However, let’s not get so ahead of ourselves that we forget to share this excitement, enthusiasm, and thirst with others!
Showing posts with label Astounding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Astounding. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Share a Science Documentary Day
Science documentaries. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that you love them. You’ve watched both iterations of Cosmos; you’ve joined Stephan Hawkings on an exploration of the universe; you’ve learned about the rovers, landers, orbiters, and space stations exploring our solar system; you’ve experience Sr. David full-on gushing over a hedgehog. If I were to write a blog post trying to convince you to check out some of Sweet Tea Science’s favorite science documentaries, you would scoff because you are so on top of that. And that’s awesome! Seriously, let’s take a moment to appreciate our collective thirst for knowledge!
However, let’s not get so ahead of ourselves that we forget to share this excitement, enthusiasm, and thirst with others!
However, let’s not get so ahead of ourselves that we forget to share this excitement, enthusiasm, and thirst with others!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Love in the Desert?
Day Eight
Arches National Park
Moab, UT
Founded: 1971
Total Miles Hiked: 10.5 (48.06 overall)
We'd arrived too late to secure a camp spot in the park, however the nearby city of Moab had a plethora of private campgrounds to choose from. After consulting our handy Fodor's guide, we soon were on our way to the recommended Slick(Shady)rock campground. It had all of the typical amenities: small grill, shade, restrooms, office wi-fi, pool, hot tubs, showers. We may not be in the park, but we'd be living in luxury and leave smelling like delicate desert flowers. For however long that lasts.
We only had the one day in the park, so we made sure to wake up early to make the most of our time. Someone once told me that Arches NP is where you go to fall in love with the desert. Now, I've been living in the desert for over two years now and have only a mild toleration for an area that is mainly devoid of forests and streams. But, I wanted to give the desert another chance.
As always, we stopped off at the visitor's center for our trinkets and usual chat with the Rangers at the information desk. We've yet to be disappointed by the advice of the Rangers, and this morning Steven and Emma were not about to break that streak. Rachel and I usually try and have a basic idea of what we want to accomplish in a park. How far we want to hike (usually about 10 miles per day) and what sights we would like to see (arches and some bighorn sheep, please). Steven recommend the full Devil's Garden trail (with primitive loop), a restful afternoon out of the sun, a quick walk around Balanced Rock, and then to top it off with a sunset trip to the Delicate Arch. Emma was our go to for bighorn sheep questions. Where can we find them? Does she know where they are right now. Is she hiding them? Can she let them come out and play? We were informed that sheep sightings are still rare in the park, but to keep an eye out during the first three miles. Oh, Emma, I don't think you realize how badly we want to see the sheeps!
Our first trail was at the far end of the park, so we enjoyed the drive out by obsessively searching for sheep. Devils Garden is a trail that may be enjoyed at several different difficulty levels. Many of the arches available for viewing are towards the beginning of the journey directly off the gravel path. You may go as far as Landscape Arch, the longest in the park, before the primitive loop begins. Here, we were soon traversing and scrambling over rocks and ridges. Rachel's choice of wearing a hiking dress that day was nearly a poor one, but she managed to stay decent. The crowd thinned as we encountered more and more arches and more and more difficult pathways. The rock cairns I explained yesterday were especially helpful on this terrain, and they often kept us on the right route.
We'd started off on the trail in the mid-morning hours, and were able to enjoy the cooler morning temperatures for some time. However, the desert is good at heating up once the sun is comfortable high in the sky. We aren't ones to disregard park warnings, so we were well equipped with our water bladders in our packs, each holding 3 liters of water.
When we reached the end of the trail we were more than happy to have a rest and picnic in the limited shade we could find. Dark Angel looked over us as we munched our sammies and snacks. Then, once more, we were in the sun hiking back. Our second wind was more of a sweltering breeze due to the heat, and we were soon grateful to stand in whatever shady patch we could find. Despite the liters of water consumed, our hands were still swollen slightly by the time we reached the main trail again, a sure sign of the start of dehydration. The trail head and accompanying water supply were a welcoming sight.
We had plenty of time to spare before we needed to head out towards Delicate Arch for sunset and little desire to stay in the sun for much longer and, so, set out to find a place with shade to rest, write, and snack.
The picnic area across from Balanced Rock proved to be just the place for all of our needs. While most of the tables were in the blistering sun, we managed to score one with a lovely tree bending over to protect us with its shade. I tried to write some informative words for you, oh readers, but Rachel's napping just looked so peaceful and I knew I wanted to join.
"Meridith....Meridith. Your face it in the sun."
Rachel, once again saving me from certain cancerous doom.
To recover from our slumber, we got after some hummus with pita chips in a completely unladylike manner. But, it did the trick and we were soon back on the trails where we explored the mini loop around Balanced Rock before setting off for the Delicate Arch trail head.
We had plenty of time to meander along the route to the most famous of all arches in the park. We encountered the homestead of the first settler in the area. An Ohio man, who escaped to the West for the drying, presumed healthier, climate. He built a teensy one room home for himself and his son. Later, when his daughter and her family joined them, he built a proper house with wood floors and everything. It was still teensy and perhaps had just slightly more space for the 4+ people than Rachel had when she lived in my laundry room senior year of college. Teeny tiny.
Continuing once more, ever closer to the final destination, we came upon what Rachel holds among her top 10 favorite things she's ever seen. Petroglyphs on a rock above the trail. Perhaps as old as 400 years, these markings revealed horseback Ute Native Americans hunting bighorn sheep. Small dog like creatures were also included. We were really impressed with the lasting power of the art and we walking on finally, still wondering about the markings that didn't last the years and the individual who had sat there so long ago patiently carving the scene.
