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Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park (Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) is like a little slice of the Alps tucked above the rolling moors and hills of North Wales.

Understand
Lakes, castles, waterfalls, and steam railways create a surreal experience right out of Lord of the Rings. Local signs are often both English and Welsh and many aspects of traditional Welsh life, including food, clothing, and crafts, are still to be found.

The region is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, whitewater kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits. It features Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 feet).

History
Snowdonia National Park was established in 1951 as the third national park in the UK, and the first in Wales. It covers 2,142 km² (840 square miles, 217,000 hectares) of the Snowdonia region of north-western Wales. It is also an area steeped in history and legend as the natural fortress for the Princes of Gwynedd and for Llewellyn, the last true Prince of Wales.

Landscape
Dominated by Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park is to Wales what the Lake District is to England. An area of considerable natural beauty, this National Park is set in northern Wales and visitors can paddle their feet on a sandy beach in the morning and be sitting atop the highest peak in England and Wales that same day.

Lakes are almost as much of a feature of Snowdonia as the peaks, so much so that several hydroelectric schemes have been built to harness the potential energy stored within them (See Dinorwig Power Station in the Do section). The water sports that feature so prominently in this region are fed from the high rainfall in the park and this in turn feeds into the rivers and lakes. Much of this water is exported to England; Liverpool's water comes from here.

Much of the world's slate came from this region and the landscape is dotted with the scars of slate pits, some of which are still active today. The casual walker needs only to bend down and pick up a handful of shale to see where much of the local industry came from.

Main mountain groups

 * Snowdon Group - Consisting of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Crib y Ddysgl, Crib Goch and Y Lliwedd.
 *  Glyders and Tryfan - The two Glyders (Fach and Fawr) and Tryfan are the most spectacular but the group also includes Y Garn and Elidyr Fawr.
 * Carneddau - the most northern group including Carnedd Llewellyn, Carnedd Dafydd, Pen yr Ole Wen, Yr Elen.
 * Moelwyns - a lower group near Blaenau Ffestiniog. Cnicht, sometimes described as 'the Welsh Matterhorn' because of its shape (in spite of its lack of height) is often included.
 * Nantlle Ridge and Moel Hebog - to the far west and separating Snowdonia from Lleyn.
 * Rhinogs - spectacular heather growth makes for some hard walking - inland from Harlech.
 * Arans and Arenigs - lesser-known ranges between Dolgellau and Bala, but including the highest peak in Britain south of Snowdon- 2,969 feet Aran Fawddwy.
 * Cadair Idris and the Tarrens - in the southern end of the National Park. South of Dolgellau and inland from Tywyn. Softer and greener than some of the northern ranges.
 * Berwyn - just outside the park, but a geographical extension. The hills rise to 2,729 feet at Cadair Berwyn.

Flora and fauna
Snowdonia National Park is an ornithologist's paradise with buzzards, ospreys, choughs, peregrines, thrushes, blackbirds, robins, wrens, tits, finches, owls, cuckoos, jays... you get the idea. Perhaps surprisingly, there is only one RSPB reserve within the National Park — at Mawddach Woodlands, on the beautiful Mawddach estuary between Dolgellau and Barmouth.

The Gwyniad is native only to Bala Lake and was unique to the habitat of the lake. A project to introduce it to another nearby lake was undertaken from 2003 to 2007, to mitigate the risk of its extinction should some tragedy (pollution or similar) befall Bala Lake. The deep waters of the lake are also said to be home to Tegi, Bala's answer to the Loch Ness Monster. Visitors can make up their own minds as to the likelihood of her existence.

The critically endangered Freshwater pearl mussel is another important freshwater species which makes its home in the area.

Mammals including bats, red squirrels, badgers, weasels and polecats may also be glimpsed in this region, while seals, porpoises, dolphins, and even the occasional turtle can be spotted offshore.

Climate
Due to the topography, Snowdonia gets its fair share of rain and then some making it one of the wettest places in the United Kingdom. Even if it is not raining on the tops, they are often shrouded in mist or cloud. Care should be taken when walking them (see Stay Safe).

By train
Mainline train services in North Wales are run by Arriva Trains Wales.
 * The North Wales Coast Line links Manchester, Crewe and London (in England) with Llandudno Junction (change here for the Conwy Valley Line), Conwy and Bangor.
 * The Conwy Valley Line stretches from Llandudno Junction along the Conwy Valley to Betws y Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and connects with trains on both the North Wales Coast line and the Ffestiniog Railway.
 * The beautiful Cambrian Coast Line runs from Shrewsbury (in England), across Mid-Wales through Machynlleth, and through the coastal towns of Tywyn and Barmouth, through the south part of Snowdonia, Harlech and Porthmadog, and along the south coast of the Lleyn Peninsula to Pwllheli.

By bus

 * Traws-Cymru cross-Wales services converge at Dolgellau, from Bangor in the north-west, Wrexham in the north-east and Swansea and Cardiff (via Brecon or Aberystwyth) in the south.

By sea
Regular ferry services operate between Holyhead and Ireland, (Dublin and Dun Laoghaire), and are provided by two carriers.

Stenaline and Irish Ferries each offer several daily services between the two ports for passengers and vehicles. Bookings can be made through their respective websites.

By plane
There is an air service to RAF Valley on Anglesey, the journey from which takes about an hour from Cardiff. For flights from other destinations, Manchester and Liverpool airports which are across the border in England are the closest bet or Birmingham Airport for the Cambrian Coast area.

By car
The main roads into Snowdonia are the A55 which runs along the north coast, connecting with the M56 and M53 near Chester, and the A5, which leaves the M54 at Shrewsbury and heads west to Betws y Coed and then north-west to Bangor.

Fees and permits
There are no fees for entering or leaving Snowdonia National Park.

By train
(See also Get in above for details of lines into and across North Wales)

 * The narrow-gauge Ffestiniog Railway connects the Cambrian Coast line at Porthmadog with the Conwy Valley line at Blaenau Ffestiniog
 * Another narrow gauge line, the Welsh Highland Railway connects Porthmadog to Caernarfon via Beddgelert, Rhyd Ddu and Waunfawr.

By bus

 * Bws Gwynedd operates a network of services throughout the national park, covering almost every community. Some more remote areas have only a very sparse service. Check also the Snowdon Sherpa.

By car
Even trunk roads in the area are generally single-carriageway, the exception being the A55 dual-carriageway, which hugs the north coast. Even minor single-track roads are generally well-surfaced and suitable for any road-worthy vehicle. As with all rural areas, allow for low average speeds when journey planning, even more so at the height of the tourist season when roads throughout the park can become very busy.

Residential roads can be very narrow with tight bends and steep inclines. Even smaller cars will struggle to navigate some of them and they may not be passable with larger 4x4-type (SUV) vehicles.

Other railways

 * A diesel train can also be taken up Snowdon: for a family of four, this costs £90: three-quarters of the price of the steam train. Be prepared to wait several hours after buying your ticket.

