The Villa Nautica Maldives Paradise Island

 Paradise Island

Paradise Island Picture

Introduction:

                          In the Maldives' turquoise waters, the Villa Nautica Maldives Paradise Island is the pinnacle of luxury and tranquility. This restrictive retreat, which is situated on one of the archipelago's most pleasant islands, gives an exceptional break for knowing explorers who are searching for the best equilibrium between modern solace and regular magnificence. Upon arrival at Villa Nautica, guests are greeted with warm Maldivian hospitality and a stunning view of the turquoise lagoon. Every one of the retreat's rich overwater manors and ocean front suites has been carefully intended to mix in with the environmental factors while as yet giving greatest security and guilty pleasure. The villas above the water, perched on stilts atop the crystal-clear waters, offer uninterrupted views of the ocean's horizon. Every manor is exquisitely outfitted with roomy living regions and current conveniences. In addition, there is a private deck that leads directly to the lagoon, where guests can sunbathe or swim whenever they want. Current decorations, mitigating variety plans, and smart subtleties all through the inside help to implant a feeling of quiet and unwinding. Those looking for a closer connection to the lush landscape of the island can take advantage of the beachfront suites, which seamlessly combine indoor luxury with outdoor living. These suites offer a peaceful safe house where visitors can loosen up in their own confidential shelter, encompassed by influencing palm trees and flawless white sands. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll along the shore or relaxing on the sun-drenched terrace,

Resturand In Maldives Island

Villa Nautica offers a sense of tranquility and natural beauty at every moment. With various eating choices that grandstand the freshest neighborhood and global flavors, Estate Nautica's culinary encounters are a dining experience for the faculties. From lavish seafood feasts served al fresco on the beach to intimate dinners under the stars, each meal is a culinary journey inspired by the Maldives' vibrant colors and flavors. The resort's creative menus, created by skilled chefs, make each dining experience memorable as well as delicious. Past the brilliant offices and eating experiences, Estate Nautica offers a wealth of activities and comforts planned to redesign guests' visit in paradise. Whether passing on a swimming encounter to explore the enthusiastic coral reefs, partaking in a reestablishing spa treatment disregarding the ocean, or essentially loosening up by the boundlessness pool with a restoring blended drink nearby, there is no lack of approaches to relaxing and recharge in this untainted setting. The resort also offers a variety of water sports and excursions for adventure seekers, such as jumping endeavors to locate the diverse marine life in the Maldives, dusk travels aboard a traditional dhoni, and island-bouncing endeavors to local uninhabited islands. At Estate Nautica Maldives Heaven Island, every second is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, rejuvenate the spirit, and create lasting memories in one of the most enthralling locations on earth. From the moment guests arrive to the time they say their goodbyes to the gentle lapping of the waves, this opulent retreat promises an unforgettable experience that embodies the true essence of island paradise.

 

Location :-

Maldivian Manor Nautica Arranged on a confidential island inside the Maldives archipelago, Heaven Island has an essential area only thirty minutes' seaplane ride from Malé Worldwide Air terminal. Visitors to this remote area are guaranteed the most privacy and tranquility, allowing them to fully appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the Maldives.

 

 

Accommodation:

The resort features an array of luxurious villas, each expertly crafted to offer the highest level of comfort and luxury. Visitors have access to a variety of accommodation choices, such as:
 

1.Overwater Villas: These large villas, perched above the transparent waves of the Indian Ocean, provide guests with direct access to the ocean through private decks that have steps going down into the sea.

 

2.Beachfront Villas: These villas, which are hidden away along the beautiful shoreline, offer visitors direct access to the beach, secretive gardens, and big outdoor living areas so they can take advantage of the amazing natural beauty of the Maldives.

 

3.Luxury Suites: The remedy offers luxurious luxury suites with private infinity pools, Swimming pools, and butler service for guests looking for the ultimate in luxury, giving a truly customized stay.

 

Facilities and Amenities:

Villa Nautica Maldives Paradise Island offers a wide range of amenities and services to satisfy every need and want of its visitors, including:

 

1.Fine Dining Restaurants: Experience delicious food at the resort's various eateries, which provide a wide range of world cuisines made by famous chefs with the freshest ingredients that can be found nearby.

 

Spa In maldives paradise island

2.Spa and Wellness Center:   At the resort's luxury spa, visitors can relax and refresh their bodies and minds with a range of organic treatments, massages, and wellness therapies that are influenced by traditional healing methods.

3.Water Sports and Activities: Fishing, swimming, boating, and sunset cruises are just a few of the water sports and activities that the resort offers. Set out on amazing adventures and explore the beautiful marine life of the Maldives.

 

Swiming pool

4.Infinity Pool: Swim in the resort's infinity pool, which has an ocean view, or just relax on the sun deck while sipping a cool cocktail and enjoying the sunny tropical weather.

 

5.Fitness Center: The resort's filled fitness center offers modern facilities and customized training programs to help you keep active and energized.

