Castle Well Airpark

10 Ways to Discover the Grand Canyon

roy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:31:39 +0000

Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon but don’t know what kind of activities there are to see and do once you reach the Grand Canyon?

If you are planning to visit the Grand Canyon either as a 1-Day-Activity or if you wish to make a week of it, there are plenty of options.

Here are 10 ways to explore the Grand Canyon. Many people could easily spend all day just looking at this magical wonder, but there are other ways you can enjoy the mighty Grand Canyon.

If you do not have a lot of time, it’s still possible to enjoy the Grand Canyon; you may just feel a little rushed. If you leave early and prepare yourself for a long day, it can be done.

If you are a traveler who has a little extra time, you would likely appreciate taking that extra day or two and view the other sightseeing attractions as you make your way to the Grand Canyon.

Many visitors spend the night in another town, such as Sedona, Arizona, where the beauty of the red-rock will astound you. If you choose to drive from the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, plan on about 4.5 hours of travel time to get to the Grand Canyon.

If you decide to stay in Flagstaff before traveling to Grand Canyon National Park, it is approximately 80 miles away, which should take about an hour and a half to drive there. If you stay in Sedona, the Canyon is about a two-hour drive.

The Grand Canyon National Park offers a free shuttle at the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village, along Hermit Road. Note that these shuttles provide transportation only and are not considered tour buses. (Bus Tours are available, however.)

You are required to exit the bus to view the Canyon. Also note that if you have physical challenges, most shuttles are inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Here are 10 excellent ways to explore the Grand Canyon.

1. Go boating or rafting. There are plenty of companies who are willing to take you on a very specialized tour-guided river experience inside the Grand Canyon. If you choose to go rafting, though, keep in mind that the water can get a little rough at times, but you will certainly be in good hands with your tour guide and required life jacket.

If you are timid about water, consider the fact that the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is said to be one of the wildest stretches of white water in the United States.

2. Go hiking. Many hiking trails exist throughout the area. The South Rim is where the most popular hike is. The name of this trail on the South Rim is named Bright Angel Trail, located near Grand Canyon Village.

On the North Rim, the most popular hiking trail is North Kaibab. (No permit is required here.)

No permit is needed for day hiking, but you will need a permit if you choose to camp inside the Grand Canyon, as dictated by the National Park Service.

The most popular backpacking site is the Bright Angel Campground. Bright Angel Campground is located at the end of Bright Angel Trail.

3. If you are not afraid of heights, you can always try out the new Grand Canyon Skywalk which recently opened this past spring! The Skywalk is officially open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. It first opened March 28, 2007, and from all accounts, is something very special and exciting.

4. Take a helicopter or a mule ride inside the Canyon. You will find several companies who will give you a bird’s eye view down inside the Canyon.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is the first walkway to suspend more than 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor. It extends 70 feet from the rim and is located at Grand Canyon West’s Eagle Point.

5. Take a helicopter ride. Tours originate at either the Grand Canyon Airport, five miles south of the park entrance or in Sedona.

6. Drive to the South Rim and park your car and walk to the edge of the Grand Canyon. If you don’t like large groups, or if you just prefer doing things on your own time, you certainly have this option.

7. You can access the Grand Canyon Railway train for some fun, too. Sit back and relax! Jump the train in Williams, Arizona, where it will escort you precisely to Grand Canyon Village.

8. Take a bus tour. Many tour companies are available for your tour to the Grand Canyon.

9. Take a Jeep Tour. If you like the wilderness, you will find that these Jeep tours are a great way to take in limitless nature along with Native American Indian history, culture and more.

10. Settle for an Audio Tour. You can also opt for your own personal guide on a CD. These are also available to visitors and provide a learning experience at every listeners own pace.

Technorati Tags: Canyon, Discover, Grand, ways

Flagstaff trip Jan.23,2010.wmv

roy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:48:53 +0000

Went from Sedona, AZ to Flagstaff,AZ this AM on I-17 right after it was opened. The town of Flagstaff is pretty shut down. Tried to go up on RTE 89A and it was closed due to a rock slide.

Technorati Tags: Flagstaff, Jan.232010.wmv, Trip

Cessna Aircrafts- the worldwide leaders of widening wings!!

roy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:11:31 +0000

Aircraft industries have an older history. There are hundreds of companies in the world that have dealt in the area of aviation and also there are so many names that have rose sharply and fell down steeply. So, the industry has the same nature as the product. It can lead you to the top also if you have the abilities, but if you become careless, it may crush you out in fewer seconds also!!

Even in this uncertain and quite riskier climate of the aircraft industry, there are fewer companies that are dealing in the aircraft industry with higher activation and also have gained a great momentum continuously.

