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It is hard to imagine many places a dog is happier than at a beach. Whether

running around on the sand, jumping in the water, digging a hole or just lying in the sun, every dog deserves a day at the beach. But all too often dog owners stopping at a sandy stretch of beach are met with signs designed to make hearts – human and canine alike – droop: NO DOGS ON BEACH. Below is a quick traveling tour of America’s beaches with each state ranked from the most dog-friendly (****) to the worst (*).

DOGS ON ATLANTIC OCEAN BEACHES (traveling North to South)

The rocky coast of Maine (***) is mesmerizing to look at but doesn’t leave much

room for sandy beaches. Dogs are generally banned from the beaches at the many

small state parks along the Maine coast, but dog owners will find more friendly

sands on the town beaches. Around Portland, the state’s biggest city, and the tourist

towns of the Southern Coast dogs are often allowed on the beach anytime Labor Day

to Memorial Day and in the mornings and evenings during the summer. The

spectacular Acadia National Park is one of America’s most dog-friendly national

parks but does not allow dogs on its beaches.

It is lucky for dog lovers that New Hampshire (*) has only 18 miles of coastline. State

beaches and parks don’t allow dogs on the sand at all. If you must stop in New

Hampshire, try the Grand Island Common in New Castle or Foss Beach in Rye during

the off-season from October to late May.

Around Boston, the beaches of the North Shore are off-limits to dogs during the

summer but other towns in Massachusetts (****) are more generous – dogs are

usually allowed year-round with restrictive hours in the summer. Cape Cod,

however, is the best destination for beach-loving dogs in New England. Cape Cod

National Seashore, America’s first national seashore, allows dogs on the beach

anytime outside the swimming areas (and not on the trails). The curviture of the

Cape limits sightlines down the beach and gives the park the impression of being

comprised of a series of dune-backed private coves. The two tourist islands off

southern Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, are both extremely dog-

friendly – on Nantucket, dogs can even take the shuttle to the beach.

The beaches of Rhode Island (**) are kept dog-free during the summer but if you

take the ferry to Block Island, dogs can enjoy the black sand beaches throughout the

year. In Newport, you can take your dog on the fabled Cliff Walk (poop bags are

provided at the trailhead) through the backyards of America’s rich and famous. The

hike begins at Bailey’s Beach, which welcomes dogs from Labor Day to Memorial

Day.

The sandy beaches of Connecticut (*) are not known for being dog-friendly. But

many aren’t that friendly to people either, with restricted access being common. If

your dog is hankering to try the benign waves of the Long Island Sound, stop in

Groton. Dogs are not allowed to experience America’s most famous beach at

Coney Island in Brooklyn.

The further east you go out on Long Island the more dog-friendly New York (**)

becomes but whether on the north shore or south shore you can find a place to get

your dog to the sea. Dog owners must pass on the prime destinations at Jones

Beach and Fire Island National Seashore until reaching the Hamptons, where the tails

of surf-loving dogs will start wagging. Many towns in the Hamptons offer dog-

friendly sand and at Montauk, on the very tip of Long Island, several beaches allow

dogs year-round, including Gin Beach on the Block Island Sound. The wide, white-

sand beaches of the Jersey shore are some of America’s most popular and there isn’t

much space for a dog to squeeze into in the summertime.

Most of the beaches in New Jersey (***), including the Sandy Hook Unit of the

Gateway National Recreation Area, open to dogs in the off-season. Summertime

visitors should take their dogs to Island Beach State Park, one of the last

undeveloped stretches at the Jersey Shore. Pets are allowed on the non-recreational

beaches in this ten-mile oasis. Dogs will never get to trot down the historic wooden

planks of the Atlantic City boardwalk, however – no dogs are permitted on the

beach or boardwalk of the Grande Dame of America’s seaside resorts. Dogs are also

not allowed anywhere in the Victorian village of Cape May but dog lovers can travel

south of town to Sunset Beach, a sand strip at the southernmost point of the Jersey

shore that is actually on the Delaware Bay. In the water offshore of “Dog Beach” are

the remains of the Atlantis, a unique concrete ship built to transport soldiers in

World War I.

Off-season, the sandy beaches in Delaware (****) are a paradise for dogs. Two state

parks, Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore, both welcome dogs between October

1 and May 1. During the summer season dogs can also share the beach with their

owners on select stretches of sand in Delaware state parks. In Cape Henlopen, the

80-foot high Great Dune is the highest sand pile on the Atlantic shore between

Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras. The concrete observation towers standing as silent

sentinels along Delaware beaches were built to bolster America’s coastal defenses

during World War II. Summer vacationers can take dogs on the Dewey Beach town

beach in the mornings and evenings. Along the Delaware Bay just north of Cape

Henlopen you can find several beaches that offer frisky wave action and wide swaths

of sandy beach – and best of all there are no restrictions against dogs on the bay

beaches.

The Assateague Island National Seashore is the prime destination for dog owners

heading for the beach in Maryland (***). The undeveloped dunesland permits dogs

year-round on the beach and in the campgrounds (but not on the short nature

trails). Keep your dog alert for the wild ponies that live on the island. Its neighbor to

the north, Assateague State Park, often celebrated as one of the best state parks in

America, is off-limits to dogs. If you are not roughing it on your trip to the Maryland

seashore, nearby Ocean City allows dogs on the beach and boardwalk between

October 1 and May 1. Traveling along the Chesapeake Bay, dogs are banned from

the thin beaches in Maryland state parks. Exceptions are the small beach in the

former amusement park at North Point State Park and the beach north of the

causeway at Point Lookout State Park.

There is plenty to like for beach-loving dogs in Virginia (***). Canine romps on the

clean, wide sands of Virginia Beach’s “Strip,” the commercial oceanfront from 1st

Street to 40th Street, can’t begin until the day after Labor Day but during the

summer dogs are allowed on residential beaches above 41st Street before 10 a.m

and afer 6 p.m. Dogs can jump in the ocean anytime at Cape Henry on Fort Story,

where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay. Fort Story is an active military

base, the only installation devoted to coastal operations, but its uncrowded, pristine

beaches are open to the public and dogs. Just to the west is First Landing State Park,

where canine swimming is allowed on unguarded sandy beaches. Check for seasonal

restrictions against dogs in these places. Just off-shore are views of the Chesapeake

Bay Bridge-Tunnel, one of the seven modern engineering marvels of the world. Each

span of the 17.6-mile crossing utilizes more than 2,500 concrete piles to support

the trestles.

Except for designated wildlife areas, dogs are permitted on the beach year-round

virtually everywhere on the Outer Banks in North Carolina (****). Cape Hatteras

Natonal Seashore has only four swimming beaches (in season) on its entire 70 miles

of protected coastline which leaves plenty of open sand for the dog to roam.

Seafaring dogs can reach Ocracoke Island and Cape Lookout National Seashore by

ferry or private boat for many miles of more undeveloped, dog-friendly beaches.

The northern part of the barrier islands has been rapidly developing in the past

decade but where you can still find access to the beach, unleashed dogs are sill

allowed year-round in towns like Duck and Corolla. Mainland North Carolina

beaches on Cape Fear are almost as dog-friendly; most swimming beaches restrict

dogs only during the day in the summer.

South Carolina (****) ranks among the most dog-friendly beach states on the

Atlantic seaboard. Get away from the people and commercial beaches and there is

plenty of unrestricted sand for dogs in the Palmetto state. Most of the smaller towns

allow dogs on the beach under voice control and only Myrtle Beach (from 21st

Avenue North to 13th Avenue South) bans dogs completely. One of the best places

to take dogs here is Hunting Island State Park. More than one million visitors

(human) come here each year, 85 miles south of Charleston, to enjoy three miles of

unspoiled beach.

Georgia (**) doesn’t sport much coastline and many of the beaches on Georgia’s

barrier islands and the Golden Isles are under control of resorts and most welcome

dogs except during the middle of the day in summer. Cumberland Island National

Seashore permits dogs but is accessible only by private boat. Savannah’s beach at

Tybee Island is closed to dogs.

Florida (*) ranks among the most dog-unfriendly of states. Entire counties and

regions ban dogs from the beach. There are so many prohibitions already against

dogs on Florida beaches that when they change, it is typically in favor of dog

owners. For the Atlantic beaches, the northeast part of the state around Jacksonville

(Amelia Island) offers some of the best beaches for dogs in the state but heading

south below Daytona, dogs are almost universally banned from the sand. Jupiter, on

the Treasure Coast, is one place you can find a break from the ubiquitous NO DOGS

ON BEACH signs. Fort Lauderdale has thrown dog owners a tiny bone – they have

set up a 100-yard long Dog Beach (at Sunrise and A1A) on Saturdays and Sundays

only from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

DOGS ON GULF OF MEXICO BEACHES (traveling East to West)

The Gulf Coast beaches in Florida (*) offer precious little for dog owners. Dogs were

once associated as closely with the Florida Keys as conch shells but today you have

to look hard for a beach to take your dog. Anne’s Beach in Lower Matecumbe and

Sombrero Beach in Marathon are two safe places. In Key West the “Dog Beach” is at

Waddell and Vernon avenues but there is really just enough sand to accomodate one

good beach blanket and the little amount of swimming available is treacherous over

coral outcroppings. On the Suncoast, seek out Bonita Beach Dog Park north of

Naples, the excellent Fort DeSoto Dog Beach and Park in St. Petersburg and the Dog

Beach on Honeymoon Island in the Dunedin area. Head for Franklin County, though,

where dogs are allowed on all the public beaches – and the only county in Florida to

allow dogs to run free. On the Florida Panhandle the Gulf Islands National Seashore

is the only national seashore that bans dogs completely. It is the same story in town

after town on the Gulf of Mexico across Florida. Near Panama City, dogs can reach

the water on Carrabelle Beach and Bruce Beach. At Saint Andrews State Beach, a past

winner of “The Best Beach In America,” dogs can hike the sandy nature trails and run

on the beach of the Grand Lagoon. It isn’t actually the Gulf of Mexico or the Best

Beach In America, but you can them from here.