Castles
There are a number of castles in Snowdonia dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. They were constructed at the time of the battles by the Welsh Princes of Gwynedd to resist the rule of King John, and more significantly, King Edward I of England. Most of the castles are in the care of Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly Government. Most of the English-built castles forming the "Ring of Steel" around North Wales lie outside the National Park, as they were sited on the coast. The Welsh princes tended to stick to the mountain country where they hoped to hold the upper hand.

Snowdon
Wales' highest mountain and the highest in the UK south of Loch Lomond, Snowdon is also the most popular mountain in Wales, climbed by an estimated 500,000 people every year.

The most spectacular way up Snowdon is via the Crib Goch arete — not for the fainthearted, and not unless you know that the weather will hold up. (This is an exposed scrambling route rather than a regular walk; the BMC guide is a good starting point for you to make an informed decision about attempting it.) If you descend via the Lliwedd ridge then you have done the Snowdon Horseshoe. Start and finish at Pen y Pass at the top of the Llanberis Pass on the Llanberis to Capel Curig road. Easier on the heart is the Pyg track and Miner's track, also starting from Pen y Pass. These are gentle at first before the big climb, and pass by the lakes that sit in the middle of the horseshoe.

Other routes include the Llanberis Path, which follows the train track and is rather boring; the Snowdon Ranger Path from the train station (Welsh Highland Railway) and youth hostel of the same name; the Rhyd Ddu path from the village of Rhyd Ddu (also served by WHR trains), and the Watkin Path from Nantgwynant, which starts at only 60 m above sea level and therefore requires the largest gain in altitude, though fortunately there are several waterfalls along the path which are popular for cooling off in on hot days.

Of course you can also get the train to the top, but try to resist standing at the summit looking proud of your "achievement"!

Snowdon was used by Sir Edmund Hillary to train for his successful ascent to Mount Everest. Snowdon is considered a very dangerous mountain in winter time, and should not be ascended without proper equipment and knowledge (see stay safe).

The Glyderau
Looking like a giant fossilised Stegasaurus, Tryfan is said to be the only mountain in Britain south of the Scottish Highlands that cannot be climbed without using the arms. At the summit are two large standing rocks known as Adam and Eve, and there is a tradition of jumping between them to earn the "freedom" of the mountain. It's not a physically difficult jump, but you'll need a really good head for heights in order to attempt it. (There is a far bigger drop from the rocks on the east side than the gap between the rocks themselves.)

Bristly Ridge links Tryfan to Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr, the main peaks of this range. Don't miss a great photo opportunity at the famous Cantilever on Glyder Fach.

Cader Idris and the Tarrens
This range is to be found at the southern edge of the national park. The largest (892m/2927 ft) and best-known mountain is Cader Idris (sometimes spelt Cadair Idris), which is the 2nd most climbed mountain in Wales. The most popular and arguably, best route is the Minffordd Path which starts from the hamlet of the same name, near Talyllyn Lake. The mountain can also be climbed from the village of Llanfihangel y Pennant at the head of the Dysynni valley, and there are also a number of paths from the northern side, accessed from Dolgellau.

Legend has it that there are only 3 potential outcomes if you spend the night on Cader Idris. Either you will die in the night, you will wake up insane, or you will wake up as a bard (poet). If you want to test this out then there are some excellent wild camping spots on the shores of Llyn (lake) Cau (accessed from Minffordd), or Llyn y Gadair on the Dolgellau side. Check out the article on Leave-no-trace camping before you go.

The lower Tarren range of hills between Tywyn and Abergynolwyn provides excellent walking, without the crowds that can sometimes be found on Cadair Idris. Ordnance Survey Explorer Map sheet OL23 Cadair Idris and Bala Lake is essential.

Adventure sports

 * Mountain Biking. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley Forest, centred around Machynlleth, including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin Forest, near Dolgellau, has 6 waymarked trails, and Beddgelert and Betws y Coed also have trails in their surrounding forestry. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant near Tywyn is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up but the descent (from 892 metres at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers.
 * Mountain Biking. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley Forest, centred around Machynlleth, including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin Forest, near Dolgellau, has 6 waymarked trails, and Beddgelert and Betws y Coed also have trails in their surrounding forestry. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant near Tywyn is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up but the descent (from 892 metres at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers.
 * Mountain Biking. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley Forest, centred around Machynlleth, including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin Forest, near Dolgellau, has 6 waymarked trails, and Beddgelert and Betws y Coed also have trails in their surrounding forestry. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant near Tywyn is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up but the descent (from 892 metres at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers.
 * Mountain Biking. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley Forest, centred around Machynlleth, including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin Forest, near Dolgellau, has 6 waymarked trails, and Beddgelert and Betws y Coed also have trails in their surrounding forestry. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant near Tywyn is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up but the descent (from 892 metres at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers.
 * Mountain Biking. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley Forest, centred around Machynlleth, including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin Forest, near Dolgellau, has 6 waymarked trails, and Beddgelert and Betws y Coed also have trails in their surrounding forestry. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant near Tywyn is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up but the descent (from 892 metres at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers.
 * Mountain Biking. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley Forest, centred around Machynlleth, including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin Forest, near Dolgellau, has 6 waymarked trails, and Beddgelert and Betws y Coed also have trails in their surrounding forestry. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant near Tywyn is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up but the descent (from 892 metres at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers.

Eat
As in the majority of the UK, the focus of most Snowdonia communities is the pub. Rare is the village pub that doesn't offer food, and many of these are very good quality. Most pubs serve lunch from about 12:30PM until 2:30PM, and dinner from around 5:30 to 8PM or 9PM. Where the pub has a restaurant separate from the main bar they may serve later.

As well as the pub, most villages have at least one cafe or tearoom, opening from breakfast time until mid-afternoon. The main focus is usually on tea/coffee, sandwiches and cakes, but there may be 1 or 2 more substantial hot dishes available at lunchtime.

Larger villages and towns will generally have at least a couple of take-away food shops. Traditional fish and chips is still the most popular, but you will also find Chinese, Indian and kebab.
 * There is also a cafe just under the summit of Snowdon.
 * There is also a cafe just under the summit of Snowdon.

Drink
As mentioned in eat, most villages and towns in Snowdonia have at least one pub. Generally, pubs in the area open from 11AM or noon and close at 11PM or midnight. Some close for 2 or 3 hours in the afternoon but this is less common than in the past.

Nightclubs are few and far between in the area, with the exception of the more commercialised seaside resorts such as Barmouth. The University city of Bangor, just outside the park to the north, is the place to go for nightlife and (relatively) bright lights.

Sleep
Principal towns and villages within and around the National Park

All the places listed have a variety of accommodation.

Self-catering
An array of quality-assured self-catering facilities are dotted in and around the area ranging from modern flats, and purposely converted units on farm complexes to fully residential traditional Snowdonia farmhouse cottages.

