MotoTraQ

When it comes to choosing the best hiking boots to endure the type of outdoor adventure planned, it is of utmost importance to keep comfort and safety in mind. This, inevitably, can make all the difference in the world for a long memorable hike or a short-lived disaster.

This is the single most valuable piece of hiking equipment and can set the tone for future hikes to come … or not.

Now it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go out and buy the latest and the best hiking boots around to outfit your family, for it can become quite pricy and we wouldn’t want to start you off on the wrong foot. In fact, your best hiking boots may very well be found sitting right in your garage. You just need to dust them off and inspect the soles to make sure the treads aren’t worn down or have gaping holes. You will also want to make sure there is enough support for your ankle.

In order to assist you better, we would like to share our expert opinions in helping you decide which are best hiking boots for your needs. On that note, here are some things you should consider. We feel that the best hiking boots are built with a sturdy sole which will allow for hiking on rough trails in the wilderness. A strong, solid bottom will protect your feet from getting stone bruises or thorn punctures, if you should happen to encounter such obstacles while hiking.

They should also have decent cushioning on the insole to reduce the possibility of blisters. Keeping this in mind, we recommend that you wear two pairs of socks, a thick wool outer layer along with a thin soft inner layer. The sides of your best hiking boots should offer sufficient support to help protect your ankles from being twisted to one side or the other on uneven terrain.

Choosing the best hiking boots for the Type of Trail and Time of Year

Trail Shoes – We recommend Trail Shoes for walking on well established, smooth trails and are usually the best hiking boots for short hikes or day walks in dry climate. These boots, under 2½ pounds, are more commonly known as lightweights. They resemble a combination running shoe/boot, and are generally constructed of suede, fabric, leather or nylon mesh, which make them ideal for summer hiking adventures.

Some lightweight hiking boots weigh in at barely more than a pound. These are less for protecting the feet and ankles from rocky terrain and more for providing protection to the bottom of the foot. These are the best hiking boots for comfort, cushioning and breath-ability. The casual hiker will love these as their best hiking boots, while the backpacker will limp into camp.

Trail Hikers – The best hiking boots for longer, more rugged trails, require something sturdier like Trail Hikers. They have the tread on the bottom, usually a vibram or lug sole, which is needed for rocky ground. This sole can provide better traction while ascending and descending inclines and even on muddy terrain. These higher-cut boots will provide added stability and ankle protection against protruding branches and rocks, or even snakes that may be encountered in the wild.

Trail hikers, also called middleweights, weigh 2½ pounds or more and are usually made of all leather and have decent weatherproofing. These are the best hiking boots suitable for most light to moderate backpacking loads and winter hiking conditions.

Happy Hiking …

Hiking in Abruzzo – Tibet Experience in Europe

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Popularity: 7%

After a much hectic wedding ceremony, it is the time to relax with your beloved and spend your few first days together. Begin your new life by planning honeymoon in a peaceful and scenic location to get close and understand each other well.

One such place that is perfect for a dream honeymoon is Munnar in Kerala. This pleasing hill station, located on the Western Ghats at an altitude of 5000 ft above sea level, is surrounded by absolute greenery and sweet fragrance coming from the tea and coffee plantations. This with a wide range of accommodation choices from cheap and homely home stays to five star super quality resorts and hotels, this is the place to be in during those special moments of life.

Munnar is a fascinating four hour drive from Cochin International Airport (in Kerala) on an undulating road which offers scenic views of beautiful valleys, extensive tea plantations, and green hills. This picture perfect area is blessed with landscaped scenery, unspoiled beauty, fresh breeze and nice aura. Munnar is rich in flora and fauna, with Animals like elephants and Nilgiri Tahrs found in abundance and exotic plants. A rare flower called “Neela Kurinji” paints these heavenly mountains in blue every 12 years. The next blooming year is 2018. Indulging in the pleasure of the Honeymoon in Munnar among dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and tea and coffee plantations, is a dream come true.

Interested in adventure sports? Munnar will not disappoint you either. Couples can spent their time together while catching a fish, rowing a boat, taking a trek route to the top of the hill, cycling around the town and trying their hands in paragliding. No doubt this heavenly hill station is the most favored romantic spot among young couples.

