Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Rock climbing is an exiting sport that makes the climbers hearts beat rapidly and also makes them breathe the refreshing air at the high altitudes of the rocks that boost up their energy. All of us might think what the climber derives out of just climbing the rock.

Well here is the answer to this question, climbing a tall rock and then after all the effort to see the entire world under his feet and too visualize miles and miles of stretches of land and blue sky is the reward. It does sound very interesting however; not all of us are blessed with that opportunity. Only a blessed few can enjoy this thrilling sport.

But we all can always see so many rock climbing pictures and the landscapes shot from the top of the rock all around us in day-to-day lives. Thanks to the modern technology of the digital cameras so called the digicam.

The climbers carry this weight less small and compact yet very powerful and high-resolution cameras with them. They stop at specific points on the rocks where they feel comfortable and with the help of these cameras and immortalize those stunning shots caught in the lens of the cameras.

Although the cameras are very useful, there are specific characteristics they need to satisfy to make the climb easy and comfortable for the climber. They should be very small and compact. They have to be easy and effective to handle. They have to be very light in weight and should not hinder the climb of the climber.

Getting on to the technical aspects the camera should have high resolution and should have good zooming capacity to get good rock climbing pictures. This is to ensure to capture the minute details when aught from a distance. The camera should not record blurred images when windy weather prevails. It should only add to the pleasure of the climber who wishes to carry the memories of his climb all through his life and not make it a trouble.

It is not only for the climber to relive his amazing climbing experience once again but also for the other common people to enjoy the views of the landscapes from the top of the rock which otherwise would not have been possible.

Rock climbing is itself a risky sport but for climbers who long for more thrill and excitement they can add all these features to their climbing experience. But the climbers should ensure their safety first then only comes the part of taking pictures. Some climbers will prefer taking pictures from set ups, which are relatively safer.

That is they can place themselves in comfortable positions and can take their own time to capture the image. However, some dare devil climbers might want to take pictures even from very risky spots of their climbs. At that time, the climber’s safety is of prime importance.

Under this condition, the camera plays a major role. It has to be easy to handle by the climber even when the climber is in a very risky position. The camera should also not make the effort of the climber a total waste by recording blurred images. So for a good rock climbing picture, the camera has to be resistant to very minute shakes and winds.

Several companies in the market have their cameras for sale at competitive prizes. Choosing the one that suits all the above qualities will solve half of the problem. Climbers can carry the glimpses of their rock climbing experiences with them all their lives with the help of these cameras that take memorable rock climbing pictures.

Matthew Kepnes asked:


One of the best places in the world to find undeveloped, rugged tropical islands is in Africa. Most are undeveloped and aren’t very touristy, they are often very rugged, the water is crystal clear, the fish abundant, and their beaches are made of beautiful white sand. If there were any islands in the world that looked like post cards, the following islands would be it. 

Zanzibar is an island that is part of Tanzania. Zanzibar was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world and still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union. The capital is Zanzibar City, and its old quarter, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site. The beaches here are undeveloped and the area around the island has an amazing amount of fish, as evident by the piles at the fish markets. It is still sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands because of the significance of its production of cloves.

Madagascar is a large island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. The country is the fourth-largest island in the world and has 5% of the world’s plant and animal species, of which more than 80% are endemic to Madagascar. The eastern side of the island is home to many tropical rainforests, while the western and southern sides, which lie in the rain shadow of the central highlands, are home to tropical dry forests, thorn forests, and deserts. For those looking for tough jungle trekking, cool streams, and beautiful waterfalls, a holiday to Madagascar should be on your travel list.

Mauritius is an island nation off the coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometers east of Madagascar. Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands, with the French island of Réunion to the southwest and the island of Rodrigues to the northeast. This island is home to white sand and palm fringed beaches, warm water, and friendly locals. Its out of the way location makes it a great place to go to get away from the crowds. Interestingly, the island of Mauritius is renowned for having been the only known home of the dodo.

