Category Archives: General

World Renowned Hikes in Utah

Have you ever seen stunning pictures in National Geographic and wished you could visit those far away fairy tale lands? Well if you are anywhere in North America you need not to wish for some vacation that would cost you all of your life savings. Utah has some of the most stunning locations in the world and the hikes take you right into the heart of these incredible landscapes. Here are some of the most well known and worth while hikes.

Angels Landing

This incredible hike has stunning views, terrifying cliffs, and some of the most incredible hiking known to man. It is located in Zion National Park and is a short 5 miles. That isn’t to say that it isn’t rather difficult, as the vertical climb is about 1500 feet, but the overall distance keeps it from being overly strenuous. The Angels Landing hike starts at the Groto Picnic area. Hikers cross the Virgin River and follow the West Rim Trail towards and them up a rather large cliff face.

Once the switchbacks have been climbed there is a nice one mile stretch through Refrigerator Canyon. This tall and thin canyon stays in the shade all day except at noon, so temperatures are refreshing. To climb out of the canyon another set a switchbacks needs to be climbed, that then lead to Scout Lookout. The views are incredible and at this point hikers split away from the West Rim trail and traverse the narrow Angels Landing trail to the final point. This portion of the trail can be dangerous if one does not hold to the chains and follow safety precautions. Everyone who hikes it confirms that it looks far more dangerous and scary than it really is, and that the views at the end are totally worth the fear factor. These views and this portion of the trail are what makes it world renowned, and so highly recommended.

Delicate Arch

This hike leads to one of the most world famous arches in existence. Located in Arches National Park you can view the arch just 100 yards from the asphalt. Some people enjoy this view, as they have many other things planned and little time to complete their vacation to do list, but with the hike being just over 1 mile each way this is a hike that is a no brainer.

Photographers and artists love to visit this location as their perceptions and abilities to portray the arch can lead one to see many different angles and visions of its beauty. Keep in mind that spring and fall are the best times to make the trek due to the heat of summer and the chance of uncomfortably cold weather in the winter. Don’t forget to see the Native American rock art that is just to the side of the trail head.

Calf Creek Falls

Calf Creek Falls is the major feature of the BLM’s Calf Creek Recreation Area. The trail meanders through cliff faces streaked with color from run off rich with minerals. Beaver damns litter the creek and fill its winding bends with small ponds. Additional beauty is found throughout the canyon with many Native American rock art features.

The trial has a round-trip distance of 5 1/2 miles. This is an easy stroll as there is little elevation gain, but most of the trail is covered in sand. This makes it a little more difficult than your average walk in the park. Do keep in mind that the summer months can get especially hot, and if you decide to brave the weather keep lots of drinking water on hand. There is a pool at the base of the falls that many hikers take a dip in before their return hike, making it well worth the summer trip.

Visiting any of these three hikes is well worth the time and the trip. There are many more hikes and places to visit within Utah that hold a status of world fame, just take some time to research a few more activities to create the vacation of a life time.

Meco Series 4100 Model 4106 Square Utility Charcoal Grill

There are many fancier barbecues on the market but the Meco Series 4100 is the little grill that will offer you an honest charcoal experience each time you use it. The sales of gas grills have risen dramatically in recent times, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value in using more traditional cooking methods. Some people prefer to use charcoal anyways because it delivers a distinct flavor that can’t be replicated when using propane or natural gas. The Meco Series 4100 is the prototypical charcoal barbecue and it’s not going to break any boundaries in terms of features or design. In fact, it’s one of the most basic barbecues on the market but sometimes that fits with more traditional cooking styles.

The grill itself is sturdily constructed and many people have reported owning a barbecue in this series for at least five years. Construction is relatively simple as long as you follow the instructions that come with the barbecue itself. And once you have it up and running there won’t be any complaints in terms of grill space or the way the design funnels heat throughout the entire barbecue. You can get a really great oven effect by closing the heavy lid and using the bottom placed vents to ensure that the fire doesn’t die out. The grill can also be lowered or raised in three separate positions depending on what type of food you are cooking.

One of the most attractive features about this traditional charcoal grill is the price, and don’t be surprised if you find one for around $70. That’s a really great price for a long-lasting product that can potentially cook food that is just as delicious as anything prepared on a $500 grill. The Meco 4100 is also a better choice than the most basic Meco product in the line because it comes with two side tables that offer more space for you to work with. Overall, this is one of the simplest charcoal grills on the market and even though it is not exactly portable, it will do the job just fine if you are planning a great backyard barbecue.