After some unexpectedly steep uphill climbs, we finally turned a corner and were presented with a sight we'd only seen in photographs, postcards, and nature documentaries. Delicate Arch. We'd arrived early enough to get a decent spot among the droves of people with the same sunset plans we had. It did, however, prove difficult to get a shot of the arch without a group of ridiculously posed tourists. The line of groups and families waiting to get that perfect picture under the arch seemed never ending, and if any stayed too long blocking the shots of other photographers wanting that solitary shot of the majestic arch, they were requested in no polite tones to move along.
We had both expected the sun to set behind the arch, however it actually slunk away behind our backs, drawing the shadows up over the arch from the bottom. Still a wonderful sight to behold. Several adventurous young sightseers took in the view from atop the nearby rock formations. The darkness grew, yet we stayed behind to enjoy the desert night. We were well prepared with jackets and headlamps, so felt no anxiety towards the upcoming night hike back to our vehicle.
The darkness welcomed us and we welcomed the sounds and sights of the nocturnal wildlife, awaking with the moon. We kept a slow pace so that everyone could pass us and take their noises with them. It's always good to hear people enjoying the natural beauty of the parks, however many do not realize that the show is not over. It's just starting. Once the night air was empty of these sounds, it began to offer up its own. We chose a spot on a small bridge over a pool of water. Day or night, water is a great place to find wildlife. We waited. It was not long until we were rewarded with the sounds of bullfrogs calling to potential mates, the flapping of bat wings as they whiz by us, and various insects chirping and humming. We listened and watched the stars come out before we said our final goodbyes to the park.
I don't know if I'm in love with the desert yet. It's still hot and often times not as elaborate or as colorful as Arches. Maybe I'm a little in love with shade in the desert, and that counts.
*more photos later - I can only do so much on stolen Yellowstone Staff wifi!*
Question of the Day:
What is your favorite type of landscape?
Arches National Park
Moab, UT
Founded: 1971
Total Miles Hiked: 10.5 (48.06 overall)
We'd arrived too late to secure a camp spot in the park, however the nearby city of Moab had a plethora of private campgrounds to choose from. After consulting our handy Fodor's guide, we soon were on our way to the recommended Slick(Shady)rock campground. It had all of the typical amenities: small grill, shade, restrooms, office wi-fi, pool, hot tubs, showers. We may not be in the park, but we'd be living in luxury and leave smelling like delicate desert flowers. For however long that lasts.
We only had the one day in the park, so we made sure to wake up early to make the most of our time. Someone once told me that Arches NP is where you go to fall in love with the desert. Now, I've been living in the desert for over two years now and have only a mild toleration for an area that is mainly devoid of forests and streams. But, I wanted to give the desert another chance.
As always, we stopped off at the visitor's center for our trinkets and usual chat with the Rangers at the information desk. We've yet to be disappointed by the advice of the Rangers, and this morning Steven and Emma were not about to break that streak. Rachel and I usually try and have a basic idea of what we want to accomplish in a park. How far we want to hike (usually about 10 miles per day) and what sights we would like to see (arches and some bighorn sheep, please). Steven recommend the full Devil's Garden trail (with primitive loop), a restful afternoon out of the sun, a quick walk around Balanced Rock, and then to top it off with a sunset trip to the Delicate Arch. Emma was our go to for bighorn sheep questions. Where can we find them? Does she know where they are right now. Is she hiding them? Can she let them come out and play? We were informed that sheep sightings are still rare in the park, but to keep an eye out during the first three miles. Oh, Emma, I don't think you realize how badly we want to see the sheeps!
 |
| Landscape Arch. Can you tell where a slab fell? |
We'd started off on the trail in the mid-morning hours, and were able to enjoy the cooler morning temperatures for some time. However, the desert is good at heating up once the sun is comfortable high in the sky. We aren't ones to disregard park warnings, so we were well equipped with our water bladders in our packs, each holding 3 liters of water.
When we reached the end of the trail we were more than happy to have a rest and picnic in the limited shade we could find. Dark Angel looked over us as we munched our sammies and snacks. Then, once more, we were in the sun hiking back. Our second wind was more of a sweltering breeze due to the heat, and we were soon grateful to stand in whatever shady patch we could find. Despite the liters of water consumed, our hands were still swollen slightly by the time we reached the main trail again, a sure sign of the start of dehydration. The trail head and accompanying water supply were a welcoming sight.
 |
| Balanced rock being all balanced and such. |
The picnic area across from Balanced Rock proved to be just the place for all of our needs. While most of the tables were in the blistering sun, we managed to score one with a lovely tree bending over to protect us with its shade. I tried to write some informative words for you, oh readers, but Rachel's napping just looked so peaceful and I knew I wanted to join.
"Meridith....Meridith. Your face it in the sun."
Rachel, once again saving me from certain cancerous doom.
To recover from our slumber, we got after some hummus with pita chips in a completely unladylike manner. But, it did the trick and we were soon back on the trails where we explored the mini loop around Balanced Rock before setting off for the Delicate Arch trail head.
We had plenty of time to meander along the route to the most famous of all arches in the park. We encountered the homestead of the first settler in the area. An Ohio man, who escaped to the West for the drying, presumed healthier, climate. He built a teensy one room home for himself and his son. Later, when his daughter and her family joined them, he built a proper house with wood floors and everything. It was still teensy and perhaps had just slightly more space for the 4+ people than Rachel had when she lived in my laundry room senior year of college. Teeny tiny.
