Travel Blog

Rafting River Snake Whitewater

Rafting on the Snake River, particularly in its whitewater sections, can be an exhilarating adventure. The Snake River flows through several states in the western United States. Including Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon, it offers a variety of rafting experiences for all skill levels. Here are some key points to consider if you’re interested in rafting the Snake River whitewater rafting

Key Points

1. Location: The Snake River’s whitewater rafting sections are primarily found in Wyoming and Idaho. The most famous and challenging section for whitewater rafting is in the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming, specifically in Grand Teton National Park.
2. Season: The best time for whitewater rafting on the Snake River is typically during the spring and beginning of summer when the snowmelt from the surrounding mountains swells the river. This period provides the most challenging and exciting rapids.
3. Difficulty Levels: The Snake River offers whitewater experiences for various skill levels, from beginner-friendly Class I and II rapids to more challenging Class III and IV rapids for intermediate and experienced rafters. The most intense rapids are found in the Snake River Canyon.
4. Guided Tours: It’s highly recommended to go with a reputable guided tour company, especially for those new to whitewater rafting. They provide the necessary equipment, safety instructions, and experienced guides to navigate the rapids safely.
5. Equipment: Rafting companies will provide the necessary gear, including helmets, life vests, and rafts. You should wear appropriate clothing and footwear and be prepared to get wet.

More Key Points regarding Snake River Whitewater Rafting

1. Safety: Safety is paramount when rafting on the Snake River. Listen to your guide’s instructions carefully, follow all safety protocols, and review all potential hazards. The river’s currents can be powerful, so knowing how to swim is important.
2. Scenic Beauty: Apart from the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting, the Snake River also offers stunning scenic views, with the Grand Tetons as a backdrop. Be sure to take in the natural beauty around you during your trip.
3. Reservations: It’s a good idea to make reservations with a rafting company in advance, especially during the peak season, as tours can fill up quickly.
4. Age and Health Restrictions: Some whitewater sections of the Snake River may have age and health restrictions, so check with the tour operator to ensure you meet the requirements.
5. Environmental Responsibility: Always practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment and wildlife while enjoying your rafting adventure.

Remember that rafting in whitewater can be physically demanding, so it’s important to be in reasonably good physical shape and prepared for an active and potentially challenging outdoor experience. Always prioritize safety and follow the guidance of your experienced guides to ensure a memorable and enjoyable rafting trip on the Snake River.

Snake River Whitewater Rafting

Snake River whitewater rafting – Take Water River Trips through 8 miles of whitewater in the Grand Canyon of the Snake River. Combining spectacular scenery with the excitement of rolling rapids, this trip has all the ingredients for the perfect river adventure. Small 8-man paddle rafts are available on the whitewater section starting in June.
Overnight Trips-Scenic/Whitewater Combo

The lower Snake River route runs the whitewater of the Snake River Canyon. Experience Big Kahuna and other fun rapids around the area. It’s Jackson’s most popular trip for good reason! Jackson Hole lies just west of the Continental Divide and occupies about 400 square miles. The waters of the Snake River take up part of the valley. It makes for an impressive view and fantastic whitewater rafting opportunities.

Backpacking is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your backpacking experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep backpacking journals about your adventures to refer to.

Backpacking Journals

Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent backpacking experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went backpacking. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular backpacking routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a backpacking journal, this won’t be the case.

There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your backpacking experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.

A good backpacking journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things.

Preserve Your Backpacking Experiences

Cues should include:

1. Who you went backpacking with,

2. Where you backpacked and if you enjoyed it,

3. Who you met and contact information for them,

4. The geographic and weather conditions,

5. Routes you tried and how far you made it, and

6. Any unique things that occurred while backpacking.

At the end of the trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:

1. Contact information for other backpackers and people you met,

2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you backpack the location a second time.

3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and

4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.

To get the most out of your backpacking journal, you should write in it during backpacking breaks or immediately after. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend.

Backpacking is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.

National Geographic Adventure considers the Rafting river Rogue whitewater the best wildlife viewing of all the western rivers:
Sparkling rapids, green forest and historical sites
The ultimate Oregon family camping adventure
Trips to fit any skill level or age group
Experienced and outrageously fun guides
Affordable prices for priceless memories

Welcome to the Wild and Scenic Rogue River a beautiful and pristine wilderness area. Novelist Zane Grey felt the draw of this beautiful area; he wrote many of his western books in a cabin which still stands along the Rogue today. The area is steeped in history and lore from Native Americans to recent stories told around the campfire. The Rogue has famous fun rapids like Rainie Falls, Upper and Lower Black Bar Falls and Blossom Bar that will leave you memories of the sun dancing off of frothing warm water through beautiful rock formations and narrow canyons edged by towering cliffs.

Rafting River Rogue whitewater

Legendary wildlife viewing the Rogue River canyon. Deer, black bear, river otters, mallard ducks, turtles, bald eagles, and osprey are usually seen during your 34 mile trip from Grave Creek to Foster Bar.

The Rogue River canyon from Grave Creek to Foster Bar features a historic hiking trail just above the river so hiking to side creeks and hidden swimming pools is easy and the views are spectacular. The Pacific Northwest Cascade Mountain Range near Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon is where the Rogue River starts its journey to the Pacific Ocean.

Whenever you are hiking anywhere including the Rogue river, always let someone know where you are going. Tell them when you will return and jike with a buddy. Take extra water, clothes and some food just in case you do get lost. It could mean the difference in surviving until someone finds you.

Do you hate the scales you use to weigh yourself? If you are one of these people who weigh themselves everyday, you probably have a little bit of paranoia as you approach the scales. Wouldn’t you like to forget about weighing myself every day. Instead focus on healthy living and maybe weigh yourself once a week or once a month. If you are honest with yourself, consumers can tell if they are adding weight or not. Their clothes fit differently. Even a few pounds will make a difference, especially around the waist.  So why not forget about weighing myself everyday.

Why Should I Forget about Weighing Myself

Your weight will fluctuate on a daily basis, even on an hourly basis depending on your eating habits. Drinking a lot of liquid along with a salty diet will add temporary pounds. A hot day will cause a great deal of water loss. Consumers can routinely lose a pound or two over night.

Many people stress out when they gain a pound or are not losing weight fast enough. Instead consider focusing on healthy eating, being careful about total calories consumed and keeping active. This is one of the best ways to manage weight loss over a period of time. Weigh yourself once a week to make sure you are still on track. Adjust your habits as needed to manage your weight loss over several months.

White water rafting adventure tours through the rain forest will make your Costa Rica rafting whitewater vacation truly one of a kind ! Costa rafting Rica whitewater can be a great vacation adventure.

In the Atlantic region of Costa Rica there is a protected zone of incomparable beauty. It begins near the town of Siquirres and covers approximately 25,000 acres. It descends down the Talamanca Mountain Range. This area constitutes one of the most important protected areas in the region. High annual rainfall, along with its proximity to the lowlands combine to nuture complex life systems. The abundance make for extraordinary scenic beauty. The Cabecar Indians inhabit the area. In addition you can hike the same paths that this indigenous tribe still uses.

The Pacuare River is located within this zone. It offers some of the finest white water rafting in Costa Rica and in Latin America. In addition this officially designated Wild and Scenic River winds deep inside impressive primordial rain forest. Remote and scenic waters course through a wilderness of dense vegetation . Which the sides of steep gorges that rise above the riverbanks. Of course the thick undergrowth provides shelter to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and sloths. As well as numerous other species of animals and birds.

Costa Rafting Rica whitewater

The trip down this wild and scenic river offers some of the finest white water rafting in Latin America. It takes you past luxuriant rain forest, crystalline waterfalls. As well as dense vegetation covering the sides of steep gorges. It is also an environmentally sustainable adventure. As well it is carbon neutral and supports efforts to conserve the river’s ecosystems and help nearby communities.

