In caves, for this is another name for caving, coming from the old English word ‘spelunk’ (meaning cave).
This is a non-competitive sport, taken up for fun and for the enjoyment of the natural underground beauty of the caves. However, it can be dangerous and should always be done in groups. Proper equipment is essential, especially sturdy boots, warm and waterproof clothing (caves are often damp and chilly even in summer), lights, ropes, a first-aid kit and food .
What country, discovered by a NORWEGIAN, was named by a GERMAN after an ITALIAN?
It was an odd chance of fate that neither of the two disputed discoverers of America, Leif Ericson or Christopher Columbus, gave his name to the new continent. The Italian geographer, Amerigo Vespucci, commanding two Spanish ships under the Portuguese flag, explored in detail a considerable stretch of the east coast of South America between 1497 and 1501. He described the continent as ‘a new world’, and this term so inspired the German publisher Waldseemuller, that when he produced’ a world map in 1507 he labelled the southern land mass ‘America’, Once it became clear that the northern and southern land masses were one continent, the whole of it became known as America.
Why were the pirates feared?
Pirates flew their own flag, called the Jolly Roger, from the main top-mast of their ships. They took the name from the French Buccaneers’ red flag, called le joli rouge, which is French for the pretty red one. It was hoisted just as they sighted their enemy. The pirate crew gave a brave cheer as it unrurled. They knew how frightened’ other sailors would be, -when they saw the dreaded skull and crossbones. Often ships surrendered immediately at the sight of the flag.
Sometimes pirates played cunning tricks on their enemies. Instead of flying the Jolly Roger, they flew the same flag as the enemy ship. The captain of a Spanish galleon would not be alarmed if he saw a ship sailing towards him, flying a Spanish flag. By the time he realized it was a pirate ship in disguise, it was too late.
Once the pirates had surrounded a ship, they boarded it. They swung ropes’ up over the sides of the ship. These ropes, with hooks on the ends, were called creepers.
The pirates swarmed up, carrying weapons in their mouths or tucked firmly into their belts. They carried pistols and many different kinds of knives. The cutlass was a broad flat sword with a sharp curved blade, designed for slashing and cutting. Long, slender swords such as the rapier were used to fight duels. Pirates tucked smaller knives into their belts, and pulled them out in a flash.
Sometimes pirates played cunning tricks on their enemies. Instead of flying the Jolly Roger, they flew the same flag as the enemy ship. The captain of a Spanish galleon would not be alarmed if he saw a ship sailing towards him, flying a Spanish flag. By the time he realized it was a pirate ship in disguise, it was too late.
Once the pirates had surrounded a ship, they boarded it. They swung ropes’ up over the sides of the ship. These ropes, with hooks on the ends, were called creepers.
The pirates swarmed up, carrying weapons in their mouths or tucked firmly into their belts. They carried pistols and many different kinds of knives. The cutlass was a broad flat sword with a sharp curved blade, designed for slashing and cutting. Long, slender swords such as the rapier were used to fight duels. Pirates tucked smaller knives into their belts, and pulled them out in a flash.
