text:
Farmers agree to tax those who deplete groundwater
In the early 1990s, bumper stickers throughout this valley screamed "STOP AWDI" -- shorthand for American Water Development Inc., Canadian millionaire Maurice Strong's company, which wanted to sell the groundwater underneath his local ranch to distant cities. Farmers and ranchers allied with environmentalists, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and even a New Age ashram in protest, fearing that exporting water would obliterate crops, pastures and wetlands used by migratory birds. Locals overwhelmingly approved a tax to help fund a lawsuit against the plan. At a courthouse rally, musician Don Richmond crooned:
Some of us have taken only what we need,
Some of us have seen the need turn into greed,
Some of us would sell our future down the drain,
Washed down by water from the land of little rain.
Strong lost, and a few years later, a similar water-export scheme was similarly skunked. People here had accomplished something remarkable: Together, they resisted the pressure to grow cities with water once used to grow crops.
"That's always been the fear -- that we're going to lose our water to somebody else," says seed potato grower Brian Brownell. And there is water to lose, even in this high-desert valley southwest of Colorado Springs. It receives less rain than Phoenix -- a mere seven inches or so annually. But what it lacks aboveground it makes up for below: A deep artesian aquifer and a shallower underground reservoir store vast amounts of water. Wells punched into the artesian pool, which is trapped and pressurized by a clay cap, once flowed as freely as 19th century oil gushers, freezing into ice towers in winter that transformed parts of the valley into a sprawling, frozen sculpture garden.
But those sopping glory days are gone. For the last decade, the Rio Grande Basin, which the valley crowns, has endured record-setting drought. The aquifers are rapidly draining, pulling river and stream levels after them. If the farmers who use these aquifers don't begin to turn things around, the state's water regulators could shut off thousands of wells -- a devastating economic blow.
The West is thick with similar stories, with groundwater loosely policed and especially vulnerable to the tragedies that befall common resources -- problems that will only worsen in the drier years that climate change is expected to usher in. What's different here is the response: Instead of denying or ignoring the problem, farmers are facing the fact that agriculture has outgrown its water supply. They admit they must live within new limits, or perish. Determined to avoid state intervention, they've created an innovative irrigation market, charging themselves to pump and using that money to pay others to fallow their land. Thousands of acres have come out of production, and their sights are set on fallowing tens of thousands more.
Brian Brownell is among those cutting back. When I visited last September, the valley's potato harvest was in full swing, and dust clouds over fields where farmers were exhuming spuds were visible from miles away. Dust also levitated above a field on Brownell's farm, but nothing was being harvested. Instead, the Sudan grass he'd planted was being hacked to pieces and tilled into the soil. He'd received $96,000 for putting 480 of his 1,680 acres into this "green manure" instead of a more water-hungry and profitable commercial crop.
"Everybody's pumping too much water," he said. His gray sideburns bristled on tanned skin, and his lips curved down in thought. "People have to start to buy in to the community thing, instead of 'me,' 'my farm,' 'my deal.' "
This time, farmers are scrambling to save local agricultural not from outsiders who covet their water, but from themselves.
"It's only going to work," said Brownell, "if everybody does something to save the water."
The San Luis Valley's 8,000 square miles are flat as plywood, hemmed in by the San Juan Mountains to the west, and to the east by the Sangre de Cristos, a dramatic wall of serrated peaks edged by sand dunes that seem plucked from a North African desert. The valley's 46,000 residents live in scattered small towns, beneath lonely willows and cottonwoods, and around highway outposts where a few stores merit a mark on a map. It's a tough place to live, and attracts some unconventional folks: The valley is home to hot springs (and a communal kitchen) frequented by nudists, an alligator farm, a community of 1,500 with 23 spiritual centers, and a UFO watchtower unimpaired by light pollution, where camping costs $10 a night.
But mostly, there are farms -- big ones. The center-pivot sprinklers here are among the most tightly packed in the world, and their hulking aluminum spines give the valley floor the illusion of topography. The annual harvest -- largely potato, barley and alfalfa -- is worth some $300 million, and without it, a number of the towns probably wouldn't exist. There are no mines, no ski resorts, no gas wells. Alamosa, the biggest town at 8,937 residents, boasts a small college and a hospital. Almost everything else -- the fertilizer and tractor dealers, the Safeway, the county governments and K-12 schools -- is supported primarily by money from the fields.
At a more basic level, everything runs on irrigation water. From the 1850s, when Hispanic settlers dug the first ditches, until the 1950s, most of that water was diverted from the Rio Grande and its tributaries and flooded onto fields. Then, drought and technological innovation spurred a well-drilling boom. Groundwater nursed crops through dry years and the late season, when rivers shrank. Soon, center-pivot sprinklers were hooked up to wells, watering crops evenly and efficiently all season long, and many farmers started irrigating exclusively with wells, using river water merely to recharge the aquifer. Marginal land became profitable, crop yields -- and water consumption -- grew, and large-scale commercial agriculture came into its own.
For decades, the Colorado Division of Water Resources, also called the State Engineer's Office, granted well permits as generously as dentists dispense toothbrushes, ignoring basic hydrology. The water in the ground and the rivers was connected, and voracious well-pumping could lower streamflows -- a serious problem, since the river water was already claimed. Following the logic of prior appropriation -- the Westwide system that gives priority to those with the oldest water rights -- wells that were connected to streams should only pump after older river irrigators are sated. But the opposite happened. In the late '60s, the state clamped down on river irrigators to comply with the Rio Grande Compact, which requires Colorado to leave water in the river for Texas and New Mexico. Well owners, meanwhile, pumped happily away.
In 1975, the State Engineer tried to phase out a slew of wells, but a court encouraged a softer approach. Wells were drilled in the valley's "closed basin," where streams don't drain to the Rio Grande. They sipped gingerly from a high water table, "salvaging" what would otherwise evaporate and piping it to the river. The Closed Basin Project seemed like a win-win: Wells kept pumping, river irrigators got water, and regulators backed off. It produced less water than expected, but the '80s and '90s were so wet that few people cared. Mother Nature bought rounds for everyone.
This valley has entranced my family since the 1800's, being homesteaders. I have yet to visit a place that is more ominous yet with such an industrious nature. Boy,the valley is sure facing a sobering forecast for the future. It's obvious that there is no easy answer.
Without some significant reduction in resource consumption, the entire culture is now in a death spiral.
I'm just glad the water grabs from the earlier days failed. I lived in Colorado then and followed the issues in the Denver papers. Sounds like what is going on in New Mexico now. Imagine how much worse it would be if they had shipped those large volumes of water out of the area.
The 4/15 HCN included a letter from Cisco Guevara, from Taos area, blaming San Luis Valley, CO, farmers for "dewatering" the Rio Grande River, preventing two named groups he heads from making enough money from their rafting businesses. It's full of errors of fact, so draws false conclusions. Here's Why:
1. Several major rivers originate in Colorado's high country, flowing east or west from the Continental Divide. Being semi-arid country, snowpack is critical for providing water to cities and rural areas. Since all those rivers leave the state, a way to allocate water fairly to downstream states was needed, so Compacts were created between affected states. All have governed water distribution many years.
2. The Rio Grande Compact includes Colorado, New Mexico and Texas (now suing NM for failure to deliver
TX full share). Colorado sends a large percentage downstream yearly, carefully measured along the way, meets its full obligation and sometimes more. That is not "dewatering" but fair allocation of a scarce resource, by agreement of all 3 states. A local water manager has said many New Mexicans don't know of the Compact; seems odd, but perhaps Taos river runners don't either.
3. The Rio Grande begins high, east of the Divide, flows SE through SLV, then south to next-door New Mexico. SLV is known for high-quality crops, potatoes being major, as is alfalfa—much is top-grade, bought by NM dairies (not criticized, curiously). Hay trucks help NM's economy. SLV farmers don't decide what goes downstream; the Compact does. CO can use its legal share regardless what's grown, if anything.
4. Don't rafting companies know another major drought occurs now? The Rio Grande snowpack is at 70% of average now, a poor outlook ahead, meaning less water for everyone. SLV farmers already struggle with curtailment due to aquifer depletions due to droughts, but not for owing downstream users.
5. The "hole" through the Divide that "perpetuates the dewatering of the river to the north" is a bit silly. It exists, just below the Rio Blanco headwaters on the west slope, the clear reference. Long ago, Albuquerque acquired 70% of the river for itself, and built the cross-Divide tunnel. The other 30% remains in the river. We've known that history for years, having property down the same valley. It has precisely nothing to do with the Rio Grande watershed on the east side, so is irrelevant.
I learned/worked on water issues 30 years, most for CO Realtors (retired now), know plenty, no "expert," but know several who are. CO has an excellent website, much information is available in the State Water Engineer's section. Or, google CO Foundation for Water Education, which offers citizens' guides.
Rafting as a business is fairly recent, miniscule in a larger context, if big in Taos. Recreation doesn't trump agriculture anyway. Changing the Compact for rafters' gain won't happen. Maybe they should learn before complaining, or, admit they're in a marginal region for their occupation, so will profit less.