Costa Rica rafting whitewater trips float past pristine tropical forest. The forests are populated by toucans, parrots and other birds. These birds are protected in the 637-acre (258-ha.) nature reserve. The fast-growing trees absorb more atmospheric carbon than local vehicles emit, making tours carbon-neutral.

This unforgettable river adventure combines class-II and -IV rapids with floats past breathtaking scenery that includes massive tropical trees and waterfalls that plummet into the river. Paddle through more adrenaline-pumping rapids and marvel at amazing scenery, such as the narrow canyon of Dos Montañas.

Are video poker casino odds changing? Do they vary from casino to casino or even from one machine to the other. The answer is yes and players need to pay attention to the payouts to manage their potential to win. The best paying machines have whats called a 9/6 ratio. They pay 9 credits for a 1 credit bet on a full house and 6 credits on a flush. If you are playing a machine that plays less than that, the casino is taking a larger share of the pie. Typically you will find these payouts on a jacks or better machine. Deuces wild and double double bonus poker etc. have different payouts due to the nature of the game. You can still find better paying machines for these as well if you take the time to look around. Any machine that has progressives built in or multipliers typically will not pay the 9/6 ratio.

Video Poker Casino Odds Changing

Depending on the video poker game and the casino you are playing at some of the best machines will have a 98.98% payback. It goes down hill from there, again depending on the casino and game. Some are as low as 95%.

An almost 4% difference in payback can make a big difference, especially if you are a long term player who enjoys the game and the casino atmosphere. These paybacks do not take into account any promos you might receive from the casino such as free drinks, rooms and meals. When you add these items in, again depending on your play, you may even break even.

Casinos in competitive markets such as Atlantic city, Tunica, Biloxi and Las Vegas tend to have better paying machines simply for competitive reasons. Of course there are lots of other ways to compete i.e. the free rooms etc.

Bottom line, before you play, always check the payout structure and look for the elusive 9 / 6 ratio.

Located in California, Kern Rafting River Whitewater is just three hours north of Los Angeles in the Sequoia National Forest. They have over 60 miles of commercially-run whitewater. As a result this location is a beautiful place to visit for residents of LA and other local cities.

The Rafting River Whitewater season begins in April as the snowpack from the western slope of the highest peak in the continental United States, Mt. Whitney, begins to melt. Of course this snowmelt drains into the upper river basin and makes it way down to the Lake Isabella reservoir.

The water is then let out of the Isabella dam forming a 21-mile stretch of excellent whitewater. As a result the Lower Kern, rafting one and two-day whitewater trip into September can be taken.

Kern Rafting River Whitewater

At Kern Rafting you can have a quality outdoor experience.  Of course the Kern Rafting River Whitewater staff is excited each year to help meet the needs of our Rafting Special guests. They are excited to get them out on the river. The staff is proud to work in such an enjoyable and exciting occupation. This is one of America’s most exciting and versatile rivers.

Kern Rafting River Whitewater can accommodate just about all age and experience levels you can bring. The company operates on all commercial sections of the Kern. This includes the Forks, high in the Golden Trout Wilderness of the Southern Sierra. Whether you are looking for a short, mild jaunt or a raging class V multiple-day wilderness adventure, we have it waiting for you and your group.

The guides are among the most knowledgeable and friendly in the business, having run many different rivers. Their love of whitewater and people can be seen from their mastery of the rapids and the delicious meals they prepare.

There are whitewater rafting trips offered all over the world. Trips are available in the United States,, Africa, Canada, Central America, South America, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. Whitewater rafting is an adventure sport and thankfully there is a system to classify all rapids. En Language Rafting whitewater. Everyone who is considering taking a whitewater rafting trip can select the best trip for them based on their abilities as well as personal desires. It is important from a safety perspective that you not overstep  your capabilities in dealing with whitewater rapids. Your rafting company should verify and allocate your trip based on the rating as well as your capabilities.

Whitewater rafting river rapids are classed from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most dangerous and requiring excellent swimming skills as well as training in swimming in whitewater and self recovery approaches. Class 1 is suitable for groups, for children, for seniors and of course beginners who want to experience whitewater rafting for the first time….

En Language Rafting whitewater

Most whitewater rafting companies will provide all of the equipment you will need. Including wet suits for the more adventuresome of the whitewater rapids. Always pay careful attention to all instructions. Be ready to do what ever is required by your guide. They are experts and depend on you to follow instructions while participating in any whitewater rafting trip.

Most enthusiasts feel that the best whitewater rafting trips are in the spring. This is when the ice and snow are melting off of the mountains. The water is raging down the rivers providing some of the best rafting experiences. Later in the year, many rapids are calmer and more suitable for beginners, seniors and children. If this is your first whitewater rafting trip, select a class 1 or 2 rapids to have your first experience with whitewater rafting.

Should sleeping bags be made of down or synthetic? What sleeping bag is best for camping, hiking or backpacking? How To Pick Warm Comfortable Sleeping Bags For Camping. A guide to make your decision easier. First off it should at least be rated for the lowest possible temperature you’ll encounter. You may want to even go a little lower just to be on the safe side. Obviously the main purpose is to hold your body heat in to insulate you from the cooler air. So the better the insulation holds your body heat in the warmer and more comfortable you’re going to be.

Insulation

Down-the filamentous and fluffy layer underneath the feathers.Positives: All being equal down is warmer, lighter, more comfortable, compresses smaller, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Goose down is the standard others are compared to. The more it lofts the better it insulates. This is known as fill-power, the higher the number the better it retains heat.

Negatives: Down looses most all of it’s insulating proper ties when wet, takes a long time to dry outdoors, is more expensive short-term, and may require professional cleaning.

Synthetic- These are usually hollow plastic threads that serveto trap warm air. Positives: Synthetic sleeping bags retain heat better when wet, costs less short-term when compared to the same temperature rating as down, dries quicker than down, and is hypo-allergenic. It’s usually well-suited for recreational use,but consider your own individual needs.

Negatives: They’re bulkier, heavier, less conforming, and can lose their insulating properties after a few seasons of hard use because of breakdown. More expensive long-term.

Shapes/Styles

Child’s/Kid sleeping bags- A kid has a harder time staying warmth an an adult, so keep this in mind when you’re getting them a sleeping bag. A cool summer night can chill a child quickly so consider a mummy bag.

How To Pick Warm Comfortable Sleeping Bags For Camping

Mummy- Provides more warmth for cold conditions and is more compact/lighter when packed. The narrow cut and insulated hood means less air for your body to heat. This bag is wide at the shoulders and narrows down to the feet. The drawback is it restricts movement. That said the Marmot Saw tooth sleeping bag is a good light 3-season 15 Degree down sleeping bag ideal for backpacking.

Rectangular- These sleeping bags are ideal for campground camping. They give you more room to move around in. They’re not suited for the winter due to the larger area you have to heat and the open top design. This is the best design for double sleeping bags, usually you can just zip two of the same kind together. Not for weight-conscious backpacking and hiking gear enthusiasts.

Semi-Rectangular- A combination of the mummy and rectangular sleeping bags this hybrid splits the middle between room to move and warmth.

Comfort Ratings- The “comfort rating” is the minimum temperature that a sleeping bag is designed for. Of course this is just an approximation as people tolerate temperature differently.

Whitewater rafting in Arizona, brings an image of the Colorado River rushing through the Grand Canyon to mind. There is also the Verde River and The Salt River. Which offer unique whitewater experiences and are less popular with vacationing whitewater rafters.

The Colorado River basin is enormous and com­plex (naturally so). Even before-modern Americans began hacking it up into one of the most complicated and controversial water-delivery systems in the world). Virtually every other river in the region eventually will flow into the Colorado. In the whitewater world, the Colorado is “the big one,” and even today, the ultimate experience.

Arizona Rafting Whitewater

The image of Arizona whitewater rafting is one of power. Big volume rapids where the surge of moving water even more than the configuration of canyon, boulders, and bank creates the rafting challenge. The water is a dull brown, muddy and opaque, frothing rather than sparkling.

Rafting the full 225 miles of the Colorado River is perhaps the top adventure travel dream trip in America. A few other rivers in Arizona provide shorter, scenic trips.

