Mountain Homes

Isiah Y asked:


I think i mite have invasive species in my room. Because i love mountain biking and i went mountain biking and i brouhgt my bike into my room. and it stayed in my room all night. what should i do.

Manuel

Duct Tape asked:


I want to build a little cot-like thing to pull behind a mountain bike. Get some rest on the road, ya know? No, not literally ON the road! By the way, I don’t have a bike trailer or anything to start out with.

Juanita

Stig Kristoffersen asked:


Village Homestays in the Carpathians, Ukraine.

This type of tourism combines two positive features, low price and the comfort of feeling home instead of living at a hotel.

The rural green tourism Association of Ivano-Frankivsk offers this type of opportunity. Offering stays as low as 3 USD/night and updwards, really makes this an attractive offer. In addition the hosts offering their homes for you as visitor, really wants your visit because they want visitors, and not necessarily your money.

The setting is perfect with deep green spruce forests, mountain top meadows filled with aromatic grasses and flowers, serene Alpine lakes of the rocky Chornohora high peak range, sparkling streams and waterfalls fed by melting snow, gentle hills rolling off into the horizon - all these are elements of the Carpathian natural world. The landscape is characterized by mountains with broad rounded tops, that are often covered with meadows. Valleys, up to 1200 m deep, intersect mountain ridges and provide shelter for villages. The highest peak in Ukraine, Hoverla (2061 m, 6762 ft) is found in the Chornohora ridge.

Fifteen homes in the six villages named Vorokhta, Kryvopole, Krasnyk, Verkhovyna, Kryvorivna and Yavorivare currently featured on their list of homes to use during your stay in this region.

Vorokhta is a nice center for winter sports in Ukraine as itt has a high ski jump complex used for Olympic athletes training. It is a popular place for Cross-country and downhill skiing and several chair lifts (the longest 2km long) in operation during the winter makes it easy accessible for alpine skiing.

Easy access to Vorokhta with the train station in center of city.

Fir trees are in majority to broadleaf trees here since the elevations are moderately higher (800-900 m.) The wilder parts of the Carpathian National Park are located to the south of the village which provide interesting hiking opportunities. There is a large lumber mill on the edge of town which gives the town a run-down look.

There are some interesting sights: one of the oldest standing wooden Hutsul churches built in 1615, a newer wooden church with a unique style and colored ornamentation, and a large stone arch railroad bridge (one of the largest of its kind in Europe) built in 1894 back when Austria controlled the area.

The town of Verkhovyna is located in a valley along the Cheremosh River. It was one of the largest and most important Hutsul settlements. The writer Ivan Franko, called it the Hutsul capital. Verkhovyna is not along the road to anywhere and it feels more remote. The road that leads to Verkhovyna which is 150 km from Ivano-Frankivsk, is very picturesque either through Kosiv or Vorokhta. Since the road must wind through mountain passes makes it an exiting trip in itself. The valley lies at an 575 m height and is surrounded by mountains, excellent for day hikes: Mt Pushkar (812 m), Mt Mahurka (1025 m), Mt Synytsia (1186 m), and Mt Bila Kobyla (1473 m). Mushrooms can be found along Pushkar and Mahurka while wild berries can be found on Synytsia and Bila Kobyla. Along Mt Synystia one can find the “Dovbush Cliffs”.

The Gorgany region of the Carpathians has a rugged topography. The region, which is located approximately between Yaremche and Mizhiria, is characterized by deep valleys, steep mountainsides and mountaintops that are covered with boulder and rock fields. This territory was difficult to settle and to this day, parts of it remain a wilderness. The extensive forest consiting of fir and spruce, is a valuable natural resource. At the turn of the century an extensive network of narrow gage rails was constructed to facilitate extraction of timber. Today these lay abandoned.

To the south, characteristic features of the mountains are the mountaintop meadows or “polonynas”. The fragrances of sedges, rushes, grasses and wildflowers combine to produce the cool aromatic breezes of the polonynas. Over the past several hundred years the Hutsuls utilized these high altitude meadows as pastures for grazing herds of sheep.

