Monday, January 12, 2009

Rogue Wilderness Adventures Announces 2009 World-Renowned Hiking and Wilderness Lodge Trips

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rogue Wilderness Adventures
CONTACT: Brad Niva
TEL: 541-479-9554
E-MAIL: webmaster@wildrogue.com
WEB: www.wildrogue.com
Click Here for Media Kit

Rogue Wilderness Adventures Announces 2009 World-Renowned Hiking and Wilderness Lodge Trips

MERLIN, Oregon—Rogue Wilderness Adventures, a pioneer in hiking and rafting adventure trips along Oregon’s Rogue River that was highlighted as Outside Go’s premier outfitter for what was named one of the “top 12 treks on the globe” in 2008 is announcing its hiking trips for the 2009 season. The Rogue River National Recreation Trail from Grave Creek to Foster Bar is in the heart of the National Wild and Scenic Rogue River Canyon. This is a 44-mile trail that was originally built by miners, and there are 5 historic lodges along the trail that were built in the early 1900s and can only be accessed by foot or raft. Rogue Wilderness Adventures takes visitors on multiple-day treks to this area, now recognized as one of the best treks in the world.

These hikes are adventures in solitude—they give the visitor a new perspective as they witness the beauty of the river corridor and enjoy the benefits of the preservation of this area. Adventurers get the chance to learn about the history of this part of the country while enjoying the quiet scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife like bears, deer, and eagles. Hikers stay in the comfort of the cozy historic lodges after a long day on the trails and feast on hearty home-cooked meals, fresh bread, and views of the lush wilderness. This wild & scenic area is virtually absent of the effects of human development, and is one of the great wilderness experiences in the United States. The staff at Rogue Wilderness Adventures takes care of all details including transferring luggage from site to site by raft so that adventurers can make the most of their hiking experience, and at less than $1300, these trips offer budget-minded travelers a great value for their money.

During the months of May, June, September and October Rogue Wilderness Adventures offers a variety of these treks. All of the trips begin at Grave Creek trail head about 30 miles west of the town of Grants Pass. The trail from Grave Creek to Foster Bar is 44 miles long and is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service. The elevation at the trail head is 689 feet and at Foster Bar the elevation is 474. Itineraries range from 4 to 7 days.
Cost: $749-$1299.

For more information about Rogue Wilderness Adventures, please visit the website or contact Brad Niva at webmaster@wildrogue.com or by phone at 541-479-9554.
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Friday, January 9, 2009

Discover Alsace: The Gourmet Cycling Experience

MONTPELLIER, France--Alsace cycling travel is a unique experience as you explore a part of the region that is nestled between the beautiful Vosges mountains in France and the borders of Germany and Switzerland. . Discover France , the leading specialist in bicycle, hiking, walking, and specialty travel services throughout France, offers creative value-focused itineraries that cover all regions of France from Paris to the countryside. This journey takes visitors to stunning Alsace, which is a region rich in tradition and is a combination of cultures and charm. The famous Route du Vin (wine route) encompasses at least 100 wine producing villages between Strasbourg and Colmar, creating some of France's best wines. It also offers gourmet cuisine and has more Michelin star restaurants than any other region. Experience gastronomy in refined and traditional dishes like the famous baeckeofe. The beauty of its traditional architecture will surprise you with village after village of pretty, half timbered houses decked with brilliantly colored flowers. This bicycle tour in Alsace is very flexible, being self-guided, this bike tour can start on any day between April and October. The self-guided options offered by Discover France are also an affordable and value-oriented option and give travelers advantages that are not offered on group tours. Cost: 993 Euros per person (double occupancy), single supplement is 208 Euros. Bike Rental is 105 Euros. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, Stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661 . http://www.discoverfrance.com/ . Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit

Page Lambert's Literature and Landscape of a Horse Retreat to be Hosted at Wyoming's Historic Vee Bar Guest Ranch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vee Bar Guest Ranch
CONTACT: Kari Kilmer
TEL: 307-745-7036
E-MAIL: veebar@veebar.com
WEB: www.veebar.com
Click Here for Media Kit

Page Lambert’s Literature and Landscape of a Horse Retreat to be Hosted at Wyoming’s Historic Vee Bar Guest Ranch

Laramie, Wyo.—This summer, Wyoming’s historic Vee Bar Guest Ranch, nestled in the shadows of the Snowy Range mountains along the banks of the Little Laramie River, will host a retreat for women that combines writing and horseback riding with an unforgettable 5-day guest ranch experience. During this Literature and Landscape of a Horse Retreat, published writer and editor Page Lambert will demonstrate how interacting with horses can enhance both verbal and non-verbal communication which can improve writing skills and foster creativity.

“This retreat isn’t just about riding horses, and it isn’t just for women ~ it’s about developing a deeper understanding of the horse and our special relationship with the horse,” says Page Lambert, retreat leader. Page Lambert, award-winning author and founding member of Women Writing the West, was one of 15 women writers nationally selected to contribute to Writing Down the River: Into the Heart of the Grand Canyon. She has conducted over 100 fiction and nonfiction workshops and readings throughout the West and in British Columbia.

