#national rafting championships

[cuveeblog]

4 Reasons Why a Getaway to the Big Island of Hawai’i Is So Special

The Hawaiian Islands are home to countless remarkable experiences. The Big Island of Hawai’i alone is home to an unrivaled selection of incredible activities. If you could immerse yourself in any of those experiences, which would you choose?

This can be a difficult question to answer. Every corner of Hawai’i brings fresh possibilities. From the beaches to the cuisine, there’s so much to do and see. If you’re looking to make the most of your Hawaiian adventure, start by learning more about some of the best options.

You’ll find a wide variety of activities you can enjoy just steps away from the beachside luxury villa vacation rentals Hawai’i is known for. If you want to immerse yourself in the soul of Hawai’i, add these essential experiences to your itinerary for your next trip.

Bask in the Aromatic Splendor of Kona Coffee

On the western shore of Hawai’i, you’ll find the town of Kailua-Kona. Not far from town, you’ll find a number of renowned Kona coffee farms—all on the gentle volcanic slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. It’s these volcanic slopes, along with the climate, that give Kona coffee its distinctive characteristics.

Imagine a freshly brewed cup of Kona coffee fright from the farm. While you can enjoy a cup of Kona coffee at home, enjoying it at the source is an experience unto itself. It’s not just about the coffee. You get to learn a bit of history, too.

Dive deeper into this history at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. The event is Hawai’i’s oldest food festival, and it’s built on the idea of showcasing the history of Kona coffee, which has been cultivated for over 200 years.

Venture Into the Universe at Mauna Kea Observatory 

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawai’i. On top of this dormant volcano, you’ll find the Mauna Kea Observatory, where you can enjoy some of the best stargazing in the world. It’s the perfect opportunity to get lost in the stars as you and your family. You can spend the evening, from sunset well into the night, taking it all in.

See the Birth of the World at Mauna Loa 

Hawai’i is an island of extremes, and one of those extremes is Mauna Loa. Unlike Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa is an active volcano. Although the volcano isn’t currently erupting, the surrounding Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a stark reminder of the power of Mother Nature.

Mauna Loa last erupted in 2022 and is known for its dramatic plumes of lava. Today, you can explore the park and see what you might call the birth of the world. The lava rock is some of the youngest rock on the planet.

World-Class Golf, Just Steps Away

Hawai’i may be home to all kinds of natural wonders, but it’s also home to world-class golfing. Golfing is a different way to experience the island—and it’s an experience you can indulge in just steps away from your luxury vacation house rentals.

A round of golf on the Hualalai Golf Course, a championship course, can weave together incredible views with incredible weather on a meticulously manicured 18-hole course. The course takes you through coastal vistas to lava beds with plenty of lush greenery in between.

About Cuvée

Enjoy your next escape with Cuvée. They’ve curated a portfolio of extraordinary properties all over the world. From the Hawaiian Islands to the Colorado Rocky Mountains to the Tuscany Region of Italy, you can discover world-class luxury vacation house rentals. Plus, Cuvée offers more than extraordinary properties. They also have a devoted team of Experience Curators at every locale. Do you want to start your next adventure at Cuvée’s Vail luxury rentals? The Cuvée Experience Curators can work with you to craft your ideal Vail itinerary. Whether you want to go fishing in a crips mountain stream, go white water rafting, or set your arrival for winter for some epic skiing, the Cuvée team can make it happen. Awaken your sense of adventure with Cuvée.

Discover all kinds of remarkable experiences in Hawai’i with https://www.cuvee.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/47e2VfG 

[rugbylovers]

Who are the Six Nations rugby captains? Find out who will be leading each side ... #funny #memes #sports #live #tweets #win #twitter #tweet #bet #manchester #rugbymen #rugby union #irish rugby #super rugby

[esoutherngolf]

Sky Valley: Come for the Golf, Stay for the Lifestyle

Sky Valley: Come for the Golf, Stay for the Lifestyle Georgia, often celebrated for its southern charm, lush landscapes, and rich history, is home to a hidden gem that combines natural beauty with an outdoor lover's paradise at Sky Valley. Located at the intersection of the Georgia and North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains between Clayton, Georgia, and Highlands, North Carolina, Sky Valley is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and has pristine mountain terrain featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and phenomenal views. Mud Creek Falls cascades for over 100 feet. Having the distinction of being the highest and northernmost city in Georgia, with an elevation of 4,200 feet, Sky Valley allows you to immerse yourself in nature's grandeur and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The city's centerpiece is the 15,000-square-foot, member-owned Sky Valley Country Club, home to the par-72 championship golf course and two championship croquet lawns. However, there is much more to Sky Valley than just a round of golf or a game of Croquet. In addition to golf and croquet, there are many other activities to discover, such as tennis, pickleball, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, camping, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, bird-watching, and even zip lining. With so many activities to partake in and the year-round mild temperatures, it is no wonder that some call Sky Valley Heaven on Earth! Sky Valley Golf The Signature Par 3, 15th at Sky Valley drops in elevation 60 feet, tee to green. The Sky Valley Golf Course, a part of the Georgia Golf Trail, is strategically situated amid the stunning beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers an intriguing blend of challenge and enjoyment. Designed by architect Bill Watts, the course features 18 holes that cater to players of all skill levels. As players make their way through the course, they are treated to glimpses of lush forests, meandering streams, and an array of vibrant flora and fauna. This harmonious integration of the course with its natural surroundings enhances the golfing experience and fosters a deep appreciation for the environment. Head Pro Steve Heher says, "Sky Valley is a fantastic layout. It's a mountain golf course that winds its way through the valley. It features great views from the elevated tees at the 2nd, 8th, 12th, 15th, and 17th holes. Our signature hole is the par-3 15th, which has a 60-foot elevation drop from tee to green." With a par of 72, the course offers a balanced mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s, ensuring that players must employ a variety of shots and strategies to navigate the terrain. The undulating landscape presents golfers with elevation changes and plateaus, adding an exciting dimension to the game. Sky Valley Croquet The United States Croquet Association recognized Sky Valley Country Club as the 2018 New Club of the Year. The Croquet Lawns blend tradition and nature, offering an atmosphere that promotes leisure and camaraderie. Most days, the lawn is alive with the sounds of players engaged in friendly matches with club members or organized tournaments against teams from neighboring clubs. This elegant pastime provides a great way to socialize and brings people together in a beautiful and engaging way. Players who enjoy a challenge can experience the excitement and competitiveness of golf croquet as they skillfully navigate the wickets with mallets in hand. This increasingly popular variant of the classic game offers a fresh take on the game, making golf croquet a delightful addition to the world of lawn sports. A Mountain-Friendly Lifestyle Sky Valley, Georgia's lifestyle epitomizes a tranquil and close-knit mountain community, offering a harmonious blend of nature-centric living and relaxed charm. Residents and guests enjoy a slower pace of life characterized by breathtaking vistas, fresh mountain air, and a strong sense of community. This community radiates warmth and kindness, strengthening neighborly bonds and lifelong friendships. The sense of camaraderie is evident in local events and gatherings, where residents come together to celebrate festivals, share stories, and create lasting memories. The tight-knit social fabric is a testament to the welcoming nature of the community. The unhurried lifestyle allows you to savor the simple joys of each day and relish in the beautiful surroundings. In Conclusion Sky Valley, Georgia, offers an immersive experience in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the charm of Southern mountain living, where people take the time to care for one another. If you are ready to relax and be rejuvenated, visit Sky Valley, Georgia, where an extraordinary quality of life exists. For more information, please visit skyvalleyga.com or skyvalleycountryclub.com     Read the full article

[azcanyonrafting]

Advantage Grand Canyon

Best Grand Canyon Rafting Trips 2023

Rafting Trips can be as unique and dynamic as any activity you may engage in. They offer a touch of adventure and a remarkable opportunity to experience and appreciate nature in its rawest form. There are places in the river that are not easily accessed by land, but rafting allows you to access these places and have memorable experiences!

Many people have found rafting to be challenging yet relaxing. It is also suitable for strengthening your muscles because you mostly use your upper body to paddle through the water. This exercise helps to tone your muscles, shoulders, back, and arm and even helps you to think and concentrate. This article will discuss what Grand Canyon Rafting Trips 2023 are all about and the best ones you can take, alone or with your family and friends!

What Do Rafting Trips Entail?

Throughout history, people have been rafting on rivers for traveling or fishing purposes. As an outdoor recreational activity, you can go rafting using an inflatable raft or boat to navigate the body of water; if there are rapids, it gets more exciting. While a rafting trip can be considered an extreme sport or even fatal on some rivers, some are seen as more placid. It can also be a form of competitive sports practiced worldwide where a world championship event is held among participating countries, overseen by the International Rafting Federation!

Before this time, individuals went rafting in a 3 to 4.3-meter raft with double-sided paddles. However, in modern times, a white-water rafting trip is made with a multi-person raft and single-sided paddles where a team propels the boat on it. You will find that a professional raft guide guides the team at the stern of the boat; he is the one who controls the speed and navigation of the boat!

You can go alone on a rafting trip for as long as you want. You can go river rafting or with 2 or 3 people; such a trip offers a unique opportunity to bond with friends and family. White water rafting, on the other hand, requires the teamwork of about 8 to 12 persons as long as the boat size permits!

Before going on a rafting trip, you need to know the basics - the necessary equipment, the safety tips, the best time to go for rafting, and especially the places that offer the best experience. But above all, it means a lot of fun for you, your family and your friends!

