#Nelson Lakes Transport

[transgenderer]

The Goodyear Inflatoplane was an inflatable experimental aircraft made by the Goodyear Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, well known for the Goodyear blimp. Although it seemed an improbable project, the finished aircraft proved to be capable of meeting its design objectives, although orders were never forthcoming from the military. A total of 12 prototypes were built between 1956 and 1959, and testing continued until 1972, when the project was finally cancelled.

The original concept of an all-fabric inflatable aircraft was based on Taylor McDaniel's inflatable rubber glider experiments in 1931. Designed and built in only 12 weeks, the Goodyear Inflatoplane was built in 1956, with the idea that it could be used by the military as a rescue plane to be dropped in a hardened container behind enemy lines. The 44 cubic ft (1.25 cubic meter) container could also be transported by truck, jeep trailer or aircraft.[1] The inflatable surface of this aircraft was actually a sandwich of two rubber-type materials connected by a mesh of nylon threads, forming an I-beam. When the nylon was exposed to air, it absorbed and repelled water as it stiffened,[clarification needed] giving the aircraft its shape and rigidity. Structural integrity was retained in flight with forced air being continually circulated by the aircraft's motor. This continuous pressure supply enabled the aircraft to have a degree of puncture resilience, the testing of airmat showing that it could be punctured by up to six .30 calibre bullets and retain pressure.[2][3] Goodyear inflatoplane on display at the Smithsonian Institution

There were at least two versions: The GA-468 was a single-seater. It took about five minutes to inflate to about 25 psi (170 kPa); at full size, it was 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m) long, with a 22 ft (6.7 m) wingspan. A pilot would then hand-start the two-stroke cycle,[1] 40 horsepower (30 kW) Nelson engine, and takeoff with a maximum load of 240 pounds (110 kg). On 20 US gallons (76 L) of fuel, the aircraft could fly 390 miles (630 km), with an endurance of 6.5 hours. Maximum speed was 72 miles per hour (116 km/h), with a cruise speed of 60 mph. Later, a 42 horsepower (31 kW) engine was used in the aircraft.

Takeoff from turf was in 250 feet with 575 feet needed to clear a 50-foot obstacle. It landed in 350 feet. Rate of climb was 550 feet per minute. Its service ceiling was estimated at 10,000 ft.

The test program at Goodyear's facilities near Wingfoot Lake, Akron, Ohio showed that the inflation could be accomplished with as little as 8 psi (544 mbar), less than a car tire.[1] The flight test program had a fatal crash when Army aviator Lt. "Pug" Wallace was killed. The aircraft was in a descending turn when one of the control cables under the wing came off the pulley and was wedged in the pulley bracket, locking the stick. The turn tightened until one of the wings folded up over the propeller and was chopped up. With the wings flapping because of loss of air, one of the aluminum wing tip skids hit the pilot in the head, as was clear from marks on his helmet. Wallace was pitched out, over the nose of the aircraft and fell into the shallow lake. His parachute never opened.[4]

To Die For the InflatoPlane

[mysticstarlightduck]

Extra 2.0 OC Favorites!

A new, more detailed of the OC Favorites tag, because I'm inspired and wanna show off my WIPs characters!

Let's go with Dylan and his girlfriend Christine from the cast of What Lurks In The Hollow!

Rules: share photos of your OCs' favorite color, season, shoe choice, weapon, food & drink, clothing style, mode of transportation, animal, pastime, and breakfast and if they're an introvert/ambivert/extrovert then change up any one of the five favorite things categories for the next round. BONUS: Add some music/songs that fit their aesthetic (the songs don't have to be their favorite songs, just fit their vibe)!

Dylan Millihan

Color: Sunset orange

Season: Summer

Shoe Choice: Dark leather boots

Weapon: Brass knuckles

Food: Pizza

Drink: Coffee

Style: Button up cotton shirts, light jeans and a jacket.

Mode of Transportation: His Chevy

Animal: Dogs, especially stray/shepherd mixes

Pastime: Horror movie night with his little sister.

Breakfast: Eggs and bacon with toast

Personality: Introvert, almost antisocially so.

Aesthetic Songs:

Fast Car - Luke Combs

People I Don't Like - UPSAHL

It's My Life - Bon Jovi

Ditmas - Mumford and Sons

Living On A Prayer - Bon Jovi

Christine Nespor

Favorites:

Color: Mint green

Season: Autumn

Shoe Choice: Retro sneakers

Weapon: Pepper Spray

Food: Home cooked Mac & Cheese

Drink: Iced chocolate frappes

Style: Colorful patchwork pullovers, twill pants, and crochet sweaters

Mode of Transportation: Walking

Animal: Cats (has four)

Pastime: Sketching, either at home or by the lake

Breakfast: Corn flakes cereal with whole milk

Personality: EXTROVERT

Aesthetic Songs:

Austin (Boots Stop Working) - Dasha

Best Day of My Life - American Authors

Life Is A Highway - Rascal Flatts

Could've Been Me - Halsey

Just Breathe - Willy Nelson

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @wyked-ao3, @topazadine @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart, @ray-writes-n-shit

@writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid @thecomfywriter

@thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams @amaiguri

@cherrychiplip @thecomfywriter @thelovelymachinery @bookwormclover

@differentnighttale, @leahnardo-da-veggie

[rabbitcruiser]

Parker Lake, BC (No. 4)

In the early 1950s the first five acres were sold to locals, which marked the start of the community as a separate entity from the military. Oil and gas exploration in the early 1950s provided Fort Nelson with the industrial sector that it required to jump-start expansion of the community into what would eventually become the village of Fort Nelson in 1971. However, due to collapse in oil price in 2014, most gas fields and associated rigs have been shut down and put out of operation on an indefinite basis. After the completion of BC Hydro's natural gas power plant to provide electricity to the region, Fort Nelson experienced true growth. A railway was built by the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (BC Rail) up to Fort Nelson in 1971 which allowed efficient transportation of the local industry's major products (lumber, and gas) to larger markets in the south. The railway was left in abandoned state due to lack of use in the 2010s and was subsequently closed down. No facility has since been built to replace the railway to ship commodity to markets. Renewable energy company Peak Renewables is currently in negotiations with the provincial government and CN Rail to make improvements to the rail line as they develop their Pellet Plant in Fort Nelson.

Fort Nelson held its first annual Northern Lights Festival in March 2019. The community welcomed hundreds of international visitors to experience the northern British Columbia lifestyle. The festival included dog sled races, trips to Liard Hot Springs, northern lights viewing, indigenous handgames and cultural celebrations, concerts from celebrated Canadian musicians, and many other events.

Source: Wikipedia

[fundiswamv]

Beyond Numbers: Rethinking Maternal and Child Health in South Africa

In the heart of every society lies a fundamental truth: the well-being of mothers and children is not merely a matter of statistics or medical jargon but a profound reflection of a nation's humanity. Let’s pause for a minute and ponder the significance of maternal and child health, particularly in the vibrant tapestry of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela once remarked, "Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future." Indeed, these words echo with timeless relevance, serving as a reminder of our collective responsibility towards the most vulnerable among us. Yet, amidst the chaos of daily life, how often do we truly contemplate the implications of this sentiment?

