The Bahamas’ Sharks

The Bahamas and its Sharks

The country of the Bahamas stretches for some 500 miles to the southeast of Florida. Millions of tourists flock to this remote country in the Atlantic Ocean, yet its real population is only about 311,000 people. Although many people think that it is in the Caribbean, it is not. As you would think, the Bahamas’ main source of income is tourism because of the relaxing beaches and warm, tropical weather.

The most fascinating thing that I find about that country is its diverse shark population. More than 40 species of sharks roam throughout the country’s warm waters. The kinds of shark that you would find there include the Tiger, Hammerhead, Lemon and Blue sharks. For people to enjoy these magnificent creatures, the country of the Bahamas has established shark-seeing dives on numerous locations. This not only bolsters their economy, but it also gives people a good chance to look at sharks close up. If you went on one of these dives, you would find something new about sharks that would leave you dazed and open-mouthed for the rest of your visit.

This may sound like a haven for sharks, and it is. If I was a shark, and knew of that place, I would live there for the rest of my life. Even if I am not a shark, I probably would live there for the rest of my life anyway. Clear blue waters all around, peaceful and beautiful beaches, nearest factory at least 200 miles away; yeah, I think I can stay for a while longer.

Photos' sources: here and here

Iditarod Dogsled Race

The Iditarod is a 1,150 mile dog sled race beginning in Anchorage, Alaska and ending in Nome, Alaska. A musher and his sled is pulled by a team of about 15 dogs. The race which began last weekend continues with many of them at what appears about half way. The race originated from the serum(medicine) run in 1925 when Nome had an outbreak of diphtheria and the only way to get the needed medicine was by dogsled. At that time it was a relay team of dog sleds. (Remember the story of Balto?) The Iditarod is raced every year with the southern route this year being an odd year. You can see the standings and a lot of other interesting facts(such as the location of each musher, the number of dogs he still has racing, video clips, the weather conditions, map including an elevation map) at www.iditarod.com One of the reasons that the Iditarod is interesting to me is that my Dad's high school friend, Jon Korta, is racing in it this year. He is bib #24. This morning his standing is 36 out of about 66 remaining racers. It seems he is doing well considering it's his first year. They are required to take one 24 hour rest period and it appears he is doing just that.

Invasion of Liechtenstein! (well not really)

Did you know that it is possible to accidentally invade Liechtenstein? Switzerland does. I didn't know until today but now I do.

Read the story here.