IZEE “Growing Up In A Logging Camp”: Introduction

Posted on by

Introduction

Rusty Miles never had a real identity. I was that “Little Miles” kid, youngest of “The three Rs,” Rita, Robert, and Russell. My parents were somewhat older than those of most of my friend’s.

When we moved to Izee, I wondered why Dad wouldn’t play baseball, like the other men in the logging camp. While other dads got together at the ball field, drank beer, played, and had lots of fun, my father would go off fishing, by himself.

Oh, I could go along with him, if I wanted too. But, Dad didn’t believe in talking much because it “Scares away the trout.” Anyway, it was more exciting to watch the younger men play baseball, after they got off work, and get into fights. Someone would cuss about being called: “Out!” The next thing you know, there would be fists flying everywhere.

Sometimes, their wives would get into it, too. Women are dirty fighters. They scratch, and pull hair. Maybe, even kick you someplace. That’s why Mom said we didn’t want to go. She went only one time. Just when the fighting and cussing got real good, Mom said: “Rusty, I’m glad your father isn’t here to see this. We’re going home! These people are just, plain, stupid. They drink up every dime they earn, and they don’t even have a pot to piss in!”

My Mom was right. While we Miles had indoor plumbing, most of our neighbors still used outhouses. “We are not going to learn to talk like this, Rusty. These people should wash their mouths out with soap, but they probably don’t even have any. If they do, they sure never use it!”

There was never conflict in our house. We had better sense than to fight among ourselves. We were a family. Mom saw to it.

“People in families stick up for one another. They defend each other and do what’s right.” As Mother often said, “Anyone, with a lick of good sense, should know that.”

A spectator but once, Mom didn’t like me to go to watch the baseball because of all of the fighting. I’d tell her, “It doesn’t happen much, anymore. All of my friends get to go!” Mother would sigh, sit down with Agatha Christi, tell me to “Be back before dark, and you walk home!” I was not to ride in a car with people who had been drinking, even if the driver’s own children did. It was a long walk home, from the ball field to the cookhouse, where we lived.

IZEE by Russ Miles © 2004

India Rishikesh Travel

Posted on by

Rishikesh is the city of foreigners in saffron ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’ kurta, mantra enchanting sadhus, blaring loud speakers and the three wheeler traffic, a city where faint strains of the shastriya sangeet blends with the bells of the temples. Tour to Rishikesh is the unique package for the mind and body. It is one such city where the religious traditions happily exists with the modern adventure sports. On one hand it offers you the profound eternal experience; while on the other hand tempts you to raft in Ganga, one of the most beautiful rivers of India.

Rishikesh is the international capital of Yoga and Meditation. This holy town is located 25 km upstream from Haridwar at the confluence of Chandrabagha and Ganga rivers, in the lap of the lower Garhwal hills. It is dotted with numerous temples and ashrams that make it an ideal destination to spend time in peace. It is also the wonderful for the adventure lovers. Tourists from far and wide come here to shop for the best of rafting deals in the swift swirling water of the Ganges as it gushes past the spectacular mountains.

As you drive to Rishikesh the first thing that you come across is the impressive Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge swaying above the swirling Ganga waters. Ram Jhula connects with the Swargashram on the west and Shivanand Ashram on the east and hence gets its name Shivanand Jhula. Another major attraction of the town is the Laxman Jhula, another suspension bridge, which is quite similar to the Ram Jhula. Laxman Jhula is studded with glaring bazaars and crowded cafes. The city of Rishikesh offers you the great temple tour of the some of the most ancient temples of India. Visit the Bharat Mandir located near the Triveni Ghat where the Lord Ram’s second Brother Bharat was immortalized. It is oldest temple in Rishikesh. You may lot of pilgrims taking the holy dip in the ganga at this ghat as it is believed that the waters here have the soul purifying powers.

Then there is a famous Neelkanth Mahadev temple, located on the eastern bank of Ganga. According to legends Lord Shiva here saved the world by holding poison churned from the sea by the gods and demons in his throat. The trip to the Rishikesh bewitch you with its large peg of shivering fun and adventure along with the touch of spiritualism and peaceness.

Why You Need Travel Insurance and Should Never Travel Without It

Posted on by

Are you looking to save money on your travel costs?

Have you thought about cutting down, or even cutting out your travel insurance? Are you looking for cheap travel insurance? Before you do anything else, do yourself a favour and read this.

Why you need travel insurance.

When planning a vacation or business trip, travel insurance is often one of the last things you think about, if at all, yet it’s one of the most important things to ensure your trip is stress free.

You carefully plan your holiday making sure you get exactly what you want and the best deal, but what if things go wrong? This is why you need travel insurance. You never know what might happen. At home you have a pretty good idea how things work, what risks you can take and where to get help when you need it. But when you travel, it’s quite different. Especially if you’re traveling abroad but even when traveling in your own country. You don’t know what kind of unexpected setbacks could affect you and your family while you’re away.