Picture a landscape where the rhythm of life is often interrupted by the harsh symphony of health disparities, where the echoes of maternal mortality rates and childhood illnesses resonate far beyond hospital walls. Peering through this lens of maternal and child health in South Africa, lets take a zoom particularly within the confines of informal settlements. The landscape that unfolds before us is one fraught with challenges, and ripe opportunities for transformation. It is in these spaces, where the shadows of inequality loom large, that personal and professional realizations converge, prompting a profound disruption in our current thoughts and possibly igniting a journey of introspection and action.

Research has illuminated the stark disparities that plague informal settlements, where access to basic healthcare services remains elusive for many mothers and children. Studies such as those by A. Goga et al. (2018) and M. Chersich et al. (2018) underscore the harsh realities faced by individuals residing in these marginalized communities, from limited access to antenatal care to heightened risks of maternal and child mortality. They have identified factors such as distance to healthcare facilities, financial constraints, and lack of transportation as contributor to the limited access.

 With these findings being confirmed for me through the health promotion we continuously do, at the Sea Cow Lake clinic. When encountering mothers who brought their children, they have flagged numerous times that the clinic is a bit far for them, with most residing near the old clinic. With some indicating that they are unemployed, and mostly depend on the grant money. In the face of such adversity, as occupational therapists engaged in community-based practice, we find ourselves at a pivotal intersection of personal and professional growth. When addressing these barriers, our roles lean more towards advocacy and capacity-building kind of intervention. Going as far as resource mobilization through collaboration, educating and promoting skills to improve outcomes, and advocacy and policy reform.

For me personally, the journey into the heart of informal settlements has been a profound catalyst for self-reflection and growth. Witnessing the drive of mothers striving to provide the best possible care for their children amidst formidable odds has sparked a deep sense of humility and gratitude within me. It has challenged my preconceived notions and urged me to confront the privilege inherent in my own positionality as an aspiring healthcare professional.

Yet, alongside this personal and professional growth lies a sobering recognition of the systemic injustices that continue to perpetuate health disparities. Zooming our out lens and taking a look at the global stage, these include the structural racism and discrimination which contribute to the unequal access to healthcare resources based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Institutionalized racism has led to disparities in maternal and child health outcomes, including higher rates of maternal mortality among Black women compared to their White counterparts(Williams and Mohammed, 2013). Sen et al. (2018) further highlighted the intersection of gender inequality and maternal health, where light is shined on the limited access to reproductive healthcare services and higher rates of maternal mortality among women in patriarchal societies.

The significance of maternal and child health in South African society cannot be overstated. The well-being of mothers and children is not only a matter of individual health but also a reflection of the overall societal health and development. This servers as a reminder that our work extends beyond the confines of individual interventions to encompass broader advocacy and policy reform aimed at addressing the root causes of these inequality.

As we reflect on the challenges and opportunities in promoting maternal and child health, we must prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations and address the underlying social determinants of health. By working together as a community, government, and civil society, we can create a more equitable and just society where every mother and child has the opportunity to thrive. Let us act now, to ensure that every mother and child in South Africa receives the care and support they deserve.

(Racial Disparities in Maternal Health, n.d.-b)

References

Goga, A. E., Jackson, D. J., Singh, M., Lombard, C., Ramjee, G., Magasana, V., ... & Bhengu, X. (2018). Infant feeding practices at routine PMTCT sites, South Africa: results of a prospective observational study amongst HIV exposed and unexposed infants—birth to 9 months. AIDS and Behavior, 22(9), 2974-2983.

Chersich, M. F., Dumbaugh, M., Penn-Kekana, L., & Luchters, S. (2018). Maternal and infant health outcomes and services in informal settlements in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a cross-sectional survey. Global Health Action, 11(1), 1511270.

Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2013). Racism and health I: pathways and scientific evidence. American Behavioral Scientist, 57(8), 1152-1173.

Sen, G., Reddy, B., & Iyer, A. (2018). Beyond measurement: The drivers of disrespect and abuse in obstetric care. Reproductive Health Matters, 26(53), 6-18.

Racial disparities in maternal health. (n.d.). https://www.bcbs.com/the-health-of-america/reports/racial-disparities-in-maternal-health

[boomerangbikes]

Exploring Windang on Two Wheels: The Ultimate Guide to Rental Bikes in this Coastal Paradise

Windang, a picturesque coastal suburb located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia, offers a serene and captivating escape for both locals and tourists alike. While exploring this charming destination, one of the best ways to soak in its beauty and experience the laid-back atmosphere is by renting a bike. In this article, we'll delve into the details of Rental Bikes Windang, highlighting the benefits, options available, and the must-visit spots to explore on two wheels.

The Benefits of Renting Bikes in Windang:

Scenic Coastal Routes: Windang boasts breathtaking coastal landscapes that are best enjoyed from the seat of a bicycle. Renting a bike allows you to cruise along the scenic coastline, taking in the fresh sea breeze and enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Access to Hidden Gems: Unlike cars, bikes provide access to hidden gems and secluded spots that may be off the beaten path. Windang has a plethora of hidden coves, nature reserves, and charming corners waiting to be discovered, making a bike the ideal mode of transport for explorers.

Eco-Friendly Exploration: With sustainability on the rise, opting for a bike rental aligns with eco-friendly travel choices. Cycling produces zero emissions, allowing you to explore Windang's beauty without leaving a carbon footprint.

Options for Bike Rentals in Windang:

Local Bike Shops: Windang is home to several local bike shops that offer a variety of rental options. Whether you prefer a classic cruiser or a mountain bike for off-road adventures, these shops cater to different preferences and skill levels.

Tourist Information Centers: Tourist information centers in Windang often collaborate with local businesses to provide rental services. Stop by one of these centers to inquire about bike rentals, and you might receive valuable recommendations for scenic routes and points of interest.

Online Rental Platforms: Embracing the digital age, some bike rental services in Windang operate through online platforms. These platforms allow you to book your bike in advance, providing convenience and ensuring that the perfect bike is ready for your exploration upon arrival.

Must-Visit Spots on Two Wheels:

Windang Beach: Begin your cycling adventure at Windang Beach, where the golden sands and rolling waves create a picturesque backdrop. Cruise along the beachfront bike path, enjoying the rhythmic sound of the ocean as you pedal.

Lake Illawarra Foreshore: Explore the tranquil waters of Lake Illawarra by biking along its foreshore. With designated bike trails, you can enjoy a leisurely ride while appreciating the diverse birdlife and lush greenery surrounding the lake.

Red Point Lookout: For a more challenging ride, head to Red Point Lookout. The elevated vantage point offers stunning views of the coastline, providing a rewarding experience for cyclists who enjoy a bit of uphill adventure.