So go ahead and plan for a honeymoon in this seductive land of Kerala. It will sure fill your spirits with love and fond memories. Make sure that you get your tour package designed and facilitated by a well experienced tour operator so as to have a convenient, hassle free, and memorable travel.

Spots that can be visited while on a Munnar trip are Attukal, Chithirapuram, Devikulam, Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park, Kundala, Lock Heart Gap, Mattupetty, Nayamkad, Powerhouse Waterfalls, Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary and Munnar Tea and Coffee Plantations. Nearby areas worth going to are Anayirakal, Cheeyappara, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalvari Mount, Malankara Reservoir, Marayoor, Meenuli, Nadukani, Ramakalmedu, Thommankuthu, Top Station and Valara Waterfall.

Do consult your travel operator to list you the different sightseeing options and entertainment facilities available in Munnar so that you can plan out your honeymoon tour based on your energy level and budget. One can also watch Kerala cultural programs like kalaripayettu (a form of martial art), kathakalli, mohiniyattam etc.

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Popularity: 7%

For those of us interested in adventurous tours into the wild and untouched forest areas and want to view the nature and photograph the wildest of animals in their natural habitat, a tour into the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Kerala is worth considering.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located amidst the mountains of western ghats, in the Idukki district of the God’ own country, Kerala. It covers an area of 777 sq km and is one of most renowned sanctuaries in India.

The history of this park dates back to 1934, when the Maharaja of Travancore, on recommendation of his game warden, S.C.H. Robinson, converted the area around the lake into a sanctuary by the name of Nellikkampetty sanctuary. In 1966, the sanctuary was brought under the forest department and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was created. It was finally declared as a Tiger Reserve in the 1978. In 1991, the park was brought under the Project Elephant. The park was earlier also known by the name of Thekkady WildlifeSanctuary.

Formed in 1895, with the building of a dam, the Periyar Lake today is a major source of water for the resident animals and birds. About three fourth of the sanctuary is covered with evergreen and semi evergreen rain forests and the rest one fourth of the area is covered by Periyar River and Pamba River. The beauty of the lake and the environ of the sanctuary lapped under the mountains combined with the smell of fresh air coming from the moist deciduous forest is very soothing for the visitors and makes one long to return for more. It is one of the largest and most frequented reserves in India. No wonder this sanctuary is known as the pride of Kerala.

Periyar is home to the most exotic of the flora and fauna. It houses around 62 species of animals, ranging from the most ferocious Tiger to the most peaceful Deer. There are around 35-50 tigers in the Periyar sanctuary and most of the tourists come here to get a glimpse of these tigers moving around in the forest. The other animal of interest to the tourists is the Indian Elephant. It is a wonderment watching this huge animal playing recklessly by the Periyar lake. There are about one thousand elephants in this sanctuary. Other animals that could be seen here are Leopards, Common Langurs, Mouse Deer, Malabar Squirrel, Indian wild Dogs, Nilgiri Langurs, Lion Tailed Macaque, and porcupines, Bonnet Wild Boar, Sambar, Macaques, Nilgiri Tahr, Dhole and Barking Deer. Talking about the reptile population of the park, there are 45 species of them here, including a variety of snakes, turtles and lizards. King Cobras and Pythons, the two very poisonous snakes are a common sight in the park.

Speaking of birds, there are about 180 species of them, including Kingfishers, Darters, Cormorants, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. Tourists who are interested in spotting these birds should carry binoculars with them.

Best time to visit this park is between the months of November to May. This is because during this period the waterholes inside the forest areas dry up and the inhabitant animals come up to the lake to drink water and take bath in the waters. Therefore, the chances of sighting wild animals are enhanced during these months.

On a tour to Thekkady or Periyar sanctuary, one should not miss the boat cruise in the lake. This way one can both enjoy the beauty of the Periyar Lake and sight see wild animals while enjoying a boating trip. Although it is normally not possible to see many animals from the boat, still you can spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the lake. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise

One can also do Trekking and Jeep safaris in the sanctuary. Trekking, especially night trekking is an exciting option for all those who have the energy level for carrying out such an expedition. Prior permission needs to be obtained for this purpose from the forest department. They will sent armed guards with you for your safety to guide you and to prevent you from getting lost in the forest area.

