Jetsettersblog

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.— Wyoming is home to many a wrangler as well as angler.

*In fact more Wyoming residents participate in sport fishing fish here than anywhere else in the lower 48!

But then, fish are plentiful in Wyoming.

Some of the best coldwater fishing in the country is found in SW Wyoming’s Sweetwater County,

The 91 mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the famed Green River in particular are known for trophy fishing.

The water is so clear anglers can see the trout lurking below the surface.

Part of the Green River system, world class fisheries here boast six species of trout, something that can be said of few river systems in the world.

Smallmouth bass of eight to fifteen inches are commonly taken from these waterways with some tipping the scale at four pounds!

There’s no shortage of services for sportsmen at “the Gorge,” or in the nearby communities of Rock Springs and Green River.

Numerous motels, modern campgrounds, restaurants, professional fishing guides, bait and tackle shops and full-service marinas with boat rentals cater to anglers from all over the world year-round.

Wyoming is one of the last truly open frontiers in the U.S. Wide open spaces have allowed wild horses and desert elk to continue roaming freely.

For the best chance to spot these magnificent creatures, visitors can drive the 24 mile Pilot Butte Wild Horses Scenic Loop starting from Rock Creek or Green River.

In addition to spirited wildlife this loop displays spectacular desert vistas including the Killpecker Sand Dunes, North and South Table Mountains, and Boar’s Tusk.

This area is protected by the Bureau of Land Management which estimates 2500 wild horses roaming here.

www.tourwyoming.org

HOUGHTON, Mich.-

Experience the north woods at remote Isle Royale National Park, located in northwestern Lake Superior.

One of the most remote National Parks, Isle Royale is accessible only by boat or seaplane.

The park is home to moose, wolves, loons, beaver, fox, and other small mammals and birdlife.

Eco-minded adventurers looking to learn more about this astounding environment will enjoy this Kayak Eco-tour.

Highlights include:

incredible wildlife sightings, visit to the Peterson wolf research station, viewing the largest moose skull collection in the world, visiting the Edisen Fishery.

The trips’ wildlife biologist and paddling guide help keep information flowing.

This all-inclusive eco-tour provides transportation, fresh meals, kayaks & accessories, maps, permits and fees and ecologist/kayak guide.

Prices: $1,506 single and$2,690 per couple/double occupancy and includes comfortable lodging for 5 days/4 nights at Rock Harbor Lodge.

Each trip size is limited to 10 people.

Reservations are required. dcook@foreverresorts.com , www.isleroyaleresort.com

PR Construction Completes Restoration and Enhancement of San Diego Landmark

SAN DIEGO, CA, — Construction of several new structures at the landmark San Diego Yacht Club is now complete by DPR Construction. The $8 million project included upgrades to the club’s facilities and new sustainability enhancements.

Established in 1886, the San Diego Yacht Club has been at its present location in Point Loma since 1924. As part of San Diego Yacht Club’s lease renewal with the Port of San Diego, DPR was retained for the project that began in September 2009 to make improvements to the site.

“The San Diego Yacht Club has been an important anchor to the local San Diego boating community for more than 120 years,” said Chuck Hope, Jr., president of Hope Engineering and board member of the San Diego Yacht Club. “We selected DPR because of their reputation for building quality, sustainable and technical facilities. All of us on San Diego Yacht Club board couldn’t be more pleased with our new world-class sailing center that will provide a larger space to serve our club’s membership and international sailing community.”

The existing locker room building, restroom facility, junior clubhouse, maintenance building and dry storage areas were torn down and replaced successively as new structures were completed.

The new structures include the 6,900 square-foot Malin Burnham Sailing Center, which houses the junior sailing and high school sailing teams programs, the regatta manager’s office, dock master’s office, fitness and training room, as well as classroom and banquet event spaces. Additionally, DPR constructed a two-story, 12,160 square-foot locker room building and 2,400 square-foot maintenance building.

Other improvements included the addition of an 80-foot ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved gangway, a new storm water management infrastructure and landscaping.

“From the beginning, we were working on a tight schedule to ensure the new additions were complete prior to the busy summer boating season,” said DPR Project Manager Ross Brown. “We were proud to complete the project nine days ahead of schedule and turn it over to the San Diego Yacht Club board with zero defects on the date of substantial completion.”

