GoPro – when hero4 won’t turn on!
Diving gear: check. Diving card: check. Insurance card: check. Spoke with the girls: check. Great! Everything is ready for my first time organizing Women’s Dive Day. I am SO looking forward to it! Hold your horses… my GoPro! It’s not working – what is going on? It was not long ago that this problem popped-up last minute and my GoPro was not willing to accompany me on this beautiful day that I was so excited about. It was unbelievable (I like to say «almost magical») that with a little bit of patience -and dependance on others to take and share the pictures I wanted-, following a few steps, GoPro started to work again! 🙂 These are the steps I took: 1.- I removed the mini-SD card and inserted it in my computer. That way, I could secure my images, and also be sure that it was not the SD card which was messing with the camera. 2.- I removed and re-inserted the battery. 3.- Pressed the shutter button (the one to take pictures, as per the image above) for 10 seconds. 4.- Letting go the shutter button, I didn’t touch the camera for about 5 seconds. 5.- Pressed the «mode» button for about 10 seconds. As I did not obtain any response whatsoever from my camera, I moved on to the following step… 6.- I connected my GoPro to a wall socket (NOT to the computer) and put it to charge. I used an USB cable and a charger (in this case an iPhone charger, output 5V and 1A). *It is recommended to charge the camera plugged into the wall, rather than the computer. In my case, immediately and almost magically, the red LED light appeared when I put my camera to charge after the steps above. So… 7.- I left my camera to charge for a few hours until it was fully charged. When the GoPro is fully charged, the LED light will automatically turn off. 8.- When disconnecting the camera, I pushed «mode» button for a few seconds, and the camera turned on. Then, I turned it back off. 9.- Lastly, I waited about 10 seconds, and then introduced my mini-SD card. After 5 seconds, I turned the camera back on, waited another 5 seconds, and tried to take a picture. The camera worked. I tested videoing, and it worked. I checked the camera functionalities and settings, and everything worked as expected. I was so happy! This is how I reseted my GoPro and made it work. I think it is also important to mention that I also emptied my SD card and reseted it. *Disclaimer: The fact that it worked for me does not guarantee that it will work for you. If your camera is showing difficulties or failing, please, do not hesitate to contact GoPro.
GoPro – .lrv & .thm files
Has the following ever happened to you? You download your GoPro pictures and videos to your computer or external hard-drive, and you get some .thm and .lrv files just like these! Isn’t it a bit annoying having no idea of what all of this is about? Actually, it is pretty simple – let me help you with it! These files are just auxiliary files which can help when using the GoPro App. Using which GoPro will I see this? Hero5 Black Hero4 Black and Silver Hero3+ Hero3 HD Hero2 What are .thm? .thm is used as an abbreviation of the word thumbnail (miniatures). .thm files are basically a miniature of a video (.mp4), as image format. It is a frame of said video, a random capture of a specific moment of that video. When you want to select a video with the GoPro App (both on Android and IOS), the App shows a mosaic of mini-images which are captures that belong to each video you have recorded with your GoPro – that way, the clip you are looking for will be identified easier, and the App rendering will also be optimized. To check this, you can pick any .thm file and change it to .jpg (example: GOPR0623.thm becoming GOPR0623.jpg). You will see the image reduced to 14’577 bytes, and at the following dimensions: 160 x 120. When you download the original file into your computer, the .thm file can be erased no worries, as it only occupies some space in your drive. UNLESS you will use the App. Then, it will be convenient to keep them. What are .lrv? .lrv are the low resolution videos. .lrv files are video files, just the same as the original .mp4 but lower resolution. They are used like that, mainly, to optimize previsualization, again with the GoPro App. Therefore, the clip will be the same duration, just its size will be smaller, as it can be seen in the image above. To check this, you can switch .lrv for .mp4 (eg. GOPR0623.lrv becoming GOPR0623.mp4) – the file will be lighter and its dimensions will be reduced to 432 x 240. These files can be automatically generated, like with the previously mentioned cameras, or depending on resolution (in 5 Black or 4 Black or Silver). This file can be erased, as long as the original is being saved – Remember! You cannot expand the size of these reduced files. I hope this helps!! 🙂
