The Great Adventure People TV series has arrived

The Great Adventure People TV series has arrived

Dec 29, 2004.  Toronto – Building on the success of the 2004 premeire of our first episode to Peru, the Great Adventure People TV series is in full swing starting this January. CTV Travel is kicking off 2005 with 5 new documentary-styled episodes to exciting destinations.

Follow small groups of adventurous travellers on their quests to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, explore the Amazon in Ecuador, hike to the end of the earth in Patagonia, step back in time in the Galapagos Islands and go on safari in Kenya. So sit back, relax and live vicariously through our travellers, as we document their joys and challenges to show you what travelling with
G.A.P Adventures is like.

The excitement begins January 1st at 8PM EST during the free preview weekend on CTV Travel. The first episode will be our Mt. Kilimanjaro trek in Tanzania. This season premiere will be followed by other, new episodes every Wednesday throughout January and into February. The weekly Great Adventure People TV series schedule is:

January 1st @ 8pm EST or 5pm & 9pm PST (Repeat January 2nd @ 12pm EST)

Tanzania - Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek

January 5th @ 10pm EST or 7pm & 11pm PST


Peru - Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Amazon Jungle

January 12th @ 10pm EST or 7pm & 11pm PST

Galapagos - Voyage to the Islands that time forgot

January 19th @ 10pm EST or 7pm & 11pm PST (Repeat)

Tanzania - Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek

January 26th @ 8pm EST or 5pm & 9pm PST


Ecuador - Amazon Jungle Adventure

February 2nd @ 10pm EST or 7pm & 11pm PST

Kenya - Go on Safari to Africa

February 9th @ 10pm EST or 7pm & 11pm PST

Patagonia - Hiking to the End of the Earth

If you miss any of these episodes, not to worry as all shows will once again be aired again on CTV Travel during March and April. For more information on the trips featured in these episodes, please contact us at 1 800 465 5600 and speak to one of our Adventure Specialists.

G.A.P Adventures

Media Contact: Red Hunt

Phone: 416 260 0999 ext 161

Email: red@gap.ca

www.gapadventures.com
1000 Adventures - 100 Countries - 1 World for the New Traveler

Magpie Adventures Cycling Tours of Moab, Utah is the FIRST outfitter to offer Supported ONE DAY WHITE RIM TRAIL TOURS!

Contact: Mike Holme
Company: Magpie Adventures Cycling Tours
Telephone: 435-259-4464
E-Mail: info@magpieadventures.com

Press Release December 20, 2004

Magpie Adventures is the first to offer a ONE-DAY White Rim Trail tour in Canyonlands National Park, Utah!

Magpie Adventures of Moab, Utah, is offering a unique challenge to all cyclists looking for their next epic adventure! Magpie Adventures is the only outfitter in Canyonlands National Park authorized to support riders on a guided one-day mountain bike ride around the classic White Rim Trail!

This 80 mile day ride is a must do for many avid cyclists. Magpie Adventures handles all the logistics and makes it easy for you to just ride your bike! With a 4x4 support vehicle, delicious fresh foods, and experienced local professional guides that are certified to lead you in the back country, Magpie Adventures is the first choice for One-Day White Rim Trail tours! Contact Magpie Adventures today for more details on our 2005 Adventures!

Magpie Adventures operates single and multi-day interpretive guided mountain bike tours as well as offering custom itineraries and combination tours in the Western United States.


www.magpieadventures.com 1-800-546-4245

info@magpieadventures.com 1-435-259-4464


Magpie Adventures Cycling Tours
Mike Holme and Maggie Wilson
Owners/Operators

Relief Riders International (RRI) has successfully completed its first relief ride to Rajasthan

Contact: Alexander Souri
Company: Relief Riders International
Telephone: 413.329.5876
E-Mail: info@reliefridersinternational.com

Relief Riders International (RRI) has successfully completed its first relief ride to Rajasthan, India and is now making plans for its February 25, 2005 trip.

RRI offers the unique combination of a breathtaking horse-back adventure through the Thar Desert with a life-changing humanitarian mission.

The inaugural ride, created by founder and Executive Director Alexander Souri as a living memorial to his Indian father, accomplished more than anyone would have imagined. The 15 day journey began at the majestic Imperial Hotel with a bus ride to the historic Mukundgarh Fort. There the riders met their mounts; the famed Marwari horses, and began an extraordinary ride to several villages in Rajasthan.

Working with a team of medical doctors, the Indian Red Cross, and master outfitter Kanwar Raghuvenvra Singh Dundlod, the international team of riders began what rider Alice Read called “the perfect combination of an adventure and doing something for somebody else."

