craigt3365

I climbed Kili a few years ago. The snows are gone and the glaciers melting at an incredible pace. We can debate all we like, but it's a reality there and dramatically changing the lives of those who depend on the runoff.

I'm not up for a debate on what's causing this, just know the earth is getting warmer and glaciers are melting. Climbed a few in Patagonia a few years ago. How much they've receded is shocking. It'd blow your mind.

You said "...hottest ever..." in a previous post.

"Ever" is a very, very, very long time..... are you sure you mean that ? ?

So often... I see people greatly exaggerate.... and wonder why they do that. The NOAA records only go back to 1880 for that report.... you can hardly call that "...hottest ever..."

But I see eco-socialist activists doing that all the time. Exaggerating as much as they figure they can get away with.

I guess it makes for more sensational alarming reports .. Those Hollywood disaster movies like "Waterworld" (sea level rise), Gores political "An Inconvenient Truth", "The Day After Tomorrow", "Wall*E", etc. must really have effected a lot of people..

We just came out of the Little Ice Age circa 1850.....Are you aware of how horrible a time that was for the people that lived through it ? ? Shorter growing seasons, failed harvests, famine, people gathered indoors more because of the longer, more deadly winters.. spreading disease easier, higher death rates ...especially for the young and ill..

I would expect it to gradually warm for a couple hundred years or so following that.... . Back to levels like during the Medieval Warm Period or the Roman Warm Period or other even warmer periods in the past..

The I.P.C.C. says we warmed only 0.85 degree C between 1880 - 2012. Thank the Gods we have warmed... It's good for the planet. Cold kills many more than warmth..

You find very few people choosing to live in the cold Arctic and Antarctic regions compared to the rest of the world. People I know that can afford it, choose to retire in the hot tropics.... not to the shores of Ellesmere Island or some other Arctic island.

There is no fancy resort or retirement communities at Alert on Ellesmere.... or on the north shore of Alaska or on Baffin Island..

If you know anything about geological and paleo-climatological history on this planet..... you would not find the present warming alarming at all.

It's well within the normal range of variability for this planet. Climate changes... sometimes fast.. sometimes slow... sometimes a little.. sometimes a lot...

Really a very interesting planet.

If you are going to quote somebody, best to use the quote function. I never said hottest ever....but that's what this report is all about. Hottest month on record. I'm sure just after the earth was formed, it was hotter. But that's hardly relevant to us humans with short life spans.

I climbed Kili a few years ago. The snows are gone and the glaciers melting at an incredible pace. We can debate all we like, but it's a reality there and dramatically changing the lives of those who depend on the runoff.

I'm not up for a debate on what's causing this, just know the earth is getting warmer and glaciers are melting. Climbed a few in Patagonia a few years ago. How much they've receded is shocking. It'd blow your mind.

Nothing to do with Global Warming.... everything to do with de-forestation for great distances round the mountain. The snows of Kilimanjaro started retreating long before World War I. When the Earth was cooling for a while approx. 1941 - 1970.. the snows of Kilimanjaro continued to retreat....

And it's not disappearing due to melting.... but due to sublimation. This may have been going on for centuries...

It's likely that over time... Kilimanjaro's snow and ice has come and gone many times. Climate changes on the planet. Sometimes fast... sometimes slow... sometimes a little .... sometimes a lot..

But de-forestation for great distances around the mountain means much lower humidity...... the much greater humidity from the former forests is now gone... resulting in much less precipitation on the mountain..

With no more moisture laden air dropping precipitation in the form of snow..... the ice cap slowly evaporates...

Deforestation is an absolute possibility. Combined with rising temps in an area that would be dramatically effected by this. But that doesn't explain Patagonia.

http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2012/09/patagonian-ice-field-has-lost-mass

A little-studied mass of ice in South America is undergoing some big changes: The Southern Patagonian Ice Field lost ice volume at a 50 percent faster rate between 2000-2012 than it did between 1975-2000, according to new analysis of digital elevation models performed by Cornell researchers.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/patagonian-glaciers-melting-in-a-hurry/

Warming air temperatures contributed to the thinning throughout the mountain range, Willis noted. And the warmer temperatures increased the chances that rain – as opposed to snow – would fall on and around the glaciers. That double threat increases the amount of water under the glaciers, decreasing friction and moving more ice to the oceans, he said.

There is some deforestation going on there, but around these mountains, it's pretty barren. And not many live down there. The weather is pretty brutal.

The propaganda has been accumulating in Western media for months. A sure sign that something will happen, but not initiated by NK, or at least not without Sk/US provocation.