The Best Rafting Trips Along The Colorado River

We know you want a memorable vacation for your family and friends, so we have listed the best rafting trips you can make in 2023:

Western Grand Canyon River Trips

Upper Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Full Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Motorized Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

Grand Canyon Rafting and a Helicopter Trip

Why You Should Embark On A Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

Learn from and about nature: What better way for you and your kids to learn about nature than by going on a river trip and experiencing living history? Sure, your kids can learn about history from the pages of a book, but nothing beats experiencing it live. Your family will not only see these historical places but also learn about responsible cultural and environmental stewardship and the history of the national park itself!

Creates a bonding atmosphere: The world is so busy that there is hardly time to spend with family, friends, and even nature. Grand Canyon rafting gives you time to do just that. The kids are thrilled with the rapids and will talk about the trip with family and friends for a long time. You will also make truly lasting friendships that are worth it!

It's a good form of exercise: A Grand Canyon trip offers several recreational opportunities- you can go swimming, play in waterfalls, ride the rapids and take hikes. You also get to take as many pictures as you want!

The water: Nearly everyone loves playing with water. The Grand Canyon rafting trip will help you relax and ease stress. The serenity and pure thrill here will have such a tremendous effect on you that you will want to come back so soon!

It boosts confidence: Taming the rapids creates a sense of accomplishment that boosts your self-esteem. You will forget your worries during this trip and focus only on enjoying yourself!

Memories: The memories you share on the Grand Canyon trip are very important, which is why photos and videos of your tour are made available after the tour by the tour company. It could not be easy to take pictures with an oar in your hand, so it is a sweet addition that these companies offer to take them!

Rafting is an amazing experience and can even be the best trip you can ever make. You get to see the Grand Canyon, its side canyons, and nature at its peak. Plan this trip with your friends or family for 2023 and experience exciting challenges, fun, and bonding time. You will find it relaxing, entertaining, healthy, and rewarding because it is an activity you can do with your kids and even your grandparents!

To have your money's worth and still get the full package of the tour, hire a helpful and professional outfitter like Advantage Grand Canyon for bookings, permits, and equipment. Advantage Grand Canyon also gives you information about the best deals and routes, so you have that ideal trip that is both pleasurable and safe. You even get to make new friends on tour. When you return to your everyday life, you will feel refreshed, vitalized, and full of energy!

[discoverkullumanali]

National Rafting Championships in Satluj river from March 23

National Rafting Championships in Satluj river from March 23

The 14th National Rafting Championships will be held in Himachal in Satluj river from March 23 to 27 where 18 teams from different states will vie for the top three places to be able to participate in World Rafting Championships, France. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) is organising the championships at Luhri in Himachal. The national championship is…

[seijorhi]

Home

A/N It’s finally finished!! This is super self indulgent and something I’ve been wanting to write for a long, long time. Anyway, hope you guys like it!

Oikawa Tooru x Female Reader

TW Dub-con, drug use, Stockholm syndrome, unhealthy relationships, nsfw, smut

You watch idly from the balcony of your penthouse suite as the storm rolls through.

It’s pouring torrentially, the night sky lit with flashes of crackling lightning and the thunder rumbling so loudly that you feel the reverberations in your chest. A summer storm to rival the best of them. Furious and violent. It’ll last twenty minutes maybe and then peter off into nothing but a drizzle. 

You don’t get storms like this back home.

The thought leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.

Home. 

The little villa in the valley. Beautiful and airy, set amongst the stunning backdrop of  vineyards and mountains - a breathtaking, gilded cage built just for you. A gift, he’d said, carrying you across the threshold.

When had that become home?

Another fork of lightning cracks through the inky black sky, close enough that you feel the lingering charge of static electricity hanging in the air around you. The night is balmy - pleasant even, despite the storm - but a chill runs through you all the same, goosebumps dotting the bare skin of your arms. You haven’t changed out of the long, teal silk dress he’d chosen for you. The nude Louboutin heels were kicked off somewhere near the door, your pretty necklace and the pins from your hair tossed carelessly aside on the glass table. You’d meant to come back to the room and take a long, calming shower, but somehow you’d found yourself here instead - sitting on the balcony with your arms wrapped loosely around your knees, staring at the city below you.

Buenos Aires. The last time you were here was years ago, and only for a night. Back then it hadn’t been a fancy hotel suite you’d been staying at, but a run down little motel room in downtown. God, you’d been so scared, clinging to him all night, afraid to let him go for even a second.

Some things don’t change, you suppose.

You’d begged for this, but not because you had any real desire to come back to the city you have nothing bad memories of. Not because, as Oikawa had suggested, cooing at you between soft, indulgent kisses, you couldn’t bear to be apart from him, but because the thought of being trapped alone in that house for a week was more than you could take. 

You thought you’d wanted this. 

There were conditions of course. None that had to be spoken, but you understood them well enough. You thought you’d pay anything. Let Oikawa take what he liked, pretend that you wanted it too. Lavish him in love and affection until he was drowning in it. Let him drape himself over you, tug you from event to event never letting you out of his sight.

Anything to get out of that house.

The game had been overwhelming, to say the least. Sitting front row, watching him play, it brought back memories from high school. He was incredible, you’ve known that since the beginning, but to see how he’s grown… volleyball has always been the only thing he’s cared about. Well, volleyball and you.

You still remember that insecure boy you’d fallen in love with, so worried that no matter how hard he tried, he’d forever be in the shadows of geniuses. 

How far you’ve both come.

When that final point was scored and the stadium erupted in a roaring cheers the tears that welled in your eyes hadn’t been of happiness, or nostalgia, but an ache so deep in your heart that it felt like somebody was slowly cleaving you in two. And his eyes had swept across the room to find yours, an elated grin on his face, and suddenly it’d felt like you couldn’t breathe.

Then came the after party. They’d won the national championship - celebrating the end of the season and their landslide victory, well that was a given. And you have beautiful clothes at home, expensive jewellery that would make a lot of women green with envy, but you so rarely get to go out anymore. 

You knew that he wouldn’t let you stray from his side. That every word you spoke would be under careful scrutiny - not that you could speak much Spanish to begin with. 

But you hadn’t cared. 

It was the most freedom he’d given you in years.

Nerves had eaten away at your stomach as you stepped out in the flowing silk number he’d picked just for tonight, but neither that nor the positively wicked glint in Oikawa’s eyes as he gave you a leisurely once over had been enough to dampen the small, excited smile on your face.

The hotel ballroom was filled to the brim with athletes and socialites. The music was loud, hypnotic, the pulse of the beat echoing deep inside of your chest. Champagne was free flowing, and it wasn’t long before champagne turned into liquor shots and whiskey, but with Oikawa’s arm curled snugly around your lower back, you nursed your own drink slowly. 

Getting drunk would’ve been… a bad idea.

He, on the other hand, had no issues knocking back drink after drink as he swept through the room, chatting with whomever seemed to catch his eye. You recognised his teammates of course, a few of their partners, but the rest were veritable strangers. So many people packed so close. After months of isolation, it was disorienting to say the least.

You’d simply stuck by Oikawa’s side, smiling and nodding politely while he’d spoken for the both of you. Yet you could feel the eyes that followed you from across the room. They weren’t malicious - well, you didn’t think they were (these people didn’t know you, so how could they possibly hate you?) - but curious. Ill intentioned or not, the stares hadn’t exactly put you at ease.

Of course Oikawa had noticed.

“Ignore them, cutie,” he’d whispered in your ear, noticing the tense set of your shoulders, the telling flush in your cheek. “Come dance with me.”

And you’d let him tug you into the heaving crowd, pulling you close and letting his hands settle on your hips as the two of you moved in time with the beat. Dancing was probably the wrong word for it, but Oikawa had hardly cared, his lips finding your neck, sucking bruising kisses into the tender skin while you tried to lose yourself to the music.

It was what you’d wanted. A night of freedom, of drinking and dancing and other people - a reprieve from the oppressive isolation of home.

Now that you had it at your fingertips… it felt wrong. 

Stifling. 

But you’d held it together just fine until Oikawa had winked and slipped from your side to visit the men’s room. 

Without the safety of his presence to cling to, all of a sudden you’d floundered.

Like a tidal wave you couldn’t stop all of that panic and unease that had been eating away at you bit by bit over the past few days of this trip rose up and crashed over you, obliterating any semblance of control you had. 

It was all too much. 

The stares, the music, the drinking, the raucous chatter. The room was too hot and there were too many people, all of them strangers, and you’d felt so out of place, not just because you were foreign but because you didn’t belong here, and as tears had started welling up in your eyes and you’d squeezed them shut, all you could think about was that you so desperately wanted to be home.

Strong, familiar arms had enveloped you a split second later and you hated yourself for the sigh of relief you breathed as you’d all but collapsed against him.

You hadn’t fought it when he’d pulled back just far enough to kiss you. Not a chaste peck, but a searing, open mouthed affair that had you breathless, flushed and dizzy. You could taste the mint and tequila on his tongue, the familiar taste of him beneath that. You’d clung to it like a life raft, letting it centre you, calm your racing heart. 

When he’d broken it, he’d stared at you for a long moment, his thumb easing over the apple of your cheek, taking with it the stray tear that had spilled. “It’s too much, isn’t it?” he’d surmised, and wordlessly, you’d nodded.

Oikawa had just sighed, letting you clutch at his jacket as he stroked your back soothingly. “Do you want to leave, baby? Go back upstairs to the room?” 

And you might have believed the worry leaching into his tone if not for the sick satisfaction glinting in those deep brown eyes, hiding behind the concerned veneer he’d perfected so well. But like a cat toying with its prey, even he couldn’t hide the faint hint of a smirk that had curled across his lips as the hand on your lower back dipped, coming to rest on the curve of your ass.

All that relief you’d felt quickly turned cold and bitter in your stomach.

As if you’d been stung, you yanked yourself free from his grip. “Don’t touch me,” you’d hissed, glaring up at him before stalking for the wide double doors.

