Mountain Homes

xxsexiiwhitneyxx asked:


I just got home from Disney World and would like to order pictures that were taken of my family going down splash mountain and the dinosaur ride.

Dorothy

Real Estate Advisor asked:


A $135 million home tops the list of the most expensive homes for sale in America. Forbes.com compiled a list of the world’s most valuable homes on the market for the year 2007. The following are the top ten of America’s priciest mansions pulled out from the Forbes list. Interestingly six of the top ten of the world’s most expensive homes in 2007 are American.

The top 10 most expensive homes for sale in the United States in 2007 are:

1. Hala Ranch - Aspen, Colorado, $135 million: This 95-acre ranch estate consists of an expansive 56,000-square-foot mansion, with 15 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms. America’s priciest mansion, owned by Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, former Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, also boasts several smaller buildings, stables, a tennis court, an indoor pool, a steam room, an exercise room, cross-country ski trails and a fishing pond.

2. Fleur de Lys - Beverly Hills, California, $125 million: Modeled after the palace of Louis XIV at Versailles, this 45,000-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion is priced at $125 million making it the second most expensive home in the U.S. It had taken five years to complete this palatial home.

3. Maison de L’Amitie - Palm Beach, Florida, $125 million: Previously owned by former health care magnet Abe Gosman, the home was purchased by New York billionaire Donald Trump in 2004 at a bankruptcy auction for $41.25 million. Now refurbished, the mansion, featuring a ballroom, conservatory, a 100-foot swimming pool and 475 feet of ocean-front, is on the market for sale for $125 million.

4. Tranquility - Lake Tahoe, Nevada, $100 million: This expensive mansion sitting on a sprawling 210 acres is located on the tax-free Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. The property is owned by Joel Horowitz, the co-founder of Tommy Hilfiger. The 20,000-square-foot main house is modeled after a northern European mountain home. The Lake Tahoe house boasts of several luxuries such as a 3,500-bottle wine cellar, a giant indoor swimming pool and atrium, and a 19-seat movie theater.

5. Three Ponds - Bridgehampton, New York, $75 million: This home, designed by architect Allan Greenberg, is located amidst three lakes on 60 acres of Hamptons farmland. It features its own USGA-rated Rees Jones golf course, 14 gardens, a 75-foot-long swimming pool, golf pro shop, grass tennis court, and a guest house. The main house has a great room with a domed ceiling, 28 foot high.

6. The Portabello Estate - Corona del Mar, California, $75 million: This modern estate home built in 2002 is located on a triple oceanfront lot along the Pacific Ocean. The 30,000-square-foot home features eight bedrooms and 10 full baths.

7. Malibu, California, $75 million: This is a beach home with a difference. Located on a flat seven-acre lot the beach house is surrounded by picturesque ocean views. It features seven bedrooms, two riding stables, a riding ring, swimming pool, tennis court, and private access to the beach.

8. The Pierre Penthouse - New York City, $70 million: The eight most expensive home in the U.S. is a penthouse with balconies and windows that offer 360-degree views of Manhattan, Central Park, the East River, and the Hudson River. Consisting of the top three floors of one of the grandest hotels in New York, the Pierre is located overlooking Central Park. The penthouse features a grand salon that has a 23-foot high ceiling.

9. Belvedere, California, $65 million: This 10,000-square-foot home California home features six-bedrooms, herringbone floors, marble baths and front gates designed by Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan. The home offers the combined beauty of the scenic San Francisco Bay, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

10. San Francisco, $65 million: This limestone palace is on the market for $65 million. It was sold for $32 million two years ago. It is significant that the limestone that the Gold Coast palace is clad in comes from a single quarry in France. Among the elite billionaires’ row neighbors are the Getty family. The mansion features European windows and the guest house has a 19th-century Italian tile roof.



Jackie

David E. Morgan asked:


Looking for a small community where you can practice your yoga, a community with sidewalks and greenways, and a town where it’s safe to ride your bike on the streets? Maryville may just be your place.

Maryvile, TN is a quiet town of under 30,000 residents. It is located between Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Blount County.

This small town is home to Maryville College, a small liberal arts college, and has some of the best public schools in the state of Tennessee.

Not only that, but there are a number of different styles of yoga classes and teachers in Maryville.

