Aquatic Wildlife in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

More sea turtles and nests found in area Stressing importance of species for region ever since the legacy of “Peñasquita”, the first hawksbill turtle adorned with a satellite transmitter to track information concerning her migratory route and nesting grounds, released into the Eastern Pacific on October 24 th, more turtles and nests have been found in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

This stresses the regional importance of this group of very charismatic organisms.

Paloma Valdivia Jimenez, education coordinator of the Intercultural Center of Desert and Oceans (CEDO) reported via press release that last month staff from Playa Encanto came across a young Pacific Ridley turtle with a shell measuring just 30 centimeters in length. Unfortunately, this turtle was quite sick and later died.

Valdivia Jimenez indicated that shortly thereafter a tourist came across a young Black Sea Turtle near Playa de Oro.

Furthermore, she added, just recently a Hawksbill Turtle was found at Playa Miramar, which also just a young sample! This turtle is currently recuperating from a slight illness at the CETMAR Aquarium and will be released around the same place where it was found.

The CEDO official added that generally, the Northern Gulf of California is feeding grounds for sea turtles, although it is known that some species occasionally nest in Puerto Peñasco.

“In fact, although no nest had been fully completed given the extreme climate conditions of the region, during the last 3 years there have been reports of nesting along different beaches,” she explained.

Nevertheless, this year the sea turtle nests have been in luck! Two nests of the Pacific Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and one of the Black sea turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii), reported at Playa Encanto and Playa Miramar, respectively, hatched young ones successfully. Coincidentally, the young turtles were born on precisely the same day of Peñasquita’s release.

Paloma Valdivia indicated that up to now, the importance of the Northern Gulf of California for young sea turtles had not received much reporting, which is a very important point within conservation efforts of organizations on a global level.

She stressed that while in Rocky Point Mexico it is necessary to take care of the beaches where nests have been detected, it is much more important to protect the feeding grounds at sea, as turtles spend many years there and their reproductive success does not only depend on the environmental health of the site where they are born, but rather the sites where they grow.

“Remember that we all can contribute to the conservation of turtles! If you want to help, pick up trash found on the beach, report any fishing or consumption of the sea turtles to PROFEPA, and inform CEDO if you come across a nest or a turtle on the beach. Only together can we help prevent their extinction,” stressed the press release.

Author: RealtyExecutives Mexico

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Go West For The Best Ski Resorts

As the fall months quickly lead into the months of winter, avid skiers and snowboarders are eager to catch a glimpse of the first snowfall. At the same time, many of the best ski resorts in the West are preparing to welcome their guests who come to revel in the winter activities around their facilities.

When people think of California, they often the sand and surf of the coastline, the vineyards of the Napa Valley, the glitz and glamor of Hollywood or the exhilaration of the well known amusement parks. However, there are some pleasing California ski resorts and numerous places to pursue your much loved winter sports and activities.

Many avid skiers consider the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort in Central California to be one of the best ski resorts in the state. Mammoth boasts an average snowfall of over one hundred and fifty inches and some years, up to two hundred and fifty inches. That’s enough snow to fulfill the dreams of the heartiest of snow lovers. This top ski resort sits on the eastern side of the Nevada Mountain range.

One of the reasons that Mammoth is among the top ski resorts is that it boasts of the Hangman’s Hollow. This is identified as the siren-of-the-steeps for experts skiers from around the world. In addition, Mammoth also has a full terrain that offers cross-country skiing and also, an Olympic-size half pipe.

The Mt. Shasta Resort is in the heart of another California ski area that is both well-known and really popular, making it well known on the list of top ski resorts in the West. The Mt. Shasta resort is located in the Siskiyou mountain range, which is close the northern border or California. Within the Mt. Shasta national recreational area there are many activities available such as hiking, snowmobiling and a skiing area that even includes a bunny flat. After a long day on the slopes, the Black Bear Restaurant is popular and highly recommended for delicious meal and in addition, they also offer delightful homemade pies for a well-earned dessert.

