Although North Idaho is famous for crystal, clear water and spectacular scenery, we don’t have any natural hot springs to boast of. But just across the border of Idaho/Montana, lies a wonderful, small hot spring resort which is easily accessible from Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. This scenic resort situated on the Clark Fork River offers chemical-free mineral pools replenished with constant flowing spring water for maximum theraputic benefit. The pool area is divided into 6 smaller pools of varying temperatures, ranging from 50 to 105 degrees ensuring comfort in any weather.

The fully-stocked tavern offers live music on Saturday nights in a relaxed environment and their historic restaurant serves delicious food 7 days a week from an extensive menu. For years, this was a favorite retreat for locals from North Idaho and Montana and now, with the new cabins and facilities, it is sure to remain so for years to come.

Whether you are looking for a romantic couples weekend, or a place to take the kids away from home, the accomodations and facilities here have something for everyone. With more than a half mile of private river frontage, guests can fly fish, float the river or take a whitewater raft trip and be delivered practically to their door. This is also a great base-camp for day excursions to Flathead Lake or Glacier National Park. For some authentic western culture, visit the National Bison Range or the People’s Center featuring a museum and art of the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille tribes.

Call Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours & Cruises, 1-800-975-7775, for availability and details about this fantastic hot springs get-a-way. With so many adventures to choose from, we can put together a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic weekend for two.

Baya Weaver, a famous bird for its very creative nest. The mail bird starts weaving the nest and after weaving to a certain point (top part of the nest), starts singing on it to attract the female bird. Female birds come and inspect the nest to ensure whether it has the capacity to maintain a family. If they satisfied then both get together & complete the nest. Because of their inexperience in weaving nests, the female birds do not attract most of the first time weavers.

Deciding at the last minute joined the FOGSL field trip to Palabaddala, a village that situated on the trekking track to Adam's peak bordering to the "Sri Pada" wildlife sanctuary in Ratnapura district. Situated within close proximity to the World Heritage site Sinharaja Rain Forest, the area has identified as rich in birdlife.

After enjoying a simple lunch but rich in nutrition value prepared with locally found greens, herbs etc. started proceeding to "MapalanaElla" a picturesque waterfall while observing birds on the way. With few yards of walking observed, a Hill Swallow landed on an electricity wire and that was a very good opportunity to learn how to differentiate a Hill Swallow from the Red Rumped Swallow because of the explanation given by our professional birder Amila Salgado as usual. Sri Lanka Myna, Sri Lanka Yellow fronted barbet, Red Rumped swallow, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Layard's parakeet, Sri Lanka Orange billed babblers, Hill Myna are some of the highlights of the first day birding.

Second day started with a big challenge to climb up to the Adam's peak but instructions were given to turn back at 2 pm irrespective of the place where you climbed up to ensure the safe return before the dawn. The group was scattered I was with Amila. We were the first to decide to return immediate after the breakfast because of the gloomy conditions and correctly identified as not a good day for birding by my colleague. On our return, we stepped to a village house due to the rain, with their hospitality they offered us two chairs nicely arranged facing the river allowing us to observe birds until rain is over. We spotted a Shikra, a pair of Sri Lanka Grey Horn bills, A number of Sri Lankan Myna's, a number of Crimson fronted barbets while we were enjoying a cup of tea offered by them. We stepped down to the base around 12.30 in the noon and finished our lunch with a plan of going for birding to the nearest 50-acre forest patch. The whole plan for the evening washed off by the torrential rain started around 2 pm continued up to 6 pm in the evening leaving us the only option to have a nap and relax a bit. Greater Flameback , Sri Lanka Yellow fronted barbet, Black capped bulbul, Yellow browed bulbul, Hill swallow, Red rumped swallow , Shikra, Sri Lanka grey Horn bill, Scarlet minivet, Black bulbul are some of the highlights for the second day birding.

In the morning of the final day, we were lucky to spot a pair of Sri Lanka White faced starling on a fruit tree while we were waiting for the breakfast. After the break fast we proceeded to the 50 Acre forest patch for birding where we managed to observe Sri Lanka Orange billed babblers, Sri Lanka White faced starlings, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Sri Lanka Myna, Sri Lanka Yellow Fronted Barbet, Common Iora, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Layard's Parakeet and some other few bird species.

Being a naturalist I have a firm believe that new opportunities will boost your knowledge and experience in this field. Having an opportunity to play the role of a naturalist for the Sri Lanka’s latest aquatic adventure tours organized by the Walkers Tours in collaboration with Ceylon fishery harbours corporation, was privileged to gain this new experience of observing the giant whales and the dolphins roaming in our tropical waters. Surely, this allowed me to read a lot about whales, their migration patterns, and surface characteristics on how to identify them and lot more.

