Travel: The Must-do In The Desert Just Outside Dubai

The Red Sand Desert Safari is just one of the highlights of our five-day trip to Dubai – the skyscraper-crowded city where the desert meets the Arabian Gulf.

Red sand sprays off the SUV’s front grill and tires as we accelerate.

We pitch forward, pop back up and gain some air before hitting the sand again, slightly askew.

All the while, the five of us in the SUV squeal in delight.

After all, it’s our first time dune bashing – the exhilarating sport of careening through the desert in a 4x4.

There are no roads in the red-sand Lahbab Desert just outside of the United Arab Emirates megatropolis of Dubai.

The wind daily reforms the fine sand into endless rippled dunes, fresh for the twilight smashing and bashing of tour groups in hundreds of SUVs.

Of course, my wife, Kerry, and I, another couple from Florida and a young woman from Calgary, aka, the tourists, aren’t allowed to actually drive.

That’s left up to expert guide, Mohammad, from Dubai Travel & Tourism’s Red Sand Desert Safari.

He slightly deflated the tires of the Toyota Sequoia so it can plow through the powdery sand without getting bogged down.

At the crest of a dune we abruptly stop.

The sun is about to set and we pile out of the SUV to trudge to the best vantage point to ooh and ahh as the fiery orange sphere dips below the sandy horizon.

Tires reinflated and back on the road we head to the Rayna Desert Camp, one of 40 such installations in the desert outside Dubai for a full-on Arabian evening of camel riding, lamb-and-chicken skewer barbecue, belly dancing and fire-eating live entertainment and dressing up in kandoras and hijabs.

The Red Sand Desert Safari is just one of the highlights of our five-day trip to Dubai – the skyscraper-crowded city where the desert meets the Arabian Gulf.

The highlights kicked off right away with us deciding to mirror Dubai’s reputation for opulence by flying business class on Air Canada’s new Vancouver-to-Dubai route. We indulge in pods with lie-flat seats in order to get a full night’s sleep on the ultra-long-haul, 15-hour flight.

Air Canada's Vancouver-to-Dubai flights are four times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on the fast, fuel-efficient and comfortable Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Dubai’s history as a fishing village turned glitzy, go-go tourism-and-international-finance destination means we can experience both in the same day  – just as the transformational vision the emirate's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum intended.

On a Grayline city tour, we ride a traditional wooden abra boat across Dubai Creek to the Old Town to barter at the spice and gold souks before heading to Dubai Mall (the world’s largest with 1,200 stores) to buy camel milk chocolate and browse Tiffany’s.

Then we stroll around the fountained perimeter of Burj Khalifa before taking an elevator up to the 124th and 125th floor observation decks of the world’s tallest building (828 meters).

Leaning even more into Dubai’s bougieness, the next day we board Stardom, the vessel used for Xclusive Yachts’ ‘Super Yacht Expeirence’ to motor from Dubai Harbour into the Arabian Gulf to marvel at the skyline, swim, sip wine and dance on the top deck as the DJ spins the tunes.

As foreign as the Middle East is at times, it’s astounding to find comfort and luxury there that’s familiar.

In this case it’s five-star Four Seasons, the hotel chain that was founded and is still headquartered in Canada.

We’re lucky enough to split our stay between Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Finance Centre for downtown vibes and the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach for seaside rest and relaxation.

Downtown we bunk in a sumptuous junior suite, swim in the see-through glass rooftop pool, eat red snapper at Mina, the brassiere named after celebrity chef Michael Mina, and drink Ruinart Champagne at rooftop bar Luna as the night skyline twinkles.

At Jumeirah Beach our seaview suite means we’re never more than steps away from two infinity pools, the sand and sea, dinner of signature-dish black cod at Mediterranean-meets-Asia waterfront restaurant Sea Fu or drinks at Mercury rooftop bar, again with views of the night skyline, including Burj Khalifa.

“That’s the dichotomy of Four Seasons in Dubai,” says Ghaith Adnan, the marketing director for both properties.

“International Finance Centre for business and city explorers and Jumeirah for beach vacations. Of course, if you’re staying at International Finance you can come anytime to enjoy the facilities at Jumeirah.”

 

The Best Après Ski In Whistler

Sharing platters, live music and cocktail pitchers are top of the menu for après ski in Whistler - Justa Jeskova/Tourism Whistler

Whistler’s après scene starts at the bottom of the mountain once the lifts close at around 4pm, in lively places at Whistler, Blackcomb and Creekside serving big plates of snacks alongside a large variety of local beers. This is also the time to try a rye whisky and ginger ale – a Canadian classic. Cocktails are often served by the pitcher and extremely good value. Later on Whistler Village is the main focus of nightlife, and there are both rocking bars with live music, and more sophisticated wine bars for a quieter time. Not all the bars have websites, but whistlerblackcomb.Com is a good source of information on the après bars below.

The resort also puts on free Fire & Ice shows every Sunday evening, at the Skier’s Plaza between the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. Skiers and snowboarders – often instructors from the ski school – perform tricks through a ring of fire to a background of fireworks. There are also regular music events, and free entertainment and activities for children at Whistler Olympic Plaza in the Marketplace sector of Whistler Village, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3pm.

For further Whistler inspiration, see our guides to the resort's best accommodation and restaurants.