A bit farther north from Mt. Shasta is Oregon, which is filled with numerous slopes and top ski resorts as well. Timberline Lodge is an historic chalet that sits right at the timber line of the majestic Mt. Hood in the Cascade Range and which has long been hailed as one of the top resorts. Because Timberline Lodge sits higher than many mountain ski resorts, you will often find that you can ski all year round on the nearby Palmer Snowfield, which is close this great snowy retreat.

Continuing on the northward track, the mountain ski resorts of British Columbia are painless to add to the list of top ski resorts in the West. Whistler is another famed ski area where you are also able to ski any time of the year with few rare exceptions. In addition to the Whistler-Blackcomb area, the fabulous skiing and other winter sports, there is also incredible scenery. After dark, there is a lively night life in the area which you can enjoy after a long day of shredding the slopes.

This is just a short list of the many best ski resorts that are located in the mountainous areas of Western US and Western Canada. The various ski vacations that you can take in the West are a nice way to escape from the stress and the demands of work. For those who live in the west, many top ski resorts are nearby and even a quick weekend ski package can be enough to provide rejuvenation to make it through another work week.

I’m going to Northern California and will be eating out every day. What are some healthy eating choises I can have that wont be having the same food every day? And foods I should avoid? Also, sources would help me too. I am allergic to fish and shell fish too. Thanks a lot.

Well I already live in Los Angeles CA, so going to the beaches near hear feels weird since I can actually go whenever I want to… Me and my family want to drive somewhere else in Cali, but I’m looking for somewhere fun, not cold, maybe a lake where we can actually get in the water, and somewhere that we can stay for a whole week. Any ideas???

Hotels (they’re in Philadelphia by the way):

Marriott
Loew’s
Ritz Carlton
Downtown Courtyard
Hilton Garden Inn
Hampton Inn

I also don’t care about the bar, restaurant, or any other external factors.

Just the quality of sleeping accomodations and "niceness" of the hotel.

The Best Orlando Has to Offer

So you’re headed to Orlando… but where to start? You’ll find such a wealth of fantastic resorts and restaurants it can be difficult to choose exactly what you wish to indulge in. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest this marvelous vacation spot has to offer? In order to help you in making the overwhelming decisions of where to stay and what places to dine, here are what I believe to be Orlando’s best offerings:

Best Deluxe Resort

On Disney property it’s the Grand Floridian with its upscale Victorian atmosphere and lagoonside setting facing the Magic Kingdom. Off-property, hands-down, it’s the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes where you may never even feel the need to leave the property. At Universal, go for the Portofino Bay Hotel with its unsurpassed ambience of an Italian seaside resort.

Best Resort Pool

* Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini water park

* The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s lush grotto-style lagoon pool

* The Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort with its luxuriant waterfall, smoking peak, and perfect view of Cinderella’s Castle

* The boulder-strewn wonderland at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with its very own erupting geyser

* The lush fantasyland pool at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress cooled by twelve waterfalls

* The JW Marriott’s Lazy River, 24,000 square feet of winding delight

Best Home-Away-From-Home Property

The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with its Bay Lake frontage and national park character or Disney’s Beach Club Villas conveniently located next door to Epcot. But look for the new Animal Kingdom Villas, now under construction, to boot both of these off the list.

Best Resort Atmosphere

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where hundreds of animals roam the savanna and the air is pulsating to the beat of African drums. Running a close second is Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel where guests are transported to a romantic, seaside Italian village.

Best Resort Lobby

How to choose? Three of Disney’s resorts make the cut: the Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge, all eye-popping in their grandeur.

Best Access To The Parks

The Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian with monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Ticket and Transportation Center. At Universal, the Hard Rock Hotel is just a 5-minute walk or boat ride away to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.

Best Resort For Romance

Disney’s Polynesian Resort whose lush tiki torch-lit grounds and white-sand beaches with views of Cinderella’s Castle are simply dreamy or Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel where an evening stroll along the bay with Italian arias playing in the distance can’t be beat.

Best Resort For Nature-Lovers

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a nature-lover’s dream of rushing waterfalls, spouting geysers, and bubbly creeks, all surrounded by stately pine trees and beautiful Bay Lake.