White water rafting on the Verde River

The Verde River is Arizona’s only national wild and scenic river. The section from near the town of Childs to Horseshoe Reservoir runs most of the way through the Mazatzal Wilderness.

Trips run from February to April when spring run-off brings the whitewater up to Class 3. The Verde River can be floated practically any month of the year. Its primary river-running season is February to April. With the best being March and April. Always check conditions ahead of time. Guides are available.

The season on the Verde River runs from February to April. Most trips run about 25 miles of up to class III difficulty rapids.

Whitewater rafting on the Salt River in Arizona

Salt River Canyon provides some excellent whitewater rafting opportunities. For example, single- and multi- day trips are available with rapids up to Class 4. Single day trips are 10 miles and often include a pack lunch and possible short hikes in side canyons. As a result, 2, 3 and 5-day trips are also available. They bring you deeper and deeper into the canyon and away from civilization.

The Salt River is situated along the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau between mountain and desert ecosystems. The result is an interesting variety of plant, animal and bird life. Trips start through oak and juniper woodlands before dropping into the Lower Sonoran desert with its magnificent saguaro cactus.

The best diet seventh year running is called DASH which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The main concept of DASH  is to focus on eating less salt while eating healthy food. This includes all food that already have salt added to them as well as the salt you add at the dinner table. Reduce hypertension and improve many areas of your body that could suffer from high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries and damage to organs over a period of time. For the seventh year running, DASH has been voted by nutrition experts as the best diet for consumers. It beat out all of the fad diets that cost consumers thousands of dollars every year.

Best Diet seventh Year Running – What is it?

DASH entails focusing on lower-sodium foods and foods rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium. Bottom line: fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy is good. Sugary snacks, red meat and salty nibbles are bad.You have to read the labels and make decisions about prepared food. Most contain either a high level of added salt or sugar to keep them fresh longer.  Even bread has a lot of salt added to it.

Load up on brown rice, fish, fat-free yogurt. Avoid the candy aisle and prepared foods which contain a large amount of salt per serving. All of this assumes that you maintain proper amounts of fibre and vitamins as part of your daily intake. A balanced level of food will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle as well.

Eating healthy does take more effort. Gone are all of the prepared foods that you take out of the freezer and heat up. preparing low salt meals and low sugar meals takes more effort. But then again to effort, no results. Your family will appreciate your efforts in the long run.

We visit Las Vegas once per year. What a surprise to find out that drivers must now pay for parking at MGM hotels and parking fees at Las Vegas hotels in other areas as well. We were shocked to find out that we had to pay $15 per day for parking. This is in addition to the $35 resort fee that everyone must pay if you are staying at the hotel. Don’t forget the tax that is applied to both of these fees. That is over $50 a day just for driving to Las Vegas and staying in one of the strip hotels.

This is in addition to whatever room rate you are able to negotiate. Your slot card just became worth a lot more. It is important to always use your slot card whenever you are playing. If you are a Pearl member or higher at MGM resort hotels, they will comp you for the parking. All other people get to pay for the parking as mentioned above.

Why are they charging parking fees at Las Vegas hotels?

We stayed at the Bellagio Hotel and were surprised by this parking fee. Apparently the new hockey stadium is being built between the Montecarlo and the New York New York hotel. Patrons attending hockey games will have to pay for parking just like they do in many other cities.

Casino players will also pay for parking unless they have a slot card at Pearl or a higher level. Free in and out privileges are available to these players. You must qualify each year to maintain your level. This can be accomplished by charging food etc to your hotel room along with your play at the slots and table games.

It would have cost us $45 plus tax for the 3 days of parking however we have a Pearly card and were comped for the parking fee. Some hotels further away from the hockey stadium have not yet started charging for parking, however, it is only a matter of time. This is really a huge revenue opportunity for these hotels.

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Most people know that the odds of winning in a casino are not in their favor. The house always has an edge. Depending on the game you play, that edge can be quite large. While you may enjoy the game and even be entertained by it, the odds of winning are very much in the favor of the casino. There are ways to minimize this potential loss. Take advantage of free play, free meals and rooms and certainly the free drinks that may be served. Above all enjoy yourself and do not gamble more than you can afford. The following is a direct quotation from Casino City times and written by Arron Todd.

Best Odds of Winning in a Casino

1. Full Pay Deuces Wild Video Poker – Player edge of 0.77%

Yes, you read that right. There is a casino game that offers the player a small edge, when played optimally. The game is played remarkably differently than Jack or Better, so make sure you know the optimal strategy when you play. And just like Jacks or Better, make sure the paytable is to your advantage. If you can find a machine that’s paying natural royals at 800-to-1, four deuces at 200-to-1, wild royals at 25-to-1, five of a kind at 15-to-1, straight flushes at 9-to-1, four of a kind at 5-to-1, full houses at 3-to-1, straights and flushes at 2-to-1, and three of a kind at 1-to-1, you’ll make more money than you’ll lose over the long haul, if you play it right.

2. Blackjack – House edge of 0.28%

Blackjack has the lowest house edge of any game in the casino, with a few caveats. The 0.28 percent house edge assumes the most liberal of house rules, including rarely seen rules such as the dealer standing on soft 17 and late surrender. To determine the exact house edge in the game you’re playing visit the Wizard of Odds’

The house edge also assumes a perfect basic strategy. If you plan on hitting the blackjack tables during your next visit to the casino, try to memorize it to maximize your play.

3. Spanish 21 – House edge of 0.4%

Spanish 21 is a variant of blackjack, played with decks of 48 cards (10s are removed). The game can get a little crazy, because you can double down on any number of cards, surrender after doubling, and five, six, and seven-or-more card 21s are paid at 3-to-2, 2-to-1, and 3-to-1, respectively. The house edge for this game is low because it has a much more complex basic strategy than blackjack. But if you can master all the intricacies of the game, Spanish 21 can be a lot of fun and offer an exciting alternative to standard blackjack.

4. Jack or Better Video Poker – House edge of 0.46%

There are two key factors in making a 0.46 percent house edge a reality on a Jacks of Better video poker machine. The first factor involves finding the right machine. If you find a Jacks or Better machine paying 9-to-1 on a full house and 6-to-1 on a flush, you’ve probably found a full pay machine. The second involves learning an optimal strategy. If you plan on playing video poker on your next trip to the casino, make sure you know the right strategy and practice before you go.

5. Catch a Wave – House edge of 0.5%

Not sure if you can still find this game anywhere anymore, but it’s a favorite at the Casino City Home Poker Game, where a version of it is usually played in tournament style format between the cash game and the tournament. In this game, a player is dealt a card and must guess if the next card will be higher or lower. If the player guesses right six consecutive times, he is paid 6-to-1. He may also stand at any point (the player automatically loses his wager if he’s wrong, similar to busting in blackjack), at which the dealer will play out a hand in the same manner, but according to house rules. If the player’s “wave” is longer than the dealer, the player wins.

6. Baccarat (Banker) – House edge of 1.06%

Baccarat gets two-in-a-row on our list of best casino bets, as the Banker bet slightly eclipses the house bet with a house edge slightly over one percent. At a big high-limit table, the shoe travels from player to player, and the “dealer” makes the Banker bet and the rest of the table bets on the Player (though players have the option to make any bet they please). At a mini baccarat table, the casino provides the dealer.

7. Baccarat (Player) – House edge of 1.24%

The favorite game of James Bond (at least the Sean Connery and Roger Moore versions), baccarat is a game of tradition and ritual. The only real choice made is whether to bet on the player, the banker or the tie. Don’t bet the tie; a whopping 14.36 percent house edge keeps it off this list. The player bet has a respectable 1.24 percent house edge.

8. Craps (Don’t Pass/Don’t Come) – House edge of 1.36%

Also known as the “dark side,” betting on the Don’t Pass line is the opposite of betting the Pass line and is considered somewhat taboo at a craps table. Basically you’re betting that the shooter will fail. Even though it may be taboo, it comes at a slightly smaller price than betting on the pass line.