For dog owners, Alabama (*) may as well not even have the few beaches it does on

the Gulf of Mexico.

In Mississippi (**) dog owners need to stay on the western coast in Hancock County;

dogs aren’t allowed around the populated Biloxi beaches.

People don’t seek out Louisiana (*) for its sandy beaches; most of the coastline is

made up of bayous. Grand Isle State Park is the only state park with access to the

Gulf of Mexico and dogs are allowed in non-swimming areas here.

In Texas (***), Padre Island is America’s longest barrier island and there is plenty of

room for dogs on its 113 miles of sand. At Padre Island National Seashore dogs are

allowed anywhere except on the deck at Malaquite Beach and in front of the Visitor

Center at the Swimming Beach. Galveston Island serves up another 32 miles of

mostly dog-friendly beach.

DOGS ON PACIFIC OCEAN BEACHES (traveling North to South)

Dogs on leash are allowed in all Washington (***) state parks, often on the beach,

but not in many swimming areas around Puget Sound. No dogs are allowed on

beaches in the city of Seattle. The uncrowded Pacific Coast beaches are some of the

dog-friendliest in America – even Olympic National Park, which bans dogs from

almost all of its 632,324 acres, opens some of its remote coastal beaches to dogs.

Dogs are allowed on almost all beaches on the Washington coast as long as they

remain out of the active swimming areas.

All of the beaches in Oregon (****) are public. You can step on every grain of

Oregon sand for 400 miles and, in the rare exception of a ban due to nesting birds,

your dog can be with you all the way. One beach dog owners won’t want to miss is

the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area with its 40 miles of sandy shore. These

are the biggest dunes in the United States – as tall as 500 feet and reaching two and

one-half miles inland at their widest point.

Northern California (****) would get plenty of votes from beach-loving dogs for

having the best beaches in America. Only a beach here and there restricts dogs from

its sand on the North Coast. Even in the highly populated areas, concessions are

made for dog owners. In Marin County a “Dog Beach” has been set aside on the

north end of Stinson Beach and many towns allow dogs on the beach under voice

control. San Francisco ranks among the dog-friendliest of beach cities. Take your

dog to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and have your pick of several

designated dog-friendly beach areas. At Baker Beach, dogs are allowed to romp off-

leash. Further down the coast, dog owners will want to visit the Monterey Peninsula.

Dogs are welcome to run on the Carmel City Beach and can slip into the water near

Monterey and Pacific Grove as well. At Big Sur dogs can enjoy one of the prettiest

secluded beaches on the coast a Pfeiffer Beach. Skip Santa Cruz and there are plenty

of opportunites to get your dog on the sand in California’s Central Coast, especially

on unnamed beaches.

Heading south on the California coast the water warms up and beach restrictions on

dogs increase accordingly. There is still sand time for dogs in Oxnard and Ventura

but things are getting bleak as dog owners reach Santa Barbara. In Los Angeles

County the beaches are for people. In Southern California (**), San Diego is the place

for sand-loving dogs. Several popular beaches have set aside “dog beaches” that

attract hundreds of dogs. Every day is a beach day for dogs in San Diego.

DOGS ON GREAT LAKES BEACHES (traveling West to East)

Possessing the largest surface area of any freshwater lake in the world, there is

enough water in Lake Superior (**) to easily fill the other four Great Lakes to

overflowing. Lake Superior is known for its cold water and rugged shoreline but

there are some sandy beaches scattered across its 300 or so miles of southern

shores. Other beaches are more of the cobble variety. Most of the shoreline is

sparsely populated which bodes well for finding a dog-friendly beach. In Michigan,

the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore allows dogs on the beach from Twelvemile

Beach Campground to Au Sable Lighthouse and at Munising, dogs can dig in the

sand at Miners Beach. At Sand Point, dogs can play on the beach until the trail

begins to climb the cliffs. In Wisconsin, dogs are allowed on the beach in Ashland

and in Minnesota, dogs can swim in Lake Superior at Duluth’s Park Point Beach.

Dogs will have to admire the spectacular dunes and sandy beaches of the eastern

shore of Lake Michigan (**) mostly from the car as dogs are not allowed on Michigan

state beaches and most county and town beaches. In-season, the metropolises of

Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin are even more restrictive. Chicago has recently gotten

its first official dog beach at Montrose Avenue. Belmont Beach is not an official

Chicago beach so dogs are allowed on this small patch of sand in a fenced area. In

nearby Evanston licensed and vaccinated dogs are allowed on Dog Beach but a

beach token is required for non-residents from May to October which costs $80 to

$100. Your best bets to dip into Lake Michigan, the only Great Lake totally within

the United States, are the national lakeshores and the state parks of Wisconsin’s

Door County. At the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore dogs are restricted to the

easternmost beaches at Mt. Baldy and Central Avenue until October when all

beaches open to our four-legged friends. In the Sleeping Bear Dunes National

Lakeshore, dogs can swim in the waves of Lake Michigan backed by some of

America’s larges dunes on all beaches except Platte Point Beach, the D.H. Day

Campground Beach and the Manitou Islands. Dogs also cannot make the Dune

Climb up hundreds of feet of sand.

Lake Huron (*) features 3,827 miles of shoreline, characterized by shallow water and

many sandy beaches. None of this will matter much to your dog, however, since the

Lake Huron beaches in Michigan are mostly closed to him. Alpena is a rare

exception. Dogs are allowed on the resort destination of Macinac Island, however.

Although its shores are the most densely populated of any of the Great Lakes, there

is plenty of opportunity for a dog to explore Lake Erie (***). The smallest of the five

lakes, Erie waters average only about 62 feet in depth and warm rapidly in the

summer for happy dog paddling. Ohio, especially around Cleveland, is the most

restrictive of the Lake Erie states. Try some of the smaller town beaches in Ohio and New York, most of which permit dogs outside of designated swimming areas. Some

of the best Lake Erie beachfront is in Presque Isle State Park, the most-visited state

park in Pennsylvania. Your dog can can hike the sandytrails past the swimming

beaches and enjoy the waves on the long, unsupervised sretches on the northern

end of the peninsula.

Not many people have settled most of the hundreds of miles of shoreline of the

south side of Lake Ontario (*) in New York. There aren’t many beaches and not many

bans on dogs – as long as they don’t try to swim with the humans.

Copyright 2006

I am the author of over 20 books, including 8 on hiking with your dog and the widely praised The Canine Hiker’s Bible. As publisher of Cruden Bay Books, we produce the innovative A Bark In The Park series of canine hiking books found at http://www.hikewithyourdog.com. During the warm months I lead canine hikes as tour leader for hikewithyourdog.com tours, leading packs of dogs and humans on hiking adventures. Tours, ranging from one-day trips to multi-day explorations, visit parks, historical sites and beaches. My lead dog is Katie, a German Shepherd- Border Collie mix, who has hiked in all of the Lower 48 states and is on a quest to swim in all the great waters of North America – [http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Katies%20Blog/Katies%20Quest.html]. I am currently building a hikewithyourdog.com tours trailer to use on our expeditions and its progress can be viewed at [http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Teardrop%20Trailer/Building%20A%20Tour%20Trailer.html].

In fashion school, most of your time was spent learning to create fashion illustrations, draping, sewing, and flat patternmaking. While these are good skills to have, they aren’t very practical when you’re trying to land your first job in the fashion industry. In the real world you’ll be expected to know how to create computerized flat sketches, develop garment specs, CADs, and presentation boards. And I know some of you are thinking “But I learned those things in school too!” To which I reply: You think you know, but you have no idea! Take it from experience: fashion schools don’t focus on those skills nearly enough to fully prepare you for your first design position. In this article I will discuss each skill and its importance in the fashion industry.

Draping and Patternmaking – Low Importance
While patternmaking and draping are valuable skills, they usually only come in handy when you deal with a lot of fits. However, fittings are usually conducted by technical design teams so if you got into fashion for creative reasons, you’ll most likely be miserable in this type of position. On the creative side of design, all you need is a basic understanding of what creates a good fit, and how to fix a bad one. In the majority of design positions, hands-on patternmaking skills are not necessary, unless you plan to enter Project Runway!

Sewing – Low Importance
On the creative side of design, sewing isn’t that relevant. Yes, it’s good to understand the general concepts of garment construction, but you don’t need to be a great seamstress. On the job, if you need to know how a certain garment is constructed, there are tons of references available: from clothes at the stores, to “how to” books and online articles. The point I’m trying to make is: if you’re sewing skills leave something to be desired, don’t stress over it.

Illustration – Almost Unnecessary
Sadly, fashion illustrations are a dying art in the industry – they are scarcely used by designers in the real world. The fashion illustration has been replaced with computer drawn stylized technical sketches (floats) or more accurate technical flats, which are faster to sketch and much more practical. Not only do they present a clear representation of design concept, but they are a must have for production. Flats can be turned into CADs and can be used in mood/presentation boards. Fashion schools have not followed this shift and still focus more heavily on illustrations, and not enough on flat sketching.

