Leatherback Turtle [Dermochelys coriacea] is listed as Critically Endangered (facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future). In South Africa, Leatherback Turtles are fully protected under the KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation Management Act.
The Leatherback turtle has a unique system of blood supply to bones and cartilage. This enables their body temperature to stay several degrees above the water temperature and allows them to tolerate cold water. They can dive to depths of up to 1,200 meters much deeper than any other marine turtle.
Most widely distributed of all sea turtles. Found world wide with the largest north and south range of all the sea turtle species. Leatherback Turtles are present throughout the Indian Ocean and are not uncommon in the pelagic zone around South Africa. They tend to stay away from the near shore zone and are capable of tolerating extremely cold water during feeding movements. Leatherback Turtles are known to frequent the cold southern ocean as far as 600 km south of Cape Agulhus and are often recorded in the Benguela Current area of the West Coast.
Leatherback Turtles are the largest living marine reptiles and live almost their entire lives at sea. The only time that they are on land is when the female turtles lay eggs, and when hatchlings emerge from the nest and make their way to ocean.
Leatherback Turtles are one of the most migratory of all marine turtle species, making trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific crossings. They are easily distinguished by their carapace, which is leathery (not hard as in other turtles) and by their long front flippers.
The Leatherback Turtle eats only Jellyfish.
The Leatherback Turtle are primarily found in the open ocean, as far north as Alaska and as far south as the southern tip of Africa.
The leatherback’s size is 5.2 meters in length.
The leatherback’s weight up to to 500 kg.
The females come ashore in bands and lay their 60 to 100 eggs in holes that have been dug in the sand. Seven weeks later, when the eggs hatch, the babies rush back to the water.
See the Leatherback Turtle before they are gone.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: mailto:gerald@12234455.co.za gerald@12234455.co.za Website Address: 12234455.co.za 12234455.co.za
The state of Maryland is located on the east coast of the United States. The state came into existence in the year 1788 as a colony founded by Lord Baltimore. Maryland is surrounded by the state of Delaware in the east, Virginia in the south and Pennsylvania in the north.
The state is geographically divided into east and west Maryland by the Chesapeake Bay. The shores surrounding the bay are heavily indented, which helps in the development of fishing and local farm economy.
The state of Maryland is spread over an area of 27,394 sq. km. and has a population of around 5.2 million according to the 2000 census. The constitution of Maryland was adapted in 1867. It is governed through a general assembly consisting of 47 senators and 141 delegates elected for a four-year term.
Baltimore, the largest city and port in Maryland is a great tourist attraction. The state is home to a number of military bases like Fort George G. Meade and Andrews Air Force Base. Apart from agriculture, the economy of Maryland is a mix of various industries like electric equipment, food processing, chemical products, machinery, primary metals, coal, tourism, information and biotechnology.
Maryland has had a turbulent history, especially during the times of the Civil War when the state witnessed several wars. However, today the image of the state has changed and become a popular spot for tourists and vacationers alike. The beaches in and around Chesapeake Bay are attractions that are worth checking out.
Tourism is one of the largest industries in Maryland. There are a variety of tours and packages to suit the need of every traveler. With newer industries adding to the job opportunities in the state, Maryland is headed for a better and brighter future.
z-Maryland.com Maryland provides detailed information on Maryland, Ocean City Maryland, Map Of Maryland, Maryland Lottery and more. Maryland is affiliated with Tennessee-Web.com TN.
Get it all at the thirteenth annual Sturgis on the River motorcycle rally from June 14 16, 2007. This event in downtown Davenport, Iowa, is the largest gathering of motorcycles in the Midwest. The free event takes place along the Mississippi River on the showgrounds west of the Centennial Bridge, John O’Donnell stadium, and LeClaire Park. The showgrounds are located at 215 S. Marquette Street. All makes and models of motorcycles are welcome.
Join the Big Schwag from the Discovery Channels Monster Garage all weekend at Sturgis on the River as he is the emcee for the three-day event.
You and your group travel club can watch the motorcycle stunt shows of Ball of Steel featuring freestyle motocross and back flip finales. Visit the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall. The nation’s largest traveling Vietnam Memorial will be setup in LeClaire Park. In addition, it includes the Vietnam Remembered art collection of 90 original paintings by Norm Bergsma.
There are different rides scheduled for each night to see the most of the area from rides along the river, on the Great River Road, and through the countryside. Ride maps will be available that show attractions, casinos, and places to stop and get a bite to eat. Choose from a 4, 6, or 8 hour ride.
Enjoy powerhouse bands until midnight on all three nights! Sturgis on the River also features over 100 product vendor booths to help complete the perfect setting for a perfect weekend. General gate admission is $5.00 per person or FREE to motorcyclists who ride in.
Hours: 12 noon to midnight on Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday. For more information about Sturgis on the River, call 309-799- SHOW (7469) or check out their website at
This guide is intended for tourists or visitors who are limited to a two day visit to Bristol. There is a short historical section followed by the 6 ‘must see’ sites or attractions which Bristol has to offer followed by a selection of good Hotels or accommodation which are in proximity to the chosen attractions.
