Looking For Adventure Travel

Are you looking to have some fun on your next vacation. Have you thought about traveling to exotic locations worldwide, and pursuing the dream vacation, perhaps taking a tree canopy ride in Rio de Janeiro, or traveling on a sailboat while on an eco-tour off the coast of British Colombia. Of course, this type of vacation is not for everyone, so if you are looking for rest and relaxation, adventure travel maybe is not what you are looking for. It is definitely a trade off to experience this type of outdoor recreation, which is usually far removed from popular destinations. It is great to get out in nature.

Most of us get stuck in a rut. There's a routine to our lives, same old, same old. This is why it is good sometimes to get out of that rut and adventure travel is a wonderful rut destroyer.
What you need is a getaway, and if you are the adventurous type there are a number of destinations from which to choose. You can walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin exploring the Galapagos Islands or maybe you'd prefer an exciting African Safari.

There are always some risks involved in anything we do, but maybe a little more so in adventure travel, especially when you have picked a remote destination. But you don't have to go that far to get into trouble. Even places like the Grand Canyon make hundreds of rescues each year for travelers who are hiking down to the river, but are not prepared and don't realize how adventurous that hike can be. I remember the last time I tried that hike, coming back up you saw a lot of really worn out people, probably dehydrated too. So the thing to do is make sure you are prepared for whatever you have chosen to do and your vacation is appropriate for those going. If, for example, you are pregnant, have very small children or a particular medical condition you must adjust your expectations.

A wonderful guide to adventure travel can be found at www.nationalgeographic.com, but there are also many more good resources out there for adventure travel and outdoor recreation with information on top destinations, national parks, outdoor gear, hiking, and kayaking. For family adventures you might look into dude ranches, houseboat rentals, bicycle tours, horse pack trips and trail rides, even dog sledding vacations. Using your computer to do your research will dig up a multitude of sites where you can investigate your next trip. You'll find all sorts of information on adventure travel worldwide.

Thankfully we all have different preferences when it comes to adventure destinations. But even if you don't have the time or money to travel on some great adventure in places like Egypt, Australia or maybe Antarctica, there are always places closer to home to check out. Some adventure tours are not only more strenuous but fairly expensive as well which also is limiting.
Most adventure travel sites recommend that travelers visit the United States Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for the latest travel advice. Be sure to take into consideration any travel warnings that have been issued for destinations on your list.

Be prepared and get the recommended vaccinations in plenty of time before your trip, and stock up on any medications you may need on your journey. Travel light and last but not least, enjoy your vacation.

There is no limit when it comes to real-life adventure destinations. The trick is to find one that you and your entire family can enjoy. Just do your due diligence and make sure you and your travel companions are up to the adventure you choose.

D. McBride is an avid traveler who enjoys both adventure travel and luxury travel such as cruises and resorts, who has a Galapagos Island site located at www.GalapagosTravelSite.info
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Swimming with Dolphins in Malta

Those who have had close and intimate encounters with dolphins say they experienced joy and peace of mind. Swimming with dolphins is rapidly becoming a very popular activity around the world – even in Malta.

There is only one facility in Malta that offers swimming with dolphins. This is by the Mediterraneo Marine Park. The activity involves only captive dolphins, and there have been protests from environmental groups the world over against the park.

The park authorities say that swimming with the dolphins is done in an orderly and sequenced manner. Swimmers are allowed to interact and swimming with dolphins for 20 to 30 minutes.
The park provides a professional photographer on the site throughout the swim session. A participant can purchase the photographs from the gift shop at the end of the day.

Children under 8 years, people suffering from a weak heart, low blood pressure, epileptic fits, physical disabilities and pregnant women are not permitted to swim with dolphins.

However, you should also keep in mind that you don’t have to be an excellent swimmer to be able to have close encounter with the dolphins. There are programs available for all levels of ability and for all ages. For those not confident enough to venture into deep water, there are programs that allow you to swim with the dolphins in shallow waters.

Dolphin Swim Info provides detailed information about swimming with dolphins, including profiles of the best places to swim with dolphins: Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, California, Malta, Key Largo, and the Bahamas. Dolphin Swim Info is affiliated with Original Content.
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Swimming with Dolphins in Key Largo

Key Largo, known as the diving capital of the world, is located only an hour and a half from Miami International airport. Key Largo is the first in the Florida Keys chain and a perfect get-a-way for an extended vacation or day trip from Miami.

Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a spectacular underwater park. Professional charter boat captains can help you search for marlin, dolphin, wahoo or tuna just a few miles off the shore.

Dolphins can be spotted daily in a sandy bottomed area about 10-15 feet deep where they are constantly on the move in search of fish to eat.

One cannot swim with dolphins here because the laws of Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 apply here, in addition to the laws of the State of Florida. One can only watch any one group of dolphins for about 30 minutes from the boat from about 50 yards so that feeding, mating, nursing their babies, etc., is not disrupted.

The law prohibits pursuing wild dolphins, swimming after, and touching them. If dolphins approach you while snorkeling (as opposed to you approaching them) the law suggests that you enjoy the moment of close encounter and then go back to the boat.

Dolphin Swim Info provides detailed information about swimming with dolphins, including profiles of the best places to swim with dolphins: Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, California, Malta, Key Largo, and the Bahamas. Dolphin Swim Info is affiliated with Original Content.
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What Dolphins Can Teach Us About Love

5 minutes before our plane landed on the Big Island, Drew and I started feeling waves of love coming from the land. We knew that the energy of this area was powerful and known as a healing center but we weren't expecting to feel it while still airborne...

When we got there,we immediately contacted our friend Meg Sibley. Meg is a master at healing with sound and does "sound pods" where community can come together to set intentions with the power of the voice. She also has a very special connection with dolphins and we knew that she would help us see them in a way that was respectful not only to the dolphins but also to the spirit of the local culture of the island.

She prepped us by telling us to make sure we made eye contact with them and just ask for them to come play. "They will circle you and approach you if they want to play." And she went further to tell us that if we see their tail going away from us, then that means they're done for the moment. Don't chase them...Smart advice given the fact that dolphins are one of the fastest creatures in water (20 mph). If they want to play, you can offer them a leaf and they'll take it and often carry it on their tail, then throw it to their nose, even leaving it for you, only to sweep it up as you reach out for it.

Drew and I were terribly excited about the possibility of communing with these playful creatures, and when we swam out to meet them, we immediately noticed how some people would aggressively pursue them only to be faced with bubbles and then others would simply wait and have the dolphins encircle them.


You can probably gather from the fact that I'm telling you this story it has something to do with the Beloved. Indeed, what struck me most was that learning how to attract dolphins is very similar to attracting love. Imagine a scene from some kung-fu movie where the master says, "if you can get dolphin to come and snatch leaf from hand, then you can have love of your life."
And it's not hard, from what I learned, but it requires a level of detachment as well as trust in divine timing. The first day, we were fortunate to swim with them right away, and then for the next two days, they were no where to be found. What struck me most was the pain some avid dolphin fans felt when they didn't get a chance to swim with them. The language they used sounded similar to people in withdrawal from some sort of addiction. People spoke of the dolphins being "fickle", a "tease", of being able to "take a hint" when they no longer wanted to play. One regular told us of how one morning he saw them out in the water porpoising and when he swam out to where they were, they had disappeared. He waited for them 45 minutes in the water, returned to shore, took off his wet suit and looked back to see them porpoising again. While dolphins are playful, they seem to know and reflect to people what kind of healing a person needs. And in some cases, they can also teach us not to become co-dependent on them in order to validate our needs for love because that would belie the fact that it is truly around us at all times.