The other exciting option for adventurous tourists is bamboo rafting. Spotting animals from bamboo raft is perfectly safe and if you are lucky, you can even sight Tigers while on the bamboo raft. Another option of enjoyment in Periyar is elephant riding and Nature walk. In Nature walk, the tourists, accompanied by forest officials, go on a walking expedition around Lake Periyar. This provides a satisfaction of roaming around in the park inhabited by numerous animals. Do ask your tour operator to give you a list of options available so that you can select one based on your liking or energy level.

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Popularity: 4%

As the World Expo of 2010 is getting closer, Shanghai is becoming one of the most popular cities in the world for tourism. About 70 million Tourists are expected to arrive in Shanghai for what is probably going to be the largest world fair ever held. Several travel agencies worldwide are offering specials packages on Shanghai Tours and Shanghai Hotels at the moment. Booking early is strongly suggested as all the hotels are expected to be fully booked during the expo. Special Tours will be offered to visit each nation’s pavilion.

Shanghai is the Commercial Capital of China, including as well as finance and industry. It is also the largest city on earth and has the distinction of a colonial past that is still noticeable today. Shanghai was the centre of European imperialism in mainland China but the arrival of the communists changed everything and Shanghai regained its culture and traditions. Today, Shanghai is alive with dreams and hopes of a future that the whole country is embracing. Referred to as the “Oriental New York”, this modern city is indeed one of the world’s greatest capitals today. Shanghai, an open city on the coast and a famous cultural, traditional and cultural city, is a door to the popular Yangtze River delta. It is a municipality under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government of China, the largest economic and trade center, a comprehensive industrial base and the leading port in China.

As Shanghai is one of China’s major travel hubs, both domestic and foreign flights get there often. Domestic flights land at Hongqiao airport, located about 18 km from the center of Shanghai, while overseas flights are served by Pudong, about 40km east of the city.

Tourism in Shanghai can be very thrilling in all its differentareas. Shanghai is seafood city. The food in the city is generally sweet and oily, and local dishes include xiaolong baozi (dumplings with broth and meat), dazha xie (crabs), and xiefen shizitou (pork meatballs with crab). eateries in Wujiang Road, while nicer places are located in Xintiandi and Nanjing road. Tap water is not safe to drink, it is recommended to boil it beforehand. When out drinking, beware of tourist traps that will charge 50 yuan for a 5 yuan drink.

If appreciate Chinese history, you’ll want to check out the Yuyuan Gardens for a discovery at Imperial China. For seeing Shanghai in the 1930s, take a look around the Bund. You’ll find modern Shanghai towering all around you in Pudong. Also, don’t miss the Shanghai museum. It is home to many Chinese arts and crafts from many eras.

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Popularity: 7%

It can be said that the Potala Palace is the symbol of Lhasa, the regional capital of Tibet. Situated on Red Hill in northwest of the city, the Potala Palace was originally built as the house for the marriage of Emperor Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wenchang in the Tang Dynasty. The palace was destroyed twice in its history. In 1645, it was rebuilt and expanded by Dalai Lama V. The project took about half a century to complete.

It is a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhism, the hall and corridors inside are decorated with master paintings, which are concerning Buddhist teachings and stories. The Red Palace displays the artistic statues of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wenchang, as well as 1000 Buddhist images. In 1994, the Potala Palace has been listed by UNESCO as the World Cultural Heritage. Nowadays, the palace attracts Buddhist worshippers at home and abroad to visit during religious festivals.

The main architecture of the Potala Palace is composed of the two parts: Places used by the Dalai Lama as his living chambers and for political activities; and holy stupas of the successive generations of Dalai Lamas and various Buddhist halls.

The first part is concentrated in the White Palace, built in 1645-1653. This part fans out from the original Hall of the Goddess of Mercy towards the east and west, encompassing groups of monastic halls with white walls hence the name the White Palace. The White Palace has seven stories. The fourth story, the Coqenxag or the Eastern Hall, covers an area of 717 square meters and is propped up by 38 large pillars. This is the most important Buddhist hall in the Potala Palace, and has witnessed many major religious and political activities, including the enthronement ceremony for the reincarnated soul boy of the Dalai Lama and the ceremony held when the Dalai Lama begins his reign at the age of 18. The fifth and sixth stories were used as the offices and living chambers of the Prince Regent. The seventh story was the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lama. It is called the Sunlight Hall simply because the hall enjoys boundless sunlight through its spacious windows. The hall is furnished with gold basins, jade bowls, Buddhist paintings and many other treasures, accentuating the high position of the occupant. Outside the Sunlight Hall is a spacious balcony offering a bird’s-eye view of the whole of Lhasa. In the distance are undulating mountain ranges, the beautiful Lhasa River, tracts of fields, tree-shaded villages and the glistening Jokhang Monastery.

