tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64230803723681741782024-03-13T23:43:42.523-07:00Gordon FoatGordon Foat WAVE teamGordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-91523767057851240942015-04-23T06:01:00.001-07:002015-04-23T06:01:36.654-07:00Support The Green MotorSport Team<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wm0ekVpGN48" width="480"></iframe><a href="http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-ourworld-advanced-vehicle-expedition" target="_blank">http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-ourworld-advanced-vehicle-expedition</a>Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-31231206932871705022014-11-20T15:52:00.001-08:002014-11-20T15:53:25.267-08:00Help our Team Grow Some AIR!<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="207" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GiPVLzPrAlM" style="height: 357px; width: 501px;" width="368"></iframe><br /></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-74914309286082435992014-06-17T09:48:00.000-07:002014-06-17T09:48:03.605-07:00WAVE 2014 Afterword<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
been a long day and so waxing lyrical might be the trend for this entry.
Generally I don't like waxing anything but since I feel comfortable with
lyrical I shall give it my best shot without wounding anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sitting
in a moving vehicle powered by the sun traveling the black ribbon of road
unfolding before me as it slipped through the forest was something more then
simply a drive. The trees we passed on this sojourn, the wisdom they hold is
truly something to behold, to honor and respect. These beings have been here so
much longer then we humans, they have withstood the passage of time on
slippered feet quietly observing the changing seasons and the folly of humanity
throughout the ages. Yet as I sail by on 4 wheels in an electric vehicle I feel
an intense sensation of safety, of being protected and held in the embrace of
the natural world. I feel as though the trees know I am but one small ally and
their intention is to cover my back and gently push me forward to achieve the
intended goal of saving their brothers and sisters in the Atlantic Rain Forest.
There is no translation needed as the ambassadorial birds sing of natures
plight and my understanding is complete of what they request of me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-22305134205492828772014-06-17T09:42:00.000-07:002014-06-17T10:23:16.711-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY 6-7<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The day started
out fine with breakfast, coffee and orange juice. Following the usual procedure
we loaded our suitcases, unplugged and hit the road. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="border: none; color: #222222; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
were on our way to Interlaken, a beautiful day through beautiful scenery past
open sided tunnels. Hidden under pages from the road map to block the sun from
the face of the android pad I was reading the numbers, which meant the state of
charge, current and voltage. Everything was going perfectly when suddenly the
Tapir made itself known with an odd sound and we began losing speed. We pulled
off the road beside a lake about 5km from Interlaken. The scene was a picture
postcard of glistening blue water, coots swimming by and sailboats moored
hither and hither in the water. The leaves on the nearby trees glowed in the
sunlight, a few clouds rested in the blue sky. Gordon turned the ignition, the
motor worked but we weren't moving, not even an inch. We clambered out and
Gordon crawled under the buggy close to the rear tires. He was lying on his
side and so only his bum and legs were sticking out from beneath the buggy. I
looked around and across the road was a rock face with new plants growing from
the rock. The sun beat down making that rock face visibly warm. As I turned to
look at the lake and then to see what Gordon had been able to discover, I saw a
duck couple, male and female, waddling towards us. The male seemed to lead and
his mate followed about a foot behind him off to his left. As he waddled past
me, he looked up, decided I was harmless and settled comfortably in the soft
grass. The female decided to take a detour. Instead of following her mate she
turned slightly to the left and headed straight for Gordon's bum! All I could
think of doing at that moment was to think as strongly as possible to the duck,
"I don't think this is the time or moment to bother Gordon right now. He's
trying to figure out what has gone wrong!" Mrs. Duck stopped in her tracks
and looked at me. She cocked her head to one side while giving me a look of, “oh,
ok, no worries.” She then waddled back a few steps and settled down in the soft
grass while keeping an eye on Gordon's bum and all was peaceful in her world.
Mr. Duck, however, paying no attention at all to anything else, simply preened
himself the entire time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="border: none; color: #222222; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, we needed help and it was
just our luck that Roberto happened by. He is on one of the support teams.
Unfortunately there was nothing he could do and so it was decided I would ride
with him into Interlaken and help would be sent back to Gordon waiting with the
Tapir. Long story short, it was the left rear wheel bearing and drive shaft connection that had given up
the ghost, however Gordon managed to drive the Tapir into Interlaken, limping, followed by the WAVE support crew. The buggy was eventually towed to a local service station, checked again and diagnosed with the
only therapy being it needed to be left there and picked up later with the
truck and trailer and taken back to the U.K. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="border: none; color: #222222; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Later that day everyone arrived on
Mt. Rigi where the prizes would be awarded and a fabulous meal would be served
including a trio of Alpine Horns being played. I must say that the sound
produced was exquisite and at the risk of sounding corny, was truly heavenly! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="border: none; color: #222222; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2be3v0sV8U/U6BvtIDuKSI/AAAAAAAALFo/0LXONlW-lpw/s1600/Gordon_Foat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2be3v0sV8U/U6BvtIDuKSI/AAAAAAAALFo/0LXONlW-lpw/s1600/Gordon_Foat.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="border: none; color: #222222; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the prizes were being awarded Gordon arrived just in time in the electric support car to receive third
prize overall shared with the Swiss TV crew. He also won for the best charging
and Gordon and I were given our participation certificates. We had made it
despite the trials and tribulations and the Tapirs’ motor and battery packs
came through with flying colors!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="border: none; color: #222222; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhPo2hhuPL8/U6Bunk5AGpI/AAAAAAAALFg/kJINPI_Ze5E/s1600/A_WAVE_2014_Green_MotorSport_electric_car_rally_gordon_foat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhPo2hhuPL8/U6Bunk5AGpI/AAAAAAAALFg/kJINPI_Ze5E/s1600/A_WAVE_2014_Green_MotorSport_electric_car_rally_gordon_foat.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunset as seen at Mount Rigi</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZJteqmrioU/U6B5W7u-XsI/AAAAAAAALGc/djF8jEbWn0c/s1600/sunset_leora_rosner_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZJteqmrioU/U6B5W7u-XsI/AAAAAAAALGc/djF8jEbWn0c/s1600/sunset_leora_rosner_2014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-12951367417345453222014-06-17T09:23:00.000-07:002014-06-17T09:23:21.512-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY 5<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Today was to be </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">“</span><span lang="EN-US">new</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">”</span><span lang="EN-US"> tire day. After breakfast we loaded up the Tapir and headed off to
look for the garage we had spotted the day before. We drove through one small
town but the garage did not magically appear. However, in the next town it was
exactly where it was supposed to be and we pulled in. Gordon explained the
situation and showed them the problem where upon they told us to come back in
an hour. Gordon replied, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">“</span><span lang="EN-US">We are here on a
special mission and there are 3000 people waiting for us!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">”</span><span lang="EN-US"> They said they would get on it immediately
and they did. The two front tires were taken off and the </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">“</span><span lang="EN-US">new</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">”</span><span lang="EN-US"> ones put on and we were road ready and champing at the proverbial
bit.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFzsYfWqMUc/U6BrJefnJzI/AAAAAAAALFU/HCkoZT3mVs4/s1600/Leora_rosner_wave2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFzsYfWqMUc/U6BrJefnJzI/AAAAAAAALFU/HCkoZT3mVs4/s1600/Leora_rosner_wave2014.jpg" height="400" width="375" /></a></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Off we drove into the distance ahead of us. Things were going well but due
to the tire exchange we were running late. The afternoon began and we made it
to Broc, plugged in, ran to grab a sandwich from the catered lunch, nothing for
a vegetarian, the first time on this WAVE, grabbed a banana and an apple,
Gordon grabbed a sandwich and then 3 minutes later were told it was time to
leave. PANIC!!!!! We needed to charge, we needed to eat something but we also
didn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t want any penalty
points. So off we went in search of a plug and no penalty points. We stopped at
a furniture-building place in an industry area and the guys there allowed us to
plug in. The sun was absolutely brutal and we eventually left in search of a
less heated place. A couple of hours later we stopped at a gardening center.
Gordon spoke to a woman there who instructed us to drive around the back and
there we would be able to plug in. We did as we were told and, sure enough, we
could plug in and charge the phones as well. It was fantastic there, surrounded
by plants, veggie plants, fruit trees and the Alps outside. They let us stay
until they closed at 18:30 and we hit the road again. This was going to be an
epic plug in day whether we liked it or not! We had been driving for quite
awhile when it was again time to plug in and wound up at a refrigeration
company. We had literally just driven up and climbed out of the buggy when a
truck drove up and parked. A well-dressed woman got out and asked what we were
doing and offered to help. Once we were plugged in she went to the nearby house
and let out a young dog who ran around like a maniac. She needed to leave and
told us that her father would be coming home soon and that he knew we were
there and why and everything was ok. She drove off in a small car and 10
minutes later her father arrived. Jacques introduced himself and was very
interested in the Tapir. He told us he had driven on a motorcycle to China and
upon arrival they refused him entry. He was still intent upon making the
complete trip. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The batteries were
now charged and we could leave and so we piled in and off we went. We had been
munching on fruit bars, rice crackers and cheese and honey throughout the day
and we getting hungry for something more substantial. We arrived In Murten
fairly late, had missed the dinner and needed to find a place to eat. Our stuff
stowed in the youth hostel we wound up at a caf</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">é</span><span lang="EN-US"> where several other teams were enjoying a few beers and munchables.
