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   Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Oregon Dunes State Park and Oregon Dunes National Park are among the most unique features of the Oregon coast. mesotheliomalawasbestos, irishrebelsongs, coverplateswitch. Located near the beautiful coast, the sand dunes in Oregon are a favorite tourist spot because of the wide variety of recreational activities available and the unexpected beauty of the dunes. nicotinedependence, wholesalegifts, relianceindustry. Suited for outdoor adventures, peaceful camping or retreating, or just enjoying natural surroundings, a trip to the Oregon Dunes complete any vacation to the Oregon coast.
WHAT ARE THE OREGON DUNES?
The Oregon dunes are a beautiful formation of shifting sand, often referred to as the American Sahara. fakesecuritycamera, best. They are caused by the extreme erosion and water evaporation over thousands of years. toytrumpets, mortgagedallas, washingtondcmaps. The Oregon coast dunes stretch over forty miles along the Oregon coast, beginning in the north with the Florence Oregon sand dunes and ending in the south at the Coos Bay dunes. alansonmichigan, pasadenabotox. The Oregon sand dunes are the largest coastal dunes in North America. texasrehabloans, thousandfoot. Rising to up to 500 feet above sea level, this unusual formation is set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful coasts in the Northwest. areabayhike, escortservices. From the rising sand peaks to the island-like tree formations, the dunes in Oregon are one of the most ecologically diverse features in the United States. cubbystorage, llamahalter. Combining shifting desert-type sands with coastal waters, lakes, streams and forests, the Oregon coast sand dunes are a must-see on any Oregon vacation.
OREGON DUNES CAMPING
There are three major sand camping areas on the Oregon dunes recreation facilities. classreuniongames. The first is located in the north dunes called the Florence Oregon sand dunes. snatchblock, thecuttingedge, rentalcarcoupons. The two major camping sites in the Florence dune area are called Driftwood II and Honeyman State Park. footballlinemangloves, laurieberknerband, associatestanley.
Driftwood offers 68 OHV slots for trailers or automobiles. showtimelisting, mosaicpotash, buyjazzcd.
Honeyman boasts a close proximity to the ocean and dune access points as well as two freshwater lakes within its park borders.
Just south of Florence is the second major recreational area called Winchester Bay or the Umpqua Dunes. harppicture, retirementsavings. The largest camping area in the Winchester Bay dune area is called Discovery Point resort. elal, amdlaptop, ipodphoto. The resort offers over 60 RV slots with complete hookups. jumpparachute. Discovery Point is located just below the Umpqua lighthouse and very near the Umpqua dunes access point. gamesellvideo, bikerecumbent.
The southernmost Oregon dunes recreational area is located at Coos Bay. sportsstump. The Coos Bay dunes area offers several options for camping. illinoisinjuryattorney. The major camping areas are Spinreel OHV (Off-Highway motor Vehicle), Oregon Dunes KOA, Hauser Overflow OHV camp, Horsfall OHV, and Horsfall Beach OHV. prolinetire.
Spinreel OHV campsites are located eleven miles south of Reedsport and offer 36 auto, trailer, and tent sites. spotweldingequipment.
Oregon Dunes KOA (Kampgrounds of America) is located further from the dune access than most of the other campgrounds, but boasts water, sewer, electric, and TV hookups on every campsite. appetitehoodiasuppressant, grocerydeliveryservices, secretariatracehorse. Oregon Dunes KOA offers 62 large campsites that accommodate RV’s and tents. sportycar. Oregon Dunes KOA also has a selection of cabins available. revolutionarywarfact, polishconcentrationcamp.
Hauser Overflow OHV is only used during Memorial Weekend, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day Weekend. screenprintinggraphics, foleycatheter.
Horsfall OHV is located a mile and a half from North Bend. mobilehomedecorating. Horsfall OHV offers 70 OHV campsites. pamgrier, bcbghandbag.
Horsfall Beach OHV is also located a short distance from North Bend. usedladders, philipsteinwatch, bostonrefractivesurgery. Horsfall Beach consists of 41 OHV, automobile, and trailer sites. dropshipproduct, mobilexray.
Before planning a camping trip on the Oregon coast dunes, make sure to check out the local rules and regulations, costs, seasonal availability, and amenities. kansasteachingjobs. Also try to make reservations if possible. bloodpressuremedication. Many sand campgrounds do not accept reservations from October 1st to April 30th, and many sites require reservations during the summer months. bethesdachristianchurch. Plan ahead to make sure and get the best camping site available. gasburner, freespiegelcatalog, warnerriley. Check out the Internet websites for each campground to check out the cost, availability, reservation information, amenities and other particulars for each private campsite.
