North Wales Photographs – a Visitors Location Guide
Although most photographs of North Wales viewed around the Internet seem to focus on Snowdonia National Park and the coastal areas around Anglesey, North Wales has many fantastic opportunities for photography, many often missed by visitors. The aim of this guide is to provide an insight into photo locations around North Wales, some often unnoticed by photographers and tourist alike.
The town of Llangollen is not to be missed, not only is the town itself quite picturesque but it?s overlooked by Castell Dinas Bran and surrounded by stunning scenery ? Worlds End, Eglwyseg rocks, Horseshoe Pass to name a few. The Llangollen Canal provides photographers with even more varied opportunities, wildlife is commonplace along the canal banks too.
For photographers interested in architecture don?t miss Plas Newydd andValle Crucis Abbey both closeby to Llangollen. Also Rug Chapel and Llangar Church in nearby Corwen and the impressive Pontcysyllte and Chirk Aqueducts along the Llangollen Canal. Chirk castle isn?t too far away either and the National Trust property of Errdig near Wrexham has great photo opportunities, providing architecture and historic gardens.
Railway enthusiasts / photographers are also catered for in Llangollen where the restored railway line runs frequent Steam Train trips.
For landscape photographers the scenery around Snowdonia often means that they miss many of the other great opportunities that North Wales provides. A drive a little further north towards Ruthin provides photo opportunities of the Clywdian hills. The highest peak, Moel Famau is well worth the walk to the summit. Also along the same range is Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur, both excellent photo vantage points. Whilst the Clywdian Hills may not provide quite as much drama as the Snowdonia National Park photographers should definitely consider them when visiting North Wales.
Not far from Llangollen are the relatively unknown Berwyn Mountains, again well worth a visit although access is more limited than that to the Clywdian Hills and Snowdonia National Park. At the base of the Berwyn range, near Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant is perhaps the most impressive waterfall in North Wales, which again most photographers miss completely. The Pistyll Rhaeder Waterfall is one of the ?Seven wonders of Wales? ? it?s actually the highest waterfall in Wales/England and provides excellent photo opportunities. Not only is the waterfall impressive but it?s location is a little special too. For photographers looking for waterfalls, two other excellent locations exist: Aber Falls close to Bangor and Swallow Falls at Betws-y-coed, a village well worth a visit. Also Talacre beach on the North Wales coast has a fantastic lighthouse and providing the photographer with great opportunities. As usual sunrise and sunset provides the best lighting.
For photographers interested in castles the list is almost endless, I would be surprised if any other location around the world provides as many photo opportunities in such a small area. The most spectacular castles are undoubtedly Conway and Caernarfon, both extremely impressive and dusk / nighttime photographs of both are very popular as they are well lit out of daylight hours. Penrhyn castle close to Bangor is somewhat unique, a modern ?fairytale? structure. Beaumaris castle on Anglesey is excellent, the views from the castle across to the Snowdonia mountains are also impressive whilst Chirk castle near Llangollen is also extremely well preserved and photo worthy. As already mentioned the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran provide impressive views over Llangollen and the Vale of Clywd and are worth the climb.
Whilst the aforementioned castles are perhaps structurally or visually the most impressive in North Wales there are others that photographers should seriously consider. Rhuddlan castle near Rhyl is still well intact, Dolwyddelan castle has undergone renovation and is beautifully located, as is Dolbadarn castle on the side of Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. Several other castles exist around North Wales and whilst less photogenic than others are well worth considering if in the area: Flint Castle along the coastline, Denbigh castle, Hawarden Castle, close to Chester and finally Caergwrle castle close to Wrexham.
The above locations are by no means a definitive list of all photography related locations around North Wales, there are simply endless photo opportunities. Hopefully however this guide will provide unfamiliar photographers and visitors with a few more options when visiting North Wales.Original at Landscapephotographyuk.com
North American Architecture & Interesting Facts
Atlanta is a very rapidly growing city, an impressive notion about Atlanta; however, is the ability to really keep ?green? in mind. Although there isn?t much park space in Atlanta, trees are very important here, they?ve planted over 68,000 trees. When visiting Atlanta, a few things you may want to view are: The bank of America plaza, which is the 3rd tallest building in the US, the Atlanta aquarium, which is th elargest in the world, and one of many, many museums.
Austin isn?t really known for their buildings or parks, but rather the people who live there, Austinites are known to be people of the best personalities. Austin is really proud to honor small businesses and focuses on trying to keep large Company?s from taking over.
Boston was an early trend starter by being the first American city to open a public school, a college, and a subway system. Since then, with over 250,000 college students attending colleges of art, technology, music, fine arts, etc? Boston has become one of the main educational hubs in America.
