Car Racing - Many Types

There are many types of racing and can be categorized as follows:

(1) Rally Racing: Rallying involves racing in off-road areas where general people don't drive their vehicles. The drivers and the co-drivers rally at some point and then leave the place at regular intervals to reach a particular point. The drivers and their co-drivers can explore the track beforehand in order to have a better idea of the roads. The co-drivers help the drivers to choose the best possible way to reach the destination. World Rally Championship is the most popular championship in this type of race.

(2) Single-seater Racing: This is one of the most famous motor sports and involves a lot of specially designed high-speed cars. These are open-wheels cars and generally the cars have aerofoil wings in the front and as well as rear to have a better adhesion to the track. Formula One is a World Championship that is now known to every motor sport enthusiast. This championship is the highest level of motor sport and every car racer wants to participate in this competition.

(3) Ice Racing: This type of racing takes place in snow or on frozen lakes. Obvious requirement for such race is extreme weather conditions and this motor sport generally takes place in high latitudes. These cars involve full rubber and studded tires for a better adhesion.

(4) Touring Car Racing: This type of race involves highly modified production cars and it is comparatively slower than the sports car racing or the single-seater racing. The most popular championship is the World Touring Car Championship.

(5) Stock Car Racing: This type of car racing is similar to Touring car racing and is an American version of the same. The car racing series popular in this type of racing is the NASCAR. This is generally conducted on ovals and the cars used in racing are similar to production cars but are specifically built for racing.

(6) Drag Racing: Drag racing involves completing a particular distance in the shortest possible time. Generally this distance is 400 m and the range of cars participating in this race can be everyday car to high class racing cars. It depends on which type of car is being used for drag racing as a street racing car can cover 400m in 15 sec and the same distance can be covered by a specially designed fuel dragster car in 4.5 sec.

(7) Sports Car Racing: Sports car racing takes place in a closed circuit and in this race, purpose-built cars and sports cars production versions compete with each other. This race is particularly for long distances like 1000km and that is why this race involves more than one driver switching between them.

(8) Off-road Racing: The name tells it all, the racing of some modified cars takes place off road i.e. away from city traffic. Off road famous championship series is CORR.

(9) Hill Climbing: This type of race involves racing for the best time completion. The cars have to climb the extremely steep hills and the car with the best completion time is the winner.

(10) Kart Racing: Generally, most motor sport enthusiasts start their career from Kart racing. The racing tracks are quite small and the karts used in the race are quite different from the normal cars that run on roads.


Article Source:Ezine Articles

The Martial Science Of Boxing And Its Contribution To Military Close Combat

INTRODUCTION
This paper will examine the more obscure aspects of Boxing as a martial science. It will illustrate that the martial history, tradition and virtue of boxing is an undeniable fact albeit one that is rarely. If ever, seriously acknowledged and understood. It will concentrate upon the military applications rather than the normal sporting elements (although it will touch upon certain aspects of sporting competition where deemed appropriate) demonstrating how it has been an integral part of the training of a warrior since ancient times. It will explore how it was used to develop "fighting spirit" and" how it has continued in contributing to the origins and development of modern military close-combat techniques in much the same way as some oriental martial arts.

THE ANCIENT WORLD
Boxing is one of the most ancient of all the martial arts, and has quite a clear and traceable history when compared to other forms of combative systems. The term boxing derives from the box shape of the closed hand, or fist. In Latin, the fist is called pugnus (hence the alternative terms pugilism). Pugnus itself derives from the Greek pugme, meaning "fist."

Boxing was practiced in one form or another by most of the classical civilisations of antiquity including those of Egypt, Sumer (A form of boxing can be seen in Sumerian Carvings from the 3rd millennium BC, while an Egyptian relief from about a thousand years later actually shows both participants and spectators. In each case the boxers are bare-fisted) and Crete(where it is even possible to see boxers depicted wearing a primitive type of glove). Even more ancient than this, In 1927, Archaeologist called Dr E. A. Speiser discovered a Mesopotamian stone tablet in Baghdad, Iraq that depicted two men preparing for a boxing match. This tablet is believed to be some 7000 years old!

Fighting with the fists is also described in several ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Evidence has also been found in certain excavations carried out at the sight of two ancient cities called Mohenjadaro and Harappa in the Indus valley. However. Although fighting using the closed fists would seem to come naturally to most human beings, it was perhaps in Greece that the both the sport and science of Boxing began to gather wide-spread popularity, and was organised and developed accordingly.

