Welcome back, readers. This is the first in a series of pictures and accompanying short stories from my recent camping trip in Yellowstone NP, Beartooth Pass, and the Custer National Forest (near Red Lodge, MT). Each post will reflect

first short story/anecdote


After driving four hours from Missoula to the northwest entrance of YNP in Gardiner, MT, the first notable wildlife we encountered was this extremely healthy coyote. At first glance, this coyote appeared to be sizable enough to be confused with a wolf. But, based on it's location and relative proximity to the road, our excitement was quickly tempered a little bit. However, this is still a very large coyote. Nothing like the smaller, gaunt coyote I saw in Yellowstone this past winter.

To me, as a young river scientist, the LA River represents the most engineered, least natural, poorest functioning river system in the United States. There may be other fluvial degenerates which possess more devastating concentrations of pollutants, but the channelized, cement flume that is the Los Angeles River is the worst. Only a small stretch of the river flows over natural substrate, however, even this portion is hemmed in by concrete banks. There has been talk of "restoring" the LA River for ecologic health, water quality, and aesthetic reasons, however, with California's recent economic woes and the degree of work that would be required, the chances of any reasonable restoration occurring is slim to none. Anyways, enjoy Conan's scenic float of the LA River. It looks like a fantastic wilderness experience.

via BBC

Ah yes, an often overlooked delicious dish from Croatia - deep fried worms? I certainly do not remember this option on any of the menus during my familia's trip to the land of the croats.

As a side note, when watching the linked video, please turn the volume in the media player all the way up to...eleven. I would like to think that the BBC is taking a cue from Nigel.

Every once and a while I am reminded of specific albums/artists/songs from my childhood (many thanks to pater). While watching the "Freestyling with the Roots" segment of the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show, I was brought back to the bouncing to the eclectic rhythms of Paul Simon's Graceland in the living room of my parents humble abode. (See the third song)



Dancing like Johnny Clegg and Savuka, father and son would release a torrent of energy out on the wood floor. Graceland, rich with lively horn sections, still forces this listener to move with songs like "You Can Call Me Al", "I Know What I Know", "The Boy in the Bubble", and "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes".

By the way, on last night's show, Paul Simon performed "Late in the Evening" with The Roots. Check it out.

- the hatchet throw. (take time to admire the lefty form)

As a transplanted Delaware native, I did not grow up with the potential for many an encounter with bear. so, in preparation for that day when I do encounter a bear, I have been honing my useless bear defense techniques (all of which do not include actual bear defense techniques like encounter prevention, bear spray, gun...etc). I give you the hatchet throw - useless bear defense technique number one.