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I am always planning future trips and thought I would gather some interesting locations. So during my online research I located a great Wiki site that might help you find some adventure. Its called Extreme Points of the United States. Its a great site and as you look through your mind will start racing about where to go. Here are a couple that stood out to me:
Northern most point in the US: Point Barrow, Alaska 
71°23′20″N 156°28′45″W / 71.38889°N 156.47917°W
Southern most point in the US: Ka Lae, Hawaiʻi (18°54′39″N 155°40′52″W / 18.91083°N 155.68111°W), (in lower 48)Ballast Key, Florida (24°31′15″N 81°57′49″W / 24.52083°N 81.96361°W)
Western most point in the US(lower 48): Cape Alava, Washington (48°11.1′N 124°47.1′W / 48.185°N 124.785°W)
Eastern most point in the US (lower 48): West Quoddy Head, Maine 44°48′55.4″N 66°56′59.2″W / 44.815389°N 66.949778°W
Highest Paved Road in the US: Mount Evans, Colorado 39°35′16″N 105°38′34″W / 39.58778°N 105.64278°W (14,120 feet, 4,304 meters)
Lowest Point in the US: Badwater Basin (Death Valley), California 36°14′23″N 116°50′5″W / 36.23972°N 116.83472°W (−282 feet; −86 meters)
Center of the lower 48: Lebanon, Kansas, 39°50′N 98°35′W
So there are some interesting geographical locations to help you plan your next big expedition! Make sure to visit our how-to section if you need advice for your Overland Journey!
Start planning!
One of those very smart Scandinavian design trailer tents, at the NEC, October 2008
The 2nd Annual RGS Overland Travel Workshop
LRO’s Sam Watson has let us know that the second Royal Geographical Survey Overland Travel Workshop is scheduled to take place in Yorkshire on May 29-30 in the same location as last year; YO60 6PR, Terrington Hall School. Plans for this useful event include; 1. Two days of talks and workshops, rather than one as per last year. 2. Extended catering arrangements, courtesy of HM Forces. 3. Off-road tuition at a neighboring location. 4. Several overland film presentations. 5. Traders present in the main hall where the talks are, instead of at a separate location. Apparently the Overlander beer will be making a repeat appearance… The costs is a bargain £10 per vehicle and will be by registration and payment in advance please.
Additionally, a local specialist vehicle outfitters is offering us a ‘Bush Mechanics’ Course that will be a full day dealing with on-the-road fixes and fault diagnosis. Costs are still floating around and being worked out but will be over £200 per head. Let Sam know if you would be interested, and with what vehicle?
Contact Sam Watson at watsonsam@talk21.com
Source: Land Rover Owner International
This remote wilderness is like nowhere else on Earth, which makes a voyage there all the more rewarding, says Simon Calder
To the bitter end of the world. Why?
To discover a part of the planet reduced to its raw elements. “The Antarctic is to the rest of the world as the Abode of the Gods was to the ancient Chaldees,” wrote Apsley Cherry-Garrard: “A precipitous and mammoth land lying far beyond the seas.” That description is taken from his book The Worst Journey In The World, which chronicles Robert Falcon Scott’s heroic failure to be first to reach the world’s southernmost point. He and his team reached the South Pole in 1912, one month after the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, and perished on the homeward journey.
A century ago no human had visited the South Pole. And even in the 21st century, while Man has successfully colonised the other six continents, settlements in Antarctica remain microscopic compared with the vast bulk of a continent twice the size of Australia: a scattering of small research stations around the edges, with another – the US Amundsen-Scott Station – at the Pole itself, 90 degrees south.
Fewer people holidayed in Antarctica last year than can fill the Dinamo Minsk stadium (and, having visited the grim capital of Belarus, I’d take an over-winter on the Ross Ice Shelf any time). Those 38,200 fortunate folk discovered that Antarctica is the opposite of a land of milk and honey. Man has battled courageously to explore the driest, coldest and windiest continent (it is also the highest, with much of the terrain above 10,000ft). The largest indigenous terrestrial creature that does not fly or swim is an insect one-sixth of an inch long.
Cape Town, Cairo and Casablanca. Rome, the Riviera and Rio De Janeiro. San Francisco, Saigon and Sydney. All beautiful locations, but to the adventure-seeking traveler, these famous places are merely the aperitifs to the unique, exotic, un-tasted banquet of marvels offered up by our seven great continents. To feast on these locales, however, one has to step off the beaten path and take the routes less traveled.
Try Siberia, for example. Lake Baikal is a 600 kilometer (370 miles) body of water that hosts 2,000 species of plants and animals and twenty-seven islands. After taking a dip in the icy waters of the lake (which are known for curing all sorts of ailments), you can take a bus, train or boat tour around the islands and camp in remote locations, visit with the locals, sample the local seafood and then return to the lake, which is considered one of the world’s best diving locations.
