In order to prevent this, a solar battery charger is available. You will find many options available to you. There are small solar battery chargers that not only allow you to get power from the sun, but from the wind as well. There are bigger models that fold up into a compact size, but have the capability to power a laptop, even on a overcast day. There are solar chargers, with power packs that can deliver more than 120 watt hours of power, and can be piggy backed for even more power or storage capacity. Whether you are in the mountains or at your regular camp grounds, you will always have the power you need.

Here are 3 solar battery chargers we will discuss today. One of these is the K3 Wind and Solar Charger. This device has many functions which are useful. One of them is that this charging system is capable of charging in two ways. When it is nice and sunny outside, it’s compact solar panel is capable of keeping just about any electronic device under five watts charged up. However, during the times when it is overcast, but there is wind, it also has a built in wind turbine as well, so you can still keep charging no matter what. It also has an internal battery pack, which gives you added security and power when you need it. It includes a usb cable, an a/c adapter, A97 and A32 adapter, and a carrying case. It also has a storage compartment to hold all of your device adapters. The AC adapter is able to charge the internal battery, and a guide to help you get started right away. This complete unit sells for just under $100.

The next solar charger that you may like is the 62 Watt foldable solar panel. Unfolded, it is 52.5″ by 30″. When folded, it is just 14.5″X8.5″X1.4″ thick, making it capable of going with you no matter where you want to be. It utilizes state of the art super thing PowerFLEX solar cells, and is available in 24 volts and 12 volts. This solar system is weatherproof, UV resistant, and has a nylon backing case. It also has an anti glint surface, that cuts reflection down to nothing. On the underside of the unit, there is a place for you to keep the cables and controllers. In addition to these features, you will find a SAE approved water resistant prong plug to connect to your trailer or motor home. These solar systems are field tested and will work up to 176 degrees and also in very cold temperatures. When you are looking for reliable, quite and mobile power whenever and wherever you need it, then this is the kind of product you might be interested. This solar unit is less than $1000.

Perhaps one of the most powerful and complete portable solar charger systems available is the Sherpa 120 Solar Kit. This is one high power system, and it comes with many features and devices all in one package. One of the devices that comes with this system is the Nomad 27M Solar Panel. The M in 27M means mono-crystalline and the watts is 27. It also has a small LED light to help you know that it is working. It is small as well as lightweight, foldable and even includes a compact side pocket for the extra long cord, and it also has it’s own carrying case. It includes three aluminum rods, for added rigidity, as well as grommets in order to hang it up. It has been certified by the CE. Just by itself, it is capable of charging a variety of different devices, E book readers, cell phones, Emergency locators, satellite phones, and much more.

That isn’t all when it comes to this package. In addition to this portable solar charger package, you also get the Sherpa 120 battery. The power pack will allow up to 120 watt hours of continuous use, and can be linked to two other batteries for additional hours of run time. You will be able to power many devices that have AC, USB, and DC plugs, and is charged by long lasting GOAL0 LiFe batteries, the cycle is up to 3,000. This single power pack is the same as 70,000 double A batteries. There is a monitor reader so you can check the power levels. There is also a internal charge controller which protects the devices and batteries, but also it comes with replaceable fuses for added protection. This system is ready for any condition from all the testing is has gone through. The total contents is the battery pack, solar panel, 12 volt adapter, ac wall unit all for $739.99.

Many parents will agree with me when I say that children and a quiet vacation are nearly always mutually exclusive. If you are blessed with children then you know how draining a vacation with your blessings can be. If you aren’t lucky enough to be blessed with your own children you may see how draining it is on your friends who vacation with their kids. If you want to live out your dreams of that luxuries decadent cruise then a swarm of pre-teens flocking around you will definitely put a crimp in your plans.

But by no means should you cross a cruise off your list of possible vacation ideas. Searching for a cruise alternative is the best way of making your dream cruise happen sans screaming children.

Finding a cruise that does not offer activities designed for children is a great way of narrowing down you cruise options. Families usually plumb for this options as it allows that adults to enjoy themselves whilst the children are being entertained elsewhere on the ship. Another popular choice are cruise lines that have special family offers and deals. There are several reason why these offers are made to families but the main two are to try and win over the family for future cruises and to help the line meet the ticket quota for the cruise. Once they find out that the cruise line actually caters to their child’s needs, many parents bring their children with them even if they weren’t intending to in the beginning.