Participants in the workshop will be assigned their own special horse for the duration of the retreat and will learn how to interact with the horses while using the stunning Wyoming scenery as a creative backdrop. During the retreat, these writers will have the opportunity to groom and care for their horse, watch a variety of horsemanship demonstrations (colt breaking, saddling & bridling), ride in the mountains, bond with their horse, and receive guidance, new ideas, and starting points on their writing.

Dates: May 24th-29th, 2009; May 30th-June 4th, 2009. Cost: $1375 for week 1, $1425 for week 2. Price includes lodging and meals, writing and riding instruction, lodging, tack, and your own special horse for the entire 5 days.
For more information about this retreat, click here or contact Kari Kilmer at 307-745-7036.

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Monday, January 5, 2009

The Value of Latin American Travel: Experience Guatemala With Aventouras

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aventouras
CONTACT: Stephanie Moreland
TEL: 832-755-7661
E-MAIL: stephanie@atmstravelnews.com
WEB: www.aventouras.com
Click Here for Media Kit

The Value of Latin American Travel: Experience Guatemala With Aventouras

Evergreen, Colo.-- Aventouras, an award-winning adventure company that specializes in active trips to Latin American countries, is offering a 10-day journey that gives travelers the chance to Experience Guatemala with cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and plenty of excitement. Last year, this trip which culminates in a multi-day jungle hike to reach the incredible Mayan ruins of Tikal was named one of National Geographic Traveler’s “Top 50 Trips of a Lifetime”, and the response continues to be overwhelming.

Guatemala is one of the most authentic countries in the Americas. The traditional life of its indigenous people remains easily accessible. It features fascinating ancient Maya archaeological sites and some of the world’s richest biodiversity including thick jungle, stunning volcanoes and azure lakes. Activities include climbing the active volcano Pacaya, hiking, biking, ziplines and kayaking on Lake Atitlan, and the climax---a multi-day hike through the Peten jungle to emerge in the heart of the magnificent ruins of Tikal. This highly personalized exploration is packed full of cultural and adventure activities, and starts with two nights in Antigua, then includes a visit Santiago on Lake Atitlan for two nights, and ends with three nights in the Tikal region, with a final night in Antigua. Accommodation is in distinctive, unforgettable, and comfortable local hotels and inns that give visitors a taste of local flavor and immerse them in the culture of Guatemala.

Click here to view the entire itinerary to Experience Guatemala. Departures on February 20th and December 11th, 2009. Cost: $2098 All-Inclusive ($275 Single Supplement)

About Aventouras
Aventouras’ commitment to environmentally and socially responsible travel makes for a better experience for the guests because gives visitors the chance to experience unusual destinations and connect with local guides and hosts in a way that makes the trips truly memorable. Aventouras offers trips to Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos in South America. For more information, please visit the website at www.aventouras.com or contact Stephanie Moreland at (832) 755-7661.

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Monday, December 29, 2008

Award-Winning Costa Rican Inn Offers Tours of Certified Organic Coffee Farm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Finca Rosa Blanca
CONTACT: Glen Jampol
TEL: + 506-2269-9392
E-MAIL: info@fincarosablanca.com
WEB: www.fincarosablanca.com
Click Here for Media Kit

Award-Winning Costa Rican Inn Offers Tours of Certified Organic Coffee Farm
Santa Barbara de Heredia, Costa Rica-- Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn, situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, is an exclusive hideaway that was built with the goal of creating an ecological haven and a sustainable tourism destination in a high-quality, aesthetic environment for visitors who want to experience the biodiversity of Costa Rica. The inn has 30 acres of hard bean coffee which is certified organic by an international organization called OKO Garantie and is certified sustainable by the Rain Forest Alliance and CICAFE, the Costa Rican National Organization for Coffee.

The inn is located 4000 feet above sea level on a temperate plateau in an environment that is ideal for producing some of the world’s best coffee in the lush volcanic soil, and this coffee is an integral part of the guest experience. Guests of the inn are encouraged to participate in the picking, processing and roasting of Finca Rosa Blanca coffee. Visitors can take a tour of the farm and learn about the history of the coffee including how coffee was discovered, traded, and consumed, while touring the stunning landscape. They are shown the entire process of organic cultivation and harvest, including participating in the picking of coffee during the harvest season which takes place during the months of October through January. Visitors are shown the processing of coffee, including cleaning the berries and drying the coffee, and ultimately roasting their own coffee

Visitors also learn how the experts discern and rate gourmet coffee by participating in a “coffee cupping” session with famous Barista and Tour Guide, Leo Vergnani. The walk ends with a visit to their famous coffee bar participants learn to make cappuccino, cafĂ© latte, and espresso coffee. After a tour, guests can sit out on the spacious deck and enjoy the views of the volcanoes above and coffee fields below while learning more about the benefits to the environment and the community of an organic sustainable coffee farm.