GLC

The first port of call at the Whistler base is the terrace of the Garibaldi Lift Company (known as the GLC) above the Whistler Village Gondola building. Jugs of beer and margaritas circulate with alarming frequency, and there’s a great buzz and good live music.

Contact: garibaldiliftco.Com

There's always a great buzz and good live music on the terrace of the GLC - ©Matt Walker/Matt Walker

Merlin’s

At Blackcomb, Merlin’s is the place to be at the end of the day, serving up pitchers of beer and monster-sized piles of nachos in a big woody room. Big as it is, it still manages a laid-back cabin vibe, and dancing on tables to old-school local rockers the Hairfarmers is positively encouraged.

Contact: 00 1 604 938 7700; facebook.Com/merlinsbar

Merlin's is on Blackcomb mountain - MIKE CRANE/MIKE CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Dusty’s Bar

The place to end the ski day in Creekside, Dusty’s is a big barn of a bar with pitchers, partying and live music at après time. The decor is antique mountain style – though no longer features the stuffed horse that reputedly gave the bar its name – and the huge windows can be opened fully on hot days for a festival feel.

Contact: dustyswhistler.Com

Dusty's is the main place for drinks in Creekside - Mike Crane/Mike Crane

The Mallard Lounge

For a more sophisticated take on après, the Mallard Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is perfect for live music and cocktails with mountain views and a sizzling log fire. Perhaps for later on, there’s also the chance to try a selection of digestifs including Grand Marnier, port and fine Scotch whisky.

Contact: chateau-whistler.Com

The Mallard Lounge is a sophisticated affair - MIKE CRANE/MIKE CRANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Garfinkel’s

Big weekly big après parties kick off at Garfinkel’s, Whistler’s biggest nightclub, with DJ’s, themed parties, live music and giveaways. If wanting a seat to rest weary dancing legs, booths with table service can be reserved.

Contact: gibbonswhistler.Com

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This Could Be One Of The Biggest Travel Trends Of 2024

An intimate dance night organized by Embark Beyond for 20 friends in Marrakech at the private riad ... [+] in Royal Mansour.

Embark Beyond

Private group travel may be one of the biggest travel trends of 2024. A recent survey by luxury travel advisors at Embark Beyond found that 61% of Americans are interested in traveling with extended families or a small group of friends next year.

I asked Jack Ezon, Embark's founder, to explain this shift to group travel among American travelers and how it might affect your next trip. Ezon recently coined the term "grand gatherings" to describe these small, private trips.

Singita Castleton, a six-room resort near Kruger National Park in South Africa. It's been the site ... [+] of many grand gatherings.

Embark Beyond

Why do people want to travel together?

We've seen a shift in the purpose of travel after the pandemic. It's much more about connection.

What kind of connection?

People are starting to realize the importance of reconnecting with the people they really care about. Travel is the best way to connect to others, since it takes you out of the inertia of your regular routine. It allows you to focus on the now, the present — on where you are and who you're with.

How does travel allow you to do that?

Traveling opens you up to so many things that you just can’t focus on between carpools, commuting and preparing dinner. The drive for connection has generated more demand for multigenerational families to be proactive in trying to program experiences that bring people closer together.

So is this trend going beyond just renting a vacation home for the week?

Yes, people aren't just hanging out anymore. They're having a Glow-themed party by the pool one night, a beach Olympics where the whole family gets involved, and even a "Chopped"-style cooking contest.

At Embark, we're calling these groups grand gatherings. It's a new category that we define as groups of travelers ranging from 10 to 50 guests. With the exception of multigenerational families, it is a category with little comparative history.

That sounds like more of a team-building exercise for a corporation.

We're actually retrofitting corporate team-building experiences for families now. We're finding that concepts that take ordinary people out of their comfort zones and push them back together help transform them. Fulfilling experiences build stronger connections.

Who's traveling together?

The concept of the multigenerational group trip has extended into general social affinity groups. We're now seeing groups made up of five or six couples, four or five unrelated families, and even small groups of friends with a common interest.

Why are they doing this?

People want to create connections like families do, even if they don’t share the same DNA. What’s even more interesting is that the types of affinity groups seem to reinvent themselves every day. They can literally be a group of people interested in food, art or fashion.

What percentage of your business are these group trips?

Multigenerational travel is still the biggest growth area for us, and has been consistently growing for years. In 2019 multigen experiences grew by 22% and now account for 32% of our transactions and 43% of our overall revenue.

When you factor in all of the other new small social group segments that have sprung up, it's about 25% of our business. It has become so significant that we actually created a new division called Embark Together to proactively help program and address the needs of this growing market.

If I'm reading this now and thinking, "I should do a group trip" — what would you tell me?

We're finding that these groups need a lot more programming and hand-holding because there are so many people involved. It's not like a family of five or six where you can just wing it.

So you shouldn't try planning this alone?

Probably not. The biggest challenge is that a villa lacks service, and most hotels don’t know what to do with these small groups. They are too big for a hotel concierge and too small for a meeting or catering manager to handle. For each trip, we now assign what we call a Memory Maker, who is not only in charge of the logistics of booking the trip but also filling it with experiences and managing everyone’s individual needs.

What's the key to a successful grand gathering?

One of the most important things is the venue. You see, for these groups, it is not about the destination. Remember, it's all about connection, and the destination is just the platform to orchestrate the connection.

