NATIONAL PARK OF YELLOWSTONE

National Yellowstone  Park  is a national park located in the United States, primarily in the state of Wyoming, although it spans Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone, widely considered the world's oldest national park, is renowned for its diverse wildlife and geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most popular attractions in the park. Despite having multiple ecosystems, the subalpine forest is dominant.

Image 1: Entrance to Yellowstone by Altheclem

The Yellowstone Park, in fact, is always open,but in winter visit can book some problems. The snow around here is no joke. And indeed most of the roads are closed during winter. The same is true of access. To enter the park, in fact there are five entries arranged roughly radially around the entire length of the park, and only one, the north entrance,is open all year. The nearest town is Gardiner (right on the state border in Montana). The other entries are opened based on the climate:the west entrance,near the town of West Yellowstone, it is open from late April to early November and for vehicles equipped with 4 × 4 tires or snow from 15 March to 15 December. This entry is considered as the best to find accommodation as to sites outside the park boundaries.

The south entrance,located on the road to Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park, you can go from mid-May to early November for the 4 × 4 with chains also from mid-December to mid-March.

Then there is the option of the northeast(north entrance),not far from the town of Cooke City,normally closed from November to April and the East (east entrance) near Cody, open from May to December.But this is pure theory: the true calendar is related to weather conditions. If winter brings big snowfall dates may change fall.

The  best time to visit Yellowstone National Park runs from spring through early. Then, in mid-October, heavy snowfalls start. The average altitude of Yellowstone (1700 meters) makes the climate is temperate summer and excludes wildlife venomous snakes who can not live at this altitude. If the summer is ideal in terms of climate there but remember that coincides with the holiday period of the Americans, so it is best to avoid, if possible, the second half of July and the first half of August. Best September and October or June

Image 2: Bisons ins Yellowstone by Daniel Mayer

GEYSER

One area that should not be missed in the park is the geyser country:here are about 300 geysers.And about 180 are concentrated in the area called Upper Geyser Basin.The Yellowstone Geyser most photographed is undoubtedly the Old Faithful, every hour and half fires a steam jet of 30 to 60 meters.And the surprising thing is that since 1870 has not missed one of the appointments!

Image 3: Old Faithful by Riccardo

Then in the Midway Geyser is one of the main attractions of Yellowstone, the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring,whose image often appears as if a strange place on our planet.

Image 4: Grand Prismatic Spring by Unknow World

LAKE OF YELLOWSTONE

One of the more fascinating areas of Yellowstone Park is the center of which is Lake Yellowstone.The summer water is crystal clear, like a mirror to admire the mountains. This is not only the largest mountain lake in North America,is also surrounded by a network of walking trails ideal surrounded by an idyllic landscape.

Image 5: Yellowstone lake by duke

From here the possibilities are many. Walking about ten km walk you can reach unique as it has the views. Hayden Valley or Valley Pellican

Image 6: Hayden Valley by Yellowstone.net

If desired, during the summer, you can take long walks on the trails through the park. According to a recent census Yellowstone Park there are over 2000 km of trails through a network of well-designedpaths.In any case, to enter the park you need to pay an entry that is valid seven days and costs 25$ for a car and 20$ for amotorcycle.To walkor bike have to spend 12$.For those who decide to visit Yellowstone Park on two wheels not motorized no dedicated roads and we must be careful not to use the paths reserved for pedestrians. Detailed maps and instructions are available at the park entrances and parking areas, bungalows, camping, etc ....

Links viewed:

• http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/summer-lodges/
• http://www.nps.gov/yell/espanol/index.htm
• http://www.yellowstone.net

WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD WE USE WHEN WE GO TO SKIING?

With this post we are going to finish the series of publications in which we have analyzed the material to use when we go skiing, after seeing the characteristics of ski boots, skis, protection against shocks and sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun.

Now let's talk about the clothes, the quality is not going to influence our ski technique as important as other factors but it´s important in our comfort and our body temperature.

