Lake tahoe > YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides

YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides

by: Susanne Pacher

After my rather quaint and leisurely scenic boat ride through Winter Park, a rather different boating experience was in store for me: a high speed airboat ride through Lake Tohopekaliga, provided by Boggy Creek Airboat Rides.

We got started early in the morning and took the first tour out. The temperature must have been about 45 degrees Fahrenheit or so, and in wise anticpation we both wore our Canadian winter jackets. Good thing, because it gets pretty darn cold zooming along at high speed on the airboats.

We were the first ride out of the gate, and fortunately we were provided with white blankets which kept us reasonably warm. Off we went on our 6-passenger airboat, exploring the coastline of Lake Tohopekaliga, getting a glimpse at various types of wetland birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, egrets and cranes that live here in the Central Florida Everglades. The name of the lake means "sleeping tiger" and it extends over 11,968 acres.

Our captain, "big and beefy Chad", took us around to give us an idea of an authentic Florida lake experience. At one point he drove the airboat onto land and got out of the boat to take a picture of us. After the picture he really cranked it up as he went northwards on Lake Toho. At the northern end of the tour he took us into some sidearms of the lake where we got see the marshy wetlands up close. On the way back he took his foot off the brake and firmly put it on the gas pedal. He mentioned that airboats can reach speeds up to 65 miles per hour, I think we must have been pretty close. He even did some gentle turns with the boat which turned into an exhiliarating high-speed slalom experience for all us in the boat.

I looked over at my husband, and he had a strange smile on his face. After the ride was finished he admitted that he was really scared, for one thing he doesn't swim and he was worried about exiting our high-speed vessel. But not to worry, Chad brought us back safely, and I for one, being a bit of a high-speed freak myself, was glowing with the experience - I truly had a blast!

According to Michelle Peters, who works at Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, the company was founded by her sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Chris Long, in 1994 and operation was started with one 6-passenger airboat. Today, the Boggy Creek Airboat Rides are among the top 10 Orlando attractions according to the Orlando Business Journal. The company now has eight 18-passenger boats and two 6-passenger boats.

The company is AAA approved and all of its captains are Master Captains who have to undergo a one-year apprenticeship. The Coast Guard does surprise inspections to ensure compliance with all safety regulations. Michelle also mentioned that the Water Management Authority uses their airboats because they virtually float on the water and are less invasive to plant and wildlife than regular propeller driven boats.

In addition, the company has added swamp buggy rides to their offerings about 4 months ago. The swamp buggy was completely custom built by a company that regularly builds monster trucks. We entered this monster vehicle from its rear end over a ramp and started our swamp buggy tour.

Chad, being the all-round talented individual that he is, also took us out on the swamp buggy, this custom-built monster contraption. We went through some solar-powered remote controlled gates onto a working cattle ranch. Florida actually still has a pretty sizeable cattle industry, and the historic term for Florida cowboys actually is "cow men".

On our swamp buggy ride we saw a variety of wildlife, including cattle and some awefully cute baby cows. We also caught a glimpse of the very tail end of an alligator, who was doing its best to hide itself under the leafy vegetation surrounding a little pond. We also saw some deer and a whole range of different birds, including the tall sandhill cranes who seem to be totally unafraid of human beings. The ground was pretty wet in some areas, and I was amazed that our vehicle was capable of plowing through all the muck - we even crossed a river!

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides and Swamp Buggy Tours is a great family outing, and the high-speed experience will even soothe teenagers' cravings for high adrenaline fun. Airboat tours are generally half an hour long, are offered every half hour and don't require reservations. In the summer, the company offers night rides that are an hour long. Michelle mentioned that on one of the night tours last summer she saw 17 alligators, who are nocturnal creatures and come out in full force at night time.

Well, we didn't really get a good view of any alligators, but the combination of airboat ride and swamp buggy tour really kick-started our engines for the day!

About The Author

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

"Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons".

The story with photos is published at Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_regional_history_center.htm)

Susanne Pacher sq@travelandtransitions.com

Banff - Lake Louise: Stunning Beauty and Nature At Its Best in the Canadian Rockies

Banff - Lake Louise: Stunning Beauty and Nature At Its Best in the Canadian Rockies

by: Susanne Pacher

For the first time ever, my husband and I are going to go skiing in the majestic Rocky Mountains: in March of 2006 we are going to go to stay a week in Banff, Alberta and we are also going to explore Lake Louise, the turquoise jewel of the Canadian Rockies. As we have never been to this region, I have started to do some research and contacted the official visitor information website for the communities of Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

I had a chance to speak with Quintin Winks, Manager of Media Relations for

Banff Lake Louise Tourism, who was able to provide me with excellent background information about the Banff / Lake Louise Region.

1. Please provide us with some general information about Banff/Lake Louise. Where is it located, what is the weather like?

Banff is located within Banff National Park, in...

Banff - Lake Louise: Stunning Beauty and Nature At Its Best in the Canadian Rockies

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2007 Chevrolet Tahoe: Leaning Towards Safety

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe: Leaning Towards Safety

by: Joe Thompson

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe has been designed and crafted by Chevrolet the automobile manufacturer with family safety in mind. Just like any other vehicle from Chevrolet, the 2007 Tahoe has made it a point to be able to perform well as well as provide safety before a crash, during a crash, as well as after a crash. This vehicle comes in three trim levels that comprise of the LS, the LT, and the LTZ.

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the first creations of General Motors as per new full size sport utility vehicles. The interior layout of this vehicle is quite symmetrical and very engaging. It also incorporates a build quality that is vastly superior to any other previous vehicles crafted by the company. The vehicle had dropped off the hard plastic trim framing controls and put in its place modern and cohesive construction that provides and exudes a more European look. The new interior...