 

Kids playing in maldives island

6.Kids Club: The resort's focused Kids Club will keep the kids occupied with a range of educational and fun activities, giving parents some much-needed rest.

 

7.Private Yacht Charters: Enjoy the height of luxury as you explore the nearby islands, hidden sandbanks, and hidden gems of the Maldives island with private yacht charters.

 

Adventages:-

 1. Selectiveness: For those examining for a serene escape, Estate Nautica Maldives Heaven Island is a private, elite safe house that offers complete protection and inner harmony.

2. Rich Facilities: The retreat's huge estates and suites offer the ideal equilibrium between solace and style thanks to their delightful stylistic layout and high level conveniences.

Foods in Villa

3. Amazing Help: All through their visit, guests will not get anything not exactly the best nature of cordiality and care from the mindful staff and individual steward administration.

4. Regular Magnificence: Manor Nautica Maldives Heaven Island is a nature darling's and outside lover's little glimpse of heaven, encompassed by gorgeous sea shores, brilliant seas, and dazzling coral reefs.

5. Diverse food options: The resort has a variety of food options, from fine dining establishments to casual beachside cafes, to please everyone's palate.

Contact Information:

For reservations and inquiries, please contact:

Villa Nautica Maldives Paradise Island

Address: Private Island, Maldives

Phone: +960 XXXX XXXX

Email: reservations@villanauticamaldives.com

Website: www.villanauticamaldives.com

Swiming pool of maldives

In conclusion, excluding visitors looking for luxury, peace, and unmatched natural beauty in the Maldives will find an incredibly amazing time at Villa Nautica Maldives Paradise Island. This remote oasis offers opulent accommodation, first-rate services, and gorgeous surroundings, making it the ideal location for a wonderful tropical vacation.

Read More

Pokhara ( The Beauty of Nepal )

Phewa lake

Pokhara Valley

 Pokhara Valley is the second-largest valley in the hilly region of Nepal .  It is located in Gandaki Zone, 203 kilometres (126 mi) west of Kathmandu Valley.It lies in the western part of Nepal. The Cities of Pokhara and Lakenath are in the valley. The city of Pokhara is one of the major cities of Nepal and it, like Kathmandu Valley, is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes due to its clay soil and liquefaction potential.  

Lakes

Among many lakes in Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake is the largest. Phewa Lake is also the second largest lake of Nepal and it includes the parts of Pokhara Valley, Sarangkot, and Kaskikot. The reflection of Mount Macchapucchre (Fishtail) can be seen on this lake. Many tourists come to enjoy boating and fishing on Phewa lake. Another main attraction of Phewa Lake is the two-storied temple of Barahi Bhagwati Temple, situated on the middle of the lake, like an island. In addition to Phewa Lake, Begnas lake is another famous lake in Pokhara Valley, being the second largest lake in the Valley. Begnas Lake is situated at an elevation of 650 m and it covers 3 km .

Tourism

Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Many tourists visit Pokhara Valley to see the Himalayan range and lakes. Pokhara is also famous for boating, trekking, rafting and Extreme Sports like rafting, canoeing and bungee jumping. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the number of international tourists to Pokhara in 2009 was 203,527, and the same year 509,956 international tourists visited Nepal and the number is increasing every year .

International Mountain Museum

More than seventy thousand domestic and international tourists visit the International Mountain Museum (IMM) every year. IMM records, documents and exhibits the past and present developments related to mountain and mountaineering around the world. The museum contains three main exhibition halls: Hall of Great Himalayas, Hall of Fame and Hall of World Mountains. Inside the museum, there are exhibits on famous peaks, descriptions of famous mountaineers, the culture and lifestyle of mountain people, flora and fauna including geology, in an attempt to represent the traditional culture and values of the Nepalese people

Caves

Mahendra Cave is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Pokhara Valley. This cave is located in a small town called Batulechaur which is a ten-minute drive from the main city. The name Mahendra Cave is given after the Late King of Nepal Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The cave is a natural tunnel where one can walk inside and see different kinds of rocks around the wall, such as limestone, which sparkles when light strikes it. As one of the darker sights in Nepal, Mahendra Cave gives visitors the opportunity to explore the darker territory inside the tunnel. Bat Cave, which is also known as the natural habitat of bats, is also worth of visiting, and it is located a ten-minute walk away from Mahendra Cave. Bat cave is 150 m long and 25 ft. high. The main entrance of this cave is quite narrow but the inner part is wide enough. The main specialty of this cave is that there are more than 15 thousand bats of different species. Images of elephant tusks, gods, and goddesses can be observed in the inner walls of the cave.

Read More

King Mahendra‘s retreat (Tikapur pak )

Tikapur Park

Tikapur

              

Tikapur park, one of the biggest and beautiful parks in western Nepal Situated at Tikapur Municipality of Kailali District. It was built by King Mahendra. During that time his health condition was very poor, due to heart disease and Doctor too asked him to rest. But despite of his health he kept on the work of building it. After it was built positive changes were seen in his health because of its fresh and good environment.  So therefore this Tikapur Park is now known as "The Rest Place of King Mahendra Tikapur Park" which brought about a great change in his health very drastically.

