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Worth the Splurge: An Epic Heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier

With our savings from the kiwifruit packhouse, Emmett and I were looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand excursion. After some careful consideration, we decided the best way to do that would be heli-hiking up onto Franz Josef Glacier with the aptly named company Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Why a heli-hike? Well, Franz Josef used to be accessible by a short hike up the valley. But because climate change is real and there has been some intensely rapid melting of the glacier in the past decade, it’s nearly impossible to get on the glacier without a helicopter. Also, it’s safer to go with a guided group.
On a Sunday afternoon with perfect weather, we arrived at the base for Franz Josef Glacier Guides in the teeny tiny town of Franz Josef. There we suited up, adding waterproof pants, jackets, and sturdy boots to our outfits. Along with the six other tourists in our crew, we headed over to the helipad.
After a safety briefing on how to approach helicopters, we boarded and strapped ourselves in for a stunning but quick 4 minute ride up onto the glacier. (Click on any photo below to see a larger version).
On the ice, we collectively tied on our crampons and then set off with our guides. As we crunched into the steps they had made earlier that day, the guides explained that the glacier is constantly changing and most mornings they have to carve new paths through the ice. As we approached our first crevasse, they explained that they chip ice into the crevasses to create a filled path (see below).
Over the next few hours, our guides took us all over the ice. We squeezed through countless frosty blue crevasses, crawled through holes in the ice, and even saw a small ice fall on the upper part of the glacier. It was fantastic & gorgeous. My favorite part, though? If we stood still, we could hear the creaking of the glacier as it moved ever so slightly beneath us.


Another group hikes on Franz Josef.
Just as some clouds began to settle on the glacier, our hike came to an end. As we waited for the helicopter, one of our guides who was of Maori descent told us the legend of how Franz Josef came to be. Apparently, hundreds of years ago there was a woman named Hinehukatere. Hinehukatere absolutely loved climbing mountains. She fell in love with a man named Wawe who was more of a staying-at-sea-level kind of guy. As a result, she sadly found herself spending less and less time on the peaks she so loved. One day, she persuaded Wawe to climb up into the mountains with her. Because he loved Hinehukatere, he agreed despite his inexperience at climbing. When Wawe followed Hinehukatere into the mountains, he got caught in an avalanche which unfortunately resulted in his death. Hinehukatere was heartbroken and full of guilt for convincing him to join her. She sat upon a mountain top and cried endless tears. The gods saw her crying and decided to freeze her tears as a memorial to her grief. As you may have guessed, those frozen tears became Franz Josef Glacier. That’s why the Maori name for the glacier is Kā Roimata o Hinehukatere or The Frozen Tears of Hinehukatere.

R.I.P. Wawe
If you’re ever in New Zealand and want to spend a pretty penny (heli-hikes are $450 NZD or $330 USD per person), I would highly recommend Franz Josef Glacier Guides. It was so worth it. Plus, their staff was really knowledgeable and I enjoyed spending time with them up on the ice. As a Floridian who is more accustomed to warm weather and flat landscapes, I was ecstatic to be able to get up close and personal with a glacier. It felt like such a truly foreign place. I genuinely loved every minute of the hike and the chopper rides to and from Franz Josef.
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Traditional Festivals in Modern China

When you learn Mandarin online or studying with an online Chinese teacher, the names of festivals such as 春节 (Spring Festival), 中秋节 (Mid-Autumn Festival), and 端午节 (Dragon Boat Festival) are often among the first pieces of cultural vocabulary encountered. Yet behind these familiar terms lies a long history of ritual practices, social customs, and symbolic meanings that have undergone significant transformation in modern Chinese society.
The Spring Festival, for instance, has always been the most important holiday in China, traditionally marked by ancestral worship, reunion dinners, and symbolic acts to welcome prosperity. In the past, rituals such as offering sacrifices to household gods or setting off firecrackers to ward off evil were central. While some of these customs remain, modernization has altered the festival landscape. Today, the Spring Festival is characterized as much by televised galas, digital 红包 (red envelopes) sent via mobile apps, and mass domestic travel as by traditional family rituals. The meaning of “reunion” persists, but its expression has expanded with technology and urban life.
The Mid-Autumn Festival also illustrates this transformation. Historically associated with moon worship and poetic reflection, its essence was rooted in agricultural cycles and ancient cosmology. Today, while the round mooncake continues to symbolize family unity, the festival is now also celebrated through commercial branding, tourism, and even large-scale public events. Its ancient connotations remain, but they coexist with contemporary interpretations that align with modern lifestyles.
The Dragon Boat Festival similarly demonstrates the adaptability of traditions. Once a ritual of exorcism and seasonal protection, centered on rowing boats to drive away disease and misfortune, it later became associated with commemorating the poet Qu Yuan. In contemporary China, the festival balances heritage activities such as dragon boat racing and eating 粽子 (rice dumplings) with broader cultural celebrations, often promoted as expressions of intangible cultural heritage.
At the language school GoEast Mandarin, discussions of Chinese festivals are essentially taught together with language instruction, ensuring that learners not only memorize terms but also gain an understanding of their evolution and continuing relevance.
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How Fast Can a Hoverboard Go? A Complete Guide to Hoverboard Speeds

