Island Vacations – Easy on the Pocketbook
See a National Wildlife Refuge
When vacationers think of islands, many envision far-off and expensive destinations. Yet, the National Wildlife Refuge System – a network of public lands that spans about 97 million acres – offers a range of island destinations. From Alaska’s remotest islands in the Arctic Ocean to the subtropical “Spanish Virgin Islands” of Puerto Rico – as well as others scattered across the country — the Refuge System’s islands provide essential habitat for a vast array of birds and other wildlife. They offer enhancement to visitors who venture off the beaten path to experience them. The National Wildlife Refuge System is composed of 548 national wildlife refuges, with at least one in every state.
Ohio River Islands Refuge, Pennsylvania
It’s only 35 miles from Pittsburgh, but a world apart. Phillis Island, in Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, is a popular stopping place for recreational boaters to picnic on the sandy beach, fish for bass or simply watch the river go by. In fall, hunters pursue waterfowl or archery hunt for deer that swim to the island.
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge stretches 362 miles of the upper Ohio River, from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, with 22 scattered islands and three mainland properties. While most of the islands are accessible only by boat, Middle Island, near St. Marys, WV, has a bridge with road access. This is the most commonly visited island in the refuge, and the largest at 235 acres.
The refuge, created in 1990, aims to “protect the Wild Ohio” by conserving habitat for migratory birds, freshwater mussels and other wildlife along the river. “The Ohio River has been regarded as a resource for industry, not so much a resource for wildlife. Now we see it has multiple dimensions,” says Visitor Services Manager Janet Butler. The Clean Water Act of 1972 improved the Ohio River’s water quality, reviving wildlife populations on and along the river, and making it more appealing for recreation, she says.
The islands of Ohio River Islands Refuge are among thousands within the National Wildlife Refuge System. For more information about the Ohio River Islands Refuge see http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=51660
Here is a sampling of some of the Refuge System’s other island jewels:
Oregon’s Spectacular Coast
From nearly every viewpoint on the Oregon coast, colossal rocks jut out of the Pacific Ocean creating postcard images. These rocks are protected as part of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge includes 1,854 rocks, reefs and islands and two headland areas spanning 320 miles of the Oregon coast.
From April to August, the rocks and islands are covered with birds. The majority of Oregon’s estimated 1.2 million seabirds, including 13 different species, breed on the refuge. “They pack on any available space during breeding season,” says Visitor Services Manager Dawn Grafe. Seals and sea lions also use the rocks as “haulout” sites for resting and pupping. Simpson Reef near Charleston frequently hosts 6,000 seals and sea lions.
The birds and marine mammals found on the offshore rocks, reefs and islands are extremely susceptible to human disturbance, so the rocks are closed to the public year-round. But visitors get phenomenal views of the refuge and its wildlife from many state parks and other open spaces along the mainland. Mainland sites with viewing decks overlooking seabird colonies include Ecola State Park, Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Heceta Head State Scenic Viewpoint, and Harris Beach State Park. Coquille Point, a unit of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, is also open to visitors.
One unit of the Oregon Island Refuge that is open to visitors is Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, where people can see one of the few remaining stands of coastal old growth forest in Oregon and the state’s largest Sitka spruce, estimated to be 700 to 800 years old. Visit Cape Meares Refuge between April and June each year, and see the fastest animal in the world – the peregrine falcon – raising chicks along the rocky headland. A pair of peregrine falcons has nested on the refuge since 1987. Hikers can enjoy several trails that wind through the headland and old-growth forest.
Also open to visitors is Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, the best known island of Oregon Islands Refuge, which juts 235-foot out into the ocean. At low tide, visitors can nearly walk up to it and explore nearby tidepools while tufted puffins fly overhead. Spotting scopes are available so visitors can get close-up views of the puffins.
For more about Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, see: http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/oregonislands/index.htm.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Where else can you find the opportunity to safely interact with sharks, crocodiles, jellyfish, dolphins, World War II memorabilia, kayaking into inner lagoon wonderlands and the most coral species in the world all in one location? None other than the destination of Palau, Micronesia, which is a natural, ecologically-responsible habitat for each of these attractions.