Tikapur is a Municipality in Kailali District in Province No. 7 of Nepal that was established on 10 March 2017 through merging the two former Village development committees Narayanpur and Dansinhapur.^[1] It lies on the bank of Kauriala River. The most prominent landmark is Tikapur Great Garden.Which is also known as the tikapur park. At the time of the 2011 Nepal census it had a population of 76,084 people living in 15,356 individual households.

These days Tikapur  has been an area of  tourists, entertainments and recreations. A very mass of people from in and outside of the country come to visit this place for their soul peace and satisfaction with its pleasant and cool environment. Besides, Tikapur park is a famous park with variety of food stuffs made up of banana, and a melodious and sweet banana wine has been each people's desire to taste once, and every time whenever they come

The picturesque town of Tikapur is located next to the longest river of Nepal – the Karnali river. During the reign of King Mahendra, Tikapur was chosen for the establishment of the biggest and most beautiful park in Nepal: the Tikapur Great Garden. The natural and fresh environment of the garden had a positive effect on the king’s health. Consequently, this place is also known as “King Mahendra‘s retreat.” Since then, the park has not lost its qualities. It remains a popular destination for those seeking recreation in nature

Tikapur is a municipality of over 60,000 inhabitants, located on the right bank of the Karnali river in the Terai district of Kailali, far western region in Nepal. In Tikapur, 98% of the residents are using on-site sanitation technologies, which are either pit latrines, septic tanks or biogas digesters. 2% of the population is still practicing open defecation. Tikapur does not have a sewer system.

Not far from the park, Tikapur offers a culinary highlight: the “Banana Restaurant”. A variety of dishes made out of banana can be eaten here: mo-mos, chips, ice-cream and even wine! However, you can not only enjoy delicious banana dishes here. Visitors can also buy handicrafts created from parts of the banana stem, so that as little as possible goes to waste!

Because of the quite and silent peaceful environment and also pleasured by the adjoining Bardia National Park, people are more attracted with the natural environment provided by the animals and birds' anomalous sound and and thier activities with their amazing eye-catching varieties and colors, preserved in that National Park. An amazing creation of feelings provided by the combination of the nature and its creatures that you would ever have dreamt of. Besides it's further located near the Karnali Bridge at 25 km distant and Ghodaghodi Lake at 44 km, where a large mass of people come to visit and therefore are attracted to this very amazingly silent park, "The Rest place".

                       

                                                      Transportation

Tikapur Airport is an out-of-service airport that lies in Tikapur.[3] Tikapur is connected to Mahendra Highway, a major highway of Nepal, at Lamki bazar via Tikapur Lamki road. This north south road is nearly 12 km long. Towards south Tikapur has a 14 km long road which is called Tikapur Khakraula road. This road joins Tikapur with Khakraula bhansar which is near Mohana River.

Tikapur Airport Info:

Tikapur Airport IATA Code: TPU	Tikapur Airport ICAO Code:
Latitude : 28.5	Longitude : 81.1333
City : Tikapur	Country :  Nepal
World Area Code : 755	Airport Type : Small

Details about Tikapur Airport given here include

• Tikapur Airport Code - IATA Code (3 letter airport codes) and ICAO Code (4 letter airport codes)
• Coordinates of Tikapur Airport - Latitude and Longitude (Lat and Long) of Tikapur Airport
• Location of Tikapur Airport - City Name, Country, Country Codes etc...
• Tikapur Airport Time Zone and Current time at Tikapur Airport
• Address and contact details of Tikapur Airport along with website address of the airport
• Clickable Location Map of Tikapur Airport on Google Map.
• General information about Nepal where Tikapur Airport is located in the city of Tikapur. General information include capital of Nepal, currency and conversion rate of Nepal currency, Telephone Country code, exchange rate against US Dollar and Euro in case of major world currencies etc..

Read More

Godawari (king of beauty of seti zone of kailali district)

           

Godawari

                                                                  pic : godabari 

    One of the most famous  an the popular place of the seti  zone which is located a the heart of the kailali district  which is locate in the seti zone of Nepal. Kailai is the district of seti zone which is the part of far west at in the nepal . Godawari is one of the major holy river of people living in this area.

Godawari River :

                               Godawari River Located at Godawari is a Holy place for Hindu. There are tens of Hindu temple located in this place. You can see Shiva Mandir, Hanuman Mandir and also Buddhist Gumbas .

Godawari is the popular place where the picnic is done for the entertainment with the nature beauty .it is also most facmous Hinduism with the help of temples there are any temple  located at in the place wich is nature and the hindusium

             Some of the information of District , type , Headquarters

District                                                         Type                                                        Headquarters

Bajhang                                                        Mountain                                                      Chainpur

Bajura                                                        Mountain                                                           Martadi

Doti                                                             Hill                                                          Silgadhi

Kailali                                                         Outer Terai                                           Dhangadhi

        

                     Other beautiful Temple of this development

                               

                  Baijanath Dham                                                                              Achham

                                               

               Jalpadevi Temple                                                                             Achham

                               

                Tripurasundari                                                                             Achham   

               

                Rithinawa                                                                                      Achham                   

                Hadasaina Mada                                                                                                Achham                               




Baddi Machheli(????? ????? ) or simple Machheli is another famous tourist destination. The name Machheli means abundant fish. You will also able to see hangin bridge in Machheli river. This place is also famous for picnic spot.

