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

PERTH

 Western Australia’s pretty capital is the most isolated city in the world. The city of Perth lies on the Swan River, just 20 km from where it flows into the Indian Ocean. The coastal plain on which it stands is bordered to the north and west by the Darling Range, beyond which lie the region’s wheat fields. To the south is a diverse landscape: forests with some of the tallest trees on earth, mountains that dramatically change colour during the course of each day and a spectacular coastline. The history of Perth has been one of building and rebuilding. Perth is a relatively small and quiet city compared with those on the east coast. Its main commercial and shopping areas can be easily explored on foot. The city’s atmosphere is brisk but not hurried. The city centre is bordered to the south and east by a wide stretch of the Swan River known as Perth Water, and to the north lies Northbridge, Perth’s restaurant and entertainment centre.

PERTH SKYLINE FROM KING'S PARK W. A.

In this view, the rapid development and progress of this flourishing city is symbolised by dramatic modern skyscrapers which dominate the city line.

Established at the end of the 19th century, King's Park is 400 ha of both wild and cultivated parkland. Situated on Mount Eliza, it offers views of the city and the Swan River. Most of the park is bush land, which can be seen from the DNA Tower. A landscaped parkland area on the eastern side includes the 17 ha Western Australian Botanic Garden. Treetops Walkway, a 629-m-long elevated walkway, gives another perspective of the garden. The State War Memorial on Anzac Bluff is dedicated to the Western Australians who died in the two world wars. 

Visit Perth

AUSTIN

 In 1839 five mounted scouts ranged over a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new capital city for the Republic of Texas. Location on north bank of Colorado River was chosen, where rich blacklands meet scenic hills. Name honors Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas". The city bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World". Austin has it all - blues, country/Western, reggae, jazz, conjunto, Tejano, swing and rock. Performed in various clubs around city and  at night spots along Sixth Street. Austin is home to  many computer chip makers and other computer industries. The city is home to nation's largest urban bat colony found under the Congress Ave. bridge during the summer.

CONGRESS AVENUE and the STATE CAPITOL

State Capitol Building, a massive, classic statehouse of famous Texas pink granite, dominates the 46 acre, park-like area. It was completed in 1888. The handsome building underwent major renovation during 1993-1994 when it was restored to original splendor. Striking state office buildings surround the Capitol. 

 

 

Visit Austin: Live Music Capital of the World 

Travel Texas

PORT ELIZABETH

 Only a few minutes away from the city centre, the beaches on the long graceful sweep of Algoa Bay provide unlimited opportunities throughout the year for swimming, rock and surf angling, deep sea fishing, boating, surfing and diving. The yachting fraternity tends to gravitate to Hobie Beach and the placid waters of the Swartkops River. The historic heart of the city and traditional gathering and bartering place. Trading still takes place here at the flea market on Saturday mornings. The impressive city hall dates from 1858. Steam train enthusiasts come from afar to ride on the Apple Express which runs from Port Elizabeth on a narrow gauge (610 mm) railway line to the fruit-growing valley of the Long Kloof.

Views of beach front and main beaches. Yachts sailing past beach front