Depending on the tide, it is a fairly constant 25-27m to the seabed and 18-20m to the upper (starboard) side throughout the dive. The wooden superstructure and planking have all long-since rotted away – though many fragments of planking are still found attached to the iron framework. This leaves a steel hull held together by iron cross-members and, with the decking gone, this allows the Diver to explore both the external features and two deck levels within the wreck itself.
At the Bows there is a large copper ring that once held the bowsprit in place and just in front of this is the ship’s leading curved metal bowsprit support – underneath which was once found the figurehead. Swimming slightly away from the Bows and looking back, it is easy to see the Carnatic’s fine, sleek lines – even today.
From the Bows, the ship gently widens to the main body where, on both sides, lifeboat davits are found – still swung out. These are, however, usually missed by Divers because the preferred route from stem to stern is to enter the vessel and swim between the first two levels of iron framework – a fascinating close-encounter with something built in 1862! We even found a small brass porthole, though I must confess that I covered it with debris so that it would remain in situ for a little while longer – all the others having been removed.
Emerging from this forward section the Diver will then encounter the most severely damaged part of the wreck. Although this is now nothing more than a pile of scrap metal, it does, nevertheless, still provide plenty of scope for exploration and investigation – after all, the “4 cylinder compound inverted engine” is still in there – somewhere.
For many, however, the stern remains the most exciting and interesting part of the entire experience. Within the ship, this section is very similar to the Bows – and once again the Diver is able to swim in between the framework of two deck levels. Deep in the hold I was surprised to find some very old barrels and I could not help but wonder what it was they once contained that has proved to be such a fine “wood preservative” – Brandy? To see the very best aspect of the entire vessel, however, the Diver must come out of the wreck – where, once again, lifeboat davits are found on both sides, and swim right around the stern.
My first reaction on seeing this finely moulded stern, with it’s single row of seven square windows, was that it was reminiscent of Nelson’s day – and that is not a bad comparison. In many ways it is easy to see how traditional styles – evolved over so many years of building wooden ships, had now been adapted into steel. Below the windows, the gracefully rounded stern curves inwards and down towards a magnificent rudder revealing the one feature that certainly was not found in that previous era – namely, the large three-bladed propeller resting on the sand.
After such a long time underwater, it is fairly safe to assume that the Carnatic is likely to remain pretty much as she is for the foreseeable future. She is well colonised by coral, soft corals and her own indigenous population of Vanikoro Sweepers and is probably one of the finest examples of her time to be found anywhere in the world – and well worth the visit.
Should you do so, however, spare but a thought for those who lost their lives.
There are wonderful diving holidays to experience especially when diving in the Maldives. To find out more please visit http://www.divingworld.co.uk/
Posted on 14 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
Peter Pan’s father came from Dumfries – Dumfries and Galloway
For example, the world’s first savings bank, now a museum, was founded by the Rev. Henry Duncan at Ruthwell in 1810. Scotland’s first penny newspaper the Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, was founded in 1843.
Given the vital role that agriculture plays in the regional economy, it’s no surprise that the first successful milking machine with pulsators was invented by a Mr Nicholson of Bombie farm in Kirkcudbright. The inventor then went to work for J. R. Wallace and Co. In nearby Castle Douglas, where the machine was developed for sale to the public. No wonder that the world’s highest-valued ram and bull were sold in the area during the late 20th century! The region is ripe for such agricultural achievements.
Dumfries and Galloway also can lay claim to some of the earliest developments in modern medicine, often ahead of “firsts” claimed by other communities. Europe’s first operation carried out under anesthetic was performed by Dr. Scott at the original Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary on December 19, 1846. This was two days earlier than other claims!
For starters, there’s the land itself. With a population density of only 60 people per square mile, compared with Scotland’s average of 168 per square mile, the region offers plenty of breathing space for those who need a break from urban congestion. What’s more, Dumfries and Galloway have some striking natural features. Its coastline stretches for more than 200 miles, yet it’s also a mountainous are with many peaks higher than 2,000 feet. Among these are “The Merrick” in the West at 2,764 feet and “White Coomb” in the East at 2,696 feet. The region also boasts Scotland’s highest village, Wanlockhead at 1,409 feet, and its most southerly point, The Mull of Galloway. On a clear day, visitors and residents alike can see Ireland, The Isle of Man and Cumbria from Galloway shores.