         

Read More

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a U.S. National Park in Florida that protects the southern 20 percent of the original Everglades. In the United States, it is the largest tropical wilderness, the largest wilderness of any kind east of the Mississippi River, and is visited on average by one million people each year. It is the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states after Death Valley and Yellowstone. It has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance, one of only three locations in the world to appear on all three lists.

Everglades National Park

Although most U.S. national parks preserve unique geographic features, Everglades National Park was the first created to protect a fragile ecosystem. The Everglades are a network of wetlands and forests fed by a river flowing .25 miles (0.40 km) per day out of Lake Okeechobee, southwest into Florida Bay. The Park is the most significant breeding ground for tropical wading birds in North America, contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere, is home to 36 threatened or protected species including the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the West Indian manatee, and supports 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles. The majority of South Florida's fresh water, which is stored in the Biscayne Aquifer, is recharged in the park.

Humans have lived for thousands of years in or around the Everglades, until plans arose in 1882 to drain the wetlands and develop the recovered land for agricultural and residential use. As the 20th century progressed, water flow from Lake Okeechobee was increasingly controlled and diverted to enable explosive growth of the South Florida metropolitan area. The park was established in 1934 to protect the quickly vanishing Everglades, and dedicated in 1947 as massive canal building projects were initiated across South Florida. The ecosystems in Everglades National Park have suffered significantly from human activity, and restoration of the Everglades is a politically charged issue in South Florida.

Climate

Everglades National Park has a tropical savanna climate and tropical monsoon climate, depending on location. Most of the central region has a savanna climate while regions closer to shore, especially the eastern quarter of the park has a monsoonal climate. Both climates are characterized by two seasons: wet and dry. The park's dry season lasts from December to April, when temperatures vary from 53 °F (12 °C) to 77 °F (25 °C) and humidity is low. Since water levels are low at that time, animals congregate at central water locations, providing popular opportunities for viewing the wildlife. During the wet season, from May to November, temperatures are consistently above 90 °F (33 °C) and humidity over 90 percent. Storms can drop 10 to 300 mm of rain at a time, providing half the year's average of 60 inches of rainfall in just two months.

Ecosystems

At the turn of the 20th century common concepts of what should be protected in national parks invariably included formidable geologic features like mountains, geysers, or canyons. As Florida's population began to grow significantly and urban areas near the Everglades were developed, proponents of the park's establishment faced difficulty in persuading the federal government and the people of Florida that the subtle and constantly shifting ecosystems in the Everglades were just as worthy of protection. When the park was established in 1947, it became the first area within the U.S. to protect flora and fauna native to a region as opposed to geologic scenery. The National Park Service recognizes nine distinct interdependent ecosystems within the park that constantly shift in size owing to the amount of water present and other environmental factors.

Freshwater sloughs and marl prairies

Freshwater marl prairies are similar to sloughs, but lack the slow movement of surface water; instead, water seeps through a calcitic mud called marl. Algae and other microscopic organisms form periphyton, which attaches to limestone. When it dries it turns into a gray mud. Sawgrass and other water plants grow shorter in freshwater marl than they do in peat, the other type of soil in the Everglades which is found where water remains present longer throughout the year. Marl prairies are usually under water from three to seven months of the year, whereas sloughs may remain submerged for longer than nine months and sometimes remain under water from one year to the next. Sawgrass may dominate sloughs, creating a monoculture. Other grasses, such as muhly grass (Muhlenbergia filipes) and broad-leafed water plants can be found in marl prairies. Animals living in the freshwater sloughs also inhabit in marl prairies. Marl prairies may go dry in some parts of the year; alligators play a vital role in maintaining life in remote parts of the Everglades by burrowing in the mud during the dry season, creating pools of water where fish and amphibians survive from one year to the next. Alligator holes also attract other animals who congregate to feed on smaller prey. When the region floods again during the wet season, the fish and amphibians who were sustained in the alligator holes then repopulate freshwater marl prairies.

Endangered and threatened animals

The American crocodile has notable differences from the alligator. Habitat destruction and vehicle collisions are some of the largest threats it experiences.

Thirty-six federally protected animals live in the park, some of which face grave threats to their survival.

In the United States, the American crocodile's only habitat is within South Florida. They were once overhunted for their hides. They are protected today from hunting, but are still threatened due to habitat destruction and injury from vehicle collisions when crossing roads to reach waterways. About 1,000 crocodiles live in Florida and there are roughly 50 nests in the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. Crocodiles populations in South Florida have increased as has the number of alligators. Crocodiles were reclassified from "endangered" to "threatened" in the United States in 2007. The Florida panther is one of the most endangered mammals on earth. About 50 live in the wild, primarily in the Everglades and the Big Cypress Swamp. The biggest threats to the panther include habitat destruction from human development, vehicle collisions, inbreeding due to their limited gene pool, parasites, diseases, and mercury poisoning.

