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Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located near Carlsbad, New Mexico. It is most famous for the "Big Cave" and its Big Room, at one time considered the largest natural underground chamber in the world. Although no longer claiming that title, it is still one of the world's largest cave rooms, and its unusually extensive and diverse decorations make it a prime destination for the tourist looking to venture underground.

Geology
The Big Room is often described as the world's largest cave chamber, but it no longer holds that title; the record-holding Sarawak Chamber in Lubang Nasib Bagus in Malaysia is far larger, and as many as 10 other chambers are now known that are larger than the Big Room. However, Carlsbad Caverns still offers world-class cave experiences by any reasonable definition. The "Big Cave" (Carlsbad Cavern itself) is one of over 80 caves within the park, but it is neither the longest nor the deepest of the park's caves. Both of these honors fall to Lechuguilla Cave, a "wild" cave not normally open to tourists.

The caves lie primarily within a Permian limestone reef, but one unusual feature of Carlsbad Caverns is that it sits atop a field of natural gas and oil. As a result, the usual calcium-carbonate cave formations are supplemented in some areas by formations based on calcium sulfate (gypsum) created by the migration of sulfur-bearing water up from the gas field. This, combined with a tendency for the limestone containing the bulk of the caves to fracture along massive joints, results in the unusual combination of very large cave passages and extremely ornate (although, in many cases, famously massive) decorations. The calcium-sulfate formations tend to be delicate and are not usually visible to the casual visitor, but some of the backcountry caves (see under "Do") have astonishing calcium-sulfate formations.

History
The existence of caves in the limestone around Carlsbad has been known for a long time, but Carlsbad Caverns was added to the national park system as a National Monument in 1923, largely (and famously) through the advocacy and actions of Carlsbad-area cowboy Jim White. It gained full-fledged National Park status in 1930. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1995.

Landscape
The park is found where the plains of the Chihuahuan Desert meet the Guadalupe Mountains and ranges in elevation from about 3,200 feet (1,000 m) to 5,500 feet (1,600 m). The primary natural entrance to the Big Cave is in a depression in a mesa on the side of Walnut Canyon, which contains the main entrance road to the park. Several of the accessible "wild caves" are in a detached region of the park containing Slaughter Canyon, one of the typical -- and typically rugged -- canyons descending from the Guadalupes onto the plain.

Flora and fauna
Flora and fauna of Carlsbad are typical of the Chihuahuan Desert, with relatively few large animals and plant life that is adapted to the dry environment. Practically every plant species in the park has spines or thorns on it, and the prickly-pear cactus, ocotillo and lechuguilla are widespread and difficult to hike through.

The caves themselves are the home of a distinctive fauna including cave crickets that have adapted to conditions of total darkness. Raccoons, ring-tail cats, and skunks are often found around the cave entrances. By far the best known park denizens, however, are the enormous colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats that live in the Big Cave and other caves (see below under "See"). Less benignly, rattlesnakes are common in the area, particularly around the entrances to backcountry caves.

Climate
The caves in Carlsbad Caverns typically hover around a cool 55F (12C), a drastic difference from the hot summers on the surface. Even if it doesn't feel like you need one walking in, it is a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket.

The town of Carlsbad is scorching hot during the summer, with temperatures above 100°F (38°C) common, but conditions at the park itself are slightly more moderate, although still hot. The fact that the visitor center, at the entrance to the Big Cave, is at somewhat elevated altitude offers some relief from the heat. Winters in the park are usually quite pleasant, with daytime highs around 60 to 65°F (15 to 18°C). Precipitation is sparse, but often comes in the form of brief but incredibly intense summer thunderstorms that may drop up to 4 inches (10 cm) of rain in a few hours. There is occasional, non-persistent snow during the winters. Spring and fall tend to have agreeable temperatures and little precipitation, although springtime winds can be unpleasant.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
The park is about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of the town of Carlsbad, via US Highways 62 and 180 (one road, two designations). This is a good road that is passable year-round except during rare, brief blizzards. Carlsbad has commuter air service (via Mesa Airlines connecting to Albuquerque) and a bus terminal. The closest major airport, with service by nearly all large airlines, is in El Paso, Texas, from which the park is also reached via US 62 and 180, with Guadalupe Mountains National Park en route. Hobbs, 70 miles east of Carlsbad, has an airport served by United with nonstop flights between Houston, Texas. Roswell, 60 miles north of Carlsbad, also has an airport served by United with nonstop flights between Dallas, Texas.

Fees and permits
The basic fee for the main cave is $10, Children 15 and under are free, good for three days. Headset rentals are an extra $3 per person. The park also holds several free admission days throughout the year. See the Fee and Reservation page for the dates.

Several of the ranger-led activities (see under "Do") require additional fees. Consult the NPS web site below for more information. Backcountry activities (other than surface day hikes) extending beyond the ranger-led tours require permits.

Get around

The elevator to the Big Room leaves from within the visitor center, and the walk from the visitor center to the natural entrance of the Big Cave is very short. Most of the trail in the Big Room is wheelchair-accessible. Flat-soled shoes are strongly recommended for the hike into the cave from the natural entrance, and a good idea if entering the cave via the elevator. Running shoes (particularly cross-trainers) or light hiking boots work well.

Many publications assert that the temperature in the Big Cave is "a constant 56°F," but the truth is a little more complicated. The temperature varies from place to place within the cave, and atmospheric conditions can create small temperature variations in some locations as well. However, 56°F (13°C) is a good number for planning purposes. Take a light jacket or wrap into the cave, even if it's beastly hot outdoors.

If planning to do any backcountry hiking, make sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen; there is precious little shade, and no reliable water sources. Serious hiking boots are a very good idea, as the terrain is rough, plants are thorny, and rattlesnakes (though rarely encountered) typically strike at the ankle level. In the backcountry, long pants are a better idea than shorts, if you can stand the heat; a little protection from spines and thorns goes a long way.

See

The main attraction, of course, is the Big Room, accessible either by an elevator from within the visitor center, or via a short trail leading from the visitor center to the natural entrance. The elevator descends (quickly!) over 600 feet (183 m) and deposits the visitor at the main level of the cave, from which a short walk leads to the Big Room, with remarkable decorations on all sides. The route through the Big Room is paved (visitors are forbidden to leave the trail unless guided) and generally accessible to wheelchairs, although one section is problematic for the wheelchair and can and should be bypassed. The route from the natural entrance is longer and rougher, although still on good trail, and stresses the natural history of the cave as well as the scenery, eventually linking up with the Big Room trail. Visitors return to the surface via the elevator. Hours vary seasonally but generally conform to regular business hours; the cutoff on starting a tour is somewhat earlier, so as to ensure that all visitors are out of the cave before closing. Admission to the cave via the natural entrance usually closes 4 hours or so before the cave closes entirely, while the last elevator down leaves about 2 hours before closing. The NPS site gives current information on hours.

The first-time visitor may wish to rent an audio headset at the visitor center before heading into the cave. This provides information on cave geology, history, formations, etc., at a number of locations along the trail. Headsets in several languages other than English are available.

Bat flights occur in the evening during much of the year, and visitors can watch for the swarms of bats from a small seating area/outdoor theater near the natural entrance. There is usually a brief ranger talk before the flight. The bats do not emerge from the cave in a single massive swarm, but there is usually a relatively well-defined peak period some tens of minutes after sundown; inquire at the visitor center to learn when to show up at the seating area.

Ranger-led tours
The park offers scheduled tours of "wild caves" that give the visitor a taste of what visiting an undeveloped cave is like. All require reservations and have fees; see the link below for details. Visitors should be in good health and be prepared for some hard work, possibly including crawling in tight spaces depending on the tour; wear clothes that can get dirty -- seriously dirty.

 * Tours in the Big Cave reach areas of Carlsbad Cavern not on the main tourist path, which only covers a small part of the cave. As of 2005, there are tours to Kings Palace, Left Hand Tunnel, Lower Cave, and the Hall of the White Giant.

Backcountry caves
The park's policy toward access to caves in the backcountry varies from year to year. Most backcountry caves are closed completely to the public except on special occasions. However, Goat Cave, Ogle Cave, Corkscrew Cave, Christmas Tree Cave, Wen Cave, and Lake Cave have all been open to the unescorted recreational caver at various times on a permit basis. ''Most of these caves have significant vertical sections and require proficiency with rope and ascending and rappeling gear. Know what you're doing before even thinking about getting a permit for them.''

Hiking
There are several surface trails in the park that afford the hiker a first-hand look at the ruggedness of the terrain. (No mountain bikes allowed.) Several are in the Slaughter Canyon area. Day use is unrestricted, but the backpacker planning an overnight stay must obtain a free permit from the park. Campfires are prohibited in the backcountry; use a stove, and take plenty of water. Good hiking boots are a must, and long pants are preferred to shorts owing to the remarkable variety of spiny and thorny plant life that can poke a good-sized hole in you.

Birdwatching
Rattlesnake Springs picnic area, in the detached part of the park, is not only an interesting place to catch a lunch, but a good place to see birds in surprising abundance. It is open for day use only; no camping is allowed.

Buy
There is a small gift shop at the visitor center with the usual trinkets, books, (nice) photographs, etc. Do not buy pieces of cave formations from any fly-by-night "vendors" on the way to the park! Even if collected from caves on private property, collecting them amounts to cave vandalism, and in any event, it's a purchase you'll regret soon enough. Within the caves, they are things of beauty; outside, they are just little hunks of rock that are likely to disintegrate before you get them home. Spend your money on good photo collections instead.

Eat
The visitor center contains a snack bar/cafeteria with the usual national-park fare. One unique feature of the Big Cave is a "lunchroom" within the cave, at the lower terminus of the elevator from the visitor center. Cafeteria-style munchies can be bought and consumed here. (Please don't take them into the rest of the cave.) Otherwise, restaurants and convenience stores exist in White City, near the park entrance; none are particularly noteworthy.

Lodging

 * White City (or Whites or White's), just before the park entrance, is largely a noisome tourist trap, but does have the acceptable Best Western Guadalupe Inn (formerly "Cavern Inn"). The usual Best Western accommodations, with spa, pool, etc.  Rooms start at $65 depending on season.  Phone +1-800-215-2167; it's a fairly small property, so don't count on being able to appear unannounced and get a room without a reservation.
 * Carlsbad itself has the usual motor-inn/motel franchises, largely clustered along "National Parks Highway" (US 62/180). Days Inn, Super 8, Comfort Inn, another Best Western, and others can be found; none are spectacular, most are acceptable. Newer hotels including Hampton Inn and Suites and Fairfield Inn and Suites have opened up on the southern end of town.

Camping
There is no car camping within the park itself. A KOA campground is on 62/180 about 15 miles north of Carlsbad by Brantley Lake.