Hostels
The Youth Hostels Association (YHA) has a dozen hostels in, or close to, the national park. Most of these are in the northern part of the park, around Snowdon. Only Kings hostel, near Penmaenpool and Ffynonwen hostel, near Bala cover the southern or eastern areas of the park.

There are also numerous private hostels, especially in the popular outdoor activity centres such as Llanberis, Betws y Coed and Bala.

Camping
Snowdonia has a large number of campsites and finding a pitch is rarely a problem. Facilities range from the most basic with nothing more than a drinking water tap in the corner of a small field, up to plush "holiday parks" with electric hook-ups, laundry facilities, on-site restaurants and night-time entertainment. See the relevant town and village articles for listings.

Backcountry
Wild camping is possible but remember that in Snowdonia, like other UK National Parks, the vast majority of the land is in private ownership. Generally, at low levels and/or in the busy tourist season, it's better to stick to "official" campsites. On higher ground, in less popular areas, or out of season, you're less likely to encounter any problems. Use your discretion as to what constitutes an appropriate site, and where possible gain the permission of the farmer or landowner. Please follow the guidelines in Leave-no-trace camping.

Stay safe
Snowdonia presents no exaggerated danger to personal safety on a social front. Locals are well-used to tourists and appear to tolerate them admirably given the heavy footfall.

The greatest personal threat comes from conditions on the peaks. These can turn at short notice, often from a clear warm day to heavy cold rain, the latter of which Wales has in a plentiful supply. It is therefore strongly advised that warm clothing and waterproofs are packed for the peaks along with a good supply of water and some food high in carbohydrates. Always carry a suitable map.

 * The Ordnance Survey 1:25000 scale Explorer series is ideal, covering the whole national park on 3 (double-sided) sheets. Alternatively, there are the 1:50000 scale Landranger series, though these are less detailed due to the smaller scale.
 * Harveys Maps also produces excellent quality maps of the main mountain areas, specifically aimed at hillwalkers.

Some 70 people a year are injured seriously in Snowdon alone and around 10 lose their life. Accidents occur mostly on descent where fatigue and speed are greater. Follow the Mountain Safety Code to reduce your chances of becoming part of these statistics:

Before you go
 * Learn to use a map and compass
 * Know the weather signs and local forecast
 * Plan within your capabilities
 * Know simple first aid and the symptoms of exposure
 * Know the mountain distress signals
 * Know the country code

When you go
 * Never go alone
 * Leave written word of your route and report your return
 * Take windproofs, warm clothes and a survival bag
 * Take a map and compass, torch and food
 * Wear climbing boots
 * Keep alert all-day
 * Avoid disturbance to farming, forestry and field sports

If there is snow on the hills
 * Always have an ice axe for each person
 * Carry a climbing rope and know how to use the rope and ice axe
 * Learn to recognise dangerous snow slopes.

Other tips

 * If you hear thunder or see lightning in the countryside, take cover if possible, but do not shelter under lone trees. Lie low, preferably in a ditch, until the lightning has passed.

Respect

 * Do not litter, especially as this is a national park. Take your litter with you if you can't find a bin. (See also: Leave-no-trace camping)
 * Do not go onto land you know is private property without permission. If you find out you are on private property, leave.
 * Close gates when going through fields with livestock in: causing animals to escape can waste a lot of other people's time.

Go next

 * Llŷn is the tapering peninsula running westwards into the Irish Sea from the northern part of Snowdonia. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its landscape is lower and less harsh than that of Snowdonia, but with spectacular sea-cliffs, quiet sandy coves, and rolling green hills, it has a lot to offer.
 * The island of Anglesey (Welsh: Ynys Môn) lies to the northwest of Snowdonia, connected to the mainland by rail and road bridges. Most of the coastline is designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while the hinterland is flat and extremely fertile. The Welsh expression Môn Mam Cymru, literally Anglesey, Mother of Wales, indicates the importance of this farmland in keeping the whole country well-fed. As intended by those who named it, the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is an unashamed tourist trap, if an irresistible photo opportunity (bring a wide angle lens!), while visitors on a romantic break should not miss the mercifully un-touristy Llanddwyn Island, home to Santes Dwynwen, Wales' answer to Saint Valentine.
 * Holyhead, on the far side of Anglesey, is the departure point for fast ferries to Dublin and Dún Laoghaire in Ireland.

title: Snowdonia National Park


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Rural Worcester County

Worcester County is best known as the location of Ocean City (which has its own article). Although many drive right through the rest of Worcester County without stopping, it has several small towns with historic buildings that make a great side trip from Ocean City.

Get in
Worcester County is usually accessed through U.S. 50, which runs through the north part of the county and connects Ocean City and connects the county to points west. U.S. 113 runs north–south through the county, connecting most of the historic towns.

Get around
The small towns themselves are walkable and there is no need to drive, but you will want a car to explore more remote attractions like Furnace Town and Pocomoke Forest.

Buy
Snow Hill, as a tourist-friendly small town, has a number of small art galleries for a fun browse, on Washington and Green streets, just off Market St downtown.

Go next

 * Assateague Island
 * Ocean City

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Rural Worcester County


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Snowmobile

Snowmobiling is about riding over snow on a motorized vehicle. It is a common way of getting around for locals in areas with snow cover in winter and few roads. Tours for tourists in such areas are also common. As a sport it is popular throughout the western United States of America as well as in Canada and Alaska and elsewhere where snowmobiles are common.

Understand

The common ways to get to drive a snowmobile are to go on a tour or to hire snowmobiles and take your own trip. The latter option requires that you have sufficient experience of the type of environment you are going to drive in, even when there are maintained routes. Tours often include appropriate clothing and anything else you might need – just make sure the operator is trustworthy.

Destinations
Snowmobiling is available at many ski resorts and is a major way of getting around in some areas.

Canada

 * The Gaspé Peninsula has nearly of snowmobile tracks and the network extends to the neighbouring areas.
 * Manicouagan in Côte-Nord, Quebeq, can be explored by the snowmobile track network.

Nordic countries
In northern parts of the Nordic countries driving snowmobiles is a common way of getting around for locals and for tourist tours – and a tool for reindeer herding.

 * Finland has an extensive snowmobile route network, covering the northern two thirds of the country, see Finnish Lapland
 * In Norway and Sweden there are often local restrictions on driving snowmobile, but also dedicated routes at some of the more important destinations.

Itineraries

 * The Iditarod Trail is a historic trail in Alaska, connecting Seward with Nome and the rest of the Seward Peninsula: . There is a yearly dogsled race along the trail, but the rest of the winter, a sufficiently experienced party can drive the route by snowmobile.
 * The Route Blanche (White Road) is a snowmobile trail in Côte-Nord, Quebec. It provides a land link between Kegaska and Vieux-Fort via a number of settlements. The route may vary from winter to winter, depending on conditions.

