iPod & Me
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The iPod Phenomena
Not since the Walkman has a portable music device captured an audience of millions. There is a book out called Cult of iPod and now they even sell iPods in vending machines.

It is said that the iPod may very well make Mac users out of people who previously hadn't considered the other Apple product, the Mac computer. This is called a "halo" effect. Some have been predicting the demise of Apple for decades. Innovation always has customers.

iJog with iPod
Nike & Apple unveil iPod training shoe system, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit . A wireless device communicates between your shoe and your iPod. The iPod Sport Sensor Shoewallet allows you to use the iPod sensor with any shoes, but some say it's not as accurate, but it worked fine for me.

iBike with iPod
I recently installed the Mork Mount on my bike for using my Nano while biking (be sure it will fit your bike). Also I'm changing my Nano cover to a Sportsuit to be better prepared for the rainy season this year. I'm lucky enought to live close to two of Gorp's Top Ten Singletrack Bike Trails in California: 1. Back Ranch at China Camp State Park (San Rafael, Marin County) and 2. Anadel State Park (Santa Rosa, Sonoma County)

Traveling with iPod
Last spring I took a 3 week trip and I was so glad I had my iPod shuffle with me. I took the Shuffle because of its size and I didn't think I'd need more than 80 or so songs for my trip. A couple of days before my trip I selected and loaded the songs with iTunes and then tested the unit for a day.

I flew to Paris from San Francisco on Air France. If you're ever at the San Francisco International terminal and are hungry for a hamburger or gardenburger check out the Burger Joint which serves hormone-free beef, free-range chicken, veggie burgers and fresh-cut French fries - one of the best burgers I've had in some time. I stopped there when I returned. (they also have SF locations)

If you're going to NYC get pizza parlor locations with piPod .

The flight was about 11 hours on a Airbus 330 which was pretty comfortable. With monitors in the backs of the seats and you could select from a list of current French and American movies, TV shows, and other multimedia content. Once I watched the movies and shows I wanted I settled in for the rest of the flight with my iPod.

I never imagined how useful the iPod would be on a trip until I found myself on a 4 hour train ride, the scenery was nice but once it got dark, read or iPod.

Throughout the trip I was approached about the iPod. I was glad to show it off and let them briefly listen. I later learned that this is a new world-wide cultural phenomena: sharing iPods. (sharing listening to music)

You see someone with an iPod, you approach them and offer to have them plug their earbuds or headphones into your iPod and you do the same. And you share music for a couple minutes. A cool way to meet people.

It seemed that no sooner had I arrived that my vacation came to an end. The return Air France flight was a Boeing 747. The seats were narrower and uncomfortable. The viewing monitor was overhead in the isle, so everyone had to watch the same thing. I used the iPod a lot more on the return trip.

The food was good on both flights but next trip I'm taking a iPod Video. in case I get stuck on a Boeing 747 again!

The iPod was also nice to have at times of waiting at airports for flights. You can now get the great Wikipedia for your iPod, it is full of interesting information.

Hiking with iPod
I went for a 4-hr hike in an area a little north of San Francisco called Marin County. The place was called Tennesee Valley. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (park link). It has a lot of (free) parking and a few trails to choose from.

One of the more popular is a flat hike to the beach, about 30+ minutes each way. You can also take a longer and more strenuous hike to Muir Beach (park link) via Coyote Ridge maps1 - maps2 -- photos1 - photos2. Tennesee Valley has been in the movies too. "Shoot the Moon" 1982 with Albert Finney, Diane Keaton.

Also in Marin County is the Marin Headlands which has many great hikes and views. maps -- photos A lot of TV shows (Streets of San Francisco) and movies (Bullitt) have been shot in Northern California (list) including Muir Woods which "Vertigo" 1958 James Stewart, "Time After Time" 1980 Malcolm McDowell, "Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi" 1983 Harrison Ford, all had some scenes there.

Another good place to hike in Marin is the Point Reyes National Seashore (park link) where I hike the Bear Valley trails. The main trail leads to the beach - about 1 hr one way. You might find deer including "white" deer just a couple yards off the main path. Other places to visit are the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse - supposedly one of the windiest spots in the West Coast, a must visit if you are in the Bay Area.

Although the hikes are in beautiful areas there are times when I want to walk or sit and listen to some music with my iPod. A few months ago I got a iPod Nano which gives me more control over music selection than the iPod Shuffle.

A new and exciting way to tour San Francisco or Sausalito is with a Segway... that's right Segway Tours is a blast!

iPod Power
ThereIf you happen to be where there is no electricity to recharge your iPod the solar powered Solio charger can be used. I don't camp as much as I used to but I'll definitely look into power options for my iPod before the next camping trip. I also found the iSol Plus.