For the next two weeks the relief riders traveled with 60 goats, five camels and more than 10,000 pounds of medical and educational supplies, averaging 21 miles a day. The riders stopped at five villages along the way. More than 500 villagers showed up at both Khirod and Danta for free check-ups and medicine. The RRI medical team consisted of a specialist in Ear Nose and Throat ailments, an Ophthalmologist, a Pediatrics specialist, a Dentist, a Gynecologist and two General Physicians. Such comprehensive care is rare is rural India, and villagers arrived early after traveling significant distances to see the medical team.

In Kochor riders distributed a variety of educational material and sports supplies, including text books, note books, drawing pads, crayons, pencil holders, globes, maps, carpets, cricket bats, soccer balls, volley balls and nets, and tennis balls.

In Lohargal, 15 families living below the Indian poverty level were selected by the town council and each given two goats for milking. And in Pachar, RRI gave supplies to the local school and livestock to families in need.

Another aspect of RRI’s humanitarian mission was an important HIV/AIDS Awareness campaign offered in conjunction with the Red Cross and India Canada Collaborative HIV/AIDS Project (ICHAP).

When the riders weren’t “doing something for somebody else” they were traveling through gorgeous territory, with ancient villages and old forts and rich wildlife. As New York State interior decorator Karen Cedar noted, “We were riding the most fabulous horses through the most amazing landscape and they were wonderful.”

Along the way riders sampled the region’s culinary specialties and experienced some of rural India’s unique cultural life.

As Alexander Souri declared: “When I created Relief Riders International I dreamed of a new model of travel – a chance to see new lands and an opportunity to transform both the visitor and the visited. Our October journey more than met any expectations I had. I look forward to our next trip.”


Please contact Relief Riders International at (413) 329-5876 or go online to http://www.reliefridersinternational.com/


To view the photogallery:

http://www.reliefridersinternational.com/slideshow/index.htm

'The Ultimate Washington Hypocrisy' and Flim-Flam

Days After President Bush Signs the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 (HR 4818) Opening the Door for the Slaughter of Thousands of Wild Horses and Burros, December 13, 2004 Is Set as the 'National Day of the Horse'

GLENDALE, Calif., Dec. 9, 2004 -- Just when you thought you had seen it all in Washington, something happens that just leaves you shaking your head in disbelief.

On September 30, 2004, the House of Representatives in a concurrent resolution with the Senate, declared December 13, 2004 as a National Day of the Horse.

H. CON. RES. 507 acknowledges that "the horse is a vital part of the collective experience of the United States" and, that without the horse, "the economy, history, and character of the United States would be profoundly different." The resolution goes on to encourage all citizens to be mindful of the contribution of the horses to the U.S. and issued a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the National Day of the Horse.

Two months later however, on November 19, this same group of lawmakers sent to President Bush for his signature, HR 4818, which allows wild horses and burros to be sent to slaughter. Approximately 14,000 wild horses currently held by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will go to slaughter immediately.

"This is the ultimate Washington hypocrisy," stated Leo Grillo, founder of Horse Rescue of America. "You have to ask yourself, does Congress really know what they are doing? In September they celebrate the horse as a 'living link' to the history of the U.S. and then two months later, sentence the wild horses to death!"

Wild horses and burros have been protected since 1971 by the "Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act" which declared that wild horses and burros "are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West" and are a protected National Heritage Species. Last week however, Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) slipped an 11th hour rider into the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 (HR 4818), allowing BLM to sell wild free roaming horses and burros at livestock auctions, effectively sending these previously protected animals to the slaughterhouse. The president signed HR 4818 into law on December 8, 2004.

Footage of a wild horse roundup and more information on what HR 4818 means to the wild horse and burro population of the U.S. can be found at http://www.horserescueofamerica.com.

Contact:
Elizabeth Kollar
310-545-8987
505-401-9203 cell

Source: Horse Rescue of America

President Bush to Impose Death Penalty on Monday... on Innocent Horses and Burros

Leo Grillo, founder of D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, launches website for its sister organization, about 11th hour amendment that allows wild horses and burros to be killed for food.

GLENDALE, Calif., Dec. 2, 2004 -- Congress was asleep at the wheel last week when they approved a "14-inch" thick Senate appropriations bill that directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell wild horses and burros to America's slaughter houses. Animal welfare activist and founder of Horse Rescue of America, Leo Grillo, says, "We have a few days left to give President Bush a wake up call on this issue."

Grillo announced today that he has launched a website to show a 45-minute film of a BLM round up so the President can see the faces of the animals Congress is threatening to kill.

"The members of Congress didn't read the 14-inch thick bill on the Friday before their Thanksgiving holiday, but they voted anyway," states Grillo.

