Monday, March 19, 2007

Diving in Kota Kimbalu

Kota Kimbalu is located in Southeast Asia, next to Mountain Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in the region. This area’s water is crystal clear and offers a beautiful environment not only for divers but for those who enjoy sea related activities in general as well. If you enjoy outdoors activities and being in touch with the nature, Kota Kimbalu would be a good choice for your vacations.

The main Kota Kimbalu attraction is the wide range of outdoors activities which visitors can practice while being in it. These activities include not only diving and sea related sports but several other ones which might be sport related as well as a wide range of entertainments in general.

One of the main outdoor activities which visitors can practice in Kota Kimbalu is mountain climbing. This area is famous for the practice of this activity and constantly receives visitors from many different points of the world who come with the purpose to practice it. Mountain Kinabalu is very famous among mountain climbers of the entire world and therefore there is an important amount of visitors who approach this area attracted by this mountain and the challenge of climbing it.

Besides rock climbing, there are several other outdoor activities available for tourists of all ages and preferences. Among these activities we can name, for example, biking, bird watching, swimming, water rafting, snorkeling and diving among many other sea related sports.

Kota Kimbalu's waters are crystal clear and usually warm. This way, this area's waters are very inviting for practicing a variety of sports and water related activities, among which some of the most requested ones we can name are diving and swimming. Those who enjoy spending time on the beach and relaxing while enjoying a beautiful landscape can find in this area a great place where to fulfill their wishes.

Diving in Kota Kimbalu is a very interesting experience due to the uniqueness of the environment which surrounds the area. Divers can view mountains while being on the water surface as well as enjoy an amazing underwater world full of colors and beautiful creatures.

About the Author
Jakob Jelling

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Adding Climbing Roses to Your Landscape

What is more beautiful than seeing a home or building with an arch of climbing roses in the landscaping? Climbing roses are one of many plants that branch out and intertwine themselves among arches, trellises, or even buildings and railings. They can add a great landscape element to any foundation.

Would you like more information about climbing roses? It is easy to learn about this great beauty. First of all, there are many types of climbing roses. They range in color, texture, and look. They also range in hardiness as well. Of course, you need to know what you are looking of in your climbing rose. Most important is knowing your hardiness level. This tells you what will grow in your area. Also as important is to pick varieties that will grow in the element you are placing them. What type of soil will you use? Will the area have full sun, partial sun, or will it be in shade.

Before getting discouraged, though, realize that there are many varieties of climbing roses to choose from and more then likely, you will find something to meet your needs. To find variety, forget about choosing your local hardware store, discount department store, or even the local gardening outlet. While these places often have a good selection, they don't have the most. Use the internet to find some great climbing roses of the most beautiful variety. Often you can have a catalog sent to you with many choices, or you can find and buy online. You will be able to find just what you are looking for, or maybe even something you never imagined.

Climbing roses can add a lot to any landscape. Take the time to choose climbing roses that fit your area and landscape design. Also, grab a book or do a little research online about the care the type of climbing rose you chose will need. Taking this time to do these things will give you the best climbing rose you can get.



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Adding Climbing Roses to Your Landscape


What is more beautiful than seeing a home or building with an arch of climbing roses in the landscaping? Climbing roses are one of many plants that branch out and intertwine themselves among arches, trellises, or even buildings and railings. They can add a great landscape element to any foundation.

Would you like more information about climbing roses? It is easy to learn about this great beauty. First of all, there are many types of climbing roses. They range in color, texture, and look. They also range in hardiness as well. Of course, you need to know what you are looking of in your climbing rose. Most important is knowing your hardiness level. This tells you what will grow in your area. Also as important is to pick varieties that will grow in the element you are placing them. What type of soil will you use? Will the area have full sun, partial sun, or will it be in shade.

Before getting discouraged, though, realize that there are many varieties of climbing roses to choose from and more then likely, you will find something to meet your needs. To find variety, forget about choosing your local hardware store, discount department store, or even the local gardening outlet. While these places often have a good selection, they don't have the most. Use the internet to find some great climbing roses of the most beautiful variety. Often you can have a catalog sent to you with many choices, or you can find and buy online. You will be able to find just what you are looking for, or maybe even something you never imagined.

Climbing roses can add a lot to any landscape. Take the time to choose climbing roses that fit your area and landscape design. Also, grab a book or do a little research online about the care the type of climbing rose you chose will need. Taking this time to do these things will give you the best climbing rose you can get.

About the Author

Ken Austin


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You Too Can Ski Down Mount Everest

Getting to the summit is optional, getting down is mandatory. - David Breashears-

Extreme Skier Maegan Carney

Extreme skier Maegan Carney had made a bid to be the first woman, and second person to ski down the world's tallest mountain.