Then you can continue your island hopping by heading east, into Asia. The Gili Trawangan island of Indonesia is a 4.8 km (3 mile) island that boasts some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world and offers a breathtaking view of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in nearby Lombok. Gili Trawangan is essentially a village island and a haven for backpackers who will find almost all of the island’s tourist facilities located on a half-mile stretch along the beach.
The next stop on your remote island vacation might be the province of Surigao, located on second largest island of the Philippines. On this route, you’ll have left behind the tropical weather of Indonesia and dropped yourself into a land where it rains 223 days throughout the year. The oft-gloomy weather is befitting for the native population here, which clings tenaciously to its supernatural beliefs. You can visit a voodoo practitioner in the suburban village of Mabua, or join the locals in digging up their backyards in search of the gold that Japanese soldiers supposedly left behind during an invasion during World War II. Despite the remoteness of the area, Surigao also boasts stunning beaches, unique rock formations and delicious local delicacies made from rice, coconut and fresh seafood.
Then onwards, brave traveler, into the Caribbean, to the island of Curacao, 70 kilometers (43 miles) north of Venezuela. Here, you can rest. The locals won’t trouble you for they, too, will be resting, relaxing, smiling, singing karaoke and cooking up delicious delicacies that reflect the diversity of the island’s inhabitants. The road-side kiosks, despite their shabby appearance, offer delicious food that fuses culinary influences from Haiti, China, the Netherlands Venezuela and Cuba. You can golf, gamble at a casino, visit an ostrich farm, or see death-defying motorcycle tricks on Sunday afternoons at an illegal race track. In Punda, Willemstad, you will find some of the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean.
Planning a vacation to remote destinations? For more information visit http://www.trulyremote.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linka_Po
Husky Monument is a great ride. I have made this ride a couple times and find it to be a great trip as well as a nice camp. It is approx. 33km from Johannasberg CA.
Husky Monument GPS Coordinates:
N 35 12. 951′ W 117 19. 059′
If your ever out this way, make this trip! Here is a great little writeup on a recent trip:
” After too long, I’m back in the dirt.
I had planned to do a 2 day ride in the Mojave Desert but because I rejetter the DRZ incorrectly I had to spend a day at home getting it right. Taking apart the carb and rejetting is the easy part but getting the carb out of the bike and putting it back together is the hard part.
My son and I decided to take a ride to The Husky Monument from our favorite camping spot in the desert off Searles Station Rd about 15 miles south of Ridgecrest. We didn’t camp this time but stayed in a motel in Ridgecrest.
We unloaded the bikes at camp, where over 20 families from Reedly were spending the weekend enjoying the Open Riding Area of Spangler Hills. Almost everyone in this group now rides an assortment of “side by sides”, Rhino’s, Razr’s and Tyrx. When everyone was switching to side by sides, I switch from dirt bikes to dual sporting.
This was my first off road ride on a DRZ400S ever. My first dual sport, a 1966 Honda S90, was also my first bike when I turned 15 1/2 many years ago. I have ridden a wide variety of 2 and 4 stroke dirt bikes over the last 42 years and have owned two Honda XR650L’s, a dual sported Honda XR650R and dual sported WR450F.
The DRZ400S is in a catagory all by itself and has a big following. It is probably the best selling dual sport.
I hesitated buying one but after this first ride I have to say I am very impressed with the power, handling and overall performance of this bike.
This 82 mile loop was basically an extended test ride to work out any potential bugs and the bike worked flawlessly.”
Shipping your vehicle across the Darien Gap seems to be one of those unknown elements in your trip to South America. There are all kinds of stories about travelers attempting, unsuccessfully, to get across. There are also success stories. Sometimes people have spent thousands getting vehicles shipped. It is not easy to deal with all the paperwork needed to make it a success. Here is a story about some fellow travelers who managed to ship a VW van across the Darien Gap for only $355!!
“Mission accomplished!! Thanks for all your positive vibes – you can all uncross your fingers and toes now! Yes, we made it, and everything in the van is intact! But for any of you perhaps thinking of embarking on a similar journey at some future date, let us backtrack and provide a few details*……it wasn’t all a piece of cake.
We had been told by the shipping agent to have the van at Puerto Caldera, a small port on the Costa Rican pacific coast, by early Tuesday morning in order to complete the necessary paper work. Sparkling clean, and emptied of all foodstuffs, we complied, only to be told to return the next morning at 9 am as they were running behind schedule due to port congestion. We headed off to “put in time for a day” and to find lodgings for the night. We were lucky to have the company of Adrian and Tanja (a nice young Swiss couple who had been travelling throughout North and Central America for the last fourteen months) who were shipping their Mercedes van on the same vessel.”