Another Dumfries inventor was Patrick Millar of Dalswinton. He designed the “Carronade, ” an armament that later helped repel the French Navy. Millar also introduced the threshing mill and drill plough to Scotland.
Speaking of military machines, the world’s first submarine was made in a factory at N. E. 1, Cochrane, Newbie, near Annan in the region. And while we’re underwater, let’s not overlook the contribution of James Anderson of Dumfries, who was the first man to lay transatlantic cables in 1866. On top of the water, Dalswinton Loch near Dumfries was the site of the world’s first steamboat voyage in 1788. Scotland’s famed bard Robert Burns was reputed to have been a passenger on the vessel’s lone voyage.
The best way to see these sights and more around Dumfries and Galloway is to avail oneself of the many charming accommodations around the region. There are dozens of bed and breakfast inns, guesthouses and first-rate hotels waiting to welcome weary travelers. Any of these inns would make a fine base from which to strike out by car, bicycle or on foot to savor the natural pleasures and manmade achievements of the region around Dumfries and Galloway.
For accommodation in Dumfries check this list of Dumfries hotels.
Posted on 14 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
In France there is a high speed train known as train a grande viteese or in short TGV that runs on five main tracks.
The south-east TGV line connects the cities of Avignon, Dijon, Lyon, Nice, Marseille and Perpignon of south east of France and this passes through the French Alps and also has a stop at Geneva in Switzerland.
The TGV Atlantic line connects Paris and the west coast. The stops for this TGV line include the French Basque, La Rochelle, Nantes, the Loire Valley, Toulouse and Bordeaux.
The TGV northern line is linked between Paris and Lille and Calais which are the main towns in northern France.
The most prominent railway line in France called the Eurostar links Paris and London and it travels via the Channel Tunnel with stops at Lille, Calais and Ashford in Kent.
TGV Thalys is the high speed track which makes it easy for the travellers to move between some principal cities of Europe such as Brussels, Cologne and Amsterdam and France.
Since the high speed train travel service has largely improved in the last few years, travelling via Paris is no longer a mandatory feature while travelling between provincial cities in France. For instance the TGV line between Lyons and Nantes is direct now. So is with Bordeaux and Lilles and too many other cities.
While in service the TGV usually runs at a speed of 280-300km p/h with a record speed of 515km p/h.
Securing a train ticket in France is a complicated affair as it involves numerous special offers for the European and the non-European nationals. For a non-European national a pass known as Eurailpass is provided that allows one to travel for over a 2-week period but this pass costs more in France than in other countries where it can be bought 30% cheaper.
The French high speed TGV train is proof of the competence of France’s railway directors. To learn more about alternative methods of travel, such as Driving rules in France please follow the hyperlinks.
Posted on 14 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
To save your budget and your spending money for shopping, dining and Broadway shows find affordable airfare to New York City.
When you are searching for the cheapest (safe) place to sleep in New York City or hoping to save some money yet still stay at New York’s luxury hotels, you’ve come to the right place because Daily Flock will have deal packages.
At the historic hotel branch of Lindy’s you can taste New York’s famous cheesecake, or you can see an urban oasis on the East Side, where natural materials create the dcor while organic ingredients impart the fare or stay near Giants Stadium at this cozy yet convenient New Jersey hotel.
The most wonderful time of the year is winter in New York City. There are excellent rates and many winter activities. You will love the great post-holiday shopping deals, skate at the famous ice rink at Rockefeller Center or swim in the indoor cultural experience at the Brooklyn Aquarium or any of NYC’s great museums.
Take advantage of Bloomingdale’s shopping package “shop till you drop” package with excellent deals, like a $50 gift card, facial, 15% savings card and more.
There are some fantastic options for vacation packages in New York City. New York vacation packages can include deals & discounts, packaged and add-on products such as special tours, sightseeing or dining, spa treatments, holiday packages and even all-inclusive packages. Some of the deals come from the London NYC Hotel and Park Central Hotel area.
As you can see from these few examples there can be a great deals package for NYC and Daily Flock makes sure you have the best discounts.