Bread pizzas were ordered and we swallowed them whole. The rest of the evening
passed with much joking around and laughter and pretty soon we all headed back
to the youth hostel and some much needed sleep.</span></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-62483600346318022242014-06-17T09:09:00.001-07:002014-06-17T10:05:54.111-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY 4<div class="Body">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Today we are going up
the Furca Pass, at 2436 meters, the highest one in Switzerland. We were ready
and began our drive. As we approached the beginning of the Furca Pass we
happened to pass Urs on his electric bicycle. We tooted and waved and Urs waved
back enthusiastically. In my eyes Urs would be the hero of the day. After all,
it was the Furca Pass and to get over it on an electric bicycle was going to be
no mean feat! Driving with the inimitable plug hunter himself I knew that
should it be necessary to plug in somewhere he would find one without any
trouble. We continued on and eventually reached a point where we needed to plug
in and as expected the plug hunter hunteth and the plug hunter pluggeth! Lo and
behold there was THE spot and we could stop and plug in for some battery juice
insuring our safe and continued passage over the pass. Gordon climbed out of
the Tapir, hauled out a cable, walked over to the steel hut on stilts, climbed
the few steps and attempted to climb onto the thin railing in order to reach
the targeted plug. This was not working too well for the railing wobbled
dangerously. As Gordon climbed back down Urs appeared on his e-bicycle, got off
and began to shove his bike behind the steel hut on stilts. Odd! Two minutes
later a police car drove by, passed us all and continued upwards a short
distance. They stepped out and proceeded to watch us all. Gordon asked Urs who
has a wiry build that would enable him to perform such an acrobatic feat, if he
might try climbing up to plug us in and so he did and succeeded. Once he
climbed down he told us of his plight. All that we understood was that the
police were not going to allow him to continue over the Furca Pass. I couldn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t believe it since, as he told us this two
cyclist came barreling down towards us from the opposite direction. What the
frack was going on? I took a few photographs and when I turned around the
police were there, talking to Urs and shooing us away. Ms. Cop came to me and
said that if we needed help we could use the orange pillar like thing to call.
This orange thing had a fence around it and so I replied that I had no idea
that that thing was used to call for help and that we did not need any help we
just needed to plug in, pure and simple. She showed me that it was open on one
side and again I claimed innocence and she believed me. Mr. Cop, in the
meantime, continued to talk to Urs who eventually called Louis in desperation.
They were going to arrest him, as it turned, for </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">“</span><span lang="EN-US">stealing</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">”</span><span lang="EN-US"> electricity.
Pfffffffffff, how much might that have cost, 10 cents? Maybe and for that he
was to be arrested? Insane!!!!! They were also upset that Urs had photographed
them so in my urge to take more photos I made a point in asking if they minded
if I took some shots. Since I had gotten Ms. Cop to laugh, I was free to do
what I wanted. The police were now on the phone with Louis who was able to
convince them that Urs was kosher and all was good. They finally let him go and
on we all continued up the infamous Furca Pass.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="Body">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">We lost sight of Urs
as we climbed and about halfway we stopped to take some pictures. The view was
staggeringly beautiful. Some of the peaks were covered in snow while other
baked brown in the sun. One view offered a rippling, almost like water frozen
in time, stretch of mountaintops that shone blue in the sunlight. Clouds
overhead moved in an almost deliberate manner until one cloud appeared that
looked like an animal running headlong, leaning into a turn, as it raced across
the sky. I was witness to the Glaciator desperately trying to keep those peaks
covered in snow, battling against the change in climate that we humans had
caused. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CI9RolsNQnA/U6B00N9NKCI/AAAAAAAALF8/4eBgoX3bM8E/s1600/The_glaciator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CI9RolsNQnA/U6B00N9NKCI/AAAAAAAALF8/4eBgoX3bM8E/s1600/The_glaciator.jpg" height="400" width="355" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">A few more pics were
taken and we climbed back into the buggy and headed off for the top of the
Furca Pass. Once we arrived we were met again by an astounding view and a group
of soldiers having ice cream! They immediately glommed onto the Tapir asking
questions and mumbling to each pointed at our front tires. There was quite a
bit of hmmming and uh huhing when they announced that if we were to be stopped
by the police and they happen to notice the condition of our front tires we
would not be allowed to continue. You see, the front tires, suffering an
orthopedic condition, were some what pigeon toed and stood more on the inside
of the tire then just flat on the ground. Due to those facts the inside of both
tires were now, basically, bald while the outside had serious tread. We thanked
them for their advice, talked about their socks, which anyone who was at EMPA
last year will understand and off we drove. The decision was made to get our
hands on </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">“</span><span lang="EN-US">new</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">”</span><span lang="EN-US"> front tires ASAP! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="Body">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYJOPvo6itI/U6BoAyd0aZI/AAAAAAAALE4/_1ugCO9RXMU/s1600/TEAM3_Team37_wave_2014_GMS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYJOPvo6itI/U6BoAyd0aZI/AAAAAAAALE4/_1ugCO9RXMU/s1600/TEAM3_Team37_wave_2014_GMS.jpg" height="130" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-US">Upon arriving at our
destination for the evening and night we were all treated to various presentations
about the area and the state of glaciers today due to climate change. When the
latter was finished the speaker asked if there were any questions. I raised my
hand and asked if he had any hope that these glaciers could be restored. He
basically evaded the question stating that hope means getting emotional and
emotions did not concur with scientific findings and research. I retorted with
the fact that to continue with only research would not work, that emotions are
a part of the equation to get the job done and it was time we got our hands
dirty, into the soil and make the much needed changes to slow climate change
and eventually to stop it. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-66964188292772883262014-06-17T09:05:00.004-07:002014-06-17T10:13:20.397-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY 3<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Another day begins;
coffee and breakfast carry us into the dining room as we carry our luggage
outside. The buggy is loaded, the batteries loaded and after breakfast we are
loaded. The road greets us wishing us happy trails and off we go into the day.
As I mentioned before the Tapir is a prototype and prototypes can offer
unexpected surprises. We were driving the days a to b when the eventual switch
to the other battery needed to be made. In order to do that we needed to stop,
turn the engine off and then turn the big switch right behind between the
seats. Gordon reached back, grabbed the switch but it wouldn't budge. After a
few moments he attempted it again, no go. He turned the ignition, drove another
couple of kilometers, stopped and tried again. The switch turned and off we
went. Something still wasn't quite kosher. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2QhfJqsdjk/U6B3EpLfcyI/AAAAAAAALGQ/bAENLWQJIX8/s1600/14434377461_8faf763159_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2QhfJqsdjk/U6B3EpLfcyI/AAAAAAAALGQ/bAENLWQJIX8/s1600/14434377461_8faf763159_b.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">For some reason there was hardly any
charge left at all and confusion insured wondering if we were switched to the
top battery back or the bottom one. Regardless of what we thought we had to
stop and do it quick before we just stopped in the middle of the road. Gordon
turned the switch one direction and then the other and discovered the switch
was switching too easily. We drove another 100 meters and stopped in front of a
cafeteria coffee shop. The owner was not pleased when I asked if we might be
able to plug into the socket outside and, no, we couldn't order any coffee or
anything for that matter. He eventually allowed us to plug in while Gordon took
the right side panel off to get to the tool kit. There were now a variety of
things strewn along the side of the Tapir. Gordon took the switch off and
discovered the inside had melted and other parts had simply vanished. Like a
proper surgeon he performed a bypass and that solved the problem. It would take
more time to switch from one pack to the other but we were now able to keep
going! He wrapped it all in tape, the bypass, protecting from getting a shock and
besides our hair was curly enough. </span></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-20233304705449277582014-06-17T09:04:00.002-07:002014-06-17T09:53:32.900-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY 2<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The time had come to
present the WAVE vehicles to schoolchildren in a few towns which meant, as far
as I was concerned, party time! They are the best audiences ever thanks to
their curiosity, honesty, warmth, good humor and their wonderful feeling about
the natural world. Since every member of every team had received a toy pig in
Hohenlohe, a breed that had almost been wiped out and was subsequently saved
from total extinction, one of our piggies was also serving as the navigator, or
at least as far as the kids were concerned. As we drove into the first town the