Four Everglade species of sea turtle including the Atlantic green sea turtle, the Atlantic hawksbill, the Atlantic loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and the Atlantic ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) are endangered. Also, the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is threatened. Numbers are difficult to determine, since males and juveniles do not return to their birthplace, although females lay eggs in the same location every year. Habitat loss and illegal poaching and destructive fishing practices are the biggest threats to these animals.

Two species of birds in the park are in danger of disappearing. The range of the Cape Sable seaside sparrow is restricted to Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress Swamp. In 1981 6,656 Cape Sable seaside sparrows were reported in park boundaries, but surveys over 10 years documented a decline to an estimated 2,624 birds by 2002. Attempts to return natural levels of water to the park have been controversial; Cape Sable seaside sparrows nest about a foot off the ground, and rising water levels may harm future populations, as well as threaten the endangered snail kite. The Everglades snail kite eats apple snails almost exclusively, and the Everglades is the only location in the United States where this bird of prey exists. There is some evidence that the population may be increasing, but loss of habitat and food sources keep the estimated number of these birds at several hundred.

Read More

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park hosting the densest and most exceptional concentration of pueblos in the American Southwest. The park is located in northwestern New Mexico, between Albuquerque and Farmington, in a remote canyon cut by the Chaco Wash. Containing the most sweeping collection of ancient ruins north of Mexico, the park preserves one of the United States' most important pre-Columbian cultural and historical areas.

Between AD 900 and 1150, Chaco Canyon was a major center of culture for the Ancient Pueblo Peoples. Chacoans quarried sandstone blocks and hauled timber from great distances, assembling fifteen major complexes that remained the largest buildings in North America until the 19th century. Evidence of archaeoastronomy at Chaco has been proposed, with the "Sun Dagger" petroglyph at Fajada Butte a popular example. Many Chacoan buildings may have been aligned to capture the solar and lunar cycles, requiring generations of astronomical observations and centuries of skillfully coordinated construction. 

Geology

After the Pangaean supercontinent sundered during the Cretaceous period, the region became part of a shifting transition zone between a shallow inland sea—the Western Interior Seaway—and a band of plains and low hills to the west. A sandy and swampy coastline oscillated east and west, alternately submerging and uncovering the area atop the present Colorado Plateau that Chaco Canyon now occupies. The Chaco Wash flowed across the upper strata of what is now the 400-foot (120 m) Chacra Mesa, cutting into it and gouging out a broad canyon over the course of millions of years. The mesa comprises sandstone and shale formations dating from the Late Cretaceous, which are of the Mesa Verde formation. The canyon bottomlands were further eroded, exposing Menefee Shale bedrock; this was subsequently buried under roughly 125 feet (38 m) of sediment. The canyon and mesa lie within the "Chaco Core"—which is distinct from the wider Chaco Plateau, a flat region of grassland with infrequent stands of timber. As the Continental Divide is only 15.5 miles (25 km) east of the canyon, geological characteristics and different patterns of drainage differentiate these two regions both from each other and from the nearby Chaco Slope, the Gobernador Slope, and the Chuska Valley.

Climate

An arid region of high xeric scrubland and desert steppe, the canyon and wider basin average 8 inches of rainfall annually; the park averages 9.1 inches. Chaco Canyon lies on the leeward side of extensive mountain ranges to the south and west, resulting in a rainshadow effect that fosters the prevailing lack of moisture in the region. The region sees four distinct seasons. Rainfall is most likely between July and September, while May and June are the driest months. Orographic precipitation, which results from moisture wrung out of storm systems ascending the mountain ranges around Chaco Canyon, is responsible for most of the summer and winter precipitation, and rainfall increases with higher elevation. Occasional aberrant northward excursions of the intertropical convergence zone may boost precipitation in some years.

Chaco endures remarkable climatic extremes: temperatures range between -38 to 102 °F (-39 to 39 °C), and may swing 60 °F (33 °C) in a single day. The region averages fewer than 150 frost-free days per year, and the local climate swings wildly from years of plentiful rainfall to prolonged drought. The heavy influence of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation contributes to the canyon's fickle climate.

Flora and fauna

Chacoan flora typifies that of North American high deserts: sagebrush and several species of cactus are interspersed with dry scrub forests of piñon and juniper, the latter primarily on the mesa tops. The canyon is far drier than other parts of New Mexico located at similar latitudes and elevations, and it lacks the temperate coniferous forests plentiful to the east. The prevailing sparseness of plants and wildlife was echoed in ancient times, when overpopulation, expanding cultivation, overhunting, habitat destruction, and drought may have led the Chacoans to strip the canyon of wild plants and game. It has been suggested that even during wet periods the canyon was able to sustain only 2,000 people.