On our last day, I scanned the water in the Bay, there were no people and even the regulars doubted that they were in the water. I checked in intuitively and knew that they were near. I scanned the water with Drew's binoculars, and sure enough saw a few of them porpoising out in the distance. We headed out knowing that they may or may not still be there by the time we got there.

And yes when we got to the place where I spotted them, there was no trace of them. We patiently waited in the dark blue water asking them telepathically to come and play with us, and then suddenly out of the mysterious blue vista, appeared a mother and her baby. Then a pair showed up, catching my eye. I followed them as they encircled me, and then one twitched his tail to show me that he had a leaf on it. He and his friend circled me another time and then were called away by their pod. The overwhelming power of their wisdom and ancient intelligence was humbling and made me aware that though playful they were masterful healers. Their message to me? Keep up the good work, continue to help bring more Beloveds together!

If you liked this article and want to get more secrets on how to manifest a Beloved relationship and make it thrive, go to: http://www.manifestingyourbeloved.com

About the Author:Cynthia Tsai's life work is to inspire others to live life in an ecstatic way. A self-avowed perfectionist/overachiever turned spiritual love coach, Cynthia helps people re-connect to their own divine essence and sense of wholeness in order to pull in a divine partner.
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Zanzibar and the Dolphin Safari

Zanzibar is not really about the island itself. Although the Island has a lot to offer with the spice trade, a long rich history and natural forests with unique flora and fauna. This Spice Island was discovered by Arab traders in the 8th century and has supplied the world with aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg ever since.

With the many private spice plantations just outside Stone Town, this offers an ideal opportunity to buy spices and spice oils from the people who produce them. Stone Town is jam-packed with historical architecture and a rich ethnic culture and in the towns narrow streets, every sight, every glance conjures up the romantic past
However, for most visitors Zanzibar is about the sea, the corals, and the dolphins.

Menai Bay Conservation Area is home to two species of dolphin – the area is an archipelago of islands and sandbanks. This location is close to Stone Town and you can sail to this location by Dhow a traditional single-sail boat that takes you back in time to the magic of ancient times -

from early explorers and missionaries, to slave trades and colonial rulers. The conservation area is a tropical paradise that dreams are made from; pristine beaches, unspoiled reefs with a palm fringed coastline that looks out over the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The warm crystal clear waters and hidden tranquil lagoons are a giant tropical fish tank - with the brightly colored inhabitants swimming in their underwater coral gardens.

[To be able to swim with the dolphins we recommend early mornings. In the morning, you will have a good chance to swim with the dolphins.]

Any highlight of a dolphin safari is the seafood feast that is presented to you at lunchtime. Every kind of fish and shellfish imaginable is served up with juice from the young unripe coconuts - which is drunk straight from the coconut itself and is a must to try - along with the endless supply of exotic fruits.

On the southeastern most point of Zanzibar is Kizimkazi fishing village, which also offers a popular place for the dolphin safari. These dolphin safaris have replaces the hunting of dolphins – the meat was used for shark bate. The dolphins safaris have become and important source of income for the local population. By taking a dolphin safari you have a most memorable day, you help the conservation of dolphins and are helping the local community who depend on your support.

For more information on Tanzania see http://www.betheladventure.co.uk and more general information on Tanzania see http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk – responsible tourism can change lives.
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Synchronized Swimming and Dolphin Cognition and Communication

As humans become more technologically advanced and are able to see our environments from the outside looking in, we gather insight to our 3D space that we normally would not be able to do, these leaps in understanding which leads to increased technological advances appears to be increased due to such abilities. We have been able to increase our understanding of our total world and space through sea exploration, aircraft observation and space flight. Watching an Earth Rise from the moon would indeed be such a moment, watching it on TV or by way of video link also gives way to additional total populous insight and makes available to our culture to take another huge leap into the such understanding.

Ancient peoples who lived in the hills and mountains developed better spatial reasoning than those cultures, who dominated flat lands. Flat land civilizations often put up castles, pyramids, and temples and from the tops of these they could better see the land, study the terrain and space and better adapt to their environments. Perhaps a ruler or advisor could look out over the lands and develop plans for better use of the land, strategic defense of the area and control over the territorial innate needs of the region. Perhaps this also was the first version of today’s urban planning methodology.

Such a view from above would give humans, like birds a better perspective of their environment, for a species of prey such as a bird flying over the fields in search of small rodents, humans also were able to use advantage of the mountains since they were unable to fly. I can vouch the increased ability of understanding from an aerial perspective having a father take me up in a light aircraft often when I was very young and then teaching me to fly at age nine through my teens.

Those who build scale models, especially train set ups have another advantage over others in that they begin to see the world from another perspective and this brings to mind additional thinking in how the world works and our place in it as surface dwellers limited by gravity, perhaps ideas in how best to adapt our world to serve us better. Drawings and paintings also achieve this additional cognitive ability allowing us to see from someone else’s perspective, point of view or actual place of viewing, without ever having been there or had such a thought previously. Such thought provoking images trigger our brains to a new perspective and increase cognition.

Now then what if we take the Athens 2004 Olympics Synchronized Swimming Event and then videotape it and then put it on large screen plasma TV monitors and play it outside the pool where non-stressed and happy Dolphins are and can view it, they will watch it and smile. We know cats and dogs will sit for hours beside a TV set and that some will in fact may eventually realize that if in front of a mirror that they are looking at themselves in reflection. We can have at least 15 hours of the Synchronized Swimming Olympic Event if you take into consideration all the different teams, it would be good PR for the Olympics and all those countries submitting videos.

This will help increase the Dolphin Cognition and increase the Dolphin’s Visualization since they will be looking at screen in virtual reality signifying and simulating another pool of water from the outside perspective looking into their own type of world which they are familiar with. This could be considered similar to humans watching a videotape, which is taken looking out the window of an aircraft flying over their cities. We know that this does help humans understand things much better.

I believe that such vide tapes of the cities should be played in grade school for kids, to show the kids a better idea of their true environment from another perspective. This concept is similar to the idea of unlocking the prisoners in the Plato’s “Cave Allegory” and allowing them to see the larger picture.

Also as the Mars Rovers send back video the video should be played on ten surround a sound screens for a virtual reality environment for kids to see, this will develop their spatial cognitive abilities so they can think and understand. If we are to move the human race to the next level and understanding of multi-dimensional space and help them grasp the current theories and reality of the future we need to insure now that their brains are adapted in such a way to think there. Imagine what this can do for early childhood cognitive development? In Mesa Union School District in Phoenix, NASA has a Space Shuttle VR Machine that the kids can use, this type of things should be available everywhere in all United States Schools, we cannot now afford to slack off, because in the future we need generations thinking here to propel our country and the future of all mankind.

Spatial reasoning, thinking, outside the box cognition will be fully necessary in the future for mankind’s next evolutionary step, we need to be ready because here we come. If we can share our environment with the Dolphins and understand the basics of how mammals learn and think we are well on our way to a world-class educational system, which crosses species and uses the whole brain.

For instance taking dolphins up in a hot air balloon over their environment, letting them literally fly with the birds. We should be measuring their brains also to see what they think of all of this, through our advances in TMS and fMRI. We should indeed not limit our observational perspectives to only mammals, as it does appear that many other species of fish, reptiles, birds, marsupials also contain many similar traits with regards to genetic code and therefore perhaps insights into cognition of higher life forms.

Such studies and experiments will give us the abilities needed to progress Artificial Intelligence in computing, robotics and the creation of organizational swarms and socialization which will be necessary to co-evolve amongst non-organic manmade machines.

