Lake Perris

It took me over 14 years to return, but I've finally made it back to the park. Last time I was here the water level was lowered because of a recent earthquake (this was back in 2006). Where I previously hiked is now submerged, I found old snorkel equipment and fishing tackle. We took a leisurely stroll around the reservoir. It was almost 10 miles round trip. We were pleasantly occupied by the wildlife we spotted: pheasant, coyote, and other birds of prey (I think it was a falcon). We were surprised by a mass gathering during the pandemic, it turned out to be a dog show among the picnic sites. The path was paved the entire way, we might return to rollerblade.

Scale of our Solar System and Beyond

 I don't see how my elementary school teachers expected me to be able to visualize this:

Credit:

NASA, ESA, and B. Sunnquist and J. Mack (STScI)
Acknowledgment: NASA, ESA, and J. Lotz (STScI) and the HFF Team

This video is pretty comprehensive:

A day trip at Powder Canyon

We hiked the well traveled trails of Powder Canyon in Rowland Heights, with some coworkers and friends. Social Distancing was observed and we wore masks most of the time. The popularity of the trail was obvious from the crowds, probably because of it's proximity to the urban forest, and it had easy access from several trailheads.

 

Hiking Box Springs in the Rain: spotting Burros (aka Donkey)

We hiked Box Springs Mountain in Moreno Valley, CA. It was a rainy day with our friend, and some misplaced Burros (from the bygone age of Spanish imperialism). The hills were steep in many spots but the rain eventually laid off and we made it to the top. The trail going down the hill was much steeper, but that meant for a faster descent. A day hiking in the rain is underrated.

 

October Santa Ana Winds

The wind yesterday was at another level. We're glad our tree was removed this Summer, we found rot at the core, the winds would have blown it over. That isn't rain it's dirt.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Our Trip to Brian Head this year was highlighted by a freezing snow, which greeted us on the Tuesday after checking into the resort. We decided to take a hike, driving to Bryce Canyon we made a 8 mile trip on the Hoodoos. The views were spectacular and we got a work out. The weather held up, climate change pulled a trick on us, and the day was warm despite a bit of wind.

This was the highlight of our week in Utah. The trail wasn't crowded but we did share some pleasant conversation with our fellow hikers. Around every bend another stunning setting. To describe the any view in one word is hard but I can try here:

falic

Mount Charleston Slot Canyon: Fletcher Canyon Trailhead

We escaped the Las Vegas Heat by hiking from Fletcher Canyon Trailhead up a slot canyon called Fletcher spring. We extended the hike by climbing up a waterfall. I ended up scraping my knee. The blood did not stop us from pushing on, because we had a few emergency kits with antiseptic ointment and bandaids.

After climbing the waterfall we pushed on for another half a mile, but we didn't find an end to the path, instead there was a lot more scrambling. We decided to turn back. I had to face my fear of heights as we reversed our course backdown the waterfall, thankfully there was a stone grip I could grab onto which made the descent easier. We "celebrated" with a rib dinner.

Mount Charleston NV: Mary Jane Trail

Our trip to Las Vegas took a tangent detour to the mountains one hour North of "The Strip". Times three this year. More pictures.

The Aspen Trees adorned their fall Yellow color. It was a nice day for a hike. Heading back to the strip we made a stop at Lucille's BBQ and picked up our new traditional full rack of ribs. Heading home after the trip we made good time on the dark I-15 in 3 hours and 15 minutes. Thanks Nevada, we love the sights and sounds.

Swains Island

Inspirational future Astronaut - Alyssa Carson

 

Mars Boarding Pass Next departure expected 2026

Mars Boarding Pass: Send Your Name to Mars on a future NASA mission. View and share your boarding pass. See your frequent flyer points.

Mission to Mars - Will I see the First Human on Mars?

I can't see a space program sending people to Mars in my lifetime. This is not the "Martian", a fiction novel were one man survives on potatoes and successfully rendezvous with a ship in orbit. There still need to be countless unmanned missions to the Red Planet. From my understanding the mission depends on the work of robots to prepare a safe environment for people. The planet is so inhospitable... that surveying and building suitable human shelters should be completed by robots. Terraforming is not an easy task. It isn't impossible, but I'm old and don't expect much in the next 60+ years. Remember there have been 45 Mars Missions and 23 have been failures. Maybe with international cooperation the future will look brighter, but diplomacy is slow and the U.S. has a shortage right now.

IF you think I'm an expert than you probably should read from another source.* 

• https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/missions/index-past.html
• https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/main/index.html
• https://mars.nasa.gov/#
• https://mars.nasa.gov/mars-exploration/missions/historical-log/