text:
- 2321Promote
Phone Cases
Sunny Leoby Robert Farkas
Protect your iPhone with a one-piece, impact resistant, flexible plastic hard case featuring an extremely slim profile. Simply snap the case onto your iPhone for solid protection and direct access to all device features.
Lions like sunshine, just like me!
Just ordered this and can't wait to get it!
love this design, frigging awesome i was wondering if you fancy submitting to www.jam250.co.nz
and some other designs
and some other designs
i love this more than everything else on the internet.
Can we not get the t shirts ???
Hi Robert, i´ve just see your sunny leo on a theme for tumblr.. i don´t know if they are doing that with your permission or in a pirate way...
p.s. sorry for my poor writing english....
p.s. sorry for my poor writing english....
it´s on page number 6
Bought the shirt, love it.
OKAY. I'm buying this. NO DOUBT. On instagram, I'm known as The Majestic Lioness. SO, this would be perfect in every way!
This is pretty bad ass man, love the colors.
Love this style.... always!!!! ;-)
Love it!
hi Robert, please check out my journal here :
your work has been stolen and many other Soc.6 artists
your work has been stolen and many other Soc.6 artists
Nice site...:( thatnks for reporting!!!
site is gone luckily....but another S6 artists and many others and yours aswell is found here : https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
coolest lion ive ever seen ! great stuff!
very cool! .. well done :)
gorgeous work, love the two colours together!
Fabulous work!!
I have contract with them (create and case)
wonderful series, Robert!
Pretty cool...
I so wanna have that lion...
Great-great Hipsta-Lion! =)
so beautiful!!!
Beautiful work and composition
Coool !!
pure awesomeness
one of my favorites
I didn't know if you were aware or not, but this seller on Etsy is using your artwork: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreateandCase
this is what pop art is!
Great stuff!
I like the reflection in the sun glasses and nice job with color.
I Love my pillow every day more and more.
love it
fave design
Nice and loose!
Great work! It'll look perfect at my future house's wall. Congrats!
This is great!
I absolutely love this
Cool ,)
Beautiful colors. :)
nice color & work
really love it !
I love the way you use watercolor!
Hi. Im looking for the sunny leo for an Ipad Mini case....I dont see that!
love love love love love love love love it!
really awesome! only if it didnt get cut off
This is definitely the most gorgeous case I've seen! Just bought it and I can't wait until it comes in!
Robert I know the sunny leo is available on a t-shirt on threadless.com, but would it be possible to make this design available on a hoodie on this site ? I bought your sunny stag design on a grey pullover hoodie and it looks stunning! I was hoping to complete the collection haha.
Love the colours and layers in this. Great work!
Love the colors!
Awesome work!
cool cat for sure
love your work!:)
Amazing work!
Cool lion I really love the colors
Classic motif. But still fresh! Love it.
Its got a lovely sunny feel :-)
Your colour blends are amazing, love the concept of a lion wearing aviators!
Love the colors :)
very nice !!!
I have this on a tank top.. I was wearing it last night
This guy stolen your design, you can report it to ETSY.
Here is the shop: ihomegift on ETSY
Here is the shop: ihomegift on ETSY
this is amazing!
would you be able to do something like this with a sailboat?
would you be able to do something like this with a sailboat?
Nothing left to say but yeah!
awesome :)
Awesome work!
one of my favorite pieces
Promoted and followed with pleasure!
Hahah nice!!
This is fantastic! I Love the message! I am also interested in this kind of design! check mine out if you like it too!!! http://society6.com/product/break-is-...
Favorite :)
cool cat!
Amazing. I love your style!
Nice work, I promoting it. :)
Could you please check and promote my 'Dream Believe Achieve' design? http://society6.com/product/dream-bel...
Could you please check and promote my 'Dream Believe Achieve' design? http://society6.com/product/dream-bel...
Please like and follow me too! http://society6.com/product/blue-tree-q0l_print I really like your art style!
This is so stunning. I do adore it.
A very funky and cool lion
You gonna be like this GREAT ART to!!! ==> http://bit.ly/1pJ0n3r
You gonna be like this GREAT ART to!!! ==> http://bit.ly/1pJ0n3r
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Live Life Fully: What defense mechanisms do you use?
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Let's face it. As evolved as we like to think we are, we still resort to certain behavioral patterns when our backs are against the wall.
The three most common defense mechanisms, according to Dr. Abraham Twerski, are denial, rationalization and projection. Whether these terms sound familiar to you, I'll bet you've had experience with some of the examples below (either as a sender or receiver of communication).
First, let me make a distinction. Usually when we hear the word "deny," we conjure up thoughts that a person is being less than honest. Lying is a willful and conscious distortion of facts or concealment of the truth, while denial can be an unconscious defense mechanism.
Now, let's turn to rationalization. Rationalization means providing other reasons instead of the real reason. Over time, these other reasons can seem perfectly legitimate. And they serve to draw attention away from the true reasons. Here's a fairly reliable rule of thumb: When people offer more than one reason for doing something, they're rationalizing. Usually the true reason for an action is a single one.
Wow -- that speaks volumes to me. And I'll be playing detective by watching my communications -- and listening to that of others -- for these clues. Because rationalizations sound reasonable they're very deceptive, and anyone can be taken in by them. Consider the following examples from Twerski's book, "Addictive Thinking."
A woman who graduated as an accountant was reluctant to apply for a promising job because she was afraid of being turned down. However, she gave her family different reasons: They're probably looking for someone with years of experience; the office is too far away to travel to every day; and the starting wage is unsatisfactory.
Brian, a 29-year-old man, was at an impasse. He had dropped out of school and was unsuccessful holding a job. Brian typically did very well at work. But when his performance led to advancement or increased responsibility, he would leave the job. Brian claimed to know exactly what his problem was. His fiancée had broken off their engagement and he wasn't able to get over the rejection (although this had happened five years earlier).
As painful as romantic rejections are, people do get over them eventually. Why was Brian different? For whatever reasons, he was terribly insecure. On one hand, going to college or accepting advancement at work might result in failure, and he didn't want to take that risk. On the other hand, he couldn't accept that his stagnation was because of his fears -- that would mean admitting he was not confident or brave enough.
As a result, Brian unconsciously used the defense mechanism of rationalization by tying himself to an event in his life that he believed was holding him back. Because being rejected is painful and depressing -- and because people often lose motivation and initiative after a romantic rejection -- this sounded perfectly reasonable to Brian. But it was not the true reason. The truth is that Brian didn't want to deal with his insecurities and anxieties.
Projection means placing the blame on others for things we are really responsible for ourselves. Like rationalization, it serves two functions: It reinforces denial, and it helps preserve the status quo. Blaming someone else, or projecting our feelings upon them, relieves us from the responsibility of making changes. And the only person one can ever change is oneself.
These three defense mechanisms -- denial, rationalization and projection -- often occur in layers, much like the layers of an onion. As one layer is peeled away, another may be discovered underneath. Being willing to peel off these layers -- and to take responsibility for our own circumstances and actions -- can go a long way toward changing ingrained patterns that hold us back.
Here are some other examples of defense mechanisms; while they focus on addictions from Twerski's book, you can see how the techniques could apply to other life situations:
Linda Arnold, MBA, is a certified wellness instructor and chairwoman/CEO of The Arnold Agency, a marketing communications company specializing in advertising, public relations, government relations and interactive marketing. Reader comments are welcome and may be directed to Linda Arnold, The Arnold Agency, 117 Summers St., Charleston, WV 25301, or emailed to firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Agricultural Technology and Productivity Continue to Make Gains and Ensure U.S. Food Security
With the 2014 farm bill now enacted into law, U.S. agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack visits CFR to discuss the USDA's policy priorities with Roger Altman of Evercore Partners. Vilsack credits advanced agricultural technology and the productivity of American farmers with maintaining the country's status as a food-secure nation, despite a growing population and a shrinking agricultural sector.
See more in United States; Agricultural Policy


text:
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 12 June 2013 01:00
- Written by Los Altos Town Crier
Photo By:
Mark Eddy Jensen of Los Altos Hills, passed away suddenly at home on May 30th 2013. He was born in Shanghai, China on December 28th, 1938. Mark had deep love for his family. His passions included electrical engineering, beekeeping, baking, solar energy, family business, electric cars, volleyball, his small farm, and good food.
Mark is survived and missed dearly by his wife, Jill, five children and nine grandchildren. For those who wish to attend Mark's memorial, it will be held at the Garden House at Shoup Park, 400 University Ave, Los Altos, CA from 2-4:30 pm on Sat, June 15. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Mark can be made to Stanford Cancer Center for Dr. Ranyana Advani's research.


