Learn About the Exciting Things to Do in Bowral 

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

It’s hard to imagine that a watery wonder and a versatile geological place exist so close to the Californian Mainland. Yes, we are talking about the Channel Islands National Park.  Rich in diverse flora, fauna, and wildlife, this national park, consisting of five islands, is a hiker’s favorite. The hiking trails on each island are different. For example, the trails in Anacapa are flatter, and they get steeper as you visit Santa Rosa or Santa Cruz.  Also, as a critical marine sanctuary, this national park offers an amazing experience for people interested in aquatic pursuits. Boating and scuba diving here are activities that an adventurous soul will surely look upto.  Are you ready to pack your bags and hit the trails? Let us join you. Channel Islands Hikes That You Just Cannot Miss  Hiking trails in the five islands of this national park vary in their difficulty parameters. The trails in Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara are easy (Cavern Point Loop), moderate (Potato Harbor), and hard (Montañon Ridge Loop).  As a hiker, you have to be sure of your physical and mental endurance before you start exploring specific trails. Further, you will encounter many challenges as you explore the hiking trails.  Common perils here include poisonous oaks, scorpions, ticks, wildfire risks, reptiles, and Hantavirus spread by deer mice. To deal with these hazards, you must make the most of the buddy system and, most importantly, be respectful to the wildlife.  However, the pain you have to undergo throughout the journey is worth the dramatic experience the trails offer. It’s time to know about them.  Anacapa Island Hiking  Anacapa Island got its current name from its original Chumash Native American Indian name, Anypakh. This island is made of East, Middle, and West Anacapa islets, and surprisingly, none of these are connected to each other.  Before I introduce you to some of the most amazing trekking trails in Anacapa, let me share some highlights about the island. Anacapa Island: Things To KnowAnacapa is known for its diverse vegetation, wildlife, culture, and history.Coreopsis and sunflowers come to life after the winter rain, and you can see them from the California Mainland.Anacapa is the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world.It is also the largest breeding colony of the California brown pelicans, which are endangered species.Chumash Indian people used to camp here thousands of years ago. Inspiration Point Hike (Easy) Just a 1.5-mile hiking trail, Inspiration Point offers the most amazing view of the island. Enjoy the sheer contrast created by vibrant wildflowers and the tranquil blue water.  Pinniped Point Hike (Easy) Pinniped Point hike, which is a 4-mile distance, is known for its sea lion rookery and lighthouse.  Cathedral Cove Hike (Easy) The 6-mile hiking trail is the best place to see the most amazing rock formations. Here, you will also find beautiful kelp forests, sea lions, sea caves, and birds.  San Miguel Hiking  Hiking in San Miguel is a little tricky as you cannot take the off-trail roads. Further, hiking is only limited to certain spots, as its unique geological features, wildlife, and plants need preservation.  Caliche Forest Hike (Hard)  Despite its difficulty level, Caliche Forest is the most exciting trail to hike in San Miguel. This landscape of five miles has naturally calcified prehistoric vegetation. So, the entire area has the most surreal “fossilized” appearance. A visit to this trail is like a time travel, and the feeling is, at times, eerie.  Cuyler Harbor Beach Hike (Easy) Enjoy the pristine beauty of the 2 miles of white sand stretch and observe the adorable seals. Take a walk along the beach to find the sand running into the rocks.  Cabrillo Monument Hike (Hard)  The distance of this trail is 2 miles. However, the steep climb makes the hiking experience very strenuous. You will visit the monument of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to explore this island.   Santa Cruz Island Hiking  Santa Cruz, or the La Isla de Santa Cruz, is the land of the Sacred Cross. Known as Mini California, this island has endless bounties to offer. From the Transverse Mountain ranges to the deep valleys, canyons, and beaches! You will meet the most diverse geological picture here. Here, I will talk about some of its most prominent hiking trails. However, before that, let’s share some interesting facts about the island. Things To Know About Santa Cruz IslandSize: 96 Square Miles (The Largest Of The 5 Channel Islands)Plant Species: 600Plant Communities: 10Landbird Species: 140Land Mammal Species: 11Cultural History: More than “10,000 years of American Indian habitation, 150 years of European exploration” Cavern Point Loop Hike (Easy) Cavern Point Loop is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, and seasonal whale watching. As you trek through the 2 miles route, you will get to see the most magnificent coastal vistas.  Potato Harbor Hike (Moderate)  The harbor gets its name from its unique oval or potato shape. The cliffs here are steep and dangerous. The bright white sedimentary rocks (diatomaceous earth) here are formed by diatoms or single-cell sea plants made of silicon dioxide.  