And he’d watched you go, amusement dancing across his pretty face.

Thunder rumbles, and you rub absentmindedly at your bare arms. You have no one and nothing but him, he’s done everything in his power to make damn sure of it. You can’t remember the last time you spoke to your parents, your old friends from high school have long since given up on trying to reach out to you. 

He was gone for a few fucking minutes and you-

You fell apart.

Completely.

Utterly.

When you’d shut your eyes, it hadn’t been the villa in San Juan you’d thought of, or the old apartment you’d lived in with your family back in Miyagi - you’d thought of chestnut brown eyes and the warmth of his chest pressed up against your back in the early hours of the morning. You’d thought of lazy kisses, the soft, indulgent smile he’d grace you with when he came home every night. 

You’d thought of him. 

While you sit, curled up on the balcony like a frightened child, the storm around you continues to rage around you. 

You should hate him. 

You do hate him.

He’s a selfish, arrogant piece of shit who dragged you thousands of miles away from your home to a foreign country and locked you away from the world because he believed his love for you was more important than whatever fucking dreams you might have had.

And you’d been blind and stupid and young and you’d let him.

You’d let Oikawa take and take and take until he was the only thing you had left. 

It’s your own fault as much as it is his, you suppose. If you hadn’t been so naive, so trusting of the boy you loved, maybe you might have noticed the monster hiding beneath Oikawa’s pretty smiles and prettier word sooner.

Not that it matters anymore. You are where you are - there’s no chain around your ankle, nothing stopping you from walking out that door and not looking back. 

You could leave, if you really wanted to.

But where would you go?

Your passport is back home, hundreds of miles away, locked away in a safe protected by a combination you don’t know. And even if it wasn’t, you’d had to give up your citizenship when you’d both become naturalised here. You can’t just fly back to Japan and try to pick up where you left off all those years ago. 

That life doesn’t exist anymore.

You have no money of your own. You could try and pawn your jewellery, the glittering diamond wedding bands and the necklace he’d gifted you earlier, but how far would that money take you? What are you supposed to do when it runs dry? Find a job? It should be easy when you have no skills, no experience and you can’t speak the language.

You don’t have friends or family here, nobody to shelter you while you figured everything out. It’s not safe for you to be out there on your own. You have no home but the one he’s given you.

You’re the wife of Oikawa Tooru, starting setter for the national volleyball team. You can’t just up and disappear into thin air here.

And you know deep in your heart that even if you try, he won’t ever let you. Oikawa would follow you to the ends of the earth if only to drag you back with him.

Amidst the pouring rain and the rumbling thunder, you don’t hear the door to your hotel room open, nor the sound of your husband shedding his jacket and tie, tossing them carelessly over the loveseat as he approaches.

“Did you enjoy yourself tonight, baby?” he croons, coming up to lean over the back of your seat. 

Swallowing tersely, you opt to ignore him. 

He hums lightly, unperturbed by your silence and continues, “I certainly did, though I would have preferred it if my lovely wife hadn’t abandoned me halfway though.”

You’re intent on ignoring him and the pouting tone, but long, pale fingers coax your head back. Dark, glittering eyes meet yours, irises almost swallowed by dilated pupils. His nose twitches, a telling little sniffle as he grins widely down at you.

Your heart lurches, “Tooru, what-”

He’s quick to silence any protests with a kiss, his tongue greedily sliding between your parted lips. 

You could fight it. You have before - kicking and screaming, lashing out with sharp nails and biting insults - except you both know how that ends. Tooru always gets what he wants in the end.

You’re tired.

So fucking tired. 

His hand, warm and eager slides down the column of your throat, dipping under the low silk neckline of your dress to cup your breast as he circles around you. 

He’s usually a talker whenever he’s trying to fuck you, but as your husband stares at you with those dilated eyes, breathing deeply, all he offers is a surprisingly husky, “Beautiful.”

Even after all that’s happened between you two, it never fails to make your cheeks warm.

He wastes no time in dropping to his knees and prying your legs apart so that he can settle between them. Your dress is in the way so he grabs at the hem and yanks, ignoring your indignant protests as the silk fabric gives all too easily.

“I’ll buy you another,” he mutters distractedly, and your black lace panties (another gift) follow suit. 

You’re not given a moment's reprieve before your calves are thrown over his broad shoulders and Oikawa’s tongue is delving between your warm folds.

Lightning flashes overhead as your back arches up and your hands find purchase in his soft brunette locks. It’s not particularly refined, the way he eats you out, alternating between long, teasing strokes along your pussy and toying with your clit - sucking on it, letting the tip of his tongue flick across the sensitive bud until you’re squirming beneath him - before finally giving you what you want. When his tongue slips into the warm, slick walls of your cunt you can’t help the breathy moan that leaves your lips.

And when he starts to fuck you with it, your hands tighten in his hair and you jerk him closer, hips bucking up to meet his fervent touch. But it’s the sight of those hungry eyes, staring intently up at you from between your thighs as you moan and writhe that pushes you over the edge entirely, cumming with a cry that’s swallowed by the storm still raging around you.

He doesn’t let up for a moment, his grip on your thighs tightening (there’ll definitely be bruises tomorrow) and lapping at your juices while you ride out your orgasm on his face.

But you’re not so naive to think that it’s over as he pulls away, wiping off the spit and slick shining on his jaw with the back of his hand. Neither of you say anything as he gently pulls you to your feet, discarding the ruined remains of your dress without a care.

He fucks you on the balcony, your back pushed up against the wall, your legs wrapped around his waist. You tune out the breathless, adoring whispers and moans at your ear, losing yourself entirely to the sensation of his cock stretching you out so deliciously, the way each stabbing thrust hit that perfect spot deep inside of you.

It’s easy to pretend that it’s only physical when he’s like this. 

With your head thrown back, eyes squeezed shut and your bottom lip caught between your teeth you cum for the second time around his cock. He follows a split second later, choking out your name like a prayer.

“I love you,” he gasps, stealing your lips once more.

It’s hours later, after the storm has passed and you’re lying exhausted and entwined in bed, your head resting against his bare chest that you begin to wonder when exactly Oikawa had become home for you.

[collettcreekcabin]

Fun with Adventure this Vacation in Andrews NC

Faith can move mountains and every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. With this moto many tourists and visitors come to Nantahala National Forest to hike in some of amazing terrain of the Great Rocky Mountain, Whiteside Mountain, Wayah Bald, Panthertown Valley, and Appalachian trails. Hiking become more interesting when you encounter the naturally occurring streams, waterfalls, and mesmerizing landscape. Mountain offers tranquility and vibes of positive energy as soon as you feel the cool breeze flowing directly from the wood. Camping is another adventure activity which brings you the peace and much needed inner satisfaction to come over any hurdle. Full-featured campgrounds in the Nantahala National Forest are located near rivers, lake, and naturally occurring streams. Some of the campgrounds include Fires Creek, The Snowbird Area, Chain of Lakes, Horse Cove Campground area, Rattler Ford Group, Hanging Dog Recreation area, Cheoah Point Recreation area, and Cable Cove Recreation area. Safe and clean cabins rental in Andrews NC is also popular among tourists as well as locals. The other reason why this rental cabin is popular is the warm and friendly nature of the owner.

White water river rafting is must do activity in the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. There are class-2 and class-3 rapids, that will amaze you and it’s perfectly safe for kids too. Nantahala River Gorge also holds the freestyle Kayaking World Championships.  The Nantahala Outdoor Centre offers variety of river trips and fun and adventure. There is lot for Fisherman’s in Nantahala, with Chattanooga River, the Upper Nantahala River, Standing Indian’s Kimsey Creek and Park Creek are some the fishing location. Vacationing in Nantahala National Forest is great for family or as a romantic getaway. Apart from things to do and must visit places you have Andrews NC Cabins Rentals by Owner to stay stress-free in healthy environment of Nantahala. These cabin rentals by the owner are fully furnished with fully operational kitchen. This mountain facing cabin are luxurious and are available at an attractive price, including all modern day amenities and facilities.

[falgunx]

Top 10 places for river rafting in the world | Best places for river rafting in the world

1. Zambezi River, Zambia

Why :-

The Zambezi is the 4th largest river on the African continent and it flows across 6 countries in Southern Africa.

It is also Called southern Africa’s ‘River of Life’ and ‘Slam-bezi’.

The section below the 110 meter Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe, provides some of the most exhilarating whitewater rafting in solid class 4 and 5 rapids.

The Zambezi is a true river-rafting adventure where river and wilderness give you a thrilling experience.

Rafting in the Zambezi gives you adrenaline-filled adventure for the skillful rafters as almost half of the river’s rapids are Class IV grades.

It is Africa’s best and most powerful whitewater river-rafting destination where the magnificent view of Victoria Falls and wildlife around it are just superb.

Each rapid’s strong and powerful water flow create huge thunder that are among the most thrilling whitewater experiences for rafting enthusiasts anywhere on planet Earth.

The 15-mile long heavy flow of waters with 23 rapids, where rafters deal with short, 2km long stretches of technically hard rapids, big holes, and backdrops.

You will pass through the most famous rapids like the Gnashing Jaws of Death, Washing Machine, Stairway to Heaven, Ghostrider, and Oblivion.

Where :-

Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, Zambia, Africa

When :-

Best Season - Summer, Fall

Best Time - June to March

How much :-

Price starts from $125 USD (Approx.)

More Info

2. Colorado River, USA

Why :-

One of the most amazing river for rafting is the awestruck Colorado River which runs through the Grand Canyon.

It’s truly an epic whitewater rafting that has massive rapids (the largest Class V rapids in the U.S), Big waves, big holes, steep walls of the Grand Canyon gorge, and eye-catching landscapes.