In other words, you have to set up the right environment.

Exactly. It can be a private villa or the takeover of a small 10- to 15-room hotel. Sometimes we need to get creative in a larger hotel and imitate the private villa concept.

For example, we may take a whole building of a larger hotel or a floor so that everyone can be close. And in all these groups, there’s a need for shared private spaces in which everyone can gather to bond and connect.

One of the great things about sharing a villa is that everyone can leave their doors unlocked and have coffee in their PJs in the morning. We try to emulate that by, say, renting a suite and making it the common club lounge – perhaps it has bean bags and games for the kids, constant snacks and some meals for the adults, and this is the central gathering point for activities, where they can play games like Family Feud night or karaoke wars.

Your client survey also had some interesting information about where these large groups are going. Can you talk about that?

That’s very interesting. Five or six years ago, I would say 70% to 80% was a local beach destination with an easy nonstop flight. Now it may be a private lodge on safari, a private island in Thailand or even a ski chalet in Gstaad, Switzerland, or even Niseko, Japan.

We’ve chartered ships in the Galapagos for friends who love nature and rented an island in the Maldives for six couples who love to dive. We’ve done birthday parties in the Palace of Versailles and a four-day bachelorette party in the middle of the Utah canyonlands, complete with nightly themed parties and world-class entertainers.

Do you have any favorite recent grand gathering trips that you've planned?

We did an amazing birthday party for eight couples on a private island off the coast of Cannes. One of the highlights was flying in Michelin-star chefs to star in group cooking competitions with the guests.

We had an “Amazing Race” through the island that incorporated helicopters, boats, bikes and sidecars. Each dinner had a different theme. We did a visit to the lavender fields with an opportunity for everyone to create a joint perfume scent for the group. We did a karaoke war contest one night that was amazing, a Glow-themed party in the pool with a local DJ, and even recreated the Newlywed Game for the group one night.

Where’s the best place to host a private group trip?

We love places you can take over, with full staff so that you can do what you want, when you want, without worries about other people.

In the Caribbean and Mexico, Jumby Bay’s six- to nine-bedroom estates are virtually their own resorts with private beach, tennis and pool. We also love Grace Bay Club homes and Beach Enclave for a great value.

We adore Africa for these kinds of trips. It is almost surely to be transformational. Singita Castleton or Serengeti House are perfect private game resorts while the eight-bedroom Africa House at Royal Malewane is unique, in that everyone can be under one room. Cheetah Plains is built for gatherings with just three four-bedroom villas on the whole property.

In Europe, Ultima resorts are our first go-to options as they are literally hotels built only for exclusive takeovers. We are obsessed with the Le Logis estate in Cognac as it is choc full of facilities, and love Keythorp Hall in the UK or Ballyfin in Ireland for a great countryside setting.

In the USA, Brush Creek Ranch is dreamy as is Dunton Hot Springs. Amangiri’s Camp Sirika is the ultimate, over-the-top glamping experience.

How do you plan a grand gathering for 2024?

The first thing I would do is outline your goals or common interests. Then call someone who can pair that interest with the best destination. Remember, focus on what you want to walk away with, not just where you want to go.

But this isn't like a family vacation or a multigen trip. We're talking about a much larger group, potentially. How do you get everyone on the same page?

I think it's important to let everyone express their visions but appoint one leader. You need one person to call the shots.

What about the schedule itself?

You need to give people options. Don’t require everyone to be on the same schedule every day. If your agenda is too intense, there will be anxiety, burnout and meltdown moments by someone along the way.

How about meals and activities?

Try to get all meals together and at least one activity a day for everyone to be together. Meals are the most important.

I've heard you talk about branding these grand gatherings. What does that mean?

It means having someone make a cool logo for the trip. You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but invest in some swag like hats, bag tags or other meaningful merch. Every time you use them later in life, it will bring back amazing memories.

How involved should you be in managing all of this once you're at your destination?

You shouldn't be involved at all. Bring someone to handle it all so you can enjoy yourself. You need to be a guest at your own party. You should not be the one making sure everyone gets in the van or knows what time dinner is.

Morocco Travel Guide

Start in Marrakesh, with its sumptuous hammams*, Djemaa el Fna street food* and contemporary design boutiques, before retreating  to a mudbrick oasis hotel with a pool in the High Atlas Mountains. Spend some days hiking to Amazigh valley villages, on an alfresco yoga retreat, or brave the summit climb up Jebel Toubkal* (4,167m), North Africa’s highest mountain. 

Crossing the snow-sprinkled Tizi n Tichka high pass to the “Route of the Kasbahs”, the Sahara road forges down through palm groves and crenellated ksars (fortified villages) to the rock formations and yawning valley chasms of Todra, Dades and Draa – perfect for gentle hikes. The nearby Hollywood-famous ksar of Ait Ben Haddou*, which has featured in productions such as Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones, is one of Morocco’s most beguiling sights. 

Ride a camel to a desert camp for an unforgettable night under the Milky Way

A trip to Morocco should also involve floundering up at least one Saharan erg (dune). The golden sea at Erg Chigaga (accessed from M’Hamid) is the biggest expanse, peaking at heights of 30m, but the more popular Erg Chebbi (accessed from Merzouga) is equally arresting. Hop in a 4×4 or ride a camel to a desert camp* with the Amazigh for an unforgettable night of open fires under the Milky Way.    