Respect
Don't scare wildlife.

Respect the land. Driving on private land and in nature reserves is usually forbidden, and driving may be restricted to marked routes. Sometimes you need to pay a fee for using those.

Stay safe
Your speed will probably be high enough that hitting a tree may be lethal. Falling off the vehicle or getting under it can also cause serious injuries. Keeping the vehicle upright in uneven terrain is not always easy. Hitting the edge of the track or getting off the track at speed can be dangerous.

Driving along waterways is common, but mind ice safety. You probably have no chance to check conditions ahead at all times, so follow marked routes and the advice of their maintainer.

Helmets are recommended and sometimes mandated by law. There may be speed limits.

Where there is snow, you probably have cold weather – and wind chill at 50 km/h effectively turns into. Many regions where snowmobiles are used are very sparsely inhabited, so you need to take care of such issues also. In case of a breakdown or accident, do you have means to call for help? If you need to stay at the site, do you have what you need for overnighting? What about bad weather, which can hinder both you and anybody trying to help you from getting around.

title: Snowmobile


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Snowy Mountains

 * For other "snowy mountains" see Sierra Nevada (disambiguation), for example.

The Snowy Mountains, nicknamed the Snowies (or Snowys), is a region in Southeastern New South Wales. The highest region of mainland Australia and one of the cooler areas of New South Wales, they are notable for their ski-fields and are the centre of snow sports in New South Wales.

Understand
The Snowies are the tallest in Australia (if still no match for New Zealand or New Guinea) and the best it gets in terms of alpine weather on the continent. While the mountains here are nowhere near as tall as New Guinea's 4500-m mountain range, those don't receive as much snowfall as the Snowies. Interestingly, the Australian Alps receive more snowfall than the Swiss Alps, which sounds unusual to most.

Flora and fauna
The usual alpine vegetation, as well as kangaroos, dingos, etc. Emus, a rare sight elsewhere in New South Wales, are frequently spotted around Mt Kosciusko National Park.

Tourist information

 * Snowy Mountains Tourism information

Cities

 * – at the eastern end of the Snowy Mountains Hwy section of Kosciuszko National Park.
 * – historically a significant regional centre, though its importance has since dwindled down.
 * – the modern regional centre for the Snowies and a budget alternative for accommodation.
 * – just below the snowline.
 * – a Snowy Hydro town near the Victorian border.
 * – another town whose importance dwindled down since the closure of the Bombala Railway Line.
 * – another small Snowy Hydro town with a big dam.
 * – on the border with the Riverina region, this town is an entry to the Snowy Mountains.
 * – on the border with the Riverina region, this town is an entry to the Snowy Mountains.

Other destinations

 * – home to the highest mountain on the Australian continent
 * – scenic road that runs from Jindy to Khancoban.
 * – several caves + a hot spring.

Ski resorts

 * – village and ski resort, snowbound in winter
 * – close to the Bullocks Flat Skitube to Perisher
 * – Australia's largest ski resort, based at Perisher Valley, but also including Guthega, and ski fields at Smiggins Holes and Mount Blue Cow
 * – village and ski resort, the best Australia can offer for an alpine village

Get in
The Snowy Mountains are on Australia's eastern seaboard and are equidistant from Sydney and Melbourne.

Most people travel to the region by car as this is the most flexible and rewarding way of exploring the mountains. However for visitors traveling from afar, there are regular bus services to Cooma and Tumut from Sydney and Canberra, and many plane connections into Canberra with car hire available. Flights also serve Cooma Snowy Mountains Airport, however, delays are common due to morning fog.

The Snowies are well served by a network of sealed roads with diverse and spectacular scenery. The Alpine Way from Jindabyne to Khancoban, the Snowy Mountains Highway between Tumut and Cooma, the Monaro Highway running south from Canberra and the Elliot Way from Tumbarumba to Cabramurra all pass through stunning landscapes.

If you are just interested in the skiing, Murrays offer a day trip from Canberra to the ski resorts during the ski season, with lift packages, and one-way fares available. Often you can get this bus for little more than the cost of the lift passes and ski hire.

If you are coming from the south via Khancoban, make sure to fill up at the Caltex there since that will be the last stop for Alpine Diesel or even just normal fuel for the mountain drive up north which takes 78 km and 2 hours. There are numerous coffee shops nearby as well, so your cup of coffee or hot chocie won't be missed. This is also the only part where you might see snow on the road throughout winter, due to the high altitude of 1600 m, but the entire journey's altitude ranges from 250 m in Khancoban to about 1600m in Siberia.

Get around
During winter snow chains must be carried by 2WD vehicles on the Alpine Way, Kosciuszko Rd and Guthega Road. Some roads may close at short notice, so check conditions on the official New South Wales traffic site.

When in town, it's best to walk rather than take the car. Cars can be freezing in the mornings, and often it's not worth the effort to take it out and park it. When climbing up, gondolas are also available, however, passes are required.

The nearest fully run airport is in Cooma, however, to get around, flights wont do the job, so you'll need to know how to drive, and not just urban driving, but also driving on narrow winding roads that vary in elevation. See driving in New Zealand for some useful advice. Since 2024, TfNSW has new bus services from Jinabyne to Thredbo and Perisher.

See
Australia's high country is home to spectacular peaks, clear mountain streams and a plethora of accessible natural attractions for lovers of the outdoors. Walking and horseriding are two great ways to explore the alpine landscape and take in some of the country's most impressive scenery in the warmer months.

The Snowy Mountains is a significant and untamable high country where many Australian myths and traditions of Australian identity were born. Whether from nature's pure beauty or legends of early settlers, there's a story to be told and history to be learnt - from icons like the heights of Mount Kosciuszko to the famous high country huts, to Snowy Hydro feats of ingenuity, beautiful mountain brumbies and to rivers that flow with legends.

The Snowy Mountains Scheme is one of Australia's largest engineering and construction operations. The idea behind the scheme is to divert the winter snowmelt waters westward into the Murrumbidgee rivers, irrigating large parts of inland Australia and at the same time generating Hydro-Electricity. There are several large lakes, tunnels, and Hydro power stations that form part of the scheme that you can visit. Tours take visitors a kilometre into the mountainside and offer a vivid insight into the sheer scope of this iconic part of the nation's post-war development.

You can see the headwaters of the Murray River at Tom Groggin, along the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Khancoban.

Do

The mountains are beautiful year round and the region annually attracts some three million visitors seeking nature-based and adventure holidays.

If you've come this far, you can't go home without doing some form of snow-related activity. Skiing is by far the most common activity, but snowboarding is still very popular. If it's your first time visiting the Snowy Mountains, most beginner skiers choose to ski at one of the state's two main ski resorts: Perisher and Thredbo. For skiers up for a challenge, Charlotte Pass or Cabramurra are two off-the-beaten-track ski resorts designed for skiers with previous skiing experience.