Increasingly the skiwear brands invest more money and research to get better quality garments, so just have to select our clothes properly and not have to worry about the cold anymore.

In the world of skiing, we talk about the "3 layers" to the top, so let's analyze their importance:

First layer: Its function is to maintain body temperature and be breathable, preventing sweat remains in our body. I personally recommend a thermal shirt for use as first layer garment.

Second layer: Its function is to warm the body and expel the body moisture out. If temperatures are not too extreme you can use a fleece, and if yes, fleece and waistcoat. An advantage of fleece than a jersey it´s that the fleece its lightness and provide higher heat transfer.

Third layer: This layer is to protect us from the wind and humidity, so it must be windstoper and waterproof, but ensuring breathability. The seams must be heat sealed to prevent water from entering.

Image 1, three layers efect, by nevasport

Analyzed these layers of the top, we will see the features that have to have ski pants.
This garment must be waterproof, breathable and windstoper, like the 3rd layer from the top. Under pants we can value the option to wear a thermal mesh, getting that in the days when temperatures are very low, we have no sensation of cold in the legs.

Finally we will talk about the accessories, because even follow the previous advices, without the right accesories our protection against the cold will not help.

Beginning in the head, if we have a quality helmet, this will provide the necessary heat. In case you don´t use ski helmet, something not recommended, you should use a cap that cover our ears.

Personally, I use a balaclava to cover my neck and the back of the head and face, leaving only my nose free to breathe and avoid my goggle fogging. I use the balaclava under the helmet.

Another must-have accessory are the gloves. In fact, if you have forgotten the gloves you cannot ski. I recommend use waterproof, breathable and windstopper gloves.

Finally, as already noted in another post, the socks must be of quality, both to protect us from the cold and to prevent pain from compression.

We are going to see this information in the next presentation with images:

Viewed links:

https://www.zurich.es/seguro/seguros/seguros-particulares/accidentes/vestirse-ir-nieve-seguros-de-viaje.htm

http://www.grupojoven.com/GJ%20web%202006/Paginas_info2/secreto_de_vestirse.htm

http://www.wedze.es/consejos/vestirse-bien-para-practicar-deportes-de-invierno

HUASHAN MOUNTAIN

Mount Hua Shan,is in the Shanxi Province,120 km east of the city of Xi'ian and near Huayin in China. Originally, it consisted of three peaks, but today, this sacred place has five peaks, of which the highest is the South Peak, 2,160 m. It is one of the Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism.

If you have no fear of heights and are a good climber, then you can dare this adventure, the path of world's most dangerous trails.Chances are you going to shake your legs.

This route is a mountain of China, called MountHuashan.To begin the climb you have to climb a huge set of stairs carved in stone stairssky.These stairs go up so high in the mountains it is hard to see where they end. As if that were not enough, after the stairs, other stairs leading to a precarious path made ​​of wooden planks.Nobody will force you to use any safety equipment, but its use is highly recommended. The road is extremely dangerous and impressive, but what you will find at the end of the route is truly shocking.

The stairs, though beautiful, are quite daunting!

  

     Image 1 and 2: Huashan stairs by Imgarcade             

Is a one of the most dangerous hiking routes in the world. Due to official censorship of the Chinese government, the death tolls are not usually made ​​public, and there are a couple of good reasons for that. A political order is to avoid diplomatic incidents, since the number of Western travelers is considerable; other economic, is the profit obtained by the country in respect of tourists (and no one wants to scare the tourists); yet another reason Tourist order is that the same black legend 'death row'.

At the end of the tour the famous wooden boards why have to go to climb to the top are. There are chains on the wall to hold on and not fall. Yet the danger is very high.

Image 3 and 4: Wood planks by Riccardo

To prevent falls, it is recommended to take a chest harness and carabiners go hooked to the wall rams are enabled for use.

