Plenty of reasons to purchase a sauna or hot tub Special Advertising Feature
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hy should someone want to buy a sauna, hot tub or a Jacuzzistyle spa? You might consider that the answer is very simple – they are all great fun and luxurious. You can probably imagine yourself laughing, talking and relaxing as you enjoy your Jacuzzi with you family and friends in your very own garden or terrace. Everybody enjoys luxury and having fun what an enticing combination. While this vision is very
real, you may not fully appreciate that there are very considerable benefits of spa ownership that extend far beyond mere entertainment value. With the ever-increasing costs of medical care and prescription drugs, both men and women are quickly learning to recognize and benefit from the natural healing properties of spas. Spas provide important hydrotherapy as a result of the principles of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and water temperature. Just think … after just one initial investment, you can reap the very many health benefits
from your spa/hot tub for a lifetime – anytime you want – in the privacy and comfort of your own home. At the same time you can have fun while you’re enjoying and relaxing hydro therapy with your family and friends. Local pool and supply company, Nuco, has served Clovis and the surrounding areas since 1942. Located on Main Street in Clovis, it’s a third-generation, family-owned business that takes special pride in providing excellent customer service to customers with the utmost detail and care. Nuco's employees have more than 100 com-
bined years of experience, making it an excellent choice in finding the right product, equipment or service for a job. Finnleo, one of the market leaders and producer of traditional and infrared saunas and serves as a supplier to NUCO, outlines a variety of reasons to own a sauna: Sauna & Relaxation. It is not surprising that the culture from which Finnleo’s brand DNA stems from is known to the world to be a relaxed, easy going country. Although it can’t make claims pertaining to sauna use, it is interesting to note that Finland has the highest number of saunas
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Page 2 • 2017 Relaxation Guide per capita in the world, with an average of one sauna per household, and that the Finns use them on a daily basis. The inherent properties of a hot sauna release a whole host of physical actions in your body. One of which is releasing Endorphins, a naturally present component in our bodies and that acts as a tranquilizer to aching joints and muscles as well as affecting your brain, giving you that “feel good-feeling.” Using sauna as a performance-booster. It has always
been suggested that sauna bathing is an activity that is both invigorating and healthy. The traditions and rituals of entering a warm space in order to rest both body and mind can be traced back to medieval times in the Nordic region. Independent studies performed in recent years by scientists’ worldwide corroborate the subjective sensation of scientific studies performed by researchers world-wide has found proof that sauna bathing is advantageous for improved physical and mental health. One example given is that a sauna bath as a source of free radicals per se is able to reduce oxidative stress induced by a 30-minute of aerobic exercise in healthy men. Much has been made of the health benefits of sauna
bathing – with good reason. Physically, nothing is more reinvigorating than a deep, healthy sweat every day. Tension fades. Muscles unwind. Mentally, we emerge relaxed, revived and ready for whatever the day may bring. A few minutes a day is all it takes to look and feel better. The body’s response to gentle, persistent heat is well-documented and proven day in and out by people all over the world. More and more doctors are recommending its purifying benefits. Whenever you are wellrested and relaxed, you feel better, more at ease and ready to tackle your day with gusto. Research has shown that it is a lot easier to achieve that state of total relaxation and deep sleep after a soothing sauna. After that sauna induced rush of endorphins, the elevated body temperature will fall at bedtime along with a gentle decline in endorphin levels working in unison to provide you with a naturally induced drowsiness and ensuing deep sleep. So that you can wake up the next morning feeling really rested. And it does not stop there. German studies have actually shown that regular sauna bathing significantly reduces colds and flus. Letting the body be engulfed in the heat of a sauna boosts white blood cells, which in turn fight illnesses and kill those annoying viruses that sometimes force you to involuntarily stay in bed. Living a better life. Modern living could be easier. Your work is more demanding, your home and life responsibilities has become more challenging than to any previous genera-
2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 3 tion. Adding to that, you have been forced to become your very own stress management consultant. Owning and using a sauna means that you have instant access to the purifying comfort it provides, for body and soul alike. Enveloped in comfortable heat, you can enjoy a few moments alone or share a few precious moments with those closest to you. See each other genuinely. Let conversation flow freely. Or simply give yourself a chance to breathe, to slow down and reflect. Here are some of the benefits of having a hot tub or Jacuzzi: Provides that muchneeded hydro therapy and hydro massage therapy through ever -increasing and developing jet technology to soothe and ease the aches and pains of modern day life.
Helps stimulate the release of endorphins into the blood stream thereby reducing pain and providing relaxation with a welcome lift in one’s mood and feelings. Helps to reduce and eliminate mental stress, tension, anxiety & depression all of those things that seem to go with the daily stress and strain. It produces an overall good healthy feeling that boosts one’s mind and spirit at the same time. It soothes and eases those tired, knotted and aching muscles and joints. Helps to greatly improve one’s mobility and range of motion. Helps to reduce arthritis and chronic pain. Hydro therapy with semibuoyancy reduces body pressure on the joints providing much needed solace and extra move-
ment as simply being submerged in water will substantially reduce body weight. This hydro therapy can help assist a speedy recovery from injuries and illness. It goes a long way to induce a more relaxed, refreshing and deeper sleeps. The warm water helps to dilate the veins in the body which of course increases blood circulation. This dilation in the blood vessels helps to reduce blood pressure. At the same time it helps to increase the white blood cells which increases antibodies and thus strengthens the immune systems and help fight against infection. Look for a well-established manufacturer one who has been around for a while and boasts an industry-wide reputation for long-term durability, high quality, true-depth construction and ease of use and maintenance.
John Lewis of Articles Factory contributed to this story.
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Confidence-boosting tips for fitness class first-timers By Brandpoint Content
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ou've joined a fitness class at your local community college. You're still trying to figure out whether Tai Chi, Yoga or Pilates is the best for you. You feel nervous and uncomfortable and decide to wait. Group fitness classes are a fantastic way to exercise because you're guided by an expert, plus the energy of the group keeps you motivated. However, because it's something new that puts people outside their comfort zone, it's common to feel apprehensive in the beginning. To help you gain confidence to try any type of group exercise class, consider these tips from three health club members. Comfort over style. "Trust me, no one cares what you're wearing," says Deb Kampe, a member at Life Time, which operates 122 destinations across the United States and in Canada. "If you want to wear gym shorts and a T-shirt, do it. Head-to-toe athleisure? Do it. A tutu? Do it. Just make sure you're comfortable and safe. Don't spend a fortune on the latest fitness clothing trends or labels. Expensive does not equal better."