Propaganda? You've got to be kidding...I believe this started with a mine blast recently, followed by loudspeakers, then a shell from the north.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/08/north-korea-state-media-army-mobilised-150821003337584.html

Hardly propaganda.

I climbed Kili a few years ago. The snows are gone and the glaciers melting at an incredible pace. We can debate all we like, but it's a reality there and dramatically changing the lives of those who depend on the runoff.

I'm not up for a debate on what's causing this, just know the earth is getting warmer and glaciers are melting. Climbed a few in Patagonia a few years ago. How much they've receded is shocking. It'd blow your mind.

Sorry Rick but you must be an extremely ignorant man. You keep denying the global warming trend which is obvious from observations and of which the physics are well understood for over a century.

*SIGH*

Show me one post where I have "denied" the global warming trend. I have repeated on many occasions that looking at a thermometer shows that the world has warmed since 1850, though some periods have shown cooling (1940-1975) and others have shown warming. There has been little or no warming for 15 or so years up to the present day.

What I disagree with is that a global temperature for a single month which may be fractions of a degree warmer than anything we have seen before, betokens a "bleak future".

Not that common sense will stop the outpourings of glee at this 'discovery'. Like some religious fanatics seeing a painting of the Virgin Mary cry tears of blood, or a potato in the shape of Jesus, the Warmists are exulting in what they see as signs from their 'god'.

There's extreme ignorance here, but it's not mine.

I'd hardly say NOAA scientists are ignorant. The data comes from their analysis. Which I'd guess, is better than anybody's here. The OP says this YEAR looks to be the hottest ever, breaking previous (recent) records.

"It just reaffirms what we already know: that the Earth is warming," said NOAA climate scientist Jake Crouch. "The warming is accelerating and we're really seeing it this year."

Plus, they say the recent past has shown an increase in average temps:

Nine of the 10 hottest months on record have happened since 2005, according to NOAA. Twenty-two of the 25 hottest months on record have occurred after the year 2000. The other three were in 1998 and 1997.

This shows that despite what climate change doubters say, there is no pause in warming since 1998, Blunden said.

But as they say, it's partly due to man, partly due to the El Nino. Either case, it's hot! At least here right now...

I can say this August has been the hottest I've experienced here in years. Too hot!!! We need rain!

We get this from time to time when they are doing work on the lines. My wife's village near Khorat gets this when the reservoir gets low. Seems they are sucking up dirt from the bottom.

It may be the rainy season, but not much rain so far!

I think Richard's got lots more riding experience than me. What I might do is to take public transport up there, then rent a scooter to cruise around the back roads a bit. In Vietnam, I hired a guy to do this for me. Just sat on the back and let him do the driving! LOL

As for the Visa, I've had to buy an onward ticket before at the airport. Wasn't too big of a deal, though getting the refund took a bit more time than expected. I'll have to research this a bit more. Worst case, out $100 for a wasted ticket out of the country....

Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!

John: that's it! I've got a friend living there. As I said before, for 2k/month, you can try something like this out before buying. Also, not far from there, and very near the beach, are some smaller Thai style apartments for about the same rental price. And only a few hundred meters from the sea. Not bad.

That place you describe is just too big for me. There are many buildings and the traffic can be quite busy at times...

Looks like something happened in this area, thus the reason for the roads being closed:

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1439971093&typecate=06&section=

Sukhumvit Road Reopens After BTS Nana Bomb Scare

BANGKOK — All lanes have been closed on a stretch of Sukhumvit Road this afternoon while police check a suspicious object near BTS Nana.

UPDATE: Roads reopened after object removed. Matichon reports it was an empty box wrapped in tape and plastic.

All vehicles have been diverted along other routes around the station, according to Traffic Police Radio, while the Skytrain operator announced at 2:30 pm that BTS Nana remains open except for one exit on the Phloenchit side, which has been sealed off during the investigation.

It's about 3,000B for a pig and a guy who'll cook it. They do it all the time at Shamrock bar. I believe it is on soi 13/4. But I'm sure about any bar would be able to hook you up.

My guy is great. Not always available and not cheap. But does the wiring at many new condo builds and quite a few stores in Central Festival. He knows his stuff. PM me if you want me to contact him....how long do you think this would take???

Tom: yes, pulled the trigger yesterday. Flying into Mandalay. I'm in Bangkok anyway a few days before for a travel bloggers conference. So...will try to get my visa there before.

I really wanted to start at Mae Sai and head in from there, but as you say, no can do. $1,000 is a bit much for a solo traveler, but I bet the scenery is amazing. Would love to do it, but not on this trip.

