you, learn how to be a Hollywood stuntman instead. Discover how knock-out scenes are done through hands-on workshops, and learn the secrets of firing semi-automatic and automatic guns in a movie setting.

Do you long for an exhilarating time in the water? Your Bournemouth stag weekend will not be complete if you don’t try out the 3 hour speedboat wakeboarding session across Poole Harbour. Show your stuff to the other lads as you are pulled by a 310hp Mastercraft, one of the fastest wakeboarding boats around.

End your stag weekend days with a wholesome session of night partying at the various pubs and bars lining the streets of Bournemouth. If you are up for more exclusive evening activities, you can bring the stag to a Bournemouth casino and gamble away at the variety of Blackjack, Roulette and Stud Poker. Otherwise, opt for a cocktail making session with lessons conducted by experienced bartenders, as well as cocktail games that would be fun for the lads.

Are you enticed to get a taste of Bournemouth yourself? Just contact Shane Williss from Chillisauce www.chillisauce.co.uk, a full-bonded tour operator in the UK and around the world. With the vast experience gained from organising stag weekends, Chillisauce will show you the best that Bournemouth has to offer for your stag weekend.

Florence, along with Rome and Venice, is one of the “must see” cities of Italy. It is the epicenter of Renaissance, the place it all revolved around. Any famous artist or architect of the time had a part in making this place more beautiful.

The treasures of Florence are not limited to the art that was commissioned for the public. Many of the old private palazzos and gardens were designed by the best architects and landscape artists of the time and decorated by the best known artists. Some of these buildings are now open to the public and are well worth a visit.

Most tourists can only spend a limited time in Florence, so here is a list of my top things to see (Or: what would I do if I only had 2-3 days in Florence).

1. Go to the top of Giotto’s Campanile
This bell tower was built in the 14th century. From the top of it there is a great view of the area. It is also a good location to take pictures from a different angle. There are 414 stairs leading to the top, so it is not recommended for people who are not fit.

2. The doors of the batistero
These famous decorated bronze doors were made by Pisano and they depict scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist.

3. The top of the Dome
Another climb - the top of the dome. Climbing to the top of the dome gives you another look at things from above. The dome is open daily 8:30 - 19:00

4. The Uffizi
This world famous museum is a must see even for people who would normally not set foot in a museum. It holds treasures of art such as drawings by Botticelli. It is recommended to order tickets in advance to avoid the long lines in front of the museum.

5. Palazzo vecchio
Don’t let the exterior of this building fool you. Inside you will find all the luxury of the renaissance. Until the 16th century this was the seat of the government. Then, Lorenzo De Medici made it his own palace, and stayed here until he moved to another palace (Palazzo Pitti).

6. Ponte Vecchio
When you leave Piazza della Signoria towards the Arno river turn right. You can’t miss the Ponte Vecchio. Stop and look at it from a distance. Then, go to the bridge itself and use it to cross the Arno to the other side. On the bridge itself there is usually a big crowd of tourists and a small street market selling tourist items. Personally, I don’t like it, but many people do.
If you like bridges and the view from them, Ponte Santa Trinita is a great option.

7. Bargello
This museum, less famous than the Uffizi holds great collections of renaissance art including Brunaleschi’s offer for the doors of the Batistero contest.

8. Museo Dell’Opera de Duomo
This museum is dedicated to the works of construction of the Duomo, and also displays artworks that were removed from the exterior of the Duomo to preserve them. Most important - Ghibretti’s doors of the Batistero.

9. Wine tasting
Wine is an important part of Tuscany culture. In Florence go to Enoteca Alessi (Via delle Oche, 27-29-31 ) for a great variety of local wines. There is a special wine tasting area and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.

10. Eating
Enjoy the local food. Lots of restaurant, trattorias, bakeries, cafes and food stands compete for the right to feed everyone. Impossible to make a short list of recommendations, but I have to. Trattoria Mario (Via Rosina 2) is a good place to get a meal for a limited budget. For higher end food - Cibreo (Via A. Del Verrocchio is one of the top places in town.

Rachel Deutsch is the owner and writer of http://www.dream-vacation-in-Tuscany.com.

