The North Yungas Road,
also known as The Death Road, is a 61 to 69 km road leading from La Paz
to Coroico (Bolivia's capital, to the Amazon region) in the Yungas
region of Bolivia. It is legendary for its extreme danger: in 1995 the
Inter-American Development Bank christened it as the "world's most
dangerous road. " One estimate is that 200-300 travelers were killed
yearly along the road. The road includes crosses marking many of the
spots where such vehicles have fallen.
At the end of 2006, after 20 years of construction, a new road (a
by-pass) from La Paz to Coroico was opened to public. This new route
features modern construction (bridges, drainage, etc.), multiple lanes,
pavement, guardrails and many other elements that make it considerably
safer than the original route. As a result, the original North Yungas
Road is currently much less used by traffic, although an increasing
number of adventure travelers bike it for the thrills.
Guoliang Tunnel Road (China)
The road in Taihang mountains
was built by local villagers: it took five years to finish the 1,200
metre long tunnel which is about 5 meters high and 4 meters wide. Some
of the villagers died in accidents during construction; undaunted, the
others continued. On May 1, 1977, the tunnel was opened to traffic. It
is located in the Taihang Mountains, in the Hunan Province of China.
Ruta 5: Arica to Iquique Road (Chile)
The road from Arica to Iquique
is renowned for being dangerous; you drive past very deep valleys and
wind your way through, spotting ever so often tell-tale vehicle
skeletons at the bottom. The few times you can see cars and buses
passing by, they were doing so at such a speed that you may think they
are either tempting fate very foolishly or perhaps they are just ghosts
whizzing past. The mono-hued and isolated scenery is well capable of
endowing you with the capacity to have such visions, so concentrating
and avoiding the use of any form of hallucinatory substance is essential
here.
Siberian Road to Yakutsk (Russia)
The Russian Federal Highway
connects Moscow to Yakutsk, where the coldest temperature ever recorded
outside Antarctica was recorded. Yakutsk is also the largest city built
on continuous permafrost. Most houses are built on concrete piles
because of the frozen ground.
What does all this have to do with being one of the world's most
dangerous roads? Well, during the winter, which is approximately ten
months long, driving in and out of Yakutsk is subject to heavy snow,
ice, and reduced visibility. However, winter road conditions are a
picnic compared to trying to navigate the Russian Federal Highway on
July and August.
Though many Siberian residents will tell you the highway is not paved to
keep the Germans out (a tired World War II era joke), the truth is
because of the permafrost there is no asphalt, creating a mud induced
traffic jam every time the summer rains swing Yakutsk's way. Near
thousand car traffic jams are not unheard of and during these back ups
and travelers might pass the time while stuck in Siberian traffic by
looting, beating, and kidnapping other travelers. Siberian mud pirates.
Sichuan-Tibet Highway (China)
In China, the number of deaths caused by car accidents has nearly
doubled in the past 20 years, climbing from 3.9 to 7.6 per 100,000 of
the population between 1985 and 2005. The Sichuan-Tibet Highway,
a high-elevation road between Chengdu and Tibet where landslides and
rock avalanches are common, is undoubtedly part of the problem.
The 2,412km long Sichuan-Tibet Highway starts from Chengdu of Sichuan on
the east and ends at Lhasa of Tibet on the west. The road stretches
into Lhasa passing Ya’an, Garze and Chamdo.
Sichuan-Tibet highway traverses 14 high mountains which average
4,000-5000m, spans dozens of famous rivers (Dadu River, Jinsha River,
Lantsang River, Nujiang), crosses primeval forest and numerous dangerous
sections. It has spectacular views along the line, with unique ethnic
customs.
James Dalton Highway (Alaska)
The James Dalton Highway
is a 414-mile gravel road. It heads straight north from the Livengood
turnoff of the Elliott Highway, through arctic tundra to the farthest
north reaches of Alaska.