Among Chacoan mammals are the plentiful coyote (Canis latrans); mule deer, elk, and pronghorn also live within the canyon, though they are rarely encountered by visitors. Important smaller carnivores include bobcats, badgers, foxes, and two species of skunk. The park hosts abundant populations of rodents, including several prairie dog towns. Small colonies of bats, are present during the summer. The local shortage of water means that relatively few bird species are present; these include roadrunners, large hawks (such as Cooper's hawks and American kestrels), owls, vultures, and ravens, though they are less abundant in the canyon than in the wetter mountain ranges to the east. Sizeable populations of smaller birds, including warblers, sparrows, and house finches, are also common. Three species of hummingbirds are present: one is the tiny but highly pugnacious rufous hummingbird, which compete intensely with the more mild-tempered black-chinned hummingbirds for breeding habitat in shrubs or trees located near water. Western rattlesnakes are occasionally seen in the backcountry, though various lizards and skinks are far more abundant.

Read More

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is a U.S. National Park located in southern Florida, south of Miami. The park preserves Biscayne Bay and its offshore barrier reefs. Ninety-five percent of the park is water, and the shore of the bay is the location of an extensive mangrove forest. The park covers 172,971 acres (69,999 ha) and includes Elliott Key, the park's largest island and first of the true Florida Keys, formed from fossilized coral reef. The islands farther north in the park are transitional islands of coral and sand. The offshore portion of the park includes the northernmost region of the Florida Reef, one of the largest coral reefs in the world. Biscayne National Park protects four distinct ecosystems: the shoreline mangrove swamp, the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, the coral limestone keys and the offshore Florida Reef. The shoreline swamps of the mainland and island margins provide a nursery for larval and juvenile fish, molluscs and crustaceans. The bay waters harbor immature and adult fish, seagrass beds, sponges, soft corals, and manatees. The keys are covered with tropical vegetation including endangered cacti and palms, and their beaches provide nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles. Offshore reefs and waters harbor more than 200 species of fish, pelagic birds, whales and hard corals. Sixteen endangered species including Schaus' swallowtail butterflies, smalltooth sawfish, manatees, and green and hawksbill sea turtles may be observed in the park. Biscayne also has a small population of threatened American crocodiles and a few American alligators.

The people of the Glades culture inhabited the Biscayne Bay region as early as 10,000 years ago before rising sea levels filled the bay. The Tequesta people occupied the islands and shoreline from about 4,000 years before the present to the 16th century, when the Spanish took possession of Florida. Reefs claimed ships from Spanish times through the 20th century, with more than 40 documented wrecks within the park's boundaries. While the park's islands were farmed during the 19th and early 20th centuries, their rocky soil and periodic hurricanes made agriculture difficult to sustain. In the early 20th century the islands became secluded destinations for wealthy Miamians who built getaway homes and social clubs. Mark C. Honeywell's guesthouse on Boca Chita Key was the area's most elaborate private retreat, featuring a mock lighthouse. The Cocolobo Cay Club was at various times owned by Miami developer Carl G. Fisher, yachtsman Garfield Wood, and President Richard Nixon's friend Bebe Rebozo, and was visited by four United States presidents. The amphibious community of Stiltsville was established in the 1930s in the shoals of northern Biscayne Bay, taking advantage of its remoteness from land to offer offshore gambling and alcohol during Prohibition. Following the Cuban Revolution of 1959, Elliott Key was used as a training ground for infiltrators into Fidel Castro's Cuba by the Central Intelligence Agency and by Cuban exile groups.

Originally proposed for inclusion in Everglades National Park, Biscayne Bay was cut from the proposed park to ensure Everglades' establishment. It remained undeveloped until the 1960s, when a series of proposals were made to develop the keys in the manner of Miami Beach, and to construct a deepwater seaport for bulk cargo, along with refinery and petrochemical facilities on the mainland shore of Biscayne Bay. Through the 1960s and 1970s, two fossil-fueled power plants and two nuclear power plants were built on the bay shores. A backlash against development led to the 1968 designation of Biscayne National Monument. The preserved area was expanded by its 1980 re-designation as Biscayne National Park. The park is heavily used by boaters, and apart from the park's visitor center on the mainland, its land and sea areas are accessible only by boat.

Climate

Biscayne's tropical climate reflects its location in extreme South Florida. Southern Miami-Dade County is classified as tropical savanna in the Köppen-Geiger system. Seasons may be divided into the November–April dry season and the May–October wet season. Dry season temperatures average between 66 and 76 °F (19 and 24 °C) with an average monthly rainfall of 2.1 inches (53 mm). Wet season temperatures average between 76 and 85 °F (24 and 29 °C) with an average monthly rainfall of 5.39 inches (137 mm). The wet season roughly coincides with hurricane season, with frequent thunderstorms. 