Because of the high winds of Mount Everest at that time, Maegan Carney abandoned her first summit attempt.

To find more information about Maegan's quest, go to

the mountainzone.com website.

Preparation Is The Secret:

Before you climb a mountain, you need some major preparations:

You definitely need to be physically and emotionally fit.

You should have people in the group who know first aid and of coarse you have a first aid kit.


Make sure you have a schedule set up, because of the dangers involved.

The mountain you're climbing, how long it should take, how many and who are going, and where will you start your assention.

Bring a camera for breath taking views and to record your trip. A cell phone for emergencies and to call someone to share your excitement when you make it to the top.


If you have the proper climbing gear with you, there's no worries about staying the night if you get lost.

Also you know you'll get rescued by morning because the proper people have been notified.
Some Guidelines For Climbing

It's not a good idea to be flown or driven to altitudes higher than 3000 metres. Begin your walk at below that.

Once over the 3000 metre altitude, travel up in 300 metre increments each day, thats it, no more than that.
Climb up high during the day and sleep at lower altitudes at night.

If high altitude symptoms start to affect you, stop climbing higher. If symptoms worsen, go down right away.

You will need to drink plenty of fluids, hiking dehydrates your body very fast when climbing at high altitudes and this increases as the temperature does.
Do the climb at a slow pace and you'll enjoy your climb more.

Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and other vices that will play havoc with your body and mind at these high altitudes.

A high-carbohydrate diet will really benefit you here.


In the USA there are many resorts above the 3,000 metre level, meaning you will need to keep a watch out for mountain sickness.
Some Mount Everest Facts:

Historic Mountain Climbing Deaths:

George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on June 6 1924, made an attempt on the summit from which they never returned.

An eyewitness claimed he saw the group reach the summit.
A total of 808 climbers have reached and stood on the summit,

764 men and 44 women. There were 161 that died, 36 on the descent.


More About Mountain Climbing Deaths

In 1965, was the best year for climbing, nine climbers summitted and there were no deaths.

In 1996, the worst single year for deaths, 15 climbers died.

About Mount Everest Itself

The Highest Peak: At 29,035' (8850m), thats about five miles up, the highest summit in the world, and is close to the cruising altitude of a jet, or it is 23 times the height of the Empire State building.
Above 26,000, the body gets a third of the oxygen available at sea level.

Even after getting acclimated, the body starts to shut down, and if someone stays at that height long enough, they will die.

A lot of the climbers use oxygen here for climbing and sleeping.
The weather on Everest allows for climbing only in May and October between winter snows (December-March) and summer monsoons (June-September).
As you can tell, this article is just giving you the basics of what information you'll need to find your way to the top of the world's highest peaks. Amazon.com has a great source of books on this subject.

About the Author
Val and Robin Shortt are experienced campers and own three outdoor websites For more tips like these and to register for their Free newsletter visit:Good Night Camping Equipment

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Climbing a mountain of ice in nine weeks

Have you aver seen the documentaries of mountaineers and ice climbers well that's me! I have climbed some of the biggest mountains around the world and climbed some of the steepest ice of frozen water falls and glaciers.

Why do I do it?

Well, I get asked this all question the time and I always give the same, reply “because it is there”
This however my not be the real truth, it is something about the challenge and being away from the crowds, being on the front of a 300 meter cliff with only a pair of crampons and ice axes between you and the ground, putting all your skills and strengths as an ice climber against the odds.
It makes me feel alive, and to be honest when I am ice climbing, I am me! Me Ashley Barnard the ice climber, free from the rest of the world, nothing hidden, not pretending to be a better or worse person but just pure human spirit.

Ice Climbing is not for the fait hearted, it takes practice and courage to climb this fragile substance. After all it is only water.
If you fancy taking up the sport but do not know where to start then keep reading.

The best way to start ice climbing is to go out into the hills with an experienced climber or hill walker, and start walking the hills in winter, the whole process can be done in one season so I shall break it down into sections for you.

Buy your self a pair of crampons and a pair of ice axes; these can be bought at any good outdoor retailer. But before going out to buy just any old gear, remember that these are the tools of the ice climber and they are the only items that will be holding you to the ice so if you can not afford to buy the best then wait and save your money until you can, you will be great full of this later on.

Right let’s start:

Week 1-2: Walk the hills with your crampons and hard snow this will give you feel for them and how to walk with spikes on your feet. (Believe me the first time you do this you do not want to be wearing an expansive pair of pants)

Week 3-4: Start walking on steeper ground, look for shallow gullies where you will now be needing the use of one axe to keep you balanced, and to stop a fall. (For how to stop your self when sliding down a mountain I shall cover this in part two later on this year)

Week 5-6: go out with your more experienced climbing partner as now you will be needing to use a rope for safety. Look around your hills and mountains for steeper gullies around 45 degrees to 65 degrees and climb this in pitches (stages) stopping when ever you come across a safe place to rest or stand. You should by now also be using ice protection that you have been introduced to by your climbing partner. Unfortunately it is to complex and difficult to explain how to use ice screws, dead men and snow stakes in an article, so ask for assistance regarding placing ice protection form your friend or an instructor.