Backcountry
Backcountry camping requires a free permit and is best in the (relatively) high country beyond Slaughter Canyon Cave. Pack in lots of water, as there are no reliable water sources in the backcountry for much of the year. When arising in the morning, check your sleeping bag and footwear for scorpions as well as snakes.

Stay safe
Visiting the "tourist" parts of the Big Cave poses no serious safety hazards. As mentioned above, footwear with balance and traction is a good idea, particularly if you're walking down from the natural entrance; the trail is steep in spots and may be wet due to water dripping from the ceiling. If you're suffering from ear problems (e.g. blocked Eustachian tubes), you might find it more comfortable to descend into the cave via the natural entrance rather than the elevator, which descends so rapidly that it may cause discomfort due to difficulty in pressure equalization.

When visiting backcountry areas, whether on tours or on your own, make sure you are properly equipped. Many of the "wild" caves require proficiency in vertical technique that is considerably different than that used in rock climbing. The Park Service's recommendations for any particular cave are usually well thought out and helpful. Make sure you have sunscreen and plenty of water for any hiking; it's sunny, and hot, out there.

Go next
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is just over the Texas state line; continue west on 62/180. This park features terrain similar to that of Carlsbad Caverns, with fewer caves and more above-ground hiking, including a trail to the top of Guadalupe Peak, highest point in the state of Texas.

title: Carlsbad Caverns National Park


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Carmarthen

Carmarthen (Welsh: Caerfyrddin) is the county town of Carmarthenshire in South Wales, UK.

Although the town lacks an abundance of tourist attractions, if your journey takes you past then consider taking a break here. There are some pleasant cafes, and the old town centre and its famous market are definitely worth a look.

Understand
A 12th-century history book names the town as the birthplace of the wizard of Arthurian legend, Merlin. Consequently, there are a few Merlin-themed events and establishments in the town.

If you are coming in from Cardiff, Swansea or the Tenby area, Carmarthen will be the first place that you have the chance to often hear Welsh spoken on the street.

By road
From east: M4 to end, A48 the rest of the way. Parking is not exactly easy, though the car park behind the market is the most convenient for the shopping centre.

By train
There are many direct trains to from London Paddington though generally you will need to change at Swansea. Travel times from London are approximately 4 hours.

By bus

 * National Express operate coach services to Carmarthen from Blackpool, Birmingham and London Victoria.
 * The TrawsCambria service from Cardiff Bay to Aberystwyth calls at Carmarthen.
 * First Cymru have a number of services to Carmarthen from a number of towns in the area, including Llanelli.

Get around
The town centre is small enough to easily get around on foot or bicycle.

Do

 * Rugby Union: Carmarthen Quins play in the Welsh Premiership, the amateur game's top tier.
 * Wales Balloon Festival is 29-30 June 2024 on Carmarthen Showground.
 * Wales Balloon Festival is 29-30 June 2024 on Carmarthen Showground.
 * Wales Balloon Festival is 29-30 June 2024 on Carmarthen Showground.
 * Wales Balloon Festival is 29-30 June 2024 on Carmarthen Showground.

Buy

 * Handcrafts at the market.
 * The famous "Carmarthen Ham" at the Albert Rees butchers stall in the market.
 * Carmarthen Farmers Market, Carmarthen Town Centre, held 1st Friday of every month.
 * Carmarthen Farmers Market, Carmarthen Town Centre, held 1st Friday of every month.

Sleep
There are some good B&Bs in a rural setting near Carmarthen as well as a number of hotels in the town.

Go next

 * St. Clears
 * Kidwelly Castle in Kidwelly is about 8 miles from Carmarthen along the A484.
 * The sea-side town of Laugharne was the home of Swansea born and world famous writer Dylan Thomas, and the boat-house where many of his verses were composed is a main attraction. Laugharne is 8 miles from Carmarthen.
 * Swansea and the Gower Peninsula - Wales' city by the sea is 22 miles from Carmarthen. Follow A48, M4, exit 'Swansea West'.
 * The quaint market town of Llandovery.
 * The spectacular Carreg Cennen Castle in Trapp near Llandeilo.

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

title: Carmarthen


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Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire  (Welsh: Sir Gaerfyrddin or Sir Gâr) is a county in south west Wales. It is bounded to the north west by Ceredigion, the west by Pembrokeshire, the east by Glamorgan and to the north east by Powys

Towns

 * (Welsh: Caerfyrddin) – the county town of Carmarthenshire, bustling market.
 * (Rhydaman)
 * (Porth Tywyn)
 * (Cydweli) – large castle
 * (Talacharn) – coastal town with castle and Dylan Thomas connection
 * – picturesque market town.
 * (Llanymddyfri) – picturesque market town.
 * – the largest town in the county
 * (Sanclêr) – market town

Villages

 * (Glan-y-fferi)
 * (Pentywyn)
 * & Llanybri
 * & Llanybri
 * & Llanybri

Understand
Carmarthenshire is a largely rural county and has rich farmland and a large agricultural industry. It has some of the most fertile land in Wales and is known as the Garden of Wales. Carmarthenshire is an ancient county and historically the largest traditional county of Wales, which modern Carmarthenshire shares roughly the same boundaries.

The Prince of Wales's Welsh home is located near the village of Myddfai in Carmarthenshire.

Tourist information

 * Discover Carmarthenshire

By car

 * The M4 Motorway connects Carmarthenshire with Swansea and destinations to the East, eventually reaching London. The M4 terminates at the Pont Abraham Roundabout, approximately 15 miles south east of Carmarthen and serves Llanelli.
 * The A48 connects Carmarthen to the M4 at Pont Abraham. The A48 then continues along a route similar to the M4 heading eastwards.
 * The A483 connects towns in eastern Carmarthenshire to places in mid and north Wales and Chester.
 * The A40 is a major east–west route beginning from London and ending at Fishguard which passes through Carmarthen. East of Carmarthen, the A40 skirts the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons and passes the town of Brecon.

By train
Arriva Trains Wales run the vast majority of Services in the area, with First Great Western running a small number of through trains to London.

Train services from Shrewsbury, via central Wales on the scenic Heart of Wales Line call at Ammanford and Llanelli.

The only east–west line through Carmarthenshire is the West Wales line on which direct Arriva Trains Wales services from Manchester, Newport, Cardiff and Swansea call at Llanelli and Carmarthen as well as many other smaller stations. First Great Western trains from London only run directly to Llanelli and Carmarthen during the summer months. At other times, a change at Swansea or Newport is required.

By bus
National Express operate coach services to Carmarthen from Blackpool, Birmingham and London (Victoria). The TrawsCambria service from Cardiff Bay to Aberystwyth calls at Carmarthen. To Llanelli, National Express operate regular coach services from London (Victoria).

See Carmarthenshire government bus page

By plane

 * (ICAO:EGFP) in the south of Carmarthenshire handles private light aircraft. Charter company South Western Airlines operate out of Pembrey Airport.

By boat
The ferry ports at Pembroke Dock and Fishguart are approximately an hour away from Carmarthenshire, offering ferry services between south Wales and Ireland.

Get around
The best way to travel around Carmarthenshire is by private car.

See also Carmarthenshire government bus page

Castles

 * Carmarthen Castle
 * Carreg Cennen Castle, near Llandeilo
 * Dinefwr Castle, near Llandeilo
 * Dryslwyn Castle, near Llandeilo
 * Kidwelly Castle
 * Laugharne Castle
 * Llandovery Castle
 * Llansteffan Castle

Coastline

 * Cefn Sidan beach near Burry Port
 * Gwendraeth estuary near Kidwelly
 * Llansteffan beach
 * Pendine Sands

Parks and gardens

 * Aberglasney near Llandeilo
 * Black Mountain, the range of mountains on the far western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park falls within Carmarthenshire. This part of the Brecon Beacons is far less visited than the central and western parts but is no less spectacular.

Aviation

 * Pembrey Airport, Burry Port

Motor Racing

 * Pembrey Circuit, Burry Port
 * Pendine Museum of Speed

Skiing

 * Pembrey Country Park, Burry Port

Spectator Sports

 * Ffos Las Racecourse, Mixed (flat and jumps) horse racing, near Kidwelly.
 * Scarlets, Rugby Union, Llanelli.

Cycling

 * Millenium Coastal Path (part of NCR 4) This route follows the Carmarthenshire coast south of Llanelli.

Eat
Carmarthen and Llanelli offer the best opportunities in Carmarthenshire. Carmarthen contains chain restaurants such as Pizza Express, Frankie and Benny's, Harvester and the Real China as well as fast food eateries McDonalds and KFC. Outside of the town are a number of independent restaurants including Y Polyn (AA restaurant of the year for Wales 2010), The Cors in Laugharne (located in a bog garden) and Hurst House (previously owned by Neil Morrissey).

Drink
Llanelli has the best collection of pubs and bars in Carmarthenshire.

Talk
The area is by and large bi-lingual. Welsh and English are both widely used.

Go next

 * Brecon Beacons National Park - a short drive from Carmarthenshire will take you into this land of lakes, mountain peaks and Celtic mystery.
 * Cardiff - Wales' capital city - castle - shopping - between 1 - 1 1/2 hours by car. There timetabled train services to Cardiff from Carmarthen and Llanelli as well as other smaller village stations. Direct bus services to Cardiff are available at Carmarthen and Llanelli.
 * Pembrokeshire Coast National Park the only coastal national park in the UK, found just to the West of Carmarthenshire.
 * Swansea and Gower peninsula - Wales second largest city lies just to the south east of Carmarthenshire for shopping, leisure, nightlife and restaurants. There are frequent bus and train connections from Llanelli and Carmarthen.

title: Carmarthenshire


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Carmel

There is more than one place called Carmel:

United States of America

 * Carmel (California) - A small town on Monterey Bay in the state of California.
 * Carmel (Indiana) - A suburb of Indianapolis in the state of Indiana.
 * Carmel (New York) - A town in New York (state).

Israel

 * Carmel Range - a hilly area including the city of Haifa.

title: Carmel


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Carmel (California)

Carmel-by-the-Sea, often called just Carmel, is a beautiful oceanside town on California's Highway 1, complete with dramatic views, white beaches, friendly locals and great food.

Understand
Carmel is five miles south of Monterey city in the Monterey Bay region of California. A mostly upper-class destination for adults, the town itself is small – you can walk across the main part in five minutes – but filled with art galleries, cafes, restaurants and inns. Every evening, visitors gather on the pristine beach to watch colorful sunsets. Carmel's rocky coastline is picturesque but dangerous for boats, so unlike most coastal towns in California, it was never a good base for fishing. After the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, it became famous as an artist colony, and there are still several dozen art galleries in town.

Temperatures in September are perfect: 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-16°C) at night. Bring sweaters and dress in layers for all-day activities.

Ocean Avenue is downtown's main street, sloping from the highway down to the beach, with many shops, coffee houses, and galleries.