Plan to take your vacation when school is in and avoid school holidays at all costs. Parents are unwilling to remove their child from school to take them on a cruise so taking your cruise whilst the kids are in school is a good way to minimize the unwanted flocks of screaming pre-teens. Avoiding the main holiday periods is a great way to avoid most of the running and screaming flocks of kids.

If you want a peaceful cruise then you will want to avoid all family themed cruise lines such as: Disney, Princess and Carnival. These cruise lines tend to be a haven for families as they run programs especially for kids and teenagers. Celebrity, Radisson and Crystal cruise lines offer a more adult experience.

When talking about cruises people automatically recall that it’s a break to the ocean, but river cruises are also available for last minute grabs.

If you have doubts when it comes to going abroad, why don’t you try river cruising down the Mississippi or the Amazon? Great choices as well are river cruises in the Hawaiian Islands and the Galapagos Islands.

Booking at the last minute is the most excellent method to get more discounts. $250 cabins may even be up for grabs when unsold for a long time.

Search the internet as well for last minute cruises with the most attractive packages. Even the most posh packages may be offered at lower rates when remained unsold as cruise dates get nearer. People think that cruises may only be done in the ocean but river cruises may also be bought at the very last moment.

If you have doubts when it comes to going abroad, why don’t you try river cruising down the Mississippi or the Amazon? Cruises to the Hawaiian Islands and the Galapagos Islands are also beautiful escapes to get a break.

You can get the best prices by booking last minute cruises on any major cruise lines. $250 cabins may even be up for grabs when unsold for a long time.

Great quality cruise packages can be achieved when you consider last minute cruises so long as your schedules are flexible.

Defining a pre-existing condition would seem to be simple, but nothing in the insurance world is truly simple. With full latitude given insurance companies as to how they define pre-existing the clauses in policies are as varied as the number of policies written. For example, a pre-existing condition could be defined as one where you have already seen a doctor previously just to discuss a particular issue. In the strictest definitions, there is no requirement that you actually received a diagnosis or treatment. You can merely have sought advice.

In other pre-existing condition definitions, the requirements are not quite as limiting. Some insurance policies require that an actual diagnosis or treatment have been involved in order to be considered pre-existing. The time limit applied is that the treatment or diagnosis must have occurred within the last 2 years. Of course a health insurance provider can also issue an elimination rider attached to the policy which permanently excludes a previously diagnosed or treated condition. When looking for Florida medical insurance it is important to understand the terms as an informed consumer.

People find themselves uninsured for many different reasons. A job loss is one of the primary reasons. People who work for themselves after working for someone else for years frequently do not have health insurance because they believe the cost is prohibitive. When you cannot afford health insurance under a COBRA within the allowed time limits and have a pre-existing condition, it may seem as if you have no options left other than accepting a policy that covers very little. There are plenty of policies issued that only cover a doctor visit, some basic procedures and very few prescriptions. But just like anything else, you get what you pay for.

The issue of pre-existing conditions can cause a lot of heartache when shopping for health insurance. Using an experienced insurance broker who can get quotes from multiple insurance companies for Florida medical insurance is important. An expert that understands the different policies and premium structuring can help the uninsured find private or government backed insurance that provides affordable coverage.

The good news in Florida is there is guaranteed renewability. This means your Florida medical insurance cannot be cancelled even if you get sick. So once you obtain the insurance and keep the premiums up to date, the insurance company cannot cancel your policy.

Just because you have a pre-existing condition and are currently not insured, you do not have to assume you are unable to get coverage. Florida has a number of income based health insurance programs available even if you are unable to purchase private health insurance. There is a lot of talk in the media about uninsured citizens, but the fact is that states like Florida have made a real effort to make Florida medical insurance available to everyone including children. For example, Florida KidCare insurance is offered by the Medicaid program.

