Rodeo Sports and Entertainment
The Drakensberg is a 200 km long stretch of mountains in South Africa, the majority of this range falls in the Kwa Zulu Natal province. Translated into English, Drakensberg means “Dragons Mountain” and its Zulu name ukhalamba, meaning “barrier of spears” gives a brief description of this truly magical mountain range.
It is said to have been inhabited since the Stone Age and has captivated the imagination of every generation and culture, such as the San hunter gatherers and the Zulus, to have laid eyes on it. The Boers were forced to negotiate through this mountain range in 1837 during the great trek in order to reach their “promised land” and they came up with the name Drakensberg.
Towns in the surrounding area include Bergville, Estcourt, Underberg and Himeville, Mooi River, Nottingham Road, Rosetta, Winterton, Kokstad, MatatieIe and Swartberg. In the year 2000 the Ukhalambha-Drakensberg Park was made a world heritage site and rightly so. It met both the criteria for the natural and cultural listings and is a rare example of where such awesome displays of nature are interlaced with a deep and rich history. If one is in the South Africa it is a definite must see. As for accommodation the Drakensberg has it all. You can find yourself getting a deep tissue massage at a luxury spa or sharing a cave with other adventurous hikers. It also has hotels, bed and breakfast, guest houses, caravan sites, camping grounds and cabins so what ever your preference you are guaranteed to find it.
Activities are limitless and this region caters for every walk of life and every age. Obviously the most popular activity is hiking and walks. Once again the region caters for all, whether you would like to take a slow amble alongside one of the hundreds of streams and rivers or maybe spend five days on a guided hike through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Other popular activities include horse riding, quad biking, fly fishing for trout in a crisp mountain stream, playing on one of the many world class golf resorts, taking the 4X4 on a trail or simply catching up on some rest with a good book. The Drakensberg is also home to many game reserves managed and run by the Kwa Zulu Natal Parks Board where you have the chance of seeing many varieties of antelope, like Eland and the elusive Bushbuck, hundreds of species of birdlife and of course the baboon troops that make these mountains there home. The parks have excellent facilities and you can buy a pamphlet at reception that gives you a map and list of the trails in the park. Another major attraction is the bushman caves in various parts of the range. At Giants castle there is a bushman museum which allows you to get an insight into the life of the earliest inhabitants of this region and guided hikes can be taken to view the caves they lived in and the ancient paintings on the walls of these caves.
This area some how manages to offer a platter of accommodation, activities and experiences that appeal to such a wide variety of tastes that it is rare to come away from a holiday in the region and not have had a wonderful and memorable time.
Find tips about pond bacteria and pond edging at the Pond Problems website.
What makes Bonne Anse Bay so special?
Probably a lot of things. Firstly the unique location. its a natural bay overlooking the Atlantic ocean set in a maritime pine forest . Set strategically between the tourist village of la Palmyre 800m on one side and the 20km of golden sands that form la Cote Sauvage 800m on the other, things don’t get much better than this!
Its a bit like Arcachon then?
Yes but much smaller and much less touristy. And the bay is actually moving all the time, being constantly shaped by the movement of the tides.
The 10000 acres of forest, which comprise the Forest of La Coubre provide the stunning backdrop to Bonne Anse Bay. Planted in the 19th century to stop the erosion of the sea this forest is quite unique in France and is undoubtedly the jewel of the region. It hides some buried villages from another time and blockhaus, the last remnants of the Second World War. Its now a protected forest, run by the ONF, office national des forets. Set against a relief of dunes, airy, clear and penetrated by shafts of sunlight, it is pleasant to explore the forest at any time of the year, either walking, riding by car but preferably by bike.
Why is the area so popular with cyclists?
There are a network of cycle tracks leading along the edge of the bay. You can either head out towards la cote sauvage or towards la Palmyre or inland towards Les Mathes You can explore the nearby beaches, the forest and neighbouring towns and villages. In fact you really don’t need a car once you have arrived.
Do you have to stick to the cycle tracks?
Technically yes, because if you fall off nobody will come and save you! But in practice thousands of people roam the criss cross of tracks which divide the forest up. This means, even in the height of summer you can find some peace and solitude,
Is there a lot of wildlife in the forest?
Yes a surprising amount, but you have to be canny to see them, There are wild boar, deer, roe deer, foxes, rabbits and hare, to name but a few. But you will have to spend some time observing to see any of this, unless of course you are lucky.
What kind of other sports can we do in the bay of Bonne Anse?
Bonne Anse bay is a natural reserve. Nature lovers will be able to do some bird watching as many different species live here, guided visits will allow you to discover this exceptional site. Because its sheltered from the Atlantic it’s particularly suited to sailing, windsurfing, sea kayak, the bay’s sailing club can hire all you need to practice these sports . Also very popular is kite surfing and several national kite surf events are held here through the summer.
