I have found the plans to make a adult hammock, but I can not find the plans to make a baby hammock. Please help, this is a christmas gift for my adopted neice. PLEASE Help
Dale
When choosing a Caribbean cruise you may well come across some islands you never even knew existed. Princess Cays, Labadee and CocoCay are all examples, and they all have one thing in common; they are used exclusively by the cruise lines who own them. So, forget busy ports, hassling street vendors and uncertain territory, and arrive in style at your own private island instead!
The majority of these islands are far too small for locals to reside in, and therefore have been leased out to the cruise companies, providing an exclusive getaway for cruise passengers and a valuable income for the local governments. The cruise lines have transformed the once “dead land” into their own mini paradise islands.
Typically situated in the Bahamas, these islands feature regularly on many Caribbean itineraries. Often reached by tender only, the islands lie uninhabited out in the middle of the ocean, waiting to indulge the lucky passengers who step ashore.
If you are lucky enough to visit a private island as a port of call, the real luxury is having the freedom to make the day as relaxing or as active as you want it to be. Whether floating out across the bluey–green coral reefs takes your fancy, or even parasailing, it’s all on offer. Whatever you choose, a day in paradise can be surprisingly tiresome, so a big buffet style beach barbeque usually comes as standard.
Royal Caribbean comes out top in the owners’ stake with access to two of its very own islands, Labadee and CocoCay. They are also pretty much the only cruise company to have ownership of an island outside of the Bahamas.
Of all the islands, Labadee is one of the most popular. Situated on the north coast of Hispaniola, Labadee is part of a larger, inhabited island, occupied by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Labadee boasts 260 acres of beautiful beaches, exotic foliage and coral reefs bordered by contrasting mountain slopes.
Land is reached by tender (an accessible small ship to transfer you to the shore when waters are shallow) which allows for an impressive and truly unique perspective of the cruise ship. Once ashore, Royal Caribbean have provided an abundance of activities and tours, including, kayaking, parasailing and jet ski hire - allowing guests to take a tour down the coast of the island - or, for the less adventurous, floating beach mats (great for both sunbathing, and floating out to sea on!), snorkeling around the tropical reefs and shopping for beautiful handmade local goods. Kids will be a million miles from boredom with an Aqua Park, featuring trampolines and inflatable slides.
CocoCay is Royals second offering, a small, secluded island situated around 50 miles from Nassau, encompassing 140 acres of Bahamian land. Again reached by tender, the island has recently undergone a huge renovation providing an improved guest experience. As CocoCay is an isolated island, the only people occupying it will be guests from the ship and staff; this creating both a relaxing and safe environment.
CocoCay features much of the same activities as its sister island, including the Aqua Park, jet skis and opportunities to parasail and kayak, but in addition, invites guests to snorkel out to sea to explore both a ship and plane wreck, which is not to be missed - if you are brave enough! To wash away the salt water a must is to sample either a “Coco Loco” or “Labaduzee” one of the islands signature cocktails.
The very first ownership of a private island took place in 1977 when the tiny island, today named Great Stirrup Cay, was purchased by Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Situated some 120 miles off Fort Lauderdale, this island has an impressive history of visitors including pirates who used the island as a safe haven, and more gallantly, American troops who occupied the island during World War II to defend the eastern shores of the U.S. Today, Norwegian Cruise Lines has transformed the once somber island into one big beach party!
Accessed by tender, this island will offer everything you would expect; a total of 5, varied, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters full of tropical fish, but what sets this island away from all the others is that the guests really have come to party! Fun is the main agenda here, so if you fancy competing in “Olympic” games or Limbo this is the island for you. The island also boasts volleyball courts and ping-pong tables, and for explorers, snorkelling and paddle boats with viewing areas in the base.
Whatever you choose to do here, it will be set to the sound of the live Calypso band which plays island favourites for listening or dancing to throughout the day.
Disney puts forward a strong competitor for top private island with Castaway Cay.
The only company to own an island which doesn’t require a tender, here you can walk straight off the ship and into the fun! This combined with paved walkways and a tram service to different parts of the island also makes Castaway Cay the best choice for wheelchair users.
The 1,000 acre island is located 225 miles from Disney’s year-round home port of Port Canaveral.