Computer Programs – Must Know
I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing popular computer applications for creating floats, flats and CADs. Most companies expect proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel since they are relatively affordable in comparison to more industry specific software. Unfortunately, the coverage of Illustrator and Photoshop provided by fashion schools does not meet the actual demands of the fashion industry. Many companies are also requesting knowledge of WebPDM, so if your college offers a course in this program, it would be to your benefit to take it. If your school does not teach this program, find a school or venue that does offer this program and take it!

Flat Sketching – Must Know
While interviewing candidates for design positions, we’ve seen applicants’ portfolios filled with beautiful illustrations and then say “That’s nice, but can you flat sketch?” If flats are included in their portfolios, they are usually basic, lack important details, and are not visually appealing. If the candidates sketches are halfway decent; my next question is “do you know Illustrator and Photoshop? ” Almost everyone says yes, but it’s usually far from the truth.

A lot of fashion school grads seriously believe that they know these programs well, but what you learned in school isn’t enough – fashion schools don’t teach these skills well enough for entry level designers to be competent within the fashion industry. Schools just cover basics, which are usually forgotten without practice. Take the extra effort to practice and become comfortable with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and other programs beyond what schools teach: read books and take additional courses (offered in either classroom or online settings).

Creating Specs in a Copycat Industry – Must Know
Knowing how to spec (measure and detail) a garment to create garment specifications, or “specs” is a fundamental skill. Many companies create their spec sheets using Excel. Although garment sizes and measurements vary from company to company, depending on different market segments and categories, if you know the principles, you’ll be able to quickly adapt to the standards of any company. You don’t even need to know how to develop specs from scratch!

As a head designer, to set spec standards for a company, I usually went to different stores, found garments with a good fit and copied the basic measurements. This is quite common – the fashion industry is a copycat industry- most fashions hanging in the stores are knock-offs of another company. Once, during a shopping trip in London, a store salesperson noticed I was a fashion designer collecting style ideas. He mentioned that his store received a constant flow of American design companies such as Calvin Klein, whose designers come to knockoff their merchandise. That’s right – even top designer brands use knockoffs for their ready-to-wear collections. There are even official terms: a “knockoff” is when a style is copied and a “rub-off” is when patterns are copied.

Educate Yourself!
Many fashion schools such as FIT in New York (Fashion Institute of Technology) offer important classes like “flats and specs for the fashion industry”, but believe it or not, these courses are not required by the curriculum! Another handy course that should be taken is “creative fashion presentation.” Salespeople use presentations a lot as visual aids. In addition they create a good impression and convey creativity level. If you can make outstanding presentations you’ll be assigned to do them often, and believe me it’s more fun to make boards than do fits or send faxes and organize showrooms.

To sum up: in order to get a job before the rest of the entry level fashion design candidates, you need to focus on refining skills that are highly demanded in the industry. Become proficient with flat sketching, include flats in your portfolio, and be extremely comfortable and knowledgeable in Illustrator and Photoshop. Not only will you be ready with the skills you need to succeed in fashion, but discussing how you went the extra mile to keep up with industry standards will definitely impress any prospective employer!

For your reference and use, we have posted lots of industry standard flat sketches and CADs in JPEG and vector (Illustrator) formats on DesignersNexus.com. If you can improve your skills to reach the quality of those shown, you’ll be in a very good shape

© 2008 Designers Nexus Inc. All rights reserved. Originally published at DesignersNexus.com. This article may be reproduced unedited, unaltered and in its entirety. This copyright, author bio(s) and all active links must be preserved and included when reproducing this article. Contact us for approval if you wish to publish it contrary to these guidelines.

As a NYC fashion designer, Natalie has traveled to Europe and Asia for shopping, researching trends and production. In a 14 year career, she has gained a lot of insights in the industry, and has trained designers with her knowledge of global trend market. Due to popular demand in response to her advice and training, she created a free fashion resource center at DesignersNexus.com to share her experiences with a larger audience, helping aspiring designers learn from her mistakes and successes creating their own successful careers.

Kristin is an experienced fashion designer in NYC. Since graduating with honors from Drexel University with a Fashion Design degree, she has gained valuable experience designing for the fast paced, fashion forward juniors market. Wanting to share her knowledge with other fashionistas, she had first teamed up with Natalie to create a website for fashion trends, styling and beauty tips at http://www.FashionFrog.com and the DesignersNexus.com.

Taking a trip and have an interest in hiking? Whether you choose to hike for one or five days, you will be looking out for the best hiking park for the area you travel to, and the trails for hiking. There are many hiking trails that you can go on, but taking the time to choose the best is probably what you want to get the most enjoyment out of. By taking time out to examine many hiking trials in the area you are traveling to, you can then pick and choose that are more favourable to you, so that you can be assured that you will enjoy your hike.

So how do you go about finding the ideal hiking trail, you may be asking yourself. By taking the time to look at all the trails, you will know more of what to expect when you are out hiking, and more likely to find the “perfect hiking trail”. Here are few guidelines below to give you some idea of what to look out for.

Firstly, it is always good to ask for any recommendations; this is the easiest way to start out. You can then research those recommendations so this will cut down on the time spent on looking, and knowing what is popular is as easy a place to start as any. It is also good to ask people you know if they enjoy hiking – friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours, to see if they can recommend some hiking trails that they have taken. The best hiking trails are those that are popular and well maintained, those that are safe and are cheap to hike.

Contact your local hiking parks or the hiking trails to get some ideas for finding a great place to hike. By looking in your phone book, you should be able to find local contacts to find out more information. Your local parks are an excellent place especially if you are new to hiking to get a feel of what it is like. Over the phone you can ask questions to gather more information, make requests for brochures and maps that are available which can be sent out to your home address. You can even stop by the hiking park or trail if it is close enough to get information for yourself and a friend, perhaps.

You may be interested in traveling further away from home for a holiday, and need to research hiking parks and trails. The internet is useful for finding the information you need and for other resources like places to stay whilst you are away. Once you have arrived at your destination, the local tourist office will have plenty of information available and usually have the most up-to-date information. Sometimes hiking trails or parks have to close for one reason or another, so you can get recommendations for other places to hike. You can always the best trails that way. Local residents at your destination will have a good knowledge of the area, so you may want to think about asking them some questions about the local trails and the ones that are highly recommended.

The internet provides good search engines for looking up any local or hiking trails in other places, and a general look at hiking parks. Just typing a key phrase like “hiking trails” or “hiking parks” will provide you with lots of hits that you can browse through. You can cut the search down to a certain place or destination so that the results are tailored to your needs. These will most likely come up with hiking websites which are full of valuable information that you may not have thought of before. You should be able to find just what you need, and you can email for more information if you are unable to find it.

A standard internet search will also come up with the official online websites of hiking parks or the hiking trails that you are looking for information on. You can then examine them thoroughly and bookmark them as your favourites so that you can refer back to them later. The internet is very useful to find the best hiking parks and hiking trails around, the ones that suit you and your needs.

Abhishek is an avid Camping enthusiast and he has got some great Camping Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 84 Page Ebook, “How To Have An Unforgettable Camping Vacation!” from his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com/768/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Winter’s grip has lightened. Spring school break has already passed. Every kid scratches and itches to finish this year’s schooling and be released into the summer! But, for parents 2007 summer camp realities are already here.

Choices Galore. Besides sifting through the menu of summer camp program possibilities … from outdoor summer camps with wilderness focus such as Outward Bound or National Outdoor Leadership … to team sports camps like summer tennis camps, lacrosse summer camps summer golf camps summer cheerleading camps and more … to arts and academic programs including summer acting camps, summer dance camps, summer art camp … to special need summer camp programs including ADHD summer camps and even weight loss summer camps combining healthy living and moderate exercise.

Paying The Tab – Cost Saving Tip #1. “Early bird gets the worm” may be the operative cliché to describe what parents need to do, which is pick your summer camp program as early in the year … or even register in the previous year if possible. What do you get? Not guaranteed, but most camps reward early registrants with significant contract discounts of up to 15% or more. Why the discount? It’s all about business, money, knowing their future summer camp program revenue stream, so that their summer camp counselor jobs levels can be determined and the right kids selected.

Picking your summer camp program early may also “save money” not because you’ll get a discount, but that you’ll save real money and a lot of headaches if you fail to get your child a camp spot, and then have to scramble … you could end up literally spinning your wheels and paying 50% more in some make-do situation.

Cost Saving Tip #2 – Think Locally For Great Programs And Lower Overall Costs. The greatest cost factor “variable” may be travel and transportation costs. Living in Maryland and then sending Johnny to Montana’s Glacier Park wilderness may sound cool … but you’re looking at serious money. Yes, you want the “experience of a life time” for Johnny … but money doesn’t grow on trees so if you decide on a distance camp … then you must hustle onto the Internet travel sites and buy your ticket as early as possible, before the “prime time” season rates lock in.

Simple solution? In virtually every State and region … across America and Canada … families can select from a wide range of cool, exciting, challenging summer camp programs, all within 1-day’s drive distance.

Ask For Scholarship Aid – Cost Saving Tip #3. If you have modest means … if you’re a single parent … if both parents work full time and can’t afford either time off or extra money, then you need to ask your target camp whether they’ll accept your child at a discounted price! The key here is to “offer” something in exchange for a lower price. All summer camps’ owner-managers try to lower costs while eking out an income over the short summer months period. Be direct. Ask whether your child can join the camp, but … also work for the camp. Cleaning up, preparing food, chopping or carrying wood, doing laundry, drying dishes, whatever. It’s all about creating a value-exchange that means something for your family and the residential summer camp.

Controlling “Sundries” Expenses – Cost Saving Tip #4. Day trips … canteen snacks costs … rentals … any of the normal “temptations” on hand could represent a significant “hidden cost” that parents need to investigate.