After the Sahara, swap desert sands for beaches by backtracking via Marrakesh to Essaouira* — a bohemian fortified fishing port that’s become hugely popular for its laid-back, arty air and high standards of tourist accommodation. Broad beaches running south — many blissfully empty — whip up some of the best winds for kitesurfing*. Taghazout, a barefoot surfer village, has soared in popularity in the past five years. Families and package-holiday crowds, meanwhile, often plump for Agadir, Morocco’s only major beach resort town, backed by the fertile Souss Valley where goats famously climb argan trees.  

It would be easy to spend a month in Morocco without breaking stride. Cosmopolitan Casablanca is full of art deco architectural treasures. Fez’s medieval medina is one of the most utterly bamboozling urban centres in the world (tourists tend to love it or hate it), and its Fassi culinary heritage makes it a favourite spot for cooking classes. The lesser-visited imperial cities of Meknes and Rabat are also well worth a pitstop, and Meknes* is the best base for visiting the intoxicating pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss and Roman ruins of Volubilis. 

 

Where To Cross-country Ski, Whether Snow Is In The Forecast Or Not

It’s been a dismal start to the cross-country ski season in Madison. Even those willing to drive north have been shut out amid above average temperatures and dry weather. Still, despite a long-term warming trend, annual snowfall totals in Madison haven’t declined over the past 30 years. So be patient.

In fact, Madison has continued to average over 50 inches of snow each winter since 1990, with the all-time record of 101 inches coming in 2007-08. Degree heating days, perhaps the most accurate measure of winter temperatures, also don’t show much change over the past three decades.

“The findings were rather surprising,” says Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin’s state climatologist. “There is a slight warming trend in daily low temperatures but Madison’s winters have remained remarkably similar overall in terms of temperature and snowfall.”

That’s good news for those who love gliding through the woods under their own power — although forecasts for a milder “El Niño” winter have climate-anxious Nordic skiers wringing their gloved hands.

Either way, here are my suggestions for good places to cross-country ski this winter, based on 40 years of seeking out the best local trails. There’s something for everyone, including nature lovers, beginners, fitness junkies and those who can’t imagine paying to ski. I’ve also tossed in three places where they make artificial snow for cross-country skiing.

(For updated conditions visit sites like madnorski.Org; skinnyski.Com or Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources dnr.Wisconsin.Gov/topic/parks/recreation/skiing.)

Speaking of fees, a permit is now required for anyone 16 and over to use the groomed trails at Elver Park, Odana Hills Golf Course and Door Creek Park in Madison. The same permit ($8 daily, $30 annual, $15 seniors) is valid at the five Dane County Parks that offer groomed skiing. A separate State Trail Pass ($5 daily, $25 annual) is required at most Wisconsin State Parks with groomed trails, along with a vehicle admission sticker. CXC Trails in Middleton and University Ridge in Verona have their own fee policies.

Manufactured snow

CXC Outdoor Center, 4355 Schwartz Road, Middleton

Yuriy Gusev has been tireless in his efforts over the last two decades to promote cross-country skiing in the Midwest and he’s working overtime to create a top notch facility in the hills just west of Madison — including the only public machine-made snow loop in the Madison area. Those looking to get in some early skiing have already been enjoying the 1-kilometer lighted snowmaking loop. You’ll need to buy a special pass to use the snowmaking portion of the trail system but the way it’s been going this might be the year to invest in an $80 season pass, $40 for Middleton residents. CXC offers 13 kilometers of trail altogether, which encompasses a portion of the Pleasant View Golf Course. Rentals and lessons are available for skiers of all levels. (Near CXC on Blackhawk Road is the Blackhawk Ski Club, which makes snow for its downhill runs and maintains a cross country trail for use by its members only.) 

Lapham Peak, County C, Delafield

Located about an hour east of Madison, Lapham Peak has over 25 kilometers of loop trails with varying levels of difficulty but it’s the snowmaking here that draws skiers from Illinois as well as Wisconsin. When fully covered, the snowmaking trail here is nearly 3 kilometers, much of it wooded, with lights for night skiing. A state trail pass is required in addition to vehicle admission sticker.

Ariens Nordic Center, 1111 Round Lake Road, Brillion

Yes, the snowblower people have developed an amazing biathlon and cross-country ski center that features 5k of lighted trails with full snowmaking. Located about two hours from Madison and 10 miles west of Appleton, this place might be worth exploring if the snow drought continues. Daily fee $15, $99 season with discounts for kids and seniors.

Favorite spots

Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd. 

Probably the most popular cross-country ski venue in town, Elver boasts a solid 12 kilometers of ski trail (5 kilometers with lights) groomed for both classic and skating techniques. Madison Parks offers ski rentals in the warming house on Wednesdays through Sundays. Trails are groomed regularly through a partnership between the city and the Madison Nordic Ski Club, a local group that offers youth programs, lessons for all ages, and a weekly race series open to the public. Volunteers with Madnorski and Central Cross Country Skiing had for several years maintained a machine-made snow loop at Elver Park but that partnership with the city ended in 2021. New this year at Elver is a classic-only loop on top of the sledding hill that offers a stunning view of the state Capitol building some seven miles to the east.

