Vortex

Leg Exercises

2008-04-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

The leg muscles are extememly important to outdoor activity, since no matter what you do you will most likely be pushing, bending, or simply walking with them.

Here is a list of a few leg exerercises to help you prepare for rock climbing, hiking, or playing sports. These exercises can be performed in your own home, with no equipment required.

Safety is the most important thing when working out, make sure to not over-use your muscles. It is best to work out 3-4 times a week, giving atleast a day between working the same muscle group. The repetitions suggested may not work for everyone, change the number based on your own needs.

Jump and Reach Reps: 10-12 jumps in a row
1. Take "hips tall" position, feet slightly apart
2. Bend knees and hold arms down toward ground
3. Swing arms forward and up: reach as high up as possible while powerfully jumping straight up 4. Flex knees and ankles to soften landing
5. Return to start position

Kangaroo Hops Reps: 10-12 jumps in a row
1. Take "hips tall" position, feet slightly apart
2. Move weight to balls of feet
3. Drive knees up to chest (hopping up)
4. Arms drive out and up with knees
5. Land on flat feet

Squats: Slow Reps: 10-12 squats
1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and pointing forward
2. Hold arms in running form
3. Squat slowly until knees are at 90 degrees
4. Return to start position

Lunges: Single Leg Reps: 10-12 squats
1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and pointing forward
2. Step out and squat with right leg until knee is 90 degrees
3. Push up powerfully on ball of foot
4. Return to start position
5. Alternate legs

Burpees Reps: 10-20 in a row
1. Take hips tall position (stand straight with hands above head), then bend down, placing hands in front of feet
2. Jump pushing both feet back, push-up position
3. Jump back to crouch position
4. Jump as high as possible

Mountain Climbers Reps: 10-20 in a row
1. Take hips tall position, bend down, placing hands in front of feet
2. Extend one leg straight back, resting on its toes
3. Support the weight of the body with the bent leg and hands
4. Switch legs quickly, moving one forward and one back
5. Repeat the switches to resemble climbing up a mountain

Calf Raises Reps: 10 each foot
1. Take hips tall position with ball of feet on curb/step
2. Slowly let heel fall below curb/step, slowly move weight to toes
3. Continue up and down action

Mountain Climbing (Short Trip)

2008-04-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

This is information on mountain climbing gear for a short trip. An extensive trek will require much more. If going alone or with other inexperienced climbers, it is recommended to try smaller/safer mountains to climb. Another good option is to join a mountaineering clubs, many are free and they are usually more than willing to teach new comers to the sport the ropes.

What to Bring
• travel light.
Please bring lightweight, multi-purpose items as much as possible.

-small towel
-small flashlight
-small mirror (also good for signalling help if need be)
-small camera
-small comb (have to look good in the pictures!)
-travel-size toothpaste and toothbrush
-small alcohol gel (to sanitize your hands and also good in starting a fire if you decide to cook)
-small insect repellent
-malong (tubular piece of cloth that can serve as a blanket or wrap)
-spork (spoon/fork combination preferably metal)
-pocket knife
-small first aid kit (bandage, iodine, tape, acetaminophen)
-plastic bags (preferably resealable to keep everything in)
-lightweight backpack

• Respect nature.
-please take your garbage with you, do not litter.

• Enjoy the experience.
-please bring a lightweight jacket with hood to keep you warm
-baseball cap to shield you from the sun and keep you warm when the sun sets (a big percentage of body heat is lost through the head)
-power bars to keep you nourished (please check the expiration dates)
-big shatterproof container for fluids, 1 liter minimum (you need to be hydrated)
-2 pairs of thick socks (one you wear on the day of the climb, the other is extra)
-extra shirts (to keep you dry and as extra layer, do bring a long-sleeve shirt)
-spare pair of pants
-good pair of shoes, the lace-ups are better because they cover the whole feet, recommended for beginners
-sunglass (should be snug to prevent from falling off)

To get over the fear, please do some exercises now to increase your endurance before going out.

A Few Spring Activities

2008-04-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of a few Outdoor activities to do in during this Spring and Summer. The activities can range from a few days long to less than half an hour. Some are for families, others adults, and require various skill levels.

