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Understanding Web Design

July 12, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Web design is a fast growing business and has become a useful skill for those interested in this career. Some individuals fall into web design, as their companies start a website and need an employee to assist with the process. Whether someone is a professional web designer or a novice looking for experience, this can be a fun way to experiment with different approaches and options.

Typically some type of web design software will be necessary in order to create a professional looking site. Some programs offer free trials for 30 days or more, so that potential customers can try out the features. It’s also smart to assess the needs of the business before undergoing a big project, because websites that offer sales are much more complex than those without. Security and encryption must be more advanced, and there has to be a way for customers to pay. For complicated websites, it will usually pay off to use the services of a professional web designer. Learning internet codes such as HTML, FTP, and PHP can be confusing.

For those who want to become more advanced in the world of web design, there are plenty of courses offered at colleges and universities. There are also forums and other means of communication from fellow web designers available online. It is often more helpful to read the experience of a person who has encountered a similar problem, because these people can provide guidance.

Designers can browse popular websites to get a feel for their likes and dislikes, and what they feel works well on a site. This will help ensure that the final result will be visually appealing.

Filed Under: Adventures, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: File Transfer Protocol, HTML, Web design

An Adventurer’s Dream

July 9, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

A waterbar in New York's Catskill Mountains. T...

Image via Wikipedia

A great way to stay in shape is to take up the hobby of hiking. Hiking can be a very enjoyable and relaxing activity, but it will also help you to stay in shape. Hiking in the great outdoors allows you to get some fresh air and to see wildlife in its natural environment.

Finding great places to hike isn’t very difficult. Most government parks include hiking trails. You can also check various websites that list hiking trails in your area. Take advantage of resources such as canada 411 to find hiking opportunities close to where you live.

You will want to make sure that the trails you choose are at or below your skill level. Some trails are designed for more experienced hikers and you should be aware of the skill level of a trail before you begin your hike.

Choosing the right trails is important, particularly if you are a little out of shape and need easier trails with little rough terrain and virtually no significant elevation. Once these trails become easier for you, it’s time to move to the more advanced option. Some of the more difficult trails may include hiking through forests, hills or even mountains.

The point of hiking is simple – to get or stay active, enjoy the great outdoors, and have fun. This is a family activity that even your children will enjoy. Use it as a learning tool to become educated about plants and animals and identify different types and species. The possibilities for fun while hiking are endless.

Filed Under: Adventures, All About Hiking, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Outdoors, Trail

Sea Kayaking – An Alternative

March 28, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

For those who have become bored with kayaking on rivers and small lakes, take heart, there is another way to enjoy kayaking – sea kayaking. Sea (or touring) kayaks are an entirely different breed paddled in a much different environment. Sea kayaks are built for sailing on open waters – large lakes, bays and oceans.

By design, sea kayaks are seaworthy. They are longer and have a covered deck. Because they are essentially kayaks and meant for straight line travel without sacrificing maneuverability. These kayaks can be anywhere from 10 to 18 feet long for one person and up to 26 feet long for two or three paddlers and their supplies. These craft are built for trips of a few hours or several weeks.

Sea kayaks originated in Alaska, Canada and southern Greenland around 4,000 years ago. They were used primarily for hunting and fishing by the native populations.

Today, sea kayaks are also used for recreation in a variety of different locations and environments. In many cases, very little kayaking experience is needed. Glacier Bay, Alaska is a great example. These waters are home to whales, orcas and other wildlife

Another totally different environment for sea kayakers is North Carolina’s Outer Banks. These barrier islands along the state’s coast are home to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, ape Hatteras National Forest and the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. There are also many small coastal towns and historic sites along the Outer Banks that are worth seeing.

Down Easter Island, Maine boasts of some of the most rugged coastline on the east coast. The coastline is full of small coves and inlets that beg to be explored.

Another Alaskan sea kayaking paradise is Prince William Sound. The sound is protected from the ocean by mountains and glaciers and abounds in wildlife, including the bald eagle.

Cumberland Island, Georgia is considered to be the premier sea kayaking area on the east coast. The island is located in tidal marsh and is home to many wildlife species.

Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana is a varied sea kayak trip that moves through bald cypress swamps, bayous and brackish water to end up coming out in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sea kayaking is definitely different and offers an interesting alternative for kayakers.