Scenic Drive meanders along the curve of the beach. A packed dirt path along the roadside is a favorite with local joggers and dog-walkers. The town is especially dog-friendly with many lodging and dining accommodations welcoming the canine guests.

Carmel Valley is formed by the Carmel River, flowing some 20 miles from the Santa Lucia mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The town of Carmel Valley is located 12 miles inland from Highway 1, on Carmel Valley Road. Quite often when Carmel-by-the-Sea is fogged in, Carmel Valley is sunny and warm.

By car
By Highway 1 south from Monterey or northwards via Big Sur.

By train
Amtrak's Coast Starlight stops in nearby Salinas. Amtrak runs a bus service from the station to Carmel with stops in Monterey in between. The train can be slow and is often delayed. The food is okay, but sometimes limited so you might want to bring your own food or snacks.

By plane
Nearby Monterey Airport offers connecting service through a number of different airlines. The airport also handles a large volume of private air traffic. San Jose Airport is about a 90-minute drive away, but it is larger and usually has much cheaper flights.

Get around
There are no street numbers for homes or businesses in the main part of the town. Directions are given by street name and the nearest intersection.

There are almost no street lights at night, and the signs for restaurants and other businesses are not brightly lit.

The downtown area and nearby beach can be seen on foot, but a car is needed to explore the coastline. Street parking is generally free for a couple of hours at a time. There is also a garage at Carmel Plaza (Ocean and Junipero). Many hotels offer parking spots to guests, but be prepared for a tight squeeze. Scenic Drive sometimes yields surprisingly convenient (and free) parking spaces.

Bicycling is an option but should be undertaken with care, as many of Carmel's streets can be hilly or windy, or leave little room to pass.

There are a few local buses, but routes run primarily between Carmel and Monterey, rather than around Carmel, except for bus 24 which continues through Carmel to Carmel Valley.

Buy
The village of Carmel is locally famous for art galleries boasting a variety of art. Openings are held frequently and often open to the public. Unique clothing and jewelry also represent a large portion of shopping in Carmel.

Eat
Carmel restaurants tend to be on the fancy side – eight of them are listed in the Michelin Guide, and one has a star – which means it's a delightful place for the foodie, but also that they tend to be on the expensive side. Many of the bigger restaurants serve lunch and dinner, so if you have your heart set on a fancy meal but don't relish the accompanying price tag, then consider making reservations for lunch, and plan a sunset picnic or a more reasonably priced restaurant for dinner.

Mid-range

Drink

Most Carmel drinking revolves around local wines; be sure to indulge in a bottle, available at almost any food shop and every restaurant or stop into any winery's tasting room.

Several restaurants also offer bar areas; but an honest-to-goodness "pub crawl" would be hard to come by in this town.

Sleep
Additional lodging options can be found just to the east in Carmel Valley, or to the north in Monterey. Many hotels are less expensive during the rainy winter months (approximately November to March) than during peak tourist months.

Go next

 * Point Lobos State Reserve and the State Parks comprising Big Sur make for an amazing afternoon drive and hiking session.
 * Monterey - Four miles north of Carmel, Monterey was founded in 1770 and served as the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico, was a bustling fishing port until the 1950s, and is now a major tourist destination. Attractions include a pier filled with seafood restaurants, a world-class aquarium, a harbor that is home to an enormous number of seabirds, sea lions, sea otters, seals, and other marine life, the historic Cannery Row, and opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, or other excursions into Monterey Bay.
 * Big Sur - The Big Sur region can be loosely defined as the stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon, and the steep cliffs, rocky coast, churning waves, abundant wildlife, redwoods, and remoteness make it one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Big Sur Village lies at its heart, 20 miles south of Carmel, and offers amenities for travelers.
 * Carmel Valley - Located thirteen miles inland from its seaside namesake, this tiny village is home to quaint inns and upscale resorts, but is best known for the wineries that fill the valley. The area is also excellent for hiking, biking and horseback riding, with miles of trails through the mountains and along the Carmel river.
 * Pacific Grove - Located six miles north of Carmel, Pacific Grove is a beautiful town that is home to the oldest continually operated lighthouse on the West Coast, and more Victorian homes per capita than anywhere else in America. It is also the northern gateway of the scenic 17-Mile Drive. The town's rocky coastline is filled with tide pools that are easy to explore, seals, sea otters and sea lions are commonly seen in the waters, and adding to its bounty of natural riches, in the winter thousands of monarch butterflies gather in a grove at the town's center.

title: Carmel (California)


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Carmel (Indiana)

Carmel is a city of just over 100,000 people (2021) in the Nine-County Region of Indiana north of Indianapolis.

Understand
It is one of the most affluent communities in the Midwest, lying in Hamilton County (the wealthiest county in the Midwest).

By car
From the metropolitan Indianapolis area, take U.S. 31 north to 126th Street. Carmel's city center is located between U.S. 31 and Keystone Ave. (State Road 431). It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from downtown Indianapolis. Carmel has become the defacto roundabout capital of the US, with more than 80 such roundabouts, much as are found in major European countries. US 31 at the Carmel boundary is a major US highway that has been renovated with off ramp roundabouts that eliminate stop lights from I-465 to the northern boundary of Carmel. The speed limit on this road, however, is a paltry 50 mph and is routinely monitored by the local police, however with no lights travel from one end to the next is about 7 minutes.

By plane
In addition to the Col. Weir Cook Indianapolis International Airport, located off of I-70 in Indianapolis, smaller planes can schedule a landing at one of two airports in Hamilton County and nearby Boone County, just west of Hamilton County. Both offer aircraft charter, sales, rental, catering, and flight school.

 * Indianapolis Executive Airport 11329 East SR 32, Zionsville. +1 317-769-3288.
 * Indianapolis Executive Airport 11329 East SR 32, Zionsville. +1 317-769-3288.

By car
General speed is between on interstates and highways, and generally  on other roads unless otherwise posted.

Outdoors

 * Hagan-Burke Trail Major access: Monon Greenway, Rangeline Road, 146th Street. The trail, which is a little more than one mile, connects the Monon Greenway to 146th Street. A portion of the trail travels along Cool Creek.
 * Monon Trail Greenway Stems from 96th St up to 146th St. Carmel's own 5.2-mile extension of Indy's Monon Trail. A new mile-long extension connects the trail to Westfield, Indiana. Open from dawn to dusk (they do fine you if they catch you at night) with easy accessibility to shopping and activities. One can ride, skate, run or walk along this extensive and well kept greenway. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them.
 * Hagan-Burke Trail Major access: Monon Greenway, Rangeline Road, 146th Street. The trail, which is a little more than one mile, connects the Monon Greenway to 146th Street. A portion of the trail travels along Cool Creek.
 * Monon Trail Greenway Stems from 96th St up to 146th St. Carmel's own 5.2-mile extension of Indy's Monon Trail. A new mile-long extension connects the trail to Westfield, Indiana. Open from dawn to dusk (they do fine you if they catch you at night) with easy accessibility to shopping and activities. One can ride, skate, run or walk along this extensive and well kept greenway. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them.
 * Hagan-Burke Trail Major access: Monon Greenway, Rangeline Road, 146th Street. The trail, which is a little more than one mile, connects the Monon Greenway to 146th Street. A portion of the trail travels along Cool Creek.
 * Monon Trail Greenway Stems from 96th St up to 146th St. Carmel's own 5.2-mile extension of Indy's Monon Trail. A new mile-long extension connects the trail to Westfield, Indiana. Open from dawn to dusk (they do fine you if they catch you at night) with easy accessibility to shopping and activities. One can ride, skate, run or walk along this extensive and well kept greenway. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them.
 * Monon Trail Greenway Stems from 96th St up to 146th St. Carmel's own 5.2-mile extension of Indy's Monon Trail. A new mile-long extension connects the trail to Westfield, Indiana. Open from dawn to dusk (they do fine you if they catch you at night) with easy accessibility to shopping and activities. One can ride, skate, run or walk along this extensive and well kept greenway. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them.
 * Monon Trail Greenway Stems from 96th St up to 146th St. Carmel's own 5.2-mile extension of Indy's Monon Trail. A new mile-long extension connects the trail to Westfield, Indiana. Open from dawn to dusk (they do fine you if they catch you at night) with easy accessibility to shopping and activities. One can ride, skate, run or walk along this extensive and well kept greenway. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them.
 * Monon Trail Greenway Stems from 96th St up to 146th St. Carmel's own 5.2-mile extension of Indy's Monon Trail. A new mile-long extension connects the trail to Westfield, Indiana. Open from dawn to dusk (they do fine you if they catch you at night) with easy accessibility to shopping and activities. One can ride, skate, run or walk along this extensive and well kept greenway. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them.
 * Monon Trail Greenway Stems from 96th St up to 146th St. Carmel's own 5.2-mile extension of Indy's Monon Trail. A new mile-long extension connects the trail to Westfield, Indiana. Open from dawn to dusk (they do fine you if they catch you at night) with easy accessibility to shopping and activities. One can ride, skate, run or walk along this extensive and well kept greenway. Pets are welcome as long as you clean up after them.

Music and performing arts

Rising high on the Carmel skyline with its domed European style design, the Palladium concert space has a four-fronted, symmetrical design with limestone facades and columns.

The Tarkington, a 500-seat proscenium theater, is home to the resident theater group Civic Theatre.

The Studio Theater is a flexible theatrical space with resident companies and their productions. It also presents national performers.

Golf

 * Crooked Stick Golf Course 1964 Burning Tree Ln. +1 317-844-9938. Private 18-hole course, designed by, has hosted the Solheim Cup, US Women's Open, 1991 PGA Championship, and the 2009 US Senior Open.
 * Crooked Stick Golf Course 1964 Burning Tree Ln. +1 317-844-9938. Private 18-hole course, designed by, has hosted the Solheim Cup, US Women's Open, 1991 PGA Championship, and the 2009 US Senior Open.

Buy

Sleep
Carmel has its share of “big chain” hotels, including the Doubletree Guest Suites, Hampton Inn Carmel, Hilton Garden Inn, Residence Inn by Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott. Visit the chain websites to locate the hotel and special deals.

title: Carmel (Indiana)


text:
Carmelita

Carmelita is a small village in Guatemala located due to the current adherence to the Tintal-Mirador causeway just 63 kilometers from El Mirador and 65 from Nakbé.

Get in
Buses leave Carmelita for Flores and vice versa (in Santa Elena Ffrom the market) at 13:00 and 05:00. It takes about 4.5 hours to arrive.

Do
Bring a book and reading light.

Eat
There are two comedors in town, one on each side of the old airstrip. Don't expect anything of a food nature but beans and eggs unless you bring it yourself, and you will not be disappointed.

Drink
Thanks to solar energy, there are cold beers at the comedors and at some tiendas in town.

