Gourmet Campfire Cooking for the campground

 

 Written by Abby Johnson

Cooking on the campfire has for many years been a popular way
to cook great-tasting food with a minimum of hassle. It’s quite
a tradition for families to pack coolers with burgers and steaks
and get ready to grill them on an open fire. The taste of food
cooked on the flames can be exquisite, and many people from all
walks of life enjoy it. Today, the kind of camping activity
isn’t much different than the kind done in the past, and while
some people have replaced the campfire with modern stoves or
other implements, nothing can really compare to an open fire.
That’s why it’s remained popular despite its very ancient
roots. People are using the campfire to cook an ever-larger
assortment of foods and finding different ways to do it.

Our very distant ancestors probably discovered the virtues of
cooking on the campfire when they realized that the taste of
their food could be improved when it was heated and cooked. It
wasn’t much of a leap from there to hold food over the fire to
cook it, and that’s where campfire cooking came from. It
probably took many attempts and failures before the practice
became well-established, and eventually people worked out the
best way to do it. Since then, campfire cooking has become a
lot more sophisticated, while staying true to its roots.
Nowadays it’s possible to cook all sorts of different meats,
steam vegetables, and boil water to cook other foods over the
fire. Whole meals can be prepared on the flames.

Gourmet Campfire Cooking

Really, almost any kind of food can be prepared in the
outdoors. It’s just a matter of knowing how. But the best part
is that it’s not hard to do at all. Some flame-cooked foods are
so delicious they would have a gourmet chef salivating—and they
take very little effort to prepare. On campgrounds today, it
wouldn’t be out of the question to whip up a delicious filet
mignon with an accompaniment of stuffed potatoes. People are
learning how to steam vegetables on the campfire and how to
give meat that perfect charred taste. It’s not going to be long
before many more people discover how versatile the simple
campfire really is for cooking.

There’s been a big evolution in cooking on the fire. An
exciting development in the art of campfire cuisine has been
preparing deserts, not just main courses. You can make tasty
cherries jubilee as well as a number of other delicious deserts
using the flames. Campfire cooking is no longer only the domain
of seasoned campers “roughing it.” It’s going to become a lot
more mainstream in the future, and it will beckon those with
gourmet inclinations to try some new recipes. It will be
interesting to see how the cuisine evolves even further than it
has already.


About The Author: Abby Johnson is a staff writer at
http://www.lifestylegazette.com and is an occasional
contributor to several other websites, including
http://www.family-review.com.

Global Warming: The Cosmic MicrowaveAuthor: Gabriel Adams

 

 

Global warming is the heating up of the earth’s temperatures.
This has been studied in great detail during recent times and
scientists are trying to find ways to slow down or stop global
warming.

 
The main issue with global warming is how off balance it will
throw the world. With the temperatures steadily getting hotter
and hotter it can start to melt the icecaps and let harmful UV
rays from the sun in. These effects will cause massive damage
to the earth and the way we live life.

Before you get scared of all this you should know there are
solutions. The first solution comes in the form of fossil
fuels. We use gasoline and diesel to power our cars, boats,
planes, trains and most any moving vehicle we have. The problem
comes when the fossil fuel is being burned and the exhaust hits
the atmosphere effectively destroying it. This also applies to
homes, businesses, and anything that requires electricity.

The best way to fight these negative effects is by using
alternative fuel sources. By using these alternative fuels we
are helping fight the effects of global warming while still
proving the power we need.

If global warming isn’t stopped it could lead to some
disastrous problems we will face in the world. Imagine having
to wear sun block just to get your mail or for a quick run to
the grocery store.

Not all of the problems associated with global warming are
caused by us. Volcanoes are also helping to cause this warming
effect on the earth. However, we cannot prevent a volcano from
erupting.  What we need to do is take action against the little
things that humans personally cause to create global warming. If
everyone takes small steps it will help us all make a big leap
in preventing global warming in the future.