Have a Picnic
Play Horse Shoes
Go Fishing
Rollerblading
Skateboarding
Ride a bike
Go for a walk
Hiking
Camping
Going to a Baseball game (or other sporting event)
Swimming
Vacation to the Beach
Kayaking
Rock climbing
Sky diving
Scuba Diving
Rent a boat
Lay in the Grass
Go for a Scenic Drive
Horseback Riding
RVing
Four-wheelers
and many more...

The most important thing about any activity is to have fun and make sure you do it safely, meetin all requirements to do the activity.

Hang Gliding Info

2008-04-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

A hang glider can be foot launched from a hill or cliff, or towed behind an ultralight airplane, truck or boat. They can also be winch launched. Most flights remain below 4000 - 6,000 feet, any higher and you will need oxygen. An intermediate pilot can soar for several hours. Hang Gliders remain aloft by using ridge lift or thermals. An advanced pilot may choose to fly cross-country (XC) and fly many miles to land out.

Hang Gliders are controlled by weight shift much like motorcycles, skis, or skates. It's not difficult, but requires a learning period, much like balancing and riding a bicycle. It will become second nature with practice. The key to controlling a hang glider is not strength, but balance, endurance, and a light touch.

A stall happens when the glider is not moving fast enough to maintain lift and flight. A minor stall can make the glider difficult to control, while a full stall can result in a loss of 15-100 feet (or more) of altitude. Stalls are not as dangerous at high altitudes, and are often a good teaching tool, and loads of fun. Stalls are dangerous when the glider is near the ground, since losing altitude can cause the glider to crash. The hang glider pilot is tethered to their glider by a strap capable of holding over 10 times the person's weight. Falling out of the glider is not likely. Gliders themselves do not fall unless they suffer structural damage, or are not properly assembled. Glider damage is caused by improper glider maintenance, or performing aerobatic stunts that over stress the glider. Hang Gliders are very sturdy, usually composed of aircraft aluminum.

Hang Gliding is a self-regulated sport, so no official certifications are required by law to own or operate a hang glider. However, most launch sites and landing zones appropriate for hang gliding require a certification by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA). Failure to follow site guidelines can result in sites being shut down, angry pilots, and legal action. Always check site guidelines before flying.

You can experience flight on your first try by taking a tandem flight.
Technically you can fly a hang glider anywhere you are explicitly not allowed such as National Parks and Forests (Yosemite being an exception). You should of course get permission on any private land you wish to fly on.

Skydiving Training

2008-04-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

The only way to learn to skydive is through a training program: these programs can range greatly in cost and length. Programs can be found throughout the country. There are many different training methods: tandem progression, static line, IAD, and Accelerated Free Fall (AFF). The best way to start is usually to have a tandem jump, where you will be attached to a certified skydiving instructor, to get a feel for falling and find out if you enjoy skydiving.

Once you get training and a license from a body that is recognized by the FAI then you'll be able to jump at nearly any dropzone in the world.

The best thing you can do when learning to skydive is to jump as much as possible. The more time you spend between jumps the more difficult it is to learn the skills and to be safe. Jumping more often will help you learn faster and be safer.

Skydiving is much safer than most people think. You have a better chance of getting killed or injured on the drive to the dropzone than at the dropzone. The biggest part of student training is teaching you to be safe. Safety is a #1 for every skydiver.

Mountain Biking Basics

2008-04-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

Mountain biking is the sport of taking a bike offroad, usually through rough terrain. Mountain biking is roughly broken down into four categories: cross-country, downhill, freeride, and trails. Every category needs different gear and safety protocol.

The sport demands endurance, bike handling skills and self-reliance.

Buying a Mountain Bike:

Most mountain bikes share similar characteristics that underscore durability and performance in rough terrain: wide, knobby tires, large, round frame tubing, front fork or dual suspension (aka shock absorbers). Mountain bikes usually weigh far more than street bikes.

Early spring is a good time to buy bikes. Next spring, bike shops will be marking down the 2007s to make room for the 2008s. But I doubt you want to wait that long. I highly recommend checking out craigslist or ebay. If this is your first bike, they can provide more affordable bikes that you won't mind damaging. Later on, when you know what style of bike you want, then buy a more expensive one.

