VFK Columbus Day Mini-Quest 2012

October 8, 2012
 October 9, 2012	
==Description==
Today is Columbus Day! In the United States, we observe Columbus Day every year on the second Monday of October, to commemorate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus landing in the Americas in 1492! This day recognizes and celebrates the courage to face the unknown, and the spirit of exploration that motivated Christopher Columbus' 1492 expedition. This day speaks of daring, reward, and freedom, which inspires all great expeditions. On today's quest, we will take a mini-look at the history of Christopher Columbus! 
Your reward for completing this quest will be 1,000 credits, and the Columbus Day 2012 Pin!<BR><BR><BR>
===Prizes===
===Questions===
1. The voyage of Christopher Columbus was generally motivated by the necessity of finding a new trade route to India. In 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain in three ships bound for the Indies. His voyage, backed by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, involved a bold idea to sail west to reach India. A successful voyage would enable Spain to compete in the profitable spice trade. Of Columbus' three ships, which ship was he on?<BR>
*La Pinta
*Santa Maria
*La Tina
*Santa Clara/Nina<BR><BR>
2. These famous ships were conventional ships used for exploring at the time. The Santa Maria was a ship called a carrack, and was the largest of Columbus' three ships. It was a fifteenth century sailing ship with three or four masts, and was the kind of ship that the Spanish and Portuguese used to explore in this time period. The Nina was the smallest of the three, and the Pinta was the fastest of the three ships. Go to Audubon's Dark Forest in Western Age, and say: "To reach the east, they sailed west!"<BR><BR>
3. Columbus' historic voyage made a significant contribution to navigation. He implemented the idea that he could use the prevailing winds to speed his way home. Depending upon the latitude, winds blow predictably and consistently from the east or the west. By using this information, and sailing in the latitude where the winds are blowing in the direction he wanted to travel, he could sail straight across with the wind instead of having to sail using the more time consuming technique of sailing at an angle against the wind. What are these winds called?<BR>
*Perennial Winds
*Hurricane Winds
*Trade Winds
*Eternal Winds<BR><BR>
4. On his travels, it is believed that Columbus heard stories about Norse sailors and Intuit kayakers making use of the Trade winds. Columbus implemented and shared his knowledge, which revolutionized maritime navigation. Go to the Waterfall in Australia, and say: "Happy Columbus Day!"<BR><BR>
5. Press continue to finish the quest!<BR><BR>
===Answers===
1. Santa Maria
2. Go to Audubon's Dark Forest in Western Age, and say: "To reach the east, they sailed west!"
3. Trade Winds
4. Go to the Waterfall in Australia, and say: "Happy Columbus Day!"
5. Press continue to finish the quest!
Category:Quests