The project is anticipating a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification for New Construction (LEED-NC) from the U.S. Green Building Council. Building materials such as concrete and cement were incorporated for their environmental sensitivity, longevity and ease of maintenance.

Other eco-friendly design features include solar heating panels for hot water, permeable pavers for storm water run-off, natural ventilation, low-flow plumbing fixtures to conserve water, as well as highly-efficient heating, air conditioning and lighting systems.

“The success of this project is a testament to the collaboration and hard work of the entire DPR crew, our project management team and construction committee board members,” said Terry Anglin, general manager of the San Diego Yacht Club.

The DPR project team consisted of Joseph Beeson, Ross Brown, Kelly Rocha, Brett Thompson and Mike Winstead. Hanna Gabriel Wells was the architect of the project. Other consultants and designers included B&G Consultants for project management, KPFF Consulting Engineers for structural engineering, McParlane & Associates for mechanical engineering, Nasland Engineering for civil engineering, Nowell & Associates for landscape architecture and Sparling | ILA Zammit for electrical engineering.

IN HISTORIC GRAFTON, VERMONT

Week-long and consecutive weekend programs offered this fall; lodging offered at The Old Tavern at Grafton, Vermont

(Grafton, Vt.) – Grafton Forge, a regional center for the preservation, promotion and education of the art of blacksmithing is offering two learn to blacksmith programs this fall.

One class will be a week-long class in September and the other will be a three consecutive weekend program in November.

For those wishing to stay on the premises, a special lodging price is offered at The Old Tavern at Grafton, an historic country inn located steps from Grafton Forge.

Owned by the Windham Foundation and operated by noted blacksmith and educator Adam Howard, Grafton Forge’s mission is to further of the art of blacksmithing and the share its vital role past and present in the daily life, economy and community of Grafton and rural Vermont.

“This season’s class offerings are for the beginner or for those with limited experience,” explained Adam Howard, director of Grafton Forge. “Each student will execute a project of their own design. Classes are small and very hands on.”

The shop is host to visitors from far and near including numerous school groups and others interested in learning about this ancient art and its contemporary applications.

The Old Tavern at Grafton is an historic country inn with 45 rooms including seen suites and four guest houses. The inn is located in the heart of Grafton, Vermont, which has been named one of the 10 most beautiful places in America by USA Magazine.

Package details:

A week-long Forge Class
September 19-24, 2010
$600.00 (class only/no lodging $300)
Includes lodging at The Old Tavern at Grafton, daily breakfast and daily classes at Grafton Forge.

Three-consecutive Weekend Forge Class
Perfect for locals or weekend warriors.
Weekends: Nov. 6 & 7, 13 & 14 and 19 & 20, 2010
$300 for six days of classes (consecutive weekends)
Need to spend a night? Cost: $165.00 per night lodging with a full country breakfast.

To book, contact:
Adam Howard, Grafton Forge, 802-843-1029, graftonforge@windham-foundation.org

Headquartered in Grafton, Vermont, the Windham Foundation is an operating foundation engaged in philanthropic, charitable and educational activities.

Since its inception in 1963, its mission is to promote the vitality of Grafton and Vermont’s rural communities through its philanthropic and educational programs and its subsidiaries whose operations contribute to these endeavors.

The Foundation is the owner of Grafton Village Cheese Co., The Old Tavern at Grafton, the Retreat Farm and Grafton Village Nursery.

To suit the adventure traveler with a busy schedule, award-winning tour company Southern Explorations has designed eight different Peru hiking tours, ranging from 7 to 14 days, to the country’s premier destinations.

Travelers can immerse themselves in Incan culture with a Machu Picchu hiking trip through the Sacred Valley, along the Inca Trail, or into the Salcantay wilderness to reach this civilization’s crown jewel.

Pair an Inca hiking experience with a visit to the country’s other famous sights, an Amazon eco-tour, Andes trekking or exploring Lake Titicaca.