Sleep
The comedor nearest the Cooperativa has two basic dorm rooms with four double beds each right behind it.

Make sure that a comfortable bed is available before paying. Make sure you know exactly where the outhouse is before dark.

Go next
There is presumably a cantina somewhere in town.

title: Carmelita


text:
Carmel Range

The Carmel Range, often referred to simply as "Mount Carmel" (though this more properly refers to the hills immediately above Haifa), is a compact region of hills in Israel extending westwards from the Central Hill country to the Mediterranean Sea.

Cities

 * – An interesting and busy metropolis, containing the beautiful Baha'i gardens.
 * – A romantic town on the south-eastern end of the Carmel Range, overlooking the Mediterranean.

Other destinations
Although hardly qualifying as "cities", the settlements of the Carmel Range are nonetheless fascinating:

 * – the largest and southernmost Druze town in Israel, located in the heart of the Carmel National Park, southeast of Haifa. Established 400 years ago, Daliyat el-Carmel has a population of 13,000 Druze residents, tracing their ancestry to the hill country near Aleppo (Halab) in northern Syria (reflected in their strong Aleppo accent and the name of the largest family in the village - Halabi). A large market in the center of the town sells traditional Druze and Arab products and draws tourists from Israel and from abroad. A memorial center for fallen Druze IDF soldiers also exists in the town. The shrine of Abu Ibrahim is located in Daliyat el-Carmel, and the ruins of several Druze villages are located in the vicinity.
 * – built on the ruins of a Byzantine settlement, the village's many Crusader ornaments and relics found on the walls and in the houses lead historians to believe that the village was once a Crusader center. The remains of the fifth-century Jewish settlement of Husifah were unearthed in the village in 1930 and include a synagogue with a mosaic floor bearing Jewish symbols and the inscription "Peace upon Israel". Some 4,500 gold coins dating from the Roman Period were also found. The modern village was founded in the early 18th century, when residents made their living from the olive oil, honey and the excellent grapes growing in the region. Some 9,000 people live today in Isfiya: 70% Druze, the rest Christians and Muslims. The tomb of Abu Abdallah is located here.
 * There are also a few small Jewish villages and towns which mainly serve tourists, notably . Much of the Carmel has been declared a nature reserve/natural park to protect it from further development.

Understand
Dividing the Coastal Plain from the Jezreel Valley, the Carmel Range retains its own unique landscape and culture. The hills are home to a number of Druze villages, the focus of many travelers' visits to the region. There are also sites of Jewish and Arab cultural/historical interest, and many beautiful mountains and forests.

Get in
The Carmel is bounded by Road 4 (the old Tel Aviv-Haifa road) on the west, and road 70 (Zichron Yaakov-Yokneam-near Haifa) on the south and east.

From Tel Aviv, leave the freeway (road 2) at Zichron Yaakov. Then either turn left on road 4, or continue straight on road 70, depending on your destination.

There are frequent buses going up and down roads 4 and 70. Buses and service taxis also travel from Haifa to the Druze villages.

Get around
Several roads go through the Carmel and they are pretty scenic.

See

Hiking
In general the Carmel has lots of beautiful forested landscapes which are great for hiking and biking. Some of the more popular ones are:

Eat
Pita, in the Druze villages.

Sleep
Your best bets are Zikhron Ya'akov, Haifa and nearby Caesarea or Nazareth.

Stay safe
The Carmel is perhaps the safest place in Israel. Watch out for the usual dangers, like dehydration in summer and swimming at the beach without a lifeguard.

Go next

 * The Western Galilee at the coast, the Lower Galilee with Nazareth and of course the Sea of Galilee region are must sees closeby.
 * Jezreel Valley and from there into the West Bank

title: Carmel Range


text:
Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley is a small town located inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea, in Monterey County, California, United States.

By car
Take Carmel Valley Road east from Highway 1 across from Carmel-by-the-Sea.

By bus
Monterey Salinas Transit runs the Carmel Valley Grapevine Express (route 24) approximately every hour from Monterey via Carmel to Carmel Valley Village and back.

Get around
Most everything in Carmel Valley Village is within easy walking distance. If you want to visit the wineries themselves you will have to drive by car, some of them are remote but a few are close to Carmel Valley Village.

See
There are restaurants, wine tasting rooms, a small grocery store, churches, video stores, gas stations, convenience stores, hardware store, art galleries, gift shops, a spa, and entertainment.

Also: wild turkeys, quail, deer, rabbit, coyote, mountain lion.

Do

Sample wines from local wineries and dine at local restaurants.

Attend a performance at either or both of the performing arts centers.

Stay safe
Carmel Valley is pretty safe. Take care in the outdoors with infrequent sightings of rattlesnakes.

Go next

 * Carmel - Located 13 miles to the west, Carmel is a beautiful oceanside town that is home to the historic Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, several large beaches, excellent restaurants and an abundance of upscale lodging. It borders the iconic Pebble Beach golf course and is the entry point to the 17-mile drive and its dramatic ocean views.

title: Carmel Valley


text:
Carnarvon

 * For the national park in Queensland, see Carnarvon National Park

Carnarvon is a town in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia, with a population in 2016 of 4426. Once a port for the shipping of livestock, it's now a fruit & veg growing area and has a small fishing industry. It's the last town of any size before heading north into arid country towards Exmouth and Port Hedland, so for travellers it's a good overnight stop and chance to stock up.

The town stands at the mouth of the Gascoyne River. The Inggarda Aboriginal people called this area Kuwinywardu, meaning "neck of water".

The TIC, downtown at 21 Robinson St, is open M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM to noon. In April 2021 Carnarvon was badly damaged by Cyclone Seroja, which swept away the historic jetty, but all the hotels and facilities described here were back in business by 2022.

Get in
Rex Airlines flies twice M-F and once Sa Su from Perth, either direct (2 hr 15 min) or via Shark Bay / Monkey Mia (3 hr). The return flights are direct with no Carnarvon to Shark Bay service. Neither Qantas nor Virgin Australia (the former Southwest) fly here.

By road, you approach on the NW Coastal Highway, and know you're close when you see the OTC Dish pointing into space.

Integrity Coaches run twice a week from Perth (12 hours) via Geraldton, and continue north towards Exmouth (4 hours) and Broome. TransWA buses don't run this far north.

Get around
The town's sights are a little way out, within range of a hot dusty hike, but think about the coming back and then hire a car. Avis and Budget have rental offices here.

Gascoyne Taxis (+61 477 757 977) and Carnarvon Taxis (+61 8 9941 1499) are both sound and reliable.

See

 * The Fascine is the name of the promenade along Olivia Terrace. A footbridge crosses from its north end to Whitlock and Babbage islands.
 * is a nature reserve at the south tip of Babbage Island. The road to the island starts at the north side of town, crosses the channel bridge to the foot of One Mile Jetty, then swings south. You can also short-cut across the footbridge, which was once a tramway. The Point has sand hills and windy beaches for kite-surfing.
 * on Babbage Island was wrecked in 2021 by Cyclone Seroja, but had been derelict for years before. The sea off Carnarvon is shallow, so they had to build a very long jetty to moor ships to export livestock. The stock was brought to the jetty by narrow-gauge railway, then sent down a race to the ship; later the railway was extended down the jetty. Improved roads in the late 20th century meant that stock went south by truck, but the jetty was kept on as a tourist attraction, with the little "Coffee Pot Train" rumbling down its length. But it fell derelict, and now seems unlikely to be repaired. You may still be able to look in on the Railway Museum and the Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage at the foot of the jetty, but hours are uncertain.
 * See Red Bluff for Point Quobba, "The Blowholes", the memorial to HMAS Sydney, Red Bluff and the surf resort of Gnaraloo. This road north is a dead-end with no onward route to Exmouth.
 * See Red Bluff for Point Quobba, "The Blowholes", the memorial to HMAS Sydney, Red Bluff and the surf resort of Gnaraloo. This road north is a dead-end with no onward route to Exmouth.

Do

 * Look up at the night sky especially if you come from a cold northern country where the skies are a smear of city light pollution and sleet. The moon and band of the Milky Way will be familiar but the constellations won't be. Check online beforehand what's likely to be in view and where: probably one of the giant planets, perhaps the International Space Station whirling west to east - look up times on Spot The Station.
 * Golf: Carnarvon GC is south edge of town off HMAS Sydney II Memorial Drive. Parkland? Greens? Hell no, this is authentic WA dirt.
 * Carnarvon Speedway has clay-track races about once a month Feb-Aug. It's 1 km east of the Dish.
 * Gassy Dash is a motor rally held around April along the dried-up bed of the Gascoyne River. Originally it was a white-water boat race held in Sept/Oct, but the volume and timing of the river flows were too variable for a scheduled sports event, whereas when that river's dry, it's reliably ever-so-dry. So nowadays the Dash is a race along sand and grit, involving two days each of some 200 km, for cars and for motorbikes. Main base for The Dash is the small town of Gascoyne Junction, but accommodation in Carnarvon will be sold out while it's on. The 2024 event has been cancelled but it is hoped to resume in 2025 - see website for updates.

Buy

 * Woolworths is the main store, corner of Robinson and Alexander, open daily 7AM-8PM.
 * Growers' Market is held behind the Visitor Centre on Saturday 8-11:30AM.
 * Fuel: Amphol filling station is open 24 hours, at the junction of Hwy 1 and Robinson St. Don't leave town with less than half a tank. North, your next chance is 140 km away at Minilya by the turn-off for Exmouth. South it's 200 km to Hamelin Pool at the Shark Bay / Monkey Mia turn-off.

Eat

 * Gascoyne Bakery Cafe by the Visitor Centre is open M-Sa 6AM-3PM.
 * West Coast Fish & Chips is a takeaway within the central shopping mall, open W-Su 11:30AM-2PM, 4-8PM.
 * Chicken Treat at 72 Robinson St is not the fastest of fast food.

Drink
There isn't a stand-alone bar, head for the hotels and restaurants.

Bottlemart (Al's Liquor Store) is at 435 Robinson St and open daily 10AM-8PM.

Make sure to have ample drinking water. There's a free water faucet at the Information Bay on Hwy 1, 50 m south of the junction with Robinson St.