Don't be self-conscious. "It's easy to assume everyone in class is fit, knows all the moves and is judging you. No one cares," Kampe says. "Once the music starts and the instructor begins, all eyes are up front taking direction and being lifted into the moment." Everyone was a newbie. "Everyone was a first-timer at some point, so they know how it feels," says Dustin Meriwether, member at Life Time. "They're not going to judge you for it, and many – hopefully all – will be willing to answer any questions and help in any other way." Instructors want to assist. "All instructors – and other members – want to help you," says Kelby Mezzenga, member at Life Time. "So just walk in and let the instructor know you are new or have a question. That welcoming feeling takes the edge off and chances are, you'll have met a new friend." Keep an open mind. "Group fitness classes are designed to challenge you and take you out of your comfort zone. You may be unfamiliar with the equipment you'll use or how hard it might be, but I guarantee you will feel the burn," Mezzenga says.
Listen to your body. "You know your body best," says Meriwether. "If something doesn't feel right or if you know you have problems with something, modify the workout correspondingly. People do that all the time and many instructors are good about suggesting such modifications." Give it 100 percent. "You get out what you put in," Meriwether says. "If you put in minimal effort, you can expect minimal results. But if you give it your all, you can expect some pretty fantastic fitness changes." Bring water. Hydration is important, but you don't need to worry about
anything else. "Life Time has everything you'll need for any class, from yoga mats to towels," says Mezzenga. Celebrate victories "During the cool-down and stretching segment of class, take a moment to celebrate your victory," says Kampe. "Look around, everyone no matter what their age and ability will be seriously sweaty, all there with you sharing the same endorphins. Take that feeling with you and own it. Then look at the class schedule and commit to another one."
ADULT COLORING PAGE |BOOK STRESS RELIEF FORRELIEF GROWN-UPS ADULT COLORING | STRESS FOR GROWN-UPS
2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 5
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ADULT COLORING PAGE | STRESS RELIEF FOR GROWN-UPS
ADULT COLORING BOOK | STRESS RELIEF FOR GROWN-UPS
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ADULT COLORING PAGE | STRESS RELIEF FOR GROWN-UPS
ADULT COLORING BOOK | STRESS RELIEF FOR GROWN-UPS
2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 7
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PUZZLE BOOK | BEGINNER SUDOKU | BEGINNER
Page 8 • 2017 Relaxation Guide
4 6 7 8 3 5 7 4 2 5 8 6 6 4 2 9 3 3 4 5 2 8 1 6 2 1 3 9 9 7 6 8 3 5
3
4 7
6 5 2 9 1 1 8 5 6 7
9 8 7 4 6 8 3 6 9 5 7 9 7 5 1 6 8 3
2
1 9 8 4 3 5 6 4 1 9 2 3
7 4 1 9 7 8 2 8 1 5 9 6 9
6 5 1 7 9 4
5 3 1 9 1 4 3 6 1 4 7 2 8 5 9 5 3 4 6 8 7 5 2 6 9 1 3
8 3 1 6 4 7 3 9 4 6 5 1 8 4 9 1 6 3 4
9 2 3 4 1 8 6 5 2 9 4 7 8 6 3 2 4
1 8 5 6 3 7 9 2 3 5 6 2 1 1 8
2 8 1 5 8 9 4 7 3 1
3 4 1 9 8 5 2
3 5 8 9 6 4 2 3 4 6
8 2 4 4 1 6 2 7 4 5 6 3 9 5 4 8 4 6 8 6 7 1 5 9 8
4 6 2 9 8
5
1 2 9 6 4 6 5 1 3 2 5 8 7 6 4 3 4 3 7 2 5 6 3 9 4 1 7 2 9 4 5 8 9 5 7 3 2 9 7
6 5 8 1 2 3 4
7 2 9 1 8 6
Solution on Page 21
8 9 2 4 8 6 7 1 2 6 6 5 2 9 4 7 7 8 2 6 9 9 1 3 8 1
5 9 6 3 2
6 2 3 8 4 4 5 3 1 4 7 8 2
5 1 2 8 3 7 9 6 1 4 7 6 2 3 8 5 6 3 1 9 2 3 2 9 1 7 3 4 5 8 6 5 3 4 1 4 3 5 8 5 7 1 8
7 1 8 2
5 4 6 1 9 3 1 4 9 6 8 5 3 6 4 3 5 2 1 6 4 6 3 7 3 9 1 7 6 5 8 3 5 7 6 8 7 9
PUZZLE BOOK | SUDOKU — INTERMEDIATE
2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 9
SUDOKU | INTERMEDIATE
3 8 2 9 1 6 5 7 3 9 2 3 9 8 4 6 8 6 5 7 3 1 5 9 4 8 7 5 4 2
4 3 7 5 1 2
8
1 3 9 2 6
4
6 3 3 7 4 2 5 1 2 3 9 6 4 6 7 3 5 7 1 7 2 6 4 9 6 8 7
6
1 9 2
4 6 7 5
2 1 3 6 4 6 5 8
6
8 2 9 7 9 3 2 1 7 6 4 8 3 5 2 4 9 1 7
2 9 6 9 4 6 2 9 7 9 8 7 2 3 8 5 2 1 7 4 3 3 2 7 4 1 4 3 2 7 5 7 4 6
3 4 2 8 1 9 7 2 5 6 8 2 9 2 9 6 7 1 6 1 3 4
1 5 3
3 6
5
7 3 9 6 1 5 2 1 8 5
6 1 4 3 8 2
7 9 2 7 4 1 6 3 9
9 3 7 6 7 6 1 7 3 4 8 4 8 6 5 2 7
Solution on Page 22
5 7 7 4 1 6 7 9 5 8 9 1 3 7 9 8 3 4 2 8 6 1 5 6 2
3 4 6 8
9 2 5 7 3 8
5 4 8 9 6
8
9
1 3 6 9 8 6 8 2 7 1 6 5 6 4 9 7 3 8 1 9 2 4 5 7 6 5 8 6
6 1 9 4 8 5 6 7 5 2 8 4 6 1 2 8 1 3 2 9 1 6 9 1 4 7 8 3 5
7 2 1 9 8 4
PUZZLE BOOK | SUDOKU — ADVANCED
SUDOKU | ADVANCED
Page 10 • 2017 Relaxation Guide
9 1 3 6 5 7 8 3 9 4
4
3 2 7 6
9
7
4 6 1 1 3
2
4
3
8
7
2
9 3 4
9 8
3
1
8 7 6
3 6 2
5
8
1 2
9
6 9
9
4 7
5
1 7 9 2 8 5 2 1 9 5 6 4 3 6 6 7 9 4 9 2 2 3 5 1 7 8 4 1 5 3 6 4 5 9 3 5 8 6 2 4 8 9 5 9 6 1 4 2 6 1 6 2
2 6 7
5 9 8 2 7 3 8 1
9
6
5 1 2 7 4 3 6 8 9 7 1
4
6
3 6
3 2 5 1 8 8 4
4
5 1
7
6
4
4
8
9 3 1 3 2 7 1 9 5 Solution on Page 22
2
1 9 7 6 1 3 6 1 7 8 5 5 8 2 3 6 4 1
7 1
3 2
1 5 9 7
3
9 4
8 9 5 6 7 2 8 6 4