Best Resort Lounges

* California Grill Lounge found on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort with unrivaled views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon, great for cocktails, sushi, and a view of the Wishes fireworks display. NOTE: If you’re only coming for drinks it can be difficult to get a seat around fireworks time. You’ll need to check in first at the second-floor podium.

* Disney’s Grand Floridian’s lobby. Pick up a cocktail at Mizner’s, and then head down to this magnificent oasis to relax while listening to the sounds of a big band or live piano music.

* Normans Salon. This sophisticated cocktail lounge is nested within Normans restaurant at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton.

* Territory Lounge, a rustic retreat in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

* Bluezoo’s bar at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, the coolest place around.

* Velvet, the ultra-hip cocktail lounge at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel.

* Bar America, Portofino Bay Hotel’s sophisticated lounge overlooking the romantic piazza.

Best Italian

Il Mulino at the Walt Disney World Swan, with amazing tuna carpaccio and perfect gnocchi bolognese, or Bice at Portofino Bay Hotel for rich braised veal shank accompanied by creamy saffron risotto.

Best Seafood

Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk for sautéed grouper sitting atop a fricasseee of white beans, chorizo, arugula, confit piquillo pepper, and sauce beurre blanc, or Todd English’s Bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, where seafood is taken to new heights. Off Disney property it’s got to be Roy’s on Sand Lake Road near Universal for Roy Yamaguchi’s remarkable Hawaiian fusion cuisine.

Best Steaks

Shula’s at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, a standout for sensational Angus beef steaks cooked to perfection, or Vito’s Chop House on International Drive for the filet mignon stuffed with gorgonzola.

Best Restaurant For Romance

Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, where you’ll savor a sumptuous six-course meal served on elegant fine china to the accompaniment of enchanting harp music. Or Normans at the Ritz-Carlton for fine dining in plush surroundings all enveloped in the grandeur of an amazing resort.

Best Restaurant For Kids

Children love the Rainforest Café at the Animal Kingdom or Downtown Disney where they’re bombarded with thunderstorms and noisy audio-animatronic wildlife. A close runner up is Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; come prepared for plenty of hoopin’ and hollerin’ and please, whatever you do, don’t ask for the ketchup unless, that is, you like a lot of attention.

Best Character Meal

Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom, a chance to breakfast in a fairytale castle with Cinderella, Jasmine, Aladdin, Belle, and Snow White. Or try the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom for a tasty, bountiful buffet hosted by Winnie the Pooh and his friends.

Best Hip Atmosphere

Todd English’s Bluezoo at the Dolphin, the coolest spot this side of South Beach, or Tchoup Chop at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort, a knock-’em-dead, Asian-inspired beauty.

Best Disney View

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with its picture-perfect views of the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Seas Lagoon, and the Wishes fireworks presentation.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant

Tough call. My favorites are the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort (just about anything on their exceptional menu is fantastic), or Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort (particularly the Chef’s Table, where Chef Scott Hunnel oversees an eleven-course meal designed especially for you).

Best Universal Resort Restaurant

Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort for wonderful Asian and Polynesian-influenced cuisine in a stunning setting, or Bice at Portofino Bay Hotel, where superb Northern Italian food is served in a sophisticated dining room.

Best Downtown Disney Restaurant

Wolfgang Puck’s upstairs Dining Room for dishes such as “Chinois” rack of lamb served with a spicy cilantro-mint sauce.

Best Epcot Illuminations View

Rose and Crown in World Showcase’s United Kingdom. Set your priority seating for about one hour prior to show time and pray for a table with a good view.

Best Milkshake

Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort serves oh-so-delicious thick shakes and malts in a frosty fountain glass with the extras on the side in the stainless steel shaker.

Best Pizza

You can’t beat the pizzas at Downtown Disney’s Wolfgang Puck Café (choose the house-made fennel sausage pizza), the Pizza Bianca at Tony’s Town Square at the Magic Kingdom, or Mama Melrose’s at Disney–MGM Studios (don’t miss the grilled chicken pizza with sun-dried tomato pesto, pancetta, and Asiago cheese).