Sleep

 * Backpackers Inn further along Olivia Terrace didn't open in 2021/22.
 * The junction of Hwy 1 and Robinson St into town has a cluster of caravan parks, including Wintersun (below), Big4 Plantation and Capricorn. A little closer to town are Carnarvon Caravan Park, Norwesta, Outback Oasis and Gateway Motel.
 * Backpackers Inn further along Olivia Terrace didn't open in 2021/22.
 * The junction of Hwy 1 and Robinson St into town has a cluster of caravan parks, including Wintersun (below), Big4 Plantation and Capricorn. A little closer to town are Carnarvon Caravan Park, Norwesta, Outback Oasis and Gateway Motel.
 * The junction of Hwy 1 and Robinson St into town has a cluster of caravan parks, including Wintersun (below), Big4 Plantation and Capricorn. A little closer to town are Carnarvon Caravan Park, Norwesta, Outback Oasis and Gateway Motel.
 * The junction of Hwy 1 and Robinson St into town has a cluster of caravan parks, including Wintersun (below), Big4 Plantation and Capricorn. A little closer to town are Carnarvon Caravan Park, Norwesta, Outback Oasis and Gateway Motel.
 * The junction of Hwy 1 and Robinson St into town has a cluster of caravan parks, including Wintersun (below), Big4 Plantation and Capricorn. A little closer to town are Carnarvon Caravan Park, Norwesta, Outback Oasis and Gateway Motel.

Connect
As of Jan 2022, Carnarvon has 4G from Telstra, and if you're lucky from Optus, but there's no signal from Vodafone. Telstra cover extends north up the highway to Minilya (the turn-off for Exmouth), but to the south is dead. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Geraldton is 480 km south, a solid day's drive. Stop overnight somewhere in this area before attempting to reach Perth.
 * Kennedy Range is a national park 200 km east, accessed via Gascoyne Junction.
 * Red Bluff and Gnarlaroo is a surf destination up a side-road north. You'll need to be self-sufficient.
 * Exmouth is 365 km north. Fill up at Minilya roadhouse just before the turn-off from Highway 1, fuel is sparse and pricey from there on.

title: Carnarvon


text:
Carnarvon National Park

Carnarvon National Park is a Queensland national park in Central Queensland, mostly known for its geological formations and rock art.

Prehistory
The human history of Carnarvon Gorge is long, and often mysterious. Close to the headwaters of the Gorge, Kenniffs Cave was excavated in 1962 and revealed occupational evidence carbon dated back to 19,500 years before present. Yet, evidence excavated within Carnarvon Gorge only dates back 3,500 years before present - why is there such a large difference in dates between sites that are within a day's walk of each other? We may never know.

Ethnographic reports suggest that at the time of European contact, the area to the east of Carnarvon Gorge was occupied by the Karingbal people and that to the west by the Bidjara people. Distribution patterns of rock art in and around the Gorge raise the possibility that the Gorge was used by both cultural groups and may have been a cultural and spiritual meeting place for the two groups.

European exploration and settlement
In the 1840s Leichhardt and Mitchell lead expeditions through Central Queensland, passing east and west, respectively, of Carnarvon Gorge. Mitchell is credited with the naming of the Carnarvon Range after Caernarfon in Wales. Prompted by the reports of these two explorers, settlers began to take up blocks in the area. Mount Abundance, near the current town of Roma, was established as a property in 1847. The local Indigenous population soon took exception to the European intrusion and inter-racial relationships soon deteriorated into open warfare. Some researchers claim that Central Queensland was the worst area for direct inter-racial violence on mainland Australia during this time.

The newcomers did not have things all their own way, either. Local tribes conducted an effective campaign using hit and run tactics, taking advantage of their superior bush skills and local knowledge of landscapes. Two of the largest single-event killings of settlers by Aboriginals occurred in the area during this period - at Hornetbank, near Taroom, and Cullin-la-Ringo, out from Springsure.

Eventually, the use of Native Police turned the tide in favour of the settlers and Indigenous culture came under increasing pressure. By the late 1870s, very few people were living a traditional Indigenous lifestyle. Most Aboriginal people were living in groups on stations sympathetic to their plight. Under these circumstances, even though the old ways of hunting and gathering were no longer followed, much of the cultural and spiritual life remained the same as the groups were still effectively living on their tribal land. All that was to change when the Government began the system of reserves and missions that took Aboriginal people away from their traditional lands.

Early 20th century
The same terrain that gave Aboriginal bush skills an advantage during their conflict with settlers and police gave bushrangers and cattleduffers an advantage as well. Carnarvon Gorge has no shortage of local identities occupying the grey area of early colonial law. Ward's Canyon gets its name from two fur hunters who used the Gorge as a base in the early 1900s. The Ward brothers used to hunt all year round, despite the existence of a limited open season. In an area as remote as Carnarvon Gorge, they were well out of reach of the long arm of the law.

The cattle industry has met with reasonable success in the area around Carnarvon Gorge; however the rugged terrain of the Gorge itself proved an obstruction - despite the presence of reliable water. It was not that cattle couldn't graze effectively in such areas; more that it was difficult to muster and manage them effectively given such rough terrain.

In 1932, Tableland Holdings allowed a grazing lease over Carnarvon Gorge to lapse and the Government of the day was persuaded to gazette the land as Carnarvon Gorge National Park, in recognition of the high natural, geological and scenic values, and for the protection of the Indigenous cultural sites.

Recent history
The cattle industry is still thriving when rainfall permits, as you may see on the drive in to Carnarvon Gorge. Tourism to the Gorge began to pick up in the 1960s when roads and vehicles improved to the extent that visitors could reliably get into the Gorge during the winter dry season. What is now Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge began life around this time.

In 1999, Australian Nature Guides (then Carnarvon Wilderness Guides) arrived in the area, conducting guided nature-based tours into the Gorge during the day, and night safari walks looking for wildlife at night.

In 2000, Takarakka Bush Resort came into being after a consortium of Queensland families purchased Takarakka Rock Art Research Centre from Pam and Grahame Walsh. The following year, the National Park closed its public campground in the mouth of the Gorge, only opening it in the Easter, June-July and August-September Queensland school holidays. Takarakka Bush Resort took up the slack, expanding to their current size and accommodating the majority of visitors to Carnarvon Gorge.

From 2000 to 2007, Australian Nature Guides operated in conjunction with Takarakka Bush Resort, conducting afternoon information sessions for visitors and running tours. In 2008, this relationship ended and Australian Nature Guides began operating independently of the accommodation centres. Australian Nature Guides is now the only locally owned and operated business - both the accommodation centres are now owned by corporations based in Melbourne.

There was significant summer flooding in 2007 and 2008. Early in 2008, Rangers had to rebuild crossing number one over Carnarvon Creek five times due to flooding. The park is now considering rerouting the track to reduce the number of times the track crosses the creek, hopefully alleviating some of the maintenance burden associated with them.

Despite the history of hardships that local Aboriginal people have endured, their culture has survived and adapted to ever-changing conditions. Some have made their way back into custodial roles on traditional lands through employment programs for Traditional Owners run by National Parks. Such programs exist at Carnarvon Gorge and visitors would be well advised to contact Indigenous Rangers, such as Fred Conway, during their visit.

Landscape
Carnarvon Gorge's landscapes have been primarily shaped by water erosion. Over the last 27 million years, Carnarvon Creek and its tributaries have worn their way down through 600 metres of rock. Two of the rock layers thus exposed have the capacity to form cliffs - the tertiary basalts of the high country, and the Precipice Sandstone that sits just above the gorge floor. They are both ecologically significant layers as well, for the fractured basalt layer that caps the tablelands and ranges on either side of Carnarvon Gorge weathers into fertile soils, and protects the high country from water erosion.

The presence of these cliff-forming layers has produced a three tiered landscape. The lowest level is the Gorge floor where the majority of walking tracks lie. It is separated from the second level by the majestic white cliffs of Precipice Sandstone. The second level is known locally as 'the shelves', and is made up of gentle to moderate slopes and ridges cut through by sheer sandstone side-gorge. The 3.2 km, one way, track to Boolimba Bluff is the easiest of the tracks used to access the shelves.

Eventually the shelves run up to the near vertical slopes protected from erosion by the basalt cliffs. On top of the basalt layer is the third level, locally known as 'the high country'. In world terms, it is not very high at all - a mere 1000 metres above sea level. However in a continent as old and flat as Australia, 'high country' it is. In fact the tablelands and ranges of Central Queensland are the largest area of elevated land in the state.

Get in
Getting to Carnarvon National Park is not easy and it is more than 250 kilometres from the nearest reasonably sized town; Roma. From Roma, take the Carnarvon Highway north and turn onto Womblebank Gap Rd. Continue on that road until the end of the road.

Fees and permits
National parks in Queensland have no entry fees. Fees apply for vehicle access and special activities.

Get around
Shanks pony is the only way to see everything in the Gorge. Vehicles must be left at the Ranger's station or at the occasional carparks along the road into the park. Strong shoes, hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are all major necessities for a successful visit to Carnarvon Gorge.

The fee is $5 per person per night (June 2010).

See
The Moss Gardens, Baloon Cave, with Aboriginal Art, Amphitheatre, (under repair), and Wards Canyon are some of the sights. Then there are the various flora and fauna of this unique landscape.

Carnarvon Creek runs all year round, and has numerous crossing points where you can take your shoes off and cool off.

 * Carnavon Gorge. Fantastic.

Do
There are many different walks to be had in Carnarvon Gorge. Some are easy to do, with little effort, such as the walk to the Baloon Cave, and some are longer and more strenuous. Depending on your fitness levels, you can find something to suit everyone.

Overnight walks are also available, but permits are necessary for overnight camping, and booking is essential. (07) 3227 8198.

Most of these walks are best tackled in the cooler months, April through to September, or early morning in Oct/Nov, and Feb/March. Most of the walks are not recommended in December or January, because of the extreme heat.

The Queensland Govt supplies map and other information here.

Buy
There are very few opportunities to buy in this area, bring all your food and water if camping.

Eat
You can buy prepared food at the lodges, but otherwise you must bring in anything else you might need.

Drink
You can buy prepared drink at the lodges, but otherwise you must bring in anything else you might need.

Sleep
All linen is supplied at the lodges; otherwise you'll need to bring your own tent and sleeping bags.

Lodging
There are a number of camping grounds and cabin accommodation is also supplied.

Camping
Camping is allowed if you have a permit. Open fires are not allowed at any time.

Camping fees from 1 July 2017:
 * $6.35 per person per night, or $25.40 per family per night;
 * $3.50 per person per night for students and accompanying adults on approved educational excursions.

Stay safe
Make sure the rangers have knowledge of your overnight trips, and keep a first aid kit and plenty of water with you.

title: Carnarvon National Park


text:
Carndonagh

Carndonagh (Carn Domhnach) is a market town on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal. With a population of 2471 in 2016, it's the largest settlement in the north of the peninsula, which ends at Malin Head the most northerly point on the Irish mainland. Other villages described here are Ballyliffin and Clonmany to the west, and Moville and Greencastle on the shore of Lough Foyle. Buncrana near the foot of the peninsula is described on its own page.

Get in
See Derry for inter-city transport by air, rail and road.

Northwest Busways / Foyle Coaches run 3 or 4 times M-Sa from Derry, taking 45 min via Muff to, where The Diamond is village centre. They don't serve Ballyliffin, but one bus per day continues to Moville. They also run five times M-Sa from Derry along the coast to Moville and Greencastle.

