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

LAKE of the WOODS

 Ontario's second-largest inland lake boasts nearly 15,000 islands, 105,000 km of zigzagging shoreline and more peace and quiet than many people experience in a lifetime. Lake of The Woods holds attraction for visitors of all sorts in all seasons. For the fishing and hunting crowd, there are lots of island lodges and outposts camps - not to mention moose and muskie. For hikers and naturalists, there are cliffs and rocky hills, flocks of white pelicans and lone bald eagles. For water lovers, there are houseboats to charter and sailing regattas to win. And for everyone, there's fresh air, clear blue sky and the promise of a spectacular display of northern lights.

Lake of The Woods in the heart of Ontario wilderness

Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association Regatta. Nicknamed LOWISA, this seven-day excursion cruise and seven-day race among the 14,500 islands of the fabulous Lake of the Woods provides keen sailors with some of the finest cruising in North America. Probably the biggest inland regatta in America. Starts and finishes in Kenora: early August.

Ontario's Sunset Country

Destination Ontario

DOUGLAS

 ISLE OF MAN. This self-governing part of the British Isles, 33 miles long and 13 miles wide, is situated in the middle of the Irish Sea. It has its own laws and parliament (the world's oldest), it issues its own currency, has its own Celtic language (now rarely heard) and tailless cats, called, like its residents, Manx. Steam railroads and electric streetcars add to a sense of dislocation. The Victorian resort of Douglas may be past its prime - offshore banking is the big business now - but along the south-west coast you will find picturesque ports, sandy beaches and glen-cut cliffs. The magnificent sweep of Douglas Bay, against the background of green hills, has a charm hard to equal anywhere. Douglas was a pioneer in illuminations and at night presents a scene of spectacular beauty, never to be forgotten.

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN. This lovely expanse of sandy beach offers every facility for safe bathing.

SUN VALLEY

 Sun Valley is the West's storied ski resort, with a long history of movie stars and other royalty escaping to its secluded slopes. Today, people come from all over to experience the old-world charm of this cozy alpine village on the edge of the wilderness. Sun Valley is bustling year-round - so come hit the greens at its beautiful golf courses, take a guided trails at the Sun Valley Stables, and watch world-class figure skaters practice and perform at the Lodge's ice rink. Less than a mile away is the mountain town of Ketchum, where Ernest Hemingway spent his last years. The romantic Sun Valley-Ketchum resort area is famous for world-class skiing and hiking, mountain biking , and art-gallery browsing. In March, independent cinema comes to screens around town during the Sun Valley Film Festival. Readers and writers gather in September for the Ernest Hemingway Festival.

Happy skiers get ready to tackle Bald Mountain on a beautiful Sun Valley morning. With a 3,400 foot vertical drop and over 70 runs to chose from... where do you start? This mountain is HUGE!

Visit Sun Valley

BOKSBURG

 Within a major gold producing area, this town grew around the gold mining industry.  Also a large coal producing area. Boksburg Lake, created in 1888 as a watering place for cattle, is now a major attraction. It has good sailing and recreational facilities, surrounded by terraces, lawns and trees. Also Artists in the Sun, tribal dancing, pipe band and a miniature train. Cinderella Dam offers yachting and windsurfing. Flea Market held on the first Saturday of each month in front of the Boksburg Civic Centre. Besides a variety of items on sale, numerous food stalls and entertainment available. 

Boksburg from the air. Yachtings on the Cinderella Dam. Boksburg Lake. A view from the Townhall Gardens. Progressive Industries.

Hechter Schultz Museum houses ethnographical collections of Southern Bantu. Also extensive collection of Bushmen beadwork and hunting equipment. North Rand Road (Road was built by Italian prisoners of war): Warehouse Disco; Hypermarket Complex - largest shopping complex in the southern hemisphere;  La Grange Bird Park; Fun Factory - incorporates an ice-rink, ten-pin bowling centre and Daytona 600 Grand Prix track.

GALWAY

 City of the Tribes

Galway is noted as the principal city of Connacht. It is situated on the northern shore near the head of famous Galway Bay.  With a character all its own, Galway is a city where modern development blends pleasantly with winding narrow streets that were old centuries ago. The history of this City of the Tribes can be traced back to the 13th century and the Anglo-Normans, and its many ancient buildings bear testimony to the many influences, including Spanish, which marked its life.  The streets and buildings of this ancient town have many interesting features and its position on the fringe of the Western Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) make it obvious gateway to Connemara, an entrancing countryside where the ancient language and customs of Ireland are preserved. 

[1978]

Galway is one of the most exciting of Irish cities, gateway between the Old World and the New. Columbus prayed in St. Nicholas' Church before setting out on his voyage of discovery. The short river Corrib flows through Galway city to enter the Atlantic. Salthill, the seaside suburb, is one of the most fashionable and up-to-date resorts in Ireland. Its fine promenade is equipped with a swimming pool and there is an 18-hole golf course close beside it. Salthill has the best of both worlds. It adjoins an ancient and historic city, fascinating to explore.

Galway Tourism

DARTMOUTH

 CITY OF LAKES

Dartmouth is Nova Scotia second largest city. Founded in 1750, Dartmouth is linked by two bridges to its twin city, Halifax. Known as "The City of Lakes" because of the 23 lakes found within its boundaries offering warm water swimming, boating, canoeing and water skiing. Nearby are the salt water beaches of Lawrencetown and Cow Bay. Tourist attractions in Dartmouth include Shubenacadie Canal, dating from the 1850's, now a public park with walking trails and interpretive signs along the canal banks; the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia which chronicles the history of  Nova Scotia's black Settlers; and Lake Banook, location of canoe races, wind surfing venue and two public beaches. On the Dartmouth side is Alderney Landing Park, a strip of green that looks out to sea and is the location of music concerts during the summer months.

GREETINGS FROM DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia

SPALDING

Spalding is a bustling Georgian Market Town set around the picturesque River Welland and situated within the South Lincolnshire Fens, approximately 105 miles north of London. The settlement’s name is derived from an Anglian tribe, the Spaldingas, who settled in the area during the 6th century. Surrounded by dikes and streams and counting seven bridges in its town center, it has a Dutch feel, reinforced by tulip fields in Springfield Gardens and its Flower Parade in early May. The parade celebrated the region’s vast tulip production and the cultural links between the Fens and the landscape and people of South Holland. Spalding has a surplus of small but worthwhile attractions, like Britain’s tallest windmill, an authentic blacksmith’s forge and Medieval churches. It is quite a special part of Lincolnshire and most definitely worth visiting numerous times.

SPRINGFIELDS GARDENS

Received from Thomas, Northamptonshire