Hiking News - Thursday 2 July 2009

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Arizona's State Parks Back Open

Thursday, 2 July 2009

Phoenix, AZ - Campers will be the happiest people in the state to hear that the Arizona State Parks department are re-opening State Parks immediately. Because state employees were authorized to report to work, all the park rangers will take down closed park signs at the gates to the State Parks and the public is welcome to come and enjoy the great outdoors.

"Nobody is happier than we a re to welcome guests back into the parks and to get ready for our biggest week of the year, the Fourth of July holidays," said Executive Director Renee Bahl. "During this difficult economic time it is critical that we continue to offer park opportunities for our residents and visitors. These rural communities rely on tourism to keep their restaurants, gas and retail businesses vibrant. Since the 30 State Parks generate $266 million in economic impact for the rural communities, the parks now are one of the last big revenue generators for outlying businesses who then contribute to the state budget."

For more information about the 30 State Parks, other hiking opportunities such as hiking all the 550 State Trails, off-highway vehicle trails and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, visit the website at AZStateParks.com or call (602) 542-4174.

New Cost-Effective Heli Hikes Launched by PAQ

Thursday, 2 July 2009

New Cost-Effective Heli Hikes Launched by PAQ

Pure Adventure Queenstown (PAQ), a boutique private guiding company that specializes in creating unique and exceptional guided experiences around New Zealand's Southern Lakes region, has introduced new Heli Hike products to its extensive portfolio.

The company, renowned for its intimate knowledge of the environment, exclusive access to backcountry areas and friendly, professional servi ce, has added a full range of cost-effective Heli Hike products, each customised to meet client needs and desires across a range of budgets and time frames.

Working with some of the South's best helicopter companies, the Saddle Heli Walk includes a six-minute scenic helicopter flight over historic Skippers Canyon and Moonlight Creek, followed by a stunning ridgeline decent starting in alpine tussock at the saddle with ever increasing views of Queenstown.

The Lake Heli Walk is a nine-minute flight over historic gold-mining areas before landing beside a pristine mountain lake tucked among the peaks. There's a well-formed track suitable for all ages and abilities, with a walk time of just one to two hours, around this stunning lake.

The Simply Remarkable Heli Hike features a 12-minute helicopter flight through and around Queenstown's majestic Remarkable mountain range to Pure Adventure's secluded exclusive area. The helicopter trip is followed by a walk of up to three hours from a height of 3000ft down a gentle downhill gradient with stunning lake views, then a 4WD trip back to base.

The Cecil Peak Heli Hike is all about hiking at altitude. Passengers fly across Lake Wakatipu and land on remote Cecil Peak. There's time for hiking and spectacular views at 4000ft, before the trip’s topped off with a flight back to Queenstown.

Full day heli hikes and walks include Forest and Stream, with a 16-minute flight over lakes and mountains before walking amongst ancient forests and streams. It's suitable for all ages and takes between two to four hours with an exclusive 4WD exploration on the way back to Queenstown.

The Huts is a two-day, one night trip with a scenic helicopter flight to an exclusive wilderness area, followed by a hike to a shepherd's hut for a night in the back country. Suitably rested and with a hearty Kiwi breakfast inside, there’s a hike and 4WD trip back out to civilization the next day. There are no trails in this area so good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness and agility are required.

The Glacier Walk thrills with an exhilarating helicopter flight past spectacular mountains, ice fall, rivers and lakes before landing on a glacier within the Southern Alps. A trip to discovery takes guests among ice pinnacles, glacial lakes, deep blue crevasses and cascading waterfalls.

Last but not least, there's The Premium Package, five days of stunning helicopter-assisted walking and activities in New Zealand's internationally renowned World Heritage parks and private mountain wilderness areas.

"It's a visual feast of sights and walks in exclusive areas and pristine alpine environments that’s breathtaking in every respect," said Pure Adventure managing director Stephen Robertson.

"This is the ultimate trip where we work closely with clients to arrange their days so they get absolutely the experience they want. This package includes airport to airport service, gourmet picnic lunches, a personal Kiwi guide, six hours of helicopter time, and four nights of six-star accommodation at Blanket Bay, acclaimed as New Zealand's best luxury lodge. It's absolutely the best."