              

Image 5 and 6: People climbing chest harness by Riccardo

At the end of the route we will find a unique and beautiful views. In addition to an old Taoist temple become bar of tea:

Image 7: Top of Huashan Mountain by GrupoEuropa

is customary to reach the mountain top leaving a padlock on the chains

           

Image 7 and 8: Padlocks on the top

You can also reach the north peak of Mount by cable car route.

Image 9: Huashan cable car

Here we attach a video of the route:

Links viewed:

• http://blog.grupoeuropa.com/index.php/el-peligroso-sendero-de-la-montana-sagrada-hua-shan-en-china
• http://bashny.net/t/es/73955
• http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/huashan-mountain

• http://cordobaoffroad.com.ar/foro/index.php?topic=1605.0

KAYAK MAINTENANCE

Beginning in kayaking is not an easy task for starters duo the have to buy many things:  kayak, paddle, vest, skirt, jacket, wetsuit, booties and continue counting.vThe team of good quality lasts for years with proper care and maintenance.

Let's start from the kayak. They are of fiber, plastic, fabric and wood, but given the popularity of plastic and fiber we concentrate on these.

Image 1: Fiber kayak by Kayakismo

Image 2: Plastic kayak by Ocean Kayak

ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION

Plastic is as easy to care for. You just have to protect it from UV rays and we kayak for a while. Normally the plastic of good quality kayaks bring a UV filter dyes that give color. However, it is better to protect them to prevent discoloration and brittle plastic.

There is a plastic protective UV filter, something like sunscreen for kayaks, such as UV Protector Tec McNett or 303. These non- only protect from UV rays, but also condition the plastic restoring structural oils, giving flexibility and a look back. They can also be used in other materials such as nylon (life vests, jackets), latex (seals dry suits), neoprene and not (water suits, gloves, boots) and vinyl (cases of maps, GPS, radio ). Kayaking is convenient spray at least twice a year.

Image 3: UV tech bt McNETT

It should be noted that we should not store the kayak weather (sun). If we have nowhere to store it indoors, we can look for a cover, or finally put a mesh double kiwi or quadruple.

The glass fiber is not as sensitive to UV rays, but the plastic parts such as seats, buckles, laces elastic , handles, if they are. In addition, the gel coat, topcoat fiber kayaks or compounds, is usually made ​​of a polyester resin discoloring the sun.

WASHING THE KAYAK

Around the sea, it should be washed with fresh water kayaking, with special emphasis on metal parts such as the rudder, the wires of the same, screws and fairleads, even if these are of stainless steel.

The most sensitive parts are where two different metals are as galvanic corrosion occurs by electrolysis of mass destruction. To avoid this, after rinsing in fresh water and allow to dry, you can use a water displacing lubricant such as WD-40.

Image 4: WD-40

The sand is also a problem, especially moving parts such as the rudder and the rails pedals. To be inserted between the parts, produces abrasion them in addition to hinder its operation.

The  seals neoprene is also important to rinse them in fresh water since the salt crystals, deteriorate the material.

Once washed, we should let it dry before save properly. A covered cabin is a good idea to avoid visits unwanted indoors and to keep it free of dust and particulate matter.

Image 5: Washin a kayak by AustinKayak

KEEPING THE KAYAK

The kayaks can be damaged or suffer deformations in the hull if not properly stored, especially plastic kayaks. The best way to store them for long periods is standing on the tip. As it is not easy to find a parking 5 meters high, the next best option is to put singing on nylon straps so that they hang. It is easy to put a pair of plates bolted climbing wall expansion in the parking lot, to put two ribbons and hang the kayak comfortably. Many people in the department do so.

Image 6: Roof support by Elgari

Image 7: Wall support by Kayakismo

ROUTINE INSPECTION

Finally, before leaving to paddle, we inspect the kayak to guarantee us that we give optimal performance in the water and we will not fail in times of need.

Check first screws. These tend to lose by vibration during travel. Then check the buckles, ribbons and laces elastics and to see that they are not damaged. ASAP change damaged parts.

Then check the helm, especially the cables using metal will fatiguing. Normally they cut at the joints with screws. The pedals are also regularly reviewed to identify fractured parts that could end up breaking into the water.

