| How to View Fall Foliage Posted: 12 Oct 2018 05:00 PM PDT As summer transitions to fall, it becomes time for warm apple cider, flannel shirts, and of course, fall foliage. If you want to see the luscious leaves change from green to bright golds, oranges, and reds, view fall foliage from September to October. The United States is rich in fall splendor, though you can see the foliage throughout the world. You can take a hike, go camping, or take a scenic drive. Don't forget your binoculars and camera! EditFinding the Best Destinations - Search online for fall foliage destinations. If you are unsure of where to go to look at the fall foliage, search for "best foliage viewing spots near me" or "fall foliage destinations" online. Then, browse regional or national fall foliage hot spots.
- Travel to local state and national parks to see fall foliage close to home. You can see great foliage in U.S. states like New Hampshire, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Georgia, Arkansas, and Oregon.[1]
- Choose a local park if you want to stay close to home. Travel 20 minutes to 2 hours, for instance.
- Decide on a fall foliage vacation if you want to visit the hot spots. If you are a fall foliage enthusiast, consider traveling to the best view spots in the country, such as the Columbia River Gorge, the Catskills, or the Ozarks. After you search online for destinations, choose your favorites. Then, either drive, fly, or take a train.
- You can book your hotel in advance, or consider going camping instead!
- Other gorgeous destinations are parks throughout New England and the Appalachian Trail.
- Visit a variety of locations to see a diversity of fall foliage. Throughout the fall, visit several different spots if you want to take advantage of the autumn colors! Travel to all of the parks nearby, and consider taking a small road trip 1-4 hours away to see other hot spots.
- This is a great way to see a wide variety of foliage opportunities.
- For example, if you live near Washington, D.C., you can visit parks in Maryland and Virginia. Also consider driving to North Carolina to see the trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- View foliage near rivers, waterfalls, or lakes for a gorgeous backdrop. While searching for local or regional parks, consider visiting those with sources of water nearby. Features such as waterfalls or streams look particularly lovely when paired with fall foliage. The water adds a refreshing touch, and the colors often stand out even more. You can search particularly for foliage spots near water, or you can ask a ranger for a recommendation.[2]
- For example, you can visit the Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia or Lake Ann in Washington.
EditDeciding When to Visit - View foliage from September to October. The leaves begin to change colors throughout September. By the end of October, they are usually very bright in color and ready to drop from the trees. Search online to determine the very best timeframe for foliage viewing in your area.[3]
- For example, foliage in southern states like Georgia may peak earlier in September, while northern states like Pennsylvania see their peak foliage in mid-October.
- Ask local experts or forest rangers about peak viewing times. In addition to searching online, you can also visit a nearby park and ask the park ranger when the best local foliage viewing is. The park rangers are professionals, and they often have great tips and tricks about where to see the most colorful displays.
- You can say something like, "Excuse me, sir? I am curious when the best time to view the leaves changing is. Do you have any advice?"
- Visit parks on the weekdays if you want to avoid the crowd. While many people think of weekend getaways when they picture fall foliage, this is the busiest time to see the colorful leaves. If you want to view the leaves without large crowds, try to visit during the week instead.
- Many parks are open until sunset, so you can go even after work!
- View the foliage during the sunrise or sunset for a splendid sight. The fall colors look lovely at all times of the day; however, a particularly stunning sight occurs when the sun is rising and setting each day. View the foliage around 6:00 am or 6:00 pm if you want to enjoy Mother Nature in all her glory.
- The blue, pink, orange, and yellow tones of the sunrise or sunset look incredible with the fall foliage. This is a great photo opportunity as well.
EditEnjoying the Views - Go for a scenic drive on an autumn day. A great way to view the foliage is on a long, scenic drive. You can do this from within a state or national park, or simply cruise up a country road in the fall. Pop in your favorite CD and hit the road![4]
- Make sure your vehicle has enough gas before you start. Some parks and country roads have limited gas station availability.
- Take a hike through the forest for an up-close view. When you arrive at a park, take a look at their walking and hiking trail maps. Then, pick a trail based on your skill set and interest. Most parks offer a wide variety of trails, including short strolls or intense climbs.[5]
- Don't forget your sneakers or hiking shoes!
- It is helpful to dress in layers, as it can get chilly if you are in the shade.
- Ride your bike for a leisurely activity. A bike ride through the fall foliage is a great way to relax while viewing the colors. Ride your bike on a designated trail, or consider going mountain biking as well! Put on a helmet before you hop on your bike so you stay safe.[6]
- It is helpful to wear stretchy, breathable clothing when riding a bike. That way, you are comfortable on your ride. Wear things like athletic shorts and performance tops.