sidewalks seemed to be covered by school kids, all waving, clapping, cheering
and some waving flags. The pig, who shall be referred to as P.W. (Piggie
Wiggie) came alive and wiggled and jiggeted about in utter ecstasy at seeing
all the kids. And the kids cheered louder and waved more furiously while
pointing at P.W. Once we had gone through the WAVE arrival arch we parked the
Tapir, unzipped our doors and climbed out. At that very moment we were
surrounded by a large group of kids varying age between 10-15 all completely
captured by the Tapir. Their looks of surprise were priceless and they had many
questions. I went off to grab a coffee and break my head deciding which
delectable local pastry to choose. Charged with coffee for my own battery I
strolled back outside and was immediately sour rounded by a small group of
kids. They had all sorts of questions, not only about electric vehicles but
also the environment and the connection between the two. These likes were on
the ball, awake and aware. As I answered each question one would finish
answering before I could finish. We were all on the same page and I
congratulated them on this fact. I eventually asked them if they would like to
see the Tapir and received a very enthusiastic answer. In true John Cleese
style I said, "Follow me and walk as I walk!" So began the silliest
small parade ever. Every jousting leg, outstretched arm was perfectly copied
and all were laughing as we approached the Tapir. Their jaws dropped, their
eyes blinked in surprise and they loved it! We visited more schools and saw
many more kids that day all convinced that our fearless Piggie, P.W. was our
faithful navigator.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdqYGus6w-Q/U6Bm6APOZVI/AAAAAAAALEw/HlTCi6zXcQY/s1600/growingairfoundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdqYGus6w-Q/U6Bm6APOZVI/AAAAAAAALEw/HlTCi6zXcQY/s1600/growingairfoundation.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">It was time to
charge, have a chat with other WAVErs and get moving again. This would mean, as
it had meant on other days, that the numbers had to be read and those numbers
were the State of Charge (SOC), current and voltage of the battery pack being
used at that time. These numbers would give us an indication of battery use,
how it was being used as well as achievable distance. All improved on a daily
basis and Gordon's motor was working a charm and very willing and able to just
drive forever. A real workhorse fed by the batteries, which extended our range
daily. After all, let us remember that the Tapir is a prototype and as
prototypes go this little buggy definitely can rock n roll!!!! </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-55288123180110585582014-06-17T08:48:00.000-07:002014-06-17T09:16:31.542-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY 1<div class="Body">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">It has been a number
of days since writing the first blog. I had to face the fact that my sometimes-impossible
optimism about being able to get online even though we were all warned it would
be difficult was failing miserably. So, like any contemporary geek I made the
final decision and through my provider I arranged a traveling hotspot that most
likely will send my wallet straight into cardiac arrest, which will only happen
once I get home. The days have rolled into a Mobius strip of early mornings,
rushed breakfasts, downed coffees, loading the buggy, unplugging and hitting
the road through some of the most staggeringly beautiful landscapes. The towns
and cities we have thus far visited, although architecturally and historically
beautiful simply pale when looking at those rolling hills climbing into
mountains challenging the clouds sailing by in an unimaginably blue sky. And
the trees, the forests we drive through as the road unwinds before us, a safe place,
a beautiful place, and a peaceful place. This is how the world should be!</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_YFtfog9f8/U6BpRXJrBUI/AAAAAAAALFA/kXOblLlgIto/s1600/A1_GreenMotorSport_limited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_YFtfog9f8/U6BpRXJrBUI/AAAAAAAALFA/kXOblLlgIto/s1600/A1_GreenMotorSport_limited.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sbtd2a1lfU/U6Bpz3kOlMI/AAAAAAAALFI/QwVN9AuiUuw/s1600/GreenMotorSport_WAVE2014_rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sbtd2a1lfU/U6Bpz3kOlMI/AAAAAAAALFI/QwVN9AuiUuw/s1600/GreenMotorSport_WAVE2014_rally.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-77314726324973531922014-06-17T08:47:00.000-07:002014-06-17T09:52:33.838-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY 0 Lift Off<div class="Body">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">This buggy, the Tapir, we are driving in this
years WAVE is the result of a wild discussion on the way back from last years
WAVE and as a prototype this years WAVE will be her debut. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwowvxe3lV8/U6ByH_BUJDI/AAAAAAAALF0/Si5PaEy9ikk/s1600/WAVE_2014_gordon_foat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwowvxe3lV8/U6ByH_BUJDI/AAAAAAAALF0/Si5PaEy9ikk/s1600/WAVE_2014_gordon_foat.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Her children will be
enlisted in GAF projects carrying seedlings, water and people and will also be
sold to the general public as an all purpose vehicle for on and off the road as
well as for simply tootling around the countryside. That being said we had to
get up quite early in order to make it to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in
Stuttgart-</span><span lang="DE">Untert</span><span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: DE;">ü</span><span lang="DE">rkheim wher</span><span lang="EN-US">e breakfast would be served. We missed the breakfast but decided to
go into the museum restaurant and enjoyed bagels with smoked salmon, I know, I
said I am a vegetarian but once in awhile I like to have a bit of salmon, and
kick ass coffee which woke all the neurons up gearing us up for the day. We
went back outside, Gordon heading for the Tapir and I for a look around. I
spotted an electric motorcycle that looked like it had popped out of the movie,
Tron! Having been a biker driving a BMW R65 in the past all I could do was gawk
and drool. This was one mean looking bike with an enormously fat rear tire and
looking every bit the speed freak, silently navigating the roads. Yes, I wanted
one but I also wanted to have the Johammer bike which I can only describe as
looking like a giant shrimp ready to take on the world, very cool design and
really quite awesome to behold. Ralf-Martin Tauer manned his drone and
literally flew circles around the entire area giving everyone a beautiful birds
eye view of the whole scene. Finally it was time to leave and head for the
enormous parking lot where we would form a heart and inside, the words:
electric car world record Stuttgart 2014. We were at the top of the second E in
electric. The whole thing was stupendous and we broke the latest Guinness World
Record that was made in Norway (399 e cars) with a total of 507 e cars!!!! </span></div>
</div>
<div class="Body">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">We then headed back to </span><span lang="NL">Bietigheim-Bissingen</span><span lang="EN-US"> for a
quick lunch n charge after which we all made a heading for Heilbronn. The WAVE
had now begun and the Tapir was digging in and loving it!</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAyV01YlGkc/U6BixUg8QCI/AAAAAAAALEk/c0xlrOakMls/s1600/GMS_WAVE_Project_car_ev_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAyV01YlGkc/U6BixUg8QCI/AAAAAAAALEk/c0xlrOakMls/s1600/GMS_WAVE_Project_car_ev_2014.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-65460688919556860712014-06-17T08:40:00.000-07:002014-06-17T08:40:57.759-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY -1<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">Eventually Friday came and after getting things
organized Peter and Helga announced breakfast was being served on the top floor,
which happens to be his parents apartment. The table was decked out and truly
looked wonderful. Various jams, boiled eggs, four different types of bread
including big pretzels, just like in Central Park in New York. Of course
Germany is the source of those famous pretzels! Delish! There were also a
couple different kinds of cheeses and pork that Gordon got into quite happily. </span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">Peters mother planted and cares for her
beautiful garden downstairs as well as all her gorgeous orchids and other
plants on their balcony and windowsill upstairs. She not only has a green
thumb, every digit on both hands is green and so she's a natural. Both parents
are absolutely delightful! </span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">Auntie Val's boxes of jams were loaded into
Peter and Helga's Zoe as well as a few other things that could not possibly fit
on or in the buggy which we will call the Tapir from here on in. Our own
baggage was stowed on top of the Tapir and battened down with a tarp that snaps
shut keeping all contents dry. Gordon and I donned our helmets and climbed into
the Tapir. The goggles were also put on and we were ready to hit the road along
with Peter and Helga. My head bobbed around like the head on a kewpie doll due
to the weight of the helmet. Since my neck was protesting the decision was made
not to wear mine but Gordon kept his on and donned the goggles like a
swashbuckling cartoon hero! Thankfully he didn't try leaping off tall buildings
or go faster than a speeding bullet and besides he didn't have a cape to enable
the afore mentioned activities. He is, however, the Plug Hunter and now also
the Tapir Man! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">And off we drove, the Tapir Man and sidekick,
like a speeding Tapir into the wilds of Germany heading towards
Bietigheim-Bissingen for the gathering of the Wave participants would take
place. There the various teams would be introduced and Louis would give his
briefing about the following day! There were, in fact, 78 teams, four support
teams and Louis, our fearless leader, with his incredible crew and the switch
bus. To all the teams were introduced on stage for if that would have happened
it would have taken all night and possibly a good portion of the following day.