Blue Mound State Park, 4350 Mounds Park Road, Blue Mounds

Sitting atop the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound usually gets more snow than Madison and is a longtime favorite both for its driftless area scenery and reliable grooming. Blue Mound has 15 kilometers of wooded, hilly, classic technique only trails along with a 1-kilometer skating loop in the campground. A 2015 Department of Natural Resources proposal to site a new snowmobile trail through a portion of the park sparked a major controversy and led to a pair of lawsuits from the Friends of Blue Mound State Park, challenging the plan and alleged threats made against the citizen group by DNR officials. Both cases remain tied up in court. “Bottom line, nobody is building a snowmobile trail before the snow flies this winter,” says Brian Potts, an attorney representing the Friends group.

Odana Hills Golf Course, 4635 Odana Road

Sure, it’s a golf course but Odana Hills features 10 kilometers of easy to rolling terrain for classic and skate skiing along with consistent grooming from Madison Parks. Rentals are available on weekends inside the golf clubhouse. You’ll hear noise from the Beltline Highway but with its central location and wide trails, Odana remains a popular spot for skiers of all ages and abilities.

McCarthy County Park, 4841 County TT, Cottage Grove

East siders need some ski love too and McCarthy has emerged as a great stop for those who don’t want to make the longer drive to Lapham Peak or the Kettle Moraine trails at Nordic and McMiller. Volunteer-groomed for both classic and skate technique, McCarthy features nearly 10 kilometers of hills and flats, open and wooded trails suitable for all abilities. No warming house.

University Ridge Golf Course, 9002 County PD, Verona

University Ridge derives its name from features left by the last retreating glacier and is popular with racers looking for a good workout. There are 17 kilometers of trails groomed for skate and classical skiing winding through the 560 acres. Rentals are available in the golf course clubhouse. Separate pass required fee but UW students and faculty get a discount.

Other options

Lake Kegonsa State Park, 2405 Door Creek Road, Stoughton

There’s about 8 kilometers of trail here groomed for skate and classic with a mix of flats and hills. “Lake K” has its fans and there is plenty to like here when conditions are good.

Governor Nelson State Park, 5140 County M, Waunakee

Things can be hit or miss at Nelson where the grooming is inconsistent and conflicts with hikers/dog walkers seems a nagging issue. But when things come together, this is a great place for a long ski outing with 9 kilometers of trails to get your heart rate up while enjoying views of Lake Mendota.

Indian Lake County Park, 8183 Highway 19, Cross Plains

Back in the day, Indian Lake with its 15 kilometers of hilly trails and rustic warming cabin was one of the most popular venues around. But over the years, skiers have found themselves sharing the narrow classic technique trails with runners, snowshoers and hikers also out enjoying winter. Dane County is now in the process of drafting a new management plan for the 800-acre park which will improve access for users but eliminates some of the ski trails.

Door Creek Park, 7035 Littlemore Drive

Madison Parks is looking to offer more cross-country skiing in the fast-growing east side and Door Creek has benefitted. There’s about 5 kilometers of classic only trails here but it’s a work in progress. Also, a ski permit is now required, a change from last season.

Lake Farm County Park, 4330 Libby Road

If you catch it right after a grooming, Lake Farm and the adjacent Nine Springs E-Way offers a pleasant surprise close to downtown with a chance to ski along the shores of Lake Waubesa. There’s a candlelight ski scheduled here on Friday, Jan. 19 at the Lussier Center.

CamRock County Park, 136 County B, Cambridge

Don’t overlook this spot on the far eastern edge of Dane County. There’s nearly 10 kilometers of classic-only trails here with some hills and a flat section that follows Koshkonong Creek. If there’s no snow, bring the fat bike.

Ski free or die

UW Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway

Many aging boomers got their XC ski start here, tromping around on the 10 miles of trails that wind through the 1,200 acres in the heart of the city. It’s a step back to the days when skiers made their own tracks, wore knickers and carried a wine skin or doobie.

Olin Turville Park, 1156 Olin Turville Court

Views of Lake Monona and the downtown are the rewards for skiers on the 4 kilometers of easy to intermediate trails here. Madison Parks only grooms occasionally for classic skiing but it’s free.

Owen Conservation Park, 6021 Old Sauk Road

There’s not a lot of trail here but the city grooms for classic skiing and it’s worth a visit right after a snowfall. Surprisingly nice view of Lake Mendota and downtown from the high point.

[Editor's note: this story has been edited to reflect that CXC is the only public course in the area making snow; and that Blackhawk Ski Club also makes snow but is open to members only.]

 Holiday Crafts:  Thanksgiving Decorations Kids Can Make

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday!  What a spiritual renewal to take a day to reflect over the past year about just how good God has been to you and your family, to give you harvest and shelter, health and hope.  To get the most out of this joyous occasion, make some holiday crafts with your children.  These days, Thanksgiving often gets squeezed out by Hallowe'en's spooky decorations and the lights and gala of Christmas.  With the following holiday crafts, your home can be decorated for this quieter but important celebration.

Turkeys are a natural choice for decorations.  A familiar project at this time of year is for a child to trace around her hand and make the resulting drawing into a turkey.  The thumb is the head and the fingers are the tail feathers all displayed.  While many of the turkeys that are raised for food are now the domestic white variety, the turkeys eaten by the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving were the wild brown ones.  The tail feathers on a wild turkey are brown, but they are iridescent. catching light and appearing to be multi-colored.  This is why children color the tail feathers in bright colors.  