9. Craps (Pass/Come) – House edge of 1.41%

When you bet the pass line in craps, you’re betting that the shooter’s first roll will be a seven or 11 and not a two, three or 12. If it’s any other number, your bet stands and now you’re betting that the shooter will hit that “point” number again before a seven is rolled. The house edge is very small, just 1.41 percent.

10. Pai Gow Poker – House edge of 1.46%

In Pai Gow Poker, players are dealt seven cards and split them up into two hands, one with five cards and one with two cards. The five-card hand must have a higher poker rank than the two-card hand. The players’ hands are compared to the dealer’s hand, and if the player wins both, he wins the bet. If the player wins one but loses another, it’s a push, and if the dealer wins both, the player loses. The house gets the edge by taking a five-percent commission on all winning bets and winning all hands that push (e.g., your two-card ace-queen loses to the dealer’s ace-queen). You can reduce the house edge by banking, which means that your hand will win in pushes. Each player will be given an opportunity to bank in turn, should they choose to do so, in rotation with the dealer.

Worst Odds of Winning in a Casino

1. Craps (3, 11 and all easy hops; hard 4, 10; any craps) — House edge of 11.11%

If you’re not a craps player but have walked by a table and seen the number of chips in play and the excitement surrounding it, it’s no surprise that the game has an array of different betting options. In fact, of the hundred or so bets you can make on the craps table, two of them are included in our previously mentioned article that lists the 10 lowest house edge casino bets.

But there are certain bets a craps player should try to avoid, and these are three of them. Stay tuned for a few more that are even more lethal.

2. Craps (2, 12 and all hard hops) — House edge of 13.89%

OK, now that we’ve got all of the non-craps players out there intrigued, we should follow through and mention that Casino City is fortunate enough to have one of the game’s most notable authorities, Frank Scoblete, as a regular Gaming Guru contributor. And, coincidentally, Frank’s most recent column touches on why craps is so exciting. Be sure to check it out.

3. Baccarat (tie) — House edge of 14.36%

The volatile card game was first introduced in Europe over 500 years ago and is played between two hands— one by the “player” and one by the “banker.” It gained fame as the favorite game of the early James Bond movies, and more recently as a game that poker pro Phil Ivey was accused of “edge sorting,” and it’s popular with high rollers.

Baccarat wagers on the player and the bank found their way onto the list of our 10 lowest house edge casino bets at 1.24%, but when you bet on a “tie,” that number soars.

4. Slot machines — House edge can be as high as 15%

Slot machines generate the most revenue for a casino, and with such a wide array of games available, the house edges vary and can be as low as 3%. But there are plenty of games out there that carry a house edge in the range of 15%. Combine that with the hyper-fast rate of play, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster.

5. Big Six — House edge between 16%-24%

There’s not a casino game much simpler — or more dangerous to your bankroll — as Big Six, often called Wheel of Fortune, Money Wheel or Big Wheel.

There are a number of variants, but the most common features a big wheel (see, it’s even got a real clever name) with $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20 bill symbols, as well as a joker and some other “wildcard” symbol, like a casino logo. You bet on which symbol the wheel will land on with the payout odds match the dollar amounts (2-to-1 on $2, 5-to-1 on $5, etc.) while the other non-numerical symbols cashing in at as much as 45-to-1.

The lowest house edge bets you can make is on $1 (11.11%), while the $5 and $20 bets come in with a whopping 22.22% with wager on the joker/logo bets increasing to 24.07%.

In other words, if you see the big wheel on the horizon in the casino, run the other way . . . fast!

6. Craps (any seven) — House edge between 16.67%

Craps rears its ugly head once again on the list. When the shooter rolls a seven at the craps table it can be a pivotal moment, and while betting any seven will be thrown pays a tidy 5-to-1, it’s one of the worst wagers you can make.

7. Casino War (tie) — House edge of 18.651%

If you’re like me, War was one of the first card games you played as a kid. But when I was flipping cards with my cousins on my living room floor 40 years ago, I never envisioned playing it in a casino. And judging from the house edge numbers, if I ever do, betting the tie is not recommended.

The typical Casino War game is played with six decks, and that’s when the house edge is 18.65%. The fewer cards used in the game, the higher that number goes. For instance, when using one deck, the house edge on a tie is 35.29%. The lesson? Keep your memories of playing War to when you were a child, not an adult in a casino.

8. Bonus Six (with insurance) — House edge of 23.83%

Bonus Six is a five-card stud-based game. A player can buy the insurance and then get the option to buy a sixth card.

The problem with doing that is that the house edge more than doubles. Rising from 10.42% without insurance to almost 24%. No thanks.

9. Keno — House edge of between 25% to 29%

You don’t have to be inside the walls of a casino to play keno. Heck, Massachusetts, the home of Casino City, is far from Nevada or Pennsylvania. But when it comes to a number of casinos, they are the proud Keno capital of the world. Terminals and screens with bouncing balls in that seem to be in every convenience store or bar you go into. The Bay State generated $900 million in Keno sales last fiscal year. Which accounts for an eye-popping one-quarter of all sales in the U.S.

That $900 million number isn’t so surprising when you consider the house – which in Massachusetts’ case is the government – edge is nearly 30%.

10. Sic Bo — House edge of 33.3%

Another game where the house edge varies wildly depending on the bet. Sic Bo, which means “dice pair,” can get quite expensive on certain wagers.

While the safest bet on the table is Small/Big, which carries a house edge of 2.78%. There are numerous others than run into the range of over 30%. Aa number so frighteningly high they should come with a Surgeon General’s warning.

This post was reposted from Casino City Times and written by Arron Todd

North Carolina whitewater rafting offers exciting experiences for the outdoor enthusiasts. Several of the rivers are summarized for Carolina In North rafting whitewater:

The Nantahala is Western North Carolina’s most scenic river for whitewater rafting in the Smokies — eight miles of rugged mountain beauty interrupted by twenty stretches of Class II rapids, beginning with “Patton’s Run” and ending with the Class III beast, “Lesser Wesser.” While the “Nanny” is a river to be respected, it is not fearsome. Its rapids provide training for Olympic kayakers and thrills for paddlers from age 7 to 70 alike.

The French Broad River got its name because the river flowed north toward French owned land and because the river is so broad (wide). The main stem of the French Broad River is in Rosman, North Carolina. The French Broad River is one of two rivers that flows North in the United States. It flows 210 miles through Asheville, North Carolina, then north to Tennessee and into the Mississippi River and then into the Gulf of Mexico. The French Broad River is a free flowing river that includes plenty of small mouth bass and catfish. Which makes for a great day of fishing. The French Broad River is one of the oldest rivers with the Nile and New river predating the French Broad.

Carolina In North rafting whitewater

The North Carolina whitewater rafting French Broad River is a free flowing river with it’s headwaters high in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Rosman and Brevard NC. Flowing from the Devil’s Courthouse on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the French Broad River then flows to Asheville, NC before turning north and west toward Marshall, NC, Hot Springs, NC and Tennessee. Water levels vary throughout the season.

The French Broad River is a great NC rafting river. While not too wild for the novice, the French Broad River has plenty to offer the experienced rafter. The rapids range from class I to III on the half-day white water rafting trips, and from class I-IV on the full day NC rafting trip. These are small to medium sized rapids on the class I to VI classification scale. The white water rapids on the French Broad River are considered drop-pool type rapids. Typically the rapids consists of a drop with a calmer pool at the bottom of the rapid.

The float trip stretch of the French Broad River has beautiful scenery. A few rapids, and plenty of opportunity for swimming and floating. The float trip is a great way for families with small children (minimum age is 4 for the float trip) to enjoy some time together on a fantastic NC river. If you just want to have a relaxing and scenic float. The French Broad River float trip offers fantastic mountain scenery, fascinating history, and lots of splashing fun.

North Carolina In North rafting whitewater is blessed with a long whitewater rafting season. Here in the Southern Appalachians from mid-March to early November. And unlike the cold water of other rivers in Western North Carolina, the French Broad River is cool and inviting.