Louis gave the briefing and then it was time to enjoy some food provided by our
hosts. This particular writer and vegetarian was in heaven, with eyes popping
at all the delicious goodies prepared by our hosts. The very best part was
seeing all the people who had taken part in last years WAVE taking part in this
years WAVE. It was like a huge family reunion!!! <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>All was
good with the world and my stomach celebrated. Pretty soon the teams headed off
for their lodgings for the night. We headed for </span><span lang="DE">Jugendgastehaus Leonberg</span><span lang="EN-US">
which we eventually found somewhere out in the toolies that seemed far from the
madding crowd, quite isolated and very quiet.</span></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-34823545333781811752014-06-01T16:36:00.000-07:002014-06-17T08:37:39.040-07:00WAVE 2014 DAY -2 <span lang="">We, Gordon Foat of Green MotorSport and I, Leora Rosner of the Growing Air Foundation and Brian and Jean Orr of EV Matters are Team Green MotorSport with WAVE rally number 3 and 37. Pretty cool, the number 3 for it is one of the Fibonacci numbers, which appear throughout nature. Since we are forging the double edged sword against climate change to help our planet, the natural world, then that number is magic, that number defines us! </span><br />
<span lang="">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang=""><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V43296vwIho/U4uzCKsTJYI/AAAAAAAALDg/eAh6vJGq4W4/s1600/Team+GMS+2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V43296vwIho/U4uzCKsTJYI/AAAAAAAALDg/eAh6vJGq4W4/s1600/Team+GMS+2014.JPG" height="276" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span lang="">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span lang="">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="">I woke up this morning after a three-hour sleep max, while Gordon hadn't gotten any shuteye what so ever. He was working on the last details of the buggy that at times was driving him buggy, discovered that the two bolts holding the main sprocket were so loose they could be easily unscrewed but he prevailed and won that race. The buggy, whom we will refer to as the Tapir from here on in was loaded, had her seat belts fastened, battened and taped, nuts, bolts and screws were nordlocked, bond locked and landlocked for now. The Tapir would soon be sailing across the channel safe and sound and snug as a bug in a rug even though there wasn't a rug within miles and by the way for those who don't know what a Tapir is... <span style="color: black;">The Tapir is a large </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbivorous" title="Herbivorous"><span style="color: black;">herbivorous</span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammal" title="Mammal"><span style="color: black;">mammal</span></a><span style="color: black;">, similar in shape to a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suidae" title="Suidae"><span style="color: black;">pig</span></a><span style="color: black;">, with a short, </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehensile" title="Prehensile"><span style="color: black;">prehensile</span></a><span style="color: black;"> snout. Tapirs inhabit jungle and forest regions of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_America" title="South America"><span style="color: black;">South America</span></a><span style="color: black;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_America" title="Central America"><span style="color: black;">Central America</span></a><span style="color: black;">, and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia" title="Southeast Asia"><span style="color: black;">Southeast Asia</span></a><span style="color: black;">. :-)</span></span><br />
</div>
<span lang="">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="">We ( team 3) left Woking at 06:15 and headed off to Dover in order to make it by 07:55. We arrived at 08:15 and were told that we would need to take the next ferry, which meant leaving Dover an hour later. </span></div>
<span lang="">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once on the ferry we headed for the eatery and had breakfast while keeping our eyes pried open. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This ferry ride was, compared to last years ferry ride, rather uneventful! No time travelled pirates of the Caribbean rendered deaf driving motorcycles, not a single odd event unless you count the group of big men staring at me and wondering if my camera was a camera or a gun in disguise. You see, I have a nifty over the shoulder strap with a smaller strap that locks under my armpit just like the holster of a detective’s gun! The leery eyed guys eventually decided I was too small to bother with and besides they figured being shot to death with a digital camera might not look good on their résumés!<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually the announcement came over the p.a. announcing our arrival in Calais. We headed down to the D1 deck and discovered our trusty steeds were surrounded by behemoths otherwise known as tourist busses with floppy rabbit ears doubling as rear-view mirrors and tail pipes belching fumes, which for behemoths such as these happens to be anatomically correct. They were grumbling in their eagerness to get off the ferry. Refraining from the usual gasp and cough we climbed into the truck and waited our turn to disembark which, thankfully, didn't take long at all and we were off and running.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our route took us through France on the payage, toll roads that were perfect ribbons of black or gray asphalt. I was imagining them to be covered in the newly developed solar panels specifically designed for roads, runways, playgrounds, basically all roads and hard surfaced areas in towns and cities. Alas this is not yet the case! However since it is the payage it meant our ride would be smooth and the tapir would not suffer from the shake, rattle and roll of the pot-holed Belgian highway system next door. We eventually arrived in Schorndorf at midnight happy to be meeting Peter and Helga Schwan who would also be joining the WAVE for the first time. They are wonderfully warm people and we are so glass to have this opportunity to get to know them. Gordon and I stayed in their guest apartment and we felt right at home. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YgYq8AtN5c/U4u2kgAsQWI/AAAAAAAALD0/JQeYQ-3nghs/s1600/sponsors+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YgYq8AtN5c/U4u2kgAsQWI/AAAAAAAALD0/JQeYQ-3nghs/s1600/sponsors+2014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing is for certain, were it not for the following sponsors we would not have been able to take part in the 2014 WAVE! We thank you all whole heartedly!!! And, to show how much we love you we made a nice heart with all our WAVE team friends to say a big thank you! :-)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWCTC7c54qg/U4u1n5xVbCI/AAAAAAAALDs/4_z1XadIbm8/s1600/Green_MotorSport_WAVE_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWCTC7c54qg/U4u1n5xVbCI/AAAAAAAALDs/4_z1XadIbm8/s1600/Green_MotorSport_WAVE_2014.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
World Record Parade press photo, Can you spot our teams? We (team 3) are in the 2nd E of the Word "Electric" and the Buggy is top right of that letter E! Also worth a watch is our WAVE you tube video, see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0lMyVfUQFs" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr></span>v=e0lMyVfUQFs</a> and not to mention Team 3 ( Gordon and Leora appeared on Swiss Prime Time today!!)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e0lMyVfUQFs" style="height: 269px; width: 461px;" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
If you like to find out where we are in and how fast our cars go you can go to the Live tracking page for Team 3 and 37. This dynamic map can be found at the following link <a href="http://web.agmtelematics.net/ShareTrip/index.aspx?token=lfvpapvqr1k">http://web.agmtelematics.net/ShareTrip/index.aspx?token=lfvpapvqr1k</a> Sponsored by AGM Telematics.<br />
<br />Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-23299200665207456302014-04-14T17:36:00.001-07:002014-04-14T17:36:16.600-07:00Preparing for the WAVE 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gordon Foat of <a href="http://www.greenmotorsport.com/" target="_blank">Green MotorSport</a> is preparing for the WAVE 2014, the fourth drive across Europe for battery electric vehicles powered by renewable energy, from 31st May to 7th June. Green MotorSport successfully participated in all the WAVE events, driving across some of the most demanding territory in Europe. This year Team Green MotorSport will have two entries. Our support vehicle will be a conventional battery electric car, driven by our colleagues from EV Matters, Brian and Jean Orr.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tji9H7FJ_lQ/U0x8tI3fsfI/AAAAAAAAK7I/-oEjrQMNpvM/s1600/TeamGreenMotorSport_2014b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tji9H7FJ_lQ/U0x8tI3fsfI/AAAAAAAAK7I/-oEjrQMNpvM/s320/TeamGreenMotorSport_2014b.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a ‘warm-up to WAVE 2014’, <a href="http://highland-charge-2014.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/highland-charge-2014-start-15-contd.html" target="_blank">EV Matters</a> has elected to share the WAVE principles with a UK audience by taking their WAVE-liveried battery electric vehicle on a whistle-stop tour, starting in London – up the east coast to Scotland - side excursions into and around the Scottish Highlands – before heading to the Western Isles – demonstrating the feasibility of Scotland, as an ecological sustainable destination for pure-battery EVs!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
EV Matters will raise funds for ‘<a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/" target="_blank">Help the Heroes</a>’ aiming to contribute a pound for each mile covered. At the end of the Scottish phase, EV Matters has been invited to present their car on 25th April at the Green Fleet Motorshow in Edinburgh and to receive the endorsement of the Scottish Minister for Tourism and Veterans for both the EV Trial and the charitable fund-raising. By the time that EV Matters gets back to base, on 27th April 2014, they will have clocked 2,000 plus miles in just 2 weeks! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The other vehicle in WAVE’s Team Green MotorSport will be our lightweight utility vehicle powered by a revolutionary generation of liquid cooled electric motor, coupled with a super efficient liquid cooled vector control system. The technology is the outcome of Green MotorSport’s Cost Effective Motor Project, which aims to provide electric vehicles that people can afford to buy. WAVE 2014 will give us the opportunity to test and showcase this new technology in a challenging environment. Gordon Foat will drive this unique hand-built prototype, which we have developed with ZCars in the UK. The co-driver will once again be Leora Rosner of the Growing Air Foundation (GAF) which will use electric vehicles in their work planting forests around the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaAJh82Z1NM/U0x81g4WyVI/AAAAAAAAK7Q/2FYJCc-FRJA/s1600/Team_Green_MotorSport_EV_Matters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaAJh82Z1NM/U0x81g4WyVI/AAAAAAAAK7Q/2FYJCc-FRJA/s320/Team_Green_MotorSport_EV_Matters.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.wavetrophy.com/" target="_blank">WAVE 2014</a> is attracting more publicity as the installation of the renewable electricity infrastructure spreads across Europe, encouraging more people to drive electric vehicles. Last year the WAVE teams, including Green MotorSport achieved the World Record for an electric vehicle parade, as announced in the Guinness Book of Records. We shall keep you informed of Brian and Jean’s trip around Scotland, as well as progress with the performance of our new electric vehicle.
