Hurricane Sandy in pictures

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy.

I have scoured the web for some pictures to show the devastation this storm has had.....






The HMS Bounty sinking. 14 crew members were rescued, one died, and one, the captain, is still missing.

Biking through Bolivia

One of the most famous things for tourists to do in Bolivia is taking a mountain bike down the old highway from La Paz to Coroico. A couple years ago, it was the only road down to Coroico, but after countless tragedies due to its narrow width and at times 600 meter almost vertical drop to the valley bottom A US group lent the money necessary to construct a large, much safer route. This has eased up a lot of traffic and allowed the tourism to take off for thrill seekers.



Most tours start at La Cumbre (The summit) of the mountain pass (4700 meters or just under 16 000 feet), where you speed down the actively used highway dodging cars and buses (and hoping they dodge you). The views are spectacular in this part with towering mountains all around (over 5000 meters), old stone walled homesteads and the occasional waterfall.

After a quick break and opportunity to pay your entrance fee (b$25 or $3.50 US) for road maintenance you jump back in the bus for a short uphill drive before heading off into the death road itself.



The death road, or "The World's most dangerous road" isn't as dangerous for bicycles as it was/is for cars... but it is still not something to take lightly. There have been 18 deaths of cyclists on the road since 1995, and the day before we headed down, a 2012 4x4 had gone over the edge trying to pass in relatively dry conditions. A quick search for "Bolivia death road" on youtube is not recommended for the faint of heart as countless results come back of car accidents along the road.

There are a number of companies going down the road, including B-side adventures the company I went with a few weeks ago. They charge anywhere from $60 to $100 depending on the company, but you get what you pay for. I saw a cheaper group heading down with only basic helmets and old school bikes. In contrast the more expensive ones include full face helmets, knee and elbow pads, full suspension and disc brakes, and b-side takes both photos and videos (low res) of the event which it offers free of charge to its clients. Oh and pretty much all companies offer a shirt to those who complete the trip. It's a good idea to check Lonely Planet's guide as it will give you a good idea of who to check out.

A couple things to ask the companies are if the bikes are full or front suspension, disc or standard brakes, if pads are included, if the helmets are full or partial, do they take photos and provide them after the fact? oh and possibly most importantly do they bring extra bikes or tubes in case there are problems. I really like b-side, except for the fact that they didn't provide extra bikes. I was fine, but 1 other person got a flat (which they fixed) and another had his pedals freeze up. The guides did switch bikes, but it would have been a downer for me for sure! I did send them an email with my suggestions which they graciously received. We'll have to see if they implement my suggestions.

If you're a thrill seeker and know how to pedal a bike you should definitely consider this trip if you're in the country.

Moon mining?

Who would think that the lunar landings in the 1960's and 1970's by NASA would pave the way for one of the way for possibly one of the biggest conflicts ever to be seen, and it hasn't happened yet? This is the chase to find a secure, reliable and clean energy sources to feed the power thirsty nations on earth.

Governments around the world are looking to alternative sources of energy. Secure, clean, less waste and of course the reduction in carbon emissions that is the catalyst of climate change. Nuclear power is seen as a reliable source of energy and the chosen option for future power generation. Despite the enthusiasm for nuclear energy as a carbon-zero energy source, there are still issues around radiation, safety, uranium minig, ad nuclear weapons through enrichment. Waste and decommissioning nuclear plants is a major problem, costing millions of pounds in decommissioning and nuclear waste buried for hundreds of years underground.

For decades scientists have been trying to make nuclear power from nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion makes use of the same energy source that fuels stars, including our sun. This process doesn't produce the radioactivity and nuclear waste, as would be found in nuclear power stations, as this process if different, and known as nuclear fission. One source of raw material to make nuclear fusion is helium-3. Helium-3 is different from other helium gasses, it is a lighter isotope and when it fuses with other nuclei it releases energy with no radioactive waste. The energy stored in helium-3 is 10times the amount of energy found in fossil fuels.