It was in Greece that Boxing became an Olympic sport (688 BC), and it was in Greece that it was refined and recognised as being a valuable tool in the training of the warrior. Boxing is mentioned by Homer in the 13th book of the Illiad (Circa 675 BC) Wherein it is described as being part of the competitions the Mycenaeans used to honour their dead.

At this time, while there were some rules (such as forbidding any clinching or wrestling) there were absolutely no weight divisions, no rings, no rounds and no referee. Boxers simply pummelled each another until one was eventually knocked out or gave up. Consequently, serious injuries and even death were not that uncommon Pythagoras of Samos, who won the boxing crown at the 48th Olympiad (588 or 584 B.C.), is recognised as being the first trully "Technical Boxer", for he was a relatively small man standing about 5ft7in and weighing in at only 160 pounds who never the less beat numerous much larger contestants.

As might be expected, it was the warlike Spartans who were to capitalise most with Boxing, recognising it as an effective means of instilling the fighting spirit in the recruit through not only building up levels of courage and tenacity, but also using it as a means of teaching the basics of fighting with the sword, spear and shield. In this manner boxing training became not only an effective unarmed fighting style in its own right, but also served in complimenting the effective use of certain weapons as part of an integrated system of combat training.

Spartan society was extremely martial, and they trained hard and long to be efficient soldiers on the battlefield. It is said that they were almost as dangerous unarmed as they were with a weapon. (Persian historical records of the battle of Thermopylae, where the 300 Spartans led by their king Leonidas, fought a desperate and suicidal rear-guard action in order to allow Greece more time to muster and organise her forces, even refers to these fierce and fanatical warriors as actually resorting to biting at their enemy!) As the popularity of boxing grew it became split and divided, with one branch being maintaining the martial aspect in order to compliment the armed prowess of the Hoplite, and the other concentrating upon sporting competitions (albeit quite brutal ones!). Thus, you had the professional soldier on the one hand and the sportsperson on the other. Even Homer tells us of the difference between combat sports and actual combat; he describes the lament of the champion boxer Epeios, who asked that his incompetence on the battlefield be excused because of his success in sport boxing, saying that it was not possible to good at all things and that the only place where he wasn't able to fight well was the battlefield itself! (Iliad XXIII) However, he is also credited with designing and building the Trojan horse with the help of Athena, as is told in the (Odyssey IV.265ff and Odyssey VIII.492ff) so, perhaps the poor fellow had a point after all, and we should let him off!

The Etruscans were particularly fond of boxing and were actually the very first to introduce the term "Pugilism" a word that has since become synonymous with the science and which continues to be used right up to the present day. Later, Boxing became an integral part of the training regime for Roman Legionaries, with a particularly savage form being adapted for use in the so called "games" of the Arena. It eventually became popular throughout Rome, with all types of people participating including members of the aristocracy (A fight between the agile Dares and the towering Entellus is described at length in the Roman national epic Aeneid (1st century BC). In 500 A.D., boxing was banned altogether by Holy Roman Emperor Theodoric the Great as being offensive to the creator as it disfigured the face which was the image of God. However, this edict had little effect outside the major cities of the Eastern Empire, therefore, boxing continued to evolve as both a sport and a method of self defence throughout Europe but particularly in Italy and especially in the British Isles.

PRIZE FIGHTING ERA
Boxing resurfaces in strength in England during the early 18th century as "Bare-Knuckle Boxing" sometimes also referred to as" prize-fighting". The first documented account of a bare-knuckle fight in England appeared back in 1681 in a newspaper called " the London Protestant Mercury" with the first English champion being James Figg in 1719. As a well as being the first boxing champion of England, James Figg was also a very adept cudgel-fighter and swordsman and was to play a pivotal role in the boxing renaissance. When he opened his school in London in 1719 Figg made a reasonable living out of teaching young gentleman the art of self-defence by applying the precepts of modern fencing-footwork, speed, and the straight lunge-to fist-fighting.

This is interesting in that, as we remember, Boxing was originally used in order to augment and enhance training with weapons in ancient Greece, whereas now, Boxers learned to throw straight punches, the basis of modern boxing, from fencers. To some extent, it could even be said that boxing replaced duelling with swords and pistols, allowing men of all social classes to defend themselves and their honour without necessarily having to severely maim or kill each other. Despite this connection with fencing, boxing encounters during this early modern era were largely unstructured and highly uncivilized. Boxers fought bare-knuckle (without gloves), and wrestling, choking, throwing, gouging, and purring (stomping on one's opponent with spiked boots) were commonplace, so that, in some respects at least, it bore much more of a resemblance to the ancient Greek Pankration or Japanese Jiu-Jitsu than to the sport we all now know and accept as being boxing.