Repairing Your Bike:

If you are mechanicly inclined, you could attempt to repair you bike yourself, if it takes damage. Park Tool Website give step-by-step instructions on how to repair your bike. If you are not so mechanicly inclined, take it to your local bike shop and they can help you.

Checklist for Hiking/Camping

2008-04-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

Basic List:
__ Backpack w/rain cover or trash bag (Be careful not to overpack)
__ Tent/Tarp
__ Sleeping bag (Don't forget to check your bags temp rating and size)(sleeping bags bought at Wal-mart are 40+ degrees)
__ Cook kit and Utensils (don't forget your Pocket knife!!)
__ Canteen/Water Bottle (2 Liters total) (Don't forget Water purification tablets or filter)
__ Matches In A Waterproof Container
__ Change of clothes/underwear/socks/jacket/gloves (pack these items in 1 Gallon zip lock FREEZER bags
__ Food (For lighter weight, carry only meals that require water)
__Flashlight w/ batteries and spare bulb
__Map and Compass
__First Aid Kit w/ manual
__Towletrie Kit (toothbrush/paste, wet wipes, femine hygene, Soap, Towel

In Depth List:
FOOD/COOKING
__ Stove/Stove Fuel
__ Cook Kit/Drinking Cup
__ Eating/Cooking Utensils
__ Matches In A Waterproof Container
__ Spices/Seasonings
__ Powdered Milk/Sugar (steal these from McDonald's)
__ Coffee/Tea/Drink Mixes
__ Pam spray butter (used for food requiring butter and sooty mess kit preventer)
__ Dehydrated Food
__Vacuum Packed Meats/tuna
__ Trail Snacks (Avoid chocolate bars they melt in the hot sun)
__ Plastic Bags For Food Storage And To Pack Out Trash Most backpacking foods, drink mixes, and snacks are packaged in aluminum foil. Aluminum foil doesn’t burn and isn’t degradable. If you pack it in, please pack it out!Many grocery store food items backpack well, but they often use excess packaging. Eliminate and recycle as much of this extra material at home, before you load your pack.

NECESSITIES
__ Topographical Map/Map Case
__ Compass
__ Flashlight
__ Extra Flashlight Batteries/Bulb
__ Knife/Sharpener
__ Nylon Cord (50 Ft.)
__ Candle Lantern/Candles
__ Needle/Thread
__ Nylon Repair Tape/Duct Tape

SHELTER
__ Tent/Tarp
__ Sleeping Bag
__ Sleeping Pad, Foam Or Self-Inflating
__ Lightweight Tarp For A Ground Cloth Or As An Emergency Shelter

TOILETRIES
__ Toothbrush/Paste
__ Biodegradable Soap
__ Toilet Paper
__ Sanitary Supplies
__ Towel

CLOTHING
__ Socks—Both Heavy Weight & Light Liners
__ Underwear
__ Hat
__ Polypropylene Underwear
__ Down Vest Or Light Sweater Or Synthetic Fleece Jacket
__ Parka
__ Windbreaker
__ Rain Gear—Poncho Or Rain Suit
__ Bandanas
__ Swim Suit
__ Gloves
__ Hiking Shorts/Trousers
__ Shirt
__ Hiking Boots
__ Running Shoes/Moccasins For In Camp
__ Polarguard/Down Booties

MEDICAL
__ Moleskin
__ First Aid—Survival Kit
__ Allergy Restrictions
__ Medic Alert ID
__ Sunglasses
__ Lip Balm
__ Sunscreen
__ Insect Repellent
__ Water Purification Filter Or Tablets

PERMITS/IDENTIFICATION
__ Fire/Camping Permits
__ Fishing/Hunting Licenses
__ Personal Identification (Drivers license, Dog tags etc) ensure you have your name and address in your backpack and in your jacket)

OPTIONAL
__ Camera/Film
__ GPS/Cellphone/FRS radio (Cellphone and GPS are worth their weight)
__Radio (get either Shortwave or the kind with TV1 and TV2)
__ Field Guides/Book (write your name and address in these)
__ Playing Cards/Compact Board Games/PDA/Gameboy (don't forget more batteries)
__ Nylon Water Bag
__ Nylon Stuff Bags For Organizers
__ Assorted Fish Hooks/Light Line (10LBS tes)

Training for Rock Climbing

2008-04-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Rock climbing is extremely strenuous and a climber should be very physicaly fit.
Conditioning for rock climbing is about more than doing hundreds of pull-ups. It's about doing hundreds of pull-ups and tons of other strengthening exercises, plus improving your flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.