9 images that will inspire you to visit Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Welcome to Honolulu, the biggest city and capital of the state of Hawaii (USA). Located on the island of Oahu, and hosting visitors at about 105ªF / 40ªC on any August day, it invites you to roam around in your automatic convertible, to visit its well-known beaches, and to freshen up in its waters (never under 23-24ºC). Have you still not visited? Here, some inspiration if you still need that little push to visit this wonderful place. Enjoy!Did you know that Hawaiian language has only 13 letters? The famous word Aloha is used as a common greeting, translated as hello, goodbye, and even thank you. For Hawaiians, though, aloha is a much wider concept – it is love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. Aloha Spirit is the motivation of each individual to connect with themselves and express their thoughts and feelings towards others. It is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It implies mutual affection and warmth with no obligation in return, to coexist, sharing happiness. It is a gift that cures the spirit. Surfing is a remarkable sport on the islands of Hawaii. There, international championships are held, and it is even considered the home of surfing. This sport has been known for over 500 years on the islands of Polynesia; and it was already practiced in Hawaii when captain Cook arrived in 1778. This statue, named Makua and Kila was built in honor to the Hawaiian values of love and respect for Ohana (family) and the Ocean. Do not forget to dance on the waves when on your visit to the hula islands! 🙂 Waikiki beach belongs to the Honolulu suburb holding the same name, and it is worldwide famous due to being surrounded by the vast majority of the hotels in the capital. Its crystal clear waters, less wavy than the ones in the North Shore, welcome the whole family. On top of that, the area offers entertainment for everyone, from the beach to the active nightlife, shopping centres and even free hula shows in the streets. Even being an artificial one, Waikiki beach is full of surfers all year round. It is fair to say that those looking for bigger waves in winter should definitely check out the North Shore. 😉 Never stop smiling!! 🙂 Hard to stop while being in Hawaii, I must say… High hotel buildings, shopping centres and beaches is NOT everything Honolulu has to offer. Wandering around its many parks and recreational areas is a must. Especially as you leave the centre and approach the more residential areas. Biking is for sure a very nice and doable option. Hawaii’s climate, open areas, the Ocean breeze, and all of its beautiful parks make locals live their daily life outside. Don’t forget to take your time to wander around and go for walks then you visit. Do as the locals do. Honolulu is perhaps the Hawaiian place where you’ll best see the influence of being part of the United States. Whomever has been to this country already knows that they like everything big. Here, you can see the very ample roads – seven lanes just for one direction. Don’t forget: you drive on the right, sitting on the left, and generally, automatic cars (careful trying to find the clutch, you readers used to drive manual!). Sand Island is not a very touristy spot, or at least not so well known. It is a little island that belongs to Honolulu, where detention camps took place from the Pearl Harbor attack until March 1943 – thus its former name, Quarantine Island. Nowadays, there’s a recreational park, a camping and fishing area, and it is very nice to take a walk by its coastline. Honolulu can be observed by its shore, even while surfing and swimming. Access is restricted in some areas due to the port traffic – so please, mind the signs. And now… what are you waiting for to go and visit Honolulu? 🙂
9 images that will inspire you to visit North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
When staying around Waimea Bay, it is so easy to just rent a bike and cruise around the wonderful beaches in the area. An absolute recommendation! Remember that the North Shore is worldwide famous for its huge winter waves, some of the biggest in the World in fact. Due to this, Oahu is the legendary mecca of surf, with its crystal waters that welcome, every year, the best surfers of the Planet! There are so many peculiar handmade street signs in the area. It is not strange to find them made out of old surfboards, indicating the way to a touristic attraction, for private houses, or to warn for the famous «neighbor watch», where inhabitants collaborate with the police to «catch the bad guys». Walk around, wander and move. Admire your surroundings and take in the beauty that encircles you. The turquoise crystalline waters of Hawaii embrace you with warm temperatures, usually above 23-24 degrees Celsius, and generally around 26-27 degrees. It may be shocking at first to the ones used to colder waters, but even with high temperatures, diving in is still refreshing! Due to their location, precipitations on the islands are quite frequent. As a result, the land shows off its green and lush. Oahu gets about 250 days of rain per