Latest news with #Trail
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
How to double your living space while camping with awning that's now £245 off
If you're planning a family camping trip but are worried about there being enough room for everyone, this 'easy to put up' driveaway awning is a must buy, especially now its £245 off Summer is the perfect time for a family camping trip, whether you're staying local or even heading abroad. Whilst camping brings a sense of adventure and the chance to be outdoors with your loved ones, it can also pose its own problems, the biggest of which is making sure you have enough space to relax in. Whilst a large tent or campervan is great for sleeping in, if you're planning on spending most of your time around the campsite then you'll want some additional space that gives you room to enjoy meals together, play games or relax. With the ever changing weather, you'll also want a space that's sheltered from the rain or wind which is why an awning like this Dalby Skylight Driveaway Awning is a great addition to your camping set up. The Dalby Skylight Driveaway Awning is usually priced at £499.99, but is currently reduced by 49% on Trail's website, bringing the price down to £254.99 and saving you £245. As well as being a bargain, the awning is the ideal addition to your camping experience, giving you plenty of space to enjoy together no matter what the weather is doing. It's compatible with most camper vans, mid-size vans and people carrier-type cars, with the Trail website providing a full list of compatible vehicles that the awning will attach to. It's worth noting it's not been designed to attach to a tent, so if you're looking for ways to extend your tent space, you might want to consider something like the HI-GEAR Vanguard 8 porch (£340) or the Berghaus Air Tent Porch (£314). However for those of you with camping vehicles, the Dalby Skylight Driveaway Awning is a great choice, measuring 180cm long, 300cm wide and 210cm high (not including the cowling and canopy). It comes with a driveaway kit that lets you easily secure it to your car or van, and is quick and easy to detach if you want to go for a drive. It also comes with an attachable PE groundsheet to stop the grass getting wet or muddy underfoot, and has been designed with high-density polyester fabric for ultimate sun and rain protection. Zipped doors make it easy to access, and it has full-length front and side windows with toggle curtains and three PVC skylights with blinds for the perfect combination of light and privacy. Shoppers have also praised the Dalby Skylight Driveaway Awning, and there are currently only three reviews that have given it a rating of 4.75 out of 5. One said: 'Bigger than expected. The video tutorial made the whole thing very easy to put it up.' Another wrote: 'I had been searching for a driveway awning which would fulfil all our needs and this is seriously the best on the market. Everyone on site comments on how good it is! Every detail has been thought out and the awning is really easy to put up- even single handed. There are so many excellent features- such as the skylight, the curtains, porch and it even comes supplied with a driveway kit. I have also purchased the dark zone awning bedroom but am yet to try this out however, I have assembled it and it appears to be excellent quality.' Whilst the third added: 'Nice product, just the right size for my van. I had a damaged pole on delivery but this was rectified quickly without problem. After use and review I would opt for a front facing awning.'
CBC
4 days ago
- CBC
Bomb squad called in after B.C. teenager finds improvised explosive device and brings it home
If you find something that looks like a bomb, do not bring it home. That's the message from the Nelson Police Department after a teenager in the community discovered an active pipe bomb along a highway and brought it back to his residence. It happened Aug. 12, according to Insp. Jason Jewkes, when a 14-year-old, found the device in the neighbouring community of Trail. Jewkes described the device as "a metal cylinder with caps on each end and a fuse coming out of an end and then wrapped around with large nails," measuring about five inches long. When the teen's parents learned of the device, which Jewkes called an improvised explosive device or pipe bomb, they immediately locked it in a storage shed and called police. From there, members of the RCMP's bomb squad had to be called up from the Lower Mainland, where they were able to use a robot to disarm and dispose of the device. Jewkes said it was determined the device would have been capable of spreading shrapnel up to 15 metres, which could have been fatal to anyone nearby. Sgt. Mike Wicentowich told CBC News that police are now investigating the area where the bomb was found, though no arrests have been made and no other explosives have been found. Jewkes expressed relief that no one was hurt in the incident.