Here’s what to protect yourself against if you’re to have a safe, enjoyable and stress free trip.

1. Things do go missing, get lost or stolen

2. You can have an accident or become ill and need medical attention.

3. Your travel arrangements can get cancelled or changed by your tour company

4. Bad weather can affect your plans. Recent events across the world, floods, storms, cyclones, earthquakes etc have affected thousands of people’s plans resulting in additional travel costs, extra accommodation etc.

5. Travel companies do go out of business

6. You may incur legal expenses

7. Things can go wrong back home and you may need to return

8. Medical attention, dental treatment etc can cost a lot more abroad than they do at home, especially in the United States.

9. You may need foreign help, with language or legal situations.

10. You may need to change your plans for many different reasons.

11. The world is unstable with terrorist threats and actions, and countries and regions do become unsafe.

12. Hired equipment such as skis, snowboards, surfboards etc do get broken.

13. Luggage does get damaged or get lost on flights

14. Family illness etc can prevent you going on holiday.

15. If you run your own business and can’t return, who will run it for you?

16. And finally, the thing no-one likes to talk about, what happens if you or member of your family is injured or even dies?.

Your travel insurance will give you peace of mind that if anything goes wrong, you have the protection and help you need.

Cliff Chapman
traveljunkies

Grand Canyon Tours – Try an End-Of-Summer Rafting Adventure

Posted on by

Even though it gets hot during the summer in the Grand Canyon, it’s the perfect season to see the natural wonder. Don’t let the threat of wilting temperatures keep you from some fun. One way to beat the heat is to float along the water on a rafting tour. Choose a tour that floats along the smooth water area of the Colorado River, and since there are no rapids, these tours are suitable for everyone over the age of 4. You can take one of these 1-day tours out of the South Rim daily, but you’ll want to book your tour early since they sell out quickly.

The Tour Begins

You’ll begin your tour at the Grand Canyon National Park airport which is located near the South Rim in Tusayan, Arizona. You can choose from different tours. If you choose the basic tour, you’ll ride to Glen Canyon Dam by bus, which is a 2 1/2 hour trip. Also included is transportation to Maswik Lodge which is located in the Grand Canyon Village.

The deluxe package includes an hour plane flight rather than the bus ride. Also, for some added adventure, the deluxe tour allows you to tour the canyon by Jeep, including visiting the Horseshoe Bend slot canyons. This part of the canyon has colorful sandstone and eerie slopes and curves, so you don’t want to miss the chance to see it.

Rafting The South Rim

The river portion of your tour begins at the base of the Glen Canyon Dam. These tours take up most of the day since they leave at 7 am and return at 5 pm. The tours utilize a motorized pontoon raft that carry as many as 19 people, which is great for groups, and since they are so stable, you can bring kids as young as 4 years old. The raft is in the hands of a skilled operator who doubles as a tour guide knowledgeable in Grand Canyon history and facts.

Floating By Horseshoe Bend

When your trip is underway, the raft heads for the colorful and mysterious Horseshoe Bend. In addition, the raft will stop at a few nice beaches, and at one of them, you can see some interesting Native American petroglyphs. These drawings were made over 800 years ago by Pueblo Indian ancestors. Finding the beach and the petroglyphs is difficult unless you know the area, so having an experienced guide operate the boat is a big plus.

Bring along your swimsuit because taking a dip in the Colorado River is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day. You’ll want to explore the beach and hike around the area, so wear some sturdy shoes too. Remember, you’ll be in the sun all day, so wear a hat and bring sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring along a jacket and a lightweight shirt with long sleeves, and you’ll probably want dry clothes to change into when you’re finished swimming for the day.

Smooth Waters End At Lee’s Ferry

The final stop on your tour is Lee’s Ferry. This historic area was a Mormon settlement at one time, and then it was a fort, and now it is the dividing point between the smooth water tour section of the Colorado River and the whitewater tours.

Lee’s Ferry is where you will find Cameron Trading Post. There are many interesting Native American crafts at the trading post which has been a feature of the area since 1916. There is also a store to visit, a restaurant, and a beautiful garden to stroll in along sandstone paths. This gives you the opportunity to relax and get ready for the trip back to Tusayan.

Grand Canyon Rafting Is The Ideal Summer Activity

A floating tour is not only relaxing and fun, it is also a great way to enjoy the beauty of the canyon. Everyone in the family can enjoy rafting along the smooth water section of the river. The deluxe tours are more expensive, but you should consider buying one since you get the Jeep tour and can eliminate the long drive to the river. Summer is a busy time at the canyon and the rafting tours are very popular and fill up fast, so be sure to book your tour in advance to lock in your seats.