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Posted on 14 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
Vietnam is the most affordable International travel destinations for tourists around the globe. Throughout the year several tourist visit this place and get pleasure from their vacation with fully totally different packages offered by travel agencies. If you wish convenient traveling together with your family and friends then travel agents will better assist you. Vietnam Travel agents provide merchandise and services related to the traveling airlines, buses, cars, coastal transport, accommodation, sightseeing tours and different things that can embody in vacation packages of Vietnam. These agents organize traveling for family, friends, giant & little teams and even business travelers can benefit by hiring these agents which are working as traveling agencies round the world.
They offer holiday packages on behalf of varied companies that give products and services for travelers. Travel agents get services from these firms and provide at cheap prices to totally different people round the world.
Travel agents are experienced individuals and they will recommend you higher tourist places in your selected destination. As they’re operating in traveling trade from several years so they supply nice deals and completely different services. When you’re hiring A That Vietnam Travel agent then should think regarding these points that can surely profit you.
Do proper analysis: Analysis is best plan to search out a good Vietnam T.A.; you will speak to your friends or alternative people who have used their services before. Web is a convenient choice to search out an appropriate agent who will serve you better quality and on many websites you can additionally see their feedback or testimonials for surety of their quality services. It’s a necessity to seek out a travel agent who understands your needs and personal wants with a travel agency.
Check their license: A licensed agency can provide best deals and rates for you. That Vietnam Travel agent that is licensed with AS-TA can offer a lot of upper services then others. You can check their profile online and can additionally raise the question from them like how long you’re providing the services.
Check your vacation package: You have got several affordable packages and you will be able to communicate your required services in your tour package. You can add the features in step with you and can get a whole package which offers everything to make your holidays extra convenient. You’ll rise for luxury traveling with buses, cars, or luxury hotels or no matter which most closely fits you is obtainable by these agents. Raise their prices for various services and compare them with different agencies too. Be clear concerning your needs from them and lift what all they’ll provide you.
You will be ready to appreciate a Vietnam agent on-line and you will notice several big agencies are giving their services for tourists which come back to get pleasure from their vacations at this awesome place. Attempt to choose out a best travel agent which will serve your needs of traveling, accommodation, overseas traveling and various desires which will build your vacations additional colorful and comfortable. Vietnam is place where people enjoying day and night life in addition, here you can notice actual lifestyle in beaches and high mountains. Vietnam travel agents provide different tour packages for each tourist.
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Posted on 13 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
Being called a third wheel isn’t generally a compliment. It usually means you aren’t wanted. But when you own a fifth wheel, everyone will want to be around you and travel with you. Fifth wheels are one of the roomiest RVs on the market with plenty of space and privacy for all.
Fifth wheels offer space with elevated ceilings that reach higher than other models of RVs. Slide-outs, up to five of them, depending on the model, give even more space, about three feet for each slide-out. Top of the line models can be as custom as you like with uniquely designed cabinetry and furnishings.
While ceiling height helps, the 21-40 feet of length is what gives the fifth wheel a reputation for luxury accommodations. Queen and king size beds help make this RV feel like home. Up to eight people fit comfortably, so pack in family and friends for a trip to the local golf tournament or travel across the border for a summer or winter get-away.
The price tag may not seem cheap, but with quality comes cost. $20,000 hits the low end for fifth wheels while a million can easily be reached depending on the amount of custom work that’s done to the RV. However, the unique features of the fifth wheel, like the convenient bedroom or living room that stretches over the truck bed, offer additional space or private retreats.
Versatility is a key feature of fifth wheels. When RVs can be hard to maneuver around town or out for day excursions to museums, bowling alleys and more, the fifth wheel can be unhitched and left behind.
After a rough day playing, relax in a custom shower, or pull back the sheets to your queen sized bed. Let the kids watch a movie on the state-of-the-art entertainment system while dinner cooks or you take a romantic walk with your significant other. Dreams are made in fifth wheels.
Traditional fifth wheels needed a sturdy rig for carting them around, but newer lightweight models can be hitched to a half ton truck. Luxury isn’t lost in the new models; they are just a little more aerodynamic.
Fifth wheels are for those who like a little class on the road. A fifth wheel is more than a vehicle for getting from point A to point B, fifth wheels are a home on wheels. In fact, they are a lot more luxurious than a one room apartment in New York City. Visit all the places on your top twenty travel list and do it in style with a fifth wheel.
