Death of Adventure Games

A few weeks ago, Gamecenter ran an article in which they declared that adventure gaming was "dead and buried". The Gamecenter employees who write the titles for articles apparently don't coordinate their efforts with the people who write the subtitles for articles because even before the banner graphic was completely over, someone in the subtitle department had upgraded the condition of adventure games to merely "vanishing". Still, no matter which part of the logo you choose to look at, adventure games are in trouble.
Gamecenter blames Myst for killing adventure games. Or at least the Gamecenter employees who write the first paragraph of Gamecenter articles do. Again, this department may not be in direct contact with the team responsible for paragraph four, in which it is clearly stated that:
Now it seems people want more action than adventure. They would rather run around in short shorts raiding tombs than experience real stories.
As far as I can tell, the Gamecenter "death of adventure" timeline goes something like this:
The action-packed Myst introduces casual gamers to the pleasures of Tomb Raider.
Genius adventure gamers come to the painful realization that the same equipment they use to explore the complex fantasy world of Leisure Suit Larry can also be utilized by stupid people to run Quake. Thanks to their television-atrophied attention spans, these casual gamers are mentally incapable of spending six hours trying to randomly guess at the absurd dream logic Roberta Williams has applied to the problem of getting the dungeon key out of the bluebird's nest.
Horrified by the knowledge that somewhere someone is playing a game that is not an adventure, genius adventure gamers abandon the hobby in droves and resort to their backup source of entertainment: various combinations of Babylon 5 novels and masturbating.
Gamecenter mentions Jane Jensen's Gabriel Knight 3 as the last title of note in the genre. I'd like to use Gabriel Knight 3 to illustrate my alternate theory of who killed adventure gaming.

Here is the solution to Gabriel Knight 3's first major puzzle, in which you must rent a motorcycle. I've pulled it almost entirely from Gamespot, and have commented on it only when I could no longer help myself.
Since this next part where I quote directly from the Gamespot Gameguide is pretty dry, feel free to imagine that it's being spoken by OMM's new Adventure Gaming Mascot, Francis the Talking France:
Gabriel must disguise himself to fool the moped clerk.
You must combine several items to construct an adequate disguise and gain access to the motorbike. First, return to the museum and swipe the red cap from the lost-and-found box. You couldn't do this in the previous time blocks, but Gabriel knows he needs it now and has little trouble stealing the hat from the box. With the red hat in hand, head to the church.
Look at the Abbe's house and notice him watering his plants with a spray bottle. Wait for the Abbe to move back into his house and grab the spray bottle... When you emerge on the new street, you'll spot a black cat in the corner. Move Gabriel up to the cat and use the verb menu to examine and pet the cat.
The cat dashes into a small opening into an old shed. Examine the hole that the cat entered. Open up your inventory and pick up the piece of masking tape (if you failed to get the tape from Gabriel's hotel room, return there and open the dresser to get the masking tape). Use the masking tape on the shed door hole.
Walk back from the shed and notice the cat is now on a ledge. You can attempt to pet or grab the cat, but Gabriel can't because the feline is just too high. Here's where the spray bottle comes in. Select your inventory and pick up the spray bottle. Use the spray bottle on the cat, and he'll leap down and run, again, through the small opening into the shed. When he runs through the hole, he left some hair on the piece of masking tape you placed on the hole. Pick up the masking tape, and you'll gain black fur in your inventory.
Return to the hotel now and collect any items you missed the first time around that are vital to the disguise. These include the black marker from the hotel desk (just make sure Jean is wandering around), a piece of candy from the table near the lounge, and a packet of syrup from the dining room.
Head upstairs and knock on Mosely's door (room 33). He'll let you inside. If you want a hint about what to do with the candy, you can offer Mosely the candy, which he'll gladly take and consume quickly. Also, talk with Mosely about his passport, the key to solving the disguise puzzle. If you give Mosely the piece of candy, you must return downstairs and grab another one.
Locate the painting over the table depicting the street scene. Use the piece of candy from your inventory and place it on the table. Head down either staircase into the lobby. Look to the left of Jean's front desk and spot the room buzzers. Examine the buzzers and press the one for room 33, Mosely's room. This will buzz Mosely down to the front desk, but he'll become sidetracked by that yummy piece of candy you left for him.
Ascend the stairs on the right side, so you're on the opposite side of Gabriel's room entrance. Follow the camera around to Mosely's room and watch him exit and walk to the table with the piece of candy. Mosely will bend over and grab the candy, gobbling it up like before. Walk Gabriel over just behind Mosely and use the mouse cursor on Mosely or his passport to pickpocket him and swipe the passport.
As soon as you've got the passport, quickly head to Mosely's room 33 and enter it. Nab his gold coat on the coat rack by using the verb menu while the mouse is over the coat. Place the coat in your inventory and exit Mosely's room.
This sequence could take a few tries to get everything right, but you can repeat the process as many times as necessary to secure the necessary items: the passport and gold coat. Just use more candy and keep pressing that buzzer.
Open your inventory now; make sure you have the black marker and syrup. Grab the black marker and use it on Mosely's passport to make a mustache. Next, grab the black fur from the cat and use it on the syrup to make a black mustache. Finally, use the red hat on the mustache and then on the gold coat to complete your Mosely disguise.
With your disguise ready, return to the moped rental shop.

Hanging Valley

Highlights: A deep, narrow canyon with impressive limestone towers.
Location: 20 miles northeast of Helena.
Type of hike: Out-and-back day hike.
Total distance: 12 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Best months: June through October.
Maps: Hogback Mountain and Snedaker Basin USGS Quads, and Helena National Forest Map.
Finding the trailhead: To get to York, take Highway 280 northeast of Helena for 15 miles, crossing the Missouri River via the York Bridge. The trailhead starts at Vigilante Campground in the Helena National Forest, 5 miles northeast of York on the old Figure Eight Route (Forest Road 4137). The Figure Eight Route used to go beyond Vigilante Campground until massive floods in May 1981 buried the road under tons of gravel in Trout Creek Canyon.
Parking & trailhead facilities: Vehicle camping at Vigilante Campground.
The hike: Hanging Valley is actually a dry tributary of Trout Creek. It enters the canyon from a point high on the southern wall. You will be able to pick out where you have been from the bottom of Trout Creek Canyon after you have taken the hike. After exploring this section of the Big Belt Mountains, you will wonder how part of Utah, complete with narrow canyons and unusual rock formations, ended up in Montana.
Trail 247 starts at the back of the campground and is marked with a National Recreation Trail sign. The path climbs a dry hillside for 3 miles to a low pass between Trout Creek and Magpie Creek. During late May, the trail is lined with hundreds of pink fairy slippers and blue clematis just below the pass.
At the pass, turn left and proceed to the top of the mountain that forms the southern rim of Trout Creek Canyon. The views here are tremendous on a clear day, with the Flint Creek Range appearing from over the Continental Divide to the west and the Spanish Peaks near Bozeman visible some 100 air miles to the south.
The trail is well constructed and practically impossible to lose. Past the summit, the trail switchbacks down a heavily wooded slope for half a mile into Hanging Valley and passes huge Douglas firs that have escaped wildfires. The trail follows the dry watercourse into the canyon.
Limestone pinnacles 50 feet tall tower over the trail, which soon becomes a route just a few feet wide at the bottom of a narrow canyon. After the trail passes under a small natural bridge, you must descend a 5-foot-high rock step in the trail, adding excitement to the trip. During heavy snow years, the trail at this point may be impassable into mid-June.
The trail deadends on the lip of a dry waterfall several hundred feet up a sheer rock face on the southern wall of Trout Creek Canyon, hence the name Hanging Valley. The canyon walls bear a close resemblance to those of Bryce Canyon in Utah. Retrace your steps to Vigilante Campground, where you can briefly hike up Trout Creek Canyon and try to pick out Hanging Valley, high on the southern rim.
Aside from a few snowfields in the spring, the trail is waterless, so fill your canteens at the campground. Although the 12-mile round trip can be done easily in one day by most well-conditioned hikers, there are a few dry campsites along the trail if you want to make it an overnighter. The trip may prove too steep for younger hikers, but it should not be missed by anyone wanting to see a part of the Southwest right here in Montana.