CAD Drafter Job Training

Improvement in information and communication technology has revolutionized professions such as architecture, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering in a big way. Computer Aided Design, also known as doing CAD drafting jobs, entails the use of a computer system to come up with schematic drawings of building, roads and bridges amongst others. There are a number of drafting technology schools that have been setup to train those individuals interested in CAD architectural drafting jobs both locally and internationally.

Subjects taught in these schools incorporates both manual and computer aided drafting, i.e. 2D and 3D technology, residential and commercial drafting. After successfully graduating with a degree, you can be eligible to work as a drafter, CAD operator in aerospace, architecture and government, and as a detailer.

Listed below are technical institutions that offer a course in computer aided design or as a drafter.

CDM Institute: The institute offers numerous courses on the latest CAD and CNC computer programming techniques that you may not find in other training institutes. It has been fully certified to offer training on AutoDesk where as a student you stand the chance to be trained in AutoDesk products such as Architectural Desktop and Inventor. CNC programming courses have been specially designed for students wishing to work in the manufacturing or machining industries.

Florida Technical College: The institute offers degrees in Computer Drafting and Design that aims at equipping you with the needed knowledge to be proficient in mechanical, civil and architectural CAD drafting.

Herzing University: Students at this university are trained in architectural, civil and mechanical CAD drafting skills such as AutoCAD, drafting methods and techniques and hands-on training in fields that may incorporate electrical systems.

Brown Mackie College: The main objectives of the courses offered at this institution are to prepare those graduating with entry level requirements in CAD operations.

Maintaining the Horse Trailer

If you’ve ever owned a horse trailer then you know just what type of maintenance is needed to keep it in working order and safe for your equine friends to ride in. However, I have found many people who really don’t understand the necessity of routine maintenance. Horrible trailering accidents can easily be prevented with simple routine upkeep of the horse trailer. Hinges can break causing the door to swing open, possibly letting the horse fall out into traffic. I’ve seen accidents caused by flooring giving way or tires blowing out. While accidents can happen at any time, lowering the odds with proper maintenance is really easy to do. One of the best horse gifts that you can give to give your horse is a safe trailer to ride in.

If you’re not mechanically inclined there are many trailer servicing places in most metro areas that you can take your trailer into for a good once over. It doesn’t have to be a big fancy garage. In fact, one of the best places around here is a little Mom and Pop garage just past the place that always has the cheap draft horses for sale. There are some really basic things to have checked out. Checking that the wiring and trailer brakes are working properly is a must. Having the floor boards checked out is also a must. Most places are very good at getting the mats back in place correctly. They can also check the brake bearings and the tire tread and pressure. A good garage will check for rust and will offer to repair it for an extra fee. They will go over all the hinges and lube them if needed or repair them if they’re damaged. Checking the welds and outer shells for breaks, rust, or damage is often included in the basic service, though fixing such problems might entail an extra fee. Whatever garage you use, getting the routine yearly maintenance checks can end up saving your horse’s life.

Illinois Pocket Watch History

In a grand building standing on many acres, the Illinois Springfield Watch Company was born. The year was 1869. The man: J.C. Adams. Adams founded the company based on industry and a vision for the future. Springfield was a booming town and Adams, among others felt it was the perfect place for pocket watch manufacturing.

The first company directors included J. T. Stuart, once a partner of Abe Lincoln, a bank president named Williams, a local merchant named Miller and others. The Illinois Springfield Watch Company began production in 1872, however, things were not in full swing until around 1875. They initially produced key-wound watches and later, a line of fine railroad pocket watches as well.

The company reorganized twice, due in part to financial issues. By 1885, they had become the Illinois Watch Company. The company produced many a pocket watch, not all under the Illinois label. They brought us names like Burlington, Santa Fe, Plymouth and Washington, all produced by Illinois but sold by different means and various exclusive retailers.

The last pocket watch in the Illinois tradition was made in 1932. the Hamilton pocket watch company had purchased the Illinois Watch company in 1927, continuing to manufacture true Illinois. However, after 1932, Hamilton was producing watches with the Illinois label that were technically Hamilton pocket watches.

Just because the Illinois pocket watch ceased production in 1932 does not mean a collector can not still find them today. There are many classic Illinois pocket watches in excellent condition available for sale. Antique dealers, pocket watch guide websites and even ebay are great places to find them. As any collector knows, don’t expect them to come cheap, as antiques never do. The purchase price is going to be dependent on the pocket watch condition, model and year of production (age). The most important any collector or buyer should ensure is that the watch they are buying is authentic. Ask for proof. Any reputable pocket watch seller will be more than happy to meet this request.