Like many locations in southern Florida, Biscayne National Park is affected by hurricanes every few years. Most storms require temporary closings and occasional repairs to park facilities. A direct hit by a powerful hurricane can produce severe consequences, primarily by its impact on human interventions in the environment rather than on the natural environment of the park, which is well-adapted to these events.  Significant hurricanes to strike Biscayne include storms in 1835 and 1904, the 1906 Florida Keys hurricane, the 1926 Miami hurricane, the 1929 Bahamas hurricane, the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, the 1935 Yankee hurricane, the 1941 Florida hurricane, the 1945 Southeast Florida hurricane, the 1948 Miami hurricane, Hurricane King in 1950, Hurricane Donna in 1960. Hurricane Cleo in 1964, and Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The park can be affected by wave action from more distant tropical storms such as 2012's Hurricane Sandy, which damaged facilities on Elliott Key.

Exploration

Juan Ponce de León explored the area in 1513, discovering the Florida Keys and encountering the Tequesta on the mainland. Other Spanish explorers arrived later in the 16th century and Florida came under Spanish rule. The Tequesta were resettled by the then-Spanish government in the Florida Keys, and the South Florida mainland was depopulated. Ponce de León referred to the bay as "Chequescha" after its inhabitants, becoming "Tequesta" by the time of Spanish governor Pedro Menéndez de Avilés later in the century. The present name has been attributed to a shipwrecked Basque sailor known as the "Biscaino" or "Viscayno" who lived in the area for a time, or to a more general allusion to the Bay of Biscay. Spanish treasure fleets regularly sailed past the Florida Keys and were often caught in hurricanes. There are 44 documented shipwrecks in the park from the 16th through the 20th centuries. At least two 18th-century Spanish ships were wrecked in the park area. The Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora del Popolo is believed to have been wrecked in park waters in 1733, though the site has not been found. HMS Fowey was wrecked in 1748 in what is now Legare Anchorage, at some distance from the Fowey Rocks. The discovery of the ship in 1975 resulted in a landmark court case that established the wreck as an archaeological site rather than a salvage site. 43 wrecks are included on the National Register of Historic Places in the Offshore Reefs Archeological District, which extends for 30 mi (48 km) along the seaward side of the Biscayne National Park keys. During the 18th century, Elliott Key was the reputed base of two different pirates, both of whom were called Black Caesar, commemorated by Caesar's Creek between Elliott and Old Rhodes Key.

Ecology

South Florida is a transitional zone between the Nearctic and Neotropical ecozones, resulting in a wide variety of plant and animal life. The intersection of ecozones brings opportunities for visitors to see species, particularly birds, that are not seen elsewhere in North America. The park includes four distinct ecosystems, each supporting its own flora and fauna. Mangrove swamp, lagoon, island key and offshore reef habitats provide diversity for many species. In this semi-tropical environment, the seasons are differentiated mainly by rainfall. Warm to hot and wet summers bring occasional tropical storms. Though only marginally cooler, the winters tend to be relatively drier. Bay salinity varies accordingly, with lower salinity levels in the wet summer, trending to more fresh water on the west side where new fresh water flows in.

Hundreds of species of fish are present in park waters, including more than fifty crustacean species ranging from isopods to giant blue land crabs, about two hundred species of birds and about 27 mammal species, both terrestrial and marine. Molluscs include a variety of bivalves, terrestrial and marine snails, sea hares, sea slugs and two cephalopods, the Caribbean reef octopus and the Caribbean reef squid.way between North American, the Caribbean islands, and South America. Many southbound land birds stop in the fall at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, just north of the park on Key Biscayne, before venturing across the open waters of Biscayne Bay. Northbound spring migrants do likewise on Elliott Key. Most of the small passerine migrants are warblers, with ovenbirds, palm warblers, American redstarts, common yellowthroats, prairie warblers, worm-eating warblers and black-throated blue warblers accounting for the majority. Migrant raptors include short-tailed hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, merlins, peregrine falcons and swallow-tailed kites, while bald eagles and ospreys nest in the park. Both white-tailed and red-tailed tropicbirds are seen in the park, as are American flamingos, with some of the latter probably escaped captive birds.

Read More

Banff National Park

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 in the Rocky Mountains. The park, located 110–180 kilometres (68–112 mi) west of Calgary in the province of Alberta, encompasses 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 sq mi)of mountainous terrain, with numerous glaciers and ice fields, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. The Icefields Parkway extends from Lake Louise, connecting to Jasper National Park in the north. Provincial forests and Yoho National Park are neighbours to the west, while Kootenay National Park is located to the south and Kananaskis Country to the southeast. The main commercial centre of the park is the town of Banff, in the Bow River valley.

Banff National Park

The Canadian Pacific Railway was instrumental in Banff's early years, building the Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise, and attracting tourists through extensive advertising. In the early 20th century, roads were built in Banff, at times by war internees from World War I, and through Great Depression-era public works projects. Since the 1960s, park accommodations have been open all year, with annual tourism visits to Banff increasing to over 5 million in the 1990s. Millions more pass through the park on the Trans-Canada Highway. As Banff is one of the world's most visited national parks, the health of its ecosystem has been threatened. In the mid-1990s, Parks Canada responded by initiating a two-year study, which resulted in management recommendations, and new policies that aim to preserve ecological integrity.

