This is definately worth celebrating! It’s been 50 years since almost half of Dorset received official recognition as a very special landscape. Its designation as the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1959 placed it safely in a family of nationally important protected landscapes.

To celebrate this 50th anniversary, hundreds of people joined us to discover and share their enthusiasm for the landscape, their Love for the Land. A new 2010 calendar which captures just some of what people said they love about the land during their 50th anniversary year is out now. Please visit Dorset AONB to request a copy if you are interested!

If you love to explore and learn about history firsthand, this is a land steeped in stories and lore to keep a lover of the land and it’s legends, such as myself, fascinated for days on end! The rocks that make up the AONB’s beautiful landscape tell a fascinating story – of life on earth. The story is most easily read along the coast, which forms part of England’s first natural World Heritage Site – the Jurassic Coast. While geology has been shaping this landscape for millions of years, for the last few thousand, people have been making their mark on it too. The stories of Dorset as a working and living landscape are all around you.

Take a few moments to visit A Time and a Place to explore what you can find in the lovely lands of Dorset, such as…
~ Rural industries
~ Parklands and formal gardens
~ Chalk figures
~ Iron Age hill forts
~ Stone circles and round barrows
~ The Jurassic Coast

Spending time outdoors in the natural environment is great for your health and wellbeing. This is one of my favourite things to do, as I love getting close to nature. With rolling downland, secluded woodlands, wide open heaths and a dramatic coastline, the AONB in the Dorset area, is the perfect place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. My daughter and I absolutely love to ride! We can cycle in style with the West Dorset Pedal, a collection of beautiful routes with artists’ studios and local eateries where you can stop for food and inspiration! Purbeck also provides good on and off road cycling through woodland, heath and downs.

Or if you prefer, you can walk the edge between land and sea on the South West Coast Path National Trail, with 71 miles of glorious views of the Jurassic Coast from Studland to Lyme Regis. Try combining a walk with a ride on the X53 Jurassic Coast bus to help you explore more.

Stick to the high ground on the Wessex Ridgeway, an ancient track taking in hillforts and historic villages like Cerne Abbas along the way. Perhaps we could take in heathland, downland and dramatic coastal scenery on the Purbeck Way, passing Corfe Castle, Chapmans Pool and along to Swanage.

I love to find the hidden gems in any place I am adventuring into. Dorset has a wealth of small, often lesser-known attractions including vibrant festivals, artists and craft workers. The Hidden Dorset website contains a treasure trove of information on the small, the beautiful and the downright quirky.

Dorset’s dramatic landscapes have been an inspiration to artists, writers and musicians for centuries. Perhaps the most famous is Thomas Hardy – you can almost feel, smell, hear the richness of the landscape in his work. Inspiration isn’t a thing of the past though. The Dorset AONB has a really strong community of artists who use images, words, music and dance to express how they feel about the landscape.

Such beauty is definately worth a special mention here at Mother Earthbeats!

Here is a treasure I simply could not pass by. I can see myself blissfully strolling through these mysteriously beautiful woods. The Blackdown Hills are rich in history, and the remarkable amount of historical and archaeological remains surviving in the Blackdown Hills are just one of the reasons this landscape is protected. The AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) organises an active heritage group and there are many other local groups with an interest in history, heritage and archaeology.

The sense of community in Blackdown Hills is simply heartwarming, and makes this a thoroughly enchanting place I would love to visit. They have Mushroom forays, an ever-popular event for adults and kids, where one can forage for fungi in nearby woods before returning to the Farmers Inn in West Hatch to sample wild mushrooms. How totally cool! (I know I am weird, yet this is a delicious type of fungi we are talking about!)

Then there is the Autumn Apple Celebrations. Cider with Roadies will once again be touring the Blackdowns each autumn to champion the local apple! We can join in the celebrations as they touch down in the villages bringing their travelling apple press, Pomona. Have your own apples pressed into delicious juice, learn about planting and growing, and enjoy original music, drama and fun. Hmmm… sounds so country and old time to me, which makes this something I would love to be a part of.

A chance to take part in the ancient practice of coppicing hazel, or a Natural Christmas Decorations workshop, makes visiting this lovely English countryside even more inviting. Not to mention a walk through scenic Otterford, approx. 6½miles (11km.), about 3 hours, and a moderate walk for those who wish to enjoy the scenery with little discomfort (except the rain, the reason for the lush green landscape).