On this site, as in others, she shares her experience in travel, and the interest in Italy, its history and its pleasures.

Ships have been linked to Australian history through an umbilical cord. And so have been shipwrecks. Sail by the coasts of Australia, and you are sure to find one or two submerged hulks peeping out of the ocean surface. Sail by the North East coast, and chances are you will join the host of submerged hulks in the Great Barrier Reef, a magical stretch of ocean that has brought down many. There are many enchanting and romantic tales of such bravado, ill-fate, or sheer pig-headedness around such wrecks. This is one such.

Early in 20th century, 1911 to be precise, Magnetic Island was a rising centre of commerce. Doctor McCabe had a lavish paradise, aptly named Arcadia, where his rich female friends and acquaintances could visit. It was also the high time for bloomers and hooped skirts. The windy bay was precarious to the women’s modesty and Doctor McCabe, a dentist by profession, wanted to indulge the dignity of the women. He decided to install a breakwater, thus softening the windy ambience so threatening to his female friends. The idea was to tug along Moltke, an 827 ton vessel that had seen better days, which had ran aground on a reef at the northern end of Flinders Passage, between Townsville and Cape Bowling Green.

Our doctor brought in a local bloke who claimed some expertise in explosives. They attached the Moltke to a tugboat, planning to blow the explosives on the Moltke when it was situated properly to act as a breakwater for Arcadia’s jetty, the prospective abode of our modest ladies. Our explosive bloke lit the fuse a little bit too soon, and seeing this tug-boat skipper cut the rope leaving Moltke on its own. To make virtue out of a situation gone hilariously wrong, the bloke and the doctor jump against an impressive firework, and they survive to ‘drill and fill another day’. Moltke went straight in the wrong place, and in shallow water.

She did provide a sheltered anchorage for small crafts for many years, although she was no use as a breakwater for McCabe’s jetty, and the merry citizens of Magnetic Island still remember the day a dentist blew the Moltke away. Today, many ferry services carry tourists to a concrete ramp only hundred metres away from where the Moltke gloriously sank.

The stretches around the Great Barrier Reef is the graveyard of many more such glorious wreckages. A little further away from where Moltke sank, is the remains of another vessel called Maria - but it is another nice tale to be told another day. Lieutenant James Cook famously came along this route only, and discovered an island continent. In his train he brought criminal inmates, plundering gold prospectors, and today’s tourists. They come, they see, and they leave with enchanting tales of submerged hulks peeping out of historical times, shaking hands with a precarious present.

Magnetic Island lies off Townsville. It is well connected by ferries from the mainland. Unless you plan to stay in Townsville you may stay in nearby Cairns (about 300 kms), and make a day trip to Townsville. And while you are in Cairns, you lavish the charms of Ellisbeach Bungalows.

Produced by the team at TravelAU.com.au - a group of travel and technology industry professionals promoting unique Australian tourism and travel products, produced this article on behalf of Ellisbeach Bungalows. You are permitted to republish this article, provided the references to the http://www.travelau.com.au and http://www.ellisbeachbungalows.com.au remain intact.

North America is a continent filled with exciting vacation destinations for travelers to explore. Whether looking for a beachfront experience of sun, sand and surf or a mountaintop experience of alpine splendor and snow-capped peaks, North America boasts a wide variety of top-notch holiday locales for vacationers to experience. When it comes to North American mountain vacations there are a few locations that really stand out from the crowd; both for their stunning natural beauty and for the diversity of recreational entertainment found in the area. The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee definitely fit into this elite category. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an all-natural alpine playground that plays host to millions of visitors each and every year. And the surrounding cities of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville only add recreational value to a Smoky Mountain vacation experience.

Ever since the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was first designated a national treasure in the late 1920’s, this region, that stretches from East Tennessee into North Carolina, has grown in popularity for mountain vacation enthusiasts from around North America. The park boats a unique combination of sensational vistas, a multitude of walking and hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic landmarks. All of these aspects play a role in the overwhelming attraction of the Park. Perhaps the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best known for the autumnal flare it shows off between September and late November. It is during this time that rich, fiery colors of gold, orange, red, yellow, and brown light up the Tennessee hillside in strikingly vivid hues. Spring, summer and winter have plenty to offer visitors to the park as well; including the full bloom of summer, the snow-capped peaks of winter, or the fresh emerald flare that bursts forth every year in March.

