For most owners, your pet is like a member of the family. Or in some cases, the pet allows you to be a member of their family (depending on who’s really in charge). I have a sneaking suspicion that’s how my 2 year old mutt perceives the world. After all I’m the one catering to her needs, filling her bowl every morning and evening, picking up after her, and dragging her bed from room to room of my apartment when she has nowhere comfortable to lie. (Perhaps ’slave’ is a more apt word).

Either way, your pet is an integral part of your life. So it’s only natural to want to bring them along when you pack your bags, lock your doors, and bid your home goodbye. I’m talking about vacation: that wonderful time when work is left in your rearview mirror and instead replaced with a gloriously open schedule stretching out ahead. And at your side, and probably slobbering on your shoulder, is your furry companion.

Your destination: Whistler, British Columbia, one of the top resort destinations in the world. Whether you’re arriving in the summer or winter, a myriad of activities await: golfing, mountain biking, bungee jumping, dancing, drinking, snowboarding, the list goes on. And of course, you can’t forget frequent walks with your pet around pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village and surrounding trails. Your pet will no doubt be the envy of their block buddies back home.

But wait…before loading up your bags, hitching your pet and heading up Whistler mountain, here are a few nuggets of wisdom that will prepare both you and your pet for the destination.

Find pet-friendly Whistler lodging.

When you book accommodation direct from the property owner you’re more likely to find someone who is willing to accept a pet. Many property owners have pets themselves and will understand why you can’t bare to be without Rufus by your side. Plus, when you’re searching for owner-direct accommodation, you can compare detailed vacation rental photos. Unlike many hotels, you can see the actual rental you will stay in, before you instantly book it online.

On extended road trips, stop for some exercise.

Everyone needs the chance to stretch their legs once and a while (and perhaps a quick stop in a gas station’s restroom). Give your pet the chance to uncurl and run loose for at least a half hour after particularly long stretches. A nice game of fetch or a jog around the rest stop are a few examples. But be careful about letting your pet run loose, as the unfamiliar environment may hide some nasty surprises (decaying chicken bones are found in the oddest of places).

Take your pet’s familiar items with you.

When venturing into the unknown, there’s little that’s more comforting for a pet than being able to rest in their own bed or blanket. Your pet will feel safer and more at ease. As most owners will tell you, your pet will light up at the sight of their stuff. Taking along a few favorite toys will also give your pet something to play with while you’re deciding your itinerary for the day.

Never leave a dog alone in your Whistler lodging for an extended period.

Even dogs that are well behaved and rarely chew or maim anything in your house, can behave differently when they’re in a strange place. (There’s nothing worse than coming home with shreds of furniture lying around). If you must leave you dog alone for a while, consider employing the services of a doggy daycare.

Keep the barking to a minimum.

Much like parents who can magically tune out their own child’s ear shattering wail, dog owners exhibit the same phenomenon if they have a particularly talkative pet. Let other guests enjoy their vacation in peace and remember to tone down the barking. Also, it’s a good idea to keep your pet on leash while entering & exiting your Whistler lodging and to avoid your pet tackling other guests. Even people who don’t mind animals can become spooked if there’s suddenly a slobbering tongue in their face.

Respect the pet policy.

If your Whistler lodging allows pets, they still may not take kindly to dirty paws on the furniture. Make sure you to read all the property policies before you make your reservation and avoid the hassle of trying to guess. It’s important to sort this out before you book your stay – so you can simply find another property whose pet policy matches your own style.

Take responsibility for any damages caused by your pet.

Accidents happen even with the most well-behaved pet. If your pet has an unfortunate stomach upset and leaves “deposits” on the nice carpet of your Whistler lodging, or decides to shred some towels, it’s a good idea to own up and work out a fair cleaning agreement. You’ll be promoting responsible pet ownership and paving the way for others to allow pets in their properties.

Keep the leash handy.