Also, again like its early predecessor, prize-fighting had no written rules: There were no weight divisions, round limits, or referees. In general, it was extremely savage and very chaotic. The first boxing rules, called the London Prize-Ring Rules, were introduced by the heavyweight champion Jack Broughton in 1743 in an attempt to safe-guard fighters from serious injury and even death. Under these rules, if a boxer was knocked to the ground and was not able to continue after 30 seconds, then they would be considered to have lost the bout. Striking an opponent while they were down and grappling below the waist were strictly prohibited.

Although bare-knuckle fighting was in almost every aspect far more brutal than modern boxing, it did allow the fighters a single advantage not enjoyed by today's boxers: The London Prize Rules permitted the fighter to drop to one knee to begin a 30-second count at any time. Thus a fighter realizing he was in trouble had an opportunity to recover. Intentionally going down in modern boxing will cause the recovering fighter to lose points in the scoring system. Furthermore, as the contestants did not have heavy leather gloves and wrist-wraps to protect their hands, a certain amount of restraint was required when striking the head.

In 1838 the London Prize Ring rules were expanded and were subjected to further revision in 1853 eventually being replaced by the Marquess of Queenberry rules in 1867. It was the introduction of this modern set of rules, together with a High-Court ruling in 1882 which declared that bare-knuckle matches were "an assault occasioning actual bodily harm, despite the consent of the of the fighters, that saw the demise of prize fighting and gave birth to "modern boxing". Even so, the effectiveness of even this modern, refined boxing as a martial science cannot be denied. For example: On December 31, 1908, in Paris, France, heavyweight boxer Sam McVey knocked out Jiu-Jitsuka Tano Matsuda (Jiu-Jitsu) in ten seconds. And, in another bout held on January 12, 1928, in Yokohama, Japan, Packey O'Gatty, a bantamweight boxer, knocked out another Jiu-Jitsuka called Shimakado with one punch in less than four seconds!

THE MILITARY
It was this obvious effectiveness, together with its strict set of "Gentlemanly rules" that caused the military, especially the officer class, to recognise it as being of real worth in the basic training and battlefield prowess of their soldiers. However, there was one particular officer who saw even further: Captain William J. Jacomb.

The First World War has gone down in history as being the worst managed conflict in history. This was largely due to the fact that most of the senior officers involved had undergone their basic training and fought their first military campaigns in the 19th century.

They had cut their soldierly teeth upon massed cavalry charges and infantry organised into lines and squares, and had thought that they could continue to engage the enemy in this manner in the 20th century, even with its machine guns, air support, communications, mustard-gas and modern artillery pieces. These outdated and obsolete strategies and tactics were to soon turn the battlefields into muddy, bloody acres of "no-mans-land", honeycombed with thousands of trenches that actually joined up in some cases.

In such an inhospitable and dangerous type of terrain it was not uncommon for patrols from opposing sides to "bump" into each other with little or even no warning. Consequently, the fighting was often of a very desperate nature at extremely close-quarters. It is as a direct result of this that both sides began experimenting with various hand to hand combat systems including Jiu Jitsu, in order to help provide their troops that much needed "edge" on the battlefield.

William J. Jacomb was an officer in the Canadian army who had a lot of experience as a boxing coach at various universities as well as in the military. It had come to his attention that it was the soldiers who had a basic knowledge of boxing also seemed to make the best bayonet fighters. He immediately started to design a programme of instruction for the army that combined standard boxing drills with the efficient use of the bayonet and put forward a proposal to his superiors that this training should be made available to as many troops as possible. In 1916, Jacomb was appointed as an instructor to the Bayonet fighting and Physical Training Staff of the Canadian Army in order to teach his methods of boxing/bayonet to a specially selected group of soldiers most of whom already possessed a certain amount of boxing training and experience, with the idea being that they would then return to their individual units as instructors in close-quarter combat.

The students were divided into classes of 20 with each course being of 21 days duration during which time a lot a material had to be covered and learnt. Jacobs himself says:

"Physical courage is perhaps the most common of virtues, but the courage of a soldier, and especially in the bayonet fighter, is a courage borne of confidence and ability to fight and to defend himself. I do not believe there is any other form of exercise which develops this as quickly as the practice of boxing. Secondly, and fortunately, bayonet fighting is so near akin to boxing that the practice of boxing develops skill in bayonet in less time, with less expense, and with fewer casualties."