The Snowy Mountains offer a variety of attractions, outdoor activities, tours and events, whether you're after a rugged back-to-nature experience, want to be cosseted in alpine splendor or feel like going somewhere beautiful, diverse and interesting with the whole family.

 * Abseiling, rock climbing and caving
 * Bushwalking, the top of Australia is only a few hours hiking from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo during summer via the many Mount Kosciuszko summit trails.
 * Cycling/mountain biking and motorcycling
 * Fishing
 * Horse riding
 * White water rafting, kayaking and canoeing
 * In winter, alpine skiing and snowboarding. Thredbo, Perisher, Mount Selwyn, or Charlotte Pass all have a large variety of terrain for beginners to advanced. You can ski with gum trees. Snow shoeing and cross country skiing: see also Winter sports in Australia
 * A wide variety of Backcountry/off-piste skiing/spit boarding options are available and easily accessible from Guthega and Dead Horse Gap.

Buy
For supplies, large towns like Cooma or Tumut should have a Woolies (Woolworths) or a Coles. If in a small town, then there are smaller local shops for you to get your supplies from.

To get ski equipment, renting equipment is often cheaper at cities or large towns and in some cases, the equipment may be of better quality. Snow chains are also cheaper to rent here, and some shops are open 24 hours a day. However, if you can't have access to one of these towns, then equipment is available at the ski. However, these can be a little expensive and have a lower quality.

Eat
There are many places to eat and drink in the Snowy Mountains. Cafes are scattered all around the towns, including the mountain resorts at Thredbo or Perisher.

Finding good food in big towns like Jindabyne or Cooma is usually not a problem. These towns have a diverse range of good restaurants, cafes and eating establishments in general. Food prices are also reasonable, mainly because these towns are more accessible and well below the snow line.

Although you can find good food in the towns, it is very limited in Thredbo and Perisher Valley, and even more so in more remote ski resorts like Charlotte Pass or Blue Cow. They tend to be sparse, expensive, and in winter, very crowded (although this is true at all ski resorts). High quality food is available, but expect to find a fair amount of low-quality expensive food. In particular the cheap foods, like pizza, can be on the expensive side in the mountains with less competition.

In other non-tourist towns like Bombala or Talbingo, variety tends to be limited but often inexpensive. Usually you will find a few cafes and one or two restaurants.

Drink
Most towns usually have at least one pub. Expect all drinking holes to get packed to the rafters during ski season. The closest thing to an après ski scene in Australia is at Thredbo, but even this is more live music at pubs than spraying champagne bottles at each other at a nightclub.

Sleep
There's a wide range of accommodation in the Snowies, but the bulk of it is in utilitarian apartment blocks or motels. Budget accommodation is generally in short supply, although there's a solitary hostel in Thredbo and camping can be a good option in summer or, if you're hardcore enough, in winter.

During ski season, particularly the mid-July winter school holidays, minimum stay restrictions apply (usually F-Su or Su-F), prices go through the roof (a mediocre apartment can easily cost $1000/night) and many places still sell out.

Go next
The Snowy Mountains area is in New South Wales, which holds tons of great activities, and is also near the Australian capital, Canberra. If you want to experience more snow on the other side of the border, High Country is just on the other side of the Murray.

title: Snowy Mountains


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Snuba

Hookah Diving or snuba is a form of introductory diving that allows people with no training to experience what it is like to breathe underwater like a scuba diver. Snuba is a portmanteau of the words 'snorkel' and 'scuba', sometimes used as a generic term for recreational airline diving.

Understand
Snuba combines what is easy about snorkeling with the experience of breathing underwater like scuba, and does so in a controlled, relatively safe manner. It is still diving, so make sure you follow safety instructions and keep calm to be able to do so.

The commonly used system uses a floating raft, which acts as a platform (almost like the side of a pool) that users can hold onto to practice breathing with their heads underwater and also practice some of the safety measures that the guides will demonstrate. The raft is designed to be highly visible to boat traffic to reduce the chance of being struck by a boat while on the surface.

The air lines limit the depth of the activity to a maximum depth of 7 meters. The air lines also act as a personal descent line to allow users to easily control their descents and remain at exact depths to equalize their ears. To return to the surface the user simply uses a hand-over-hand to ascend the air line to the surface, which brings them back to the raft. The air line provides users with tremendous vertical control to hold at any depth they feel most comfortable, or should there be coral or other object beneath them. It is not possible for you to get lost.

Lightweight harnesses allow more people to experience breathing underwater. The harness eliminates the need to wear, and learn how to use, a BCD (Buoyancy Compensation Device) and Air Cylinder, which combined together are extremely heavy out of the water. This opens this activity up to persons who have weak knees, bad backs, are overweight, older, younger, and even some with disabilities.

Soft weightbelts are used to make participants neutrally buoyant in the water. Soft weights are used to avoid injuries to feet on the surface if dropped and are less likely to damage the reef.

The use of a regulator eliminates the entry of water if used as instructed. Compared to snorkeling where many participants get a few tastes of the ocean or have difficulty clearing the snorkel.

Snuba is also popular because no prior dive experience is necessary. Participants need only to be at least eight years of age and have a basic swimming ability. Its popularity as a first timer's experience can be attributed to several factors.

 * 1) The participant tows the raft on the surface via a lightweight harness connected to the air line. This gives the customer the secure knowledge that he/she cannot descend too deep and allows them to choose the depth that they feel most comfortable with while being able to control their depth, descent and ascent rates. By using the hose as a guide and wearing weights to achieve neutral buoyancy, participants are able to descend anywhere from just under the surface to 6 metres (20 ft) deep.
 * 2) Participants are able to hold onto the raft at the surface using a grab-rope that runs the length of the raft on both sides. This also allows the user to hold onto the raft while getting comfortable breathing before beginning to descend. Being connected to the raft also provides users with a feeling of safety, comfort, and the option to hold onto the raft should they want to return to the surface.
 * 3) Compared to Scuba, Snuba divers wear minimal gear. Each diver is equipped with a mask, fins, weight belt, harness and regulator. The harness holds the regulator and air line in place, allowing the diver to swim relatively unencumbered beneath the surface. This may be compared to full SCUBA gear, which includes a buoyancy compensator, weights, cylinder and often more, and can weigh in excess of 27 kilograms (60 lb) when out of the water. Although SCUBA equipment is nearly weightless underwater, out of the water the weight becomes a significant factor for weaker individuals.
 * 4) Although the Snuba diver is not provided with any emergency buoyancy system, a correctly weighted scuba diver will be neutrally buoyant at all depths (no compressible dive suit), has a hose and harness to prevent sinking, can pull on the hose to surface, which is less effort than swimming, and has a raft with a grab-rope to hold onto at the surface. This is less versatile than a buoyancy compensator, but far easier to learn, and there is less that can go wrong due to incorrect procedures and equipment failure.

Destinations
Tropical islands and beaches are one of the most popular travel destinations.

