Sailing Stuff
Android Apps
Stay tuned, another app might be posted soon!
Mean Velocity is an Android app that shows mean (average) speed and direction over several time periods. Mean Velocity can be used for sailing, flying, biking, hiking, kayaking or driving.
Click the picture for more details and downloads.
Electronics Stuff
I enjoyed working in electronics design for over 40 years until retirement. Starting in heavy industry (steel mills, mining, offshore oil at the now defunct Durmitor Inc.), followed by a short time at University of Toronto, then telecom (RF engineer in long haul, high speed fibre comms at Ciena Corp.), and finally back to University of Toronto (physics department, electronics in the research labs).
Although the work at Ciena was interesting, not surprisingly it is proprietary. My contribution was initially in the orderwire system (a VOIP POTS communication between nodes) then laser controls, both channel laser wavelength stabilization and pump laser power controls. Although by now timed out, several patents were granted.
The University of Toronto physics department is another story. Fun times with a free hand to design what was needed, meaning analog, digital and software (mostly embedded C variants and Verilog). Much of my work there is open source, available for anyone to use. Much of the equipment is still in use because it works. Some equipment has been built again and/or updated by others in the electronics group in the department.
Something electronicy to discuss? Reminisce over circuits gone bad? …or good? Contact me.
Ski For Light
Ski For Light Canada is an annual nordic ski event for people who are blind or visually impaired, one or two also in sitskis. Usually in early February, it is held for a week in western Canada, often Kananskis (William Watson Lodge) in Alberta. The atmosphere is always easy going. Those who wish to ski 1km a day can do so, those who ski 25km at a fast pace (not me!) can do so too, but most folks take it easy and just enjoy skiing. The week culminates in an optional 5km or 10km race.
We have been going to various Ski For Light events for many years and hopefully for many more. They are a chance to meet old friends, make new friends, socialize, go hiking, maybe snowshoeing …and ski.
SFL Canada is always looking for guides. You will have a memorable and great experience. Don’t worry, if you are reasonably capable at skiing cross country then come join us. Anyone from slow pace to racing skiers are welcome, you will be matched with a skier of similar ability and intentions. You will be trained then paired up with an experienced guide until you feel confident enough to venture out with your skier. The cost is kept low and includes food and accomodation for the week but not flights. Here is registration information for the next event. Ski For Light USA has a guide handbook but don’t be intimidated, guiding is easy to learn and Ski For Light Canada has our own training at the event.
Antarctic Cruise 2025
In Early December 2025, I will go with my long time friend Victor on a cruise to Antarctica. The cruise company Seabourn (a division of Carnival Cruises) calls it an expedition. Sure, I’ll bring my tent and crampons. It is a standard 11 day cruise of which there are many similar. This blog is about that cruise.
Writings and Musings
I am not a writer, neither Atwood nor Tolstoy are relatives. Don’t expect literature, maybe leanings towards P. K. Dick. My writings are for my amusement, but some may be of interest for others. Grit your teeth, dull your pencil and read on.