Adventure Travel - National Geographic Adventure Blog
I have never tried a "horsepacking" trip but I think it would be a great adventure. Guess it would depend on the horse??? :-)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
FOXNews.com - Odds of Life on Nearby Planet '100 Percent,' Astronomer Says
FOXNews.com - Odds of Life on Nearby Planet '100 Percent,' Astronomer Says
"24 degrees below zero to 10 degrees Fahrenheit" - I wouldn't call that very hospitable to life. I am surprised that a scientist made a guess and labeled it '100% certain'. GOD is Creator and Sustainer. Who knows what HE has in store in the vast, unfathomable universe.
"24 degrees below zero to 10 degrees Fahrenheit" - I wouldn't call that very hospitable to life. I am surprised that a scientist made a guess and labeled it '100% certain'. GOD is Creator and Sustainer. Who knows what HE has in store in the vast, unfathomable universe.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
If James Bond Rode A Bike, It Would Look Like This...
If James Bond Rode A Bike, It Would Look Like This...: Today we have a video of a bike that you would probably find in James Bond's garage, as it comes complete with an ejector seat and flame thrower, and is capable of pedaling through nearly any terrain.
In fact, the bike is actually called the BOND Bike, with BOND standing for Built of Notorious Deterrents. According to the Daily Mail, it was actually put together by an insurance company in the U.K. who surveyed their customers to find out what they least liked about cycling. Their responses, which included potholes, traffic, and thieves, helped to inspire the design, which is at least good for a laugh.
"
Can't you see yourself cruising down the Chief Ladiga Rail Trail in this "bike tank"?... Wonder how fast it actually would be?... Enjoy.
In fact, the bike is actually called the BOND Bike, with BOND standing for Built of Notorious Deterrents. According to the Daily Mail, it was actually put together by an insurance company in the U.K. who surveyed their customers to find out what they least liked about cycling. Their responses, which included potholes, traffic, and thieves, helped to inspire the design, which is at least good for a laugh.
"Can't you see yourself cruising down the Chief Ladiga Rail Trail in this "bike tank"?... Wonder how fast it actually would be?... Enjoy.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Adventure Travel - National Geographic Adventure Blog
Adventure Travel - National Geographic Adventure Blog
An article to "whet your appetite" for some fantastic kayaking. Can you imagine paddling your kayak into one of these slot canyons; to have sandstone walls rise hundreds of feet above you to a narrow slit of sky as you listen to the almost absolute silence all around you? Another one of GOD's treasures that beckons to be explored...
An article to "whet your appetite" for some fantastic kayaking. Can you imagine paddling your kayak into one of these slot canyons; to have sandstone walls rise hundreds of feet above you to a narrow slit of sky as you listen to the almost absolute silence all around you? Another one of GOD's treasures that beckons to be explored...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Eagle shot, rescued in Afghanistan to get NY home - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |
Eagle shot, rescued in Afghanistan to get NY home - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |
Another "injured animal" rescued story... Steppe Eagle rescued by Navy SEALS after being shot by Afghan solider... then brought to bird sanctuary in the US. :-)
Another "injured animal" rescued story... Steppe Eagle rescued by Navy SEALS after being shot by Afghan solider... then brought to bird sanctuary in the US. :-)
Dog falls off cliff and survives - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |
Dog falls off cliff and survives - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL
Can't imagine what was going through the minds of this couple as they saw their car (with their dog) going over the edge of the caldera into Crater Lake! It was miraculous that the dog survived such an ordeal. A feel good story indeed.
Can't imagine what was going through the minds of this couple as they saw their car (with their dog) going over the edge of the caldera into Crater Lake! It was miraculous that the dog survived such an ordeal. A feel good story indeed.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Dismals Canyon / Natural Bridge
Expedition #24: Hiking/Camping Dismals Canyon and Natural Bridge Alabama
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Hike (1): Afternoon (9/10/2010) hike of the Dismals Canyon
Distance: 3 miles Rating: 5/5 (How could it be any less?)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Negotiation of many steep stairs and crevices)
Conditions: Sunny, warm, humid. Late afternoon hike. Wind calm. Almost no one else on trail.
