Buzzworm Earth BlogEnvironmental solutions and conservation news.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

While the massive 263sqkm Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, just south of Isiolo, could boast about their luxury lodges, stunning scenery, astounding wildlife activities and having often hosted Prince William, they’d rather talk about their community and conservation projects.

Founded in 1995, LWC now spends an amazing 305 of its budget on health care and education for surrounding villages, 40% towards community projects, with the remainder funding conservation and security. To help raise awareness and funds they host one of the world’s most rewarding and exhausting marathons.

The conservancy effort has been astounding and 20% of the world’s Grevy’s Zebras, 8% of Kenya black rhinos, rare populations of white rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions and cheetahs now call this magical place home.

Wildlife drives in private vehicles aren’t permitted and only guests of the LWC’s lodges are allowed onto the conservancy. A plethora of activities, ranging from drives (day &night) and walks to horse riding and camel rides, are available at most lodges. Guests are encouraged to take part in conservation activities, like tracking and tagging animals.

Sleeping and Eating

Lewa House

(Exclusive use per night, incl wildlife drives US$840)

Six sub-lime thatched-roof African chalets, comfortably sleeping 12 people, form Lewa house, privacy is guaranteed since its rented only to one group at a time,. For full board, add US$ 120 per person per night.

Lewa safari camp

(Full board s/d incl wildlife drives US$285/570, closed Nov)

Twelve luxurious octagonal tents hang beneath charming thatched roofs and offer up privacy and a slice of the African safari dream. The lounge, dining room, food and service are all top-notch.

Wilderness Trails

(Full board s/d incl activities US$ 430/860, closed Apr, May &Nov)

Although the thatched cottages and pool are as breath taking as the views over the plains, none of Wilderness trails’ proceeds go towards LWC (unlike Lewa safari camp and Lewa House, which are non-profit and donate 100% of their proceeds), making it the least attractive accommodation option here.

There are some designated bush sites (no facilities) for camping, but after compiling the costs of camping, food, a guide and wildlife drives, you’re better off staying at the Lewa safari camp.

Getting there & Away

LWC is only 12 km south of Isiolo town and is well signposted on A2Hwy. Airkenya and safarilink have daily ‘request stop’ flights to LWC from Nairobi. Return fares on airkenya/safarilink are US$199/222

Running for Wildlife & Community Welfare-The Lewa Marathon

Its one thing to run a marathon to the encouraging screams of people, its entirely another to run it sharing the course with elephants, rhinos and the odd antelope! Established in 2000 to raise funds for wildlife conservation and community development, the Safaricom Marathon, run within the Lewa Conservancy is late June/early July, attracts world-record holders and is renowned worldwide as one of the planet’s toughest marathons.

Thanks to experienced rangers, helicopters and spotter planes, your only worry should be the heat and the 1700m average elevation.

Will you be slowed by repeatedly gazing into the bewildered eyes of nearby giraffes or will your legs speed on at the thought of cheetahs and lions lurking in the grass? Why not try it and find out?

Robert is a travel expert in Kenya east Africa and tour consultant with Landmark Safaris. Make a free enquiry on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy accommodation and Marathon here. http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner/?refferer=ezinearticles

Alabama Moon – Trailer

what is the procedure of the organization of a story?

I am writing 5 civil war stories: Mark Geyser at the Wilderness, The Battle of Old Men and Young Boys, Promotion at the Crater, Weldon Railroad in the Sun, Amputation at Five Forks, and 1 Reconstruction story: The Marriage of Chris and Samantha during Reconstruction. And, I need to know the procedure on how to organize my stories for a movie that will be based on the books: Death in the Trenches: Filmed in Petersburg, Virginia, and the part Mark Geyser in the Wilderness, filmed wherever there is just brush, wood, bark, and limbs.

I think first write up the plot, do some freewriting to see what you can come up with. Build and flesh out your characters, put them in place in your mind, so that when you write you will know what they would do in a certain situation. Some writers I’ve heard, just write like that and wait and see what happens at the end. Others have the ending already figured out, though.

FLy Fishing West VIrginia Cranberry Wilderness by Deerhtr18

One hundred and fifty years ago the United States extended out to the frontier territory. The mighty Mississippi River was at the time the furthest west that civilized people had settled. Beyond the banks to the west of the river was the open range of the old west. The territories that were home to Native American Indian tribes and all manner of wild beasts, made their homes in the wilderness west of Mississippi River.