Alyeska built the 360-mile haul road, now known as the Dalton Highway,
from the Yukon River to Prudhoe Bay, for $150 million to supply the oil
facilities on the North Slope. The pipeline bridge across the 1,875 mile
Yukon River is the only span across that river in Alaska.
But this is not a road for the faint of heart, or those with a brand-new
vehicle! It is still the main supply route for the Prudhoe Bay
oilfields, and you will be sharing the road with large tractor-trailers.
Windshields and headlights are easy targets of flying rocks. Most
rental companies will not allow you to drive their cars on the Dalton.
Trucks speeding along the slippery gravel track kick up thick clouds of
dust or mud, reducing visibility to absolute zero; potholes take a heavy
toll on cars and services, gas, and repairs are practically
nonexistent. Don't even consider driving the Dalton unless you have
4-wheel drive, a CB radio, extra fuel, food, tires, and a trunk filled
with supplies.
Patiopoulo-Perdikaki Road (Greece)
This is a narrow busy dirt track that stretches from Patiopoulo to
Perdikaki in Greece. This road is a steep climb or decent, it is
dangerous because it has huge pot holes and very little grip for the
vehicles that travel on it. It is a narrow road with a sheer drop on
either side of its slope with no guard rails or an prevention to stop a
vehicle from going over. Many people die on his road every year, it is
used by pedestrians, livestock and trucks, buses and cars. A very
dangerous road that has gravel for grip in most places and there are no
lines to determine where the edge is, this is especially dangerous at
night, most of the accidents happen at night on this road.
Trollstigen (Norway)
Trollstigen (The
Troll Ladder) is a mountain road in Rauma, Norway, part of Norwegian
National Road 63 connecting Åndalsnes in Rauma and Valldal in Norddal. A
popular tourist attraction due to its steep incline of 9% and eleven
hairpin bends up a steep mountain side, the road up is narrow with many
sharp bends, and although it has been widened in recent years, vehicles
over 12.4 meters long are prohibited from driving the road. At the top
there is large parking place which allows visitors to leave their cars
and walk for about ten minutes to a viewing balcony which overlooks the
road with its bends and the Stigfossen waterfall. Stigfossen is a
beautiful waterfall which falls 320 meters down the mountain side.
The A682 Road (England)
The A682 between junction 13 of the M65 and Long Preston is the worst road in England
as it has claimed almost 100 fatalities over the last ten years.
The 14 mile single lane A682 between junction 13 of the M65 near Nelson,
Lancs, and Long Preston in North Yorkshire, had 22 serious accidents in
the past three years - two of them fatal. Experts say it has an average
of 0.5 deaths per 10 miles annually. It is a favorite for
motorcyclists, especially early on a Sunday morning.
Stelvio Pass Road Trollstigen(Italy)
The highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps --and the second
highest in the Alps, after the Col de l'Iseran (2770 m)--, the Stelvio
Pass Road
connects the Valtellina with the upper Adige valley and Merano. It is
located in the Italian Alps, near Bormio and Sulden, 75 km from Bolzano,
close to Swiss border.
While it might not be as risky as other deadly routes, it's certainly
breathtaking. The tour books advise that the toughest and most
spectacular climbing is from the Prato side, Bormio side approach is
more tame. With 48 hairpins, this road is regarded as one of the finest
continuous hairpin routes in the Alps.
(Photo by Emiliano De Angeli and mcs)
The Viperfish (Mesopelagic - found at 80-1600 meters - about a mile down) is one of the most wicked looking
sea monsters. Some of them are black as night all over with light organs (called
photophores) in strategic places on their bodies, including one on a long dorsal fin that serves as a lure
for the fish it preys upon. Some viperfish (and many other deep ocean fish species) don't have any pigment
(color) at all - they're transparent.
They also have enlarged eyes, presumably for gathering as much light as possible where there is little or
no light at all. The light organs of this sea animal create lights by using a chemical process called bioluminescence.