National Geographic
6 days ago
- National Geographic
Embracing Mother Nature's City: Seattle
Discover how urban green spaces, miles of waterfront, and wild wonders are part of everyday life in the Emerald City. Kubota Garden, located in the Rainer Beach neighborhood of Seattle, is just one of the city's many natural gems, offering visitors a peaceful escape within a bustling urban landscape. Most cities make you leave town to find nature, but in Seattle, the green space is built right in. With more than 6,000 acres of parks and 200 miles of shoreline, including the Puget Sound, this is a place where urban energy and stunning Pacific Northwest scenery can coexist in perfect harmony. Nearly 30 percent of the city is covered by trees, offering a year-round reminder why Seattle is nicknamed the Emerald City. Whether you're seeking beach days, kayaking adventures, mountain vistas, forest strolls, or garden jaunts, Seattle will help you get back to nature. In the city he calls home, National Geographic photographer Aaron Huey set out on assignment to reveal something extraordinary: Mother Nature isn't just present here—but alive—in the very heart of the city. In Seattle, where the urban skyline rises alongside the shimmering waters of the Pugent Sound, nature is always within reach. Seattle's robust urban forest ecosystem has over 4 million trees. Kubota Garden in the Rainier Beach neighborhood is a century-old, 20-acre Japanese garden that blends Pacific Northwest plants with traditional Japanese design. This poetic landscape has 140 varieties of maple trees, 11 ponds, and 30 varieties of hydrangeas. At Kubota Garden, you can wander the hidden Necklace of Ponds, where spring brings a kaleidoscope of flowers and offers moments of peaceful observation. The 560-acre Discovery Park is known for its landscape diversity and birdwatching. Hike miles of trails through forests, meadows, sea cliffs, and tidal beaches, and don't forget to look up—nearly 300 bird species can be spotted here, including bald eagles, woodpeckers, and spotted towhees. The 2.8-mile Loop Trail winds through towering tree canopies and wildflower meadows; at trail marker 12, the South Beach Trail, which includes five rustic staircases, branches off and descends 280 feet down to South Beach and the historic 1881 West Point Lighthouse. At Discovery Park, a historic lighthouse, sandy beaches, and beautiful driftwood frame stunning views where, on a clear day, you can see the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains. Seward Park's 300 acres are home to nesting eagles, a native plant garden, a 2.4-mile paved loop path, and several hiking trails. The park's Magnificent Forest—home to the city's largest stand of old-growth trees—is an urban rarity. The Olmsted Brothers (whose late father's Olmsted firm designed New York's Central Park) designed both Seward Park and 48-acre Volunteer Park, nestled in the heart of Capitol Hill. Here you'll find the city's largest Norway maple and a rich variety of other plant life. From the forested trails of Seward Park (LEFT) to the diverse plant life seen in Volunteer Park (RIGHT), these iconic green spaces offer two distinct ways to experience Seattle's natural beauty. Did you know that there are more than 485 parks within Seattle's city limits? Each one offers a little escape and a chance to reconnect with the city's nature and wild beauty. Golden Gardens Park on Puget Sound features wetlands, beaches, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Compact Myrtle Edwards Park is within walking distance of downtown hotels, and offers mountain and bay views along its 1.25-mile waterfront path. And 11-acre Centennial Park has 4,100 feet of shoreline, a rose garden, and views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. Golden hour at Golden Gardens Park is a perfect way to end the day, with soft light, salty air, and unbeatable views of the Puget Sound. With a prime waterfront setting and expansive open areas, Myrtle Edwards Park serves as a vibrant stage for local musicians and artists to show off their craft. The Ballard Locks blend engineering and nature while working as a marine elevator between Lake Washington and Puget Sound in one of the city's most unique natural attractions. Each year, thousands of salmon migrate right through the city at the Ballard Locks fish ladder, a phenomenon that can be viewed easily through underwater windows. Commodore Park, a 3.9-acre public park on the Magnolia side of the locks, is ideal for watching nesting herons and osprey—or simply relaxing on the lawn by the canal, surrounded by nature. LEFT: The Ballard Locks allow three species of Pacific salmon to safely migrate 40 to 50 miles upriver to spawn, making it a sight to see from mid-June through early October. RIGHT: Commodore Park, tucked along the Magnolia side of the Ballard Locks, invites visitors to reconnect with nature at every turn. Commodore Park's rolling hills overlook the canal, providing a serene space to watch Ballard Locks in action while surrounded by