5
7 5 1
3 1 7 6
6 5 1 4
8
9 8 1 6 7 8 6 5
4 2
5 1
5 7 8 3 5 6 3 4
8 9 7 5 6 1
PUZZLE BOOK | CROSSWORD — BEGINNER 2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 11
CROSSWORD | BEGINNER
ACROSS
Solution on Page 21
1. aged Mexican cheese 4. chess diagonal mover 7. Anna Wintour’s publication 8. Lincoln, 1876 author 12. Sea on Iran’s north border 13. Japanese eel dish 14. Ascot material 17. Feet in a fathom 18. Roberts’ “Ocean’s Eleven” character 21. Willy Wonka actor 24. Golden Gate Bridge type 25. Porsche’s home 26. Obama “Hope” poster artist 27. four runs scored 28. Lyndon ______ Johnson 30. Calvin’s Hobbes animal 31. Dickens pickpocket 33. Rosa Parks sat here 34. UK withdrawal vote 36. Imprisoned African leader
DOWN
2. Sherman’s middle name 3. 9/11 NYC mayor 5. New Zealand capital 6. plague insect 9. Earth’s closest star 10. Cold War chess champ 11. Fourth planet from the sun 15. capital of Nepal 16. country where women first got to vote 19. Bea Arthur’s leading role 20. Treasure State 22. Elvis’ first movie 23. second largest country 25. sacred Indian river 27. “Showboat” star 29. Tea party organizer 32. Reagan’s middle name 34. Lincoln assassin 35. Colombia guerrillas
Page 12 •BOOK 2017 Relaxation Guide PUZZLE | CROSSWORD — ADVANCED
CROSSWORD | ADVANCED ACROSS
4. Appalachian range peak 8. legendary engine that outran horses 10. separation of layers 13. Utah’s salt flats 15. Mount McKinley’s native name 17. principal ore of aluminum 19. Hope Diamond’s hue 20. Hannah Montana actress 21. martial arts sequence of moves 23. Duke of Wellington’s horse 27. president Wilson’s first name 30. circulation-stopping snake 31. foldaway bed 32. Senegal capital 34. ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ writer 35. presidential campaign song, “_________ and Tyler too” 37. color of saffron 39. Thor’s father 41. responsible for beer’s bitter flavor 42. ballet 360 44. Danish fishing islands DOWN
1. plant losing water 2. condition in which senses are crossed 3. a group of cats 5. medical term for sweating 6. Nemo’s dad 7. La Traviata courtesan 9. lab burner 10. Nixon’s alma mater 11. canine cosmonaut 12. gold-seeking predecessor to chemistry 14. small cake of finely chopped raw meat 16. disease also called hydrophobia 18. Johnny Weissmuller’s role 21. Oprah pal 22. fastest steam engine 24. unit of electrical resistance 25. popcorn-scented mammal 26. Patty’s nickname for Charlie Brown 28. Eastern European Jews 29. deep-sea dweller with lighted lure 30. female discoverer of radium 33. disorder of the universe 34. the Brady Bunch’s pup 36. sword that defeated the Jabberwocky 38. Gere’s Pretty Woman lawyer 40. Dean’s ‘Rebel’ character 43. abstract expressionism pioneer
Solution on Page 21
RELAXATION GUIDE | CYCLING
SUMMER RECREATION GUIDE | CYCLING
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2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 13
Grab Your Bike
ooking for a fun summer workout with little negative impact on your body? Grab your bike. It’s an increasingly popular way to stay in shape and have fun at the same time.
Cycling requires a helmet and a great bike. End of story. Well, there are definitely bells and whistles you can add to enhance your biking experience, but at its core, cycling is a relatively simple sport to enjoy. And it is in activity that has literally taken people around the world. You may even be living in a cycling hotspot without even knowing it. Check in with your local biking groups and clubs to see where they spend most of their time. Then hit the road, trail or street for some summer adventure.
GREAT CARDIO
Cycling is a great form of cardio in that it works on your endurance while bolstering your cardiovascular health. It allows you to add resistance to your workout by climbing hills or traveling over challenging terrain. This, in turn, leads to your muscles working harder, making them leaner and more toned.
BEAUTIFUL WORKOUT
From the vast mountains of Colorado to the city streets of Chicago, cycling can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. As long as there are safe routes to enjoy, experiencing them on a bike can actually help open your eyes to the true scenery around you. The sun, fresh air and beautiful views are just a few of the reasons you should be biking this summer.
RIDE SAFELY
If you are hitting the roads this summer, be safe. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration says cycling accidents are on the rise. This can be due to improper lane usage, not wearing reflective gear at nighttime or simple driver negligence. No matter the reason for uptick, it is paramount that you make safety your top priority. Try to find designated cycling spots within your community and always travel in groups. There is safety in numbers, and more people usually means more protection from accidents.