About The Author: Learn more about The Greenhouse effect at
http://greenhouseeffect.typepad.com/

[global warming]

 

Campground Recreational Vehicle Parks - A Great Holiday Option
Topic: Hiking

by Susan Dean

Wow, it is nearly holiday time again and the whole family is starting to get a little restless. What we need is to get away for a while and see some of our magnificent country. As we are owners of an RV we can do exactly that without it being too expensive. We as a family love to head off around the country and stay in campground recreational vehicle parks. We also like to just stop off somewhere remote and camp as well but mostly we like the atmosphere of a park.

These campground recreational vehicle parks have so much to offer. For a start you feel more secure than when camping out on your own, you have the use of their facilities, some of them are even like mini resorts. We get to meet so many different types of people which are always interesting, and the kids get to play with other children.

It is such a wonder experience to travel by road as you get to see so many things that you would not ordinarily see. Some people think that this type of holiday is not relaxing enough but I would disagree whole-heartedly. How can you not say that finding a beautiful private lagoon or a hidden valley is not relaxing? Sitting down with your family all alone seeing countryside that is basically untouched is to me very relaxing.

Ok, so you do have to drive a fair bit of the time but the scenery that you see makes up for it all and then of course you arrive at one of the many campground recreational vehicle parks and what else do you do but relax. In fact you don't have to go to lots of these parks in one vacation. Lots of people have their favorite ones and go there and spend their whole vacation in the one place just relaxing.

To travel like this does not mean that you have to own your own RV or camper like we do because you can rent one if you like. In fact it is a good idea to do just this first if you are thinking of buying one. Then you can see if you really like this type of holiday traveling around the countryside.

I know lots of people who like to travel with friends or family in a sort of convoy. This way they have company while traveling. They all end up at the same park and continue on with their vacation as a group. Of course there are others who prefer absolute privacy and stick to themselves. This is really a very personal thing. But the good news is that this type of vacation suits everyone.

It's funny how when you travel like this you become very relaxed and sometimes forget to be cautious. Just because you are on holiday does not mean that you should forget to be safety conscious. By this I mean make sure you lock your RV or camper when not in attendance. Don't leave valuables lying around, as you never know who is lurking around ready to pry on unsuspecting happy holiday goers.

Other than this, enjoy your time away camping whether alone or at one of the many campground recreational vehicle parks. I know my family and I will.

About the Author

Susan Dean is a successful webmaster and publisher of http://www.bestrvguide.info/ She provides lots of handy hints and advice on recreational vehicles at her web site.

[hiking camping]

Expedition kayaking in the western states
Topic: Hiking

Upper Cherry Creek - www.eddyflower.com   by Nick Wigston

We have been driving around California for about two weeks now, paddling some of the steepest creeks in the state. It is July, so the snowmelt is trickling away. We spend some days driving to rivers only to find no water, while others are spent exploring some of the most beautiful granite canyons on earth.

After several weeks of sleeping on the ground, and paddling class V rivers every day, our energy levels are running low. The anticipation of running the next river on our list drives us on. For Sean, Jared, and me, expedition kayaking fuels our lives. Most people live to make money, buy a nice house, a nice car, and live in the suburbs. We live to kayak.

The time has come to put the icing on the cake. We are ready to take on the ultimate High Sierra creek. Upper Cherry Creek is a three-day expedition stacked with big waterfalls and long, fast granite water slides. Upper Cherry is at a perfect water level and not more than an hour from Yosemite, our current location. We load up the car and head for Cherry Lake, the take out for the creek.

We ride in silence as we think about our upcoming adventure. The rumors and horror stories of past trips run through our minds. There have been tales of long arduous hikes and portages, and stories of paddling through huge bare, smooth granite canyons, littered with big drops. We have been told stories of the infamous Cherry Bomb Gorge, whose steep walls and technical rapids allow no escape, except by river. The stories put a feeling of fear into all of us. It makes our stomachs feel like lead weights. Overcoming that fear by conquering an adventure so long and difficult sends a warm tremendous pride through one's body. This pride drives us to attempt such journeys.