native flora and wildlife. In Seattle, you're never that far from the water, be it saltwater, lakefront, or tidal beaches. Hop the Water Taxi from downtown, and head to the 4.5-mile (one way) paved Alki Beach Trail. The trail passes the Alki beaches and ends near Duwamish Waterway and Harbor Island, offering views of the downtown skyline, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains along the way. Alki Beach (one of Seattle's most popular beaches) is perfect for paddleboarding, beachcombing, or kayaking. While you're in the area, don't miss the Alki Flower Houses. These two plant-adorned homes date back to 1914 and are officially registered wildlife habitats. In West Seattle, just off Alki Beach, you can kayak straight into a postcard of the skyline while watching the city reveal itself with every stroke of your paddle. Bursting with color and vibrancy, the Alki Flower Houses are a unique sight, and every detail—big and small—makes for a truly unforgettable experience. In Elliott Bay, you can kayak from Seacrest Boathouse to the active Alki Point Lighthouse. South of Alki Point, Constellation Park is perfect for strolls and tide pool explorations by day (watch for anemone colonies and ochre sea stars), then stargazing at night. Seattle's interior also has several lakes, like freshwater Lake Union (located entirely within the city limits), Lake Washington (the second largest natural lake in the state), and glacial Green Lake. At Alki Point Lighthouse, with its small-town feel, be sure to walk the beaches, where driftwood lines the shore and a lighthouse still keeps watch at the point. The tide pools at Constellation Park in West Seattle offer a fantastic opportunity to explore and observe a diverse array of marine life in its natural habitat. Soak in Seattle's sunset views around a beach bonfire, a beloved nighttime tradition at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens Park. Designated fire pits are available at select sites at these two parks on a first-come, first-served basis. In Seattle, water meets wilderness, and urban skyscrapers are surrounded by green space. Seascapes are framed by mountains, and trees―some older than the U.S.―watch over the city. Mother Nature is everywhere here, serving as a stunning reminder that urban areas and the great outdoors can coexist and flourish―even within city limits. Whether you seek flora or fauna, relaxation or recreation, you'll find it all in the Emerald City.
South Wales Argus
06-08-2025
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow walkway to get major facelift after £3,500 grant
Chepstow Boat Club is thrilled to announce a significant step forward in the facelift of its historic pontoon at The Back in Chepstow, thanks to generous grant support from Chepstow Town Council and Wye Valley National Landscape. On August 1, a celebratory photoshoot took place at the pontoon site, featuring Chepstow's Town Mayor, Jim MacTaggart, alongside Boat Club Chairman Greg Punshon and Director Steve Simpson. The event marked the club's gratitude for a £3,500 grant awarded by Chepstow Town Council, which will go directly towards replacing one of the pontoon's aging walkways. The new design will include widened access to ensure improved usability for all, including those with mobility needs. The Chepstow pontoons and walkway are vital infrastructure provided and maintained by Chepstow Boat Club, located on the River Wye. Originally built by community volunteers in 1994, they serve as the last remaining public river access point in Chepstow. The walkway connects the riverbank to the pontoon, allowing safe and stable passage, and is currently undergoing refurbishment to improve accessibility. The pontoons offer easy, mud-free access to the river for boaters, canoeists, anglers, and pleasure craft. They are a popular launch and landing site for recreational river users. Beyond leisure, they play a crucial role in local safety and rescue operations, with groups like SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) regularly using them for training and emergency access. The pontoons provide one of the few safe landing points on the fast-moving River Wye, allowing for rapid transfer of casualties to ambulances during emergencies. Chepstow once had five slipways serving industries such as wool, timber, wine, and milling. Today, only this pontoon remains accessible, making it a living link to the town's maritime heritage. It's also featured in the Chepstow Society's Town Trail and local museum exhibits. In addition to the Town Council's support, a second much-needed grant has been awarded by Wye Valley National Landscape, helping to cover the substantial costs of refurbishment. The Boat Club also wishes to thank the many individuals who donated via GoFundMe and similar platforms, your contributions are making a real difference. Chepstow Boat Club is exploring the possibility of inviting representatives from SARA and the Harbour Master to future events, in recognition of their ongoing support and collaboration.