Steps:
1. Go to a local climbing gym. Most cities have indoor climbing walls.
2. Climb as much as you can.
3. Challenge yourself and improve your climbing skills by top-roping and bouldering.
4. Improve your flexibility. Spend a half-hour a day stretching.
5. Weight train. Train all of your muscles, not just the ones related to pull-ups.
6. Run, bike, skate or do any other form of cardiovascular exercise you enjoy.

Tips:
Be careful not to get an overuse injury from overtraining. Beware of training too much indoors; artificial climbing walls often lead to overuse injuries.

Warnings:
Physical fitness and physical climbing skill are just two aspects of the climbing game. Avoid neglecting the mental aspects. Work to broaden your knowledge and experience as well as your physical abilities.

Rails to Trails

2008-03-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Rails to Trails are a popular movement in the U.S. that involves converting abandoned railroad right-of-way into hiking and biking paths. Once the track and ties are removed, these make excellent trails. They are generally well-graded and quite level, and often they follow scenic waterways.

However, there are many legal concerns. For instance railroads may want to retain ownership but they don't want to pay thousands of dollars for maintenance and improvements and liability insurance when there will be no profit for them. Many of the trails have several owners, including private individuals, whose interests must be weighed against the public benefit.

Rails to Trails located in SouthCentral Pennsylvania:

Swatara State Park Rail

Heritage Rail County Park

Lebanon Valley Rail

Cumberland Valley Rail

Stony Valley Railroad Grade

Ephrata Railroad Linear Park

Capital Area Greenbelt

and many more...

Detailed information on not only these Rails to Trails, but also trails throughout Pennsylvania can be found at the Pa dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources.

A Few Large US Trails

2008-03-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

The United States has many Trails across the country. These range in length from less than one mile to more than 2000. There are trails that fit the needs and desires of both the outdoor enthusiast to the day-tripper. I will be giving a little information about the Triple Crown of United States Trails, these are considered the three biggest and most important trails in the US.

1) The Appalachian National Scenic Trail travels from passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The Trail is more than 2000 miles long.

As the Appalachian Trail was explicitly designed to be hiked, it includes resources to facilitate hikers. Some are common to trails throughout North America, while some are unique to the Appalachian Trail. The trail is much more frequently hiked south to north (i.e. Georgia to Maine) than vice versa. Hikers typically begin in March or April and finish in late summer or early to late fall of that particular year. Many hikers will break down the mileage into halves or thirds, so that they can have the best weather, which typically occurs between May and September. There are many lodges along the trails, trail town, and tenting oppurtunities.

The trail is not difficult, sticking along the ridges of the appalacians. Many books and guides are available for further information, as well as, many clubs and organizations that plan trips.

2) The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. It follows the continental divide along the Rocky Mountains.

Part of the trail is not complete, and must be travelled by road or by passing through untrailed wilderness. Be careful in these areas, and make sure you have permission to pass through private land. While not as well known as the Appalacian Trail, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail has many books, guides, and organizations that will provide anyone interested in the information necessary.

3) The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long, crossing from the Mexico border, through California and up to the US border with Canada. The trip usually takes between four and six months.

The route is mostly through National Forest and protected wilderness. It avoids civilization preferring instead scenic and pristine mountainous terrain with few roads. The trail passes through a variety of mountain ranges.

Type of Kayaking for You

2008-03-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

Kayaking is a fun and adventrous activity that can be enjoyed by groups of all ages. There are many different styles of Kayaking: whitewater, surf, touring, day tripping, and general recreation. I'm going to give you a little information about each, so that you can decide which might be more favorable for you to try.

1) Whitewater Kayaking

Whitewater kayaking can range from simple, carefree gently moving water, to demanding, dangerous whitewater. If the idea of shooting through creeks and over waterfalls sounds fun to you then whitewater kayaking might right up your alley.This can be the most danderous of the kayaking styles, and precautions have to be taken before heading out: you should learn from a certified instuctor, make sure you have all the safety gear needed, and go with a partner in case of an emegency.

