In the age of Trump I’ve never been happier to be Canadian. Best nation in the world I’d say.
I’m flying the Maple Leaf on my bike.
Category: product endorsements
mapping my hikes & bike trips
For summer 2019 I’ll use the Relive app.
It generates Google Earth videos with the photos you too included.
Here’s an example from the FREE version of the software.
The free version adds a maximum of 10 photos. For up to 50 photos you must join the CLUB which costs US $60 / year.
Mapping works in conjunction with Strava, Runtastic, Endomondo, Garmin Connect, Suunto, Apple Health (Watch), MapMyRun, MapMyWalk, MapMyRide, MapMyHike and Polar Flow.
I might be using the free version of Strava. Otherwise I’ll use Apple Health.
my GoPro Hero 7 Black set-up
As of May 2019.
I tried and gave up on drones.
I tried and gave up on gimbals.
GoPro works for me. Small. Tough. Durable. Waterproof.
For BikePacking travel I’ll be carrying:
- two tripod(s) … one a selfie stick
- Bike handlebar mount
- Bike helmet mount
VIDEO
- aspect ratio 16:9 (not 4:3)
- cool kids like me use 4K/60fps … actually I eventually switched to 2.7K/60fps to be able to shoot a WIDER image.
Click PLAY or watch a 4K sample on YouTube.
- zoom is digital — so I won’t often use it
- HyperSmooth (new video stabilization)
- Protune is ON
- once on a trip I’ll turn on QuikCapture (video with one click)
- time clips (15 or 30 seconds) are useful
- TimeWarp
For reasons unknown, GoPro stopped supporting their Apple Watch app. I use my watch a lot for iPhone, but will have to use voice control rather than my watch for the GoPro. (There is a 3rd party app called EasyBlack 7 that I might try.)
Click PLAY or watch a sample of Slow Mo on YouTube.
Audio
Typically I delete audio replacing it with some soundtrack.
On my last trip I tried using the audio. That can be tricky as the GoPro is not great at audio. It’s not easy to edit audio.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Time Lapse (Hyperlapse) mode
- I’ll use this occasionally to speed up lengthy videos
Click PLAY or watch a sample on YouTube.
PHOTOS
- SuperPhoto mode
- photos at 4000×3000 pixels (4×3) default
- it’s slow, uses a lot of battery, best on tripod
- I won’t take many photos with the GoPro. The iPhone is better.
- I won’t use Burst or Continuous photo
This GoPro photo came out as .tiff — huge at 96 MB. When I exported it to .jpg it was still large for web (1280 x 960) at 735 KB. It’s not been edited.
my CURRENT travel camera system
As of May 2019.
Two cameras. The iPhone can be remotely controlled by my Apple Watch 3.
I’m trying to use voice control as much as I can for the GoPro.
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- GoPro Hero 7 Black & USB to USB-C cable
- MicroSD card
- 3 extra Mibote batteries, charger, USB to USB-C cable
- iPhone X & charging cable
- GoPro 3-Way Grip, Arm, Tripod (VIDEO)
- GoPro Hero 7 Black & USB to USB-C cable
- Miggo Splat tripod
- ipow GoPro to iPhone adaptor
- tzumi 12000 mAh battery & USB to Micro USB cable
- Mophie 10000 powerbank & USB to Micro USB cable
- Anker USB PowerPort+ 1 with Quick Charge 3.0 (fastest possible charge)
- padded case for gear
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I have GoPro attachments on both bike helmet and bike handlebars as well. All mounts can attach either GoPro or iPhone.
What’s lacking most is the ability to ZOOM with either camera. I MIGHT carry a small camera with zoom, as well. I like zoom for distant animal sightings. And for Gymnastics.
Tunnel Bear VPN
TunnelBear by software security software giant McAfee is one of the best FREE Virtual Private Networks.
Like many others it has both free and paid versions.
I got a free month of the paid version last October because I needed it while traveling internationally.
Cancelled before the deadline. … And months later found they were still billing me though I hadn’t used the service.
After complaining online to Tunnel Bear customer support they did refund those payments. Good customer service.
I found it very confusing to cancel, by the way.
When you cancel any paid service online be sure to check you got the confirmation email.
Lyft or Uber?
Cool kids like Lyft better. But Uber is far more available in far more places.
While both services look identical, there are major differences. Uber is richer in features and available in more cities. Yet Lyft is more transparent in its receipts about the details of a trip …
In terms of ride-summoning features, Uber wins hands down.
The verdict: Lyft wins, in part for greater transparency.
The verdict: Frequent riders will benefit more from Uber’s rewards program, which is more comprehensive and compelling.
What about reputation?
The verdict: Though neither company is innocent, Lyft wins by a long shot.
Where Uber and Lyft are available
Uber has an advantage because of its broad availability worldwide. The company, which has operations in 63 countries, is a behemoth compared with Lyft, which is available in just the United States and Canada.
Uber vs. Lyft: Which Ride-Hailing App Is Better?
World Press Freedom Day
Notoriously poor and cheap, I normally take advantage of FREE — ad supported — news on the internet.
Obviously that’s not sustainable over the long term.
For years I’ve donated to ad free Wikipedia.
For years I’ve paid for Economist.
And for the second time I’m paying for the Washington Post. They hold Trump to account better than any other site.
Today May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day. WaPo is only $25 / year today.
Where are LIBRARIES headed?
I spend a lot of time in libraries. They are good. But could be much better.
Eric Klinenberg spent a year researching libraries for his book Palaces for the People.
How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life
Social infrastructure is the glue that binds communities together, and it is just as real as the infrastructure for water, power, or communications, although it’s often harder to see.
But Eric Klinenberg says that when we invest in social infrastructures such as libraries, parks, or schools, we reap all kinds of benefits. We become more likely to interact with people around us, and connected to the broader public. If we neglect social infrastructure, we tend to grow more isolated, which can have serious consequences.
I heard Klinenberg interviewed on the 99% Invisible podcast. His argument was compelling.
I’d love to see libraries expand their programs. Increase the hours they are open.
Libraries are unofficial sanctuaries for street people, at least during daylight. That should be formalized.
Libraries could be much, much better.
I’m now a GoPro guy
Finally.
And I tested it skiing Sunshine. Works as advertised. Perfect for me, I think, as it’s quick, durable and simple.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Gorgeous day. Perfect, in fact. I do love Spring skiing.
In fact, this was only my second day skiing for years. I was also testing the new boots and skis I bought last year.
There was a full moon over the Rockies on the shuttle bus up from Calgary.
So far, I’m super happy it. Of course GoPro has a huge range of mounts and accessories. I’ve already bought the tripod and bike mounts.
For video it replaces the Canon Elf I lost on my last trip. For photos I’ll mostly use my iPhone X.
related – GoPro Hero 7 Black Review
With its new gimbal-like stabilisation and live-streaming powers, the GoPro Hero 7 Black is the best action camera we’ve seen so far…
Pod room in a hostel
I’ve stayed in a couple of airport pod hotel rooms. An excellent idea. You can rent for 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours or more depending on the amount of time you have between flights.
But in Púcon, Chile I stayed for the first time in a pod room in a hostel.
$15 / night. No breakfast. Shared washrooms and excellent kitchen. You keep your stuff in a locker outside the room.
But here’s the view just outside my door.
This is the French Andes hostel.
Rick McCharles 