Helium-3 has been emitted by our sun for billions of years and is carried by solar winds, but Earth has a magnetic field that deflects these particles away, so the only helium-3 found on earth is from bi-products of nuclear weapons and this is extremely scarce. The moon however, has been continuously bombarded with helium-3 particles for billions of years. It is estimated that the moon has an abundance of helium-3 in the region of 1million tonnes. The estimated price of helium-3 is £4.5billion per tonne. It is estimated that to power the earth for a year would only take only 100 tonnes, so we have a potential clean power source for 10,000 years.

The process will be very expensive and require billions of pounds of investment. The extracting and refining of helium-3 will require new technologies, as the material is low in concentrations in the lunar surface. Around one million tonnes of lunar soil will be needed to mined and processed for every tonne of helium-3. There will also need to be new nuclear power stations to take the helium-3 material.

Over recent times there has been an increasing number of global powers and emerging market economies announcing plans to enter the space race, many announcing plans to visit the moon; India, China, Russia, USA to name a few all accelerating plans for visits to outer space and the moon. How will global powers cooperate with such a precious raw material that could answer all of our future energy needs?

Helium-3 will deliver nuclear energy that is clean, safe, carbon-zero and take away the threat of enrichment for nuclear weapons. In 2009 the US government commissioned a document into mining helium-3 and policy options. It is clear in this document that alleviating conflict and discontent with nations was a major concern to the US administration. The report concluded that international space laws fail to establish rules governing mining, ownership and exploration of helium-3. Will profit, politics, power all come before the needs for cooperation and collaboration? Providing affordable clean power for the developed world is key but ensuring developing nations and third world economies are not forced even further into energy poverty. Conflict will come, controversy and disruption, as power-greed nations seek to monopolise our lunar surface.

Warm relations between the DRC and South Africa

President Jacob Zuma and Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila have met to strengthen existing relations between the two countries at the 8th Session of the Bi-National Commission.



The meeting of the two Heads of State, which took place on Tuesday, was preceded by a ministerial meeting on Monday and a senior officials' meeting at the weekend.
During their discussions, the two Presidents reviewed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

They expressed great satisfaction at the warm and special relations that exist between the two countries and committed themselves to further enhance these relations for the mutual benefit of their respective countries and peoples.
The two countries cooperate in several projects covering various fields, including security sector reform, infrastructure development, capacity and institutional building, humanitarian and social matters.

Both President Zuma and President Kabila reiterated their commitment to strengthen economic relations by enhancing cooperation between the business communities of the two countries and by increasing bilateral trade and investment.
They also witnessed the signing of a co-operation agreement between PetroSA and Cohydro. This important agreement will establish a strategic cooperation in the activities of pre-exploration, exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons for the benefit of the two countries.
The agreement adds to the already wide legal instruments within which cooperation between the two countries takes place.

In this regard, South Africa's Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) was regarded as an important platform to achieve this goal. In the same vein, both countries agreed to encourage people-to-people contacts through cultural, scientific and educational exchange programmes and tourism.
The two Presidents also took the opportunity to reflect extensively on the ongoing security instability in the eastern part of the DRC.

In this regard, the two condemned in the strongest possible terms those forces that are involved in destabilising a sovereign state and called on them to cease these activities immediately.
They also committed their respective governments to the regional efforts that are aimed at assisting the Government of the DRC to deal with this challenge.

On regional issues, the two leaders exchanged views on the prevailing political, economic and security situation in the region. In this context, the two re-affirmed their commitment to work together in pursuit of regional economic integration.

On continental and international issues, the two expressed their commitment to African unity and integration within the framework of the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
They further reiterated their common view on the need to reform the multilateral institutions including the United Nations Security Council and the Brettonwoods Institutions to better represent the interests of the developing countries.

On behalf of the Congolese delegation and the people of the DRC, President Kabila thanked Zuma, the government and the people of the South Africa for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to his delegation.

