Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkWritten by Gregg Strand
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to summit of earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet. Kilauea, world's most active volcano, offers scientists insights on birth of Hawaiian Islands and visitors views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. Over half of park is designated wilderness and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. Visitor Center/Exhibits: Kilauea Visitor Center, located just inside park entrance, offers visitor information and exhibits. Films and videos are shown in auditorium throughout day. Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, located about three miles from park entrance, offers earth science displays and features murals depicting Hawaiian culture. An adjacent overlook offers a panoramic view of Kilauea Caldera and Mauna Loa. Hawaii Natural History Association operates bookstores at both locations with an extensive selection of books, maps, videotapes, slides, and other educational items. Email "havo_hnha@nps.gov" to request a price list. Trails: Hike park trails to experience park's essence and to gain an understanding of natural and cultural history of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Day hikes as well as wilderness trips of several days duration are available.
| | History of travel luggage: From the beginning to today! Written by Christopher Vorelli
Travel luggage is an important part of every traveler’s wardrobe. There are various luggage models, sizes, styles, colors, materials and prices associated with luggage currently on market. There are even vintage and collectible luggage pieces available! Whether you are going to be gone for a day, a month or a year, you will most likely need to help of luggage to keep your items together and organized. Travel luggage is designed for professionals, sportsmen, men, women, kids and even animals! There are a ton of models that can be bought today, but in old days, choices weren’t as plentiful.For as long as man has traveled, there has been a need to take items with them. Christopher Columbus would have carried a trunk/chest that housed his clothing and navigation products. In those days, trunk was most popular form of luggage. Made of woods like oak, pine and cedar, trunks were fashionable and functional. There were even trunks made of animal hides, like deer, horses and even cows. The materials used for these trunks allowed them to last for a long time. Trunks were even accented with ornaments, like locks and nails; making them even more appealing. The majority of trunks made during this time in history have gone on to become family heirlooms and even collector’s items. Though they are still made, trunks have been replaced with suitcases and totes.
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