Filed Under: Adventures, Sports Tagged With: Gulf of Mexico, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Sea kayak

What about the Kayak?

March 24, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

The kayak is similar to its relative the canoe in many respects. Both are used for water transportation and have a long history dating back thousands of years, The kayak differs from the canoe in that it have more top over and typically seats only one person. The kayak’s origins are also different and can be traced back primarily to Canada and Alaska.

First and foremost, anyone who is drawn to kayaking needs to be able to swim and be comfortable in and on the water. Beginners are strongly advised to learn how to navigate and paddle a kayak on calm water first. Pros suggest renting several kayaks to find out what works best before buying a kayak – it is an investment. It is worth noting that there are schools that teach novices all they need to know about safe and proper kayaking techniques. Another point worth making is that kayaking build upper body strength. As more paddling is done, upper body strength is increased and paddling becomes more effortless.

The new kayaker’s first few trips should be on still water such as a lake or calm river. It is always best to kayak with at least one other kayaker and to always wear a safety helmet and a personal floatation device (PFD). Once the kayaker becomes proficient on calm water, it is time to advance to new and more challenging kayaking environments like whitewater kayaking.

Where to kayak? Almost any facility or body of water that accommodates a canoe works for a kayak. There are recommended waters to paddle on in every state. There are also organizations that conduct guided group kayaking trips. These are great venues for learning to navigate whitewater.

One of the most recognized kayaking facilities in the United States is the U.S. National Whitewater Center near Charlotte, North Carolina. The facility was opened in 2006 and is home to the U.S. National Kayaking Team. It is considered to be one of the premier outdoor recreation centers. The center is particularly noteworthy because the whitewater is manmade from the nearby Catawba River.

Filed Under: Adventures, Sports Tagged With: Kayak, U.S. National Whitewater Center, United States

Mountain Biking – Riding the Trail

March 20, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

As the weather starts to get warmer, mountain bikers begin to turn their attention to getting ready for a spring and summer of biking enjoyment. For others who have never tried the sport, it is a good time to start learning what mountain biking is all about.

Most mountain bike riders will say that they ride to stay fit because it is a great form of aerobic exercise. In the next breath they will say that it’s also about the challenge of completing a rugged trail. They enjoy the variety of trails – long and short, easy and challenging.

Like any other sport there are rules. This is especially true for the beginner. Experts advise novices that the first step is to take time to select the right bike. While many bikes are lightweight and allow more speed, most bike riders recommend a full suspension mountain bike because it is more comfortable and has better control in rugged terrain.

The next step is to prepare and assemble the gear needed for a ride. The key to preparing is to think “self-sufficient.” That means to carry what is needed – plenty of water, the tools and supplies needed to maintain the bike, food and to always wear a helmet.

Where do mountain bikers ride? One of the favorite riding areas is the national parks and forests located throughout the United States. Most of the same trails that are used by hikers can be ridden on a mountain bike and there is usually a park or forest near any town or city in the states.

There are also private mountain bike riding trails in many areas of the country. Here are some of the recommended beginner to intermediate mountain bikes riding trails for new riders:

§ NuDraper Mountain Bike Park, Midwest City, Oklahoma.
§ Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons, Agoura Hills, California
§ York River State Park, Williamsburg, Virginia
§ Northshore Trail, Flower Mound, Texas
§ Olmstead Loop, Auburn, California
§ Erie Canalway Trail, Medina, New York

Filed Under: Adventures, Sports Tagged With: Mountain bike, Mountain biking, United States

Cross Country Skiing – Skiing’s Other Enjoyment

March 16, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

When most people think of skiing, they think of downhill skiing and slalom. It may come as a surprise that downhill skiing has an equally popular cousin – cross country skiing. Cross country skiing has been a means of transportation in northern Europe and Asia for 5,000 years and has built an avid following as an exercise and sports activity.

In the United States there are several hundred cross country ski trails throughout the states, particularly in New England, the western states, and the northwestern Pacific coast. Cross country skiing venues can be divided into two camps, so to speak. Experts will be quick to note that many of the national parks and forests have systems of ski trails for experienced skiers. They point out that the trails are extensive and less expensive to use. Accommodations can usually found in nearby town at much less expensive rates, too.