Explore Wolkberg

Hikers and outdoor adventurers are always looking for challenging journeys to test their fitness levels and their skills. Carving new routes and making their own trails is every hikers dream, and thus the Wolkberg Wilderness Area in the Limpopo Province is a very popular destination for serious hikers.

Due to its location near Haenertsburg, the Wolkberg Wilderness Area incorporates parts of the Strydpoort Mountain ranges and the famous Drakensberg. It is a destination that offers remote camping sites, the ultimate natural expedition and tranquility that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the country.

The most important point to be noted regarding the Wolkberg Wilderness Area is that it is only for very experienced hikers. The terrain is rugged with no clear trails and the landscape consists of mountains, dense forest areas, cliffs, water streams and valleys, making it an ultimate survival challenge. Hikers take along their own tents, food, water supplies and utensils, because after they have left the Sarala Forest Station there are no facilities, it is just the hikers and Mother Nature. Even though this area is treacherous and challenging, it is worth the effort.

Hikers are able to marvel at forests filled with wild fig and peach trees, view massive untouched yellowwood trees and cool off in the clear waters of the waterfalls. There is also a wonderful selection of wildlife to be seen, such as mountain reedbuck, samango monkeys, leopards, vervet monkeys, brown hyena and duikers. Bird watching enthusiasts will also be able to view colorful species including the bat hawk, pearlbreasted swallow, hamerkop, crested falcon, lilac breasted roller and black eagle.

The Wolkberg Wilderness Area became a protect area in 1977 and covers approximately twenty-two thousand hectares. Rivers such as the Letsitele, Letaba and the Thabina are located within this breathtaking wilderness area. Landmark sites, including the Black Reef Series, provide unforgettable sights. Hikers are recommended to wear comfortable hiking gear and to pack additional food, as weather conditions do change and if they need to camp an extra night they should be prepared for it. Everyone is also reminded and requested to keep the Wolkberg Wilderness Area as pristine as it now is, and to respect nature and its beauty.

The top 7 canyons worldwide

Dear friends,

I found this great article recently and feel it must be shared. Enjoy



The Seven Summits are easy to decide: Pick the highest peak on each continent and, voila, you have your list. The “Seven Canyons”? Not so easy. Deepest? Sure, that could be fun. Largest? Well, you could estimate volume, but is that better than deepest? It’s not really worth the debate. Instead, we took a more aesthetic line and asked longtime Grand Canyon guide and world traveler Bruce Corey, owner of Canyon tough adventures, for his list of the seven “best” canyons in the world.

1. Colca Canyon, Peru



Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon (and at 13,650 feet deep touted as the world’s deepest, though it isn’t), Colca Canyon’s colorful 45-mile length is rife with cultural history, with Inca and pre-Inca settlement and indigenous peoples who maintain ancestral traditions. Its main attraction is the endangered Andean condor, which regularly float on thermals at close range to tourists, especially at the pass at Cruz del Condor, the edge of a 1,200-foot drop.

2. Copper Canyon, Mexico



The Barrancas del Cobre, six canyons formed by six rivers draining the western side of the Sierra Tarahumara, form a network larger and more complex than the Grand Canyon. Thousands of feet of elevation separate the canyons’ two ecosystems, a high alpine environment and a sub-tropical forest climate. The Tarahumara, the indigenous, natural ultramarathoners made famous in Christopher McDougall’s Born To Run, call Copper Canyon home. The Copper Canyon Railway, a 400-mile, 16-hour trip from Los Mochis to Chihuahua, climbs 8,000 feet over 36 bridges and through 87 tunnels on its breathtaking route.

3. Echidna Chasm, Australia



This sandstone joint in the Bungle Bungle Range in Western Australia’s Purnululu National Park is only a 1.5-mile walk from the parking lot. Its narrows slot down to six feet wide in spots, with 600-foot walls above, bouncing sunlight around to glow red and orange, making it a photographer’s dream.