Morocco is a wonderful Country with some majestic mountain ranges, great coastline and some of the most intriguing Cities on the Continent. Many travellers end up in the Country to sample life in the famous Cities of Casablanca, Marrakech and Rabat and most are not disappointed by what they find. The people are very friendly as well and the infrastructure is very good for the region and it is getting better with the current Government aiming to increase tourist numbers to the Country.
The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring and autumn when it is cooler and more comfortable. The summer can be a good time to visit the coastal areas, but the interior of the country will be uncomfortably hot. The winter can get quite cold in the north though the further south you go, the days will get warmer, however, night time will still be chilly.
Health wise – There is a small risk from Malaria in the extreme south of the Country, but many do not believe it is worth the effort of taking anti-malarial medication. Consult your doctor before coming to this conclusion, it is better to be safe than sorry! Altitude sickness can occur in the mountains and you should be prepared for this. The medical services in Morocco are average and serious injuries and illness may lead to evacuation by air to Spain.
Visas and Documents – Most visitors to Morocco will be able to visit the Country without a visa and be able to stay for up to three months on arrival. Israeli citizens will have to apply for a month long visa before departure. If you are coming from a country or region that is affected by yellow fever or cholera you will need to prove that you have been vaccinated, most clinics or doctors issue certificates with the vaccination.
Cost – Morocco is relatively inexpensive to travel around, though the popular tourist destinations like Casablanca and Marrakech will be slightly more expensive. A budget of $25 a day should suffice, if you are not bothered about eating in restaurants and dont mind staying in guesthouses. Travel around the country is good value, but you should be careful when dealing with taxi drivers, especially in tourist hotspots.
The Sights – There are so many things to see and experience in this wonderful Country and the fact is that you will not have the time to visit them all and all though this is a shame, remember it is important to enjoy this visit and that you can visit again in the future.
Obviously, some of the most well known attractions of the Country are some of the best with the Imperial Cities of Fez, Meknes, Marrakech and Casablanca, all amazing destinations with plenty to do and see. Walking through the bazaars and backstreets has got to be one of the highlights of visiting Morocco – Morocco also has some splendid hiking opportunities, with the most popular being the High Atlas with the impressive Jebel Toubkal. What should be remembered is that there are alternatives to this popular destination, with the Anti Atlas to the south and the rarely visited and wilder Rif Mountains near Tangiers and Chefchaouen.
The mighty ruins of Volubulis are the largest Roman remains in Morocco and it is now a World Heritage listed site. It is one of many ruins across the north of the Country, but none are in the magnitude of this site which lies close to Meknes.
While some may not consider it a highlight, travelling down the Western Sahara to Mauritania is an adventure and a must for many overland travellers making their way to West Africa. It may be an uncomfortable ride, but think of all the fabulous anecdotes you can tell your friends.
For further travel resources, including travel articles and guides on many beautiful locations, why not visit http://www.travelllama.com you can also enter our complimentary travel draw.
Article from: My Family UK
It’s really important as a family to get outdoors and active together. Days out are great – but why not go the extra mile and stay out under the stars? Take the kids camping!
Family Camping
With wildlife as your neighbour, to-die-for scenery and acres of space for the kids to run about in and make new friends, camping is an awesome family adventure. It’s come a long way from simply throwing an old tent up in a soggy field. From yurts to castles, family camping is always fun, and My Family UK have chosen 10 of our favourites for you.
1) Clippesby Hall, Norfolk
www.clippesby.com
The amount on offer here is just staggering: loads of different pitches, for camping and touring, to suit all requirements. Lodges and cottages are also available. You can hire bikes and go exploring or stick around and make use of the heated outdoor pool, football pitch, mini-golf, tennis courts, table-tennis, and volleyball facilities. There’s a cool tree-house to picnic at and an onsite family pub, all of which is set in the grounds of the Hall itself.
2) Pinewoods Holiday Park, Wells
www.pinewoods.co.uk
With its colourful beach huts lining a stretch of the North Norfolk Heritage Coast, the scent of pine and sea welcomes you to this fantastic family base. Camp in the soft coastline fields, walk down the beach, or rent bikes and explore Holkham Nature Reserve’s woods and Abraham’s Bosom, one of the only land-locked salt water lagoons in the UK.
There is also a miniature railway to trundle you the half-mile journey to the charming town of Wells-On-Sea, with plenty of shops and pubs.
3) Tantallon Caravan & Camping Park, North Berwick
www.meadowhead.co.uk
Looking out over the waters of the Firth of Forth, this campsite has stunning views over the countryside. But, set in the grounds of a 14th-century castle you’ll also be looking out over history! You can storm the battlements of Tantallon Castle from your own tent or stay in a base camp of luxury wooden wigwams. Boat trips out to Bass Rock island can be arranged and you can also explore the Scottish Seabird Centre overlooking the beach.