Establishing moon bases and continued video from Space and NASA on websites, VR portable truck mounted machines traveling to our schools, Discovery Channel TV and picture books will do the same thing to awaken our current human evolutionary process as did the cultures which had the look out advantages of their own lands, as such previous civilizations did have a huge growth spurt over similar peoples in flat lands. Mapping, GPS visual handheld devices, Satellite photography, Aerial pictures should be shown in schools and today they are more available than ever, now we should up the ante and provide better visual images to our entire population to bring them to the next step. We have found life on Mars and realize that we are not alone now and will no longer be able to maintain the thought that we are so special a life form that none other exists anywhere else in the universe. Such a thought is now as silly as the notion of a flat world.
Is it possible to show pictures and videos to Dolphins of the Synchronized swimming from our perspective, then show them the perspective of the birds on their water world, then show them the perspective of the space shuttle or space station on the Earth to a point they can understand it? Surely it should be, since their brains are the same size and they are very well adapted for spatial reasoning, Dolphins can fly in their world of water in the 3D that humans cannot without artificial wings, balloons, parachutes, aircraft, etc. So in essence their evolution has an advantage over us in spatial reasoning, is this to say Dolphins are smarter or have better cognitive abilities than humans? I did not say that, but I certainly wouldn’t bet either way, in fact they are much better adapted to their environment then we appear to be in ours. What would a Dolphin think in space, floating around in near zero gravity? What would that Dolphin say when he got back to his buddies in the water? The first step of my project concept would be to entertain the Dolphins with our synchronized swimmers, much the way they might entertain us at sea world, but using 3D. We know that Dolphins like to entertain and be entertained and have showed up at huge surfing events in record numbers simply to say, “Here we are, we can do this too!” Perhaps bringing both the species together in a common cause and help each other understand one another we can learn more about ourselves and our current environment, current perspective and increase our cognitive abilities to understand what comes next.
As the human race increases their work with frequency modification, gravity waves, sound and light and discover new ways and uses for these, we may find our selves unlocking time, quantum physics and many other great discoveries which will forever change the way we perceive the world we are in. By bringing up our next generation and current generation to a higher and current level they can be ready for what comes next, without rejecting it, calling it evil or refusing to adapt to it. Taking chimpanzees into the international space station is not as silly as it seems. Teaching them to communicate with us through computers they can control with their minds is a worthy and minimal investment in the possibilities of the future. Taking them into a submarine to visit the Dolphins is a great idea. Showing them the water level and submerging below it to meet with the Dolphins and then allowing them to meet, play and attempt communication, whether assisted through Virtual Reality, computers or human go betweens is a smart thing to do. It is time we all got together and learned because it is readily apparent that millions and millions of years of evolution has created some unique and very well niche adapted species here. Our most recent technological advances of the last 200 years is shocking considering the previous 2000 and yes we are moving quite fast and almost at a break through point of the next innovations of computer-human interfaces, life extension, space exploration, time travel, gravity and weather manipulation to mention only a few; however the possibilities of the future are so intense, that we must not leave stones un-turned. There are many species on this planet with extremely high intellectual capacity and we should be thinking in terms of their perspectives, as well as our own to get to the next level of human understanding of the life experience and world’s we live in, effect and move through.
Will the Dolphins appreciate the human entertainment? Will they laugh at the synchronized swimming, will it trigger additional stimuli, what do they think of us? Will they immediately form a closer bond with us, try to better our efforts? Will the Flat screen plasma TV of the synchronized swimmers fall short as seeing is not the same as understanding and the Dolphins may see it for what is, rather than what it is suppose to represent? Or will they immediately understand what it represents, understand why we are showing it and respond with additional communications or brain waves or fMRI lighted up sections of the brain we have not seen before? How about the idea of flying dolphins with blimps amongst the birds, parasailing with the birds, videos of flying over water and land, and from space? Their brains are the same size as ours, they are highly adapted, evolved and intelligent creatures as we are, why wouldn’t they enjoy such intellectual stimulation? Would they wish to thank us for the entertainment? Would they more enjoy the videos than the free fish for those at sea world? Something tells me they would respond is a most positive and shocking way. This experiment will cost about $30,000 in equipment, about $10,000 in video licensing, $10,000 in travel and $15,000 in travel and perhaps some monies for time and space rentals at a World Class Oceanography University or Sea World. This could also be done under grants from NASA, US Naval Research or DARPA. The biggest question is why has this not been done already and if it has, what are the results so far and if the results are inline with such expectations, then how soon can we take this to the next level?
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington
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Dolphin Wedding Ring to Fit Your Personality

As you are gazing out over the water, you are surprised by a sudden burst through the water’s surface. As you watch, you are amazed and delighted by the graceful ballet you are privileged to witness by the most wonderful creatures of the sea. The dolphins arch gracefully through the air and plunge back into the water to come up again in another fabulous leap to your delight. How wonderful it would be to capture this beauty and grace forever!

That is very possible with rings that are created to exhibit just this quality. Dolphin rings in many styles and designs are available that express perfectly the grace of a leaping dolphin as it dances in the air. Sometimes showing a spectacular leap and sometimes a low-arched leap; both with a grace and beauty that you just feel you must have it for yourself.

You can find a dolphin ring that satisfies your image of a dolphin’s graceful water ballet. A single dolphin arching through the air or two or three in a synchronized dance, the choice is yours. What could be lovelier than a golden dolphin ring? A dolphin engagement ring perhaps? Nothing could exemplify a couple’s commitment to each other better than an engagement ring with two dolphins leaping in unison with a diamond set between them. To complement such a gorgeous ring, match it with a dolphin wedding ring. The enduring beauty and grace of these magnificent creatures make a perfect wedding set.

If you have an image of what you want and don’t see something to match, it is possible the work with the manufacturer to have your ideal dolphin ring custom made to your vision of perfection. Choose your particular ‘Dance of Dolphins’ in the style you like, with or without gemstones. If you want gemstones, you have many options. Besides diamonds, you could opt for blue sapphire or aquamarine to bring out the beauty of the dolphins just as the blue sea presents a perfect backdrop for their ballet.

The choices available in dolphin rings make it hard to choose just one. You may find yourself choosing several, each just as gorgeous as the other. Prepare yourself to fall in love with every one you see. Dolphins are such easy creatures to love that rings exhibiting their grace and beautiful character are just as easy to love. Anyone who admires graceful, fluid motion will appreciate the elegance of a dolphin ring. And those who love dolphins will appreciate them even more.

As you gaze at the gracefully elegant arch of the gold dolphins on your finger, you will be reminded of the magnificent ballet you watched as the sun set, casting a golden light on the dancers of the sea.
http://wholesalemonster.ecrater.com
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Dolphin Quick Facts

Dolphins are marine mammals found in all the world's oceans, relatives to whales and porpoises. River dolphins live in freshwater rivers and lakes. They are intelligent and playful creatures and friendly to humans.

Dolphins have a sleek body shape, which helps them to be good swimmers. They have long snouts, a row of sharp teeth, and a blowhole for breathing on top of the head. They feed on fish, squid, and other small marine life.

Feeding dolphins at SeaWorld, OrlandoDolphins are social animals, and usually live and hunt in groups. They communicate with each other with sounds such as whistles, screeches, and clicks. Dolphins are often friendly to humans, riding on waves produced by boats, aiding lost swimmers, and adapting to life in captivity performing tricks and jumps.

There are at least 40 different species of dolphins. The one most commonly used in amusement parks and performances is bottlenose dolphin, which has a 'built-in' smile formed by the curvature of its mouth. The killer whale, or orca, is the largest member of dolphin family.