Ten Lakes

Highlights: Lake-filled alpine scenery in one of the last roadless areas in the northern Whitefish Range.
Location: 50 miles north of Whitefish.
Type of hike: Shuttle two- or three-day backpacking trip.
Total distance: 12 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Best months: Mid-July through September.
Maps: Ksanka Peak and Stahl Peak USGS Quads, and Kootenai National Forest Map.
Finding the trailhead: Drive north of Whitefish on U.S. Highway 93 for 41.5 miles (8 miles south of Eureka) and turn northeast onto paved Grave Creek Road (Forest Road 114). After 10 miles, the pavement ends; stay right past the Stahl Creek Road turnoff, continuing on FR 114. After 13.8 miles, turn left onto FR 319. After 24.7 miles from US 2, FR 319 reaches the junction with FR 7086.
To reach Wolverine Creek Trailhead, turn right and follow FR 7086, a less-improved dirt road, for 2 miles to the junction with FR 7091. Stay left (right takes you to Rainbow Trailhead) on FR 7086 for another 0.3 mile to the trailhead on your right. This is also the trailhead for a 3-mile cutoff trail (Tie Thru Trail 82) between Bluebird and Wolverine Trailheads.
The point-to-point hike requires leaving a car at Big Therriault Lake. From the junction of FR 7086 and FR 319, go left instead of right and follow FR 319 for 2.5 miles to the junction with FR 7116 and FR 7085. Stay left on FR 7116 for 0.5 mile to Big Therriault Lake Campground and Trailhead.
Parking & trailhead facilities: Trailhead registers, parking, restrooms and campgrounds at Big Therriault Lake and Little Therriault Lake, both have trailheads for Highline Trail access. Wolverine Creek Trailhead has ample parking, but no restrooms.
Key points
2.5 Wolverine Lakes

4.5 Junction with Highline Trail (319)

6.0 Bluebird Lake 6.3 Bluebird Lake Trail (83)

9.3 Therriault Pass, Trail 339 continues to Stahl Peak Trail

12.0 Big Therriault Lake Trailhead

The hike: The Ten Lakes Scenic Area receives more than its fair share of snow in the winter, so don't attempt this hike before July 4th. In addition, Ten Lakes has a few resident grizzly bears, so follow all the standard precautions for camping in bear country.
From Wolverine Creek Trailhead, Wolverine Creek Trail (84) starts on the right side of the road, and Tie Thru Trail (82) to Bluebird Lake Trailhead starts on the left. (You can come back via Bluebird Lake Trail (83) and Tie Thru Trail to make a loop, but you miss the Stahl Peak area beyond Bluebird Lake.)
Wolverine Creek Trail to Wolverine Lakes climbs steeply at first. At 2.5 miles, the trail flattens out past Wolverine Lakes Basin. Near Wolverine Lakes is a small cabin. This area is also popular with snowmobilers in the winter (snowmobiling is allowed under scenic area but not wilderness designation). Then the trail reaches the ridge between the Ten Lakes Basin on the north and the Wolverine Flats on the south. The views are expansive in all directions, with glimpses of ranges such as the ice-clad Bugaboos far into Canada.
At 4.5 miles is the junction with Highline Trail (339). Stay left and follow this trail westward and then southward across the slopes of Green Mountain into the Bluebird Lake Basin. Before reaching Bluebird Lake, stay right past the junction with Paradise Camp Trail and Bluebird Cabin.
At 6 miles, Highline Trail reaches a short spur trail to the right for Bluebird Lake. Some of the lakes in this area receive heavy summer use. A quarter of a mile past Bluebird Lake on Highline Trail is the junction with Bluebird Lake Trail. (It is 2.5 miles to Bluebird Trailhead and another 3 miles back to Wolverine Trailhead via Tie Thru Trail.)
Continuing on Highline Trail to the southeast across the northern shoulder of St. Clair Peak, pass the junction with the trail to Little Therriault Lake; stay right for another 3 miles to Therriault Pass. At Therriault Pass, it is worth a side trip up to the top of Stahl Peak to visit the lookout and get a panoramic view of the southern portions of the Ten Lakes region. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep, which wander the crags during the summer months. Ernest Thompson Seton, the famous naturalist, wrote of the wild sheep in this area in several of his short stories published around the turn of the century. In fact, his namesake mountain, Mount Thompson Seton, lies 7 miles to the southeast of Stahl Peak.
Retrace your steps to Therriault Pass, pick up your pack, and continue down Trail 80, heading north to Big Therriault Lake Campground and your waiting vehicle

Alpine Trail, Columbia Mountain, and Strawberry Lake

Highlights: Outstanding panoramic views of northwestern Montana and Flathead Lake from a delightful ridgeline trail.
Location: Just southeast of Columbia Falls.
Type of trip: Shuttle three-day backpacking trip, with several day hike options.
Total distance: 20.5 miles.
Difficulty: Strenuous.
Best months: July through September.
Maps: Doris Mountain, Jewel Basin, Hash Mountain USGS Quads; and Flathead National Forest Map. Finding the Trailheads: To reach the Columbia Mountain Trailhead, drive east of Columbia Falls on U.S. Highway 2 and turn east at the junction with Highway 206 (from Bigfork). Shortly after the junction and 3.5 miles from Columbia Falls, turn right off US 2 on an unmarked dirt road just past the House of Mystery. Follow this road south for 0.2 mile until you see the Columbia Mountain Trailhead on your left. (This is a newer trailhead that became necessary to avoid crossing private land.) Columbia Mountian Trail (51) starts to the southeast of the parking area.
Finding the Trailheads: To reach the Columbia Mountain Trailhead, drive east of Columbia Falls on U.S. Highway 2 and turn east at the junction with Highway 206 (from Bigfork). Shortly after the junction and 3.5 miles from Columbia Falls, turn right off US 2 on an unmarked dirt road just past the House of Mystery. Follow this road south for 0.2 mile until you see the Columbia Mountain Trailhead on your left. (This is a newer trailhead that became necessary to avoid crossing private land.) Columbia Mountain Trail (51) starts to the southeast of the parking area. To reach Strawberry Lake Trailhead (for leaving a vehicle, having someone pick you up, or doing the Strawberry Lake day hike), drive east of Kalispell on Montana Highway 35 (or south back on Highway 206 from Columbia Mountain Trailhead). Just after the junction with Highway 206, turn left, heading east as the highway turns south, on Lake Blaine Road. Two miles farther, the road splits; stay straight on Foothills Road (Lake Blaine Road heads north) for another 7 miles (9 miles from MT 35) and turn left (east) on Krause Creek Road (Forest Road 5390). Drive 3.2 miles on FR 5390 until it deadends at Strawberry Lake Trail (5) Trailhead.
Parking & trailhead facilities: Ample parking at both trailheads, but no other services.
Key points
8.0 Columbia Mountain/Junction with Alpine Trail (7)

17.5 Strawberry Lake/Junction with Strawberry Lake Trail (5)

20.5 Strawberry Lake Trailhead

The hike: This backpack is not for beginners or small children. However, you may consider the easier option of just visiting popular Strawberry Lake. Doing this entire route usually requires three days with a full pack and involves a 3,500-foot elevation gain. You can cover this route in two days, but to really enjoy the scenery on this high-altitude hike, allow three. Although the trail is remote and primitive, it is still well-maintained and easy to follow. There is a fair chance of spotting elk or deer, and a great variety of wildflowers will greet you in summer, particularly in mid-July. Snow may block this trail until early July. The main attraction is the views. There is water at many places along the trail; however, there are some dry stretches on the northern half of this hike. Mosquitoes can be a problem early in the season, but they seem less severe than in many areas. Drinking water and shelter from the wind can often be found by dropping over the ridge to the east into the high meadows.
Starting on the Columbia Mountain Trail (51), you climb steadily up the slopes of Columbia Mountain to the intersection with Alpine Trail (7). From Columbia Mountain, take Trail 7 as it follows the top of the ridge, with views in all directions, including Hungry Horse Reservoir, the peaks of Glacier National Park, and the Flathead Valley. There are several places to camp along the trail, including Doris, Jenny, and Lamoose Lakes. Although there is some fishing in Strawberry and Lamoose Lakes, this hike is not known for its fishing. Once you descend to Strawberry Lake, turn west on Strawberry Lake Trail (5) for a 3-mile descent to Strawberry Lake Trailhead and the end of your three-day excursion.
Black bears and grizzlies inhabit this area, so there is a chance of a confrontation. The likelihood of such an encounter might be higher here than on many trails in Montana's national forests, but the probability of bear trouble is still much lower than in nearby Glacier National Park. Proper bear country manners will further lower the chance of bear trouble.
Options: Strawberry Lake is a very popular day hike for locals and tourists, but it is a pleasant hike if you don't mind greeting a few bikers and horses along the trail.
You could easily be lured into extending your trip on Alpine Trail to nearby Jewel Basin or even farther south. Alpine Trail follows the crest of the Swan Range all the way to just south of Broken Leg Mountain. Then, about 6 trail-less miles later along the crest, the trail begins again and continues to Inspiration Pass near Swan Lake. You could spend anywhere from a week to two weeks hiking and camping along the Alpine Trail, but the off-trail section between Broken Leg and Sixmile Mountains makes this a trek for experienced and physically fit hikers only. You can also reach Inspiration Pass via Trail 484 from Soup Creek Road (FR 10510).