 

"I heard it's a pretty good hike to the put-in," says Jared with a sly grin.

"It can't be too bad since so many other people have done it," I say doubtfully.

"Let's get it done," exclaims Sean, "I'm not scared of a little hike."

We arrive at Cherry Lake, the take-out, midday on July 2nd. It is about 90 degrees out, perfect hiking weather. We find the trailhead and begin getting our rations together for the three-day expedition.

The crux section on Upper Cherry Creek: Cherry Bomb gorge, with 40-foot Cherry Bomb Falls at the top.

After a half hour of sweating in the California sun, we see a truck pull up. A couple of bearded, sun-baked paddlers look out the window at us. Surprisingly enough, Jared knows the driver.

"Are you guys going to run this?" he asks his friend.

"We just took out," Says the driver. "Can't you tell? You guys are in for the adventure of a lifetime. I hope you all have yak-packs because that hike will kick your ass if you don't."

"How far is it?" I ask.

"Twelve miles over that mountain," He replies. A look of distress crosses all of our faces. "Make sure you start early in the morning because it will take all day. Don't hike alone cause you'll get lost. When you get to a fork in the trail near a big granite hill, head to the right. Once you're on the river, you'll run into a series of fast technical slides with big hydraulic holes. The river mellows out until you reach the first gorge. There's some good shit in there. When you reach a tree across the river, you are approaching Cherry Bomb Gorge. Get out on river left and scout the whole gorge. There is an amazing campsite at the base of the gorge. That is all I can tell you now."

After hearing details of the hike and the two days of extreme kayaking, we decided to get a good night sleep and begin our trek in the morning. We spend the rest of the day hanging out by the lake rigging our not so state of the art kayak carrying systems. I strap my snowboarding backpack to my boat and put it on my back so it sits sideways. The weight of the boat along with three days of gear is going to be painful. I walk around a bit to test out my new rig. I have to be careful not to hit any trees with the ends of my boat, which protrude three and a half feet to either side of me. I wonder if I will be too wide for the trail.

A few hours later, an injured character walks up from around the lake. It's Forrest Noble with his arm in a sling and a huge grin on his face. "Hey guys," Says Forrest.

"What happened to you?" asks Jared.

"I ran the last thirty footer and dislocated my shoulder," says Forrest still with a big grin.

As we chat, Gary, Ethan, Gordon, and the rest of our crew from Colorado paddle up to the boat ramp. We hang out with them for a few hours listening to stories from their trip. We heard everything from how horrible the hike was to how sick the creek was to how beautiful the canyon and all of the gorges were. They told stories of carnage and near drownings, foot and shoulder injuries, and how much fun it really was. All these stories put fear into our hearts, but made us even more eager to start our own expedition.

As the sun slowly rises the next morning, we all know that it is time to start our journey. We pack our things and drive to the trailhead only to see our friends from Oregon, Eric, Ben, Brett and the Knight others. Everyone packs their gear in relative silence, anticipating the strenuous hike that lies ahead.

Day One: The 12-mile hike to the put in, through Styx Pass

I knew I had to get started with the hike or I would lag behind. I pick up my seventy-pound boat, which is precariously strapped to my backpack, and take the first of many steps on the way to the put-in. After a couple of miles I am still at the middle of the group. My shoulders are already in pain and I am starting to wonder if this was such a good idea. I see a nice tree to stand my boat against and take a rest with Devon and Ryan Knight. It seems like a good time to munch on the power bars I have in my snack bag. We sit, and eat, and we start to realize how long this hike is really going to be.

"Nick, where's your paddle?" asks Ryan.

"It's right the......where is it?" I reply. "I must have left it at the last rest stop." I immediately sprint back about a mile to where I last remembered having my paddle. I come around a corner and see it sitting there. I am now officially at the back of the line. I make it back to my boat and continue hiking. I am now alone and will be for the remainder of the hike.