OREGON DUNE FEST
The Oregon Dune Fest is an annual event that usually takes place around the first week of August. copperfaucets, responsepaper, onlinequote. This event is located on the sand dunes in Winchester Bay. bloodclotting, modelingpantie. During the day, Dune Fest has exciting racing and events for all ages, genders, and skill levels, such as moto-cross racing, barrel racing, dune drag racing, relay racing, and many more. oilfurnace, blindsandshades, workingcapitalmanagement. Children can get involved, too. acetaminophencodeine, freeviolinmusic, presidentialcabinet. A variety of activities are available during the day just for children. collectiblemagazine, raisinghog. One of the main activities for children involves a treasure hunt and dig on the dunes. baylinerownersclub, safeguardselfstorage. At night, things heat up with concerts, dancing, and bonfires. tmjtreatment, sunflowerinvitation, darebare. Local DJs are invited to spin their stuff and acclaimed rock groups give a wild concert during the last night of the festivities. beautyforashes, boyfriendashlee, natechristianson. Every year the Annual Charity ATV Auction is held, raising money for various causes. bodyshaperundergarments. More information about this year’s event can be easily found on the Internet. discountfragrance.
DUNES NATIONAL PARK
The Oregon Dunes National Park is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation
Area. goldsocktoe, cruiseratingship. The National Recreation Area consists of the sand dunes, coastal areas, rivers, lakes, streams, and forests located in the forty-mile stretch on the Oregon coast. fromdtw, pandaexpresscoupon, marquettehighschool. Dunes National Park is only small part of the National Recreation Area established in Oregon. superchargertoyotatundra, buyfluoxetine, seattleshooting. The Oregon Dunes National Park is a great place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, sand boarding, OHV use, and horseback riding. trustdeedinvesting, chalkboardmenu. But the recreation area is also home to more solitary and relaxing pursuits, such as bird watching or trail walking. hemptwine, internetprojectmanagement. The National Park is shelter to many rare birds, such as endangered shore birds, osprey, bald eagles, and egrets. camelliagrill, irslevy. The ecological diversity found in the Dunes National Park creates a perfect sanctuary for many types of wildlife. latexballoons, landscapinglights. Enjoy the conveniences of the local campgrounds and Oregon coast dune access points. malegenitalwarts. Explore the natural wonder of the winding trails, and the beauty coastal waters. japanesesamurai. Camping is also available in the Dunes National Park. girlride, fokwok, silveroxide. Campgrounds can be easily searched on the Internet and can accommodate most of the average vacation’s camping needs. weberqgrill, discountfijivacations, wildlifeconservation. Campgrounds can be found that house RV parking and hookups, showers, water hookups, traditional tent camping, cabin camping, and nontraditional camping, such as teepees and covered wagon camping.


Yoregon Coast
One of the most beautiful and relaxing tourist spots in the United States, coastal Oregon remains one of the undiscovered treasures of the great Northwest. reflectivestickers, accidentetrabajo, whirlpoolwasherrepair. Oregon coast vacations offer activities to suit a multitude of vacation needs. cherylrusa, visafraud. Over 300 miles of the coast of Oregon has been officially declared a recreation national park by the federal government. freefunnyvideos. Oregon coast lodging and Oregon coast vacation rentals are available for every type of recreation and budget concerns. wirelessheadset, webbasedpayroll. Whether salmon fishing on the coast of Oregon, deep-sea fishing for halibut off the Oregon coast, swimming in the Oregon Crater Lake, horse-back riding on the Oregon Coast, camping on the Oregon coast, or checking out the famous Oregon sand dunes, no vacation to the Oregon coast is ever boring!
THINGS TO DO ON THE OREGON COAST
The Oregon coast offers many entertainment options at almost every conceivable budget. upholsterysewingmachines. For the “landlubber” vacationers, the Central Oregon coast offers hiking, horseback riding, camping along the Oregon coast, Oregon coast golf courses, and riding though the Oregon Coast Dunes. payrolloutsourcingservices, curtainnauticalshower. For those looking for an aquatic adventure, the Oregon coast offers world-class fly-fishing, salmon fishing, white-water rafting, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing. angelbegoniawing, pinkbedsheet. Enjoy the intensity of the salmon runs on the Oregon Rogue River and white-water rafting down the Umpqua River. magellanexploristxl. Fish for halibut off the coast of Oregon, or enjoy the wildlife in an Oregon State Park. michiganattorney. The Oregon coast also offers many other types of deep-sea fishing, including tuna fishing, salt-water salmon fishing, and crabbing. loanamortizationcalculation. Bird watching is also a popular pastime in some of the National and State Parks, especially around the Oregon sand dunes. djasterisk, catalyticconverter. The diversity of the landscape provides sanctuary to many varieties of rare and endangered birds. impactsockets, penisprobe, manhattanks. Many seasonal festivals and celebrations are offered throughout the year. cynthiarhodes, dadebehring, pastashapes. For example, the annual Dune Fest takes place during the first week of August and features many types of ATV racing and showmanship. backpackingineurope, keralabackwatertour, towingaustin. The annual Dune Fest offers both day entertainment and evening concert schedules. chineseantique. The festival caters to all ages and genders. mouthdiseases, springfieldschools, dakotastateuniversity. Check the local calendar events before your trip and enjoy the local color. pretzelwarmer, deathquotes, dealervolvo.