Refunds And Sick Child Early Departures – Cost Saving Tip #5. Reputable camps will have clear standards for assisting families who pay “early deposits” then have a change of mind. Make sure that any deposit moneys will be refunded in whole or in part before you make payments. Also, families may save significant money, in the event that your child become ill while at camp, by ensuring that the camp refund policy covers sickness early departure without penalties.

Creating Lifestyle Changes That Work. Explore the practical side of 2007 summer camps … costs … family strategies … plus the many exciting and challenging summer camp program choices opening up around the country and world.

Summer Camps for Teens: http://www.wise4living.com/kidcamp/ Or Sports Summer Camps: http://www.wise4living.com/kidsport/

Author Robin Derry is publisher for http://www.wise4living.com/ a specialty knowledge site that gives insights and solutions for families committed to summer camps, body health, home and gardening projects, unique gift designs, HDTV and home entertainment systems, technology gifts, household, sport, travel, footwear, education, and family legal needs.

Televisions have come a long way since their invention by Philo Taylor Farnsworth in 1928. Today, Liquid Crystal Display sets, known as LCD televisions, are one of the most up to date types of televisions you can purchase. They are competing with other types of televisions, including Projection TV, Light Emitting Diode (LED) televisions, Plasma TV, HDTV, and new Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) television sets.

LCD televisions today are full color televisions sets. They produce images using liquid crystal display technology, which also allows them to be quite a bit thinner and also lighter than the old cathode ray tube sets. The screen displays can be much larger than those allowed by CRT technology. With falling costs of production, the LCD televisions seemed destined to overtake the industry. Other large television formats, such as rear projection television and plasma television are losing market share to the new LCD televisions. There is, however, new competition against LCD televisions by Organic Light Emitting Display televisions and others on the horizon.

LCD televisions work with white light, and filtering that light to display a colored image on the screen. This requires backlighting by cold cathode fluorescent lamps on most sets. Some use LED lighting instead for the white backlighting. LCD technology is inefficient in that most of the light, about 90% of light produced never reaches the viewer as it is used or distracted prior to reaching the viewing screen. They take a lot of power, which adds to the inefficiency and they are similar in power use to the CRT televisions.

This television uses a system of LCD shutters in a grid, which allow different amounts of light to pass by opening and closing the shutters. There is a colored filter with each shutter that removes unnecessary colors, all by the red, green and blues, from the white light passing through the shutter system. These work to form a tiny pixel, and the shade of each color is adjusted by changing the light intensity. There are millions of shutters in a display. Voltage controls turning shutters on or off. The liquid crystals form thin layers that make up thin plates. These plates allow polarization of the light and control of light passing through the shutters. Improvements in technology have addressed some problems with blurring and response times, and the first commercial LCD televisions hit the market in 1988. By 2004, the first 42″ sets were being purchased quickly, and in later years prices dropped. LCD televisions were competitive against plasma sets because they have higher resolutions, and therefore better pictures. By 2007, screen display panel sizes were offered up to 108″ in size.

There was some concern with environment effects of the nitrogen trifluoride used in production of LCD screens, as it is a potent greenhouse gas, but critics point out that actual amounts released to the atmosphere are far less than the perfluorocarbon gas that it replaced. LCD televisions remain popular and comprise a large segment of the commercial television set market.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert within the television industry. If you are looking for cheap lcd televisions please visit http://www.ebuyer.com/

Collecting Cars for Fun and Profit

Antique and classic cars are being collected now more than ever. Classic car collectors learn their hobby over years and years of research and browsing, even attending a half dozen or more car shows each year. However, some basic information is available to help anyone begin the lifelong passion of collecting antique automobiles.

Definition of a Classic Car

A classic car is one that is more than 15-years old, while an antique car is more than 25-years old. A vintage car dates from the 1930’s or older. As well, there are different car eras, such as the Vintage Car Era, Classic Car Era, Muscle Car Era, and so on, and this is also important to understand.

Display and Drivable Cars

Some antique car collectors drive their cars everywhere, while others have theirs for display purposes only. Display cars often have the benefit of needing less maintenance to keep their classic feel and pristine condition. If you want to drive your classic car, remember that it will require more money for such services as paint and wax jobs, engine work, and inspections. Not only do antique cars lack modern safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, but vintage cars may also lack modern conveniences like power steering, stereo systems, or even heat.

Expenses

Antique car collectors know that antique cars in general are very expensive investments, but there are several ways to cut these costs and make collecting cars an even more enjoyable experience. Many cars are simply left to rust away in lawns or in junkyards. These cars can often be bought at a real bargain for even a few dollars. However, the cheaper these cars are usually indicates what shape they come in. Therefore, several decisions must be made concerning the usability of the cars. Will they be driven? Do they need a new engine? What use will they have on a daily basis?

With some body work to remove rust and replace irreparable damage, these cars can even receive new interiors and engines. The most common work is a brand new paint job (the most noticeable and appreciable work), so a good deal can cost as little as $1000. With an interest in automobiles and a modest income, restoring antique cars can be the lifelong hobby of antique car collectors.

Ratings for Antique Car Appraisal

An antique car appraisal must be based on uniform standards to get a correct appraisal.

Parts Car, this means that the car is only to be used for individual car parts. The car itself has no value except for the individual parts that can be taken from it and used in other cars. The car might not be a candidate for restoration, and therefore appraisers will not waste other people’s time and money by declaring it usable except for parts.

Restorable, means the car in question has potential to be restored. The car model and make must still be recognizable to warrant this antique car appraisal rating. It may also need a complete body, chassis and interior restoration if it is appraised in this condition. Most likely the engine will also need some attention as well as the exterior, but not to the point that you restore more than a third of the body, chassis or interior.

Good, this antique car appraisal means that the automobile may need just a little tweaking to make it functional. The quality of restoration of the automobile may also affect the antique car appraisal. If it is functional yet the quality of restoration is poor, then the price will still not go up despite its good condition. The antique car appraisal should always include the quality of the restoration.

A Very Good antique car appraisal could mean that the automobile is functional and the amateur restoration is passable. The restoration might be rated as older or worn out to some extent but not as bad as expected. A Very Good antique car appraisal might be considered presentable and serviceable in the interior and exterior.

Fine is the antique car appraisal that means the automobile is restored very well and its original parts are well maintained to the point that they are in good working order.

The Excellent antique car appraisal means that the car in question has been restored to excellent professional standards and could possibly be a show car that is not driven or worn out but maintained for aesthetic purposes.

Antique Car Pricing

Antique car pricing depends on many different factors, and antique car pricing can vary from year to year. The prices can also vary depending on the point of sale. Antique car pricing depends on the age of the car, the condition of the car and special features on a car.

An antique car that is very old might be much more expensive than a newer classic car. These car prices fluctuate like more modern cars depending upon the condition. An antique car that is in mint condition could cost ten thousand dollars more than the same model in poor condition. Antique car pricing can also vary depending on the mechanics of the car. One that is road-ready will cost much more than one that looks good but does not move on the streets.

Antique car pricing depends on the year and the condition of the car, but the pricing can also depend on many of the various features in each car. Some of the classic cars have radios that actually still work while the older cars never do. Some of these cars have original mirrors while others have modern replicas. The fabric used in the interior could have a significant impact on the prices of antique cars; if the fabric in the interior is the original and in great condition, this is important in the price of the vehicle.

Many collectors of classic cars base their prices of the cars they have on a price guide. The antique car price guide gives approximations of how much a certain model of automobile may cost these days. The prices found in the antique car price guide are somewhat loosely approximated because not all cars of the same make and model are restored professionally or even restored properly. Popular price guides include MacRAE’s Blue Book online, and Kelley Blue Book.

The hobby of collecting antique and classic cars can be fun and enjoyable, and it can also incredibly rewarding, especially financially. As long as you are informed and take the situation seriously, you should not have any problems, and not only will you have a great time but as well can make quite a bit of profit for yourself if you go about things in the right way.

Steve Dolan is an avid collector and loves classic cars. Find out more about car collecting at Classic Cars and Vintage Cars and if you have other collections take a look at Collections and Collectibles

Some camps have a targeted focus like religious study, academics, and competitive sports. The variety of camps available today is almost innumerable, meaning there will be some specialized camps that may have availability left even into the summer. Each summer, more than 10 million children and counselors attend day camps and overnight summer camps across the country.

Basically, if you can think of any subject of interest, there’s probably a camp that specializes in it. The more artistically minded might consider arts and crafts, clowning, drama, photography, or dance to be important elements of having a well-rounded camp experience. There are overnight summer camps with a focus on self-improvement, weight loss and grief counseling.

There are overnight summer camps that are co-ed camps, boys camps, girls camps or brother-sister camps where boys and girls may have separate venues and activities. There are four basic types of camps to choose from for your child: day programs, sleepaway or overnight summer camp, day programs with trips, and special needs camps. Special needs camps meet the needs of a wide range of children with disabilities; these camps provide an outdoor summer camp experience along with a therapeutic environment.

Four weeks at a good private overnight summer camp or sleepaway camp will cost anywhere from $3500 to $6500, and eight weeks will range from $4000 to $7000. Although camp counselor jobs don’t usually pay very well, usually minimum wage or less, counselors receive free room and board; many take the job primarily for the camping experience. Try to determine whether the director incorporates a similar philosophy to running the camp as you do in parenting your child or children.

Camp tuition can be expensive; similar to travel insurance, there are now insurance policies for families sending their children to overnight summer camp to cover last minute cancellations, homesickness, medical emergencies and emergency evacuations. The best overnight summer sports camps do much more than just improve a camper’s soccer, tennis, lacrosse, or wrestling skills – they help each child become a more skillful athlete, a more gracious competitor, a more committed team player, and a more confident person.