2) Surf kayaking

Love the beach? Surf kayaking might be for you, instead of standing on a surf board and riding some waves, you could be sitting down on a Surf kayak with a paddle. Surf skis are very long and narrow for kayaks that excel at going fast and tracking well, but at the expense of maneuverability and stability.

3 and 4) Touring Kayaking (or sea kayaking) and Day-tripping Kayaking

Touring is the sport of paddling on open waters of lakes, bays, and the ocean. It is more casual and relaxing then the previous two styles of kayaking, but not as laidback as Recreational kayaking. They trade off the extreme maneuverability of whitewater kayaks for cargo capacity, ease of straight-line paddling, and comfort for long journeys.

Day-tripping kayaks tend to have less cargo capacity and are lighter. Many of these kayaks are sit -on-tops. They are used for kayaking trips that only take a few hours and less and do not require much gear.

5) Recreational Kayaking

It is the most widespread form of kayaking, making up the largest amount of sales. Recreational kayaking is designed for the casual paddler interested in fishing, photography, or a peaceful paddle on a lake or flatwater stream.

Whatever style or styles of kayaking you choose to endeavor in, you are sure to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Snowboarding vs Skiing: Which is for You?

2008-02-17T17:53:00.000-08:00

Considering the time of the year, I figured a good place to start my new blogging subject would be a snowboarding vs. skiing post. I began snowboarding about two years ago, and even though I fell more times than I can count on my hands the first time out, I have fallen in love with the sport. I have also taken a lesson in skiing, not falling 20 times is definately a plus for this side, and greatly enjoyed the speed I could feel even on that first day.I hope that this post gives you some insight into the differences between snowboarding and skiing.

To begin:

Sadly there are many stereotypes that seem to follow along with either choice: punk, rebellious snowboarders and stuck-up skiers. Neither skiing or snowboarding is better than the other. Don't let your peers decide which you choose; I recommend you try both to see which you enjoy more.

Snowboarding

Advantages:

1. Often considered hard to start, but easy to master. You will fall the first day, probably the first few days out...hell, I still do fall down sometimes, but once you get the basics down, it is fairly easy to do more advanced moves.

2. Easy to do tricks. You can go into the park pretty early in your snowboarding development.

3. Relaxing carving down the mountain.

Disadvantages:

1. Harder to start. You will fall alot. You will definately develop balance by learning snowboarding.

2. Get the "punk kid" stereotype.

3. There are a few ski resorts that have banned the use of snowboards. (this is less a problem in the United States and Canada, where snowboarding is proliferate, but can be a problem for trips to Europe)

4. Can be harder to walk in and getting on/off lifts at first.

Skiing

Advantages:

1. For most people, it is easier to start learning.

2. The need for speed, many times while snowboarding, I've had skiers come flying by my at speeds I could never even imagine going. If you like speed, skiing is definately for you.

3. With the right skies and practice you CAN do just all the same freestyle tricks that snowboarders can. (In fact, this is becoming very popular.)

Disadvantages:

1. Plateaus early. Opposed to snowboarding, for most people skiing is easier to begin, but much harder to master. It is tough to get down some of the more advanced skiing elements.

2. Get the "nerdy" stereotype>

3. Easier to run into trees. (this is a more serious problem than you think, especially if you go off the beaten path)

Conclusion:
Skiing and snowboarding are like rollerblading and skateboarding, try both and see what you enjoy.

Whichever ever sport you choose, remember to take precautions: don't let your friends teach you , get lessons from a proper instructor, and follow safety warnings.

Blog Topic Shift

2008-02-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

I've decided to switch the focus of my blog. I consider this a evolution in my blogging experience. For multiple reasons, I have not wanted to post ideas I have been having for stories.

I enjoy informing others about things I have fun doing as well as, hopefully, learning something I didn't know beforehand about the subject myself. So, for now on my blogs will be about outdoors sports, excursions, and activities. I am an avid outdoorsman. I love hiking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, kayaking, etc... I have a great desire to also become involved with skiing, crosscountry and alpine, rock climbing, scuba diving, sky diving, and really any other activity which involves exploring the natural world.

Random Ideas...