Whether you’re interested in studying hatha yoga or one of its various forms — Anusara Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Deepak Chopra’s Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, or Kripalu Yoga in Maryville, TN — you will not only find yoga classes and teachers to suit you, but also private lessons are quite affordable. Ranging from $35 to $75 an hour, local Maryville yoga teachers charge well below what you would expect to pay for personalized yoga in larger cities, and many will even make yoga house calls to teach you or your small group.

You’ll find yoga in Maryville, TN not only in yoga studios and gyms, but also in martial arts centers, dance studios, and local churches. There are classes for complete beginners, as well as those who are always looking for the next challenge.

Also, because the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so close, Maryville is a perfect place to stay in a bed and breakfast while hiking in the national park, where you can practice yoga and meditation to the music of wind in the trees, a gurgling brook, and the scent of wildflowers on the breeze.



Ted

KeKe asked:


My husband and I are planning a trip to the shnandoah mountains for my birthday. I love peaceful places not so far from home. I am trying to find a nice hotel, cabin or just some place nice too stay. I have found a lot of places but I don’t trust some pictures from off the internet and I don’t want to have a ruined birthday. Has anyone stayed in this area for vacation?

Joan

Morten Svenningsen asked:


 

Whether you’re into rock climbing or bird watching, on a tight budget or have money to hire porters and guides, you can always find a suitable trekking route in Nepal. A trip to the Nepal Himalayas is a fantastic experience for most of us, offering views of snow-capped mountain peaks and a chance to meet indigenous mountain peoples who live almost cut off from the rest of the world.

 

All that’s required of you is that you like walking in the nature. You don’t have to be super fit for every trek, but the better shape you’re in, the easier your trek will be. The top season for trekking in Nepal is October-November and February-April. In the summer months the monsoon clouds obscure the grand views most of the time and in the winter months the high mountain passes are closed by heavy snow-fall. But with the right knowledge, you can always find a good trek in Nepal. Just browse through this list to get an overview of your options.

 

 

 

Nepal’s Western Region

 

1. Simikot, Humla

You can fly in from Nepalganj and maybe read –Spy on the roof of the world– by Sydney Wignall before you go. Permits are 90$ /person /week.

 

2. Rara Lake

4 days walk from Jumla to this the largest lake in Nepal. Getting to Jumla though is either a plane/helicopter trip or a several days long jeep ride on a mountain road that’s still under construction — and will be for any foreseeable future.

 

3. Upper Dolpo

First of all, see the movie –Himalayan Caravan - L’Enfance d’un chef– (Eric Valli 1999, Oscar nominated). It’s mandatory! Might want to pick up one of his books as well. Having done that, you’ll want to go to the Phoksundo Lake, which you can do in 1 week or as part of either the 15 day Dolpa Experience Circuit or the 20 day Dolpa Heritage Trek, all out of Juphal –airport–. Another couple of one-week’ers are the Sundaha Nature Trek and the Sahartara Tour. Expensive permit are required, as in Upper Mustang it’s $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days. No lodges. Annual number of visitors are in the low hundreds.

 

4. Lower Dolpo

Permits are 10$ /person /week. You might have to fly in from Nepalganj. Don’t expect lodges here, so bring your own camping gear.

 

5. Upper Mustang

10 days. Home to the ancient kingdom of Lo, still in existence - sort of. Hefty permit required north of Kagbeni, $70 /person /day with minimum 10 days.

 

 

 

Annapurna Region

 

6. Dhaulagiri

20-30 days to complete the circle around this 8000+’er. Bring good boots and sleeping bag!

 

7. Annapurna Circuit

2-3 weeks minimum. This is where everyone goes. Except me. In the high season it gets rather crowded and is more appropriately named the Annapurna Circus. Lodges and tea-houses are everywhere. The Thorung La high pass (5400 m) usually closes down in the end of November. If you bring your own camping gear, there’s also good possibilities of doing side trips off the beaten track. ACAP entry fees stand at 2000 rupees.

 

8. Jomsom & Muktinath

You can fly into or out of Jomsom, a days walk from Muktinath, and hike to or from Pokhara in about 1 week. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site nestled at 3800 m. It’s on the Annapurna Circuit.

 

9. Annapurna Sanctuary & ABC

10-14 days, 2000 rupee ticket. Another popular option, since it’s shorter and a little less demanding than doing the full Annapurna Circuit.