The second part is concentrated in the Red Palace, occupies an area of 10,000 square meters, where the statues of Songtsan Gambor, Princess Wencheng and some thousands of Buddhist figures are placed for worshipping. When the Red Palace was built in 1690, the Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi sent some 100 artisans of the Han, Manchu and Mongolian nationalities to take part in the construction. The majority of the Red Palace is taken up with various Buddhist halls and eight holy stupas containing the remains of the Dalai Lamas. The holy stupa for the 5th Dalai Lama is wrapped inside 110,000 taels of gold sheet (approximately equal to 143,000 ounces) and inlaid with 18,677 pearls and pieces of gems, coral, amber and agate. Sixipuncog, or the Western hall, is the largest hall in the Red Palace. The hall covers 725 square meters, and holds a plaque bearing an inscription by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. Inside the hall is the holy throne of the Dalai Lama and a pair of colored silk curtains granted by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. The Three-World Hall, which is the highest in the Red Palace, holds the Beijing-edition Dangyur which Emperor Yongzhen of the Qing Dynasty presented to the 7th Lalai Lama. The westernmost section of the Red Palace is the Hall of the Holy Stupa for the 13th Dalai Lama, built in 1933-1935.

The hall, 14 meters high, contains a Mandala said to be made of 200,000 pearls. The Potala Palace is a treasure house of Tibetan art, the opulence of which reflects the enormous differences that existed between the nobles and the serfs and slaves, who made up 95 percent of the Tibetan population, in the old days. While the Red Palace is composed of the religious center and the Holy Stupa Memorial Hall, the White Palace features the living chambers and political center of the Dalai Lama. Both palaces indicate the social character of temporal and religious activities in old Tibet. The 5th Dalai Lama moved into the White Palace from the Zhaibung Monastery as soon as the former was built. He stayed there until his death. From then on all the successors of the Dalai Lama resided in the Potala Palace, from where they exercised political and religious power. This is why lamas and Tibetan Buddhists worship the Potala Palace and regard it as the holy land.Shanghai World Expo

It belongs on the World Heritage List because, like the Great Wall or the Taj Mahal, it was meant to stir wonder and affection and gratitude in the viewer. It was also home of Buddha. And wherever you sit in Potala Palace, its 1,000 windows look over you in what can seem a kind of protection. When you look at the Potala Palace, you see not only one of the most stirring structures on the planet — “the most extraordinary building in the world,” according to the great British traveler Peter Fleming — but also a culture that is still strongly influential today.
Expo 2010 Shanghai

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Popularity: 44%

The vibrant yet chic Paradis Hotel and Golf Resort is one of the jewels in the crown of Mauritius hotels. Located in the south west at Le Morne Peninsula the resort occupies one of the islands most spectacular settings. There is a massive range of complimentary land and water sports, dining at 7 restaurants and an 18 hole golf course, with luxury accommodation, and 5km of white sandy beach.

There is a superb alternatives of luxurious accommodation according to the mobile travel guide, all complimented with typical Mauritian architecture and furnishings. There are ten different room categories including suites and luxurious and spacious villas, ideal for family looking for an extra special holiday.

The superior and luxury rooms are all very spacious at 50sq m and have terraces or balconies which overlook the Indian Ocean or the Paradis Lagoon. Interconnecting rooms are available, and they will easily accommodate 2 adults and a child under 12.

The more spacious Junior and Beach front Junior Suites are all 76 sq m, and positioned in a horse shoe formation, facing the ocean. Again they have a large terrace or balcony and are available interconnecting.

For families, there are some excellent family suites, which are twice the size of the junior suites, with two bedrooms and an open plan seating area. There are also two outdoor terraces and they can accommodate 2 adults and 3 children.

As recommended by cruise travel agent, the luxury family suites are larger still, with a big room for Mum and Dad. The second bedroom is great for younger children, and again there are two outdoor terraces.

If you are a couple traveling for a special celebration, then one of the 4 deluxe suites, or 8 senior suites is an excellent alternatives , with larger bedrooms, more spacious seating areas and terraces or balconies. They are also located closer to the beach.