Hoverboards have come a long way since they first became a viral sensation. What commenced as a futuristic-looking toy is now a famous private transport choice for kids, teens, and even adults. But one query nearly all and sundry asks before shopping for is: how quickly can a hoverboard go?
The reply relies upon a few factors like the model, motor power, wheel size, and who’s driving it. In this article, we’ll break it all down so you’ll be aware of precisely what to anticipate when selecting the proper hoverboard for your needs.
Average Hoverboard Speeds
On average, most well-known hoverboards attain speeds between 6 mph and 10 mph. That may additionally no longer sound extraordinarily fast, however when you’re standing upright and balancing on two wheels, it feels enormously quick.
- To put that into perspective:
- 6 mph is roughly the velocity of a brisk jog.
- 10 mph is close to the pace of a leisure cyclist.
For youthful riders, such as these, the use of a kid’s hoverboard, producers regularly restrict the velocity to the lower quit of this range for safety reasons. Adult models, however, may additionally provide greater pinnacle speeds, depending on their design.
Factors That Affect Hoverboard Speed
Not all hoverboards are constructed the same. Here are the essential elements that decide how speedy a hoverboard can go:
1. Motor Power
Hoverboards generally use electric-powered motors ranging from 150W to 400W per wheel. An extra effective motor presents more desirable acceleration and greater pinnacle speeds. Premium fashions with twin 400W motors can push speeds up to 12–15 mph.
2. Wheel Size
Wheel dimensions are more than most people think. Smaller 6.5-inch wheels are frequent on entry-level boards and are high-quality, suitable for easy pavements. Larger 8.5-inch or 10-inch wheels, frequently found on off-road models, can cope with rougher terrain and occasionally provide higher pinnacle speeds.
3. Rider’s Weight
Most hoverboards are designed with an endorsed weight range, typically forty four lbs to 220 lbs. Lighter riders might also no longer attain most speeds due to the fact the sensors don’t have interaction fully, whilst heavier riders would possibly observe a slower tempo if the board struggles to hold up.
4. Battery Performance
Hoverboards run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. As the battery cost drops, so can the speed. A completely charged board will constantly supply height performance, whilst an almost drained one may sense sluggish.
5. Terrain and Conditions
Smooth pavements permit for greater speeds, whilst grass, gravel, or uneven paths naturally sluggish the hoverboard down. Uphill climbs additionally minimize speed, whereas downhill stretches can make it experience faster.
How Fast Can Different Types of Hoverboards Go?
Not every hoverboard is constructed for the same purpose. Let’s appear at some classes and their standard speeds:
- Standard Hoverboards
- Top Speed: 6–10 mph
- Best for: Everyday fun, informal rides, beginners
These are the most frequent fashions and the ones most households choose. They’re safe, reliable, and provide a stability between velocity and stability.
- Off-Road Hoverboards
- Top Speed: 10–12 mph
- Best for: Adventure seekers, out of doors use
Equipped with better wheels, rugged tires, and enhanced motors, off-road hoverboards are made for trails, grass, and grime paths. They provide barely greater speeds however shine most in their sturdiness and terrain handling.
- High-Performance Hoverboards
- Top Speed: 12–15 mph
- Best for: Adults, enthusiasts, thrill-seekers
These top rate boards pack effective motors and superior self-balancing technology. While faster, they’re commonly no longer advocated for younger young people due to the greater velocity and talent required to manage them.
- Children’s Hoverboards
- Top Speed: 6–7 mph
- Best for: Younger riders (ages 6–12)
For kids, security is usually the pinnacle priority. That’s why a children’s hoverboard is designed to restrict velocity whilst nevertheless imparting the excitement of gaining knowledge of stability and movement. Parents can relaxation certain understanding their infant won’t be zipping round too quickly.
Is Hoverboard Speed Safe?
Safety is a frequent subject when it comes to hoverboards. Even even though they don’t attain intense speeds, riders need to always:
- Wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
- Start gradual to construct self assurance earlier than checking out greater speeds.
- Ride in protected areas away from busy roads and heavy traffic.
At the common 6–10 mph range, hoverboards are normally secure as lengthy as riders comply with the policies and use shielding gear.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Hoverboard
If you desire your hoverboard to persistently operate at its nice speed, preserve these guidelines in mind:
- Charge wholly earlier than use – a low battery can have an effect on pace and performance.
- Stick to endorsed weight limits – overloading can gradual down the board.
- Choose the proper terrain – smoother surfaces assist you flow faster.
- Maintain your hoverboard – preserve the wheels smooth and take a look at for put on and tear.
Conclusion: How Fast Is “Fast Enough”?
So, how quickly can a hoverboard go? For most riders, the candy spot is 6–10 mph—fast sufficient to experience exciting, however protected ample for day-to-day fun. Advanced fashions can push up to 15 mph, however that’s normally reserved for grownup enthusiasts.
If you’re shopping for for a child, a children’s hoverboard that caps out round 6–7 mph is the best stability of exciting and safety. For adults who favor some thing extra thrilling, off-road or high-performance fashions would possibly be well worth considering.
At the cease of the day, the first-class hoverboard isn’t constantly the fastest—it’s the one that fits the rider’s needs, age, and self assurance level.
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Instagram privacy strategies that give you total control

