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The Celestial Navigator - April 2015
April Stargazing and the Zodiacal Light
Tonight, or any night after sunset in this month of April 2015, people around the world will see the dazzling planet Venus in the western sky. Then... wait a bit for the sky to get fully dark. After twilight ends, the elusive zodiacal light might appear in your western sky with Venus - if your sky is dark enough. For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, Venus can be your guide to the evening zodiacal light this month. This is a good time of year to see the zodiacal light in the evening from mid-northern latitudes.
As twilight ends, if you're in the Northern Hemisphere, look for Venus in the midst of the mysterious zodiacal light - a cone of light jutting upward from the western horizon about 80 to 120 minutes after sunset.
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Cooky Jason's April Recipe:
Sunset Tacos
This is an open-face taco, but you can fold it if you like. These are my version of tacos, that is to say these are unlike any other taco, but still quite simple to make. As with any dish, and especially tacos, there are countless variations and I always encourage experimentation in the kitchen (or campsite). The dollop of salsa or chili sauce on top is for the namesake.
Pictured are my version with chili-lime marinated chicken (and fresh-made limeade), but I also do them with a white fish such as halibut, tilapia, sea bass, etc... You can use any fish you like. After that, it's the combo of white cheeses and herbs that send it home...
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The Gear Doctor
SPRING CLEANING TIME!
Spring has sprung! Time to get out the tents, sleeping bags, stoves, lanterns and sleeping pads and check them after their seasons in storage.
TENTS
Set up your tent and inspect for tears, mildew and zipper pull function. If tent is torn, you can try stitching the tear yourself with nylon thread. If it has a small hole, you can use "K-Tape", readily available at the local REI store or on Amazon. REI also has a repair service for rips and tears, but the turnaround time can be as long as 6 weeks. Give yourself plenty of time for the repair to be finished in time for your trip. If tent has mildew or mold, take a cup of Borax and add to a 5 gallon bucket of water. Set up the tent and wipe it completely down with a washcloth soaked in the Borax/water solution and rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry standing up. Vinegar works better, but can leave a residual smell, so use what you prefer. Check all zippers to see that they function properly. Zipper tape can be lubed with dry graphite or Tri-Flo lube, found in bicycle shops. Lube inside each zipper pull for easy sliding.
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