Physical features

Dolphins have a sleek body shape, so as to offer the least resistance for swimming. The two flippers located underside help the dolphin steer its course. The bones in these flippers resemble human hand! The tail with flukes provides the main swimming force.

As mammals, dolphins have to breathe air. They do so through a single blowhole on the top of the head. It has a muscular plug to keep water out of the lungs while diving. The head has a long snout. Dolphins have a long row of conical teeth that are used for catching and tearing prey - not for chewing.

Different dolphin species vary a lot in size. The smallest one, tucuxi dolphin, is about 4 feet (1.2m) long and weighs about 110 pounds (50kg), whereas the enormous killer whales is over 30 feet (9-10m) long and weighs 12,000 pounds (5 500 kg).

You've seen the gray ones, but dolphins can also be black or brown, and can have patterns of white or light colors.

In the middle of their back, many dolphins have what is called a dorsal fin. It helps them to keep their balance. Furthermore, each dolphin's dorsal fin is shaped differently from the others. It's like an identification mark. In some ocean dolphins, the dorsal fin is hooked-shape instead of like a triangle. The male killer whales have very tall dorsal fins whereas in river dolphins it scarcely forms a ridge on the back.

Besides using eyes, dolphins can find their way by making clicking sounds, and listening to the sounds that echo or bounce back to them from their surroundings. This is called echolocation.
Under their skin, dolphins have a layer of fat called blubber. It insulates the dolphin so it can keep warm even in cold water. The colder the water is where the dolphin lives, the thicker the layer of blubber.

Behavior
Dolphins are social animals that live in schools of varying size; some only have 2-5 dolphins while enormous schools of 1,000 or more have been found as well. A typical school of bottlenose dolphins might be 10-20 individuals.

For food, dolphins hunt fish, squid and other invertebrates; killer whales also feed on other marine mammals, sea turtles, and birds. Dolphins often hunt together, trying to catch schools of fish. They can use echolocation to find prey in deep, dark waters.

Dolphins make whistles, clicks, and screeching sounds to communicate with each other, and for echolocation. In many species each individual dolphin makes a unique 'signature whistle'. Human-made underwater sounds, such as used with sonar images, can interfere with dolphins' communication, and even injure tissues used for hearing and air intake.

Dolphins also help each other in various ways. If a dolphin is sick and can't raise to the surface to get air, another one supports it at the surface so it can breathe. Or, a dolphin may stay near an injured or sick one as a companion. Dolphins also defend an injured one against a threat such as a boat.

Male and female dolphin take part in courtship, which involves playing, caressing, and 'songs'. Gestation lasts about a year, and then a single calf is born. Calving usually occurs once every two years. Dolphin mother produces very high-fat milk for her young. The calf is weaned aroud 6 months to two years.

Certain dolphin species live quite long, 50 years or more, while the bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin typically live around 20-25 years.

Dolphin Classification:
Class MammaliaOrder CetaceaSuborder Odontoceti
Names:male: bullfemale: cowyoung: calfgroup: pod

Sources:
Microsoft ® Encarta ® Reference Library 2005Encyclopedia Britannica
SeaWorldAdventurePark.info is a website filled with photos from SeaWorld, Orlando, Florida, plus information, reviews, and a poll.
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dolphin @ hawaii

Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on a whale-watching cruise or fishing boat. Visitors sometimes happen to be in the water snorkeling or kayaking when a pod of dolphins swims by. Some visitors even seek out dolphins, either by frequenting areas where dolphins live and play, like Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, or by taking a boat tour that frequents areas where dolphins live and play.

If however, you would like to guarantee up-close dolphin interaction you can pay for the privilege at three places in Hawaii.

1. Dolphin Quest on the Big Island
Pros:Children 5 years and up can participate. Several programs to choose from. Cons:No actual 'swimming' with dolphins. The Dolphin Quest Program on the Big Island is located at the Hilton Waikoloa Village hotel. You do not have to be a guest at the hotel to participate in or watch the dolphin programs. The program includes dolphin trivia and facts, close up examination the program's captive dolphin’s body parts like teeth and tail, getting to feed the dolphins, being in the water with the dolphins, and watching them underwater with the mask. Each person also gets a few photo opportunities touching or holding a dolphin in different poses.

2. Dolphin Quest on Oahu
Pros:Extensive program for kids 5 to 12.Cons:No actual 'swimming' with dolphins. The Oahu program is located at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Although the Oahu and Big Island programs are similar in theme, there are differences. The Oahu program includes many of the same aspects as the Big Island program but here kids also have an opportunity to interact with reef fish and sea turtles. Oahu also offers a program that is half as long and a little less expensive.

3. Sea Life Park on Oahu
Pros:If your dolphin is willing, you get to hold onto his/her dorsal fin for a swim.Cons:Out of a 45 minute program, only 15 of it is in the water. Only for ages 13 and up. This program also includes the price of admission to Sea Life Park. It features a lot of in-depth dolphin facts and some close up dolphin interaction, plus 15 minutes in the water with the dolphins. Pictures are also available.

Lisa Weber lives on the Big Island of Hawaii and runs a Hawaii Travel website at Oahu, Hawaii
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Swimming with Dolphins in California

California’s Central Coast is home to a variety of marine life including several types of dolphins.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), a Federally protected marine area offshore of California's central coast, supports one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. It is home to numerous mammals, including whales and dolphins.

Stretching from Marin to Cambria, the MBNMS encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 5,322 square miles of ocean.

Warm water conditions in the Monterey Bay have attracted several species here from warm water areas, including the Long-Beaked and Short-Beaked Common Dolphins, normally seen from the Channel Islands south to Baja California.

These Common Dolphins congregate at the edge of the Monterey Submarine Canyon, where sardines, mackerel, and squid seem to be their primary attraction. Other dolphins and porpoises in the Monterey Bay include the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin, Rissos Dolphin, the Northern Right Whale Dolphin, the Bottlenose Dolphin, Dalls Porpoise, and the Harbor Porpoise.

The US government has prohibited swims with the dolphin activities in the marine sanctuary. There is only one swim with the dolphin activity center in California and that too in a private enclosure of a theme park owned by the Six Flags Marine World in collaboration with Ocean Discovery.

The new Caribbean-themed destination is the only place in Northern California where guests can personally interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, southern stingrays and warm-weathered penguins.

The 2-acre area provides guests the opportunity to interact with and feed some of the world's natural wonders while learning about the animals and the importance of natural habitat conservation and protection.

Ocean Discovery provides interactive experiences with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins inside a custom designed 200,000-gallon pool where guests can have direct contact with the animals and their trainers. During designated times guests can touch and feed the dolphins with the assistance of the Park's veteran trainers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the dolphins from an underwater viewing area.

Six Flags Marine World is located in Vallejo, California, off of Interstate 80, just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, 50 miles southwest of Sacramento and near the Napa Valley Wine Country.

Dolphin Swim Info provides detailed information about swimming with dolphins, including profiles of the best places to swim with dolphins: Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, California, Malta, Key Largo, and the Bahamas. Dolphin Swim Info is affiliated with Original Content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva

Swimming with Dolphins in Florida

If you want to swim with bottlenose and spotted dolphins, both trained and wild, the Florida coast is an ideal destination. Bottlenose and spotted dolphins are the most gentle and intelligent mammals next to humans and even more when you meet them. You'll be able to swim with dolphins when you visit them in the Florida, Key Largo, Key West area, and Miami, Fort Lauderdale area.

