Xsi Rebel – Love This Camera!

My husband and I bought this camera for our 35th anniversary because we wanted to take a driving tour through the redwood forests of California and the ocean along the Oregon coast. We figured the trip would be a warm up and review of what the camera could do. We are so pleased with the photos taken with this Canon Rebel TSi 12 Megapixel Camera. It came with an 18-55 mm lens and we purchased a 75-300 mm lens also. Neither of us are pro’s with a camera but I loved the feature that lets you take multiple pictures one after the other. We had also purchased a High-speed SD memory disk and were able to get fantastic photos of waves as they crest, curl, and crash on shore.

I was even able to get photos of sea gulls flying and with the larger lens they look wonderful. We also toured the lighthouses along the Oregon Coast and the camera took great pictures of those too, no mater what the distance was. I cannot wait to go on another whale watch cruise this summer here in Seattle. This time I think I will actually be able to capture the Orca pods and not have photos of the water only because my old camera took too long to focus before the picture would shoot. I was afraid that the bigger camera would be a pain to carry around but it really was not. Although bigger than my smaller digital camera, it is lightweight and was not really the problem I thought it would be. We both love this camera.

XSi Rebel – Canon Digital XSi Rebel Review

I received my XSi Rebel on April 28th, just two days before I went chaperoned an 8th grade trip to Washington DC. I used the camera for the first time in Washington and it took a bit of time to get used to the controls, but I managed to get some really good shots. I used the kit lens that is included with the camera, as well as my 70-300mm zoom lens and my 24-70mm lens (both Canon lenses) and I got some excellent photos.

I subsequently took this camera and lenses with me on a one week vacation to Orlando, Florida and I shot around 1200 photos, and I got lots of excellent shots. The colors are great, and its a big step up from the first generation Digital Rebel which I previously used.

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A Dream Vacation Home in San Felipe, Baja California

San Felipe is a town in the Mexican state of Baja California, situated on the Gulf on California, about 118 miles south of the border connecting Mexico with the United States.

Due to the Colorado River delta, San Felipe has one of the world’s largest tidal bores. The average temperature in this town is of about 73 degrees F. Being located in an unique ecosystem, where the sea and the desert meet, the town of San Felipe can experience extremes in temperature, from about 105 degrees F in the shade in July and August, to about 40 degrees F at night, during the months of December and January.

The port of San Felipe depends on fishing to a great extent, this being its economic base. The population is somewhere around 15,000 inhabitants, but can increase with a few thousands, due to the number of part-time residents, be it vacation homeowners or retirees. The same temporary increase in population is to be seen in popular weekends, such as Memorial Day or Spring Break.

San Felipe is a popular vacation destination, especially for people from California, Arizona, and other southwestern states in the U.S., as well as for people in the Pacific. This town is also the spot for people from northern Mexico. All of these tourists are mainly attracted to the activities in the San Felipe area. These include riding ATVs and dirt bikes over the desert, which begins where the beaches of San Felipe end. Other popular activities in San Felipe include tennis matches, volleyball, fishing, and, of course, the off-road racing events such as San Felipe 250 and Baja 250

Tourists are also attracted by the sulfurous geothermal springs in Puertecitas, which sit on the Sea of Cortez, so the hot water from the pools is somewhat cooled down by the cool sea water. Another popular activity, which is also rather new, is the Carnaval.

San Felipe is part of the Baja California state, whose name is the Spanish version for “lower California”. This state has about tree million inhabitants, out of whom nearly 75% live either capital Mexicali, or in another populous city, Tijuana. Other major cities in Baja include San Felipe, Ensenada and Tecate.

Many of the northern Mexican states are entirely European, or white, but this is not the case with Baja, whose population includes many Mestizos, as well as some quite large minority groups, such as Middle Eastern, African, East Asian or of Indigenous descent.

The economics of Baja California imports, exports, fishing, and industries, out of which the tourism industry is the most developed and profitable.