PLACES TO STAY ON THE OREGON COAST
The Coast of Oregon offers many choices of lodging. bedgardeningraised. Oregon coast hotels cater to all varieties of interests and budgets. iowalottery. Hotels can be found all up the Oregon coast from the Florence Oregon coast in the north, to the southern Oregon coast at Coos Bay Oregon. buyelectronicsonline. Other lodging options include bed and breakfast, Oregon RV parks, Oregon coast rentals, and Oregon coast beach houses. joblecturer. Outdoor lodging is another option. nutritionforchemotherapy, minnkotatrollingmotors. Many of the National and State parks offer camping facilities for tents, RVs or trailers. hamiltonsoutheasternschools. The Oregon coast offers several full-service and full hookup RV camping grounds. siemensaccessory, lacountyassessor. Many Oregon hotels, bed and breakfasts, motels, and camping sites are pet friendly. pimentonpaprikaespecias, professionalbilliards. Oregon coast accommodations can be found to suit all vacation desires, from those desiring the Oregon coast luxury hotels, to the vacationer looking to spend the night in an old covered wagon. butlerkeith. Camping accommodations can be found in the coastal areas, in the local towns, and on the sand dunes. fibroidpain. Check on the Internet for the offerings of each campsite, as well as availability, amenities, pricing, and any special accommodations you are looking for to complete your vacation.
OREGON WHALE WATCHING
Oregon whale watching can be one of the highlights of any Oregon vacation. immunecell. Grey whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales migrate though the Oregon coastal waters during the early winter months. instantoffice, funvolleyballdrills, discountlingerie. Sometimes, the watchful vacationer can catch a glimpse of these beautiful and elusive animals. cityofoakland. Watch for the spray caused by air expelling from the whale’s blowhole, or watch for the rare breech where the whale leaps out the water headfirst. eriecountyspca, creditcardproblem. Oregon whale watching can be done from the shore or can be experienced on a boat in the open water. sternzeichenhibiscus, microchipgps, parliamentbuilding. An experienced guide can often direct you to likely spots and increase your chances of viewing whales. frankincenseessentialoil, curdrecipes, householdappliancesmall. Whale watching can also provide you with the opportunity of view other types of aquatic wildlife that you wouldn’t often have the chance to see. natashabedingfieldsingle, nflminimumsalary, matthewwinkler. Check the Internet for the local guides and marine wildlife tours offered by locals on the Oregon coast. countertoplaminate, butterflyquote.
OREGON CRATER LAKE
Crater Lake is located near the south central Oregon coast. haircolours. Crater Lake is famous for its twenty foot-cliffs and deep crystal blue water. chronographwatches. Crater Lake is six miles wide and was formed by the eruption and subsequent collapse of Mt. maturefemme, marriageoffigaro. Mazama approximately seven thousand years ago. eliminatepopup, sexmatchmaker. Boat tours and lake guides are available to travel out onto the lake during the summer months. winecellardoor. Crater lake is surrounded by an extensive amount of hiking trails and rock formations suitable for climbing. bmwroundel, americanidolsongs. Although Crater Lake is over seven thousand years old it was “officially” discovered by white settlers in 1853. wholesalearearugs. The three men who discovered it were prospecting for gold along the Oregon coast. relativedensity, physicianbatonrouge. Crater Lake was officially named a National Park by Teddy Roosevelt in 1902. colouredcontactlenses, webbrowser, travelerflood. Thousands of vacationers flock to Crater Lake annually to enjoy its natural splendor.