Grand Canyon Rafting is a must be on the list of every adventurer who wants challenging excitement.

Imagine this, rafting the Colorado River (277 miles) stretched through 5 National Parks, and a perfect combination of 6 National Monuments, Conservation & recreational spots, and State Parks, isn’t it the most exhilarating river in the world?!!

You can also do amazing camping near the river to relax in the warm sun and enjoy breathtaking scenery and after your rafting session gets over and can gaze the star-studded sky in the night.

Where :-

Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

When :-

Best Season - Summer

Best Time - From May to August

How much :-

Price starts from $65 USD (Approx.)

More Info

3. Middle Fork, Salmon River, USA

Why :-

Any list would be incomplete without its mention, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a well-known and classic river of North America for river rafting.

The free-flowing river drops from 3000 feet and runs 160 km where you can enjoy 100 exciting Class III and intense IV rapids.

Apart from the thrilling feel of rafting, you can also explore the crystal clear whitewater, the unforgettable scenery of the mountains, dramatic gorges, rolling hills, dense forest, and abundant wilderness.

On your multi-day trip, you can also do exciting activities like hiking, visiting caves with historical paintings, fishing in clear alpine water, relaxing in natural hot springs, and of course, camping in green fields along the river.

Where :-

Middle Fork, Salmon River, Idaho, USA

When :-

Best Season - Summer

Best Time - From May to August

How much :-

Price starts from $65 USD (Approx.)

More Info

4. Futaleufú River, Chile

Why :-

The Latin American masterpiece, Futaleufú river (known as Fu) plunges from the glacier peaks of the Andes mountains of Chile’s Patagonia.

You will find the world-famous continuous class II, III, and high-grade class V rapids that going to make you feel on cloud 9.

It’s a perfect combination of adventure, river, landscapes, and culture.

Snow-streaked volcanoes, lush green rainforests, and more than 47 rapids in turquoise champagne makes it an outstanding river for adventure seekers.

Along with the river, your eyes will stick on the incredible mountain terrain of alpine called ‘a landscape painted by god’ by the local people.

Feel the surrounding by doing leisure activities like relaxing in hot tubs, horseback ride, campfire, biking, fishing, yoga, hiking, and so on.

Where :-

Futaleufú River, Chile

When :-

Best Season - Summer

Best Time - From December to March

How much :-

Price starts from $50 USD (Approx.)

More Info

5. Magpie River, Canada

Why :-

The Canadian natural jewel, Magpie River starts from Magpie Lake which is in the remote pine forests of eastern Quebec.

You can reach Magpie lake by boat plane to begin your adventurous rafting journey.

Magpie Falls makes your rafting more challenging as they create Class IV & V rapids that make you feel like riding a bull.

Are you a fan of Northern lights? if yes, do stunning camping at the shore of the Magpie and spend a night in the field where you will be mesmerized by the dreamy view of these glorious skylights.

To enjoy full of the liveness of riverbank, you can also hands-on kayaking, fishing, photography, good food and drink.

Where :-

Magpie River, Quebec, Canada

When :-

Best Season - Summer

Best Time - From June to September

How much :-

Price starts from $400 USD (Approx.)

More Info

6. Tara River, Montenegro

Why :-

The scenic Tara River is part of Durmitor National Park and runs along with the Montenegro border.

It is also called the “Grand Canyon of Europe” and “the Tears of Europe”.

It runs through ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ labeled canyon which is longest in entire Europe and 2nd longest and deepest in the world.

This river hosted IRF World Rafting Championship in 2009.

Anyone can get dazzled by the miraculous sky-blue color of the water which is also the largest clean water source in Europe.

The feeling of fresh air mountain and adrenaline rush in your body will pump you for this adventure

The world-renown section for rafting is between Brstanovica and Scepan where water flows like a flood

Anyone who rafts this river is charmed by the not-seen before scenic beauty of the picturesque landscape of Montenegro and Bosnia.

Your mind will be blown by rafting on its 18 km route with 50+ various rapids ranging from Class III to V.

Apart from river rafting at Tara river, you can also try horse riding, canyoning, hiking, safari, cave exploration, and many other excursions.

Where :-

Tara River, Montenegro

When :-

Best Season - Summer

Best Time - From May to September

How much :-

Price starts from $60 USD (Approx.)

7. Río Upano, Ecuador

Why :-

The amazing Rio Upano river starts in the small town of Macas in the far west of the Amazon basin, stretched 60 km with a lot of wonders, and meets the giant Amazon river in the end.

Full of action rafting in the river runs between highly remoted luscious rainforest, tapered canyons, wilderness, and wonderful sights.

Action-packed rafting where you will have Class III rapids give you plenty of fun-filled roller coaster rides.

At Namangosa Gorge where you can experience exciting class IV rapids.

It is called the ‘River of Sacred waterfalls’ as you will be stunned by the striking waterfalls running down from the high rocks and crashing into Rio Upano.

You will most likely come across wildlife such as iridescent butterflies, toucans, oropendolas, and egrets.

You can get invaluable ideas about the jungle by doing camping and trailing near to the river.

You can also find out more about the culture of the indigenous tribe of Shaur by staying with them at traditional palm-thatched houses near the river.

Where :-

Rio Upano, Ecuador

When :-

Best Season - Summer

Best Time - From October to February

How much :-

Price starts from $275 USD (Approx.)

More Info

8. Noce River, Italy

Why :-

Noce River is one of the best places to take river rafting adventure trips in entire Europe.

It starts from the Alpine glaciers of Dolomites mountains and runs down torrents of icy blue waters through Val di Sole (Sun Valley) and the wilderness of northern Italy.

This 26 km stretch of the Noce river is just an amazing experience as you float through the strong currents and surpass the rapids, it’s one of the must-do things in Italy.

Every Rafter, you can expect roaring sounds of rapids which are extreme Class IV and V levels while passing through the gorges of Mostizzolo and Alpine terrains.

The water force is moderated class III level between Fucine to Mezzana, and Piano to Dimaro.

Where :-

Noce River, Trentino, Italy

When :-

Best Season - Summer

Best Time - From June to September

How much :-

Price starts from $50 USD (Approx.)

More Info

9. Sun Kosi River, Nepal

Why :-

Sun Kosi River (River of Gold) flows from the highest peaks of the Himalayas.

It passes through the lush green hills and jungle near the Tibetian border and meets the Ganges river in the plains close to the Indian border.

Raft through the 270 km stretched river along with thick tropical jungle, high canyons, hill views, waterfalls, jungle, temples, suspension bridges, and many more.

On the white beaches, you can spend time relaxing and watching the surreal landscape having Asian foods and drinks.

The river flows through narrow gorges where it has class III rapids initially to adjust yourself to the flow and then further lots of class V bouncy rapids which is the quite challenging part for adventure rafters.

Where :-

Sun Kosi River, Nepal

When :-

Best Season - Spring, Fall

Best Time - (From March to May - From September to November)

How much :-

Price starts from $100 USD (Approx.)

More Info

10. North Johnstone River, Australia

Why :-

The scenic and wild North Johnstone River runs through the Palmerston National Park in northern Queensland of Australia.

The river is famous for its astounding volume of water and force that come from heavy rainfall.

While rafting, you can also explore the volcanic gorges, rainforests, clandestine aboriginal caves, cicadia palms.

It has innumerable whitewater rapids of Class IV and V level making rafting more challenging and takes almost 4 to 6 days on an 80 km long course.

Well-known for its splendid rapids such as the Berlin Wall, Black Ass Fall, Mordor, Mineshaft, and Snake Falls.

In the daytime, wildlife sightings include bird spiders, water dragons, saltwater crocodiles, pythons, egrets, and so on.

At night, you will be amazed by watching luminous fungi and fireflies that lighting up the canyon rocks and trees.

You can reach the river by helicopter only as it is in a highly remote area.

Where :-

North Johnstone River, Queensland, Australia

When :-

Best Season - Fall, Winter

Best Time - From April to June

How much :-

Price starts from $70 USD (Approx.)

More Info

[itcars]

First Look: The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA

Alfa Romeo boasts a unique history and, on 24 June, it will have been in business for 110 years, during which its engineers and designers have relentlessly pursued innovation. Over the years, this combination has created some of the most iconic vehicles ever built, and to mark its 110th birthday, Alfa Romeo will pay tribute to one of its most emblematic vehicles: Giulia GTA.

Available in two versions, the Giulia GTA with four seats and the Giulia GTAm with two race seats, roll-bar and six-point harness, they will both feature the 2.9-litre V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine producing 540hp along with a raft of weight saving solutions to remain true to the ethos of the original 1965 model.

Specific technical features and functional style On the Giulia GTA, the Alfa Romeo engineers have worked to improve the aerodynamics and handling but above all to reduce the weight. The active aerodynamics were specifically studied to increase the downforce. These solutions contain technical know-how that comes directly from Formula 1, thanks to the synergy with Sauber Engineering and the use of the Sauber Aerokit. The same task is assigned to the side skirts, the specific rear spoiler and the active front splitter.

The titanium Akrapovič central exhaust system, integrated in the carbon fiber rear diffuser, is also new, as are the 20-inch center lock wheels. Handling at high speeds has been improved by widening the front and rear wheel tracks by 50mm and developing a new set of springs, shock absorbers and bushings for the suspension systems.

On the GTAm, the aerodynamic front has been optimized by adding a larger front splitter and a real carbon-fiber rear wing, which ensure a perfectly balanced load at high speeds. In terms of performance, the Alfa Romeo 2.9-liter V6 Bi-Turbo engine, made entirely of aluminium and capable of unleashing no less than 510hp in the standard configuration, reaches an output of 540hp in the Giulia GTA thanks to the meticulous development and calibration work of the Alfa Romeo engineers. A new Akrapovič central exhaust system, in titanium and gives the car an unmistakable sound.