The entire state of Baja California, but especially the town of San Felipe represents a growing area, and the real estate activity in the area has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Vacation homes are especially popular near the main beach in San Felipe, but also in the coastal areas just below San Felipe.

An advantage to owning a vacation home in San Felipe or anywhere else in the state of Baja California, other than the amazing beaches, traditions and people, is the proximity to the United States, which makes this location ideal for a getaway home!

For more resources about San Felipe or even about Baja please review http://www.mexico-real-estate.us

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Travelling From The North Island To The South Island, New Zealand

The best way to experience New Zealand is to drive it, with periodic stops to hike, sightsee, or shop. New Zealand is a rugged and largely rural land, home to 4.3 million people and over 30 million sheep. Breathtaking scenery, exclusive flora and fauna, and captivating cities enhance the experience far beyond counting sheep, however. In addition, light traffic and good roads make driving something like a camper van in new zealand thoroughly enjoyable.

Touring New Zealand by campervan allows an up-close experience of the countryside. Tourists can stop anywhere there is a motor camp and spend as much time as they like at each location. They also save money by buying groceries and cooking their own meals. New Zealand can be toured in short trips of a few days or in an extended, several-day-do-it-all vacation.

From the northern point of the North Island and following the west coast, motorists pass through Northland Forest Park, home to Kauri trees, the second largest species after Californias Sequoia Redwoods. Driving to Auckland, New Zealands largest city, visitors enjoy several activities: museums and art galleries, parks and gardens, leisure and theme parks.

Leaving Auckland, the traveller should head south into the geothermal area near Rotorua. This active volcanic area features one of the largest boiling lakes in the world. Rotorua is also renowned as the heartland of Maori culture.

Backtracking somewhat to the west, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-see: inside a pitch black cave, the ceiling is lit up like a starry sky. Further south, the motorist arrives at Mount Egmont National Park. This peak served as a Mt. Fuji-substitute when filming the Tom Cruise movie, “The Last Samurai”.

Travellers continue past dramatic scenery and arrive in Wellington, New Zealands capital. A recommended visit is Te Papa, the national museum. An engraved stone in the harbor area declares: “this is the city of action, the world headquarters of the verb”. Visitors will find plenty to do.

Before crossing to the South Island, travellers should visit, particularly if they are “Lord of the Rings” fans, Putangiura Pinnacles. A three-hour drive from Wellington, this is the setting for Dimholt Road in “Return of the King.”

Next, motorists must cross the 12-mile Cook Strait to the South Island, which many consider even more scenic than the North Island. Fortunately, ferry services offer passage between Wellington and Picton. Ferries depart every 2 to 3 hours between 6am and 6pm and they are well-used to ferrying campervans back and forth. There is also a night ferry, but one would miss the incredible views. The trip lasts about 3 hours.

An interesting first stop is Westport, an old mining town on the west coast. Visitors can tour a simulated underground mine or visit the rugged shore. The scenery along the coast is amazing, with such formations as Pancake Rocks and the Blowholes at Punakaiki. Further south is Franz Josef Glaciers – as close to sea-level as glaciers get.

Next, it is across the mountains into Queenstown. Among other things, Queenstown is the birthplace of bungee jumping! The city does not, however, lack for other activities and offers plenty to keep visitors busy. After Queenstown, the motorist should head northeast to visit New Zealands tallest mountain, Mt. Cook, and from there to Christchurch.

Christchurch is “The Garden City” with expansive parks and public gardens. Visitors will appreciate the cultural heritage, sports facilities, and fine shopping.

The drive from Christchurch back to Cook Strait will pass near Hanmer Springs and its relaxing thermal pools. Then, it is past Kaikoura, famous for its abundance of marine mammals. Following the Pacific coast through Blenheim, travellers return to Picton where a ferry-ride returns them to the North Island.

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Romantic Wine & Dine Weekend Getaways During the Fall

Catch the last of the vibrant Fall Colors by using your Road Trip Planner to create a Romantic Wine & Dine Weekend Getaway. A 3-Day Weekend of wining and dining, of walking through vineyards or sun-dappled trails and getting a breath of fresh Fall air will breathe romance into your life and relaxation into your veins.