Visit the camp; you can view campers and counselors in their element, witness activities as they occur, and just obtain an overall feel of the camp, something that cannot be accurately experienced when the camp is closed.

Get to know the camp director from an in-person visit to your home if possible, phone conversations, email or other correspondence. At camp would it benefit your child more if he or she interacted more with the opposite gender? Weight loss camps are for children and teens in order to help them learn about how to lose weight and how to keep it off while having a great overnight summer camp experience.

Most camp counselors are in their late teens or early twenties and are high school and college students on their summer break. Some camps are often called adventure camps – having a very specific theme or interest; many of these programs emphasize skill development and personal growth through the adventures the offer. There are many types of overnight summer camps with a focus on education that cater to students with differing ages and academic interests.

If you spend the time needed to research your options and include your child in all the decisions, he or she will most likely have a memorable experience that provides pportunities to grow while having a lot of fun and making new friends. Look over and evaluate the brochures and promotional materials; read the fine print.Take time to consider what you can reasonably afford. If you think your child may not be ready for a sleepaway or overnight summer camp, choose a local camp in case you end up having to make a late night pickup in the event he or she gets homesick.

For more information on choosing the best overnight summer camp and finding the best sleepaway or overnight summer camp online and offline go to http://www.OvernightSummerCamp.biz a nurse’s website specializing in overnight summer camp tips, help, facts, free tuition resources, including information on overnight summer camp reviews

There are many different types of dining experiences that one can experience in an area. These range from casual dining, formal dining, and cultural dining. Dining plays an important role in any society that there are hundreds if not thousands of dining options available for a person to experience. While out on a vacation there are many opportunities that are available to allow a person to experience the area they are visiting.

Casual dining is what the majority of the people experience. There are chain restaurants, mom and pop locations, and restaurants that are locally owned and operated. These are a great way to get to know a specific location especially if one is traveling or visiting for a short period. Menus at these locations can vary depending on the type of restaurant but every region has a twist or local favorite and is usually displayed in the menu options. Casual dining is the cheapest dining option of these dining options.

Formal dining is an experience that doesn’t come along every day. These usually require a suit and tie, and can be fairly elaborate with the style of food that is being presented. If one is dining at a formal dining restaurant the menu does not always reflect the area that one is visiting. Instead it will reflect that type of restaurant and the style of food that the chef specializes in. Many times people travel far and wide to experience a chef’s cooking technique and get a taste of the food. As this is a rare opportunity and highly anticipated by many travelers the price range of these meals are fairly expensive. However a formal dining experience is a great way to top off a special evening as it is a unique experience and something that one will remember for a while.

Cultural dining can be experienced in both formal and casual dining setting. It is a great opportunity to experience another culture. While many times a person can gravitate towards eating at a familiar setting it is an experience to actually experience the food from a different culture. Many times there are different spices, meats, and vegetables used. There are also many different cooking techniques that are applied that one might not have come across before. It is a way to step out of the box and give something new a try.

There are many different types of experiences one can experience while dining out on a vacation or different area. Dining out allows a person to experience a culture or region the way it was meant to be experienced.

For guide to dining out, visit JP Pepperdine now.

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Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse won’t last long if they creep into your home.

Cats are loved by many because of their independence. Cats have a life, so to speak. Most cats do not follow you around the home with their tongues hanging out of their mouths waiting on your attention. While they do love their owners fiercely, cats will not grovel like a dog and worship and fawn over their owners. Cats are perfectly content simply being themselves–and they do not seem to need constant reassurance, unlike canines.

This does not mean cats do not need love and affection, it simply means cats are not “fragile” characters. In fact, cats exude a self assurance which can often be misunderstood as aloofness or coldness. Yet, cats are far from aloof or unfeeling. They feel deeply and love deeply. If a cat comes to sit on your lap, you know you are truly loved.

Anytime the family thinks about bringing a new pet into the home, it is exciting. Cats are a favorite of many because as kittens they are so entertaining to watch. Cats have a mind all of their own and only a true cat lover can even claim to understand the psyche of a feline. Cats are mysterious animals, which is part of the draw to them. While cats have been brought into the home, their instincts still remain. Cats adopt their owners and will even go out and provide “dinner.” Many cat owners have stepped out on the stoop to find a dead mouse, opossum, or mole waiting for them. Now, that is love and loyalty!

If you are planning to bring a cat into your home, you should look at it as a life long commitment. Cats can live fifteen years and beyond. You should also understand that as cats mature, they will often sleep and laze around the home. If you are wanting a cat to entertain you throughout her life, you should seriously think about whether a cat is the pet for you. Kittens are very entertaining and young cats are always curious and open for a challenge. However, older cats aren’t easily excitable and usually prefer to watch the antics in the home from a distance.

When you have made the decision to bring a new cat into your home, you will have to decide between a domestic or purebred cat. If you choose to go with a purebred cat, you can be guaranteed of size and appearance, and possibly temperament. There are more than 40 breeds to choose from, so do your homework. You will want to research the grooming requirements of the breed you are considering, along with the general disposition of the breed.

Domestic cats come in all colors and shapes. When you look at any cat, there are some things you should consider. For instance, while all cats are fairly in proportion to each other, there are some cats which are more lanky and lean than others. These cats will be the ones who may be more interested in running and exploration. The chunkier, heavier cat will probably be more laid back and not get into too big a hurry about anything. You have a choice between a domestic long hair or domestic short hair cat.

When picking out your kitten, you should understand that kittens should not have an odor. While puppies do tend to have a smell about them, kittens do not. You should observe the entire litter of kittens. Do any of them have crusty eyes or a runny nose? If so, you may want to reconsider choosing a kitten from that litter. You certainly shouldn’t take one home simply because you feel sorry for it, either. Especially if you have other pets in your home. All of the kittens should have bright and clear eyes and be very alert.

You should handle the kittens. Their fur should be soft and silky, and never stiff or dry. Likewise, their coat should not feel oily or greasy. When you are petting the kitten, you should run your hands along her skin to ensure she has no sores. When you are holding each kitten, place them up to your face and nuzzle them. Listen for any breathing noises. You should not hear any raspy or breathy breathing. If you do, this is possibly a signal that the kitten has a respitory infection.

After visiting with the kittens, instinct will usually dictate to you which kitten is your match. You may feel the rowdy, rambunctious kitten will fit the best into your lively home. Or, you may decide the laid back kitten is more your speed, especially if you have a quiet home. Once you have made your decision and chosen your kitten, you should have a kennel waiting for travel. You should never try to ride in a car with a cat unless they are restrained or in a kennel. While most dogs love car rides, cats tend to scare. They can cower under your feet and this can lead to a wreck.

When you bring your new kitten into your home, you should immediately show her where the litter box, food and water are located. You should also have a supply of cat toys on hand to distract the cat from missing her mom and litter mates. While this cannot entirely be avoided, lavishing attention on a new kitten will do wonders in the transition to her new family.

You should expect your new kitten to explore every nook and cranny in the home. This is a necessary part of a kitten’s disposition. (Even older cats seem to perk up when a new piece of furniture is brought into a home they have lived in for years.) You will want to kitten proof your home. You should keep the lids down on the toilet, and you may want to remove potted plants and the like until your cat learns the rules.

Cats are social creatures, and they can learn the rules of their new environment with consistency. While you may think they do not understand what you are saying, this is not true. If you have a new kitten who wants to walk across the kitchen counter or dining room table, simply rattling a newspaper at her and saying “down” will teach her to stay off. With time you will be able to put the newspaper away and simply speak the command.

Kittens can add joy to any home. Part of the fun is knowing the kitten is oblivious to the fact that she is the center of attention. She is not trying to gain your attention by performing. She is simply being a cat. You should also not be upset if your kitten is not interested in being a lap cat. While she may be content for a few moments on your lap, kittens have to roam, play and explore. As your cat matures she will be more inclined to take it easy curled up on your lap. Until then, just make her feel loved and you will have a feline that will adore you and her new home.

Author Ian White is founder of cat-breeders.biz This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking kittens can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Cat-Breeders.biz automates the matching of kittens for sale with kitten wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties. Cat Lovers and Breeders find more information

Becoming a professional internet marketing consultant is a

business opportunity that individuals who are well-versed in e-

business and internet marketing may be interested in pursuing. If

you are new to internet marketing, you could certainly become a

professional internet marketing consultant; however, a lot of

preparation is needed because providing professional services as

an internet marketing consultant requires knowledge and

experience with a variety of different types of internet

marketing.

If you are interested in become a professional internet marketing

consultant you should analyze your internet marketing skills,

identify your strengths and weaknesses, and craft a plan for

educating yourself and strengthening your internet marketing

skills in areas that are lacking. Developing your expertise in

the field of internet marketing prior to offering services as an

internet marketing consultant is crucial.

As an internet marketing consultant you will come in contact with

a variety of clients with varying levels of knowledge about

business and internet marketing. Some will be completely new to

business and will need basic guidance from their internet

marketing consultant in regard to basic business matters as well

as entry-level internet marketing concepts. On the other hand,

you may have business professionals who are seasoned in business

and marketing but are clueless about internet marketing. Last but

not least are the e-business professionals who commission an

internet marketing consultant for research, planning and internet

marketing services including management of marketing campaigns.

As an internet marketing consultant you can provide full-service

consultations, or you can target specific internet marketing

areas in which you have gained expertise. Sometimes the latter is

best because not only is there less for you to learn which

enables you to truly provide expert services, but a narrowed

scope of services can also provide a niche market which gives you

potential for developing a thriving practice as an internet

marketing consultant.