4. Fish River Canyon, Namibia



At 1,800 feet deep, 100 miles long, and 18 miles wide, Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and Namibia’s second-most popular tourist attraction (behind Etosha National Park). The Fish River Canyon Trail, a stout 54-mile hike along the Fish River, is one of the most popular in southern Africa.

5. Grand Canyon, United States



Probably the most famous canyon in the world (and one of the Seven Natural Wonders), the Grand Canyon receives five million visitors each year, mostly to the South Rim but plenty from boaters tackling the 12- to 18-day drip down the Colorado River, which cut the canyon over millions of years. At 6,000 feet deep, 277 miles long, and up to 18 miles wide, it’s not the world’s deepest or longest, but the view from either rim might be the most visually arresting (and accessible) in the world. Plus there’s two billion years of exposed geology visible by hiking the 4,400 feet from rim to river.

6. Verdon Gorge, France



The cool turquoise-green Verdon River cut this canyon in southeastern France (top photo, above), hailed as Europe’s most scenic canyon, 2,300 feet deep and 13 miles long. Rock climbers have developed more than 1,500 routes along the limestone walls of the gorge, and hikers, kayakers, and motorists visit this “Grand Canyon du Verdon,” close in proximity to the French Riviera.


7. Yarlung Tsangpo, Tibet/China



A lot of folks say the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world, and it’s definitely longer than the U.S.’s Grand Canyon, making it one of the world’s largest. As it passes between the Namcha Barwa and Gyala Peri mountain ranges, it’s 16,000 feet deep, and explorations of the gorge by boaters have led to nicknaming the Yarlung Tsangpo “The Everest of Rivers” because of its harrowing conditions. A full descent of the gorge has yet to be completed, although a group of kayakers completed a bold descent of the upper gorge in 2002.

The Wildest Places in North America

 

If you’re looking for uninhabited and extensive wild places, North America isn’t a bad place to start. In fact, the two principal countries of the continent – the U.S. and Canada — have some of the most varied and well preserved outdoor areas in the world. From the ancient forests of the northern sections of the continent to the sweltering deserts in the southwest, you can experience almost every type of climate and geographic profile right within the boundaries of North America. Read on to find out some of the most undisturbed, naturally stunning spots to see.



Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. When you think of this northern U.S. state, the first thing that comes to mind is likely Detroit and the automotive industry. But on the northern side of Lake Michigan, a huge peninsula juts out from Wisconsin into the Great Lakes. Though it contains over 25 percent of Michigan’s total land area, roughly 3 percent of the state’s population makes their home there. Of course, there is good reason for this. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a very cold, very wild place. Lake effect snow drapes the heavily wooded area almost continuously for several months in the wintertime. In the summer, locals and tourists alike venture out onto the waters of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan in addition to the peninsula’s dense deciduous forests.

The Great Basin. Covering parts of Utah, Nevada, California, and even southern Oregon, the Great Basin is a large, mostly dry area in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Aside from being very low in human population concentration, this vast expanse is far from barren. Unique plants like Junipers and Methuselah trees speckle the landscape. In addition, wildlife seen almost nowhere else – including wild mustangs, tarantulas, and a wide variety of exotic reptiles – inhabits the rocky basin. Outdoor adventurers who enjoy being truly “in the middle of nowhere” will likely find their ideal right here.

The Everglades. Tucked into the central portion of southern Florida, the Everglades are one of the last bastions of truly wild areas in the so-called “Lower 48”. Though typically associated with swampland, the Everglades also have wide areas of grass prairies and dense subtropical forests populated with many Mangrove trees. The area is notorious for some creepy critters, including water snakes and alligators. And though it’s not quite as well known, the Florida Everglades are also a haven for those seeking exotic birds and fish. For those who can stand the humidity, the Everglades offer a plethora of natural wonders.