 

10. Ghorepani, Poon Hill

5 days out of Pokhara, it reaches 3200 meters and is accessible all year round. Famous for it’s views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and rhododendrons in the spring.

 

11. Panchase Peak & Ghandruk

Another holy mountain, this one a couple of days walk west of Pokhara. Ghandruk is 3 days further and it’s home to the Annapurna Conservation Project and a whole lot of Gurung people.

 

12. The Royal Trek

4 days out of Pokhara. With altitude no higher that 2000 meters it’s open all year round.

 

13. Siklish, Begnas Lake, Lamjung

1 week return trip from Pokhara, 10-12 days through Lamjung to Besisahar. Lodges should be available, 2000 rupee ACAP permit required.

 

14. Manaslu

3 weeks, circle around this 8000+ m twin peak that can be seen all the way from Kathmandu. Pass over Larkya La at 5110 m. There’s no lodges and the mandatory permit stands at almost $100 /person /week.

 

Central Nepal

 

15. Trishuli - Gorkha

The easy way: 4 days along the route that Prithvi Narayan Shah took in 1768. Apparently has village lodges and stays under 2000 m all the way.

The hard way: 2-3 weeks on remote, off the beaten track. Passes over Sing La (3570 m) and by the Jogeshwar kund (4500 m). Camping gear required.

 

16. Ganesh Himal

No lodges, rough and remote. But wow, wouldn’t I like to go there! The highest peak is well over 7000 meters, and it’s prominent view from Kathmandu makes it all worthwhile if you like to brag about your adventures when you get back to civilization!

 

17. Tamang Heritage Trail

8 days, lodges still under construction.

 

18. Langtang & Gosaikunda / Panch Pokhari

1-2 weeks minimum. Third most visited in Nepal, after Annapurna and Everest. Fairly easy, not too crowded, especially the Gosaikunda lake area (4400 m) which is arguably the most scenic. Langtang Valley has lodges every hour or so all the way to Kyanjing Gompa (3900 m), the Gosaikunda trail has fewer, but still enough for short days. Gosaikunda features the annual Janai Purniam festival and from there, you can walk back to Kathmandu in 2-4 days. Entry fee 1000 rupees.

 

19. Helambu

½-1 week, more jungle than mountains but still a rough trail. Tea-houses available if you don’t get lost like that Australian guy. Distant, but awesome mountain views before you get too close to the mountain bases. –Walking distance– from Kathmandu, circuit from Sundarijal to Nagarkot (4 days).

 

20. Namobudda

1 day, one of the few quickies you can do when the noise and pollution of Kathmandu starts to get on your nerves. Take the bus to Dhulikel and start walking.

 

21. Rolwaling & Gauri Shankar

2 weeks or so. Get up close and personal with Gauri Shankar (7130 m) and it’s glacial lakes. Good view of Everest etc. Unspoiled landscape, permission still required but check with Nepal’s Tourism Board when you get here. There’s rumors that they’re making this one permission free.

 

22. Chitwan Chepang Hills

7 days in the Middle Hills. No Himalayas and no higher than 2000 meters so it could be a good winter trekking possibility. Good view of the (distant) Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, Gurja Himal and Manaslu, but the main attraction is the nomadic Chepang people who live as hunters and gatherers. There’s also a fort, a waterfall and some caves along the route together with 400 bird species. Start in Hugdi on Prithvi Hwy, end Shaktikor in Chitwan. Homestays are on the route.

 

 

 

Everest Region

 

23. Everest Base Camp & Kala Pathar

2 weeks out of Lukla, 3 out of Kathmandu/Jiri with return flight from Lukla. If you don’t have a spare $50.000 lying around for an Everest climb permit, you can just settle for this Base Camp trek. Most people seem to choose the Tengpoche route to KP, which stands at 5630 m.

 

24. Mera Peak

2-3 weeks out of Lukla, 6500 m. A popular expedition/climb that requires some basic mountaineering skills, but without being too technical. Long march in, 2 high camps.

 

25. Island Peak

3 weeks out of Lukla. At 6100 meters, this trek is not for everyone. Although not very technical, it is a demanding snow climb. Views are everything you could ever dream of.

 

26. Gokyo Lakes, Peak & Renjo La

2 weeks out of Lukla. High pass at 5400 m. Lakes at 4800 m, peak at 5500 m. Some lodges along the trail. Great Everest views.