On 11th of April another tour of whales watching with 12 guests came under my purview, which we started sailing around 07.20, am from Mirissa harhour with gloomy weather conditions. Continued roaming around Matara in search of whales till 09.30, am but no sign of a whale other than the few bottlenose dolphins we observed. Everybody seemed disappointed but I had a strong feeling that we will be successful before we end the journey. In fact Mr. Phil Sheldrake, a Project Manager from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds of United Kingdom with his two daughters seemed to be very anxious of seeing a whale. Suddenly our sailor, Thuduwage saw a blow of a blue whale and we were able observe our first blue whale with a distance of about 100 meters before it raised the fluke and take a deep dive. Quenching the thirst of seeing whales eight blue whales came in our presence allowing us to observe all the surface characteristics including few exhales, dorsal fin before raised their flukes and take a deep dive. Everybody of the boat was thrilled with this lifetime aquatic adventure experience they cumulated before we end our journey around 11.15 am to the Mirissa harbour.

The same journey but with different set of clients on 12th April almost on the same time but with better sunny weather conditions. Almost the repeated story of the previous day, roamed till 10.00 am in search of whales up to Dondra point but no sign of a whale other than a herd of bottlenose dolphins and some spinner dolphins. Repeating the previous day’s story a blue whale came in our presence but with quite a distance without leaving much space for us to observe. Without satisfying the observation of the first whale we were looking forward to see another one or two whales before we start proceeding to the destination again a blue whale came in our presence to observe all the surface characteristics with a safe distance before it raise the fluke and take the deep dive as usual. Before we end up the journey around 11.45 we spotted another blue whale and a humpback whale. To mention, the return journey to the harbour was not smooth as previous day due to the rough sea conditions. Everybody were compelled to have a nice bath with sea water because of the sea spray blowing through the boat due to heavy waves kissing in front of the boat.

Elephant Corridor, the luxury boutique hotel carefully designed with utmost respect to the nature within the territory of the world famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is regarded as the 8th wonder of the world provides an unparalleled holiday experience with its unique theme concept, luxury of relaxation in absolute privacy. With its all-suite concept of accommodation, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Romantic Suite, Royal Suite and the super luxury President Suite are tasteful designs especially for the couples who seek a romantic place considering the privacy is most important for the honeymoon. Being more personalized, Elephant Corridor introduces no fixed meal times and meals are served in preferred style of the guest, en-suite, at special restaurants or even outdoors under the trees.

Picturesque swimming pool inspired with its own nature settings in a very tranquil location provides an invigorating swim to soothe your body from the mid day heat. Well equipped gymnasium, Ayurvedic Health Spa, Jungle bar ensures luxury boutique experience while leaves your worldly cares behind.

Apart from all these luxury, the untamed forest of the Elephant Corridor with some indigenous plants and shrubs spreads over 200 acres the Elephant Corridor is a paradise for nature lovers. Irrespective of you are a soft birder or a keen birder or a wildlife enthusiast who like to observe some mammals including elephants or perhaps you like to watch butterflies and dragonflies, this park provide excellent opportunities. As a keen bird watcher this is the only property which belongs to a hotel I have recorded most number of bird species.

During my two hours birding session I was able to observe Orange breasted green pigeon, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Spotted dove, Brahmin kite, Tawny bellied babblers, Little Green bee eater, Stork billed Kingfisher, White throated kingfisher, Common Iora, Malabar pied hornbill, Red rumped swallow, Scarlet minivets, Jungle prinia, White browed fantail, White browed bulbul, Red vented bulbul, Little cormorant, Lesser whistling duck, Asian paradise flycatcher, Coppersmith barbet, brown headed barbet, Common myna, Red wattled lapwing, barred button quail, Paddy field pipit, Black hooded oriole, Rose ringed parakeet, Indian peafowl, Indian robin, Oriental magpie robin, Long billed sunbird, Purple rumped sunbird, Indian pond heron, Cattle egret, Intermediate egret, Little egret, Common tailorbird, White rumped shama etc.

Common sailor, Banded peacock, Tamil yeoman, Common jezebel, Crimson rose, Glassy tiger, Blue glassy tiger, Common tiger, Common Indian crow, Common evening brown, Peacock pansy, Lemon emigrant are some of the butterfly species identified. Sri Lanka toque monkey, Grey langur, Grey Mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Black naped hare, Otter, Palm cat, Ring tailed civet, Asian elephant, Wild boar, Giant squirrel, Palm squirrel are some of mammals can be spotted in this nature park

Conclusively the Elephant Corridor is a paradise for anyone who likes his or her stay to be memorable considering the privacy is most important blessed with breath taking nature settings.

This classical itinerary is just a starter to discover the essence of the city. We will leave from the beaten path and head directly into the heart of the historical and cultural wonders that make the city unique.

THE FOUNDING LEGEND:“You will know…it is opposite the land of the blind.”…so said the oracle in Delphi.

-BYZANTINE HIPPODROME :

Heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history as well.

Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500 year old Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius and the spiral bronze base of a three headed serpent sculpture brought from Delphi in Greece. They stand in contrast with the Fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II erected in 20th century as a gift to the Ottoman sultan.

-HAGIA SOPHIA AND THE GALLERY

The church of the Divine Wisdom is eternally impressive and important. Its dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century and engineers still marvel at the building’s many innovations.