Diatomaceous earth has wide applications in filtering water.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Channel Islands National Park (@channelislandsnps) The Giant Kelp Forest is another attraction in Potato Harbor. Kelp is a nutrient-rich and fast-growing algae that helps build a rich marine ecosystem. The California sea lions here will make your visit to the island most delightful with their playful nature.  Montañon Ridge Loop (Hard) Montañon Ridge, with Montañon Peak and High Mount, is the highest ridge on the eastern side of the island. This trekking trail is only for experienced hikers.  The total distance of the hiking trail is 10 miles.  Santa Barbara Hiking  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Channel Islands National Park (@channelislandsnps) Santa Barbara is an island for endless outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, fishing, and watching wildlife.  Further, Santa Barbara is the island to be if you want to explore the local vegetation. If you visit the island in spring and winter, you will meet the most colorful wildflowers here. Also, delightful flowers like poppies and verbenas are in full bloom in the summer. Do you want to hike on this island? Here are some trails for you.  Lizard’s Mouth Hiking Trail (Moderate) You have to take just a quarter-mile walk off West Camino to find this hiking spot. It’s also a favorite Santa Barbara destination for picnics.  The place gets its name from the rock formation resembling a lizard’s open mouth. This place is picturesque and perfect for photoshoots.  La Cumbre Peak (Diificult)  With the highest elevation of 1215 m, the La Cumbre Peak (the highest in Santa Barbar) hike is full of challenges. However, this trekking trail is full of highlights like the Cathedral and Arlington Peaks, the coastline to the sea, etc.  San Roque Creek (Easy) The San Roque Creek trail is located in the 25-acre recreation area in the park. The area is called Stevens Park. With just an elevation gain of just 93 m, it is an easy trail to explore, and you can have a great time walking with your dogs here.  Santa Rosa Hiking  The hiking trails in Santa Rosa are a combination of flat and steep terrains. The trails to the Water Canyon Beach are flatter. At the same time, roads to the Black Mountain are strenuous.  Water Canyon Campground Hike (Easy) This 3-mile hiking trail is one of the easiest routes in Santa Rosa or all over the Channel Islands. Enjoy a gala picnic with your group here.  Water Canyon Hike (Moderate To Strenuous) The perennial canyon and the local vegetation make the water canyon hike the most amazing experience. If you want, you can also follow the stream bed and get wet.  Black Mountain Hike (Hard) With a distance of 8 miles, this trail offers the most amazing views of the mainland and San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa islands.  Did You Know? By 1928, many fossils of pygmy mammoths were found in the Channel Islands. Further, almost a complete skeleton of an adult pygmy mammoth was excavated on Santa Rosa Island in 1994. These mammoths were very similar to the Californian mainland mammoths. However, they evolved and got smaller in size to accommodate on the Channel Island. Worldwide, these mammoths are known as Channel Islands Pygmy Mammoths.  Final Words  Channel Islands National Park had 328,746 visitors in 2023 (Source). Despite being close to the California mainland, these islands offer tranquility, and with many places to visit and activities to do on the five islands, you will surely be spoilt by the choices at this national park.  On all the islands, you can trek, fish, camp, and take part in many water sports. However, two of the most coveted activities in these parks are hiking and exploring marine life. The variety you find here in whales and other marine mammals can be a close match to the vibrant marine ecosystem of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  In this guide, I have highlighted trekking through the trails in this national park. Do you want to know more about its wildlife and marine ecosystem? Share your thoughts in the comment below.  Channel Islands National Park FAQs  Which Island Is The Best To Hike In Channel Islands National Park? Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands are great for hiking in the Channel Islands. However, if I am to share my opinion, Anacapa will be my silent favorite.  The trekking trails here are way easier in Anacaopa than in Santa Cruz. So, irrespective of your expertise level, you will be able to hike the entire island in a day.  Also, as the trekking journey here is less arduous, you will be able to enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty even more. You will meet the most adorable sea birds, sea lions, and seals. Also, if you are lucky enough to be in these mountains during spring or late winter, you will find the mountains replete with colorful wildflowers. Inspiration Point, Cathedral Cove, and Pinniped Point are some of the highlights of hiking expeditions in the Anacapa Islands.  What Is Special About Channel Islands National Park?  