Week 7-9: you should by now have some confidence in moving on steep ground using both ice axes to progress. So now during these next three weeks you are going turn form a winter hill climber into an ice climber. Go out to where you know there was a stream or small water fall running in the summer, and with any luck it will be now cold enough so as to be frozen into a nice ice climb. Please note do not go out to some massive ice fall that you know of, and try to climb it. Not only will you probably not succeed but you run the risk of killing your self and possibly others by you lack of experience.

So did you enjoy your self? If not then this type of recreation is probably not for you, but if you did then this is the begging of the rest of your life, there is a whole world out there for you to climb just climb safely but most of be free and enjoy your self.

About the Author
Ashley Barnard makes it sounds easy to ice climb but the truth is it takes time and practice now in his fithteen year of ice climbing he is now writing articles on this subjct to give you an idea on how to make your winter exciting

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Saturday, March 17, 2007

Climbing the Listening Ladder

I wrote in my book " Embracing the Mystery " that there was nothing as flattering or as rare as the undivided attention of another. The fact is that people just don't listen well. I think it was Mark Twain who wrote that a bore is someone who wants to talk about himself when I want to talk about myself. How many times have you experienced someone asking you a question, not out of a genuine concern for what you have to say, but rather as an opportunity for them to flood you with their thoughts and opinions on an issue?

People have a hunger to be listened to- to have someone care enough to suspend their own agenda in the interest of another's. Sadly, such unselfish, attentive people are few..

I once had a man at a party come up to me and say that my wife, Carol was a terrific conversationalist. On the way home that same evening I told Carol what he had said and asked her what she did to give him that impression. She thought for a moment and said, " All I did was ask him questions about his life and listen to his answers. From his answers I asked more questions." Therein lies the secret to good conversation ...LISTENING WELL.

From Carol's insight I have developed what I call the listening ladder. Climb the listening ladder and you will be on your way to improved social interaction.

THE LISTENING LADDER

L. Look at the person speaking to you.. This alone sends out the message that you are focussed and involved.

A. Ask additional questions flowing from answers given to your original starting questions. Remember that you learn what to say by listening to what has been said.

D. Don't interrupt. The only time an interruption is acceptable is when you require clarification.

D. Don't change the subject. The speaker will indicate when they are finished their story.


E. Empathize with the speaker. Short phrases such as, " How interesting." How exciting." " You must be so proud." Send the speaker the message that you are an empathic, caring listener.

R. Respond to what is said verbally and non-verbally. A simple nod or leaning slightly toward the speaker indicates interest and attention. Add to this such phrases as, " I see." "Really?" " Is that right?" and you enrich your response.

In conclusion I want to make something clear. Conversation is a two way affair. Most conversations are monologues conducted in the presence of an observer. If, after a reasonable period of time, the one speaking isn't willing to ask you a question and become a listener then conclude the interaction and move on. I usually give the one speaking ten minutes. If, after that time, they haven't asked me a question or my opinion I say something like, " It was nice chatting with you. Conversation MUST be reciprocal.

I like the story of the self-possessed Hollywood star who was heard saying to an admirer, "Enough about me talking about me. I'd like to hear you talk about me for awhile." There is a great deal of truth in this little story.

Good luck climbing the Listening ladder. The view from the top is fantastic.

Mike Moore is an international speaker on the role of humor in human relations. Mike's articles and cartoons have appeared in publications throughout the world. For more on what Mike can do for your organization visit http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?motplusarticles


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Buyers Guide To Climbing Gear

There are only two directions where the climber can go when scaling a mountain. This is either up or down. This hobby is certainly not for those who are afraid of heights and can only be done with the right training and equipment.

Climbing gear can be found in the department store but if the customer wants a wide array of goods, the best is still the specialty store. Some of the well known brands are Black Diamond, Petzl, Nike and Merrel.

The person should like at the following things to be sure these will work when climbing or descending.

1. Shoes and boots are one of the most important things needed when climbing. This will allow enable the climber to get a foothold on the surface before going any further. The fit shouldnt be too lose or too tight since this will be very uncomfortable in the field.

The right size can be by being familiar with the sizing of a particular brand then walking with this in the selling area before taking it home.

There are three types of climbing shoes in the market. These are unlined, lined leather and synthetic. It is advisable to avoid purchasing the unlined one since this will stretch by a centimeter or so after frequent use.