-BASILICA CISTERN:

Beneath Istanbul lie hundreds of gloomy Byzantine cisterns. The Basilica Cistern is the best preserved and the grandest of all. With proper walkways and atmospheric lightening, it deserves a visit.

-CHORA CHURCH:

Originally built in the 4th century as the 'Church of the Holy Savior Outside the Walls' or 'in the Country' (chora), it was indeed outside the walls built by Constantine the Great.

The building you see was built in the late 11th century, with lots of repairs and restructuring in the following centuries.

Virtually all of the interior decoration—the famous mosaics and the less renowned but equally striking mural paintings—dates from about 1320.

The mosaics are breathtaking. Chora is a must see in Istanbul and one of the rare gems away from the crowds.

My lastest trip was to Tsavo East in coastal kenya....this is the only place you meet wild and serenity enclosed in one package....at Tsavo...in an hours drive we encountered lions,elephants,cheetah,buffaloes,giraffe..some species i cant really remeber their names only picture...its was breathtaking...am sure you wanna try this..very affordable prices

The best way of seeing the Bosphorus in all its beauty is to take a trip on a boat.

One of the most beautiful sights in the world, Bosphorus is a strategic waterway connecting the Black sea to the Mediterranean.

As the boat zigzags between Asia and Europe, you will admire the old Ottoman mansions, Emperial palaces and two suspended bridges.

• Maiden’s Tower

• Selimiye Barracks where Florence Nightingale worked.

• Dolmabahçe Palace. The house of the Ottoman monarch after the Topkapi Palace.

• Ortaköy. A chic art-boutique-and-cafe scene with the pretty Ottoman baroque Mecidiye Mosque

• Ç?ra?an Palace. Now a luxury hotel by the Kempinski company.

• Beylerbeyi Palace

• Kuleli Naval Academy

• Arnavutköy with its wooden seaside mansions

• Rumeli and Anadolu Hisar?. The mighty Fortresses of Europe and Asia.

• Bebek. A small village with a pretty bay and Bosphorus University.

• Kucuksu Kasr?. A fine little rococo palace.

• Hidiv Kasr?. Fine Art Nouveau villa of the Khedive of Egypt.

• Sar?yer with a fish market .

This tour is the best way to get acquainted with the Old City.

-The Founding Legend:“You will know…it is opposite the land of the blind.”…so said the oracle in Delphi.

-The city with many names: How did Constantinople become Istanbul?

-Hippodrome: The arena that hosted riots,killings,weddings,celebrations, circumcision of princes…always colorful,busy and still the heart of social life.

-Blue Mosque: Only called so in guide books…What is the real name?

-Hagia Sophia: Witness how Emperor Justinian has outdone Solomon and things you should do to convert a church into a mosque.

-Topkapi Palace: The Life of the Ottoman Sultans in the Seraglio.

Built by the “ Grand Turk “ who spoke 6 languages.

The exotic Harem where the women ruled and their jewels hidden away in the Treasury.

-Grand Bazaar:The ultimate medieval shopping center is a monstrous hive of little shops all under one roof and cut up into labyrinthal alleys arched overhead.

Four days of fresh air and mountain pine scenery with new friends. If you've never been to Baja or experienced its national parks the Mountain Jam experience is a good place to start.

Day 1

The Trek begins in San Diego at the Baja Trek meeting point.

Once loaded up we'll move south across the border and then along the coast to Ensenada, our first stop. From here explore the town, mingle with a margarita, or savor some of the seafood Ensenada is famous for.

Then it's a slow drive east and into the interior of Northern Baja to the Pine tree forests of the National Park, Parque Nacional Constitucion de 1857.

There is nothing like the crisp scent of pine riding on a gentle breeze.

By the time the desert dirt road gives way to the pine-covered forests we'll be camped next to the park's lake, Laguna Hanson, at about 4,000 ft. (1200 meters). During years with significant rain fall the lake fills up and the area comes alive.

Night-time welcomes us with amazing constellations that seem close enough to touch. Full moons here are so bright; they'll light up the night.

Day 2 & 3

Buenos Dias! We're up for a substantial Baja breakfast. If there's ample water in the Laguna, the lake can be explored by kayak. The national park is unique as Baja Mexico's northern-most national park. Biking and hiking among the pines is an exhilarating experience as well as seeing the many migratory birds that visit the area at certain times of the year. During the day explore the area, visit some of the ranchos or rock climb. Of course just sitting by the campfire and taking in the Baja vibe is always an option.

Day 4

The day begins gathered around breakfast. Good morning sunshine. By mid-morning it's through the high chaparral of northern Baja and onto the salt air of the Pacific coast.

After cruising through the farming village of Ojos Negros wave goodbye to the dirt road and we're onto the seldom traveled Mexico 3 road that connects the fishing town of San Felipe with Ensenada.

Once back in Ensenada stock up on souvenirs or check out one of the many mariachi bands in the area. Then at the coast it's a right turn north to San Diego and the Baja Trek drop off point where it's adios. We hope to see you next time!

"Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest." - Georgia O'Keeffe