Pony Trekking in Spain: The Equine Lover’s Holiday
October 7, 2008
Pony trekking has gained immense popularity in Spain in recent years. Few better ways exist to combine balmy weather, gorgeous scenery and horseback riding into one vacation. Pony trekking holidays draw equine fans from all over the world to sunny Spain. One travel publication lists Spain as one of the top 10 destinations for pony trekking holidays.
Spain is already renowned the world over for its climate and geography. Spain’s biggest tourism draw is its nearly year-round sunshine, particularly on the coasts. Falling a close second on the tourist-favorites list is Spain’s vast terrain and stunning natural resources. Tourists are urged not to spend too much time in a car while holidaying in Spain. This spectacular country is best seen up close and personal. Horseback riding makes the A-list when it comes to ways to do just that.
Mastering Your Aquarium Microcosm
October 7, 2008
If a home aquarium is a microcosmic world, we play a godlike role when we introduce a new fish species: choose poorly and mayhem or the loss of animals may result; choose intelligently and years of beauty and fascinating behaviors can be our reward.
As stewards of creatures from coral reefs and rainforest streams, our first goal is to keep our fishes alive and healthy.
Editing Seeing Red - Secret Communication of Reef Species
October 7, 2008
Previously unknown to scientists, divers, and even observant aquarium keepers, a secret form of communication between coral reef fishes has been discovered.
Because red light downwelling from the sun is selectively absorbed by seawater, scientists have long assumed that red light is of little importance to reef fishes in shallower waters less than 33 ft. (10 m) deep where blue-green light dominates.
Now a team of researchers has discovered that 32 different reef fishes from 16 genera and five different families have the ability to display red fluorescence in daytime conditions and in waters without natural red light from the sun. Heads, eyes, and fins are the body regions that fluoresce most intensely, and it is surmised that the flashing of color is important in silent underwater communication between aquatic species.
Why Do Waterfowlers Love Cork Duck Decoys?
October 7, 2008
During the season we duck hunt every day. Not every few days or on weekends, but every day one or more of the “Pawlet Duck Club” is on the water somewhere in our little valley, tossing decoys into the river. This year, “setting the dekes” became one of the most pleasurable parts of the hunt as we all upgraded to new cork decoys that are certainly the finest production cork decoys ever built. Our little river now hosts a resplendent flotilla of magnificent decoys that would draw any duck out of the sky. And when the ducks aren’t flying, they’re simply wonderful to look at.
Just putting these decoys in the water is worth the price as these are heirloom quality decoys with construction and paint features beyond anything any of us had been privy to. From the designs of Cameron McIntyre, one of the premier decoy carvers and restorers in the country, each decoy is made in the same step-by-step process McIntyre uses in the carving of his wooden decoys.