text:
- Videos
- Community Images
For a quick out-and-back skin lap or fast day tour, the added protection of the Black Diamond Covert Avalung Backpack is hard to beat. The small, classic backpack design holds the minimum—your safety tools—plus a built-in Avalung system, and the cleverly engineered and insanely comfortable shoulder strap and waist-belt system keep your compact load comfortable.
- Built-in Avalung system significantly extends your fresh air supply in case you're caught in an avalanche and buried beneath the snow
- Fresh air is pulled from the valve box by your shoulder and through the Avalung mouthpiece, and when you exhale, CO2 is expelled from the exhaust port by your waist
- Avalung mouthpiece and tubing stow away in the shoulder strap when not in use, but are easy to reach so you can extend the mouthpiece just before you drop in
- Ski carry options include a diagonal ski carry cable that retracts when not in use and an A-frame carry system
- Padded, adjustable SwingArm straps are linked on the bottom with a cable so they move in concert with any body movement
- Padded, adjustable ergoActiv waist-belt uses a ball-joint to attach directly to the frame so it can pivot as you move and angle the weight to your legs
- Hydration sleeve allows you to use a hydration bladder to stay hydrated, and the insulated design keeps your water from freezing solid
- Enclosed shovel and probe organizer pocket makes it easy to find your entire avy tool kit quickly, and the enclosed design protects your essentials
- Reviews
What do you think about this product?
Have questions about this product?
Great All Around Tourer
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
So far, I'd say this pack is great at pretty much everything, but not really perfect overall. This is my first touring pack, (but obviously not my first backpack) and so my opinions may change as I use different packs.
Things I like
Great construction! Not worried about any of the zippers, buckles, straps, stitches, etc. breaking on me. The pack is well constructed and burly enough for outdoor mountain use.
Avy pocket is a great size. Able to fit shovel, probe, skins, and a few other small trinkets in there. Sometimes I wish the pocket was "looser" but overall I like the size.
Suspension system! It's great. I keep it unlocked most of the time, both while hiking/skinning and skiing. I've found it to be very comfortable and feel natural. Sometimes I lock it out (pull tight on the stabilizer straps) and my immediate thought is "wow.... it's much more comfortable unlocked!". It does add quite a bit of weight however.
Straps, buckles, toggles are all glove/snow friendly which makes using the pack really easy when you're out there.
Helmet holder works great in both top and bottom configuration.
Ski carry set up (both diagonal and A-frame) are super easy. Helps if you have a ski-strap or 2 with you.
Haven't had to use the Avalung system, but I'm sure it works fine.
Things I DON'T like
Wish all the zipper were longer and would travel farther down the pack. It'd be nice to be able to open the back wider to help load/unload the pack.
It'd be nicer if it was a bit lighter, but that's also the price you pay for having a feature-rich pack.
Goggle pocket is a little small, sometimes tough to fit goggles, sunnies, and phone in there.
The hydration sleeve is WAY too small. I have the big bite valve on the end of my camelbak, and it just *doesn't* want to fit in that zippered sleeve. Leads to a tube flapping around as I ski.
Great pack that does pretty much everything well but a few ticks away from being perfect.
Hit me up and let's chat!
i wanted to like it...
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I backcountry ski in CO almost weekly and will say that this pack both skins and skis great! However, and I might be alone on these opinions, but I think there are several design flaws in this pack that make accessing your things too difficult to really recommend this pack.
1. there is a mesh pouch near the top off the back panel. Great idea, and much needed so as not to lose some of the smaller things but it completely blocks the opening to the rest of the pack.
2. The blocked access is compounded by two other designs of the pack. the aluminum frame in the back panel is stiff and means you can't really open up the main pocket to get at your things. additionally, the front shovel pouch is stiff when you have a shovel blade in it, which wouldn't be problem if the zippers to the main pouch extended to the bottom of the pack (or at least to the bottom of the shovel pouch). as it stands now, the zippers end about an inch above the bottom of the shovel pouch so neither the front panel or the back panel can be properly opened to get inside.
3. I'd love to see a map pocket, perhaps on the inside of the shovel pocket. When skiing in a new area, I couldn't find a convenient spot for my map. I realize that the avy compartment shouldn't get too crowded with misc items but a slim pocket tha really only fits some paper would be good.
4. more minor, I'd also like to see a slightly larger goggle compartment. I almost always carry goggles in case of bad weather but wear sun glasses. My sunglasses case is not that big and it barely fits in the goggles pouch alongside the goggles. i recently found that i can store the goggles inside the helmet while the helmet is in the helmet carry which helps mitigate this issue.
5. the pack is pretty heavy but i suppose the weight is advertised.
on a positive note, as I mentioned up front, it carries really well both skinning, walking with skis strapped on it, and skiing. I also like the helmet holder.
this is my first ski-specific pack so maybe my expectations were too high but I will be looking for a new pack.
Durable, functional, comfy
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Holds all the essentials but a pack is only as good as it is comfortable after a day of use (like boots!). The Covert fits the bill.
BDCovert Avalung, spring in Utah
Kiwi color Black Diamond Avalung
Cool image.
The covert in action
Skiing down Reynolds peak with my trusty avalung at the ready.
Front View
You can see the handy hydration hose pocket and extended avalung mouth piece.
Dedicated tool pocket
The dedicated tool organizer pocket is big enough for a shovel (my shovel handle is extra long and does not fit, but most shovel handles would probably fit), collapsed probe, snow saw and beacon (for before you actually start the tour).
Side view w/ Handy pocket w/ key holder
The Covert has a very handy side pocket with a key holder. Big enough to carry small essentials.
awesome all day touring pack
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I have used this pack for three tours this season, and so far I am very impressed. First, it is comfortable. I am 5'10. 145lbs with about an 18.5" torso length and the S\M fits me just perfect. The padded shoulder straps and hip belt are very comfy and snug down very well. Second, the features are great. In terms of size, I think this backpack is abolsutely perfect for either short or long all day tours in the back country. I carry my probe, shovel (with an extra long handle for leverage), snow saw, first aid kit, mini emergency bivy, 2-3 liters or water in a hydration resevior (the insulted tube storage works great), my down puffy, skins, sunglasses, lunch, and a headlamp, and I still have a bit or room left over for anything extra that I want to bring along. The included helmet net works great and saves space in the pack. And importantly, I think that the avalung itself is well designed. The tube extends quite a bit so you can place it in an easy to reach location right next to your chin. Long story short, this is a great, comfy backpack. During the summer I think I will remove the avalung equipment and use this as my summer day hiking backpack. Lastly, the BD warranty is awesome. My pack came with a defective sternum strap, so they immediately gave me a new pack (shipped to my house within two days, exactly in time for my next tour). BD is awesome.
Great Size
Love my Avalung
Black Diamond Covert Avalung Backpack
Love it
Back view of the Covert in action. Love the moving straps!
Awesome Pack
Covert Avalung reppin in the BC of Idaho
Good, solid pack
The BD Covert is a good size pack without a bunch of added stuff. I love the shape of the pack as a whole. If you get the right size, it will balance well when fully loaded. Ski carry options are well thought out. Has plenty of space for a shovel/probe and a little extra space in the safety pocket. The soft lined goggle/tech pocket at the top of the pack is roomy for a headlamp/goggles/ sunglasses and some other small items. The main pocket is easily accessible, with room for a packable insulation layer, water bottle(if not using a hydration reservoir), gloves, skins, lunch, and any snow study tools that you may have. The small pocket on the waist belt is handy for small items like a leatherman or knife. Well designed with durable zippers and handles. Good size for long multi-lap days int he backcountry or shorter days in side country, although a smaller pack might be better if you are looking to do side-country exclusively. The Covert offers versatility, which I like. I have had issues with my Avalung not staying bent at the right angle to face my mouth, it seems to be a little limp and won't stay put where I want it to. I am 5'9" with a shorter torso and made the mistake of going with M/L frame and had to switch to the S/M, which fits much better.
what is the metal wire at the bottom of the bag used for ?
Hey Hypermails!
The bottom metal wire is used for diagonal ski carry when hiking with your skis on your back.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
What is the length of the shovel pocket...
What is the length of the shovel pocket top to bottom. My shovel is the Voile Telepro with the D handle. Just want to make sure it will fit.
Is this pack able to carry a snowboard? ...
Is this pack able to carry a snowboard?
No, it's not designed to. Not to say that you couldn't somehow find a way.
The BD Outlaw is a more snowboard specific pack with a similar volume.
The outlaw is BD's only snowboard carrying pack. Well intended to carry a snowboard anyway. Its awesome all round!


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Comfortable and supportive ballerina shoe with patent leather toe and flat leather body for women from Fly Flot. Aliyah boasts of the Fly Flot Four Points of Total Comfort for effective shock absorbing protection from the impact of walking. The anatomic shaped to natural foots anatomy removable insole provides maximum support and comfort. Aliyah also comes with a self moulding shoe filled with bubbles to mould to your foots shape permanently. The Polyurethane outsole is anti-slip resistant for providing optimal traction and grip. Aliyah comes with an upper made from leather, with a leather lining for breathability and cool inner climate.
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|Holyoke students watch history in the making
|Written by Holyoke Enterprise
Elementary, junior high and high school students, along with school faculty and staff, all gathered in the HHS auditorium Tuesday morning, Jan. 20 to watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama. The Holyoke crowd cheered and applauded with the rest of the nation after Obama took the Oath of Office, officially making him the 44th president of the United States. —Enterprise photo


text:
David K. Swihart
Dave was an All Conference selection in football all four years he played for Butler. Twice he was named Conference Lineman of the Year. At the end of his career on the gridiron, his 112 receptions for 1,634 career receiving yards ranked him second all-time for Butler. Dave's totals have stood the test of time, as his marks still rank sixth best all-time for the Bulldogs.


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The Career Center's job is to jumpstart your career plan. Here's a nifty way to start. Just do it – just do the following four projects - no excuses, no procrastination, take no prisoners, no nothing. Each step takes a couple of hours. You probably waste that much time in one week of tweeting. Ha!
The Adventure begins...
My Credentials
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text:
Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Ray Rice finished with 63 yards and a pair
of touchdowns on 16 carries, and the Baltimore Ravens escaped with a 31-29
decision over the Dallas Cowboys in a Week 6 matchup.
Joe Flacco ended 17-of-26 for 234 yards a score for the Ravens (5-1), who have
won four in a row and head to AFC South-leading Houston next Sunday.
Anquan Boldin registered five catches for 98 yards and Torrey Smith added a TD
reception. Jacoby Jones tied an NFL record with a 108-yard kick return in the
third quarter.
Tony Romo passed for 261 yards and two touchdowns to Dez Bryant on 25-of-36
efficiency but was intercepted once for the Cowboys (2-3), who came off a bye
to drop their second in a row.
Bryant led all receivers with 13 receptions and totaled 95 yards, but could
not haul in a game-tying two-point conversion pass inside a minute left in
DeMarco Murray added 93 yards on 14 carries and Felix Jones crossed the goal
line once while posting 92 yards on 18 totes.
Romo connected with Bryant on a four-yard touchdown with 32 seconds
remaining which pulled the Cowboys within two. However, the conversion pass
near the pylon on the left side of the end zone fell to the turf.
A short squib kick was then recovered by Dallas on its side of midfield, and a
defensive pass interference call pushed the ball to the Baltimore 34. A one-
yard pass to Bryant followed, and Dan Bailey was called on for a 51-yard
attempt, which sailed wide left.
After a 43-yarder from Bailey on the first series of the third quarter which
pulled the visitors within four, Jones received the ball deep in his own end
zone and raced the length of the field to put Baltimore ahead 24-13.
Romo then found Bryant for a 7-yard TD and it was 24-20, and Bailey
connected from 34 yards away to bring Dallas to 24-23 with 8:22 remaining.
The hosts worked almost four minutes off the clock on their next series,
taking a 31-23 edge on a 1-yard run from Rice.
Penalties on both sides marred the early stages of Dallas' next drive of the
fourth. Kyle Ogletree dropped a potential touchdown on 2nd-and-7 from the
Ravens' 29, then a chop block called on the Cowboys pushed the ball 15 yards
Romo hit Bryant for a 17-yard gain on 3rd-and-27 and he stopped the clock by
going out of bounds. Witten added a 16-yard reception on fourth down, and
following a timeout, Witten added a nine-yard grab. Jones then rushed for
three yards on 3rd-and-1 to set up 1st-and-goal and after both sides burned a
timeout, Romo hit Bryant from four yards away.
Justin Tucker's 38-yard make capped Baltimore's opening offensive series.
Dallas countered on its next drive, going 80 yards in eight plays and having a
challenge reverse a call that resulted in Jones being credited with a 22-yard
scoring run.
It was 10-3 early in the second as Bailey was true from 42 yards away, then
Rice evened the score on a 1-yard plunge and a 19-yard connection from
Flacco to Smith in the final minute of the quarter sent the Ravens to the half
up 17-10.
Game Notes
Baltimore has won all four meetings since moving from Cleveland in
1996 ... Dallas racked up 30 first downs and 481 yards of offense to 316 yards
and 19 first downs for the victorious hosts ... Ravens cornerback Lardarius
Webb departed the contest late in the first quarter with a knee sprain.
While defending a pass, Webb turned and his leg twisted awkwardly underneath
him. After several minutes on the turf, he was taken from the field with help,
then to the locker room for evaluation ... Baltimore center Matt Birk played
in his 200th career game.
The Sports Network


