Canadian Family Adventure Magazine by Mark Draak

Geocaching IntroductIon 101

Yellow Fever dIggIng deep In el d0rado

What?

Will you remember? campIng survIval

Platterhouse Ocean Retreat

dIscover treasure In prInce edward Island

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Pyrate Life for Ye!

How Jolly Is yer roger?

Publisher Treasureventure™ Mark Draak – Founder, President Art Direction, Design Mark Draak mdraak@treasureventure.ca

Canadian Family Adventure magazine is dedicated to the memory of

Art Direction, Design Shara Ross

Dennis Raymond Billings

Contributors Mark Draak Shara Ross Jordan Kuzyk Justin Draak

1925 ~ 2011

Canadian Family Adventure magazine is produced in partnership with Treasureventure the Adventure Festival. Canadian Family Adventure magazine and Treasureventure are divisions of Wide Eyed Communications. Editorial submissions are encouraged, but we cannot assume responsibility or liability for any unsolicited material. Editorial material submitted, including but not limited to articles and photographs will become the property of Treasureventure™ and cannot be returned. Mailing Address: 30 Hatt St. Dundas, ON L9H 2E8 Copyright© 2011 Tresureventure™. All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or in part is forbidden without express written consent from the publisher.

He was simply the single biggest inspiration to so many. He will be missed always. Live life to the fullest in every way... ever’day Dear Dad, We’re able to go on without you because you gave us your strength and your wisdom. You created a strong family circle that cannot be broken Everyday we walk through our lives together, we feel only happiness and laughter, no regrets When your life faded here on earth many hands reached for you from above, you will always be with friends and family You were the best man in our lives, Taylor said you were the ketchup to our hash... I think she was right... We know that wherever you are, you’re messin’ with those lures and you’ve got a line in the water....

Happy Father’s Day Papa To discuss advertising opportunties please contact Mark Draak at 905-627-2374 or email mdraak@treasureventure.ca.

P.S I’m giving mom your fishing magazine and chocolates this year Love Dint

Table of Contents

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

canadian family

Adventure

Editorial/p 3 Thoughts from the Founder Hobbies/p 4 Birdwatching Prospecting/p 6 El Dorado: The lost city Sharing Our Forests/p 9 The Fiddleback Spider Geocaching/p 10 What is Geocaching? Lingo/p 12 Terms for Geocaching Travel/p 14 Platterhouse Resort Gears, Gadgets & Destination p 18 Survival/p 21 Camping Quiz Survival/p 22 Lightning Factoids Collecting/p 24 What’s in a Privy? Outdoor Sports/p 30 Rockclimbing Adventure History/p 32 Ahoy! How jolly is your roger? History Recreation/p 34 Blackthorn Productions

Editorial Note (read rambling...) So what’s in a magazine? Generally, that’s up to the reader to decide. With Canadian Family Adventure magazine we hope to swing the pendulum to the favourable if not the enthusiastic measure by providing both quality and volume. For the time being Canadian Family Adventure magazine is produced in association with Treasureventure™; our entirely unique Adventure Festival. With your voice, participation and your enthusiasm we’d like to take the leap of faith that will see this become a quarterly publication jam packed with not only entertaining and informative, but inspirational material. We’re not suggesting “burning bush” inspirational, but more an adventurous, outdoorsy inspiration with more personal content than what you might expect from the “norm” stacking the shelves from South of the border. When a computer screen becomes a distinct alternative for any form of face to face, or heaven forbid a reality that exists outside on two legs as opposed to hunched over a keyboard, then we’re all in for a bit of a rude awakening. This is my cause. Have I addressed the issue? Probably not after all I’m typing this in front of a computer screen. But I believe that I am controlling the keyboard and not the other way around... for now. So in the coming issues as we plan and develop the magazine, our thoughts and focus will be on “Adventure”. Adventure that lives outside the backlit LED panel. Sometimes just in a backyard, sometimes a park. Others, clear across the province or country. We’ll explore things to do and see; some will be a re-introduction to things most of us have forgotten, others will be incredible, new and exciting challenges. But the foundation within the columns and spread across the pages will be the same. “Live life off the beaten path”, “Healthy, outdoor, active living” these should be more than a worn out advertising calls to action. “Family values” should mean more than Sunday afternoon reruns on the tube. There’s so many things to do and explore as families, as individuals as intrepid adventurers. Your input is invaluable. Your experiences plus advice for places to go, things to see and do, and adventure ideas will ﬂow the ink that washes across these pages. So let’s get the ideas going, strap on the tired old hiking boots, grab a little bug repellant and sunscreen, and let’s see if we can’t pull your head out of that digital matrix. If you’re like me, desiring to spend a little more time with your family, time worth remembering, not to mention work on that lung capacity and drop a few of those fast food pounds... then on with it! Out the door! Let’s have at, let’s have an adventure!

Outdoor Recreation/p 36

In the spirit of adventure

White Water Rafting

Mark Draak

Kids Corner/p 38

Mark Draak

Blackthorn Productions

Illustration by Dawn Sherman

TWITCHING, BIRDING and the meaning of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tally-HuNTeRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Twitching is a British term, meaning "the observation of a previously located rare bird". In North America, this is often called chasing. The goal of twitching is to accumulate species on one's lists. Some birders engage in competition with one another to accumulate the longest species list. The act of the pursuit itself is referred to as a "twitch" or a "chase". A rare bird that stays put long enough for people to see it is called "twitchable" or "chaseable". Twitching is highly developed among birders in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Finland and Sweden. The smaller regional size of these countries make it possible to quickly travel inside their borders with relative ease. The most popular twitches in the UK have drawn large crowds, such as a group of approximately 5,000 people who came to view a Golden-winged Warbler in Kent. In the United Kingdom, twitchers have developed their own vocabulary. For example, a twitcher who fails to see a rare bird has dipped out; if other twitchers do see the bird, he may feel gripped off. Suppression is the act of concealing news of a rare bird from other twitchers. Similar vocabularies have developed in other countries where twitching is popular.

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

the term ‘twitcher’ is reserved for those who travel long distances to see a rare bird Birdwatching or birding is the observation and study of birds with the naked eye or through a visual enhancement device like binoculars. Birding often involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are more readily detected and identified by ear than by eye. Most birdwatchers pursue this activity mainly for recreational or social reasons, unlike ornithologists, who

engage in the study of birds using more formal scientific methods. The term birdwatching was first used in 1901 while "bird" was introduced as a verb in 1918. The term "birding" was also used for the practice of "fowling" or hunting with firearms as in Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602) She laments sir... her husband goes this morning a-birding.

The terms 'birding' and 'birdwatching' are today used interchangeably, although 'birding' is preferred by many since this includes the auditory component involved in spotting birds. The term 'twitcher', sometimes misapplied as a synonym for birder, is reserved for those who travel long distances to see a rare bird that would then be "ticked" off on a "list". The usage of the term twitcher began in the 1950’s originating from a phrase used to describe the nervous behavior of Howard Medhurst, a British birdwatcher. Prior to that the term used for those who chased rarities was "pot-hunter", "tally-hunter", or "tickhunter". The practice of travelling long distances to spot rarities was aided by the rising popularity of cars.