As already stated, the urgent need and importance for effective hand to hand fighting (particularly Bayonet) had already been identified and acknowledged due to the nature of the conflict, so Jacombs endeavours in this area were both supported and encouraged. The official 1916 manual on Bayonet Training says that: "The spirit of the bayonet must be inculcated into all ranks so that they will go forward with the aggressive determination and confidence in superiority borne of continual practice, without which a bayonet assault will not be effective."

From the outset, Jacombs course was well received and deemed to be an outstanding success turning out as it did confident and competent instructors for the army. Later, in 1918, Jacomb published a book titled "Boxing for Beginners" outlining his methods. It consisted of three parts with the first describing how to box, the second describing the relationship of boxing to bayonet fighting and the third on how to organise a boxing tournament. In his conclusion to the chapter regarding the relationship between boxing and bayonet fighting, Jacomb states the following:

"Every man who is going to carry a rifle and bayonet should learn to box to help him use the bayonet. He should be taught by men who have had experience in boxing. His bayonet fighting should be taught by a teacher of that subject. If the instructor is good at both, so much the better. The pupil must always be taught that the point of his bayonet is the best end of his weapon."

This is very similar to telling a boxer to keep his opponent on "the end of the Left-jab" or to concentrate on long-range "Outfighting". However, Jacomb did also demonstrate and teach how "In-fighting" boxing tactics and techniques could be adapted for use with a rifle and bayonet, especially by utilising the butt- end of the rifle to deliver "Hooks" and "Upper-Cuts" to dispatch a foe quickly and efficiently.

CONCLUSION
Boxing is, without a doubt, a true martial science. It has contributed to the training of soldiers almost since the beginning of recorded history. Whether it be aiding a Hoplite in effective sword and shield drills, affording the officer class a non-lethal alternative to duelling, or enhancing the use of the bayonet in 20th Century warfare. It has demonstrated its effectiveness on the battlefield, in the sporting arena (against other martial arts) and as an effective means of self defence, as taught by James Figg and others.

I, myself, have experimented with boxing drills as a means teaching basic short-blade techniques, and have found this to be extremely worth-while. As a martial science that has proven itself consistently over literally thousands of years, it is my opinion that boxing still has a great deal to offer. At the very least, it is a splendid method for keeping fit, healthy and focused and also improves balance, coordination and confidence in the individual. Thus, by learning boxing a person will be far more able to defend themselves both on the street and in battle (we should remember here that successful bayonet charges have been recorded in both the Falklands (Gurads/Paras July 1982) and Iraq (Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, May 2004).

Boxing should be regarded as being much more than the sport we see. It is a bona fide martial science, and should, therefore be accepted and respected as such.




Article Source:EzineArticles

Street Racing Game Madness

Unlike other racing games that you may find on the Internet a street racing game will combine racing and gambling in a way that will turn each and every street race into a new challenge for you. Before you start to download racing games you can start an online search to find the street racing game that you prefer. You can choose from a long and diverse list of street racing games which includes games like Street Racers Syndicate (SRS), Midnight Club, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, Speed Devils and many more.

Midnight Club is a street racing game that brings you deep within the world of illegal street racing. The cars featured in the game are not models of real cars because no car manufacturer wanted to be associated with a game that involves illegal street racing. In spite of this draw back, Rockstar managed to create a captivating, successful street racing game that has an ever growing fan base. The Street Racing edition of Midnight Club takes the player to the streets of New York City and London where he starts racing with a rather slow vehicle and he has to win as many street races as possible to gain access to better, more powerful cars. The Midnight Club II edition provides a change of scenery and moves the action to the streets of Los Angeles, Tokyo and Paris. In this edition of Midnight Club Rockstar features vehicles that resemble real life cars: the Veloci which is modeled after the Saleen S7, the Victory which is modeled after the Aston Martin Vanquish and the Jersey XS which is modeled after the Dodge Viper.

Another street racing game you will find on your search is Speed Devils which is a fairly simple street racing game but with some interesting features. The goal is to race against as many rival drivers as possible and win to ascend to the next level of the game. Unlike it is the case with other street racing games you can also challenge your opponent to perform certain feats while driving and bet on whether on not he will succeed. An interesting feature is that the obstacles that the game throws your way may sometimes take the form of dinosaurs.