For More Info :-

Rent Bikes in Nelson Bay

Rental Bikes Ocean Beach Umina

[pjtours165]

Blue Mountains Day Tour

Introduction:- Experience the majestic beauty of the Blue Mountains on a day tour with PJ Tours. Our expert local guides will take you to top attractions like the Three Sisters rock formation, Scenic World rides, and Echo Point lookouts. See stunning valley views, waterfalls, forests, and more as you travel in luxury coaches. With personalized attention, relaxing walks, and gourmet lunches, PJ Tours shares the highlights of the Blue Mountains while ensuring a revitalizing escape from Sydney. For the ultimate Blue Mountains day tour showcasing breathtaking scenery and local secrets, choose the trusted experts at PJ Tours.

PJ Blue Mountains Supreme (Private)

Blue Mountains Highlights Day Tour from Sydney

Complimentary pick-up from your Sydney hotel or home

Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to see Australian animals

Get up close with kangaroos and wallabies

Explore charming Leura Village

Marvel at Echo Point's Three Sisters rock formation

Hear Aboriginal stories behind the Three Sisters

360 degree views on the Scenic Skyway

Descend into Jamison Valley on the Scenic Cableway

Walk through ancient rainforest on the Scenic Walkway

Ride the world's steepest railway - Scenic Railway

Enjoy peaceful Megalong Valley's views and serenity

Return to Sydney by relaxed river cruise

PJ Blue Mountains PRIVATE TRANSFER ONLY

Blue Mountains Highlights Small Group Day Tour

Complimentary pick-up from your Sydney hotel

Explore charming Leura Village

Marvel at Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point

Hear Aboriginal legends behind the Three Sisters

360 degree views on the Scenic Skyway

Descend into Jamison Valley on Scenic Cableway

Walk through ancient rainforest on Scenic Walkway

Ride the world's steepest railway - Scenic Railway

Enjoy peaceful Megalong Valley's views

Return to your Sydney hotel

Experience the top sights of the Blue Mountains on this personalized small group tour.

PJ Blue Mt. & Jenolan Caves

Ultimate Blue Mountains Highlights Day Tour from Sydney

Pickup from your Sydney CBD hotel

Walk the boardwalk through rainforest at Scenic World

Ride the Scenic Skyway for valley views

Descend into the valley on the Scenic Cableway

Walk the ancient rainforest on the Scenic Walkway

Ride the world's steepest railway - Scenic Railway

Marvel at the Sound of Silence lookout

See the Grand Arch at Jenolan Caves

Take a guided tour of Imperial, Chifley or Lucas Cave

Photograph the beautiful Blue Lake

Spot wallabies in peaceful bushland

Return to your Sydney CBD hotel

Experience the top Blue Mountains attractions on this complete 1-day tour from Sydney.

PJ Port Stephens Supreme with Quad Bike (Private)

Schedule:- Port Stephens Day Tour Itinerary from Sydney

7:00-7:30am - Pickup from Sydney CBD hotel

8:45am - Stop at service station (30 mins)

10:45am - Arrive at Williamtown for quad biking (1 hr)

12:30pm - Free time in Nelson Bay for fish market and lunch (own cost)

1:30pm - Dolphin cruise in Nelson Bay

OR

12:30pm - Sand dune and sandboarding tour in Anna Bay

1:45pm - Free time in Nelson Bay for fish market and lunch (own cost)

3:15pm - Depart for Murrays Brewery

3:30pm - Stop at Murrays Brewery for tasting

4:00pm - Return to Sydney

5:15pm - Stop at service station (15 mins)

7:00-7:30 pm - Arrive back at Sydney CBD hotel

Inclusions & Exclusions

One-hour Quad Bike adventure

National park levy

Sandboarding at Anna Bay & Stockton Beach or Dolphin Cruise

Visit to Murray's Brewery & Port Stephens Winery

Friendly and knowledgeable expert guides

Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned modern buses 

[whatsonmedia]

Thursday Thrill: Epic Events of the Week!

Embrace June's vibrant energy with thrilling events, captivating experiences, and unforgettable memories. Dance to music festivals, savor culinary delights, and immerse yourself in cultural celebrations. Seize the magic of this month and create moments that will stay with you forever. Embrace June's possibilities and make each day count. Isle of Wight Festival 15 - 18 June Experience the magic of the legendary Isle of Wight Festival as it celebrates 50 years of music excellence. This iconic event, steeped in history, continues to evolve and captivate festival-goers with its immense lineup. Groove Armada, Courteeners, Pulp, Sugababes, and many more talented artists will grace the stages, delivering unforgettable performances. Prepare for a weekend filled with non-stop dancing, immersed in the festival atmosphere across various stages, tents, and cozy cafes. Don your best festival attire, add a touch of glitter, and be ready to create lifelong memories at this extraordinary event set against the picturesque backdrop of the south coast of England. Tickets & More Info> isleofwightfestival.com Black Deer Festival 16 - 18 June The multi award-winning Black Deer Festival returns for a three-day celebration of all things Americana.  Brining a little taste of Country music to the UK, the newbie festival is certainly making waves in all the right directions.  Taking place at Eridge Park, Kent the alternative open air music marathon is definitely one to check out if you fancy something moving away from the dance music sector.  But this is a festival with a live line-up that you can still shake your booty to. Hear new and established roots-inspired artists sing the truth as they play blues, folk, bluegrass and country. Eat slow'n’low and be transported to the Smoke-houses of America’s Deep South. Share drinks and stories around the camp-fire with family and hopefully some new found festival friends.  2023's line-up features an array of exceptional music artists from across the globe including some Grammy winners.  Black Deer festival-goers you know you’re in for a top music time.  After the huge success from last year, this year’s line-up outshines the previous year featuring headline acts such as The Pretenders, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Bonnie Raitt, Bear’s Den, Midlake, Steve Earle, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lucinda Williams, Lukas Nelson & Potr, Far from Saints, This Is Kit, Calexico, Bonny Light Horseman, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Allison Russell, Cmat, Drake White, Bella White and more.  So ya'll go out and have the best country festival experience. Yeehaw! Tickets & More Info> blackdeerfestival.com GoldCoast Oceanfest 16 - 18 June This year is one big celebration for Croyde bays seaside music and surf festival. GoldCoast Oceanfest reaches its 25th year form hosting a festival which is set on the back drop of one of Devon’s finest festival destinations.   Each year the CEOs strive to throw the biggest festival party atmosphere for a summer showdown. Bringing new friends and old together for a spanking good time.  With a capacity that doesn’t overwhelm but big enough to get your best dance music party on.  From breath taking surfing competitions, beach games, locally sourced grub and one of their best line-ups to make sure 2023 goes off with a bang-tidy.   The big names on this year’s line-up includes Joel Corry, Hot Dub Time Machine, General Levy,  DJ Bunnynotbonnie,  The White Lakes,  Naked Next Doo, Simon Poyser, 2min Foundation and on the Haze Stage - Fluff, Candar Futile, Region and more.  Tickets & More Info> goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk Unearthed Festival 16 - 18 June Unearthed Festival is about unearthing something hidden within. Something that lies deep within us, sub language, sub thought, like an underground stream that connects us all and nourishes.  The St Davids Pembrokeshire festivalcelebrates the expansion of consciousness through music and arts, talks and workshops, vegetarian food and good old community spirit. The line-up features Hence, Dawn Penn, Mad Professor, Aleghca Scott, Da Fuchaman & The Fire Blaze Band, TC & The Groove Family,Long Legged Creatures, Get The Blessing, Worm Soundsystem, 6161, Phil King, Xaman X, River Roots, TLK, Rona Mac and many more Tickets & More Info> unearthedfestival.co.uk Read the full article

[ltwilliammowett]

The remains of the Schooner Nelson at the bottom of Lake Superior

The Nelson was a large three-masted schooner commissioned in 1866 and used for freight transport across the lake. In the spring of 1899, the Nelson was in tow of the steamer Folsom along with the schooner Mary B. Mitchell. They were on their way to the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan. As a northwesterly storm with freezing rain and strong winds hit them, and soon thick ice formed on the decks of the ships.