SHARKS
Shark enthusiasts are invited to enjoy a shark themed week full of adrenalin-packed activities as the Micronesian Shark Foundation (MSF) holds it 7th annual shark week at the Fish ‘n Fins dive shop, in Palau between March 8-15, 2009.
Between February and April, hundreds of grey reef sharks migrate to the waters of Palau to mate. This generates a fabulous opportunity for shark lovers to dive with the world famous sharks of Palau and to participate in data collection. Special hotel packages for this week start from $1250
CROCS
In January, Palau’s newest attraction made its debut, namely the Jungle River Boat Cruise, where crocodiles are at center stage. The Jungle River Boat Cruise is one of Palau’s eco-friendly tours, providing visitors with the ideal opportunity to see crocodiles; Palauan Fruit Dove Bird, or Biib; Palauan Fruit Bats; Kingfishers; Archer Fish; and several other wildlife and fauna. Additionally, passengers might get a glimpse of locals collecting their catch of the day, big mangrove crabs, along the river banks. For information, contact Billy Takamine at rivercruise@palaunet.com or call (680) 488-1188.
JELLYFISH
Attractions most can only dream of also include the daring and the unusual - like Jellyfish Lake, where two types of jellyfish can be found, namely the golden jellyfish known as Mastigias and the moon jellyfish known as Aurelia. This intriguing lake departs radically from convention for it is an enclosed body of water wherein resident jellyfish have completely lost their sting because they haven’t had to fight off predators, allowing adventure seekers a rare opportunity to swim amongst these truly unique water creatures. In order to access this unique adventure, visitors will need to enlist the transport of a local tour guide, both Fish ‘n Fins and Sam’s Tours offer public access. It’s recommended that visitors sign up for the full day excursion, which includes snorkeling, lunch in the Rock Islands and a trip to nature’s spa the Milky Way.
DOLPHINS
Dolphins Pacific is a local outfit that was created to preserve the integrity of these popular mammals, educate visitors about their unique place in the environment and to study their behaviors and abilities. The facility offers several public encounters, including everything from a basic one-hour interactive program to fantastical wedding ceremonies. One favorite is the Dolphin Symphony, which is priced at only $80 and provides the opportunity to swim with several dolphins in the clear blue waters of “Dolphin Bay.” Additionally, Dolphins Pacific recently introduced the Dolphin’s Ocean Blessing for those interested in a less conventional wedding ceremony. The package starts at $1,600. For information, call (680) 488-8582, visit www.dolphinspacific.com, or email e-dream@dolphinspacific.com.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
When skiers imagine ecstasy, they think of great expanses of fresh white powder snow, no lift lines, and long joyous rides. With an area almost half the size of Switzerland and reserved for no more than 400 skiers, CMH, the world’s first and most skilled Heli-Skiing operation, offers this sort of nirvana to strong intermediate and advanced skiers. Guests frequently remark that the experience was “even better than sex!” On that premise, CMH has launched its fun — and frisky — new marketing campaign, “Do you remember your first time? Click below to get started:
For more information, visit www.canadianmountainholidays.com
Source: Geoffrey Weill Associates
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For those who can’t wait for winter and the exhilarating sports of the season, Bar Harbor, Maine beckons. In the deep of winter, crags and cliffs lure the hardiest adventure-seekers. Granite mountain faces and seaside cliffs have a different kind of beauty in the deep of winter and are even more challenging to conquer when covered in ice.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Latin America offers endless opportunities to get off the beaten path, experience exotic landscapes and cultures in active, adventurous and exciting ways.
Aventouras specializes in active and unusual trips such as a multi-day camping and hiking trip through the jungle of northern Guatemala to reach the spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal, sea kayaking the highest navigable lake in the world in Peru to reach a remote island community, or snorkeling among the islands of the indigenous San Blas archipelago of the Caribbean in Panama. Other activities include biking trails and roads in parts of the Sacred Valley of the Incas that most tourists never see, climbing an active volcano in Guatemala, and flying through the canopy on zip lines in Costa Rica and Panama.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".