Article Source: Ezine Articles

Rock Climbing Gear

There are a number of different outdoor sports that people enjoy. For those who enjoy adventure, Rock climbing offers the most challenging experience of all outdoor activities. An experienced rock climber knows how important it is to have good quality rock climbing gear.

A serious rock climber will always have safety on top of their list of priorities. Choosing the right set of rock climbing gear and equipment is the first step to ensuring a safe and successful climb. f you purchase gear that is inferior, you could be putting your life at risk.Rock climbing can be a dangerous sport. The participants start at the bottom of the mountain and climb to the top by using equipment that is powered by physical strength. It takes a person who is physically fit to perform a successful rock climbing expedition.

Rock climbing equipment can be found in any sporting goods store or can be ordered over the Internet. There are several wholesale and discount rock climbing stores across the country. By checking local directories and the Internet, you can find them easily.

The prices of rock climbing gear range from $30 and can go as high as $1200 dollars. There are wholesale and discount stores that offer huge discounts in order to retain your business. The majority of owners are either former or current rock climbers and can give you helpful advice.

It is recommended that you buy your rock climbing equipment in a sporting good store because you need to make sure that everything fits you properly. Your safety depends on it. It is possible to buy your climbing gear used, but it is not recommended. Especially your shoes. You need to you're your rock climbing shoes fitted to your feet, with used rock climbing shoes, the are already formed around someone else's feet. When you are climbing, the last thing you need to worry about is the safety of your gear.

When you first get started with rock climbing, there are specific recommendations for those who are new the sport. Taking a course in rock climbing will give you the instruction that you need to make your climb successful. Rock climbing shoes are possibly the most important piece of equipment you will purchase. Making the right choice is critical.

Ordinary sneakers will not afford you the grip that you need to ensure your safety. Rock climbing shoes are designed with special grip that are needed for this dangerous sport. A harness is your safety net when you're rock climbing. It can act as a pulley to get you over surfaces that are too horizontal for you to get around, and it can prevent you from plummeting if you lose your footing.
You may be hanging in the air until you can get your footing again, but you will not fall.

Ropes and chocks are also necessary in rock climbing, Ropes also protect you from falling, and chocks are the grips that create handholds as you climb the rock or mountain. All of this equipment, except for the climbing shoes, is sold separately, or it is sold in packs. When you buy it in a pack, you may pay less than you would if you bought it separately. Another item that is optional is a climber's toolbox. It is a box that you can put your rock climbing equipment in and makes it easily accessible. It is carried in your backpack.

There are many different types of rock climbing equipment available on the market today. It is crucial that you choose the correct rock climbing gear to suit your needs. There is even rock climbing equipment that is made especially for children. If you are not sure what type of equipment you will need, talk to an experienced rock climber. They can advise you of everything that you will need to have a safe but adventurous climb. You need to be dedicated to learning every aspect of it and train on simulated mountains before you undertake the real thing. This right rock climbing equipment could save your life.



Article Source: Ezine Articles

Mount Kenya - Up High at God's Mountain

Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, after Kilimanjaro. It is estimated to be 2.5 million years old, and Kilimanjaro at 750,00 years of age is really an upstart. Time has really taken its toll, and the peak is thought to have dropped from 6,500 m those millions of years ago to 5,199 m today. The mountain is an extinct volcano, whose plug forms what is today the peak area. The crater was long ago, done to death, by nature's untiring erosion agents.

Mount Kenya is an awe-inspiring spectacle that dominates the central Kenyan highlands. It is perhaps understandable that the Kikuyu people who reside on its lower slopes thought it fit for Gods' abode. And it inspires people in strange ways. In 1943, Felice Benuzzi, an Italian prisoner of war held at Nanyuki at the base of the mountain, and two companions, escaped and attempted to scale the summit. With just a few handmade climbing tools, he managed reach Point Lenana, the mountain's third highest peak.

But Benuzzi was at least an accomplished mountaineer. In 1988, the Mount Kenya Rescue Team discovered and retrieved an elder of the Meru people way up at the chilly heights of Peak Nelion (5,188 m). Only experts, with proper equipment and guides reach Nelion. He appeared unaware of the feat he had accomplished and was perturbed by the fuss his rescuers raised. He explained his mission was "going to God". He was kitted in a manner you will not see recommended in any guide book- in a single blanket and open sandals. The animals do weird things too: a few years ago, the frozen bodies of a leopard and colobus monkey were discovered at Nelion.