Finally the villas at Paradis are rivaled across the island. The executive villa are 275 sq m with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, two of which have beautiful outdoor showers, great for hosing sand off children! The Presidential Villa is 450 sq m and accommodates up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms. The most appealing feature of the villas is the butler service and fully equipped kitchen. Your private butler will do your shopping, lay out breakfast, and arrange a chef for your personal use if you don fancy dinner or lunch in one of the restaurants of the resort. The service is excellent yet unobtrusive with your every need being pandered to!

According to the travel guide book, the restaurants in the Paradis are as varied as the accommodation, with alternatives from international buffet, to Italian, Sea food or Creole. There are 7 to choose from in total, and you can also use the facilities at the neighbouring Dinarobin. The fantastic Blue Marlin restaurant is an ideal location right on the beach close to the water skiing which is always guaranteed to keep you entertained while enjoying a lazy lunch.

Other facilities are also wide ranging, including complimentary land and water sports such as waterskiing, pedaloes, sailing, snorkeling, tennis and boulles. A scuba diving center and 18 hole championship golf course are also located at the hotel for those wanting a little more excitement!

Finally after all that luxury accommodation, fine dining and activity in your luxury hotel in Mauritius, you can relax in the Clarins Spa at the Dinarobin Hotel next door. It’s well worth a half day of rest and relaxation. An excellent way to prepare for your evening meal!

Popularity: 11%

Now that gas costs are available again but airfares are sky high, it’s the moment to dust off the camper trailer or RV for weekend and hit the road. The old RV mattresses that go with the camper turns into being soiled, flat, and covered with dog hair over the years. Time to praise yourself a comfortable night’s sleep (yes, even when camping) and change your old RV mattress easily and cheap . The price of a new RV mattress is possibly to be a portion of a single airline ticket, and you’ll enjoy it for a decade or more. RV mattresses are now available over the Internet, even in custom sizes!

An RV mattress 60 x 75 is necessarily thin for purposes of conserving weight, but that four-inch thick RV mattress can easily be improved to to a six-inch mattress with little or no enlarge in weight or mass with the new products that have become available over the last five to ten years.

New Technology Means a More Convenient Sleep

Progress in foam technology mean more loft and plushness in nowadays thinner RV mattresses than was previously possible. New high thickness slab foams last longer and provide firmer support. Convoluted (finger) foam provides a springy feel that adds to a mattresses’ plushness.

Progress in cotton technology grow into lighter-weight products with the same support and sensual, soft feel of cotton. Cotton felt layers usually surround the foam layer in RV mattresses for optimal feel and sleeping comfort . Organic cotton batting is today’s natural selection for mattress fiber fill. While conventional cotton crops have not so good reputation (from heavy pesticide and insecticide use), organic cotton is becoming more widely accessible from mattress manufacturers.

Another material that is making RV mattresses much more convenient is Visco-elastic foam. Visco-elastic foam is better known as memory foam – a product that is hard to beat for a sensual, plush feeling. A memory foam RV mattress pad is available in a 6-inch and 8-inch mattress depths. That extra two inches of memory foam makes a world of difference! Memory foam is also obtainable as a natural latex rv mattress pad.

Online futon shops specialize in mattresses that are compact and available in unusual sizes. They can easily handle custom orders for non-standard sizes, such as an RV-size twin mattress or an RV queen mattress that is a short queen size general in many RV campers. Measure carefully before you start so you know exactly what you need.

Look over the mattress offerings from a retail web store and select a mattress or two from the store’s products that are close to the size you need .

The additional cost to obtain definitely what you want will vary depending on the manufacturer of the mattresses you’ve chosen . The price should vary from $20 extra to a maximum of $50 extra to purchase the very size that suits your camper! One company we know of, Plushbeds.com offers a special to AAA members where they will either give a 10% discount or customize your RV mattress for free.

Popularity: 31%

My husband and I recently spent the weekend at Turning Stone Resort and will be definitely planning more get aways there in the future. Yes, there is a huge Casino with various gaming options but to be honest, there was so much else to do, we were not able to see it all.