- Go on a hayride to enjoy the autumn air. If you want a family-friendly activity to do while viewing the foliage, consider going on a hayride! Some parks offer these, and many local farms or corn mazes also have hayrides. To find one near you, search online for "hayrides near me."[7]
- Most hayrides have a small fee to ride.
- Wear long sleeves when you go for your ride. The hay can make your skin itchy.
- Try going camping for an authentic fall experience. Fall camping is fabulous because the colors are prominent and the temperature is still comfortable. Search online for a campsite near you, and make a reservation online or over the phone. Then, pack your tent, sleeping bag, and warm clothing. Bring firewood, hot dogs, and s'mores for an authentic camping experience.[8]
- Camping is a great way to combine several fall activities. Bring your bikes, and go for a hike while you are there!
- Snap a picture of the beautiful colors so you can remember the moment. While on your walk or drive, use a DSLR or smartphone camera to take some shots of the sights. Capture leaves up close, or take landscape shots to see the scenery. Take several pictures so you have a few to choose from. This way, you can remember how gorgeous the leaves looked on your trip.[9]
- If you'd like, you can print out the pictures from everywhere you travel. Then, place them in a photo album to display.
- If you are the driver, make sure you pull off the road before you take any pictures.
- Look at the foliage from binoculars to see trees up close. If you want to see the fall foliage from a different perspective, bring along a set of binoculars. Then, hold them up to your eyes and adjust the focus until you can clearly see the leaves. This way, you can see the colors from trees across the valley or check out the friendly woodpecker nearby.[10]
- It is helpful to put the neck strap over your head before you hold up the binoculars. That way, you do not accidentally drop them.
- Dress in warm layers when viewing fall foliage. Bring a long-sleeved shirt, sweater, and/or jacket. That way, you'll be prepared if the temperature changes.
- Pine, spruce, fir, hemlock and cedar trees do not change color, as they are evergreen trees.
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| How to Clean Alloy Wheels Posted: 12 Oct 2018 09:00 AM PDT Alloy wheels are usually made from a combination of aluminum and steel, and keeping them clean is an important step to prevent corrosion. Simple cleaning solutions will work for regular maintenance or a deep clean. Once you're finished cleaning, apply a protective sealant so your wheels look good as new! EditCleaning Regular Wear and Tear - Spray the entire wheel with a hose to remove loose dirt. Work in an outdoor area on a cool, dry day. Use a hose attachment with a powerful stream to clear off any brake dust or stuck-on dirt. Spray all around the wheel, making sure the water gets to the inside of the wheels, or barrels.[1]
- If you don't have a hose attachment, put your thumb over the spout to make a concentrated stream.
- Apply a wheel cleaner onto the alloy rims. Find a cleaner that's non-acidic and meant for alloy wheels. Use a spray bottle to apply the cleaner to the center hub and any spokes your wheel may have. Put more cleaner on any areas that have a lot of buildup. Let the cleaner set on the wheel for 1-2 minutes to let it penetrate the dirt and grime.[2]
- Remove any plastic hub covers before applying the cleaner.
- Use distilled vinegar as a cleaner if you don't want to use a chemical cleaner.[3]
- Scrub the wheel gently with a soft-bristled detailing brush. Agitate the cleaner with your brush to lift the dirt off the alloy's surface. Work in small circles to thoroughly clean the wheel. Focus on cleaning in between the spokes of the wheel where dirt tends to build up more. When you notice the brush getting dirty, rinse it in cold water.[4]
- Car detailing brushes can be purchased at your local automotive store.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean tight areas, like the rim screws or between tight spokes.
- Rinse the cleaner off the wheel. Use a gentle stream from your hose to remove the cleaner from the wheel. If you leave the cleaner on your wheel, it could leave residue or cause corrosion. Make sure to rinse any area that you may have gotten cleaner on.[5]
- You do not need an attachment for your hose when you rinse off the wheel.
- Dry the wheel with a microfiber cloth. Wipe the alloy wheel so there isn't any standing water. Drying your tires prevents any water spots or corrosion from forming on your clean wheels.[6]
- Don't use a coarse rag since it could scratch your wheels.
EditRemoving Tough Grease and Stains - Rinse loose residue of the wheel with your hose. Clean your wheels outdoors when the weather is dry and cloudy. Spray the wheel with your hose using a power washer attachment. Clear away as much dirt and grime as you can just using your hose.[7]
- Power washer attachments can be purchased at your local lawn care store.
- Spray an oven and grill cleaner on the metal rims and let it set for 2-3 minutes. Shake the aerosol can before coating the alloy with the cleaner. The cleaner should foam on contact to help penetrate dirt and grime buildup. Let the cleaner sit on the surface of the wheel for 2-3 minutes to loosen up the residue.[8]
- Oven and grill cleaner can be purchased at any homecare or hardware store.