 

27. Pikey & Dudhkunda Trail

1 or 2 weeks in the less -much less- visited southern part of Solukhumbu. Both the Chiwong and the Thuptenchoeling Buddhist Monasteries are world renowned, the former famous for the Mani Rimdu Dance Festival, the latter is the biggest monastery in Nepal.

 

 

 

Nepal’s Eastern Region

 

28. Arun Valley - Makalu Base Camp

3 weeks out of Tumlingtar/Khadbari. You’ll get up to 5000 meters and still be 3500 meters short of the summit! Either go same way back or climb a couple of 6000′ers into the Khumbu region.

 

29. Kanchenjunga

3 weeks out of Taplejung, 3rd highest mountain in the world. Don’t rely on finding any lodges here. Permits are 10$ /person /week.

 

30. Pathibhara

1 week out of Taplejung. The Pathibhara Devi shrine is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. There is lodges along the route.



Alfred

Jolis Eltilib asked:


Every Bulgarian mountain has its own characteristic appearance, fascination and charm, whether it is snow-capped peaks and soft green slopes or cool forests carrying the aroma of herbs and wild fruit. In these natural surroundings, quick-flowing rivers lead into crystal-clear blue lakes, re-emerging in mineral springs and nourishing the country’s protected bio-reserves, with their rare plants and game. It is within this kind of setting that you will find Bulgaria’s large, lively ski resorts and its small, picturesque villages, where tradition and folklore still abound.

The Pirin Mountain

Pirin is the country’s second highest mountain, home to 176 mountain lakes and around 100 varieties of rare plants – including the edelweiss and the famous Baikousheva fir. It is also the home of the well-known Bansko ski resort.

The town of Bansko is situated in south-western Bulgaria, in the foothills of the beautiful Pirin Mountains. It is a national reserve listed on the World natural Heritage list. Although a thriving ski resorts in winter, it is also popular in summer as a starting point for excursions into the mountains.

Bansko can be reached either by flying into Sofia Airport and driving south, or by flying into Thessalonica ( Salonica) in Greece. From here, it’s a three-hour drive to the north. One of Bulgaria’s newest winter and summer resorts, it has recently been discovered by international tourists, with its unique combination of virgin nature and the atmosphere of an ancient Bulgarian town.

Summers in Bansko are short and hot, with long, mild winters. The average temperature during January, the coldest month, is – 1.9 ºC and snowfall is abundant, providing a constant winter cover of up to 2m deep. The skiing season on the Pirin slopes starts in the middle of December and end in mid-April, with excellent conditions throughout. With a predominantly Alpine character and two peaks towering above 2900m, the slopes offer runs and tracks foe all types of skiing that suit both beginners and experts alike.

Snowboarders come from all over the world to try out the first attraction park in the Balkans where they can build jumps suited to their taste and abilities, while the town itself attracts cultural visitors to its monuments, museums and permanent ethnographic exhibitions.

Only 18 months after the resort’s renovation, property sales are booming in Bansko. According to experts, we should see very strong capital growth over the next few years and investment opportunities continue to improve as more and more capital flows into the development of this unique blend of natural beauty and excellent holiday facilities. Rental demand is extremely high and the planned construction of new golf courses will attract a lot more visitors to the area. There is also talk of a private airstrip being added in the near future.

The Rhodope Mountains

The Rhodopes are the greenest and most picturesque of the Bulgarian mountains, linked with the legend of the mythical singer Orpheus. Snow and sun , clean air and a mild climate with a Mediterranean feel combine with an original folklore and superb cuisine, cordial and hospitable people and last but not least one of the country’s largest ski resort, Pamporovo, to attract many a tourist to this area.

The Pamporovo ski resort is situated 1650m above sea level, at the foot of the Snejanka peak (1926m), a region famous for its old folkloric tradition. Only 260km from Sofia and 85km from Bulgaria’s third-largest city, Plovdiv, Pamporovo is said to be the sunniest winter resort in Europe. The winters are gentle with lots of snow, and the number of sunny days during the season, from December to May, reaches 120. The average temperature in January is around -2ºC.

Pamporovo enjoys an international reputation for its healthy climate, so it’s no surprise that the majority of Bulgaria’s centenarians are from this region. A ski-centre for all levels of enthusiasts, it has excellent runs including a competition run for giant slalom, a first class lift system and a ski-school of international standard with more than 100 highly qualified instructors.