Pure Adventure can also organise a private Charter Day for clients who want to totally customise their day.

"We know people's time is valuable, so we're happy to use our knowledge, with a helicopter that's theirs for the day, to enjoy access to more than 400,000 acres of private land and walk in our World Heritage parks. It's something really special."

Mr Robertson stressed that with many of the Pure Adventure Heli Hike packages, there was the option for clients to be met by 4WD if they preferred not to walk.

Pure Adventure works with a small guide-to-client ratio to ensure the best possible experience, and each trip works to an agreed itinerary, confirmed budgets and client timeline.

"Client safety and comfort are key," said Mr Robertson. "Stringent safety procedures are in place and all guides are highly qualified, experienced and have extensive training."

Pure Adventure Queenstown staff are passionate about sharing their love for New Zealand with others and are committed to environmental/wildlife protection where possible.

Source: www.southernpr.co.nz

Camp Two Nights, Get a Third Night Free

Wednesday, 1 July 2009

Pittsford, NY – Even if you have to tighten your wallet this year, you can still plan a vacation without breaking the bank with the "Camp Two Nights, Get a Third Night Free" program at participating campgrounds and RV parks in New York State. This special promotion runs from thru September 7, 2009.

Campground Owners of New York (CONY), an association of privately owned campgrounds and RV Parks, is offering a free night of camping with two paid nights at 42 of its affiliate parks across New York State. A complete listing of campgrounds and RV parks, as well as booking details and restrictions are available at www.ilovenycamping.com.

"Camping and RVing are extremely affordable ways to travel, versus many other vacation options," according to Donald G. Bennett, Jr., executive administrator of CONY. "With this offer, campers enjoying their extra free night may opt to use their longer stay and savings to visit more local attractions, shops and eateries, and have an even better vacation."

"We are participating in this program because we sympathize with how hard it is to plan a vacation when you don't have a lot of money, and we want to provide a way for people to enjoy their summer despite the economy," said Rosemary Curtis of Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort in Bath, NY.

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (rvia.org) recently released figures from a study finding that even when fuel prices rise, RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation. The study by PKF Consulting found that "typical RV family vacations are on average 26 to 74 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied."

There are a variety of campgrounds and RV parks participating in the "Camp Two Nights, Get a Third Night Free" promotion. By clicking the links on www.ilovenycamping.com, tenters and RVers alike will easily find something to suit their needs.

Campground Owners of New York's presents its "Camp Two Nights, Get a Third Night Free" promotion as a part of I LOVE NEW YORK's "Infinitely Surprising Summers" marketing campaign.

Source: www.prlog.org

Celebrate America's Birthday at State Parks

Wednesday, 1 July 2009

Celebrate America's Birthday at State Parks

Phoenix, AZ -- You can go fishing, swimming, and hiking in the State Parks on your 4th of July holiday, but don't forget to celebrate America's birthday when you are out touring and learning about Arizona's history.

You might like to take along a copy of the Declaration of Independence to read to your family. At least remember Thomas Jefferson's immortal words in 1776 when he wrote: "W e hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..."

Why not pursue your adventures in your own State Parks! "The State Parks in the north are cool retreats and offer many amenities that families can afford," says State Parks Director Renee Bahl. "We encourage Arizonans to take advantage of their lakes, creeks, and vast pine forests in these rural communities. Many rural towns also celebrate this week by hosting special events. The City of Payson is even assisting us in keeping Tonto Natural Bridge open at least on weekends through August 2."

Some towns such as St. John's, present events within the State Parks, such as "Fire Over the Water" at Lyman Lake State Park. Roper Lake State Park in Safford and Lyman Lake campgrounds might not fill to capacity, so those are good destinations. Day-use parks such as Kartchner Caverns are offering cave tickets reduced for the summer to $12 for adults and $5 for children. The park also has good hiking and camping opportunities. Book cave tours in advance by calling [520] 586-2283. But, remember to visit those historic parks that tell the history, mystery and lore of the great State of Arizona.

For more information about the 30 State Parks, other hiking opportunities such as hiking all the 550 State Trails, off-highway vehicle trails and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, visit the website at AZStateParks.com or call (602) 542-4174.

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