2008-01-28T16:43:00.000-08:00

This a list of Random Story Ideas I've had all at once...I was attempting to go to sleep when I thought of them, and my mind wouldn't let me alone until I got my ass out of bed and wrote them down. :(
Reading them back...they are all pretty bad idea haha

Genre: Parodies/Satires

1. Americans spend too much money and time on pets (especially dogs)
-Pepsi's wuffwuff water for dogs
-food, treats, clothes, spoiled, fat, wear crowns,
-ruin of natural graceful creatures
Tell from point of view of the dog

2. Plastic gift cards
Tell from point of view of the disappointed child
-monedy is always better
-cards only to one place
-tries to drop hints on what he wants (money?)
-mom gets him something else, says "well you kept talking about gift cards, I figured I'd get you some."
-to store he'd never shop in

3. Football zombies and men

4. Celebrity paparazzi obsession

5. food intake/africans with no food/diseases (aids)/etc..
-no electricity
-we get rich off them by teaching them to plant corn, which will only grow to one or two feet high there, because corn is what America wants, corn also pulls all of the nutrients out of the ground

6. Obesity in America
-left over pizza for breakfast/cheeseburger for lunch/steak/potatoes for dinner/and death at night
-laziness and sloth

...i don't think i like any of them

Shock Town

2008-01-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

While it is rare that the idea for a story i happen upon relates to what i am learning about or doing at the time, I'm sure it is obvious that this time it was. The following story idea came to my while I was sitting in my Victorian Novel class, last week. We were discussing the Industrial Revolution and Gothic Literature. It is meant to show the darker sides of capitalism/industrial revolutioins/cities/paranoia/etc, but at the same time do so with some humorous elements.
Title:
Hubris (of man, society, and capitalism) or Shock Town
Shock Town=what victorians would call ther extremely industrial cities
Hubris=main character flaw
Places: (extremely industrial city: think victorian England/Pittsburgh, Pa/Modern China and India)
(Takes place in modern world, but seems much older: perhaps in China or other developing country going through the same stages we once went through)
High society (opening)
Seedy Underground
Red Light district
Factory after factory lined streets
Black Smoke/smog/shadow/cloud/cloak/shroud hangs over entire city
Architecture: (look up gothic architecture)
Modern architecture, yet seems more gothic in description
Dark, many shadows, square and sharp, yet with many edges crevices, mysterious, gargoyles, blocky, dangerous colors: Dark: grey, black, red, browns
Lexicon: Antiquarian
Example: H.P. Lovecraft: cyclogean, eldritch, rugose, noisome, squamous, ichor, etc...
People and Themes:
Paranoia, Change, Underworld, Decay, Sickness, Poverty, Prostitution, Crime, Fear, Death, Anxiety, Pride, Disease, Unknown, Enlightenment vs Romanticism, Capitalism, Gothic, Media, Obsession, plague, superstition, Technology, Machines
Mood:
arrogance of high society and death of the masses (disease, poverty, etc...) PARANOIA
Parody: (scenes that show the following in a humorous form)
Consumerism
Our society (capitalism)
Mall zombies: commercialism
Celebrity obsession
Tabloids
Humorous side characters: Prostitute, poverty stricken men, etc... (think shakespeare)
Exageration: ex: One room living spaces with multiple famlies living in it (well this might seem sad, write it in such a way as to be humorous)
Technology and machines (humerous scenes with it)
Change
Main character: name: Stevenson/Twist/Dorian
Affluent, pround, arrogant
He is disgusted by poverty, disease, pollution, death. He wonders why the ruling body doesn't do something about the poor and sick, the "useless"
Changes: Feels that something/someone is following/stalking/chasing him feels its "eyes" in the shadows always on him
Story: ^The chase that happens because of this feeling takes you on a tour of the city^
Opening scene, main character, in city, sees smoke (from the "bad" part of town that we will eventually be led to on his "tour" or chase")
"eyes" following him= paranoia, death, society, change, etc...

Why?

2008-01-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

This blog will be an experiment in imagination and creativity. I plan to blog about story, poetry, and essay ideas that pop into my mind throughout the day. My posts will range from one line quotes that inspired me to full fledged, in depth book ideas. I will also attempt to post where and what I was doing when these ideas came to me, and why I think I had them. Through this blog, I hope to learn more about my own creative process.

-Josh