There is no need to get 4 season tents for gentle summer camping. Even if there is a heavy downpour, the use of sleeping pads combined with adequate planning should keep everything fairly dry. Sometimes campers are using 4 season tents because they just want to deal with one tent.

The important thing is to not camp at the bottom of a hill, to make sure the rain fly is secure, and to take advantage of natural cover. But, a four season tent can be a nice thing to have for extreme conditions, and if you have the money to spend on one, it is a luxury that can really improve your camping experience.

Using 4 Season Tents

Basically, the difference is that a 4 season tent is tighter, with heavier outer walls. When it is all zipped up, there is no space anywhere for the elements to get in. In addition, they are often stabler so that they can resist extremely heavy storms if need be. This does not mean, however, that you cannot use 4 season tents in nicer weather. Many styles  come with the ability to unzip the outer fly so that you can keep cool on summer days, while still braving near-arctic temperatures in the winter.

You will find, however, that the more extreme the conditions for which it was designed, the more specialized a 4 season tent will be. For example, they are not things that you would like to take camping on a warm summer night. The ventilation panels are small, with the result that it will be stuffy and hot at night if you are camping during the summer with them. Additionally, they are made of heavier, stronger material, and as a result are an added burden for your normal camping trip.

And of course, good 4 season tents can be prohibitively expensive, running upwards of $500 dollars sometimes. Compare this to a 1-2 person summer tent that you might buy at your camping store. I got mine for $30 dollars and, although it provides little warmth, it works alright during the summer when combined with a decent sleeping bag. The truth of the matter is, it is important to think about what you will be doing before you go out and buy expensive mountaineering equipment. You must make sure that your equipment fits its purpose.

Whitewater rafting adventure on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, a steel head fishing trip, or take a Multi-Sport Adventure trip at the Little Salmon Lodge.

Discover Excitement with Roller coaster rapids on the Main Salmon river with whitewater rafting and great rides, with thrills and excitement to get your adrenaline going! Experience the ever changing Salmon River with heart pounding white water, wild waves and deep holes. These roller coaster rapids are great rides, with thrills and excitement to get your adrenaline going. Relax in the calm water between the rapids. Catch your breath, enjoy the scenery from steep granite cliffs to grassy meadows.

Discover Treasure:Oyster Rock on the Lower Canyon of the Middle Fork. Yes gold was found on the river and perhaps you might (if you bring your pan) but there is another kind of treasure, the non-fleeting kind, the type your take with you and freely give away: memories.

Rafting River Salmon whitewater

While rafting focus on the people you brought with you, the people you just met that became your new best friends. Also your guides that worked hard to make this the best vacation ever.

Recall rock paintings left by an ancient inhabitants. Hike to abandoned mines and homesteads, the beauty of the mountains and the river valley, and the varied wildlife. Picture floating down the river waiting for that burst of excitement from the next rapid.

And the fun playing in the water, on crystal white sandy beaches and sharing stories around the campfire. The river creates these memories, treasures that will last a lifetime.

Hammocks are starting to become staples in camping gear and have become more popular over the years. Several campers have opted to using a hammock when camping instead of the usual tent and tarp, attesting to its packing convenience and ease of use. Using A Hammock When Camping is another way to enjoy your outdoors experience.

However, there are some who remain conventional over the methods of camping that relegate the use of a hammock as nothing more than a novelty or a fad. But for its legions of fans, a hammock surely beats having to sleep on the ground.

The advantages linked to using hammocks are vast. Here are some of the reasons more and more happy campers are becoming happier campers with the use of hammocks.

Using A Hammock When Camping

Comfort

A hammock promises that you will not sleep on the ground. Sure, you can carry around an air mattress but it will only add weight to your already full load. If you have a bad shoulder, back or hip, sleeping on the ground might not be the best option for you. Your body will thank you more if you opt for a hammock, instead.

Less movement

If you sleep in a hammock, you are not likely to toss and turn while you sleep because it protects you snugly while at slumber. Once you find your most comfortable position in a hammock, chances are you will assume this post until you wake up and feel more refreshed, as opposed to sleeping on the ground. A hammock that is properly set up has positive orthopedic benefits.

More site alternatives

It’s difficult to set up a tent on a very rocky surface, so most campers have to look for plane ground first before they set up camp. However, hammock users may settle anywhere, as long there is something they can attach the hammock to. You can even camp anywhere even if the ground is damp and won’t have to waste time and energy looking for a perfect and dry spot to rest.

Goodbye critters and ground nuisances

You will no longer have to worry about bugs, poison ivy, thorns and other animals that crawl into your sleeping bag at night if you use a hammock. Also, you won’t leave traces of your presence in a particular site like the ones that are left by tarps and tents.

Using A Hammock When Camping – Easy set up and multiple use

It only takes about two minutes to set up a hammock. Also, aside from being a good resting place, it can be a good recreational tool, like a swing or nice chair. It sure beats having to sit on rocks, right?

Hammocks, therefore, a great device to bring when you’re going camping. It’s less bulky and affords you greater comfort. So don’t listen to those camping purists when they tell you hammocks are just gimmicks. Instead, listen to what your body needs — and that is a comfortable resting place when you need respite from hours of hiking.

The high mountain peaks of Montana Glacier Country accumulate large amounts of snow each winter, which supply an abundance of water for the three forks of the Flathead River. Every spring folks from around the world begin to arrive around May. They come here to enjoy the mountains, valleys and rivers, eager to test their skill. They want to challenge the Montana Rafting whitewater of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Montana rafting Whitewater trips happen regularly between the dates of May Through Sept seven days a week. Type V Approved lifejackets, and complete rain suits for adults and children are needed for many of the rafting trips. Always make sure you are wearing a life jacket while rafting.

For all whitewater trips prior to July 1, wetsuits are mandatory at a reduced rate. Also it is recommended that you wear polar fleece or poly-pro with wet suits and rain wear on cold days.

If you’re looking for raft trip with exciting whitewater, breathtaking scenery, check out the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. The Yellowstone River, offering fun and exciting white water rafting for all ages and experience levels.

Slam through the waves of the Gardiner Town Stretch while helping to navigate your raft through the notorious rapids; Man Eater, Pickets Wave, Creighton’s Hole, and Sleeping Giant in your white water rafting adventure near Yellowstone National Park

Montana Rafting Whitewater

Whitewater and river boarding with Montana River Guides on the Alberton Gorge near Missoula, Montana and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. However Montana whitewater rafting and river boarding are at their best on the Alberton Gorgenear Missoula, Montana and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Raft Montana’s finest whitewater on the Alberton Gorge, enjoy scenic family floats, or try river boarding. Of course it is the ultimate whitewater thrill. Discover Montana’s finest river adventures and river board trips on the Clark Fork River, the Blackfoot River and the Bitterroot River.

The last thing you want to happen when you’re 20 miles into the woods is to find your sleeping bag is not warm enough. You will be facing a very long and restless night which can ruin your spirits and sap your strength for the next day. This post is about, How To Have A Comfortable Sleep When Camping!

How To Have A Comfortable Sleep When Camping

So how do you make sure you’ve selected the right sleeping bag for your needs? There are several aspects to consider:

GOOSE DOWN or SYNTHETIC?

There are pros and cons to most of the options available in sleeping bags.

Goose down is very warm. It is lightweight to carry and can be easily compressed for travel and quickly regain form when shaken out. It is by far a better choice for backpackers who intend to carry the bag with them for extended trips because of the lighter weight and smaller packing. However, goose down is also more expensive and loses its insulating properties when wet – a consideration if sleeping outdoors or traveling in inclement weather.

Synthetic filled bags are cheaper than goose down and retain their warmth even in wet conditions. They dry faster than down and are good choices if traveling by boat or sleeping outdoors on the ground. However, synthetic bags are heavier and larger which can be a downside if you are hiking long distances with the bag.

For the average family camper synthetic bags are the least expensive and least affected by wet conditions. If traveling by car to a campground the size and weight of a synthetic bag should not be a problem.

