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8/26/16

The Colorado River - American River Trails



The Colorado River flows from the Rocky Mountains through the Grand Canyon to the Gulf of California between Baja and Sonora in a southwestern direction for 1,450 miles - 2,330 km; it drains an expansive, arid watershed that encompasses parts of seven U.S. and two Mexican states. With dramatic canyons and whitewater rapids, the Colorado is a vital source of water for agricultural and urban areas.
The river and its tributaries are controlled by an extensive system of dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts, which in most years divert its entire flow to furnish irrigation and municipal water supply for almost 40 million people both inside and outside the watershed. Its large flow generates hydroelectric power.
Native Americans have inhabited the Colorado River basin for at least 8,000 years. Between 2,000 and 1,000 years ago, it fostered large agricultural civilizations which collapsed from severe drought and poor land use practices. Europeans first entered the Colorado Basin in the 16th century. Large-scale settlement of the lower basin began latter 19th century, with steamboat landings along the Colorado River that linked to horse drawn wagons. Gold strikes took place in the 1860s and 1870s.

Development of the river basin began in the 20th century with guidelines established in a series of domestic and international treaties known as the Law of the River with hydraulic engineering projects. Most of the major dams were built between 1910 and 1970; Hoover Dam was completed in 1935. 


The Upper River is a swift whitewater stream ranging from 200 to 500 feet - 60 to 150 m - wide, and depths ranging from 6 to 30 feet = 2 to 9 m. The Colorado Plateau is a vast desert centered at the Four Corners of the southwestern United States.
Planning Your Trip assumes uniquely local dimensions in the places you visit, rooted in the local economy, history and traditions. TEMA develops personalized itineraries based on your preferences; we leverage an in-depth knowledge of your destinations with superior client service throughout your trip.




Your anchor locations when visiting the Colorado River include 
In Utah the Colorado is characterized by narrow canyons and unique folds created by the tilting of sedimentary rock layers along faults. Here, the San Juan River joins the Colorado from the east. The Colorado then enters northern Arizona where Glen Canyon forms Lake Powell.
Lee’s Ferry was an important crossing for early explorers and settlers and since the early 20th century the principal point where Colorado River flows are measured for apportionment to the seven U.S. and two Mexican states in the basin.

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the continental United States, formed by Hoover Dam and southeast of Las Vegas. The Lower Colorado River Valley LCRV is a desert region dependent on irrigation, agriculture and tourism and is also home to Indian Reservations. 

The Imperial Valley is the most Productive Winter Agricultural Region in the United States

Tributaries The Colorado is joined by over 25 significant tributaries, of which the Green River is the largest by both length and discharge. The Gila River is the second longest and drains a greater area than the Green. Both the Gunnison and San Juan rivers, which derive most of their water from Rocky Mountains snow melt, contribute more water.



Recreation the Colorado is one of the most desirable whitewater rivers in the United States. Grand Canyon trips typically range from one to eighteen days for commercial trips and from two to twenty-five days for private trips. Several other sections of the river and its tributaries are popular whitewater runs, and many of these are also served by commercial outfitters. Eleven U.S. national parks are in the watershed, in addition to many national forests, state parks and recreation areas. Hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing, house boating, water-skiing and fishing are among the recreation opportunities offered in these areas.




Connect with Tema for a Colorado River Vacation


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8/22/16

Rural Vacations and Country Products from Croatia



small villages country houses and crafts schnapps cheese jams and oven baked breads
The Mulberry Farm is hidden among tame hills and surrounded by groves and creeks, spreading over 75 acres where you can experience an old peasant farm with orchards and vineyards, vast meadows and pastures, springs, trails and the soft smell of hay. Domestic animals include cows and sheep, horses, geese and ducks.

The Small Village features old country houses and barns, a small dairy production, a small schnapps production, an old bread oven, a smokehouse and many more traditional country crafts and items. For children, there is a beautiful park set up with swings and a slide and a small petting zoo with farm animals.
The Hunting Lodge has a small wine and spirits cellar, an apartment house and a mini hotel refurbished in the authentic country style, several living houses, a mini petting zoo with farm animals and other farm buildings. Within the farm there is a small shop from where visitors and guests can purchase homemade foods, drinks and traditional handicrafts made on the estate: from cottage sheep cheese, home bacon and sausages to apple juice, plum jam, pear and plum schnapps and white wine.
A Rural Ambience is the Perfect Place for an unforgettable Culinary Experience
Families with small children will enjoy outside seating in a small restored corn barn and an outdoor barbecue, skewer, bread oven and cauldron where delicious veal, pork, goose and lamb specialties are prepared in the old country way.


Planning Your Trip assumes uniquely local dimensions in the places you visit, rooted in the local economy, history and traditions. TEMA develops personalized itineraries based on your preferences; we leverage an in-depth knowledge of your destinations with superior client service throughout your trip.
Accommodations in the house there are two completely refurnished double bed apartments styled in authentic country fashion and equipped with TV, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi connectivity. In addition to the common shared room with kitchen and sitting area, each room has its own terrace. A few meters away there is a mini hotel with 8 double rooms overlooking the outdoor pool, relax zone and boules court.
Activities include schnapps making, traditional pig slaughter, a cheese making mini course, cooking school, jam making mini course and horseback riding school.

Connect with Tema for Rural Vacations in Croatia

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Travel to Vinkovci Croatia



Rail Transport Hub Autumn Festivals Local Folklore Entrepreneurs and Typical Products
Vinkovci is located along the Bosut River, a tributary of the Sava, in the eastern Slavonia region of Croatia, surrounded by several large villages and well connected by rail with Zagreb, Belgrade, Budapest and Bosnia.
The Local Economy is based on trade, transport, food, building materials, wood and timber, metal-processing, leather and textiles. Farming and livestock breeding are also important activities and the town hosts a Crop Improvement Center.
Vinkovci and its Rail Station are featured in Murder on the Orient Express
History with a rich cultural and historical heritage, the Roman era Colonia Aurelia Cibalae was the birthplace of emperors Valens and Valentinian I. The thermal baths are still preserved underground, along with other Roman buildings located near the town center. After a period under Ottoman rule, Vinkovci became part of the Hapsburg Empire in 1687. Due to its strategic location, it was heavily bombed during WWII; its synagogue was among the largest and the most prestigious in Croatia. During the 1991-95 war of independence, the city was close to the front lines between Croatia and Serbia.
Planning Your Trip assumes uniquely local dimensions in the places you visit, rooted in the local economy, history and traditions.
TEMA develops personalized itineraries based on your preferences; we leverage an in-depth knowledge of your destinations with superior client service throughout your trip.


 
The Autumn Festival Slavonians are known for their hospitality, folk customs and handicrafts. On this occasion, local women produce exceptionally beautiful and characteristic costumes that help preserve the area traditional culture and musical heritage.



Autumn in Vinkovci is one of the Most Important Folklore Festivals in Croatia

In September, over the course of a week, the festival features ceremonial carriages and decorated wagons. Young girls, women and men sing songs dedicated to their favorite animal, the horse. In the evenings, the local folklore associations treat you to games and amateur plays. During the last two days, they are joined by performers from the rest of Croatia as well as other countries.


Graffiti Jam International Breakdance Competitions and 3D Street Art

Local Entrepreneurs their products and services are on display during the morning hours, as part of the Festival’s three-day presentation of local businesses and their crafts.




 


Connect with Tema for Travel to Vinkovci Croatia



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