Last but not least is reviewing the watertight compartments. Buckles, belts,  seals neoprene and partitions, to verify that does not pass water from the cabin to these. Many kayaks for use, impact, improper storage or exposure to high temperatures, they deteriorate seals partitions, so you need to restore the waterproof seal of the dry compartments. Do not use silicone, and it serves not leave residues will prevent that a good glue stick. There are good sealing as the Marine GOOP or Lexel, which will leave magazines like new.

With proper care, our kayak give us decades of travel and adventure. Possibly, it will go through many hands and many people happy during their passage through this world.

Links viewed:

• http://www.ecodeporte.cl/Default.asp
• http://blog.coleman.es/2010/08/%C2%BFcomo-cuidar-y-dar-mantenimiento-a-los-kayaks-hinchables/

INDOOR SKI RESORTS

So far we've always talked about ski and snowboard in the ski slopes found in the different mountain ranges in the world, but it's time to know an alternative that increasingly takes more strength, the ski slopes covered.

We do not know if because the climate change or other circumstances, but the decline of day it snows is a fact, finding perfectly equipped and prepared ski resorts, but, due to lack of snow on their slopes are forced to close.

In this situation have emerged indoor ski resorts, guaranteeing snow 365 days a year.

Focusing on this type of ski slopes, I will speak of the largest in the world and its characteristics, the Ski Dubai, an impressive infrastructure that contrasts with the area in which it is made, in the desert. This resort has 22,500 square meters of snow, with five ski slopes of various levels, a snow park with sleigh rides, an arcade launch snowballs and even an interactive cave, plus funicular and cable car. In this artificial ski resort we can find all the services of a ski resort in the nature.

Image 1, Ski Dubai, by cp

To preserve the quality of snow and a suitable temperature is necessary to have all kinds of means to isolate as much as possible the ski slopes from the outside, such as walls of 5 meters wide and great cooling system, ensuring temperature of -1 ° C.

Leaving aside this great resort, we must know that there are more distributed throughout the world and projects to further expand the number. In this case we will also see some characteristics of the indoor ski resort situated in Spain, the SnowZone Madrid, or as was once known Xanadoo.

The SnowZone Madrid has 18,000 square meters of snow in 2 tracks, one for beginners and one for experts. It is located in the town of Arroyomolinos, just 23 Km from the center of Madrid, so it is easier to reach than the ski resort in Madrid mountains, Navacerrada.

Image 2, Madrid SnowZone, by teinteresa

From a personal standpoint, I think if we get the opportunity to go to the ski resorts located in the mountains, we should choose them, however, the rest of the year the indoor resorts are a great choice to practice our favorite sport and to acquire practical and technical to preparing the next season.

Ski Dubai

Viewed Links:

http://www.madridsnowzone.com/site/page/9/40/la-pista-de-esqui-de-madrid-xanadu

http://www.marca.com/blogs/palillerosvssurferos/2011/11/08/pistas-indoor-a-cual-mas-grande.html

http://www.gearefrigeration.com/es-es/Sectores/Leisure-Sport/indoor-ski/Pages/default.aspx

SNOWMAKING

Today I´m going to speak about artificial snowmaking. For those that you have never heard of this term, when we refer to snowmaking we are talking about the process by which the various ski resorts make their own snow.

Image 1, by portafolioblog

Currently the snow making is being modernizing and deploying increasingly in all ski resorts, allowing to have snow on the ski slopes although it has not snowed, provided that the conditions of humidity and temperature are adequate. Moreover, the snow quality is often the same.

To produce this snow, they need a series of strategically snow cannons placed along the tracks, to cover the largest possible number of kilometers. Within these snow cannons, we can find several types according to their characteristics:

High pressure cannons: This type of cannons are the most used and located along the slopes. Operate through a system of underground pipes that provides the necessary water for snowmaking. Its mode of operation is to throw water droplets with air pressure to remain longer in the air and achieved better snow quality.