Continuing once more, ever closer to the final destination, we came upon what Rachel holds among her top 10 favorite things she's ever seen. Petroglyphs on a rock above the trail. Perhaps as old as 400 years, these markings revealed horseback Ute Native Americans hunting bighorn sheep. Small dog like creatures were also included. We were really impressed with the lasting power of the art and we walking on finally, still wondering about the markings that didn't last the years and the individual who had sat there so long ago patiently carving the scene.
After some unexpectedly steep uphill climbs, we finally turned a corner and were presented with a sight we'd only seen in photographs, postcards, and nature documentaries. Delicate Arch. We'd arrived early enough to get a decent spot among the droves of people with the same sunset plans we had. It did, however, prove difficult to get a shot of the arch without a group of ridiculously posed tourists. The line of groups and families waiting to get that perfect picture under the arch seemed never ending, and if any stayed too long blocking the shots of other photographers wanting that solitary shot of the majestic arch, they were requested in no polite tones to move along.
We had both expected the sun to set behind the arch, however it actually slunk away behind our backs, drawing the shadows up over the arch from the bottom. Still a wonderful sight to behold. Several adventurous young sightseers took in the view from atop the nearby rock formations. The darkness grew, yet we stayed behind to enjoy the desert night. We were well prepared with jackets and headlamps, so felt no anxiety towards the upcoming night hike back to our vehicle.
The darkness welcomed us and we welcomed the sounds and sights of the nocturnal wildlife, awaking with the moon. We kept a slow pace so that everyone could pass us and take their noises with them. It's always good to hear people enjoying the natural beauty of the parks, however many do not realize that the show is not over. It's just starting. Once the night air was empty of these sounds, it began to offer up its own. We chose a spot on a small bridge over a pool of water. Day or night, water is a great place to find wildlife. We waited. It was not long until we were rewarded with the sounds of bullfrogs calling to potential mates, the flapping of bat wings as they whiz by us, and various insects chirping and humming. We listened and watched the stars come out before we said our final goodbyes to the park.
I don't know if I'm in love with the desert yet. It's still hot and often times not as elaborate or as colorful as Arches. Maybe I'm a little in love with shade in the desert, and that counts.
*more photos later - I can only do so much on stolen Yellowstone Staff wifi!*
Question of the Day:
What is your favorite type of landscape?
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Everything the Light Touches is Yours
Day Five
Zion National Park
Established: 1909
Total Miles Hiked: 11.1 (25.7 overall)
Arriving at Zion NP the afternoon before had been a breathtaking event. Chelsea had warned us of its beauty, but the canyon is truly a sight you need to behold with your own eyes to appreciate. We wound down the mountain from the Southeast entrance, taking in as many views as possible without driving straight off the road. We passed through a tunnel and held our breath like good adventurers are supposed to do. We attempted to do the same at the next tunnel, but when we nearly passed out we decided it was best to cut our losses. For your future endevors, know that a 1.1 mile long tunnel is not the best place for the breath holding game. We managed to snag one of the few remaining First Come First Serve campsites (South Campground), checked out the nearby Visitor's Center for our customary swag, and settled down with a hot dinner courtesy of my new backpacking stove. Then off to bed for another night in the tent.
Ranger Carolyn had warned us the previous day against hiking the Narrows due to a high chance of flash floods (we later learned that there indeed had been a flood on this day). She could tell we were pretty extreme ladies and recommended the Observation Point hike. This 8 mile hiked gained 2,148 feet to a viewpoint of Zion Canyon.
We were up and scurrying around the campsite before the sun peeked over the canyon walls. With a hot breakfast in our bellies, we gathered the supplies we'd need to fill our day packs. Snacks. Lots of water. First Aid Kit. Rain gear. Hats. Sunscreen. Headlamps. Multi-tool. Binoculars. Phones (in a plastic baggie). Cameras. Maps. Rain.
Rain?
We might have been ready to head out on our hike, but apparently nature wasn't ready for us. We managed to stow our packs in the car, grab our letter writing box and hide in the tent while we waited out the rain.
A few postcards later, the rains let up and we quickly grabbed our packs and headed towards the visitor center before the sky changed its mind. Zion NP is uniquely in that it is primarily car-free park. We were able to leave our car at the campsite and walk a short jaunt to the nearby shuttle stop, where we immediately hopped on a shuttle. The ride was accented by an audio tour that points out major formations along the route in addition to detailing each stop. We rode our shuttle to the very top to catch the whole speal before heading back to our desired stop at Weeping Rock.
After taking in a few informational signs, we were hiking and ascending towards Observation Point. We hike and climb. We climb and hike. We sweat and walk. We later agreed that had someone pointed out to us the ending location of our hike it would have been much more daunting. However, since we were blissfully unaware of the realities of our situation, the day went by quickly. We cheerfully greet people as they pass us. The normal hiking pleasantries, "Hey there, How's it going?, See ya at the top, Holy crap, sir, is it much further?". We enjoy talking to strangers. Most smiled and replied in kind.
It must be noted that every single stretch of this trail offered a wonderful view. We twisted in and out of different areas along the canyon walls. Sometime overlooking the Virgin River. Sometimes in narrow canyons. Sometimes with a view of pine trees. We took a birage of photos along the way, each time completely certain that the image captured couldn't possibly be topped by another.
When we were thinking that we simply couldn't go on much further, a lovely couple encouraged us with the reassurancet that we were only a few switchbacks from the top and then the trail would level out among the trees. We scrambled to the top and bathed in the shade of the Ponderosa Pines. Only a tiny bit further.