Channel Islands National Park is special because it is a paradise for trekkers, nautical surfers, and wildlife explorers.  Its San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and the largest, Santa Cruz islands have many hiking trails with Transverse Ranges.  Further, half of the national park is under the ocean, and you will find six nautical miles of water around it. So, it is a critical marine sanctuary and a great place for scuba diving, boating, and other aquatic pursuits.  In addition, its wildlife is mesmerizing, with the presence of animals like island foxes, spotted skunks, salamanders, whales, California sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, giant black seabass, and more.  Which Island Is The Largest In Channel Islands National Park? The largest island in the Channel Islands National Park is Santa Cruz, which is also known as the epitome of California. Its size is 96 square miles.  Its geology is versatile, with Transverse Ranges, fault systems, springs, streams, and canyons. You will also come across sea caves, beaches, and coastline cliffs. Among the sea caves, the Painted Cave is the most prominent one with lichens, algae, and colorful rocks. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 30, 2023

There's no denying that Florida's beaches have a certain magic. They can transport you to Madagascar or the Caribbean. They replicate the stunning blue water, white sand beaches, and swaying palm trees quite well. This article is for you if you're thinking about taking an RV vacation to Florida. The top RV camping on the beach in Florida are listed here. They are well-known for their friendliness and offer a plethora of amenities. Not to mention all the thrilling water sports they provide, like jet skiing, surfing, and paddle boarding. If you want to learn more about RV camping on the beach in Florida, keep reading.  RV Camping On The Beach In Florida: Are They Safe?  Indeed, camping in Florida's RV parks is quite safe. The majority of them have security personnel stationed at the gates. All campers are asked to abide by park regulations, and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Since these properties are kept up properly, there is very little chance of anything going wrong. However, when visiting an RV park, it's advisable to exercise caution and take the required safety measures. Where Can You Camp  There are both public and private campsites on several Florida beaches. You can park your RV, pitch a tent, or reserve a spot. In addition, you can camp overnight on a few beaches on Anclote Key, Shell Key, and Keewaydin Island without a permit. Some beaches, however, do need a permit. Many locals reside near the beach, so an unwelcome camp or van close by will not be appreciated. Examine the local laws before making the final decision.  RV Camping On The Beach In Florida  Your search for RV camping on the beach in Florida ends here. These are the top beachfront RV parks in Florida: Key Largo Kampground  Key Largo Kampground is the ideal camping location in the Florida Keys for your whole family, featuring a large beachfront campground and an expansive marina. 171 of the campsites are designed to accommodate both tents and RVs. Every RV site has full hookups and is large enough to fit rigs up to forty feet. In addition, there are heated swimming pools, shuffleboard courts, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, and laundry facilities. Park your personal boats at a boat slip if you are bringing them. If you plan to rent a motorized boat, you can also use the boat ramp. Key Largo Kampground is not just an RV park along the beach. It is 40 acres long, with mangroves and tropical vegetation next to the Atlantic Ocean. You can see the foliage come to life every spring when the flowers bloom. Key Largo is well-known for being the world's diving capital, home to more than 25 dive shops and charters. It's among the greatest locations in Florida for ocean fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling because of the coral reef and the warm water. Some other popular water sports among RVers are kite boarding and windsurfing. Pensacola Beach RV Resort  Located on Pensacola Beach's barrier island, Pensacola Beach RV Resort is a relaxed beach-side campground that doubles as a resort. It provides quick access to the remainder of the barrier island and has a view of Santa Rosa Sound. A home away from home is what the RV resort offers. Each campsite has connections for power, water, and sewer. There is a heated pool with a patio, chairs, and loungers in the middle of the resort. There's a clubhouse with showers and laundry facilities next to the pool. On the western edge of the beach, there's a Tiki bar offering refreshing cocktails and tequila. Take in the views of the coast as you relax and sip your preferred beverage. The ideal combination is sugar-white sand and crystal-clear light green water, which Pensacola provides. As soon as you get to the resort, you can head to the beaches and swim in the stunning Gulf of Mexico waters. Among the adventurous things you should put on your "to-do" list are snorkeling and surfing. Although the resort is not