Image 2, high pressure cannons, by marca

Low pressure cannons: These cannons are used less because they are more expensive, heavy and difficult to move. Water is also supplied through a piping system and projected into very small droplets. To push the water, they use an electric fan located inside the fan who can reach up to 80 meters is used.

Image 3, low pressure cannon, by nevasport

Autocannon: Finally we have this kind of cannons placed on a turntable, allowing throw water in several directions. The fact that they are automatic allows them to study weather conditions across a weather station inside, deciding when, how and in what direction produce snow.

Image 4, autocannon, by sierranevada

Here we can see two videos to complete our knowledge about snow making process

Viewed links:

http://www.consumer.es/web/es/medio_ambiente/urbano/2008/12/14/182091.php

GUIDE: HOW TO BUY A RAFT

In this post we will show you a guide of what it is you need to know to buy a raft rafting.

The first step is to know what the number of practitioners with whom we rafting. Depending on the number of people expected to participate in the activity need a boat or other measures. Here we attach a table with the measures of the raft as the number of people:

Table 1: Relationship capacity / number of people by Ebay

Second, you must know what will be the goal of the practice of rafting:

• Speed and adrenaline: rig rafts, paddle inflatables boats and kayaks
• Routes: long oar boats and catarafts
• Relax: inflatable kayaks and catarafts

Third, we show the various materials which are usually made ​​rafts.  Depending on the routes that you please make or where realices need a type of material:

Table 2: Quality of raft materials by Ebay

Seam strength Determines how well the raft will withstand hitting rocks, bumps and waves. A high UV resistance Prevents the raft from wearing down due to sun exposure. Abrasion resistance Determines how well the materials will resist wear and tear. A raft's drag Helps predict how the water will impact the speed of the raft. The lower the drag, the quicker the raft. Lastly, rigidity Indicates how the raft handles the waves in the water. A lower rigidity is better for rolling waters, while a higher rigidity is best for water handling.

All this depends on how we want to spend, because if we want something cheap the raft of PVC are the most appropriate and exhibit good characteristics in relationship quality and price . Whereas if we want a raft of high quality which is Hypalon is better preserved in the course of time, as neoprene and polyurethane are more easily worn.

Links viewed:

• http://www.raftmasters.com/
• http://www.ebay.es/

HOW CHOOSE THE RIGHT SKIS?

Again we return to talk about the most important material that we should choose when we go to ski, besides the ski boots, the skis. As in the post that was dedicated to ski boots, this post is aimed at those who will buy his own material, since in the slopes, unless you pay more for a specific service in which the quality of the skis is very good, probably they give us normal skis.

As we know, the function of skis is to allow us to slide on the snow the most comfortable and safety possible. For choosing skis we must rely on our level, beginner, advanced or expert, but also of our physical and ski modality that we thought practice.

Image 1, skier, by getoutfitted

Based on this last feature, modality, we must take into account several characteristics to know what skis buy. First I will talk about arch or curvature when there’s no weight on the skis. This curvature determine the following characteristics in skiing:

Usage on piste: Traditional arch. The ends of the skis are in contact with the ground but not the central part.

Freeride use: Arch invested. Now is the center of the ski that is in contact with the ground but not the ends, which are raised.

Usage on piste (level skiers seeking better turns): Traditional arch with front lifted.

Freeride use (Better grip and float): classic arch with back and front parts raised.

Seen this, now let's analyze the characteristics of each type of skiing according to modality, in addition to the arch seen before:

Downhill skiing: short, narrow, flexible and stable skis. Ideal for controlling speed and trajectories.

Multipurpose Ski: Whether inside piste to outside. Wide skis with front long. Improve buoyancy in powder snow.

Freeride skiing: skis very wide, with good surface. Rocker at the front and rear part.

Freestyle Skiing: Ideal for the best jumps and tricks. Must be light and double spatula.

Image 1, types of skis, by neve365

Finally, in terms of size, it is recommended:

Downhill skiing: 5-15 cm less than our stature.