Ah, now here is something I find truly interesting. They have a group of fibre farmers dedicated and totally commited to offering the very best Alpaca, Cashmere, Mohair and wool products in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. Blackdown Hills Natural Fibres has a way of processing of local fibre in an environmentally sensitive way but without the compromise on quality this sometimes means. I would just love to gather some of these most amazingly high quality, absolutely unique yarns and finished items, as they have to offer. What a treat!

Well then, it is settled. Here is another place I will add to my itinerary of places to visit when I make my way to England, Scotland and Ireland. This is a trip I will thoroughly enjoy planning! Especially if I can learn the traditional skill of hedgelaying with the Blackdown Hills Hedge Association. Blackdowns hedges are renowned for their craftsmanship and as habitats for wildlife – they have a course where we can learn from the experts. This is a quaint part of the English lanscape I love most. And of course I will simply have to visit a castle, and explore the countryside’s wild places to my hearts content. Here we will find a treasure trove of Mother Earth’s natural wonders, although man has tampered with her work a bit, yet I believe the land has been preserved in a good way, which makes me very happy.

If you wish to learn more, and get the scoop on events in this area, you may visit Blackdown Hills AONB.

Ever since my daughter and I stated our intentions to travel, as she is older now, we have had so many great choices presented to us. We are quite adventurous, and both enjoy a bit of old fashioned atmoshpere to balance out our natures. So when we journey forth, we shall seek that which fascinates us in modern convenience, along with a bit of Old World style. There is just so much to be said about the quaint charm of a true Bed and Breakfast such as I have found in The Lion & The Rose.

The enchanting gardens, and luxurious interior of this lovely and romantic Asheville Inn would truly make a wonderful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. There are five elegant and delightful rooms to choose from, and the gourmet breakfast is anything but standard, being the pride of resident inkeeper and chef, Jim Palmer. Jim and his wife Linda (and Harvey and Cedric) have created a beautiful atmoshpere sure to bring pleasure to our treasured time away from home.

And where might this delightfully sweet little Inn know as the The Lion & The Rose be found, one might ask? A place where we have friends that would love a visit from us, and that would be Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is surrounded by the natural beauty of the oldest & most lush mountain range in the world. But natural beauty is just part of its charm. The city itself, often referred to as “the Paris of the South”, is packed with art, crafts, antique shops, music, entertainment, varied & unique architecture, and many excellent independently owned restaurants. The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast is four blocks from downtown Asheville and just three miles from the Biltmore Estate.

Well then, I would be most happy to relate the wonderful details after a visit in person to this most enchanting little beauty known as the “Jewel of Montford”.

We have had some totally awesome spring-like days this week here in Oregon. Just enough of a taste to trigger our unlimited sense of Adventure, which has started us planning our Spring and Summer fun. Although we seek Adventure all year long right here in our own back yard, as our fun loving natures demand, there is nothing like the thrills Nature provides during the hot season in totally new places.  So… what comes to mind when we think about hitting the river for more than just our favourite past time of trekking through the forest and swimming in Earths natural swimming pools? White water rafting of course! Now, this is a thrilling Adventure not to be denied.

Where does one go to book an exciting trip that is safe and fun for all members of the family from 5 on up? Lehigh rafting through Whitewater Challengers brings us whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River in the Poconos of northeastern Pennsylvania… this is rafting just the way you want it, with rafting trips ranging from easy to exhilarating. A visit to Whitewater Challengers means real fun, real rapids, and real adventure! Come rafting for the whitewater… or come for the scenery. Either way, the Lehigh River is the perfect close-to-home whitewater adventure that feels a world away!

Make this year’s whitewater get-away an eco-friendly vacation adventure! Lehigh rafting at Whitewater Challengers offers the following…

~ New dam releases – Spring, Summer and Fall – Lehigh River rafting at its very best!
~ The very best whitewater in the tri-state area!
~ Five whitewater rafting trips that are perfect for all ages … easy to exhilarating!
~ Spectacular river gorge scenery that’ll make you feel like you’re out west!
~ The best values anywhere — free trips, free camping, free gifts, free shopping spree!
~ Special discounts, hot deals and Raft & Stay packages!
~ The closest whitewater rafting to most of the mid-Atlantic region!
~ The best bus shuttles … no long hike-in / hike-out!
~ The most complete rafting and camping facilities at the Lehigh River!
~ The most environmentally friendly eco-vacation ever!