The Company

Cessna is one of such giant names in the aviation. It is the subsidiary company of Textron Incorporation. The company is at the edge of completing of finishing the century of its birth as in June 1911, the company was started by the great visionary of the future, Clyde Cessna. There was a great response from the people in the initial stages. Since than, company has seen so many rises and falls in the life span. There were also some of the closures also in the mid 1930s but in just a few years the company was stably handled by Dwane Wallace brothers. After that the progress rate of the company is going quite stable and healthier.

The Progress

After World War II, the company got a great enthusiasm and they produced as many as 172 aircrafts in very shorter period and became the first ever company to produce so many aircrafts. This dose of success was sufficient for the massive staff of 15,000 people. The head place of the company is in the Wichita, Kansas.

Even after that, the company was eager to widen their wings in the US and also to other nations. They also took a major step in 2007, by purchasing the bankrupt Columbia Aircrafts. Buying the Columbia Aircrafts was a pure gamble in these crises, but company did select the option and also they invested in Brazil.

Cessna Aircraft are recently topping the aviation industry in Brazil and also they are one of the better names in the aviation line.

The Down under

There are some stages during the dull economic phases in all the companies of the world and the same things happened to Cessna also. They needed to cancel the project of Citation Columbus. Also they have eliminated as many as 7,500 workers out of their 15,000 total staff. So, the economic Recession has strucked badly to the Company. But, stronger foundation and wider popularity has removed all the fears and the company is still producing the same airplanes for sale!!

Technorati Tags: Aircrafts, Cessna, leaders, widening, wings", worldwide

Accelerated Flight Training, IFR, ILS, GPS, VOR, Commercial, Garmin G1000

roy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:14:00 +0000

Learn Accelerated Flight Training, IFR, ILS, GPS, VOR, Commercial in a Cessna Skyhawk with the Garmin G1000 with Flight Trainer Bill Fischer. www.aftcenter.com

Technorati Tags: Accelerated, Commercial, Flight, G1000, Garmin, Training

1973 Route 66 Kingman AZ

roy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:47:21 +0000

Really cool short vid of 1973 Route 66, Kozy Corner trailer park, lake mead rancheros restaurant & motel. copyright Giganticus Productions LLC. ENJOY!

Technorati Tags: 1973, kingman, route

Sign Time

roy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:47:21 +0000

Album Description
The 2008 release of Sign Time by the Roots Reggae founder Claudius ‘Kingman’ Linton is being called ‘The Unearthed Holy Grail of Reggae’ by DJs, reviewers and music lovers worldwide of the released CD collection of his essential 1970’s reggae hits, Roots Master: The Vintage Roots Reggae Singles Vol. 1 (Sun King Records). But no critic has reviewed this rediscovery reissue CD without an eager mention that the best is yet to come. A new band: Kingman & Jonah gathered … More >>

Sign Time

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Oahu Vacation Activities

roy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:14:04 +0000

Oahu, the state capitol of Hawaii, is the most populated island. You’ll find lots of nightlife and great shopping. For adventure, hike to the top of Diamond Head for a spectacular 360-degree view of Oahu and Waikiki, take surfing lessons, scuba dive, or ride an outrigger canoe. Consider snorkeling at Hanauma Bay amongst a myriad of tropical marine life.

An Oahu vacation isn’t just for the adventuresome. Leisure recreation is everywhere. One thing everyone must do is take the scenic drive over the Pali Highway, stopping at the historic site for a phenomenal view from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and while there stop and see where the famous big waves roll in. If you want to buy a lei, stop at one of the stands on Maunakea Street to see how they’re made. Of course it goes without saying, when you are on a Hawaii vacation in Oahu, a visit to Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial will be a highlight of the trip.

There are many nature tours to choose from on Oahu, Hawaii. Discover tropical rain forests, waterfalls, old Hawaiian Villages, visit an arboretum, or experience sunrise atop Diamond Head while learning of its history from your tour guide.

Many love to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu to, not only view original Hawaiian lifestyle, but also become familiar with many of the other Polynesian South Pacific Islands. This is a full day of entertainment and we recommend you buy your tickets in advance if you are traveling in a busy season.

For those who enjoy surfing, or simply like the thrill of watching some of the largest waves in the world pound the white Hawaiian sands, a visit to Oahu’s North Shore is a trip you’ll never forget. With waves reaching 20-30 feet in height, you’ll witness some of the bravest surfers in the world risk it all as they tackle one of nature’s most powerful forces. The North Shore of Oahu is where you’ll find famous surf beaches like Pipeline and Waimea Bay. The biggest surf on the North Shore can be found during the winter months between November and February, while the summer months usually produce relatively small surf anywhere from a few feet in height to complete calm, which provides for great snorkeling and swimming in Waimea Bay.