Fangtooth
The fangtooth, also known as Anoplogaster cornuta, is another menacing looking creature that inhabits the deep
waters of the ocean. Although it may look like a monster, it only grows to a size of about six inches in
length. It has a short body and a large head. The fangtooth gets its name from the long, sharp, fang-like
teeth that line its enormous, over-sized mouth. Its gruesome appearance has earned it the name, "ogrefish".
The color of the adults ranges from dark brown to black. Juveniles look completely different. They are
light gray in color with long spines on their heads. The fangtooth is an extreme deep-water species that
lives at depths of about 16,000 feet. The pressure at these depths is intense and the water temperature is
near freezing. Food here is scarce, so the fangtooth will eat just about anything it can find. Most of its
meals probably fall from the upper depths of the ocean. The fangtooth is found throughout the world in
temperate and tropical ocean regions including the waters off the coast of Australia.
Dragonfish
The Deep Sea Dragonfish, or Grammatostomias flagellibarba, is a ferocious predator in spite of its small
size. It is one of many species known to inhabit the deep oceans of the world. This fish grows to about six
inches in length. It has a large head and mouth equipped with many sharp, fang-like teeth. The dragonfish
has a long barbel attached to its chin. This barbel is tipped with a light-producing organ known as a
photophore.
The dragonfish uses this organ like a fishing lure, flashing it on and off and waving it back and forth.
Once an unsuspecting fish gets too close, it is snapped up in the dragonfish's powerful jaws. The
dragonfish also has photophores along the sides of its body. These light organs may be used to signal other
dragonfish during mating. They may also serve to attract and disorient prey fishes from deep below.
The Dragonfish lives in deep ocean waters at depths of up to 5000 feet (1,500 meters). They are found in most
tropical regions around the world.
Angler
The deep sea angler, known also as Melanocetus johnsoni, is a grotesque-looking fish that lives in the
extreme depths of the ocean. Its round body resembles a basketball, and indeed, it looks like it could
easily swallow one. It has a large mouth likes with sharp, fang-like teeth. Its appearance has earned it a
second name of "common black devil". Despite its ferocious appearance, the angler only reaches a maximum
length of about five inches. The angler gets its name from the long, modified dorsal spine which is tipped
with a light producing organ known as a photophore.
Like many other deep-water fish, the angler uses this organ like a lure to attract its prey. It will flash
its light on and off while waving it back and forth like a fishing pole. When the prey fish gets close
enough, the angler snaps it up with its powerful jaws. A strange fact about the deep sea angler is the fact
that the male is smaller and different in appearance from the female, which is pictures above. The male of
the species is about the size of a finger and has small hook teeth, which it uses to attach itself to the
female. Once attached, its blood vessels join with that of the female and it will spend the rest of its
life joined to her like a parasite, getting all of its nourishment from her body. If the male is unable to
attach to a female, it will eventually dies of starvation. The deep sea angler is found throughout the
world at depths of over 3000 feet.
Gulper Eel
The gulper eel, known scientifically as Eurypharynx pelecanoides, is perhaps one of the most bizarre
looking creatures in the deep ocean. Its most notable attribute is the large mouth. The eel's mouth is
loosely hinged, and can be opened wide enough to swallow an animal much larger than itself. The hapless
fish is then deposited into a pouch-like lower jaw, which resembles that of a pelican.
In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the pelican eel. The gulper's stomach can also stretch to
accommodate its large meals. This giant mouth gives the eel its other common name of umbrellamouth gulper.
The eel also has a very long, whip-like tail. Specimens that have been brought to the surface in fishing
nets have been known to have their long tails tied into several knots. The gulper eel grows to a length of
about two to six feet and is found in all of the world's oceans at depths ranging from 3000 to 6000 feet.