Part of the hull with the name on it (x)

Captain A. E. White of the Folsom, knowing this would be dangerous for all three, attempted to steer the ships into Whitefish Bay when he saw the Nelson's tow rope detach and the schooner sink rapidly. There was only one survivor among the 10 people on the Nelson.

Dead Eyes (x)

What happened to them was reported by the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, Bruce Lynn : "This is a particularly tragic shipwreck. Captain Haganey of the Nelson remained aboard his sinking vessel to lower the lifeboat, which contained the crew, his wife and infant child. After lowering, Captain Haganey jumped overboard to reach the lifeboat himself.

The wheel (x)

As he landed in the water, he saw the stern of his vessel rise as the vessel dived to the bottom. The line was still connected to the lifeboat, which took his crew and family with the sinking ship. Captain Haganey was the only survivor and later struggled ashore to the Deer Park Life-Saving Station where he was nursed back to health.“

Whether he ever recovered from this fate is not known. However, the wreck was long thought to be lost until she was finally found in 2014 and presented to the divers in very good condition.

[luxurytravelnewzealand]

Are You Excited for a New Zealand Hiking Tour?

To view beautiful landscapes in New Zealand, you should try a New Zealand hiking and walking tour. If you are a fitness lover, then it is recommended that you choose walking and hiking options to explore the beauty of New Zealand. New Zealand has a diversity of tracks where you can hike and walk to embrace the beauty of New Zealand. 

New Zealand Hiking and Short Walks

A well-established trail network provides an amazingly diverse array of hikes. In New Zealand, there is a place to see, so be sure that short walks and New Zealand hiking can take you there. If you want to know more about New Zealand places, but within a short period of time, then these trails are well-established and usually easy to reach from long highways. 

New Zealand Multiday Hiking

When it comes to multi day hiking, then you can enjoy overnight hikes independently or with a guide. It is up to you whether you want to go for great walks, short walks, or New Zealand multiday hiking. 

If you are looking for two to six days adventures on well-established tracks, then it would be the best option. There is a plethora of easy walking, but some challenging terrain needs a high level of fitness for most of the walks. Each great walk has been handpicked for a unique combination of accessibility, cultural significance, and amazing scenery. 

Guided Walks 

Even though plenty of maps, track and trail information helps in independent walking, on the other hand, guided walks help more in exploring New Zealand. There are plenty of trips, from half-day to New Zealand multiday hiking, with transport, food, and lodges ranging from basic to luxurious. read about The Best New Zealand Foods and Beverages.

View the Best Hikes in New Zealand

Tongariro Alpine Crossing 

If you are looking for a remarkable and challenging journey across a volcanic landscape, then you should try the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You can start with any direction, but if you start with Mangatepopo Valley, then it would be the best option, followed by South Crater, Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, and Ketetahi end. 

Roy’s Peak Track 

Find out an amazing Wanaka region when you travel from Wanaka lake via open tussock grasslands to the peak of Roya’s Peak Track. 

Hooker Valley Track 

Hooker Valley Track is one of the most beautiful and popular walks. When you pass through Hooker Valley, you’ll feel immersed in the beauty of the valley. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a land of rock and ice. You can experience this ancient place by walking along with one of the tracks. The track starts with the Hooker Valley and along with the Hooker River and ending up at the glacier lake where you can view amazing views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. 

Queenstown Hill Time Walk 

The Queenstown Hill Time Walk provides amazing views. It offers spectacular views and natural features of Queenstown. There are plenty of short walks and hikes in Queenstown that give a chance to explore various parts of the country. 

South Island

Opting for luxury travel New Zealand can make your experience enjoyable. Here is the list of South Island’s top walks:

Mount Robert Circuit, Nelson

Queenstown Hill Time Walk, Queenstown

Kaikoura Shoreline Walk

Mount Stokes Track, Marlborough Sounds

North Island

To hike New Zealand, you must know the locations where you want to hike or walk. If you are selecting North Island, then you can view the following locations:

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Ruapehu

Rangitoto Summit, Auckland City

Cape Brett Walkway, Northland

Putangirua Pinnacles, Wairarapa

Blue Lake Track, Rotorua

Wenderholm Perimeter Track, North Auckland

You can hike New Zealand by experiencing the country's iconic views and beautiful national parks, and several landscapes. New Zealand provides a wide range of multiday hikes situated throughout the country. Travel south and find out the best coastal scenery, several landscapes, and alpine climbs of South island. 

If you want to travel to New Zealand, then you can opt for Luxury Travel New Zealand. Hiking and walking both are the best methods to explore the beauty of New Zealand. New Zealand consists of 13 national parks and a wide range of regional parks that offer spectacular views and unique wildlife. You can seek help from us where you can get help from our travel advisors to make your multiday hiking experience pleasing. 

Also Read about “View Top 10 Luxury Lodges in New Zealand”

[smokinholsters]

A Decision at the Crossroads

 A Heartland AU - Chapter 1

Back up to speed after passing yet another work zone and those ridiculous signs touting that this delay was brought to you by a slew of politicians ‘rebuilding’ Alberta and then he smiled as a new song hit the speakers and he happily joined in.

“On a dark desert highway

Cool wind in my hair

Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air

Up ahead in the distance

I saw a shimmering light

Head grew heavy and my sight grew dim

Had to stop for the night

There she stood in the doorway

Heard the mission bell

I was thinking to myself, ‘This could be heaven or this could be hell

Then she lit up a candle

She showed me the way

There were voices down the corridor

Thought I heard them say

Welcome to the Hotel California

Such a lovely place

(Such a lovely place)

Such a lovely face

Plenty of room at the Hotel California

Any time of year

(Any time of year)

You can find it here

“Call from Amy. To answer…..”

“Hey sweetheart.”

“Hi Poppa, it’s Lyndy.”

“Hi honey, does momma know you have her phone ?”

“Of course, I’m helping.” Of course was Lyndy’s new catch phrase, neither he nor Amy had any idea where it came from.

“And how are you helping ?”

“Momma wants to know if you’ll be home by dinner.”

“I don’t think so sweetheart, I can’t go very fast with these horses, can I talk to momma ?”