The endless riches of nature and history await adventurers in Peru and Southern Explorations take the hassles out of visiting the continent’s most popular attractions while getting travelers off the beaten track for a stimulating South America eco-vacation filled with history, culture, and nature. www.southernexplorations.com  .
www.southernexplorations.com

Costa Rica Nature Adventures/ Aventuras Naturales
CONTACT: Luz Cáceres
TEL: 506-2224-0505 OR 506-2225-3939
Toll free from US 1-800-963-1195
luz@crna.co.cr
website

COSTA RICA – Pacuare Lodge, a renowned ecolodge on the Pacuare River in central Costa Rica, was just named among the top 46 most earth-friendly hotels in the world in new guidebook, Ecological Hotels.

From Dutch publishers teNeues, Ecological Hotels states, “Hotels are becoming green.

What began in a small niche that had long gone unnoticed has now become a global trend. More and more hoteliers are discovering their green conscience and building in harmony with nature-using local materials, converting to renewable energy sources, and installing sophisticated water conservation system- a reaction to growing demand particularly in lifestyle oriented cities. Values such as environmental compatibility and sustainability also want to be lived when traveling.”

Founded in 1995, Pacuare Lodge was built with a minimal impact on the river and rainforest site where it is located. Lanterns and candles provide light, as there is no electricity at the lodge.

No trees were cut to build the bungalows and main lodge.

Lumber was purchased from a sustainable reforestation project operated by small farmers.

The roofs are made from palm leaves installed by Cabecar Indians living in the area using their traditional style.

Near the lodge, the company purchased nearly 836 acres of primary rainforest that was in danger of being cleared. Because their goal is to preserve this untouched virgin forest, no visitors are allowed in this area.

The lodge is outfitted with 19 bungalows and suites, each with a 360-degree view of the Pacuare River and the surrounding rainforests. Accommodations range from family-style rooms to upscale suites.

The main lodge is open-air, providing a tropical experience throughout your stay on the Pacuare.

A pioneer in the field of adventure travel and ecotourism, it offers a wide variety of other services that include car rentals, whitewater rafting and some of the finest tours Costa Rica country has to offer.

Additionally, the staff specializes in customized itineraries that include everything from thrilling canopy adventures to romantic honeymoon escapades, specifically catered to their customer’s needs, interests and budget.

For more information in Aventuras Naturales & Pacuare Lodge’s environmental policy or their accommodations, contact Luz Cáceres at 1-800-963-1195 or luz@crna.co.cr  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about the Pacuare Lodge and Whitewater Rafting.

Southern Explorations
CONTACT: Justin Laycob
TEL: 877-784-5400
E-MAIL: justin@southernexplorations.com
WEB: www.southernexplorations.com

 Southern Explorations, a tour company that specializes in ecotours to Latin America, recently announced eleven brand new tours to Brazil that include some of the country’s top sights including Brazil’s fascinating natural wonders, spectacular beaches, surfing and adventure sports, and dazzling cuisine and nightlife.

From opportunities to relax and recharge to heart-pumping adventure travel, this catalog of Brazil tours offers something for every traveler.

Here’s just a sampling of what travelers can experience in Brazil with Southern Explorations:

Brazil Surf & Yoga

This tour is a combination of yoga and surfing on the island paradise of Florianopolis off Brazil’s southern coast.

Surfing enthusiasts can enjoy two-hour surfing lessons at a popular Santa Catarina surfing locales: Campeche, Joaquina or Barra, on the east side of the island.

Guests can top off their days of surfing and sand with five, Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga classes taught by an English-speaking master instructor who has trained in various locations around the globe.

Other highlights include excursions to the local restaurants, bars, and music venues with a local nightlife guide.

The Brazil Adventure

In this action-packed Brazil tour, adventurers enjoy a combination of hiking and white water rafting with plenty of time to enjoy the white-sand beaches in calm warm waters or big surf.

Highlights include world-class whitewater rafting, hiking along the scenic lakeshore depicted in Santa Catarina postcards, and a second hike that descends into the mountains with panoramic views on the way to the beach considered to be the island’s most beautiful.

Each evening, a professional guide helps travelers find the best restaurants, clubs, and hotspots to get a flavor of Brazil’s exotic nightlife.

Explore Rio & Iguazu

For the traveler with a tight schedule, Southern Explorations has paired two of the Brazil’s most dazzling experiences in an eight day tour.

In three glorious days, travelers experience the grandeur and glitz that make Rio de Janeiro so fascinating.