inexpensive, its excellent location and amenities make it worth the cost. The Standard RV sites cost $100 per day, and the Premium sites cost $130. Camp Gulf  Another RV camping on the beach in Florida is Gulf. Camping on the Gulf, sometimes referred to as Camp Gulf, is another opulent RV park situated on the Gulf of Mexico. It's close to Destin in northwest Florida at Miramar Beach, not Miramar City. There are 215 full hook-up RV sites in the park, many of which are close to Miramar Beach. Others are located by the swimming area or in a row between palm trees and palmetto bushes along the verdant pasture areas. In addition, there are cabins, beach houses, and rustic clamping tents available at Camp Gulf. Access to the beach is immediate if you camp at this RV park. It's far more private than public beaches because it's built on private property. Come to the Miramar beach with your sun loungers and take in the refreshing breeze. When you get back, enjoy a revitalizing shower in the RV park's spotless restrooms. You can take advantage of everything that Destin has to offer because it's close by. In fact, the quick availability of RV sites at lower prices is one of the main reasons why many campers choose to camp at Miramar Beach rather than Destin. However, Gulf Camp, a posh RV park in Florida, has somewhat pricey RV sites. Overnight rates range from $79 to $120. The tiny but well-equipped Turtle Beach Campground has plenty to offer. Sea turtles use this location, which is on Sarasota Barrier Island, as a base from May to October to lay their eggs. You will have the opportunity to view, albeit carefully, the nests of loggerhead and green sea turtles as well as the young. One of the few campgrounds in Florida with direct beach access is this 14-acre facility. At any time, you are free to exit your RV and stroll up to Siesta Beach. The sand is hard and white, and the beach is clean. Take a nap by the sunloungers or jump straight into the azure sea. There are 39 RV and tent-friendly campsites at this family-friendly campground. Every campsite has picnic tables and complete hookups. Within the campground is a coin-operated laundry and shower area. A game of horseshoes can be played on the playground. You are able to play your preferred sport in a number of pits that have an abundance of open grassy spaces. Siesta Key is five miles away and Sarasota is only nine miles away from the Turtle Beach Campground. The entire Sarasota barrier island, Serenoa Golf Club, and Oscar Scherer State Park are also close by tourist attractions. Matlacha  Matlacha is a small island in southwest Florida, home to the family-run beachfront RV resort Sugar Sand. Also, Matlacha a comparatively quiet area, is a hidden fishing treasure. State Road 78 crosses the island and leads to the resort from the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area. The RV sites are located next to a sugar-sand beach with sea walls as soon as you enter the Sugar Sand resort. Complete hookups with picnic tables and Wi-Fi internet access are available for these. The resort is the starting point of the fishing expedition. Approach the spacious dock designed for boating. Take a ride through Matlacha Pass's busy waters by boarding one of the available boats. Catching the first fish by the hook would not take long. Alternatively, you may choose a more daring path and navigate Matlacha's backwaters by kayak. Kayak fishing is a popular activity for both locals and visitors. Think about going fishing at the Matlacha Pass Bridge if you don't want to enter the water. Because of the amazing catches that have been reported at the bridge over the years, it has acquired the title of "The Fishingest Bridge in the World." You will undoubtedly catch a tarpon, trout, or cobia. There are just ten sites at Sugar Sand Beach RV Resort. As a result, booking a site far in advance is advised. Starting at $100 per day, rates drop to $65 per day for monthly reservations. When looking for RV camping on the beach in Florida, Sugar Sand Beach ranks well above most. RV Park Rates In Winter  Because of its pleasant, tropical climate and abundant sunshine, Florida is referred to as the Sunshine State. The off-peak season runs from November through January, with February through May being the peak months. The temperature is in the neighborhood of 10 to 11°C. In the winter, it can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per day at an RV park in Florida. RV sites are empty at that time of year due to a decrease in the number of RVers. These can be reserved at discounts of 20–30% or even 50%. Wrapping Up  It's time to start planning now that you have some amazing choices for the best RV camping on the beach in Florida! There is an RV park in Florida for everyone, whether your goal is to have an amazing adventure or just a peaceful place to disconnect and unwind. Make sure you learn everything there is to know about RV camping so that you can make the most out of this unusual way of traveling, whether you already own an RV, are looking to buy one, or are just planning a trip in one! Read Also: A Detailed Guide On Malaysia Bay – From Traveling To Outing Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!