“Of course but she’s helping JT in the bathroom so you’ll have to wait, are you singing with the radio ?”

“I sure am.”

“I like when you sing with momma.”

He heard Lyndy talking off the phone for a second before an obvious phone transfer, “Hello my love.”

“Hey sweetheart, what’s up with Jackson ?”

“Oh it was nothing, we were finger painting new pictures for the fridge to welcome you home, just some serious hand and face washing. No hope for dinner huh ?”

“No and they’re fixing the roads so there are detours with the trailer and the horses are still a bit skittish so I’m stopping to settle them often.”

“Well take your time and watch yourself with them.”

“Never mind me, how are you feeling ?”

“You mean aside from really missing you ?”

“That bad huh ? I love it when your pregnant.”

“Oh stop, it’s kind of fun.”

“More than kind of fun, anyway, I don’t think I’ll be that late but don’t wait up, you need your sleep.”

“Ok, we’ll see, Lisa’s making dinner, maybe I can catch a nap.”

“A nap would be great.”

“I promise to try, you stay safe.”

“I will, love you !!”

“We love you too sweetheart.”

There was no really direct route from Northern Alberta to the South so from Cold Lake down, with the idea of keeping the trailer on the most sound roads possible the rescues were transported in a weirdly circuitous path around large cities but at the same time keeping to at least paved roads as opposed to what sometimes passed as a numbered and posted road in Alberta, nothing more than dirt that two cars could pass together.

There was also the stopping, sometimes a quick pit stop for food, water or to use a rest room and sometimes just to see the horses and have them see him, check on feed, water and a gently pat and offer a calm word to settle them. They were mostly better from the medical problems stemming from their abandonment and lack of nutrition but mentally they were distrusting, skittish and somewhat unpredictable. Ordinarily they would have left the kids for a few days at the ranch with family and Amy would have come along but with her pregnant  and the unsurety of a trailer and transport they decided against it. Besides Amy wasn’t sleeping well and out of her first trimester they had decided that this was best, home at the ranch. It was a lonely drive but there was the scenery and the radio.

“You who are on the road

Must have a code that you can live by

And so become yourself

Because the past is just a good-bye.

Teach your children well,

Their father's hell did slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picks, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry,

So just look at them and sigh

And know they love you.

And you, of tender years,

Can't know the fears that your elders grew by,

And so please help them with your youth,

They seek the truth before they can die.

Teach your parents well,

Their children's hell will slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picks, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry,

So just look at them and sigh and know they love you.”

Traffic was slowing again up ahead and the truck slowed and finally came to a stop. 30 minutes later following the other cars and trucks inching along he was exited onto yet another of the endless detours that seemed to plague this trip. Turning twice it seemed the detour included a terrible pot hole filled road that was mostly dirt at this point.

35 minutes later after brushing the dirt from his knees and wiping his brow with his sleeve he reached for his phone and dialed.

“Hey, you Ok ?”

“Cracked rocker arm on the truck I think, damned potholes, I was so focused on the trailer I must have missed it. The horses are fine but I’m going to have to get this trailer towed somewhere I can keep these horses overnight and get the truck picked up. Maybe I’ll luck out and there’s a Dodge dealership close that has the rocker in stock.”

“So what’s the plan ?”

“I guess I’ll call the local vet first and see if they can recommend someplace that can isolate these three. Maybe even a garage that can deal with an emergency and we’ll see where we are first thing. I’d hate for someone to have to drive up.”

“We’ll hope for the best, but we’ll all miss not having you back tonight.”

“I know, kiss the kids for me, I’ll call later once I have some idea of what’s going on.”

“and for goodnights.”

“And for good nights. Love you.”

“So much in love with you.”

Once the horses were picketed out between the woods and the trailer, hay spread and water supplied he checked his phone and dialed.

“Nelson Lake Veterinary Clinic, your call is important to us, please hold.”

“Nelson Lake, this is Dr. Burton can I help you ?”

It took a few minutes for introductions and to run  the sad tale by Dr. Burton who understood immediately.

“How about this, stay put and I’ll call my tech and get him on board and then let the sheriff know you’re out there. Once that’s done we’ll see about the truck, I’d like those horses off the road.”

“I’m all for that, you have my number ?”

“Yup, just fine, call you back in 10.”

The Police cruiser pulled past the trailer and truck and onto the side of the road a respectful distance from the horses so as not to spook them and walked over to introduce himself.

Immediately after greetings and introductions the phone rang.

“Go ahead, that’s probably Kelsey, uh Dr. Burton” the officer who had introduced himself as Matthew Connolly told him “Alright if I say hello to these three ?”

Answering the phone he nodded at the officer and then covered the phone “tread lightly they’re rescues.”

The plan wasn’t that complicated, the clinic’s vet tech would come in the clinic truck with the wrecker who would disconnect the truck from the trailer, hook the clinic truck to the trailer and then follow the trailer back to the stables that would house the horses. In the morning they would get the truck off the ground and see what was up and move on from there.

“Should be 20 minutes or so, you don’t have to wait.”

“I’m going to turn around and park behind you, I don’t like the horses open like that, they see my cruiser they won’t do something stupid like pull an air horn.”

“I hate to take your time but I do appreciate it.”

“I’m fine so where you hail from ?”

“We have a small ranch down near Hudson.”

“Hudson ? Whereabouts is that ?

“Let’s see Okotoks?”

“Oh sure, you’ve got a herd ?”

“Two actually, White Face, my wife’s family has a herd we’re partners in, they’re just down the road, and we’ve got a herd at our place, best beef in Alberta.”

“And the rescues ?”

“My wife’s business is horses, training, rehab, you name it.”

“Kids ?”

“Two, girl and a boy and one on the way.”

He swiped his finger over the screen and handed the phone to Officer Connolly.

“Nice looking family, that’s your spread behind you, looks inviting.”

“I love it and them, pretty idyllic if you ask me, our family almost sold it a few years ago, don’t know what we were thinking.”

“Young and stupid like the rest of us.”

Two chairs were pulled from a side storage locker on the trailer and there was an almost fresh thermos of coffee the young officer offered.

“Always wanted to be a sheriff, police work ?”

“Oh yeah, my Uncle Pete was a Mountie, that was awesome.”

“No serge for you though ?”

“Bum knee from hockey, fine for a sheriff but not a Mountie. No complaints, I live with the people I serve and I like it. I guess you’ve always wanted to be a rancher.”

“Early on for sure and now I wouldn’t trade it for anything but I did a stint in the Army and when I came home was off to the oil fields but I met my wife.”

“Guys go off to the field and back to the army and have wives.”

“Not me, marriage is a commitment, you don’t mess with that. Small trips and the like fine but 4 month commitments away, doesn’t seem right. Besides I don’t think I could be away from her, the kids or the ranch for that long.”

“That’s nice though, you know, the way it should be.”

“Before the kids and sometimes if we get volunteers for the kids we do trips like this together, it’s why we bought this thing. How about you, married ?”

“Soon enough, engaged, can’t wait, we have a down payment on a small place with a bit of property, she’s a teacher but we both wanted some land, maybe get a couple horses.”

