Nature sucks sometimes

I really enjoy nature. I love watching the hummingbirds swarm the feeder in my backyard. Watching the baby bluebird learn to fly was a recent pastime favorite. But lately some things have occured which appear out of my control.
A few weeks ago I noticed a lifeless bluebird on my neighbor's yard. Inspecting the bird, there appeared to be no visible signs of trauma. The only explanation was possibly West Nile virus. Yesterday I went out to mow the yard and was shocked to see a humingbird dead in my front yard below a tree which it had spent many months chasing insects from one of the higher limbs. Again no trauma, just grief on my part.
Last week I was in Yellowstone Park and drove up on a deer which was painfully flopping on the pavement. It had been hit by a car and was now living out its last few moments in agony. Soon a Park Ranger arrived and shot the deer, ending a once peaceful life.
My regular job takes me around to vacant homes thoughout the city, and I have observed an alarming rising trend. Many of the yards have a dead bird gracing the landscape.
What the hell is going on? Why has nature became such a bully in recent months?
Talking to a close frined at a party last night, I was telling them about my recent string of bad luck with Mother Nature. They had no explanation except for a "that sucks".
Pollution, sickness, viruses, contamination, in the wrong place at the wrong time.......what is it?
If anyone cares to offer an opinion, please do so.

The Eco-Unfriendly skies

United Airlines has recently added a $15 surcharge per checked bag each way. Basically an additional $30 added to your flight cost. Meals may soon be eliminated for Coach passengers traveling across the ocean.
No longer is the term "nickle and diming" appropriate. The term should now be "dollars and more dollars".
Flying home from Denver last Monday evening, the stewardess approached and asked if I would like something to drink? I asked for water and she handed me a mini 8 ounce bottle, and said I could have a second bottle if needed. I told her I had already brought some water onto the plane and that one bottle would be fine.
I then asked her if all these bottles were being recycled? She said no. I was shocked to think how many thousands of bottles end up in the landfills each day, since United chooses not to recycle the waste.
I would think a company as large as United should take more responsibility to instigate a recycling program to keep all these bottles from being trashed. Although I didn't ask specifically, I assuming the cans are being tossed along with the bottles.
It's time for United and the other airlines to think outside of the box on how to save some money, while also taking some burden off the environment.
United has approximately 4000 flights per day, and would seem to have at least 200,ooo passengers per day.
Scheduled airlines served 1.5 billion passengers last year. If only 1 in 10 passengers had a bottle of water, that would be 150 million water bottles not going into our earth every year.

If the price is right!

United Airlines sends out a weekly Email with last minute E-fares. Scanning the list of what was available from my hometown, I noticed that a flight to Jackson Hole, Wyoming would only set me back a little over $200 roundtrip. Normally this fare would run around $600 to $800.

These fares must be booked for flights either the next or following weekend.

Since I haven't been to Wyoming for many years, I decided to take the offer. After making my reservation for late August, I then began to look for some type of naturistic lodging. Only a few minutes later I had found Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park. For $43 you can stay in a tent/cabin which has two log walls as the rest being constructed of canvas. Bunk beds and a small stove fill the inside. A picnic table and firepit front the tent. The bathroom is some distance away, and a shower will set you back $3.50.

The idea so I can get back to nature in a way. Hopefully to view some wildlife and just take some time to enjoy the clean air.

I booked for two nights and now the waiting begins. Story and photos to follow.

You can learn more about the Colter Bay area by follwing this link:

http://www.colterbayvillage.com/lodgeCBV.aspx

Bahamas Cruise for $112?

Last month I reported on a four night Mexico cruise for $209. I really didn't think there could be a better offer. Well now there possibly is.
Imperial Majesty Cruise Line is offering a 2 night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas for $112. This price is half off and includes your food and entertainment.
An additional port charge of $59 applies. Dates through October are available.

For more information, click this link:

http://imperialmajesty.com/sailing_aug08.html

Our shrinking skies

Last month I wrote about the loss of flights at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Today it was reported that Southern California would take another blow to the aviation industry. LA/Ontario airport has just reported that it will be losing up to 34% of its current flights. Express Jet and Jet Blue appear to be leaving the airport for good, while Southwest, Delta and United will be cutting flights.

High fuel prices appear to be the main reason for the exodus. Other cities are experincing the decline with Oakland, Kansas City, Tucson, Raleigh/Durham and Cleveland, Ohio all losing at least 15% of their flights from the same period last year.

How will this affect the consumer? Higher flight prices because of declining competition will likely have many travelers looking for alternative ways to travel.

Could we be resorting back to the days of hitchhiking?