You can find affordable health insurance that fits your budget and your needs even if you have pre-existing conditions and are uninsured. The media likes to talk about people without insurance, but they would be better off letting people know about the large number of options available. After you talk to an insurance broker, you will be amazed at the number of possibilities for coverage open to you.

View of Shangri La SpringGeologists estimate that there are more than 700 springs in the state of Florida, representing what may be the largest concentration of freshwater springs on Earth.

Archaeological evidence indicates that people have been attracted to Floridas springs for thousands of years. The springs made the perfect home for Native Floridians who used them as a source of water and food, while the clay taken from the springs bottom was ideal for making arrowheads, spear heads and knives.

The first spring dwellers coexisted with the now extinct and mighty animals such as the mastodon, mammoth, ground sloth, giant beaver and giant armadillo. During the last Ice Age, 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, sea level was as much as 300 feet below present levels.

As the last of the Ice Age came to a close in Florida, many environmental changes were occurring. Global weather patterns changed and sea levels began to rise. The large animals that had once roamed the Florida landscape were becoming extinct. As these drastic changes were taking place, Florida’s human inhabitants were forced to adapt.
The Exploration of La Florida

View of Silver SpringsExplorers later arrived to Florida, from Ponce de Leon to John and William Bartram and others, and were drawn to the subterranean discharges of freshwater that were scattered across central and northern Florida.

As colonists and settlers began to inhabit Florida, springs continued to be a focus of human activity. Floridas springs served as locations for Spanish missions, steamboat landings, gristmills and post offices. They were used by local churches for baptisms, as sources of drinking water for homesteads and as reservoirs for irrigating crops. In the middle to late 1800s many of Floridas springs served as magnets for development, attracting settlers, tourists and even railroads. A few springs gave birth to towns, including Silver Springs in Marion County, Green Cove Spring in Clay County and De Leon Springs in Volusia County.

The Power of the Springs

Some of Floridas springs were valued for their perceived therapeutic qualities and people flocked to them to soak in the medicinal waters. Health resorts at several springs attracted thousands of tourists in the early 1900s. People sought the healing powers of White Springs in Hamilton County. Panacea Mineral Springs in Wakulla County was the site of the 125-guest Panacea Hotel. Worthington Springs, in Union County, now completely dry, once beckoned visitors to drink from and bathe in the healing waters. And Warm Mineral Springs, in Sarasota County, still attracts visitors to its year-round 87 degree waters.

Many Florida springs provide recreational opportunities for swimmers, boaters, wildlife observers and cave divers such as Blue Spring (Madison County), Ichetucknee Springs (Columbia County) and Blue Spring (Volusia County).
Florida Springs Today

People swimming at Ginnie SpringSprings continue to attract people with their unique beauty. They have provided immeasurable natural, recreational and economic benefits for residents and visitors for more than a century. Ginnie Springs is the most popular freshwater diving location in the world and the 15 state parks named for springs across Florida attract more than 2 million visitors and contributing nearly $7 million in revenue annually.

Floridas springs serve as windows to the mysteries of the Floridan Aquifer. Because of the pristine beauty of the springs, the bottled water industry has a renewed interest in spring water while at the same time, many of Floridas diverse wildlife communities continue to depend on the careful stewardship of Florida springs for their needs. The challenge lies in preserving the water quality of Floridas springs while meeting the needs of Floridas residents, visitors and wildlife alike.

If you know in general where you want to go, you can “Explore by Area” to locate a nearby WMA.
Nature photographer

Otherwise, “Explore by Activity” to find a hunting location or paddling, bicycle, or hiking trail that suits your needs. You’ll be quickly linked to the details of recreation on individual WMAs, including habitats, hunting seasons, fees, and history.

To increase your enjoyment and understanding of wildlife, wildlife habitat, and how the FWC works to sustain them, you can order recreation guides, bird lists and other interpretive products on-line.

You can also visit our geocaching Web page to learn about geocaching FWC lands and FWC geocache permits and guidelines.

Welcome to Florida’s great, wild out-of-doors!