The TOP WINE PRODUCING STATES in the U.S. are: California, Washington, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina. But WINE IS PRODUCED IN EVERY STATE so you can easily build a road trip within driving distance of your home or via a short flight.

To get your road trip planning started, below are some Wine & Dine Weekend Getaways to consider, including some of the top-rated vineyards in the country as well as those wineries offering visitors a beautiful setting and a fun experience.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA: Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County produces excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. The Cottage Inn by the Sea at Pismo Beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean. You can venture to the region?s wineries on your own or take their Coastal Wine Tour, which includes the popular Edna Valley Vineyard. TOP RESTAURANT in the area: F. McLintocks Saloon & Dining House.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: A verdant valley, and a lovely place for a road trip, includes Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg. Here you can find the Monte Rosso Vineyard, one of California’s oldest vineyards. Known for its firm Cabernet Sauvignons as well as intense, old-vine Zinfandels. TOP WINES from this area: 2002 Ravenswood Monte Rosso Zinfandel; 2003 Rochioli Estate Grown Pinot Noir from the The Rochioli vineyard in Healdsburg.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Add Santa Barbara to your road trip planner because it offers you the Pacific Ocean on one front, the Santa Ynez Mountains at your back, and in between, prime wine country. The Hotel Mar Monte, a historic hotel built in the tradition of Spanish Colonial architecture, offers a package tour to 3 wineries or you can explore on your own. Or choose staying at the Estero Beach Hotel Resort in San Ysidro, nearly at the Mexican border. Nearly two dozen wineries can be found in the Mexico Guadalupe Valley. BONUS ACTIVITY: Try a bike tour to a winery or a horseback-riding adventure to the Adobe Guadalupe Vineyard.

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN: In the nation’s fourth-largest grape-growing state, the Chateau Grand Traverse winery overlooks the Grand Traverse Bay. You can sample their award-winning varietals, including their Rieslings. BONUS DESTINATION: Nearby, you?ll find the Old Mission Peninsula, which leads you into 7 wineries like the Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery and Peninsula Cellars.

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: For some hands-on fun, sign up for Wine Camp at Long Island’s renowned wine-producing North Fork region. Wine Camp’s packages vary as do the participating vineyards but you?ll enjoy activities like winemaking, tasting techniques, food pairings, and wine blending. The price includes lodging, some lunches & dinners… and a case of wine!

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON: To see a 6-generation family-owned establishment, enjoy a trip to Willamette Farms in Newberg. For a more drama-infused history, check out what used to be called Seven Springs Vineyard. The grapes from this vineyard were sought after by many top wine producers in the world. Then it was cut in half after a legal settlement in 2001, only to be reunited six years later with an exclusive, fifteen-year lease to the Evening Land partnership. FINAL VINTAGE: The St. Innocent Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006.

TEXAS: What often springs to mind when people think of Texas are those BIG 10-gallon hats. And yes, Texas is getting BIGGER… in wine production. This Lone Star State boasts more than 110 bonded wineries and wine aficionados are noticing their award winning wines. The following three vineyards rise above the rest because they go the extra mile for their guests: Bella Vista Cellars, in Wimberly; Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine; Flat Creek Estate, west of Austin. Any of the 3 would make an excellent anchor in your road trip planning, whether you create 3 individual weekend getaways or a wine-themed week’s vacation. FUN FACT: A ten-gallon hat actually only holds ¾ gallon. Its name was derived from the Spanish galón word meaning braid.

OAK GROVE, VIRGINIA: One place I’d recommend adding to your road trip planner is Ingleside Winery, one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia. This winery was built in 1834 and the vineyards cover about 70 acres. Their wines have consistently earned top honors in state, national, and international wine competitions. BONUS LODGING: Ingleside Vineyards has two 2-bedroom rental cottages set within the vineyards and also a stunning four-bedroom Leeds Cove retreat, which overlooks the Rappahannock River.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: You can secure a great wine package when you add the Hotel Vintage Park to your road trip planner. Enjoy wine tasting at Pike Place Market’s tasting room, and an evening wine hour in the hotel’s lobby. Or check out Seven Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. Seven Hills Vineyard is now one of Washington’s best known vineyards.