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-29435761550674435782014-03-19T07:43:00.000-07:002014-03-19T07:43:41.958-07:00GUINNESS book of records for Green MotorSport !Last year the WAVE teams including Green MotorSport achieved the world record for an electric vehicle parade, with over 300 battery powered vehicles. The Guinness Book of Records has confirmed that our world record for the largest electric vehicle parade at the Zurich festival 2013 has been officially accepted. The new world record now stands at 305 vehicles, which made it back to the start/finish line.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_rR90qvMq0/Uyms7voXhuI/AAAAAAAAK5I/dpTvGzWCbDk/s1600/GreenMotorSport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_rR90qvMq0/Uyms7voXhuI/AAAAAAAAK5I/dpTvGzWCbDk/s320/GreenMotorSport.jpg" /></a></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-62647804909564829532014-03-19T07:31:00.000-07:002014-03-19T07:35:11.643-07:00GREEN MOTORSPORT on the Radio!<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Heavy batteries, batteries that don’t last long, long charging periods – just some of the grumbles surrounding electric cars. But that’s changing. Just like mobile phone technology, electric car technology is improving and adapting to meet consumer needs. Including those who love motor racing. Gordon Foat of Green MotorSport Limited says not only do electric vehicles provide green and clean transport, electric cars are much more efficient at producing traction energy form a fuel than any other system. </span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Radio Interview <a href="http://t.co/kW4asQUOXA">http://t.co/kW4asQUOXA</a></p>— Gordon Foat (@greenmotorsport) <a href="https://twitter.com/greenmotorsport/statuses/446275718964850688">March 19, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-24466187850096091792013-11-08T07:10:00.000-08:002013-11-08T07:10:13.090-08:00Thorium : Safe alternative to our present nuclear reactors<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="normaltextrun">The UK is reverting to using traditional nuclear power, but
there are potential safety problems with conventional technology. With
all solid fuel high pressure nuclear technologies there is the danger of
reactor meltdown under certain circumstances, and there could be
proliferation of nuclear weapons if plutonium becomes more widely
available. It will also be necessary to store hazardous waste for 10,000
years. </span><span class="eop"> </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="normaltextrun"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="normaltextrun">There is however, a safe alternative to our present nuclear
reactors. If Thorium is used as the fuel, it is not fissile and therefore
cannot sustain a nuclear reaction on its own. Thorium is fertile which
means that if it is bombarded by neutrons from a separate fissile material it
is an excellent nuclear fuel able to use 99% of the available energy. The
Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR) developed by </span><span class="spellingerror"><strong>Flibe</strong></span><span class="normaltextrun"><strong> Energy</strong>
operates at atmospheric pressure and is not subject to meltdowns. This molten
salt technology was first proven in operation at the Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, USA in the 1960s.</span><span class="eop"> </span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Hazardous waste</span></b></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun">The UK already has substantial quantities of
dangerous waste, which would be increased if we build more traditional nuclear
reactors. 250 tons of uranium are required to produce 1 gigawatt (GW) of electricity
from a conventional nuclear power station and 35 tons of hazardous waste must
be stored for 10,000 years. For comparison, the LFTR technology requires only
one ton of Thorium to produce 1GW of electricity. Most by-products stabilize
within a decade and have commercial value; the minor remainder has a
half-life of less than 30 years, stabilizing within hundreds rather than tens
of thousands of years. </span><span class="eop"> </span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun">A
Thorium LFTR can help to reduce the problem with the large quantities of
existing waste from conventional nuclear power stations, as this can be used as
fuel by the Thorium reactor. There is however, a valuable by-product from
nuclear power which would have to be sustained. The LFTR would produce
medical isotopes, thus safe-guarding the world’s supply of material for nuclear
medicine. Why was this benign Thorium fuel not chosen in the first place? </span><span class="eop"> </span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Cost competitive</span></b></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></span><span class="normaltextrun">It will not cost more
to build Thorium reactors as they are mass producible and much simpler than
conventional nuclear reactors. Modular LFTR production offers reduced capital
costs and shorter build times and installation near the point of use eliminates
long transmission lines. It is only the suppliers of current technology
who may lose out when they have to face competition. Engineers developing
all types of low carbon technology find that there is a lot of resistance to
change from established fuel suppliers and even government departments
tend to stick with established organisations, which may hold back competition. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-lTdg52em8/Unz-DVcXCVI/AAAAAAAAK3A/IbKECtLnpS8/s1600/gordon_foat_kirk_dorius_Kirk_sorensen_thorium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-lTdg52em8/Unz-DVcXCVI/AAAAAAAAK3A/IbKECtLnpS8/s1600/gordon_foat_kirk_dorius_Kirk_sorensen_thorium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-lTdg52em8/Unz-DVcXCVI/AAAAAAAAK3A/IbKECtLnpS8/s1600/gordon_foat_kirk_dorius_Kirk_sorensen_thorium.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="normaltextrun">Recently
( Monday 4th November 2013) Gordon </span><span class="spellingerror">Foat</span><span class="normaltextrun"> of </span><span class="spellingerror">FutureEnergies</span><span class="normaltextrun"> met with Kirk </span><span class="spellingerror">Dorius</span><span class="normaltextrun"> and Kirk Sorensen at the House of Lords in London.
Baroness Worthington chaired the meeting. Several members of the Weinberg
Foundation were present as well as the UK Government and Energy specialists
from the Department of Energy & Climate Change. </span><span class="spellingerror">Flibe</span><span class="normaltextrun"> energy technology
was explained. Thorium is a naturally occurring mildly radioactive element
named after the Norse God of thunder, Thor. </span><span class="eop"> </span><br />
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"></span> </div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun">For
more information on </span><span class="spellingerror">Flibe</span><span class="normaltextrun"> Energy technology and thorium see.
<a href="http://flibe-energy.com/">http://flibe-energy.com/</a></span><span class="eop"> </span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin: 1em 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun">For more info on the Weinberg Foundation see
<a href="http://www.the-weinberg-foundation.org/">http://www.the-weinberg-foundation.org/</a></span><span class="eop"> </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
</div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-69040704718011018042013-07-30T15:53:00.000-07:002013-07-30T16:02:09.782-07:00WAVE 2013: Final Days<div style="text-align: justify;">
Deep within the darkness of the bunkers rooms alarm clocks sounded. Doors opened, people shuffled into showers, stripped beds, pulled on clothes, gathered suitcases and lumbered out the door into the daylight with paper bags of breakfast waiting for us in the shade of the trees of the square where our vehicles were parked for the night. Our trusty steeds were champing at the bits after a nocturnal feeding of electric oats fit for a king. When everyone, or at least those who stayed for the very end, were fed and watered we hit the road once again. There were three more "open doors" from which we needed to get our stamps for the final score. The unfortunate thing from the day before was not being able to find one place which eventually was found! So, getting today's stamps were an absolute necessity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8MBuPUpU28/UfhFaN6AmOI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/f5A3EGHzIQ8/s1600/GrowingAir_GMS_WAVE_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8MBuPUpU28/UfhFaN6AmOI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/f5A3EGHzIQ8/s1600/GrowingAir_GMS_WAVE_2013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
With success in our pockets or rather on the stamp page we headed for the ferry to Meilen and then for Küsnacht and the final festivities of the WAVE. Points, prizes and paraphernalia including ice cream to cool the broiling bodies, not to mention the boiling brains. In fact I need to speak for myself on this particular occasion since I could see them dripping every time I tilted my head. We all sat, talked, drank cool drinks and we were given the final information from Britta Muzyk about the book she would be writing using all of us "WAVERS" as characters in her spy novel. She basically needed to have releases signed from those of us who agreed to be included and so we were given our release forms to be signed pronto which was delayed because literally a moment later everyone, including those who are sun lovers, were called to see who would receive what prize and so all gathered in the shade for it was a scorcher.<br />
The stage was set three long steps above the ground with Louis m.c.ing the proceedings according to precedent as he proceeded to announce the winners. As we all stood, with bated breathe, dripping sweat behind sunglasses as Louis began. The winners in order of appearance were Team Rafael de Mestre in 3rd place, Team Metron Institute and Team Austria’s Green Sportscar shared 2nd place and the 1st prize went to Team Phoenix Contact. Other prizes were given for best blog, most efficient vehicle and more! All in all, all were pleased for the winners, cheering, clapping and the inevitable waving of all the WAVE teams. Then the morphing began as teams began their good-byes with hugs, the shaking of hands, outright laughter, slaps on backs and the turning of the keys in silent cars, their only sounds as wheels turned was the soft crunch of the soil as the area emptied. We began our journey back, first to Salzburg then to Calais where a ferry would trundle us back to the U.K. and finally a flight to Amsterdam. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next and final blog in this journey will soon appear.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPr6cO0Behk/UfhFjzGm5nI/AAAAAAAAKyY/gnb8huz-dZg/s1600/GAF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPr6cO0Behk/UfhFjzGm5nI/AAAAAAAAKyY/gnb8huz-dZg/s1600/GAF.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm sitting here at home now after taking down an exhibition of images I took from my planted roof, tree'ed and wild balcony and from British Colombia. This particular blog seems to be hard to finish and I sit here with trepidation on just how to wind it down. This writer's suffering electric car withdrawal. Perhaps we need to wake up very early, step into the Peugeot iOn after a small fast breakfast and drive for a few hours in the silence, the passing landscapes and the laughter in a Texan drawl wondering why the sat-nav is begging for more with the earth celebrating the WAVE, GAF and the double edged sword against climate change. It is the awakening of a new dawn and the quickening of a new compassionate conscience rising over the horizon. Let us begin the celebration of a sustainable re-forested world and the enormous possibilities being offered. Let us get to it and change the world, now! May the force be with us!!!!</div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-65132361833367273012013-07-08T05:20:00.001-07:002013-07-15T06:37:05.127-07:00WAVE 2013 Final Day<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Team 20 GMS/GAF Rally Wave Team crosses the finish line!