The experience can be topped off with a “Finca Rosa Blanca Organic Coffee & Almond Buff” in their luxury spa. The naturally exfoliating and exhilarating properties of coffee from Rosa Blanca’s own organic plantation plus native almonds combine in this unique Costa Rican body blend. Cleansed and polished, the skin is then moisturized with natural oils and a smooth body massage completes the spa experience.

This tour plus the cupping session and the coffee break and pastries session lasts about 2 hours. Cost is $25 per person including coffee break beverage and pastries. As the tour includes some hiking, the inn provides visitors with hiking sticks, and slickers in case of rain. For more information about Finca Rosa Blanca and to schedule a tour, visit the website at www.fincarosablanca.com or call 617-395-1175.

About the Inn
Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn, is one of the most famous and award-winning hotels, and continues to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Finca Rosa Blanca has achieved the goal of proving that luxury accommodations and excellent service are entirely compatible with sustainable development. The inn is ideally located only 15 minutes from San Jose Airport in Costa Rica. Tucked away in the foothills of the stunning Central Valley area, it's a cozy and inviting hideaway that's perfect for a weekend getaway or week-long respite. The Inn offers two extraordinary master suites, and eleven elegant yet whimsical junior suites, four of which can be combined to form two spacious villas. All of the luxurious rooms include private Jacuzzi baths and mini bars as well as private verandas overlooking the spectacular Central Valley and the volcanoes above. Guests will also enjoy gourmet dining, and on-site luxury spa, and abundant outdoor activities

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Press Release: Fishing for Avid Anglers at Colorado's Historic 4 UR Ranch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Fishing for Avid Anglers: Experience Colorado’s Historic 4UR Ranch
Creede, CO— In addition to boasting top-quality horses, a nationally-renowned children’s’ program, majestic vistas, legendary hot springs, superb dining, a fascinating history, and sweater-cool weather well into August, the 4UR Ranch offers anglers an unforgettable fishing experience in the vast wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. Nestled in the stunning valley of south-central Colorado, the centerpiece of the ranch is Goose Creek, with over seven miles of private stream and fishing opportunities that will stun even the most avid fly fishing enthusiasts.

The 4UR Ranch waters are divided into 20 "stations” and guests choose the stations after dinner each night by lottery. Each guest has the opportunity to experience all twenty stations during their visit, giving them a variety of fishing during their vacation. Fifteen fly fishing stations are marked off along Goose Creek as it twists its way through the valley. Four stations are on the famed Rio Grande River and "Beat 20" is in the Weminuche Wilderness. The waters hold a myriad of trout: rainbows, browns, Snake River cutts, cutt-bow hybrids, and even brookies. Anglers can also take a guided fishing trip above timberline to Lost Lakes for rare Rio Grande cutts, or fish Station 21, a trophy pond in the ranch valley. All waters are catch and release fly fishing only, except for Walton Pond, which is ideal for kids.

Southern Colorado's Goose Creek drainage is quite unique. Flowing from the Weminuche Wilderness, it passes through only two pieces of private property, both 4UR and the neighbors, before reaching the Rio Grande. The neighbor's reservoir feeds the creek from its cool waters via an 80-foot dam, making this creek one of only a handful of "private tail waters" in America. Years of astute stream management and rigorous catch and release practices make for some surprisingly big, well-colored trout. 4UR Ranch has all the hot, local fly patterns plus rods, reels, waders, etc. in their ranch store. Guides and group casting lessons are also available.

The 4UR Ranch offers families an all-inclusive vacation spot at a good value complete with plenty of outdoor adventure, a dose of history and culture, and lots of family togetherness. For more information, please visit the website or contact Aaron Christensen at 719-658-2202.

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Arriving in Rome

I remember that it was swelteringly, smoderingly hot. I arrived at the end of the month of July, no doubt Italy's hottest period of time--I don't recommend it. It was so hot that my shirt was sticking to my back and my ass was sticking to the cheap pleather seat in the cab on the way to my rented apartment. It didn't bother me...at first.

I was far too busy gawking out the window as Rome flashed before my eyes. Snazzy Italians zoomed by me on their mopeds and the cypress trees lined the streets, standing like soldiers to welcome me to the Eternal City. I had been to Rome before for a few days, but I was trying to absorb the fact that I would actually be staying there for four months (and possibly longer). I had this hunch that I would fall in love here (and my prophecy would ultimately be fulfilled). The sun glittered in the sky, the sweat rolled off my brow, and my heart was beating wildly as I attempted to take a mental snapshot of the ancient buildings and the decadently-dressed Romans.

We zoomed past Santa Maria Maggiore, the basilica that would be like a guardian angel, watching me in silence as I spent many Roman nights laughing, crying, kissing, and soul-searching in her piazza. The taxi pulled up in front of a haggard-looking wooden door attached to a building that had some issues with paint peeling. My apartment. My heart sank as it occurred to me that I had no idea what this apartment looked like. It could have been the roach motel for all I knew, and I had committed to living there for at least a month.

I knocked on the door, but no one answered, and then I worried that Maria Teresa, the landlady, might have forgotten me.