WHaT yOu’ll NeeD • Dressing for the season is essential. you may find yourself lost in the hunt and nothing is more disappointing then having to stop because you’re too cold. • a good, high powered compact set of binoculars. • a book to track your findings and a field guide to identify what you’re looking at. Good luck! 5

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

PROSPECTING

el d0rado

able to ﬁnd for hundreds of years. It is not impossible, people discover things all the time. But why has it eluded people for so long? And where can you go to ﬁnd somewhere like this?

he supposed legend of the Lost City of Gold has captured the minds of many. The thought of an entire city made of gold is just too tempting of an opportunity to pass up. The legend brings out the adventurer in all of us. We want to be the ones to discover something that no one has been

The story of El Dorado has become quite the legend over the years. However, the story of El Dorado is simply that: a story. A city made of gold is the result of what can be equated to an ancient game of “telephone.” What is interesting is the story that created the story of the Lost City of Gold. The story goes that a tribe would hold festivals at Lake Guatavita. The priest of the tribe would undress and cover himself in gold dust. He would dive into the lake along with many other gold and emeralds as offering to their god. The other chiefs of the tribe would do the same thing. They would throw the gold into the middle of the lake, and the gold dust on the priest would also wash off due to his diving into the lake. This story is believed to be the basis for the El Dorado legend. “El Dorado” itself, is a reference to the priest himself, “El Dorado” is Spanish for “the golden one.” The story then grew into being a kingdom ruled by a golden king and so on until it was believed that an actual kingdom built out of pure gold existed. Many searches were conducted to ﬁnd this lost city. The El Dorado legend took a turn north, way

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

Atomic Number: 79 Atomic Weight: 196.966569 Melting Point: 1337.33 K (1064.18°C or 1947.52°F) Boiling Point: 3129 K (2856°C or 5173°F) Density: 19.282 grams per cubic centimeter Phase at Room Temperature: Solid Element Classification: Metal

up north. Hastings County, Ontario, which is close to Belleville, Ontario, became a boomtown in 1866 when the discovery of gold was made on the farm of the Richardson’s. This discovery of gold was the ﬁrst gold rush in the history of Canada, though Canada was not an ofﬁcial country until 1867. The boomtown was named Eldorado, with Madoc being the closest town to the mining sites. With

this discovery, over 4,000 prospectors came to Eldorado at its peak. Mining companies had investors in Hamilton, Toronto, Peterborough, Belleville, Kingston and Montreal. As with most boomtowns, they were quick to spring up and quick to fold. When the mines were taken over by the larger companies, less and less people came to the town to ﬁnd gold. The town has become a ghost town; some residents still reside within the town amongst some of the dilapidated structures. It is eerily beautiful; Hastings County still has a golden treasure. Ron Brown tours: www.ronbrown.ca/tours.html

WORTH YOUR WEIGHT IN GOLD? Gold has always been the most sought-after precious metal on our planet. The ancient Egyptians treasured this substance as much as we do today. It is estimated that based on a world spot gold price of $961.40 an ounce, the total amount of gold in the world is worth $4,611,266,106,750.

Gold is recovered by two methods, hardrock mining and placer mining. Hardrock miners tunnel below the ground to follow the twisting veins of lode gold. Placer miners mine gold which has been exposed by natural erosion processes into rivers and streams.

Based on that same spot price, if a 200-pound man were to get his weight in gold, he would receive $2,804,019.24.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Canadian Family ADVENTURE â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

IN OUR ENVIRONMENT

Name: Black Widow Age: 1.5 years Hobbies: preying on other insects, occasionally eating the father of their babies after mating, spinning irregular webs, feeling for vibrations, biting their victims

DEADLY BUGS...

magazines around in the garage. To avoid being bitten, wear gloves and long-sleeve shirts when handling firewood.

Where it lurks - Black Widows like to build webs in or under objects close to the ground. They are commonly found in stacks of firewood, storage sheds, water meter boxes, under porches, and in or around flower pots. They are not overly aggressive, unless touched, and they rarely leave their webs, where they hang with their bellys pointed up. Most people are bit carrying firewood, or moving stacks of newspapers or

How serious is the bite? - Although the venom of Black Widows is 15 times more deadly than that of most rattlesnakes, not much venom is injected in a bite, and the venom in small doses is not particularly potent. However, the Black Widow bite, like the sting of bees and wasps, can be fatal to some people. At least 4 deaths from Black Widows were reported in the U.S. between 1989 and 1999. The seriousness of a bite will depend upon the individual, where on the body they are bit, and how much venom is injected.

he Black Widow is a poisonous spider easily identified by its black color and a red, hourglass-shaped spot on the huge, black abdomen of the female. This spider gets its name from the fact that the female eats the male after mating.

Black Widow venom attacks the nervous system. Besides pain and minor swelling that may or may not result from a bite, symptoms include muscle cramps, convulsions, and/or stopped breathing. The few reported deaths in the U.S. resulted from respiratory failure. An anti-venom is available, but most people are simply kept under observation in a doctor's care for a few hours and sent home if serious symptoms do not result. Fortunately, the effects of most bites do not last long, and most people recover in a few hours.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Canadian Family ADVENTURE â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

SHARING OUR FORESTS

Brown Recluse and Fiddleback Spiders The Brown Recluse is a small, but very poisonous spider identified by the violin-shaped area on the back of the head, with the base of the violin pointing to the head and the stem pointing to the abdomen. The Fiddleback Spider is a nearly identical species that is equally poisonous. Where it lurks - The Brown Recluse is an indoor spider that likes to build

webs behind or beneath furniture and appliances, and in the corners of closets. They are commonly found in shoes and clothes that have not been worn for awhile, and in folded bedding that has been stored in a closet. Most people are bit putting on shoes or clothes that have not been recently worn. To avoid being bitten, shake out shoes and clothes before putting them on. How serious is the bite? - The Brown Recluse bite does not normally result in death. However, about 3 times as many people in the U.S. have died from Brown Recluse bites as have died from Black Widow bites. Because of this fact, and because of the long-lasting damage that often results from a bite, Brown Recluse are the more deadly spider. The seriousness of a bite will depend on

the individual, where on the body they are bit, and how much venom is injected. Brown Recluse venom destroys tissue around the bite. Typically, a large swollen area develops not long after the initial bite, with a white blister on the actual bite. This blister soon develops into a "volcano lesion", characterized by a hole that extends into the wound and oozes puss. The hole is the result of gangrenous tissue that develops around the bite. No anti-venom is available, but Cortisone is often injected around the bite to help minimize tissue damage. Unfortunately, the effects of Brown Recluse bites are long lasting, and recovery can take weeks, even months. Plastic surgery is typically required afterwards.