4) Bosworth Water Trust, Warwickshire
www.bosworthwatertrust.co.uk
At Bosworth, families pitch their tents and park their caravans around a vast lake, on which you can windsurf, sail and canoe to your heart’s content. There are 56 electrical points and all plots are individually marked out to guarantee a good bit of room for the family to spread out. The site gets busy in summer, and as camping is only available to families (and couples over 23) it’s a wonderful environment for youngsters to find new friends.
5) Larkhill Tipis, Carmarthenshire
www.larkhilltipis.co.uk
You and the kids can spend a weekend pretending to be Sioux warriors in this corner of South-West Wales. You’ll stay in ‘tipis’ furnished with sheepskin rugs, storage trunks, candles, and futons with lots of pillows and cushions. Outside you can hike in the hills, walk in the meadows and get lost in a seven-ringed labyrinth onsite.
6) Great Langdale, Lake District
www.langdalecampsite.org.uk
This is one of those classic campsites where families of all ages come for breathtaking scenery. It’s the best way for anyone to escape the hectic strains of everyday life. Stay in your own tent or in a specially-design camping pods, made from locally-grown wood, build a fire and settle down in the clean air.
7) Really Green Camping, Isle of Wight
www.thereallygreenholidaycompany.com
More yurts here but in this orchard setting there’s an emphasis on environmentally friendly low-impact holidaying. There are wood-burning stoves, compost toilets and solar showers. But going green won’t mean getting uncomfortable: there are four poster beds and continental breakfasts on demand. All sorts of outdoor activities are available, as are board games to relax with in the evening.
Owl’s Gate, Bodmin
www.belletentscamping.co.uk
This very British spin on the ethno-camping currently in vogue (yurts, tipis and the like), is brilliant for picnicking under a sunshade among butterflies and wild flowers. You stay in circus-style bell-tents within a self-contained site that includes a fully furnished bedroom tent (beds, duvets, chest of drawers) and a kitchen complete with fridge, hob and dining tables.
9) The Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
www.threecliffsbay.com
Sometimes keeping it simple is the best thing: there are no gimmicks here, just stunning sea views and the beach. The horseshoe bay on the camp’s doorstep was once voted the best view in Wales. There are plenty of walks along the cliffs, windsurfing, water skiing and a 540-acre nature reserve.
10) Snail Trail VW Camper Vans
www.snailtrail.co.uk
This isn’t strictly a campsite, but that’s the beauty of it. Pile into a retro VW campervan (modern Brazilian reproductions) and you and the kids can roam anywhere in the UK. With their kitchenettes, pop-up roofs, i-Pod-connectable radios and room for four, you’re equipped for any campsite or day out. Each van comes with a Camping and Caravanning Club Privilege Pack, giving you member’s rates at any of the club sites.
Further Information
For more information and other tips on family holidays, check out www.myfamilyuk.com. We’ve got loads more articles that can help you and your loved ones plan a special trip away, as well as offers, competitions and treats for you.
My Family UK is a brand new website that is turning the online focus back onto families. We’re dedicated to helping you and your family live the best lifestyle possible – and have fun too. We’ve got articles on food, exercise and childcare for your perusal, as well as loads of fun holiday and trip ideas. Visit www.myfamilyuk.com now!
The Caravan insurance policies are usually made by people who own a touring Caravan; this is because people who own them understand the needs better and can help it to be more affordable and flexible. The Insurance from Quotline Direct have teamed up with Caravan Guard to get the right cover at the right place. An Old Caravan insurance scheme is replaced by a new one once in five years if the car is damaged beyond repair or stolen. Touring Caravans, single or double axled comes under the Caravan insurance coverage. This policy also covers damages due to storm. This policy is flexible; it provides insurance not only inside UK but also for all your Europe trips. Caravan insurance also provides Holiday Caravans for emergency situations.
Caravan Insurance UK aims to provide online service covering the insurance for both the touring and static caravans. Since Caravans are expensive even if you buy a second hand one it is important to protect it.
There are generally two types of Caravans:
Touring Caravans are ones that are towed behind a vehicle and allows travellers to camp as well as travel anywhere with in Europe or UK. Static Caravans are ones that are semi-permanent pitch-able vehicles which are fitted with water pipes, sewers and electricity. The Caravan insurance for both of them is different because they cover different risks. Touring Caravans have issues such as being involved in a collision, road accidents etc. Static Caravans may be involved in havoc caused by nature for example flooding of the area where it is parked or falling of trees. One main risk in both the types of Caravans is thievery.
Caravan Quoters provide the best Caravan Insurance policies at an affordable rate. Some of the Caravan insurance companies offer discounts for club ownership, installation of security measures and no-claim bonuses.