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Page 14 • 2017 Relaxation Guide SUMMER RECREATION GUIDE | CAMPING IN COMFORT
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RELAXATION GUIDE | CAMPING IN COMFORT
RVs and Campers
ometimes you just need to get away for a while. RVs and camper trailers provide the perfect way to head out on a classic American road trip.
But to enjoy the open road to the fullest, you need to know some ways to save money on your trek. Gas, food and parking costs can add up in a hurry. Here’s how to reduce some of those expenses:
FREE PARKING
Many businesses offer free overnight RV parking while you’re en route to your destination. It’s best to call ahead so you don’t have to find out the hard way – a ticket or a locked boot – that RV parking is not allowed. Truck stops and retailers with large parking lots are usually your best bet, and can give you a free respite for the night.
BRING YOUR OWN FOOD
Spending a little time in a grocery store before you embark on your road trip or camping expedition can be time well spent. Many of the camp stores and retailers associated with destination locations have higher prices because of demand. If you wait to buy all of your food and necessities there, you will end up cutting deeply into your vacation fund Using your propane stove just to handle the basics. Think or grill in your RV is a nice ahead and come prepared.
COOK OVER A FIRE
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perk, but nothing beats cooking over an open flame. By gathering a little firewood and starting a fire, you have a built-in cooker for the perfect
hot dog, kebab or even casserole. Grilling baskets and stands have turned the primitive into the convenient
and allow you to enjoy a little no-hassle cooking with a great wood-grilled taste.
RELAXATION GUIDE | NATURE SUMMER RECREATION GUIDE
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| NATURE
2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 15
The Great Outdoors
othing says summer like spending some time in the great outdoors. Babbling brooks, rolling fields and cloudless skies. It is all right there for us to enjoy. And our options for doing so are endless.
Hunting, camping and fishing are just a few summertime activities that can help us get closer with Mother Nature. And they can all be relatively inexpensive to turn into a hobby. All three come with some special circumstances and requirements – i.e. a special license for fishing and designated dates for legal hunting – so check in with your local or state agency for more information.
HUNTING
Hunting seasons vary throughout the country depending on what animal you are tracking, but the activity in general can be a serene, yet exciting one to take up. A certain patience is required to hunt, one that will allow you plenty of time for peace and quiet. Even when you’re hunting in pairs, the sport is usually a peaceful one enjoyed from a quiet tree stand or duck blind.
CAMPING
From basic to luxurious, camping can be enjoyed by people of all tastes and living preferences. No longer required to spend the night in a small, powerless tent, RVs and campers have taken camping to the next level. With indoor kitchens, sprawling bedrooms and airconditioning throughout, many options are available should you not prefer the simple, more primitive aspects of camping.
FISHING
Once you find your favorite fishing spot, it’s hard to beat. What’s better than spending a few hours trying to lure the big one as the birds, frogs and bugs keep you company? Fishing offers a calming respite from everyday life and requires little equipment to fully enjoy it. Just pick up a pole and some bait, and you’ve got your afternoon made. Of course, you can spend massive amounts of money on special rods, tournament entry fees and boats, so it all depends on how serious you plan on making your new hobby.
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Page 16 • 2017 Relaxation Guide SUMMER RECREATION GUIDE | ON THE WATER
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RELAXATION GUIDE | ON THE WATER
Boats and Jet Skis
ater is the preferred choice of summer fun for millions of Americans every year as they head to their local spot to cool down and relax. Boats and personal watercraft such as jet skis provide an affordable way to enjoy the water and can be used relatively close to home. Just head on down to your favorite local lake and spend the day speed-boating, fishing or zipping around on your jet ski.
BUY YOUR OWN?
Most water destinations offer boat and jet ski rentals, but buying a boat or personal watercraft can actually be affordable – if you find the right deal. Local dealers offer specials and convenient financing packages that will make your dream of owning your own boat or jet ski a real possibility. But don’t forget the accessories. You will have to load up on safety gear and necessary equipment, so be sure to budget appropriately.
RECONNECT WITH NATURE
If you’ve spent the day on the lake, you know: Water is a way of reconnecting with nature, the sun and those around you. There is nothing like enjoying the water from sun up until sun down with great company. Maybe you prefer some alone time. Boating and jet-skiing are perfect for that too. Find your inner-self by spending some time enjoying the shimmering blue water, endless skies and vast surrounding forests.
SAFETY IS KEY
Certain dangers exist anytime you are relaxing on a wide open river, lake or ocean. Prevention, education and preparation are three of your greatest tools to avoiding potential risk. • Take a boating safety course to hone your operating skills. • Learn the boating laws and rules that apply to your area. • Wear a life jacket in the case of an accident or overturned water vehicle. • Learn how to swim – it may save your or another person’s life in case of an emergency.
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2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 17
RELAXATION GUIDE | KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
STAYCATION | KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
Explore Local History
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iscovering local history is a traditional vacation activity. What better way to learn about the history around you then by diving into a journey through the past on a staycation?
There are many local organizations dedicated to showcasing the historical perspectives of your home region. You just have to look for them. Start by spending a day at the local library, heading to your downtown museum or taking a local tourism tour around some of the hotspots your area has to offer. You will wrap up your staycation feeling more well-informed than you started.
LOCAL MUSEUMS Museums can bring us up to speed on history. They offer the perfect forum for providing both education and entertainment for your family. While all the different types of museums might not be available in your town, you likely won’t have to travel far to find one that celebrates the history, cultural background and landmarks around you. Take your children and friends with you as you educate yourselves on the historic gems that together tell the story of your region.
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LOCAL LIBRARIES Libraries contain volumes of books of every genre, and there should be lots of information and stories on your local history. Check one out and you have a perfect staycation day enjoying the peace and quiet of the
local library. Or check out a collection of books for the week and head home. Put on your favorite pajamas and plop in a chair. Make some tea, cover yourself with a blanket and encapsulate
yourself in local history.
TOURS Tours of historic districts and homes are another option to catch up on local history. Some tours and guides even use
horses or boats to discover historic areas. Part of the trip could include local places to dine or shop. Enjoying the weather and scenery on these historic adventures only adds to the experience.
History buffs on staycations will be thrilled with these outof-the-ordinary adventures. Even if history isn’t your favorite subject, you may find yourself enjoying learning about local times gone by.