Mount Helena Ridge

Highlights: A scenic walk along a dry, forested ridge.
Location: Near Helena.
Type of hike: Shuttle day hike.
Total distance: 7.4 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Best months: May through October.
Maps: Helena USGS Quad and Helena National Forest Map.
Finding the trailhead: Drive south of downtown Helena on Park Avenue until you see the sign for Mount Helena City Park and Reeders Village, a new residential subdivision. Drive up through the subdivision to the dirt parking lot.
To set up the shuttle, drive south on Park Avenue until it forks, just out of town. Take the right fork (Grizzly Gulch) and drive 4.1 miles up the well-maintained dirt road to where another dirt road veers off to the right on an open area on top of a large hill. The upper trailhead (locally called Park City Trailhead after a long-gone ghost town) is half a mile up this road. Look for a small sign marking the direction to the trail and the right turn. Drive a short distance to a parking area. Start here and hike toward Helena.
Parking & trailhead facilities: Limited parking at Park City trailheads; portable toilet and large parking lot (often full on weekend afternoons) at the Mount Helena City Park Trailhead.
Key points

5.0 City park boundary

5.4 Junction with Prairie, Backside, and 1906 trails.

5.9 Summit of Mount Helena

7.4 Mount Helena City Park Trailhead

The hike: This scenic, 7-mile, point-to-point trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail by the Forest Service. Mount Helena is a 620-acre city park with about 20 miles of hiking trails.
From Park City Trailhead, follow Trail 373 as it climbs gently up a few long switchbacks along a grassy slope to the northeast. Small clusters of rural ranchettes dot the valley below. From here to Mount Helena, the trail is well marked. This is probably the most scenic part of the hike, with views of the Mount Helena ridge, Mount Helena, and the Helena Valley. The city of Helena also appears frequently in the distance. After 5.4 miles, you reach the junction with Prairie Trail (stay right) and shortly after Backside Trail, (stay left), and then the 1906 Trail (stay right). All three junctions are within a 200-yard stretch of trail. Follow the 1906 Trail to the top of Mount Helena. From the summit, there are at least three ways to get down, but the most pleasant is to descend to the south on Hogback Trail and turn left on Prospect Shafts Trail, descending gently down to the trail above the new Reeders Village subdivision and your vehicle. Since this ridgetop trail is totally dry, bring plenty of water.
You might want to give the Forest Service a call and thank them for developing such a fine hiking trail so close to an urban area.

Hoskins Lake

Highlights: A low-elevation, mountain lake with good fishing accessible by a shortwell-maintained trail.

Location: 35 miles north of Libby in the Purcell Mountains.
Type of hike: Out-and-back or loop day hike.
Total distance: 1-mile out-and-back or 2.8-mile loop.
Difficulty: Easy.
Best months: Late May through October.
Maps: Bonnet Top USGS Quad and Kootenai National Forest Map.
Finding the trailhead: Drive west of Libby on U.S. Highway 2 for 29 miles (through Troy) and turn right, heading north on Yaak River Road. After a 29.5-mile drive up Yaak River Road to the town of Yaak, turn right, heading south on South Fork of the Yaak River Road (Forest Road 68) for 4.2 miles, then turn left, heading north on Vinal Lake Road (FR 746). You can also reach Vinal Lake Road by driving north of Libby on South Fork of the Yaak River Road, but it is a dirt road drive in contrast to the paved route to Yaak described above. Drive 7 miles north on Vinal Lake Road and look for Hoskins Lake Trailhead on your right about 2.2 miles past Vinal Creek.
Parking & trailhead facilities: Park on the west side of the road, no water or restroom facilities.
Key points 0.5 Hoskins Lake 1.2 Trail 51 1.5

Vinal Lake RoadThe hike: Vigorous hikers probably will not consider this a "hike," as it is less than half a mile to Hoskins Lake. However, for small children or less experienced hikers, it is perfect for an enjoyable day hike. You can reach the lake in only ten minutes if you do not stop to smell the wildflowers.
There is plenty of water along the well-maintained trail. There are no steep hills or hazards, and the chance of encountering bears is slim. Mosquitoes can take some of the fun out of this hike in the early summer; it is best to wait until late summer or fall to see Hoskins Lake.
There are actually two lakes-a larger lower lake with nice-sized cutthroat trout and a small, marshy, upper lake. Because of the good fishing, the lower lake is more heavily used-but not overused-mostly by local hikers. The upper lake is less visited.
A western larch forest with some very large trees surrounds the lakes. Here you have a good chance of seeing deer or moose in the marshy meadow. Grouse are common, and if you are lucky, you might spot an osprey or common loon near the lower lake. Some of the more common wildflowers include wake robin, shooting star, wild rose, Pacific trillium, queen cup, and rock clematis.
A few hikers continue north past the lakes and go down Bunker Hill Creek. Simply follow this trail past the upper lake and stay with it for about a mile until it joins Trail 51 up Bunker Hill Creek. Then turn left, heading for Vinal Lake Road. This makes a loop, since you come back to Vinal Lake Road about 1.2 miles north of Hoskins Lake Trailhead. However, it is easier and more common to hike back to your vehicle the way you came.

cycling

How to tackle Steep Turns - MTB Techniques

Being able to corner on your mountain bike is one thing but particularly steep switchbacks require a technique all of their own. Here’s how to tackle those tight and steep turns.

Step 1. Whenever you are out on the trail, it pays to look ahead-this tip will assist in almost any situation. You have to get over any fear of what is directly under you as it is already too late to avoid it. At low speeds you will need to look at least three or four metres in front-the faster you go the further you need to look up the trail. By looking ahead you will see the corner coming, pick the best line and avoid any major obstacles. This way you won’t be faced with any last second surprises. As you approach the corner, slow down accordingly. Steeper and tighter corners will need to be tackled at lower speeds-almost at a standstill in some cases. Brake evenly, retain control, avoid skidding and eye up your line through the corner.

Step 2. On a fast flowing corner you would lean the bike over, place your outside pedal down and put your weight on the outside foot. Low speed corners are very different-steep slow corners require you to keep your bike upright and really turn the front wheel. Your pedals will generally be level and you should be up off the saddle so that you can shift your weight back as required. The idea is to keep your weight centred between the wheels-the steeper the entrance to the corner the more you will need to get your weight towards the back of the bike.
Visit the Break Loose Marketplace for the latest second hand cycling gear.
Step 3. Go to a skills camp or ask someone how to corner and they’ll probably tell you, ‘don’t touch your front brakes in a turn.’ This is all well and good on a gentle grade but on a grade but on a steep incline with no brakes you will accelerate out of control and spear off into the bush! Steep corners require controlled use of both front and rear brakes with a heavy emphasis on ‘control’. The steeper the grade, the more front wheel turned and your front brake you will need to use. The combined effect of having your front wheel and your front brake on while gravity is trying to suck you down will all be trying to throw you over the bars. To counter this you need to get your weight back-the more you use your front brake, the more you will need to shift your weight back.

Step 4. As you continue through the corner you need to balance the use of your front brake against the need to maintain forward motion. If you go too slowly you can stall on an obstacle (like a tree root) and this could send you over the bars. Controlled use of your brakes means feather them rather tan just pull them on hard. Don’t let your wheels stop turning and be ready to let go of your brakes if something tries to stall you-feather the brakes and keep those wheels turning! Keep your weight balanced an look towards the exit of the corner.

Step 5. Once you are almost out of the corner you can ease off on the brakes and let gravity pull you through. This will help you roll over any obstacles that may lie in you r path and help you to retain your balance upon exiting the corner. Obviously if the trail continues to drop steeply you will need to keep a check on your speed. As with any skill, start basic and work your way up. Start on a tight low speed corner that is not too steep –this will allow you to practice your low speed balance and control with out jumping in at the deep end too soon. Practicing brake control on a steep grade will also assist with your confidence-remember the aim is to go slow without skidding