Chicago
Great Hiking Trails in North Texas: Look Just North to Beavers Bend Resort Park
If you are looking for great hiking trails in North Texas, consider Beavers Bend Resort Park in southeastern Oklahoma. It is just 3 hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area (the Metroplex) by car. Beavers Bend Resort Park includes Beavers Bend State Park which offers free admission. The resort offers serious nature lovers the chance to hike along ridge tops, over creek bottoms, through tall stands of timber, and into areas so remote one can almost experience what early-day explorers must have felt upon seeing the area for the first time, at its pristine best.
McCurtain County features some of the most beautiful territory in the country. The Ouachita Mountains rise and fall dramatically along the lower reaches of the Oklahoma-Arkansas line, which is densely covered with one of the oldest short-leaf pine forests in the world, as well as heavy populations of hickory and oak. Unlike most American mountain ranges, the mountains run east and west, not north and south. Cursing through those rugged ranges are several lakes and rivers, the Little, Mountain Fork, Upper Kiamichi, Poteau and Broken Bow.
The area was named by LIFE magazine as one of the “100 Places To Visit in Your Lifetime” and Dallas Observers voted McCurtain County the “Best Getaway from Dallas.”
You can pick up trail maps at the park’s nature center. There are seven trails you have to choose from, one for every skill level – from serious stroller to avid trekker.
Trail #1: Take-it-easy route. The South Park trail. 1 mile. For those who want to stay on level ground. Watch eagles fly overhead and wildlife scatter as you stroll by.
Trail #2: The Easy-Does-It Hike. The Junction with South Park. 1 mile. Also a good choice for those who want a less intensive hike and want to get “back to nature” but just a little while.
Trail #3: Beyond Beginner. Beaver Creek Crossing. 1. 5 miles. A bit more challenging. Several steep climbs.
Trail #4: Beyond beginner but not intermediate. Deer Cross – Cedar Bluff. About 2 miles. Some climbs, but not extremely steep.
Trail #5: Walk on the wild side. Cedar Bluff – Beaver Lodge Trail. 6 miles. Lots of steep grades. Designed for the more serious hiker.
Trail #6: Born to hike. Skyline. 6 miles. Steep terrain. Experienced hikers only. If you don’t have time to take the longest route (see below), the Skyline is the next best option. More challenging to some than the Cedar Bluff, nevertheless, you’ll need to be able to withstand elevation hiking. But the views you’ll see will be well worth the climb.
Trail #7: The extreme challenge. The David Boren Hiking Trail, named after the U.S. senator and former governor of Oklahoma. The David Boren Trail offers 16 miles of hiking Trails with 4 miles of multi-purpose ( mountain bike) trails that wander along ridge tops and over creek bottoms. The 12 mile Boren hiking trail runs from south to north. Starts at the low-water dam at the south end of Beavers Bend and then connects with the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail, full of steep grades. The trail is well defined and is a narrow, one-person trail – which means no bicyclists to watch out for.
Where do you stay if you travel to the Beavers Bend Resort Park? Glad you asked! The park is home to the forty-room Lakeview Lodge, and there are forty-seven different Beavers Bend cabins. Is camping more your style? The park also offers RV and tent camping. In McCurtain County, your weekend hiking getaway can include almost any kind of lodging – from a rustic cottage to elegantly-appointed log cabins nestled in the towering pines to a unique bed & breakfasts, modern motels and luxury resorts.
So, if you are looking for great hiking trails in North Texas – either for yourself or to accompany your family or that special someone – the Beavers Bend Resort Park is a great option. With many trails to choose for everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers, this is a great option that is only 3 hours away from the Metroplex by car.
North Carolina Lake Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains at W. Kerr Scott Lake, NC
You’ve found your peaceful Shangri-La by the water. Take a leisurely walk through the woods. Stop for a picnic by the waves. Load up the skis and head into the wake zone. You’ll wish you’d moved here sooner.
Serenity Bay amenity package includes:
Landscaped Entrance
Paved Roads
Electronic Security Gate
Community Boat Slips
Underground Utilities
Kerr Scott Lake Highlights:
1475 Acres in Size
55 Miles of Shoreline
Regulated by Army Corp of Engineers.
Over 20 miles of shoreline designated as Natural Areas
Fully Recreational Lake (Boating, Sailing, Jet Ski’s, Water Skiing, Swimming, etc.)