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RELAXATION GUIDE | QUALITY TIME
STAYCATION | QUALITY TIME
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Cook as a Family itchens have traditionally been gathering places for families to spend time with each other. There is a reason for this, and maybe our present culture would benefit from more traditional approaches to fun.
Staycations can include family cooking fun that has many benefits. Not only is cooking together as a family a fun experience, it also can be a great way to save some money on you staycation. Instead of shelling out premium bucks for a high-end steak dinner, grill your own with all the fixings. Save money on that restaurant-produced lobster bake and visit your local grocer for fresh seafood selections that you can cook at home. Support local business while you fill your belly — a win-win!
HEALTHIER EATING According to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health research, people who frequently cook meals at home eat healthier and consume fewer calories. That is good news for staycationers on a diet! You also can make more informed decisions about eating because when you prepare food at home, you can pick out the ingredients and follow safe cooking procedures. According to the government web site, Lets Move!, parents play a key role in not only making healthy choices for children but teaching children to make healthy choices for themselves. It doesn’t have to be a battle though if you make it fun and include them in the preparations. Take these tips into consideration if you’re planning out your staycation itinerary and meal plans.
FAMILY TIME The most important benefit is the
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family time and the fun you can have cooking together. Small children can be involved by setting the table or doing other small tasks. Since you have more time on a staycation, try family-style dining. According to the Department of Children and Families, family-style dining has many benefits because it allows children to practice social
skills, such as sharing, taking turns and saying “please” and “thank you.”
LOCAL FOOD TRIPS Take a family trip to the local farmer’s market or co-op that sells fresh produce grown by area farmers. Not only are they full of healthy eating options, but it would be fun to pick out new combinations of vegetables
or fruits to create new dishes on your staycation. Baked delicacies and canned goods, such as jams and pickles, also are available in some markets, while some even have fresh flowers and local crafts. Staycations can bring families closer together. You can make memories that last a lifetime in your own hometown.
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RELAXATION GUIDE | FRIENDS AND FAMILY
STAYCATION | FRIENDS AND FAMILY
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Reconnect ost of us are too busy during the work week and catching up on chores and activities on the weekends to spend time with the people who mean the most to us.
Staycations can allow us to spend more quality time with our parents, children or dear friends as well as nearby extended family.
PARENTS Sometimes we take our parents for granted and forget that they won’t always be here for us. Staycations allow us time to stop by and have a cup of coffee with them and reminisce about the past. Maybe we can tell them how much they mean to us or take them to lunch. Your time is a gift to them, and what better way to reconnect than through bonding with your family on your staycation?
CHILDREN Our children grow up fast, and there is nothing they value more than to spend time with us. Have a tea party, play catch or go to a local park. Ask them their preference on activities. You might be surprised or even enjoy their choices. A staycation can be about the kids as much as it is about catching up on quality time. You will never regret these simple things you can do with your children on your staycaINCLUDE EXTENDED tion, so be sure to build in FAMILY plenty of fun with the kids Staycations can include during your break. activities with close extended
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family or friends. It is easy to lose touch with them with our hectic lives. Plan time to touch base and let them know you
care by bringing a gift or flowers. Use your staycation to embrace your family, friends
and life. Take some time during your time away from the office to reflect on those who have made a difference in your life.
Page 20 • 2017 Relaxation Guide STAYCATION | ACTIVITY IDEAS
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RELAXATION GUIDE | ACTIVITY IDEAS
See a Show ne way to relax is to experience sports, arts or film. You likely have many things in common with your friends and family members when it comes to music and shows you enjoy.
A staycation allows you to embrace these types of activities while you also gain more time with those around you. Here are some ideas to incorporate into your next staycation: Hit the movies: With your free vacation time, see the latest movies at your local theaters. Grab some popcorn and soda and you are in for some fun. A less expensive version would be catching up on movies at home. Visit your local movie store and stock up on the latest rentals and your favorite snacks. Go to a play: Some local colleges or universities, churches as well as local theater groups have plays at various times of year. You will be amazed at the local talent. Actually, you might recognize a few of them, too. Depending on where you live, you may be near a theater that offers world-class productions. Check out local music: Concerts are a cool choice for staycation fun, and some communities sponsor local musician performances. County fairs and some festivals have a good lineup of music, too. Seeing what your local music landscape has to offer can open your eyes to the talent in your region. Go to a game: Sporting events are the perfect staycation activity because they allow you to root for your favorite team while bonding with fellow fans. Check out your local professional baseball team this summer. If you have a minor league team in your area, these games can be just as fun, especially for families.