The trail leads me up and over Styx Pass, and offers some of the most spectacular views in California. I look out from the top of the pass and see miles of naked granite domes speckled with trees. I can see Cherry Creek from here. It is far away. I can see a gorge containing several waterfalls. Though small they look, I know how big they will be when we are in there. I think I am about half way now, and my legs, back, neck, arms, stomach, and everything else attached to my body are all getting very fatigued. The end of my boat has been hitting me in the ankles for about four hours now, and I am starting to get very aggravated. "Why are you doing this to me?" I ask my boat. Gus answers by banging my heel once again. "That's it, one more time and I am going to throw you into the canyon." He hits my ankle once again. I don't come through with my threat. I just keep trucking, up, trying desperately to reach the top.

I finally reach the top of the peak only to see the top of the next peak. A feeling of defeat starts to creep up inside me. "Damnit Wigston, why are you doing this to yourself?" I ask myself.

"It's going to be worth it. Just keep going," my conscience answers.

"This is the stupidest thing I have ever done," I say out loud. "There is no way any river could be worth this torture."

"Just keep going we are almost there."

"I sure hope so, because I am out of water, and Sean has the Iodine." At this point I had already filled my water bottle with water from a little stream I had found. I figured if I got Giardia, it wouldn't kick in for another two weeks. By then I would be home and it wouldn't matter, because I could just go to the doctor and get some drugs.

Just then I stumble on a sign that says "Cherry Spring". I look around and see a stream of muddy water. I follow the stream to its source and find a pipe sticking out of the ground with crystal clear water flowing abundantly from its mouth. Suddenly a feeling of hope comes over me. I am back in the game. I drink as much of the ice-cold spring water as I can, and get back on my feet and go.

After another mile or two, the trail finally begins its descent to the creek. A couple of hours later at the brink of nightfall, I come around a corner and I see the campfire in the distance. I scramble down the hill and paddle across the creek to meet my buddies. "We didn't know if you were going to make it," says Sean. "I bet Trey a six-pack."

"That I wouldn't make it?" I reply.

"You need to jump in the water. You are the dirtiest kid I've ever seen," Sean says.

After a much needed bath I join my friends at the campsite. "How long have you guys been here?" I ask.

"About four hours" says Eric. "Where are the rest of the guys?"

"Who?"

"The Knights and Brett aren't here yet. Are they behind you?" asks Eric.

"They were ahead of me a long time ago," I say. "They must have taken a wrong turn."

"I think they're lost, man," says Trey.

"They probably made it to the river further downstream. We will catch up to them in the morning," I say.

"Nick, do you have a lighter?" says Ben with a joint in his hand.

"You bet your ass I do," thrilled to finally be able to relax.

"Good, cause we've been waiting for four hours for that lighter, I mean you, to get here."

Day Two: First Gorge to the campsite below Cherry Bomb Gorge.

As the sun comes up in the morning, everyone awakes to the bluest sky possible. I slowly lift my sore body off the ground, eat some oatmeal, and begin to get my gear together for the first day of paddling. As we begin downstream, we are immediately greeted by a steep section of fast granite water-slides with big holes. Eric signals to us from shore and we negotiate our way down the drops without scouting.

FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE GO TO WWW.EDDYFLOWER.COM

About the Author

Professional Kayaker

[hiking packbacking][kayaking]

hiking etiquette
Topic: Hiking

Go Hiking!
Author: James Munroe

Hiking is an outdoor sport that requires no equipment. It's one
of the least expensive sports you can engage in. It's basically
walking, conducted in a natural setting. Some hiking is
goal-oriented, with a specific distance or destination in mind,
while other hikes take the form of rambling, with no particular
goal other than exercise and enjoyment.

Hiking can be a social experience. You can join hiking groups
and clubs to meet people with similar interests. Many singles
organizations, in fact, run hikes as a form of low-stress
get-together. Other people consider hiking to be a peaceful and
solitary activity. Keep in mind these different approaches to
hiking when you are on the trail.

Observe hiking etiquette whenever you are on a hike. Many
hikers prefer peace and quiet, so if you are in a group, avoid
shouting your conversations. Many hikers also enjoy seeing wild
animals, and loud conversation and loud music are sure ways to
scare animals away. Remember that you are in a natural setting
and behave accordingly.