The turkey's head has a wattle under the beak.  This is a vertical flap of loose skin that is red colored.  Be sure to draw this in order to make the hand turkey look like a turkey.  Add skinny legs and bird feet.  When done, the children can cut out the turkeys and hang them on the wall.  It's really cute to make a whole flock of these turkeys in the sizes of all the hands in the family.  The little hand shapes are particularly sweet.

Another nice turkey decoration to make when making Thanksgiving holiday crafts is a turkey door decoration.  Make a brown construction paper body and head of a turkey.  Now make a large number of colored feather shapes.  Each family member writes on a feather something he or she is thankful for before attaching as part of the turkey's tail.  Repeat until all the feathers are used, and hang the turkey on the front door to greet visitors with a message of gratitude.  Make a sign to accompany the turkey that says "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!" or simply "Be thankful!"  or "We're thankful for you!" or whatever you like.

Children love making construction paper chains.  To further decorate the house for Thanksgiving, let them make a paper chain in fall colors as one of their holiday crafts.  Using 9 by 12 inch construction paper, cut the paper in half across the long side and cut the halves into one inch thick six inch long strips.  Use a stapler to attach the ends of the strip into a circle.  Loop the next strip into the circle and staple it.  Continue the process alternating colors of brown, red, yellow, and orange.  When the chains are long, you can drap them along the ceiling or stair rail.  If you don't make the door turkey, the children can write something they're thankful for on each strip of paper before adding it to the chain.

Thanksgiving is too nice a holiday to let the other more commercial holidays crowd it out.  By making holiday crafts to decorate the home for Thanksgiving, you can keep this day special, too.  The extended family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., will be pleased to see the holiday crafts the young ones have made to decorate the house and make it cheerful for their visit.

 Beach Holidays for Fun in the Sun

Everyone loves beach holidays!  The little ones can dig in the sand and splash in the lapping waves.  The older ones can swim, get a tan, or just relax.  The inquisitive types can explore for sea life, tide pools, and drift wood.  The warm breezes and natural beauty are invigorating and restorative.  Any trip, however, can cause discomfort if you do not plan well.  Here are things you can do to make your beach holidays easier, safer, and more meaningful.

In many parts of the world, people head for their beach holidays in the family car. When planning a trip, it's always a good idea to give the car a good cleaning out first. This will give you more room for your luggage.  Stock you glovebox, too, with a few first aid and comfort items, such as sunblock, acetominiphen for headaches, a roll of antacids, a few cough drops, and a few bandaids.  Don't forget a couple of scrunchies or pony-tailers for long hair. Get the tires checked and replace any that are likely to go flat.  Get an oil change if it's getting close.  Road trips are not much fun when they include breakdowns.  And whatever you do, make sure you have a map and a place to keep it handy.

Travelling with kids is always a challenge.  They may be particularly excited and impatient when they know they are going on beach holidays.  Make sure they have cool water bottles and healthy snacks to munch.  Try a simple car game to make the time pass.  Many kids like looking for letters of the alphabet on signs.  If several people get involved it can be quite fun.

With beach holidays particularly, there is always a need to provide for skin safety.  Be particularly careful about being in the sun for long stretches of time between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Use a sunblock with a high SPF rating and replace it after getting wet or drying off with your towel.  The towel you choose can make a difference too.  Thick towels get heavy and tend to trap a lot of sand.  You may find you like thin towels at the beach.  Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and some sort of foot protection to keep your feet from being burned on the hot sand.

With a little preparation your beach holidays can be enjoyable and problem-free.  When you arrive home you will be relaxed, refreshed, and ready for work. Take a minute to unpack and get your laundry going.  It won't belong until the kids will be shouting, "When can we go on beach holidays again?" 

Ireland-golf-vacation-spots 1 You Can't Imagine

 the prominent Conde Nast rubberneck diurnal's mortal beings's preference Awards named the Adare Manor resort & golfing resort because the number one ecu auberge. Just searching at the prints of this expensive region might make all of us agree and feature the appetite to up their luggage and go straight to the field, despite the fact that you are not indeed a golfer. 

 

 Set in County Limerick in eire, the Adare Manor resort & golfing resort is a largely- priced 5 big name golfing holiday

 spot that has a crown golfing route- it's the host of the 2007- 09 Irish Open, world class suites and eating centers, sight seeing, purchasing, fishing and severa other conditioning in order to make your stay then most memorable and stylish. 

 

 With the remaining high conditions in centers and provider plus some of ireland's maximum first- rate views and geographies, the Adare Manor resort & golfing lodge is a vacation holiday

 spot that numerous people will by no means bypass up. 

 

 Within the Adare Manor hostel & golf motel 840 acre things, you may discover that there's no idle time. Its luxe stronghold- resort presents any sightseer with the sensation of being kingliness, its Robert Trent Jones Sr. Designed golf direction can offer the atmosphere of pro golfing, and the Adare manor house Gym, Adare Manor Equestrian middle, pass- u. S. A. Trail, a number of first- class dining caffs

 and bars will give round the timepiece sports you, your own family and your musketeers will actually carouse in. 