You can choose from shallow-water swimming experiences with trained dolphins and deep-water encounters with wild dolphins. In shallow water enclave, you can spend time working with a trainer from a platform, as the dolphins perform tricks on command. You can also swim with the dolphins, as they will do toe pushes and body rubs. You can enjoy dorsal fin rides and snorkel with them.

Once the trained dolphin swim in captivity gives you an understanding how the dolphins behave in a controlled environment, you can go for wild dolphin encounter. You will need to go out in the sea in a boat with an experienced guide and boat captain, to find pods of wild bottlenose dolphins.

There are several facilities in Florida that offer the opportunity to swim with dolphins, both trained and wild. One such facility is Dolphins Plus, a dolphin research and education facility located south of Miami in Key Largo. Dolphins Plus houses 14 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
In the Florida Keys, there are three legally registered facilities that offer you the opportunity to swim and interact with dolphins – Theatre of the Sea, Dolphin Plus, and Dolphin Research Center.

There are structured and non-structured swims with the dolphins programs. In the structured program one can have an up front and personal dolphin experience. You can swim, dance, kiss, and enjoy a dorsal tow with the dolphins. In this swim, contact is guaranteed with the dolphins.
Pregnant women are not allowed in the water.

The non-structured swim is only meant for snorkelers who are comfortable in deep water. Since the dolphins in these sessions are not trained, contact cannot be guaranteed. The dolphins set the pace, and contact is up to them.

Dolphin Swim Info provides detailed information about swimming with dolphins, including profiles of the best places to swim with dolphins: Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, California, Malta, Key Largo, and the Bahamas. Dolphin Swim Info is affiliated with Original Content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva

Swimming With Dolphins: An Aquatic Adventure

Swimming with dolphins -- the most dynamic, beautiful, and highly intelligent mammals of the sea -- is rapidly becoming a very popular activity around the world. Those who have had close and intimate encounters with dolphins say they experienced joy and peace of mind.

Researchers say dolphin swims boost the human immune system and help psychological well-being. Swimming with dolphins induces states of expanded consciousness such as those found during meditation or transcendental states of being. This brings feelings of deep peace, relaxation, and heightened sense of well-being.

There are two options for swimming with the dolphins - a captive dolphin swim experience and a wild dolphin interaction.

Captive facilities range from centers offering dolphin-assisted therapy programs and public dolphin swims, to resorts and theme parks. Most captive dolphins are bottlenose dolphins, which when in the wild, are typically very shy and wary of humans. Captive dolphins are trained to perform stunts, and to interact with humans.

Swimming with wild dolphins means you meet them on their turf. Your experience will totally depend on their choice of how, when, and how long they will have an intimate experience with you. Wild dolphins actually do come to swim with people.

There is a very clear wild dolphin swim protocol for participants, which does not allow touching, feeding, or any kind of aggressive swimming or boating around them.

You don’t have to be an excellent swimmer to be able to have close encounter with the dolphins. There are programs available for all levels of ability and for all ages. For those not confident enough to venture into deep water, there are programs that allow you to swim with the dolphins in shallow waters.

Dolphin Swim Info provides detailed information about swimming with dolphins, including profiles of the best places to swim with dolphins: Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, California, Malta, Key Largo, and the Bahamas. Dolphin Swim Info is affiliated with Original Content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva

The Miami Dolphin's 2007 Schedule - Who's on Their Play List

Every year, Miami Dolphins fans find themselves swimming in wonderment, questioning whether their team will be good, bad, or just plain ugly. While the NFL is filled with teams that need little speculation - teams that are routinely playoff bound or teams that are a shoe in for a good draft pick - Miami isn't one of them.

Perpetually hovering around the .500 mark, with a few good seasons and bad seasons peppered in, the Dolphins are a team that can go either way: towards a winning season or into the dark cracks of failure. This year, however, could be different. As Dante Culpepper's career takes a metaphorical and literal knee, Trent Green looks to be the new starting quarterback, one who can hopefully "fin"ish the season with more wins than losses. The following is the Dolphin's 2007 schedule, and a breakdown of their opponents.

Sept 9th @ Washington Redskins: With a 5-11 record under their belts last year, the Redskins looked to revamp their entire team during the 2007 off season. But, they didn't revamp it enough. Washington should see another bad year, making them wonder if Doug Williams should restart at quarterback.

Sept 16th Dallas Cowboys: Dallas was a game above mediocrity with a 9-7 record last season. After a devastating loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs (laces out, Tony), the stability of the Cowboys lies solely in how Tony Romo will react. He will either bounce back, or fall further. If he plays well, Dallas could be a hard team to beat.

Sept 23rd @ New York Jets: The Jets just about have all of their ducks in a row: they are almost ready for takeoff. After making nice additions on defense, and signing Thomas Jones at running back, this team will be better than they were last year. With a 10-6 2006 record, being better will make them a force to be reckoned with.

Sept 30th Oakland Raiders: Remember when the Oakland Raiders made it to the Super Bowl in 2002? Yeah, neither do we. A team that has fallen far, far, and farther, they really have nowhere to go but up from their 2-14 last season record. If JaMarcus Russell is as good a quarterback as they are hoping, Oakland could be decent, but don't expect miracles: since their Super Bowl appearance, they have made a disappearance, finishing way under .500 for the past four seasons.

October 7th @ Houston Texans: At 6-10 last season, the Houston Texans weren't as bad as they could have been: perpetual underdogs, they found a way to win games they shouldn't have won. Still, their decision to release David Carr will come back to haunt them, and it will make them realize that Carr wasn't to blame: it's hard to be a good quarterback when you have zero help on offense.

October 14th @ Cleveland Browns: A team with a horrible 4-12 last season record, the Cleveland Browns are anxious to get the Brady Quinn era underway. This is a young team: they probably won't make many waves this season, but don't be surprised to see them turn some heads in the years to come.

October 21st New England Patriots: After finishing 12-4 last season, and receiving a devastating loss to the Colt's in the "real Super Bowl," the Patriots are hungry for redemption, and another championship. They won't go undefeated, but they will get to the playoffs; they always do.

October 28th New York Giants (in London): A team that finished at .500 last season, it's about time for Eli to start carrying on the Manning name. Genetically destined for greatness, Eli Manning is the X factor: if he plays well, the Giants will be good, if he plays poorly, the Giants will be watching the playoffs from their living room couch.

November 11th Buffalo Bills: Just like the Giants, the Buffalo Bills are also in the hands of their quarterback. After a 7-9 season last year, the Bills look to improve with an improving JP Losman. A quarterback that seemed to come of age in the last half of the 2006 season, if he continues to get better, the Bills will finish about .500. The new additions on the offensive line should help booster Losman's protection and his confidence.

November 18th @ Philadelphia Eagles: Finishing at a good 10-6 last season, the Eagles could be one of the teams to beat in the NFC this year. If Donovan McNabb reclaims his starting position, and stays healthy, the Eagles should be soaring high. If he doesn't, then the Eagles could end up looking more like canaries.

November 26th @ Pittsburgh Steelers: After winning Super Bowl XL, a Super Bowl that left fans wondering if the refs could in fact see, Pittsburgh found itself staring down the barrel of mediocrity. It's hard to say what went wrong: perhaps the loss of Jerome Bettis hurt or maybe the source of Ben Roethlisberger's power was in his appendix. Whatever went wrong, this season, with a new head coach, might not be full of that much improvement. December 2nd New York Jets: See above.

December 9th @ Buffalo Bills: See above. December 16th Baltimore Ravens: A team that finished 13-3 last season, it's a safe bet that Baltimore will once again be at the top of their class. With a defense that is always good, it will be hard for opponents to score. However, Steve McNair at quarterback isn't exactly a spring chicken; if his play starts to falter, the Ravens may find their winning ways to be never more.