McGonagle Bus 951 runs once on M-Sa mornings from Carndonagh to Letterkenny, and returns in the afternoon taking 80 min via Burt, Burnfoot, Fahan, Buncrana and Ballyliffin.

Local Link Bus 953 runs from Letterkenny via Bridgend and Muff to Moville, with three M-Sa and one on Sunday.

Lough Foyle Ferry sails in summer from Magilligan Point in County Londonderry to. It sails Jun-Aug, shuttling continuously from 09:00 to 20:00, a 10 min crossing. It carries light vehicles, and there's no public transport to Magilligan Point. In 2021 one-way fares are €16 for a car and passengers, €2.50 for a foot passenger or motorbike. Make sure your personal and car documents are valid for Northern Ireland.

See Buncrana for the summer ferry across Lough Swilly from Rathmullen.

Get around
You need wheels to explore Inishowen Peninsula. A bike would do.

See

 * Church of the Sacred Heart in Carndonagh is the RC church prominent on the mound southside of The Diamond. It was completed in 1945 in Romanesque style. Barrack Hill Park and gardens are just south.
 * Donagh Cross is 500 m west of The Diamond on Church Rd, junction of R238 and R244. It's a 7th century high cross, one of the oldest in Europe, flanked by two "guard stones" like Dismas and Gestas. Across the street is the C of I Donagh Church, built in 1769. Look for the ancient "marigold stone" in the graveyard. Another 400 m north, a roadside white cross marks the Mass Rock used in the Penal times.
 * is a scenic stump north of Pollan Strand. "Carrick" means a rock, "braghy" no-one knows, maybe something rocky. From 834 to 1215 AD it often featured in "The Annals of the Four Masters", which reflected the site's importance but was not good news, as the Annals mostly recorded people hacked to death in battle. It then fell into obscurity until 1600 when the present castle was built, as part of the final conflict between Gaelic and English rule. The Gaels lost and fled into exile, and the castle was abandoned from 1665. It's free to stroll around any time.
 * is the uninhabited island seen 1 km off Pollan beach. It's been used for grazing, but is best known for the number of ships it's wrecked, and for the scale of illegal poitín distillation discovered by the coastguard.
 * was built in 1895, so it was a late addition to the Napoleonic-era artillery positions along this coast. Its three 9.2 inch guns stood ready during the First World War, and like the other Lough Swilly positions it remained held by the British until 1938 when all the "Treaty Ports" were handed over. The Irish held the position during the Second World War then abandoned it in 1952. And abandoned is what it appears, more like a derelict factory site than military. You can stroll it anytime.
 * Fort Dunree: is the best preserved of the coastal defences, see Buncrana for this and others further south.
 * Malin is the attractive small village that gives its name to the headland 13 further north.
 * Five Fingers Strand is a long beach with sandhills facing Doagh Famine Village across the channel. Reach it via the lane off R242 at Lagg.
 * is the most northerly point on the Irish mainland. Dúnalderagh at the tip is several km further north than anywhere in Northern Ireland (those extremes being Benbane Head near Giant's Causeway on the mainland, and Rathlin Island off Ballycastle). Ptolemy's "Geography" of the 2nd century AD calls it Βορειον - "Boreion", north, which pretty much sums it up. Bird-watching is the main attraction. There's a Napoleonic-era lookout tower, some ugly army huts, and clifftop viewpoints, such as Pólifreann or Hell's Hole, a cleft boiling with spray when the weather drives onshore. Ballyhillion is a series of raised beaches: after the glaciers melted the sea-level rose but the land rose faster as it rebounded from the weight of ice. A walk east brings you to the "Wee House of Malin", a hermit's hidey-hole. The Eire 80 marker is one of 82 etched around the coast in 1943 to advise aircraft that they were approaching the neutral Republic. Sadly, this neutrality was breached during the Star Wars between the Last Jedi and the First Order Fleet, filmed here, at Skellig Michael and in hyperspace in 2015 / 16. Later transgressors are wont to modify the access road sign from R242 to R2D2.
 * 10 km north of Malin Head is Ireland's most northerly island, though the wave-dashed Tor Rocks lurk another km further north. Its fisher folk left in 1929 but the lighthouse keepers stayed on until 1987 when the light was automated. The island is now a birdlife reserve, check the rules before landing, especially in the hatching season May-July. Inis Trá Thuathail means "island of the empty beach" - the landing point is north facing the Atlantic, away from the mainland and shelter, so it's always precarious.
 * is the ruin of a 17th / 18th century church, on the site of a 6th century monastery. There are elaborately carved tombstones and masonry. The High Cross depicts the miracle of the loaves and fishes; another cross has fallen.
 * Temple of Deen is a group of megaliths 1 km east of Clonca Church, access via R238. These were support pillars for a large burial chamber, originally (maybe Bronze Age) covered in an earth cairn.
 * is 1 km south of Culdaff village besides R238. Only 7 of the original 30-some stones remain standing.
 * Northburg Castle is the ruin of a 14th-century bastion, smashed up and abandoned in the 17th. It's just a scenic stump, half a km east of Greencastle harbour.
 * is the 615 m mountain between Carndonagh and Buncrana. You might be content to admire it from afar, as it's boggy and midge-ridden by any route. Shortest but soggiest approach is from the lane to the east, 12 km return. Many prefer to ascend from R244 around Drumfrees: a track leads up towards Slieve Snaghtbeg (505 m), then pick your way to the main summit.
 * is the 615 m mountain between Carndonagh and Buncrana. You might be content to admire it from afar, as it's boggy and midge-ridden by any route. Shortest but soggiest approach is from the lane to the east, 12 km return. Many prefer to ascend from R244 around Drumfrees: a track leads up towards Slieve Snaghtbeg (505 m), then pick your way to the main summit.

Do

 * Boat trips: Inishowen Boating sail from Bunagee Pier by Culdaff, for sea-angling and sightseeing.
 * Golf: Ballyliffin GC is north side of that village. The championship course is Glashedy Links, which hosted the 2018 DDF Irish Open: black tees 7542 yards, par 72, visitor round €200. The Old Links off blue tees are 6937 yards, par 71. Pollan Links is a nine-hole Par 3 course.
 * Inishowen 100 is a scenic 100 mile / 160 km driving circuit around the coast of the peninsula, an easy day excursion. The route is signposted and self-evident, start anywhere, and it doesn't matter which way round.
 * Wild Alpaca Way is by Five Finger Strand. You get to take them walkies.
 * Wild Atlantic Way is the 2500 km (1550 mile) coastal itinerary starting at Moville and winding all the way south to Kinsale in County Cork. So it coincides with the Inishowen 100 through Carndonagh and Ballyliffin to Buncrana.
 * Dylanfest celebrates the music of Bob Dylan. It's in Moville in late August, dates for 2022 are tba. It's not known if the town's Beatlefest will return in 2022.
 * Greencastle Regatta is in early August, with lots of shore activities. The next is probably 4-7 Aug 2022 but tba.

Buy

 * Carndonagh has a SuperValu open daily 08:00-22:00. The "Co-op" here is a hardware store not a grocery.
 * Carndonagh Market is held on The Diamond Sa 11:00-16:00.
 * Ballyliffin has Atlantic Stores, open daily 08:30-22:00 and with an ATM.
 * Moville Centra is open M-Sa 07:00-22:00, Su 08:00-22:00.

Eat

 * Simpson's in Carndonagh is open for food and drink daily 09:30-23:30, along with Tul Na Ri nightclub. It's 500 m east of The Diamond.
 * Taste of India in Carndonagh is open M-F 16:30-00:00, Sa Su 16:30-03:30. Yes, like its namesake in Letterkenny, it serves pizza.
 * The Butterbean in Carndonagh is a restaurant with rooms.
 * Nancy's Bar in Ballyliffin is open daily 09:00-17:00, their chowder is popular.
 * Rosato's in Moville is open M-F 16:00-23:00, Sa 15:00-23:00, Su 12:30-23:00.
 * Inish Fusion bistro in Moville is open F Sa 16:00-21:00, Su 12:30-20:00.
 * Kealy's Seafood Bar in Greencastle is open W-Su 13:00-23:00.

Drink

 * Carndonagh has Joyce's, Glen Bar, Tully's and Persian Bar.
 * Ballyliffin doesn't have a freestanding bar, but Clonmaly 2 km south has a cluster: The Square, McFeely's, James Tam's, Toland's and Mac Tams.
 * Farran's at Malin Head is the most northerly pub in Ireland, open daily 11:00-01:00, with food served 12:00-16:00.
 * Moville has Corner Bar, Trawler Man, Susie's, Annie's, Market House and Rawdon's.
 * Greencastle has Ferryport Bar and Kealey's.

Sleep

 * Barron's in the centre of Moville is a cafe and B&B.
 * Cosy Cottage on Bath Terrace, Moville is a B&B and cafe with bike hire and other activities.
 * Greencastle B&B's include Temple View Lodge.
 * Barron's in the centre of Moville is a cafe and B&B.
 * Cosy Cottage on Bath Terrace, Moville is a B&B and cafe with bike hire and other activities.
 * Greencastle B&B's include Temple View Lodge.

Connect
As of Aug 2021, Ballyliffin, Carndonagh and Moville have 4G from all Irish carriers, but there are lots of dead areas on the roads between and up to Malin Head. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Derry is a fascinating city with intact 17th century walls.
 * Buncrana is the main village on the west side of Inishowen Peninsula.
 * Letterkenny is Donegal's largest and liveliest town and transport hub.

title: Carndonagh


text:
Carnet de Passages

A Carnet de Passages en Douane is a document that facilitates the temporary importation of vehicles, or other property of significant value, across international borders without incurring customs duties. It is effectively a promise that the owner will take the vehicle or property back out of the country on departure, or risk hefty penalties.

While a carnet de passages is most commonly used for a vehicle, professional musicians or photographers may need one when travelling with a lot of equipment, as may a business person bringing goods for use at a trade show.

The Carnet De Passages is a Passport for your vehicle (Car or Motorbike), making travel across country borders easy. Commonly referred to as the Yellow Book, Trip Ticket, Orange Book and CPD. To find your local the official AIT FiA issuing organization, visit www.carnetdepassage.org

Understand
A carnet listing comprehensive details on a vehicle and its value can be obtained from local automobile associations in your country. Often a bank deposit is also needed. As this document is intended for temporary importation, it is typically limited to one year or less.

The carnet is stamped by the destination country's customs on both entry and exit, as proof that the items were re-exported.

If you plan to bring anything expensive or unusual, check with the destination country's embassy beforehand about what documentation may be required.

Obtaining a carnet before departure
Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT) and Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), two international non-governmental organizations, nominally administer the use of the carnet globally in accordance with United Nations conventions. More than 230 touring clubs, automobile associations, motor sports federations and national tourist offices in 124 countries are AIT or FIA members.