Thoughts/Observations:
Jon, Amber, and I on this expedition. Took advantage of our early arrival and explored the deep gorge and canyon of Dismals Canyon. I half-way expected to see T.Rex emerge from the mist shrouded canyon at any moment as we were surrounded by moss draped rocks and cliffs, numerous large ferns, and more Big Leaf Magnolia than I have ever seen in one place. Except for the roar of Rainbow Falls and the more gentle cascade of Secret Falls the canyon was mostly quiet. We explored more cracks and crevices than I can enumerate -- places such as Witch's Cauldron, Dance Palace, The Grotto, and Burr's Hideout. All around we were cocooned in the verdant green of a primeval forest. In certain places we would be amazed at the cool, refreshing air that swept over us out of some subterranean crack. You could not help buy wonder what some Native American hundreds or thousands of years ago would have been thinking as he walked through or lived in this resplendent canyon. I am reminded of Psalms 68:35 " O GOD, YOU are more awesome than YOUR holy places."
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Hike (2): Night Hike in Dismals Canyon
Distance: 1 mile Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Due to steep stairs and uneven terrain under night (flashlight) conditions.)
Conditions: Mid to upper 70's. Humid. Calm. Trail conditions steep and wet. Total of 8 people including the guide.
Thoughts/Observations:
Guided hike from the Country Store down into Dismals Canyon into Burr's Hideout looking for Dismalites (bio luminescent larvae). The canyon takes on an ethereal feel after dark. Hiking amid the cracks and crevices of the lower canyon after dark is a unique experience. Your sense of hearing and touch becomes much more acute since you have limited sight. We were disappointed at the lower number of Dismalites. They were reduced by the drier than normal conditions according to the guide. Rather than hundreds or thousands of them, there were only scores. They were intriguing none-the-less. Standing in pitch black darkness you are inexplicably drawn to the soft blue glow of these larvae. They are truly an astounding creation of GOD.
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Hike (3): Natural Bridge, Sat. 9/11/2010 Early afternoon
Distance: 3 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Due to varying terrain, slippery conditions, rocks)
Conditions: Sunny, very warm, humid. Trails damp to muddy in places. Lots of rain in area over last several weeks. A few other people on trails.
Thoughts/Observations:
Another spot in Alabama that I had been wanting to see -- can mark it off my list now... I am so glad we stopped here on the way back. You can read about Natural Bridge or even see pictures of it, but none of them do it justice. They cannot adequately convey the sense of amazement and awe you witness as you hike around the corner and see this stone monolith surrounded by primeval forest and highlighted by shafts of early afternoon sunlight. Long, thin, spindly trees grow up from the cavernous floor through the gaps between the rock bridges. All around, the rocks weep large drops of water as cascading ferns and mosses soften the sheer rock faces of the ridge line. Here too I am reminded of "The Land That Time Forgot".
What a special place this is, GOD. How magnificent YOU are. YOUR creativity moves me to tears, to wonder, and to inspiration!
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Hike (1): Afternoon (9/10/2010) hike of the Dismals Canyon
Distance: 3 miles Rating: 5/5 (How could it be any less?)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Negotiation of many steep stairs and crevices)
Conditions: Sunny, warm, humid. Late afternoon hike. Wind calm. Almost no one else on trail.
Thoughts/Observations:
Jon, Amber, and I on this expedition. Took advantage of our early arrival and explored the deep gorge and canyon of Dismals Canyon. I half-way expected to see T.Rex emerge from the mist shrouded canyon at any moment as we were surrounded by moss draped rocks and cliffs, numerous large ferns, and more Big Leaf Magnolia than I have ever seen in one place. Except for the roar of Rainbow Falls and the more gentle cascade of Secret Falls the canyon was mostly quiet. We explored more cracks and crevices than I can enumerate -- places such as Witch's Cauldron, Dance Palace, The Grotto, and Burr's Hideout. All around we were cocooned in the verdant green of a primeval forest. In certain places we would be amazed at the cool, refreshing air that swept over us out of some subterranean crack. You could not help buy wonder what some Native American hundreds or thousands of years ago would have been thinking as he walked through or lived in this resplendent canyon. I am reminded of Psalms 68:35 " O GOD, YOU are more awesome than YOUR holy places."
-------
Hike (2): Night Hike in Dismals Canyon
Distance: 1 mile Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Due to steep stairs and uneven terrain under night (flashlight) conditions.)
Conditions: Mid to upper 70's. Humid. Calm. Trail conditions steep and wet. Total of 8 people including the guide.