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PUZZLE BOOK | ANSWERS AND CRYPTOGRAM
2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 21
PUZZLES | ANSWERS
BEGINNER SUDOKU ANSWERS
BEGINNER CROSSWORD ANSWERS
4 1 9 2 5 6 7 3 8
6 8 5 7 3 9 2 4 1
7 3 2 1 8 4 9 5 6
1 5 7 4 6 8 3 2 9
3 9 6 5 2 1 8 7 4
8 2 4 3 9 7 1 6 5
9 4 3 6 1 2 5 8 7
5 7 8 9 4 3 6 1 2
2 6 1 8 7 5 4 9 3
5 7 3 1 2 9 6 4 8
4 2 1 6 8 5 3 7 9
6 8 9 7 4 3 1 2 5
8 9 4 3 7 1 2 5 6
3 5 2 9 6 8 4 1 7
1 6 7 4 5 2 9 8 3
9 3 8 5 1 4 7 6 2
7 4 5 2 9 6 8 3 1
2 1 6 8 3 7 5 9 4
7 3 8 1 5 2 9 4 6
1 5 9 6 4 3 7 8 2
4 6 2 9 8 7 5 1 3
9 4 6 7 3 8 1 2 5
5 8 7 4 2 1 3 6 9
2 1 3 5 9 6 4 7 8
8 2 4 3 7 5 6 9 1
3 9 1 2 6 4 8 5 7
6 7 5 8 1 9 2 3 4
2 1 6 9 4 8 3 7 5
5 3 9 7 6 2 4 8 1
8 7 4 3 1 5 9 2 6
3 4 1 6 9 7 2 5 8
9 6 8 2 5 4 7 1 3
7 2 5 8 3 1 6 4 9
4 8 3 5 2 6 1 9 7
1 9 7 4 8 3 5 6 2
6 5 2 1 7 9 8 3 4
6 7 8 1 3 2 5 9 4
9 1 4 6 5 7 2 8 3
5 3 2 4 8 9 6 1 7
4 2 7 3 9 1 8 5 6
3 8 9 5 6 4 7 2 1
1 5 6 7 2 8 4 3 9
7 6 3 2 1 5 9 4 8
2 9 1 8 4 6 3 7 5
8 4 5 9 7 3 1 6 2
6 3 1 8 7 5 4 2 9
4 2 8 6 9 3 5 1 7
5 9 7 2 4 1 8 3 6
7 5 6 1 2 4 3 9 8
2 8 4 3 5 9 7 6 1
9 1 3 7 8 6 2 5 4
8 4 9 5 6 2 1 7 3
1 6 5 4 3 7 9 8 2
3 7 2 9 1 8 6 4 5
9 5 7 6 1 4 2 3 8
2 8 3 5 9 7 6 4 1
4 6 1 2 3 8 9 5 7
8 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 6
3 4 6 9 7 2 8 1 5
5 7 9 1 8 6 3 2 4
1 9 8 4 6 3 5 7 2
7 2 4 8 5 9 1 6 3
6 3 5 7 2 1 4 8 9
5 8 4 7 9 3 6 1 2
1 3 7 2 6 4 5 9 8
2 9 6 8 1 5 3 7 4
8 6 2 4 5 9 7 3 1
4 7 1 3 8 6 2 5 9
3 5 9 1 2 7 4 8 6
7 2 3 9 4 8 1 6 5
6 1 8 5 7 2 9 4 3
9 4 5 6 3 1 8 2 7
3 5 7 9 1 8 4 6 2
8 9 2 6 3 4 5 1 7
4 6 1 7 2 5 8 3 9
6 2 8 4 7 1 9 5 3
1 4 5 3 9 2 6 7 8
9 7 3 5 8 6 2 4 1
2 3 6 8 4 7 1 9 5
5 1 9 2 6 3 7 8 4
7 8 4 1 5 9 3 2 6
6 8 2 1 5 7 3 4 9
3 5 4 2 9 8 1 7 6
1 9 7 4 6 3 2 5 8
9 2 5 7 1 4 8 6 3
4 3 6 8 2 9 7 1 5
8 7 1 6 3 5 9 2 4
2 4 3 9 7 6 5 8 1
5 1 8 3 4 2 6 9 7
7 6 9 5 8 1 4 3 2
5 6 2 1 4 3 7 9 8
7 3 1 9 8 2 4 5 6
8 9 4 5 7 6 2 3 1
3 1 7 4 9 8 6 2 5
2 5 6 7 3 1 8 4 9
9 4 8 2 6 5 1 7 3
6 2 3 8 5 7 9 1 4
1 8 9 3 2 4 5 6 7
4 7 5 6 1 9 3 8 2
9 3 6 1 4 2 7 5 8
1 8 2 7 3 5 6 4 9
5 7 4 6 8 9 1 3 2
4 1 3 8 9 6 5 2 7
6 9 7 5 2 1 4 8 3
2 5 8 4 7 3 9 6 1
7 4 9 3 6 8 2 1 5
8 2 5 9 1 4 3 7 6
3 6 1 2 5 7 8 9 4
EASY CRYPTOGRAM
ACROSS 1. cotija 4. bishop 7. Vogue 8. Vidal 12. Caspian 13. unagi 14. silk 17. Six 18. Tess 21. Wilder 24. suspension 25. Germany 26. Fairey
27. 28. 30. 31. 33. 34. 36.
grand slam Baines tiger Dickens pickpocket Montgomery Brexit Mandela
DOWN 2. Tecumseh 3. Giuliani 5. Wellington 6. locust 9. sun
10. 11. 15. 16. 19. 20. 22. 23. 25. 27. 29. 32. 34. 35.
Fischer Mars Kathmandu New Zealand Maude Montana Love Me Tender Canada Ganges Gardner Adams Wilson Booth FARC
ADVANCED CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS 4. Mount Mitchell 8. Tom Thumb 10. delamination 13. Bonneville 15. Denali 17. bauxite 19. blue 20. Cyrus 21. kata 23. Copenhagen 27. Thomas 30. constrictor 31. Murphy 32. Dakar 34. Tarantino 35. Tippecanoe
37. 39. 41. 42. 44.
red Odin hops Pirouette Faroe
DOWN 1. transpiration 2. synesthesia 3. clowder 5. hidrosis 6. Marlin 7. Violetta 9. Bunsen 10. Duke 11. Laika 12. alchemy
14. 16. 18. 21. 22. 24. 25. 26. 28. 29. 30. 33. 34. 36. 38. 40. 43.