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKPfuKDrQkA/UdquVxrWuEI/AAAAAAAAKQA/Mou0YKHTa4s/s1600/wave2013_Award_for_the_Best_Car_Decoration_green_motorSport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKPfuKDrQkA/UdquVxrWuEI/AAAAAAAAKQA/Mou0YKHTa4s/s1600/wave2013_Award_for_the_Best_Car_Decoration_green_motorSport.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We won 3rd for most efficient car and <b>first place</b> for best design! Overall we came 7th out of over <a href="http://www.wavetrophy.com/de/wave/teams/" target="_blank">40 electric Wave cars</a>. Many thanks to all who delivered on the sponsorship! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">After a night of white noise, wide open windows and the shock of the alarm reminiscent of the alarm in the underwater level of tomb raider we arose out of deep sleep mode. Bug eyed we threw our stuff into the appropriate bags, headed downstairs for the breakfast that would come too late for us to appreciate and headed out the door for the climb back up to the ABB Company grounds where our preferred mode of transportation awaited us. Today would be the day we would break the <b>Guinness Book of World Records</b>, the most electric cars in one place including the parade of all the e-cars in Zurich as part of the Zürich Festival. The accumulation of all of these vehicles which included Segways, electric motorcycles was a sight for sore eyes, especially those of us who are sick and tired of the fossil fuel guzzling stinkorific vehicular terrorists. A few of them became rather upset that we were here, en masse, and they were not invited and so they tried to gate crash this Eco party by bursting through the ranks armed with bad tempers, frustration and fear that their holy god given wheels would soon end up in a heap of scrap ready to be recycled into something much kinder to our wounded world and climate.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGNC323ZEsc/UePySg72BlI/AAAAAAAAKu0/YxGuNKjrZVA/s1600/New_Electric_WAVE2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGNC323ZEsc/UePySg72BlI/AAAAAAAAKu0/YxGuNKjrZVA/s1600/New_Electric_WAVE2013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">Arriving at our meeting point and destination was quite something. We were parked in rows of two. The man next to us in his small electric vehicle had set up a small table and chair armed with a thermos of hot coffee. It wasn't as if I was ogling that thermos of wake up juice but before I could say anything he offered me a cup of java. I accepted and he produced a small coffee cup, poured it full of that wonderful liquid and handed it to me. Drinking coffee along a shaded side-walk generously sprinkled with electric modes of transportation is truly delightful. You can smell and taste that cup of alternative black gold without the addition of the Texas black gold spewing cars choking you!</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">A stroll showed some fiercely hot cars, silent by design with smooth lines, head lights that looked like eyes including tear ducts and begging to be driven with an unsurpassed gentle fury. Sound odd? Try it out, sit behind the wheel, hit the pedal to the metal and your gone, quick as you please leaving others in the dust leaving them with the proverbial question, "Who was that masked man?" It wasn't the Lone Ranger folks or Tonto! It was simply a double edged sword in an electric vehicle whispering down the road of ecological positivity coupled with the planting of trees in the rain forest.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">After a stroll between the vehicles we boarded our Peugeot iON in her array of stickerly dress and the count began as we hit the starting gate. A grand total of 388 vehicles were counted and filmed to prove the case to Guinness! </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">
</span></span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTFCTMWJ3PI/UeP2NnhdE8I/AAAAAAAAKvE/BMeOjjaeh7U/s1600/electric_car_gate_2013_388_ev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTFCTMWJ3PI/UeP2NnhdE8I/AAAAAAAAKvE/BMeOjjaeh7U/s1600/electric_car_gate_2013_388_ev.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">Our parade caused a traffic jam of google eyed spectators, hands a-waving like an ocean of plants in the gentle breeze. One by one we drove through the final gate ready to hit the tour of open doors which would take us through a variety of small towns, check points for getting the coveted stamp of approval which would increase the score at the end of the WAVE. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">With three more open doors reserved for the following day we reached the location for the evening meal and the accommodations for the night, Neuhausen Am Rheinfall. Not far from where we arrived was a spectacle to be marveled, the Rheinfall or Rhein waterfalls. Normally there would be 600 cubic liters falling per second, however due to heavy rain it was now double! I could sit here and describe what was witnessed but those words would do no justice to the utter power of the falls.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obk9cknw7Xs/UeP5hEfJWbI/AAAAAAAAKvU/25Bwmd85VDg/s1600/Neuhausen_Am_Rheinfall_WAVE_2013_Team_20_GAF_GMS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obk9cknw7Xs/UeP5hEfJWbI/AAAAAAAAKvU/25Bwmd85VDg/s1600/Neuhausen_Am_Rheinfall_WAVE_2013_Team_20_GAF_GMS.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">A few teams decided that cheap hotels would be the better choice and the rest of us went for the bunkered bed fandango! Having chickened out of the last bunker, I thought, what the hey, let's give this puppy a chance and see what the deal is and why it's supposed to be too cool for school to sleep in a bunker. I can honestly tell you, dear reader, its not what it's cracked up to be but be that as it may we conked out for the night amidst the snores of revolution which were not to be compared with the silence of those lambs, our electric cars.</span></div>
</span></span></span>Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-48863843750715525422013-07-05T16:06:00.002-07:002013-07-05T16:11:44.346-07:00WAVE 2013 DAY 7<div style="text-align: justify;">
The days are beginning to run into one another and the numerous stops in small towns have become a set of frames in a film with a soundtrack that is not exactly running in a clear synchronicity with anything but itself. Salvador Dali would be proud with his watches dripping into warped time and space stretching and curling into a Möbius strip of backdropped music, people milling around and electric moments of presentations. It has been an exciting day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfzmc10LusI/UddSB4B8zJI/AAAAAAAAKPg/tljT7HHZ-kA/s1600/empa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfzmc10LusI/UddSB4B8zJI/AAAAAAAAKPg/tljT7HHZ-kA/s400/empa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I must say the most exciting part of the day was our visit to EMPA. There are many very innovative and fascinating things being done there. An acoustic curtain with numerous holes of varying lengths and sizes which put echoes to shame stopping them dead in their tracks. Can you imagine socks that are so incredibly smooth that friction no longer exists and therefore blisters stay right out of the neighborhood of your tootsies! They are already being used by the Swiss military who I suppose decided it would be a cheaper investment then the constant re supplying of band-aids. A this point this writer put a question forward to do with the socks in connection with the acoustic curtain....I'm going to keep this to myself, mwa ha ha ha simply because our guide through this wonderful tour liked the idea. And then there is a sheet to be used in hospitals to alleviate the problems of decubitus. In fact, the decubitus never even gets a chance with this particular material because it warns the nurse to turn the patient. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Smvohqmb-Ho/UddSV-MVrqI/AAAAAAAAKPo/od48SBfwX1g/s1600/fungus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Smvohqmb-Ho/UddSV-MVrqI/AAAAAAAAKPo/od48SBfwX1g/s320/fungus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There is even something for violinists! Having a fungus among us in our violins is actually a good thing. Why? In the days of the Stradivarius it seems that a particular fungus attacked the trees used to construct the Strads giving the violins their particularly rich sound. In the contemporary construction of violins one misses this richness of sound. EMPA has found a way to introduce the fungus to the wood and constructed a violin which was then compared to a Strad and the sound was the same!!!! How about that!!!! Fascinating!!!! From fungi and Strads we were shown the breakdown of a mobile phone right down to the nano particles explaining they had as yet no way to save those np's from going to waste simply because they could not be "caught." This writer came up with yet another question/idea and the young lady was then told by our guide she should be writing this down. No, I'm going to keep that under my belt as well;-) Our guide continued telling about bullet proof vests that would actually keep the wearer cool which in itself is pretty cool unless your the cop or maybe the perp who is caught because the cop is cooled! The last thing had to do with orthopedic implants and then we went downstairs, took a test and had something to drink and off we went to the following place. EMPA, you need to think about cross over between labs to find more novel solutions to problems. In other words cooperation between differing labs. Or just call me....<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDPIgi42z4Y/UddSjgq-F8I/AAAAAAAAKPw/V-hwLiR-cfM/s1600/camerateam_wave2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDPIgi42z4Y/UddSjgq-F8I/AAAAAAAAKPw/V-hwLiR-cfM/s320/camerateam_wave2013.jpg" width="197" /></a>We arrived in Gossau where we would have lunch. The was something for the vegetarians like myself but unfortunately it was disappointing. However, a woman witnessed me kick a bollard in frustration and sheer hunger and walked over asking what the trouble was. Gordon and I explained and she took us on a whirlwind run to a small restaurant that had closed, brought us round the back, walked in and asked if they could throw a couple of salads to take away for us. The owner of the restaurant, after hearing the explanation from Helena, immediately did the deed where upon Helena led us back to the WAVE area and off we drove. Helena, you are our hero of the day and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!!!<br />