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Posted on 12 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
Feb 25th, The year 2010 11:05 PST
Closing results from an independent opinion poll attained by Letsflycheaper show there are rewards to the Mile High club and that about 24% of men and women flirt on a regular bases every time they fly oversea.
Very conveniently Air New Zealand currently offers the “Skycouch”. This allows you to transform a row of 3 flight seats in to one bed. This is likely one of the first coach lie-down beds in more than 20 years. You simply cannot however get a single one; you need to purchase 3 together and then you get the third with a small discount. The mattress allows two adults to lay completely flat; the 3rd one can possibly watch or maybe find some good pretzels.
The relatively cheap international flights in Economy class has been lacking much comfort if you compare this to the Business class cabin, but with this particular new idea individuals with a budget can now be comfortable too. Especially if you have cheap international flights long hauls like the 14 hour flight from the US.
74% of people who voted in Letsflycheaper’s opinion poll, stated they would definitely pay some extra for some additional comfort, of which 54% said that that’s only going to happen with their partners. A quarter stated that they would just stay in the back with the rest of the people that are more frugal with their money. Overall this shows Air New Zealand has got a winner with cheap international flights that are now more comfy.
Ramon Van Meer, Letsflycheaper co-founder and director stated the following:
“Very unexpected to see this many people being ok with sharing with strangers they just met and we applaud Air New Zealand for this fresh new idea. This could be the new way of meeting your potential ex spouse”.
About Letsflycheaper:
Letsflycheaper is the leading travel consolidator based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Letsflycheaper provides very competitive quotes for cheap international flights for over 28 years to nearly any destination in the world from the United States. With Letsflycheaper callers don’t have to worry for paying too much for cheap international flights. Letsflycheaper especially focuses on Last minute cheap flights and also for more difficult flights when you have multiple stops.
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Posted on 12 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
In high school, students are given opportunities that will shape who they are and help them to become the very best. One of those programs is the international program for students. This is a program that allows high school aged kids to go to another country and attend school for a semester. While some students want to do this, many parents want to know of the importance of international program for students. Let us help you to understand.
One of the first things that high school students gain from this sort of experience is that they are able to look at the place in which they live and find why they love it so much. They get to see how other places differ. This way they recognize all the great things they have.
One of the major things they will learn first hand is the governmental systems. Each government system is different. Some are different for the good. Others are different for the worse. They can see these and they also get to see how these governments affect the people in which they govern.
They get to see the differences in the school system. While some school systems are great, there are some that are really not on top of the game. They do not benefit those students who have to learn with this system. They get to see how those students thrive and survive.
International students at an independent high school are immersed with a new culture. They learn to speak as the natives speak. They go to different events that they might or might not know much about. They will be a part of this culture and are expected to assimilate as best as possible. This can be a great challenge, but as they learn to adjust they get to have an open mind about things.
They will learn to accept other cultures. This is something that we don’t teach our children enough of. They are taught to see the negatives in people and not the positives. With doing this program at a preparatory school, they have a chance in which they can see both. Not every society is bad. You can learn a few things from other cultures and this is how they can learn to do so.
They are on their own so they have to keep their head above water. They have a host family, but the host family is not there to raise them. They are there to give them food and shelter and act as the person that they go to when it comes to legal matters and such, but they are put into this situation where they have to learn everything and make it on their own.
Above all, they get to see and go someplace which many people miss the chance on. They are put in a one on one learning situation. They will learn how to do things differently. They will interact with people that they never thought they would have the chance to interact with. That is what this program is all about. It’s giving student the opportunity to stand up for their country, but to learn from another.
Attending the best Toronto private schools is greatly beneficial to students later in life, especially regarding prospective scholarships. Alternatively, your education may also be enriched through an efficient and practical Toronto prep school.
Posted on 11 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
Just like birds flocking south for the winter, many people choose winter as a good time to make their way to warmer climate. The US highways get very busy with students, snowbirds and sports nuts hitting the blacktop to get themselves from one part of the country to another. Consider these safety tips to keep yourself safe during winter travel.
