Web opens doors for work, play

The Internet is my window to the world.

I use it extensively for my work as a “virtual” pharmacist for two rural hospitals and use it for reference to research my work life, play life and to enrich my avocations: travel, photography, motorcycles, world cultures, current events and politics.

To satisfy part of my quest for information about travel stories, photos and politics about the less developed places in the world I frequent Robert Young Pelton’s Come Back Alive, ( www.comebackalive.com ) and www.polosbastards.com.

Comebackalive.com’s forum, Black Flag Cafe,was my main source of current information when I planned a 2003 trip to Colombia. It was helpful to get current information from people who were actually there.

Also useful for country information, if less colorful, is the CIA Factbook – at www.cia.gov/cia/publications /factbook – which I refer to frequently.

I seek to improve my photography skills through www.lightstalkers.org and www.betterphoto.com.

My most recent comprehensive use of the Web and associated technologies involves what has been called the toughest race in the world – a 5,000-plus-mile, 16-day race, The Dakar ( www.dakar.com) starting in Lisbon, Portugal, and ending in Dakar, Senegal, featuring modified cars, trucks and motorcycles. I first learned of the race on a Web site called Adventure Riders, a site devoted to the sport of adventure motorcycling ( www.advrider.com).

Participating this year were several American privateer teams, including one rider, Jonah Street, of Ellensburg. Street had his own Web site: www.street2dakar.com

Through Adventure Rider, I have found a community that provides a wealth of information on the sport from technical aspects of the bikes, coming events, reviews of products, and most importantly, beautifully photo-illustrated ride reports contributed from members around the world.

This site inspired me to acquire my own adventure bike and all I’d ever want to know about the BMW F650GS can be found at www.bmwmotorcycles.com and The Chain Gang at www.f650.com for modifications, trouble-shooting and riding tips.

With a bit more planning I hope to do a long-distance tour in Africa with Globeriders ( www.globeriders.com) in the next year.

I believe in serendipity, and the Net has provided me with more serendipitous moments than I can count. Sometimes it’s a lazy day time waster, and in other moments it can be a revelation that takes me in an interesting, unexpected path.

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