Giant Squid
The elusive giant squid, known to science as Architeuthis dux, is one of the world's largest animals,
reaching a length of up to 60 feet. It is the largest known Invertebrates in the world. The giant squid is a
mollusk and is member of the cephalopod class, which includes the octopus and other squids. Very little is
known about these mysterious animals because none have been seen alive in the wild. Most of what we know
about them comes from the bodies of dead squid that have washed ashore or been pulled up in fishermen's
nets. These animals are carnivores, and will eat just about anything they can catch. During World War II,
stories from the survivors of sunken ships tell of shipmates being eaten by these creatures in the dark of
night. There have even been reports of giant squid reaching out of the water and pulling men off small
boats. None of these reports have been officially verified, but they paint a picture of a powerful
predator. The squid's eight long tentacles have strong suction cups, which they use to hold on to their
prey. A sharp, powerful beak finishes off their helpless victim with eerie efficiency. The giant squid
appears to be a favorite meal for the sperm whale. They have been found in the stomachs of dead whales and
many these whales bear scars from the squid's suction-cupped tentacles.
Giant Isopod
The giant isopod, known scientifically as Bathynomus giganteus, is the largest known member of the isopod
family. It is very closely related to the small pillbugs that you can find in the garden. It is a
carnivorous crustacean that spends its time scavenging the deep ocean floor. Food is extremely scarce at
these great depths, so the isopod has adapted to eat what ever happens to fall to the ocean floor from
above. It will also feed on some of the small invertebrates that live at these depths.
Giant isopods are known to reach a size of over 16 inches in length and are one of the largest members of
the crustacean family. These animals are very prehistoric in appearance. When threatened, the can roll
themselves into a tight ball where they are protected by their strong, armor-plated shells. They have
complex mouths that contain many components that work together to pierce, shred, and disembowel live or
dead prey. Giant isopods are all over the world at depths of over 2000 feet.
Coffinfish
The coffinfish (B.melanostomus) has a flabby body and long tail that are both covered with small spines. It
has a black mouth lining and an illicium (glossary) on the snout that can be lowered into a groove.
This species grows to at least 10cm in length.
B.melanostomus has been trawled in the Central to Eastern Indian Ocean at depths ranging from 1320m to
1760m. The name melanostomus comes from the Greek melanos meaning black and stoma meaning mouth. There are
two genera in the family Chaunacidae; Bathychaunax and Chaunax. Bathychaunax differs from Chaunax by having
a lower lateral line count, longer ilicium, a wider head, more widely spaced body spines and several
skeletal characters.
Vampire squid
The vampire squid, known to scientists as Vampyroteuthis infernalis, looks more like something that swam
out of a late-night science fiction movie. The squid has large fins at the to of its body that resemble
large ears. It is very gelatinous in form, resembling a jellyfish more than the common squid. The vampire
squid has the largest eyes of any animal. It is a small animal, growing to a length of about six inches,
bit it has globular eyeballs as large as the eyes of a large dog. The vampire squid's body is covered with
light-producing organs called photophores. This gives the squid the unique ability to "turn itself on or
off" at will.
When the photophores are off, the squid is completely invisible in the dark waters where it lives. These
squid live as deep as 3000 feet. Unlike other squid and octopi, the vampire squid has no ink sack. The
vampire squid's arms are covered with sharp tooth-like spikes. This gives the animal its name. One pair of
arms has been modified into retractile filaments that can extend to twice the body length of the animal.
The squid may use these arms to capture its prey. When threatened, the squid can draw its arms up over
itself and form a defensive web that covers its body. The vampire squid can swim extremely fast for a
gelatinous animal. It can reach a speed of 2 body lengths per second and can accelerate to this speed in
only 5 seconds. If danger is present, it can make several quick turns in an attempt to escape its enemies.
The vampire squid is found throughout the world in most tropical and temperate regions.
Long-nosed Chimaera
Biologists have gone to great lengths to describe the long-nosed chimaera, Harriotta raleighana, whose kind
can reach five feet in length. Its stiletto-like nose reminded one of "the nose contour of a supersonic jet
aircraft." Others have dubbed it "rattail," for obvious reasons. In South Africa, it is known as the "ghost
shark," though it is only distantly related to sharks. A touch of the venomous spine on the first dorsal
fin can kill a person, though such a fate is unlikely given the 8,000-foot depths at which this creature
lives.
