Travel and Leisure

Over 800 years old, the gondola is a regarded as a
symbol of romance.  Although thinking of a gondola
may bring thoughts of Venice Italy, the gondola
ride found in Newport Beach can be just as romantic
when it comes to the symbol of romance.

Once you sit in the black yet sleek gondola, you’ll
be steered into the fairy-tale setting of the
hidden canals beyond Newport Beach.  Most of the
time, the individual steering the gondola will
appear discreet yet mysterious, hearing nothing
and saying nothing.  

With this sense, the boat will almost appear to
be moving by magic, gliding along with nothing to
disturb the soft music.  Occasionally, you can
hear the splashing of a fish breaking the surface
of the water, which actually adds to the music and
the tempo of the gondola ride.

With the gondola floating so close to the surface
of the water, you’ll feel as if every sense you have
is being tapped.  The warmth of the sun, the smell
of the water, and the lapping of the waves will set
your mind off like never before.

As you travel through the canals, you’ll find
yourself wondering if the houses are deserted and
just how romantic the atmosphere and setting make
you feel.  Even though you may have the urge to
dangle your fingers in the water, the relaxing feel
of the gandola will make you feel as if you are
too relaxed to move a muscle!

When the sun sets, you’ll pass other gandolas as
they travel through the canals.  On a couple ride,
the gandola can help to rekindle the flame or just
take you to a whole new world.  Once you return to
the docks, you’ll probably find yourself wishing
that the ride would never end.

If you’ve never experienced a gondola ride, it’s one
thing that you simply must try.  As a wedding ride,
honeymoon ride, couple ride, or just a couple of
friends, the gondola ride is something that will
make you feel as never before.

While there are a few providers of gondola rides in
Newport Beach, each one offers you the ride of a
lifetime. The gondola ride brings a touch of romance
to Newport Beach, which is something each and every
couple should have the pleasure of experiencing.

If you plan on visiting Newport Beach or if you
already live in the area, a gondola ride is something
you shouldn’t hesitate to try.  It brings a whole new
sense to the word romance and can easily make you
forget everything that has troubled you in life - if
even for a brief moment.

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Oregon is famous for the ski slopes found around the
state, and if you are planning a ski vacation, you
should definitely consider Timberline Lodge, located
near Mt. Hood in Oregon. There is quite a bit of
history in the area, starting with the lodge that was
built during the Great Depression by a master
craftsman. The Timberline Lodge also has a bit of
more recent history attached to it. Part of the movie,
The Shining, was filmed here. Many of the ‘outside´
shots were done at Timberline Lodge.

The lodge is entirely hand made, and well preserved.
The hand woven draperies and the hand hewn beams
add to the rustic charm and history of the place. The
lodge sits in the middle of 1400 acres consisting of
35 trails. The trails are perfect for beginners,
intermediates, and experts. The top elevation at
Timberline Lodge is 8504 with a vertical drop of 2501.
There are six chair lifts to accommodate skiers.

One of the most unique things about Timberline is
that it is the one place in the United States that offers
year-round snow skiing. Palmer Snowfield is part of
the Timberline Resort, and it is permanently covered
with snow. Beginners are not always allowed on
Palmer snowfield – the conditions are considered
each day when making this determination.

Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, and
lodge tours are the main attractions at Timberline.
Here, it is all about the powder! Mt. Hood is an active
volcano which is considered to be dormant.
Occasionally, tremors are felt, and steam vents are
often visible. The Cascade Dining Room is open for
breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, but the hours
do change with the seasons. Other fare can be found
at the Ram´s Head Bar, the Blue Ox bar, the Wy´East
Kitchen Cafeteria, the Market Café, and the Mt. Hood
Brewing Company.

Rental equipment is not available at Timberline. You
must bring your own equipment. However, smaller
items such as gloves and goggles can be purchased
at the lodge, along with some clothing items. There is
a snowboard and ski school on the premises, and
private and group lessons are available.

If the idea of a ‘rustic´ ski vacation appeals to you,
as opposed to trips with accommodations that are a
bit fancier, then Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the
place to be! Again, it is definitely all about the history
and the powder here. However, whether you ski or not,
you must not miss the Magic Mile, which offers a
panoramic view of the Cascade mountains that cannot
be matched!

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Aspen Mountain has long been known as the playpen
of the rich and famous – and it is. But it is also a
great place to take a family ski vacation. Christmas
in Aspen is especially wonderful! Aspen Mountain
rises above the town of Aspen, with a top elevation
of 11215 feet and a vertical drop of 3269 feet. There
are 76 trails suitable for beginners, intermediates,
and experts, accessible by eight lifts, including
seven chair lifts and one cable car line.

While Aspen has much to offer skiers, as well as
those who enjoy the night life in a ski town, you
should expect lots of crowds and lift lines on the
slopes. Again, this is the playpen of the rich and
famous, and many people choose this ski vacation
spot simply for that reason – as well as for the great
runs and nightlife.

There are numerous places to stay in and around
Aspen, with more than 100 restaurants to choose
from as well. Ski instructions and equipment rental
are abundant in the area, and snowboarders are
welcome.

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