Thursday, September 15, 2011

CALIFORNIA BOAT HOUSES





"Although technically a block away from the beach and not right on it, these boat houses in Encinitas, California certainly embody the beach culture. Plus, the story behind how they got there is pretty interesting in itself. Entrepreneur and businessman Miles Minor Kellogg was ahead of his time in the 1910s and 1920s, building structures from recycled and reclaimed materials. After building a small silent movie theatre from the discarded top story of a hotel, Kellogg set his sights on building a home from reclaimed material. Since he’d always had an interest in boats, they became the focus of his project. He and his son, Miles Justin Kellogg, worked on the houses together until they were completed in the late 1920s. Both houses are 15 feet tall and 20 feet long with a total space of 2,190 square feet. Each home has ship-like features such as plaster hulls with 19 portholes, two decks, large flat-roofed pilothouses (these are the bedrooms), a galley, dining and living rooms and a bathroom below deck. Recently, the Encinitas Preservation Society purchased the property; they are currently renting them out as apartments in order to raise funds to turn one into a museum" (Gizfactory)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

A GREAT DAY FOR FISHING!

O Deer!

I've heard of salmon jumping into boats but... Four deer were pulled from the icy waters of Stephens Passage, Alaska by a group of locals on Tom Satre's 62-foot charter vessel. Four juvenile Sitka black-tailed deer swam directly toward the boat.

Once the deer reached the boat, the four began to circle the boat, looking directly at the humans on board. Clearly, the bucks were distressed. With help, the typically skittish and absolutely wild animals came willingly onto the boat. Once onboard, they collapsed with exhaustion, shivering.

Here the rescued bucks rest on the back of Tom Satre's boat, the Alaska Quest. All four deer were transported to Taku Harbour . Once the group reached the dock, the first buck that had been pulled from the water hopped onto the dock, looked back, then leapt into the harbour, swam to shore, and disappeared into the forest. After a bit of prodding and assistance from the humans, two others followed suit, but one deer needed more help.






Tom, Anna and Tim Satre help the last of the "button" bucks to its feet. They did not know how long the deer had been in the icy waters or if there had been others who did not survive. The good Samaritans (humans) describe their experience as "one of those defining moments in life." I'm sure it was for the deer as well!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

UNUSUAL HOTEL #4: KENYA'S MAGNIFICENT SAROVA SALT LICK GAME LODGE

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Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge is situated in Kenya’s Taita Hills Sanctuary which provides a safe environment to over 50 species of mammals and 300 species of birds within 28,000 acres of rolling savanna and woodland habitats. Large numbers of wildlife come to drink at the waterholes, so Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge provides a rare opportunity to view animals at close proximity in their natural habitat. Taita Hills Sanctuary is a success story in sustainable conservation where wildlife – including elephant, lion, buffalo and giraffe – thrive.

Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge is a truly unique concept consisting of 96 rooms elevated on stilts. Each chalet offers a panoramic view of the area, including the waterhole. The lobby, restaurant and terraced bar also provide excellent views and photographic opportunities, while an underground tunnel and bunker with ground level windows provides unbelievably close yet safe access to a variety of wildlife as they drink. The waterholes are illuminated by powerful floodlights as it gets dark, to make sure that you witness all the activity throughout the night.

Game drives are tightly controlled to ensure that animals are not harassed and some areas are completely closed to vehicles. This commitment to responsible eco-tourism, which has been so well supported by visitors, ensures that the Sanctuary and all its wildlife will continue to prosper. Other activities include game walks, excursions and swimming.

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