This week I stumbled across an interesting historical tale about Arcturus - the 4th brightest star in the night sky, the brightest in the northern celestial hemisphere, and one that is hanging high above us during these summer months. Looking into it led me down a bit of a rabbit hole of other interesting tidbits,…Read more Arcturus – Bright Summer Star With An Interesting History
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Iceland 2019 – Prologue
This is the first in a series outlining my family's exploration of Iceland during the summer of 2019, pre-COVID. It was a mostly outdoor experience, exploring the wild and natural sights of a beautiful country during the height of summer. For the full journey, and notes on places to go and things to see, check…Read more Iceland 2019 – Prologue
Hawai’i 2018: Day 3 – Swimming with Mantas!
Way back in the summer of 2018, in the "before time", we could travel, and hang out in large groups. Remember those days? Ah, innocence. Little did we know... https://youtu.be/mlgaZRprj3A Day 3 on the Big Island started with that most fleeting of opportunities - sleeping in. We had an evening appointment requiring several hours in…Read more Hawai’i 2018: Day 3 – Swimming with Mantas!
Top of the Food Chain
A couple months ago, I was walking along at night. The wind blew cold and broken clouds obscured the Moon. Early-season frogs peeped sporadically, wishing it was warmer. It occurred to me then, walking through dark trees, what a privilege it was to be unafraid. Humans haven't always been so secure, and in many parts…Read more Top of the Food Chain
Binaries (Astronomy: Week of 5/27/18)
Zubenelgenubi!! If you're inclined to say "Bless You", or "Gesundheit", I thank you. But this particular outburst comes from the name of a star. Together with nearby Zubeneschamali, Zubenelgenubi form the "Claws of the Scorpion", and mean, respectively, just that - these awesome and fun-to-say names are derived from the Arabic word, Zubana (Scorpion), and…Read more Binaries (Astronomy: Week of 5/27/18)
Wilderness – a new film – Alastair Humphreys
One of the adventurer-authors I follow is a gent from Scotland, Alastair Humphreys. In addition to an impressive adventure resume, he has an artistic style that resonates with me - this short film, though it's in an environment completely foreign to me, does an outstanding job of capturing my own feelings with respect to the…Read more Wilderness – a new film – Alastair Humphreys
Flying Squirrel Outdoors 