Asia

 * Phuket in Southern Thailand — The islands surrounding Phuket have great coral reefs that are in the perfect depth range for SNUBA diving. The best reefs for SNUBA are found on Racha Yai (Raya Island) 34 km South of Phuket. Other SNUBA locations around Phuket include Phi Phi, Coral Island and Koh Poo off of Kata Beach.

 * Ko Phi Phi, also in Southern Thailand, has several sites that are great SNUBA diving locations. Hin Klang, Bida Islands, and Maya Bay.

 * Okinawa in Japan offers SNUBA on some of Japan's most beautiful reefs.

Hawaii

 * The Big Island offers SNUBA diving on boat trips from Honokohau Harbor and beach dives Kamakahonu near King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.

 * Oahu has SNUBA from the beach and also at a beautiful state park Hanauma Bay on the South East side of the island. Hanauma Bay is volcanic crater that has a reef that has attracted thousands of visitors. Due to the number of visitors that have stood all over the coral, much of the inner reef is in poor condition. However, the outer reef is still alive and home to many large fish and turtles. The depths are perfect for SNUBA, and there has been a big push to help educate the public about reef conservation and numbers are being limited to help the reef.

 * Maui is home to one of the highest concentrations of SNUBA operators in the world. No visit to Muai is complete without a trip to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. The waters at the crater are crystal clear and home to large fish and the occasional small black tip shark. Turtle Town is often the second stop for boat tours and home to many green sea turtles. Other SNUBA locations are off the beaches on some of Maui's fringing reefs.

 * Kauai has one SNUBA operator that provides underwater tours from several beach locations.

Mainland USA

 * Florida has many SNUBA operators and dive sites located in the Florida Keys.

Caribbean

 * Aruba

 * Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort.

 * Belize

 * Dominican Republic reef dives which have many rays.

 * Grand Cayman

 * Honduras Gumbalimba Park has reefs with both hard and soft corals. There are also jungle hikes for time out of the water.

 * Puerto Rico San Juan's Aqua Adventure's does boat SNUBA dives.

 * St. Lucia

 * St. Maarten

 * Turks and Caicos

U.S. Virgin Islands

 * St. John

 * St. Thomas

Atlantic

 * Bermuda

 * Spain The Canary Islands

South Pacific

 * Fiji Islands

 * Guam

 * Bora Bora

Red Sea / Middle East

 * Israel

Mexico

 * Riviera Maya / Cancún

 * Cozumel

 * Cabo San Lucas

Cruise Lines
There are so many activities available aboard today's cruise ships it is sometimes hard to choose. The following is a list of cruise lines that offer SNUBA Underwater Tours at some of their destinations. Inquire about SNUBA aboard your cruise.

 * Carnival Cruises

 * Holland America Lines

 * Norwegian Cruise Lines

 * Royal Caribbean International

 * Celebrity Cruises

 * Costa Cruises

Get in
There are two ways to access the water for a SNUBA dive - From the shore or from a boat.

Shore
A Snuba dive from the beach is a very good way for people who are not very confident to get used to being in the water at extremely shallow depths. Snuba tours from beaches generally visit reefs that are just offshore of some of the worlds major tourist destinations. Beach dives are often much cheaper as they do not include transportation and boat costs. A beach dive is good if the diver does not have a whole or a half day to commit to a boat tour. A Snuba dive from the beach will usually take approximately 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours including the safety briefing, gear preparation, Snuba underwater tour, and debriefing.

Boat
Usually presented as full or half day tours, Snuba boat dives are able to visit islands and reefs that are further afield. Getting further away from the beaches often presents clearer water and less crowds. Many Snuba boat dives are offered as an add-on to snorkeling tours for those that want to get closer to the marine life. Boat dives can be done from speedboats, which get divers to the reefs quickly and also have shallow drafts allowing the boats to drop guests on deserted beaches and do more exploring. Large boats and catamarans offer more room to spread out and relax. Lunch is usually served on board large boats and the usual procedure is to spend the whole day on the water with no land stops.

Work
All official SNUBA Guides are experienced licensed diving professionals. Before training to become a SNUBA Guide experience and training to top levels of a recognized diving organization (PADI, Naui, SSI, etc.) is required. Snuba guides are chosen based on their diving experience, safety, and professionalism. Each Snuba guide should have received an additional level of training on the use, safety, and guidance of Snuba underwater tours. All official SNUBA Guides are licensed and insured members of SNUBA International, Inc.

Stay safe
Snuba diving is NOT dive training. Before attempting to scuba dive on one's own, proper training is required.

The snuba system is designed with safety in mind and snuba guides are trained to ensure your dive is a safe and fun one. However, diving does carry with it risks that one should be aware of; the Snuba Liability Release form releases the operators and developers of the snuba system from any liability or responsibility for damage, injury or death due to neglect, system failure or any other reason – nevertheless there are many non-official reports about inadequate training.

Pay close attention to your snuba guide's safety briefing. Never let anyone (husband, family member, friends, etc.) force or pressure you into doing something you are not comfortable with. Discuss any concerns with your snuba guide before going on a snuba dive. Snuba guides are trained to inspect all equipment and evaluate all participants prior to every snuba dive.

After your snuba dive if you are interested in going to the next step and trying scuba diving, your snuba guide can assist you in locating a reputable dive training center or training organization.

In strong current, wave action, or breeze, the combination of underwater hose and surface raft can pull quite hard on a diver. Snuba is therefore best used in areas where wind, waves and current are negligible. Since all snuba use is offered by licensed operators who operate the systems as a guided tour, the probability of being subjected to strong current, high waves or high wind is not likely. However it is good practice if one employee of the operator remains on the surface to monitor conditions.

Since the depth of a snuba dive is limited to about 6 metres (20 ft), decompression sickness is not likely to be a problem. However, as the snuba diver is breathing compressed air, there is still a risk of injury or death due to air embolism, which is a more severe hazard at shallow depths.

If a diver ascends as little as three feet without venting, the expanding gas volume in the lungs can cause rupture of lung tissue and escape of air into the circulation or other tissues. Air bubbles travelling with the blood may block circulation in vital tissues such as the brain or heart. This life-threatening condition is known as Arterial Gas Embolism. This danger is easily avoided by breathing normally and continuously while ascending. This point should be thoroughly covered in Snuba pre-dive briefings, and should be monitored by the dive guide throughout the dive by watching for the continual release of bubbles from each diver. However most lung overpressure diving accidents do happen within 15 feet of the surface of the water because this is where the greatest change in volume occurs, and a panicking diver may reach the surface before the guide has noticed a problem. Unfortunately this depth range is where snuba diving takes place. According to certified diving agencies, like PADI and NAUI, snuba is slowly being phased out due to the number of the diving accidents that have been recorded due to the lack of certification and training involved, but according to the snuba website, since starting operations in 1989, almost 5 million dives have been done without injury or fatality (they do not mention whether any other dives have resulted in injury – the wording is ambiguous).