(Seasons and dates are not applicable to wildlife management areas.)
Season Zone A Zone B Zone C Zone D
Archery July 31 – Aug. 29, 2010 Oct. 16 – Nov. 14, 2010 Sept. 18 – Oct. 17, 2010 Oct. 23 – Nov. 24, 2010
Deer-dog training Aug. 14 – Sept. 2, 2010 Oct. 30 – Nov. 18, 2010 Oct. 2-21, 2010 Oct. 30 – Nov. 18, 2010
Crossbow Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, 2010 Nov. 15-19, 2010 Oct. 18-22, 2010 Nov. 29 – Dec. 3, 2010
Muzzleloading gun Sept. 4-17, 2010 Nov. 20 – Dec. 3, 2010 Oct. 23 – Nov. 5, 2010 Dec. 4-10, 2010 and Feb. 21-27, 2011
General gun Sept. 18 – Oct. 17, 2010 and Nov. 20, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011 Dec. 4, 2010 – Feb. 20, 2011 Nov. 6, 2010 – Jan. 23, 2011 Nov. 25-28, 2010 and Dec. 11, 2010 – Feb. 20, 2011
Antlerless deer Nov. 20-26, 2010 Dec. 26, 2010 – Jan. 1, 2011 Nov. 20-26, 2010 Dec. 26, 2010 – Jan. 1, 2011
Fall turkey Oct. 4-17, 2010 and Nov. 20, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011 Dec. 4, 2010 – Jan. 30, 2011 Nov. 6, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011 Nov. 25-28, 2010 and Dec. 11, 2010 – Jan. 16, 2011 *
Quail & gray squirrel Nov. 13, 2010 – March 6, 2011 Nov. 13, 2010 – March 6, 2011 Nov. 13, 2010 – March 6, 2011 Nov. 13, 2010 – March 6, 2011
Bobcat & otter Dec. 1, 2010 – March 1, 2011 Dec. 1, 2010 – March 1, 2011 Dec. 1, 2010 – March 1, 2011 Dec. 1, 2010 – March 1, 2011
Youth spring turkey ** Feb. 26-27, 2011 March 12-13, 2011 March 12-13, 2011 March 12-13, 2011
Spring turkey March 5 – April 10, 2011 March 19 – April 24, 2011 March 19 – April 24, 2011 March 19 – April 24, 2011 ***

Wild hogs, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, skunks, nutrias, beavers and coyotes may be taken year-round.

* No fall harvest of turkeys allowed in Holmes County.

** Only youths under 16 years old are allowed to harvest a turkey while supervised by an adult, 18 years or older.

*** Spring turkey season is limited to March 19 – April 3, 2011 in Holmes County.
New Hunting Zones

(Click on map for larger view)

Florida hunting zones map
Prohibited methods and equipment for taking game

* Centerfire semi-automatic rifles having magazine capacities of more than five rounds
* Nonexpanding full metal case (military ball) ammunition for taking deer
* Firearms using rimfire cartridges for taking deer
* Rifles or pistols for taking migratory game birds
* Fully automatic or silencer-equipped firearms
* Explosive or drug-injecting arrows or bolts
* Taking or attempting to take game with live decoys, recorded game calls or sounds, set guns, artificial lights, nets, traps, snares, drugs or poisons
* Shooting from vehicles, powerboats or sailboats moving under power. Motors must be shut off or sails furled, and the vessels progress must cease from such motor or sail before hunters may shoot wildlife.
* Herding or driving wildlife with vehicles, boats or aircraft
* Hunting turkeys with dogs
* Shooting turkeys while they are on the roost
* Taking migratory game birds over baited areas
* Taking turkeys over baited areas
* Taking turkeys when the hunter is within 100 yards of a game-feeding station when feed is present
* Taking spotted fawn deer or swimming deer
* Hunting with bows equipped with sights or aiming devices with electronic computational capabilities or light projection (laser) features during the archery season
* Hunting resident game using bows and crossbows with draw weights less than 35 pounds
* Using dogs without collars that identify the owners name and address
* Using dogs on private lands without written landowner permission
* Taking game with modern firearms while hunting during the archery, crossbow and muzzleloading gun seasons
* Placing, exposing or distributing soporific, anesthetic, tranquilizer, hypnotic or similar drugs or chemicals; preparation by baits; or by other means where game birds or game animals may be affected, unless authorized by permit from the FWC executive director

Fishing Sites and Forecasts – describes many premier fishing areas in Florida, by region, species, or alpha-order, with quarterly fishing forecasts and interactive maps.