BY  Sibashree Dec 10, 2025

Luxury shopping in Australia is a part of the integrated offering for high-end travelers.  Luxury shopping, along with the fine dining scene, luxury hotels, a cultural landscape centered around the Opera House, and natural attractions such as Bondi Beach, inspire local and international visitors to spend significantly on premium experiences.  According to Hotelagio, the year ending in June 2025 saw international visitors to Sydney spending AUD$12.2 billion, and luxury shoppers had a significant role to play in this.   Premium shopping destinations in Sydney, such as Pitt Street Mall, and luxury items, such as Australian opals, make the city a top shopping destination for national and international travelers.  However, the high-end shopping experience is not just limited to the Pitt Street Mall. Visit this guide to Australian opals and luxury shopping in Sydney to learn about the shopping districts, the jewelry and fashion shopping experiences, buying luxury gifts, and essential tips.  What Are The Best Places ( Shopping Districts) For Luxury Shopping In Sydney? You can be a mindful shopper and yet indulge in ultimate luxury in Sydney. If you want to buy something authentic Australian, you can choose a local brand.  Want to match your steps with the global fashion scene? Explore the flagship stores of  Tiffany Louis Vuitton Chanel Burberry Prada Gucci Or any name you can think of in the heart of the city!  In addition, there are luxury department stores in Sydney, and these offer the most eclectic experience in the truest sense. In these stores, you can buy any of the following luxury items or services.  Fashion Jewelry Luxury Gift Luxury Souvenirs  Multibrand Retail Goodies  Nevertheless, if you are in Sydney for the first time, you must explore these fashion districts.  1. Pitt Street Mall Pitt Street Mall is the global shopping destination in Sydney. It has shops and stores of Zimmermann, Zara, Tag Heuer, Uniqlo, Gap, Adidas, H&M, and more. Overall, it has more than 600 specialty stores.  Furthermore, it has iconic retail centers such as David Jones, Westfield Sydney, and Myer.  So, it is no wonder that the Pitt Street Mall has secured the eighth position on Cushman & Wakefield’s list of the “most expensive main street retail strips.” With time, Pitt Street Mall has grown in its mainstream retail appeal. So, in this way, it is different from other high street shopping centers, focusing on luxury.  2. Queen Victoria Building (QVB) Queen Victoria Building is the ultimate place to enjoy an eclectic shopping experience. It was first opened in 1898, and today, it even offers a history tour. On this 60-minute walking tour, you will get to learn about the Romanesque architecture of one of the most iconic historical buildings in Sydney.  At the end of the tour, you can shop from brands such as Anna Thomas, Alquema, Art Deco Jewellery, and Austen & Blake.  From Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, QVB remains open from 9 AM to 6 PM. On Thursdays, QVB gets closed at 9 PM. Furthermore, on Sundays, it opens at 11 AM and closes at 5 PM.  3. The Strand Arcade The Victorian-style Strand Arcade is home to many noted Australian designers. You can shop from brands such as Bassike, Rebecca Vallance, Rachel Gilbert, P. Johnson, and more here.  The arcade opens at 9 AM from Monday to Saturday, and it opens at 11 AM on Sunday. On Saturdays and Sundays, the arcade closes at 4 PM, and on Thursdays, the arcade is closed at 9 PM. On other days of the week, the arcade is closed at 5:30 PM.  Furthermore, the Strand Arcade is the ideal place for combining your shopping experience with delightful dining. These places are the Black & White Espresso Bar, Gumption by Coffee Alchemy, and Romolo Espresso e Cucina.  4. Paddington And Oxford Street: A Hub Of Local Luxury Brands And Slow Fashion If you are for luxury shopping in Sydney, you cannot miss the Paddington Markets on Saturdays. Zimmerman, a local brand but now quite big, is here.  