RECTANGLE, TAPERED or MUMMY BAG?

As with the insulating materials, the shape of bag you choose will depend on your specific needs with pros and cons for each type.

Rectangle bags are most similar to bed sleeping and most familiar to the average user. They permit room for movement and you can easily zip two bags together for shared sleeping. However, rectangle bags are the biggest and not the best option for carrying on extended hikes.

Tapered bags are somewhat narrower towards the feet area of the sleeping bag. This shape provides less freedom of movement but more warmth because of the restricted space.

Mummy bags are the smallest and lightest to carry. They are very snug to the body (as the name suggests) with a hood that can be fitted around the head to conserve the greatest amount of body heat. While the average user may find the mummy bag uncomfortable to sleep in because of the restriction, they are the best choice for cold weather camping and long hikes because of their warmth and small size.

WHICH TEMPERATURE RATING?

Sleeping bags will list the coldest temperature they are suitable for sleeping in. Depending on if you are camping in the summer or colder months you will need to choose a bag accordingly. Also take into consideration if you are normally cold or hot when sleeping and make the adjustments.

In most cases it is recommended to choose a warmer bag since you can always open it for venting if it is too warm. The temperature rating is based on using a sleeping pad under the sleeping bag which conserves body heat from the ground.

How To Have A Comfortable Sleep When Camping ADDITIONS:

If you frequently camp out you may want to consider a liner for your bag. Which will increase its warmth and can be washed separately, saving your sleeping bag from extra wear and tear.

You can also purchase sleeping bag covers. Some of these can substitute for a warm weather sleeping bag and can extend an all season bag into a cold weather bag by increasing the warmth. They can also provide extra protection from wet conditions and are a good choice for protecting goose down sleeping bags.

How comfortable you are when you sleep will drastically affect your enjoyment of a camping or hiking trip. Saving five or ten dollars at the expense of a good nights sleep will not seem like a good idea when you are tired and cold out in the woods, so choose wisely.

Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next issue? No, really. Hiking or running shoes are better for most backpacking trips, at least during late spring, summer and early fall. Boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet forever. A pound on your feet is like five on your back (some say six), so three-pound boots leave you much more tired at the end of the day.

Hiking Shoes And Ankle Support

You may have heard arguments for the necessity of ankle support,but throughout history people managed without stiff ankle-supporting boots. The problem is weak ankles, not a lack of support. You can solve this by walking a little each week on uneven ground (not in the mall).

Some may need boots, but be sure your ankle problems are not just due to a lack of exercise before you settle for backpacking in hiking boots. You may also need hiking boots if you carry more than thirty pounds when you backpack. Cut the weight down,though, and you’ll be more comfortable anyhow.

Why Running Or Hiking Shoes?

Feet stay cooler in a good running shoes than in hiking boots.This means fewer blisters. After switching to running shoes and lightweight socks years ago, I stopped getting blisters. I don’t mean fewer blisters. I mean haven’t had one blister since I switched. Not even after a 110-mile 7-day trek in the Rockies,for example.

Hiking Shoes And Thin Socks – A Backpacking Winner

How To Choose Your Shoes

Try to keep below two pounds per pair, unless you have size 13feet. If the weights are not shown in a catalog, you’ll have to guess which are lighter based on the description and photo. Quality shoes have soles stitched to the uppers, so look under the insoles (a removable insole is another sign of quality shoes). You can usually find a good pair of running shoes that weighs less than 28 ounces for under $80, or half of that on close outs.

There’s nothing quite as liberating as ditching the heavy pack and heavy boots and hitting the trail in running shoes. You get to go more miles, and in comfort. You get to run up a hill just to see what’s there. I have yet to meet a person who has tried backpacking in hiking or running shoes – and then returned to boots.

Whitewater rafting attracts thousands of participants every year. Whitewater rafting can be safe and fun for the whole family, from the beginner to the advanced paddlers. A simple guide rafting Whitewater guide follow:

Classification of Rapids:

Class I – Easy. Small waves in fast moving water. Few obstacles.
Class II – Novice. Wide channels and rapids that are easy to navigate, without many turns or obstacles. Small waves less than two feet high.
Class III – Intermediate. Strong currents require training and ability to maneuver quickly and effectively. From this class on, rafters require a guide. Not suitable for young children.
Class IV – Advanced. Powerful rapids for strong paddlers that can handle fierce turns and spins. Drops and waves are common.
Class V – Expert. Violent, dangerous rapids, usually through obstructed channels, tight turns, and soaring falls. Requires professional equipment.
Class VI – Unrunnable. Likelihood of death in attempting class 6 runs.

Types of Crafts

Kayaks – Kayaks designed for whitewater are usually shorter than sea kayaks and most are made of plastic (although fiberglass kayaks are popular among racers).

Rafts – The preferred type of craft for large groups, they are made of inflatable plastic, and can handle almost any type of current.

Catarafts — Similar to rafts but easier to maneuver, they consist of two inflatable tubes held together by a frame.

Canoes — Made of fiberglass or plastic, they can handle an Eskimo roll the same way kayaks do.

Guide Rafting Whitewater

Fall has always been one of the most amazing months for rafting, to add to the incredible scenery, bears, mountain goats, deer, and cougars are often seen along the way. Also, during lower flow times, the big hits and tight, technical maneuvers make for a very exciting ride!”

Summer rafting is usually more calm, due to lower water volume. Some rivers provide daily dam releases from May through early October; others take advantage of melting snow (which increases water flow).

What to Bring

This varies according to the season and the company offering the trip –Some places have very specific outfit rules, and they provide some of the items in the list below, so it’s always better to ask in advance. Some basics you need include:
* Wetsuit (in spring and fall); bathing suit or shorts (summer)
* Wetsuit booties or strapped sandals (no flip-flops)
* Pogies (special gloves to use when dealing with cold water)
* Polypropylene t-shirt (avoid cotton, as it takes a long time to dry)
* Wool socks and a windbreaker in spring and fall
* Waterproof sunscreen

More Items to consider

* Bug spray
* Sunglasses (with neck strap)
* Disposable waterproof camera (do not bring any expensive equipment)
* First aid kit (if you’re not going with a group)
* Fresh Water
* Depending on the location, the water may be cold even in May, so make sure you ask beforehand so you can decide what to wear.

As the warmer weather approaches, we look forward to another season of camping and enjoying the fun, relaxation, and beauty that the outdoor environment has to offer. I am anxious to get out on weekends to some of my favorite campsites around Kentucky and Indiana. Planning your trip is important to ensure a successful trip. Calculate Food Quantities For Camping as well as fishing gear and other items you may need. Of course I’ll have plenty of fishing gear to bring along in case some of my family or friends join in on the adventures that are sure to come with each outing. This is the most enjoyable thing for me when I see others having a great time hiking, fishing, throwing Frisbees, or sitting around the campfire telling stories or singing campfire songs.

There are several things I try to consider before I begin packing fora camping trip. First of course, is how long will I be gone? How much time do I have to get away from the “9 to 5”, unwind and get refreshed by the fresh air, sunshine, and peaceful scenery that nature provides so abundantly? This summer, I’m going to try to get out more frequently on the weekends.

Short Outings

I’ll talk a little about short outings that are not too distant from home. This will allow me more time for what I actually want to do, and that of course, is to camp. I don’t want to spend 5 hours going and 5 hours coming, using basically a whole day just for traveling. If I pick a place that’s within a 100 mile radius, I should be able to find several dozen places to visit and spend less than 4 hours of total travel time.

Ok, that sound great, I can think of a dozen places within 100 miles right of the top of my head. Lake Monroe, where my youngest son and I visited last year, is only 1 hour and 45 minutes from my home. That was a great weekend camping trip and my daughter and her friends came from Bloomington to join in the fun.

Fishing

Several of the girls had not fished much at all, and I had more fun than they did watching them scream and holler as we caught over 70 bluegill. It was a great thrill for them to actually catch, clean, and eat fresh fish. Most of the pan fish were a little on the small side, but I had them keep them for several reasons. One of course, is the fish sometimes swallow the hook and it’s nearly impossible to throw them back when this happens.