Daily Mirror
27-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I took my family to the beach to test out a trolley - it's incredible for days out'
With parents looking for ways to make summer holiday days out more manageable, Mirror writer Sam Jones tested out a handy folding trolley to see if it lived up to the hype It's summer and school holiday season which means one thing, lots of days out. But for all such days are fabulous, and an incredible chance to make memories, most parents will relate to the military-style operation that comes with making sure you have everything you need, and lugging it all about. I've seen these folding trolleys popping up at various locations when we've been on days out and thought they looked nifty. After trying one out, I have to say the hype is well and truly justified. I was given the chance to try out a few products from outdoor and camping brand, Trail - the Folding Beach Trolley (£69.99), Falcon Padded Camping Chairs (£49.99) and a Waterproof Picnic Rug (£15.99). So we headed to the beach to put them through their paces. 'Incredible for family days out' My first go with the trolley came at my son's first birthday party. We arrived at the venue to discover that there was no parking nearby, so I was faced with the daunting task of trekking back and forth to the car with all manner of party games, food and drinks in sweltering heat while dressed as a cowboy (it was a western-themed party!) But the trolley did an incredible job of saving the day, and it meant I could lug all the gear in one trip. Perhaps the most impressive thing is how easily it folds up into a compact product that makes it really easy to carry and simply fold up in the car. It then takes about a minute to unfold it all again and get it up and running, which is really handy given it would be awkward to transport without the folding feature. Space in the car when you have a family is often at a premium, but the significant reduction in the size it takes up when folded down is excellent. Trail's offering has a tidy usp in the form of the wheels that can easily conquer tricky terrain like sand or uneven paths. I liked how they're made of plastic, so there's no messing about having to pump them up or deal with punctures. And to my delight, they're great for use both on sand and normal terrain. The trolley moved along with ease, even over more uneven, rocky parts of the beach. It didn't matter if the sand was soft, hard, wet, or bumpy, the trolley just glided over it. It made transporting the chairs and picnic blanket an absolute breeze, and drew some compliments along the lines of "I wish I had that" from fellow beach-goers. I can see why, it's incredible for family days out and would also work well for festivals and camping. My only gripe with it is I wish the sides were a bit higher. If they were, it would allow piling a few more bits and bobs a bit higher without the risk of them falling off while you navigate uneven terrain. 'The chairs are comfy but have one flaw' Of the three items I tested out I was least impressed with the Falcon padded chairs. They are nicely padded and very comfortable, but there seems to be a bit of a design flaw whereby the arms won't hold in place very well. It meant they kept slipping down to an awkward height, which is a shame because aside from that, they are far more comfortable than the standard ones you tend to see in supermarkets at this time of year. The fault can be solved by adding a couple of cable ties under the arms to stop them from slipping down, but I wouldn't expect to have to do that on a product at this price point. Despite this, they are extremely comfortable and much nicer to sit in than standard camping chairs. Their foldable design means it's super quick to get them out and put them away, while the bag they slot into has a handy carry handle to make transporting them simple. The picnic rug is similarly well designed in that it folds and rolls into a handy, compact carrying mode, meaning it takes up very little room and is easy to take out and about with you. I particularly liked this at the beach as for all the scenery is beautiful, the rug did a good job of allowing a spot to sit without getting sand all over you. The rug is also waterproof, meaning it shouldn't leave you with a soggy surface if the grass or sand is a bit wet. What else is out there? The market for folding trolleys has really taken off this summer and there are plenty of options out there. Amazon stocks a variety, including the TIMBER RIDGE Festival Trolley which is priced at £77.99 in a "limited time deal". That trolley is capable of carrying up to 100kg and does handily include brakes on the wheels to stop it running off if you're on an incline. Reviewers have largely enjoyed that product, with one saying it's "easy to assemble and pack away", though another did note. Despite being sturdy, the trolley can be somewhat heavy when fully loaded. A lighter material could make it easier to manage." Elsewhere, for those with camping chairs on their shopping list, Go Outdoors has a number of offerings, including the Hi-Gear Vegas XL Chair, priced at £50 or £25 for members. They are also buy one, get one half-price, so there's an opportunity for a further saving there. It also stocks plenty of picnic blankets too, like the Eurohike picnic blanket, priced at £12 or £10 for members.