The best from other local stunners such as Lee Matthews, Rachel Gilbert, and St Agni are up for grabs at The Insection, near Paddington Street.  Then, Paddington Street is a hub of brands promoting slow and sustainable tourism. For example, Nudie Jeans offers lifetime repairs for free. This practice ensures longevity.  Riise.world is another boutique shop offering curated experiences with a collection of homewares, beauty products, and fashion essentials from eco-conscious brands. KitX is also there, celebrating the “eco-glam style” with the use of upcycled and organic products and offering artisan support.  Moreover, the luxury fashion scene on Oxford Street is inclusive. Starting from the CBD, going through Darlinghurst, and into Paddington, it is an important hub of LGBTQIA+ culture. So, it is an ideal place if you want to shop for gender-neutral looks. Luxury Shopping In Sydney For Jewellery Australian stones, especially opals, are unique. Along with Australian sapphires and pink pearls, opals are also preferred by many local and global buyers for jewelry investments. In fact, Australia dominates the global opal market, with Lightning Ridge, in New South Wales, being the home to black opals and Coober Pedy in South Australia being the “Opal Capital of the World.”  The Rocks with reputed dealers such as Opal Minded in Queensland is the best place to shop for opal. It offers a duty-free shopping experience, and here you will find bespoke designs. ATTY Gallery is another place in The Rocks to find your favorite opal piece.  Also, if you are looking for a place to buy Australian opal jewelry near Sydney’s Central Business District, choose names such as: Australian Opal Cutters & Pearl Divers Altmann + Cherny Volle Jewellery in QVB Irrespective of the place you buy the opal from, check the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) before investing in it.  Designer Fashion And Couture Experiences In Sydney Your choice of luxury fashion and couture shopping in Sydney depends on the kind of experience you want. Have a look at the table below to learn how to shop.  Types of Fashion Brands You Want to ShopThe Best DestinationHigh-End Luxury & International Brands• Pitt Street Mall & King/Castlereagh Streets• Westfield Sydney• David Jones & MyerAustralian & Local Designers• The Strand Arcade• Paddington StreetCouture & Bridal• Pallas Couture• Couture by FrancescaIconic Shopping Destinations• The Strand Arcade• Queen Victoria Building• R.M. Williams (Authentic Australian Leather Boots) Unique Australian Luxury Gifts Again, the best destinations for shopping for Australian luxury gifts depend on the kind of gifts and souvenirs you want to collect.  For example, the Strand Arcade in the Central Business District has many antique shops, fine jewelry stores, and boutiques. Paddington Street, on the other hand, has some of the best designer stores, where you can buy homewares.  Moreover, if you want to buy gourmet food products or fresh produce, you can visit Queen Victoria Building (QVB) to collect Manuka honey, Macadamia nuts, jams, chocolates, and premium Australian wines.  Tips For Luxury Shopping In Sydney: Know The Best Time, Shopping Benefits, And More  September to December is the best time to shop in Sydney as the pleasant weather makes it convenient to explore the shopping districts and market precincts.  On the other hand, major sales events take place during these months.  The Boxing Day Discounts start from 26th December and often continue till January. You can even shop during the Black Friday Sales in late November. Furthermore, if you are shopping for goods worth at least AU$300 from a single retailer, you can benefit from the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). You will get a 10% refund on the GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET).  These discount schemes and tax benefits also add to Sydney being a popular global shopping destination. So, the next time you visit Sydney, you know that it’s time to give your wardrobe a fresh new lease of life.