Journey on the Wild Side! - High Adventure in Central Australia

Life is too short to waste just dreaming about ultimate adventures when there is one of the most diverse and challenging destinations right on your own doorstep. Central Australia offers high adventure opportunities no matter your mode of transport, be it on two legs, four legs, two wheels or four, diesel powered, petrol or Avgas.Thrill seekers will delight at the scope and range of adrenalin pumping action with options for all ages and fitness levels. For a taste of real adventure and excitement there are world class hiking trails, hot air balloon rides over spectacular scenery, heart stopping helicopter rides and awesome self drive quad bike safaris.Take an ultimate test of mind and body with an extended camel safari deep into the ancient red deserts or grab a slice of HOG heaven with a self drive Harley-Davidson ride around Uluru / Ayers Rock or out to the Olgas / Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. 4x4 fans will also be more than satisfied at the many and varied challenges of exploring remote outback tracks.Central Australia's newest world class adventure experience is the recently completed 250 km Larapinta Trail which winds through a variety of stunning desert landscapes made famous in the paintings of renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira. The Trail has been divided into 12 sections, which have their own unique character and challenges beginning at the old Telegraph Station on the outskirts of Alice Springs and finishing at Redbank Gorge at the base of Mt Sonder.Any extended trek along the Larapinta Trail is physically demanding, involving hikes up rugged escarpments offering sweeping views across extensive flood plains and ancient rocky outcrops as well as steep descents into remote canyons following the path of dry river beds. Nature lovers will delight in being able to identify a range of rare fauna and flora and elusive local natives such as the shy Echidna, or Black-footed Rock Wallaby.Dedicated walkers will also relish the opportunity to participate in an extended camel trek through the remote deserts of Central Australia such as the vast Simpson Desert which was first explored by Europeans in 1844 by Charles Sturt's expedition. However, it was only as recent as 1976 that the first commercial camel expedition was undertaken by Rex Ellis from the Outback Camel Company. Today they offer a select few the rare opportunity of following in the footsteps of the early pioneers with a range of expeditions of 6 to 27 days duration.Not for the faint hearted, the camel expeditions across the Simpson Desert involve walking up to 15 km a day with a string of up to 18 camels. Travellers sleep out in swags under the stars at basic campsites where everyone helps out with the campfire cooking and tending the animals. The awe-inspiring beauty of the desert landscape is a powerful and inspiring presence as expeditions slowly meander over the sun drenched dunes and woodlands.For those who prefer their adventures on four wheels there are a range of quad bike safaris and 4x4 expeditions that squarely put you in the driver's seat. Kings Creek Station, a classic working outback property at the foot of the stunning George Gill Range just 35 km from Kings Canyon, not only offers thrill seekers great camping facilities but also self drive quad bike safaris and guided camel treks. Quad bikes allow you to venture into the untamed landscape in search of wild horses and camels as well as a chance to tackle crossings of red sand dunes and exploration of local Desert Oak groves.Central Australia is a haven for 4x4 enthusiasts, with its unique network of off road tracks, some of which follow the legendary pioneering trails of the early explorers, as well as newly opened areas such as the Mereenie Loop Road, which links the West MacDonnell Ranges to the Kings Canyon region. Team up with friends and family and travel in convoy for an adventure of a lifetime as you discover the stunning beauty of a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.High adventure takes to the skies with spectacular hot air balloon rides at dawn over the majestic central desert plains and escarpments. As the horizon unfolds amid the dramatic backdrop of a fiery desert sunrise, adventure seekers are offered an ultimate birds eye view of some of Australia's most breathtaking scenery. Thrill seekers can also take to the skies with heart pounding helicopter rides over Kings Canyon from nearby Kings Creek Station, which offer unprecedented photo opportunities and spectacular views of the rugged escarpments and gorges.For a slice of HOG heaven, experienced motorbike riders can take a self drive tour around Central Australia's three internationally acclaimed icons, Uluru / Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga and Kings Canyon. With Harleys, helmets, gloves and leathers provided, these self drive motor bike rides are every dedicated bikers ultimate adventure.Some would say why would you want to give up home comforts to rough it on overnight walking treks or extended 4x4 expeditions into the outback? Those who have done it say it's the physical and mental rewards that make it all worthwhile. When you shed the trappings of modern life and get back to basics like sleeping in a swag under the stars or walking up to 12 km a day through desert dunes, you grow and strengthen as a person by the daily challenges. You learn the value of teamwork and are rewarded with spectacular scenery and the chance to experience the rhythms of nature first hand without the constraints of clock watching or keeping to tight timetables.While Outback Central Australia may look and feel like another planet with its dramatic and rugged red desert landscape, there are many advantages associated with an adventure trip on your home turf. There are no long haul international air travel concerns as well as no customs, no passport or any money exchange worries. Best of all, Australia is frequently referred to as one of the world's safest destinations in these uncertain times.There has never never been a better time to experience the real outback in Australia's Central Australia.For more information on the outstanding range of adventure holidays options in Central Australia call the Territory Holiday Centre on 13 30 68. (Australia only) Check out the Territory's Drive web site at www.ntexplore.com and for great value adventure travel deals check out www.territorydiscoveries.com

Meet the Challenge - High Adventure in the Outback Northern Territory Gulf Country

Looking for a real challenge next holiday break? Then head north to the Outback Northern Territory's Gulf country where you can test a whole host of boundaries, both physical and mental. There you will find primeval wilderness, magical thermal springs, rivers that have never been fished, wild animals, rare and endangered birds, exotic plants as well as miles of pristine sandy beach terrain where you can fish, camp and commune with nature.For those with the spirit and the inclination to test themselves out in the tropical wilderness there are three very special properties in this still-largely-unknown, north-east corner of the Northern Territory. You will be welcomed in genuine outback fashion to share their private slice of outback wilderness and while you may feel you have arrived in the Land That Time Forgot, the region isn't that hard to get to (see map and fact file) and it's definitely worth the journey.Wollogorang Station, Pungalina Station and Lorella Springs Station, each the size of a small European country, offer visitors a different, unique and ultimately life-changing experience.What they have in common is access to natural luxuries that money can't buy in a million-star location - that's the Outback night sky, not the Ritz - with only the occasional adventurous visitor. You can experience real Survivor-style adventure, camp out in the bush and learn new skills for living off the land. Accommodation options vary in style from a newly-established luxury safari camp with all the trimmings to airconditioned cabins and just-you-and-nature-style basic camping on the beach.Wollogorang, which means "happy running water" in the local Aboriginal language, caters for visitors arriving in their own vehicles and allows access and camping at their 80km beach. You really have to work hard not to catch a the classic big one here. The longest-established of the three stations, one visitor has been coming back regularly to Wollogorang for 22 years. Many arrive at the homestead in regular two-wheel-drive vehicles, but you need a 4x4 to get to the beach.Wollogorang is a 1.73 million-acre cattle station on the Northern Territory/Queensland border with 40,000 head of Brahman, bred for the live export market. The old station homestead is right on the Carpentaria Highway and has been renamed the Gulf Wilderness Lodge and remodelled into a up-to-date licensed roadhouse with meals, fuel, camping and caravan sites as well as high-quality airconditioned cabins which accommodate 4 - 5 guests. You can approach, like the early settlers, from Queensland in the east or via Borroloola to the north west.Pungalina Station has geared facilities at its world-class wilderness for the soft-pillow, eco-explorer with fly-in, fly-out safari tours and accommodation at their well-equipped base camp. There are Aboriginal guides, from the local Garrwa language group who now live at the nearby Mungoorbarda (Robinson River) Community, and will share their knowledge about local Indigenous culture, traditional skills and collecting bush tucker.Birdlife abounds on the many lily-covered billabongs and lagoons. As well as sea eagles' nests and the tall, black-necked stork known as a Jabiru, you're likely to spot some rare species like mistletoe birds, pied (torresian) imperial pigeons, purple swamp hens, purple-crowned and red-backed fairy wrens or the crimson or long-tailed finch. Bushwalking and canoeing through unchartered territory are features of a stay at Pungalina and recently the resident guide discovered some caves with many ancient fossilized animal bones which were identified by a visiting palaeontologist who is planning to return and set up an official dig.Lorella Springs Station is a brand-new destination just opening up to visitors for the first time and is not for the faint hearted. The focus is on an "Australian Survivor" experience on a mostly-unexplored station. For those wanting to put the challenge back into corporate challenges, they have put together a nine-day package for keen companies to send their staff for team building and get-to-know-yourself training. You live off the land as much as possible, chase bulls, spot crocs and catch yabbies (like little lobsters) for dinner, and get the chance to eat witchetty grubs, although the owners won't let you starve!As this is very much an untamed environment you never know from one day to the next what you might come across but the owners, who grew up there, are on hand to guide you. Every night you'll be sitting around an open campfire to hear stories that will make your hair curl, and you can share your own heart racing experiences with others.If you're a totally self-contained traveller you can just turn up, as there is always someone at the station. The facilities are very basic at the moment and you must bring in everything you need - and take away all your rubbish. A fishing camp has been set up at Rosie Creek with basic facilities including pit toilets, water tank and shower, however there is no power at the camp. There will be a caravan park by April 2003, which will have unpowered sites only.By May 2003, they expect to be ready to start fly-in, fly-out nine-day tours and shorter tailor-made tours for self-drive traveller. The full-on experience is not restricted to corporate bookings. Just give them a ring if you're keen to test yourself in the wilderness, it makes Crocodile Dundee look like an insurance salesman.And while you're in that neck of the woods, don't miss the chance to find the Lost City a gigantic eerie natural phenomenon that features 25-metre-high sandstone pillars, which at 1.4 billion years old are twice the age of Uluru/Ayers Rock. The only way in is by helicopter from Cape Crawford and Cape Crawford Tourism, who have exclusive landing rights, will take you there. They also have exclusive access to Poppy's Pool which is on the Aboriginal-owned cattle station Bauhinia Downs where you can canoe and swim through a small gorge to a wonderful spring fed waterfall. You can either self drive to Poppy's Pool with a mud map supplied by Cape Crawford Tourism or you can be fully escorted.Take the plunge and make this year the year for undertaking a life changing journey into the tropical wilderness of the Outback Northern Territory's Gulf country. You'll never never know if you never never give it a go!!How to get thereWollogorang Station is on The Carpentaria Highway, which joins the Stuart Highway at Daly Waters. It is bitumen as far as Borroloola. Wollogorang is 3-hour drive from there on 270 kms of good dirt road.Contact: Paul ZlotkowskiTel: 08 8975 9944Website: www.gulf-savannah.com.au/regions/wollogorang.aspLorella Springs Station is a four-hour drive from Daly Waters on the Stuart Highway. It is bitumen to Cape Crawford and then good dirt road into the station.Contact: Rhett and Shanie WalkerTel: 08 8975 9917website: www.lorellasprings.comPungalina Station is primarily a fly-in, fly-out location and has an all-weather airstrip. You can get there by road but it's a rocky two-hour, 67-kms, dirt-road drive from the Carpentaria Highway and you must phone first.Contact: Dr Richard BassedTel: 0402 025712Owen DaviesTel: 08 8975 8951website: www.pungalinasafaris.com
When to goThe coolest time to visit is between April and September.The summer (Dec - Mar) is considered the prettiest with lush green foliage, clear, full-flowing waterways and even greater numbers of colourful, rare birds in the surrounding wetlands. Access is possible throughout the year, although certain areas may be temporarily impassable following prolonged periods of rain.NB: You should always ring first if you are thinking of travelling in the summer and take local advice on weather conditions.Contacts and Further InformationKatherine Region Tourism Association: Tel: 08 89722650Website: www.krta.com.auCape Crawford Tourism: Tel: 08 8975 9611
NTTC Disclaimer for use in Tales from the Territory, Picture Stories and Events list mailouts.The information contained in this document is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, the authors, publishers and the Northern Territory Tourist Commission expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein.Specifically, event information is supplied to the Northern Territory Tourist Commission by Event Co-ordinators. No endorsement or warranty either express of implied, is given by the Northern Territory Tourist Commission as to the conduct or practice of the Event Co-ordinators herein.In circumstances where the Northern Territory Tourist Commission acts as an agent for various accommodation houses, tour operators and other service providers, the Northern Territory Tourist Commission shall not be liable for any injury, irregularity, loss or damage, howsoever arising, from the provision of or failure to provide any such service.