DID YOU KNOW? All spiders have fangs! And, yes, they almost all have venom in them. Lucky for us, most spider poison will not harm people because it is quite weak. Most spiders use their venom to paralyze its insect victim long enough to devour it. For other spiders, their poison is strong enough to kill their prey. Of course, this also comes in handy when being attacked by a predator. People usually associate Tarantulas with the people-killing kind of poison. This is untrue. They have small poison glands and will be about as painful as a hornet or bee sting.

GEOCACHING

What is Geocaching? Primer 101... we’re talking just the basics here, but it’s enough to get you started or should we say addicted? Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices.

re you part of the worldwide treasure hunting phenomenon that is literally sweeping the globe? Are you even aware of it? Geocaching is either something you’re full blown obsessed with or simply have never heard of. It’s a high tech spin on good old fashioned treasure hunting. It’s something the entire family can do. With a relatively inexpensive investment, you, your friends and your family can experience the thrill of discovery anywhere on the planet. Using a GPS unit and preset coordinates, the geocacher sets out on

a hike or adventure if you will, to discover a hidden geocache. For the traditional geocache, another geocacher will have placed a waterproof container usually containing a log book (with pen or pencil) and sometimes interesting (or not so interesting) trinkets. If you take something out, you leave something for the next. You log your successful discovery and replace the cache as you found it. A treasure for the next geocacher to discover. Once a geocache has been placed it’s up tofellow geocachers to ensure it is self perpetuating. 10

International Geocaching Logo

You can pickup a GPS unit at many outdoor/camping stores or even one of the many “big box” stores that carry outdoor lifestyle products. There are many sites on the internet that provide detailed instruction on effective hunting and use of the GPS units themselves and most importantly provide the co-ordinates to caches hidden around the world, including quite likely your own neighbourhood. Geocaching.com has been leading the way in the sport for many years, although based in the United States they inventory the coordinates to caches around the world. Register a

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

The activity was originally referred to as GPS stash hunt or gpsstashing. This was changed after a discussion in the gpsstash discussion group at eGroups (now Yahoo!). On May 30, 2000, Matt Stum suggested that "stash" could have negative connotations, and suggested instead "geocaching." free account, walk through some very helpful and basic instruction, plug in the region, town or city area you want to search and there will be a host of choices in varying degrees of difﬁculty from novice to experienced. http://geocacher-u.com also offers some terriﬁc instruction as well as additional support in walking through the initial setup with geocaching.com.

WEB

BITE

extreme-caching.com Sample this.... “A true legend among all extreme caches in Czech Republic, for that this one is IMO far more challenging than any other cache in my country. For logging this extreme cache, you have to climb a 24 meters high pylon, which is built from two vertical pylons and one horizontal on top of the vertical ones. After you climb on the top of the pylons along the 2-3cm long screws, it's not over yet! The actual container is located UNDER the horizontal pylon, approximately in the very center of it. So how to get to the container, which is then like 2 meters far from the edge? Well, that's up to you.”

Part of the thrill of discovering a cache is the bragging rights that go along with it. There are rules and etiquette to follow, many are common sense and many are specific to certain areas particularly natural or conservation areas. Often the author of the specific cache will post any conditions to be aware of, but it’s always a good idea to look into the guidelines set by specific property owners.

“This wild cave near Shepherdstown, WV gives explorers new to the sport an opportunity to descend into timeless caverns with ancient speleo-therms and unseen challenges.”

“To enjoy Geocaching you need computer access to the Internet to find caches near you at www.geocaching.com, plus a GPS receiver to find the waypoint coordinates of the cache, plus some intuition to find the cache itself." “Some caches contain ‘travel bugs,’ which are trackable items designed to move from cache to cache with their travel monitored on the website www.geocaching.com“ “Rainbow Hydrothermal Vents is the longest geocache without a find. This geocache is arguably the most extreme. It is at a depth of 1.43 miles in the Atlantic Ocean near a hydrothermal vent. It was placed 19 July 2002“

“Mines, drainage mines, trees, old ruins, rappels and a great hike. What more do you want? “ “This cache has everything! Cliff rappelling, HUGE tree climbing, urban structure rappelling, tunnels and to top it off you'll need to setup a zip line across a creek!” “Swim about 800meters, climb up the rock - then jump down!” “Wahe Ka-Ho-Nee involves ropes/ladder to get up a nearly vertical chute, crossing th stream up to seven times to get up to the bottom of a beautiful waterfall about 1.5 miles south of the Bonneville Dam”

or not.... 11

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

ACRONYMS AND WORDS ...when discussing geocaching SL - (Signed Log) used when the participant visited the cache and signed its logbook. GRC - (GuardRail Cache) used in the description on where a cache may be hidden. GZ - (Ground Zero or Geo-zone) the general area in which a cache is hidden. ICT - (Ivy Covered Tree) used in the description on where a cache may be hidden.

Cache – A box or container that contains, at the very least, a logbook Geoswag – The items that can be found in some larger caches. Muggle – A non geocacher that is in some way preventing you from finding a cache. Muggled - Being caught by a non-geocacher while retrieving/replacing a cache; also, a muggled cache has been removed or vandalized by a nongeocacher, usually out of misunderstanding or ignorance. Smiley - A cache find. Refers to the "smiley-face" icon attached to "Found It" logs on some listing sites. BYOP – (Bring Your Own Pen/Pencil) The cache in question lacks a writing device for the logbook. CITO - (Cache In Trash Out) and refers to picking up trash on the hunt. CO - (Cache Owner) Person responsible for maintaining a cache,

usually the person who hid it. DNF – (Did Not Find) Did not find the cache container being searched for. FTF – (First To Find) The first person to find a cache container. GPS - Short for Global Positioning System, also occasionally refers to the receiver itself GPSr - GPS receiver TFTC - (Thanks For The Cache) This is often used at the end of logs to thank the cache owner. TFTH - (Thanks For The Hunt or Hide or Hike) It shares the same purpose as TFTC, but can also be used when the cache was not found. TN - (Took Nothing) no trade or traveling item was removed from the cache. LN - (Left Nothing) no trade or traveling item was added to the cache. XN - (eXchanged Nothing) combines the previous two acronyms; nothing was removed or added. 12

LPC - (Light Post Cache) used in the description on where a cache may be hidden. MKH - (Magnetic Key Holder) used in the description on the type of container used for the cache. PLC - (Parking Lot Cache) used in the description on where a cache may be hidden. POR - (Pile Of Rocks) used in the description on where a cache may be hidden. POS - (Pile Of Sticks or Stones) used in the description on where a cache may be hidden. UFO - (Unnatural Formation of Objects) a pile of material that obviously did not form naturally and is a likely cache hiding spot. UPS - (Unnatural Pile of Sticks) a piles of sticks that did not form natural and where a cache may be hidden.