The highest elevations of the Carpathians are found in the Chornohora mountain massif. This massive ridge extends for 40 km and consists of a series of peaks that rise above the treeline: Mt Petros (2020 m), Mt Hoverla (2061 m), Mt Turkul (1933 m), Mt Munchel (1998 m), and Mt Pip Ivan (2020 m). Two picturesque alpine lakes - Marichejka and Nesamovyta are also found here. Beech forests are found on northern facing slopes up to 1300 m elevation, while on southern slopes they grow at somewhat higher elevations. Above this, a forest belt consisting of spruce is found up to 1800 m. Above the forest limit lies a zone of dwarf pine, juniper brush, rhododendron and other bushes. The mountain tops consist of the polonyna meadows or boulder and rock fields. For centuries this frontier land formed the border between the states that occupied Galicia and Transcarpathia. At the southeast end of Chornohora, on the mountain Pip Ivan, a large astronomical observatory was built by a Polish and French partnership. This large structure has long been abandoned and has the appearance of a mountaintop castle ruin. Today, most of the Chornohora region is protected by the state. The northern part is territory of the Carpathian National Park, while the southern part is territory of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve.

The Hutsul Alps, also called the Marmarosky massif, are more extreme in appearance than the typical gentle contours of the Ukrainian Carpathians. These mountains have pointed peaks, steep slopes, deep valleys, and sharp edged glacial features that distinguish themselves as the only part of the Ukrainian Carpathians with an Alp-like appearance. The major peaks are Mt Pip Ivan (1937 m), Mt Farcau (1958 m), and Mt. Mykhailyk (1918 m). There is a different Mt Pip Ivan located in Chornohora. Because of the extreme conditions here, this region is sparsely settled and rich spruce forests cover the mountains slopes below the rocky tops. The village Bohdan is the closest settlement to these mountains and only 10 km to the south is the Romanian border. The Chyvchyn mountains to the east are lower in elevation but also distinct from the rest of the Ukrainian Carpathians since, like the Marmarosky massif, they are made of hard crystalline schists.



Raymond

Anna Norton asked:


Take a hike. Ride a bike, or a horse, or a river or even a snow covered mountainside. The Blue Ridge mountains offer a wide variety of memorable outdoor adventures. Leave the everyday anxiety of deadlines and commitments behind and immerse yourself in any number of outdoor activities in the mountains.

Biking

From little known back roads to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway no matter your style or skill the Blue Ridge mountains are a biker’s bliss . Each year, hundreds of bikers navigate the many first-rate trails that make their way throughout the region. Most come for the pleasure and fun of the ride, but many compete in demanding races.

The Blue Ridge mountains offer some of the finest mountain biking in the country.

Whether you prefer road biking or “off road” trail riding, exhilarating rides with spectacular mountain scenery await the biking enthusiast.

Several organized bicycling tours can be found on the internet. Just do a search for Carolina Blue Ridge biking . Tours are available from spring to fall and cater to starters as well as well as experienced riders.

Take the time to discover the mountains at your own pace in your own style; on two wheels.

Hiking

The Blue Ridge mountains are a popular destination for hikers. You’ll find hundreds of hiking trails of all skill levels and endurance.

Most trails are self guided but a quick internet search of , Carolina Blue Ridge hiking will result in many guided tours as well.

Discover a field of wildflowers on rolling pastures, cascading waterfalls, or experience the well earned reward of a spectacular view of wave after wave of blue tinged majesty. Hiking provides a close-up look at some of the most beautiful wilderness in the country.

So strap on your hiking boots, prepare yourself for sudden weather changes, and enjoy an all season awe-inspiring mountain adventure.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are magical places of serene beauty and elegant splendor. The Blue Ridge mountains offer no shortage of waterfalls and miles of hiking trails to view them. You can seek out a different waterfall every day. They are all individual and each has its own story to tell , stories that change with each season.

In the spring waterfalls are different from the flow of a summer or fall cascade. A winter visit to your favorite waterfall may provide a completely new experience.

Visitors, as well as those who call the mountains home are sometimes surprised to learn of the many extraordinary waterfalls in the Blue Ridge. Waterfalls to walk behind, slide down or simply bask in the glory of their beauty and relax to the hypnotic music they produce.

Fishing

Some of the best fishing lakes, rivers and mountain streams to be found anywhere in the world are found here in the Blue Ridge mountains.

Our cool, clear mountain streams and lakes support one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world. Rainbow and brown trout; smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass; giant stripers and white bass; bluegill, crappie and shell cracker, sauger, walleye, and catfish are all abundant in the area.

Whether its fly fishing, spin fishing or bait casting, your fishing adventure starts here and ends with great memories and plans for a return visit.

Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing, Tubing

River fun for the entire family; are you searching for a few rapids, an exciting whitewater adventure, or a lazy float down a cool refreshing river? the waterways of the Blue Ridge mountains are just what you are looking for.

There’s nothing more relaxing than drifting slowly down a crystal clear mountain river in an inner tube. Your everyday cares just float way like magic as the sounds of nature take you away on a peaceful journey . However, if you’re feeling more adventuresome, you can catch the surge and rush of the whitewater rapids. Experience the beauty and adventure of whitewater river rafting excitement through guided day trips along the most scenic rivers in the Southeast.

For a great weekend get-away you can choose from a variety of canoe, kayak, & tubing trips; a mountain experience to please all paddlers.

Horseback Riding

The Blue Ridge mountains offer many riding stables and qualified guides for exploring the mountains by horseback. Tailored for every age, you’ll experience wilderness rides, moonlight rides and overnight rides with camping. There’s something for everyone, even the most inexperienced rider. Several outfitters offer riding lessons and long and short-term boarding.

Saddle up to enjoy a unique wilderness adventure where you can to canter through a shady forest trail laced with mountain laurel in bloom or relax as your horse drinks from a cool mountain stream.

Skiing

Some of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains are located in the northwest corner of North Carolina .The high country of the Carolina Blue Ridge offers the visitor a winter sports paradise. During the winter, when it comes to outdoor activities skiing is priority one. Visitors can expect first class slopes that can handle beginners and families, as well as slopes for expert skiers and snowboarders.

January and February are by far the most popular time for snow lovers, accounting for fifty percent of the yearly snowfall. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, the cold temperatures allow the slopes to make their own.

The best conditions for skiers and snowboarders are when there is a healthy combination of natural and man-made snow. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating and snow-shoeing day and night are just one part of an all season adventure in the Carolina Blue Ridge.

Whether it’s a two-day get away or a week-long journey to renew the inner spirit,

you’ll always find a reason to come back for more Blue Ridge mountain memories.



Alex

SkiColorado asked:


When planning a Copper Mountain wedding is it important to begin at least a year in advance. Lodging and accommodations in Copper Mountain tend to book up fast. Planning ahead will ensure you get the best rates on condo rentals, hotels and resort facilities. Read more about Copper Mountain wedding information.

It is those moments when you celebrate your Copper Mountain wedding with friends and family that will make all the planning, preparation and organization completely worth it. Planning the ultimate mountain wedding can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Read wedding planning information for Copper Mountain, Colorado.

Firstly, many brides and grooms choose Copper Mountain as their wedding location due to its stunning scenery, casual environment and excellent location to the Denver International Airport. Here you will say “I Do” with the Ten Mile Range and the Colorado mountains as your witness. In the summer, when the sun shines high above this mountain community, the nearby valleys and peaks come alive with wildflowers which only add to the natural color of your special day.

It is important to first sort out what type of Copper Mountain lodging will best suit your wedding party. In this unique village, you will find a plentiful supply of hotels, resorts and condo rentals. Brides who want the wedding party under one roof will feel right at home in any of the full-service hotels dotted throughout the Copper Villages. On the other hand, for those discerning guests who want the comfort of your own space, condo rentals are also a popular option. This allows for wedding guests to relax in the spaciousness of their own accommodation.

In Copper Mountain, Colorado you will find four different wedding locations to host your wedding ceremony. These ceremony sites are only available in conjunction with your reception.

Traditionalists will enjoy the Copper Mountain Chapel as their stage for a mountain wedding. The refined yet casual setting combined with spectacular views of the Ten Mile Range provide both a unique wedding location while adhering to mountain tradition. The chapel accommodates roughly 70 adults. The adjacent Community Center can provide additional seating as well.

Overlooking the Grand Hall with its magnificent views of the Copper Mountain Golf Course, the Mezzanine is a convenient and sophisticated location for your special day. Your wedding party will enjoy the romantic appeal of the Colorado Rockies. The Mezzanine can accommodate up to 200 of your closest friends and family.

Located right at the base of the Super Bee Lift and the golf course, wedding guests will feel the beauty and nature of the Colorado mountains as they gaze upon the Ten Mile Range. Directly in front of Copper Station, your guests will have no problem getting to the reception!