Hol-lee-crap.
Now that's a view. Even with clouds rolling in with some light rain on the far side of the canyon, this was still a spectacular vantage point overlooking Zion Canyon. The other hikers seemed just as pleased with the visual reward and lounged around, looking victorious. We were quickly welcomed into the elite ranks of successful summiteers. People are much more willing to chat with you when they are rested and enjoying the fruits of their labors. We took photos for other groups and they returned the favor for us.
I believe everyone would have been content to stay at the top of the canyon wall for the better portion of the afternoon. The clouds were creeping closer, and even though we were on the highest of high ground, we still felt the need to get back to our campsite. Bidding farwell and exchanging some campsite numbers with our new friends, we scampered down the trail much faster than the climb.
Safe and sound at the campsite, we once more began to forage. We were quite proud of our afternoon feat and felt deserving of an appropriately delicious treat. Before leaving for our journey, we'd stocked up on food and snacks, but one stood above the rest.
M&Ms.
They are the perfect candy. My favorite. I love eating them one color at a time. Letting them sit in my mouth until the candy coating melts (in the rightful place) them enjoying the chocolately center. Rattling the bag to make sure I've captured all the yellow ones before moving on to green.
We pull the unopened bag from our cooler. A fresh chill treat. I pull back the plastic tab to reveal the resealable zipper. XXL 56 ounce bags don't mess around. I pull open the bag.
Now there is really only one reason I would go through the trouble of taking you through this giant lead up. Something bad has happened. Something tragic. A disaster of fierce proportions.
The bag had leaked.
Only a wet, brown desicration remained.
You can imagine my heartbreaking disappointment. My new favorite candy is now goldfish crackers. That is all I have to say about that.
I decided to make a glorious dinner to raise our spirits and set off into town in search of an onion. So many grand meals start with an onion. I decided on the camping stove version of the meal Chelsea had prepared for us. When I got back to good ol' campsite 34 I was greeted by Rachel and two of our new friends from Observarion point. B and Br had decided to take us up on our dinner enticements and came bearing gifts of cheese, ramen, and a slackline. My dinner didn't call for their provided ingredients, but Rachel's enthusiasm over the slackline was immense. She's now hooked and wants her own to perfect her skills.
After enjoying some after dinner refreshments, we chatted, we wandered about, we discussed the finer points of being a trail creeper (hint: it involved popping out from behind bushes and aggressively inquiring whether the unsuspecting hiker is a part of a very popular social networking site). The night wound down, as did we, and the first few stars began to visualize. Rachel gets excited if there are more than 4 stars out and tried to point out what she could. Br somehow manage to manifest a purple laser pointer that could be used to point out stars. But it was not quite dark enough. Our new friends eventually had to return to their own campsite, but gifted the laser pointer to us (they had two) so that Rachel could fulfill her new found desire to point at things in the sky. We will have to pass it on eventually and keep the camping karma going by meeting more friends and bestowing something of ours onto them.
Zion friends, if B managed to remember the website and you come check out our blog, shoot us an email with your details at alwaysscientist@gmail.com. If you include your addresses we'll send you postcards!
Questions of the Day:
Have you ever made friends when talking to strangers on an adventure?
Zion National Park
Established: 1909
Total Miles Hiked: 11.1 (25.7 overall)
Arriving at Zion NP the afternoon before had been a breathtaking event. Chelsea had warned us of its beauty, but the canyon is truly a sight you need to behold with your own eyes to appreciate. We wound down the mountain from the Southeast entrance, taking in as many views as possible without driving straight off the road. We passed through a tunnel and held our breath like good adventurers are supposed to do. We attempted to do the same at the next tunnel, but when we nearly passed out we decided it was best to cut our losses. For your future endevors, know that a 1.1 mile long tunnel is not the best place for the breath holding game. We managed to snag one of the few remaining First Come First Serve campsites (South Campground), checked out the nearby Visitor's Center for our customary swag, and settled down with a hot dinner courtesy of my new backpacking stove. Then off to bed for another night in the tent.
Ranger Carolyn had warned us the previous day against hiking the Narrows due to a high chance of flash floods (we later learned that there indeed had been a flood on this day). She could tell we were pretty extreme ladies and recommended the Observation Point hike. This 8 mile hiked gained 2,148 feet to a viewpoint of Zion Canyon.
We were up and scurrying around the campsite before the sun peeked over the canyon walls. With a hot breakfast in our bellies, we gathered the supplies we'd need to fill our day packs. Snacks. Lots of water. First Aid Kit. Rain gear. Hats. Sunscreen. Headlamps. Multi-tool. Binoculars. Phones (in a plastic baggie). Cameras. Maps. Rain.
Rain?
We might have been ready to head out on our hike, but apparently nature wasn't ready for us. We managed to stow our packs in the car, grab our letter writing box and hide in the tent while we waited out the rain.
A few postcards later, the rains let up and we quickly grabbed our packs and headed towards the visitor center before the sky changed its mind. Zion NP is uniquely in that it is primarily car-free park. We were able to leave our car at the campsite and walk a short jaunt to the nearby shuttle stop, where we immediately hopped on a shuttle. The ride was accented by an audio tour that points out major formations along the route in addition to detailing each stop. We rode our shuttle to the very top to catch the whole speal before heading back to our desired stop at Weeping Rock.
 |
| Hiking a narrow part of the trail. |
It must be noted that every single stretch of this trail offered a wonderful view. We twisted in and out of different areas along the canyon walls. Sometime overlooking the Virgin River. Sometimes in narrow canyons. Sometimes with a view of pine trees. We took a birage of photos along the way, each time completely certain that the image captured couldn't possibly be topped by another.