Though Whistler is a dog-loving community, most parks and trails are on-leash only. Thankfully, dogs are not barred from the Village, and you can proudly have your pet by your side as you stroll through the cobble stoned boulevards. As well, there are several picturesque trails for dog walking. (Lost Lake is a great place to start in the summer).

Be prepared for emergencies.

It’s a good idea to locate the Emergency Veterinary Clinics in Whistler before you get there, or early upon your arrival. That way, in the event of an accident or sickness, you’ll know exactly where to take your pet for immediate care and attention.

So that’s it! With these easy reminders, you’re Whistler vacation will be a trip you won’t soon forget.

Devon O’ Malley is a staff writer for AlluraDirect.com, vacation rentals website offering powerful search and instant booking features for owners and guests alike. On your next Whistler vacation, check out their Whistler accommodation directory and find pet friendly accommodation

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Some specific architectural terms used in this article:

• Curtain wall: Straight wall between two bastions. Commonly called the ramparts.

• Bastion: Projection in the enceinte made up of four walls which better enabled a garrison to defend the ground adjacent to the curtain wall.

• Ravelin: Triangular projection enabling defenders to sally forth. Access is had via hidden stairs. Typical example is seen in the ditch along the Embrun front.

• Traverse: Wall on the ravelin protecting from flanking fire.

• Counterscarp: External wall of an enceinte, the other side of a ditch.

• Banquette: Step of earth or stone within the parapet, sufficiently high to enable standing defenders to fire over the crest with ease. For example along the Embrun front.

• Redan: Firing post with two walls at salient angle facing the enemy and an open rear.

The Briançon citadel

You can’t help but notice The Briançon citadel. Looking at its walls, secret passages will appear and you imagine battle strategies. But to fully grasp the ingenious construction and the skill that went into building it you will need a guide for whom curtain walls, watchtowers and ravelins are every-day words.

It is with lsabelle, cura­tor of the heritage site, that we will learn more about the citadel and its ingenious designer Mon­sieur de Vauban. She is an expert on Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban. A true enthusiast, she speaks of him with enormous admiration, as one might speak of a respected relative or close friend. “The Briançon citadel conies from a long line of forts whose archi­tecture has developed over the centuries into this very effi­cient system of bastion fortifi­cation”, the curator explains.

Weapon revolutions and jolts of History determine the laws of warfare architecture War experts have always designed protection in concor­dance with what weapons they are confronted with. Until the Middle Ages, they would build high walls to stand against archers, battering rams and cat­apults. Metal was introduced around 1480 and made warfare a new game. The Middle Age walls were no longer strong enough. Italian engineers found the solution by inventing the bastion system at the start of the 16th century. Out went round towers and instead five-sided buildings became popular as they eliminated all dead angles. These bastions dominated European architecture for many long years. De Vauban adopted this inven­tion, bettered it and developed it to perfection. When he came to Briançon in the service of Louis XIV, he was already an experienced architect.

In the summer of 1692 Savoyard troops allied with the Augsburg League invaded France via the Vars mountain pass. Several towns were taken and pillaged. The Duke of Savoy’s efforts were stopped by smallpox, but it made Louis XIV well aware of the vulnerability of this Alpine border. He immediately sent his best engineer out. Vauban came to Briançon in the autumn of 1962. When he saw Briançon it was already a citadel, but of a sim­ple mediaeval design.

The city architect Hue de Langrune had already drawn up plans for a new bastion escarpment. The ramparts were his idea, not Vauban’s, these walls were made out of simple brickwork and with no ditch. They were criticised by Vauban. Vauban took over. He described the setting as follows: “At the meeting point of the three main valleys, there are mountains that reach the clouds and val­leys that descend into the abyss. Hence, this place is difficult both to attack and to defend.” He wrote his report in two days and suggested crucial changes to this strategic town. He split the defence into two fronts:

• the North front and
• the Embrun front.

Due to the steep gradient of the Embrun front the bastions are not very salient and their flanks too narrow to spread the artillery efficiently. “The high parapet made cannon balls fall nearly vertically. Vauban thus lined the ramparts with banquettes all along this front”, says Isabelle giving a new perspective on this clever war­fare set-up.