Parts of this island have been developed like no other island has, even featuring its very own post office! Yet Disney have appreciated the natural beauty of the land and has only developed 10% of the whole island.
Most cruise companies can offer a number of beaches on their island, but few can ensure one to really suit everyone’s requirements. Castaway Cay has Serenity Bay, a 1 mile stretch of secluded beach reserved for adults only, where guests can indulge in massages in private cabanas overlooking the sea, Teen Beach, the name says it all! Or guests can head down to Castaways Family Beach where everyone is welcome to play in the lagoon, paddle out to sea or partake in organised beach games.
Disney can offer its guests so many options of how to spend their day on the island, including a 12 acre snorkelling site to explore, kayaking, paddle boats and parasailing. For the younger visitors there is a dig site for kids to find fossils and sharks teeth among other treasures, and also a water play area situated in the lagoon, just off the family beach.
Holland America is another cruise line in the running for best private island. They own award winning Half Moon Cay, situated less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau. Of the total 2,450 acres they own, 2,400 have been left untouched so guests can truly appreciate the beauty of the remote island.
The island features a 9 mile long beach, a wild bird reserve, a beach front bar, air conditioned beachfront cabanas along with shaded hammocks. And whilst the adults are relaxing, the kids can make use of Half Moon Lagoon, an aqua park which also features the Stingray Adventure Program which involves swimming with stingrays. Beach sports, parasailing, nature trails and windsurfing are all other options to fill your day on the island.
Much the same as the other islands? Not when you look at the amazing excursions offered. Horseback Ride ‘n Swim excursion will allow guests to explore the island on trails that are accessible only by horseback. During the ride, experienced guides will share insight on Bahamian history, people and culture. The trail will lead guests to a deserted beach where you can enjoy refreshments and can take an unforgettable swim in the sea with the horses.
Although Half Moon Cay is reached by tender, which can sometimes prove difficult for less able guests, the island itself is wheelchair friendly and therefore another good choice for those who require this access.
Not to be out done by its competitors, Princess Cruises puts forward Princess Cays as its little piece of private paradise. Located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, 30 miles off Nassau, Princess Cays is 40 acres of fun and relaxation set in truly beautiful surroundings.
Unlike the majority of the other islands, Princess Cays is part of a larger island, and therefore does have neighbouring inhabitants. (Maybe better referred to as a private beach than private island then! although a very nice one at that) A range of equipment is available to hire from snorkels, aqua chairs and sea boards to kayaks to aqua bikes for the more adventurous!
Princess Cays is a place where it seems to be more about soaking in the beauty of the island and making use of all the cushioned chairs, tiki huts and hammocks settled between the palm trees than filling your day with water sports.
So, which is the best private island?
Over all, Disney provides an excellent island that caters equally well for families, young children and teens, as well as less able guests and wheelchair users. For those wanting a more “toned down” island, Holland America is also a very strong competitor. Each of the islands has its own unique attractions, but it really comes down to personal choice. And of course, although a fantastic part of your cruise, it is only one day, so other factors may well come higher when choosing which cruise is right for you, i.e. the cruise line, ship, remaining itinerary and of course the price!
So when you book your next cruise, look out for one of these islands on the itinerary and you can judge for yourself who really does own the best private island!
We are camping there for the first time and heard that there are some sites that have NO shade, and want to make sure we avoid that….any help is appreciated?!
Bobby
Most camping equipment stores will have a member of staff that will be more than pleased to serve you and be full of knowledge on camping, outdoor activities and the equipment used.
Hennessey produces a range of superbly designed hammocks for all uses these also come with a shelter design not unlike the Australian Basha. For expert use in all four quarters of the globe Silva is famous for producing a complete range of highly precise compasses. Lowa is a German company that manufactures extremely robust footwear that is used and issued to the German armed forces and other armed forces all over the world. There are a huge range of boots suitable for all outdoor activities, the price range is such that they are affordable for all budgets. Most specialist outdoor stores will stock the above products and most can also be found online through a simple search on any online search engine.