 * CAA in Canada and AAA in the United States
 * ADAC in Germany
 * TCS in Switzerland
 * AA in South Africa
 * RAC in most Australian states
 * AA in New Zealand
 * AA Australia on behalf of the state motoring clubs.

There is usually a fee (at least €300 in Europe, NZ$600 in New Zealand, etc.) plus a bond or indemnity which is returned after importing the vehicle back into the country of registration. The fee is often higher for non-members; it may be worth joining the association to save on the fee.

The indemnity amount is nominally the total amount of duty that would be payable if the property is not removed within the agreed time, including luxury taxes and value added taxes, plus a penalty. This is calculated as a fixed amount plus a percentage of the item's value (for instance, NZ $13000 + 15% in duties + 10% GST/VAT for a New Zealand vehicle in Australia). Tax rates vary between destinations (up to 400% of the vehicle's value in some volatile countries) and penalty sums also differ widely. A minimum indemnity of €3000 is not uncommon for vehicles from Europe.

Countries that require carnets

Not all countries require carnets, but the following are most likely to do so:

Africa

 * Burundi
 * Cameroon
 * Central African Republic
 * Chad
 * Democratic Republic of the Congo
 * Djibouti
 * Egypt
 * Eswatini
 * Ethiopia
 * Ghana
 * Guinea-Bissau
 * Kenya
 * Lesotho
 * Libya
 * Nigeria
 * Rwanda
 * Senegal
 * Sudan
 * Uganda

Asia / Middle East
Countries in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) typically wouldn't require a carnet for GCC-registered vehicles.

 * Bangladesh
 * India
 * Iran
 * Japan
 * Jordan
 * Kuwait
 * Nepal
 * Oman
 * Pakistan
 * Qatar
 * Singapore (except for Peninsular Malaysia-registered vehicles)
 * Sri Lanka
 * Syria
 * United Arab Emirates

Oceania

 * Australia (temporary import without a carnet is possible, but requires a deposit and a Vehicle Import Approval)
 * Indonesia
 * New Zealand

South America

 * Argentina
 * Bolivia
 * Chile
 * Colombia
 * Ecuador
 * Paraguay
 * Peru
 * Venezuela

title: Carnet de Passages


text:
Carneys Point

Carneys Point is in Salem County, in the Delaware River Region of New Jersey.

See

 * The house where Bruce Willis grew up. Also see the home of Marco Reginelli, noted underworld boss from Nepezzano, near Teramo and Valle San Giovanni, Italy.
 * Penns Grove Regional High School (PGHS) Home of the Red Devils.
 * Where the local athlete, Don Bragg, trained before setting the worlds pole vault record of 15 feet, 9 1/4 inches. This stands to this day as the highest vault ever using a metal pole.

Drink

 * Sullivan's Tavern is a local must. Cheap drinks, great people, and awesome service.

title: Carneys Point


text:
Carnforth

Carnforth is a small market town in Lancashire in Northwest England. It's best known for its railway station, location for the 1945 David Lean film Brief Encounter, with the station clock ticking relentlessly to trammel the characters' lives. However the main reason to visit and stay here is to explore the nearby Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which straddles the border with Cumbria.

By train
The London to Glasgow trains hurtle past, bypassing the station. Carnforth is served by two branch lines: west to Barrow-in-Furness (hourly, 50 min, via Silverdale, Arnside, Grange-over-Sands, and stations in Cartmel and Furness) and east to Leeds (every couple of hours, 1 hr 40 min along a scenic route via the Pennines and Keighley). Southbound, both branches join the main line to Lancaster (10 mins) then continue to Morecambe or to Preston. In the film, Noel Coward voices the station announcements for these destinations. is central in town.

By road
Carnforth is close to Junction 35 of M6, which runs north to Penrith, Carlisle and Scotland, and south to Preston and the Midlands.

Stagecoach Bus 555 runs from Lancaster hourly, daily, 35 min to Carnforth via Skerton, Hest Bank and Bolton-le-Sands. It continues north via Pine Lakes, Tewitfield, Milnthorpe, Kendal and Windermere, where it connects with the bus to Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick.

A variant route 3 or 4 times a day is Stagecoach Bus 755, which runs from Bowness via Windermere and Kendal to Carnforth as above, then branches off to Morecambe and Heysham. This is the only direct bus between Carnforth and nearby Morecambe: otherwise change at Lancaster or take the train.

By bike
Carnforth is on National Cycle Route 6. From Lancaster this follows the canal north to Carnforth. To the north it follows the lanes through Warton, Yealand Conyers and Redmayne, Beetham, Milnthorpe and Hincaster to Kendal, via gentle terrain.

Get around
The trains to Barrow are good for exploring around Arnside and Silverdale, as you can take a bike on the train or hike between stations.

Bus 51 runs every couple of hours M-Sa via Warton, Yealand Conyers/Redmayne and Silverdale railway station to Silverdale village.

Tewitfield is on the hourly bus route between Carnforth and Kendal, so you can ride one way and walk the other along the canal.

See

 * : it's small, but this reserve is an important scrap of surviving wetland in an area that's nowadays pastoral. Spot various species of newts and frogs, vivid wetland flowers, and sedge warblers, kingfishers and pipistrelle bats darting above the pond. Open any time but best in late spring and early summer, free access and parking, no dogs. It's two miles east of Carnforth, follow B6254 through village centre then turn right onto Greenways.
 * See Arnside and Silverdale for Beetham village, Leighton Hall, and other nearby attractions within the AONB.

Do

 * Walk, cycle or boat along Lancaster Canal. Going north from Carnforth, this passes Capernwray, and the navigable section ends after four miles at ; there's accommodation and a pub here. A flight of derelict locks ascends to where the M6 blocks the canal. The section beyond M6 towards Kendal can be walked but is no longer navigable. South from Carnforth, the canal runs near the coast at Bolton-le-Sands and Hest Bank then sweeps inland to cross the River Lune valley over a grand aqueduct, and reach Lancaster after seven miles. It continues south from there past Galgate, Garstang and Woodplumpton to Preston. There are no locks between Tewitfield and Preston.
 * Water sports: a mile north of town, are old flooded gravel pits. Activities include waterskiing, wakeboarding, canoes, kayaks and boat rides. The main operator is CN Watersports.
 * Scuba dive at . You don't want to be in the sea around here, it's muddy with estuary outflow. The dive centre is in the flooded Jackdaw limestone quarry on Capernwray Rd, which runs north from the hamlet of Over Kellett. Maximum depth is 21 m, with training platforms at 2 m and 6 m, so it's good for novices, skill refreshers and blown-out days. Underwater features include the minesweeper Podsnap, a Wessex helicopter, and an infestation of garden gnomes; the lake is stocked with trout and perch. There's a small dive shop, with a filling station for air and nitrox, and licensed restaurant. The centre is open Th-Su 10AM-5PM and a one-day pass is £17.
 * You can also scuba-dive in the River Lune at Devil's Bridge in nearby Kirkby Lonsdale, if the river's not too churned up.

Buy

 * There's a big Tesco in town centre, open 8AM-10PM (Su to 4PM).
 * Greenlands Farm Village in Tewitfield is an Open Farm (daily 10AM-3:30PM) plus farm shop plus retail centre plus bit of everything,

Eat

 * Spice Touch is an Indian on Warton Rd (daily 17:30-22:30). China Essence on Scotland Rd is open Th-Tu 5-10PM, and there's a Chinese takeaway just west on Market St.

 * Couple of fish & chips places south of the station.

Drink

 * The Snug is a micro-pub within the railway station, open until 9PM (Su to 4:30PM).
 * The Canal Turn is on main road at the south edge of town, open M-W 11AM-11PM, Th-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-10:30PM.

Sleep

 * Pine Lakes Resort is south tip of the lake, see "Do".
 * Pine Lakes Resort is south tip of the lake, see "Do".
 * Pine Lakes Resort is south tip of the lake, see "Do".
 * Pine Lakes Resort is south tip of the lake, see "Do".

Connect
As of April 2022, Carnforth has 4G from all UK carriers, but coverage is patchy from Three. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * In Lancaster, 7 miles south, see the castle, cathedral and priory. You can't help seeing the Ashton Memorial, it's visible from space.
 * Head north for an hour to reach the Lake District National Park.

title: Carnforth


text:
Carolina

You may be looking for:

 * North Carolina, a state in the United States of America
 * South Carolina, a state in the United States of America
 * Carolina (Mpumalanga), a town in the Mpumalanga province
 * Carolina (Louisiana)
 * Carolina (El Salvador)
 * Carolina (Puerto Rico)
 * Carolina (Mississippi)
 * Carolina (Alabama)
 * Carolina (West Virginia)
 * Carolina (Brazil)
 * Carolina (Texas)

title: Carolina


text:
Carolina (Puerto Rico)

Carolina is a city and municipality in Puerto Rico. An eastern suburb of San Juan, it includes the metropolitan area's international airport as well as the beach resort district of Isla Verde.

By car
As you want to, It takes 10 minutes from San Juan, so that will not take that long. All is that you have to do is to take Puerto Rico Highway 26 (unsiged Interstate PRI3). Or, if you want to take another way, Take Puerto Rico Highway 17 and cross the Puente T. Moscoso. It costs $3 each way to go across this bridge. However, it gives a great view of Carolina, Hato Rey, and the lagoon which it goes across.

Get around
Carolina is just a little town near San Juan but contains to be what it means to be the location of the main international airport. As well, there's just only 1 bridge in the town is Teodoro Moscoro Bridge. So as well, It's kind of good that is what it means before. To make away, That it's always access faster if you take Highway 26.

Go next
To transport to another city. San Juan takes about 10 minutes, Ponce will take 2 hours, and to get Arecibo will take about 1 hour. Take Puerto Rico Highway 26 to get to San Juan. Take Puerto Rico Highway 52 to get to Ponce, and take Puerto Rico Highway 22 to get to Arecibo.

title: Carolina (Puerto Rico)


text:
Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a beach town just south of Wilmington, North Carolina. The eastern side of the town is an ordinary built-up beach community, a popular summer destination for students and other beachgoers. But just to the west of town is something more unique: a state park where you can see rare Venus flytraps in the wild.

Visitor information

 * Visiting Carolina Beach
 * Town of Carolina Beach

Get in
Carolina Beach is located on an island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, just south of Wilmington. The best way to get to Carolina Beach is by traveling south on NC-421 from Wilmington. Of course, there is also the option of approaching the town by water, provided you have a boat and a place to dock it.

Wave Transit also offers bus service from Wilmington.

Get around
Because of limited parking, the best way to get around Carolina Beach is on foot or by bicycle. Several vendors rent bicycles and pedal-powered vehicles that can hold up to six people (4 adults and two small children). Most of the "touristy" stuff is concentrated in a small area around the boardwalk.