Niche areas you may wish to pursue as an internet marketing

consultant include:

1. Market research

2. Preparation of marketing plans and/or business plans

3. Search engine optimization

4. Pay-per-click campaign management

5. Email marketing

6. Viral marketing

7. Link campaign management

8. Ezine advertising

9. Newsletter publishing

10. Distribution of expert articles

11. Media campaigns

12. Copywriting

13. Website development

14. Web hosting

15. Coaching services

16. Training and education

17. Publication of internet marketing books

18. Operation of a subscription service with

information about internet marketing

These are all services that an internet marketing consultant may

offer. The service menu for an internet marketing consultant may

focus on one specific type of internet marketing, a few different

types of services, or full-service internet marketing

consultation that includes all of the suggested services and even

more. While providing some of the service offerings would require

an internet marketing consultant to pursue self-development

opportunities through continuing education and experience, some

areas are easy to master without extensive experience or

training.

When you specialize in a specific area of internet marketing, the

fact that you are specialized can actually build your credibility

as a professional internet marketing consultant. You can also

participate in online forums about internet marketing or publish

expert articles about internet marketing which can position you

as an expert in internet marketing consultant further building

trust and credibility which will enhance your business through

word of mouth referrals.

With the exception of web hosting, no expensive equipment is

needed to provide services as an internet marketing consultant.

To provide services as an internet marketing consultant you will

need access to various resources and publications which will keep

you abreast of changes in the internet marketing industry. Basic

computer equipment and some specialized software may also be

necessary. The most important factor to remember is – to be a

professional and credible internet marketing consultant you must

develop expertise in whichever area of internet marketing you

wish to consult in.

Copyright Christopher J. Enders. Are you at the end of your rope, fed up and confused by all the scrambled internet marketing advice you’re getting? Whether you are new to internet marketing, or a website owner who wants to make more money from your website, learn the proven strategies that will sky-rocket your internet business at http://BiznessTips.com

In this article you will find information about lawn tractors. Knowing the prices, various uses, and how to use this tool safely can help you make the knowledgeable decision about which lawn tractor is best for you and your uses.

Lawn Tractors = Small Tractors

If you need a tractor for different kinds of farmwork for less than 2 acres, then a farm tractor is the best choice for you. You can greatly reduce your manual labor, due to the many attachments that are available for lawn tractors. You will find that this can help you keep your garden in tip-top condition in much less time. In most cases, a lawn tractor up to a maximum of 7-10 HP will also have a ZTR (zero turning radius) feature to help you when working in a smaller field.

The Versatility of Lawn Tractors

Versatility is a major benefit of lawn tractors. Some of the jobs that can be completed by lawn tractors include hole digging, lawn rolling, tilling, mowing, and many other jobs. The power take off spindle makes these jobs easily possible. That is why lawn tractors are a gardener’s best friend.

Purchasing A Lawn Tractor

Choosing and purchasing a lawn tractor is much like buying an automobile. The optional accessories increase the prices of both a car and a lawn tractor. That is why you want to choose your lawn tractor and accessories wisely to ensure that you will use the ones that you are purchasing. You also want to ensure that you can try the lawn tractor in the showroom to ensure that you can attach and remove the accessories with very little effort. Test-drive the lawn tractor to make sure you can get in and out of it easily as well.

Price of Lawn Tractors

There is a large price range in lawn tractors. A smaller lawn tractor can start at $900 and go up to $6000. The Bolen 762F76 is a basic model and it is available for just under $900, while the John Deer Spin-Steer SST-16 is approximately $3300. A Poulan Pro PK1845H42ST is about $1400. These costs are for the tractor without any accessories. Accessories can make the cost greatly increase. A canopy starts at $110 and a collection bag for grass is around $300. A cart can run you anywhere from $110 to $220, depending upon the size. Now you see how the costs can quickly add up. If you are planning to use the lawn tractor for mowing 1/2 to 1 acre, then you may want to choose a stand behind lawnmower for around $350, instead of a lawn tractor.

Safely Using A Lawn Tractor

Lawn tractors are designed with a low center of gravity and that is why there is very little possibility of the lawn tractors tipping over. It is important to use the following safety precautions, regardless of the little possibility of them turning over.

o It is important that you watch your speed, especially when you are on an incline. A small rock can cause your lawn tractor to have problems and possibly injure you.

o While getting off of the lawn tractor, ensure that it is turned off and all attachments touch the ground, if at all possible.

Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on the subject for [http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com] . A free online magazine that carries articles on lawn tractors, and a guide on lawn care here lawn tractors [http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/lawn-tractors.html]

In today’s economy, dining out can still be accomplished with the right choices and research beforehand. Paramount to dining experience is choosing a place that appeals to both your sense of taste, and sense of atmosphere. A good establishment will work hard to both feed you well, as well as your comfort and ease levels. Great service, combined with great food and a great atmosphere are all equally important in deciding on what restaurant to dine out at. Your money is valuable, and hard earned, and should be spent in a place that will return the investment well.

When choosing a restaurant for dining out, many things are to be considered. In a good establishment, someone will be readily available to greet and seat you quickly. Your seating needs and requests should be fulfilled considerately. Extremely important to a good Dining Out experience is an establishment with knowledgeable and friendly servers. Specials and deals should be pointed out by the servers, and any questions that the guest has should be accurately answered. The server should be attentive to a guest’s needs, and never let the guest have to vie for the notice of the server.

Another piece of information that must be considered before dining out at a specific place is the actual establishment itself. Any health inspections must have been passed, and the place should be noted to be clean overall. The guest bathrooms should be readily available, clean, and well lit as well. If music is played, it should fit the theme or decor of the place, and not be so loud as to extinguish conversation.

Last, but perhaps the most important, research food quality and prices before dining out. Although individual’s tastes can differ greatly, checking reviews of specific places is a great way to scope the quality of the food. Seek reviewers with similar tastes as yours by finding reviews you would have given an establishment you have previously visited. And never forget to check the prices of courses at specific places! In this day and age, many places have their menu listed online, and this can be a great way to plan out a meal before leaving your own home to dine out. Though all of these great tips for dining out seem tedious, they are much less time consuming than going to an unfamiliar establishment that you end up greatly disliking. These tips can save you both your money, and time!

For Singapore dining guide, visit JP Pepperdine now.

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If you are in the mood for a hiking vacation then you will probably want to consider the many trails in either the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee or Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

Of course there are many other parks and trails throughout the United States but these two destinations offer some of the most scenic and majestic mountain vistas available.

Both the Smoky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain National park offer different levels of trails for your hiking vacation.

Whether you are taking the family for a casual vacation or are looking for more adventure and exercise in a very strenuous hike, either location can accommodate your plans.

There are more than 850 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, more than enough to keep you busy for your hiking vacation.

With the miles of trails available, my favorite in the Smoky Mountains is the hike to Chimney Tops. The Chimney Tops trail is a mildly strenuous hike with some incredible views. The last 50 yards is very steep, with a spectacular view at the very top. It is a 4 mile round trip that is well worth the effort.

While the Smoky Mountains are exceptionally beautiful, the grandeur of the Colorado Rockies is unmatched in the continental United States.

Majestic snow covered peaks rise out of the plains to reach heights above 14,000 feet in the case of Long’s Peak and more than 60 other peaks rise above 12,000 feet.

Within the 416 square miles of the park there are 355 miles of hiking trails. My favorite hike by far is the hike to Chasm Lake a the base of Longs Peak.

The hike is a 9.5 mile round trip that changes in altitude from 9,000 feet to almost 12,000 feet. This is a fun, scenic hike, but it is moderately strenuous, so be well prepared with food and water.

Preparing For Your Hiking Vacation

Tens of thousands of people hike the trails of our national parks every year without incident and a hiking vacation can be an enjoyable and invigorating experience.

However, it is essential that you are prepared for your hiking experience.

This is a no-brainer, but one of the biggest mistakes hikers make is not realizing the total length of the hikes they are on. If the sign at the trail head says that the hike is 4 miles, remember you have to hike back also, making that an 8 mile round trip.

Don’t forget food and water. While food is needed on hikes of 3 to 4 miles and longer water is an essential on every hike. Even short hikes at higher altitudes can cause you to get thirsty faster than you would think.

You will also need the proper gear for hiking. I can’t stress this enough, hiking boots are an essential part of a hiker’s equipment, just as a water bottle and back pack are.

Do not try to hike a rocky trail in your tennis shoes. At the least you will have very sore feet and you could twist your ankle, making the rest of your hiking vacation an unpleasant experience, not to mention getting back to the car an adventure. Please get yourself some decent hiking boots. Your feet will thank you!

A hiking vacation can be an exhilarating experience for the serious hiker or for the whole family. You will get to see some beautiful scenery that you just can’t experience by passing by in your car or RV.

Plan your vacation, decide on a destination, get your equipment ready and off you go to the great outdoors.

Alan LeStourgeon operates the successful web site http://www.vacation-cabin-rental.com where you can find comfortable cabin rentals, recreational information and information on building and decorating your own cabin.

With an apparently unending array of gear and gadgets, fly fishing seems to be a varied and interesting sport. Most of the available options could be confusing to anyone who is new to Fly fishing. Anyone with a flair for fishing should know the important accessories about it. The 10 common pieces concerning fly fishing gear include a reel, fly fishing rod, line, files, leader, waders, net, clippers, vest and sunglasses.