Respect
All Snuba Recreational Centers are members of the Reef Alliance. Coral reefs are fragile living organisms and with a little understanding, they can be preserved for hundreds of years to come. All forms of diving help to make people more aware of our coral reefs, what they are, and how to protect them. However, all forms of diving also have the ability to expose coral reefs to damage.

Please following these guidelines while Snuba diving, scuba diving, or snorkeling:

 * Do NOT touch anything.
 * Never take anything - shells, sand, coral, etc. Although very beautiful, empty shells become new homes for other marine animals.
 * While Snuba diving be aware of where you are in the water to avoid bumping into corals. If you are unable to control your depth by just swimming while neutrally buoyant, hold onto the Snuba air line as that will keep you at one depth and give you more control.
 * Fins are not foot protection! Never use your fins to push off of coral or the bottom.
 * Don't feed the marine life. Bread, frozen peas, etc. are not part of the natural food chain for fish.
 * Wear environmentally friendly biodegradable sunscreen - yes, regular sunscreen is bad for corals.

After your Snuba dive ask questions about what you saw and tell others about what they can do to help preserve our tropical reefs.

Stay healthy
If you have any preexisting conditions (especially respiratory or cardiovascular conditions) consult your physician before Snuba diving.

Your Snuba guide should thoroughly cover the prevention of pressure related illnesses before your Snuba dive. Pay close attention and follow each rule.

You may spend considerable time swimming at or near the surface. This is a high risk for sunburn. Wear some protection that will not wash off.

Be aware that flying after diving carries certain guidelines depending on the number of dives and time before flying. Consult your Snuba guide for more details before diving.

title: Snuba


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Snyder (Texas)

Snyder is a city in the Llano Estacado region of Texas. It was a very rough and tumble place in the early days after first being settled in 1878. Then there was an oil boom period. Now Snyder has a college (Western Texas College) and a little more of a diversified and stable presence.

Get in

 * US 180 east of Lamesa and west of Breckenridge
 * US 84 southeast of Post and northwest of Sweetwater
 * FM 208 north from Colorado City

Get around
As with other towns in the area, you will need a car.

Go next

 * Lake JB Thomas is about 12 miles southwest and is a good spot for sport fishing.

title: Snyder (Texas)


text:
Snyder (Oklahoma)

Snyder is a city in Oklahoma.

Sleep

There is also a Motel 6 in Snyder.

title: Snyder (Oklahoma)


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Soave

Soave is a small medieval town near located in between Verona and Vicenza. The town is totally surrounded by the walls which slope down from it majestic Castle, a typical medieval military edifice erected in the High Middle Ages, probably on the former site of a Roman fort. Soave’s Castle is probably one of the most well-preserved buildings of its époque and, once insight, visitors really have the feeling that the age of seigneurs, lords and duels was never over.

But the Caste is just part of Soave’s monuments and heritage sites. Take a look at the Palace of Justice, the Scaliger Palace, near Porta Aquila, or at the Church of Santa Maria dei Domenicani.

The town is also famous for the typical dry white wine – Soave – which is produced in the romantic hills surrounding the Medieval walls. A dedicated festival is organised in May in order to celebrate the virtues of this very popular wine.

By train
The nearest railway station is San Bonifacio (5 km south-east – 10 min by bus), which has direct connections with Verona, Vicenza, Venice, Padua and Milan:
 * Verona is 20-minute ride away
 * Vicenza is 20-minute ride away
 * Venice is 1h30min ride away
 * Padua is 45-minute ride away
 * Milan is 2h10min ride away

By plane
Three international airports are nearby:
 * Verona Valerio Catullo, 36 km, many domestic flights and some international destinations (also low-cost) by train: bus to Verona Porta Nuova station, then bus or train to San Bonifacio, then bus
 * Venice Marco Polo Airport, 103 km, a lot of destinations throughout Europe by train: bus to Venezia Mestre station, then train to San Bonifacio or Verona, then bus
 * Treviso, 113 km, low-cost airport with Ryanair and other carriers by train: bus to Treviso station, then train to San Bonifacio or Verona, then bus

By car
Soave is 20 km east of Verona and can easily be reached through the A4 Milan-Venice highway (Soave is 20 km east from Verona, it is easily reachable taking the A4 highway (Soave-San Bonifacio exit).

By bus
ATV’s line no. 30 directly connects Soave to Verona (45 min) and to San Bonifacio train station (10 min).

Eat

 * Antica Locanda El Grio, Piazza Salvo d’Acquisto, Tel: +39 0457675255
 * Antica Trattoria Da Amedeo via Roma, 15 Tel: +39 0456190234
 * Hostaria Alla Fittà, Via Centro, 5 Tel.: +39 0457675122
 * Hostaria Cansignorio, via Libertà, 5 Tel.: +39 0457675252
 * Osteria - Cantina alla scala, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 5 Tel.: +39 0457680010
 * Pizzeria Trattoria Baltieri, via S. D’Acquisto,1 Tel. +39 0457675286
 * Pizzeria Trattoria La Torre, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 155 Tel.: +39 0457680235
 * Pizzeria Scaligera, via XXV Aprile, 17 Tel.: +39 0457680708
 * Pizzeria Ristorante Stubai, via Nazionale S.S. 11 Tel.: +39 0456101599
 * Ristorante Amleto, via Ettore Ruffo, 17 Tel.: +39 0456190830
 * Ristorante Della Scala, viale del Commercio, 20 Tel.: +39 0456102424
 * Ristorante Lo Scudo, via S.Matteo, 46 Tel.: +39 0457680766
 * Ristorante Regina, via Libertà Tel.: +39 0457675260
 * Ristorante Soave, viale della Vittoria, 97 Tel.: +39 0457680067
 * Trattoria Dal Moro, viale della Vittoria, 3 Tel.: +39 0457680204
 * Trattoria Zorzi A., Via Nazionale, 11 Tel. +39 0457610571
 * Trattoria Zorzi A., Via Nazionale, 11 Tel. +39 0457610571