The Pacific Northwest. Outdoor adventurers looking for a more temperate climate than deserts, swamps, or snowy forests might find themselves more comfortable in an area like the Pacific Northwest. The region includes Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, and is known for its mountainous yet densely forested terrain. Because it lies on the Western side of the Rocky Mountains, it’s a very wet place – which allows for a wide range of plant and animal life to thrive there. Native species include wild salmon, river otters, and even the occasional wolf. So if you happen to be enjoying a trek through the Pacific Northwest’s forests, tread carefully.

Though recent population levels have been growing at exponential levels in North America, these spots remain nearly untouched by today’s standards. If it’s the pure, simple pleasure of being in the unadulterated outdoors that you’re seeking, these last few truly wild places on the continent will almost certainly satiate that desire.

Hoover dam Kayak adventure

Even adrenaline junkies need to relax from time to time.

For me there is nothing more relaxing than paddle boarding around on Lake Mead by the Hoover Dam. Feeling the sun on my face as the paddle board glides through the water is peaceful beyond words.

Crystal clear water allows you to see down twenty feet or more to the bottom. Seeing the fish swimming under me added to the whole package. They were in their own peaceful, relaxing place as I was in mine twenty feet above.

Peering down into the blue/green water and seeing a world that has beauty that reaches to the greatest depths was just as amazing as gazing at the towering rock over our head. The mountains that reach more than 300 feet towards the sky was a truly amazing site.

After sitting on the paddle board for a bit, Red, our tour guide,suggested we get a differ-ent vantage point by standing up. I was surprised to find out that the board was stable. I was a little shaky at first. But quickly got used the the motions of the water rocking the board gently back and forth. It was just as easy to stand up and paddle as it was to sit down. It was nice to have the option of standing and stretching my legs for a while.

After a couple hours of being out on the water we headed back to shore for lunch. We then had the option of snorkeling. For me it was a little to chilly out. I would love to go back when it is a little warmer to check out the underwater scene.

So, if you are looking for peace and quite in settings of great natural beauty or want physical challenges or adventure, paddle boarding is a versatile sport that can offer all of the above for all ages.

The charm of winter camping

If you appreciate the beauty of winter and have the appropriate gear, camping might be the best way to lose the crowds and celebrate the snowy months.

Most people are familiar with the idea of camping: a tent, sleeping bag, some food, and a campfire. However, if you add winter to the word camping, you may get a puzzled expression. The reality is that winter can be an excellent time to be outdoors and enjoy an overnight adventure in the cold and the snow. With the appropriate gear and a few helpful tips, winter camping can be the perfect opportunity to keep up with Old Man Winter. This article provides a brief view into the important considerations for successful winter camping. In addition, one should research other articles or attend a presentation or seminar on winter camping that may be provided at a local outdoor retail store.

Packing the essentials

The first deciding factor for spending a night out in the cold should be whether or not you have the appropriate gear. The cold literally adds a whole new element to your typical camping trip and to ensure you enjoy your experience, you need to have a few essential items.

 

Clothing

In order to keep warm it’s important to carefully analyze your clothing options for braving the cold. Layering your clothing is the only way to remain comfortable while outside during the winter, especially if you are backpacking in to your campsite. Wearing various layers of clothing allows you to easily adjust your body temperature while you are outside in the cold.

For example, while you are hiking or setting up camp you will probably be producing more heat and need less clothing than while you are sitting around camp and eating dinner. First, your layering should include a base layer of synthetic underwear or “long johns” that insulates but allows perspiration to wick away from your skin if you start to get too warm.

Second, you need a middle insulating layer of fleece or light wool to keep you warm but can easily be removed such as a vest or jacket.

Thirdly, you will need an outer layer consisting of a water and wind proof jacket that is commonly referred to as a shell. The layering
technique applies to your upper body as well as your legs to ensure that you have total comfort.

Most outdoor retail stores have a vast assortment of clothing that is state-of-the-art for maintaining comfort and adaptability. Many products, such as pants and jackets, have zippers in strategic locations to be unzipped and allow heat to escape from under your arms or along your upper thigh. Also, many outdoor clothing companies use synthetic materials that keep out the elements but allow heat to escape so that you don’t sweat too much.