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President Barack Obama has signed legislation today that sets aside more than 2 million acres as protected wilderness. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, a collection of nearly 170 separate measures, protects land, lakes and shorelines for future generations. It also represents one of the largest expansions of wilderness protection in a quarter-century, protecting vast tracts of land, hundreds of miles of rivers and trails, and historic sites and heritage areas.

Check the photos from Bali Art Festival 2009

Tourism has been a key sector to the Armenian economy since the 1990s as half a million people visit the country ever year, mostly ethnic Armenians from the Diaspora. Tourism has been growing gradually in Armenia since 2000. The Republic of Armenia Ministry of Economy declared that 575,281 tourists visited Armenia in 2009, 3% more than the estimated index for 2008. 5% growth was predicted for 2010 as the world economy stabilizes. Armenia is an intriguing tourist destination. Numerous monuments and masterpieces of the Ancient era and Middle Ages can be found throughout the country. Tourism in Armenia is rooted in the country's historical landmarks and natural attractions.

This annual event will start on June 13

Ramada Resort Camakila Bali is located in the heart of Legian and directly in front of the beach. It is the ultimate chic resort and independent destination, combining design, modernity, and style. Ramada Resort Camakila Bali is scheduled to open on September 2009.

The 4th Sanur Village Festival will be on today, Wednesday, August 12 '2009.

In October 2009, Armenians celebrated the 2791st anniversary of Yerevan. It is the oldest city in the country. Prior to Yerevan becoming the capital of Armenia since 1918, there were 11 other historical capitals of Armenia: Van, Ani, Armavir, Yervandashat, Artashat, Tigranakert, Vagharshapat, Dvin, Bagaran, Shirakavan, and Kars. Sis was the capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. Aventura is an Armenian travel agency offering tour packages throughout Armenia, including hotels, history, culture, and sightseeing of the country.

Majestic Ocean Views and Unrivaled Service at this Cliff-top Bali Luxury HotelOur World-Class Thalasso Spa - Boasts the world's largest Aquatonic pool, state-of-the-art facility. 2010 CONDE NAST TRAVELLER READERS' AWARDS#1 Spa in the World Favorite Hotel Spa in Asia & Indian Subcontinent. 2009 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS Asia's Leading Luxury Resort. THE famous ROCK BAR - Located on natural rocks 14 meters above the Indian Ocean at the base of AYANA's towering cliffs, this innovative open-top bar is Bali's most glam sunset and after-dark destination.

The number of closings and warnings posted at campsites, shelters and trails in the Smokies has increased to 16. A research ecologist from the University of Tennessee has stated that visitors should expect to see more bears this year. To emphasize this point, a bear broke into a house this week - in Knoxville!

Grandfather Mountain, near Linville, NC, officially became North Carolina's newest state park yesterday. The park is best known for its mile-high swinging bridge, the highest in America, built in 1952 by Hugh Morton.

After a long day on the trail, some/lots/most/all hikers like to kick back with a nice cold beer, preferably a craft or microbrew. The good people over at Blue Ridge Outdoors recently developed the Southern Appalachian Beer Guide to point us in the right direction after we step off the trail.

If you're anywhere near the Great Smoky Mountains in the next three weeks or so, whatever you do, don't miss the flame azaleas at the summit of Gregory Bald. Azalea lovers from all over the world come here to visit perhaps the finest display of flame azaleas anywhere on the planet.

If you haven't noticed, the number of bear warnings and campsite closings in the Smoky Mountains continues to increase. Since early spring, a new warning or closing has popped-up almost every week. In fact, two new warnings have been added just this week. Expect to see more bears this year according to bear expert.

Here's something to consider for all you outdoor enthusiasts who use GPS to find your way through the wilderness: the network of satellites that your Garmin or Bushnell uses to pinpoint your exact location could begin to fail as early as next year!

Check out the cool video of Bo Cox's thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail from last year. The video condenses his entire 2176-mile trek into just twenty minutes!

Bear spray is illegal in national parks, however, individual parks can override this law using an instrument called a 'Superintendent's Compendium.' This explains why bear spray is allowed in national parks out west, but remains illegal in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

According to Chris Hibbard, the answer to that question is an emphatic yes. Chris recently learned of this law from one of the Supervisory Wildlife Biologists with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The law reads as follows...

Each June in the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains, a natural phenomenon occurs that continues to baffle scientists. During a two week window in late spring, thousands of lightning bugs flash in complete unison. Other than the Smokies, the only other place this occurs is in southeast Asia.

A recent CNN article stated that camping seems to be grabbing a new foothold in the travel industry. In fact, they say, sleeping outside in a tent has even become chic.

but also interesting.

Excellent overview of the Great Smoky Mountains including an historical perspective of the development of the park and what the Smokies has to offer to the modern day visitor.