Which kind of sports can we practice within a range of 10kms?
The real fans will have to deal with one problem: make a choice out of the huge offer: fishing, water skiing, , jet skiing, go-carting, horse riding, tennis, golf, , etc. La Cote Sauvage is renowned for its great surf, and you can enrol in one of the many surf clubs if you would like to try this sport or brush up on it.
Is there a special beach for nudists?
Yes, there is a section of La Cote Sauvage dedicated to Naturists, about 1km from the bay.
What else is there to see in the area?
Nearby you can visit the Zoo de la Palmyre, la Rochelle, the islands of Re and la Rochelle, Cognac and the vineyards of Bordeaux.
What is the distance to the nearest airport?
La Rochelle airport operates with Ryanair and is 80km from the bay. Bordeaux, 120km, operates with Air France, British Airways, and other operators flying from London, Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester.
It overlooks the bay of Bonne Anse. On the Atlantic Coast, between La Rochelle and Bordeaux, 16 km from Royan.
Whats new to the area?
There is a 9 hole golf course currently being developed on the edge of la Palmyre, overlooking the sea, due to be opened very soon.
Where is the nearest railway station?
Royan railway station is 16 kms from the bay., the TGV stops at La Rochelle, 80kms.
Lloyd Burrell is the Managing Director of Bonne Anse Chalets , Camping Bonne Anse Plage offering a personalised approach to the mobile home camping holiday. He has been living and working in the area for more than 15 years.
Rock Bottom Band Benefit Concert at Chalet View
Feather Publishing 7/14/2010 What’s the best way to enjoy a summer evening? Some might say with friends, music and a fine beverage. Bob and Carrie Hickman, proprietors of the Chalet View Lodge, just west of Portola, are hosting a Music & Brews benefit Saturday, July 24, for Portola Railroad Days. The special family evening, 4 – 8 p.m., will feature live music, beer tasting and a variety of …
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Every one seeks adventure of some kind. It could be swimming in the seas of Puerto Vallarta, or going on the adventurous canopy tours; adventure of some sort is essential for life. When the word adventure comes to mind, traditional objects and entities also spring to an individual’s mind. So this is for all the animal lovers out there, the Rancho Capomo Ride in Puerto Vallarta, is going to be your ticket to adventure. If you love horses and love riding then this is the perfect tour for you.
This horseback riding tour is 6 hours long, approximately. It travels and journeys through Sierra Madre which is the very green and is breathtaking tropical rain forest of Puerto Vallarta. On this tour you will also pass the beautiful village of Las Palmas. This tour is not only enjoyable but it will also act as an eye opener for you. You will be able to see the ecological beauty of Puerto Vallarta and trust me, it will leave you quite breathless!
On this remarkable Rancho Campomo tour you will embark on a journey that you may never be able to forget. Journeying through the meandering trail of the jungle which is full of bountiful flora and greenery will open your eyes to the beautiful and natural side of Puerto Vallarta. You will also see a waterfall that gushes and gurgles away, almost beckoning you to dive into it. You can even swim through the water that pools down below, and this will surely be a different and unique swimming experience. You will also pass through various different rivers of diverse shapes and sizes, on these moments, a camera will come in handy. Towards the end of your horseback riding tour, before going back, you will be treated to a great traditional Mexican lunch.
This tour takes place daily at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. therefore the duration of this tour is approximately 6 hours. This tour includes a round-trip transportation facility, a great continental breakfast, an inspiring 3 hour long horseback ride and relaxing fun at the waterfall while swimming. You will also be provided with a traditional Mexican Lunch with chilled soft drinks and beer. And the best part is that you will have an English speaking guide who will continuously point out different places to you.
For this amazing trip do not forget your sunscreen, you would need it while riding out in the sun. Make sure you also pack an insect repellent with you since in a natural environment you might come across insects. Wear comfortable tennis shoes so that you may be able to walk around easily. You should also wear long pants and not shorts because you will get raw by wearing shorts. Do not forget your swim suit and towel because the waterfall can become very tempting. The weight limit for this tour is 240 lbs which is 110 kg.
There are several different pick up locations which depart at different times. The one that departs from Conchas Chinas departs at 8:40 a.m., the one that departs from Marina Vallarta (Collage) departs at 9:10 a.m., the tour from Nuevo Vallarta (Plaza del Faro) departs at 8:40 a.m. and the one from Nuevo Vallarta (Hacienda Palma Real) departs at 8:55 a.m. Children of 6 years and above can come for this trip. The price for kids is $ 33.75 pesos and for adults is $67.50. Come and enjoy this beautiful ecological tour of Puerto Vallarta.
Pvrpv.com provides great deals on Puerto Vallarta rentals, these comprise of accommodations in luxury villas, beach rentals, gay friendly rentals and condo rental.
Mahey Noor
Pino Suarez #210
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico
Tim at pvrpv.com