Another reason I sometimes keep small bluegill, is that it helps other aquatic life to have more abundant food sources. Anyway, after we cleaned them all, they were absolutely delicious dipped in a bowl of egg and milk, rolled in cracker crumbs and cornmeal, and fried to a golden brown. And of course we had several bags to take home, which seemed like it made the camping trip last longer than just the weekend.

Calculate Food Quantities For Camping – Essentials

But let’s get back to some of the essentials of planning your weekend camping trip. After you’ve decided on how much time you have, you will need to consider how many nature lovers are going camping. That’s usually the easy part. So if you’ve got 5 people going, and you’re going to be gone for two nights and two days, you’ll want to figure how many meals that will be. I’d say it will be in the neighborhood of 2 dinners, 2 breakfast, and 2 lunches, not including snack times.

So we’ll need enough food for 10 people (5 x 2) for essentially one day. That should calculate to an average of 8-10 ounces of meat per person. Also 8-10 ounces of vegetables and fruit per person, and 8-10 servings of bread or grains per two persons. You can also use the 8-10 rule for your drinks for a total of 8-10, (8-10 oz. drinks) including water, per person per day.

This may seem like a lot of liquid. But when you consider 3 meals a day and an additional drink in between, you are already at 6 drinks a day. Remember, dehydration is a major cause of heat stroke. If you’re going hiking, swimming, or playing any type of running sport, this will easily bring the drink count up an additional 3 or more for a total of 9 drinks a day. Let’s make an easy formula to go by.

Calculate Food Quantities For Camping

FOOD QUANTITY FORMULA

5 people for 2 days = (5 x 2 = 10)
10 x 8-10 ounces = (80-100 ounces meat) or 5-6¼ lbs.
10 x 8-10 ounces = (80-100 ounces fruits and veggies) or 5-6¼ lbs.
8-10 servings bread or grain per (2) persons
8-10 (8-10 oz. drinks) per person (per day)

NOTE: Hard cheeses such as American and Swiss include in meat weight.
Soft cheeses such as cultures add to fruits and vegetables weight.
Eggs may be separate.

So that’s a pretty good rule of thumb to go by for your “3 squares”. If you like to snack, which goes great with camping, bring along your chips, marshmallows, or bake cookies. You’ll never go hungry. Don’t forget the milk if your bring chocolate.

Koa Campgrounds Are Great For All Types Of Campers regardless of whether you have a trailer, RV or a tent. The owners and staff of Koa Campgrounds are dedicated to making sure they are all clean, safe and fun to be at. If you’re not ready to rough it in the wilderness just yet, then a KOA campground may be right for you. Whether you prefer tent camping, cottages, lodges or their exclusive cabins you can enjoy the ambiance of the campground experience.

KOA camps have pride in being camping experts. They try to focus on making your stay a great one, with locations in Canada, USA and Japan. Search on koa campgrounds.com and read up on camping information from the experts who know all about camps. Also read about a sale or hot deal on a KOA family camping adventure.

Koa Campgrounds Are Great For All Types Of Campers – Website

When you visit the KOA website you will find pet travel tips, camping recipes, free postcards and much more. There is also a KOA camp-ground newsletter, value Kard, Gift certificates. For example they even have the option to book wireless internet right on the KOA’s campgrounds.

Search a location near you with the Koa camp-listing directory. If you’re in Florida, Michigan, Colorado, California, Myrtle beach, Ontario, Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, Oregon, Wisconsin, Utah, South Dakota, Okayama, Minnesota, Indiana, Georgia, Fort Mill, Kentucky, Tennessee, San Diego, Montana, Niagara Falls, BC, New York, Washington, Arizona and many other places you may just find a KOA campsite location and reservation near you.

The happiest retirees have learned this lesson. It is all about finding the right balance in life. It is also about doing things that are interesting and challenging to you and that you enjoy. Too much of any one particular activity and it becomes boring. Doing something different every day helps us all enjoy life more and look forward to the activities we are following in the days ahead. Actually, this approach applies to all of us whether we are retired, in the middle of our careers, or just beginning. Lead a well-balanced life to maintain a satisfying career and lifestyle. The following are the main categories that all of us should pay attention to.

The Happiest Retirees Have Learned This Lesson

Find the right balance among the following to lead a happy life.

Share and mentor – whether it is your kids, colleagues, or grandchildren, helping someone succeed always feels good.

Recreation – relaxation, and exercise provide fun and enjoyment. Recreation also helps to keep us fit if your recreation includes sports activities.

Heath – it really does not matter how much money you have. If you do not have your health life can get pretty tedious. Live a healthy lifestyle, eat right, moderate drinking, exercise, and treat your body well.

Financial – pay attention to finances. If you will not have enough money to live the lifestyle you would like, retirement could get frustrating. Pay attention to this item well before retirement and match your lifestyle to your income and savings levels.

Travel and learn – experiencing other cultures, enjoying different foods, and viewing new experiences help us all to enjoy the world and learn. Keep an open mind and enjoy what different cultures bring to the world.

Relationships – one of the most important is to enjoy and maintain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. When you need help there is always someone to call on for help.

Work – should really only occupy 1/3 of the day. You need 1/3 for sleeping and 1/3 for doing all of the other things we have been discussing. When work expands beyond 8 hours a day, something has to suffer

Family and Social – maintaining a great social life means you are having fun and lots of laughs. It is well known that a good laugh helps the body to stay healthy and maintain your sense of well-being.

For more lifestyle ideas and suggestions, click here.

North Carolina whitewater rafting offers Class 1 through 5 rafting opportunities and exciting experiences for the outdoor enthusiasts. Several of the rivers are summarized in this post about Carolina North Rafting whitewater:

The Nantahala is Western North Carolina’s most scenic river for whitewater rafting in the Smokies. Eight miles of rugged mountain beauty interrupted by twenty stretches of Class II rapids. Beginning with “Patton’s Run” and ending with the Class III beast, “Lesser Wesser”. While the “Nanny” is a river to be respected, it is not fearsome. Its rapids provide training for Olympic kayakers and thrills for paddlers from age 7 to 70 alike.

The North Carolina whitewater rafting French Broad River is a free flowing river. It has headwaters high in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Rosman and Brevard NC. Flowing from the Devil’s Courthouse on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The French Broad River then flows to Asheville, NC before turning north and west toward Marshall, NC, Hot Springs, NC and Tennessee. Water levels vary throughout the season.

Carolina North Rafting whitewater

The French Broad River is a great NC rafting river. While not too wild for the novice, the French Broad River has plenty to offer the experienced rafter. The rapids range from class I to III on the half-day white water rafting trips. Meanwhile they have class I-IV on the full day NC rafting trip. These are small to medium sized rapids on the class I to VI classification scale. The white water rapids on the French Broad River are considered drop-pool type rapids. Typically the rapids consists of a drop with a calmer pool at the bottom of the rapid.

The float trip stretch of the French Broad River has beautiful scenery. There are a few waves, and plenty of opportunity for swimming and floating. As a result the float trip is a great way for families with small children (minimum age is 4 for the float trip) to enjoy some time together on a fantastic NC river. Or if you just want to have a relaxing and scenic float, the French Broad River float trip offers fantastic mountain scenery, fascinating history, and lots of splashing fun.

North Carolina rafting is blessed with a long whitewater rafting season. Here in the Southern Appalachians from mid-March to early November. And unlike the cold water of other rivers in Western North Carolina, the French Broad River is cool and inviting.

Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but you just can’t find the time to take them on a camping trip? Or would you like to introduce your kids to the fun of camping for the first time, but aren’t sure if they will enjoy it, or might get scared? What about a backyard camping trip? Either way, camping out in your backyard will be a fun way to spend the evening and night with your kids.