I'm quite interested in some trekking. Nothing too hard, but love the idea of doing village to village treks. The one from Kalaw to Inle sounds great. As do the ones in Hsipaw. One reason I'm flying is and overlanding out is I can be a bit more flexible with my time. If I want, easy to extend a few days here or there if desired. I have to specific time to be back. Other than an anxious wife! 555555

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll keep you posted!!!!!!

Richard: sounds perfect. I'm OK with bikes, just don't ride them here in Thailand as I've got too many friends now dealing with the consequences of riding them....for the rest of their life! And a few that are no longer with us. But if no/little traffic, sounds like a great way to go. Having your own wheels is fantastic. Makes a huge difference. Your itinerary is perfect. I'll start working that up!

I'm quite interested in trying the Yangoon->Mae Sot overland. As you mention, check out Golden Rock and maybe even Hpa-An. I'd love to continue all the way down south, but just don't have the time.

It seems airfare is relatively cheap and I don't do overnight buses. Even with trains, I don't sleep and the next day is wasted anyway! LOL So...will probably fly from Heho to Yangoon, then continue from there. Thanks!!!!!!

5555 oops. Lousy map here!

http://www.avisthailand.com/EN/frm_maplocation.php?office_name=SUVARNABHUMI&office_id=2

Just got the air ticket. Bangkok to Mandalay. Noticed prices going up a fair amount. From 2,700B a few weeks ago to 4,200B today!

So...Trying to put this all together. A few days in Mandalay then looking at going to either Hsipaw or Pyin OO Lwin for a few days. After that I've got Inle and Bagan. Any thoughts as to the best schedule? Seems to be a long bus ride between points in this triangle. I like the idea of a boat ride to Bagan. I don't enjoy over night train/bus rides. I'm in no hurry and enjoy looking at the scenery during the day. But...don't want to endure a long bus/train ride if it's not enjoyable. Maybe better to fly! Especially to Yangoon as that will be my next stop, then overland to Bangkok, checking out some sights along the way.

I appreciate the help!

Craig

Their facebook page has a map:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Avis-Rent-A-Car-At-Suvarnabhumi-Airport/250913504967716

I found this on Google:

https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/Avis+Rent+a+Car/@8.096616,98.9824806,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x3051924656fe6de5:0x56211d0a6c17f789

I would guess, there are signs pointing to the car return location as you come in from the 2 different highways????

Not far from us are ones for around 350k, just south of Alankarn. Instead of locking yourself into something you might later regret, I'd suggest you rent for a year. Rent is very reasonable here.

Thai TV is saying the bomber was seen running away....let's hope somebody caught him on camera.

On Thai TV, they are saying the bomb was incorrectly thrown. They are showing pellets that were inside the device. Designed for maximum human casualties.

Now my Thai family has a problem. My Thai sister-in-law was returning to Norway from Phuket, via Bangkok. Yesterday, she travelled alone to Bangkok and said she was going to near the Erewan Shrine to buy some clothes/souvenirs.

We haven't heard from her since and her outbound flight departed from Swampy at 9.00am today. I cannot find out if she was on the flight (small airline - no office at Swampy), and the Bangkok hospitals refuse to check if her name is on the list of injured/killed.

Is there a public list of casualty's names?

Call the HQ of the airline. I had problems somewhat similar a few years ago. Called the HQ and they (sort of) helped get things sorted out. Best of luck.

People are all to quick to bash Thailand and Thai people. Well, here are some good Samaritans out giving blood for the injured. Many of which are foreigners and tourists. Congrats.

https://twitter.com/thapanee

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/army-chief-says-surveillance-cameras-capture-bomb-suspect-clearly

Army chief says surveillance cameras capture bomb suspect clearly

Army commander-in-chief Gen Udomdej Seetabutr said security officials have obtained video footages at the bomb explosion scene which clearly showed a suspect carrying a bag into the scene before it went off.

He did not elaborate the nationality of the suspect but said the bomb attack might be a retaliation to the recent operation of the Thai government.

He did not go further saying security officials are following the case closely.

Meanwhile the death toll in the explosion stood at 20 deaths.

They included two Malaysians, two Taiwanese, two Singaporeans, a Hongkongnese, and the rest Thais.

There will always be a disproportionate number of deaths in a place where people go to retire and live out the rest of their lives until completion.

That said the murders and now bombs are a national f*%*%*g disgrace.

I'm sure that's part of it, but if I am not mistaken, road accidents are a large part of this. As we all know, it's a dangerous country to rent a scooter for your first time.

I'd try here:

http://www.verasu.com/

Or perhaps Lazada? I've never seen one, but never really looked for it either.