Science and tech fun.

[Cavalier MK2]

This is probably more for the NW but we had fun taking a radiation detector cruising this year to check levels after the problems in Japan. We'd take it on hikes and climbing etc....And yes, areas with lower rainfall have lower readings. Next year we'll check Indian Island and Bangor for fun!
On another note, I still prefer paper charts but if you have computer tech savy kids get them to set up a laptop with a GPS antenna and download the free charts available for the US. A GPS antenna cost less than $30......

[maxingout]

You may get freaked out when you see the radiation levels in different locations.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by maxingout

You may get freaked out when you see the radiation levels in different locations.

Only if you don't know much about the subject, and how to relate the numbers on the instrument against the allowed levels. Have a chat with your friendly health physicist, and relax.

Cheers,

Jim

[Cavalier MK2]

All background radiation was well within safe levels. For sailors the most interesting news was that ithe lowest levels of background radiation were over the water away from land. All in all it is a fun way to get a science experiment on board, plus with the drift showing up here there is a practical aspect. If you have an edgy guest being able to prove the beachcombing won't make you glow in the dark can be handy.