 

 For extreme golfers, the resorts and the multitudinous installations are super lagniappes, but their lodestones are easily set at the 18- hole crown golfing path that changed into opened in 1995. Measuring a aggregate of 7, a hundred twenty five yards, the Adare golf course turned into designed by means of famed golfing sucker and clothier Robert Trent Jones Sr. And this was the remaining course he designed. numerous declare, in an global stage, that this turned into one in every of his stylish designs and creations. 

 

 The excellent geography is dotted with superb mature trees, and Irish foliage and a number of submarine features like a 14 acre joe made lake with 9 holes alongside its strands. 

 

 Placing piecemeal its amazing golfing route, although it’s a knob delicate to do, the first issue you'll see and take your breath down is the castle resort that gives sophisticated settings and one- of-a-kind lodgment . Setting your bottom in the manor house, you may incontinently note the wood and gravestone hallways, and the high ceilings covering the sky. As you input your room, you'll easily hyperventilate in admiration because the fat wood cabinetwork and elegant decorations drink you in. Every room has transnational class five- megastar services which incorporates an fashionable marble rest room, string TV, direct dial telephones, and 24- hour room carrier for starters. 

 

 While you need luxurious, complication, consolation and a high- quality globular of golf each day, a holiday

 to the Adare Manor hostel & golfing resort will be the affable choice you may ever make to your cultures. 

 

 Not every one of us can be able of play like pros and win crowns. still we will play in attendants that they prefer to play in and live life just like the directors. This is what the Adare Manor inn & golf auberge can deliver to you, the hazard to live like titleholders. 

 

 Blending folklore and development at the Ballybunion golf club – The antique direction 

 

 When it comes to an applicable golf excursion spots in ireland, the Southwest region is riddled with splendid golfing courses filled with amazing links and beautiful perspectives. In these corridor you'll see ireland's maximum popular golf route all eager to line up for some tee time, the Ballybunion golfing class, particularly its old route. 

 

 numerous notorious names in the world of golf have skilled the stupendous magnet of Ballybunion and point constantly used it as a heat over course to decompress and relax before The Open. Names like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods and Tom Watson has registered in its log book and has furnished fantastic reviews and reflections to this stupendous and immersing Irish golf vacation spot. 

 

 Being the millennium captain of the Ballybunion golfing club, Tom Watson stated that it's one of the first- class and utmost beautiful tests of links he has played in, having performed there when you consider that 1981. 

 

 Right then in the old golf course, you will find veritably delicate hyperlinks wherein the winds are constant factors and the land is girdled by means of the fascinating view of the Atlantic. 

 

 Opened in August 18, 1893, the Ballybunion golfing class has had its stocks of usaand campo. In its early days, the Ballybunion golfing club did now not witness the fashionability it does moment and has fallen into profitable oblivion. Its first 8 times reeled the course to its all time low and was soon revived handiest by using the changing of the officers of the class. 

 

 As lesser developments and land hyperlinks had been laid out, the character of the Ballybunion golf club grew and grew. By way of 1926, the direction had plans to increase to a full 18 holes, slightly a 12 months after, the bones

 plans were set up out. Its intestine position of fashionability started in 1932 whilst the Irish women Championship come held there. Five times after, Irish Mens close newbie Championship observed fit. 

 

 Its first outside giant stage of competition came at 1957 when the course was named as the venue for the Irish professional Championship. Soon later, swells of other competitions and golfing businesses diagnosed its inordinate first- rate hyperlinks and have given it high accolades. 

 

 After further than 60 times, the Ballybunion golfing club in the end were given the fashionability it so correctly graces and effects were by no means quite the identical. Golfers now come in droves from each around the world to enjoy what the lucky Irish people have had for lesser than a century now. The Ballybunion golfing class would constantly be diagnosed as eire's topmost golfing visiting spot. 

 

 But piecemeal from its majestic and exquisite rolling stacks, and the alluring background set via the Atlantic Ocean, the life and culture that has made Ballybunion golf class what it's these days is what maintains the mortal beings coming by. 

 

 Plus, it has transnational nobility amenities that can feed to the solicitations of such a lot of golfers from far and wide in the global. There you will find a recently constructed club that has a eating room that could seat a hundred and twenty people, bars and a many veritably pleasurable living room regions. There's also a seasoned golf keep that incorporates every golfing needs that you can have. Also, being a crown golfing path, you'll be able of discover some practice centers conforming of; putting vegetables, A Sand Bunker practice installation, riding range, and a Dicing green. 

 

 Ballybunion golf class is placed at Sandhillroad., Ballybunion, country Kerry, ireland. For the finest golf holiday

 spot in ireland, that's a century old preference for the professionals. 

 

 Ballybunion golf class Cashen route, a great complement to the well- known old course of Ballybunion 

 

 Getting a booking within the old course of the Ballybunion golf class may be enough tough especially within the height season. An extended list is stuffed up months before the season and outside of them are pro golfers searching ahead to the delicate but veritably comforting links. still in case you do n’t get the hazard to have some tee time on the quaint path, you may detect that the Ballybunion golf club Cashen path, its new direction, may be enough as grueling and some might say its lesser hard. 

 

 Designed via Robert Trent JonesSR., the Ballybunion golfing class Cashen course features dazing yet delicate long hyperlinks dotted with sizeable beach stacks, which means you need to make the ball fly when you play to the wide variety of veggies that has been increased in those unfaithful direction. 