The untamed west was a dangerous place to traverse and only the experienced guides and trappers would venture out beyond the reaches of the civilized world. A large number of Native Americans made their homes in what is now Oklahoma, a land that is rich with the heritage of America’s first settlers. These industrious nomads respected the lands that gave them shelter and provided for their needs. Every animal that was hunted was a gift from the Great Spirits that was not to be wasted. As these simple people lived on the land they would cultivate a feeling of gratitude for the bounties that the spirits provided for them.

Today much of the state of Oklahoma is preserved as it was in the old west, the streams and rivers flowing through the land giving life to the many varieties of fish and wildlife that can still be found in the region. Visitors to the southeastern part of the state enjoy many of the same activities that the noble American Indians participated in. Fly fishing, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding on the trails near Beavers Bend. The difference being that nowadays travelers can rent Beaver Bend cabins rather than pitching tents in the scenic preservation of the Oklahoma wilderness.

Broken Bow Lake Cabins (http://www.brokenbowlakecabins.com) provides rents cabins to guests visiting the far southeast corner of Oklahoma. Renting Beavers Bend cabins in the Beavers Bend Resort Park puts visitors in touch the native Oklahoma wilderness. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Our trip to Arbuckle Wilderness August 30, 2008

You can drive the 34 miles between Lincoln and Conway on Route 112 in just about an hour. But you’d miss experiencing one of the most colorful scenic drives in the entire northeast – and some would say the U.S. for fall foliage.

Route 112, or as its better known the Kancamagus Highway, is the only road that runs directly east and west through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This is a dramatic road built to show off the magnificence of one of New Hampshire’s best-loved scenic spots.

During the summer and fall foliage months you’re likely to have plenty of company on your drive. But if the weather is clear who cares if the going is a little slow – this isn’t a drive to rush anyway.

You’ll find plenty of pull-offs to admire the views and take a bunch of photos if the weather cooperates. Be warned though… the White Mountains are notorious for generating their own weather, especially in the Presidential Range, where many of the peaks are above timberline.

So what will you see?

At the western end of this drive where Interstate 93 meets Route 112, lies Lincoln. The Lincoln, and close-by Cannon Mountain, areas abound in gift and specialty shops, including Clark’s Trading Post.

Lincoln is your starting point on this fall foliage scenic drive, and as you head east towards the Kancamagus Pass you’ll be climbing to 2,860 feet in the first 10 miles.

Just east of Lincoln you’ll find Loon Mountain, a ski resort by winter and a playground in the summer and fall foliage months. Loon is worth a side trip to ride the Gondola to the summit for breathtaking views, and exploring the Glacial Caves, and the summit observation tower.

Continuing east on the two-lane highway you’ll enter the Pemigewasset wilderness region of the drive. Close to Hancock Campground is the parking lot entrance to the Lincoln Woods Trail. This popular and easy trail leads into the wilderness area and makes a great excursion to view the Pemigewasset River, and the wildlife that inhabits the area.

As you head out to the Sandwich Range Wilderness Area the road offers interesting turns and views through the Kancamagus Pass. You’ll find plenty of scenic overlooks to admire the mountain ranges, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season. Autumn is a spectacular time to travel this part of the road.

Another side excursion along this stretch of the road is the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area. Located about one mile from the highway and about 9 miles east of Lincoln this is a beautiful place to have a picnic lunch, and view the two ponds and towering cliffs.

Continuing east you’ll enter the Swift River valley region. This area abounds in scenic stops, and hikes through the forest offering stunning views of the valley and mountains. The hike offering the best views is the MT. Potash hike but at 4 miles requires a few hours to appreciate fully.

For a shorter and easier hike drive to the Rocky Gorge Scenic area and take The Lovequist Loop Trail. This is about an hours walk around Falls Pond and offers fishing and a marvelous window into the beauty of the natural plants and vegetation of the region. You’ll cross the gorge formed by the Swift River over a rustic footbridge.

Back in the car you’ll drive a short distance east to the Covered Bridge and the trailhead to the Boulder Loop Trail. If you’ve been saving your energy for only one hike then this is it. At about 3 miles round trip it can take you anywhere from 2-4 hours but you’ll get outstanding photo opportunities of MT. Chocorua and the Swift River Valley. The hike itself is mostly a gradual climb with some step pitches. This is one of the more popular hikes during fall foliage season.

The last piece of the Kancamagus Highway fall foliage scenic drive takes you to the eastern end of the drive where Route 112 meets Route 16 in Conway.

Look for other articles in this series of fall foliage scenic drives. Or if you can’t wait you can pick up the complete scenic drive free report containing these and other New England scenic drives, along with detailed route coverage and attractions, at his New England vacation site.

Anchorage at the Lake – NH Lakefront Cabin & Cottage Rentals on Lake Winnisquam