An Alcantara trimmed dashboard, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars and the central trim on the seats, characterize the interior. Alcantara® is used even more extensively in the GTAm version, where the rear bench has been removed, leaving room for a fully upholstered ‘basin’, with specific mouldings designed to hold helmets and a fire extinguisher. The new matte carbon-fiber inserts give the interior a distinctive technical and aesthetic elegance. In the new GTAm, the interior is unique in that it features a roll-bar, no door panels or rear seats and the door is opened with a belt in place of the handle, another touch inspired by the racing world.

An excellent power-to-weight ratio Power on its own is not enough to ensure extraordinary performance. The work done to reduce the vehicle weight has been meticulous, with the total weight reduction amounting to 100kg. To achieve this the GTA uses lightweight materials such as carbon fiber for the drive shaft, bonnet, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches and rear wheel arch inserts and the shell of the sports seats with six-point Sabelt seat belts in the GTAm. Aluminium has been used in the engine, doors and suspension systems and various other composite materials have been used throughout.

In the GTAm, Lexan – a unique polycarbonate resin which comes straight from the world of motorsport – has been used in the side and rear window frames, further contributing to the weight reduction. The result is a weight of around 1,520kg which, combined with the increase in output to 540hp, brings the power-to-weight ratio to 2.82 kg/hp, making the Giulia GTAm capable of delivering extraordinary performance. Its acceleration from zero to 62mph, with the Launch Control system, is just 3.6 seconds. The Giulia GTAm is a two-seater configuration that is road legal, with front splitter and larger visible rear wing in carbon.

In the GTA trim, with the same output, the Giulia offers four seats, no rear roll-bar, a spoiler and splitter optimized for daily use and the same door panels, seats and windows as those of the Giulia Quadrifoglio. The result is a veritable supercar for everyday use.

A privilege for 500 lucky customers The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and its extreme version, the Giulia GTAm, will be built in a limited edition of only 500 units in total, all numbered and certified and ready to take up their place alongside their 1965 forerunner as one of the most sought-after collector’s items. They are not only magnificent to look at, they are also ready to unleash their impressive power on the road, usable thanks to a series of sophisticated technical solutions.

An exclusive dedicated customer experience, designed to treat the 500 lucky owners to a unique experience that is 100% Alfa Romeo will come as standard. The owners will receive a personalized experience package, which includes a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, a full racing set by Alpinestars (race suit, gloves and shoes) and a personalized Goodwool car cover for protecting their GTA or GTAm. Customers can also take part in a specific driving course devised by the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.

A set of initials with a legendary feel: GTA The acronym GTA stands for ‘Gran Turismo Alleggerita’ (alleggerita being the Italian term for “lightened”), and it originated in 1965 with the Giulia Sprint GTA, a specific version derived from the Sprint GT. The body of the Giulia Sprint GT was replaced with an identical version in aluminium, giving a total weight of 745kg compared to the 950kg of the road version.

A second variation concerned the 1,570cm3 twin-cam engine which, in the road configuration, reached an impressive output of 115hp and in the GTA it developed a maximum output of 170hp thanks to the Autodelta technicians from the Alfa Romeo race team. The model’s success in competitions was then immediate: three consecutive ‘Challenge Europeo Marche’, tens of national championships and hundreds of individual races in every part of the world. The Giulia Sprint GTA expressed the claim “A victory a day in your everyday car” to perfection. From then on, the GTA made a name for itself as the undisputed icon of Alfa Romeo sportiness.

[dbapm1-blog]

Israel tours by Israel experts

Israel is a small country and it offers many diverse touring and recreation destinations, from the snow-capped Mount Hermon and the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel to Jerusalem's wailing wall and the cave of wonders to the Negev desert, Bedouin villages and to Eilat in the south. Here you will find a collection of tours, hikes, sporting events and outdoor group activities that will introduce you to the land of milk and honey.

 Northern Israel tour destinations

Mid Israel touring

Jerusalem & The area tours

Southern Israel tours

Across Israel

 Southern Israel tours:

Dashing through the Sand

Glide down the Dunes in the Negev Desert  

For some they are the paradigm of barren terrain, last remnants of an unspoiled landscape. For others, they are yet another challenge to conquer. “Ski” down giant sand dunes, with either skis or a board, without heavy gear and without adverse weather conditions. This exhilarating experience suits kids over the age of two as well as adults.

 A Geological Wonder

A breathtaking Experience for Desert Lovers

The Ramon Crater in the Negev desert is Israel’s largest national park and one of its most breathtaking natural phenomena. Stand with a view of the crater, whose beauty and massive size inspires us to think about the vastness around us. At night you can gaze at a rain of stars under the clear desert sky. This is an amazing place for meditation, hiking or jeeping.

 Dolphin's in Eilat

Meet the Eilat Dolphins in Their Natural Habitat

The Dolphin Reef in Eilat is a relaxing experience it holds no performances. Instead, a calm and relaxing atmosphere surrounds you while watching the dolphins swim and play in their natural habitat. You can stay for hours and enjoy dolphin watching from special rafts or even swim near the beach, where the dolphins live, and view them up close. If they choose to, the dolphins can interact with the people in the water and may even join you for a playful swim. This is an outstanding experience for kids, interaction with the Dolphins will engrave a memory for a life time.

 Birding in the Desert

Watch Raptors at Ramat HaNegev Birding Center

Israel is known as being one of the unique places in the world to witness and experience bird migration, with the southern Ramat HaNegev Birding Center specializing in desert birds and wildlife. We invite you to visit the center, which monitors local keystone species populations and offers birding education and tours throughout the year. An interesting fact is that the proceeds of the birding tours go to bird conservation!

 Gardening in the Desert

Walk the shoes of a Community Gardener for a Day in the Negev Desert

Community gardens are a fun and satisfying way to connect to people and the environment in an urban setting, which explains why they became such a trendy pastime in many cities in Israel and around the world. Israel Experts invite you to volunteer in a community garden in Be'er Sheva, The Negev Capital that serves underprivileged minority groups.  You'll be amazed at how much can grow in a small space at extreme conditions.

 Ultimate Desert Survivor

Have you got navigation skills? Stamina and Leadership Abilities in the Negev Desert

Travel to the Negev Desert in southern Israel for an exciting Survivor experience in the Desert. The day will challenge your troubleshooting skills, problem solving technics and train you to think in new and creative ways. You will be able to accomplish things that you never thought possible in the most magnificent setting imaginable, Be an ultimate Israeli version Bear Grylls for a day (without the drinking capabilities)!

 Meet the Bedouin

Experience a Bedouin Village and Meet Its People

The Bedouin village of Hura runs several community projects, empowering its residents in various fields. Israel Tours invite you to visit the village, in the Negev desert in Southern Israel, and meet its mayor. While there, you will join the students who work on a building project in the community, break bread with them and discuss local issues and the unique problem solving while absorbing local mind set.

 Hebrew Gospel

Introduction to the Community of the “African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem”

Meet the Hebrews of Dimona, a small community of African-American descent, who believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites. Visit the city of Dimona in southern Israel to hear about the community’s unique journey to the Promised Land and enjoy a remarkable Gospel concert.

 Starting Anew

Visit a Town That Is All about New Beginnings

The town of Yeruham, in the Negev Desert, is home to people from diverse communities and backgrounds. We invite you to meet its people and hear their stories in a special panel. The elderly residents will tell stories of immigrating in the 1950s and how they were forced to settle in that area by Zionist settlement groups, while the young will talk about their decision to return and raise their life as families in their hometown with that enjoy a delightful local Jewish-Arab spicy food .

 Mid:

The Man Who Put Israel on the Map

Meet One of Israel's Greatest Athletes Turned Statesman and Philanthropist

Tal Brody changed the way basketball was played in Israel and turned Maccabi Tel Aviv into a world-class team. Tal Engraved the phrase: "We are on the map! And we are staying on the map – not only in sports, but in everything.", Today Tal is Israel's International Goodwill Ambassador, traveling around the globe introducing various audiences to Israel’s culture, sports and everyday life. Join Tal for a visit to one of the projects he founded to help at-risk youth become involved in basketball.

 Israel Tours to Israeli Olympic Gold

Meet Members of Israel's Renowned Paralympic Team

Over the years Israel became a Paralympic powerhouse, winning a total of 123 gold medals in the Paralympic Games over the years, Zipora Rubin-Rosenbaum with 15 gold medals and Uri Bergman with 12. Have a talk with Inbal Pezaro, a paraplegic Israeli swimmer who won 4 silver medals at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, and other outstanding Israeli athletes whose goal is to triumph over their physical disabilities and represent Israel in competitions around the globe.

 Sailing against the Wind

Join Israel Experts to an Inspirational Cruise with a Group of Extraordinary Sailors

Set sailing with people with physical disabilities. Whether disabled from birth or as a result of accidents or military service, members of this group do not know the meaning of “giving up” and are committed to living their lives to the fullest. During this adventurous encounter they will teach you how to make the best of your abilities and inspire you to do the (seemingly) impossible.

Water Sports in the Mediterranean shores

Israel Is a Water Sports Nation, Come and Join the Fun!

Israelis love water sports, especially beach-matka play which only makes sense considering we have beach areas on both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Our windsurfers and kitesurfers regularly win Olympic and World championships. Israel Experts invite you to try Stand-up Paddle Surfing (SUP), which is a Hawaiian style surfing method that became very popular in Israel in recent years.