A Hawaii Vacation including Oahu would not be complete without a visit to King Kamehameha’s Palace. The first King of Hawaii, under his rule, he conquered the Hawaiian Islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaii in the year 1810. By developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha preserved Hawaii’s independence. Under his rule, he brought together all the other island’s chiefdoms and united them under one government.

It goes without say, if this is your first Oahu Vacation Rental experience, you will most likely visit Pearl Harbor in Oahu. Here you’ll visit the Memorials of the USS Arizona and the Missouri. The Memorial is the final resting place for many of the battleship’s 1,177 crew who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. The Memorial commemorates the site where World War II began for the United States. The tour of the Memorial includes a 23-minute documentary film depicting the attack on Pearl Harbor, a short boat trip and a self-guided exploration of the Memorial.

If you’re an aviation buff, you’ll enjoy The Pacific Aviation Museum. It is located in the WWII Hangars in Pearl Harbor, based on Oahu. These hangers still bear visible scars of our nation’s first aviation battlefield. Here you’ll find exhibits of a 1942 Japanese Zero and its’ opponent, the Wildcat. See the Stearman 18 year old George H. W. Bush soloed in as the war’s youngest aviator. Learn the history of how aviation turned the tide of World War II. Flight Simulators are also available for an extra fee.

Technorati Tags: Activities, Oahu, vacation

Waterfront in Arizona

roy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:14:04 +0000

When thinking about properties in Arizona, most people probably think desert, golf, or maybe retirement communities, but what about the waterfront? That’s right, waterfront. Arizona actually has a lot of waterfront real estate with two of the most exciting developments, Tempe Town Lake and the Arizona Canal near downtown Scottsdale, quickly becoming hot spots.

Built on the Rio Salado, 60 per cent of Tempe Town Lake has been designated for private development while the rest will be kept as open space, wildlife habitat and parks. The condos in this neighborhood have access to a marina, boat rentals, fishing and Tempe Beach Park.

This town is dedicated to providing a great atmosphere for its inhabitants and hosts 50 community events throughout the year, including a free Sunday music series at the marina, a marathon, a music festival and a community festival and fireworks display. Take in a show at the new Tempe Center for the Arts or visit one of the hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs along Mill Avenue. The future Tempe marketplace is slotted to provide 130 acres of outdoor mall with dining, shopping and a multiplex movie theatre.

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the beautiful lakeside trails are perfect for enjoying a leisurely stroll or morning jog, and if you’ve ever wanted to take up dragon boat racing or outrigger canoeing, local teams offer you the chance to do just that.

Lifestyle features such as pools, spas and onsite fitness centers are common offerings in this neighborhood. Take in stunning lake and mountain views from your private patio, courtyard or balcony, and check out the outdoor community spaces when you feel like being friendly. In fact, in addition to luxury condos, there are a number of award winning, master planned developments which include areas for commercial and office space so you can set up your business in the neighborhood and walk to work. If you work further afar, no worries – these developments enjoy easy access to Sky Harbor International Airport and Arizona State University, and with the light rail bridge your commute to downtown Phoenix is a snap!

With significantly less water but no less buzz is the development along the Arizona Canal near downtown Scottsdale. This waterfront revival is bringing with it the downtown’s resurgence: there’s a lot of excitement around what some people are billing “Scottsdale’s renaissance”. As the banks of the Canal undergo landscaping improvements the area is quickly becoming a hot spot for walking, biking and jogging. A number of condo and loft projects offer access to the nearby commercial projects, and buyers will delight in the area’s one of a kind boutiques, locally owned shops and trendy eateries. The nearby championship golf courses sweeten the deal.

The residences here are within walking distance to Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Fifth Avenue and Old Town areas. With two pedestrian bridges and downtown Scottsdale’s free trolley service, getting around town has never been easier – you’ll love the freedom.

So there you have it – two of Arizona’s hottest waterfront developments. Tempe Town Lake and the Arizona Canal near downtown Scottsdale are both great options for people looking to enjoy the urban lifestyle without the responsibilities of traditional home owning. These developments are ideal for professionals, empty-nesters and anyone who likes to be outside, or just wants to enjoy the view.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Waterfront

Windy afternoon in Bullhead City

roy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:47:03 +0000

Getting pelted by sand while driving in Bullhead City, Arizona.

Technorati Tags: afternoon, Bullhead, city, Windy

Route 66 on a Harley – the road to Flagstaff

roy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:46:31 +0000

The road from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff Arizona, as seen from the seat of a Harley-Davidson Road King. Filmed in October 2008 during the Irish 66ers charity road-trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on Route 66. www.route66.ie .

Technorati Tags: Flagstaff, harley, Road, route