text:
09/24/2008, South Pacific
Well the traveler deteriorated today. It was holding together most of the day and toward the end of the day we tried to set up for a jibe. As we carefully pulled the traveler to port the forward side of the traveler car began to spit out plastic ball bearings. It now looked ready to come off the track.
We dropped the main and put a line around the end of the boom to the starboard quarter cleat to control the boom if the traveler let go. We tried to move it back to starboard all the way to the lock (it is about a foot or two out) so that if it came off, the starboard control lines on the car would be as short as possible and keep it under control. It moved a little and then jammed. I didn't want to mess with it further because we have a 2 meter swell and there is just no way to control the flow of ball bearings up there in the bimini.
So we are now a trawler. We are doing 6 knots with one engine at 1,750 RPMs. We are burning about 1 to 1.3 gallons an hour and in the worst case can motor 5-6 more days. Our destination in Palmerston but we are considering ditching at Aitutake (218nm away). Tomorrow during daylight we're going to try to jury rig the boom so that we can get some main back up. The main adds at least a knot to the motor even in this very light wind (10 knots True, less than 10 apparent).
The South Pacific Convergence Zone is a wind convergence area much like the ITCZ which forms up at times in this area creating conditions like the ITCZ. It is the cause of our light wind and mildly squally weather. The frontal bit and sheer line is running from Roratonga to Niue right now and conditions south and west of there are tough. We are trying to stay north of the mess. Ten know of wind from astern is not optimal but 3 meter choppy seas and 25 knots with 35 knot squalls is certainly no fun when you have issues.
So we are now heading to the place with the best weather, a supply of diesel and the ability to have our part flown in quick. All is well on board of course. We have the boom secured, the sails down and the starboard motor humming.
399 nm to Palmerston
|Cook Islands
09/23/2008, South Pacific
We got up with the sun this morning. From the anchorage I could see the break on the south reef was much subdued as compared to the conditions on our entrance. With that green light we got the boat ready for sea.
We exited the Maupiti pass at about 7AM. The breakers on either side of the pass were not half the size of the surf when we entered. It is still an exhilarating experience, motoring right between two sets of breaking water. The shelf stays 30 some feet deep for quite a ways making the exit area a little choppy. As you make your way out it almost seems like you're standing still. I looked at the SOG but it said 9.5 knots.
Once outside we raised the main in a good two meter seaway. We thought about putting it up in the lagoon but I decided I'd rather have fewer variables exiting the pass. Once the main was flying we headed off and pulled the jib out. Palmerston and Maupihaa lie about 262T from the Maupiti pass. We would arrive near Maupihaa after sunset. Maupihaa has claimed more than one cruising yacht. It is a low atoll with another challenging pass.
The combination of the location of Maupihaa and the wind direction put us on a course of 251T. This allowed us to keep the wind on the port quarter and sail south of Maupihaa by a good 6 miles. The French charts have been very good in French Polynesia (which Maupihaa still is). The paper and the electronic charts agree on the Maupihaa position so hopefully it is where it is charted. We are leaving the radar on just in case.
We did a noon site and an afternoon sun line today. While I was taking the last shot I heard a clicking noise like a plastic ball bouncing on the deck. I could find no evidence of it when I looked around so it remained an uncomfortable mystery. The celestial running fix, our ship's GPS and our hand held all agreed on our position so we felt pretty good about our reef avoidance planning.
In the afternoon Hideko took a nap. While she was sleeping I heard the noise again. This time I found a plastic ball bearing! Not good. I got Hideko up and climbed around under the rig until I found the problem. The aft edge of the traveler car was bleeding ball bearings. In fact I think it had none left. At first I was concerned that these actually were instrumental in holding the car on the track. Losing the traveler car would not be pleasant. Upon inspection I believe that the car will stay on the track with no ball bearings on one side but I haven't made a definitive study. The main is up and loaded.
We had reefed earlier when a little squall came through and we decided to leave her reefed until we get to Palmerston. We are losing sunlight so I don't have time to drop the main and do a detailed investigation. Once reasonably sure the car wasn't going anywhere I put the two bearings we had caught back and duct taped the broken plastic end of the car that was letting the bearings fall out as the boat rocked.
Life would be no fun if we didn't have little surprises to keep us on our toes, no?
551 nm to Palmerston
|French Polynesia
09/22/2008, Maupiti
The last of the stragglers are leaving French Polynesia. We're on our way tomorrow, some friends on Thulani were on their way across this morning when we listened in on the Anzac Net. There are still a few boats we know of in Bora Bora but they're leaving within the week. Most are targeting New Zealand by mid November to avoid Cyclone season. Some are heading for Australia. Only one other boat that we have met is heading north however.
Our current plan is to cruise up the Solomon Islands and from there Yap, Palau, Truk (Chuk) and Guam and then on to Japan in May. We would really like to go to New Zealand but they have ridiculous dog regulations for visiting yachts. Australia is still possibly in the running but they are almost as bad as New Zealand. Fiji will be the last stop before we'll have to make a call and turn left or right. We have also considered just spending a season in Thailand.
After our standard morning of breakfast, weather and radio nets, we set off for Maupiti proper with socks and shoes. It is strange wearing socks and shoes for me now. I think the last time I did was hiking around in Tahiti almost three months ago.
We had 8,000 francs (about $110 US) left and our goal was to see the island and spend every last cent. We had called the only hiking guide from the Lonely Planet Book in the morning but he didn't answer. We tried again from town with a different number we found on a poster but still to no avail. We were on our own.
We dinghied down the marked channel to the town quay in short order. This stretch can be a little choppy due to the large fetch offered by the sizable lagoon. That said, we always enjoy our dinghy rides. During various trips in the lagoon we have seen Sting Rays, Eagle Rays and Manta Rays, among other interesting creatures.
We pulled into the little harbor and were the only boat there. It was a little before noon and the gas station attendant was still on duty. We bought 5 gallons of diesel for our Jerry Jug and asked if we could leave our dinghy there. He said no problem. We left a full 5 gallon gas jug and the recently filled 5 gallon diesel jug sitting in the dinghy with a handheld VHF and various other things in the anchor locker, all unlocked. We normally would have locked it all up out of habit but the attendant told us that he would move the boat if need be while we were doing our hike, so locking wasn't going to work. We did not have a minute of hesitation though. Maupiti is the kind of place that you just can't imagine getting robbed in. The other Societies, yes, Maupiti, no.
We set out on foot to the north and the more populous part of town. Before long we reached a cute little snack. It looked like a lady's out door kitchen. We ordered a Panini and a couple of soft drinks which came to 550 francs. This is by far the cheapest meal we have had anywhere in Polynesia. The sandwich was a nice toasted ham and cheese on a fresh baguette and the sodas were ice cold, what more could you ask for.
We headed on through town stopping in at the Marie (Town Hall). They have a photo timeline of Maupiti over the last hundred years in one of the conference rooms that we were allowed to look over.
The road around the entire island is paved now and most everything is on the lagoon side or the mountain side of this one closed loop street. You can't get lost in Maupiti.
Further into town we saw several schools, a couple churches, the town's big restaurant and bar (about the size of a Dairy Queen) and lots of friendly people who all smiled and waved back when we said Iorana.
The entire walk around the island is picturesque and I couldn't help but notice how much cleaner Maupiti was than most of the other Society islands. The cleanliness really comes out when you walk the streets of an island. Most have plastic bottles and other trash laying on the side of the road. This was very rare in Maupiti and we noticed several anti pollution promotions at the town hall.
The sheer mountains tower over the main road for much of its length adding contrast to the beautiful blues in the lagoon. Just outside of town we found the dirt road leading up into the mountains to the site of some prehistoric petro glyphs. Nothing on Maupiti, including the petro glyphs, is as grandiose as you might expect in other more developed locales, but that is part of its charm. We found the petro glyphs in a dry river bed just lying there as if we were the first people to find them.
A ways back down the road some talented artist had carved an impressive monument out of a large stone. We weren't really sure what it was for but it seemed to commemorate something and had been adorned with various talismans by the local folks. It was a lovely collage of creatures with a whale, turtle and others coaxed from the surface of the rock.
Passing onto the north side of the island we found the one dive shop. It is the guy's house, like so many shops here, but there is a Plongee sign out front. The view out across the lagoon and back up into the mountains continued to evolve into new an striking vistas. As we walked down the west side of the island we reached the one fork in the road. You can follow the pavement to the left up over a little arm of the island to continue on to town or you can head straight ahead to the Tereia Beach.
It was getting into the afternoon at this point and we had more or less given up on finding a path up into the mountains so we headed for the beach. The beach here is sandy and lovely and faced with a huge sand bar carrying all the way out to the motu across the lagoon. We ran across a couple of folks from the motus loading copra from a skiff into a truck on the beach. They greeted us with a hearty Iorana as we passed by.
Back on the south side of the island we scrambled over volcanic rocks as we made our way back to the road. This is a fun little beach hike and was easy to do at low tide, which is when we made the transit.
Back on the road we kept a look out for the one marked Marae (though we saw at least one other). We arrived back at the docks having missed it. The one little store, that actually is a store, on the island is just south of the dock and they packed a surprising amount of goods into the single isle that reminded me more of a walk in closet than anything. They are attached to the town bakery however so we availed ourselves of some fresh Chocolate Croissants and a few bottles of water.
As we were leaving I asked one of the ladies outside if she knew where the Marae was. She said sure and told us to hop in her jeep, which was covered in vanilla vines. She drove us back up the road a bit and dropped us off right in front of the large sign that said, "Marae". In our defense you can not really see it when walking in the other direction. Really.
We thanked our ad hoc guide and walked down to the beach to take a look. This is not the most well kept Marae. That said it is supposed to be one of the more sacred of the Marae in French Polynesia and the most sacred on Maupiti. There is also a monument here in remembrance of the devastating cyclone that hit Maupiti in 1997.
After a nice day on the island we walked the short distance back to the fuel dock. It had taken us almost four hours to circumnavigate the island by foot with various stops and detours, you could certainly do it faster. We gave the fuel man every last cent we had and asked him to put it in our dinghy gas tank. He obliged and we said a sad farewell to French Polynesia as we motored back to Swingin' on a Star.
|French Polynesia
09/21/2008, Maupiti
It was cloudy most of the day today. Rain threatened in the morning but never came. After a slow first part of the day Hideko and I tossed our snorkeling gear into the dinghy and set out to circumnavigate the lagoon. Things are slow on Maupiti, but today was Sunday and things were down right comatose. We ate lunch on board doubting we would find an opportunity to eat elsewhere.
We set off to the west along the long sand bank that covers the southern end of the lagoon past motu Pitiahe. The deep water portion of the lagoon between the bank and the island has a lot of coral heads, many high enough to take a bite of fiberglass. It would be imprudent to take a large boat farther than the anchorage behind Pitiahe.
Much like Bora Bora, the one really nice beach on the main island is at the southwest point, Tereia Beach. As you reach the southwest part of the lagoon between Motu Auira and Tereia Beach the sand bank becomes a bridge between the main island and Auira with about a foot of water over it. We lifted the dinghy motor and "sailed" across the bank. The wind was up in the 15-20 knot range so we made good time by standing up in the boat broadside to the wind.
I think we saw perhaps 6 locals on the motu and mainland and perhaps two tourists up to this point. We identified the tourists walking from the motu to the island over the sand bank as we were going by (the Polynesians seem to use Carolina Skiffs or locally made craft to get around).
Once across the sand the deep water lagoon runs pretty much from shore to shore. It is not however an easy dinghy transit because there are coral heads running in long lines and exotic patterns from seabed to surface everywhere. It is like a maze trying to get through to the north. Every once in a while we had to cheat and tilt up the outboard to coast over one of the lines of coral after failing to find a pass to the other side.
The motus are all a lovely mix of coral shoals and sandy beaches. The motus themselves are all covered in coconut palms. Most of the motus seemed sparsely inhabited and the majority seem to have small 1-5 room Pensions on them.
Maupiti itself is very dramatic as well. The mountains rise up from a thin skirt of lush greenery in sheer cliffs colored with blacks, grays, whites and speckles of color from the seabirds soaring along. There are no radio towers at the tops of these flat topped mountains but rather the odd towering palm tree rising up here and there like spikes in a crown. The coastline is rugged in most places with jutting blocks of black volcanic rock along the shore and scattered out into the shallows. Palm trees reach precariously out over the lagoon. It all reminds one of the proverbial lost island of the south pacific.
As we reached the northwest end of the lagoon the maze of coral relented and we turned into the wind to head east. The island affect in the lagoon is similar to that on the north and south sides of Bora Bora when the trades are up. There was a lot of chop and the gusts were up to 20 knots or so. Another large sand bank reaches down from the northern motus which allows you to get out of chop a bit.
We beached the dink in about 6 inches of water on the windward side of the northwestern tip of Motu Tuanai to take a look around. This is the east side of the big northern sand bank and there are some small sand islands here along with some sheltered lagoons that reach north to the barrier reef. We walked along the shore through hundreds of coconuts and coconut husks. The coconut crabs here were the largest we had ever seen, the size of normal eating crabs. Got me thinking.
The lagoon between little Motu Paeao and Motu Tuanai is filled with crystal clear water. The sun had come out and we could see squads of fish flying in all directions from the shallows as we walked along the beach. We found a mooring buoy here and a flat bottomed skiff with a guy spear fishing. Amazing the places you can get into if you know your way around. The motu seemed to be presently or perhaps formerly involved in Copra production (dried coconut meat used for its oil). We found several drying racks but it didn't look like they were in heavy use.
Our next stop was the air strip farther down Tuanai. Surprisingly we saw two ATRs come and go as we dinghied about today. The airport here is quite a public work. The strip reclaimed a fair bit of lagoon and the small harbor is perfect for the need and well done. Other than perhaps the Canaima Park near Angel Falls in Venezuela it is the most remote looking air outpost I have ever seen short of an unattended airstrip. They have one traditional Polynesian pandana roofed structure with a counter in the middle that says "Maeva Maupiti", guests on one side, bags and employees on the other. Much of the town seems to hang about here when planes arrive though no one is pushing crafts or souvenirs, they're just visiting.
Another huge sand bank runs from the area south of the airport down to Motu Tiapaa on the east side of the pass. There is deep water in front of the town however. You can anchor just after the pass, where we are, off the town quay, or come through the deep water all the way to the area of the airport for a third anchorage if you are getting board (watch for the occasional coral head though).
On Maupiti, the flat bit at the bottom of the towering cliffs has just about enough room for one street and that is a fair description of town in Maupiti, one street. All bearings can be taken from the red roofed church, which is roughly in the center of town (i.e. we're one mile north of the church).
At the southeast end of town is the commercial wharf and a little basin where smaller boats can tie up. The gas station is right here as well. You might be able to fuel a small yacht up here directly if you were compact enough (and brave enough) to back into the little basin on a day when it was not congested with island boats.