 Surf Power

Helping Disadvantaged Teens Catch a Wave to a Better Life

In surfing, falling off your board means it’s time to get back on and give it another try. HaGal Sheli, which means “My Wave” in Hebrew is a social enterprise that uses surfing to teach life skills to youth at-risk and boost their self-esteem. Making the Mediterranean Sea as a classroom, the youth experience personal empowerment and learn to never give up on themselves but instead, how to fall and get back up again.

 Home Away from Home

Meet Refugees and Immigrants Living in Israel  

The neighborhoods of Southern Tel Aviv are home to large numbers of refugees both legal and illegal migrant workers. Tour to the neighborhoods and learn about the lives and dreams of non-Jewish people who come to Israel in attempt to improve their lives creating a better lasting life for their children.

 Shalom Gay Tel Aviv

Attend a Panel of LGBT Activists

Tel Aviv is recognized globally as one of the world's cultural open-minded cities. The city is home to a world renowned annual Gay Pride celebration as well as to numerous gay and queer establishments and community centers. Israel Experts invites you to Tour Tel-Aviv with them and attend a panel with representatives of the Israeli LGBT community and hear about their experiences as gays living in the harsh hot Middle East.

Diversity and the City

Tour the City of Ramla Where Jews and Arabs Live Side by Side

Ramla, which means god is great above is a city in central Israel, where religious, secular Arabs and Jews from various ethnic origins live together. Israel Experts tours invite you to travel and learn about Ramla's incredible history, take a walking tour in its famous market, eat a mouthwatering "Fricassee" which is a Tunisian Fry Bread Sandwich filled with Tuna fish and salads and hear about the amazing community initiatives that are changing the face of the city.

 On the Waterfront

Tour to a Beachfront Arab-Israeli Town and Meet Its Residents

The Arab-Israeli town of Jisr az-Zarqa has a long history of coexistence with the neighboring Jewish cities. Today the town, located north of Caesarea at the northern coast of the Mediterranean, is engaged in improving its residents standard of living and promoting environmental tourism. Tour Jisr az-Zarqa, meet its people, learn about their development plans. Tour to the beautiful Caesarea National Park and the beachfront Apollonia National Park

 Free Access to Play

Creating a Playground That Welcomes All Children  

Touring Israel with Israel Experts will unveil parks and playgrounds that are fully accessible to all children, regardless of their specific abilities and disabilities. Travel to one such park, in Ra'anana, a city in the center of the Sharon Plain, and learn about the specially designed equipment, while seeing first-hand how it changes the lives of the children who benefit from it.

  Jerusalem area

 Faith and Heritage tour to The Christian Quarter of Jerusalem

Explore the Middle Eastern Impact on Christianity

Between the religious landmarks and narrow alleys of the Christian Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem lies a history of bilateral influences between local traditions and Christianity. Join Israel Experts for a walking tour of the quarter and learn about the religious and cultural interface of the Middle East with Western Christianity.

 Let the Sunshine In

Take an Israel Tours to a City Where Radically Different Jewish Movements Struggle to Coexist  

The city of Beit Shemesh, “House of the Sun” in Hebrew has recently become known for the many clashes between its secular, Modern-Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox communities. Meet its residents and hear about their difficulties and about the initiatives taken by the community to bridge their differences.

 Cave of Wonders

Travel to a Magnificent Wonderland of Stalactites and Stalagmites

Tread carefully between the Stalactites and Stalagmites in the Soreq Cave in the Judean Hills. Witness the beautiful formations formed by rainwater penetrating through the cave roof and dripping from its ceiling and meet the shady characters who make the cave their home. Some of the stalactites here are 300,000 years old!

 Cultural Harmonies

Arab and Jewish Musicians Jam Together in Jerusalem

Nationality and religion should not matter when it comes to music. That is the shared belief of Arab-Israeli singer, Lubna Salame, and the Jewish Yemen Blues band. United by their passion for music, they created a group performance combining traditional Arab music and ancient Jewish-Yemenite melodies with modern funk influences. Travel with us to Jerusalem to meet the musicians and see them perform. Remember to bring your dancing shoes!

 Beyond Belief

A Unique Bible Class Aimed at Christians Touring Israel

Participate in a seminar held by the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation in Efrat. Study the Bible together with Orthodox-Jewish leaders, who will broaden your understanding of Judaism and share your own interpretation of the Old Testament.

 The Light of Youth

A Craft Workshop Promoting Collaboration between Young Jews and Arabs

Travel to Jerusalem to join a candle making workshop with Arab and Israeli teens. Learn to make candles while acquainting yourself with the teamwork involved, relating teens from different religions and background to one another.

  North

 Mother Nature’s Waterpark

A Natural Park of Spring Water Pools Surrounded by Green Lawns

Visit the beautiful Sachne Springs in Lower Galilee. This series of pools is fed by hot springs and includes waterfalls and even a natural Jacuzzi! You would be surprised to at how refreshing the hot spring water will feel even on hot day. Bring a lunch basket and enjoy a picnic on the sumptuous lawns.

 Israeli heaven for Birds and People

A Beautiful Lake Visited by 500 Million Migrating Birds Each Year

The Hula Valley is a must for anyone interested in birding and even for those who didn’t know they were. The valley was once a malaria infested swampland, before being drained by Zionist pioneers in the early 20th century. These days, it is an opulent wildlife refuge with a lake that is home to a one of a kind ecosystem with wild boars, swamp cats and softshell turtles. Each year, half a billion migrating birds visit the lake on their way from Europe to Africa and back, turning the valley into a magnificent attraction for bird watchers from around the globe.

 Cultivating Coexistence

Visit an Ecological and Sociological Greenhouse

The Ein Shemer Ecological Greenhouse is a unique educational facility, combining ecological and social activism. Located in Kibbutz Ein-Shemer in northern Israel, the greenhouse is a meeting place for teens from various populations that seldom come in touch in everyday life. Working cooperatively on agricultural and ecological projects brings together Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, immigrants and native Israelis, gifted students and children with special needs. Join us for a tour of the greenhouse. Meet the staff and learn how they cultivate coexistence.

 Home and Away

Tour to an Educational Youth Village with a Unique Empowerment Program

Atop Mount Carmel in northern Israel lies a small village that is home and school to hundreds of at-risk and immigrant youth from around the world. Israel Experts invites you to spend time at the Yemin Orde village, meet its students and the teens who volunteer there and Participate in a volunteer project for the benefit of the students.  

 Palestinian-Arabic Walk and Talk

Learn Palestinian-Arabic on the Go

If you enjoy learning on your feet you will love our “Walk and Talk” tour of Wadi Nisnas. Join us in exploring this multi-cultural neighborhood, on the lower part of Haifa in northern Israel, and learn some Palestinian-Arabic while touring its streets and famous market. Interacting with the locals is the best way to get acquainted with their language and their culture!

  Across Israel:

An Epic Trail

Hike the World Renowned Israel National Trail with Israel Experts

The Israel National Trail "Shvil Yisra'el" in Hebrew is included on National Geographic’s “World's Best Hikes: Epic Trails” list. Crossing Israel from North to South, the trail leads hikers through both ancient and contemporary landscapes, desolated and inhabited areas. The trails are clearly marked, with some sections accessible to all good walkers and others requiring significant hiking practice and skill. Along the way you might meet some of the “Trail Angels”, who help hikers with food, water and a resting place free of charge.

 Jewish Sustainability

Participate in a Seminar Connecting Jewish Texts to Universal Values of Sustainability

Engage with the classical texts of Judaism in a magnificent natural setting to better understand Judaism’s traditional values of environmentalism and sustainability. Explore ethical and legal underpinnings for environmental protection, humane treatment of animals and responsible preparation and consumption of food and discuss how to apply these lessons to your life after returning from Israel.

 Frisbee Peace Chance

There Is No Better Way to Connect People than through Game

Youth from throughout the Middle East learn the ways of peace via Frisbee! Join the “Ultimate Peace” organization for an afternoon of bridge building (and Frisbee playing) between Israeli Arabs, Israeli Jews and Palestinians. See what happens when teens meet “the other” for the first time and interact in a playful setting.

 World Gym

Calling All Workout Buffs for Some Outdoor Activity

Are you up for a challenge? Outdoor training (or ODT in short) is an excellent way to bring groups of people together and turn them into a team collaborating towards a common goal. Our outdoor training activities include running, relay-races, myriad types of games and lots more and are great fun for both teenagers and adult fitness fanatics.  

This is a collection of experiences that revolve around the topic of diversity in Israeli society. Here you will find tours, workshops, performances and other interactive experiences that explore coexistence, pluralism, minorities, multi-faith relations and shared citizenship in Israel’s daily life.

 Learning to Live Together

A Center for Jewish-Arab Education Promoting Peaceful Coexistence  

Visit with Israel Experts one of the Yad b’yad, “Hand in Hand” in Hebrew, schools, where Arab and Jewish children learn together. Hear about the organization’s model of education, which promotes cooperation and coexistence between the religions from an early age.

 Judaism and "The Other"

Meet Religious Minorities Living in Israel

The Jewish state is home to people of various ethnicities and religions. We invite you to get acquainted with the religious minorities in Israel by attending a panel of Christians, Muslims, Circassians and Druze activists. Hear about their lives and their struggles, striving to coexist with the Jewish majority.

The (Stained) Glass Ceiling

Attend a Panel of Israeli and Palestinian Feminists

Despite significant improvements in recent years, the journey to gender equality in the Middle East remains long and arduous. We invite you to attend a panel of Arab-Israeli, Palestinian and Jewish-Israeli women and learn about the differences between gender roles in the three societies.

Military Mechina

Meet Israeli Youth Who Are Preparing for Military Service

Explore the world of pre-army “Mechina” (educational program preparing young adults for their military service) focusing on social justice, Jewish identity and leadership among Israel’s young adults. Meet the Mechina instructors and join the students for a text study.