While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is undoubtedly the attraction that first drew visitors to this part of the country, the local Tennessee cities of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville have grown up alongside the park to become world-class resort centers in their own right. Pigeon Forge is home to exciting attractions such as Dollywood- named after the area’s most famous citizen. Gatlinburg is home to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and numerous Smoky Mountain artisan galleries. And Sevierville, the last of the three Smoky Mountain sister cities, is home to exciting entertainment highlights such as the Governor’s Palace and the Great China Acrobats. All three of these cities offer their own unique version of Smoky Mountain charm and flare. And together they also play host to numerous area-wide Smoky Mountain festivals such as Winterfest, and the Harvest Festival.

For those vacationers who really want to achieve maximum enjoyment during their Smoky Mountain vacation, the lodging offered by the area’s stunning log cabin rentals prove a popular accommodation choice. Majestic Mountain Vacations features some of East Tennessee’s premium Pigeon Forge cabins. These sensational Smoky Mountain chalet rentals are beautifully crafted and fully equipped to offer true mountaintop luxury. Offering exquisite furnishings, state of the art audio-visual systems, and ultra-modern, stainless steel kitchen facilities, these Pigeon Forge cabins will revolutionize your perspective on mountain cabin lodging.

So if you have yet to take the opportunity to enjoy a fabulous Smoky Mountain vacation getaway, now is as good a time as any. The Smoky Mountain cities of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville offer year-round entertainment as well as numerous seasonal festivals and special events. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a jewel of Appalachian beauty that offers spectacular vistas 365 days a year. And Majestic Mountain Vacations adds incentive by offering a variety of seasonal Pigeon Forge cabin rental specials. So why not “head for the hills” of Tennessee? The spectacular cabin rentals featured at Majestic Mountain Vacations let you gaze in awe upon the surrounding Smoky Mountains, and are located only minutes from the downtown attractions of Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg.

The author is part of the marketing team at Majestic Mountain Vacations (http://www.majesticmountainvacations.com); a premium Pigeon Forge cabin lodging company offering stunning, luxurious Tennessee cabin rentals. The accommodation excellence provided by these cabin rentals allows you to enjoy the Smoky Mountains in all their alpine splendor - up close and personal.

You can remember when travel meant a chance to get away from it all. Even a car trip or an airplane ride was fun. But all that changed when you became parents. Add a couple of kids and travel becomes something to be avoided whenever possible.

Take heart! There are some things you can do to make travel fun and exciting. Whether you’re headed across town or across the country, pack up for travel made easy.

The most important thing for you to take is a great attitude. If you get into the car (bus, train, airplane) with the attitude that the trip is something to be endured, you’ll barely endure it. Travel can be fun if the adults in the car set out to make it fun. Kids are usually easily entertained with a bit of imagination and patience. Regardless of where you’re travel will take you, pack a great attitude before you even get out your luggage.

Look for travel games. There are hundreds to choose from. You can play license plate poker or blackjack. Engage the family in a search for each letter of the alphabet on billboards or license plates. Keep a list of all the different states you see license plates from. See how many people in other cars will wave. Play “I’m going to the store to buy” and list (in order) something for every letter of the alphabet until someone can’t remember. Remember to be age-appropriate so that everyone can play.

Sing. If you don’t know many, you can find plenty of CDs with silly songs, folk songs and children’s songs. The rules to this game are simple - everyone sings, regardless of ability. Talent doesn’t count.

Look for the unusual. If possible, get off the major freeways and see what there is to see. Stop often, but don’t always look for the chain gas stations. Short walks through tiny towns can be much more fun (and less expensive). Be safe, but be ready to explore. Kids love an adventure and you (with your positive attitude) can turn anything into an adventure.

Finally, be ready for anything. Take baby wipes or put several wet washcloths in a plastic baggie for wiping faces. Small pillows will make naps more comfortable. Crayons, paper, coloring books and story books may provide a much needed diversion.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Travel Resources a website providing information on Travel