History
The city stands at the mouth of the river Avon which flows into the Severn Estuary in England, which in turn flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Thus since medieval times Bristol developed as a major sea faring port in England. In 1497 John Cabot set sail from Bristol in his ship The Matthew with a crew of 26 and is credited with the discovery of America. Latterly a number of Americans have been able to trace their ancestry back to that first voyage.
In 1547 the city was visited by Queen Elizabeth 1 and described the Church of St Mary Redcliffe as the ‘fairest, goodliest and most famous Parish Church in England’.
Trade from the City boomed and was boosted tremendously by the advent of the Slave Trade in the 18th Century. Bristol ships would sail to Africa where slaves would be bought or exchanged for goods and then transported on to The West Indies and America where they were sold on or exchanged for Tobacco, Sugar and Chocolate.
Bristol became a centre for Shipbuilding to very high standards and gave rise to the phrase ‘ship shape and Bristol fashion’. It was here that Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed and built The SS Great Britain, at that time the world’s largest iron, propelled steamship. She was launched by Prince Albert in 1843 and sailed on her maiden voyage to America in 1845. Brunel also famously designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the Avon Gorge in Bristol. He died 5 years before its completion in 1864.
Nowadays the City is very cosmopolitan and has a thriving business and finance quarter in addition to a large student population at the city’s two universities.
6 ‘Must see’attractions in the 2 days
1. The Clifton Suspension Bridge
The bridge is only a short distance form the city centre. It spans the Avon Gorge and is a magnificent testament to the genius of Brunel. Be sure to view it from below by car as you drive along the Portway then up bridge Valley Road. Park on the Clifton side of the bridge and walk across the bridge to take in magnificent views towards the city or down the Avon Gorge.
2. St Mary Redcliffe Church
This church was built by the Merchant Venturers of Bristol and is so grand in aspect and architecture that it is frequently mistaken to be the Cathedral. Try its Undercroft café where regular live jazz sessions are held.
3. Tour of the Docks and waterfronts by Ferry.
Go to the city centre where ferry trips leave on a regular basis throughout everyday of the year. Take the guided tour ferries which are very inexpensive and observe many attractive waterfront features and sites including The Arnolfini Gallery, The Watershed Media Centre, The Industrial Museum (currently closed for refurbishment and flanked by the 19th Century Cranes), the impressive Lloyds TSB Headquarters building and a replica of The Matthew moored alongside the giant SS Great Britain.
4. The SS Great Britain and The Matthew
The SS Great Britain was brought back to Bristol in 1970 after being left to rot in the Falkland Islands after haing its mast destroyed in storms off Cape Horn. The ship has undergone continuous restoration in dry dock and is now a magnificent museum which has won several major tourist awards. Berthed alongside in the water is the replica of The Matthew (see History section above), which is a working ship/museum which can be hired for sailings and upon which trips can be taken in the docks area. One entrance fee includes both ships. The Matthew is dwarfed by the SS Great Britain and it is difficult to contemplate the cramped conditions Cabot and his crew of 26 must have endured in their voyage across the Atlantic to America.
5. The British and Empire Commonwealth Museum at Temple Meads Station
This museum is situated at the mainline railway station in Bristol. The original Terminal for the GWR was designed by Brunel and now houses the Museum alongside the newer station.
Recently the Museum has now taken over the housing of the Slave Trade Exhibition which was formerly at the Industrial Museum in the Docks.
6. Millennium Square, IMAX, Wildscreen and Explore @ Bristol
This is a modern waterside complex built on the site of former warehouses at Canons Marsh. This is a very popular area for visitors with children – there being lots of interesting water features for children to play in. The IMAX cinema is a 3D cinema with programmes for children and the modern Wildscreen and Explore@ Bristol are hi-tech modern science and nature themed buildings and hands on exhibitions.
Hotels close to the attractions
Jury’s Hotel, Prince Street
This 4 star hotel is on the waterfront near the Watershed Media Centre and to the Arnolfini Gallery.
The Marriot Royal Hotel, College Green, Bristol
This is Bristol’s most luxurious hotel ( 4star) situated on College Green next to the Cathedral and is usually frequented by actors and stars performing at the City’s Hippodrome Theatre nearby. Originally Victorian but now totally refurbished.
Mercure Brigstow Hotel, Welshback, Bristol
This is Bristol’s newest modern hotel with a central riverside location. Close to The famous Llandoger Trow pub and hotel and The Duke pub (live jazz sessions evenings and weekends).
The Youth Hostel, Narrow Quay, Bristol
Operates from a converted warehouse right on the waterfront, close to the city centre and is excellent value for money.
The Avon Gorge Hotel, Sion Hill, Clifton , Bristol
This Hotel enjoys a spectacular aspect overlooking the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Its exterior sun terrace bar which overlooks the Gorge and Bridge is very popular in Spring and Summer.
David Shires is an independent fiction and article writer based in Bristol and is interested in tourism in the South West, travel in general and legal issues and services
