Here, Erik of the Farpoint Farms YouTube channel explains how WATA-AM kept him and countless others informed after Hurricane Helene cut a path of destruction through western North Carolina.
“AM radio is often thought of as obsolete,” Erik writes. “I wouldn’t want to tell that to any of the tens of thousands that have relied on the info broadcast from this station for the past three weeks! Reach out to your local station and see if they need help staying on the air. many of these are mom and pop stations that are run by a single soul. When the time came, this station was ready to step up.”
Check out Farpoint Farms’ latest video above for recordings of WATA making a difference.
I always keep at least two Nalgene bottles in the freezer. They’re two-thirds full of frozen water and ready to accompany me on my daily adventures.
Hey, folks! I received a cool message from a reader today. They saw my recent praise of Nalgene bottles and wanted to know the right way to freeze water in one. So, I thought I’d share my method.
First off, as the good folks at Nalgene explain in their FAQ, don’t fill the bottle all the way to the top. Leave it about two-thirds full. This is because water expands when it freezes, and if you fill it up too much, you might end up with a broken bottle or a shattered cap. Trust me, two-thirds is just right.
Next, keep the cap off. I know it might feel wrong, but it’s actually right. Leaving the cap off gives the freezing water some room to breathe and expand.
Now here’s a neat trick: Tilt the bottle. This provides more surface area for the water, helping to avoid any chance of it deforming and cracking the bottle as it solidifies.
And here’s the best part. Once the water is frozen, top up the rest of the bottle with cold water. Now, you’ve got ice-cold water that’ll last you all day long!
So, there you have it. Freezing water in a Nalgene bottle is easy and risk-free if you know what you’re doing.
Nalgene started as a scientific supplier, creating durable and leakproof bottles for laboratory use. Scientists started carrying them for personal use due to their durability, and Nalgene quickly caught onto this trend. And like that, a new water bottle brand was born.
Why do I love my Nalgene so much, you might ask? It’s all about the design, functionality, and how each bottle tells a story. They’re durable and practical, with an appealing, no-frills design.
Funny story about how I found Nalgene. I was shopping for some rugged gear from Maxpedition. They equip many folks – from special forces and police officers to adventurers and everyday people.
I found this unique bag of theirs, the Versipack, and stumbled upon Nalgene.
The Versipack has a snug side pocket, just the right size for the 32-ounce Nalgene bottle — which I added to my purchase. Little did I know this bottle would soon become my constant companion. By purchasing this bag, I discovered a brand that proved to be reliable and durable.
What I find so elegant about Nalgene bottles is their simplicity. They’re not flashy; they do their job of holding water exceptionally well. The 32-ounce size is perfect for helping me reach my daily hydration goal. Filling it up each morning and sipping it throughout the day has become a satisfying ritual.
Most of the time, I fill my Nalgene halfway with water at bedtime and pop it in the freezer. Come morning, there are 500 milliliters of solid ice inside. I then fill the rest of the bottle with cold water and sip luxuriously icy H20 all day. (If I want to pamper myself, I’ll treat myself to Evian.)
My Nalgene bottle has been with me through a lot. It’s survived many falls, traveled with me on road trips, and even accompanied me on my Amtrak journeys. Every scratch and mark on it tells a story of our shared adventures. It’s more than a water bottle; it’s a collection of my experiences and a reliable companion.
Using Nalgene also makes me feel good because I’m reducing my use of single-use plastic bottles. It’s a small, significant way I contribute to the fight against plastic waste.
So, you see, it’s about more than just hydration. It’s about how an item that originated in a scientific lab has become an integral part of our daily lives. It’s about how a water bottle can represent a sense of community and environmental responsibility — and even form part of our identity.
So yes, I adore my 32-ounce Nalgene. It’s durable, handy, eco-friendly, and always there for me. I can’t wait for all the future adventures we will have together, savoring the simple pleasures in life.
L.T. Hanlon 