An island of true contrasts, Reunion is very unknown to many of the world’s travelers. This diverse location in the middle of the Indian Ocean is simply one of the most intriguing spots in the world. With an active volcano on its south coast, 17 miles of perfect beaches in the west, and lots of mountains and forests in between, Reunion offers a little bit of everything to its travelers. It’s far away location means that not many travelers are there. Like Mauritius, it is also part of France.

Lastly, there are the islands of the Seychelles. Located off the east coast of Africa, these islands are pure paradise. If anywhere in the world would get someone give it all up and live in beach hut, the Seychelles would be it. The Seychelles have perfect beaches, perfect water, tons of islands to choose from, and all the seclusion you want. This group of 115 islands offers everything a beach lover could ask for. However, the downside to this paradise is that it is expensive to get to and caters to a rich clientele, making them also expensive to stay in.

Africa may be known to most people for its safaris, jungles, animals, desert, and poverty but the continent also offers great tropical destinations. With so many beautiful tropical places to travel to, consider vacation to the islands in Africa the next time you are planning a jaunt to a tropical island.

Charley Hwang asked:


If you are a nature lover and often go jungle trekking with your pet dog, you would have noticed dangers along the way that would have been harmful to your dog, as it may cause it injuries or even be threatening to its life. To ensure that you and your dog would be guarded against these hazards along the terrain you like to travel on, here are some areas you should avoid and keep your dog away from.

Mountains provide beautiful views and sceneries, and a lot of people enjoy climbing one to spend some quality time there with his dog. There are many dangers along the mountainside, such as the height, and the drop-off cliffs.

Dogs, unlike humans, usually have no fear of heights. In this case, ignorance is bliss. A dog can actually walk alongside the cliff a mile high and would not be concerned with the dangers of falling off at all. When they actually do slip and lose their balance, there is almost nothing they can do to save themselves from falling over the side. There are many areas at edges of cliffs which may be concealed by snow and a dog would not realize that mistake when it is too late.

Besides the dangers of falling over cliffs, there is also the danger of high altitudes which is harmful to your dog. Older dogs may have difficulties breathing at higher altitudes, and that may result in a tragic death. If your dog has health issues such as heart problems, lung problems or if they are a brachycephalic breed (short-nosed), do try to keep them away from high altitudes as it is more hazardous for them.



As we all are aware, oxygen supply decreases as one reaches higher altitudes. Your dog’s body is not accustomed to this and it may get shortness of breath, or even altitude sickness. Bear in mind that if you started hiking with your dog on a hot day at a low altitude and ended up being in a cold weather at high altitudes at the peak, both of you may not be prepared for the changes that will take place.

Arturo asked:


Many people are first bitten by the rock climbing bug when they attend a party or event that has a rock climbing wall for guests to play on. After they have experienced the thrill of the sport, they want to learn more but dont know how or where to go about doing this.

The best place for an aspiring rock climber to start is on a rock climbing wall at an indoor climbing gym. It will be on the rock climbing wall that you will learn the techniques you will need in order to be a successful climber. A professional staff will be on hand to school you in safety procedures, familiarize you with the equipment and impart their knowledge so that you will be ready to rock climb in the great outdoors in no time.

It is not only beginning rock climbers that utilize the rock climbing wall. Seasoned veterans will use a rock climbing wall to perfect or learn new techniques and when the weather isnt conducive to climbing but they cant last another day without a rock climbing challenge.

When you join a rock climbing gym, people who share your passion for the sport can share their secrets of success with you as well as advise you on the best places to climb. You can join a climbing team, compete in climbing competitions, or just enjoy perfecting your moves for when you are ready to tackle those rock faces outside. You are advised to practice on a rock climbing wall before you take on the unpredictable and dangerous rock faces and gain confidence and skill.

One of the skills that are best learned on an indoor rock climbing wall is top roping. You will have two ends of rope dangling. You tie onto one end of the rope and the belayer will take up the slack from the other end by using the belaying device. When the person who is climbing gets to the top, the belayer blocks the rope and lets the climber lean into the rope. The belayer then slowly lowers the climber as he walks off the cliff backwards.

