EXMOOR

 Exmoor, England's smallest national park, packs in a great variety of scenery, from towering cliffs along the coast, to lush, wooded combes riven by sparkling streams, to gentle farmland in the east and wilder moorland in the center and south. The heathland of Exmoor starts abruptly at around 1,000 feet above  sea level, leaving behind lush wooded valleys and productive farmland well sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds. You'll be very lucky to spot any of the resident red deer, but you'll certainly meet a few hardy, dun-colored Exmoor ponies on your travels. To set the scene, you might want to read R.D. Blackmore's historical novel, Lorna Doone, based on stories about a group of 17-th century outlaws who lived in a beautiful part of the park now commonly known as  Doone County.

LORNA DOONE FARM, EXMOOR,  NORTH DEVON

Received from Thomas, Northamptonshire

KIMBERLEY

DIAMOND CITY

South Africa leads in world gemstone production. Kimberley is the diamond centre of the world.  In 1866, an unusual 'pebble' was found near Kimberley on the banks of the Orange River. The discovery precipitated the world's greatest diamond rush - and changed the course of history. Today, Kimberley is a modern city with broad, tree-lined streets, comfortable hotels and busy shopping centres. But the extraordinary saga of its past seems ever-present, enveloping it in an aura of adventure and drama. If you close your eyes, it's easy to conjure up a picture of the diggers, loafers, gamblers and 'ladies' of ill repute who once inhabited the dusty shanty town. 

The diamond sieve statue in the Civic Centre Gardens depicts the diggers of the early days; with the Oppenheimer Building

The Digger's Fountain commemorates the contribution made by thousands of diggers whom toiled on the mines. Despite the fact that the mines are approaching the end of their lives, the name "Kimberley" will always be synonymous  with diamonds. In the words of former De Beers Chairman, Mr Harry Oppenheimer, 'the city will  remain the capital of the world's diamond industry, even when all the mines around it are silent relics like the Big Hole'.

OCONOMOWOC

 The resort community of Oconomowoc (incorporated as city in 1875) sits in the heart of Wisconsin's lake country. Lac La Belle and Fowler Lake are within the city's limit, with Oconomowoc Lake nearby. A walking tour leads to many of the city's restored mansions, a fieldstone train depot. Ole Evinrude, an Oconomowoc resident who invented the outboard boat motor in 1907, is the focus of an exhibit of early boat motors. Another Oconomowoc claim to fame is its setting for the 1939 premier showing of the movie, “The Wizard of Oz.”

 The only thing brighter than the Oconomowoc area's past is its future!

Boat Races on Lac Labelle, Oconomowoc

Named after the Potowatomi word for "where the waters meet" you will find two lakes in the heart of Oconomowoc that are separated only by a narrow strip of land. Fowler Lake and Lac La Belle not only offer natural beauty that can be admired from the shoreline whether fishing, relaxing on a park bench or while on a walk along the isthmus that separates them, but it  can also be enjoyed from the water.

For more information about the Oconomowoc area, visit City of Oconomowoc, WI