To wrap up our tour we decided to head down the channel to the pass to see what conditions were like. I have been trying to get a look at it everyday in the AM and PM to gauge conditions. From our anchorage we can see the breakers south of Motu Pitiahe, matching this to what we see at the pass has been instructive.
This afternoon the pass was formidable but not as nasty as yesterday when we watched the Express blast its way out. Again we saw many fisherman plying the waters inside and outside the pass. It was Sunday but I guess you have to eat on Sunday as well, and in Maupiti, it looks as if autonomy is a valuable trait.
We returned to the boat just in time to get in an hour of reading before the sun boiled into the ocean on the western horizon. It was quite a day.
|French Polynesia
09/20/2008, Maupiti
We set our alarm (my watch) for 6AM and by 0700 we were on our way out the Bora Bora pass. I had to look for the markers to find it because it was so calm on the west side you couldn't even tell where the reef was. From the Bora Bora pass Maupiti is just short of 27 nautical miles due west.
Once clear of the pass we put the main up. It may have added a tenth of a knot but I'm not sure. It does stabilize the rig though. Most cats don't have back stays and need the main or at least the topping lift to keep things safely balanced, particularly in a sea way. The wind was a little north of east but light and at several points showed 3 knots apparent. We were running one engine at 2,000 rpm and doing mid sevens on average.
At 09:00 local time (19:00z) we checked in with the ANZAC net on 6.227 MHz USB. This is a cruisers net that was set up by a group of folks crossing the Pacific back in Panama. It is the principal position and weather net that I know of out here. You can get a lot of first hand weather information (always yacht relevant), catch up with friends and get help with problems on the net.
Our friends on Thulani recently hooked us up with the Bob Mc Davitt report. Bob is a Kiwi with a weekly perspective for yachts on South Pacific weather. It is a great summary and fills a gap in the other resources I have been using. We pull down a spot report for where we are and where we're going. This gives us wind, waves and pressure every three hours for up to a week. We download a copy of the FZPS40.PHFO text report from Hawaii. This gives us information on fronts and lows moving around and Thunderstorm info as well. This is very macro information and covers almost the entire South Pacific in a one pager. We pull down a GRIB file with three days of wind and pressure over the general are to weather of us so that we can see patterns on the move. Bob fills in the gap between the Hawaii report and the GRIBs giving you a one week summary of the most interesting and important weather patterns relevant to yachts. ( send an email to [email protected] with "send nz.wgrm" in it).
With the SPOTs, FZPS40.PHFO, GRIBs, Bob, and the Anzac net we have a lot to work with. If Bob did a daily I think I would finally be satisfied.
As we got about half way across, a layer of alto status started to fill in behind us. I wasn't happy about this because I wanted a nice blue sky over head to navigate the new island's lagoon, not to mention its infamous pass. We also noticed a larger than expected swell coming from the southeast. The swell was a good two meters, just the height that an experienced skipper had told me you don't want to have more than when entering Maupiti's lagoon. I was reminded of the huge metal hulk that sat next to us in the Raiatea boat yard, the remains of the prior Maupiti Express pulled from the Onoiau pass reef.
About an hour out we caught sight of the new Maupiti Express buzzing along. I was hoping to watch him go through but he was too fast and we lost sight of him well before being able to make out the pass. As we came in on the southeast point of the Maupiti reef we started getting things ready. We brought the main down without even heading up, which tells you how much wind we had at the time. We also brought in our fishing lines, which saw no action the whole four hour trip.
As we approached the area of the pass I was taken aback by the size of the breakers on the south reef. That swell was really pumping. Then I saw the two motus that flank the pass. I couldn't really see a pass at first, just a nice surf break. Then we spotted an area of disturbed water that didn't seem to be breaking. It was very dubious.
We passed by the entrance to the pass to get an overview of the scene and then turned 180 and came back from the west side. This gave me a much better perspective but I still was not happy with the view. A couple of Polynesian guys were bobbing around outside of the pass with some lines in the water so I decided to confer with them. I asked if they thought we could transit the pass safely with our big slow sail boat. They said, "yeah, good", and made sweeping motions with their arms in the direction of the pass.
We sat out there and watched the break for a while to get a feel for it. It is hard to tell if a wave has an overfall from the back when it is rolling over water. The waves breaking on the coral threw up quite a bit of spray but the waves breaking on the two fathom bank, not so much. There was a pattern of large swells coming in groups that made things look dangerous regardless.
We had timed things to arrive on the flood as close to high tide slack as possible so that we wouldn't have tide against swell, though getting accurate tide information for Maupiti is difficult. Our Navionics electronic charts for the area offer Tahiti as the closest tide station. We had also waited for a neap tide in the hopes of further reducing complications. I didn't see any standing waves so we seem to have gotten that part right. One cruising guide suggests 6AM as the calmest time to make the entrance but with sunrise at 05:30, 10:00 seems about as early as most folks could get here from Bora Bora. The same guide suggested an overnight to arrive at first light but 27 miles is a little short for an overnight, you'd need to do less than 3 knots to avoid running into Maupiti in the night.
After watching the break around the pass a little while longer, I asked Hideko what she though. She said, "let's go". So we did.
I waited for a big brutal set of honkers to pass by and then progressively opened up both Yanmars all the way, something I rarely do. We had 8-9 knots of way on as we came into the pass. The cruising guide and charts tell you to follow the transit marks on the outer part of the pass until inside the pass and then switch to an interior set of transit marks to get through the last part, but the outer transit takes you too close to the eastern breakers for my liking. We split the difference between the two transits coming in a little more from the west. This gives you a better view up into the pass and keeps you a little more to the mid point of the breaking water. When we had cleared the large break on the east side we just followed the channel which is easy to identify in good conditions.
Once through the pass the tension melted and we were awed by the beauty of Maupti. There were some interesting currents, eddies and chop in the channel between the motus but no standing waves or dangerous flows at 11:00 on 9/20/2008 (I can not comment outside of our experience). You have to stay on top of things but the channel is plenty deep and well marked. I looked back at the pass from the inside and shuddered to think I had just drove our house though it. In retrospect I imagine that if it hadn't been my first time through this pass I probably wouldn't have batted an eye, but it was my first time. The difference between your first time navigating a tricky area and your second is infinite. If you've been through twice then you're twice as experienced as the guy who's been once. There is no number you can multiply by zero to get one however.
As you wind up the channel from the pass you sail between two lovely motus, each with wonderful coral pools, white sand beaches and lots of coconut palms. The channel winds ahead to Maupiti proper where you can anchor off of the town quay. You can also just hang a left after you pass motu Pitiahe and anchor in the lee of the north point.
As we came in, the lagoon spread out in front of us and it was full of colors. The clouds had not quite caught up with us so we had great visibility. We saw a Tahiti Yacht Charters Lagoon 380 parked in the Pitiahe anchorage and decided that that was a good sign, particularly because the skipper was certainly a professional (no bare boats in Maupiti). The anchorage is 25 to 30 feet of great holding sand. There are some coral rocks on the bottom but if you're careful you can find a good arc to lay down plenty of chain without fouling.
After anchoring and putting the boat away, Hideko made us a nice lunch and we just sat in the cockpit soaking up the amazing scenery. The cloud layer that had been after us passed to the south and it was a spectacular day.
After lunch I jumped in for a snorkel around the boat to check the anchor and give our props and rudders a once over. Upon inspection I found that the rudders were a little out of alignment. Hideko opened the hydraulic line on the port side and I tapped the rudder into true under the boat. Hydraulic rudders can get out of alignment over time but I think ours were probably just a little off after the boat yard work in Raiatea. You can also get going in a straight line, coast and then open the hydraulic lines and let the rudders true themselves. You need flat water and no current for that approach though.
Hideko's next priority was to take a nap, so while she was counting sheep I took the dinghy on a little tour of Pitiahe and the pass. Pitiahe is surrounded on the west by a huge shallow bank of perfect sand. The sand is interrupted by black spots here and there, the moving ones are sting rays and the fixed ones are chunks of coral. With a bit of care you can easily drive a dinghy through most of this area.
On the way back to the anchorage I stopped to say hi to the charter group, they were the only other yacht in Maupiti. The skipper was very friendly and agreed with my slightly west approach in the pass, though he said following the transits works too. They would be leaving in the morning at or around 6AM low tide. He also indicated that the anchorage off the town dock was nice, though I'm not sure we'll get to it. The spot we're in is in good proximity to the pass, making an early exit fairly straight forward. You can also see the southern reef break from the anchorage if you are trying to gauge things.
Zipping around the area we anchored in I noticed no real hazards. You have to be careful to lay your chain on sand but the rocks that are in the neighborhood all have 20 feet or more water over them. In the pass both motus have hard shoals with little rivulets and pools. The locals have found passages here and there deep enough for their skiffs to make it to the beach. Both motus and the pass itself make for great exploring. Snorkeling is supposed to be good here but you'd need to keep an eye on the current.
I took a break from the sun back at the big boat and caught up on some reading. Hideko woke up shortly thereafter and then we saw the Maupiti Express on her way toward the pass. The Maupiti Express is no small catamaran. I would guess it is 35 meters long and 18 meters wide. Hideko and I scrambled to get into the dinghy, we really wanted to see this beast transit the pass now that the chance was in front of us. We came up behind her just as she was getting between the motus. The Express had big steep four footers coming off her stern. At first I thought it was her wake, but then I realized they were standing waves. It was 4PM and the tide was trying to get out against the 2 meter swell. As she closed on the pass itself we throttled back to watch. The big boat was hobby horsing through the waves under heavy throttle like I have never seen a large ship do. It was quite a sight. Clear of the pass, the shuttle continued to bash into the heavy head seas as she turned for Bora Bora.
Note to self: don't exit the Onoiau pass in the afternoon...
|French Polynesia
09/19/2008, Bora Bora
The Gendarme that we checked out with yesterday was a nice guy and told us that we had 24 hours to leave once clearing out. The big task after clearing out is getting your bond back. Americans and Japanese (and most other non EU passport holders) have to post a bond to enter FP by yacht. The bond is approximately equivalent to the amount of a flight home. This made the Japanese bond 176,000 fp francs and the US bond 150,000 fpf. We hit the Gendarmerie at 4PM yesterday but the Socredo bank (holders of our bond) closed at 3:30.
The bank opened at 7:30 this morning so I arrived bright and early to get things handled. In order to make for a fast get away I decided to dinghy over to the Saint James restaurant dock one bay over from the yacht club. The Saint James is in a little plaza with a computer shop and a nice bakery with yummy breakfast items. A half block farther toward town and you are at the big grocery store, the chandlery and the Socredo Bank.
I purchased the bonds with my credit card and thus expected the symmetrical credit. Nothing doing. They would not credit my card. I was very insistent but they would not budge. This is not only inconvenient but seemingly unreasonable. If you can charge the card, certainly you can credit it? The cash amount is over $3,000 US. They suggested I take francs. The last thing we needed was more francs, we had just cleared out!
In the end I had to settle for US and New Zealand Dollars (good in the Cooks, Niue and Tonga). We made about 10% on the US dollar over the three months we were here, not sure whether to be happy or sad about that.
I made my way back to the boat with a stop at the pastry place. It was 10:00 when I returned to the boat. It was getting late to make Maupiti in good stead for clearing the tricky pass. After a nice breakfast, we had the dinghy up and the big boat ready to go by 11:00. Then I noticed that the bank had taken my clearance out and not returned it. They, of course, close from 11:30 to 1:30. So we enjoyed one more day in Bora Bora.
It was choppy in the lagoon but we ran the dinghy over to the Pearl Beach Resort on the motu across from the yacht club just to check it out. It was the only large hotel on Bora Bora we had not yet taken a look at. It was a nice place with the expected over water bungalows and all. The location was not optimal however. This resort, like the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa, faces the east and there is a fair amount of fetch off the resort beach. This makes the dock and beach of the resort choppy quite often. If you're going to visit Bora Bora and stay in a hotel our recommendation is still #1 Four Seasons or Nui (tie), #3 Saint Regis.
After lunch we returned to the bank to get our clearance papers. We also stopped at the Total station, the only fuel dock I know of in Bora Bora. We picked up a little 5 liter emergency tank for the dinghy that I had been looking for. I was surprised that the station did not take credit cards. Some yachts must run up a pretty serious bill which has to be rough on the cash reserves When we returned to the big boat I downloaded weather over the yacht club's Iorana Net WIFI site (you get one free hour a day with a mooring). The Bora Bora wind guru report among other resources indicated that wind and seas still looked good for Maupiti tomorrow, so we turned in early to prepare for a crack of dawn departure.
|French Polynesia
09/18/2008, Bora Bora
It was our three year wedding anniversary today! We were married here in Bora Bora so it only made sense to enjoy our anniversary here as well.
We had a relaxing morning. I made lattes and we thawed out some of the frozen Pain au Chocolat (chocolate croissants which are actually really good) while our recently repaired washer dryer reduced the size of the dirty laundry which had been building for some weeks.
We took the dinghy around to the east side of the island and visited the new Four Seasons hotel for lunch. They just opened on September 1st and it is a really nice place. I still have to give the Bora Bora Nui the number 1 rating here because of its location, laid back style and bar/restaurant with the sand floor. If you are looking for sterling service and great food I would have to give the Four Seasons the nod and it is now clearly my #2 with the Saint Regis coming in third.
It is not only our anniversary but also the anniversary of Chile's independence. There was a group of Chileans at the bar where we had lunch and they were whipping up some crazy drinks with the bar staff made from distilled wine. They graciously included us in their celebration. The beverages were very tasty and very dangerous.
While I could still see to drive we departed the Four Seasons and made a circumnavigation out of it. We dinghied back around Matira point on the way to town to clear out. I think that this is the longest we have been in one country for a few years. It has been over ten weeks in French Polynesia for us. If they would let us stay another six we would. Things as they are we will be off to Maupiti tomorrow on the way to the Cook Islands.
Clearing out was easy and the Gendarmarie guys were very easy going (contrary to the cruiser rumor mill I had heard). They cleared us out even though I told them we were leaving tomorrow. The bank was closed so we couldn't redeem the "make sure you have enough cash to fly home" bonds we purchased upon arriving anyway.
After a quick stop for dog food (it is a long way to the next Purina dealer) we headed back to the Bora Bora yacht club. The cruisers in the anchorage were having a BBQ and we didn't want to miss it.
After a quick turn around at the big boat we headed into the yacht club with a steak to split (still full from lunch) and enough of Hideko's yummy tomato and cucumber salad to feed several cruisers.
We had a great night with a very interesting group of folks. Yachts Honalee, Plan B, God Spede, Slap Dash, and Thulani where there with their crews of two or three. Most are heading west soon just like we are. We look forward to seeing them in the next harbor.
|French Polynesia


