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Torres del Paine is among the biggest of Chile’s national parks, occupying almost 600,000 acres (242,000 ha) of land in the south on the border with Argentina. It is also among the most important, receiving a significant proportion of domes Like any American, traveling occasionally is just what I love doing and I bet you share the same stuff with me. But traveling does not mean that you would be safe. Escaping from our job and other stressful activities is just something that w

For some, vacationing means lazy days on the beach, leisurely hours by the pool or naps in the sun. For others, vacationing provides a chance to leave the suit-and-tie desk job behind and to let the weekend warrior who stays suppressed most of the year go wild. No matter if you prefer the camaraderie of teams or the challenge of individual sports, the Alabama Gulf Coast has a place for you to test your mettle. Because of its reputation as a world-class vacation destination, the Alabama Gulf Coast might not, in the past, have been foremost in the public consciousness as a destination for sporting events. But excellent facilities combined with beautiful scenery and friendly, helpful staff, business people and residents make the Alabama Gulf Coast a top-of-the-line location for sports and recreation. Take, for example, Bike MS: Border Bash, a two-day, two-state, 150-mile cycling event that raises money to fund research to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Bikers will find this a thrill and a challenge as they ride a course that takes them through two states, beginning and ending at the premier resort The Wharf. The fully supported course means riders of any skill level can be sure to have a safe yet challenging experience. Along the way, riders can marvel at the spectacular scenery, including views of the Intercoastal Waterway, beaches and the native flora and fauna that will be springing to life as May begins. Supporters who come can spend their time enjoying the amenities provided by The Wharf, such as shops, restaurants, a movie theater and an amphitheater. Additionally, hundreds of boutiques and eateries are located along the 150-mile course. Some who come to the Gulf Coast will be supporters of entire teams, and those teams will be comprised of children or perhaps grandchildren representing their schools. Tournaments played at a beach destination is a dream combination of vacation and parental obligation. After all, no one ever said the field of competition shouldn't have a Gulf view. To find team activities, look no further than the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, home to six softball fields, a baseball field, a football field, a soccer field, a track and a field house. As the school year winds down, pitchers will be winding up for tournaments in softball and baseball. Shoot-outs in mid-May are qualifiers for Global World Series events that are coming this summer to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. While visiting Gulf Shores, plan to stop by Johnnie Sims Park to ride the rails in the 6,500-square-foot skate park. The facility has 10 concrete modular skate ramps designed for skill levels ranging from beginner through advanced. A concession and restroom facility is onsite, and those who prefer the sport of being a spectator can do so from nearby picnic tables. If you would rather do some "courting," however, visit the George C. Meyer Tennis Center, which features 12 hard-surface courts and six Rubeco courts, four covered and two open. The Orange Beach Recreation Center welcomes martial arts specialists as more than 300 participants gather for the Eastern Shore Taekwondo Invitational. Orange Beach also offers a sportsplex, tennis center and aquatic center featuring a junior Olympic outdoor pool. If your idea of a good workout is surfing the 'Net, no worries. All Orange Beach facilities are Wi-Fi Hotspots, so limber up those thumbs for some texting marathons!  But if you came to the coast to give your digital digits a rest and put a little glow on your fluorescent pallor, what better way to tone and tan simultaneously than a pickup game of beach volleyball? Of course, in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there's always the chance you'll "pick up" a ringer, as professional and world-class amateur volleyball players arrive to bump, set and spike for tournaments on the sugary sands. Speaking of spikes, don't forget the clubs and golf shoes. You'll want to make sure to hit the links for 18 holes. You might also consider casting your worries away by doing some fishing. The Alabama Gulf Coast offers opportunities for every budget, from surf fishing off the beach to chartering a deep-sea excursion in search of bigger prizes. Some come to fish for fun, some for food, some for trophies and some for prizes in competitions. But as is the case in every sport and sporting opportunity, when it's at the Alabama Gulf Coast, no matter the outcome, one thing is true: Everyone's a winner. To satisfy your competitive nature, schedule a sporting event or find out what sporting opportunities are available during your next stay at the Alabama Gulf Coast, visit www.thebeachiscalling.org.