Once on the Champ-de-Mars, we are against the North front. It stretches from the redans by the Pignerol gate, the entrance nearest Italy, to the collegiate church bastion. From this entrance we see the wide ditch Vauban had dug along the escarpment, in the middle there is a ravelin. Look closely and this triangular pro­jection will be obvious. It also has a traverse, protecting the soldiers from enemy fire. Going through the Pignerol gate, we notice that this is also built on a Ravelin, banquette, curtain wall. It has an unusual irregular trapezoidal shape to keep it covered by Langrune’s redans. Without Isabelle’s explanations we would have missed the trian­gular shape of this ravelin. What we thought to be an unexplained quirk becomes a testimony to Vauban’s ability to adapt to the terrain.

On our left, past the building which used to host the officer and his men, there is a small wood and stone aqueduct run­ning along the two redans that disappears in the scarp wall. This ancient canal taking water from the Guisane for the open gutters was deemed to vulnerable by Vauban and replaced with a well inside the walls. You can still distinguish its location in the middle of the Place d’Armes. The projects from 1692 and 1700 were carried out only after his death.

The Gargouille Old Town of Briançon

To enter the Gargouille Old Town you have to cross a sec­ond bridge (once a drawbridge) and the Pignerol gate. Its thick wooden doors are covered in nails for reinforcement and under the arch we warily dis­cover the wooden portcullis, peacefully lifted up for now. The town’s layout has not changed much since Vauban’s era and it is pleasant to lose oneself in the throng of steep little lanes. The ramparts offer clear views over the sur­rounding valleys and the defensive system conceived by Vauban.

To ensure the town’s protection, Vauban added fortifica­tions on the nearest peaks. From the Champs-de-Mars you can spot the Salette fort on the road to Italy. It is well maintained and worth a visit. A new reversal in history brought Vauban back that time. Louis XIV managed to persuade the Duke of Savoy to leave the Augsburg League in exchange for the French Fort Pignerol. This, in effect, brought Briançon closer to the border and called for further protection.

The Trois Têtes fort and vertiginous Asfeld bridge were added as projects during Vauban’s twelve-day visit in 1700. Due to non-existent funds, only the work already started was to be continued. The kingdom had been bled dry financially by its King’s con­stant war efforts. The building of the Asfeld Bridge, the Têtes and Salette strongholds was to be postponed until after the Marshal’s death. “Marshal Berwick finished the Salette in 1712, whereas the Têtes fort and the Asfeld Bridge were fin­ished by the Marquis Asfeld, general director of fortifica­tions, in 1730 and 1732 respec­tively. But whether by Vauban or just in Vauban style they have still contributed to giv­ing Briançon a unique identi­ty,” she concludes. The Marshal did in effect change Briançon from a market town to a warfare town.

This article was written by Jane Richardson, who has written many articles about travel, European history, skiing and snowboarding.
She enjoys winter sports holidays in Serre Chevalier, a ski resort in The French Alps.

In the summer Jane enjoys traveling, mostly in Europe, having a great adoration for England, France, Spain and Italy.

Jane is a niche marketer, specializing in areas such as travel insurance for the elderly (UK) and providing holidays in Serre Chevalier. Her internet marketing strategies include web 2.0, article marketing and traditional search engine optimization.

Although based in Santa Monica, California USA, Jane works extensively with Rick Lomas in France and Steve Pritchard in England. Together the three form Indexicon which is evolving all the time.

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There is perhaps no other creature that has been so mythologized, feared, and misunderstood as the toad. Indeed, the toad has long been associated with black magic, poison, and death. At the same time, however, toads have been considered symbols of fertility, love, and health by alchemists, gypsies, and all manner of ancient peoples. In a more modern context, toads have enjoyed increasing popularity as easy-to-keep, unique pets. With options ranging from the garden-variety American toad to the more exotic Oriental fire-bellied toad, keeping a pet toad can be an education unto itself, provided you learn the following valuable pet toad care pointers first!