December 23rd @ New England Patriots: See above. December 30th Cincinnati Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals were better than their 8-8 record last season. As Carson Palmer continues to heal from injury, they should at least make the playoffs. This is, of course, contingent on whether or not the Bengals can keep from blowing huge leads, and keep from losing games they should really be winning.

So, there you have it: Miami's schedule is filled with teams they should beat and teams that should beat them. But, should'a, would'a, could'a means nothing: it will all come down to whether or not Cam Cameron can get his team, and his quarterback, to gel. But, for kicks, I will go ahead and make this prediction:

Miami will finish 9-7, and make the playoffs as a wild card. Call your bookies now.
Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.milleniumlimo.com. An avid sports fan, she likes the Miami Dolphins but her heart belongs to the Denver Broncos.
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Dolphin Tattoos And The Symbolism Behind Them

Guys that are into the ocean and surfing or body boarding often like to get dolphin tattoos done. This article looks at some of the potential symbolism behind a dolphin tattoo and why they might be so popular. This is why dolphin tattoos and the symbolism behind them is so popular.
Being from southern California myself I love dolphin tattoos and the symbolism behind them. A dolphin tattoo is a great little reminder to yourself to have fun out of life and spend some time just frolicking around and enjoying life. This of course leads most of us to the obvious symbolism behind dolphins and dolphin tattoos.

Are you interested in getting a dolphin tattoo. One thing that makes dolphin tattoos so popular is the almost universally positive symbolism behind a dolphin. However many men are getting dolphin tattoos also.

Seeing a white flower tattoo brings up the idea of purity, while the color of red on a flower can mean the blood of Christ or burning passion. Flower tattoos are permanent, so look around before deciding on one. If you are looking for a flower tattoo you probably cannot go wrong with a Hibiscus flower, second to the rose.

Floral tattoos - So many girls are getting flower tattoos as full sleeve tattoos or covering their entire back or legs with floral designs. In modern times the meaning of a lotus flower tattoo ties into it is religious symbolism and meaning. Flower tattoos are mostly favored by women, they are like clothes accessories except that you can wear your tattoo to bed.

But if you are intending to ink a flower tattoo on your body, it's best to find out the meaning of the flower and what you want it to represent. The more established and popular tattoos can be classified mainly as Angel tattoos, Butterfly tattoos, Celtic tattoos, Cross tattoos, Dragon tattoos, Fairy tattoos, Flower tattoos, Henna tattoos, Lower Back tattoos and Tribal tattoos. Designs - Based on the designs of the Tattoos such as Angel Tattoos, Butterfly Tattoos, Fairy Tattoos, and Flower Tattoos. Flower tattoos are popular with the natives of the island along with women.
Thus a lotus flower tattoo or blossom can also represent a hard time in life that has been overcome. Cross tattoos and Flower tattoos [Specifically Lotus flower], indicate a religious expression.
Dolphin tattoos of course are more typical for women to get.
Soli Katir http://www.solikatir.com/tatto.html
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A Deadly Dolphin Ride At A UK Shark Island - A True Experience With Potentially Fatal Consequences!

Swimming with wild dolphins, even off a beach in the UK, is a dream many have, but having had this experience shows that hidden, almost fatal hazards are involved...
I had been touring in my car with my partner Debbie around the Isle of Wight, UK, the small island off the Hampshire coast unique for its abundant flora fauna, glorious panoramic views, dinosaur beaches and superb blood-red sunsets. We had reached the south west part of the island on our tour. This has always been my favourite part, with shallow beaches stretching away between ‘chines,’ where natural ancient streams had cut away the rock creating ravines leading down to the sea.

Cliffs of chalk and mixed clays project out from land over the sea here and the occasional entrance to a beach path leading down to the sea is reached from the main coast road. We chose a beach path with a large parking area on a field where we could park directly at the top of a small cliff over-looking the sea and enjoy the view while eating a picnic. After parking, immediately in front of us we noticed surfers on their boards here as usual at this shallow beach, a common feature along this particularly popular wind swept coast line.

Scanning the sea I quickly spied a fin at the sea surface which was following one of the surfers. I was very surprised and even shocked not having seen this before and excited at the same time, not sure what I was seeing. “Did you see that – should we warn them?” I asked Debbie. There it was again – I thought it could be either a shark or a dolphin, but from over 120 meters away I was not sure. I saw the curve at the top of the dorsal fin and knew it had to be a dolphin. Basking sharks have a dorsal fin than ‘bows outwards’ each side of its triangle and a great white’s bends inwards at the rear edge, but such a fin is normally pretty big compared to most other shark species, like porbeagles and blue sharks which have especially been known to frequent this area of coast.

I noticed bathers and sunbathers all along the beach who did not seem to have noticed the dolphin, and even fellow motorists parked at our higher elevation had not seemed to notice the unusual proceedings. On the spur of the moment I thought “Well there are swimmers in the water and surfers out there and the sea state is pretty calm and it’s not too cold, maybe I might get to see the dolphin a little better if I swim out there with the surfers.” So I quickly changed for swimming and made my way quickly down the slippery sandy path to the beach and waded in, feeling carefully for rocks projecting out underfoot.

The tide was quite low and the water level at this point was very shallow. On stretching out to swim out, I was shocked to suddenly graze my chest on rocks below me in the very murky water, which reared up unexpectedly as I began to swim away from the beach. But this was just a small introduction to the shocks and vivid experiences about to follow...

It took a while to swim out against the grey briny swells to reach the area of the surfers I had seen, as they kept moving and drifting, correcting for the current running parallel to the beach. I looked around for the dolphin and looked back towards the beach. Even without my glasses on, I could see the beach looked a long distance away now and the cold of the sea water suddenly hit me. Then the reality of my situation hit me for the first time.

I had been a fisherman for decades and had recently hooked something very big and extremely fast swimming at 3 am in the morning while fishing on the beach on this island under 10 miles from this very spot. The unusual thing about this fish was the way it pulled on the rod so viciously and hard it made me ‘water-ski’ down the shingle beach straight into the e water still holding the heavy duty fishing rod bent double!

The fish had ‘spat the hook’ straight away then as I actually entered the water and I ran back up the beach as fast as I could sending shingle flying. I was shaking all over and had never experienced such terrifying power and speed from any hooked fish ever before. Having hooked fish previously to well over 100 pounds, I knew what I had very likely hooked was a shark, and my body was trembling all over from the shock of my experience of being dragged into the water by an unseen monster, getting wet feet and feeling a massive ‘adrenaline dump’ throughout my body.

My research had shown that the porbeagle shark record for the UK had been landed pretty close by here, and added to the fact that other sharks like the mako and blue sharks were recorded from this area, my mind was wondering just exactly what kind of sharks were really visiting this area in addition... Immediately in front of me now were the surfers and without knowing how, I suddenly became absolutely aware that something big was in the water below me and I could not hold back the cold shudder that ran right through me now. I slowed the movements of my feet, aware they looked bright in the murky water and a potential target. Knowing the chances of a shark attack in 99% of beaches around the world is ridiculously low did not help me emotionally at this time.

Just then a pointed hard angled thing struck me sideways across my stomach as I swam very slowly along the surface and I froze with fear afraid I had been struck as I gingerly felt my stomach for any damage. Just being able to see over the tops of the waves and swells did not increase my confidence and feelings of insecurity; it’s tough to look around without getting a mouthful of seawater and stinging eyes unexpectedly and not like the deceptive calm of a swimming pool at all!