Multipurpose Skiing: 10 cm unless our stature.

Freeride skiing: -5 to + 10cm to our stature.

Freestyle Skiing: 10 cm unless our stature.

Viewed links:

http://www.wedze.es/consejos/como-elegir-los-esquis , by James de Saint Julien.

TYPES OF RAFTS

There are many types of rafts, each of them has specific characteristics: higher speed, convenience, traveling alone or in groups ... Depending on what is what you seek and your experience, you need a certain type of boat. The objectives when rafting can vary widely among practitioners:

• Enjoying the nature
• Adrenaline, excitement, speed (white waters)
• Rafting in gruops
• Rafting alone
• Relaxation.
• Take photos.
• Etc ...

So then we will discuss the different types of rafts and you can choose the one that suits you:

• Paddle boats:these boats are used in large rivers and surface waters. Ideal for group travel and have fun. Also used two wings white waters. They usually have a compartment for carrying cold water (Letter A picture 1).
• Beginner: This type of boat is ideal for beginners. The capacity is 7 persons: 6 + 1 instructor beginners. Besides the seats are in the center of the boat and are padded. The instructor sits in the back to watch all beginners and to give orders.

Image 1: Beginner Paddle Boat by WeternRiver

• Experienced:.In this type of vessel the role of instructor disappear, padded seats also disappear, practitioners sit on the edge of the boat and rowing.

Image 2: Paddle Boat by Tignes

• Oar Boats: this type of vessel has two paddles subject to rowing boat and can only 1 person. The capacity of this boat is 1-3 people, walking alone or in groups, but more weight to be transported. It has a metal case to transport food and drinks. In that case you can go an instructor in the event that it is a journey with beginners. These boats are heavier and larger than the Paddle Boats. It also has a small engine if the boat needs extra power for certain situations.

Image 3: Oar Boat by Rimrock Adventures

• Catarafts: consist of two pontoons parallel to each other and are connected together with a metal frame. It is usually we used in conquering rapids but can be relied upon Also When Transporting load. Ideal to go with friends. There are 3 types:
• Single:

Image 4: Single cataraft by MountainBuzz

• Double:

Image 5: Double cataraft by KVI

• Group:

Image 6: Group cataraft by Confluencecasting

• Rig raft: are the biggest crafts used in Rafting. A Rig is FORMED by putting together pontoons with transom frames. Its size allows it to carry a lot of passengers. You don't have to worry when riding capsizing craft. This type of vessel has a built engine so it does not rowing. It is designed for long journeys and provide a great experience because it can reach high speeds and users can sit in the front of the boat A, in this area the waves splash with the boat and it  feels more strong.

Image 7:  Rig raft by Western River Expeditions

• Parts of Rig Rafts:

A Whitewater "taste" seating with safety lines

B "Adventure" seating atop food coolers

C Padded seating atop dry food storage boxes

D Storage area for guest luggage and trip equipment

E Ice water and lemonade coolers

F 4-Cycle outboard engine Provides quiet propulsion With Low Emissions

G Extra motors and spare parts

H First aid supplies and satellite phone

I Compartmented neoprene rubber tubes 20 separate air chambers Have

J ColdKeeps drinks beverage bag drag accessible THROUGHOUT the day

• Inflatable kayaks: these vessels as we discussed in a previous post, but still make a reminder. This small inflatable kayaks crafts are manned by one person with a double-ended paddle. Inflatable Kayaks Rafts follow the larger-through the rapids with the guide in the paddle raft or oar raft, giving instructions to the kayakers. Inflatable Kayaks are a great way to experience the river in a one-on-one fashion. The versatility of these kayaks is great, because you can make a smooth ride, taking photos, alone or together ... or you can also live exciting experiences going through rapid rivers and white waters.

Image 8: Single and double inflatable kayak by Sevylor

Links viewed:

• http://www.westernriver.com/
• http://www.abc-of-rafting.com/