“Some nice country for riding around here, not a bad way to spend time for newlyweds.”

They stopped and got up leaving their empty cups when the pickup pulled behind the cruiser and the wrecker pulled up in front of the trailer rig.

“Matt, how’s everything ?” The younger man asked walking up and then a second later the second, an older man also walked over. “Matt, Ty” he said smiling.

“Dwayne Coolidge, Ty Borden” this is Mitch uhmm.”

“Cutty, Mitch Cutty, thanks to both of you for coming out.”

“It’s what we do” Dwayne said, “Ok, let’s crank down the trailer and see if we get lucky and it frees the truck.”

“Mitch, you have papers for these guys I can see ?” Ty asked “Sorry but the cops are here so, you know.” He finished with a smile at Mitch and the officer.

“We’ll start on the trailer.” Matt said walking around the truck to the jack handle assembly on the other side of the rig.”

Ty leaned against the trailer as Mitch reached in to grab the leather folder where he kept the important papers for the trip. A minute later he handed Ty the three stapled sets of papers and the vet reports.

“Well they’re clear medically, and let’s see Saddle Road Ranch Corporation, Hudson, AB. I know that area a little from years ago, can’t say I know the name, is it new ?”

“I’m 4th generation.”

“Guess not then,” Ty said filling out a form off the papers.

“How’s this going to work ?”

“Ok, well, once the trailer’s free and the truck’s out of the way we’ll hook it up the vet truck, load up the horses and head over to my place. The clinic has a four stall isolation barn there. I also run a small bike shop, mostly vintage repairs and restorations so in the morning we can look at your truck and figure something out. You can sleep in the house or hook up outside the barn, looks like a comfortable ride. Up to you.”

“I’m fine in the trailer and all set up actually if you’ve got a hose and a plug.”

“There’s actually a trailer hookup out there, I stayed in one while we got the house fixed up.”

“We ? Married Ty ?”

“Not yet anyway, we is Kelsey, or the clinic and I, we share ownership and I’m paying it off so eventually it’ll be mine. I’m finishing vet school next year so we have an agreement. By the way she’ll be stopping by in case you want to give them something to calm down after all of this.”

“No worries, I have some herbs that’ll do the trick, we try to steer clear of the drugs if we can, keep ‘em healthy and they stay that way.”

“Can’t argue with that philosophy I guess, consider the option though, one’s sure fired and one’s not.”

Mitch sat in his fold out chair in front of a small fire he had started in the fire pit. Dr. Burton had stopped by and took a quick look at the horses. She was satisfied that Mitch

was confident in his herbs and wished both he and Ty goodnight. Ty offered to share a take out order with Mitch declaring he’d have done it anyway and they settled on pizza which was delivered.

They ate and sipped a couple beers that Mitch supplied.

“If you don’t mind my asking, aren’t a bit old to be in vet school, take a break ?”

“Got sidetracked a few years ago and took a break in college, worked out Ok I guess between the bike work and vet work I’m doing well. You ?”

“After high school I did a stint in the military and went to school at the same time, electrical engineering mostly power line work. After I came back ,my folks were talking about selling the ranch and I had the idea of doing some oil work, change of pace kind of thing.”

“And ?”

“And, I met a woman, fell madly in love, kept the ranch.”

“Kids ?”

“Two, one on the way.” Mitch said finishing his beer. “I’m out.” He said placing the empty on the small table.

“I’ll grab a couple from the house” Ty said getting up as Mitch’s phone rang.

“Just in time” Ty said standing and turning as Mitch answered.

Ty caught the first of Mitch’s conversation, stopped for a second, shrugged and moved on.

“Hey Lyndy, you and JT call for goodnights ?”

[cranberryzephyr]

On freedom, privilege and my body image

I believe freedom starts within. It's a state of mind and heart rather than a physical one.

Some people in actual prisons are much freer than some people I know will ever be. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison and after his imprisonment he said: ''I went for a long holiday for 27 years''. Haha. The strength. His imprisonment wasn't easy, obviously, but he knew how not to waste his time on pity. He came out stronger, wiser, and more liberated than ever before.

And people can't sit in their homes for two months without complaining. It's ridiculous. We think of our current situation as an imprisonment. How entitled is to think that way? 

People who protest staying at home in a time of health emergency are the unfree-est ones. They haven't found freedom in themselves. They rely on running around and the attention of others. They use others as entertainment and as an escape from themselves. 

I am a loner, I spend most of my time alone. Perhaps, it is too easy for me to say these things. 

I pick and choose my humans and my interactions, and to be frank, I don't like people that much, because many people just repeat words, repeat actions, and just live textbook lives. I hoped people would improve at this time. I know some would get offended by these words, but people get offended too easily. We don't experience suppression (yes, there are issues like sexism, homophobia, etc. but we are moving in the right direction, and we live in a relatively safe region). 

What are we whining about?

I know the feeling when you want to go out, dance, #explore, meet cute strangers. But I've noticed when I have the urge to go out or to hop on a plane and leave, it's when I feel the most trapped in myself.

And I am the only one who can set myself free. Of course, talking with others and listening to their lives are a great reminder that my mind is overthinking, and life ain't that difficult nor complex. 

Wanting to go on a trip is not problematic at all but in the end: wherever you go, there you are. Your restraints follow you no matter where you are going to. 

I can remember experiences that were ruined by my own mind. My body didn't look ''good enough" so I didn't swim in that beautiful lake I may never see again, or I didn't go to sea because I didn't want people to look at my body. I think I still don't want to. 

I have regretted going out and meeting some people. No, I didn't want to meet that guy. I just didn't want to face my uncomfortable feelings. 

I have used people as getaways. We all have. It's not always bad (of course, there is abuse, etc. which is never good).

For years I thought I have to go out and meet people because I am young, and everybody tells you how they partied when they were your age. You see your friends going out, hooking up, talking about another party, another dick, another drug, but I just can't be bothered with all of that. Never been and most likely never will be. JOMO not FOMO. 

How privileged I am to have

-a roof over my head and walls around me (I don't have to sleep in a tent or under a thin roof with holes in it);

-enough blankets and pj's to keep me warm at nights (not only one pair of pants that are getting thinner day by day because that is my only piece of clothing);

-clean water. I can shower every day, brush my teeth. I have money for toothpaste and toothbrush. I have tons of stores around me where I can get necessities. I can drink 2.5l of water every day. How great is that? 

-access to health care (we are very privileged in Latvia. Of course, we have so much work to do to improve the medical system, but we are not America. Haha. Plot twist: America is not that great, and Mr. President is not making it any greater. Anti-Trump citizens will make States great, but it's going to be a long, long, long journey).

If someone thinks they are poor or unprivileged, you are reading this through your phone or a computer, you have access to the internet. You are under a roof, hiding from the rain or mosquitoes. Most likely, you have at least two meals a day, and you have the privilege to choose if you want to eat those meals or not.

If you feel unsafe, you can easily hide under your covers and watch Netflix. Zone out and be safe.