While your methods of toad pet care will depend largely upon the individual needs of the species you choose as a companion, there a few basic “rules” that should be heeded. The first rule as that most toads don’t take kindly to being held or touched. While there is no truth to the old wives’ tale that says touching a toad will cause warts, it is true that toads will secrete a toxic, defensive substance from their skin when they feel threatened. To that end, you should always wash your hands if you must touch your pet toad, but you should also keep in mind that the reason your toad feels threatened in the first place is because you’re many, many times larger than it is! Toads are not wired to respond to affection like a cat or dog, therefore, they are best enjoyed happily dwelling in an enclosure that resembles their natural habitat as closely as possible-an appropriately appointed living space.

Your pet toad care success depends largely upon selecting a secure, adaptable home for your toad. Aquariums are always best, whether your toad is a land-dweller or a water lover as they allow for maximum viewing potential while keeping your toad safe from harm. Outfit your aquarium with a snug-fitting mesh top that will provide adequate ventilation, and ensure that your toad has enough room to hop and swim about. A good rule of thumb is that a single medium-sized toad should be given at least ten gallons worth of aquarium. Nearly all toads enjoy water to some extent-some pretty much live in it, climbing out only occasionally to rest, feed, or breathe while others spend most of their time grubbing around on land, entering the water only to drink or have a little swim. Once you’ve learned your toad’s species-specific preferences, you can devote your time to building a realistic habitat. For instance, if your toad is a native to wet forests, give him lots of leaf cover, moss, and a few lush, live plants to enjoy. If your toad is a prairie dweller, he’ll need flat rocks, a stand of tall grass, and a small pool to lounge in.

As you consider your pet toad care checklist, keep in mind that you’ll have to account for your toad’s dietary needs, even if you’re squeamish about things like insects and worms. Most toads sold in the pet store will enjoy a steady diet of crickets, provided the crickets are dusted occasionally with a vitamin-rich powder (also available at pet stores). Toads may also enjoy earthworms or wax worms. Some toads have considerably more exotic dietary needs, and may need to be fed mice or goldfish to maintain their health and happiness, so always take care to consult a reputable book or salesperson before bringing your new toad home.

While owning a toad may not be for everyone, learning the ins and outs of pet toad care can make for a rewarding, unique, and perhaps even magical pet ownership experience for those who are up to the task. As you learn more and more about the varying needs, habitats, and mythologies behind these fascinating creatures, you’ll soon be ready for a toad of your very own. Educate yourself well and head to the pet store. You may just return home with a new best friend.

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Interested in snowboarding but haven’t got a clue where to start or what gear you need? Have no fear, here are the essential items you need to begin your snowboarding adventure.

Snowboard

There are three basic types of snowboards, each varying in width and the shape of their tip and tail. Each type is geared for a different type of snowboarding. For most beginners, a freestyle board will be what you want to choose. A freestyle board offers an ease of use, handling and is generally easier to turn, all essential requirements for beginners.

Boots and Bindings

When trying on boots for snowboarding, make sure you select a pair that fits your feet as well as possible. Choose boots that are too loose and you won’t get the control you need, choose boots that are too tight and you won’t be comfortable. Don’t skip this consideration. Also, your boots should keep your feet warm, so the cheapest option might not be the best option. Check the boots for a good amount of lining and cushioning. Next, you’ll want to check the flexibility and control the boots will give you. Your boots need to flex properly to allow you to control the board speed and direction. If the boots are too stiff, you may not get the amount of control you need. According to the boot you choose, there will be a type of binding that goes with it. Be sure to try on and test the boots and bindings in the store before you make a purchase. Making your purchase at a store that has a generous return policy is also a good idea. That way you can return or exchange the boots if you find they aren’t working for you.