Most staff members at camping equipment stores have a good knowledge on camping, outdoor activities and the equipment used. They are more than happy to advise you on any piece of equipment you are interested in purchasing. However, through experience, most people find online buying more informative with no pressure to buy and all the time in the world to browse through each product in detail. One drawback is that you will not be able to handle the product but all e-commerce outdoor and adventure equipment websites offer a thirty-day money back guarantee or should do anyway by law. When purchasing Camping equipment, you should always treat each piece of kit with the highest respect. For example, you do not want the wrong type of boots or the wrong season sleeping bag; no body likes to be stuck out in the cold with the wrong piece kit but so many of us do it!
When purchasing a sleeping bag, for instance, it is important that you know all the different types before hand, there are more than you think! The same caution should be applied to footwear, tents, cookers, and all your clothing including your under wear. Having the correct equipment for the time of year is vital. Long Johns for the winter, the correct season sleeping bag, a suitable tent, the correct type of boots and outdoor clothing i.e. wet weather jackets and trousers are a must, especially when hiking in a country with variable weather patterns. Most people find camping outdoors a fun and enjoyable experience. Teaching your children the skills of living outdoors and survival can be invaluable in later life. Most good outdoor equipment stores can also provide books and sometimes videos on using outdoor equipment and survival aids. So what are you waiting for? Go outside, have fun and make the best use your camping equipment.
Judy
The Portuguese invaded Lamu in the 1500s and Kenya only became independent in 1963 and until the 19th century slave trade, timber and spice export was Lamu’s economic pillar, now tourism plays a huge role. The beauty of Lamu is that there are presently no cars in the island, every man owns a donkey, the one without is commonly referred to as one.
This enchanting Kenya Island is commonly referred to as the world’s sleepy village, probably the oldest African living town. Lamu has retained its charm and character built over centuries and most recently declared by the United Nations as a world heritage site.
Lamu is amazingly away and forgotten from the modern outside world there is no better place to be if you ‘really’ need to get away. Especially after that Kenya safaris experience.
Children and women sit and play quietly in the narrow street that reminds one of the old Zurich town. All houses have a rooftop which is used as a patio indicative of a society where ‘hanging back’ and ‘catching the breeze’ is very important.
A one hour scheduled flight from Nairobi land you at Manda island then a 10 minutes boat ride gets you to either Lamu town or shella village. Both are very accommodative, the locals will smile and waive to welcome all in coming visitors and the homely feeling immediately sets in.
First class comfortable hotels are spread out thought the island, private three or four bedroom homes are popular to many families or friends wishing to have some privacy, for approx US$ 200 per day, you get a beach front private 3 beadroom house, comes with a cook and cleaner, give it a try at The Banana house.
If you are looking for mid range or budget options, there is plenty to choice from, as almost every traditional storey building is now bed and breakfast hotels.
Kizingo lodge the one of the most fascinating of all, someone should announce to the world that this is one undiscovered romance paradise. A middle aged couple who just spent five night at Kizingo wrote to me saying, ’I’ve promised that if any of the kids ever decide to get married I’ll pay for a fortnight at Kizingo. If you haven’t been there, you should go!’
Located on a 12 kilometer beautifully deserted beach on the southern tip of Lamu or 30 minutes ride from town, this small bare feet rustic lodge has six spacious bandas all lined up on the sea front, actually built on the sandy beach, flush toilets, solar heated fresh water, large verandah with a swinging hammock as just but some of the facilities. - It’s a natural, peaceful beautiful place you will want to wake up from each morning to catch that great sunrise and the annually cerebrated full moon. Swim with dolphins, dive and visit the local village and market place on a bike or just walk it – sa great spot to relax.
From your roof top don’t miss the sunset and the undisturbed dhows sailing into dock as fishermen arrive with loads for fresh fish to be distributed across the island.
If you are caught up in the Maulindi and full moon festivals just get rid of your shoes, dance and sing along - just say what they say, it all means well and again ‘Swahili’ is very polite and the most celebrated language in Africa.
Whist at Lamu also keeps an eye out for the intricately carved wooden doors and lintels for which the island is famous. I bet I saw a foreign couple ship a door back home, yes! They just… DHL I’d it, somehow!
Nancy
Grandpa’s Stories
My Grandpa sat on his rocking chair next to the window. He was enjoying the cool Guyana breeze that extended its grasp from the Atlantic. From the outside, it looked like a prison because of the safety bars that were attached to the window ever since the house was built. But from inside it was a smaller version of heaven. I sat in the hammock across from my grandpa’s chair. I would sit there peacefully with my grandpa. If I was tired (which was almost never) I’d sit still. But if I was normal, the energy that you would get from an average six year would come out. I would push my feet off the old wooden floor and kick off the yellow wall, so I could swing higher each and every time I went up.