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PTA Club Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale
Home » Campus News and Events » October 9, 2010, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.
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PTA Club Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale Is October 9
HANCOCK, MI - The Finlandia University student Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Club will host a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser Saturday, October 9, 2010, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., in the Finlandia Hall Café, which is in the university's residence hall, Hancock.
On the menu are pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and beverages. Tickets are $5.00 per person; children age four and under eat free. A Bake Sale will be held in conjunction with the pancake breakfast.
To be entered in a raffle for some great prizes, bring a new pair of tennis shoes for children ages newborn to 13. The shoes will be donated to local children and to the national organization, "Shoes 4 Kids."
Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase.
For additional information, contact PTA instructor Geri Hawley at 906-487-7377.


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Can't go Wrong with these Sights !!
Can't go Wrong with these Sights !!
Montana Black Gold! I have the Flashpoint 5! Micro-adjust is easy enough.
Just got my ascent yesterday. WOW! got the 3 pin (didn't want a lot of pins in the sight housing cluttering it up) I have my first pin set at 27 yds. (puts me 2 inches high at 20 yds. and 2 inches low at 30 yds) second pin at 40 yds. and third at 50 yds. Sight looks very well built. I am impressed!
Shoot STR8
Where is the review Nate S. did on this? Thanks.
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice."
The ability to put different rings on the front face of the sight is a good idea different colors available.
Badbuckfever, just found my copy of Nate's review it was in EBJ issue 63, hope this helps.
Shoot STR8
You can also get the Ascent with 3rd axis now!
I just ordered my new Ascent sight! Having them do a little custom work. Went with the Surge head and the Vengeance base. Five pin set up.
yellow .019
green .019
red .010
green .010
yellow .010
Pink sight ring.
Can't wait for it to be done! Great customer service!!! It was so easy, and very helpful.
Strother Inspire
Gold Tip Kenetics 300
Ripcord Code Red
Tight Spot Quiver
Black Gold Ascent
Landshark by Simmons Sharks
Stingmusic, I have been shooting this sight for a while now, and with a good sight tape it was very easy to set up and get dialed in. Let us know how you like it.
Shoot STR8


