2025 - Page 7 of 7

Horizons

This post is about Education and Adventure and Navigation and Orientation Created and written by Author and Blogger Peter Hanns Bloecker, retired Educator at the Gold Coast in QLD Australia. Ocean and sailing and Ulysses. Inspired by Ocean Walking plus reading and writing. Walter Benjamin James Joyce Handwriting and more Widening Horizons Through Education In the age of digital screens and touchpads, the art of handwriting may seem like an ancient relic. Yet, its value in education, especially in fields as specialized as navigation and sailing, remains undeniable. Handwriting isn't merely about forming letters; it's a cognitive process that involves memory, comprehension, and engagement. It’s an indispensable skill that anchors us to traditional methods of learning, much like how sailors rely on their understanding of the stars and the sea. Handwriting: A Cognitive Catalyst Handwriting enhances learning by engaging multiple senses. The physical act of writing activates neural pathways associated with memory and comprehension. For aspiring navigators and sailors, this means that jotting down coordinates, sketching maps, and noting weather patterns are not just clerical tasks—they are cognitive exercises that solidify knowledge and prepare them for the unpredictable nature of the sea. Navigational Mastery Through Practice Navigation, whether by ancient stars or modern GPS, is a skill that demands precision and wisdom. Master navigators often keep detailed logbooks, hand-drawn charts, and personal notes. These handwritten records serve not only as practical…

Walkabout

New South Wales in Australia. Coffs Coast | Credit phb A Lifetime of Camping Adventures: From Holstein to the World At 75 years young, my passion for camping has remained a steadfast companion throughout my life. It all began when I was 9 years old, embarking on simple camping trips from Holstein in North Germany with my family. Our trusty VW Beetle and a small tent designed for five people were all we needed to create lasting memories under the open sky at the Baltic Sea near Flensburg. The Early Days in Germany Holstein, with its serene landscapes and rolling hills, was the perfect backdrop for my introduction to the outdoors. Our family camping trips were a blend of simplicity and adventure. We explored lush forests by hiking, serene lakes, and charming small villages and farmland, each trip etching itself into my memory. The smell of pine and oak trees and the sound of crackling campfires became synonymous with happiness and freedom. Expanding Horizons in Europe As I grew older, my camping journeys expanded beyond Germany, taking me across Europe. From the majestic Alps in Switzerland to the picturesque fjords of Norway, each destination offered a unique experience. I learned to appreciate the diversity of nature, from the sun-kissed beaches of Spain to the rugged coastlines of Britain, where I stayed a full calender year. My adventures in Europe were marked…

Gondwana

Gondwana: Australia's Ancient Past and Its Impact on QLD and NSW today Introduction Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent, holds a significant place in the geological history of Australia. Formed around 600 million years ago, Gondwana comprised present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. The breakup of this supercontinent around 180 million years ago played a crucial role in shaping the landscapes and biodiversity of Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW). Credit phb Gondwana's Legacy in Queensland Queensland's rich geological history can be traced back to its Gondwanan roots. The lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area are remnants of ancient Gondwanan forests. This region, known for its incredible biodiversity, boasts ancient plant species that have survived since the time of Gondwana. The geological formations in the Glass House Mountains and Great Dividing Range also reflect the tectonic activities and volcanic events that occurred during Gondwana's breakup. New South Wales' Gondwanan Heritage Waterfalls | Credit phb New South Wales is home to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes rainforests across the state. These rainforests are living relics of the ancient supercontinent and house unique flora and fauna. Iconic sites like the Dorrigo National Park and Barrington Tops showcase the lush greenery and diverse ecosystems that have their origins in Gondwanan times. The fossil beds in the Blue Mountains provide valuable insights into the…

Gondwana

Gondwana: Australia's Ancient Past and Its Impact on QLD and NSW today Introduction Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent, holds a significant place in the geological history of Australia. Formed around 600 million years ago, Gondwana comprised present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. The breakup of this supercontinent around 180 million years ago played a crucial role in shaping the landscapes and biodiversity of Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW). Credit phb Gondwana's Legacy in Queensland Queensland's rich geological history can be traced back to its Gondwanan roots. The lush rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area are remnants of ancient Gondwanan forests. This region, known for its incredible biodiversity, boasts ancient plant species that have survived since the time of Gondwana. The geological formations in the Glass House Mountains and Great Dividing Range also reflect the tectonic activities and volcanic events that occurred during Gondwana's breakup. New South Wales' Gondwanan Heritage Waterfalls | Credit phb New South Wales is home to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes rainforests across the state. These rainforests are living relics of the ancient supercontinent and house unique flora and fauna. Iconic sites like the Dorrigo National Park and Barrington Tops showcase the lush greenery and diverse ecosystems that have their origins in Gondwanan times. The fossil beds in the Blue Mountains provide valuable insights into the…

Counting down 2024

Sydney and NSW, Brisbane and Queensland 1 Hour later: https://videopress.com/v/SQf4RNSY?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Dateline in Sydney and Auckland As the clock ticks down to the start of 2025, Sydney and Auckland are among the first major cities in the world to welcome the new year. With just 36 minutes to go in sydney and NSW, the anticipation builds, and the dateline becomes a focal point of this countdown as the years are passing by. The Dateline's Role The dateline is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and demarcates the change of one calendar day to the next, and it holds special significance on the last day of each year. As the world moves across this line, different time zones experience the arrival of the new year at different moments. Sydney, located in the Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) zone, and Auckland, in the New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) zone, will be among the first to ring in 2025, but not at the same time. The world was watching at the end of 1999, but today the Time Zones are not a focus in a every country, and many people never heard about the Dateline at all. Celebrating in Sydney In Sydney, the countdown to 2025 is more than just a moment—it's a spectacular celebration of community and hope. As the clock strikes midnight in about 30 minutes,…