Hiking etiquette requires that a group stick to the pace of the
slowest hiker so that no one is left behind. The easiest way to
do this is to put slow hikers up front. If you find the pace of
your group too slow, just choose a different group to hike with
the next time.

If you cause a low-hanging branch to brush back, it is proper
hiking etiquette to hold the branch for the next person so that
it will not snap into their faces. However, it is also proper
etiquette to maintain enough distance between yourself and the
person in front of you so that they will not have to worry
about hurting you with branches.

Right-of-way on hikes is different than the rules of the road
for walking and driving. People heading uphill have the right
of way on a narrow trail over people going downhill. Smaller
groups of hikers have the right of way over larger groups.


About The Author: http://www.hikingwalkingtrekking.com/

[hiking trails] [nature] [wildlife]

What compact truck gets the best gas mileage
Topic: Environment

Top five trucks for gas mileage   by Rich Marsiglia

A few years ago, people would scoff at you if you told them that you were looking for trucks with the best gas mileage. But, as truck sales began to slip downwards, manufacturers started giving due importance to this factor. Today, there has been a dramatic change in the scenario.

The rising costs of gas, has propelled potential truck buyers to go for trucks that can meet their gas mileage demands. Truck makers have now taken firm steps to improve the fuel economy of their makes at all levels.

Usually the ranking of the top five trucks based on gas mileage is founded on a combination factors. The prime parameters are the fuel economy rating given by EPA, the transmission of the vehicle, and its inherent popularity amongst car buyers. The formula for calculation for most gas mileage rankings is a combination of the city mpg rating, which forms 55 percent of criterion, and the highway mpg rating that completes the remaining criteria.

It is really very difficult to bring forth a list that enumerates the top 5 trucks on the basis of fuel efficiency. Not one, not two, but three trucks hold the first rank. This spot is shared by the 2006 Ford Ranger one of the premier trucks that are out in the market today. Ford has made it a point to come out with trucks that offer the best gas mileage. This is why most of their newer models find a place on the best gas mileage list year after year.

However, all the trucks, which feature in the list, have the same engine; the 2006 Ford Ranger is a supremely refined version of its older model that came out in 2005. It has the better off-road capability then other trucks in the rankings and is one of the best alternatives in your search for a truck giving you the best gas mileage.

The completely redesigned 2006 Toyota Tacoma comes next in the list. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the roomier trucks available in the market and its looks are an epitome of sophistication. The only disadvantage of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma is its price tag. It is more expensive then the others.

If you are looking for something on the cheaper side then the 2006 Mazda B-series is the truck that you must go for. A fuel-efficient truck delivers on its promise. It is called in some circles as the bargain pickup truck. Don't expect styling and comfort but you do get an unashamed practicality with this vehicle.

The Toyota Tundra is the next in line of your picks. It comes with 4.0 liter V6 engine that is geared to give you competitive gas mileage. The truck gives you a mileage of 20 /mpg on the highway and a 16/mpg when you drive in the city.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes a close fifth in the rankings. It comes with a mild hybrid engine that enables the electric motor to keep the vehicles running when idle so the gas engine can be shut off.

Description: When looking for trucks with great gas mileage, the list can be pretty large. You will have a wide variety to choose from. Select the one that best suits your requirement. This article lists out the top five!

About the Author

Author Rich Marsiglia, ATM Restyle Truck Accessories | Tonneau Covers | Nerf Bars.

[hybrid vehicle] [environment] [earth]

Energy Conservation, Vital For Our Future
Topic: Environment

Author: Hallidae Thomason

 As we face the ever present hot-topic of global warming that is
constantly shoved in our face with videos of glacial melting on
the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the graphs with that predict
the height of sea level over the tallest building in LA by the
year 2050. Sensational? Yes. Accurate? The jury is still out
for sure. What doesn’t hurt either way is to focus on energy
conservation which is just good practice if not world saving.