We’re sure there’s more and certainly as colourful, if not more unique expressions being developed everyday for geocaching. If you have any you’d like to send in we’d be happy to update our website with any submissions. Happy Hunting or HH linguistically speaking...

Your family’s pleasure is Our family’s passion! Come visit Ontario’s

Largest Pool Court

Quality Pool Service & installation

r u o y e t a e We cr d r a y k c a b ow n ! E r u t n e v d a

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

Feature Destination

EAST COAST TRAVEL

Welcome to the

platterhouse ocean retreat

Located on the Northeastern shore of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and surrounded by the waters of the Northumberland Strait, Platterhouse Retreat is a virtually undiscovered haven with several breathtaking, private beaches. We are only 25 minutes from 3 Championship Golf Courses, and just stroll down the shore for world-class oysters and lobster...

Golf World-Class Championship Golf Courses.

Women’s Wellness Relax – Restore – Renew.

Family Fun Quality time with the family.

Culinary Create culinary magic in our grand commercial kitchen.

Beachin’ it for the day Once in a lifetime experience. 14

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

"Great Family Getaway!" Mar 30, 2011 What a perfect setting to bring the entire family! Lots of space for everyone! From fireworks on the beach and roasting marshmallows over an open fire to strolling the many beaches and experiencing the local talent, everyone had a weekend filled with unforgettable memories! Truly an incredible experience in an incredible place! Will definitely be back! – Wendy Baxter, Bedford, NS

"A little slice of paradise!!" Mar 8, 2011 I enjoyed a 3 day weekend Women's Retreat last September. The accommodations are everything you would expect from a 5 star resort. The attention to detail by the Owner & Organizer was second to none. I look forward to returning in the Spring of 2011 for another Retreat and some Family fun as well." – Terri Robbins, Blue Mountain, Ontario

"Lovely place and surroundings" Mar 1, 2011 I enjoyed a wonderful relaxing weekend at the Platter House last September. The place is gorgeous and the surroundings beautiful. I loved waking up in the morning and strolling down the beach a few yards to Johnny Flynn's oyster farm. It was a delight having them shucked for us right on the beach. Later that evening we enjoyed a fabulous meal from a top local chef in a kitchen that is well equipped for preparing a feast. The owner is very friendly and made sure we all had a fantastic stay. Can't wait to go back... – Margaret Soley, Bedford, NS

"Heaven on Earth" Feb 23, 2011 I recently stayed here for a "girls retreat". The Platter House is large enough to accommodate a big group, or several families. Accommodations are what you would expect in an upscale resort - comfortable beds, large, well appointed bathrooms, lots of space to sit and relax inside and out. There are lots of large windows so you can enjoy the beautiful view of the water. The commercial propane kitchen is large and has space for many cooks. There is a very large dining table which held our entire group of 12. We had a professional chef come in and prepare a meal made from food grown and caught locally - would highly recommend this! Our time here was short but we did walk the beach which was just outside the door! There is also a town just a few minutes away that had everything we needed. There are so many places to explore in the area if you want to leave the retreat. This is a place where you can do a lot to keep the kids busy, or you can just sit back, relax, enjoy the beautiful views, and do nothing at all. I would highly recommend the Platter House Ocean Retreat for families or groups, and am look forward to coming back here with my family. – Arlene Gorrill, Bedford, Nova Scotia

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

We specialize in weekly rentals, tailored for your individual needs. Fully customize any experience with our Retreats & Add-Ons...

At night, you can watch fireworks from the wrap around deck

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

GEARS, GADGETS, DESTINATIONS & REALLY COOL STUFF

ave a run through some of these interesting, unique and sometimes just downright cool products. We want to celebrate and recognize companies, products, services and destinations that are going the extra mile and still believe in quality credibility and accountability. We wouldn’t put these profiles here if we didn’t believe in them. So let’s start with a five star rating from us here at Canadian Family Adventure magazine. Feel free to send us your submissions with places to visit, things to see and do, and of course some really cool stuff to buy!

Access industry leading road and recreation maps from the palm of your hand! Backroad Mapbooks are proud to release their new Garmin GPS compatible line of maps. Now users have access to industry leading road and recreation maps in the palm of their hands. The Backroad GPS Maps also include detailed city and highway information which truly gets you from your backyard to the backcountry.

Just some of the features that make our Backroad GPS Maps an indispensable resource for the outdoor enthusiast.

“Between archaeology and history stand men like Scott Jordan”

• Garmin GPS & MapSource compatible • More backroads, logging and industry roads than any other GPS source in Canada • Detailed trail systems, including defined ATV, snowmobile & multi-use trails • Point specific wilderness campsites, trail locations, backroad attractions & more • Paddling routes and 20,000 scale water features • Wildlife management boundaries for anglers and hunters

What began as a childhood hobby searching for treasure evolved into a lifestyle for Jordan who routinely haunts building sites throughout the five boroughs in New York attempting to recover history before it is paved over forever. As a selftrained historian and restorer of damaged objects, Jordan is not only privy to a unique take on early American history, but his adventures weave together a tremendous factual and speculative examination of the past. Past Objects features some of Jordans favorite objects and stories, sure to appeal to anyone intrigued by history, antiques and popular culture.

• Terrain contour and elevation information including: summits, peaks and geographic points All of the standard Garmin GPS features like seamless topographic maps, the “Find” or “Where to” tools to locate nearby city, water or recreation features, 50,000 scale geographic points and city navigation are part of the Backroad GPS Maps package. Key Features visit: www.gpsmaps.ca

See the Stars Under the Stars! “I love watching the people, their pets, and the little kids running around in thier pyjamas and the shadows on the screens of young people on swings as the sun goes down. The crumbling of the gravel as the cars come in gets me excited... who can forget the sights, the sounds and the adventure of the Drive In?” Audiences are re-discovering the magic of the Drive In Theatre! An inexpensive and novel family night that was almost lost. Premiere Operating has preserved our past and propells us into the future with four of Ontario’s finest Drive In Theatres including the Mustang in London, Starlite in Hamilton, Sunset in Barrie and the 5 Drive In Theatre in Oakville. Visit the websites for show listings and more! You won’t believe what you’ve been missing!