There is something so unique about riding a chairlift to your special day. Not too many brides and grooms can say they were married at the top of a mountain. At the Solitude Station at Copper Mountain Resort, you will be naturally inspired by the views afforded from your wedding ceremony location. Enjoy the ride to the top of the American Eagle chairlift which will take you and your wedding party to an elevation of 11,200 feet above sea level. This is a unique Rocky Mountain wedding experience and a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. The Solitude Station comfortably accommodates 250 guests.

The most important part about planning a Copper Mountain wedding is to relax, take it all in and enjoy your special day beneath a classic Colorado sky.



Stephanie

jasoncalacanis asked:


What’s the best summer home location 2-4 hours outside of Los Angeles for my wife, two bulldogs and I? Looking for somewhere in the mountains or beach where we can take a long weekend, look at amazing views, take hikes and chill out. If someone gives an amazing answer I will paypal them $10.

Colleen

KidRockette asked:


I live in the Austin, TX area and I can’t find one at nurseries I’ve gone to or Lowe’s, or Home Depot. Anyone seen them for sale?

Bradley

Jennifer A asked:


I have no experience in building anything but can learn fast and would like to eventually build a home in the mountains.. What should I start gathering now for when the times comes(after land has been bought and developed a lot of knowledge)..Tools? Lumber? We would like it to be a cozy home with out per say a perfect feel mountain home if you know what I mean.. We will have a fireplace and wood floors.. any suggestions for the future would be great thanks.. No negativity needed this is a dream and a huge GOAL!

Marc

Derek Rogers asked:


Riding a mountain bike is great exercise and a lot of fun…and while it’s hard on your legs, it’s hard on the machinery itself. Keeping your bike maintained will keep you safe, and keep the bike in better condition for years to come. There are three basic time frames for maintaining your bike:

- Just before you ride,

- just after you ride,

- long-term storage and repairs.

Just before you ride, bike maintenance is fairly straightforward: Check the tire pressure, fill them up to the level you’re comfortable with and so on. Make sure that the seat is canted at the right angle, make sure that the quick release levers on the wheels are locked tight, and run the pedals with your hands to make sure that the derailleur is working clearly. Your aim is to make sure that if anything is going to need attention, it gets it now, rather than after you’re out on the trail.

After the ride, especially if it’s been damp or muddy, you should set the bike upside down (so it’s balanced on the seat and handlebars), and run a damp cloth over the derailleur, and the other moving parts that shift the chain around for shifting gears. The aim here is to get any mud, twigs, and brambles out before they provide an avenue for moisture to enter. This is also the time to pop the wheels off and clean them before throwing the bike into the car to drive back home.

After you get the bike home, give everything a thorough cleaning. If you use a dry lubricant on the chain, about once a month, break the chain and re-apply it. (We regularly boil our bicycle chains in paraffin, but that’s because we ride in the winter, and it holds up better to snow and salt). It’s also probably time to just take things partially apart, to the limits of your skills, and put them back together; this is great for adjusting shock absorber systems (and getting rid of annoying squeaks), and tightening cables for brakes, inspecting brake pads, and the like.

Mountain bikes in routine use get a fair bit of wear and tear. Always check to make sure that things are setting properly when you’re off the bike and have it at home; again, the aim is to find anything that could break and fix it before you go on the trail rather than have your fun curtailed by equipment failure.

If you are not an all weather cyclist (and not many people are), its worth carrying out some steps to prepare your bike for storage and to take it out again for the road in the spring.

Firstly, when storing your bike, take the wheels off and hang the frame. When the wheels are off, its worth running the inner tubes through a bucket of soapy water to locate any slow leaks and patch them, and its worth tightening and tuning up anything you can reach.

A good book for this process is the Complete Bike Repair Handbook, which we use in our shop for getting bikes ready for sale. It’s also a good time to true your wheels with a spoke wrench. (Some dedicated mountain bikers true their wheels after every ride…)

When you’re putting the bike back into roadworthy condition, the top priority is checking the breaks, followed by running the gear shifts - cable housings can shift when the bike is in storage, which can make things a bit noisier than they should be. (Remember, if it’s making noise, then parts that probably shouldn’t be rubbing, are rubbing.)

With this advice, you should be well set for mountain biking fun!



Jeffery

lindabouma asked:


Resolution needs to be safe around people and pets. I tried no pest strips but too toxic. And the buggers still come back. I have millions of them in my mountain home walls and in both sheds. Help!

Clarence