Get the kids involved in setting up camp in your backyard. Have them help you set up the tent. Put them in charge of getting their sleeping bags, flashlights and anything else they may need into the tent. If it’s an option for you, you may even want to make a campfire in your backyard. Check with your fire department before hand if this is an option in your area. If not, just dig out the charcoal or gas grill. Grill some hotdogs and make some foil backed potatoes for dinner, and of course you’ll need some s’mores for desert. If you are roasting the marshmallows over your grill, put some aluminum foil over the grate to keep the melting marshmallow from dripping onto your grill.

Backyard Camping Trip – Living Room

Don’t have a tent, or even a backyard for that matter? That’s no reason not to camp out. Just spread out your sleeping bags, or even just some blanket in the living room. Turn off the TV, radio and video games. If you have a fireplace, build a fire. Otherwise, order some pizza and pop some popcorn and you can even make s’mores in the microwave.

No matter where you decide to have your close to home camping trip, take some time to sit together and talk. Telling stories, whether a campfire is involved or not, is always fun. Your kids’ imagination in creating new stories may surprise you. Don’t forget to tell some handed down family tales.

Above all, think back about your favorite camping memories and recreate them with your kids. Do you remember any good scary stories? Are there any games you enjoyed playing? What’s your favorite card game?

Have some fun with this, enjoy your kids and create some memories.

Thousands of adventure thrill seekers of all ages will go down the spectacular New River Gorge. Also the world class Gauley River Canyon, every year. The New & Gauley River Adventures are some of the best in the wild wonderful mountain areas of West Virginia. The Gauley rafting river whitewater offers great experiences.

New River or Gauley River offers a variety of river rafting trips for paddlers of all skill levels. There is beginner to expert, young or old, mild or wild. Gauley rafting river whitewater adventures range from a 2 hour rafting express trip, to a full day. Lower New River rafting , Gauley River rafting or a multi day extended vacation. There are several companies that provide whitewater rafting tours and excursions along the Gauley river in West Virginia. They offer a variety of vacation packages. Which range from half day trips to multi day camping and whitewater adventure tours.

Gauley Rafting River whitewater

The fun doesn’t stop at river’s edge, either. Year-round, complete vacation packages for individuals, groups or families include various activities. For example, guided fishing trips, horseback riding / sleigh rides in winter, kayaking, hiking, biking , rock climbing instruction, 4 x 4 back road tours, snow shoeing, all along the Gauley river. Subsequently after your adventure settle in for a relaxing evening at a campground. Or one of the many cozy cabins or cottages in the area.

World class staff , guides, shuttle drivers and adventure consultants, are friendly, highly skilled outdoor professionals, committed to safety, service and hospitality. In conclusion small wonder so many returning guests come back every year. In other words they come for White Water Rafting and outdoor adventure in the mountains of Mountains of Wild Wonderful West Virginia.

Camping is always associated with fire. Besides cooking, this fire will keep us warm in the night and to shoo the wild animals away. Find out the tips on How To Build a Camp Fire below

From books and moving pictures we all know that Indians had the ability to maintain smokeless fires, and that trappers could blot out the sites of their fires without leaving the slightest trace behind. But we’re not always able to imitate these models. We gaily follow the recipe take some wood and light it. But there’s far more to it than that.

How To Build a Camp Fire – Wood

Before you build a fire, you must first have a good supply of firewood on hand. It’s embarrassing to realize that there’s no more wood when your hot dog is only half done. For a smokeless fire you need completely dry, brittle wood. The driest branches are those that have lost their bark and never feel cold; cold wood is damp and heavy, and it is useless to you unless you want to dry it out at a fire first. You can find dry brittle wood even after a rain. Look for branches under dense shrubbery (that’s a bit of old gypsy lore) or find the lowest dead branches of young pine trees, which are especially suitable for starting fires.

Only a greenhorn would start a fire with wood that still has green leaves hanging on it. Such wood is usable only if you already have a strong fire. Thick, dead limbs of old oaks, dried roots and trunks make good heating material. In rainy weather, cut away the top layer of wet sticks; the center will be dry.

Kindling

This is almost like a game of skill. First, clean the site where you are going to lay your fire, and scrape the ground all around it so that you leave nothing that may be ignited by a flying spark. Then, start with paper, dried grass or reeds, dried leaves and twigs, birch bark or paper thin shavings. Set up a little pyramid of the thinnest, driest twigs over this. Then, to get a strong flame, lay brittle softwood branches on top of the pile. Finally, to produce effective heat and a good glow, add pieces of root and thick hardwood sticks.

The hardwoods include oak, beech, poplar, birch and hickory. Hazel, spruce, pine and fir are all softwoods. The paper thin outer layer of birch bark is ideal for kindling.

Set fire to the core of the pyramid only when it is finished. If kindling piles are skillfully built, it is possible to light them with a magnifying glass if the sun is out brightly. As long ago as 278 B.C. the inventive Archimedes saved the Sicilian city of Syracuse with this principle. He erected a huge reflector on the city wall and set fire to the enemy fleet with it. Soon the fleet was swimming in bright flames on the sea. I wasn’t there myself, but I have often lighted a well prepared, dry kindling pyramid with my pocket burning glass.

Before making the fire, search for the right type of wood which is dry, so easy it will be easy to burn. Arrange the woods in a pyramid form to produce such level of heat to warm the night.

Many of us spend time looking at ourselves in the mirror admiring our muscles. We enjoy seeing a fit body and flexing our muscles for display. But the strongest muscle in your body is not one you can see. It is inside your chest and has many interesting features. It is your heart which beats 24 hours a day.

Every day you are alive, your heart creates enough energy to power a truck for 20 miles of driving.

Your heart pumps blood to almost all of your cells,quite a feat considering there are about 75 trillion of them.

The Strongest Muscle in your Body

Of all your muscles, the heart does the most physical work.

During a normal life span, the heart will pump about 1.5 million barrels of blood – enough to fill about 200 train tank cars.

That said, heart disease is still the greatest threat to your health.

A few things that keep your heart healthy: Lack of stress, exercise, happiness and a healthy diet!

Of the days of the year, Christmas Day sees the most heart attacks, followed by December 26th, followed by New Year.

The size of a heart valve is roughly the size of a 50 cent coin.

The very first pacemakers had to be plugged into the wall. Suffice to say, those patients did not do too much walking.

If you grab a tennis ball and squeeze it with all your might, you would roughly understand how hard the heart works to pump blood, every second of every day.

More Info About Your Heart

Why has the heart become such a symbol of love? Maybe it is because the ancients believed 
the heart was the center of our soul and emotion? Some historians believe it began with the Greek culture, and not before.

People can actually die from a broken heart. After suffering a terrible loss or traumatic event,
the body releases stress hormones into your bloodstream that can temporarily mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, even causing heart failure.

Almost every state and province in North America offers combined cabin rafting rental whitewater combinations for whitewater rafting vacations. Pick your location based on available cabins or whitewater rafting opportunities, it does not matter. You will have a great time, great memories of the Whitewater excursion and camping out in your cabin in the wilderness.

Before you book your vacation in one of these whitewater rafting and cabin areas, check out both the available whitewater rafting trips available as well as the cabins you will be staying in.

Whitewater rafting trips can be half day, full day or multi day trips. You also want to know what equipment you need to bring vs. what will be provided by the operator. Also confirm the class of the whitewater trip to confirm that this is really the level you are looking for. Finally confirm that all of the safety gear is provided and the guides have adequate experience for your whitewater rafting trip.

Cabin Rafting Rental whitewater

The cabin you select can also make a huge contribution to your whitewater rafting trip. Staying in a great cabin that is clean, dry and comfortable makes a huge difference to your experience. Look for references and previous users experiences. Are there restaurants nearby or will you need to make your own meals.

Are the accommodations first class or basic. What do you need to bring with you to make your entire rafting and cabin whitewater rafting experience enjoyable. And always brings change of clothes for your whitewater rafting trip, since you are going to get wet! You may also want to use water proof cases and bags. You will need dry clothes when you finish and if they get wet during your trip it will be a cold evening beside the fire. Plan ahead and you will have a great time.