Mount Kenya is located 180 km to the north of Nairobi. The mountain falls within Mount Kenya National Park. The park is made up of a protected area above 3,200m altitude, together with two small salients reaching to 2,450 m along the Naro Moru and Sirimon trails. It was set up in 1949 and covers an area of 715 sq km. It is further surrounded by the Mount Kenya National Reserve, which extends over 2,075 sq km. The park has the distinction of being simultaneously a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.

The mountain is made up of three main zones: the rocky peak region, the afro-alpine moorland with its scattering of giant vegetation, and the extensive lower slopes covered in mountain forest and bamboo. The astonishing ecological diversity is one of the attractions of this giant. The ecological processes that have brought about the afro-alpine flora in particular intrigue scientists. There are 81 species of plants here that are found nowhere else in the world.

In the lower forest zone, there is plenty of wildlife including buffalo, elephant, sykes monkey and bushbuck. The animals are however generally difficult to see. Further up, the animals are even scarcer though hyena, leopard, buffalo and civet cats have been sighted. The only animal you are likely to see in the upper
alpine zones is the rock hyrax. Though it is the size of a domestic cat, it resembles a rat more. The seemingly humble rock hyrax has some powerful relatives in the animal kingdom and it counts the elephant as its biological kin.

The mountain attracts over 30,000 enthusiasts every year. Point Lenana (4,985 m), the so-called trekkers peak, can be reached by any reasonably fit and suitably prepared person. The summit has the twin peaks of Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m), and is accessible to only those with technical mountaineering and rock climbing experience. This mountain is not an easy one to conquer and each year not more than 100 climbers make it to the twin summit peaks. Mount Kenya is in fact considered to be more technically challenging than the higher Kilimanjaro (5,894 m). But those who make it to the top experience some of Africa's finest rock and ice climbing.

The mountain has very many fans and especially fascinates technical climbers. The author and mountaineer, Rick Ridgeway - author of the Seven Summits, declares that of all the worlds' mountains this is his favourite. Halford Mackinder planned and led the first expedition on record to reach the summit in 1899. But if the Meru elder mentioned above is anything to go by, the locals must have long ago been to the mountaintop. The Mackinder trip was a great success and his party discovered many species of animal and plant life then unknown in Europe. A new species of eagle owl, for example, was first recorded by this expedition and subsequently named after Mackinder.

Though Mount Kenya is practically on the equator, you will find snow and ice and even glaciers. However, in the one hundred years since Mackinder conquered the mountain, the number of glaciers has dropped from 18 to only 7 that remain today. The culprit for this is the global climate change that has accelerated in recent years. Scientists tell us that during the ice ages large glaciers reached below 3,000 m. Today the largest glacier is the Lewis Glacier at 4,600 m. The continuing retreat of glaciers is expected to have a negative impact on downstream eco-systems, not to mention the scenic appeal of the mountain.

Mount Kenya is the source of Tana River- Kenya's biggest river- and was for many years seen as an inexhaustible water fountain. Not any more- the loss of glaciers and forest cover has brought this assumption into disrepute. The loss of forest cover is particularly worrying, because it is avoidable. How to save the forests of Mount Kenya has long engaged environmentalist Wangari Maathai-the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner. She was born on the lower slopes of the mountain and has in her lifetime witnessed the changes up at the mountain.

You can reach the peak area by taking one of three routes: Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria. Good roads will get you form Nairobi to Naro Moru, Nanyuki and Chogoria - the base towns for each of the trails. There are alternative routes but most have fallen into disuse and you need superior navigation skills and stamina to attempt them. This includes: Burguret, Meru, Kamweti, and Timau. It is highly recommended that you stick to the three popular routes. But if you have a good reason for doing otherwise, or indeed for pioneering your own route, you are required to register with the park authorities.

The Naro Moru route approaches the mountain from the west and is easily the most popular. The trail is well serviced with rest huts and is the fastest way to the peaks. It is however the steepest and climbers vulnerable to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) may experience difficulties. The hike will take 4 days, though you may opt for an additional day at the summit. You start with a fairly steep 5-hour walk from Park Gate to Met Station (3,050 m). This is where you spend the first night and acclimatize to the thinning mountain air.

The next day is the longest and you will walk, under varying terrain, for anywhere between 8 and 10 hours. You spend the night at Mackinders Camp (4,200 m), in the vicinity of the peak area. You really should have an early night on this day. Very early the next morning -2.00 a.m is the usual time- you set out to attempt Point Lenana. The mountain is generally clear in the morning and stormy in the afternoon- so, the idea is for you to ascend and descend the peak when you have good traction. This is the part of the hike where some experience symptoms of altitude related ailments.