 To conclude, Israel Experts offers Israel tours across the country, with over 20 years of expertise and knowledge we are capable of showing you the real Israel and experience the local culture and cuisine through a variery of tours.

We offer group tours like Acadmeic Programs, Jewish Federations & Organizations, Youth & Teens and Synagogues. And from the exclusive side we offer Private Israel tour for Family private tours, Art Tours, Food and Wine Tours, Luxury, spa and leisure tours and Agriculture tours.

Our tours are carefully planned by our educators. It is important for us to learn about your needs and goals. Once we know what you want to achieve, our EXPERTS will design a series of encounters and experiences that will immerse you into the heart of the wonderful, magical, yet complex, mosaic of Israel.

Israel’s heritage is our passion.

We know every stone, every road, every corner, every market and the great stories behind each one

We invite you to join us for a journey into the heart and soul of Israel – as well as your own.

We love and know Israel. We want to show you and teach you.

We see this as a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and enhance yours as you travel, hiking or just resting through the beautiful Israel.

[cassangafund]

'World Rafting Championships Tully River'

Day 9

19th of May the final day of competition. Downriver is the star event of the championships; mentally and physically challenging all the teams, with up to an hour of paddling flat out. The river level was nice and high after the constant heavy down pour in the previous day's, making the degree of difficulty even more challenging as the teams made their way through the various rapids. Teams are sent down in groups of up to 5 rafts.

Our Aussie girls were totally pumped for this race.

I can only imagine how the competitors must of been feeling after travelling up and back to the river over the past 7 days; we were exhausted. For us we were left with mixed feelings knowing the competition was coming to an end.

Our final trip up to the river saw us once again take advantage of using our 'All River' car pass; it was so nice not to have to do the shuttle bus thing, especially having Lozzie and Shaun with us.

The excitement began to build as we all eagerly awaited the arrival of the teams at the finish line. As we stood on the banks of the river waiting patiently we became lost in our thoughts. The power of mother nature took our girl, yet here we were wading our feet in the water. The sadness and heartache comes in waves, and then the tears begin to roll down our cheeks 😥

It wasn't long before the first teams came within sight. The elation on their faces as they crossed the finish line was a sight to behold.

It was nice to see the competitors let their hair down and celebrate their achievements mucking around in the water, I think they were cheering louder than the spectators. We had no idea where the teams had placed and it didn't matter to us either way. We were so happy to be apart of this fantastic event, cheering and supporting our Aussie teams.

We watched and cheered as the Nepali boys went past the finish line. They paddled straight up to the river bank to be greeted by Nim and the Nepali support crew.

Although we experience moments of intense sadness with Cass' passing we also experience a real sense of knowing that she is with us.

When the boys stopped at the rivers edge the most beautiful Ulysses butterfly circled above each of the boys heads crowning their glory, time almost stood still as we watched the beautiful crowning dance unfold and then it flew off. Colin and I both looked at each other and burst into tears; we held each other tightly. 😭😭

We knew in our hearts that our girl was acknowledging the amazing effort of each of her Nepali brothers.

As Nim stepped into the raft to join the boys another butterfly flew directly through the middle of the raft; it was like it was doing a fly by......

No other raft had any butterfly's around them, only the Nepali boys.

Yet another special moment.....

The downriver results were in; the Japanese Opens women team managed to out paddle the New Zealanders and placed first. Yuri was absolutely estatic, she came to win gold and she did. Little did we know that was her intention all along, to win gold for Cass....💪💪💪

Our Aussie girls placed 6th. The Nepali boys also placed 6th. Our Masters Men did an amazing job and placed 3rd.

The final overall result saw our Aussie masters men receive a bronze medal on the podium and our Masters Women Gold. What an amazing achievement. We felt so incredibly proud.

We had time to shower and change and with Christine's help write a speech before the medal and closing ceremony. The sky was pitch black and the rain bucketed down during the medal presentations; I wasn't impressed at all. I had done my hair and makeup in preparation for my speech for the closing ceremony.

Once again Yuri caught us off guard. As we were presenting the medals for downriver she called Colin over and placed her gold medal over his head. With the look she gave Colin in that moment he could feel the honour and how much it meant to her to gift this precious medal for her dear friend Cass.

I had no idea what was happening because I was too busy trying to get out of the pouring rain. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Colin coming off the stage with Yuri's gold medal around his neck.

The Japanese national anthem played and there stood Yuri amongst her team mates medal less. We stood there totally speechless and once again emotionally overwhelmed......

As the medal presentations drew to a close I quietly had a chat to Cass and told her to stop the rain. I didn't want her moment of glory to be spoilt by the weather.

As the closing ceremony began we were invited on the stage to speak. Although I was quietly shitting my pants I did notice the rain stopped, our beautiful girl worked her magic once again. My hands shook as I read my speech all the while feeling sick to my stomach. What I would give to have our girl back😥

Standing up there on the stage watching everyone looking at the screens I could see by their faces how deeply touched they were by our beautiful girl ❤️

Here is a you tube link for a shorten version played on the night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUrMKhHRUk8

What an incredible human being she was. The rain had stopped and it was like time had stood still as our girl strutted her stuff on the big screen. I'm sure she was looking down on us all proud as punch of what she had managed to achieve in her lifetime. 🤗😇

It was an undescribable moment 🙏❤️

[bookenders]

Storyteller Saturday, what sporting events do any of your OCs enjoy? Do they prefer playing the sports r do they stick to watching? Do they watch only the championships or do they follow every game? How do they feel about gambling?

Storyteller Saturday!

@inexorableblob, thank you for the asks, my friend! 

Mel talks about her sports here, but if you don’t wanna scroll for forever: she’s played cricket, rugby, and jai alai, and she’s raced horses. She hates playing rugby, though. And where she’s from she doesn’t have much free time to keep track of sports, although she does participate in the annual Christmas horse races. She is very good. And she is very gambling positive (if the odds are decent).

Fred used to play baseball when he was younger, but prefers watching now. He likes the KC Royals and tries to catch a game on tv whenever he can. Not too into gambling, though he will make bets with his friends over nonsense things.

Harry tried volleyball in community college. She hated it and quit after a week. She’s not too into watching sports. She likes playing basketball casually, though. She has an amazing poker face and uses it to every advantage. She used to rock climb when she was younger, too. 

Oz enjoys watching hockey. He likes the jerseys and how fast it is. He pays the most attention during Stanley Cup season since he doesn’t have a favorite team. While he should be against gambling, he likes playing solitaire on his work computer. No, you cannot convince him that playing Solitaire (and Hearts, occasionally) isn’t like gambling.

Gemma isn’t a sporty person. She likes books. Oz tried to get her into hockey, but she couldn’t make it through a game without getting confused; it was a bit too fast for her. What no one knows is that she’s a big figure skating fan. She streams every national-level and above competition and tries to keep up with news of her favorite skaters. If quiz bowl were considered a sport and widely televised, that’d be her jam. Gem is one of those people who always say “bet’cha I can _____. Don’t believe me? Watch this.” 

Mary really only watches the Olympics. Her favorite events are the rafting ones, cycling, tennis, and curling. That’s right, she enjoys and understands curling. Not a gambler at all, but she isn’t totally against it.

Jill is not into sports, unless moshing is a sport. Then she is very into sports. Gambling is a big yes, too.

Treena doesn’t watch any sports. This book nerd could not care less. She’s mostly against gambling, too, but not for the reasons you’d think.

[thecollegefootballguy]

Conference Realignment Grades: Conference USA

It’s a sad story, really. Conference USA did such a piss poor job handling the last two rounds of realignment that they authored their own irrelevance, and perhaps eventual demise.

By only picking teams with big metro area populations in the 2010-2014 wave, they missed promoting the most successful Sun Belt programs in the last wave. In the intervening years the C-USA has been consistently outperformed by the Sun Belt and the rest of the Group of 5 save the MAC. It all came full circle in 2021, when the former bottom rail Sun Belt raided Conference USA. 

That’s not where the misery began. After being shut out by the Mountain West, the American Athletic Conference again reloaded their depleted ranks with the top members of Conference USA, as they had in the 2004 and 2015 realignment cycles.

Once again it was a thorough uprooting of most of C-USA’s best programs. The American scooped up newly minted G5 powers UAB and UTSA, alongside high upside schools Florida Atlantic and North Texas. To top things off, the AAC added Rice and Charlotte to help prop up their own regional branding. It was a brutal blow for Conference USA, and would have been a disaster for the league if things just ended there. 

The other blow fell when the Sun Belt easily led away another raft of the best remaining programs in Conference USA, as Marshall, Southern Miss, and Old Dominion swam away from the sinking ship. Conference USA did such a bad job alienating their constituent schools that the three schools heading to the Sun Belt want to leave immediately, and are in court attempting to play football in the Sun Belt in Fall 2022.

The league could have completely collapsed if Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky took up the MAC’s offer for membership. They curiously declined in an apparent attempt to collect the exit fees of their departing conference-mates. I don’t know if that’ll work out in the long run.

Conference USA didn’t collapse, but the league needed to add more members to even be allowed to call themselves a conference. The remaining five members (FIU, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, UTEP, and Western Kentucky) added four more programs from the bottom of the FBS barrel and the top of the FCS.

Sam Houston State and Jacksonville State both jumped up from I-AA. Both programs were considered top tier in that division, with the Bearkats earning themselves an FCS National Championship as recently as 2020.

The other additions raise a few eyebrows. Conference USA chose to reach out to Liberty, the semi-pariah football Independent that no other conferences wanted to touch. Despite leading stronger and stronger teams on the field, the Flames’ "baggage” made them a toxic choice for all but a desperate C-USA.