It is important to note that when I talk about energy
conservation I am not referring to sacrificing comfort or
productivity for the sake of saving money. I am talking about
improving the efficiency of the work that we do through
improved systems engineering, use of alternate fuels, and
better engine technology. This saves money and time (which is
money) and is a good use of the natural and limited resources
that we still have on this lonely planet.

It is amazing what can be done to improve a situation in terms
of motivation. With the proper motivation a couch potato can
sprint away from a large toothy beast that is attacking them,
or a company can clean up emissions if threatened to be
shutdown if noncompliant, you get the idea. It’s too bad that
this motivation has to be negative in the majority of cases but
if it produces something positive than so be it. That is how I
view all this global warming fervor. If it is true than that is
scary and we had better do something to improve our energy
conservation skills. If it isn’t true than let’s just pretend
it is anyway in order to have motivation to do something that
will be good in so many more ways than just saving our lives.

So how are we trying to promote energy conservation here in
this country? Well with the rising oil prices we are looking to
alternate fuel and energy sources. Some cool possibilities in
the near future are the hydrogen cell with a nearly endless
supply and it’s only emission being water. Another renewable
energy source is ethanol which will create a clean relatively
cheap in costs (more than just money), and a major boon to the
struggling farming industry. We are seeing great advances in
electric/gas hybrid and completely electric automobile engines
as well as alternate power sources like hydroelectric and wind
turbine electricity production. All very exciting making this a
great time to be alive.


About The Author: Being a technology junkie, Julee Mitchelsin
loves when she gets assignments like this to research and write
about technology in energy conservation. If you are a tech
junkie too you should check out
http://www.energyconservationtimes.info/.

 

[global warming] [energy] [conservation] [environment]

Camping Tips for the Noncampers
Topic: Hiking

Camping – Do You Love It Or Hate It?
Author: D Ruplinger

In my family, we have camping lovers and camping haters. My
husband, kids, and I love to go camping. My mother just stares
at me every time I talk about an upcoming camping trip and asks
why I want to leave my brand new home that has a brand new bed
with a brand new mattress so that I can go sleep in the woods
on a mattress I fill with air. Being the articulate person I am
I say, “Because it’s fun.”

It’s hard to explain to a non camper how relaxing it is to be
out in the open air all day at a campground with miles of
trails to hike and bike; or by a lake to go swimming, boating,
or fishing in.

I tell my Mom how it’s fun to explore the area trails; looking
at the views, the vegetation, and the wildlife. For example,
during a recent camping trip an evening bike ride brought me
within 10 feet of a baby deer out with its mother. It’s hard to
explain how fun it is to be able to see something like that.
But instead my Mom asked me how bad the bugs bit and if I got
sunburned during that day’s hike.

Then I try to explain to her about how much fun it is to sit
around the campfire at night. It’s a great time for casual
conversation and to have a beverage and maybe a few toasted
marshmallows or S’mores. I love watching the flames and
listening to the wood crackle and pop. My mom asks how we keep
the mosquitoes away (lots of tiki torches and mosquito
repellant) and says, “Doesn’t it get boring after a half hour?”
Again, being the articulate person I am my answer is, “Ummmm,
no.”

I try to explain the food cooked outdoors just tastes better.
Campfire coffee along with bacon and eggs is hard to beat. And
those little S’more makers you can buy in the store are nothing
like the delicious S’mores you make over a real campfire. And if
you’ve never had a pudgie pie made over a campfire, you’re
missing out on one of the best camping foods there is! But when
I explain to my Mom how good camping food is, she wonders if the
bugs buzz around the food we’re trying to eat and asks if I miss
my dishwasher. Thanks Mom! My pop-up camper doesn’t have hot
water so I have to do things the old fashioned way and heat the
water I need to wash dishes.