Hardcover: 128 pages Publisher: Mark Batty Publisher (Nov 2010) English ISBN-10: 098207543X www.newyorkartifactart.com

www.starlitehamilton.com www.5drivein.com www.mustangdrive-in.com www.sunsetbarrie.com 18

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

Beardhead Will Definitely Grow On You

Featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno! Beardhead gives you attitude! Hit the slopes with a look that gets noticed, functional and stylish with an edge that

Camera work made Ezee!

matches your best gear! no pansy cutouts here like grandpas midnight balaclava, Beardhead redefines comfort on and off the slopes. The Beardhead is a one size fits all ski mask, made of a wool/acrylic blend which is machine washable and durable. Let’s not forget the interchangeable look. Beardhead’s practicality comes from it’s openface design, comfort, protection and style come from the interchangeable mustaches and beards exclusive to Beardhead. Fastened with buttons, each “hairy” accesory is interchangeable at the “drop of a hat”! Well made and breathable, it’s not suffocating to wear and the wind losse it’s bite. Check out the website for the full catalogue of colours, moustaches, and even helmets. www.beardhead.com

Firestarter, Essential for Survival in the outdoors. Never get caught with wet matches again! Safe and Easy to use! Light Your Fires Like an Expert! Works Effectively in All Weather Conditions including the Rain and Snow! Designed by a Survival Expert for the Outdoor Enthusiast! Great for the Outdoorsman, Fisherman, Hunter, Camper, BBQ enthusiast. “Awesome outdoor firestarter! I was skeptical, I saw it on Survivor Man. So I tried it. It works great. I couldn't believe it works wet. It does!” “Best fire starter ever! I have started ten fires with this amazing gadget. One of them only took 3 strikes. when this one is used up I am totally going to get another one!” www.mycoolgadgets.com

"In one weekend I shot over three thousand photographs with no stress to my neck,chest or upper back. I never could have done this without the EZEE™ Strap! I was comfortable, safe and secure – a photographers dream!" EZEE™ Strap is the essential ergonomic solution for your DSLR camera or binoculars, providing 100% comfort and to feel 50% lighter. The weight of the camera gear is placed across the back and over both shoulders, removing all neck strain, fatigue and discomfort, while the camera remains within the gravity of your body at all times, allowing both your hands to be free! EZEE™ Strap is a functional lightweight camera strap, providing safety and security for your camera while travelling, performing recreational and work activities.

Watch a video of EZEE Strap in action at www.ezeecamerastraps.com Then read the reviews at www.facebook.com/pages/EZEEcamera-strap 19

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Canadian Family ADVENTURE â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Key Kids Creations presents

Wonky Houses Imagine your world through the eyes of a child, now step back to the days of some of the most memorable fairy tales and children's bedtime stories, now step through the doorway of your Wonky House and let the magic surround you... hours and hours of mystical fantasy and play are just steps away when you have an incredible playhouse that brings fantasy to life in your own backyard. It's an adventure, it's a journey, it's a living, breathing story book for your children they will never tire of. Finely crafted by hand, painstakingly detailed and finished to perfection. Own what others have only dreamed of; at Key Kids Creations we create a unique playhouse to meet your specifications. Choose your style, colour and finishing details... let Key Kids Creations bring your imagination to life. Contact Dave to get your very own custom Wonky House: Key Kids Creations Phone: 905-687-6917 / 905-328-1695 www.facebook.com/keykidscreations E-mail: keykidscreations@hotmail.com

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

Tents are mentioned in Genesis 4:20 where Jabal is described as 'the first to live in tents and raise sheep and goats'

campIng survIval you just need to remember...

he first thing you need to remember before you even leave for your trip is make sure you don’t forget anything... laugh about this one later... Pack plenty of water, firstaid supplies, matches, lighters, tools – anything that can aid you in case you get lost. It can happen to the best of us, never plan to come home plan, to stay... Remember to be careful. A small injury or cut at home is easily fixed, out in the wilderness it can lead to infection that will hamper your camping experience, or worst-case scenario – your survival! Remember to have a complete first-aid kit. Check it!

You may have forgotten that you used all the bandaids on uncle Pete’s ﬁnger, or sister Mary’s foot, you may have used all but a last weak little puff of bug spray, you may have left your pliers on the dock last summer. Remember to pack clothing for the place you’re going not the place you’re in. And remember that sometimes it rains when you’re camping even if you don’t want it to. Finally, the biggest and best thing to remember if you do ever get into a little trouble or lost while camping... don’t lose your head. Patience and calm will get you many miles towards a safe return.

Quiz Time! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

True or False: Lofty clouds usually indicate good weather A particular color attracts mosquitoes: a) green, b) blue, c) red If the campfire smoke hugs the ground, what should you prepare for? Give the location of the "starboard" side of a canoe. What is the chief cause of exposure deaths? True or False: "Queen Anne's lace" is another name for the wild carrot when is a slightly bow-heavy canoe actually preferable? A heavy morning dew indicates: a) rain approaching, b) good weather What should be assumed about any fruit which contains five sections? True or False: Chiggers tunnel into your flesh to lay their eggs What is the primary danger in eating wild plants found near civilization? Someone has been hit by lightning, what is the usual first aid procedure? What is likely to occur if the trees are showing the undersides of their leaves? Poison ivy berries are what color: a) red, b) white, c) green On what side of a tree is the bark usually the thickest?

No Peeking! 1. True 2. Blue 3. Rain 4. Right side 5. Exhaustion 6. True 7. In a side wind 8. Good weather 9. That it is UNSAFE to eat 10. Gross but True 11. Contamination from pesticides and weed killers 12. Artificial respiration 13. Rain 14. White 15. The north side

Did you know?

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

Just For Fun

g n i n T h g i L S d i o T Fac 9 things you really didn’t need to know about lightning! The real reason you shouldn’t stand near a tree during a lightning storm is that it could explode sending out shrapnel and superheated napalm-like sap.

A lightning bolt generates temperatures five times hotter than those found at the sun's surface!

Environment Canada analyzed 5 years of lightning strikes recording over 20 million bolts.Watch out for: Sable Island, Nova Scotia; Southwestern Ontario; Manitoba-Saskatchewan border and the Alberta foothills.

The world record for most times struck by lightning is 7! Yeouch! After the third or fourth time you think he might have found another hobby!

Lightning strikes the CN Tower an average of 75 times per year. Long copper strips run down the CN Tower to grounding rods buried below ground to prevent damage.

An Italian man was killed in his front yard by a lightning bolt, 30 years later his son was killed in the same spot, also by a bolt of lightning, 20 years after that his grandson was struck by a bolt of lightning in, you guessed it, the same spot.

In 1778, fashionable women of Paris never went out in blustery weather without a lightning rod attached to their hats

Lightning strikes about 6,000 times per minute on this planet or 8,000,000 times a day

Oak trees are struck by lightning more often than any other tree. It has been theorized, this is one reason that the ancient Greeks considered oak trees sacred to Zeus, god of thunder and lightning.