Wild horses and burros have been protected since 1971 by the "Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act" which declared that wild horses and burros "are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West" and should be a protected national treasure. Last week however, Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) slipped an 11th hour amendment into the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2005, allowing BLM to sell wild free roaming horses and burros at livestock auctions effectively sending these previously protected animals to the slaughterhouse.

"Twenty five percent of the land mass of the lower 48 states (public land) is controlled by the BLM. Additionally the States themselves own their own public land. Much of this land is leased to 'investors' who turn around and sub-lease the land for as much as 1000% mark up to cattle ranchers,"
said Grillo. "Horses, deer and elk compete with privately owned cattle for the grass on this land. In order to keep profits going to investors (not the US Treasury) the government shoots the deer and the elk and rounds up the wild horses so there will be enough grass for the cattle."

Grillo states, "There are 3.2 million cattle (2.5% of total US beef consumption) currently on BLM land and about 32,000 horses (1%). Senator Burns says the BLM can't afford the $6.0 million per year budgeted to feed the horses and burros they already rounded up. But HUNDREDS of millions of dollars is profit to private and corporate investors who lease these lands. Maybe they should pay the $6.0 million and Burns can kill his own amendment."

"President Bush, watch the BLM round up of a large herd (many FAMILIES of horses) on http://www.horserescueofamerica.org. These are some of the horses who will die. It is their lot, because nobody is doing anything about it. Well, I am ... and so will others when they know the truth. Please use your veto power to kill this inhumane act," said Grillo.

Photos: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2004-delta1.jpg
http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2004-delta2.jpg

Contact:

Elizabeth Kollar
310-545-8987
505-401-9203 cell

St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition

The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), over 100 members strong, will host its first annual St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition, December 7th – 11th 2004. This event, spanning 4 luxury yacht marinas, will showcase St. Maarten as the premier charter destination in the Caribbean and bring together the most exclusive charter yachts in the world, qualified charter agents, media, sponsors and exhibitors. The participating marinas include Palapa Marina, Simpson Bay Marina, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance and Yacht Club Isle de Sol, all located in Simpson Bay Lagoon on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

As the SMMTA is a not for profit organization, non-expensed proceeds from this event will go towards marine industry educational and training programs for the youth of our island which will in turn help sustain the future of the yachting industry.


The SMMTA is pleased to invite you to join us for our inaugural event. The show is open to bonafide charter yachts, charter yacht booking agents and charter house representatives, travel agents, members of the press, sponsors, business owners or representatives who wish to exhibit, as well as those who wish to interact with the attendees without having an exhibitor booth. The show is not open to the general public. Participants may register on the website and find additional show information on:

www.charteryachtexhibition.com


Schedule of Events

Monday, December 6th
09:00 – 17:00 Exhibitor set-up
10:00 – 16:00 Yacht/Agents/Press/Exhibitor Registration
Hospitality/exhibitor tent – Port de Plaisance
16:30 Captain’s Briefing – Simpson Bay Marina

Tuesday, December 7th
09:00 – 17:30 Registration open
09:00 – 12:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
12:30 – 13:30 Yachts closed for lunch
13:30 – 17:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
18:30 Taste of St. Maarten Party
Le Jardin – Port de Plaisance

Wednesday, December 8th
09:00 – 17:30 Registration open
09:00 – 12:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
12:30 – 13:30 Yachts closed for lunch
13:30 – 17:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
18:00 – 20:00 International Yacht Collection Yacht Hop
18:30 Evening available for sponsor/private parties
Thursday, December 9th
09:00 – 17:30 Registration open
09:00 – 10:00 Seminar
09:00 – 16:00 Concours de Chef judging
10:00 – 12:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
12:30 – 13:30 Yachts closed for lunch
13:30 – 17:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
17:30 - 18:00 Fashion Show
18:00 – 20:00 ` The Sacks Group - Luxury Yacht Group Yacht Hop

Friday, December 10th
09:00 – 17:30 Registration open
09:00 – 10:00 Seminar
09:00 – 16:00 Concours de Chef judging
10:00 – 12:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
12:30 – 13:30 Yachts closed for lunch
13:30 – 17:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
18:00 – 19:00 Concours de Chef awards
19:00 Closing party

Saturday, December 11th

09:00 – 12:30 Registration open
10:00 – 12:00 FYBA post show evaluation meeting
09:00 – 12:30 Viewing of Yachts & Exhibition areas
12:30 Show closes
12:30 – 17:30 Take down of exhibitor booths

Sunday, December 12th

09:30 – 17:00 Crew activities – full fun day
19:30 – 02:00 Crew party
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