Fly fishing rod

This rod is one of the mandatory equipments for fly fishing. These rods are usually different when compared to regular and conventional fishing rods and are designed in unique manner. It would allow casting the fly and fly line. Rods today are often constructed using types of graphite compounds. Many of the rods are still structured from bamboo or fiberglass. The Fly rods are usually categorized based upon weights of line they are structured to be used with.

Reels

The Fly fishing reels essentially, are less significant than the rods. Unlike conventional fishing, along with fly fishing one does not reel in the fish. The Fly fishing methods involve stripping the line with free hand. Quite many fly fishing reels actually are of primitive designs and hence not so very expensive. Anglers commonly “palm” the reel for creating the drag, than relying upon internal drag mechanisms within the reel.

Line

The Fly fishing line has been specially designed for such style of fishing. Fly fishing line is considerably heavy compared to traditional fishing line. It is often tapered and designed for floating. Some lines are designed to sink, though. Some anglers attach backer line in between fly fishing line and reel so as to increase the line available.

Leader

The leader is a monofilament, clear line which attaches to the extreme end of fly fishing line. Additionally, the fly is tied to the leader at the end. This leader is further tapered down into a narrow diameter towards the forward end. Leader matches more with the traditional fishing line.

The Flies

They are available in huge assortments of designs and styles. The dry flies are designed so that they float up in the water, nymphs and wet flies are structured for submerging, and few other flies are made to partially submerge. Flies could also be implied as attractive or imitative. Imitative flies are deliberated to imitate or manifest like a specific insect. On the other hand, attractive flies are structured to attract the fists not looking towards any specific natural food source.

The Waders

Waders are optional when you fish in warm water. But a few anglers go fly fishing in cold water streams to find waders enormously essential. Some popular wader styles currently include waders with waterproof lining and neoprene waders. Neoprene waders work very well in the cold water stream and serve in keeping the angler warm. The waders having a waterproof lining prove to be convenient and breathable when one goes hiking flanking a stream.

Net

A net is essential equipment for fly fishing. As fly fishing is often done standing in the waters, it could be not very easy to hunt a fish without good nets. Nets always have a hook attached. This would help the net so that it could be hooked on the anglers’ vest or waders. A net is particularly important in cases when the angler is trying to catch and release fishing.

Fishing Vest

As fly fishing is always tried in the water, a fishing vest seems to be a near-essential equipment piece. Vests would allow you in keeping essential gear and tools handy and neat as and when you find its necessity.

Clippers

Clippers are quite useful for clipping the line when you change the flies. You would rarely notice any fly fisherman with no clippers in their pocket or vest.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are pieces of personal gear which you would never want to forget. They would keep the sun to not reach your eyes and also protect them from stray fishing hooks. Polarized and good quality sunglasses would also assist in a better vision while you are out near the stream. Most anglers would also append a sunscreen and a hat to the catalog of personal gear which is essential.

There are other pieces of gadgets and gear which are available for every fly fisherman. The above mentioned ten items are perhaps among the most essential ones required for a successful and fun outing.

Abhishek is an avid Fly Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fly Fishing Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 93 Page Ebook, “How To Become A Fly Fishing Pro” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/95/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Fly fishing is an ancient angling method especially effective in catching trout and salmon. This distinct method of angling uses artificial flies to lure or excite fish. This helps anglers catch the fish easier than the traditional way.

There are two basic forms you can use, dry flies and wet flies.

Dry flies need coating with floatant in order for it to sit in the surface of the water. Dry flies are mostly effective in upstream and moving water. Dry flies help anglers’ spot where fish resides like pools and pocket in streams. Thus, it is easier to detect them and catch the fish.

The use of wet flies is beneath the surface of the water. Wet flies are nymphs, lures and true wet flies. It works as effective as dry flies except that in cases where weeds are many and almost touching the surface, wet flies blends with the weeds and thus may not be as effective as the dry flies.

Fly fishing was developed in the 19th century, dry fly technique is very effective especially for slower and clearer rivers.

This is because weeds in rich rivers tend to grow closer to the surface, thus traditional wet fly fishing is almost ineffective. Dry fly fishing is thus useful by keeping the fly and the line floating on the surface. This makes fish excited and aggressive; the angler can then spot the location of the fish and in turn catches fish easier.

Later developments of fly fishing made this concept as basis, thus in the latter part of the 19th century, anglers develop love for this form of fishing. This gave birth to the sport among its aficionados.

Various parts of the United States host fly fishing sports such as in the waters of Catskill Mountains of New York and the provinces of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, British Columbia, Alberta and California.

Anglers in North America also develop various literatures pertaining to fly fishing. The sport of fly fishing and all these literatures gave North America the reputation of being the birthplace of dry fly fishing, specifically the City of Calgary, Alberta. It is arguably one of the world’s best trout rivers, thus it remains to be the epicenter for the Western Fly Fishing in North America.

Various other states in America keeps the growing number of fly-fishers such as Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Arkansas. The growing number of anglers that are drawn to the sport keeps the popularity at its peak.

Dry or wet fly fishing, whichever is more effective in the rivers where you fish will help keep the sport exciting. It may not be long that other countries will learn to love the sport and make it a globally loved sport.

This Type of fishing uses longer and lighter rods; sizes vary from 2m (6 ft) for fresh water and up to 4m (14 ft) for salt water use. Weight for fresh water rods are between two to five ounces.

Popular types of casts follow its variety in situation specifics. Anglers uses common cast when the angler whisks the fly rod forward and back using his forearm and upper arm, the wrist is used to soften the motion.

The rod movement varies from 10 o’clock position to 2 o’clock position without touching the ground. Anglers do this to load the rod tip with energy and to travel the fly line creating distance and control; they call this motion false casting.

False casting needs to be done to excite the fish or make it aggressive enough so that when the fly touches the surface, it will be sure that the area where the fly touches is where most of the fish are located and thus will be easier to spot and catch them.

Whether you are a fishing aficionado for outdoor excitement or having fun with your family, using the proper equipment will help you develop love for the sport. Keep it exciting and enjoy fishing at its finest in most popular fly fishing locations in the country. There are many locations, thus you will not have a problem in spotting nice locations for you and your family for this wonderful outdoor adventure.

Shannon Brown is a native of Colorado and an avid fisherman. He has created a new website just for fly fisherman. Stop by and visit him at: Colorado Fly Fishing [http://www.coloradoflyfishing.org]

There was a time a few years ago when everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon for diesel engine cars. Diesel was cheap, the cars ran just as good and people liked them. Until the manufacturers of diesel realized they could make some extra money by changing the price of the fuel needed in order to run these types of engines. Down went the popularity of diesel engines in cars.

But diesel engines still exist. They often power the bigger vehicles, like school buses, semi-trucks and delivery trucks that are on the road today. Why are these vehicles still powered by diesel when it costs more to power the car? Because they are built differently and works better with heavier vehicles.

There are a lot of differences between the diesel motors and the regular engine of a car that is powered by gasoline. The biggest difference is how the car starts. A diesel engine compresses air first and then heats up, and then the fuel (diesel) ignites and powers the engine. The other engines has the fuel mixed with the air and then get compressed by the piston chambers, causing it to fire and power the car.

Technicians have argued that the they work more efficiently with big loads, therefore trucks and buses have largely remained diesel. What happens when you need to fix that type of engine? IN reality, it really isn’t that big of a difference. Engines are engines are engines, so they have a lot of components that are the same. However, the pistons, the fuel chambers and the air intake are what vary.

A mechanic can go to school to simply work on diesel engines alone. They can specialize in them to make themselves desirable to hire at a dealership that sells semis or they can market themselves to a dealership that sells and services both kinds of engines. A diesel mechanic might be able to fix a regular engine, but they would also be able to focus on and diagnose a problem with a diesel engine more easily than someone who is not specially trained on it is.

Having a diesel engine might not save you money on fuel expenses any more. The engine might be able to better pull a heavy load more efficiently. But no matter what, if your diesel engine needs repairs, seek out a mechanic who is specifically trained in them.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsidetoyotadesmoines.com

Numerous fly fishers report that Alaska is a place full of mountains, lakes, rivers, as well as many streams which make it a good place for a fly fishing trip in Alaska. They are fishers report that fly fishing trip in Alaska is also one of the most pleasant experiences that they never come across. In fact, there are many fishers know fly fishing trip in Alaska is a very big market and filled with large opportunity that no one should miss. For beginners, you also can find a good fly fishing school there.

An excellence Experience

Alaska is a very special magical state that every year attracts numerous of fly fishers.

It is a simply and pleasant experience you should not miss, whether is it for the skilled or beginner anglers. Alaska is a remote US state, but because of the nature resources there, numberless of fly fishers prefer Alaska to other places. One of the most exciting fly fishing areas in Alaska is Katmai; this is a spot where many fly fishers recommend.

When they visit Katmai there is even more amazing experience to be had. Katmai is a special place that has a lot of lakes and more than thousand miles of rivers and streams to fish for Coho salmon, rainbow trout and much other type of fish including pikes. In Alaska areas, the most likely having trophy sport fishing is Katmai. To find lodging in Katmai areas is no a problem as there are a lot of various lodges there. The majority of lodges at Alaska can only be reached by taking train or floatplane. Motor vehicle is not possible. If you can, engage a guide that will make your fly fishing trip in Alaska an adventure, pleasance and safe one. Some fishers prefer to go without a guide.

Some places you should not miss

You should visit the Alagnak River which lies close to Bristol Bay. The tidal waters containing good fish species, like the chrome-bright salmon. When each new tide coming, catching the fish is much easier as more fish came with the tide. The other topmost place is Lake Creek that lies northwest of Anchorage. Over here, you can found some of the best fish including the pink salmons and rainbow trout, as well as king.