7 boat launches
Skyline Marina
Fishing tournaments, since the lake abounds with many species of fish
Constant water level, clear water clarity
Serenity Bay is located about 8 miles West of Wilkesboro about 1/2 mile North of Highway 268. It is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains located between Asheville, Greensboro, Boone, and Charlotte, with quick access to Highway 421 & I-77.
Wilkes County has a population of about 65,000 people, with the town of Wilkesboro & North Wilkesboro having a combined population of about 8,000. From Wilkesboro, you can take day trips to the beach or go snow skiing in the mountains. With an average temperature of 77 degrees in July, it’s no wonder this region has become so popular.
Entertainment – Movie theater screens, Shopping Malls, walking and fitness trails at parks on Kerr Scott Lake, health clubs, museums, live theater, local college sporting events, and of course boating activities on the lake.
Medical Facilities – Wilkesboro Regional Medical Center is just a few miles away, as well as a variety of local clinics in the North Wilkesboro & Wilkesboro area.
Golf Courses – Many public and private golf courses, such as Stone Mountain Golf Club, Olde Beau Golf Club, Oakwoods County Club, and Rock Creek Country Club.
Dining – Over 40 Local and Nationwide Chain Restaurants in Wilkesboro, including local fine dining at 6th and Main Restaurant and Applewood Bistro.
From breathtaking sunsets to relaxing boat rides with pristine shoreline and other wonders of nature, Serenity Bay is a place of beauty. It is not just a place to live, but lifestyle! A lifestyle that has the very best life has to offer.
Wilkesboro – “Fun for the Whole Family” Activities
Bo’s Bodacious Family Entertainment – Bo’s is a 45,000 square foot entertainment facility that was designed to give our guests the finest in family entertainment. We offer a full service restaurant, catering, banquet rooms, lounge, billiards, a large arcade, a 24 lane bowling center, private birthday rooms and soft play for younger children. We are in the entertainment business and we take FUN seriously!
White Oak Stables – Wilkes Therapeutic Riding Program is a compassionate organization founded with the purpose of building character and confidence in challenged individuals of all ages.
Wilkes Family YMCA – From top-notch facilities to fun-filled events to character-building programs, we’ve got something for everyone. From toddlers to seniors and everywhere in between, you’ll find plenty to do at your neighborhood YMCA.
Brushy Mountain Cyclist Club – The Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club is the club for all cyclists in Northwest North Carolina. We’re mountain bikers and road riders of all ages and abilities who love the challenge posed by the rugged and scenic terrain of the Blue Ridge foothills.
Leatherwood Mountain Resort – Kids Activities – For our younger guests who haven’t discovered the value in an idle afternoon, there are many different activities located inside the gates of Leatherwood Mountains to fill the void. Encourage your children to explore the meadow. Catch minnows and crawdads in the creek, or hunt animal tracks along the bank. Whether on foot or by bicycle, Leatherwood’s meadow provides a safe environment for children to explore on their own. Older children might enjoy taking a hike into the foothills of the blue ridge. A leatherwood trail map can provide days of the most beautiful hiking one could ask for. Kids can also play tennis, swim in the pool, ride horses, fish and play basketball all within our resort! For fun outside the gates Elk Creek is a fun little float trip in a tube, or try your hand at catching some fish of the local variety.
Leatherwood Mountain Resort – Adult Activities – Leatherwood Mountains is an exceptional area for a Blue Ridge Mountain vacation full of fun outdoor activities such as NC hiking and fishing. NC hiking along Brownie’s Branch, fishing or fly fishing North Carolina’s area creeks for rainbow trout or small-mouth bass, take a horseback riding lesson, wade in the small creek in the meadow, go for a picnic, take a dip in the pool or the big creek, smack a tennis ball, visit with the folks hanging out at the stables, stroll in the meadow, sit in a rocking chair on the porch and enjoy the fantastic view of the mountains fading into the distance. Come here to Relax and unwind.
Roaring River Canoe Rentals – Many exciting canoeing trips. No matter what trip you take, you will enjoy the abundance of wildlife and scenery. If you are a fisherman, small mouth, large mouth, red eyes and catfish are a few of the fish you may catch.
Stone Mountain State Park – Stone Mountain is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait. Sunlight and shadows dance across a broad tapestry of stone. White-tailed deer emerge from the security of the forest to graze on meadow grasses at the mountain’s base. The scenery is only one attraction of the park. Test your fly-fishing techniques in more than 17 miles of designated trout waters. Or, with more than 16 miles of trails, take a hike in the park. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1975, Stone Mountain is bounded on the north by the Blue Ridge Parkway and on the west by the Thurmond Chatham Game Lands. More than 13,747 acres of mountain beauty offer opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds.
Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest – Welcome to Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest, a unique outdoors experience! Located in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains this forest showcases magnificent mountain hardwoods in one of North Carolina’s most scenic settings. Its features are accessible by a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting the ecology of the managed forest. At Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest, visitors can listen to the wind in the trees; or they can listen to the trees tell a story. The Talking Tree Trail features “talking trees,” each with a recorded message about itself, its site, and the forest history. Also, actual forestry practices are explained on the Forest Demonstration Trail. Close to the start of the trail, a natural amphitheater is available for special sessions or groups.
Wilderness Lodge Canoe, Kayak, and Mountain Biking – Canoes, kayaks and mountain bikes are available to meet your recreation needs.
Yadkin River Greenway – The Yadkin River Greenway is an off-road and on-road greenway system that will establish a network of linear open spaces to protect and link together valuable community resources throughout the Yadkin River Valley in North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, and Wilkes County. By using designated bicycle and pedestrian trails along the river, its tributaries, and the Historical Overmountain Victory Trail, Wilkes County citizens and visitors will enjoy this area’s many natural, cultural, and recreational resources. There are many historic sites along the Reddies and Yadkin River that are not marked but are a significant part of the Wilkes County history. As part of the greenway development, several of the most famous historic and ecological kiosks, located along the trail will explain the significance of these sites.
North Carolina Mountains Offer Buyers More for Their Money
With the real estate market currently in a slump, those who are in a position to invest in land purchases are able to get more for their money. For the price of a condominium in hurricane-prone Florida, land buyers could instead purchase ten acres in a gated mountain enclave with elevations close to 4,000 feet. The North Carolina Mountain regions also offers achingly beautiful layered views of the Blue Ridge, four distinctly spectacular seasons, and nearby amenities and attractions of Asheville and the university town of Boone, North Carolina.
Since it?s a little off the beaten path, and the winding mountain roads have slowed the sprawl of suburbia, this area of the North Carolina mountains, fondly referred to as The High Country, is a relatively undiscovered gem in the rough. Although the area has been attracting those escaping the summer heat for decades, with its world class lodges, golf & restaurants, this is not a pretentious place. What?s been drawing folks to this area for generations, in addition to the weather and scenery, is a pace and quality of life reminiscent of simpler times.
Metallica Unveils Massive North American Tour
Metallica first came about in 1981, when drummer Lars Ulrich put out a newspaper wanted ad in an attempt to form a heavy metal group. By 1983, the Los Angeles band was fully formed, named and ready to release their first official album. Kill ?Em All was released that year, to modest sales and reviews. Ride the Lightning was released the following year and although neither album succeeded commercially, by the end of 1984, the band was able to retain a substantial following in the thrash metal community.
In 1985, Metallica released Master of Puppets, an album which became their first to ever reach gold status. Master of Puppets was followed by ?And Justice for All in 1998 and by Metallica three years later. The self-titled 1991 release was of particular importance, as it had become the group?s first largely mainstream album, thanks to the popularity of its hit single Enter Sandman. To date, Metallica remains the group?s most successful record, reaching a status of fifteen times platinum in the United States alone.
From their small-time heavy metal roots in Los Angeles, Metallica was now being deemed one of the biggest groups to ever grace the heavy metal genre. To date, they have sold over 100 million records worldwide, won countless awards (including seven Grammies) and were even honoured with an “Official Metallica Day” by San Fransisco mayor Willie Brown.
In celebration and promotion of their latest release, Death Magnetic, the group has now set out to once again do what they do best: perform live for diehard metal fans on the road. Metallica?s 2008 concert tour will take place in various venues throughout the United States and Canada starting in October and won?t end until January 1, 2009.