Sleep

 * Borgo Antico Affittacamere (rooms to rent), Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 43 Tel.: +39 3470405046 E-mail: info@borgoanticosoave.it
 * Locanda Lo Scudo (rooms to rent), Via Covergnino, 9/9B Tel.: +39 0457680766 Fax +39 0457680766 E-mail: info@loscudo.vr.it
 * Roxy Plaza Hotel, Via San Matteo, 4 Tel.: +39 0456190660 Fax +39 0456190676 E-mail: roxyplaza@tin.it
 * Hotel Cangrande, Viale del Commercio, 20 Tel.: +39 0456102424 Fax +39 0456102567 E-mail: info@hotelcangrande.it
 * Hotel Regina Via Libertà, 24 Tel.: +39 0457675260 Fax +39 0457675287
 * Roxy (Flats) Piazza Castagnedi, 1 Tel.: +39 0456190660 Fax: +39 0456190676
 * Corte Dei Soavi (Flats), via Pigna 78 - int. 3-4, Tel.: +39 0457675316 Fax: +39 045 7675316 E-mail: info@cortedeisoavi.com
 * Al Mondello (Bed & Breakfast), Via Matteotti, 8 Tel.: +39 0457680596 Fax: +39 0457680596 E-mail: lucianotebaldi@alice.it
 * B&B La Terza, Via Pigna, 62 Tel.: 0457675360 Fax: 0457675360
 * Beschin Loredana (B&B), via Coste, 56 Tel.: +39 0457675316 E-mail: info@punto-bit.com
 * Corte Dei Soavi, (B&B), via Pigna, 78 Tel.: +39 0457675316 Fax: +39 045 7675316 E-mail: info@cortedeisoavi.com
 * El Grio B&B, via Salvo D'Acquisto, 3 Tel.: +39 0457675255 Fax: +39 0457675828 E-mail: info@locandaelgrio.com
 * Il Grappolo D'oro (B&B), via M. Aldrighetti, 39 Tel.: +39 0457680424 Mobile: 347 8653256 E-mail: info@ilgrappolodoro.com
 * La Trebbianella (B&B), via Carcera, 21, Tel.: +39 0457675104 Fax: +39 0457675935 E-mail: antonioroncolato@libero.it
 * Relax A Soave (B&B), via Bassano, 5, Tel.: +39 0456190451- +39 0457680441 Fax: +39 0456198371 E-mail: info@soaverie.com
 * Hotel Soave, Viale della Vittoria, 97, Tel.: +39 0457680067 Fax: +39 0457680067 E-mail: albergosoave@hotmail.com
 * Az. Agr. Monte Tondo (Farm), Via San Lorenzo, 89 Tel.: +39 0457680347 Fax: +39 0456198567 E-mail: info@montetondo.it
 * Corte Tamellini (Farm), Contrada Tamellini, 13 Soave Mobile: +39 3472232051/3409886489/3492452461 Fax: +39 0457680281 E-mail: info@cortetamellini.com
 * Filippi Villa Visco (Farm), via Libertà, 55 Tel.: +39 0457675005 Fax: +39 045 7675005 E-mail: info@agriturismofilippi.it
 * Libero (Farm), Via Monti, Tel.: +39 0456190753 Mobile: +39 3298142588/3480106989 Fax: +39 0456190753 E-mail: info@agriturismolibero.com

title: Soave


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Sobral

Sobral is a city in Ceará, Brazil.

The state´s biggest economy outside the capital, the heat of this city keeps most tourists away. It could, however, be a nice off-the beaten-track stopover on your way to Jericoacoara. Bring repellant, as mosquitos are plentiful, although not really annoying.

Get in
Easily accessible by bus from Fortaleza (several companies, every hour, 4 hours journey), or, in the other direction, Teresina. Daily minibuses (except Sunday) to Jericoacoara (change to 4x4 at Jijoca) at 11:00 from Churrascaria o Nunato opposite the bus station. (This ride can take up to 4 hours, as it stops everywhere.)

Get around
Mostly walkable, or mototaxis take you virtually anywhere within the city for R$ 3-4.

See
Sobral has its share of colonial architecture. Mostly its churches, notably the cathedral, and also along the Avenida Dom José. More modern lines can be found along the river, including the Biblioteca Municipal, built on the grounds of an old cat food factory.

Do
Stroll along the riverfront between the two bridges.

Buy
Many smaller businesses close for lunch.

Eat
Watch out for the local specialty panelada, mostly made from pork tripes.

Go next
Serra da Meruoca is refreshing. 1 hour by pick up truck (leaves as soon as it fills up) from Sobral´s Mercado.

title: Sobral


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Soča Valley

Soča Valley is situated on the northwestern part of Slovenia.

Understand
Soča Valley is well known for its sport activities, nature and for the rich natural and cultural heritage. The valley is named after Soča River, which starts its path in Triglav National Park and continues to nearby three small Alpine towns Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin. Parts of the river are famous for their unnaturally blue colour.

Get in
The Soča Valley is easily reached from elsewhere in Slovenia or Italy. Up to 10 trains [1 ] a day run to parts of the valley from Ljubljana (via Jessenice and Bled) and from Nova Gorica on the Slovenian-Italian border. Alight at stations like Kanal or Most na Soči to reach the most visited areas.

See
Popular towns in the area include Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin, Kanal and Most na Soči. With the exceptions of the first two towns none of these settlements have more than around 1,000 residents so don't expect big cities. You will find bars, restaurants and a few shops in all of them though. Bovec is popular with those seeking adventure sports.

Do
The Soca River is paradise for people who love nature. Visitors and locals can choose between short, easy walks nearby the river, quiet fly-fishing or adrenaline water sports as are rafting, kayak, hydrospeed. Kayaking on white water is well known all over Europe.

title: Soča Valley


text:
Soccsksargen

Soccsksargen or SOCCSKSARGEN (pronounced socks-sarjen), also officially known as Region XII, is a region in central Mindanao.

The name is an acronym for the region's four provinces and one of its cities: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. This region is often known by its former name Central Mindanao. The regional center is in Koronadal at the province of South Cotabato. It is to the south of Bangsamoro (formerly Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), the Muslim-majority region of Mindanao.

Cities

 * — the largest city, with a booming tuna industry
 * — capital of Sultan Kudarat
 * — the best jumping-off point if you wish to climb Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest mountain
 * — a planned city that is home to ethnic Hiligaynons, who comprise 95% of the city's population
 * — an agro-industrial and commercial center for Allah Valley
 * — the commercial hub of the province of Sultan Kudarat

Other destinations

 * — a town and the lake surrounded by Allah Valley, a pristine rainforest landscape recognized by UNESCO as an important cultural region

Understand
The region was called Central Mindanao until the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao were transferred to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Lanao del Norte was later transferred to Northern Mindanao. Saranggani, South Cotabato and General Santos were moved to Central Mindanao to form the present region.

The oldest inhabitants in the region are the nature-worshipping Lumads; the arrival of Christian Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Ilocano migrants drove the Lumads into the mountains. Muslim Maguindanaoans also inhabit the region, at the area bordering Maguindanao, especially in Sultan Kudarat province..

By plane
General Santos International Airport is the main, and only airport with commercial flights. Despite its international designation, only domestic carriers fly here.

Eat

 * A46 Picnic Grove, (UK Peak) Aleosan, Cotabato Province. They serve snacks and burger with patties made of local meat.

Stay safe
The region borders Bangsamoro, and there is high risk of possible attacks from Islamic militants. Areas near the regional border are the most prone to terrorist and insurgent attacks, but attacks can occur anywhere. See the warning on the top of the page for further information.

Communist rebels also hide in the mountainous areas of the region, and are involved in extortion; nevertheless, they are less of a threat to the average traveler.

title: Soccsksargen