Fishing School for Beginners

If you like fly fishing sport, it would be a good idea for you to take some fishing classes first before you embarked in your trip. The good thing about attending the classes is that you will be more prepared and more confident in what you will be doing later. Always remember that you will be able to enjoy your fly fishing trip better if you will be able to catch some big fishes and you can only do that if you have the basic fishing knowledge and skill.

Finding a Good School at Alaska

To find a good fly fishing school at Alaska, you might want to try asking and collecting useful information from your family members, your friends and relatives who are keen on fly fishing. Inform them that you are interested and you want to learn some good and basic techniques in catching fish. If they see how enthusiastic you are, they will be more tending to help you out. They might even accompany you during your fly fishing trip. If you have no family members or friends who are keen on fly fishing, do not worry.

There many ways to find a good fly fishing school at Alaska. You can do a quick search on internet website. A lot of information about fishing school can be obtained from here. Searching online will save you a lot of time. On the other hand, asking for information from the fishing shop or fishing equipment store will yield some important information. These shop or store may have contacts with the fishing schools, some time they also can recommend you which school you should go for it.

Going To Fishing Classes

In order for you to be perform better; you need to be comfortable with what you are holding, so that you will be able to catch more fishes. When you are attending the fishing classes, it would be a good idea for you to bring your own fishing gears. The school may be able to provide you the fishing gears, but it is always good to use fishing gears that you are very much familiar with.

Learning Fly Fishing at Alaska

Fly fishing can be a very exciting form of exercise. It is a suitable exercise for everyone. As long as you have the interest and enthusiasm to go fishing, you can always learn the art of fly fishing in the school at Alaska. The remote Alaska has many school, beauty and fantastic scenery, the large quantity of fish available as well as enjoys the adventure and quietness of the state and you will not regret your visit here.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit Fly Fishing Women to learn more about fly fishing trip in Alaska and remote alaska fly fishing.

Whether you’re a beginner to short mat bowls or already an experienced player, the single most important decision you will ever make is in relation to what type of bowls you should play with. However, with shops and online stores offering a range of different shapes, sizes and weights etc, the task of selecting a set that is right for you can be a tricky one.

In today’s image-obsessed world, there are probably a few people who would simply plump for the snazzy orange set with the green stripes running down the side (believe it or not, these do exist!). Now that’s all fine and dandy if you want to make a statement and stand out from the crowd. But aside from the fact that everyone will know it’s you who sent that terrible bowl that was 5 yards short of the jack, it’s not a good idea to base your decision on looks alone.

If you’re really serious about improving your short mat bowls game, there are a few key points you should consider when selecting your bowls. The first thing to think about is the weight of the bowl. Obviously you want to be able to hold it comfortably in your hand first and foremost, but you also need to be able to “feel the weight.” Bearing in mind that adding that all important extra yard might take just an extra ounce of strength in your delivery, you really want to be able to “feel” the bowl to be able to make the necessary adjustment. It’s always a good idea to have a practice with a friend or team mate’s bowls, trying out different weights to get an idea of what is right for you.

Once you think you’ve found the right sort of weight that suits you, the next step is deciding on the size. Now, in days gone by if you decided for instance, that a 2lb 12oz bowl felt like a good weight, you were pretty much stuck with the size that that particular weight came in.

However, thanks to the wonders of high density and low density bowls, we can now choose a set which is either smaller or larger than the standard density size. This means that if you like the “feel” of a 2lb 12oz bowl, but (like me) you have fairly small hands, you could opt for a 2lb 12oz “high density” bowl; which will be the same size as a standard 2lb 10oz but with all the weight of a 2lb 12oz one!

Equally, if you have giant sized hands but maybe have the strength of a new born lamb (!) then you might want to go with a low density bowl; a larger bowl but in a lighter weight.

The final important factor to take into account when selecting your short mat bowls is the strength of the bias. This is the clever part of your bowl which makes the bowl turn (or peg) as it begins to slow down. As a general rule, a bowl which is made for crown green bowls has a standard bias, whereas bowls manufactured specifically for indoor bowls or short mat bowling tend to have a stronger bias, resulting in a greater effect when the bowl turns.

Under the official rules of short mat bowling, you aren’t restricted to the type of bowl you can use which means you can play with crown green, flat green, indoor or short mat bowls. Therefore, the decision is again down to personal preference; whether you feel more comfortable playing with a bowl which turns more (an indoor or short mat bowl) or a weaker biased crown green bowl.

As somebody who plays crown green bowls as well as short mat, I use my crown green woods for both. However, I tend to play lead in a team of three during short mat games, which means there are never too many other bowls for me to bowl around when I send mine. For somebody who plays second or more particularly, third as skip, I would recommend playing with indoor/short mat bowls as the stronger bias is of great benefit when you are trying to negotiate the minefield of bowls that usually exist towards the conclusion of an end.

There you have it then. As long as you keep the above factors in mind you can’t go far wrong; so you’re free to go and get that fancy set of orange and green bowls you’ve had your eye on all this time!

Matt Clarke is a Web Designer who enjoys many hobbies and interests including bowls, where he has played in short mat bowls and crown green bowling leagues and competitions for a number of years.

He posts regularly about short mat bowls on his blog at http://www.shortmatbowls.net/.
For more information about playing short mat bowls visit http://www.shortmatbowls.net/indoor-bowls-for-short-mat-bowling/.

The television is great at making you believe whatever the television wants you to think.  The television can make you act like a macho man or some badass from your favorite television show.  The 5 ways the television can influence you are:

1.  Ever wanted to be a talking parrot for you favorite news station on television?  Simply watch the news people on television enough and you will be parroting the exact lines of the people on the news who you listened to.

2.  Watch the show your favorite badass is in and emulate what he/she does on television in real life.  In no time, you will accept the values of that person on television as your own.

3.  Want to rave and talk about your favorite sports team(s) that appear on television?  Simply turn on the television and in no time, you will know more than enough about that team that appeared on television to tell your friends about what you are talking about on television.

4.  Do you like playing video games on your television?  The news is one way, but videos games are a surefire fun way to make yourself think how the characters on your television think.  It is common fact that people emulate what they see on television, and your no different.  Besides, video games put your television to good use, unlike some other television programs people watch.

5.  If the television was so hazardous, the authorities would have banned television long ago.  They did not, so the television is safe for everyone, from the television news media watching adults to the avid teens who use the television to play their favorite television-based video games.  No direction to go to?  Just let the television decide what to eat, let the television choose who to like and let the television choose what your listening to.

By the way, did you know that this article is a satire(I am joking around this time)

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As the summer months roll in and the war in the Middle East continues to rage on, fuel costs are steadily rising. Whatever reason you want to attribute the higher costs of fuel, it’s a simple fact that the prices are going up, and this could affect more than just automobiles. It also affects your mower. However, fuel efficient mowers are becoming all the rage now, and they’re making an impact on consumers and the fuel market. Small motors that are used in mowers are easy to maintain with the right knowledge or the right mechanic. They won’t suck up so much fuel as older models would have, which will save you a pretty penny in this time of expensive fuel and rising costs.

Mowers use small engines, which are relatively simple to build and maintain. They also use a lot less fuel than larger automobile engines. There are a couple reasons for this, one of which involves the fact that small engines are two-stroke, while larger engines are four-stroke. This means that it needs half the rotations in order for the fuel to spark and create the energy needed to power the mower, or whatever equipment that’s being run on the small engine. This helps with fuel maintenance while other aspects of a small engine simply make it easier to run. For one, since small engines don’t create as much heat, they can be cooled by the surrounding air, while larger engines need cooling liquid to run through it in order to properly cool down.

While power and performance are still important for mowers, manufacturers are spending more time and focus on fuel efficiency as a response to growing cost of fuel. Diesel fuels, which have always been used in small engines, such as the ones that are used in lawn mowers have always added to the machine’s fuel economy. Diesel contains greater energy content than gasoline, giving it more a bang, while also being generally cheaper than gasoline.

Conventional diesel engines, such as what is used in many mowers, can also be run by a form of alternative fuel, called biodiesel fuel. This reusable, natural fuel is made from vegetable oil and animal fat. It runs just fine in diesel engines and is much more fuel efficient. Not to mention there are numerous environmental pluses to using this type of fuel in addition to is being cheap to produce.

Propane is another fuel type that is being worked with by manufacturers, who are using this alternative fuel source to power newer models of mowers. Propane is cheaper and can be used to power many types of mowers, making it a popular new choice for people looking to save money in response to the rising costs of gasoline. Propane is also the most widely available type of alternative fuel and is great for the environmentally-conscious types, as it has much less noxious emissions than other fuel types.

A recent development in small engine mower technology is the addition of gasoline engines with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems. This technology, which has been used by Kohler small engines, a leader in EFI, helps with fuel economy in traditional carbureted engines. The monetary savings you get when using Kohler engines that enable EFI technology is reason enough to consider it as a fuel efficient new energy for a motor. For every $3.00 gallon of gasoline used in a mower, EFI technology will make it efficient enough to actually save $0.75. That’s an impressive feat, leading a number of top name brands to use Kohler engines in their products.

So, as price continues to rise on the fuel front, mower manufacturers are coming up with new technologies and alternative fuel sources. It’s changing the face of small engines and mower technology, and it’s very possible these changes will make a lasting influence on the fuel economy of mowers. It will be only a matter of time to see if these cheaper alternatives will stick around, if and when gas prices fall.

-Ben Anton, 2007

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Repower Specialists, LTD.
Read more about available fuel efficient small engine options.

Visit the Repower Specialists site specializing in golf cart repair and repowering.