Six months on a leaky boat

Karen East has a passion for the sea. Some would call it an obsession.Straight out of school, Karen jumped on a fishing boat and was out at sea prawning in Bartalumba Bay, Groote Eylandt. A large island on the far east coast of the Northern Territory, this has to be one of the remote places in Australia. She began adept at prawning , working Australia’s northern coast. Darwin, Broome and Port Headland all became temporary stops between long stays at sea searching for prawns and scampi.An opportunity to fish in the orient took Karen’s fancy. Lured by the dream of experiencing exotic locations, cultures and people, she joined a team with half Australian and half Burmese crew and went prawning off the coast of Burma. This turned out to be high intensity fishing, twenty four hours a da , seven days a week. During one shift, Karen spent six months at sea. Numerous boats were involved in the organization. Some were prawning while others resupplied the prawning trawlers. On one occasion, Karen found herself on one of the small supply boats. The motor broke down and the boat just drifted at sea for days. Then the drinking water supply dried up. Karen found herself to be the only English speaking person on the boat, the crew only spoke Burmese. Meanwhile with the motor and refrigeration inoperable, the cargo of seafood in the hold began to rot. The smell was unbearable.Fortunately Karen survived the Burma experience but all the hard work took its toll and she took two years off commercial fishing. Working at a shop at a remote surfing camp in the north west coast of Western Australia was a suitable break.Early in 2000 Karen found herself back fishing, this time drop lining in the Timor Sea for gold band snapper and assorted reef fish. Since then she has cooked on a Paspaley pearling boat, worked the banana prawn season and obtained her Master V fishing ticket.When we caught up with Karen, she had just returned from a Spanish Mackerel sortie and was up to her neck in boat repairs. The motor was out and Karen had an angle grinder in hand tackling rust, a fishing boat’s ever present enemy. As soon as the motor is back in, Karen will be back at sea with the wind in her hair and a smile on her face.

Snowfields of Australia

The drought may be biting hard in most of Australia but fortunately for snow skiers, the word is that it will snow a lot earlier than usual this year. This prediction comes from long range weather forecaster John Moore who forecasts for medium to heavy snow in June, the week before the long-weekend in fact. So the word is … book early. August bookings are already looking solid.