2. The person should never leave home without a climbing harness. There are versions for men, women and children that are designed to handle different body types. The most important thing to remember is that this should go well according to the shape of the climbers body.

The best indicator is if this goes well in the waist right above the hip bones and around the legs. It will be a good idea to wear this with the proper clothing before the climb to know this is right gear before the climb.

3. When the individual is not free climbing, some rope will be needed. There are two types namely single or double. The person should ask the sales clerk if this can handle the customers weight and gear to be sure this will work.

It will be a good idea to buy more than the required length in case it is needed. Some stores give discounts after a few feet that can save the trip of going back to the store before going on another trip.

4. Climbing in a group, there are instances that debris from above might hit those in the group below. It is advisable then to buy a sturdy helmet for protection. Some of these products have brochures showing the strength that can also be explained by the sales clerk. One brand should be compared with another before paying this at the counter.

5. A good bag should be able to hold all the gear for the duration of the trip. The person should check if this has a lot of pockets to hold small stuff, if this is waterproof and if it is easy to put on.

The best bag should the kind that can easily be clipped onto the harness that makes it easy to put on or take off after traveling a certain distance.

6. What goes up must come down. Belay devices should be purchased to control the movement of the rope. Some rope can be tested with this to make sure it is smooth and will not cut especially when carrying a climber or equipment.

7. Rocky surfaces need something sharp such as a camming device for those in the group to move further. This should be sharp and difficult to take out so that it locks into place preventing accidents from happening for those below.

8. Carabiners are also another essential for climbers. The person should check if this can be locked or unlocked easily making it easy to attach rope for others in the group to follow.

9. Climbing holds provide the climber a better grip on the surface before going any further. Some shops have a make shift rock that can be tested there to make sure it can handle the pressure.

10. Lastly, the individual should always have some nuts that is another thing that can be inserted in small spaces in between the rocks. There should a lot just in case the camming device cannot work.

Climbing is considered to be a breath taking sport because of the physical and mental challenges it offers to people. Having the right gear is the first step in making the trip to the top successful.



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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Thrill Packed Vacation Adventures

Sports such as skiing, rock climbing, paragliding, snowboarding, etc. are the best ways to get your adrenaline flowing and are also a great way to meet new people. Outdoor adventures don't require you to travel all over the world or spend lots of money. Most of these can probably be taken up with minimum investment and can be found in close proximity to one's own home.

Outdoor adventures are possibly the most fun way to spend a vacation. There are dozens of activities to choose from that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The best part is they don't cost as much as one might think. So if you need a break and want to try something new and exciting, there is a world of adventure just waiting for you to find it.

Sports such as skiing, rock climbing, paragliding, snowboarding, etc are the best ways to get your adrenaline flowing and are also a great way to meet new people. Outdoor adventures don't require you to travel all over the world or spend lots of money. Most of these can probably be taken up with minimum investment and can be found in close proximity to one's own home.

Activities such as hiking and camping make you appreciate your surroundings and rejuvenate you more than any fancy spa or health resort. There are plenty of fantastic outdoor adventures you can take up in your vicinity. With some minimum research and expense, you too could be blazing new trails with your back pack and a trusty compass or scaling new heights with a rock-climbing group. Survival camps, trout fishing, nature trails, bird watching, cross country biking and running are to be found all over in the summer. Keen insect and butterfly aficionados can combine their hobby with the great outdoors, because that's exactly where you'll find them.

Travel guides can help you narrow your search and provide you with easy, cost effective solutions to all your outdoor adventure travel needs. The Internet is another fantastic source for such information. You can book your next outdoor adventure with the simple click of the mouse. Another great thing about outdoor travel is that it needn't be limited to any particular place or season. Places that used to offer only skiing in the winter now also provide you with trekking and mountain climbing in the summer.

The sea is an unending source of adventure. Deep sea diving, snorkeling, whale watching and fishing are just a few things one can do while exploring the ocean. Water sports like surfing and wakeboarding also provide plenty of thrills for outdoor adventure seekers.

Senior citizens and the physically impaired need not be deprived of their share of adventure. Specially arranged and chaperoned tours are available. On the other side of the spectrum are those who are very fit and enjoy extreme adventures like white water rafting, bungee jumping and sky diving. Here, too, the great thing is that you get together with like-minded people and so many lifelong friendships are formed because of this.

However there are some basic requirements if you wish to travel outdoors. Skills such as first aid are a must. If you're not sure, take a quick course so you are prepared. A person would also be required to have sufficient stamina, resistance to varying temperatures and a certain amount of physical fitness to enjoy these activities to the fullest.

Whatever your tastes may be, whether on land, in the sky, or in the water, just getting to the outdoors means there is an outdoor adventure waiting for you.

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