Instagram, which boasts over two billion users, is also a platform for connection and creativity. But there is a catch to its popularity: your privacy. Apps such as Imginn are used to anonymously view public accounts, leading to concerns about who can access your information. As data breaches and targeted ads become a growing concern for privacy, it’s crucial to take control of your Instagram privacy settings.
This article will provide you with step-by-step actions to help protect your Instagram account. You will learn how to control who sees your content, minimize data collection, and enhance the security of your account while improving Instagram data protection.
Statistic | Value/Percentage | Source |
Instagram Users Concerned About Privacy | 68% | Pew Research |
Users Unaware of Instagram Privacy Settings | 45% | Global Privacy |
Data Breaches on Instagram in the Past Year | 12 Million | CyberNews |
Increase in Cyberbullying Cases on Instagram | 22% | Anti-Defamation |
Users Actively Limiting Data Sharing | 35% | Statista |
Switch to a Private Account
To best protect your Instagram account, the most effective step is to make your account private. That way, only followers you accept can see your posts, stories, and reels. This is a simple switch that isolates your personal content from the public internet.
To make your account private:
- Go to your profile and click the three horizontal lines in the top right.
- Go to Settings and Privacy.
- Choose “Account privacy” and slide the button next to “Private account” to the right.
Although rivals like TikTok and Facebook offer similar private account capabilities, Instagram’s relationship with its parent company, Meta, means that your data can be shared across the family of apps. This makes securing your account even more important.
Manage Your Messages and Story Replies
Unwanted spam and junk messages can be more than a mere nuisance; they can also lead to fraud, luring unsuspecting users into scam schemes. Instagram gives you control over who can message you directly.
To manage message requests:
- In Settings and privacy, touch Messages and story replies.
- Select Message controls.
- Here, you can choose whether message requests can be sent to you (you can restrict them only to followers or disable them entirely for people you do not follow).
Unlike Signal or WhatsApp, which default to end-to-end encryption, Instagram’s direct messages aren’t so secure, though you can start an end-to-end encrypted chat manually. This makes controlling who can send you messages an important part of preserving your own privacy.
Control Who Sees Your Content
With a private account, however, you may want to control the visibility of certain posts or stories. You can also block other people from sharing your stuff. Stay wary of tools like Pixwox, which enable anonymous stalking and downloading of Instagram content, underscoring the ongoing need for robust privacy controls.
- Hide Your Story: You can hide your stories from certain followers without blocking them.
- Restrict Tagging and Mentions: You can adjust who is able to tag you in photos by visiting the Tags and mentions section of your privacy settings. You can also review tags before they show up on your profile. This way, unwanted photos don’t appear on your page.
- Limit Who Can Share Your Story: From within the Sharing and reuse section, you can prohibit others from sharing your story posts in messages or adding your feed posts to their own stories.
Limit Data Tracking for Ads
Instagram’s revenue model depends on your data to show targeted ads. You can’t fully opt out, but you can restrict how your information is used.
- You can find “Ad Preferences” in your Accounts Center.
- Check Ad topics and deselect the interests you don’t want advertisers to target.
- You may manage the data you receive from partners under Ad settings to minimize personalized advertising.
Strengthen Your Account Security
Balancing good privacy with sound security is crucial. Here are three simple steps you can take to protect your account from unauthorized access.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This creates an extra layer of security, requiring a code from your phone or an authenticator app to log in. It is one of the most effective ways to keep hackers at bay.
- Strong Unique Password: Don’t use a common word for the password, and don’t use the same password again over more than one site/service. A strong password should include a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols.
- Use a VPN: a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which helps you encrypt your internet connection and offers online privacy, with the result that nobody can snoop on your IP address or online activity. This is particularly beneficial when using public Wi-Fi, where packets can be easily intercepted.
Take Back Your Digital Privacy
The best part of controlling your Instagram privacy settings is that you’re taking control over your digital footprint. With a private account, you can control who can contact you directly and enhance your security at the same time. By taking these preventative measures, you will shield your sensitive information from the public sphere.
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