I've been seeing kids, who live with their parents in a house with a garden and with three TVs and a fridge full of groceries, complaining and acting like they are some freedom fighters. 

One is a shitty #woke person when they don't see their entitlement. It's easy for people with cars and a steady income to stay calm or say everything will be alright. Many people have to use public transportation to get to work. Some of those people are dealing with different health issues, for example, with an autoimmune disease or an OCD. 

I want to hear from the freedom fighters, who all clearly went to medical school together, why people should listen to your instructions? How can you tell when they should or should not keep calm?

Leave it or take it,

Sincerely, your Pablo

[orthodoxydaily]

Saint&Reading: Mon., June 22, 2020

Venerable cyril Abbot of White Lake

Saint Cyril, Igumen of White Lake, (in the world Cosmas) was born in Moscow of pious parents. In his youth he was left an orphan and lived with his kinsman, the boyar (nobleman) Timothy Vasil’evich Vel’yaminov, in the surroundings of the court of the Great Prince Demetrius Donskoy (1363-1389). Secular life bored the youth. At the request of Stephen of Makhra (July 14), Cosmas was dismissed to the Simonov monastery, where he took vows under Theodore (November 28) with the name Cyril.

Cyril fulfilled his monastic obediences under the guidance of the Elder Michael, who afterwards was Bishop of Smolensk. By night the Elder read the Psalter, and Cyril bowed making prostrations, but at the first ringing of the bell he went to Matins.

He asked the Elder permission to partake of food every second or third day. The experienced Elder did not allow this, but blessed him instead to eat with the brethren, only not to the extent of satiety. Cyril carried out his obedience in the bakery: he carried water, chopped firewood, and distributed bread. When Saint Sergius of Radonezh came to the Simonov monastery to see his nephew Theodore, he would seek Cyril in the bakery and converse with him about spiritual matters before seeing anyone else.

They transferred Cyril from the bakery to the kitchen. He gazed into the burning fire and told himself, “Beware, Cyril, lest you fall into fire eternal”. Cyril toiled for nine years in the kitchen and God granted him such tender emotion, that he was not able to eat the bread he baked without tears, blessing the Lord.

Fleeing the glory of man, he began to act as a fool-for-Christ. As punishment for transgressing against propriety, the Superior of the monastery placed him on bread and water for forty days. Cyril underwent this punishment with joy. But the saint could not conceal his spirituality, and the experienced Elders understood him. Against his will they compelled him to accept ordination to the priesthood. When he was not serving in church, Cyril occupied himself with heavy work. When Theodore was made Archbishop of Rostov, the brethren chose Cyril as archimandrite of the monastery in 1388.

Rich and important people began to visit the monk to hear his guidance. This disturbed the humble spirit of the saint. Despite the entreaties of the brethren, he would not remain as abbot, but secluded himself in his former cell. Even here frequent visitors disturbed him, and he crossed over to old Simonovo.

Saint Cyril’s soul yearned for solitude, and he asked the Mother of God to show him a place conducive for salvation. One night he was reading an Akathist in his cell before the Hodigitria icon of the Mother of God, and had just reached the eighth Kontakion, “Seeing the strange Nativity, let us become strangers to the world and transport our minds to heaven.” Then he heard a voice say, “Go to White Lake (Belozersk), where I have prepared a place for you...”continue reading OCA

St Martyrs Thecla, Marianne, Martha, Mary and Enmatha

During the time of the Persian king Saphor II (ca. 330 A.D.), a priest by the name of Paul was living near the village of Aza. He was wealthy and a lover of money, and he had with him five women who had consecrated their virginity to God. Saints Thekla, Mariamne, Martha, Maria, and Ennatha were adorned with the splendor of virtues. They were wealthy, and they entrusted their Spiritual Father with all their money. The greedy man prayed and chanted the Psalms with them, but he kept their money for himself.

When they learned that the priest Paul was rich, the Persians threatened to kill him and the five virgins if he did not deny Christ and give them some of his treasure. Since he preferred earthly riches, he accepted the Persian religion. The holy virgins said that they would rather suffer torture and death than deny Christ. Paul beheaded the women with a sword when they refused to follow his treacherous example. He did not enjoy his wealth for very long, however. The Persians drowned him the following evening in order to obtain all of the money. The holy virgins received their incorruptible crowns of glory from Christ in the year 346.

The five Virgin Martyrs are also commemorated on September 26.

Today’s Saint according to the Julian ( Old Calendar/ June 22 for the Gregorian ( New calendar)

Romans:7:1-13 NKJV

Freed from the law

7 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law [a]has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

Sin’s Advantage in the Law

7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. 9 I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

Law Cannot Save from Sin

13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

Read full chapter

Matthew 9:36-10:8 NKJV

6 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were [a]weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Matthew 9:36 NU, M harassed

8 Heal the sick, [a]cleanse the lepers, [b]raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Matthew 10:8 NU raise the dead, cleanse the lepers

Matthew 10:8 M omits raise the dead

New King James Version

(NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

[pnwpol]

There’s an assumption B.C. is powered by ‘clean’ hydro, but the reality is most of the energy we use is fossil fuel: gasoline, diesel, natural gas and furnace oil. 

Electrifying transport and buildings is our biggest opportunity to cut emissions. It could save households thousands of dollars a year, and create an army of good-paying local jobs.

But it will require a lot more juice. A pressing question is: do we rely on last century’s destructive meg dam model to create it? If we don’t build new renewable capacity quickly, we could find ourselves charging electric cars with coal power purchased from Alberta or Wyoming.

But rather than encourage people trying to generate clean, local electricity, BC Hydro is cancelling existing contracts and trying to kill new projects in the cradle.

The desire to improve people’s lives and fight climate change inspired Ktunaxa energy champion Marty Williams to propose a large scale solar farm in his home community of ʔaq̓am – a project he’s been working on for more than 10 years. I listened to his story while attending Clean Energy BC’s Generate 2019 conference. I’ll be interested to know if you feel the same conflicting emotions of inspiration and anger after you hear it.

Ktunaxa territory encompasses a vast stretch of land in what we call the Kootenays. It’s an almost indescribable place comprising broad valleys and high peaks with beautiful intermontane plains. Ktunaxa territory is where the Columbia, the most important river west of the Great Divide, originates. It’s also the breadbasket for British Columbia’s hydro-electric generation system. Half of all the electrical power produced in B.C. comes from the Kootenays.

British Columbians have derived huge benefits from, and may even feel a sense of pride in, the tremendous amount of stored hydro power we control. That’s probably because it didn’t cost us our land or livelihoods. When we travel through Nakusp, Revelstoke or Nelson today we see majestic lakes, huge slow-moving rivers and impressive dams. Ktunaxa elders like Marty see underwater graves, flooded village sites, unuseable hunting territories and rivers without salmon.

The proposed 26 megawatt Ktunaxa solar farm could be an affordable source of renewable power twenty times the size of anything built so far in the province. 

ʔaq̓am has a construction partner signed and ready to go. They’ve selected a site and completed an archeological survey. The project would sit under power lines already running across the reserve. But BC Hydro refuses to sign.