Getting away for an extended weekend, indulging in respected wines and eclectic dishes, enjoying the view from your hotel window…yes, these are the things that await the Road Trip Planner who heads for wine country.

How to Buy the Right Deck Stain for Your city Home

If your Orlando home needs a face-lift, you can instantly brighten up the appearance of your house by staining your deck. There are many different types of wood stain sold at home improvement stores. You’ll need to keep a few things in mind when choosing wood stain:

What kind of wood are you staining? Different types of stain are made for different kinds of wood. Some stains are specifically made for pre-treated wood only. Untreated wood requires special care and specific stain and sealant products.

What color deck do you want? Most stains will look like natural wood when dried. You can choose from oak to redwood and even cherry woods to match your Orlando home.

What are the weather conditions where you live? Since the secondary purpose of most stains is to act as a sealant, you’ll need to pick the type that will be most beneficial to your deck. Some stains protect against ultra-violet rays and others are made to protect against wood rot and mildew.

How much stain do you need to buy? You’ll need to calculate the square footage of your deck to know what quantity of paint to buy. Check the labeling on the stain. Some brands require more than one coat for the best results.

After you’ve chosen the stain for your deck, pick up a few supplies to apply the stain:

· Buy work gloves to keep your hands from becoming discolored by the stain.

· Most home improvement stores will have paint pans and brushes for sale near the stain.

· Because stain is very thin, it tends to drip easily. You may find that a paint pad will apply the stain more efficiently than a paintbrush.

Offering Orlando, Florida & North Carolina investment properties, condo-hotels, new homes and condominiums for sale. Buy Orlando vacation property and investment homes in FL. Professional real estate services include realty listings including FREE MLS (multiple listing service) property search, local information and free advice for buyers and sellers

Make Your Vacations Lively With Enchanting Mexico

For visiting Mexico the last thing you will need is a reason. Mexico as a tourist palce gives you many possibilities which you won’t find anywhere else. On the business point of view it’s a hot commerce destination with many activities taking place in this region.

It is located in the northern region of the American continent between the Gulf of Mexico on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It is enclosed by the United States on the north and by Guatemala and Belize on the south. Mexico’s land area is 1,964,375 sq km, which can be divided into six tourist regions.

Northern Mexico is known for its extreme weather conditions and characterized by its deserts, nature reserves and rugged mountain ranges. Some cities in the region are key industrial and business centers. Central region is the Mexican heartland. Here you’ll find plenty of natural surroundings, picturesque towns full of life and color, and beautiful colonial cities, some of which have been acknowledged as World Heritage sites.

Southern region and the Gulf are lined with the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, this region offers an profusion of marshes, mangrove swamps and forests, all of which are ideal for ecotourism outings and exciting outdoor adventures.

The Yucatan Peninsula is a gateway to the Mayan world. Here you can enjoy the white-sand beach resorts and the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, where you can scuba dive along the world’s second largest coral reef. You can also swim in fresh water pools in submerged caverns, known as Cenotes.

In the Pacific Coast, you’ll find cities and towns with rich cultural and culinary traditions, as well as some of the best beaches for water sports like surfing and fishing. The Baja California Peninsula Territory has been inhabited from time immemorial, in this region you can play golf on world-class courses, discover the underwater treasures of the Sea of Cortez, and witness the amazing migration of the Gray Whale.

There are number of airlines commuting to this region so getting there won’t be a problem for you. With the increase in the traffic every year this place has come up with a magnitude of hotels which are known for the heartwarming welcome and a pleasant staying experience.

The facilities provided by the hotels include shuttle service, cab service or car rental, restaurants, air conditioned rooms, swimming pools, spas, guides for travel destinations, etc. What you need to do is to go to the website of the hotel or call the helpline to reserve the rooms for you.