- Wear safety goggles and gloves while working with an oven and grill cleaner since it may cause irritation.
- Remove any plastic hub covers to clean underneath them.
- Use a long-handled brush to clean the wheel barrels. Find a soft-bristled scrub brush from your local automotive store. Scrub the inside of the wheel, putting your brush through the spokes if your wheel has them. Work around the wheel completely until the barrel is free of any dirt or residue.[9]
- For extra cleaning power, put more of the cleaner on the end of your brush.
- Don't use a hard-bristle brush or steel wool since they could scratch your tires.
- Scrub the faces and between any spokes with a smaller detailing brush. Clean the front of the wheel with a soft-bristled detailing brush from an auto car store. Work in tight circles to scrub the dirt away. Focus on the small areas where dirt collects, like the rim screws and where the spokes meet in the middle.[10]
- A soft-bristled toothbrush will work if you don't have a detailing brush.
- Use your hose to remove the cleaner. Rinse off the cleaner completely off the wheel so it doesn't leave any residue. Make sure to clean the foam out from the inside of your wheel as well.[11]
- You do not need to use the power washer attachment during the final rinse.
- Dry the rims with a microfiber towel. Use a soft, dry microfiber towel on your wheels. Wipe away any standing water to prevent any water spots from forming on your wheels.[12]
- Old, coarse rags could scratch your rims if you use them.
EditProtecting the Wheel - Buy a sealant made for alloy wheels. Find a small container of sealant or rim wax to use on your wheels. Sealant creates a protective layer to make it harder for dirt and grime to stick to your wheels.[13]
- Sealant can be found at your local auto care store.
- Apply a sealant to the metal parts of the wheel using a detailing pad. Work in a well-ventilated area on a cool day. Apply a coin-sized dab of the sealant onto a sponge or detailing pad. Rub the sealant onto the metal parts of your wheel until it's clear. Work the sealant into the center hub, the spokes, and the barrel of the wheel.[14]
- Sealant protects your tires from dirt, brake dust, tar, and any other things on the road that could make them dirty.
- Let the sealant cure for 30 minutes. Let the sealant absorb into the alloy to form a protective layer. Make sure the area you're working in is well-ventilated while the sealant dries onto the wheel.[15]
- Buff the sealant with a microfiber cloth. Rub a dry microfiber cloth over all the areas you applied the sealant to remove it. Work the cloth in small circles until your wheels are shiny and have an even finish.[16]
- Don't forget to buff in between the spokes as well.
- Clean the wheels weekly so dirt and grime doesn't build up.
- Remove the wheels from your car if you want to clean them the most thoroughly.
- Don't use a hard-bristled brush or steel wool while scrubbing your wheels or else you could scratch them.
EditThings You'll Need EditCleaning Regular Wear and Tear - Hose with attachment
- All-purpose cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Soft-bristle brush
- Microfiber towel
EditRemoving Tough Grease and Stains - Hose with power washer attachment
- Oven and grill cleaner
- Long-handled brush
- Detailing brush
- Microfiber towel
EditProtecting the Wheel - Sealant
- Detailing pad or sponge
- Microfiber cloth
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| How to Change Classical Guitar Strings Posted: 12 Oct 2018 01:00 AM PDT If your guitar strings buzz, sound blunt, or can no longer hold their tune, this may be a sign that it's time to change out the old strings. Many people who own classical guitars avoid string changes for a very long time because they don't want to mess up the knots at the bridge end or risk changing the sound of their guitar. But never fear. With a little effort, you'll be playing your newly strung and beautifully sounding guitar in no time! EditRemoving the Old Strings - Use your finger or a string winder to loosen the 6th string from the neck. The 6th string should be the thickest string on your guitar. Attach the winder to the tuning peg and twist it in a circle until the string becomes loose enough to pull off the neck. If you don't have a winder, you can loosen it by hand instead (like you would to tune it down) until you can slide it out of the guitar.[1]
- If you're in a hurry, grab a pair of scissors and snip all six strings. Be sure to remove the small scrap parts around the bridge when you finish cutting.
- It's much safer to unwind the strings than to cut them so you won't have pieces of string flying off the guitar.
- Untie the string at the bridge and remove it. Once the string is loose enough, you should be able to undo the knot at the bridge by pushing the string back through where the knot was made. Pull the string back out of the hole to remove it completely from the guitar.[2]
- Safely dispose of the string in a trash can once you remove it from the guitar.
- Remove all of the old strings from the guitar. Working your way down the rest of the guitar strings, remove them one by one until there are no old strings left on the guitar. If you prefer to change the strings one at a time, feel free to do this instead.[3]
- Removing the strings all at once can make it easier when you go to wind the new strings back onto the neck.