Apparel

Obviously, it’s going to be freezing out there in the snow. You’ll want to choose apparel that keeps your body warm and dry but also allows you enough freedom of movement to enjoy yourself. In general, you’ll want several layers including some long underwear or undershirt, then a cotton shirt above that, then a fleece pullover, then a thicker jacket over that for warmth and finally a waterproof jacket over that. Layering allows you to adjust for your own comfort and warmth as needed. You’ll also want to choose some headwear, such as a helmet or beanie to prevent heat loss through your head.

Accessories

One of the most important accessories you’ll want to have is a pair of snowboarding goggles. A good pair of goggles will protect your eyes from snow glare, the sun, snow and if you should veer off course, your eyes will be protected from that stray branch that hits you in the face. Other accessories that are also important include gloves, socks, sunblock, ear warmers, scarf and any safety accessories you may need, like wrist and knee guards.

Lydia Quinn writes for PhatSportShades, a leading performance eyewear provider, offering snowboarding goggles Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com/

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Snowboarding is a kind of sport that was developed in the United States of America in the 1960’s-1970’s. The growth of this sport was motivated by skateboarding, surfing and skiing. Snowboarding involves sliding a slope that is sheltered with snow on a snowboard connected to the rider’s feet using a riding boot set into an elastic mounted binding.

The suggested defensive safety gear includes wrist guards, helmets, padded snowboarding pants, snowboarding boots (should be well-fitted to minimize movement of the toes), goggles (prevents snow blindness) and padding (used for hips, knees, spine and shoulders). Use the right technique to avoid further injuries. To obtain the right technique, you should be trained by experienced instructor.

Freestyle

Freestyle snowboarding is where in the riders’ uses an artificial terrain distinctive parts like railings, jumping’s, obstacles and different modern features where you can perform a skillful act designed to amuse people watching. The characterized “box” is an object that has slippery top where the rider can glide on using the base of their board.

The objective of the freestyle boarding is the usage of terrain distinct parts to execute artistic work of mid-air or jib actions. “Jib” means the rider slides, glide or squash on a thing that are not prepared of snow.

The paraphernalia used on freestyle boarding is normally a smooth boot and a dual tipped board for enhanced balancing through riding. The most usual fastening used in freestyle is referred as the “duck foot”; where in the foot that is nearer to the back of the board has an arc set-up of a negative degree; where in the front foot has a positive charge.

Riders’ of freestyle boarding that are specialized in jib tricks usually uses shorter boards, with smoother flex and subtle edges. Shorter boards can be able to turn faster and the smoother flex can lessen the energy of the rider to press a desired feature.

Rocker or reverse camber snowboarding boards are commonly used in freestyle because of their smooth flex and reversed “camber” style. Press feature meant for a type of jibbing where in a rider is leaning heavily up to the head or tail of their snowboard that causes the other end of the board to lift off from feature where they are gliding on.

Snowboarding freestyle likewise features a halfpipe trick. Halfpipe tricks were performed with rotations such as with three hundred sixty degrees or a full turn in the air. Tricks could be customized while striking a variety of features; riders may execute a mixture of board grabs, turnings with somersaults.

Snowboarding Skills

Stance and balancing- it is important to a snowboarder rider to keep the body up to the center of the board.

Stopping- an important skill to any talented rider to maintain the control in sliding down the mountain slopes.

Pivot and steering- this is performed by the turning of the body.

Edging- this skill shows on how to maintain body balance over the edge of the snowboard.

Pressure control- this skill is necessary when the rider is over the rough slopes

Timing and coordination- this skill is referred to the shifting rhythm of the presentation.

Lessons- this will help you know all the details and practices about the sport.

To obtain the right techniques Click here for more Info of Freestyle snowboarding.

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Kiteboarding or kitesurfing, if you don’t already know, is like snowboarding on water. This, behind a boat, is called wakeboarding. OK, now forget the boat and add a giant kite for the power source. The kite is controlled or steered using a control bar in the hands of the rider. The kite can be flown is specific patterns to generate greater power, or can be used to jump or fly through the air. We are not talking about little hops either; you can really get up and float for some serious air time. The power is directed to a harness by “hooking in”; this takes the load off the arms which helps reduce fatigue.

Kiteboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and for good reasons.

The freedom of jumping 10, 20, 30ft off the water, without the necessity of a wave for a ramp, means that people who live near lakes can still fly through the air. Snowboarders love it as a summer alternative to riding on snow, not to mention there’s no lift ticket to buy. Windsurfers love it because you can kiteboard in less wind, and the gear fits in a economy car, instead of the truck, or trailer. Surfers can get out on the water when the surf is too low or blown out. Wake boarders are forced to rethink what big air really is, plus saving all the gas money they were putting into their boats every weekend. People who have never tried a board sport at all are getting into kiteboarding.

Ideal learning conditions include warm, flat and shallow water coupled with consistent wind. Being able to stand up after a gulp of water or a head first plunge is not only convenient but comforting. Having a boat right there where you need it saves time, as the beginner will end the kite surfing lesson far down wind from where he or she started.

Taking kiteboarding lessons with a qualified instructor is a must. The best thing to do first is to buy or rent a trainer kite, and watch an instructional video to get the basics down. Next, is the first three hour kiteboarding lesson, in which you will learn the safety issues and systems, setup of the kite, launching and landing, the wind window and power stokes, water re-launching and body dragging. From there you can continue with lessons or go practice on your own. The cost of equipment has come down over the years; a beginner setup will run $1000-$1500 for everything. Unlike many sports, such as snow

Skiing, kiteboarding is not something you should expect to be able to learn in an afternoon. Once you get it, you’ll be hooked.

Captain Jeff Hoxtell PASA Kiteboarding Instructor kiteboarding, and kiteboarding lessons [http://airpadrekiteboarding.com/lessons.php]

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Skiing and snowboarding may seem very similar in the types of safety gear needed, but that’s an incorrect assumption. Safety gear for snowboarding is quite different due to the lack of balance poles used and the different kinds of injuries that tend to be common. Here is an overview of safety gear for both skiing and snowboarding:

Snowboarding Safety Gear

Your first priority should be to get a snowboarding helmet. Head injuries are just one of the types of injuries that snowboarders are prone to have. Since it is so easy to fall down, especially for newbie snowboarders, the likelihood of a head injury is surprisingly high. Since there are no ski poles to help you to balance, snowboarders tend to fall alot more than skiiers, and often times, they will hit their head when falling. The seriousness of a head injury depends on the type of snow, snow depth and your speed while falling, but to massively reduce the risk of a serious head injury, just wear a helmet!

Next, you need wrist protection. Wrist injuries are the #1 injury to befall snowboarders. This is because snowboarders tend to try to catch themselves when they fall, with their wrist! So, they end up falling on their wrist or twisting it in some weird way. Up to 40% of all snowboarding injuries are related to the wrist. There are two types of wrist protection available, underglove wrist guards that you wear underneath your gloves and snowboarding gloves that have integrated wrist guards built in. No excuses, just get the wrist protection, it will save you time, money and pain down the line.

While a helmet and wrist protection are the two main types of safety gear you should have as a snowboarder, there are some other types of safety gear you should also consider. Padded snowboarding shorts are available that protect your tailbone, your butt, your hips, your thighs and your knees from the impact of falling. Snowboarding goggles are also available and protect your eyes from snow and sun glare, offer UV protection and protect your eyes from tree branches as well. There are also knee pads, elbow pads and shin guards available should you feel you need some extra protection.

Skiing Safety Gear

Like snowboarding, helmets are available for skiiers as well. Helmets provide you with some impact protection if you fall, run into another skiier or even a tree. There’s also wrist pads, knee pads, hip and butt pads and other padding available. Goggles are also important for skiiers, since visibility is extremely important. Wraparound goggles that shield your eyes from snow blindness and driving snow will help your eyes stay protected. For cross country skiiers, they may want to take along a GPS and first aid kit.

Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, there’s no excuse not to wear proper safety gear, it could save your life.

Lydia Quinn writes for Phat Sports Shades, a leading provider of high performance eyewear and eye protection for sports, motorcycle riding and outdoor activities. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com

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When I look outside these days, I see a changed landscape. No longer is it a defined landscape of bushes and trees but rather a beautiful white blanket of snow has covered my view. Some of us are fortunate enough that skiing is just a matter of gathering the skis and boots from the closet, opening the door, and becoming one with nature. This article is not for you. You have no need to read of what I am about to say.

To those of us that are not living on a mountain slope, you need to think how can I get my ski equipment safely from my home to the slopes. If you already have a ski rack make sure it is ready for winter work. Do a review before you actually need the rack so there is no delay when you do.

First thing to do is to make sure you can account for all the mounting hardware. Is the key available to open the locks. Many times the key is lost when the ski rack is put in storage from the year before. Will your rack accommodate your style of attacking the slopes this year. If you have changed to a different pair of boots or have gone to a snowboard instead of skis perhaps your rack will not work.

By doing a review before you need the rack you will be more prepared when you do need the rack. Maybe you have traded your vehicle in. Will your rack work on the new vehicle. Check it out to make sure that it works.

If you decide to get a new rack make sure the rack you choose will work on your vehicle. Many of the newer vehicles do not have roof racks or have the racks but not the crossbars. Check that out. Most ski snowboard racks require crossbars. The local ski shop will have a selection of racks or you can shop online. Just search a brand or the more generic words ski rack.

Ski carriers are available in several sizes 4 pair skis or single snowboard and 6 pair skis or two snowboards.Some carriers include locks others charge extra for the locks. Mounting a ski carrier to the crossbars is not a difficult task. A rack can be left on the crossbars all season. Be ready for your first trip to the ski lodge by thinking ski rack before you need it.

Ken Geers the writer of this article can be found at http://www.sportomotoring.com. The online shopping experience for Ski Racks and SnowBoard Racks can be a lot of fun with all of the ski rack and snowboard rack choices at SportoMotoringAccessories.

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What many will consider the most striking beaches of Puerto Rico-with the exception of Coco Beach-are not actually part of its mainland. Instead, they can be found on islands off the coast. What is often the case with these beaches is that instead of overcrowding and gimmicky tourism ploy, what you get, instead, is a scarcely populated beach that paints a traditional, tropical paradise.

Topping the list is a beach unlike any other in Puerto Rico. It’s ecosystem is seemingly unrivaled, and there are no hotels to spoil your line of sight. Mona Island is often referred to as the Galapagos Island of the Caribbean, and like the Galapagos, some of the more bizarre species of animals call it home, roaming its land and waters, openly. As a result, the island is closed to tourists during hunting season (January – April).

To add to exclusivity, tours to the island are only offered from May through November and to visit the island, you’ll need permits from the Natural Resources and Environmental Department.

Coco Beach is not quite as elusive as Mona Island, but it does share some similar qualities. It offers lingering stretches of virginal beach and colorful contrast between greenery, sand, and vibrant blue ocean. On the beach, however, are as casual scatter of chic resorts; Gran Melia Puerto Rico and Coco Beach Golf and Country Club, just to name a few.

Shacks Beach, also known as Bajuras, of Isabela Island is known for spectacular waters that facilitate the best snorkeling, surfing, and windsurfing in Puerto Rico. What many notice are the sleepy coconut palms that line the beach and offer ideal conditions for napping or relaxing.

Another deserted beach still absent of hotels (we think), is the Northeast Corridor of Luquillo. The island is not as exclusive as Mona and still offers an impressive amount of exotic wildlife and lush vegetation.

What is particularly appealing about the beaches of Puerto Rico is that, save a few of the overdeveloped areas, most of them are incredibly secluded. They project a sensation of unaware onto their visitors. It is a feeling of isolation that is strangely comforting and familiar.

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