From a cooling breeze to a force of destruction, the influence of wind in our lives is undeniable. Wind spread man across the globe, and has even altered the course of events that otherwise seemed inevitable in history.
The invisible force was attributed to gods in many cultures, but here is an stunning way to see the wind in action.
This wind map produced by Fernanda Viegas and Martin Wattenberg draws data from the National Digital Forecast Database to create a beautiful visual.
Tomorrow (June 11) is National "Get Outdoors" Day, so here's your chance to get outside and explore unfamiliar terrain.
Not to be outdone by NCDOT and its new highway map, Martha Glass of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announces the 2009 Guide and Map to North Carolina Agritourism Farms.
Agritourism?
"An agritourism farm is a farm or a vineyard which invites visitors to see the production of the farm and to participate in edicational, informational and recreational activities which relate to the farm," says Glass, the ag department's agritourism manager. "They learn about agriculture while they’re having fun, we hope."
Call Glass at 919-733-7887, ext 276, or e-mail her to request a free copy of the map, which describes 213 farms that feature barnyard animals, tours and food, fancy dinners, pick-your-own produce, hayrides and mazes, lodging and camping, and walking and riding trails.
Or go to www.visitncfarms.com to search a database of 431 agritourism farms by topic or by county.
From the database listing for Waller Farms in Durham County:
Beginning in late April, we offer Pic-Your-Own strawberries. We also have pre-picked strawberries available. These should last into June.
We also offer seasonal vegetables starting with spring onions, cabbage, lettuce, etc. Then a full supply of fresh picked tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, sweet corn, etc. during the summer. In the fall, Waller Family Farm continues to offer produce such as collards, cabbage, turnips, butternut squash, etc.
We also offer Educational Farm Tours to our local schools. Join Farmer Mark as he leads the class from the chickens, to cows, to goats and pigs, teaching why they are important and answering all questions. Throwing in a little humor, the trip is fun and educational. At the end of the tour, each student goes to the patch to get their very own pumpkin.
Lots of people who read Saturday's story about the 2009-2010 State Transportation Map decided to pick up the phone and request a free copy. Some of them called me.
They meant to call DOT, but my boldfaced phone number was more noticeable in our print edition than DOT's number.
By all means, call me anytime (919-829-4527). But if you want a map -- and who wouldn't? -- call DOT.
It's toll-free: 1-877-368-4968 (or as DOT spells it, 1-877-DOT-4YOU).
Even easier for those of you who are online right now -- and who reading this blog isn't? -- click here to request a map.
I'm glad to say that if you request it, you can count on actually receiving it in the mail. DOT folks flubbed a lot of citizen requests for maps last year, but they've been quick so far to honor requests for the new one.
Happy motoring.
The folks at NCDOT can be forgiven if, like doting parents, they keep showing off pictures of their kids. You've seen 'em before, but you don't really mind looking at fresh photos, do you?
DOT's new 2009-10 state transportation map features a pretty pic of the Linn Cove Viaduct -- last seen on the 1996 map -- on its cover.
This curvy mountain road is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and now also part of the new Grandfather Mountain State Park. (Also on the cover: old New Bern and the new NASCAR museum being built in Charlotte.)
What else is new, in a state that hasn't put many new roads on the map lately?
* The U.S. 70 Clayton Bypass is there, and the road formerly known as U.S. 70 is now marked 70-Business.
* Another chunk of Charlotte's I-485 loop has been added. (Nothing new on Fayetteville's loop, yet!) ... [MORE]
The biggest complaint I get — about anything: We've got all these great greenways and trails that are starting to connect with one another, yet no comprehensive map to help me navigate the system. Thanks to the Parks and Recreation Partnership for a Healthier Wake, you can stop complaining about this oversight in Wake County, at least.
Yesterday, the Partnership rolled out its "trails & greenways of wake county," a pocket guide containing the trails and greenways of 12 municipalities plus Wake County. It's available in a handy 5 x 7 format: stick it in your glovebox or in a Zip-lock bag and stuff it in your jersey pocket. The maps are small, but detailed enough to do the job.
I'm working on finding out where you can pick up the hard copies. Until then, you can download your own here.
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