This is just one of the many things you will learn if you decide to take up the sport of rock climbing. Find a rock climbing gym in your area and get ready to get to the top.

lee williams asked:


Rock climbing, broadly speaking, is the act of ascending steep rock formations. Normally, climbers use gear and safety equipment specifically designed for the purpose. Strength, endurance, and mental control are required to cope with tough, dangerous physical challenges, and knowledge of climbing techniques and the use of essential pieces of gear and equipment are crucial.

History

Although the practice of rock climbing was an important component of Victorian mountaineering in the Alps, it is generally thought that the sport of rock climbing began in the last quarter of the nineteenth century in various parts of Europe. Rock climbing evolved gradually from an alpine necessity to an athletic sport in its own right. As rock climbing matured, grading systems were created in order to more accurately compare relative difficulties of climbs. Over the years, both climbing techniques, and the equipment climbers use to advance the sport, have evolved in a steady fashion.

History

Although the practice of Rock climbing was an important component of Victorian mountaineering in the Alps, it is generally thought that the sport of rock climbing began in the last quarter of the nineteenth century in various parts of Europe. Rock climbing evolved gradually from an alpine necessity to an athletic sport in its own right. As rock climbing matured, grading systems were created in order to more accurately compare relative difficulties of climbs. Over the years, both climbing techniques, and the equipment climbers use to advance the sport, have evolved in a steady fashion.

Protection: spring-loaded or static metal devices designed to be inserted into rock cracks or other irregular surfaces. Protection is placed as the climber ascends; the climber clips the rope into the protection. The protection works in tandem with the belayer to prevent the climber from hitting the ground in the event of a fall.

Belay:

Harness:

Overview:

Climbers usually work in pairs, with one climbing and the other belaying. In lead climbing, the belayer feeds rope to the lead climber through a belay device. The leader climbs up, occasionally placing protection or clipping preplaced bolted hangers, until the top is reached. The belayer is ready to “lock off” the rope if the leader falls.

Both climbers attach the rope to their climbing harness, usually tying into their harness with a figure-eight knot or double bowline knot. The leader either places protection or clips into permanent protection already attached to the rock. In traditional climbing, the protection is removable. Usually nuts or Spring-loaded camming device (often referred to as “cams” or “friends”) are set in cracks in the rock (although pitons are sometimes used). In sport climbing the protection is metal loops called hangers. Hangers are secured to the rock with either expanding masonry bolts taken from the construction industry, or by placing glue-in bolt systems. In ice climbing the protection is Ice Screw or similar devices hammered or screwed into the ice by the leader, and removed by the second climber.

The lead climber typically connects the rope to the protection with carabiners or quickdraws. If the lead climber falls, he will fall twice the length of the rope out from the last protection point, plus rope stretch (typically 5% to 8% of the rope out), plus slack. If any of the gear breaks or pulls out of the rock or if the belayer fails to lock off the belay device immediately, the fall will be significantly longer. Thus if a climber is 2 meters above the last protection he will fall 2 meters to the protection, 2 meters below the protection, plus slack and rope stretch, for a total fall of over 4 meters.

If the leader falls, the belayer arrests the rope. This is achieved by running the rope through a belay device attached to the belayer’s harness. The belay device runs the rope through a series of sharp curves that, when operated properly, greatly increase the friction and stop the rope from running. Some of the more popular types of belay devices are the ATC Belay Device, the Figure 8 and various auto-locking belay devices such as the Petzl Gri-Gri

At the top of the pitch, the leader sets up a secure anchor system, also called a belay, from where he can belay as his partner climbs. The second climber removes the gear from the rock (traditional climbing) or removes the quickdraw from the bolted hanger (sport climbing). Both climbers are now at the top of the pitch with all their equipment. Note that the second is protected from above while climbing, but the leader is not, so being the leader is more challenging and dangerous. After completing their climb, with both climbers at the top of the pitch, they must eventually rappel or otherwise descend the climb in order to return to their starting point.

Occasionally, climbers may decide to “move together”, a risky but speedy technique also called simul-climbing, in which both leader and second move at the same time without stopping to belay. The leader – approximately a rope length above the second – usually places multiple pieces of protection as he climbs so that the weight of the second climber might arrest a possible leader’s fall. Should it be the second climber to fall, however, the leader may be pulled from his holds, with potentially unpleasant results.