If you will be driving, get your car checked out. The last thing you want to have happen is to have your car break down and to get stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. Make sure all the fluid levels are at manufacturer’s specifications, inspect the tires for proper inflation and tread depth, and have the battery checked. If it’s been awhile since your last tune up, have that done before you hit the road. Also, signing up for roadside assistance is a good idea.
Being comfortable driving in snow is very important if you want to avoid getting in a serious accident. Although the city does its best to get snow and ice off the road so drivers can travel safely, they can only do so much. There is a good chance you’ll be on the road when it starts to snow so you need to be able to get through it. Mostly, you’ll want to know how to deal with skidding. The proper way to handle a skid is to turn the car in the direction you want it to go while avoiding braking. Braking often contributes to the skid.
You always want to stay on top of the weather from both where you are starting and where you are ending. Plan your route and then research weather conditions using online tools. Give an itinerary of your trip to an emergency contact just in case the unthinkable happens and you do not make it to where you were going. This will give emergency services a starting place to look should they need to come searching for you.
Don’t leave home without a travel kit. Your travel pack should have a basic first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a knife, a compass, a tow rope, jumper cables, kitty litter to help aid traction, ice scraper, water, extra blankets, non-perishable food, matches, portable radio and de-icer. Also, you’ll need to bring your cell phone as well as the charger that comes with it.
In addition to eating well before you set out, you want to carry food and water with you in case you get stranded. Keep about one day’s worth of food and at least 6 bottles of water in the car with you. Don’t put it in the truck as it is more likely to freeze there.
You are working harder to get through the snow so take frequent breaks. Try to stop at least once per hour to hour and half so you can stretch your legs and clear your mind. Even a five minute break is enough to refresh you to continue the journey.
Winter travel can be fun and exciting. However, if you are unprepared the trip could turn into a nightmare. Avoid this by taking the time to bring together all the tools you’ll need for a safe trip. Use common sense, take your time and enjoy the ride.
CAA Travel Discounts offered by a respectable auto club in Canada. Find out how to obtain a CAA car insurance in order to enjoy the benefits. Find New York City vacation packages today!
Posted on 11 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.
Postal code and route mapping in Canada is a little different from that of the States. In fact, they are undergoing a change in the way they handle their street addresses. One example of this, is in the Burlington area. Most of this area is a part of Rural Route #2 Milton, and Rural Route #6 Milton, and then still Rural Route #3 Campbellville for their mail delivery.
But, while this is true, these areas all still have an address that is a Burlington street address. This fact has caused many to suffer having their mail incorrectly reflect them living in the wrong location. It has made delivery very difficult and confusing. It has also been the cause of loss of access to emergency services. So they decided to change the postal identifier to Burlington so the rural areas will get the same type of mail delivery as everyone else in Burlington.
They began the process of fixing this problem in 2005. Local counselors and Parliament members met with people from the Canada Post and work on a solution to this confusing problem. They had to create brand new postal codes for the rural areas within the Burlington system. Their proposal for their solution did not get approved until 2009.
The postal codes in Canada are managed by the CPC, or the Canada Post Corporation. They provide a link between the codes and their standard Canadian geographic locations to make it easier to use the data. The associations between the standard geographic areas are used for mapping, data retrieval, analysis, or profiling.
The search for solutions to the Canadian postal code problems, led to the development of geocoding. This is a process, that assigns geographic identifiers, or codes, to data records and map features. This allows for data to be linked directly to geography. The intent for postal codes, originally, was to help sort mail quickly and easily, and make delivery more efficient through address verficiation software.
Within the postal code, are indicators for where the delivery is to be made. This could be to a residential mail box, a super box, or a post office box. Also within the code, are the CPC processing facilities and the delivery installations. The first three code characters indicate the FSA, or forward sortation area. This represents a specific area that lies within a larger geographic region.
You can find maps available from the CPC that will show the organizational area that is represented by an FSA. Letter carrier walk maps, or LCWs, usually found on the internet concerning urban deliveries, provide FSA boundaries in relation to road networks. They can be much more helpful than FSA maps for determining FSA boundaries.
Postal code and route mapping in Canada has undergone a lot of change as they try to improve the efficiency of the whole process. It can really get confusing, and it is very hard to understand without some careful study. Postal codes by themselves are not good enough to get an exact location for the service area of the postal code. But the general area can be located by using the FSA.
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Posted on 11 March '10, under Travel. No Comments.