SOME SAY THEIR LIFE IS IN THE TOILET

I for one envy them...

hen it comes to actually touching history, you’d be surprised at some of the places those “in the know” are willing to go. Collectors and historians will often go to what many would consider extreme lengths to discover relics of the past. For many collectors, archaeologists and history buffs, the privy is often the favourite place to discover. The privy, again for those in

the know, is the outhouse. Every house and farm back in the day had one. The outhouse was not only for “taking care of business” but also an awfully convenient place to throw out some of the trash. And if you’re looking to touch history, to really taste it, then you’ve got to get yourself down into the toilet. For the enthusiast it’s simply called “privy digging”. 24

When a privy would be close to being full there was a decision to be made. Some would do a practice known as “dipping” where they would undertake this pretty miserable task themselves or hire someone to clean out or “dip the pit”. In light of the messy circumstance, many would just dig another hole, often within six feet or so of the original. They would then use the original privy solely as a garbage pit until it was up to

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

...everyone admits the artifacts waiting to be discovered are interesting and often fascinating… but the grimace and hollow whispers of “poo” usually dampen the enthusiasm.

history lay in wait. Remember that as you drive by modern surveys and Cityscapes, many were built upon original settlements, stores and saloons. Everyone had to have a toilet, where would modern civilization be without a toilet. Now those historic toilets have in some cases become bank vaults and the keys are little more than enthusiasm and a shovel.

the rim so to speak and cap it off, preferably with clay. Obviously when more convenient and modern washrooms came into fashion and affordability, privies were used less and less. They were ﬁlled in, covered and forgotten.

Digging for these pieces has become something of a hobby for a lot of urban archaeologists. It is a fun way to unearth treasures and little bits of history that have been lost or frozen in time for so long. Each artifact has its own story to tell, and many of these

So what lays in store for the modernday privy digger? A wealth of knowledge, artifacts and most certainly incredible time capsules for collectors of everything from bottles, china, crockery, bones and if you happen to step down deep enough into an old saloon privy even guns! Now this is usually the part where everyone admits the artifacts waiting to be discovered are interesting and often fascinating… but the grimace and hollow whispers of “poo” usually dampen the enthusiasm. Rest assured, the organic material in the “privy vault of fortune” has long since naturally broke down; all of the inorganic material however has not. More importantly, when the organic material was in it’s “fresh state” it served to not only protect all the incredible tidbits and relics of the past but actually cradle them in warm comforting soft arms against the harsh natural elements. This means that bottles, marbles, porcelain, some clay and other metals, having worked their way down to the bottom of these “fresh” pits, are still lying at the bottom waiting to be discovered. Just think of how many 6 x 6 x 10 foot deep time capsules as many as 200 years of

It is a fun way to unearth treasures and little bits of history that have been lost or frozen in time for so long. Each artifact has its own story to tell, and many of these pieces can be incredibly valuable. Artifacts such as marbles, bottles, and crockery can be worth hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. pieces can be incredibly valuable. Artifacts such as marbles, bottles, and crockery can be worth hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. First things ﬁrst, most privies were on private property, and therefore most privies still are on private property. Permission is deﬁnitely needed prior to digging. Once you’ve scoped out an area and discussed the opportunity with the landowner, you have to know where to dig. The basics of location a privy are very simple. It seems our forefathers were a little more hardy 27

shall we say and a lot less timid when it came to hygiene. Quite often refuse was simply tossed out a back window or through the back door only steps from the house. This was also true for the outhouse although a few obvious considerations were also deciding factors in the privy location and these often included 10ft snow banks in winter and bears in summer. So imagine the back door of the original structure, if you’re lucky, the original house or hotel is still standing. Throw a stone from the backdoor, not hard, just a comfortable toss. That’s where you start. Privies were generally 6ft x 6ft. When new privies were dug they were generally done in a grid pattern 6 ft from the original. Quite often a single property can have many privies. The most important tool for locating a privy is the privy rod, a metal rod about four to six feet long, often made of spring steel, flexible and strong. You can have one welded up or pull something together yourself. You need little more than a tapered steel rod thicker at the tip and thinner at the top to reduce friction as you press it into the ground. Fix a T-bar handle to it and start pushing it into the ground as you walk a grid pattern. You’re looking for soil which is noticeably softer. If the rod pierces the soil and goes down a few feet, then you’re onto something. A privy is by nature more organic and obviously disturbed earth and fill. Natural earth has been compacted and untouched since the ice age. Simple as that, actually for the lucky ones, you can actually still see very subtle depressions or sunken spots today. Another way to search out where a privy was located is to take a look at maps. Going through old land records and maps of the areas will help to show where privies were located. Additionally, fire insurance maps are a

The most important tool for locating a privy is the privy rod, a metal rod about four to six feet long, often made of spring steel, flexible and strong. terrific source for the location of privies. Fire insurance maps were drawn up for many cities, towns and counties to determine insurance liabilities in case there was a fire to a home or larger area. These maps detail every structure and it’s location right down to and including the privy. A quick internet search of “fire insurance maps” will bring up a slew of different websites that have copies of maps

available to view online. Aside from the internet, some universities, colleges, museums and libraries may also be in possession of many early historical maps. Now comes the actual digging. After you stake out what looks to be a privy spot. Dig yourself a test hole. Dig up a small portion of the spot and look at the dirt to see if there are any foreign materials in the dirt that does not belong to that type of soil. By foreign materials, we are talking: ash, clay, glass, nails, bone, etc. Dig a little further down if nothing turns up on the ﬁrst try. If you determine that it is in fact a privy, start digging, the good stuff is going to be at the bottom, this could be 4ft up to 12 ft or more. You may need a bucket system for drawing up the dirt. NEVER dig alone and never do what is called “banking” where you start undermining the bottom of a hole. Consider shoring up your holes if they get too deep and narrow, and most importantly NEVER

take unnecessary or just plain stupid risks, as tempting as treasure hunting may be you never want to get hurt, hurt someone else or put an early end to a promising future ﬁlled with adventure and discovery. Privy digging is a fun way to go treasure hunting. It is also a good way to get a work out. Not all privies still contain treasures; some privies may have been dipped, some may have been used for nothing more than their original intent. That is not what matters, though. What matters is the adventure. When you do discover something like a bottle, an old clay pipe, a wild west pistol, you can know with certainty that you are the ﬁrst person to see and hold this “treasure” since it’s original owner dropped it down that deep dark somewhat smelly hole in a time very much different than our modern day landscape. It can be a dirty job, but a lot of people dig it.

COLLECTOR’S CORNER What’s in a bottle? Research by Paul Marchand In the late 1840s, Robert Alfred Pilgrim, then a 21 year old Englishman, established one of Canada's first pop works in Hamilton, Ontario. Over the ensuing years six of his seven sons joined him the mineral water trade as they became old enough to help. Two of them, Tom and Fred, established plants in Brantford (1892-1901) and Brockville (1894-1932) respectively. Fred further expanded his operations to Ottawa (Ontario) and Aylmer (Québec) in 1911 to 1915.

drinks in Emerson, Manitoba, around 1884-1886 under the name Pilgrim & Headley. Tom later operated the soda works there between 1890 and 1892. Pilgrims bottled their products in many of the designs available to them at the time: torpedoes, squats, splits, syphons, stone gingers, and machine made bottles. They also used various closures: wired cork, Codd's Ball Stopper, Lightning Stopper, Hutchinson Stopper, and Crown Cap. Variations in the company names and embossing, bottle styles, colours and closures types, account for over 100 different Pilgrim bottles.