Thoughts/Observations:
Guided hike from the Country Store down into Dismals Canyon into Burr's Hideout looking for Dismalites (bio luminescent larvae). The canyon takes on an ethereal feel after dark. Hiking amid the cracks and crevices of the lower canyon after dark is a unique experience. Your sense of hearing and touch becomes much more acute since you have limited sight. We were disappointed at the lower number of Dismalites. They were reduced by the drier than normal conditions according to the guide. Rather than hundreds or thousands of them, there were only scores. They were intriguing none-the-less. Standing in pitch black darkness you are inexplicably drawn to the soft blue glow of these larvae. They are truly an astounding creation of GOD.
-------
Hike (3): Natural Bridge, Sat. 9/11/2010 Early afternoon
Distance: 3 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Due to varying terrain, slippery conditions, rocks)
Conditions: Sunny, very warm, humid. Trails damp to muddy in places. Lots of rain in area over last several weeks. A few other people on trails.
Thoughts/Observations:
Another spot in Alabama that I had been wanting to see -- can mark it off my list now... I am so glad we stopped here on the way back. You can read about Natural Bridge or even see pictures of it, but none of them do it justice. They cannot adequately convey the sense of amazement and awe you witness as you hike around the corner and see this stone monolith surrounded by primeval forest and highlighted by shafts of early afternoon sunlight. Long, thin, spindly trees grow up from the cavernous floor through the gaps between the rock bridges. All around, the rocks weep large drops of water as cascading ferns and mosses soften the sheer rock faces of the ridge line. Here too I am reminded of "The Land That Time Forgot".
What a special place this is, GOD. How magnificent YOU are. YOUR creativity moves me to tears, to wonder, and to inspiration!
Monday, September 06, 2010
Hiking Swayback
Hike: Swayback Bridge Trail - Wetumpka, AL - Labor Day 2010 (9/6), 08:15-10:00
Distance: 4 miles Rating: 4/5 Map Coord: 32.62439/-86.24051
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: 70 degrees. Beautiful full sunshine. No clouds around. Hint of Fall in the air. Trail conditions dry. Quite a few mtn bikers on the trails.
Thoughts/Observations:
A gorgeous day to be out on the trail. Almost didn't go today... but I'm glad that I did. I needed the peace and beauty of GOD's forest. It was soothing to my troubled spirit.
I had to step off-trail for several mtn bikers today, but they did not seriously impact my tranquility. Sounds and feel of the forest were still intact. A few Fall wildflowers are beginning their blooms. Goldenrod is just starting to show indication of flowerettes. No significant leaf change yet - way too early for this part of the country. But I am so ready for Fall. The crispness of the morning air was a welcome relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer. The "feel of Fall" is welcoming and invigorating.
Scriptures for this morning were from Psalms 86, 87, 91 and John 10-11. Worship songs on my mind during my hike were "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore THEE" and "Step By Step" (that has become one of my most treasured worship songs of late). It was good to be hiking with the LORD today. I'm sure I missed some of the sights/sounds of the hike because I was focused in thought and communion. I think that's quite all right though. Some times the greatest sight is spiritual rather than physical.
Agape
Distance: 4 miles Rating: 4/5 Map Coord: 32.62439/-86.24051
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: 70 degrees. Beautiful full sunshine. No clouds around. Hint of Fall in the air. Trail conditions dry. Quite a few mtn bikers on the trails.
Thoughts/Observations:
A gorgeous day to be out on the trail. Almost didn't go today... but I'm glad that I did. I needed the peace and beauty of GOD's forest. It was soothing to my troubled spirit.
I had to step off-trail for several mtn bikers today, but they did not seriously impact my tranquility. Sounds and feel of the forest were still intact. A few Fall wildflowers are beginning their blooms. Goldenrod is just starting to show indication of flowerettes. No significant leaf change yet - way too early for this part of the country. But I am so ready for Fall. The crispness of the morning air was a welcome relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer. The "feel of Fall" is welcoming and invigorating.
Scriptures for this morning were from Psalms 86, 87, 91 and John 10-11. Worship songs on my mind during my hike were "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore THEE" and "Step By Step" (that has become one of my most treasured worship songs of late). It was good to be hiking with the LORD today. I'm sure I missed some of the sights/sounds of the hike because I was focused in thought and communion. I think that's quite all right though. Some times the greatest sight is spiritual rather than physical.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Friday, September 03, 2010
Nature Photo of the Week: Blue Dragonfly
Nature Photo of the Week: Blue Dragonfly: "
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