For beginning cross country skiers, ski resorts are probably a safer place to start. Most downhill ski resorts also have cross country ski trails. While resorts tend to be more expensive, the trails are clearly marked and kept in good condition. There are also instructors available for the first time cross country skier. Many of the resorts have warming huts along the ski trails.

Some of the resorts are interesting and unique. Adirondacks, New York was the home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games at Lake Placid and boasts of six million acres of ski trails and an Olympic Sports Center. Further north in Stowe, Vermont, the famous Von Trapp family established the Von Trapp Family Lodge, a cross country ski center, after fleeing Austria during World War II.

At Mount Bachelor Ski Resort in Oregon, cross country skiers can ski in June – and get a tan. The resort is also the training center for the U.S. Cross-country Ski and Biathlon Teams in the spring.

Royal Gorge in Soda Springs, California sits in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and claims to have the largest cross country ski resort. Tenth Mountain Division in Colorado is names after the first Army unit in World War II to be trained to fight on skis. The facility has an impressive 270 miles of ski trail and 29 warming huts.

Filed Under: Adventures, Sports Tagged With: Cross-country skiing, Ski, United States

A Short History Lesson on Skiing

March 9, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Snow skiing is an international winter sport. It is also one of the most watched events at every winter World Olympics. Not surprisingly, skiing was a means of transportation long before it became a popular sport and competition event.

“Ski” is a derivation of the original translation and means “stick of wood.” Skis are believed to have evolved from snowshoes and were used extensively in northern Europe and Asia as long as 5,000 years ago. The first evidence of skis as bones from large animals was found in Norway and Switzerland, and the oldest recorded ski dating back to 3200 BC was discovered in Sweden in 1924. Evidence of skis being used during this period has also been found in the Sayan Mountains of Asia.

There were originally three different types of skis that were used primarily for cross-country travel. The Fennoscandian ski has a horizontal toe-piece binding that was often covered with fur. This ski was the forerunner to the Telemark ski. The second design, the eastern Siberian ski, was a thin board that had a vertical four-hole binding. There were also two different types of ski pole. The first was a walking stick that was used for balance. The second type of pole was made from a spear or a bow and had some degree of flexibility. When two of these poles were used, the skier was able to travel at higher speed.

Sondre Norheim of Telemark, Norway is regarded as the father of modern skiing – at least in Norway. He is credited with inventing the “birch” binding that allowed skiers to ski without the risk of loosing their skis. In 1870 Norheim is believed to have designed a short curved flexible ski that made it easier to turn in soft snow. However, there is little evidence to support the claims of Norheim’s inventions because most of them were already in existence.

Ski-jumping and cross-country skiing became official events at the 1932 Olympics at Lake Placid, NY and in 1936, downhill and combined slalom skiing were add as events at the Olympics held in Germany.

Filed Under: Adventures, Sports Tagged With: Norway, Ski, Sondre Norheim

Scuba Diving – Free under the Sea

March 7, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

One of the world’s favorite water adventure activities is scuba diving. Divers have many different reasons for spending time underwater. Many of them are sightseers and photographers; others are searching for ship ruins and artifacts. They are all part of a pastime and profession that has been around for centuries.

Underwater diving originated in societies where fishing was a main source of food. Divers trained to hold their breath for long periods would go under the water to catch fish or harvest shellfish from the bottom. Recognizing that the longer divers could stay underwater, the more food they could catch, ingenuity took over and new ideas were born.

The reed was the first snorkel. However, while divers could stay under longer, they could only go a few feet below the surface. Diving bells made of wood were used as early as 1600. The bells allowed divers to submerge for longer periods and get air trapped at the top of the bell by going under and up into the bell.

The first diving suits made of leather were designed in the early 1800s, allowing a diver to go down to 60 feet. During the same period, diving helmets were designed that allowed air to be pumped into the helmet from the surface. A solution that would allow divers to work independent of air supplied from the surface still persisted.

In 1825 the first truly self contained diving system was invented. The compressed air supply was contained in a belt worn by the diver and allowed him to stay under water unfettered for longer periods.