When we were thinking that we simply couldn't go on much further, a lovely couple encouraged us with the reassurancet that we were only a few switchbacks from the top and then the trail would level out among the trees. We scrambled to the top and bathed in the shade of the Ponderosa Pines. Only a tiny bit further.
Hol-lee-crap.
 |
| View from the top |
I believe everyone would have been content to stay at the top of the canyon wall for the better portion of the afternoon. The clouds were creeping closer, and even though we were on the highest of high ground, we still felt the need to get back to our campsite. Bidding farwell and exchanging some campsite numbers with our new friends, we scampered down the trail much faster than the climb.
 |
| Happy faces at the top! |
M&Ms.
They are the perfect candy. My favorite. I love eating them one color at a time. Letting them sit in my mouth until the candy coating melts (in the rightful place) them enjoying the chocolately center. Rattling the bag to make sure I've captured all the yellow ones before moving on to green.
We pull the unopened bag from our cooler. A fresh chill treat. I pull back the plastic tab to reveal the resealable zipper. XXL 56 ounce bags don't mess around. I pull open the bag.
Now there is really only one reason I would go through the trouble of taking you through this giant lead up. Something bad has happened. Something tragic. A disaster of fierce proportions.
The bag had leaked.
Only a wet, brown desicration remained.
You can imagine my heartbreaking disappointment. My new favorite candy is now goldfish crackers. That is all I have to say about that.
I decided to make a glorious dinner to raise our spirits and set off into town in search of an onion. So many grand meals start with an onion. I decided on the camping stove version of the meal Chelsea had prepared for us. When I got back to good ol' campsite 34 I was greeted by Rachel and two of our new friends from Observarion point. B and Br had decided to take us up on our dinner enticements and came bearing gifts of cheese, ramen, and a slackline. My dinner didn't call for their provided ingredients, but Rachel's enthusiasm over the slackline was immense. She's now hooked and wants her own to perfect her skills.
After enjoying some after dinner refreshments, we chatted, we wandered about, we discussed the finer points of being a trail creeper (hint: it involved popping out from behind bushes and aggressively inquiring whether the unsuspecting hiker is a part of a very popular social networking site). The night wound down, as did we, and the first few stars began to visualize. Rachel gets excited if there are more than 4 stars out and tried to point out what she could. Br somehow manage to manifest a purple laser pointer that could be used to point out stars. But it was not quite dark enough. Our new friends eventually had to return to their own campsite, but gifted the laser pointer to us (they had two) so that Rachel could fulfill her new found desire to point at things in the sky. We will have to pass it on eventually and keep the camping karma going by meeting more friends and bestowing something of ours onto them.
Zion friends, if B managed to remember the website and you come check out our blog, shoot us an email with your details at alwaysscientist@gmail.com. If you include your addresses we'll send you postcards!
Questions of the Day:
Have you ever made friends when talking to strangers on an adventure?
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
This Land is Your Land: When Rachel Pretends to be Woody Guthrie
 |
| Las Cruces to Carlsbad - Desert Rainstorm. Photo by Rachel |
 |
| Las Cruces to Carlsbad - Guadaupe Mnts. Photo by Rachel |
Day Four
Albuquerque to Zion NP
Total Miles Hiked: 0 (14.6 overall)
 |
| Albuquerque to Zion - Entering Navajo Nation Photo by Rachel |
 |
| ABQ to Zion - Crooked View of Wahweap Bay, UT Photo by Rachel |
ABQ to Zion - Train through AZ
“The day cold and fair with a high easterly wind: we were visited by two Indians who gave us an account of the country and people near the Rocky Mountains where they had been.” ~Meriwether Lewis
 |
| ABQ to Zion - The Big Sky of the Hopi Reservation Photo by Rachel |
Question of the Day:
What are your favorite roadside attractions and distractions?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Borrowed from PhD Comics: The Higgs Boson Explained
Yet another example of how I am constantly amazed by people's ability to distill down difficult topics and concepts and present them in an understandable and entertaining manner. Jorge Cham of Piled Higher and Deeper intersperses comics inspired by life as a grad stud with interviews at various universities and research institutions. This week he traveled to CERN to interview Particle Physicist Daniel Whiteson about the Higgs Boson and how the LHC is attempting to find it.
The combination of visual and audio information presented in such a unique and entertaining way gets me excited to learn about a new topic. I recommend watching the video in full screen to get the entire experience.
Don't forget to vote in this weeks poll. What sort of posts do you want to see on this blog? More like this one? Your opinion is important to me!
The combination of visual and audio information presented in such a unique and entertaining way gets me excited to learn about a new topic. I recommend watching the video in full screen to get the entire experience.
* * *
Don't forget to vote in this weeks poll. What sort of posts do you want to see on this blog? More like this one? Your opinion is important to me!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Scale Matters: What is Big?
If you haven't checked out yesterday's blog post, it'd be best to start there! This week we're having a series of posts discussing scale and size. I'm hoping you all have your imagination hats handy. I never leave home without mine.
After discussing the tiny, microscopic aspects of our world yesterday it's easy to see ourselves as these giants towering over these minuscule particles. In fact, when consider our role and impact on this planet, it's hard not to feel big, brave, and onto of the world. We've explored the deepest trenches of the oceans, climbed to the top of the greatest mountains, and blasted to the moon and looked back at our planet.
And then, once more, we realized once more how small we are.