With that in mind, your next question is, where do you ski and stay this winter? You can expect to see some big changes in some of the popular resorts this winter. New chairlifts, reworked runs and long overdue renovations. Smaller improvements include ideas such as "never evers", roped-off areas so you can learn to "glide" without colliding with those who know what they’re doing.
The New South Wales Snowfields
Thredbo – NSWThredbo Village hugs the mountainside opposite the ski hill. The Thredbo ski slopes are a sprawling 480 ha of wide open slopes and interesting trails through snowgums. It boasts Australia’s longest run, Karel’s T-Bar to Friday Flat, at 5.9km. Thredbo boasts it has the country’s longest runs but all can be skied in a day. Thredbo is 5 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours from Melbourne Victoria.Spending $3 million to $5 million every year for the past few, Thredbo hasn’t been holding back when it comes to upgrading facilities and visual appeal. Thredbo is a world class alpine village with the only one to rival Thredbo’s atmosphere and cosiness being Mt Buller in Victoria.The feeling in Thredbo Village is that of a classic alpine village offering sophisticated restaurants as well as your favourite pizza and kebab bars. After a day of skiing you can visit The Bistro for a game of pool or sip champagne in the Lounge Bar. Dance through the night in the Keller or drink cocktails in the new Apres Bar at Denman Mountain Inn. So whats new at Thredbo this year? First there’s a new ski run to try. Ramshead’s Tower 10 has been removed to open up the new World Cup Run alongside the Supertail. More features appear in the terrain parks, and for the kids, new skiing zones have been set up on Friday Flat plus the new roped off glide area for never-evers.Beginners are welcome at Thredbo! Thredbo always knew it was a little imposing to beginners as you had to take a long chairlift ride to the learners’ area, and this was always going to be a little off-putting. With this in mind, Friday Flat was created at the base area, where beginners can walk up a few stairs and start learning on the very gentle slope accessed by a moving carpet. No chairlift required!When you are ready to take the next step there’s a four-seater chairlift to the top of the beginners’ slope to get you used to getting on and off a chairlift without incident.Where to ski at ThredboFor advanced skiers its hard to go past Cannonball Run and Little Beauty after taking off from The Bluff. This run is full of tight turns, fun rollers, has a natural fall line and… is never crowded. The intermediates will enjoy the Cruiser at Mieritts and the Supertrails while beginners can learn at their own pace on Friday Flat.www.thredbo.com.auPerisher Blue – NSWWith 50 lifts and over 1,245 ha of space, Perisher Blue is a big, spread out ski field. In fact Perisher Blue is the biggest resort in the southern hemisphere. Perisher offers shorter runs than most other ski fields but packs in plenty of interesting skiing with its pretty valleys and heaps of natural rollers. Perisher offers excellent skiing for all standards and is 5 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours from Melbourne.It’s less intimidating than other Australian ski fields with T-bars the main way to get around and the initial slopes are very gentle with the longest run at 3km. Spring festival (in September) will be bigger and better this year with Perisher celebrating its 10th anniversary since four ski fields joined together to create just one.New this year is a five-and-a-half day pass allowing package-holiday makers squeeze in an extra half day. Perisher has added a snow tube park at Mt Piper, adjacent the Perisher car park, providing fun for all ages. Blue Cow has more snowmaking and a bigger slope style with more rails and boxes.There’s good news for snowboarders and free skiers this season with a new Playstation supersized terrain park at Blue Cow. This year Perisher is expanding the First Tracks program to include forays to Blue Cow as well as Mt Perisher. All boarders and skiers of strong intermediate standard or above will love First Tracks.Where to ski at Perisher BluePleasant Valley at Blue Cow, or Smiggins are best for beginners. Front Valley or Guthega are great for intermediates with Mt Perisher and The Ridge at Blue Cow the best for advanced skiers. Snowboarders should head to the new Blue Cow Superpark.Try something a little different this winter and ride at night with the mountain groomers on Front Valley.www.perisherblue.com.auCharlotte Pass – NSWCharlotte Pass is a small family resort with a cluster of 12 older style friendly lodges. The village is dominated by Kosciusko Chalet, a snow bound chalet which is one of the most historic inns in the Snowy Mountains. At 1760m, Charlotte is Australia’s highest ski resort and is also the closest resort to Mt Koszciusko. You can only access the ski village via an 8km snowcat trip.The skiing at Charlotte Pass is gentle and on a big bowl visible from the Kosciusko Chalet. The Snowy Hydro’s cloud-seeding program is expected to boost snowfall in the area by up to 25 per cent. www.charlottepass.com.auThe Selwyn Snowfields – NSWThe Selwyn snowfields is mostly devoted to beginners and novice skiers making it a beginners paradise. Only 12 per cent is graded black. Selwyn has 12 ski lifts, tubing and tobogganing areas and a base facility. Selwyn is a great place to bring children or if your looking for your first snow experience.Snow making has been boosted by a third to cover 80 per cent of the Selwyn ski field. A magic carpet lift has been installed for the children’s ski school.Note: there’s no accommodation at Selwyn. You stay at Adaminaby, 35 minutes away. You can also stay at Tumit or Cooma which are both about an hour away, in different directions.Selwyn snowfields is the snow playground your whole family will enjoy, with skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snow tubing or just having fun playing in the snow.www.smhc.com.au
The Victorian Snowfields
Between June and September, stay in a Victorian alpine resort above the snowline and experience the ultimate advantage of ski-in, ski-out accommodation. The Victorian state’s snowfields offer a complete range of exhilarating snow activities in a diverse array of settings.At Mt Buller, just a three hour drive from Melbourne, you can enjoy a lively après-ski scene. In the European style village of Falls Creek, you can choose from an array of outstanding bars and restaurants. Or fly to Mount Hotham and test your skills on the slopes of the state’s highest resort.Mt Buller - VictoriaA sophisticated ski resort, Mt Buller is Victoria’s equivalent to NSW’s Thredbo. Just three hours from Melbourne, Mt Buller is a great all-round resort suitable for all standards of skiing. This year Mt Buller takes the honour of offering Australia’s only new chairlift, the Emirates Discovery quad chair on the north side. This new chairlift is the star attraction of Mt Buller’s fleet of 25 lifts, which can carry more than 40,000 people an hour and serve the 80 km of groomed runs on the 263 hectares of ski fields.So where is the best places to ski at Mt Buller? Beginners are best suited to Bourke St or Burnt Hut. Intermediates will love the wide blue runs off the Emirates Discovery chair lift, and Little Buller Spur and Wombat are still the classics.Federation is Mt Buller’s signature advanced run and after a snowfall, the Wombat Bowl’s Outer Edge is outstanding. After a fresh dump of powder, The Village Run, an ungroomed north-side black run, offers spectacular skiing through the gum trees and holds the snow well. This gives you plenty of time to make fresh tracks!For snowboarders, the Shakey Knees and Tirol are now great as you don’t have to clip off or skate across the terrain.This year, cross-country skiers will benefit from the new Mt Buller gate entry, which now includes entry to Mt Stirling. A new bridge has been built to open up access to that mountain.Your rest days are easily filled if you use Mt Buller’s other facilities. Try out the cinema, gym or spa retreat. Or just jump on a chairlift for a scenic ride and a mountain coffee.www.mtbuller.com.auMt Hotham - VictoriaLong known as the serious skier’s resort, Mt Hotham has raised the stakes in the après department too. A 5 hour drive from Melbourne and 9 hours from Sydney, Mt Hotham is the only resort with an airport. Direct flights operate from Melbourne and Sydney so it’s the closest snow destination to every capital city in Australia.At 320 ha, the Hotham ski field is smaller than its two NSW counterparts, but Hothams major plus is the bucket loads of true powder snow. It also has good fall line skiing, plenty to challenge the advanced skier.Hotham has 85 marked runs Easy Street to the Wall of Death, but for every ski run there are another two bearing local names that can’t be found on a trail map. Beginners can go straight to Big D, an area designed for first-timers that also has night skiing on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Once you have your ski legs you can head to the Summit. Intermediates can try out The Orchard and advanced skiers will love the Extreme Zone and One Tree Hill.www.hotham.com.auFalls Creek - VictoriaWhether skiing, boarding or snowplay’s your thing, Falls Creek should keep you happy. Falls Creek is a ski resort that will offer thrills for everyone in your family. It doesn’t matter how hot you are on the snow. About four hours drive from Melbourne, Falls Creek offers 92 runs, most are for intermediates and there are excellent terrain parks and a superpipe. Falls Creek is a car free village.For the first time this year Falls Creek will introduce a new week long program designed specifically for the beginner. The "Beginner-Friendly" program will operate from June 20 –24 and is expected to be an annual event. Beginners will use the latest skis or boards and start gently, getting the same instructor for all five days. The program includes a five-day lift/lessons/rental pass, additional lessons on the first and second afternoons, one snow-tubing session, video analysis, a souvenir group photograph and certificate."First Tracks" is another innovation for those who love the freedom of the slopes. This program operates every Wednesday and allows up to 20 skiers first crack at Sun Valley from 8am, before they open the lifts to everyone else.Also, new this season is an extra 5 hectares of snowmaking with five new fan guns added at Drovers Dream. At the terrain parks on Sun Valley and Ruined Castle there’s a stack of jumps, rails and fun boxes for all levels of freeriding.Where to ski at Falls Creek? Beginners head to Drovers Dream. Intermediates ski Sun Valley and the Towers chairlift. You can also catch the Scott and Ruined Castle chairs. For the advanced skier, The Maze, Village Bowl and Mt McKay are good choices. Terrain parks near the Ruined Castle chairlift are suited to freeriders.For the advanced skier or snowboarder, a visit to The Maze is terrific after a snowfall with advanced skiing through the trees a standout. Cabbage Patch has good steeps. Oest Wand has a nice testing pitch for intermediates and above. Shadow Ridge is a hidden gem off the Scott chair. For children, the Fox Trail terrain park introduces small jumps for them to get the feel for free air.www.fallscreek.com.auMt Buffalo - VictoriaThis boutique ski resort is a great place to learn to ski. Mt Buffalo is located 3.5 hours from Melbourne and 8 hours from Sydney. Mt Buffalo’s ski area has been resurrected for 2005 with new accommodation that makes it an affordable ski destination for families. Accommodation in the resort has been refurbished and upgraded. A new café and restaurant will also be ready for the 2005 season, along with five ski lifts, updated ski-hire facilities and a new snow-grooming machine.Under new management, Mt Buffalo’s smaller ski area (Dingo Dell) which was damaged by the recent bush fires will become a snow-tubing park with a new café. Mt Buffalo also has 15kms of cross-country trails and snow-shoeing to outstanding lookouts. www.mtbuffalochalet.com.auMt Baw Baw - VictoriaAnother of Victoria’s boutique ski resorts, Mt Baw Baw is 2.5 hours drive from Victoria and 12 hours from Sydney. Mt Baw Baw has 5 lifts on a 30 ha ski field, 10km of cross country trails, toboggan run and a snow tube park.www.mountbawbaw.com.auLake Mountain - VictoriaKnown as Victoria’s cross-country and snowplay resort, Lake Mountain is under 2 hours drive from Melbourne and only 20 kms from Marysville. Lake Mountain has 37 kms of cross-country trails and seven toboggan runs. This year a new six-gun snow making system will extend the season and ensure the toboggan runs and ski school area have fresh snow.www.lakemountainresort.com.auMt Stirling - VictoriaIf cross country skiing at Mt Stirling has more of a semi-wilderness feel with over 60kms of cross country trails to explore. Mt Stirling, which sits besides Mt Buller is 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne and just 32km from Mansfield. Winter facilities at Mt Stirling include snow patrol, cross country ski lessons, ski hire and a bistro.www.mtstirling.com.au

You Don't Have to Hurt Yourself to Snowboard!