Great Entertainment

What drew us to the Turning Stone Resort that particular weekend was their entertainment. I did not want to miss my favourite group, Collective Soul, play in their 800 seat Showroom. It is a fantastic venue to get up close a personal with top name performers and entertainers. With about 125 acts a year, it is easy to see why it has been nominated for beach hotels luxury of the Year awards. Some top name acts, which have appeared in the show room, include the likes of Bill Cosby, Pink, Jethro Tull and Tony Bennett. A variety such as this helps produce it one of the busiest club venues in the world. The new Event Center is also a great venue for large concerts, sporting events and conferences.

Variety Of Accommodations

One of the best things about the Turning Stone Resort and Casino is the range of accommodations available to suit every budget. The Lodge at Turning Stone is a 98 all-suite luxury retreat and perfect for romantic excursions and a more relaxed get away from it all. From the outside it resembles a grand Adirondack lodge and inside it is elegant, sumptuous and a perfect place to unwind. The standard two-room suites at the luxury hotel reservations include wood floors, ten-foot high ceilings and a balcony or terrace with teak furniture.

If you want to be part of the action the Turning Stone, then booking a room in The Tower Hotel is your best bet. The Tower Hotel has convenient access to the fitness center, parking garage, the Showroom, Casino and various dining options. The rooms are chic and decorated with modern amenities, comfortable beds and big marble bathrooms. Since The Tower rises 19 stories, the view from some of these rooms can be marvellous.

The airport hotel accommodation at the Turning Stone is another accommodation option, which is connected to all the facilities of the resort. Built as the original hotel on site, The Hotel rooms offer king-sized or double beds, cable TV with in-room movie channels and Nintendo, coffee manufacturers, and hair dryers. If you want to pamper yourself a little more, reserve a Jacuzzi Room or Suite, Patio Suite, or Luxury Suite.

The Inn at the Turning Stone Resort offers moderate priced beach hotels luxury. Located a few minutes distant from the resort complex, free shuttle service is offered to and from the casino and a continental breakfast is also included with your stay. Another affordable option is the Villages at Turning Stone RV Park. It offers campers 175 paved sites including full utility hook-up, various recreational activities and also free shuttles to and from the Resort.

Lots of Dining Options

As with the variety in luxury hotel reservations options, Turning Stone also offers dining alternatives s to fit every palate and pocketbook. From gourmet restaurants to casual cafe, the assortment abounds. You can choose from a Brazilian Steakhouse, Italian or Asian cuisine. If you can decide, perhaps the buffet restaurant with 7 different menu stations may be what you are looking for. Or, maybe you just want a fast sandwich or a coffee from one of the cafe. One thing is for certain; you will never go hungry at Turning Stone.

World Class Golf

Now that you have decided where to stay and where to eat, what else is there to do? How about a round of Golf? The Turning Stone Resort offers three world class acclaimed championship 18-hole courses, designed by Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Rick Smith, and two 9-hole courses. What makes golf at the Turning Stone Resort memorable is not only the award winning courses, the impressive landscapes and the outstanding quality, but also its Clubhouses and Player lounges and amenities which complete the overall experience and have golfers coming back time and time again.

Relaxing Spa and Salon

After all that there is to do at the Turning Stone resort, a require to rejuvenate yourself may be in order. Well, they have taken care of that too with a full service Spa and Salon. Indulge in a massage, a sauna or steam room or perhaps a dip in the pool or whirlpool.

Popularity: 14%

Subrata's bike under snow cover

There are as many different techniques for riding on ice and snow as there are varieties of snow. I have gain some experience in my last rohtang ride.There are certain common techniques that seem to be useful in many instances. One of main thing to remember is use your breaks care fully. New fallen snow presents problems for bikers due to the extra effort need to get through it. Six inches of really light powder is tireing and slow, but you can go for long distances. Its very little worse than riding against a good stiff wind. Even a foot of powder is manageable as long as you get there first, before someone else makes a mess of it. You will find it much easier to travel in totally undisturbed snow than to follow car tracks, or even another bike. If you are the first vehicle along the route your biggest problem is the extra effort needed to push through the snow. If you are following others you also have to contend with their ruts and the front wheel diversions these cause. On open road ways, watch for small bumps in the snow which appear without any apparent cause. These can signal debris in the road, or potholes under the snow. You will find that things happen slowly in heavy snow. Falls take a fair bit of time to happen, and you will find that most are avoidable by quick bike handling. Sharp turns that would only exacerbate a fall on ice are quite viable recovery techniques. By a “sharp turn” I mean turning the handlebar in large increments, and fairly large lean angles. You may feel you front wheel slip sideways. Don’t over react. The snow will supply resistance to this sideways slip, but it takes time to kick in (your tire has to compact a couple inches of snow as it slips before there is real resistance). Maintain forward motion, wait for the tire to catch. More often than not, the side slip will simply cease with you still in the saddle. If you dab, you dab. No big deal.