“The vast loneliness is awe-inspiring, and it makes you realize just what you have back there on Earth.” - Jim Lovell
My most recent 'OMG - I'm tiny' moment was the moment I walked up to the edge of the Grand Canyon and looked out at the natural wonder that stretched before me. I thought I had seen some pretty awe-inspiring, gigantic things in my life. Whales off of the South African coast. Giant Sequoias in California. But they all paled in comparison to the giant painted canvas that is the grandest of all canyons. It's important to note that the Grand Canyon is not the largest, longest, or deepest canyon, but is still rightly so the grandest.
We can move on to even more expressive depths. By stroke of luck, this week the man behind XKCD penned an impressive array of the depths of lakes and oceans. I was shocked to see that the Deepwater Horizon oil well went even deeper than James Cameron's epic journey to the deepest trench in the ocean. Even a blue whale, the largest animal to have ever lived (that's right, larger than all of the dinosaurs) is a mere blip on this scale.
What I've found is that there is always something bigger that serves to make me feel like a dust speck on a pretty blue marble. Even as far as our own solar system goes, we're on the petite side. Jupiter dwarfs us and is promptly dwarfed in return by the Sun.
Well, at least we can rest assured that the star in our solar system is quite a whopper, right? I mean, the Sun, she's pretty big. Look at her! No? Really, are you sure?
So there are suns that make our Sun appear to be a tiny dot. And THOSE ginormous suns are themselves dots among a giant expanse of galaxies. And those galaxies are specks in the great, vast, really, really, REALLY large expanse that is the universe.
And to think, that at one point at the very beginning of time, all of this (all the planets, stars, galaxies, etc) began at one unimaginably dense, infinitesimal point from which everything expanded.
It boggles the mind to try and comprehend these vast scales, but I suggest that you try. Go outside tonight and look at the stars, if you can, and think about the sizes and distances involved.
Remember from the video in this post, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, talks about how when most people think about the size of the universe that it makes them feel small. But when he thinks about the universe he feels big, huge even, as he is (as we all are) made of and are part of everything.
This website touches on some of the biggest objects in the universe. Can you try and guess what these structures are?
Questions of The Day:
Did you guess the biggest objects correctly? What were your guess and what surprised you about the answers?
Are you enjoying this weeks series on scale?
What is the biggest thing you've seen on our lovely planet?
If you still haven't had enough of this topic, then I highly recommend the following video. It's 45 minutes long but it can help you visualize and provide additional information and astounding facts.
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| Earthrise - by William Anders |
And then, once more, we realized once more how small we are.
“The vast loneliness is awe-inspiring, and it makes you realize just what you have back there on Earth.” - Jim Lovell
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| Cloudy skies lend to the view. Looked like a painting. |
We can move on to even more expressive depths. By stroke of luck, this week the man behind XKCD penned an impressive array of the depths of lakes and oceans. I was shocked to see that the Deepwater Horizon oil well went even deeper than James Cameron's epic journey to the deepest trench in the ocean. Even a blue whale, the largest animal to have ever lived (that's right, larger than all of the dinosaurs) is a mere blip on this scale.
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| Click to enlarge. |
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| Our solar system to scale. |
So there are suns that make our Sun appear to be a tiny dot. And THOSE ginormous suns are themselves dots among a giant expanse of galaxies. And those galaxies are specks in the great, vast, really, really, REALLY large expanse that is the universe.
And to think, that at one point at the very beginning of time, all of this (all the planets, stars, galaxies, etc) began at one unimaginably dense, infinitesimal point from which everything expanded.
It boggles the mind to try and comprehend these vast scales, but I suggest that you try. Go outside tonight and look at the stars, if you can, and think about the sizes and distances involved.
Remember from the video in this post, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, talks about how when most people think about the size of the universe that it makes them feel small. But when he thinks about the universe he feels big, huge even, as he is (as we all are) made of and are part of everything.
This website touches on some of the biggest objects in the universe. Can you try and guess what these structures are?
Questions of The Day:
Did you guess the biggest objects correctly? What were your guess and what surprised you about the answers?
Are you enjoying this weeks series on scale?
What is the biggest thing you've seen on our lovely planet?
If you still haven't had enough of this topic, then I highly recommend the following video. It's 45 minutes long but it can help you visualize and provide additional information and astounding facts.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Cool Stuff Sunday 5
Another beautiful New Mexican Sunday has come and is spoiling me with its warmth and sunshine. These are the types of days that I need to appreciate and remember if I end up participating in the Mars Analog Food Study. I'll just have memories of the sun's warmth and the fresh air's breeze. So enjoy the post and the content I've compiled, but then get off of the internet and go outside! And not just because there might be candy hidden.
Before you check out the videos and links, perhaps you can take a minutes to sign a petition to raise the allotment of tax money to increase NASA's funding?
I came across this video series (The Feynman Series) which serves as a compliment to the Sagan Series. Richard Feynman is another notable scientific communicator. This Nobel Prize co-winner was invaluable to the field of physics and made contributions both within his research and passion for teaching and popularizing the subject. What I really love about these series of videos is that they serve as such unique tools for inspiring interest in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). I want to soak up as many of these as possible so I can understand what I love about them most and try and use that to inspire my own attempts. I've found both more visual and awe-inspiring videos, such as the one above, and more silly attempts:
Before you check out the videos and links, perhaps you can take a minutes to sign a petition to raise the allotment of tax money to increase NASA's funding?