It will take you about 5 hours to reach Lenana. Here you must take some photos, to show the folks back home how you fared at the top of God's Mountain. Afterwards, you descend in 3 hours to Mackinders Camp for breakfast. Then ascending back to Teleki Valley via Camel Rocks, you reach Met Station in about 4 hours. The night rest is at Met Station, before the final descent to Park Gate.

The Sirimon route has its base at Nanyuki to the north of the mountain. The route offers easier climbing than the Naro Moru trail and is also more scenic. It normally takes 5 days up and down the mountain. You start with a 3-4 hours walk through rain forest to overnight at Old Moses camp (3,300 m). Next day after breakfast you hike through the moorland and the Liki and Mackinder valleys. You reach Shipton's camp (4,200 m) after a 6-7 hour hike. You spend the night here before setting out very early the next morning to attempt Point Lenana.

The Chogoria route begins at the town of the same name to the west of the mountain. This is the by far most beautiful and scenic of the popular routes. You will enjoy dramatic views of waterfalls, valleys, tarns and rugged rock formations. But the trail is not so popular because it is also the longest and therefore toughest. It will take you 6 days to ascend and descend the mountain. There are no usable service huts along the route and you must carry a tent along. Whichever route you use, you can prolong your enjoyment of these heights by taking a day to do the Summit Circuit Path.

It is important that you take enough water - about 4 to 6 litres daily- to keep dehydration at bay. Dehydration makes you more vulnerable to altitude sickness and hypothermia. Hypothermia is lowering of body temperature and symptoms include clumsiness and disorientation. Victims of the condition need to be quickly provided with a warm and dry environment. At heights above 3,000 m, oxygen levels reduce and altitude sickness stalks the trekker. That is why a fast climb is not advised, as you have no opportunity to acclimatize. The symptoms for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are nausea, headache, fatigue and general malaise. You should always descend to lower altitude with the onset of symptoms.

Other more severe medical conditions that can arise are High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). The coming of HAPE is betrayed by a dry cough and difficulty in breathing. HACE is marked by slurred speech, severe headache and disoriented behaviour. HACE and HAPE are both potentially fatal and you should always descend to lower altitude and seek treatment. To reduce chances of mountain sickness, it is advisable to acclimatize by spending an extra night near Park Gate or at the mountain huts above 4,000 m. If you temper your zeal for the peaks and take a slow sensible hike you will enjoy the adventure and will be all right.

You will generally need a guide and porters so that you can concentrate on the hike. Always go for those who have high altitude experience and are accredited by the park authorities. They will know the routes, and a good one is worth his weight in gold, in event of sickness and other contingencies. The porters shoulder the heavy stuff while you carry a daypack with essentials such warm clothing, fire making capability, some food and drinks, a flashlight and first aid kit.

The stuff you must bring along includes: warm clothing, waterproof hiking boots, rain suit, sleeping bags, flashlights, sunglasses and hand gloves. Many climbers find it expedient to buy a Mount Kenya climbing package in order to take advantage of those with local knowledge. Such a package will include transport, accommodation in the mountain huts, meals while on the climb, park entry fees, services of an experienced mountain guide and porters and cooks.

The main rainy season in the Mount Kenya region falls from late March to June, with secondary rains appearing from late October to December. You can climb the mountain at any time of year but the most comfortable climb is achieved in the dry months of January and February and from July to October.

After your climb, you can relax at some of the excellent hotels and resorts in the Mount Kenya area. Before you leave the country, take to heart the sentiments of the Italian climber Carlo Spinelli, who said: "I consider myself a nature lover more than a mountaineer, and for this reason Kenya has the best of both mountain and wilderness". Take time to see wildlife on a Kenya safari in this region or in other parts of the country.



Article Source:Ezine Articles

Chartering A Private Jet Plane

Air traffic has certainly changed since 911 with higher security, longer lineups, and restrictions that are often hard to comprehend. That's why you need to know the advantage of chartering a private jet plane.

If you are a CEO, executive, or business traveler that's been using commercial airlines I don't need to tell you what a hassle that's become since 911. Never mind what you can't bring along, and then there is all the wasted time before boarding. And then trying to get some work done on the laptop can be touch and go due to confidentiality issues and a snoopy person in the seat beside you. It's enough to make you decide to not go.

The problem is staying home is not an option. Your traveling is an integral part of your successful business. But you do have options and one of those is to charter a private jet plane. There are many advantages to doing that. In fact many corporations already know the advantages which why they spend thousands on chartering a private jet plane for their company.