The final solution for a system that would allow divers to dive using a self-contained and regulated air supply was invented in 1942 by world famous water naturalist Jacque Cousteau and Emile Gagnan. The “aqua lung” allowed divers to go deeper and stay longer. During World War II, the aqua lung acquired the military acronym SCUBA for “self contained underwater breathing apparatus.” The acronym stuck and scuba diving began growing into the popular activity it is today during the 1950s.

Filed Under: Adventures, Sports Tagged With: Jacque Cousteau, Scuba diving, World War II

Sensible Rules for Mountain Climbing

February 16, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Image via Wikipedia

Mountain climbing can be a fun and challenging activity; it can also be dangerous. There are rules for climbing mountains that make it safer and more enjoyable.

Choosing the proper clothing beforehand is an important first rule. At higher altitudes the air is colder and weather needs to be considered. Thick wool socks should be worn with boots designed for climbing. Trousers, preferably climbing breeches, should be loose fitting and comfortable. Top garments should be warm and designed to protect against wind and rain. Many climbers prefer neoprene-proof anorak for protection in rain. Trousers made from the same material will shield from run-off from the top garment. Light weight thermal gloves offer good protection for the hands. A safety helmet should always be worn when climbing.

The next rule is to plan the climb well in advance of the date. Planning includes getting and becoming familiar with maps of the area, keeping close track of expected weather conditions, and planning the route to be taken. Make sure a copy of the planned itinerary is left with a responsible person. If the weather becomes unsafe, it is best to cancel the climb – better safe than sorry.

Safety is a prime consideration in mountain climbing. Before starting to climb, double check to make sure that maps, a flashlight and a compass will be handy at all times. The one piece of technology that should be carried is a fully charged cell phone. Be sure to stay on the planned route – do not wander off into unfamiliar areas. Bring plenty of fluids and drink periodically to stay hydrated. Travel at a moderate pace. Even walk-up mountain climbing can be exhausting. Stay alert for unexpected hazards along the route.

Always be considerate of the environment and others who climb mountains. Whatever is brought onto a mountain should be taken back down. “Whatever” includes trash, empty containers and anything else that is not part of the natural habitat?

Finally, have a safe and enjoyable climb.

Filed Under: Adventures, Hiking Techniques Tagged With: Climb, mountaineer

The Best U.S. Mountains to Climb

February 10, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Mount Elbert, Colorado in June - http://www.Ro...

Image via Wikipedia

The question many beginner mountain climbing enthusiasts ask is what are the best U.S, mountains to climb? The first part of the answer to that question is the level of difficulty involved in climbing a particular U.S. peak.

The level of difficulty involves a mix of two factors: altitude and terrain. At the lowest level a mountain would be at a low altitude with easily climbed terrain. The reality is that a tall mountain could be a walk-up with little difficulty involved and a mountain at a much lower altitude could have much rougher terrain. Regardless of the level of difficulty, a safety minded mountaineer always climbs with a companion.

California’s Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the lower 48 states at an altitude of 14, 494 feet and yet it is considered a walk-up climb by mountaineers. The same level of difficulty applies to Mount Elbert in Colorado with an altitude of 14,433 feet.

Located outside the continental United States is Hawaii’s Mount Haleakala, a walk-up mountain that makes up 75% of the island of Maui. The mountain was formed from a volcano over thousands of years.

There are mountains in the United States that are significantly more difficult to climb. New Hampshire’s Mount Washington peaks at an altitude of 6,288 feet and yet it is a difficult climb because of the weather conditions. The highest recorded wind gust on a U.S mountaintop – 231 miles per hour – was measured on Mount Washington. During the winter, sustained temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded on this mountain and the wind chill has been estimated at -100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another low altitude mountain that merits difficulty respect is Maine’s Mount Katadhin at 5,267 feet above seal level. This mountain sits at the end of the Appalachian Trail and is known for the Knife Edge Trail, a path that is no more than two feet wide in some spots with 1,000 foot drops on either side of the path.

Filed Under: Adventures, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Mountaineering, United States

Understanding Web Design

An Adventurer’s Dream

Sea Kayaking – An Alternative

What about the Kayak?

Mountain Biking – Riding the Trail

Cross Country Skiing – Skiing’s Other Enjoyment

A Short History Lesson on Skiing

Scuba Diving – Free under the Sea

Sensible Rules for Mountain Climbing

The Best U.S. Mountains to Climb

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