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| This guy is not quite as cuddly as the Easter Bunny |
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| A very cool NPR story that I heard on the radio about using music to teach math and fractions!. Creative education that works is so wonderful! |
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| A really creative fix that may allow us to utilize brown seaweed for biofuel! I wouldn't mind going to the coast and helping with that research! |
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| I'm afraid some of the sound clip links may not be functioning, but an interesting article nevertheless about how things sound on different planets! The thunder clips are my favorite! |
I came across this video series (The Feynman Series) which serves as a compliment to the Sagan Series. Richard Feynman is another notable scientific communicator. This Nobel Prize co-winner was invaluable to the field of physics and made contributions both within his research and passion for teaching and popularizing the subject. What I really love about these series of videos is that they serve as such unique tools for inspiring interest in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). I want to soak up as many of these as possible so I can understand what I love about them most and try and use that to inspire my own attempts. I've found both more visual and awe-inspiring videos, such as the one above, and more silly attempts:
Another cool TED talk (can you tell I'm border-line obsessed with these?) by the author of Eat, Pray, Love. She talks about the notion of having your 'greatest achievement' accomplished and behind you, as well as the concept of 'being' a genius vs. 'having' genius.
Question of The Day:
What are you going to do OUTSIDE this week?
Friday, March 30, 2012
Reinventing Education: eTextbooks
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| Click to Enlarge |
I've been watching videos though the Academy iPad app and have loved how convenient it is. I was able to download videos so that I could watch them during my bus ride (with no internet) back to New Mexico. I felt like could have been in a 'The Future is NOW' ad. I can't help but smile and shake my head in amazement and the products we have available to us.
What's even more amazing is the dedication that Apple and other companies have to the education system. My friend Cornelius received a refurbished iPad as part of a larger donation to Teach for America. He currently uses it as a teaching tool at .... Hopefully we can convince him to write a guest post in the future!
What I'd really like to share with you today is Apple's iBook2 announcement from January 2012. I was nerdy enough to watch the keynote speech the day this initiative was announce and was completely blown away and inspired by what they've created. I have long complained about the antiquity of textbooks, and it seems like the creative, talented people of the world are trying to insight a paradigm shift.
No heavy backpacks. No expensive, out-of-date texts. No boring walls of text.
Why did this take so long?!
Actually, I've already purchased two e-books as required texts for my graduate classes, but this announcement still got me all riled up in a tizzy. After my initial, giddy reaction, I began to spread the good news like it had been passed down from Steve Jobs on high (and he only needed the one tablet). I could see no flaw in the design and expected everyone to be just as excited as I. Most were. But then, gradually different criticisms emerged.
- eTextbooks are only available though iBooks 2 on the iPad
- iPads are too expensive for most schools
- Teachers will be reluctant to adapt new learning platforms
- Students already have limited contact with print media. Too many 'gadgets' will actually prevent advancements in certain areas of their education.
- Just a new way for students to be distracted in the classroom.
I'm already growing impatient with the current stale, lifeless textbooks I'm using this semester. After watching that first keynote, I turned my focus back to my studies. Assigned reading in my Statistics textbook.
I felt like my brain was moving in molasses in an attempt to learn the concepts.
I had seen the future and now instead of reading and retaining information, all I could think about was how I could transform the text into an entertaining, interactive experience. I eventually got the chapter read, but it was very clear to me that hey, I could do this! And so, it is now that I announce, nay declare, that I, Meridith, will one day author a completely awesome eTextbook.
Until then, I'll have to manage with the current system.
* * *
Perhaps, if selected, I can convince the Hi-SEAS program to compile the joint experiences of the 6 Astro-Nots and 2 alternates into an iBook. I can easily envision a healthy collection of reports, media, and blog entries that would serve as content.
Can't get to ahead of myself. Still one more week until the first announcements!
Questions of the Day:
Do you think such a radical change can occur in the public school system?
Are you a supporter?
What do you think are the biggest challenges to this idea?
What would you want to see in an end report/book from the 120-day Hi-SEAS food study?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Cool Stuff Sunday 3
Happy Spring! Also, happy last week of March. It's quite possible that I'll know whether I'm moving forward in the application process by this time next week. Gotta stay focused, but I'll admit I'm getting excited!
It's been a busy week for me, but I've managed to find a few good pieces from this week. I'm very excited to hear more about the deep sea exploration by James Cameron! I had no idea he was going down alone!
2012 Vernal Equinox
It's been a busy week for me, but I've managed to find a few good pieces from this week. I'm very excited to hear more about the deep sea exploration by James Cameron! I had no idea he was going down alone!
2012 Vernal Equinox
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| Sunday and Monday - Watch the Skies! |
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Manifest (Your) Destiny
Graduation years are a turbulent time. At first, all you can focus on is that big light at the end of the tunnel. Finish writing my thesis. Pass my classes. Defend. Graduate. Success. This is my life for the next 2.5 months. Eventually, you'll be able to look past the light and see all of the options that lie ahead of you. Darn. Options means choices. We've reached that point in our life once more when everyone only asks you that one dreaded question: What are you going to do after you graduate? Guess I have to start thinking about this again. As if I had that much control over my destiny.
* * *
Another early morning in South Africa. The sun is struggling to rise, as are we. Today is Kruger Day. After days of hard work and animal relocating with Andre (the Indiana Jones of Africa), a day spent marveling at beauties of the wild is just what we need.
Our caravan creeps slowly towards the gates. Other students get out to stretch their legs. I try to get a few extra minutes of sleep. We'll be spending the day driving through the park. You don't get out. Inside the vans, with our cameras, snacks, and guides, we're in our temporary habitats. Everything else belongs to the animals.