Do
Jump into the nice Atlantic waters. Just splash around or go surfing. The town has several restaurants, particularly Italian. One thing to note is parking. There are free 2 hr parking spots available beside the road, so don't waste too much time in finding a parking. The best time to visit to avoid crowds is early September. The water is still warm (in the 80s °F/high 20s °C) but since school has started, most of the tourists are gone.

 * Birdwatching – see white ibises, blue herons, sandpipers, cardinals, ducks, geese, and many others.

Sleep

 * Camping is possible at Carolina Beach State Park.
 * Camping is possible at Carolina Beach State Park.
 * Camping is possible at Carolina Beach State Park.

Connect
Cell phone reception is inconsistent.

Go next

 * Kure Beach
 * Wilmington

title: Carolina Beach


text:
Carolinian phrasebook

Carolinian (Refaluwasch) is the one of the three official languages of the Northern Mariana Islands, along with Chamorro and English.

Basics
( Oceanian languages mixed )
 * Hello. : . (Ififi)
 * Hello. (informal) : . (Ikhiki)
 * How are you? : ? (Fee kolowokau ?)
 * Fine, thank you. : . (Fek kuoka )
 * What is your name? : ? (Kaah maaeli kafo ?)
 * My name is ______ . :  ______ . (Ho mala kafa kifu  _____ .)
 * Nice to meet you. : . (Ee fhaa totorup )
 * Please. : . (Saafa )
 * Thank you. : . (Kii oosumu )
 * You're welcome. : . (Kahala meeki )
 * Yes. : . (Heha)
 * No. : . (Siho )
 * Excuse me. (getting attention) : . (Mohoko sibika kah )
 * Excuse me. (begging pardon) : . (Mohku sebbaka )
 * I'm sorry. : . (Keuhu bo kafoka )
 * Goodbye : . (Saukahaa )
 * Goodbye (informal) : . (Sa hakha )
 * I can't speak English. : [ ]. (Ofok okurah kahikalak Angliks.)
 * Do you speak English? : ? (Faak hau kofu kalak Angliks ?)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English? : ? (Meh kakalo foku kokifiraa kufakslaa dalo Anglisok?)
 * Help! : ! (Boksa !)
 * Look out! : ! (Kiboo kukuh !)
 * Good morning. : . (Kee sawaayanga )
 * Good evening. : . (Kee beanga )
 * Good night. : . (Kee praenga )
 * Good night (to sleep) : . (Kee preen samaa )
 * I don't understand. : . (Kuuh kurah makika )
 * Where is the toilet? : ? (Toowalata kaboka ?)

Numbers
½ - uwai

0 - keafe

1 - hu

2 - liwa

3 - nafo

4 - afaki

5 - bok

6 - we

7 - nih

8 - mulau

9 - kekoa

10 - puan

11 - puanahu

12 - puanaliwa

20 - liwapuani

21 - liwapuanahu

22 - liwapuanaliwa

30 - nafopuani

40 - afakipuani

50 - bokpuani

60 - wepuani

70 - nihpuani

80 - mulaupuani

90 - kekoapuani

100 - sat

200 - liwasat

500 - boksat

1000 - ginue

2000 - liwaginue

5000 - bokginue

10000 - puanginue

1000000 - humiliwon

title: Carolinian phrasebook


text:
Carova

Carova is a city in Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Get in

 * You must have 4 wheel drive in Carova because most of it is all beach and very few actual roads

title: Carova


text:
Carp

Carp is a historic village of about 1,500 people (2021) within the municipal boundaries of Ottawa, Ontario.

History
By 1866, Carp was a post village with a population of 200 of the Township of Huntley on the Carp river, 32 km (20 mi) from Ottawa. The village contained three stores, workshops, three hotels, and a town hall.

The village takes its name from the Carp River which runs through the village. The main street used to be a section of the Trans-Canada Highway and carried much of the traffic coming from the west into Ottawa. However the village has been bypassed with the development of the Highway 417.

With the amalgamation of municipal governments in the region in 2001, Carp is now governed as part of the new city of Ottawa.

By car
Carp is about 10 km north of exit 144 of Highway 417 (Trans-Canada Highway) west from Ottawa. The trip takes about 40 minutes.

Get around
There is no public transportation in the town of Carp, although due to the town's size, walking or biking will allow you to see much of what the town has to offer.

Do

 * Attend the Carp Fair in late September. The Carp Fair is the only fall fair close to Ottawa and was established in 1863. The Carp Exhibit Hall, one of the few remaining octagonal frame fairground buildings in Ontario, continues to function as the main fairground hall for the Carp Fair held in September each year since 1880.

Buy

 * Indulge in the delicacies at the main bakery on Donald B. Munro Dr.
 * Indulge in the delicacies at the main bakery on Donald B. Munro Dr.

Eat
"Downtown" Carp amounts to a handful of local spots. You've got your ice cream stand named "Twisty Cream", owned by local entrepreneur Helen Hood, Carp Pizza, a Chinese take-out, and a chicken and potatoes shop. There are some dining out options but your best bet is probably:

Drink
There is an LCBO store on the main strip.

Go next

 * Kanata
 * Ottawa
 * Gatineau
 * Carleton Place

title: Carp


text:
Carpathian Mountains

The Carpathian Mountains are mountains in Central Europe stretching from the Czech Republic to Romania, with many constituent ranges.

There is no generally-agreed regional subdivision of the Carpathians - it depends whether your focus is national / provincial boundaries, geology / geography, habitats, or historic land use. As the focus of this page is travel, it groups them into regions that might be toured in a single extended trip via a major gateway city. It therefore pays more attention to boundaries that influence transport routes.

Poland

 * in Małopolskie Province is the main gateway to the central and western Beskids and to the Polish Tatras. It's a beautiful old city with many international flights and onward local transport.
 * Nowy Sącz is one of many small spa towns in the central Beskids.
 * is a ski resort in the Tatras south of Krakow.
 * in Silesia is a base for exploring the western Beskids. They can also be reached via Katowice but that's a drab post-industrial place.
 * in Podkarpackie Province is a picturesque base for the eastern Beskids.

Czech Republic

 * is one of several small resorts across Moravia, where the Beskids dwindle away to hills; you might arrive via Ostrava.

Slovakia

 * , the capital, is on the Danube 200 km from the western Beskids and even further from the Tatras, but (along with nearby Vienna in Austria) has the best choice of flights.
 * in the east of the country is a large city with a well-preserved old centre and international airport. It's to the east of the Low Tatras.
 * in Horné Považie Region is an attractive small town in the western Beskids.
 * in Horehronie Region is in the valley between the Low Tatras and the Great Fatra Mountain.
 * in Spiš Region is the closest resort town to the Tatras.

Ukraine

 * in Western Ukraine is a gateway to the Ukraine Carpathians, an interesting old city and mix of cultures though it has few flights. Lviv is an attractive city with more flights but is further away.
 * is a good base for exploring the mountain region of Zakarpatska Oblast. Small mountain towns include Rakhiv.

Romania
Much of the country is in the hills, so almost every town is a possible base or gateway, even Bucharest down on the Danube plain. However a few resorts in Transylvania stand out because of their good transport, amenities and location.
 * is a well-developed resort near the Apuseni mountains, the western range.
 * has many flights and a charming old centre. It's near the Făgăraș Mountains of the southern range.
 * also has an attractive old town, but doesn't have an airport and is therefore overlooked by tourists. It's around the meeting point of the eastern and southern ranges.

Get in
See above for main airports and transport hubs - no single gateway covers this vast area.

Get around
Public transport will get you to the main resort towns, eventually, but you need a car to properly explore. Towns often straggle along a valley with accommodation at some distance from the bus stop, and the trail heads and off-road bike routes are even further away. Fill the tank before leaving the valleys, as you'll probably do more mileage than you expected, much of it in low gear.

See

 * Several aspects of these regions are world heritage sites.

 * Primeval beech forests: think of mountains and you tend to think of conifers, but the deciduous forest is just as important, especially when it's virgin forest with trees 100 years old, an irreplaceable habitat. The most extensive areas are in Ukraine with some in Slovakia; those in Romania are being rapidly lost to logging.
 * Traditional wooden buildings: sometimes entire villages such as Chochołów on the Poland-Slovakia border, but more often dotted about amidst modern bungalows. Not surprisingly it's the churches ("tservkas") that have been best preserved of this style, mostly in Poland and Ukraine, the majority of them Orthodox with some Roman Catholic.
 * Medieval fortified churches in Transylvania. This area came under attack in the 15th and 16th century, but instead of erecting castles, they fortified the churches with walls and lookout towers. The best examples are clustered around Medias north of Sibiu, eg at Biertan and Valea Viilor.
 * Castles and entire fortified towns teeter on crags all over the region. Some are medieval, some are much later Austro-Hungarian mansions and hunting lodges prettified with Gothic turrets. Some are frankly tourist traps, but at least these have better toilets. The most ancient are the 1st century Dacian fortresses, built against Roman imperial ambitions, with the best examples in the Orastie Mountains near Deva in Romania at the southwest tip of the Carpathians.
 * Wildlife: you will be exceptionally lucky to see wolves, but keep your eyes open. There are thousands of bears but how lucky you'll be to encounter one depends on whether the bear is pleased to see you. These are European brown bears (Ursus arctos) so they're seldom aggressive or pesky, but they don't like being surprised or cornered.

Do

 * Hiking, rock-climbing and mountaineering: opportunities all over the Carpathians. Local rules vary on camping, hunting and other backwoods activities.
 * Skiing and snowboarding: the peaks are all at around 2000 m, which is low by Alpine standards. When the snow comes it can be heavy, but the season and the pistes are short and the resorts are far from being "snow-sure". So you're unlikely to plan a trip here specifically to ski, and western tour operators don't feature the Carpathians in their brochures. Locals however can throw their skis, bobble-hats and snow chains into the car and set off whenever conditions look good. The largest resort is Zakopane.
 * Sing "A bear climbed over a mountain . . .", the endless song to the tune of "For he's a jolly good fellow . . ", as your car hairpins up each mountain pass and down the other side. You may well cross a national boundary, marked only by a signpost within the Schengen bloc of countries.

Eat
It's hearty Central European fare: goulash, pork, venison, dumplings, and endless varieties of sausage. Vegetarians may struggle in some of the smaller places but should be fine in the cosmopolitan resorts, where there's also Italian and even the occasional Chinese: see city listings.

Drink
These are all beer-drinking areas. Slovakia and Romania grow lots of wine, Poland and Ukraine make lots of vodka. And there's always a local schnapps or slivovitz-type liqueur, better downed in one than allowed to linger on the palate - Sanatate, Na zdrowie, Prost!

Stay safe
Usual precautions against natural and human hazards, especially in winter conditions. Bears can also pose a problem.

title: Carpathian Mountains