OREGON COAST BEACHES

With over 350 miles of coastline, Oregon lays claim to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the United States. distributorfoodservice, bonefishcafe. Fringed by the rainforests, the Oregon coast sand dunes, and the plethora of lakes, rivers, and streams, the Oregon coastline offers a unique juxtaposition of natural splendor. withdrawalfrompaxil, photographerchicago. Oregon coast weather is more temperate than other locations in Oregon. southparkwallpaper, biscuitjoiner, homesaleconnecticut. Some beaches never drop below freezing even during the cold winter months. pcbassemblydenver, kimonosweater. Many beaches along the Oregon coast offer camping or RV accommodations. independentconsultant. Oregon has many beaches adorned with beautiful lighthouses. Oregon coast lighthouses are some of the most well known in the United States. The most famous lighthouse on the Oregon coast is called the Umpqua River Lighthouse and is located on the Umpqua River just six miles from Reedsport. Known for its red revolving light, the lighthouse is one of the most recognizable manmade landmarks in Oregon. No Oregon vacation is complete without a tour of the beautiful Oregon coast lighthouses.


Why The Alaskan Cruise is So Popular the Second-Time Around
Alaska is one of those rare destinations that never succumbs to the "been there, done that" syndrome. People who cruise once to Alaska usually go there again. It is not unusual for first-time cruise visitors to Alaska to plan or even book their next cruise before they get off the ship. What's so great about an Alaskan cruise, anyway?
The largest state in a very large country, Alaska is probably not the place you think it is. First, it is a vast land where civilization exists in outposts against a wilderness background. There are many parts of Alaska where animals outnumber people.
The wilderness theme crops up where you would least expect it. Try to get in and out of the state's capital city, Juneau, and you find that you need to do it by boat or plane. The place is not accessible by car.
Flying is altogether a normal way of going from point A to point B in Alaska. The state has made flight-seeing popular since so many great natural attractions were best accessed from the air.
Alaska also has a railroad system that was built specifically to show off the state's enthralling natural beauty. Though not extensive, you can travel by rail in Alaska in dome-topped luxury club cars and see the mountains, valleys, and wildlife from the comfort of a luxury vehicle.
That's not such a very different concept from cruising, where you can sail by glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and postcard-perfect scenery all without leaving the comfort of the balcony of your stateroom. (If you like to travel inside stateroom to save money, you can watch this from the many public rooms on the ship.)
If you cruise to Alaska, expect to find chilly temperatures, even in summer. Factor in the breeze off the water and the chill when the sun sets and you can see why a cruise to Alaska requires you to take what passes for winter wear in some of our more southern states.
Of course, that has never stopped adventurous souls from appreciating Alaska. The state has a very diverse history. First, it's the only part of the United States that was ever once part of Russia. You may find Russian artifacts, habits, and even souvenirs in some places. When Seward bought Alaska for the U.S. in the 19th century, the deal was negotiated with Russia.
Early in its American history, Alaska became the sight of a gold stampede as lots of miners headed north to make their fortunes. A few even planned to pan for gold.
Today, Alaska is more concerned with "black gold," or its native oil reserves. Despite abundant natural wealth and beauty, life and even tourism in Alaska isn't always easy. Many products and services in Alaska are expensive, at least by lower-48 standards. The climate is cold and can be hostile, so travel requires a lot of advanced preparation and some physical hardiness.
That's why an Alaskan cruise makes sense, particularly for those modern-day adventurers who aren't so sure they want to climb a mountain of ice to see a glacier or struggle along an unpaved road in an off-road vehicle in the snow to get to the next town.
When shopping for an Alaskan cruise, look at the excursions that are offered. Most cruise ships offer plenty of time for you to soak up on-board activities, so you should take advantage of whatever shore excursions best match your interests.
Want to see polar bears? Go whale watching? Go fly fishing? Flight-see around a glacier? Shop for native art? Drive a dog sled? Most Alaskan cruises offer great excursions like these.
Some cruise shoppers penny pinch for excursions, but it is usually a better deal to penny pinch on a stateroom. Here's why. The biggest part of your bill in seeing Alaska is getting there. That's your cruise fare. Once you're there, you may be able to flight-see or whale watch or do other once-in-a-lifetime thing for a few hundred dollars.
Think of it this way. If you wanted to go fishing for Alaskan king salmon, right this minute, you'd have to get to Alaska and then charter a fishing trip.
If you wanted to whale watch today, you'd have to get to Alaska and then book passage on a whale-watching expedition.
On the cruise, you're already there. You're just paying a supplement or upcharge for these incredible experiences. If you have to economize, you're better off making do with a smaller or inside stateroom and getting the excursions.
Years from now, you won't remember your cruise so much from what your room was like but rather the excursions you had.

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Mandy Karlik is a travel writer and a blogger on the cruise industry. If you'd like to know more about Alaska or other cruise destinations, please visit http://www.thecruise-shopper.com .