tartare rabies Tarzan King Mallard ohm binturong Chuck Ashkenazi anglerfish Curie entropy Tiger Vorpal Alexander Stark Pollock
ADVANCED CRYPTOGRAM
EXPERT CRYPTOGRAM
Solution on page 22
Page 22 • 2017 Relaxation Guide
PUZZLES | ANSWERS
PUZZLE BOOK | ANSWERS
INTERMEDIATE SUDOKU ANSWERS
ADVANCED SUDOKU ANSWERS
1 5 3 2 4 8 6 9 7
6 8 9 3 1 7 5 4 2
4 7 2 5 9 6 1 8 3
3 9 6 1 2 4 8 7 5
8 2 5 6 7 3 9 1 4
7 4 1 9 8 5 3 2 6
2 6 7 8 5 1 4 3 9
9 3 8 4 6 2 7 5 1
5 1 4 7 3 9 2 6 8
6 7 4 1 5 9 2 8 3
5 8 9 3 2 6 1 4 7
3 1 2 8 4 7 6 9 5
7 9 1 4 6 5 8 3 2
8 2 6 9 7 3 5 1 4
4 3 5 2 8 1 7 6 9
2 6 8 7 3 4 9 5 1
1 4 7 5 9 8 3 2 6
9 5 3 6 1 2 4 7 8
5 8 7 1 2 4 6 3 9
3 1 6 5 8 9 7 4 2
4 9 2 6 3 7 8 5 1
2 4 5 8 7 6 9 1 3
8 7 1 2 9 3 5 6 4
6 3 9 4 1 5 2 8 7
1 6 4 7 5 2 3 9 8
9 2 8 3 6 1 4 7 5
7 5 3 9 4 8 1 2 6
2 6 4 3 1 5 7 8 9
9 7 5 6 8 2 1 3 4
1 3 8 7 4 9 2 5 6
5 8 9 1 3 7 4 6 2
4 1 3 2 6 8 9 7 5
7 2 6 5 9 4 8 1 3
8 9 1 4 5 6 3 2 7
3 5 2 9 7 1 6 4 8
6 4 7 8 2 3 5 9 1
5 8 6 4 7 1 9 3 2
3 2 4 5 9 8 1 6 7
9 1 7 6 2 3 4 5 8
2 4 1 7 5 9 6 8 3
8 5 9 1 3 6 7 2 4
6 7 3 8 4 2 5 1 9
1 3 5 9 8 7 2 4 6
4 9 8 2 6 5 3 7 1
7 6 2 3 1 4 8 9 5
2 5 3 8 9 1 7 6 4
6 4 9 5 7 2 1 3 8
7 1 8 3 4 6 2 9 5
1 9 7 4 8 3 5 2 6
4 8 6 2 5 7 9 1 3
3 2 5 6 1 9 4 8 7
8 7 2 9 6 4 3 5 1
5 3 1 7 2 8 6 4 9
9 6 4 1 3 5 8 7 2
9 2 1 6 7 8 4 5 3
7 4 6 3 5 9 8 1 2
8 5 3 1 4 2 9 6 7
1 6 7 9 8 3 2 4 5
2 3 8 5 1 4 7 9 6
5 9 4 7 2 6 1 3 8
4 1 5 2 3 7 6 8 9
6 8 2 4 9 5 3 7 1
3 7 9 8 6 1 5 2 4
6 8 5 2 7 4 1 3 9
7 3 1 6 9 5 8 2 4
4 2 9 1 8 3 5 7 6
2 1 7 4 5 9 6 8 3
9 6 3 7 1 8 4 5 2
8 5 4 3 6 2 9 1 7
5 7 6 9 2 1 3 4 8
3 9 8 5 4 7 2 6 1
1 4 2 8 3 6 7 9 5
8 1 2 3 6 7 9 4 5
7 5 3 4 1 9 2 8 6
6 4 9 8 5 2 7 1 3
1 8 5 2 7 3 4 6 9
4 9 7 5 8 6 1 3 2
3 2 6 1 9 4 8 5 7
5 3 1 9 2 8 6 7 4
2 7 4 6 3 1 5 9 8
9 6 8 7 4 5 3 2 1
6 1 5 9 7 4 2 3 8
7 2 3 8 5 1 4 6 9
4 8 9 2 6 3 1 5 7
5 7 8 1 4 6 3 9 2
3 9 4 7 2 5 6 8 1
1 6 2 3 9 8 7 4 5
2 5 6 4 8 7 9 1 3
8 3 7 6 1 9 5 2 4
9 4 1 5 3 2 8 7 6
8 1 5 2 3 7 9 6 4
6 9 3 5 4 1 2 8 7
2 7 4 8 9 6 3 1 5
9 2 7 6 1 3 5 4 8
4 5 8 9 7 2 6 3 1
1 3 6 4 5 8 7 2 9
5 6 1 3 8 9 4 7 2
7 4 2 1 6 5 8 9 3
3 8 9 7 2 4 1 5 6
1 3 6 9 2 8 4 5 7
4 2 7 6 3 5 1 9 8
8 9 5 4 7 1 2 6 3
9 8 2 7 5 3 6 4 1
7 5 4 1 6 2 8 3 9
3 6 1 8 9 4 7 2 5
2 1 8 3 4 9 5 7 6
5 7 3 2 1 6 9 8 4
6 4 9 5 8 7 3 1 2
6 2 5 7 9 3 8 4 1
1 8 4 5 6 2 3 9 7
9 7 3 8 4 1 6 5 2
8 3 6 9 1 7 4 2 5
2 4 7 3 5 6 1 8 9
5 1 9 4 2 8 7 6 3
7 5 8 2 3 4 9 1 6
3 9 1 6 8 5 2 7 4
4 6 2 1 7 9 5 3 8
5 3 4 8 9 1 6 2 7
2 6 9 4 5 7 1 8 3
8 7 1 6 2 3 9 4 5
4 2 3 5 1 6 8 7 9
9 1 6 2 7 8 3 5 4
7 5 8 9 3 4 2 6 1
1 9 2 7 6 5 4 3 8
6 8 5 3 4 9 7 1 2
3 4 7 1 8 2 5 9 6
1 8 3 2 7 9 4 6 5
2 5 4 1 8 6 7 3 9
9 6 7 3 5 4 8 1 2
3 7 2 5 9 1 6 8 4
4 9 8 7 6 3 2 5 1
5 1 6 8 4 2 3 9 7
6 3 5 4 1 7 9 2 8
8 4 9 6 2 5 1 7 3
7 2 1 9 3 8 5 4 6
8 1 6 3 5 2 7 9 4
3 9 5 8 7 4 2 6 1
4 2 7 6 1 9 8 5 3
2 3 8 4 6 5 1 7 9
5 6 4 1 9 7 3 8 2
1 7 9 2 3 8 6 4 5
9 5 1 7 8 3 4 2 6
7 4 3 9 2 6 5 1 8
6 8 2 5 4 1 9 3 7
6 7 1 2 9 3 8 5 4
2 4 9 8 5 1 7 3 6
5 3 8 4 6 7 2 1 9
3 8 4 7 1 2 6 9 5
1 6 7 9 4 5 3 8 2
9 2 5 6 3 8 4 7 1
4 5 2 3 8 9 1 6 7
7 1 3 5 2 6 9 4 8
8 9 6 1 7 4 5 2 3
3 4 2 8 9 5 7 1 6
6 9 7 4 3 1 8 2 5
5 8 1 6 2 7 3 4 9
7 5 9 2 1 6 4 8 3
1 3 8 9 5 4 2 6 7
4 2 6 3 7 8 5 9 1
2 6 5 1 8 3 9 7 4
8 1 3 7 4 9 6 5 2
9 7 4 5 6 2 1 3 8
1 2 4 3 6 5 8 9 7
5 3 6 9 7 8 4 2 1
2 9 5 7 3 1 6 8 4
8 3 4 6 9 2 5 7 1
6 7 1 4 5 8 3 2 9
9 1 2 8 7 6 4 3 5
4 8 6 5 2 3 1 9 7
3 5 7 9 1 4 2 6 8
7 4 9 3 6 5 8 1 2
5 2 3 1 8 9 7 4 6
1 6 8 2 4 7 9 5 3
3 4 6 8 2 5 1 7 9
7 2 1 3 6 9 5 8 4
5 9 8 4 7 1 6 3 2
6 8 7 9 5 3 4 2 1
9 1 3 2 8 4 7 6 5
2 5 4 6 1 7 3 9 8
8 3 9 1 4 6 2 5 7
1 7 2 5 3 8 9 4 6
4 6 5 7 9 2 8 1 3
3 5 4 6 8 7 2 1 9
7 2 9 4 1 5 3 8 6
8 1 6 3 9 2 7 4 5
2 4 8 1 6 9 5 3 7
6 9 1 5 7 3 8 2 4
5 7 3 8 2 4 6 9 1
9 8 5 2 4 6 1 7 3
4 6 2 7 3 1 9 5 8
1 3 7 9 5 8 4 6 2
2 5 7 9 4 8 3 6 3 1 2 5 7 4 8 4 9 6 1 3 2 3 7 4 1 2 6 8 1 6 2 5 8 9 7 EASY 5 9 8 3 7 4 1 “Simplicity 5 7 2 6 8 9is1the 4 8 3 7 6 5 9 9 1 5 4 3 2 6
3 1 6 6 9 8 2 7 5 8 5 9 4 4 3 9 6 2 ultimate 1 3 4 5 2 1 7 8 7
5 9 2 8 4 7 1 7 8 3 5 1 4 2 1 4 6 9 7 8 5 6 7 4 2 9 5 3 3 5 1 6 8 9 7 2 1 7 3 5 6 4 sophistication.” 8 3 5 7 6 2 9 4 6 9 1 2 3 8 9 2 8 4 3 1 6
CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS
6 9 3 1 2 8 — 4 7 5
3 6 4 7 2 8 9 9 7 1 6 5 4 8 5 2 8 1 3 9 7 6 8 2 4 7 5 1 4 5 9 8 1 3 2 1 3 7 9 6 2 4 Leonardo 2 1 6 5da9 Vinci 7 3 7 4 5 3 8 1 6 8 9 3 2 4 6 5
ADVANCED “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” — Benjamin Franklin