Many tour planners offer the services to you in this region. While making reservations in the hotel make sure it is convenient in making the trip and close to the destinations you want t visit. Also confirm for the services provided by the hotel on the website carefully before making your decision.

Some of the recommended hotels in this region are ABASTOS DE OCCIDENTE, ACA Bay, ACAPULCO PARK, Acuario Bungalows, Alameda, Hotel Finnestra, Mariana Sol resort, Hacienda beach resort, Dreams Cancun resorts & spa, Ritz Carlton, Riu Cancun, Grand oasis, Barcelo Las Perlas, Hotel Posada de Las Flores, Akumal Beach Resort, Las Villas Akumal, Fairmont Mayakoba, Costa del Mar, Al Quijote Inn etc.

The latest volume of Atreyu’s Behind the Scenes video series moves up the west coast to San Simeon, CA. The band turns the peaceful beach of the northern California vacation area into an oceanic soundscape for recording the heavier parts of the vocal melodies on their latest record Lead Sails Paper Anchor. The forthcoming album from Atreyu will hit stores August 28th and you can watch the latest video clip below.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Best Southern California Surf Spots

California is chock full of great surf spots from San Diego to Orange County. Here are a few of the best spots in San Diego and North County. Make sure you check out one of these awesome surfing beaches next time you’re in Southern California, you won’t regret it.

Blacks Beach: This beach located in the northern part of La Jolla is actually known far and wide as one of the best surf breaks in the entire country. People flock from various corners of America to get a piece of the action all year round, but this is not for the faint at heart. The water is rough, the hike down is a bit of a challenge, and the cliffs have falling rocks on a regular basis. Windansea: This is another of the famous San Diego surf spots. People don’t surf here as much as they once did though. This beach became popular in the sixties for its historical significance in the progressive surf movement. Many of the most famous surfers got their beginnings at Windansea. Beacon’s: Though it might be a bit of a challenge to get here because of the steep cliffs guarding the coast, this beach in Leucadia makes for a great day of surfing. Anyway, the steep steps do not stop the surfers from getting their daily fix. The beach itself is pretty rocky and it doesn’t make much of a case for sunbathers, but the surf is awesome. Grandview: This is one of the more popular surf spots located in Leucadia. If you plan on sunbathing a bit, you might find yourself squashed between the cliffs and the seaweed during high tide, but the majority of the beachgoers spend their time in the water so this doesn’t pose much of a problem. San Elijo State Beach: Located in Encinitas, this state beach and campground is beautiful, easily accessible and has a great surf break. This isn’t the best place for novices because of the reef, but it can pose an interesting challenge for the adventurous.

If you head to the heart of San Diego, there are many other intermediate surf spots in Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, and Pacific Beach, CA, as well as plenty of places to stay along the coast. Be sure to stop by one of these great beaches on your next trip out to the west coast. And be warned, many people who come for a vacation never look back.

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I need activities and some good places to stay. If you have any good ideas, let me know. Thanks.

trying to figure my options out. im deciding between:
Humboldt State University
San Jose State
CSU Fresno
Mount St. Mary’s College

I really really love Humboldt because of the location (rural, surrounded by redwood forests). i love the community (there is some kind of fair going on every weekend whether it be apple harvesting or 4/20 celebrations). i also love that the student body is liberal and the town filled with hippies. BUT it does have the stoner reputation which im afraid will make future employers iffy about hiring me.

SJSU is my parents ideal choice for me because its only 50 minutes away and i could visit every weekend. BUT its REALLLY boring and san jose is not the best college town.

CSU Fresno is the largest one (over 25,000) and its a typical campus with football obsessed people. BUT i HATE Fresno because its boring with farms and climate that will give me a heat stroke.

MSMC is PRIVATE but its mostly ALL GIRLS except for people in the nursing major (mine). and its CHRISTIAN which will really piss me off because im a practicing Jew and my grandma said she would kill me if i went to a christian school. but its in LA which is a great city with a lot to do.

please give me your two cents. thanks 🙂