Fishing Calendar – provides information on summer fishing camps, free fishing weekend events, freshwater fishing clinics, Commission meetings, public meetings on freshwater regulations and other events of interest to freshwater anglers and conservationists.

Fishing Tips – Beginning and intermediate tips on fishing for some of Florida’s premier freshwater fish as information on how to measure fish, how to tie fishing knots, and fishing seasons.

Fishing Piers – Information about all of the freshwater fishing piers. You can access them from a map or county list and get detailed routing directions.

“Big Catch” Angler Recognition Program – Information on our free angler-recognition program for your next “Big Catch.”

Ladies, Lets Go Fishing – gives women an opportunity to fish with other women while they learn fishing skills – casting, tying knots and rigging baits – as well as conservation ethics.

Diving – Most of Florida’s choicest locations for snorkeling, diving or observing fish are associated with springs and state parks. We encourage you to visit the springs, trails and parks websites from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Pond Management – Ponds, if properly managed can provide wonderful, fishing, birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, the management of the ponds should take into account important conservation principles to prevent doing more harm than good.

Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation – Every angler should know that not only their license money but excise taxes paid through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration program on tackle and motor boat fuels fund conservation in Florida and keep us the Fishing Capital of the World.

The Florida Department of Transportation is currently offering Free Wireless Internet (WIFI) access at all of its Welcome Centers as well as the Columbia County Rest Area facility, and the Turkey Lake Service Plaza on the Turnpike. Once the public is connected, the user will have 15 minutes of free internet access followed by a subsequent period of up to 90 minutes of paid internet access. Following that, they will have a twohour shutout period that does not permit the same laptop to access the internet again at that rest area for two hours. The WIFI is currently being provided in a test environment and will be monitored for potential permanent status for the future.

Comment cards are available at each Rest Area and Welcome Center facility across the State of Florida; several of those facilities are now offering texting from your mobile device as an acceptable form of voicing a comment about your recent experience at a Florida Rest Area or Welcome Center. The participating facilities are: Escambia County Welcome Center, Hamilton County Welcome Center, Nassau County Welcome Center, Pinellas County Rest Area, Polk County Rest Area (Eastbound/Westbound), Santa Rosa County Rest Area (Westbound), and St. Lucie County Rest Area (Northbound/Southbound). You can learn how to submit your text message comments at each of those participating facilities or you can click the facilities links provided above to submit your comments (via Text Message as well). Please let us know about your visit to our Rest Area or Welcome Center so we may serve you better.

While traveling through the State of Florida you can always call 511 for the most up-to-date traffic information. Be sure to visit the 511 Website to register yourself for even more specific information related to your area. Other regulations and restrictions may be found in this document Chapter 14-28.002 (Florida Administrative Code Rule) and online at the Florida Administrative Code Website.

Tourist information is available in our Welcome Centers from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week including holidays (except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Welcome Centers are operated by Visit Florida, Inc. (FLAUSA), the official travel planning agency of the State of Florida. Welcome Centers are located at entrances to the State on I-10, US 231, I-75 and I-95.

During late autumn and winter months, Florida has experienced occasional cold fronts that can bring high winds and relatively cooler temperatures for the entire state, with high temperatures that could remain into the 40s and 50s (4 to 15 C) and lows of 20s and 30s (-7 to 4 C) for few days in the northern and central parts of Florida, although below-freezing temperatures are very rare in the southern part of the state. Low temperatures have been 10′s^{[clarification needed]}, and high temperature (at their lowest) in the upper 30s.^{[clarification needed][citation needed]}

Fall foliage is a common sight in North Florida starting in late November and into early February.

Snow is not common in Florida, but has occurred in every major Florida city at least once. Snow also falls occasionally in North Florida.

The hottest temperature ever recorded in Florida was 109 F (43 C), which was set on June 29, 1931 in Monticello. The coldest temperature was2 F (19 C), on February 13, 1899, just 25 miles (40km) away, in Tallahassee. Mean high temperatures for late July are primarily in the low 90s Fahrenheit (3235 C). Mean low temperatures for late January range from the low 40s Fahrenheit (47 C) in northern Florida to the mid-50s (13 C) in southern Florida.