Adding insult to injury, a visiting bureaucrat told the community at ʔaq̓am they should scale their project down. To dream small. And maybe, they said, hook up some solar panels to the local casino. This in a year when reservoirs across B.C. were low (proving to be a recurring phenomenon) and we imported $55 million worth of dirty energy to make up the shortfall.

Read More

[cozy-studying-blog]

Milford Track • Wanderung » outdooractive.com

You are currently browsing the world travel blog Andrea & Reik weblog archives after the day 'milford-track'. Return transport by jetboat to Pyke mouth and hike the remaining 20 kilometres (five to seven hours) back.

equipment

Read more about campervan hire New Zealand here.

"Equipment Equipment as for a normal hut tour. Good rain gear and an even better mosquito repellent pays off!

I find this price simply too high, also the scenery does not justify the enormous costs anymore.as I am I'm so frightened that I have to fly in the last load. The waterfalls are a wonderful sight. But now the water has enclosed us. We have resigned ourselves to it.

In this section

It is the path of turquoise water, golden beaches and gently bobbing tree ferns, making you feel like you are in paradise. We hike from Anchorage and look out over one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in New Zealand. Transfer either to Motueka or Nelson and overnight in motel. From the pass we walk downhill at a leisurely pace for about 15 minutes before the trail drops steeply to Roaring Burn stream. This is a descent of 870 metres over seven kilometres! Moraine Creek Bridge, the first bridge on the descent, is about a third of the way down to Quintin Hut. Shortly afterwards you cross the river over a long suspension bridge, from which you can often see trout and eels in the clear water. Another bridge crosses the Mckay stream. On the second day, after about 6 hours, you reach the Mintaro Hut through moss forests, steppes and rainforests. The third stage leads over the 1,073 m high Mackinnon Pass with views over the Fiordlands, past numerous waterfalls and over several suspension bridges to the Dumpling Hut. The 14 km long trail (6 to 7 hours) leads along Lake Ada, a side trail leads to the Sutherland Falls.

[mostly-history]

Joyce Secciani, a WASP pilot from 1943 to 1944 (USA).

Information on Secciani (x):

Joyce had always wanted to fly - probably from the day she was born, which was December, 1921, in San Diego, California, where she lives today. She spent all of her school years in El Centro and upon graduating from high school, signed up for the government sponsored Civil Pilot Training program at Central Junior College.

Joyce was really serious about flying. She sold her horse and stopped studying piano so she could devote all her energies to flying. After getting her private license, she joined a flying club with 10 members and shared a 65 h.p Interstate plane. After the attack at Pearl Harbor, private flying was not allowed within 200 miles of the U.S. coast. So, with the wings removed and secured along side the fuselage, Joyce helped another member of the club transport the plane on a trailer to Arizona.

As soon as she heard about Jacqueline Cochran's program she applied in January, 1943, and headed for Houston, Texas where the training program began. There Joyce joined Lois Brooks, Lois Hollingsworth, Betty Deuser, Emma Coulter, Mabel Rawlinson, Marcia Courtney, Florence Knight and others in class 43-3. There were no military quarters, so they lived in a motor court or what is called a motel today. On May 16, 1943, the trainees flew all the planes from Houston to Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas. They joined the rest of class 43-4, which had replaced the last of the male cadets.

After graduating in July, 1943, Joyce and several classmates were sent to New Castle Army Air Base, Wilmington, Delaware. They were not there long enough to start flying when the received orders to report to General Hap Arnold's office in Washington, D.C. After a few days of orientation and training, the group was reassigned to Camp Davis (now Fort Davis) as part of the Tow Target Squadron near Wilmington, N.C. They trained and towed targets in front of the firing line for anti-aircraft guns to shoot at. They also flew tracking missions at night so the artillery could practice spotting planes with searchlights.

Unfortunately, classmate Mabel Rawlinson was killed when the engine failed in her Douglas A-24 and she crashed in the woods. Just two days later, Joyce also had engine failure in an A-24. According to the Army accident report, Joyce and the instructor managed a belly landing, the engine was detached from the rest of the plane, the plane caught fire after stopping, and both Joyce and her instructor suffered minor injuries but no burns.

In January, 1944, Joyce, Marcia and several others were transferred to Liberty Field, Camp Stewart, Hinesville, Georgia, where they trained and flew missions with radio controlled targets. The targets were modified Culver Kaydets, PQ-8's and PQ14's, which were controlled from the copilot seat of a UC-78 or AT-11. They also flew administrative flights taking personnel or equipment from one base to another.

In April, the Lois's, Betty, and Emma, were ordered to Biggs AAF in El Paso, Texas, while Joyce, Florence Knight, Mary Nelson, Gertrude Brown, Dorothea Shultz were assigned to March Army Air Base in Riverside, California. At March, there were about 40 WASP pilots in the Tow Target Squadron. They supported artillery training and radio controlled target planes at several California locations. Most were at Camp Irwin (now Fort Irwin) where they flew off a dry lake bed called Bicycle Lake. Other flights were from a field in Van Nuys where Joyce flew 100 miles out to sea to support RADAR tracking missions. While flying in southern California, Joyce also checked out in a P-63 King Cobra. It was then that she met SSgt. Mario Secciani, who maintained these and other fighter planes. As a fighter, the P-63 was a single seater, so after studying the aircraft manual and getting some advice, Joyce took off on her own and had the thrill of flying that beautiful aircraft.

During the month of June, Joyce attended Army Airforce School of Applied Tactics in Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, there was no flying involved.

After the WASP were disbanded on December 20, 1944, Joyce was sad to leave, but proud to have served with this great group of women pilots. In memory of this service, she designed and carved from wood a small statue of a WASP returning from her last long mission. She was in her flight suit with goggles, map in hand, and a parachute slung over here shoulder. The pedestal bore the inscription "Mission Completed". Later in life Joyce learned how to cast bronze copies of the carving.

Meanwhile, Joyce got her civilian pilot ratings for single and multi-engine planes, and for commercial and instrument flying. In 1945, she and Mario got married and she found a job with Flabob Flying Service at a small airport in Riverside where she flew charter flights, checked out returning military pilots transitioning from fighters and bombers to the light civilian planes, and helped out in the office and hanger.

Soon Mario was discharged and they moved to Chicago for a short time. But with so many military pilots returning to civilian life, she found that flying jobs were hard to come by. After five years, they returned to California and settled in El Cajon, near San Diego, where they built a house and raised two children, Lynn and Lee.

When the kids started school, Joyce went to work as secretary to the principal for the school district. It was great having the same schedule as Lynn and Lee.

Since then, she has been active in promoting the WASP story. She helped set up the WASP exhibit at the San Diego Aerospace Museum, which was gutted by fire at one point. The museum moved to a new location and a new display was installed. In 1992 she supported an oral history of the WASP by Gail Gutierrez for California State University in Fullerton. Now, May, 2003, she enjoys retirement with Mario, Lynn and Lee, the 5 grandchildren, her garden and her bicycle.

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