My fiance’ were staying at the Berkeley Marina Doubletree when their Security tried to enter our room at midnight, 2 times, without knocking. I’m afraid the Security Guard was up to something and when I opened the door, He rudely told me I had to go to the front desk. As it turns out, the front desk made a mistake stating my credit card was no good. After they realized it was, they offered me 20,000 Hilton Points and a free nights stay there. I told them I never wanted to stay there again and filed a police report. Since then they informed me the security service had been replaced, but retracted their free nights stay offer. I contacted Hilton corporate multiple times with only rude replies.
As it turns out, my fiance’ is now unable to sleep, but even worse, unable to orgasm while away at any hotel. This has ruined any subsequent vacations for me and I want Hilton to pay for this.
I am looking for a good lawyer to help on a contigent basis.
Help.

I’m considering moving to the Eureka area and have never been there. Does anyone have pictures or a description of the town/beaches/area they can show or tell me? Thanks much!

Cruise Travel Close to Home From the West Coast

Cruise travel from ports close to home is what passengers want now. In almost all of the cruise reviews, cruise travelers have expressed concern with long airline trips to distant lands. Now they want to cruise from ports that are close to home to enjoy a less stressful cruise vacation. The cruise lines have caught on to this trend and are now positioning their ships up and down the United States East and West Coasts and along the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s explore the ports of embarkation on the West Coast starting in Southern California at the port of San Diego and go northward.

If you can take the time before or after your cruise travel, spend some extra time in San Diego. The city of San Diego is blessed with year round warm weather and seventy miles of Pacific Coastline. There are many activities to enjoy while in the city. They have a first class, world famous zoo in Balboa Park. At Old Town State Historic Park learn about the History of California. Near the downtown area there are 15 excellent museums and gorgeous gardens.

A little further up north is Long Beach just 20 miles south of Los Angeles. Here is where the Queen Mary retired to in 1967 and is permanently docked serving as a Hotel. With more 12,000 sea creatures the aquarium is a delightful spot to spend a couple of hours.

If you plan to take your cruise vacation out of Los Angeles there are plenty of sights to see. A pre or post cruise package from the cruise lines will allow you to see the many cultural centers or drive by the star studded neighborhoods of Malibu, Bel Air and Hollywood. Be sure to see Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Chinatown and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit funky Venice Beach and dine in the many excellent restaurants. And don’t forget to at least window shop on Rodeo Drive.

The dazzling Golden Gate Bridge will be what you sail under on you cruise vacation from San Francisco. Many cruise reviews have mentioned this city as one of the favorites from which to start a cruise. You may opt to take a side trip to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valleys for a day. While in San Francisco check out Fisherman’s Wharf, or take a cable car ride through the city. In this city there are numerous excellent restaurants. There is a ferry that will take you over to Alcatraz Island for a glimpse into the life of the prisoners.

Perhaps you have chosen Seattle, Washington as your embarkation port. The lovely Puget Sound area is rich with history of the maritime industries. The Olympic Mountains will leave you feeling awed when viewed from the Space Needle that is 607 feet high. For fun don’t miss the Pike Street Market for fresh seafood and produce. There are many fleets of sport fishing boats for fishing or for whale watching.

Even further up the coast you are now in Alaskan territory. Fairbanks, which was once a booming mining town, is the entrance to Alaska’s interior. If you stay here for a day or two try a really Alaskan adventure and go dog sledding. Maybe you would like to pan for gold, another part of Alaska’s history. If you want to see the Northern Lights plan your cruise vacation for late August or early September.

Choosing a cruise vacation out of Whitter, Alaska will allow you to go whale watching, and look for sea lions and bald eagles. This is a small quaint town that really lets you feel what Alaska is all about.

You will fly into Anchorage for departure from Seward, Alaska. Try to stay a few days to explore the riches Anchorage has to offer. There is the beautiful Denali National Park, where Mt. McKinney offers spectacular scenery. In Seward you can take a cruise to the Kenai Fjords as a day trip.

Any of these cruise ports will make a great start for your cruise vacation. So when planning any cruise travel pick a port that’s close to home and leave some time for exploring the town of embarkation.

Happy Cruising

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com

Head North on World Famous Redwood Highway in 1956. Stop at Trees of Mystery, Richardson’s Grove, see the Giant Tree House from Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree. Leave California on Highway 101 & enter Coastal Oregon.