Older brother Charles, in company with a Mr. Headley, was engaged in the manufacture of 'pop' and other temperance

ROCK CLIMBING are you climbing the rock or is the rock going to climb you? If you have never ever tried it, you won't be able to understand how enervating and fulfilling a sport it can really be. you shouldn't hesitate in giving this sport a try. even a weekend is a great time to make your first attempt at climbing a rock and you will certainly want to do it over and over again for sure, having given it a go.

ock climbing is a terriﬁc and alternative way to exercise. Not only does it help to build your leg muscles, but it also works your back particularly well. Now, it should be noted that those who are not experienced in rock climbing should not go out and just randomly start scaling mountains and cliff faces. That would be silly and the potential for varying degrees of pain would be high. However, you can get off to a soft start and work up a little

experience taking advantage of indoor rock climbing facilities. There’s nothing wrong with a little instruction and a few crash pads. So, with that being said, let’s look at a few fundamental principals... Firstly, always keep three anchor points at all times. That means, keep a hold of the rock by either both of your feet and a hand or both hands and a foot, depending on the position you ﬁnd yourself in. Also, in most cases, always use your legs for your power

as opposed to your arms for pulling up your weight. Your hands are for gripping and holding, if you were to pull your entire body weight up with your arms they will tire quickly and it could be a long way down. There will be exceptions when you will have to climb with your arms, just remember this isn’t hollywood and you’re not working with any nets so practice caution. Climbing gear is very important. When starting you don't need a lot.

the bowline is an exceptionally versatile knot. It is quick to tie

take easy routes at first

If you are a beginner

this way you can practice your

(once you practice), it doesn't slip and it doesn't jam. It can be used to attach jib sheets to the jib's clew. It is a fast way to make a loop, and it can even be used to tie two lines together, though a double sheet

technique without becoming tired. Mentors and climbing partners will be glad to lend you things, but later you will need specialized rock shoes, several slings, and a harness. This can be very costly, so be prepared. As you gain experience and get more

hitch is probably preferred.

make them feel then go with that. Just develop a system or strategy that suits your ability. What works for others doesn't always work for you. But let's say you want to learn a new technique. That's perfectly all right.

compfortable on the rock, begin to develop your own technique. Having a good technique doesn't necessarily mean, doing something a certain way. Everyone has their own technique. Having a good technique is doing something that suits your purposes. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a slower or kore meathodical climber but you tried climbing really fast that wouldn't be a good technique for you and it could get a little messy. If it helps to think of the clean up crew after the accident and how it would

slow it down 1. watch someone. there's no better way than a visual tutorial. 2. practice, practice, practice! It will enable you to become comfortable with the technique and it will improve your skills! 3. try climbing when your are tired. It will force you to move slowly and it will teach you to conserve power. you'll be able to plan your moves in advance.

Bowline Knot

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

Ahoy! by Captain John Swallow

Blackbeard’s ﬂag

Disneys ﬂag

HOW JOLLY IS YER ROGER?

hoy mates! Capt. John Swallow here to give ye a crash course in Pyrate Flags (and yes, that's PYRATE, or in fact, PYRAT the original correct spelling still is if yer French). Flags are a popular topic among Pyrates – after all, they are often yer most identifiable mark upon history. The famed skull & crossed bones look o' the “Jolly Roger” is recognized worldwide as a symbol o' Pyrates! Recently a rather heated discussion arose over scenes from the latest Disney foray “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” - which features one o' the most notoriously infamous Pyrates o' all time – Captain Edward Teach – or as most o' ye know him, Blackbeard!

Rumour has it the suits at Disney, in a Tripple-Cappuchino-Latte-Grande induced hallucination, decided that Blackbeard's flag was “too scary for young children” and replaced it with a fanged skull, dripping blood, encircled by flames...that looks like a stick-on tattoo from the 1970s. Perhaps they were thinking more along the lines o', “Shows bigger on screen (and we can own the merchandising)”? Frankly, if they were afraid o' kids bein' squeamish, how about Mermaids that rip yer lungs to traumatize any “Little Mermaid” fans? (for the record, this may be the first time in Hollywood history that Mermaids are portrayed accurately as the Sea Monsters they are!). It's unfortunate that a corporation as large as Disney couldn't use a little it's clout to spread some knowledge – 32

along with their action & entertainment packed films. Blackbeard's ACTUAL flag – as most Pyrate flags – was designed to deliver a message. A standing skeleton, holding an hourglass in one hand and stabbing a heart with the other. Translation; yer time is running out, death is coming – any argument will get ye stabbed in the heart! Speaking o' Disney and their misappropriation o' history, the flag made famous in their marketing o' the “Pirates Of The Caribbean” films, is in fact the flag o' one 'Calico' Jack Rackham (named so for his poncyprinted breeches made o' calico fabric – likely someone's curtains). Rackham was not a Captain, but a Quartermaster (actually second in command on a Pyrate ship and rather important) and

— Canadian Family ADVENTURE —

Blackbeard's ACTUAL flag was – as most Pyrate flags were –

designed to deliver a message.

his only real claim to fame is having two women as part o' his crew (Mary Reade & Anne Bonney)...but that's another story. Interestingly, the origin o' these flags goes back a ways...and into the probable origin o' the term “Jolly Roger”. A common belief is that the name derives from the French “Jolie Rouge” - describing the plain red flag flown to indicate “no quarter given” (ie. Fight to the death). A black flag indicated an attack, but with the opportunity for surrender. Another story has it that Blackbeard's crew actually referred to the skeleton on his flag as “Jolly Roger” for both it's grinning countenance and “Roger” as a

edward low

colloquialism for the devil. Most Pyrate ships carried an assortment o' legitimate countries flags – after all, no one would be suspicious o' one o' their own ships! This is referred to as “flying false colours”; once within striking distance, they would raise their own flag which was often cause for the other ship to surrender based on the reputation (or perceived reputation) o' the attacking crew & their Captain. Privateers, on the other hand, were required to fly their country's flag (or an official variation) as they were “legal Pyrates” holding a Letter Of Marque – a license – from their Sovereign.

Walter Kennedy

emmanuel Wynne

Christopher Moody

Stede Bonnet

While skulls and bones were popular icons (death, danger), some were a touch more creative. The hourglass was popular (time flies when yer having rum) as were bladed weapons. Here follows a few examples... So there ye be...a brief history on Pyrate flags and their use. I do encourage ye to do more research, there's loads o' great info out there...as someone said, “Not all treasure is silver & gold!” Until we cross paths again; Fair winds, following seas & full tankards!