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iCandy claims two places in the "Which? 10 most popular pushchairs"
(Biggleswade, UK) – 10th January 2014 – Leading British pushchair brand, iCandy has appeared not once, but twice in the official "Which? 10 most popular pushchairs."
The experts at Which? rounded up the most popular pushchair reviews of the last three months, based on what parents have been looking at on the Which? website.
The iCandy Strawberry and Peach were up against other major worldwide brands. Which? have reviewed over 150 pushchairs.
A leader in the luxury pushchair market, iCandy has previously won over 5 Best Buy awards from Which? With 50 years experience reviewing products and offering independent advice on a wealth of subjects, Which? awards the highest-scoring products or services with a Which? Best Buy status. Which? have reviewed more than 180 pushchairs, lab testing each for safety and durability and assessing the comfort and usability with a parent panel to help consumers find the best model for themselves and their baby.
To read the full article from Which? please click here.
Poslední zprávy
- iCandy at The Baby Show, ExCel 4th February 2014
- iCandy Winter In-store Events3rd February 2014
- iCandy pushchairs expand into Mothercare13th January 2014
- Zobrazit všechny nejnovější zprávy


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I am a sophomore in HS and my buddies all play football and are begging me to play next year. I would but it interferes with archery season. So I am asking others for their opinions. I will talk to coach before the conditioning starts next year and see if I can get a couple days off. It will take away from scouting but the conditioning will make climbing the hills even easier. So would you play and miss archery for a year or too or not? I only have 1 more junior tag left before the main draw for deer.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


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Stick to the serving size. A small portion of this rich strawberry dessert is all that is needed.
Prepare dessert as directed, pressing crumb mixture onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate before adding strawberry filling and freezing as directed.
This frosty dessert can be frozen up to 24 hours before serving.
* Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.
just curious can you use frozen strawberries
This recipe was great. The lime gives it a kick so to compliment that I added some sea salt to the pretzel crust before adding the filling. I would recommend adding more butter to add in the crust otherwise the pretzels don't stick to the bottom like it should. Otherwise, very delicious! Everybody loved it. I will make this again.


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Extract the highest levels of availability from the systems infrastructures that support mission-critical business processes
The IBM High Availability Center of Competency (HACoC) team is dedicated to helping clients achieve their end- to-end IT service availability goals. As a world-wide hub of IT availability expertise, our Center supports client and IBM understanding of how to extract the highest levels of availability from the systems' infrastructures that support client mission-critical business processes. To this end we:
- Provide clients with high-availability assessments of their IT Infrastructures.
- Serve as the single point of contact for high-availability resources within IBM.
- Serve as a single point of reference for IBM systems high-availability best practices.
- Influence related IBM high-availability product features and processes.
Value of HaCoC
Our value
The HACoC acts as a trusted advisor to clients seeking to improve the availability and resiliency of their end-to-end IT infrastructure. It draws from technology and systems management expertise across IBM and the industry and brings them together with client experts in collaborative, onsite or remote settings. Jointly, experts review the client's current or future technology deployments and service management processes and define a road map of steps needed to move closer to stated availability and disaster recovery targets (e.g. RPO and RTO goals).
What systems we support
The HACoC draws upon a broad mix of technology and systems management skills, to provide High Availability expertise on IBM and non-IBM systems and middleware. The IBM systems we most frequently work with are:
- IBM Systems platforms: z Systems™ and the zEnterpise® System, IBM Power Systems™ as well as IBM i®, System p® and pSeries®, with various combinations of AIX®, z/OS®, zVM®, zLinux, i5/OS™, Linux® and Microsoft® Windows® operating environments
- IBM System Storage and TotalStorage and Business Partner networking and storage solutions
- Clustering and grid technologies: for example, z/OS Parallel Sysplex, Linux and Microsoft Windows
- IBM Tivoli® systems management and provisioning IT Information Library (ITIL) standards
- IBM Software such as: WebSphere® MQ, WebSphere Application Server, CICS®, DB2®
High availability assessment workshops
These engagements include high-level assessments of the client IT infrastructures (systems, storage, middleware) and the service management processes supporting a mission critical business process. In one to two-day workshops, IBM and client IT leaders and experts collaborate in several assessment activities. The output is a roadmap of recommended tactical and strategic steps to take to improve the availability of the business service running on the end-to-end infrastructure. The two most frequently executed offerings are:
Service availability assessment
This collaborative two-day workshop helps assess gaps in the IT infrastructure architecture and service management processes supporting a critical business application. The environment under review, defined by the critical application, can include multiple systems, storage, and the systems software stack. This engagement can be customized to take into account non-IBM products.
Platform availability assessment
Our team facilitates this collaborative two-day workshop to help assess gaps in the IT infrastructure architecture and service management processes supporting a critical business application. The environment under review, defined by the critical application, includes a single platform, storage and key software components. This engagement can be customized to take into account non-IBM products.
Other offerings
Customized expert support
HACoC specialists will participate as subject matter experts (SMEs) in other IBM led projects or design a custom high availability (HA) focused engagement. This custom engagement, based on client need, can include HA design reviews, best practices briefings, outage analysis, Component Failure Impact Analysis (CFIA), Service Management seminars and collaboration on specific HA topics.
Whiteboarding workshop
A one-day on-site working session that builds upon the findings of an Availability QuickCheck to develop a roadmap of steps needed to reach the client's availability goals. HACoC online QuickCheck surveys exist for each of the IBM server and storage systems and for virtualization and availability management. In the Whiteboarding Session, a HACoC expert collaborates with customer experts to map the best way forward. As appropriate, the final report may include a description of IBM products, services, education, and documentation to help implement the recommendations.
Other workshops (Europe only)
Availability strategy assessment workshop
Our team facilitates this one-to-two day onsite management level seminar to address strategic action plans to improve HA/DR. IBM availability experts will work with customer managers and architects to collaborate on the analysis and development of a proposed action plan.
High availability proposal workshop
This workshop is designed to assist clients who are in the early stages of designing a high availability solution with their local IBM team. This includes a two-day workshop that takes place at IBM Montpellier.
Getting started
To engage with us, ask your IBM Representative to send an email on your behalf to email@example.com. Current centers are located in the United States, France, Japan and China.