When it comes to camping though, most non campers could deal
with sleeping in a tent or a pop-up camper and wouldn’t mind
cooking their food outside. But the one sticking point for many
non-campers is the bathroom and shower facilities at campgrounds
(unless you’re lucky enough to have a camper with its own
bathroom and shower facilities). Camping is not like staying at
a 5 star hotel. The bathroom and shower amenities take a little
getting used to. Some people will wait as long as possible to
go to the bathroom because they want to avoid using the pit
toilets at the campground any more than necessary. My
sister-in-law doesn’t mind the pit toilets as much as she minds
the spiders that are usually in them.

Camping is what you make of it. Nobody says you have to like
it. My Mom doesn’t but I sure do. It’s a way to get away from
the daily stresses of your normal life, kick back, relax, and
enjoy yourself for a few days. You’ll have responsibilities no
more taxing than deciding what clothes to wear that day, what
to eat, and whether you want to go for a walk or a bike ride or
just sit in a chair and relax by the campfire.


About The Author: D Ruplinger shares her camping experiences
and advice at http://www.campingearth.com/.  Make sure you get
her outstanding camping newsletter for great camping tips and
campfire recipes - http://www.campingearth.com/newsletter/.

[hiking] [camping]

Huge Rattlesnake found in Wisconsin. Rattlesnake picture
Topic: wildlife
This huge rattlesnake was found near Baraboo Wisconsin.  It is over nine feet long and weights over 80 lbs. Caught near the Badger Munitions plant near Devils Lake

 

[photography]

[wildlife]

Wind farm construction and the environmental impact in the UK
Topic: Environment

The Wind Farm Debate   by davinos greeno

According to the Energy Saving Trust, the UK has 40% of Europe's total wind energy. But it's still largely untapped and only 0.5% the UKs electricity requirements are currently generated by wind power.

Wind power is proportional to the cube of the wind's speed, so relatively minor increases in speed result in large changes in potential output. Individual turbines vary in size and power output from a few hundred watts to two or three megawatts (as a guide, a typical domestic system would be 2.5 - 6 kilowatts, depending on the location and size of the home).

Uses range from very small turbines supplying energy for battery charging systems (e.g. on boats or in homes), to turbines grouped on wind farms supplying electricity to the grid.

In Saddleworth, near Greater Manchester, an eco-war about wind turbines is waging. United Utilities want to build seven 350 foot wind turbines.

These will generate enough power to supply the average electricity needs of 8,500 homes in the local area. This wind farm is not situated out to sea but in the picturesque hills of the Saddleworth Moors and would be visible for miles around. Government targets state that 10% of the UK's energy should be supplied by renewable resources by 2010 and developments like the Saddleworth Moor turbines would contribute towards that total. Leading environmentalists from across the country have previously convened in Saddleworth for the first ever National Forum opposing the creation of wind farms on rural beauty spots.

World renowned TV botanist, Professor David Bellamy, joined former Downing Street press secretary, Sir Bernard Ingham and hundreds of activists at the National Wind Farm Group Conference. There were a total of representatives from over 50 environmental groups from across the country attending this event. It aimed to raise awareness about the perceived dangers of wind farms and bring environmental groups closer together in their fight against the government. The Saddleworth Moors Action Group says the turbines would have a negative impact on a unique landscape. The group also insist their campaign is not prompted by "not in my backyard" sentiments, but through a genuine desire to preserve the character of the local area.

One could argue that the government is not bothered about the environment then they are continually financing the construction of coal fired power stations in the third world and building more airports and more motorways in Britain? As tensions are mounting in Iran and Nigeria leading to increased oil prices, is now not the ideal time to exploit wind power both on land and at sea via grants to companies? With labour slipping up at the local elections in 05/06 and the Conservatives pushing the eco argument, is not in Labours interest to follow the Conservatives lead and not to pay lip service to wind farms as they currently do?

OR

Will the people that have to live near wind farms and see the things every day change their minds and believe that wind farms form a concerted effort to save the environment or just another commercial money making scheme for the companies involved?

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About the Author

The author works with the Green directory GuideMeGreen.com .This growing green directory lists 100s of Organic Food and Drink Companies and Food and Drink Jobs and campaigning Videos

[wind farms] [environment] [energy]

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