Popularity: 2%

This was not supposed to be the RohTang Ride. I had it scheduled for July so that we could also cover ChandraTal. Even on Thursday, a day before the ride, i was peering over the map of Himachal trying to figure out the best way around the Dalhousie Khajjiar circuit. At 7 in the evening, i gave a call to Subrata and asked… “What if we go to RohTang”. He asked why the change in plan and i said… “Its an itch. I need to go there. Plus we will get snow ”

Day 1:
0300 Hrs:
Had planned an early start to offset the horrible heat. 9 missed calls later, Subrata got up and we were ready to roll.

Riders:
Pulsar 220: Me and my wife
Karizma: Subrata. (Pillion was going to be my Bro in law whom we were gonna pickup from Ambala)

0400 Hrs:
We rode out from Noida and did a pretty quick time till ISBT Kashmiri gate. There on there was incessant traffic in the form of trucks. Some ten kilometers of negotiating between them and we had a clear road. Maintained a good cruising speed and took the first stop at about 600 Hrs.

Notice the number plate.

The sun was up and we had our morning tea. My wife was not having a great time as pillion. The Cramster saddlebags were being used for the first time and it was making it uncomfortable for her. I was a bit worried but she smiled.
We reached Ambala at 0725 Hrs and waited for Rishabh(My Bro in law). A breakfast of oily bread pakodas and chaai later the four of us headed towards Chandigarh. Oh yes, i must mention i was constantly feeling sleepy (no sleep last night, not even an hour). The roads to Chandigarh don’t help. One can cruise at 85kmph for an eternity and simply go to sleep.
The day had begun and i was already feeling the heat through my heavy Cramster jacket(The heaviest in the business i guess)
Problem Time: Subrata’s chain started making a lot of noise and we finally had to make a stop at a mechanic’s shop.
Shot this beauty just lying there. Notice the number plate.

Tanked up from there (The petrol pump proudly displayed that the petrol there was cheaper than Mohali by 4.xx Rs) Noticed one thing about Chandigarh, everyone does follow the speed limit. Was a bit of a problem for an NCR bred like me
The Road from Kharar to Ropar was good in patches. Double laning is in progress there. Now the heat was really getting to me. Every half an hour i had to stop to literally pour water over myself to keep myself cool.
Ropar to Kiritpur is very dusty and with the sun beating down on us, we were frustrated and desperately wanted to be in the hills. I prayed for Rain.
The hills beckoned after Kiritpur but the heat didnot let up.

Crossed Bilaspur and then.. finally the skies darkened. There was a dust storm in the valley.

Beyond Bilaspur we started some serious climbing. Here we encountered two posers on a bullet and an RX100. Time and again they overtook us just to slow down and invite us for a race. Luckily for me, my wife is a calming influence and i didn’t get tempted.

Repeiring subrata's bike

Just 30km from Mandi, i got a call from Subrata. He had a flat tyre

The Dam

To top it up, the rain came down heavily and we had to stop. The whole ordeal of getting the tyre repaired in a shop and then waiting for the heavy rain to stop took almost 1.5 hours. In the meanwhile we snacked on bread butter toast and some really great elaichi flavoured tea
With the sunlight fast fading, we decided not to do Manali and instead stop at Kullu.
Here on progress was rapid but the rain started again with some howling winds near the Pandoh dam(i guess thats the name)

Riding in the hills with the rain pouring down on you, sunlight fading fast and those bloody DL Registered Innovas splashing past you is not easy. We finally made it to the tunnel and took a well deserved break there.

RohTang: Inside tunnel

There on it was steady progress to Kullu. Checked in to a very cheap hotel, Hotel Vikrant (600 Rs for two rooms with gated parking but very shoddy and lazy service). I was sleep deprived and fell asleep over dinner.
The day was over, and i drifted off to sleep dreaming about the snow.

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