Baden was our next and final stop of the day at the APP, the company that develops and builds the Chademo chargers for electric vehicles. The mayor spoke and he has a full plate what with the greening in all its facets of Baden. A brave and determined man and I wish him strength and determination in his endeavor to further green his city. It's been another long day and now we are in the youth hostel by the river listening to its flow of white noise in the night. An early morning will bring us to the Zurich Festival. Tomorrow will also bring that report.</div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-14540906277897979132013-07-05T02:43:00.000-07:002013-07-05T03:07:02.897-07:00WAVE 2013 DAY 6<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_vIufx49X8/UdaZ1ncPZAI/AAAAAAAAKPA/Q9VosRbNapo/s800/wavechil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_vIufx49X8/UdaZ1ncPZAI/AAAAAAAAKPA/Q9VosRbNapo/s800/wavechil.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>After a rather unsettling night of desertification of the core and a lack of sefonsifying sustenance we headed for a number of small places with an abundance of school children ranging in age from 7-15. All were intensely excited about seeing the electric vehicles we were all driving and the nano presentations each team gave informing the kids about their own particular mode of transportation. One town blended into the next with such speed it spun ones mind into a circus of navigational sagacity, the likes of which have never been seen before. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cT0UoSryhOM/UdaZ_AZmYyI/AAAAAAAAKPI/SaeV6z5L3P8/s800/dya6lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cT0UoSryhOM/UdaZ_AZmYyI/AAAAAAAAKPI/SaeV6z5L3P8/s800/dya6lake.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Making a bead for the next town within this run of towns an Audi pulled out of its house with its owner at the wheel right in front of us. The Audi was colored gold and this proved to be the first clue that its driver was a colossal psychopathic barf brain. He drove slowly and we needed to pass him. At the moment we were next to him he hit the accelerator. We saw an oncoming car and darted back behind him. At that very instant the jerk hit the brakes which led to Gordon hitting the brakes which, by the way, work better than any brakes I have ever encountered. We tried to pass again and apparently this moth eaten ding-a-ling liked summer repeats and did the same thing. This happened a total of four times, the last one being when he suddenly decided to hit his brakes 15 meters before the green light. An elderly man on the sidewalk looked at the gold Audi with utter confusion. Thankfully he turned off to some side street and we could continue. We eventually came to a town called Rorschach which is most likely where that particular test was developed. It seemed this was the best place for our gold Audi fortzengorgle to be tested for vehicular homicidal tendencies. It was time to head for the hills and the hills turned out to be a youth hostel...more tomorrow, the day has been long, the terrain beautiful and the kids were a lot of fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTRssGB5LA8/UdaauDRkUVI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/jHVRwCYiSBI/s800/day6viking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTRssGB5LA8/UdaauDRkUVI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/jHVRwCYiSBI/s800/day6viking.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-12841067442237910722013-07-05T02:42:00.003-07:002013-07-08T01:55:53.585-07:00WAVE 2013 DAY 5<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQhhEfX8W-A/UdaW8NR_iJI/AAAAAAAAKOg/ZlyhmDVGcyk/s1153/mountaintopday5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQhhEfX8W-A/UdaW8NR_iJI/AAAAAAAAKOg/ZlyhmDVGcyk/s1153/mountaintopday5.jpg" height="76" width="400" /></a>After the epitome of a short night compromised by the blogification of the former two days we awoke blathering about snoring, disappearing socks, a diversity of plugged in technology enjoying a long drink and all four of us giggling and laughing. I say the four of us for we were sharing the room with Andreas and Angela of team Twike our equals in Cleesian nuttery quantified and totally lovable!!! One by one the shower was the choice of occupation and then the mad rush for breakfast, guzzling coffee, searching for the well hidden muesli in plain sight and settling in for the eggs and what have you on a plate of snowy white matching the glacier of the previous day.<br />
The road had to be hit by 07:00 Jack and we were ready to hammer that sucker. Gps'ing the mountain road and we were stopped dead in our tracks by a road block weighted down making clear the gravity of the situation, the road chewed and effectively made rabid we made for the proverbial hills and the aid of a local. Zell Am Ziller was now in our sights. The goal reached we charged the batteries including our own with lattes under dark green umbrellas baking in the sun. Thankfully there was a reticent breeze but we had to keep moving and get to Innsbruck in the middle of town in a stone square and nary a tree big enough to provide shade. Frankly this shocks me every single solitary time!!! Those stone covered city squares reach a colossal 65*C and there is no one who can tell me they find this delightful. Trees would cool those city squares and, in fact, the cities themselves. The human over heated grump n drop factor would decline dramatically in city dwellers!!!! And then one must take into consideration that on a world wide scale this planet would no longer be suffering an ultimately deadly fever if we would simply replenish our rain forests around the world. In fact, the Growing Air Foundation is busy with this and the more people, corporations, banks etc join in we can cool our planet down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiYCPTUOtSM/UdaXGbV7EFI/AAAAAAAAKOo/uzcOOwnLaiI/s653/mountaintopday5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiYCPTUOtSM/UdaXGbV7EFI/AAAAAAAAKOo/uzcOOwnLaiI/s653/mountaintopday5b.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Landek was our next stop of the day and another small square covered in cement/stone with umbrellas providing the shade.......how wearisome this is....I don't wish to harp but trees would provide not only shade they would also provide a pleasant cooling affect. Our cement, stone, tarred, glass, bricked cities have become death traps and that includes the fossil fuel guzzlers dumping their heat, fine particulates, and let's face it poison into the air. Trees, the replanting of our rain forests and sustainable vehicles are the present and future for a healthy planet!<br />
The battery was finally charged and we could leave Landek for Tsent and we would be taking Louis with us. The back seat was reorganized in record time and looked very respectable although some things threatened to attack anyone attempting to sit next to the tidy pile of suitcases, bags, and other paraphernalia. Louis stepped inside, closed the door, I moved my seat forward to accommodate his long legs and Gordon began to drive to Tsent. Louis hardly had a moment to breathe<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ilVnqUP9xt4/UdaXVJwMgMI/AAAAAAAAKOw/vZrDp36Rc_c/s653/greenland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ilVnqUP9xt4/UdaXVJwMgMI/AAAAAAAAKOw/vZrDp36Rc_c/s653/greenland.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a> As we came into the town the band began to play and we all disembarked. Louis headed for the Mayor, Gordon headed for the plug box and I headed for what ever might be headed for completely headless from lack of sleep causing me to be heady. However one must look towards the future and head for the next hill which in this case was the next mountain, namely La Punt. We were given a fabulously informative verbal tour of the beautiful areas we passed as well as information of the protected forest visible from the road in all its majesty. Again upon arrival and on our last juice bar of electricity Louis disembarked, Gordon began the pluggers progress and I wondered how bunkers could be above ground and came to the conclusion that the only way to enter them in order to bunk for the night was.....the bunkers must be hydraulically lifted, a monumental feat of Swiss engineering and then lowered again. We entered the building turned the corner and there in a large room was a long table decked out with the most wonderful buffet in the world pretty much most of it vegetarian! A dream come true and I stood there gobsmacked and slack jawed at this delight for the eyes and stomach. It was absolutely scrumptious and I will add many many thanks to our hostess for this phenomenal meal.</div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-28593190948858376632013-07-01T15:54:00.000-07:002013-07-01T16:14:03.520-07:00WAVE 2013 DAY 4<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtjVKeaR6E4/UdIMR8LS4vI/AAAAAAAAKK4/14JfMpCmtHU/s1600/GreenMotorSport_team_GB_wave_2013_gordon_foat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtjVKeaR6E4/UdIMR8LS4vI/AAAAAAAAKK4/14JfMpCmtHU/s1600/GreenMotorSport_team_GB_wave_2013_gordon_foat.jpg" height="224" width="400" /></a></div>
After our WAVE photo on the bridge in Weissensee we headed out for Heilingenblut.....yes....that silly angst about vampires since it still means holy blood or could actually mean blood of the saints. Considering the altitude to which we were being elevated and the literally dizzying affect it had one begins to understand the full meaning of those words. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2xLa281Evc/UdIMonxAKDI/AAAAAAAAKLA/J5s_Q_EozE8/s1600/Green_MotorSport_WAVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2xLa281Evc/UdIMonxAKDI/AAAAAAAAKLA/J5s_Q_EozE8/s1600/Green_MotorSport_WAVE.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a>The air becomes thinner the higher you go and so you become dizzy because of the low oxygen level in your blood. Well, since this writer hails from Amsterdam which is below sea level offering one the inevitable idea that the Dutch have truly overly oxygenated blood climbing ever higher to reach this berg has made me, for the first time, oops another first, an extremist. Heilingenblut welcomed us with a speech, ladies in traditional dress, sandwiches off various wild meats and others with cheese and tomato. The vehicles were being charged and a beeline was made to a small supermarket for a few very needed things. Gordon bought a typical Austrian hat which happened to suit him as well as a handful, of various flower seeds from the area. I searched for a baseball cap style hat in white to shield my brain from the baking sun. Within a couple of hours we began the climb to the Großglokner Pass/ Franz Jozef Glacier. This was going to be a climb of immense proportions and Gordon's advice to eat sweets and drink water certainly helped and even if it hadn't the task of doing both kept me so busy that I might not have noticed the altitude sickness gripping my brain. However the altitude also produced positive eye popping views the likes of which I had never seen. Oh dear, there we go again, another first. I have never been up that high in the open air and it was majestic. And that dear reader is a limp description of what was witnessed. Majestic begins to tickle the edge of the proper description for it was far more. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Bc2epvGap8/UdILtg9kbEI/AAAAAAAAKK0/f_6npBtOyHs/s1600/pana_wave2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Bc2epvGap8/UdILtg9kbEI/AAAAAAAAKK0/f_6npBtOyHs/s1600/pana_wave2013.jpg" height="75" width="400" /></a></div>
To stand up there and look upon the glacier and know in your gut that the glacier has grown smaller and the negative affect we, mankind, have had on this blue planet is mind boggling. It is a physical pain that brings one to tears seeing what every member of the WAVE has witnessed today on that glacier is something that every single member of mankind must witness. To ignore it or hide from it and not speak up and act is a crime against life, all life and only condones the crimes against nature. The criminals must be stopped, punished and as far as this writer is concerned forced to see the damage they have done and be made to pay to repair it, to bring forward the cure in the form of the Double Edged Sword Against Climate Change. Our blue planet, our home must have the prescription filled immediately for reforestation of our rain forests and the implementation of sustainable energy in the form of solar and wind now!</div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-46555295329992659992013-07-01T14:42:00.000-07:002013-07-01T16:29:23.607-07:00WAVE 2013 DAY 3<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23LBmpt3RO0/UdH3-fEKNXI/AAAAAAAAKJU/9nP5d-N2X5Y/s400/wavestart30062013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23LBmpt3RO0/UdH3-fEKNXI/AAAAAAAAKJU/9nP5d-N2X5Y/s400/wavestart30062013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We were in Aibl and needed to drive to Torborgen in Aibl where we could have a lunch and leave according to a schedule whereby teams left in an alternative order of appearance. Cars were being charged, speeches were being made, people milling about photographing the cars, asking for autographs. Another first for me....was I now what I call a famousy? An odd experience what with a paper WAVE flag stuck in my hair which as time rolled on looked more and more like a birds nest. The flag would surely attract a tenant now. Before that happened, however, we had mounted our trust steed and we were off and driving to the next destination, 60 kilometers down the road Völkermarkt on the Hauptplatz where we would recharge all the cars and enjoy a stupendous vegetarian lunch of of Käse Nudeln (cheese noodles) that are the local specialty. They look similar to Italian ravioli and the herbs, the sauce the texture the...the.the, they were awesomely delicious and a delight like angels dancing on your tongue. The salad was equally delightful and refreshing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The time came to leave this amazing establishment/structure which Gaudi would certainly have approved of. The town square where all the vehicles were parked and being loaded was all stone, high temperatures and sun so bright sunglasses needed sunglasses. Finally loaded and not in the traditional way, the vehicles were drunk on electricity and completely compliant in ignitionary locomotion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This brought us to Feistritz an der Drau with a non-fountaining fountain and completely memorable in the initiation of a memorable case of amnesia. That being said....now where was I? Um.....oh yes.....we left!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anBvV9Flfjo/UdH_YurrrGI/AAAAAAAAKKc/_mxXYA6Bsjs/s924/WAVE2013roomview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anBvV9Flfjo/UdH_YurrrGI/AAAAAAAAKKc/_mxXYA6Bsjs/s924/WAVE2013roomview.jpg" height="94" width="400" /></a></div>