There are three main reasons to do just that - speed - security - convenience - comfort.

A private jet plane can get you there much faster than a conventional airplane. For example lets look at the Boeing 747 which is one of the fastest consumer airplanes at 550 mph or 880 kph, however there you can charter a private jet plane like the Citation X or Cessna that can do 600 mph which is almost the speed of sound. 50 mph adds up really quickly. Combine that with no wasted time at the airport.

Security is actually tighter for a private jet plane with everyone having to be screened but that also means you don't have to worry about security risks. This is incredibly helpful if you are a politician or a foreign dignitary, or a powerful executive that could be targeted. And the good news is that these are very realistic security checks. No worrying about the nail file with more concern for real threats.

Speaking of speed when you charter a private jet plane you won't be wasting hours standing in a line to check your luggage in and get screened. With a private jet you have your own area to check in and it save a great deal of time.

And then there is comfort. When you charter a private jet plane you can stretch out, relax, or get some serious work done in comfort. Enjoy the finest wine or a great meal depending on how far you are flying. The attendant is at your beck and call and the plane is like your personal office. No cramped feet, no lineup at the washroom, no sore back from sitting in uncomfortable seats.

A private jet plane is the way to travel if you are a frequent traveler that wants to get to their destination safely, quickly, conveniently, and in comfort. And the best news is a private jet plane is more affordable than you might think.


Chartering A Private Jet Plane

Male Stamina Enhancement - Are You Expecting Too Much?

Some men are obsessed with their sexual stamina. Whether it is a result of watching too many adult movies or their unachievable dream of satisfying their over-eager partners, one thing you got to get it straight and that is 'stamina; to a large extent is a relative term. This brings us straight to the question when we talk of male stamina enhancement, what is the yardstick by which you measure 'stamina'? Would we get the answer from women? You may take this up as a market research project and ask 50 women what they think of the right kind of 'stamina'. You would be surprised at the variety of answers you get. You would also be surprised at the kind of worries which men go through when it comes to preventing a premature ejaculation as most of them aspire to win a sexual marathon the next time they make love. Now for the most realistic news - and that is that most independent studies have revealed that the average 'stamina' which a sexually healthy and active man is expected to possess is between two and five minutes. This could be startling news for most men, since the average time a woman takes to reach a successful (and not fake) orgasm is about twenty minutes. Thus if you are within this average range of male stamina or fall short of this time span, you could do well with some male stamina enhancement tools.

Talking about some realistic male stamina enhancement tools, there are several actually. Starting from Kegels' exercises to creams and lotions, there are several products and gadgets available in the market, which promise to make every user a friendly neighborhood Eros. But if you probe a bit deeper, the word 'male stamina' perhaps has a lot to do with your mind, and body and both of them working in perfect harmony and in perfect health conditions. This would naturally bring you to your body upkeep, which can be done perfectly with a balanced diet and regular physical exercise.

When your physical body is in perfect state of health, the mind functions better, your moods are more positive and all this would naturally show in your performance in bed. Some of the factors you need to keep in mind though, when you are thinking of male stamina enhancement are things, which promote its loss. Incidentally, alcohol may trigger desire but it severely hampers performance. A drunken man is a disaster in bed and so is a chain-smoker. To get and sustain an erection you need flexibility of the penile muscles, which can expand, allowing blood to flow in, and this would also affect your stamina during performance. Smoking tightens these muscles, which do not permit muscles to be elastic. Not only does erection suffer, but also stamina and performance.

Having said so far, in case premature ejaculation and lack of male stamina is spoiling your love life, here are some foods which guarantee male stamina enhancement:

1. Red meat, if there is no bar on such items from doctors on health grounds, contains 'complete' proteins and creatinine, which makes us stronger as well as more energetic. It also contains the nutrient coQ10, which is not only good for our heart but also for our sexual health.

2. Fish like Alaskan Salmon, Mackerel, Trout, or Sardines, contain a host of omega-3s, which help you keep good sexual health.

3. Eggs according to many are good to improve overall stamina, including male stamina.

4. Male stamina enhance can be achieved if you have raw and organic milk which are great sources of protein, calcium and vitamin D. These ingredients work wonderfully for developing sex stamina.

5. Nuts like almonds and walnuts, which are full of nutritious Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, fiber, and potassium, along with many other beneficial minerals are good for maintenance of sex health. Other good alternatives to your daily 'snacks' are pecans, macadamias, cashews, and Brazil nuts.



Article Source:Ezine Articles