History

Throughout its history, Banff National Park has been shaped by tension between conservation and development interests. The park was established on 25 November 1885 as Banff Hot Springs Reserve, in response to conflicting claims over who discovered hot springs there, and who had the right to develop the hot springs for commercial interests. Instead, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald set aside the hot springs as a small, protected reserve, which was later expanded to include Lake Louise and other areas extending north to the Columbia Icefield.

Archaeological evidence found at Vermilion Lakes radiocarbon dates the first human activity in Banff to 10,300 B.P. Prior to European contact, aboriginals, including the Stoneys, Kootenay, Tsuu T'ina, Kainai, Peigans, and Siksika, were common in the region where they hunted bison and other game.

With the admission of British Columbia to Canada on 20 July 1871, Canada agreed to build a transcontinental railroad. Construction of the railroad began in 1875, with Kicking Horse Pass chosen, over the more northerly Yellowhead Pass, as the route through the Canadian Rockies.Ten years later, on 7 November 1885, the last spike was driven in Craigellachie, British Columbia.

Wildlife

The park has 56 mammal species that have been recorded. Grizzly and black bears inhabit the forested regions. Cougar, lynx, wolverine, weasels, northern river otter and wolves are the primary predatory mammals. Elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer are common in the valleys of the park, including around (and sometimes in) the Banff townsite, while moose tend to be more elusive, sticking primarily to wetland areas and near streams. In the alpine regions, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots and pika are widespread. Other mammals such as beavers, porcupines, squirrels, chipmunks, and Columbian ground squirrels are the more commonly observed smaller mammals. In 2005, a total of five caribou were counted, making this species one of the rarest mammals found in the park.

Due to the harsh winters, the park has few reptiles and amphibians with only one species of toad, three species of frog, one salamander species and two species of snakes that have been identified.At least 280 species of birds can be found in Banff including bald and golden eagles, red-tailed hawk, osprey, and merlin, all of which are predatory species. Additionally, commonly seen species such as the gray jay, American three-toed woodpecker, mountain bluebird, Clark's nutcracker, mountain chickadee and pipit are frequently found in the lower elevations. The white-tailed ptarmigan is a ground bird that is often seen in the alpine zones. Rivers and lakes are frequented by over a hundred different species including loons, herons and mallards who spend their summers in the park.

Endangered species in Banff include the Banff Springs snail (Physella johnsoni) which is found in the hot springs of Banff. Woodland caribou, found in Banff, are listed as a threatened species.

Tourism

Banff National Park is the most visited Alberta tourist destination and one of the most visited national parks in North America, with 3,927,557 visitors in 2004/2005.During summer, 51 percent of park visitors are from Canada (30 percent from Alberta), while 31 percent are from the United States and 14 percent from Europe. Tourism in Banff contributes an estimated C$6 billion annually to the economy. A park pass is required for stopping in the park and permit checks are common during the summer months, especially at Lake Louise and the start of the Icefields Parkway. A permit is not required if travelling straight through the park without stopping. Approximately 5 million people pass through Banff annually on the Trans-Canada Highway without stopping.Attractions in Banff include Upper Hot Springs, and a 27-hole golf course at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and three ski resorts including Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort, and Mount Norquay ski resort. The Banff Lodging Co is a hospitality company in the park. Day hikes, such as the Cory Pass Loop, are popular with visitors. Other activities include alpine and Nordic skiing, and horseback riding.

Backcountry activities in Banff include hiking, camping, climbing, and skiing. Parks Canada requires those using backcountry campgrounds, Alpine Club of Canada huts, or other backcountry facilities to purchase a wilderness pass. Reservations for using the campgrounds are also required.

In 2009, the Banff Lake Louise Tourism hoped the appearance of the "Crasher Squirrel" internet meme would stimulate interest in the park. The meme is based a photograph of a Minnesotan couple visiting the park on the shore of Lake Minnewanka that was "crashed" by a Columbian ground squirrel; the photograph was published in major news sources around the world and the image of the squirrel was digitally manipulated into humorous photos.

Transportation

Banff National Park is bisected by two highways that cross the Alberta/British Columbia border while another provides a third access within Alberta. The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) bisects the park in an east-west direction, connecting it to Vancouver to the west and Calgary to the east. Highway 93 bisects the park in a north-south direction, connecting it to Cranbrook to the south and Jasper to the north. The portion of Highway 93 north of Lake Louise is known as the Icefields Parkway whereas the portion southwest of Castle Junction is known as the Banff-Windermere Parkway. Highway 11 (the David Thompson Highway) connects the Icefields Parkway at Saskatchewan River Crossing to Rocky Mountain House to the northeast. Within the park, Highway 1A, also known as the Bow Valley Parkway, loosely parallels Highway 1 between Banff and Lake Louise. Other transportation facilities within Banff National Park include a Canadian Pacific rail line that generally parallels Highway 1 and an airport known as the Banff Park Compound Heliport.

Read More