I gladly discovered all was intact and knew then that this must have been the dolphin spotted from the car saying hello. I reached the 2 surfboarders and quizzed them about the dolphin’s whereabouts. My focus shifted back to being aware of the dolphin and respecting it, its behaviour and environment. Being into ‘Reiki’ I send it loving intent so it would know I meant it no harm. As I did so the hard sharp thing came up from below and struck my leg and I could just see through the murky green - grey seawater the pale white and mottled shape of the dolphin disappearing below me. I carried on swimming and again it came up, lifting me up with its broad body, I just fully relaxed being very careful to be calm and try to match its energy .

Then it was swimming upside down with my legs held by the pressure of the moving seawater just in front of its flippers. This was such a sudden and confusing behavioural occurrence I had no time to think as the swells, seawater and current all blurred as water streamed all around and I struggled to breathe without swallowing more seawater as I was forced along. I got rides on this incredibly gregarious and gentle creature’s back again and again and it appeared to want to carry me out to sea as this was its direction each time it pulled me along. It mostly ignored the surfers around us. Being lifted on to the back of a truly wild dolphin and being pulled along by its dorsal fin I just could not avoid resisting my hand gently on its base although I was very careful of how delicate it might be even though it felt strong and resilient.

Feeling this 9 foot dolphin powerfully kicking its tail and motoring you forward in and out of the surface of the sea just as ‘porpoising’ dolphins do was just unbelievable. This whole encounter lasted about 20 minutes, but more surprising things were to happen. I definitely felt this dolphin loved the feeling of my skin rather than a body covered in a wetsuit? This dolphin was a male dolphin and the encounter occurred about mid-September 2002. Seawater along this coast was not that cold but not hot either, with leg numbing colder undercurrents certainly occasionally apparent.

After spending half an hour in the sea, I had never understood how strong swimmers could seemingly drown so easily in seawater but I can tell you as a result of this; so take real good note! The sea was not that warm, and after half hour of swimming which I was not used to, I started to get the occasional shake. This was the start of cramp a potentially lethal condition while in the sea. It was only later I learned that contact with wild dolphins is not recommended as they can turn violent and bite without warning. But I felt at all times that if I intended it love and healing and great respect it would be fine. It was very friendly indeed and would not leave me alone.

The chills from the seawater had manifested into cramp in my right wrist and in my right foot which had suddenly ‘clawed-up’ in a very painful spasm of pain and which I immediately attempted to strongly massage away with both hands – very difficult while treading water! I had done my swimming ‘gold survival’ and trained for ‘honours’ too, so this phenomenon was not entirely new to me.

But that was years ago. Although I had the 2 sur
f boarders for company and added safety at this range of about 110 meters from shore, the sideways current had increased somewhat as the tide was changing and I felt the wind get up a bit as a result. I sensibly felt I needed to get to shore right now as my shivering was getting to the point of being much more prevalent and I was aware of my whole body feeling pretty cold. I really had been sidetracked by the dolphin and I knew my safety had been ignored for a bit too long now.

(I later read that a man actually drowned swimming near this beach and I now know just how easily and suddenly it could have happened!)

As I swam over to one of the surf boarders my right ankle suddenly went into a cramped spasm and it was pretty painful. It was moving up my leg. I did what I could to massage it again with the result that my wrist cramp extended up my arm and I knew I was in trouble. The bad cramps had appeared very suddenly. If you are swimming begin to badly shake from the cold, I recommend you leave the water immediately just in case!

If I had been on my own at this point I could have easily have drowned as the cramp was getting debilitating and spreading up my leg and my arm making even treading water in the swell very hard work indeed. The side current running parallel to the beach was an added complication, which although not strong, would lengthen my return journey to shore. But the dolphin would not leave me alone keeping trying to give me a ride but lifting me up from underneath and dragging me along. I got hold of the surfers board and explained the situation, asking if I could get on a board and maybe warm up out of the cold, but I realised it would be much safer to head straight for shore.

Having just managed with difficulty to crawl up onto the very slippery wallowing board with the surfer beside me, I felt I was going be OK as I tried to paddle the big board towards shore. But then something utterly unexpected happened and it really shook me up. Suddenly I heard a great splash and felt a heavy weight drop onto my legs. I turned to find the front third of the dolphin on my legs and board! The weight immediately up-ended the board, tipping me and I ended up right under water, the salt temporarily blinding me.

I felt very scared and panicked at this stage – I could not even see or feel where the surface was! I disciplined myself to relax and try and ‘drift’ upwards and luckily my body floated to the surface as my lungs felt fit to burst. Struggling to swim, I found the board very close by and dragged my cramped and badly shaking body back on board. The body cold was getting very bad as this stage and my head felt numb defying the recent sunny conditions and mild September air temperatures. Water can suck body heat very fast!

Again I aimed the board at the beach some 120 meters away and started to paddle my way forward slowly hanging on as a swell passed over the board. Suddenly the board lifted again and I was aware of the dolphin on my legs again as we both slid down off the board tipping into the sea again. I was really freighted by now knowing my body was ‘seizing-up’ the way it was. I had heard of dolphins saving people, but this kind of attention did was not helping me!

But the dolphin came up right beside me and held its position next to me on the surface looking closely at me only a foot away from its left eye. I lay my numb hand against his broad side as I looked into his amazing intelligent and human looking eye and passed my thoughts and fears to him. “Thanks for playing but I’m really scared and in trouble. Please let me to get to the shore.” I got to the board again and with great difficulty got onto it. I started paddling for shore and focussed on my single goal, the nearest bit of beach ‘up-current.

I started to make good progress when I looked round concerned that the dolphin would try and get on the board again. But to my surprise, he must have ‘understood me’ because he had become my escort alongside the board and was porpoising alongside me. That was just incredible to experience really lifted my spirits. I genuinely feel there was some element of understanding going on between us beyond anything purely coincidental.

I soon approached the shore and as I stood up very stiffly off the board shaking from heard to foot, my teeth chattering and very glad to be on ‘land’ in the warm air which now felt freezing. I noticed a big crowd of people gathered in the water’s edge watching the sea and I realised they were all watching the dolphin which had come in with me. As I made my way up to the car at the top of the small sandy cliff, I looked back to see the dolphin playfully making his way between people standing in the shallow water closest to the shore. Everyone on that beach seemed in a trance, totally engrossed by the wonder of this creature and its interactions. I got dry using some clothes and took a quick photo of this somehow surreal scene. This photo never ‘came out’ and is emblazoned in my memory even stronger as a result.

The sun was beginning to dip casting long shadows as I then drove off for something to eat and drink with my partner Debbie’s’ friends, at a hotel in the north of the island. I will never forget the powerful impact of this encounter, it seemed to ‘permeate my psyche’ and awareness, somehow as if it was much bigger and more important than it appeared superficially. Very strange!

As it turned out, many people enjoyed sharing time with that dolphin that year, and it had apparently migrated across from France via the Channel Islands. It even spent time in bays on the Irish coast, playing with boats and divers. It was last reported in a harbour in the Netherlands. It may have met its end in one of the shallow water commercial fishing nets along the coast there, but who really knows?

This dolphin has a special place in my heart and made me far more aware of the vulnerability of all sea life and humanity’s impact upon it. From trawlers nets constantly disturbing the sea bottom where shellfish and fish can no longer breed effectively any longer, to low frequency sonar pulses from far distant defence systems disorientating whales which can cause whales or entire ‘pods’ of cetaceans becoming stranded in some very unusual locations, even up tidal rivers, which is happening more and more frequently.