Metallica North American Tour Dates:
October 21, 2008 ? Glendale, AZ ? Jobing Arena
October 23, 2008 ? Albuquerque, IM ? Tingley Coliseum
October 25, 2008 ? Kansas City, MO ? Sprint Center
October 26, 2008 ? Des Moines, IA ? Wells Fargo Arena
November 1, 2008 ? Portland, OR ? Rose Quarter
November 3, 2008 ? Salt Lake City, UT ? Energy Solutions Arena
November 4, 2008 ? Denver, CO ? Pepsi Center
November 6, 2008 ? Omaha, NE ? Qwest Center
November 8, 2008 ? Moline, IL ? iWireless Center
November 9, 2008 ? Columbus, OH ? Schottenstein Center
November 17, 2008 ? St. Louis, MO ? Scottrade Center
November 18, 2008 ? Tulsa, OK ? BOK Center
November 20, 2008 ? Houston, TX ? Toyota Center
November 22, 2008 ? Little Rock, AR ? Alltel Arena
November 23, 2008 ? New Orleons, LA ? New Orleons Arena
December 1, 2008 ? Seattle, WA ? Key Arena
December 2, 2008 ? Vancouver, BC ? GM Place
December 4, 2008 ? Calgary, AB ? Pengrowth Saddledome
December 5, 2008 ? Calgary, AB ? Pengrowth Saddledome
December 7, 2008 ? Edmonton, AB ? Rexall Place
December 12, 2008 ? Ontario, CA ? Citizens Business Bank Arena
December 13, 2008 ? Fresno, CA ? Save Mart Center
December 15, 2008 ? San Diego, CA ? Cox Arena
December 17, 2008 ? Los Angeles, CA ? The Forum
December 18, 2008 ? Los Angeles, CA ? The Forum
December 20, 2008 ? Oakland, CA ? Oracle Arena
January 12, 2008 ? Milwaukee, WI ? Bradley Center
January 13, 2008 ? Detroit, MI ? Joe Louis Arena
January 15, 2008 ? Washington, DC ? Verizon Arena
January 17, 2008 ? Philadelphia, PA ? Wachovia Center
January 18, 2008 ? Boston, MA ? TD Banknorth Center
January 26, 2008 ? Chicago, IL ? Allstate Arena
January 27, 2008 ? Chicago, IL ? Allstate Arena
January 29, 2008 ? Uniondale, NY ? Nassau Coliseum
January 31, 2008 ? Newark, NJ ? Prudential Center
Feburary 1, 2009 ? Newark, NJ ? Prudential Center
Metallica tickets available at:
Metallica tickets available at:
ShowTime Tickets
604-688-5000
1-800-480-SHOW(7469)
www.showtimetickets.com
Travel To The Paramounts Carowinds Theme Park In North Carolina
If you have children under five years of age don’t worry there is nothing for them to do, there is the Amusement center where the kids can enjoy a train ride with Dora the Explorer’s Azul or fly, dive and twirl with Danny-Phantom. Hugs are the part of the experience for the little children with the full-size Nickelodeon stars throughout the theme park.
With kids from six – twelve you can keep them excited with either seeing some of the live events that occur throughout the theme park all day or visit Nickelodeon-Central where there are more than twenty attractions for their age group. They can even ride Scooby Doo’s Haunted-Mansion! They will love to free fall into twenty acres of thrills in the amusement park. There are many rides that they will love – including one that takes you three hundred and twenty feet above the park! There is the “Wild mouse” roller coaster that will show your kids a real thrill or the Scream-Weaver – Gondolas which twirl in a horizontal angle and shoots into the vertical angle, skyrocketing riders into upside-down orbit. Including all these and many more choices for the children they will be entertained from the moment you enter in until you ultimately get them to depart at the close of the day!
For teenagers between twelve – 18 the thrill never ends. They will ride the Nighthawk, the flying rollar-coaster and tallest one in the park or the Rip Roarin’ Rapids with the white water raging rafting you can experience in a six person craft (and get really, really soaked). Naturally there are the bumper-cars that are a priority of many children. Now envision them on the Thunder-Road which is a forward and backward roller coaster. You may need to plunge down a forty-five foot waterfall to the pool of water below (another great way to cool off on a scorching day.) There are so many attractions and rides for them that they may demand you to return with them the next day!
As grandparents you may believe that you are supposed to sit back and watch the kids have fun…BZZZZZ! Run out there with them, talk them into riding on the Xtreme-SkyFlyer with you and experience the excitement of skydiving as everyone is lifted 153 feet in the sky and then yank the ripcord for a 50 foot free fall at sixty mph. (you need to be extraordinarily brave for this one and it does have an additional cost.)
If that isn’t enough for you then visit the Drop-Zone where you will discover a 56 mph 100 ft. free fall. Probably don’t want to eat just before you do this, could get messy!
The Hurler is the wooden rollar-coaster that achieves fifty mph with stomach-twisting dips and turns.
This is only the beginning of the fun that waits for you and your family in Piedmont on your North Carolina Piedmont tourism!
There is a twenty-five acre campground at Carowinds with approximately two-hundred campsites, and fifeteen cabins for rent for those that want to stay right there. For reservations call 704-587-9116 or 1-800-888-4386 ext. 2116
LOCAL DIRECTIONS
Take I-77 to SC exit #90 at the North Carolina/South Carolina border. The Carowinds Park is just fifeteen minutes south of Uptown Charlotte and fifeteen minutes north of Rock Hill, SC.
CALL AHEAD