Highlights include touring the city’s most famous landmarks while getting a taste of its cosmopolitan nightlife, and then taking in the Brazilian and Argentine views of Iguaçu Falls, one of the most breathtaking sights in all of South America.

The 275 extraordinary waterfalls of Iguazu, surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest, offers a magical place for photography buffs.

For more information about Southern Explorations’ Brazil tours, visit THIS LINK or contact Justin Laycob at Justin@southernexplorations.com

International Expeditions, a specialist in nature travel, expanded many of its 2011 itineraries to include additional opportunities for guests to sample local cuisine as part of achieving immersion in local cultures, in response to the mushrooming interest in food and wine among travelers.

A study by Travel Guard North America released August found that 27 percent of travelers 55 and over consider cuisine to be among their main interests when traveling.

“It’s important to remember that food is a large part of culture the world over,” said Bill Robison, IE’s director of product development. “Trying local cuisine is a great way to ‘experience’ a country.”

Culinary inclusions include the following: Dining at Anh Tuyet’s, a restaurant featured on Anthony Bourdain’s television series “No Reservations,” as part of the 16-day Laos & Vietnam vacation; working with local women to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes at Petra Kitchen during the Wings Over the Nile journey; an exclusive sunset meal at the International Miraflores Restaurant overlooking the Miraflores Locks while on a Panama tour; and dining on fish and fruit purchased from villagers during daily excursions while aboard the 28-guest La Amatista riverboat on the Amazon River cruise.

In addition, the operator is adding more meals at local restaurants, which also serves IE’s mission of sustainable travel — using travel for the betterment of the communities it visits.

“By eating outside of hotels and ‘tourist’ areas, supporting local restaurants and buying local foods, we’re contributing to the local economy,” said Robison.

“Plus, locally grown food tends to be fresher and tastier, often coming from farm to plate on the same day.”

Beyond its culinary aspects, each journey is crafted to offer an in-depth look at nature, history and wildlife, and is led by native expedition leaders and naturalists.

Specializing in engaging nature travel, International Expeditions’ hallmark is small-group journeys to unspoiled destinations.

A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, IE is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the communities it visits.

This mission is reflected in the 11 conservation, education and community-service projects IE supports in Peru, Laos, East Africa, India and the Galapagos Islands.

For more information, call 800-633-4734,

email nature@ietravel.com  

or visit www.IEtravel.com

Hilton Mexico City Reforma announced the opening of a modern and contemporary lounge.

The new space, located on the 26th floor of the property, will provide exclusive access to Executive Guests.

The lounge’s functional design offers a versatile space for both business and leisure travelers, inviting visitors to relax after a long day or host business meetings.

The Executive Lounge by Hilton Mexico City Reforma features two meeting rooms, each with capacity for eight people.

The room is equipped with a 55-inch flat-screen TV, BOSE sound system, and a 180-degree view of historic downtown México City.

Guests with access to the Executive Floor are now able to enjoy the new facilities as well as special amenities including, personalized check-in and check-out, complimentary continental breakfast and cocktail hour in the evening, and high-speed Internet access.

For reservations or more information, visit

www.hiltonmexicocity.com

MARIETTA, Georgia–Experience the ride of your life, a ride so passionate and inspiring it is considered sacred.

Each trip at Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Adventures aspires to be so sublime and perfect that it lives in the memory forever. The only way to make this happen, to fully enjoy and experience a unique ride like this is to be physically fit to give it your all.

With this in mind, Sacred Rides and Fit for Trips have collaborated to provide pre-departure fitness training that will boost your physically readiness to a new level, thus enjoying your sacred ride to its fullest.

Sign up for select September and October departures and receive a discount on both the trip and the training! Sacred Adventures is discounting trips by 10%, and in conjunction, Fit for Trips is offering a 25% discount on the pre-departure training that will get bikers in shape to fully experience the adventure.

Fit for Trips, the adventure travel fitness specialists, personal training program has been designed specifically for these trips.

Travelers can choose a home or gym training program, as well as choose from a beginner level program or replace their current workout with a trip specific one.

Each fitness program combines resistance and endurance training that will prepare travelers mentally and physically for their sacred rides.

www.fitfortrips.com