Grandpa and I would share laughs and jokes. He would tell me rhymes, stories and my favorites his memories. I would ask him tell the ones that he remembered the most. “Grandpa, Tell me the story! Tell me the story!” I would cautiously slow down the hammock and open my eager ears and anxiously wait for him to start and get to the end. Just so I could laugh until it felt like my stomach was shrinking. I enjoyed that story more that any toy I had or any story that I’ve heard.
To others it was just a story. It would cause a chuckle or a quick smile. Maybe some won’t give a reaction. But I know for me, it was the funniest thing in the world. I would laugh so hard sometimes, I‘d interrupt my mom from her cooking and she would yell at me. I would have to hear that story more than once a day. The peculiar thing was no matter how many times I’ve heard that story; I’d laugh just as hard as I did the first time. It was kind of like a private joke because my grandpa would laugh just as much as I would, each and every time.
I miss being in my old house, and I miss Guyana. I miss my old school and old friends, neighbors and a lot more things. But one thing I miss the most is my grandpa… And I miss hearing him speak. I miss being in the hammock, kicking off those pale yellow wall and listening to my grandpa’s stories. I would give anything- and I mean anything to be there again.
Jamie
Sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures in life that makes us happy, like swinging happily in a hammock at a beach. Why not innovate a little by creating the 3 futon seater swing? A 3 futon seater swing is a futon converted into a swing with the capacity of a 3 seater fit. Currently, if you are looking for one, then perhaps you need to make one yourself. But don’t fret just yet. It’s not as tough to make one as you think!
First you need to get yourself a 3 seater swing. The 3 seater swing you buy must have a 3 Seater Cast Aluminum. This swing frame you purchase must be a true heavy duty garden swing with heavy duty powder coat finish. Make sure that it also has a tilting sunshade and heavy duty sling set and sunshade so it will not fade in the most harsh outdoor climate. This is the your first step and skeleton of your 3 futon seater swing.
Now that you have your 3 seater swing frame. It still isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world. Good can be better. So we look at combining another luxury into our set. The hard part is to find a futon that you can use for cushioning in your brand new 3 seater swing frame. Now don’t be discouraged. After all, it’s just a futon you are looking for to fit the puzzle right? Wrong. There is no place on earth you can find a futon which can fit the size of a 3 seater swing. It just isn’t available.
However, there is alternative. You can find a cushion made with the texture and quality of a futon mattress and then use it as your cushioning for your 3 futon seater swing. Now just head down to a futon store and look for a baby futon. You need to tell the sales person your intention so he or she can have an idea of your 3 futon seater swing project and estimate the best cushion made of futon specifications for your 3 futon seater swing. Ask to see the choices of baby futons. Futons made for babies are of same texture and are not softer or harder than ordinary futons. So all you need is six of them and then you will have your complete fusion of traditional Japanese bedding and 3 seater outdoor garden swing. Your new 3 futon seater swing will be the envy of your neighbors for a very long time!
Pauline
I need to find some items to work with my brother who asperger’s syndrome and sensory problems. The only problem is insurance will not cover any type of these items and my family is very low income.We don’t have a big tree in our yard to hang one from either. He hates park swings he needs the deep pressure more. I’m also looking for maybe a hammock swing, and some other sensory products. Any ideas? I would like to give his some things for christmas if I can find them super low priced or for free.
Courtney
Which is more comfortable? Which holds more weight? I want to get one for my husband. He is quite heavyset and I don’t want it to break…
No AllyBill-
I mean a real Hammock- you know the kind you put in the back yard and you lay in it to sleep. Get your mind out of the gutter.
Victor
I was wondering how many bouncers everyone had for there child. I have 3 for my daughter. One really isnt a bouncer it is just the swing time hammock that she absolutely loves. The other iis the infant papasan seat. And that last one is just a normal bouncer that vibrates with no toys or anything. I was just curious if I have to many and see how many other people had.
She also has a swing that she loves. She is only 8 weeks old right now.
Lois