Dr. Stokes, our experienced leader and resident Mammalogy guru, has been through the parks many times. Each experience provided a different glimpse into the vast diversity the park has to offer. To make things even more interesting, he issues a contest. The student to correctly predict the first mammal we encounter in the park gets a Magnum bar. And this was before Magnum bars were available in the US!
I must have that ice cream bar.
What mammal will we see first? I focus very hard on this question. I think about all of the different possibilities. The others will guess more obvious choices. Impala due to sheer numbers. Giraffes, due to height visibility. I close my eyes and open myself to the answer.
Rhinoceros.
A bold move on my part as often this member of the Big 5 is not often seen at all. My fellow competitors mock my choice, but I gather all the positive energy I can muster and focus on my goal.
We see not one but a group of White Rhinos just inside the park.
Sweet, sweet, Belgian chocolaty victory.
Dr. Stokes, our experienced leader and resident Mammalogy guru, has been through the parks many times. Each experience provided a different glimpse into the vast diversity the park has to offer. To make things even more interesting, he issues a contest. The student to correctly predict the first mammal we encounter in the park gets a Magnum bar. And this was before Magnum bars were available in the US!
I must have that ice cream bar.
What mammal will we see first? I focus very hard on this question. I think about all of the different possibilities. The others will guess more obvious choices. Impala due to sheer numbers. Giraffes, due to height visibility. I close my eyes and open myself to the answer.
Rhinoceros.
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| Greater Kudo Capture |
We see not one but a group of White Rhinos just inside the park.
Sweet, sweet, Belgian chocolaty victory.
* * *
I once manifested multiple Rhinoceroses, how difficult can this future thing be? I'm still a few weeks away from knowing whether my plans for after graduate school may involve four months in a Mars analog habitat. I need to be focused on finishing processing samples and writing my thesis, but I can't help but try and peek out past the end of this tunnel at my future.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Happy Pi Day!
Busy day on campus for me! So I'm just going to present this lovely Pi video from my favorite math doodler/mathmusician! Vi Hart is a pretty creative gal, and I encourage you to check out some of her other videos (link on the left side of my blog under 'More Mathematics').
Question of the Day:
What kind of pie should I attempt to make in the coming week?
Question of the Day:
What kind of pie should I attempt to make in the coming week?
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Cool Stuff Sunday
I'd like to end this first, exciting week of blogging by thanking everyone that has helped spread the news of my new endeavor. I am grateful to have so much support and enthusiasm from friends and family. To thank you all (and because Sunday posts should be fun and light) I will be compiling cool videos, articles, pictures, etc from the week covering multiple disciplines every Sunday for your viewing enjoyment.
Today's post was a bit retroactively achieved, but I've already got next week's started, so whenever I find something that makes my day, I'll save it so I can make yours too.
Fellow Hi-SEAS applicant, Ryan Kobrick's interview discussing Yuri's Night.
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120305.html
Today's post was a bit retroactively achieved, but I've already got next week's started, so whenever I find something that makes my day, I'll save it so I can make yours too.
Fellow Hi-SEAS applicant, Ryan Kobrick's interview discussing Yuri's Night.
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120305.html
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| I don't know how I feel about attempting to bring plantlife to inhospitable locations, such as Qatar, but I can't help but be impressed by the innovation of this project inspired by a camel's nostril! It doesn't hurt that they are exploring algae cultivation either. |
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| Twisted Twister on Mars |
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| Iridescent Dinosaur Feathers! |
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Gizmos and Gadgets a Plenty?
Since today's earlier post was quite the doozy, I wanted to start the morning with something a little lighter for you, oh reader.
In concurrence with the unveiling of the new iPad yesterday, Space.com this article revealing that while no iPad has ventured into space yet, they would certainly be appreciated.
That's not to say that some pretty cool things haven't ventured into space. Take a look:
Don't forget the iPhone 4!
Packing limitations are standard when traveling into space. On a manned mission to Mars, the crew will need to bring everything they will need for the entire journey all at once. Food, water, clothes, research materials, etc. This brings us to our....
Question of the Day:
What would you absolutely want bring with you into space, or even to an analog habitat?
I'll reveal my answer in tomorrow's post!
In concurrence with the unveiling of the new iPad yesterday, Space.com this article revealing that while no iPad has ventured into space yet, they would certainly be appreciated.
That's not to say that some pretty cool things haven't ventured into space. Take a look:
Don't forget the iPhone 4!
Packing limitations are standard when traveling into space. On a manned mission to Mars, the crew will need to bring everything they will need for the entire journey all at once. Food, water, clothes, research materials, etc. This brings us to our....
Question of the Day:
What would you absolutely want bring with you into space, or even to an analog habitat?
I'll reveal my answer in tomorrow's post!
Monday, March 5, 2012
We Are Made of Star Dust
I am trying to limit the number of daily posts so that I don't overwhelm readers, and also so that I don't run out of ideas! However, since inspiration and passion are important tenants of this blog, I must share this video.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson is gifted with an eloquence that I admire and strive to attain. He is currently the world's most recognizable astrophysicist. Perhaps you have seen his meme or presence in pop culture? Along with Bill Nye (the Science Guy), Dr. Tyson is a commendable and entertaining science communicator. I will discuss the importance of scientific dialogue in subsequent posts, but spoiler alert: it's vital.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson is gifted with an eloquence that I admire and strive to attain. He is currently the world's most recognizable astrophysicist. Perhaps you have seen his meme or presence in pop culture? Along with Bill Nye (the Science Guy), Dr. Tyson is a commendable and entertaining science communicator. I will discuss the importance of scientific dialogue in subsequent posts, but spoiler alert: it's vital.
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