Since finding out more about dolphins and cetaceans in general, I discovered the UK have laws about contact with them and just where to draw the line as regards approaching them by boat and so on. Also it appears that it can be hazardous to be in the water with dolphins as there are incidents of people being bitten and even kicked or rammed which can be very dangerous indeed. These are very powerful creatures and must be treated with great respect knowledge and awareness of their behaviour.

If they wish to approach you, that is completely different to trying to deliberately interact with them where their natural behaviour is compromised and this goes for all other wildlife. Dolphins are very gregarious and playful and far more intelligent than we give them credit for. It appears their brain is even larger than the human brain compared to body size or mass I forget which and they can respond intelligently to TV pictures and have even been trained to talk!
The US navy have trained them for ‘military’ functions too where it would be possibly too risky to use men, which to me is outrageous exploitation really. They can even detect and stun their fish prey, even when it is hidden covered in sand or silt on the sea bed, by blasting them with sonic emissions. It makes you wonder what we used to be able to do using the ancient parts of our brains...

I’ve observed dolphins within 10 metres of the shoreline in India, Scotland, and different UK locations and as a fisherman myself, I can say that due to the decline in fish stocks often the best concentration of them and shellfish is very close to shore in areas the trawlers cannot ruin, so that’s where I might hunt (or fish) too. Sometimes while fishing from shore on the East coast of the UK, trawlers have operated so close to shore when the cod run is on for example, that I could cast well past their wheel house as they trawled parallel to shore. Needless to say, angling catches are very poor or none existent once the trawlers have been through such an area! Our UK inshore areas need far more protection from exploitation, greed and law-breaking commercial fishermen, very often from Spanish fishermen - having totally ruined their own sea fishery.

The date as I write this is the 28th of July 2007. I had always believed that something ‘else’ apart from the dolphin that September day, but somehow I felt ‘protected’ by some force. Yes there certainly are different species of sharks frequenting the waters around the ‘Isle of Wight’ including documented catches of very large porbeagle sharks.

However, my whole attitude towards the dolphin was one of love and caring and a kind of ‘meeting of souls’ as it were. It was a very special and unique experience. I had lain hands gently on the dolphin’s side to give him ‘Reiki,’ a type of ‘healing love energy,’ (actually measured by scientists in Russia) expressing my loving intent without trace of harm or exploitation. Life will never look or feel the same after swimming with that amazingly human-like creature. Indeed there have been reports of healings of mentally and physically disabled people after such an encounter within the far safer environment of a purpose built ‘dolphin pool’ in the States. I’m not surprised!

By Tim Richardson
Tim Richardson is a fishing writer with books focussing on making and enhancing baits and ground baits for giant catfish and carp. With over 30 years experience he is a member of the 'British Carp Study Group'. Find his massive books:“BIG CATFISH AND CARP BAIT SECRETS!” And: “BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!” See http://www.baitbigfish.com
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Dolphin Massage Chairs - Excellent Massage Chairs

Massage provides instant comfort and relief. That's why massage chairs are fast becoming popular these days. There are several popular massage chair models by the various companies in the market. The Dolphin massage chairs by Pisces productions are hugely popular in the market. This particular model has been very much in demand over the past few years. Its fan following is increasing with each passing year.

Founded in the year 1977 the Pisces productions, has been actively involved in the creation of many effective and wonderful massage products. The company is a well-known manufacturer of massage tables, chairs, and other accessories. Its Dolphin range of massage chairs have become a great hit since its introduction. The Dolphin II massage chair TM, in particular, has been a highly popular product, since it was launched in the market in 1996.

The Dolphin massage chairs are the first and the only chairs which allow the user to position himself or the client from a vertical to a completely horizontal position, or any other position in between. It also provides access to the lower back, as well as the spine. It also allows for better work with the mechanics, and also the use of body weight to do the work. Its unique design boasts of beautiful circular lined telescopic adjustments that make it the most advanced professional massage chair in the world today.

Some of the many advantages of the Dolphin massage chairs include the following:
Access to the lower back ensures the massage can be carried out where it is needed the most. The massage chairs make the user feel more comfortable and ensure he/she does not need to hold any postural muscles. Since it allows the body weight to do all the work, the massage can be carried out for longer and deeper levels.

The chair offers more choices of positions than any other massage chair, and can also accommodate the users of any size rather comfortably. The aluminum frame of the chair is highly durable and powder-coated which makes it chip-resistant, and also convenient to clean. The welded and fixed base provides great strength and stability to support the heaviest of users.
The Dolphin massage chairs are also very easy to transport which means they can be set up just about anywhere without any inconvenience.

The Dolphin massage chairs are, therefore, a clear winner when it comes to massaging equipment. The latest versions of this model allow for maximum comfort and also convenient massaging.
Carl Formby owns and operates http://www.massagechairsplanet.com, a site dedicated to information on Massage Chairs
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Dolphin Intelligence: Are They Really as Smart as We Think They Are?

If you were to step out into the street and ask the first ten people you see whether or not they believed dolphins were creatures of intelligence, 8 of 10 would probably say yes. If you ask two scientists the exact same question, you just may be opening up a debate that could last for hours.

Most scientists to-date have refused to take a firm stand on the intelligence level of the dolphin, and although many will admit that dolphins seem to be intelligent creatures, it is not a proven fact. The biggest problem researchers are running into seems to be the actual definition of intelligence.

Darwin's theory bases intelligence on the ability of a species to recognize what it needs to survive, while other schools of thought believe the the size and architecture of the brain, the ability to communicate, or the ability to exhibit playfulness are the indicators.

Another reason that the research on dolphin intelligence is limited is because it's difficult and expensive to do in the wild. Dolphins in captivity, may respond differently based on their surroundings and are therefore may not be representative of the wild dolphin. While the U.S. Navy has carried out extensive research on the dolphin and have even trained them to search and even tag mines, that information has not been released to the public.

While most of us outside the scientific realm know that dolphins do communicate with each other and they're one of the most playful animals in the universe, we've never been exposed to the intricacies of the dolphin's brain. Consequently, you may surprised to know that the dolphin brain is actually much larger than the human brain. Dolphins have two hemispheres just like humans however, theirs are split into four lobes instead of three. The fourth lobe in the dolphin's brain actually hosts all of the senses, whereas in a human, the senses are split. Some believe that having all of the senses in one lobe allow the dolphin to make immediate and often complicated judgments that are well beyond the scope of a human ability.

When studying the neo-cortex, which is the outside surface of the brain that is responsible for forming perceptions, memories and thoughts, dolphins have more convolution than the most intelligent humans. It is thought that dolphins may also be able to use the hemispheres of their brain separately as they have separate blood supplies which is something that is exclusive only to the dolphin. To add more weight to this supposition, dolphins are also able to move their eyes independently which has lead some researchers to suggest that the dolphin may actually be able to sleep with one side of it's brain at a time.

Some researchers have suggested that the size and complexity of the brain at birth is a better measure of intelligence. If that research holds up, however, once more the dolphin comes out on top. The bottle-nose dolphin has a brain mass at birth that is 42.5% of that of an adult humans brain mass. Humans at birth have 25% of their adult counterparts. At 18 months, the brain mass of the bottle-nose dolphin is 80% of the adult human, who doesn't usually achieve this level until the age of three or four.

While the research that has been obtained certainly makes it look like the dolphin may be the closest to our own level of intelligence, it may be quite some time before it's actually prove. Until then, they're true capabilities will remain a mystery.

Laurent Mikhail is a dolphin fan. You can find all the information about dolphins in his site http://www.dolphins-world.com
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