Archives: 2009 May

As a backpacker travel insurance should be at the top of your list when organising your backpacking adventure. Backpacker travel insurance is usually excellent value and will afford you the most needed cover at more general and affordable levels than other travel insurance packages so that you can backpack around the world without having to worry about the costs that illness or accident might incur without paying an arm and a leg for your insurance.

Backpackers tend to travel on a budget and backpacker travel insurance fits nicely into this pattern of things due to its great value for money. Backpackers also prefer to find accommodation on a shoe string which often means that the accommodation is either not in the best condition or could be situated in a less desirable location than other more expensive accommodation. That is what backpacking is all about but that doesn’t mean that backpackers should fear for their belongings because backpacker travel insurance will cover loss and theft of personal items while you’re on your adventure regardless of the area you stay in or the number of stars that your hotel boasts.

Backpacker travel insurance generally includes cancellation of flights insurance, medical cover, illness and accident cover, damage or loss of personal items cover and often cover for those partaking in extreme sports too.

The Nordic Games were the first iteration of winter Olympic games. Viktor Gustaf Balck first organized the Nordic Games in Sweden in 1901. This international mult-sport event that was designated specifically for winter sports was thereafter held regularly until 1926. In the meantime, Balck was rallying to have winter sports (starting with figure skating) included in the Olympic sport roster. He was unsuccessful until 1908, when four figure skating events were included in the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.

When planning the next summer Olympics (to be held in 1912), an Italian count named Eugenio Brunetto dUsseaux beseeched the International Olympic Committee to plan a week of winter sports as part of the 1912 games. The idea was not welcomed warmly, for a couple different reasons. First, the committee did not want to detract from the Nordic Games. Second, the committee was concerned about the lack of facilities for other winter sports.

More ground was gained in 1916, when the idea to include a week of winter sports was again proposed. The committee went as far as to plan the week of winter sports including figure skating, speed skating, ice hockey and Nordic skiing. Unfortunately, the 1916 games in Berlin were cancelled due to World War I.

The Northwestern part of the US is filled with bike trails that will appeal to all skill levels. It is no surprise that cyclists flock to that region for a biking fix. Some of the most popular trails are detailed in the article below.

A stone’s throw from the busy metropolis of Seattle is the Burke Gilman Trail. The 27 mile track is very popular with cyclists as well as skaters , walkers and runners. As many other trails in this region, the Burke Gilman Trail was a railroad built in the 1800′s. The transformation from railroad track to recreation track took place back in 1970 and draws a crowd regularly. When on your bike, be sure to keep right and be mindful of pedestrians.

If you are looking for a ride that is more secluded, the Marine Drive Bike Trail may be right for you. Although a small section of the trail is on the road, most of the ride is pretty uncivilized. The 17 mile long trail follows the Willamette River located in North Portland, Oregon and skirts along the trails of the Blue Lake Regional Park. The views and scenic hideaways are truly a treat, just be sure to come prepared.