EXPERT “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” — Plato https://kjell.haxx.se/sudoku/
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2017 Relaxation Guide • Page 23
RELAXATION GUIDE | LIFESTYLES
OUTDOOR LIVING | LIFESTYLES
© FOTOLIA
Houseboat Trends
F
Considering that our homes and automobiles are more technologically advanced than ever before, it’s no wonder the houseboat industry has become inundated with the latest toys and gadgets, as well. When floating around on our favorite lake all summer long, we want to live the luxurious lifestyle. We want the wind at our back as we feel pampered by the onboard amenities. Boat makers have taken notice, loading up their newest models with all the bells and whistles. Even if you don’t plan on spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a
or many water lovers, the houseboat serves as a home away from home and a mode of transportation in the summer.
brand new houseboat, there are many simple additions you can make to a used one.
LUXURY KITCHEN & BATH Mahogany cabinets. Under-mount sink and icemaker. Natural stone countertops. No these ideas aren’t only fitting for the home. Your houseboat deserves these elegant touches, too. Take one look at an interior design magazine and start translating your favorite ideas into how your boat looks. From the kitchen to the bathroom — and every room in between
their pockets that enables them to be constantly entertained. Consider installing a decked-out entertainment system as a gift to your kids. Of course, you too can benefit from a touchscreen laptop, flat-screen LCD television and integrated music system. Let your guests in on the action, too. Install a fully custom, Bluetooth-enabled music speaker system to let you and your guests choose songs as you mosey along the lake. ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS Watch Blu-ray movies in one room. Every day, we are getting closer to Play your favorite video game in becoming a nation of digital natives. Our children will never know the days another. Turn it all off to enjoy the of living without a mobile computer in natural beauty of the outdoors.
— you can incorporate luxurious touches into your houseboat design to make a real splash on the water. Watch as your guests marvel at your high-end patio furniture, full wine cellar and recessed lighting. Little touches such as intricate woodwork around the kitchen bar also can be show-stoppers. You’re only limited by your own creativity.
Page 24 • 2017 Relaxation Guide OUTDOOR LIVING | EXCURSIONS
RELAXATION GUIDE | EXCURSIONS
Plan A Fly-Fishing Trip
Researching your destination before you get on the road can save you money, time and frustration. There is much to learn, including information about ease of access, terrain, available water, available species, weather and local catch laws. The more you know in advance, the more enjoyable your trip will be.
Y
ou’ve saved your money for your dream fly-fishing trip, but how can you ensure that your trip lives up to your expectations?
KNOW YOUR FISH Decide which species of fish you’d like to catch and plan your trip accordingly. Just because a lodge lists many available species, don’t assume the species you’re after is always available. Call ahead and ask to save yourself from an unpleasant surprise later. If you’re looking to catch trout but it’s not a time of year when they are ample, you’ll have to choose another date on the calendar.
KNOW YOUR LODGE Research the lodges you’re considering. Look online, but also talk to folks who have spent time there. Here are some basic questions to ask before booking your lodge: • Will I have access to a fly shop and experienced guides? • Does the lodge specialize
© FOTOLIA
in a particular species during the time of year I will be visiting? • What kind of amenities are available in the lodge? What should I bring from home? • Can you provide me with
a list of references who recently visited your lodge? • What percentage of your business comes from repeat customers?
EXTRA FEES When choosing a lodge or
fishing destination, ask about extra fees that may be associated with your stay to avoid sticker shock at the end of a fun trip. Be sure to find out if there is a minimum requirement for the amount of nights you
stay, and don’t forget to inquire about bringing pets or additional guests. The key is to make sure you know what you want to get out of your trip before you throw down a sizable deposit on a lodge.