'Calico' Jack Rackham

Thomas Tew

Bartholomew 'Black Bart' Roberts

BLACKTHORN PRODUCTIONS

lackthorn Productions, founded in 2004 by Ian Walsh, was created to provide quality medieval education to grade 4 elementary students and to support their unit on Medieval History. With only Ian at the helm, booking schools was a bit of a slow process but he was able to book and hold onto several loyal schools. Since its inception, the quality of the program has improved by leaps and bounds. Blackthorn’s displays consist of an extensive array of weapons, armour, reproductions of jewellery, games, tools, etc., and most impressively of all, authentic medieval artifacts. Ian decided to take the program and do public demonstrations apart from school programs. Some of the first public demonstrations were at the old

Fergus Market. Over the last 7 years Blackthorn has participated in festivals such as: The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, The Royal Medieval Faire, The Country Renaissance Faire Milton, Guelph Faery Fest, and many other public and private venues across Ontario. Blackthorn now holds a Medieval Week that runs out of The Museum in Kitchener once a year and plans are afoot to bring this program to more museums across Ontario. Education and Medieval Reenactment aside there is also the entertainment portion of the program. Having produced two of its own medieval feasts, providing both the show and the food, Blackthorn is also a theatre company. Production of the third installment in their Crusader’s Feast series is currently under way. The evening matches superb entertainment with a lavish array of medieval food. Blackthorn’s most recent big step up the ladder was its incorporation and Ian’s partnership with Richard Crossman of Hamilton. With their combined skills and resources the sky is the limit to what they can accomplish over the next few years.

The Treasureventure Adventure Festival is the first major event since this partnership and looks to be one for the history books… pun intended.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Canadian Family ADVENTURE â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Rafting!

top 10 wHIte water raFtIng rIvers oF tHe world Of those braves who are ready to accept the challenge to ride the untamed waves, here I have compiled a list of some of the best white water rafting places all around the world.

Zambezi River (Zimbabwe) Zambezi River in the Victoria Falls has brute and splashing waves, making your rafting experience wild and aggressive. The long rapid, obstinate gradients and highly build-up pressure is sure to send a chill down your spine. 36

Colorado Rafting in the Colorado River would be an experience hard to forget. And makes it more exclusive is the sight of the natural flora and fauna offered by this river.

Costa Rica The cherished destination of Costa Rica has many whitewater rafting prospects. The excitement which this place has to offer surrounds everything while you raft on the dashing waves of the river; from cool waters to wildlife expedition. Nepal Nepal, the country of mountains with the highest mountain peak in the world has a lot more excitement to offer when it comes to white water rafting. The rafting experience offered here is not for the weak hearted. But once you accept the challenge, you can bet upon the fun of adventure. Australia Here you get a chance to explore the ancient rainforests making your way through the foamy waters. This country has rivers like North Johnstone River and Nymbodia River which provide the ultimate water rafting experiences. For all the whitewater rafting enthusiasts a visit to these places in Australia is a must.

Magpie River (Canada) The Magpie River in Canada offers you a chance to pack your vacations with action satisfying your thirst for adventure beyond expectation. The Magpie Falls are of a height nearly 80 foot and provides a splendid river rafting experience.

Futaleufu River (Chile) Chile offers a lot of plethora of options for the adventure enthusiasts like horse riding, mountain biking and kayaking, but with the gigantic waves of growling rivers whitewater rafting becomes the most exhilarating adventure of all.

Victoria Nile (Uganda) The Victoria Nile River on the Victoria Falls presents astounding whitewater rafting destinations in Uganda, not only from tourists but also from the local residents. This is one of those places which offer the true essence of the term rafting.

Idaho River The most marvelous rafting destinations offered in Idaho are by the rivers like Snake River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. With the surrounding sceneries of mountains and greenery you might be further tempted to enjoy other adventures like hiking and camping as well.

Ahsan Mukhtar

Yangtze River (China) The most favorable rafting destination in the Yangtze River in China is The Great Bend. The progressing waters are sure to kick your passion and let you grab the precious moments of your life. The scenic landscapes are another delight on this adventurous journey.

What is the origin of the word ‘school’? The word is from the Greek and originally meant “leisure.” Inc ancient Greece only a person with leisure could go to school.

Brain Factoids WEIGHT. The weight of the human brain is about 3 lbs. SKIN. Your skin weighs twice as much as your brain. WATER. The brain is made up of about 75% water. NEURONS. Your brain consists of about 100 billion neurons. NO PAIN. There are no pain receptors in the brain, so the brain can feel no pain. LARGEST BRAIN. While an elephant’s brain is physically larger than a human brain, the human brain is 2% of total body weight (compared to 0.15% of an elephant’s brain), meaning humans

have the largest brain to body size. Size at birth. At birth, your brain was almost the same size as an adult brain and contained most of the brain cells for your whole life. WATTAGE. While awake, your brain generates between 10 and 23 watts of power–or enough energy to power a light bulb. The next time you get a fever, keep in mind that the highest human body temperature ever recorded was 115.7 degrees–and the man survived. Food and intelligence. A study of one million students in New York showed that students who ate lunches that did not include artificial flavors, preservatives, and

dyes did 14% better on IQ tests than students who ate lunches with these additives. You can’t tickle yourself because your brain distinguished between unexpected external touch and your own touch. Every time you recall a memory or have a new thought, you are creating a new connection in your brain.

Draw Me!

d still I’m gonna hol just for you!

What do artist’s draw with? artists draw with many different tools, including pencils, pen and ink, fiber-tip pens, chalk, charcoal, crayons, and pastels. In Western art, before graphite (lead) pencils were introduced in the 17th century, artists drew in silverpoint, using a silver-tipped rod on specially prepared paper.

what do the numbers and letters on pencils mean?

Get a pen and draw the giraffe right on the aisle.

Drawing pencils are coded according to how hard and how dark they are. HB, for example, is mediumhard and creates a thin line, while 6B is softer and darker— good for SHADING.

Did you know? That Picasso’s name has 23 words? Picasso was baptized Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruíz y Picasso. He was named after various saints and relatives. The "Picasso" is actually from his mother, Maria Picasso y Lopez. His father is named Jose Ruiz Blasco. 39

Interesting Triva! • a vampire can’t enter a place unless they are invited in. • Vampires carry around their own soil with them. They are also obsessive-compulsive and it is said that if you’re chased by a vampire, you can throw poppy seeds down and they will stop to count each seed. • The biggest squid in the world is the Colossal Squid which can grow up to and over 46 feet long.

• Wet silk can be thrown against a brick wall. If it sticks, it is real silk. • Most of the Native americans could speak english when the Pilgrims arrived in america. • The lie detector was invented by the creator of Wonder Woman • eddie “The eagle” edwards is the only competitor to be personally mentioned in the closing ceremony of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

DINO FACTIODS • London Bridge is in Arizona. 8,498 kilometers from London.

The first fossil discovered was of a megalosaurus

The chicken is a descendant of the T-Rex and turkeys are descendants of 40

velociraptors.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for.. . The Third Annual, Incredible

TREASURE HUNTING • MEDIEVAL ADVENTURE • SURVIVAL ADVENTURE RIDES • GEOCACHING • WILD KINGDOM ADVENTURE • KIDS ADVENTURELAND

Embark on Adventure! Discover Real Treasure! EXTREME FUN FOR ALL AGES!

ROCKTON FAIRGROUNDS

JUNE 2012