Are you thinking of trying snowboarding, but reluctant because you've heard that you'll be bruised after the painful edge-catching falls of the first three days? Or have you tried snowboarding but thrown in the towel because it hurts too much when you fall?Snowboarding without InjuriesSnowboarding without injuries is actually a possibility. If you wear protective snowboard gear you will greatly reduce the odds of hurting yourself when you snowboard. You will not have to worry as much about possible pain and injury on the slopes, and you can relax and enjoy the ride. If you are lucky enough to always ride on soft deep powder, protection is not such a big issue. But hard snow happens, especially in Eastern America.Most Websites and Magazines Do Not Discuss Snowboard Safety ...... and protection for the snowboarder. In some circles, it seems there is something stoic and admirable about enduring pain. If you disagree. and want to spend quality time on the slopes instead of nursing bumps and bruises on the sidelines or sustaining slow-healing injuries that can become chronic and arthritic, read on. Main Points of Impact with Snow and IceWhen you ride, the main points of impact where your body will meet the snow or ice are predictable: knees, hands and wrists, buttside or tailbone, and head are the target zones. Protect these body parts and you will hurt less and have a lot more fun. Knee Protection for SnowboardersKnee protection is one of the most important pieces of snowboard protective gear. Your knees are bony and vulnerable. And they are complex joints that are painful and expensive to fix. Wear in-line Skate Knee Pads beneath your snow pants. Make sure they are soft and well-padded on the inside and hard plastic to absorb shock and protect on the outside. Good pads will also keep your knees warm and flexible, and you can relax so much more knowing that a fall forward is not going to be painful and damaging. Beginners fall on their knees often. Believe it or not, good knee pads also help to protect your wrists. Read on.Hand/Wrist Protection for SnowboardersFalling forward with your weight on your hands is a good way to break a wrist. Fists should be balled up, with your thumb outside, as if you were ready to punch someone. Try to relax and fall evenly on your protected knees, and forearms. You should wear good protective knee pads so you can distribute the weight on both your knees and hands. Then you won't have to try to catch yourself with your hands.Some experts argue that wearing skate wrist guards can increase the severity of a fracture by sending the "shock" up the arm to a larger bone. A new snowboard specific safety glove and wrist guard is now on the US Market. It was designed by a French Emergency Room physician who has worked on thousands of snowboard fractures, and it is supposed to reduce snowboard wrist injuries by up to 60%. Butt/Tailbone Protection for SnowboardersPeople sometimes say "But I have plenty of natural padding on my butt." Forget it. You need padding that is not connected to your central nervous system. If you're a beginner and if you don't have anything else, you can slide some bubble wrap down the back of your pants. Use plenty! You'll hear the bubbles pop when you fall and you'll be glad you wore them. And you will have saved a lot of jarring to your spine as well as wear and tear on your buttocks and tailbone.Once you're convinced of the need to save your posterior, invest in some real padding designed for snowboarders. A hard plastic shell outside with soft padding on the inside is great. It will hardly be noticeable beneath your snow pants and it really helps. Helmets for SnowboardersYou might think (mistakenly) that helmets are only for people who ride in the trees, or do big tricks. But the first time you catch an edge and go CLUNK! and the back of your head hits the hard hard ground, you'll reconsider. A helmet also adds the comfort of warmth and dryness, as well as cushioning for your brain. With a helmet on, you can ride in the rain comfortably, and have the slopes almost to yourself. You should buy a helmet in person at a shop. Correct fit is mandatory and tricky. Get expert help at the snowboard shop to be sure the helmet fits. And have your helmet checked for safety and fit next season if you fell on it a lot or grew dreds or shaved your head since you purchased it.Hydration for SnowboardersSnowboarding creates heat. That means you are perspiring, even when it's cold. Stay hydrated with water, and you will be able to ride longer and better. To replace the water lost perspiring and breathing the dry winter air, use a hydration system. It is a backpack with a water bladder, and a tube to deliver the water to your mouth. Simple and efficient. Just grab the tube, bite the valve on the end, and sip. You can easily do it while sitting on the lift. You can wear it outside your coat, or even under it on freezing days. You can do tricks and ride the pipe while wearing a small hydration backpack, no problem. You can also throw an extra clothing layer, energy bar, tool set, or whatever in the hydration backpack. The backpacks come in many different sizes and configurations.Safety for Your BoardIt's just as important to protect your trusty ride when you get off it. Hardcore riders never let their boards out of their sight. If you do, check yours at the lodge, or lock it with a small cable lock that you carry in your backpack.Ride Happily Many a DayUnlike with skating and surfing, you DON'T have to endure pain to learn and ride your snowboard. Respect yourself. Dress for safety and comfort on the slopes, and you'll come back to ride happily many a day.

When Adventure Tourism Kills

No one goes on an adventure tour with the thought that he won't make it back alive. The whole point is to push the envelope and live to tell the tale. It's unclear what Markus Groh thought when he signed up for a late February dive that could put him face-to-face with killer sharks spanning 18 feet in length — without a cage to separate him from the man-eaters. He surely didn't expect to end up dead. But the 49-year-old attorney from Austria, died on Feb. 24 after being bitten in the leg while swimming with the sharks in the Bahamas.

Every year hundreds of people die while living life to the fullest — battling white-water rapids, climbing the world's tallest mountain peak, descending to the depths of the ocean. These extreme sports are inherently dangerous and you take your chances. Or do you? "One of the things about these high-risk activities is that if you're going to participate in them you assume a certain kind of risk," says Prof. Lyrissa Lidsky, who teaches tort law at the University of Florida. In the case of Groh, the question is whether the tour operator failed to use reasonable care when he took a group of tourists diving for sharks without using cages. "Is the thing that killed him something that you normally associate with shark watching?" Lidsky asks, "Or, is it something that could have been avoided had the company used reasonable care?"
There are other factors to consider. "It's the first fatality that we have reported involving a dive where the host is specifically bringing in the animal by chumming [feeding the sharks with chopped up fish]," says George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida. "Putting people in the water with these large animals is a risk. It's not a matter of whether an attack like this was going to happen, it was when."
Diving with dangerous sharks without a cage appeals to the thrill seeker, Burgess says, adding, "It is taking further and further steps farther and farther toward danger." The tour, provided by Scuba Adventures of Riviera Beach, Fla., promoted its dives as great hammerhead and tiger shark expeditions. Although the company issued a blanket "no comment" when contacted by TIME, its literature made clear the divers would be in the water without any cages while the sharks were being fed — a practice banned in Florida.
"To insure the best results we will be 'chumming' the water with fish and fish parts," the Scuba Adventures website stated. "Consequently, there will be food in the water at the same time as the divers. Please be aware that these are not 'caged' dives, they are open water experiences. We will have crew members in the water at all times to insure diver safety."
Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, maintains there's no way the crew could ensure the safety of the divers. "That's not a controlled environment," Barreto says. "There's no way you know whether a three-foot shark or a 13-foot shark is coming." In 2001, the commission outlawed the practice of fish feeding off the coast of Florida. Because the tour operator could not legally attract sharks with chum in the state where he is based, he went to the Bahamas, Barreto says. "We're not discouraging people to go diving," Barreto adds. "We're telling them to be responsible and obey the law. One of the reasons they went to the Bahamas is they were doing something outside the law."
Jason Margulies, a prominent maritime attorney in Miami, agrees with Barreto. "It seems to me, that this guy was trying to sidestep the Florida ban on shark feeding by proceeding to Bahamian waters," Margulies says. "He knew the dangers. He was going the extra mile to do this." A statement from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism said in part, "Shark feeding excursions are legal in the Bahamas."
Whether Groh's family could prevail if they took the case to civil court depends a lot upon what law applies — Florida law or federal admiralty law. According to Margulies, admiralty law would apply if the vessel transported passengers between a port in the United States and a foreign country. The federal law would allow a negligence claim; Florida law would bar such a claim. Florida holds that waivers signed by a person participating in high-risk activity such as skydiving or shark watching are valid because they are knowingly engaging in risky activity, Margulies says.
If Florida law prevails, all recourse may not be lost for Groh's family. Lidsky explains that a lot depends upon the wording of the waiver. Sometimes a court will void the contract as a matter of public policy because the contract fails to spell out the risk, she says.
Still, she says, the best bet is to avoid risky behavior in the first place. But if the thrill seeker in you won't allow for that, at a minimum check out the tour operator's safety record and whether the company adheres to proper safety standards. This particularly applies when traveling abroad. Don't take for granted that a tour operator in a foreign country is going to apply the same safety standards as regulated in the United States, she says. Lastly, you may win your lawsuit but collect nothing because the tour operator either has no assets or is uninsured, she adds. Then again, if you want to see a shark close up, you just might want to visit an aquarium.

Westwind Tugboat Adventures: Go Fish!