It’s a better football move than inviting New Mexico State. I don’t mean to get too mean here but Aggies are the real bottom of the barrel and demonstrate just how desperate Conference-USA was to shore themselves up. NMSU was *kicked out* of the Sun Belt several years earlier, they weren’t even worth keeping around as a football-only member. Credit to New Mexico State, they gutted out several years in the wilderness completely unsure if they’d ever get cast a line again. I don’t know how long they were planning on staying a FBS Independent, but I’m glad they got rescued. Not that it makes Conference USA better at football.

Schools lost: Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Marshall, North Texas, Old Dominion, Rice, Southern Miss, UAB, UTSA Schools joined: Jacksonville State, Liberty, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State

Grade: F-

I’m not sure what Conference USA could have done to keep the AAC from poaching them without a time machine, but the Sun Belt losses were completely brought upon by themselves. The league hasn’t conducted itself well and it has resulted in CUSA becoming the clear bottom conference in the FBS football moving forward.

[discoverkullumanali]

Asian Rafting Championship in Kullu from September 16

Asian Rafting Championship in Kullu from September 16

Asian Rafting Championships will be organised in Beas river in Kullu from September 16 with participation of 25 teams from the Asian nations, an official said on Saturday. The event will be organised under the joint aegis of World Rafting Federation and Indian Rafting Association from September 16 to 25. The races will be conducted in both men and women categories. The race will start form…

[dailyonlineoffer]

Top 10 Stunning places to visit in winter in India

Winters are here and some people plan to spend their holidays and week offs curled up in a blanket and sipping hot chocolate, there are some people who want some fun and enjoyment in this weather. Something more fun and rave? We want you to have a winter experience that you never have had before. This year let’s explore some amazing places to visit in winter in India. So, in this blog, today offer gives some suggestions of some ideal places to visit in winters.

1.  Munnar

Munnar is one of the top tourist destinations in Kerala. This is the destination where you can visit anytime, in any weather. It is also known as a Honeymoon destination. Winter in Munnar is a great time for indulging in activities such as trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing. Most of the people come during this time to enjoy cold weather. It will be better if you book your hotel in advance.

2.  Shimla

Shimla is the most visit hill station named “queen of Hills” by the British. While sipping a cup of tea it is worth gazing at deodar trees, capped mountains, and the tranquility. Shimla is a winter Paradise and you must plan a holiday here.

3.  Rishikesh

Rishikesh – The yoga capital of the world is also the best place to spend winters. So, Let’s plan to enjoy winters in the pleasant climate plus the thrills of different sports activities.

Bungee jumping, river rafting, and cliff jumping are the main tourist attractions In Rishikesh.

4.  Uttarakhand

Due to its proximity to the great Himalayas, Uttarakhand has many tourist spots for all seasons-ancient temples, forest reserves, national parks, hill stations, and mountain peaks. The experience of Jim Corbett National park is an extra special place in the Winters. Another best winter destination In Uttarakhand is Nainital, Thanks to the snowfall it receives during winters.

5. Dharamshala

It is one of the best winter tourist places to visit In INDIA. Dharamshala pleases with its nature’s mystique, scenic charm, and mesh of Hindu and Tibetan culture. This place is blessed with lovely weather all year round, winters in Dharamshala have their own distinctive charm. The snow-covered valley looks ravishing, making it among the best places to visit in winter In India.

6. Manali

We cannot ever let Manali slip off our minds while talking about the best Hill stations in India. Rohtang pass, Bhringu lake, Hidimba Devi temple, and Solang valley are the main tourist attractions to visit in Winters in India. This beautiful place also consists of various snow sports like skilling and snowboarding.

7. Jodhpur

Jodhpur hosts the Rajasthan International folk festival in the month of October is one of the best tourist places to visit during winter in India. Mehrangarh fort dominating the skyline is stealing the attention.

Mehrangarh, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore garden, and Jaswant Thada are the main tourist attractions in Jodhpur.

8. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer or the golden city is located in the Thar desert area guided by the massive Jaisalmer fort. The desert festival in Jaisalmer is among the most awaited events of Rajasthan and is organized in the month of January. So, don’t forget to miss out on this one. Because of its sunny weather, Jaisalmer is one of the best places to visit in India during the winter season.

9. Gulmarg

Our list is incomplete without Gulmarg. This hill town is situated in the northern-most state of India and is magical all year round, but its charm is enhanced in winters. The snow-laden–landscape and frozen lakes make this place a perfect destination to indulge in snow activities like skiing and snowboarding.

10. Auli

If you want to visit the best skiing destination in India then you must visit Aauli. It boasts of lush green valleys almost throughout the year, visiting this place in peak winters lets you see it in a completely different light. The national championship of skiing is also held in this tourist place.

So are you ready with the list of your favorite travel destinations? Start planning, booking, and making your trip memorable, rewards with Today online offers.

[calacuspr]

The Daily Telegraph: Dina Asher-Smith has more medals to win - ice cream can wait

The life Dina Asher-Smith has lived for the past 22 years is about to change forever. From winning the European 100 metres title and becoming the fastest woman on the planet this year, she is now odds-on to make history, with two further gold medals up for grabs in the coming days.

That she will become the darling of British athletics seems inevitable – she is the natural heir to Jessica Ennis-Hill’s crown.

Expectation will grow, publicity will increase and marketing experts are already talking about seven-figure sponsorship sums.

But no greater insight can be gleaned into the unwavering focus of the would-be queen than her late night abstinence in the wake of her greatest triumph to date.

Confronted by a delivery of ice cream on arriving back at her Berlin hotel after claiming European gold on Tuesday evening, the self-confessed fast-food junkie forced herself to turn a blind eye, with the 200m and 4x100m yet to come.

“No celebration – I was like, ‘No ice cream for me,’” says Asher-Smith. “I’m not just focusing on the 100m and treating the 200m as a bonus. For me they mean the same. I’m only half-way or one-third of the way through my championships.”

Mention of the ice cream prompts startled wide eyes and a schoolmasterly “she didn’t tell me about that” from her long-term coach, John Blackie, before he is hastily reassured that she did not submit to her vice.

Blackie first came across Asher-Smith when she joined his Bees Academy coaching initiative for children under 12, and he has imparted to her the benefits of total focus. She was just one of hundreds of eager youngsters who would tear up and down the track in Bromley, south London, but Blackie soon had a hunch that someone special was on his hands.

“She obviously had a lot of athletic ability,” he says. “You look and see who has strong, muscular legs or a spring in their legs and Dina had both of those. You don’t know how they are going to turn out at that age, but you just know there’s something there.”

That X factor is something sports brands spend considerable time and money seeking out, long before athletes hit the public eye. Far from the glare of the spotlight, in places such as Bedford and Lee Valley, athletics scouts from sportswear companies routinely cast their eye over the next generation in a bid to hunt out a future gem.

Asher-Smith was one of them. Totally dominant in her region, she signed her first Nike contract at the end of 2012 after completing an English Under-17 sprint double that followed on from the same feat at Under-15 level.

The sportswear giant was not to know what the future might hold, but Blackie was already hopeful that he had a senior international under his charge. No one would have been so bold as to predict what has happened since. As the first British woman to have won European 100m gold since 1962, Asher-Smith is no longer a prospect for the future, but a genuine threat to any current sprinter in the world. She should head to next year’s World Championships as a triple European champion, with the 2020 Olympics looming on the horizon.

Such success on the track naturally attracts riches off it and brands are likely to fall over themselves to be associated with the ever-smiling King’s College London history graduate.

Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie says Asher-Smith will now be entering a “completely different league” of marketing potential compared to her British team-mates.

“There is a falling off of the old crop from 2012,” Currie says. “The sprints are the blue-riband events and she is so marketable – she comes across brilliantly in interview, is highly intelligent, very switched on and that makes up a complete package.

“If she continues to do well and is able to stay at the top for a period of five years she could potentially become the highest-paid female athlete of all time. She has to win Olympic gold medals and stay up there for a long period, but that’s the potential for her.”

Fame and fortune comes at a price, though, and David Alexander, managing director of sports PR consultancy Calacus, says Asher-Smith must be careful not to take her eye off the ball.

“She will have to be prepared for personal appearances, interviews and photoshoots, and being available for a raft of television shows, while at the same time ensuring her training is not affected,” he says.

“What Dina has to remember, as Jessica Ennis-Hill experienced at London 2012, is that with great profile comes expectation and pressure, and that’s something she will have to cope with for the rest of her athletic career.

“The most important thing she can do is focus on her training and competition. All the profile in the world counts for little if she is not on the podium winning medals, preferably of the gold variety.”

The public eye is not something that overly concerns the understated Blackie, who is unlikely to allow Asher-Smith to get carried away, having greeted her previous 10.92sec national record with the gruff verdict: “She’s done OK.”

Blackie has always been impressed by Asher-Smith’s ability to compartmentalise the distractions in her life, be they media duties, studies or boyfriends – including former partner Zharnel Hughes, who replicated her European success with gold in the men’s race. If her immediate reaction to her world-leading time on Tuesday is anything to go by, there is little to worry about.

Having hit her pre-season target of 10.85sec that would prompt her to purchase a personal treat, Asher-Smith has now reneged on the deal she made with herself and set a new mission to go even faster before the year is out.

When it is pointed out she now leads this season’s world rankings, she counters by suggesting a non-Olympic and non-World Championships year “is not indicative of the next cycle”. Further, she argues that British sprinters are naturally in better shape than those of other nations due to the dual challenge of a Commonwealth Games and European Championships in the space of four months.

They are not the words of a young woman about to get carried away with success. This week, she says, is one big “stepping stone”. Greater things await.

To read the article at The Daily telegraph, please click HERE