Weissensee appeared on the horizon after a drive of 64 kilometers through some beautiful landscapes. We arrived by the skin of our teeth. Having heard this term many times the revelation that teeth could even have skin was truly amazing. There they were bare to the world and our eyes were filled with a most beautiful town. Stupendously green, staggering skies of rarely seen stars and the Milky Way baring down in gentle folds of gossamer in the night sky. The lake shimmered sneaking up on the ducks taking a lazy midnight stroll on the water as someone stood fishing on a small wharf. It was there that in a large hall an astounding presentation was given by<a href="http://www.raphaeldomjan.com/blog/" target="_blank"> Raphael Domjan</a> about Planet Solar and his story of how this magnificent ship was built and sailed around the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0nAsgNQI74/UdH4QHwjaOI/AAAAAAAAKJc/HwbeY_Ztsx4/s400/green_motorsport_electric+car_wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0nAsgNQI74/UdH4QHwjaOI/AAAAAAAAKJc/HwbeY_Ztsx4/s400/green_motorsport_electric+car_wave.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Afterwards there were prizes awarded and we, <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.greenmotorsport.com/" target="_blank">Team 20</a>, won the prize for best design.</span> Our day was further made by the night sky as described above. The following morning we all gathered on the bridge for a WAVE photo and then we were off to Heilingenblut which means holy blood leaving one with a vague angst about vampires which we would discover to be totally unfounded. Read the next blog to find out why!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Our new WAVE Sky CAM, can't wait to see the videos!!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOiDodMlTRU/UdH4ajrYuRI/AAAAAAAAKJk/bk3oxK1U_Vo/s400/skycam_wave_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOiDodMlTRU/UdH4ajrYuRI/AAAAAAAAKJk/bk3oxK1U_Vo/s400/skycam_wave_2013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-90749145680047578512013-06-30T14:51:00.001-07:002013-06-30T14:58:18.359-07:00WAVE 2013 : DAY 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a night of searching for wifi in the room while attempting to write this and yesterday's blog my eyes packed it in and closed shop leaving me in a state of bewilderment. They refused to open and after about three and half hours sleep they suddenly popped open at the sound of my alarm clock chirruping their cricketly sound. We had to leave at 07:40 for the next stop on our journey for the day was to be filled with a number of destinations. The first on the agenda was a trip of 126 kilometers to</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ58ZgCFr1k/UdCo-jXqyvI/AAAAAAAAKJA/BESiAg9TcKY/s400/chargeamps_16a_wave2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ58ZgCFr1k/UdCo-jXqyvI/AAAAAAAAKJA/BESiAg9TcKY/s400/chargeamps_16a_wave2013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Güssing which kept us guessing as to the how far, how many bars of energy to how many kilometers and the eventual charge at a gas station where with only 8 minutes left we were told we couldn't charge. After explaining what we were doing and why the young lady decided all was good and we could finish. Shortly after that we were on our way and arrived in Güssing where all cars were charged and lunch was served. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our next stop would be another first for me but not for Gordon who is seriously experienced in the automotive world of four firm wheels on a Tarmac whizzing by beneath eager tires. We hit the starting line, waited that chilling moment before take off and off we went biting into the asphalt we danced thought the slalom and cut a slice of cake through the first big turn. We bore down like a hot knife through butter then took a couple of curves out of left field and headed straight for the finish line. The whole time I was navigating and it all took only 56.5 seconds, quicker then one of the Teslas and the Twike. This was especially cool since I always considered myself a nagivator and as it turns out I am a navigator. Even more impressive I can actually look down, write, read and do the numbers without feeling like I am going toss my cookies. It would in the long term be a pity to lose all those cookies. We hung about and watched as the other teams took their turns and then it was time to move onto the next thing on the agenda, namely wash the car, write the blog, and get to the Deutschlandsberg, our hotel/hostel for the night. The cars would be parked down the hill within an enclosed area amongst trees with a stream pulsating over the rocks. Team Strombolli was having a problem and out of curiosity I went to have a look and bent over the hood. It seemed there was a problem with a fuse that had blown, a very little tiny fuse and their car would not load or move or anything. The tool department was suffering a dire lack of toolage and the many rough hands in the arena were rather cacophonous in their engagement. I began to get a picture of the problem and then thought, hey, Gordon might have a solution. So I gave him a shout and he came, bent over, peered around, asked questions and said, "Yeah, I can do that" and walked to our car and began digging around. I walked after him,was handed a SEC LED any-where light and a bag of boiled English sweets to offer to the Strombolli team and the Brusa man. Gordon followed with a handful of toolish goodies including the nord lock bottle openers with their respective wing nuts. Yes, wings have nuts which means that nuts fly and this could get worse before it gets better. The anatomical lesson over, between Gordon and a couple of good pointers from yours truly the problem was quickly solved and all cheered. This didn't help the blog placement much but Team Strombolli could now continue with the WAVE and that was awesomeness quantified!!!! Gordon and I headed for the hotel/hostel which wasn't hostile at all and got online to blog the blog as blogs want. The wifi dropped us like a rock, we logged on again, the wifi took a leave of absence, we logged on again, the wifi arrogantly took off for a quieter field of work leaving us high and dry and bewildered. Now we were stuck and decided at 02:30 a.m. to throw in the proverbial towel which the wifi probably wanted in the first place so it could take a shower after a long day at the office in cyberspace.</div>
Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423080372368174178.post-16611066831310320552013-06-29T14:34:00.000-07:002013-06-29T15:39:12.973-07:00WAVE 2013 DAY 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If one were to judge the facade of the Hotel Steinberger from the website one is given the impression of a slick 5 star establishment set into the woods. Upon arrival the story changes and once you get inside you are time warped back to the 70's or even earlier. We had to leave this morning at precise times which was alright were it not for the fact that once we left the premises after the shortest interview on the planet, our gps went into conniptions and began spinning like a dervish lost inside the vortex of insanity. Being right in the pocket we followed the instructions to a point and then we asked a real walking talking human being who steered us into the right direction and we were off and driving to Baden. With one short stop, at Phoenix Contacts, for a refreshing bubbling glass of water, a coffee fit for road warriors such as Gordon and I and a befitting Austrian pastry we continued to Baden and its casino. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HUkAx6qKt8/Uc9fFSJv7DI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/oLewaRgUY_c/s512/casino_spin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HUkAx6qKt8/Uc9fFSJv7DI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/oLewaRgUY_c/s512/casino_spin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HUkAx6qKt8/Uc9fFSJv7DI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/oLewaRgUY_c/s512/casino_spin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HUkAx6qKt8/Uc9fFSJv7DI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/oLewaRgUY_c/s512/casino_spin.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The idea of entering a casino filled me with the fear of god since, as a a fourth grader in elementary school during a Texas hailstorm taking shelter under the desks I lost my lunch money in my very first and subsequently very last poker game. We all entered the casino as though going through customs, showing our passports and declaring nothing! There were drinks to be had and so we headed for the bar walking beneath a ceiling that looked as though it were covered in strangely shaped shingles in jaded gold looking like they might attack if one moved suspiciously. Numerous cameras perched in every conceivable inconceivable place spied in silent observance all who walked, drank, talked, walked and sat. This was a place of veritable loss of fundage and intimate insanity bent on the inevitable wreckage of the pockets you thought were deep and discovering their shallowness you leave with head bent and knees knocking. It was time to shake this Popsicle stand of depravity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUwR5Bot1wc/Uc9fVISBFCI/AAAAAAAAJ80/uWmzSh8lwHE/s800/casino_eisenstadt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUwR5Bot1wc/Uc9fVISBFCI/AAAAAAAAJ80/uWmzSh8lwHE/s800/casino_eisenstadt.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">We left the building walking down the wide stone stairs and out into the open, into the fresh air, sun blazing and a granite globe gently bedded in a fountain spinning brush strokes of water in a fountain. Time for a restorative cup of coffee and then it was time to leave for Eisenstadt where Schlöss Eszterhazy is situated. This also happens to be the town of Jozef Haydn. The evening brought a wine festival with a true blue oompahpah band and more grilled chicken then you could possibly shake a stick at. Not exactly the thing for vegetabalarians such as myself and Andrea and Angela of Team 1. However where there is life there is hope and it turned out that one could order grilled cheese medallions etc. without feeling one iota of guilt for those medallions did not need to be pinned to ones chest.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">The evening passed, the oompahpah band disseminated into the night together with the leftover chickens, fries, the worst of the würst, lederhosen and fruit of the vine leaving a trail of droplets leading us to the taxi back to our cars. We headed for the hotel and the hunt was on for a plug offering sustenance to our cars and by morning they would be sufficiently sefonsified.<br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYAjo57lbPw/Uc9fymGSXAI/AAAAAAAAJ9A/WGkIxdd9nIM/s800/wave_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYAjo57lbPw/Uc9fymGSXAI/AAAAAAAAJ9A/WGkIxdd9nIM/s800/wave_2013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span> </div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5HUkAx6qKt8%2FUc9fFSJv7DI%2FAAAAAAAAJ8s%2FoLewaRgUY_c%2Fs512%2Fcasino_spin.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HUkAx6qKt8/Uc9fFSJv7DI/AAAAAAAAJ8s/oLewaRgUY_c/s512/casino_spin.jpg" -->Gordon Foathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239167616639607805noreply@blogger.com