Luxury Adventures: These wilderness-fishing excursions are done for the halibut -- and the salmon too! Westwind Tugboat Adventures offers cruises that combine extraordinary fishing and amazing sightseeing along the Inside Passage between Vancouver, BC, and Juneau, Alaska. Each day of a trip is devoted to tracking the best saltwater and stream fishing. The accompanying sights are breathtaking. Seeing undisturbed wildlife, green forests, coastal mountains, never-ending waterways, coves, bays, and the skylines is an extremely satisfying cathartic experience. Along the way guests see whales and porpoises popping out of the waters; eagles soaring overhead; and bears milling through the untamed wilderness. Passengers cruise the fabled waters of the Inside Passage in vintage 1941 wooden, heritage tugboats. Travelers board either the Parry or the Union Jack. With 12 being the maximum capacity of passengers, camaraderie and new friendships strike up the first day out. Each group or cabin receives an 18-foot skiff and tackle. So, passengers are able to pick and choose when they want to fish.
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The Follow the Fish tours are offered yearly May through September. The scheduled trips are seven days. The Langara Island area is explored May through June. Prince Rupert is covered the month of July. The bays and coves of Bella Bella are on the agenda from July through September. Very experienced local fishermen are aboard to offer guidance and assistance. Every evening is a party with clam diggings, clambakes, fish fries, and barbeques. An extensive wine selection also is included to perk up the amenities package. Special tours can be arranged for groups or special gatherings. This is an opportunity to experience a slice of real wildlife by land and sea with Westwind Tugboat Adventures. For LxM James Rothaar

Endless Thai Summer Adventure

Luxury Adventure: Before making your way to the region of Indo-China, a pit stop in Bangkok is a must for any worldly traveler. Stay in the heart of the city at the Siam Heritage Hotel or live in luxury at the five-star Peninsula Hotel Bangkok. In this sparkling city you will find the Grand Palace, the Royal Barges Museum and some of Asia's finest dining. When the sun sets, it's time to hit the clubs. Bangkok's nightlife has come a long way and has proudly established itself as "Asia's capital of cool." With everything from jazz clubs and trendy cafes to endless nights of dancing, Bangkok's diverse nightlife scene has something for everyone. After a week of nonstop action, it's time to dig further into your exploration. Experience Phuket via tent accommodations located in the middle of the jungle. Spend your days surfing monstrous waves and cutting through massive swells in your two-man kayak. Whittle your own spear out of bamboo, wade through the shallow waters of the Andaman Sea and come face to face with your dinner. With a radiant sunset as a backdrop, dine on your Siamese carp and mingle with the natives as you prepare for an early morning elephant trek. Days 1-2After arriving in Krabi, you are transferred to your oceanfront villa at the Centara Grand Beach Resort, located just 30 minutes from the Krabi airport. Maintaining a traditionally Thai ambiance, the resort offers a wide array of amenities, beautifully appointed villas with extensive terraces and sweeping panoramic views of white sandy beaches, lapped by crystal clear waters. The following day is to be spent at your leisure, whether it's strolling through the collection of shops in Ao Nang, taking a day trip to the Phra Nang Cave or combing the warm sandy beaches of West Railay. While these beaches are known to attract Westerners, it is the palm-fringed beaches of Ko Lao Liang, which are considered to be local favorites. Against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs, watch as the colorful clownfish flash through the glistening coral reefs as you enjoy an afternoon aboard your long-tail boat. A trip to Thailand wouldn't be complete without passing through the province of Phang-Nga, stopping at the rural villages and plantations scattered along the way. Jump on a dinghy and wade through the rivers that flow through the mangrove forest or grab a paddle and explore the smaller channels by canoe. Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch aboard a Classic Burmese Junk before heading to Khao Sok. Days 3-4From your tailor-made tent set in the remote jungle camp of Elephant Hills, you'll awake to the beckoning calls of monkeys and gibbons. As Thailand's first luxury jungle camp, Elephant Hills provides a unique and truly unforgettable experience. By day, explore the vast and varied jungle terrain. As the sun sets, make your way back to camp, light a fire and take a moment to absorb your surroundings. Since there is a lot to take in, you'll have two days to trek through the Khao Sok rainforest. Like the jungle explorers of yesteryear, your meals will be cooked in bamboo. Days 5-7Your jungle excursion comes to an end as you make your way to the picturesque beaches of Phuket. With accommodations at the Kata Beach Resort, you'll find an inner peace you never knew existed. The resort's lush tropical gardens, cascading fountains and spectacular views of Kata Bay and Crab Island make for an ideal ending to your awe-inspiring week. While in Phuket, be sure to visit Old Phuket Town, Wat Chalong and Thaweewong Road. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Watermark or the Oriental Spoon before you dance the night away at the Seduction Discotheque.

ATV Mexico

Overview
ATV Mexico is owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Pete and Ana Shepard. Pete and Ana discovered the majestic Copper Canyon through Ana's business ventures and they quickly fell in love with the area and generosity of the people. Traveling in and around Copper Canyon is taking a trip back in time. After years of taking friends and family members, Ana thought it would be great to guide people to the area. Pete is an ATV enthusiast and suggested taking people in on ATVs. After spending a year developing and testing the trip by ATV that people of all ages could enjoy, they opened for business. Ana enjoys staying at the best hotels the area has to offer, not only for comfort, but also for decor. Pete insisted on eating at every restaurant in the area to assure the food was authentic and there was plenty of it! Pete works as a locomotive engineer and understands the importance of having only two weeks of vacation. Pete and Ana are committed to doing their very best to make sure your experience is the most memorable vacation of a lifetime. ATV Mexico provides all-inclusive, all terrain vehicle tours to the majestic Copper Canyon in old Mexico. They have been working in Copper Canyon since 1997 and have over 44 years of combined Mexico experience. The Copper Canyon is 1,600 feet deeper than Arizona's Grand Canyon, covers 25,000 square miles, and is one of Mexico's greatest treasures. You will ride the best ATVs made on the planet, Yamaha Grizzly 660s, with independent suspension and four-wheel-drive. ATV Mexico provides all gear necessary for your adventure, including helmet, gloves, goggles, and rack bags for your personal belongings. Rivers, waterfalls, Tarahumara Indians, and lost missions are just a few of the countless things you'll see on this tour. The Indians still inhabit the caves, and the surrounding area is like traveling back in time, as fields are still plowed with horse and plow. Many of the towns visited date back to the 1700s. This trip is very adventurous and remote. You will get to experience the canyons like no other tour company can provide. ATV Mexico is the first and only company to offer an ATV tour to Copper Canyon. From silver mines to 1700 and 1800 history, they can take you there in style ... riding on a time machine through an old land. ATV Mexico is going to be airing on Fishers ATV World on the Outdoor Channel! Fishers ATV World ventured into Mexico for seven days and six nights and they will provide a realistic and up close look at ATV Mexico's tours

Luxury Tours: In the north-western mountainous region of Italy lays the Aosta Valley. Blanked in soft white snow, the small commune of Valgrisenche is truly a ski lovers' paradise. The whitewashed town is known for its extreme skiing conditions, but did you know that there are plenty of other things to see and do besides hit the slopes? There are many different areas located within the massive Italian Alps that are worthy of exploration. Making your way past rustic farmhouses and small villages, cut into the Dolomites via Brenner Pass, where you can sample trans-Alpine cuisine and spend the day relaxing at one of the many spas. Trentino -- comprised of 300 lakes formed by glaciers -- is a welcoming respite with plenty of activities. Spend the day swimming, fishing and windsurfing or explore the majestic lakes by sailboat, canoe or yacht. Believe it or not, there is even a flourishing nightlife scene and numerous Italian wineries nestled in the foothills. Day 1The following week is filled with adventures of surreal proportions packed with exciting days of shredding soft white powder and relaxing nights sipping wine at the Hotel Perret. After arriving at the airport in Milan Malpensa, take your shuttle to the charming Italian town of Valgrisenche. Enjoy a good night's rest as you will want to wake up early in order to enjoy a full day on the slopes. Day 2-7As the helicopter descends atop the massive Italian Alps you will be amazed by the magnificent peaks that surround you. It's a chance to discover the fresh, pristine slopes of Italy's Valgrisenche, carving your way across and down. You will enjoy ten descents by helicopter in several locations, learn tips and secrets from your personal UIAGM Valgrisenche guide, and discover nearby ski-resorts such as Courmayeur, La Thuile or Pila. In addition to skiing you will receive an exciting introduction to ice climbing, as well as an exhilarating ski tour. Should harsh weather conditions arise, your guide will determine alternative locations for making descents, often either to the north or in Switzerland. Day 7Make your last night in the Italian Alps unforgettable and ski down the Rutor glacier for a wonderful dinner at the Albergo Perret Chalet. Return to the Hotel Perret and soothe your aching muscles in the hotel's sauna as you prepare for your week of extreme skiing to come to an end.

Aqua Luxury Dive Adventures

Aqua was founded by two divers in search of the perfect dive-centered vacation. Fed up with average accomodations, mediocre food, disinterested boat crews and the general "do-it-yourself" attitude that pervades most dive operators, Aqua's founders set out to handcraft the ultimate dive travel company. Aqua is the result. Our trips are ultra-exclusive and limited to 10 divers, which allows us to tailor every facet of the trip and exceed your wildest vacation dreams. We've hand-selected the most luxurious and comfortable accomodations and the finest foods. We've stocked your house with premium wines, liquors and beers. State-of-the-art dive boats - staffed by each region's most experienced captains - transport you to the best dive spots in comfort and style. Onboard our boats we offer an incredible selection of snacks and beverages, each hand-tailored to your individual tastes. And a plush, warmed towel will greet you after each dive. At the end of the dive day the pampering continues with made-to-order gourmet meals, each freshly prepared by our award-winning chefs. Don't feel like staying in? We offer great nightlife outings and talk-of-the-town parties on our private docks and beaches. Best of all, each Aqua trip is staffed by our world-class concierge staff whose sole purpose is to make sure every wish and desire is granted...nothing is out of reach for Aqua. Aqua offers an unparalleled luxury experience for the discerning diver who enjoys the finest life has to offer