We are definately looking forward to some awesome Adventures as Life takes us, and a thrilling ride through Nature, with all the wonderful views uniquely accessed only through the eyes of those riverbound thrillseekers, is sure to leave us breathless and exhilarated! We will be looking further into Whitewater Challengers and their Lehigh River rafting trips, then we will be sharing our Adventures!

Enjoy!

Anyone who truly knows me can attest to how my eyes light up at the mere mention of traveling through the Mediterranean, exploring to my hearts content. Just imagine my joy at the thought of actually living there for a time, absorbing the culture and growing in spirit in oh so many ways! What adventures I could dream up.

I just spent a glorious hour or so dreaming of owning a sweet Villa along the coast of Spain. Searching through the spanish property for sale or rent in spain, depending upon ones desires, certainly served to bring about an irrestable desire within myself to travel to these exotic places in the Mediterranean. Whatever your Dream… simply to travel to an exotic destination on vacation, or a move for whatever reason, perhaps you too would enjoy searching to your hearts content. And perhaps you too shall simply fall in love with one of these sweet Spanish Villas which are loaded with charm and exquisite character.

I wish to share a site I discovered which has a really cool design and the search is smooth. I fouund more than 7000 properties for sale and rent in Spain, France, Italy and Cyprus. A feature I found to be quite unique is the web site is in 7 languages. English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian and Danish. All 7000 properties are 100% translated.

Not even the UN web site is translated 100% in all their languages. All pages at medhead.com can at any time be translated 100% to any 6 other languages. All properties are added once (by a private individual or an agent) and instantly translated into the other languages – this is 100% unique and not possible on any other web site. THIS IS NOT A MACHINE TRANSLATION! It is done by professional translators and all information is field based (you do not type in anything when you add a property – you only select fields that have all been translated).

I am definately looking forward to many exciting journeys in further exploration of our beautiful, sacred and bountiful Earth. Enjoy!

It is my Dream to travel around this beautiful planet to see and experience all of Mother Earths wonders. At the very top of my list of exotic getaways is Spain! To visit the historical sites and explore the Spanish hinterlands would please me in no small measure.

I have discovered, to my heartfelt delight, a large villa in spain, an exclusive Mansion of Andalucian architecture dating back to 1492, a jewel set deep in the heart of the Spanish hinterland between the coast (1/2 hour’s drive) and Granada (1 hour’s drive). The Palaceté de Cázulas is the perfect place for small groups to get away from it all and relax in a peaceful and exclusive environment. Painstakingly restored into an outstanding country residence easily able to accomodate up to 24 guests. (The average group size is usually about 12 to 16 persons.)

It can be an exclusive venue for that special wedding in the private chapel, with a reception al fresco afterwards in the Moorish gardens. This lovely property is absolutely ideal for the larger family holiday with friends, as well. Just imagine this tropical setting for your special interest groups, such as artists and yoga clubs, or film schools, etc. It would also be a wonderful location for small business conferences and workshops.

If you are seeking a private getaway for you and your guests, the Palaceté de Cázulas is ideally located at the end of a scenic Tropical Valley. The Mansion is set in a private, quiet and peaceful setting totally away from the hustle and bustle of the coast and nearest towns.

The house has been elegantly and thoughtfully renovated so as to preserve its unique atmosphere and outstanding historical features, including some of the original furniture. Spacious entrance hall with 300 year old Sevilian wall tiles. Downstairs cloakroom, magnificent main drawing room with centre column, vaulted ceiling and original stone fireplace, library with telephone, fax and Wi-Fi internet connection available, day room/tv room with satellite TV, DVD system and VHS, timber panelled dining room with seating for up to 24 persons. Spacious country style kitchen with twin ovens, fridges, freezers, industrial dishwasher, walk in crockery cupboard, laundry, museum/ games room with pool table, ground floor bedroom (No. 10) with twin beds and ensuite shower room, inner patio.

The property features 12 individual bedrooms and each has their own private bathroom. After browsing through the images of this exclusive Villa, I find myself venturing back in time to a place of timeless elegance and exquisite beauty. This mansion has truly been restored with love and attention to detail. I would love to take my family and friends to such a lovely place as the Palaceté de Cázulas.