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe: Leaning Towards Safety

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Fall Foliage Scenic Drive ? Lakes and Leaves Maine

by: Clif Calderwood

Maine is one of the most heavily forested states in the nation, containing over 17 million acres of natural beauty, hikes, and magnificent summer and fall foliage scenic drives.

This scenic drive is through Maine backcountry. A rugged environment of thick forests and impressive mountain terrain.

The drive is magnificent in summer but not-to-be-missed in fall foliage season.

The route follows a 218-mile loop through central west Maine along the lower western shore of Moosehead Lake, and then runs parallel with the tree-lined banks of the Kennebec River. It?s best experienced over a few days rather than a one-day excursion trip, and lodging reservations are recommended during the popular fall foliage season.

Let?s get you started?

In the first part of the tour you?ll wind your way towards the town of Greenville on the southern tip of Moosehead Lake. Begin...

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive ? Lakes and Leaves Maine

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YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides

YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides

by: Susanne Pacher

YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides

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Looking After Leather

Looking After Leather

by: Jane Lake

With a little care, you can keep leather clothing looking its best for years, according to an expert on leater from The Olde Hide House in Acton, Ontario.

- Leather naturally repels water but, for additonal protection, look for an environmentally friendly repellent product to help prevent absorption of water and body oils. It's best to avoid silicone-based repellents which retard leather's ability to "breathe."

- Let wet leather garments dry in well-ventilated areas, away from heat. The leather may stiffen slightly but should soften again after wearing.

- Hang leather coats and jackets on thick or padded hangers to keep the shoulders in shape. Don't load pockets with heavy or bulky items, which could tear seams.

- Plastic bags tend to dry out or discolor leather. Use a cotton garment bag for off-season storage, or hang coats as usual, draping a tea-towel over the shoulders to deter dust....

Looking After Leather

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Austria ? Vienna, Salzburg, Halstatt and Sound of Music

by: Rick Chapo

Austria simply can?t be beat when it comes to beauty. You?ve seen the country in the Sound of Music, but the cities of Vienna, Salzburg and the alpine town of Halstatt are just as nice.

Vienna

Vienna is a city with a ridiculous amount of history. The home of the waltz, Habsburg Palaces and an unrivaled musical past. Walk for an evening through the cobblestone streets in the center city and you can almost hear a famous composer at work. In fact, many of the walking areas are lined with small orchestral ensembles playing their way through the evening. Elbowing in on their act, of course, are those unique artist who dress in a period piece and then stand in one position for what seems time eternal. Buddhist monks would be envious if they believed in envy.

The only downside to Vienna is the expense. It is very expensive. If you are going to spend some time in the city,...

Austria ? Vienna, Salzburg, Halstatt and Sound of Music

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Are You Ready to Get Wet? An Explanation of the Canoe-Over-Canoe Rescue Technique

by: Joseph J. Breunig 3rd

Maneuvering a canoe does take a certain level of skill. Although one can easily maintain a sense of balance, a canoeist consciously needs to be aware of his surroundings at all time. On occasion, other boaters have been known to (either intentionally or unintentionally) create sets of waves that can topple the most experienced paddlers, in addition to the challenges that Mother Nature contributes.

Developing that experience of oaring proficiency can only occur when taking to the water. As a suggestion, plan your canoe outing with other canoeists. Besides the camaraderie of quality time spent with friends, traveling in small groups provides you with opportunities to perfect the "Cane-Over-Canoe" Rescue Technique. This technique is best performed when on any body of water. Once having mastered this procedure, an experienced canoe veteran...

Are You Ready to Get Wet? An Explanation of the Canoe-Over-Canoe Rescue Technique

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Seeing Color: Genetic and Acquired Color Vision Deficiencies

by: Arlene Evans

Jim Doane was humiliated when he passed the ball to a member of the opposing team with the red jerseys instead of to his own team with the green jerseys. His team lost. He said he had a short-lived career in high school as a fry cook because he couldn?t tell when the meat was cooked. He wanted to be a physician, but was told that career was closed to him, so he went into engineering...

YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides

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YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides

How To Save Important Information In The Modern World?

by: Michael Kashirin

Some time ago my hard disk drive had been crashed. I tried to restore at least something from it using special services. But specialists were implacable: hard disk drive is dead without any possibility to restore any information. It's a great pity. I have lost a lot of useful information.

Each, who uses computers, knows that regular backups are necessary to save information from...

YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides dvd copy

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How to Be Healthier and Happier at Work

by: Lorraine Pirihi

Many office-based workers do not realise that the environment they spend a majority of their working week in, may not be good for their health.

Have you ever experienced headaches, respiratory infections, asthma or fatigue? Do these ailments occur at work? What happens when you go on holiday or at the weekends, do they still occur or do they miraculously disappear?

You?ll often find people?s...

YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides vacuum cleaners How to Be Healthier and Happier at Work Lake tahoe

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How IRAs work

by: John Mussi

Are you taking advantage of individual retirement account (IRA) opportunities? IRAs can be frustrating because of the different forms and reports, difficult or confusing IRA rules. Successful retirement planning usually means coordinating personal savings with benefits from an employer's retirement plan and social security. However, in the last 30 years, retirement planning has changed, putting more emphasis on personal saving through...

YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides ira How IRAs work

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Money Making Real Estate Marketing Ideas

by: Lanard Perry

Real estate marketing is a lot simpler than most Realtors make it out to be. Some equate expensive products and services with quality.

However, effective real estate marketing does not have to be expensive, complicated, or sophisticated. Sometimes, plain, simple, direct and to the point makes lasting impressions that result in increased business opportunities and more income.

One of the most...

YEEEEEHAAAAW!!!! Our High and Low Speed Adventures at Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Swamp Buggy Rides real estate Lake tahoe Money Making Real Estate Marketing Ideas

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