year, being it also quite abundant. Tunnels between the city – in the South – and the North Shore, do not stop Nature’s thirst to manifest. Ready for its international fame, the North Shore welcomes surfers, backpackers and travellers from all over the world. Hostels -or backpackers– are well known in the area, and staying there you will have the chance to meet wonderful and interesting people. From young and determined fighters of public and governmental affairs to ex-marines with impressive survival, orienteering and accuracy skills. One of the best activities to share with the small new family you will build once there, is setting up a bonfire on the beach… singing under the stars, observing the fire, having good conversations, and coming-and-going in the water to freshen up by the shoreline. Greetings to the Sun, or checking your balance skills. Sunsets in the North Shore are warm, even smooth, and absolutely peaceful. A little bit of Paradise for those who enjoy yoga, some moments of meditation, of simply watching the Sun going down to hide behind the horizon for the night. A lesson of humbleness coming from the Pacific. When biking around, wandering around the Shore, finding these gems comes as a very pleasant surprise – far from the concrete jungle landscape, administration buildings and city life. It is highly recommendable to walk or ride around enjoying the views, appreciating the difference, and the simplicity that we often forget in our daily routine. Those turquoise crystalline waters though… [icon icon=icon-heart size=14px color=#000 ] There’s not much more than can be said, as a picture is worth a thousand words. #takemeback. How can you NOT fall in love with #Oahu? After all of these images, and seeing this breathtaking Hawaiian sunset, do you still need more reasons to start daydreaming and planning your journey to the North Shore? #AlohaOahu [icon icon=icon-heart size=14px color=#000 ]
Meteor showers 2017
When someone states «I love the night», most people either reply with a strange look, thinking weirdo alert, or just asume that they are plain party people. In my case, it’s different. Since I was a little girl, I have been passionate about the skies. Clouds make me play with their form and variable shape, imagining what they could become in the next minute – will they be an animal? A monster? Or just show-off their beauty as if God just took a paint-brush to play for a little while, coloring the skies for us? And at night… the Moon, stars and planets have always captured my sight, fixing my gaze in the skies above, and thinking I like the night. To those who, like me, love photography of the night skies: get ready, take your tripod, your DSLR and lenses, some coating, and get to a spot with low photopollution, to capture this year’s meteor showers! 🙂 Meteor Showers of 2017 As you can see, three of the main meteor showers of this year have already taken place… but we still have some important ones to observe! The night with higher activity means that even though the shower is visible during all of the stated period, visibility of quantity of meteors stands out on the higher activity night. Likewise, the Moon phase will indicate the natural light pollution there will be. The more the Moon shines, the more light, the less visibility for stargazing. Therefore, the lower the percentage is, the better we will see the skies and constellations and meteors will be better captured with our lenses. This year, for example, Perseids will not be at their best, but Geminids will. 🙂 Radiant and constellation are used to get oriented on where the meteor shower is originated. Radiant is the spot where the stars shower from, the specific point in the sky, which is usually a constellation, which commonly names said shower. E.g. Perseids come from Perseus constellation, which is found 03h 04m, on +58º (there are Apps to calculate this 😉 ). To observe the skies, I use the Google App Sky Map, a free Android App to easily find constellations, planets, the Milky Way, and much more, learning about our beautiful sky. Do you like the night? 🙂 What else would you like to learn about the night sky and astrophotography? Enjoy 🙂 *Check out this article on things to do in Tenerife, amongst them, stargazing 😉
TOP activities to do in Tenerife