Thinking about taking a Vacation? I know I am! After the hectic Holiday Season, I am truly in the mood to travel to a place that will take me away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. My Love for Nature will naturally send me looking for a place that is comfortable, yet will leave me totally surrounded by the wonders and Beauty only Mother Nature can provide. I long to visit Canada, so if you are like me, take a look at what I have found…

25 minutes north of Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec, tucked away in one of nature’s most beautiful landscapes, scenic Blueberry Lake awaits you. A true country experience in a well-appointed Quebec-style log home, with first class client services. More than just an escape to nature, Blueberry Lake provides guests with accommodation in luxury log chalets, first-class service and all modern amenities, such as high-speed Internet and 42″ plasma screen TVs. In addition to the onsite fine-dining restaurant, gourmet chefs can be scheduled to prepare fine cuisine for guests in the comfort of their own chalet. Professional therapists provide massages both at the lakeside spa and in the chalets.

Nearby national parks, ski resorts and golf courses offer the perfect opportunity for guests who want to get out and explore the Mont Tremblant region in Quebec. Visitors who prefer not to stray too far from their luxury log cabin can take advantage of all the on-site activities. A game of tennis, canoeing, ice-skating or hiking on our private trails are just a few of the options available.

Whether your stay is short or long, the sense of peace that overtakes you from the moment you arrive will delight you, ensuring that from now on, this will be your first choice for summer or winter vacations. The charms of each season complemented by a wide choice of activities make Blueberry Lake the ideal place to spend wonderful times with family, friends or groups, or to inspire excellent results from corporate events and meetings.

Well then, what are we waiting for? A Tremblant cottage rental awaits us adventurous souls!

Wow, now here is a camp that is totally appealing to a water girl such as myself. I grew up around some of the most beautiful beaches in the World, and I would have given much to go to a summer Surf Camp!

I wish to take a few moments to talk about a place called… you got it… Surf Camp! Founded by Rick Civelli in 1995, Surf Camp has been facilitating, safe and exciting learn to surf summer camps. For a week, you will be immersed in the “Sport of Kings” while learning about incredible coastal ecosystems. All of these summer camps and surf camps have a safe student to instructor ratio of 3:1, and are staffed with certified professional instructors educated in the marine sciences. Why not learn to surf while taking advantage of warm emerald green waters and white sandy beaches, and enjoy a week of fun in the sun at one of these awesome summer camps?

They offer both vacationers and residents alike an ecological surfing experience they will never forget. Whether you are looking at one of the teen summer camps or the adult learn to surf vacations, they offer the summer camp or overnight camp for you. Experience an unforgettable adventure that may just change your life forever.

The founder of Surf Camp, Rick Civelli, has been teaching people how to surf since 1995. He has developed an amazing methodology that will get you up and riding in no time. He also understands that there is so much more to surfing than standing on a board and riding a wave. One must begin to understand several different and important coastal processes. Being a surfer holds responsibilities to other surfers in the water and a dedication to taking care of our coast. That is why in all of our programs we emphasize safety, surfing etiquette, and teach dynamic curriculum about our coastal environment.

So, not only do we get to learn how to surf at these totally cool summer camps, one of my favourite aspects of Surf Camp is the fact that they teach you about Mother Ocean as well. Learning about the marine life and the environment is so very important to instill a love of nature and all things natural from early on. What a great way to have fun and learn such important life lessons at the same time!

As mentioned, safety is of the utmost importance. As quoted from the staff at Surf Camp…

“We have a deep knowledge and experience base of both watermen and women. On our staff, we have an Ocean Safety Director, an EMT, and a Wilderness First Responder. All Surf Camp instructors are American Red Cross lifeguard, CPR and First Aid Certified. All surfing lesson instructors are certified in CPR, First Aid, and trained in water safety. Most importantly we also have a burning desire to better ourselves in every aspect of our programs. We utilize consultation and training from Ocean Safety experts outside our organization for continuing education. We value and incorporate feedback from students, staff, and parents as we continually evaluate and better our policies and instruction methodologies.”

I bet, like my daughter, you simply cannot wait for Summr to get here so you can go to camp. Have fun and stay safe!