- Get a new pack of nylon strings. For classical guitars, you'll want to avoid buying steel strings. Instead, you can pick up your favorite pack of nylon strings at a local music shop or off the internet.[4]
- Never string a classical guitar with steel strings. This will put way too much pressure on the neck, eventually causing it to bend and crack.
EditTying the New Strings to the Bridge - Put the new 6th string through the corresponding hole in the bridge. Push it through the hole so that about of string is sticking out towards the base of the guitar. Be sure that you're using the thickest string in your pack as the new 6th string.
- If one end of your new string has a rough texture while the other end is smooth, use the smooth end to loop through the bridge.[5]
- Loop the 6th string around once. You want it going under the other half of the string. It can be helpful to hold the string steady with your thumb and forefinger as you make the loop and eventually go to make the knot.[6]
- Tuck the string under the loop and pull to tighten it. As you do this, hold the string down against the soundboard. This is important because if you do not hold the string down, it will be sticking up. This will make it loose and it will probably come undone.[7]
- Be sure that the tail of the string comes down over the white lip before you tighten it. This will help to ensure that your knot stays tight.
- Tighten the knot by pulling the string from both sides. You want it as tight as you can get it. Double check that the tail of the string reaches down over the white lip just before you tighten the knot. Tying the knot in the right spot will help to keep your string secure at the bridge.
- You can check your knot again when you go to attach the string to the neck later on. If it looks loose, redo the knot before you continue.
- Repeat with the 5th and 4th strings. The 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (usually E, A and D) are done in the exact same way, but the last three strings are done slightly different. It's mostly the same but you wind it around a few more times.[8]
- Attach the 3rd string using the same process, only tuck it under the loop 3 times instead of 1. Because the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings (usually G, B and e) are increasingly skinny, they can slip out of the knot that you tie at the bridge much more easily. To safeguard against this slipping, be sure to tuck the strings under their respective loop 2-3 times.[9]
- Put the string through the bridge as with the 6th, 5th and 4th strings.
- For the 1st string (the e string), some people like to loop the string around the hole twice for extra protection before tying the knot.
- Repeat with the 2nd and 1st strings. These last 3 strings can all be attached in the same way. Use particular care when you attach the 1st string as it is the smallest string and is more prone to slipping out of the knot you tie.
- Feel free to loop the 1st string through the hole twice before you tuck it under the loop and tighten.
- If any of the strings come loose, they can hit into the guitar and take out a small chunk of wood. Use extra care when tightening the knots around the bridge to ensure you keep your guitar safe.
EditAttaching the Strings to the Neck - Turn the tuning peg for the 6th string until the hole is facing up. The string will be easier to work with if you can actually see what you're doing. The new string should be able to run through the hole vertically.
- Thread the new 6th string through the hole once. Push the end of the 6th string down through the corresponding hole on the neck. You can push a few inches of string through the hole to make it easier to grip.[10]
- Although there is another method where the string goes through the hole twice, this method is harder and the first way works just as well.
- Run the string back through the gap below the capstan. The capstan is the white plastic part that you wind the string around. You can pull the string back either above or below the capstan depending on your preference.[11]
- Pull the 6th string tight until there is about of slack in the middle of the neck. You want to leave some slack so that you can tune the guitar without risk of breaking the new string.[12]
- This would be a good time to double check that the knot you made in the bridge is secure.
- Guide the string back through the loop above the capstan. You can do this either once or twice depending on your preference. This should keep the string secure when you wind it up.[13]
- Use your finger or a winder to rotate the tuning peg to tighten the string. Hold the loose string and tighten it up the same way you would to tune your guitar. Keep winding until the string is in tune. You can let go of the loose string after a while.[14]
- Cut off any excess string with a wire cutter. If there is any string sticking out from the head of the guitar, be sure to use a wire cutter to safely remove it. Otherwise, you could accidentally hurt yourself on the string when you go to play your guitar.[15]
- Repeat this process for every string. Working in order from the 6th string to the 1st string one at a time can help make it easier to properly attach the new strings to the neck of the guitar. Be careful not to tighten the strings so much that they snap, just like when you tune your guitar normally.[16]
- After you've attached all of your new strings use a tuner to help you get your guitar back in tune.
- Alternatively, you can attach the new E string before you remove the old A string, and tune the guitar to itself. To do this, play the E string at the 5th fret and match it to the sound of the A string.[17]
- Using a string winder drastically speeds up the winding process. If used carelessly, however, it can increase the chances of having a string snap.
- It can help to use an electronic tuner to help get your guitar back in tune once you've attached all of your new strings, but some people prefer to do this by ear.
- Never overtighten strings until they snap; this puts too much pressure on the bridge and it could fly off and hurt you.
EditThings You'll Need - Guitar
- New pack of classical guitar strings
- String winder
- Wire cutter
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