There are SO many activities to do on the island of Tenerife. I love number 9, so here, I introduce you to my top 9 must-do activities on the island. 1. Walk – hiking Walking can be done in many places throughout the island, with a vast variety of scenery and difficulty. I’d say go on the registered trails, as some can be dangerous to do by oneself without guidance. Also, please do not go alone, bring enough water, and follow the local recommendations. And, of course – enjoy!! 🙂 This is me a few years back, on the peak of Spain, on the island of Tenerife. Such an incredible, recommended hike – one of my most favorite ever. You get to an altitude of almost four thousand meters! It is also a super accessible hike, both getting to the trail, and moving between the mountain and the ocean shore. Imagine this: the same morning I was at the top of El Teide wearing my snow gear, I was sailing in my swimwear on the South coast. 2. Go underwater – diving/ freediving/ snorkeling I know, I know… this is not one but a group of activities… Whichever you choose, you need to explore the underwater life, the bottom of the Tenerife waters and its unique and endemic species. Please, do respect the fauna and flora around you – remember that you are the visitor; and apply the basic safety on all underwater activities, always going with a buddy and with the proper certification. Enjoy, being safe! I am a lover of the underwater world, and am passionate about these three sport disciplines. Are you in Tenerife and want to learn how to dive? Leave your comment below! I’ll teach you!* [click here to dive with me!] If you dive, please bring your diver ID, diver insurance, and make sure you have a dive buddy! (Also, if you need to know where to rent your material or book a nice dive, drop me a comment below!*). If you freedive, Tenerife will also be your paradise. International freediving championships are held each year on this Atlantic island, home of Apnea Academy West Europe, which welcomes Umberto Pelizzari each year. If you are keen to explore without getting too extreme, you can enjoy snorkeling! We have plenty of safe beaches and crystal clear spots to catch sight of the world below the surface. Check out this video of one of my most favorite organized adventures on the island! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlgcA4niGOg 3. Get under land – speleology Tenerife is home to some of the most amazing volcanic tubes in the World, and specifically to the longest one in Europe. Globally, it is only outstripped by some in the Hawaii islands. Visiting Cueva del Viento is a great approach to vulcanology, a magnificent way to get to know the island to its core. 🙂 4. Navigate the skies – paragliding In Tenerife, there are several spots to jump from and go paragliding. To the one who has never tried, I must say, it is an experience like no other. The nervousness one gets before jumping absolutely disappears once the feet are off the ground and you let yourself go. Suddenly, a feeling of tranquility and peace surrounds your body as you see the skies before you and the land under your feet. Tenerife is definitely a place to navigate the skies, be it for the first time, or one more to add to the check-list. (More adventure in the heights: Forestal Park Tenerife, at night!) 5. Taste – gastronomy Canarian food is something Canarians are very proud of, and we have strong reasons to be!! 🙂 Well, if you like eating and appreciate trying new flavors, that is! There are many dishes that are worth trying. Please, do so with the locals, in a Canarian restaurant, or in an authentic guachinche (a place where food is served, with a homey environment and similar to, although not-so-much, a restaurant). 6. Observe the stars – astronomy Being home to some of the best skies in the world*, the amazing firmament can be clearly viewed from many spots on the island. My favorite best is the National Park of El Teide. From up there, the Milky Way and wonderful constellations can be easily spotted throughout most of the year. Many tinerfeños (demonym for people from Tenerife) enjoy the Perseids Meteor Shower roughly every month of August, when el Llano de Ucanca becomes the playground for the night: Night photography at its best! *The Canary Islands are recognized as some of the best sky friendly and sky accessible locations in the world. They are one of the three best spots in the world to observe the sky, together with the Hawaii Islands and Chile. Also in these three locations, observatories are found, as well as the world giant telescopes. The island of La Palma holds the world’s largest single-aperture optical telescope, famous GranTeCan, Gran Telescopio de Canarias or GTC, of which Canarians also take pride. 7. Capture the beauty that surrounds you – photography When you’re a photography lover, you seek opportunities to embrace the beauty that surrounds you, be it landscape, be it people, be it Nature. In Tenerife you have the chance to practice your skills and to be involved with the environment that will undoubtedly welcome you and make you want to stay for longer. 8. Slide on the water – kayaking/ surfing Tenerife is home for international championships of many sports, amongst them, surfing. Apart from this, it is not only perfect for surfing and bodyboarding, but also for kayaking when/ where the Ocean waves are calmer. From Puerto de la Cruz or El Socorro in the North of the island, to Las Américas or El Médano in the South, waves show their sensual moves to excited surfers. And in places like Los Gigantes, the ocean remains peaceful to attract sliders to enjoy the coastline and even crystal clear waters. If you like the ocean, this is