Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Remembering Gorillas in the Mist: Baobab Expeditions in Partnership with Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Baobab Expeditions
CONTACT: Richard Pfaeffli
TEL: 303 260 6489
E-MAIL: enquiries@baobabexpeditions.com
WEB: www.baobabexpeditions.com
Click Here for Media Kit

Remembering Gorillas in the Mist: Baobab Expeditions in Partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Denver, CO— This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Academy Award nominated movie, Gorillas in the Mist, starring Sigourney Weaver as real-life naturalist Dian Fossey and her work in the Congo with Mountain Gorillas. Although Dian Fossey died in 1985, her legacy continues on today in many forms. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI) is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitat in Africa. Baobab Expeditions, a company that takes modern day explorers on expeditions around the world, was hand-picked by the DFGFI for partnership as their travel provider due to Baobab’s unique, exploratory approach to expeditions through Africa and its conviction to support both wildlife conservation and community organizations.

As a result of this partnership, Baobab Expeditions has created conservation travel itineraries in partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund that are specifically designed to give guests a greater insight into how this charity operates while providing adventurers with an unforgettable vacation experience. These expeditions give travelers the opportunity to view gorillas in the wild and visit Fossey’s historical stomping grounds. Since Dian Fossey’s death, DFGFI has continued and expanded her pioneering work with endangered gorillas. In addition, DFGFI now operates programs for education, health, and economic development in local African communities.

Some of the activities of the DFGFI include:
Daily monitoring, protection and study of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans, from the world-renowned Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey. The center also operates educational programs, shares its scientific database with scientists and conservationists throughout the world, and provides training in tracking, anti-poaching, research, and other techniques.
Working with a series of community-based preserves and national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to help protect a unique eco-region that is home to the endangered Grauer’s gorilla and many other rare species.
Helping to bring a healthier environment to local communities through health education, medical treatments, clean water, and disease prevention programs.
Supporting special needs of local communities decimated by war, including orphanages, widows’ organizations, women’s business groups, and small-scale economic development.
Providing educational opportunities, programs, and resources for local populations.

A portion of every Baobab trip booking goes towards this worthwhile organization. Trips are from 4-12 days and departure dates are year-round. For more information about Baobab Expeditions Conservation itineraries or the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, click here or contact Richard Pfaeffli at 303 260 6489.

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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Affordable Ski Packages for Travelers 50+: Explore Winter Park With Over the Hill Gang International

Affordable Ski Packages for Travelers 50+: Explore Winter Park With Over the Hill Gang International
Springs, Colo.—The Winter Park Resort is Colorado’s longest continuously operating ski resort featuring over 3,000 skiable acres of award-winning terrain including groomers, terrain parks, bumps, steeps, trees and most definitely deeps – average snowfall is 336 inches with 365 inches recorded in 2008. Beyond Boundaries Travel in partnership with Over the Hill Gang International is offering a ski adventure designed specifically for the 50 + crowd. Accommodation is in the AAA three diamond Vintage Hotel (newly remodeled) has been voted one of the “Best 50 Ski Resort Hotels” by Conde Nast Traveler. The Vintage offers the warm coziness of a classic alpine retreat with fine amenities including on-site ski shop and ski lockers, fine dining, microbrewery, and even a library where you can relax in front of the fire with a favorite book or board game. A highlight of the week will be an outing to Devil’s Thumb Ranch for dinner. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is 5,000 acres located at the foot of the Continental Divide. The Ranch was started as a homestead in the 1930’s and has operated as a vacation property since 1946. Many of the original buildings are still being used today. The dinner will take place in the Timber House, which features 150-year-old hand-hewn beams and an incredible 240-degree view of the scenic Ranch Creek Valley and Continental Divide. Trip includes 7 nights’ accommodations, 5 of 6 days lift tickets, free shuttle service, free gondola service, and 12 meals. Dates: March 1-8th, 2009. Cost: $1269, $1239 over 70. Single Supplement $450. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, Stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , (832) 755-7661. www.beyondboundariestravel.com . Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Kid-Friendly Vacations: Kids Learn About Horsemanship and the Great Outdoors at Colorado's Historic 4UR Ranch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4UR Ranch
CONTACT: Aaron Christensen
TEL: 719-658-2202
E-MAIL: 4urranch@fone.net
WEB: www.4urranch.com
Click Here for Media Kit

Kid-Friendly Vacations: Kids Learn About Horsemanship and the Great Outdoors at Colorado’s Historic 4UR Ranch

Creede, CO—The historic 4UR Ranch, surrounded by the southern rocky mountains and nestled in the valley of beautiful south-central Colorado boasts top-quality horses, majestic vistas, legendary hot springs, superb dining, sweater-cool weather well into August, and a renowned children’s program that includes a focus on horsemanship. The highlight of the children’s experience is the weekly "rodeo" which gives the kids a chance for children to show off their newly acquired skills with a series of fun contests in the horse arena, complete with rodeo clowns.

The 4UR Ranch offers organized activities like horseback riding, hiking, treasure hunts, animal tracking, fishing lessons, campfires, hayrides, panning for gold, swimming, movie nights, and group games in a safe environment that encourages children to interact with their peers and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. The professional wranglers at the 4UR are accomplished in Natural Horsemanship and can share the special insights of this approach to riding with guests. With their expertise and the extensive trail system at the 4UR Ranch, both kids and adults will find many opportunities to improve their riding skills or simply become more comfortable in the saddle.

The ranch offers plenty of activities for adults too, like horseback riding, shooting some trap or sporting clays, swimming, hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. There's private golfing on a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course at the nearby Rio Grande Club, available by special arrangement to guests of the ranch. Explorers can take a quick trip into nearby Creede, one of the very last miner’s boom towns that sprung up in Colorado. Visitors can catch a musical at the renowned Creede Repertory Theatre, soak in the famous hot spring spa, arrange for a soothing massage at the ranch, or just relax and spend time with loved ones.

For more information or to book your family vacation, contact the 4UR Ranch at (719) 658-2202.
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