External Links

External Links

Puzzle Links.

Useful free stuff

Jalbum.

Jalbum is software that will help you quickly build web page media galleries.  Well it is quick after the learning curve.  The program is so customizable it can take some time figure out what you want to do with all the settings.  They also provide skins built by other users.  I have found the classic Chameleon Skin to be the best fit for me.  If there is something you don't like about the layout and want to dig a little, you can change the code for any of the skins and totally customize it!  If you need help with any of the setting, how to use it or help with modifying the code for a skin, check out their forums.  There are a lot of knowledgeable people there that usually answer any question fast and friendly.  What is so amazing about a piece of software that is this good is, IT's FREE. 

Irfan View.

Irfan View is a free photo viewing tool.  Once you get used to it, you may find there is nothing better.  It is updated from time to time so check back and see what new features have been added.  Not only can you view pictures but you can also do basic cropping, resizing etc.  A feature I frequently use is the batch functions for renaming and or resizing.  You have control over a lot with this program when doing batch conversions.

Convert.

Convert is an extremely simple to use convert program.  It has virtually everything in it and works smooth and simple.  I have a permanent shortcut to it on my task bar.  When you want to convert something it is much easier to run Convert than to go looking on teh internet for a converter that does what you need.

AddThis.

AddThis.com offers a button you can place on your web page, blog or social sites.  Clicking the button gives options for bookmarking the page in your favorites or sharing the page with others in a variety of was.  Some options are to email a link to someone, or add a link to any social site the user may have membership on such as MySpace or FaceBook.  Here is an example of the button.
Bookmark and Share  
This is a great way to help generate traffic back to your site by others sharing what they have found there.

General Outdoor

Leave No Trace web site.

If you would like more information on the Leave No Trace concept visit the web site devoted to it.

General Ecology

After looking over the issue of water treatment in the outdoors I decided on the First Need water filter by General Ecology.  I feel it is one the best options out there.  If you would like to know more about the issue of water treatment in the out doors, feel free to check out my paper on Water Treatment Thoughts.

Canyoneering

Canyoneering Yahoo Group

This group is very active.  There are many members with a lot of canyon experience.  This group is a good place to learn, hear current beta, ask questions of experienced canyoneers and network to find potential canyon partners.  If you find you like the sport of canyoneering I suggest joining this group.

Canyoneering USA

Canyoneering USA is run by Tom Jones and offers the CUSA Store, various links to other canyoneering sites and communities and his online Canyoneering Guide.  Tom has written a canyoneering book for the Zion area called Zion: Canyoneering.

The ACA American Canyoneering Association

This site is run by Rich Carlson.  The ACA offers courses ranging from beginner to expert and certified guide status.  There are forums and a calendar.  On the calendar are dates for the courses and other events like canyoneering rendezvous.

Bonnie Kelso - Artist

Bonnie is a friend of mine.  She does some very cool abstract art, some of which is inspired from canyon routes she has done.  She also maintains a blog which includes some of her art and descriptions / accounts of some canyons. 

If you decide to purchase any art from her a portion of the sales go towards organizations that promote environmental conservation.  So not only do you get some cool art you get to help out organizations that work toward keeping areas of land wild so we can enjoy them.

Canyon Name Database

Some canyons are known by more than one name.  This database lists the canyons and the respective aka's.  The database also explains how and when the canyon got its name.  This database only lists names on the Colorado plateau.  It would be nice to see the data base extended one day to other areas.

Canyon Chronicles

Eric maintains a site with lots of cool pictures from canyons.  Well worth looking through if you like seeing canyon photography.  The site and it's pictures are very easy on the eyes.

I met Eric Leifer in Keyhole Canyon in Zion.  I was taking a few friends through for an intro to canyoneering.  After a few emails back and forth Eric took me through Flintstone Canyon.  This was my first introduction to the Mogollon Rim.

Adventure Hikes and Canyoneering in the Southwest

This site is maintained by Christopher Brennen.  On the contents page is a large list of hikes and canyon routes.  His beta contains maps and GPS coordinates.  He is also the author of other books which can be found on the DANKAT Publishing page.

Zion National Park

This site offers a lot of information about Zion and surrounding areas.  Great place for some beta of canyoneering, climbing and hiking routes in and around Zion.  Lots of info here.

Average Joe Road Trips

This site offers information about a lot of canyoneering routes as well as various other fun adventures. There are maps, route descriptions, GPS coordinates and other information for the routes.  Lots of fun stuff here.

Friends

Bonnie Kelso - Artist

Bonnie is a friend of mine.  She does some very cool abstract art, some of which is inspired from canyon routes she has done.  She also maintains a blog which includes some of her art and descriptions / accounts of some canyons. 

If you decide to purchase any art from her a portion of the sales go towards organizations that promote environmental conservation.  So not only do you get some cool art you get to help out organizations that work toward keeping areas of land wild so we can enjoy them.

Sherriff Stone - Ghost Town Owner

Sherriff Stone (Herb Robbins) is a friend of mine who bought the Gold Point Ghost Town a few years back.  He has spent the last several years restoring the town.  There are also plenty of mines in the area if you enjoy that sort of thing.

Every Memorial Day he throws a weekend long party complete with a chili cook off.  He has restored several of the houses and rents them out bed and breakfast style.  He is continually working on restoring other portions of the town.

If you like Ghost Towns, mines or just like hearing about the history of these you should go check the place out.  Herb knows a lot about the area and the history of it.  For contact info etc go to his web site.

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