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Aaron Crow Introduced (photos)
Aaron Crow is a lifelong Royals fan whose dream has been to play in the big leagues for the Royals. Today, he took a step toward that dream as he was introduced at an afternoon press conference.
Crow is ready to get out onto the field, and he will have that opportunity soon as he will report to the Royals' instructional league team in Arizona on Sunday. Workouts begin on Monday.
He has stayed in shape with workouts, bullpen sessions, simulated games and side sessions. Crow says that he is just older and wiser than last year. His pitching repertoire is mainly a fastball and a sinker, with a slider and change-up mixed in. He has worked a lot on improving his change-up over the last year.
When asked if the Major League contract put pressure on him, Aaron calmly said he doesn't see it as pressure but a challenge.
General Manager Dayton Moore said that the Royals will not put limitations on Aaron. As a player in Major League camp, he will be given the opportunity to make the team out of Spring Training. However, the overall goal is for Aaron to have a 15+ year career in the Majors. Moore sees a tremendous competitor with great drive.
Assistant General Manager-Scouting & Player Development J.J. Picollo mentioned that signing the first-round pick was a priority. He is anxious to get Crow into the mix.
Jose Guillen was placed on the 60-day D.L. to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Crow.


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Studio with Separate Kitchen Zone 2 No3
Size25 m²
Floor No.0
- Family/child friendly
- Kitchen
- Washer/dryer
- Lockable room
- Internet/WiFi
- Parking available
- Towels
|Brondesbury Villas, NW6 6AE London, United Kingdom
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
|4 days ago
Modern clean fully equipped studio apartment with separate kitchen situated on the ground floor of this period conversion. The property is situated on a quiet residential road just a short walk to Kilburn High Road, and Queens Park station. Ideal accommodation for a couple with children up to 10 years old or 3 adults, fully tiled walk in shower, Fully Furnished with double bed (192cm long x 140cm wide), baby cot and 1 sofa bed (192cm long x 138cm wide), Wardrobe, Fridge Freezer, Washing Machine, Electric Hob, Microwave Oven, LCD TV (with free view), DVD player, WIRELESS INTERNET, Dining table & chairs, all essentials supplied for a comfortable stay including bed linen, towels, cutlery, crockery, glasses, Cooking utensils. Private toilet, shower and kitchen. Toilet paper not provided
Short distance from central London, with numerous transport links (Underground, National Rail, Buses) many local bars, restaurants, supermarkets and leisure facilities can be found within walking distance
Nearest stations:
Queen's Park (0.3 miles)
Kilburn Park (0.3 miles)
Kilburn High Road (0.4 miles)
Local Bus Routes 206, 6, 316, 36 (24 Hour), 187 (24 Hour)
Brent is a suburb in North West London. There are several tube stations located in the district, many of them located on the Jubilee Line which will take you directly to Bond Street Station, which is right by Oxford Street. Oxford Street is the main shopping street in London with shops such as Selfridges and Debenhams. Most attractions of London are within easy reach, such as Piccadilly Circus, Madame Tussauds and Tower of London. Hyde Park is located west of Oxford Street where you will find Kensington Gardens. If you walk through the park you will reach Kensington where you can find the famous department store Harrods's and plenty of museums, for example Natural History museum and Science museum.
An easy journey away is also Camden, which is famous for Camden Market and the wide range of bars and clubs that daily hosts many gigs. Camden is amazing for a day and night out! Around the corner you can enjoy a calmer environment in the beautiful Regents Park, which is also the location for Madame Tussauds.
If you want to enjoy the extensive night life London has to offer, there are also plenty of buses and night buses running 24/7 from all directions in London.
* Disclaimer: All things advertised at the time of booking are available, however availability can vary due to unforeseen circumstances. If this is ever the case, please note that any discounts or refunds will not be available, especially if the booking have been made for the discount price.
-No Pets.
-No Smoking.
-Breakages deposit £100 (Pounds).
-Late check-in fee (for checking-in from 21:00): £30.
-Parking Permit is available for £3 daily (weekend and Bank holiday is free)
-If you leave very early in the morning or late at night you will leave keys on the table in the room and your deposit will be refunded via 'PayPal' or bank transfer once the housekeeper has checked the room.
- When booking please include all guests, our occupancy rules are very strict, children should be included in your booking regardless of age, we will not allow any 'over occupancy' due to our insurers requirements.
-Please separate your rubbish and place in the correct bin:
Blue Bin (Recycling) - Paper, Cardboard, Plastic, Tin etc
Grey Bin (General) - General Rubbish, anything that cannot go into Blue or Brown Bins.
If you have any question please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your consideration.
|Price for > 2 guests
|$ 15 US per guest/night extra
|Check-in after
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|Cancellation Policy
Stayed here for 3 months, and it was quite a bang for my dollar! Lovely place!
L'appartamento è davvero carino e confortevole. Abbiamo avuto un problema con la luce in cucina ma ci è bastato inviare una mail a Olga e tutto è stato risolto! Il quartiere è tranquillo per essere nella zona 2. Fermata metro a due passi e supermercati a 10 min dall'abitazione.
La mia è stata davvero una bella esperienza. Consiglio vivamente!
Wir waren mit unserer Tochter in einem Studio von Olga. Alles hat geklappt, der Housekeeper war nett und zuverlässig. Das Studio war 3 Min. von der nächsten Underground-Station entfernt. Für 2 Personen ideal, zu dritt etwas sehr eng, aber für ein paar Tage aushaltbar. Eine gute Alternative zu einem Hotel.
Buena ubicación, con la estación prácticamente al lado, con bares y lleno de supermercados.
Responden rápidamente a los correos y a las dudas de manera cordial y agradable. Sin duda volvería a alojarme.
Gracias Olga y Andrey el ama de llaves
I was glad the studio I rented in Olga.
I'm still satisfied to come to Olga, because it is clean the studio that I rented.
Andrey and very nice and thank you for everything.
I will come back at Olga.
I thank Olga for her kindness.
j'ai était contente du studio que j'ai loué chez Olga.
je suis toujours contenté de venir chez Olga,parce que c'est propre les studio que j'ai loué.
Andrey et très gentil et encore merci pour tout.
et je vais revenir chez Olga.
je remercie Olga de sa gentillesse.
Bon emplacement, charmant studio avec tout ce qu'il faut et un bel accueil de la part d'Andrew (le valet de chambre)
Je recommande l'appartement d'Olga
Very good location, the apartment was clean and tidy,perfect for a couples, the housekeeper(Andrey)very friendly, we didn't meet Olga personally, but she resolved everything on time!
I'will recommend this property!
No sugar, yet tea and instant coffee.
No toilet paper.
The deposit was payed on my last day - how unfortunate because I do not just use 100 pound right away on the last day in UK.
they should consider depositum on the first payment, in order to refund the bank account. may be its standard procedure.
All in all - I am happy with the stay.
Das Zimmer liegt sehr gut. Ganz in der Nähe von Einkaufsmöglichkeiten und der Queens Park station. Es fahren auch regelmäßig Busse von der Innenstadt und in die Innenstadt. Das Zimmer ist sehr britisch. Es ist sehr sehr sauber und schön ruhig. Der Ablauf war reibungslos und freundlich. Wir waren sehr glücklich dort und da wir öfter nach London fliegen, werden wir sicher wieder kommen.
De kamer was redelijk. Bed, badkamer en keukentje adequaat. Maar een keukenkastje met maar twee vorken, twee glazen, twee borden en twee kopjes is armoedig. Dat kan beter!
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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1-800-873-7766M-F 6am-8pm, S 7am-4pm PT
Boost your productivity with the fast, affordable WorkForce 435, the entry-level business all-in-one that gives the flexibility you need to adapt to small business demands. Built-in wireless networking1 and instant wireless printing from popular mobile devices1 ensure you can easily print and scan from virtually anywhere in your house. A 30-page Auto Document Feeder and a print speed of 6.3 ISO ppm (black)1 enable the WorkForce 435 to keep up with your busy pace. And, the built-in card slot allows you to easily share important files. With its ENERGY STAR® rating, manual two-sided printing1, and affordable ink cartridges, the WorkForce 435 is the wise, economical choice for meeting your home-based business needs.
Note: Epson does not accept returns on refurbished items except if product arrives defective, in which case, we will provide a replacement with the same model or equivalent. This unit may not include the same software or paper pack as new models.
One-year limited warranty in the U.S. and Canada
Get additional extended service plans, including exchange/repairs plans and replacement plans


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NAEYC is excited to announce new upgrades to the Early Childhood Career Center! The Career Center now provides employers and job seekers with advanced online features to make finding a new job or employee easier than ever before.
What hasn't changed? NAEYC's unique ability to bring industry employers and professionals together. With visibility to more than 150,000 child care professionals, the Early Childhood Career Center is the only site that offers access to such a large audience of qualified early childhood practitioners.
Job Seekers - The Career Center is free to all job seekers and provides you with access to the best employers and jobs in the industry.
Employers - NAEYC's new Career Center will offer cost-effective rates and will put your jobs in front of exactly the right candidates - saving you both money and time.


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I feel the same way.
I haven't got 1 yet I thought was gamey. Even the 1 I got last year that was pretty old tastes great! I did make alot of it into sausage. I added about 10% beef and 10% beef fat and used Hi Mountain seasonings. I also made some seasoned burgers. I ground jalapenos, onions, garlic and some seasonings along with 10% beef and 10% beef fat into it and it came out great!!
I truly believe with deer.... it's what they eat that makes them taste more gamey than others. When the meat in our freezer's get low, we drive from CA to WY just to get 2 antelope doe/fawn for meat. We also use that trip to WY, to do some pre scouting in UT, while we're passing through.
-NRA Life Member
The best mule deer I've ever ate, I killed in unit 80 in Southern Wyoming. It was nothing but rolling sage brush hills. It was awesome, I gutted it & hauled it straight to the butcher in Rawlings. My buddy killed one the next day about a mile from mine. He said his was very good as well.
"Only two people have died for You and I, The American Soldier died for Our Freedom & Jesus Christ Died for Our Souls!" I thank GOD for them! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
NRA Life Member
Best deer I ever had came from eastern Montana! Even the last buck I got out there that was pretty old was very tender!
You guys had me going. I was thinking how (and why) in Hell would anyone want to graze Rattlesnakes? Maybe, some guy with a restaurant, so his customers could graze on Rattlesnakes!
Patron Life Member, NRA; Life Member RMEF, SCI, NAHHC, NSRPA