More Info:
Claire Nouvian's book The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss
contains a stunning collection of more than 160 color photos.
Species from as far down as four and a half miles are depicted in
exquisite detail; most are mere centimeters long, though the giant
squid, a timid creature despite its size, grows to almost 60 feet.
(Idea by sabbott of instructables.com) This is a very simple project to
take the leftover stuff from a stack of blank CDs and make a stand to
hold earrings.
Vintage tennis rackets look really great, but weren't very practical to
keep around... until now! We love this simple DIY project that will have
you upcycling your surplus of vintage tennis rackets into super cute
mirrors in no time.
(Link | Photo)
Button lamp shade
Lamp too plain? Lots of unused buttons? Then get started with this cool button lamp shade.
()
Sweet Tooth Pouch
(Idea by Vanessa of Pumpkin Patterns) This little project was inspired
by her son who asks for candy from the brightly colored packages at the
checkout.
(Idea by Betsy of My Salvaged Treasures) This is just one among Betsy's
hundreds of ideas when it comes to recycling vintage stuff. For more of
her artwork, visit her blog.
(Link)
Book keepsake box
Transform an old book into a pretty box for trinkets and other small
items with this easy-to-make project. Apply craft glue to the inside
back cover and close the book; let it dry. Apply glue to the book's
edges; let it dry. Mark a rectangle on the first page about 1-inch from
all sides. Use a craft knife to cut along the mark through several
pages. Remove the cut pages; continue cutting and removing pages until
you've reached the desired depth. Seal the cut pages with clear glue to
finish the keepsake box.
(Link | Photo)
Trash can turned table
You know that old saying, one man's trash is another man's treasure?
This upcycle takes it quite literally. Hold onto your hats, this is
literally the most stylish trash can you've ever seen. That's right, an
old metal trash can takes a new turn as a savvy side table. To make:
Spray paint a metal trash can, flip it over and, voila, instant side
table!
(Link | Photo)
Tennis racket earring holder
This vintage tennis racket brings a hint of Wimbledon to your closet.
Keep your earrings at the ready with this clever tennis racket upcycle.
(Link | Photo)
Tennis ball helper
It's always good to have a little help around the house. That's why we
love this handy tennis ball helper. Use him to hold your keys, mail,
pen, or anywhere you need an extra hand, er, mouth.
To make: Cut a
slit in a tennis ball using a box cutter or sharp knife. Add rivets or
google eyes. Hang him on the wall by a nail or suction cup in the back
of his "head."
(Link | Photo)
Old piano turned into outdoor fountain
(Idea by Bill Metzgar) This piano is an 1885 Steinway. It had really bad
termite damage to the inner structure so yes, it was beyond repair. It
was turned into a fountain for Bill's mom for Mother's Day. It has a
2000 gallon per hour pump in the pond and a flex hose from the pump up
into the piano where a construction of pvc pipes was used to distribute
the water across the keys. It was sealed with fiberglass resin. Feel
free to send some questions to b.metzgar@live.com.
(Photo)
License plate birdhouse
The early bird may get the worm, but if you change your license plates that bird wins a new house. This calls for a sleep in.
(Link | Photo)
Succulent drawer
(Idea by Curt and Jessica of Grizzl Bear Modern) This vintage hardwood
dresser was abandoned in the garage and then converted into this cool
piece of art. For more details, click here.
(Link | Photo)
The Death Road (Bolivia)
Guoliang Tunnel Road (China)
Ruta 5: Arica to Iquique Road (Chile)
Siberian Road to Yakutsk (Russia)
Sichuan-Tibet Highway (China)
James Dalton Highway (Alaska)
Patiopoulo-Perdikaki Road (Greece)
Trollstigen (Norway)
The A682 Road (England)
Stelvio Pass Road Trollstigen(Italy)
License plate birdhouse
Succulent drawer