Several European and American aid programmes are working to help small hoteliers turn the unspoiled Rhodope Mountains into a year-round tourist attraction, as the terrain shelters numerous natural wonders such as caves, mineral springs and landscapes that embody the country’s unique charm.

Pamporovo is undergoing an exciting period of growth with the construction of five new ski runs this season alone. The total length of the runs in the resort now reaches over 31km and official estimates project a 40% increase in tourist numbers for the coming season. However, Pamporovo does not stop its lift for the summer, allowing visitors to view spectacular vistas from the peaks. The only Olympic size half pipe for snowboarding in Bulgaria will also be completed by next season. Pamporovo, together with the nearby village of Chepelare, will soon boast over 59km of ski runs.

All of the above, without a doubt, means that new development will attract more buyers and tourists, and the area will see extremely high capital appreciation on investments for years to come.



Matthew

Craig Chambers asked:


Indian baskets have a unique purpose and place in the culture of Native Americans. I love using these baskets in my home decorating because it is a very easy way to create great southwestern style in any space. It is interesting when you begin reading the history of Native basket making and find that the need for baskets actually started hundreds of years ago and is one of the most ancient art forms known in Indian history.

Indian baskets, weaved by Tribes like the Apache and Navajo are famous for their detailed, hand-crafted designs and interesting styles. As you learn about basket making, you will find that in most Native American Tribes, it is usually the women that make the baskets. Girls are taught by their mothers when they are still children to weave the intricate designs to create a beautiful basket. These baskets in turn serve many functions in the daily lives of the Native Americans and help the people survive economically.

One of the reasons baskets are made by the Native people and bought by those who wish to incoporate them into the home decor, is because they are very functional. In the beginning, baskets were weaved by Native Americans as a way to hold valued items such as food and clothing. Special baskets were even tightly weaved to hold water. Hundreds of years ago, Tribes needed to be able to potect their belonging while still being able to transport them quickly in case of and attack from another Tribe.

Unlike clay pottery, baskets were long-lasting and would not break. These days, Tribes still use baskets in their houses and dwellings to protect their items and keep them in order. They also serve as a means of income for many Native American people, and play a significant part in Indian events and tribal rituals, weddings, honor ceremonies, and many other Native events.

The variety of Native baskets is endless and each Tribe has their own designs and weave patterns. The Tarahuamara Tribe baskets are very popular and considered a true art form. The way these baskets are made is truly extraordinary and is very remarkable to watch.

The two types of baskets made by this Tribe are the yucca or sotol as it is also known, and pine needle baskets. Yucca baskets are very popular and come in many shapes and sizes. Pine baskets are more commonly found in higher elevations where pine forests are abundant, but are smaller than the yucca baskets and are more fragile.

One of the beatiful things about Native baskets is that each Tribe has its own style and weave patterns, creating a beautiful variety of baskets to choose from. The guari type, the most commonly used weave among the Tarahumara in the mountain region of Northern Mexico, is curved at the top, somewhat square, and consists of four distinct corners at the bottom.

The petaca is another type of weave used traditionally in the canyon regions, and is curved and often double woven. Sometimes the leaves are run back and forth on a rough stone to dull the sharp edges before the basket maker starts to weave.

Native Indian baskets also differ based on the region it is from. Baskets weaving is a beautiful art form and is very impressive to watch. Even if you do not have the opportunity to see a basket being made first hand, it is still easy to buy southwestern style baskets online and in stores that sell beautiful, rustic and country style home decorating accessories. Bring Native traditions to life in your home with authentic, hand-crafted Indian baskets.



Melissa

mikeiou2 asked:


I am making one out of a 16 oz aluminum designer mountain dew bottle. i am not sure what to use for a stem and bowl. Its totally for tabacco

Susan

no namer asked:


I made a paper mache mountain for a school project due today and I need to paint it. I don’t think I have any black paint. Is there any kind of household stuff I could mix to make something I could use as paint? Or do I just have to color the whole thing with a Sharpie?

Troy

warrior asked:


My mother is armed, she has shot a lot of varmints and poisonous snakes; and a couple of human trespassers; one was a fugitive. But mountain lions are protected or out of season. Her fenced in yard does have some large watchdogs to protect her. Her house is a three year old and paid for brick home, she has been well provided for by my deceased Dad. But how do you get her to give something like this up?

Victoria