The seasons in Florida are determined more by precipitation than by temperature, with the hot, wet springs and summers making up the wet season, and mild to cool, and the relatively dry winters and autumns, making the dry season. Fall foliage is a common sight in Central and North Florida starting around late November, and into Winter.

The Florida Keys, because they are completely surrounded by water, have lesser variability in temperatures. At Key West, temperatures rarely exceed 90F (32C) in the summer or fall below 60F (16C) in the winter, and frost has never been reported in the Keys.

Florida’s nickname is the “Sunshine State”, but severe weather is a common occurrence in the state. Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, as it experiences more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country.^[25] Florida has the highest average precipitation of any state, in large part because afternoon thunderstorms are common in most of the state from late spring until early autumn. A fair day may be interrupted with a storm, only to return to sunshine an hour or so later. These thunderstorms, caused by overland collisions of moist masses of air from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean^{[citation needed]}, pop up in the early afternoon and can bring heavy downpours, high winds, and sometimes tornadoes. Florida leads the United States in tornadoes per square mile (when including waterspouts)^[26] but they do not typically reach the intensity of those in the Midwest and Great Plains. Hail often accompanies the most severe thunderstorms.

Florida Supreme Court

Snow in Florida is a rare occurrence, especially on the peninsula. During the Great Blizzard of 1899, Florida experienced blizzard conditions; the Tampa Bay area had “gulf-effect” snow, similar to lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes region.^[27] During the 1899 blizzard was the only time the temperature in Florida is known to have fallen below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (18 C). The most widespread snowfall in Florida history occurred on January 19, 1977, when snow fell over much of the state, with flurries as far south as Homestead. Snow flurries also fell on Miami Beach for the only time in recorded history. A hard freeze in 2003 brought “ocean-effect” snow flurries to the Atlantic coast as far south as Cape Canaveral.^[28] The 1993 Superstorm brought blizzard conditions to the panhandle, while heavy rain and tornadoes beset the peninsula. The storm is believed to have been similar in composition to a hurricane, some Gulf coast regions even seeing storm surges of six feet or more. More recently, traces of snow and sleet fell across central and southern Florida during a hard freeze event in January, 2010. There was some slight accumulation north of the I-4 corridor, mostly in the form of sleet.^[29]

Hurricane Andrew bearing down on Florida on August 23, 1992.

Hurricanes pose a severe threat during hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30, although some storms have been known to form out of season. Florida is the most hurricane-prone US state, with subtropical or tropical water on a lengthy coastline. From 1851 to 2006, Florida has been struck by 114 hurricanes, 37 of them majorcategory 3 and above.^[30] It is rare for a hurricane season to pass without any impact in the state by at least a tropical storm. For storms, category 4 or higher, 83% have either hit Florida or Texas.^[30] August to October is the most likely period for a hurricane in Florida.

In 2004, Florida was hit by a record four hurricanes. Hurricanes Charley (August 13), Frances (September 45), Ivan (September 16), and Jeanne (September 2526) cumulatively cost the state’s economy $42 billion. Additionally, the four storms caused an estimated $45 billion in damage.^[31] In 2005, Hurricane Dennis (July 10) became the fifth storm to strike Florida within eleven months. Later, Hurricane Katrina (August 25) passed through South Florida and Hurricane Rita (September 20) swept through the Florida Keys. Hurricane Wilma (October 24) made landfall near Cape Romano, just south of Marco Island, finishing another very active hurricane season. Wilma is the second most expensive hurricane in Florida history, due in part to a five year window in which to file claims.^[32]

Florida was the site of the second costliest weather disaster in U.S. history, Hurricane Andrew, which caused more than US$25 billion in damage when it struck on August 24, 1992. In a long list of other infamous hurricane strikes are the 1926 Miami hurricane, the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane, the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Hurricane Donna in 1960, and Hurricane Opal in 1995. Recent research suggests the storms are part of a natural cycle and not a result of global warming.^[33][34]