 

 While scores of golfers from each around the transnational flock to Southwest ireland for the old Ballybunion golf club path, neighborhood golfers generally tend to pick the new Cashen course. numerous low hindered golfers have also expressed their desire for the new path, still the stretch nevertheless stays as a need to visit and play direction for all golfers, for maybe as a minimum formerly. 

 

 The Ballybunion golfing class Cashen direction has traditional links and like the antique direction, it's noticeably precise, and is about with the finest beach stacks located in golfing attendants transnational expansive. Each are also designed along the Atlantic Ocean supplying a comforting returned drop. 

 

 The Ballybunion golf club Cashen path is likewise a particular individualities simplest club just like the old course, still they do from time to time allow confined public progeny admission to at some stage in weekdays. Constrained caller performs also are allowed still need to constantly be followed by a member. 

 

 The Ballybunion golf class Cashen route has set reserving situations so that other golfers can be accommodated as a number of them come from one of a kind corridor of the globe. A number of the situations are 

 

 · All bills arenon-transferable andnon-refundable. 

 

 · Bookings not paid by using the due date can be removed from the list 

 

 · figure in complete need to take delivery of 28 days after reservations has been made. 

 

 · bills may be finished via coins, cheque or credit score cards. 

 

 · A handicap limit is observed. 24 for males and 36 for girls. 

 

 · The instrument of debits ought to be handed on the day of reservation. 

 

 · a group of 4 could simplest be the permissible wide variety in every play. 

 

 Being one of the maximum sought after golfing golf outfit in ireland and the arena, actors, callers and business are prognosticated to misbehave with a progeny dressed law that might met the clubs inordinate conditions and should be neat, tidy and smooth. 

 

 You may no longer be frequent inside the club if you had been the posterior 

 

 · Sleeveless, singlets and shirts with no collars. 

 

 · outfits with taglines. 

 

 · Films that are not acclimatized. 

 

 · Untucked shirts 

 

 · rest or tune suits. 

 

 · also, pant legs have to no longer be put away inside the zenith of the socks. 

 

 

 

 

 Wagons are now also available for use around the Ballybunion golfing club Cashen direction, it's going to stylish set you lower back3.50 Euros for each wain for every globular. You can also trip on strollers in the Cashen that is banned at the quaint direction. 

 

 In terms of golf publications, the Ballybunion golf class has redundant than a century of enjoy inside the enterprise, whether or not it’s the quaint or new, you may be sure that you'll get one of the more pleasing golfing excursion peregrinations in eire that you may ever have. 

 Best way  to Make Your Hawaii Travel Plans

    Are you interested in taking a trip to Hawaii soon? If so, you're  surely not alone. Hawaii  recesses are in high demand. That will work out to your advantage when it comes time to make your  trip plans. Why? Because you're  handed with  further booking options.     One of the  numerous ways that Hawaii  recesses are  reserved is through online  tripwebsites.However, you can get started with a standard internet hunt, If you're interested in taking this approach. All you need to do is  crucial in your intended destination,  similar as Maui Hawaii, and what you need,  similar as a  hostel, airline reservations, or a auto reimbursement. Your options will automatically appear on yourscreen.However, be sure to set your options so that they appear in order of affordability, If you're holidaying on a budget.     When using online  trip websites to make your Hawaii  trip arrangements, you'll also want to look at  holiday

             packages. holiday packages, also known as  trip packages, are a great way to save yourself both time and  plutocrat. Popular package combinations include airline reservations and a  hostel or airline reservations, a  hostel, and a auto reimbursement. numerous  trip websites offer small to medium size abatements when  trip arrangements are made in packaged formats.     Online  trip websites are a great way to bespeak a  holiday

            , as they can  help you from overpaying. Comparing  holiday

             rates online could n’t be any easier. As  preliminarily stated,  utmost  trip websites allow you to customize your results grounded on affordability.     As nice as online  trip websites are for  reserving Hawaii  recesses, some  trippers

             prefer to take the more traditionalapproach.However, you may want to make all of your  trip arrangements directly, If you're one of those  individualities. This involves  reserving your  hostel directly through the  hostel, as well as your auto reimbursement and airline reservations. To get started, you can use online business directories. They can help you find Hawaii auto settlements and  hospices that are accessibly located.       Making all of your Hawaii  holiday

             plans collectively is nice, as you may find unique deals and abatements not offered anywhere differently. With that said, this process can be time consuming, especially if you're interested in comparing the rates of different airlines,  hospices, and auto reimbursement companies.     For ease and convenience with  reserving your coming Hawaii  holiday

            , you should consider using the services of a professional  trip agent. trip agents and agencies operate both locally and online. frequently times, all you need to do is let your  trip agent know where you want to travel to, what you want to do, and what your  holiday

           

  budget is. The rest should be taken care of by your  trip agent.     As accessible as it's to let a professional  trip agent book your Hawaii  holiday

             for you, be sure to  do with caution. Don't signoff on  holiday

             plans unless you see them for yourself first. Although your  trip agent will have your stylish interests in mind, the last thing you want is to be disappointment.     As you can see, you have a number of different options when it comes to making your Hawaii  trip plans. When making your decision, choose the option that's stylish for your wants and  requirements, whether they be ease of planning, convenience, or affordability.