nature
The Science and Nature of Wanderlust, tourism, landmarks for nature buffs and more.
The Illusive Pink Flannel Flower
In December 2019, Australia was on fire. My little hometown of Lithgow NSW is situated at the base of the Blue Mountains, nestled in the valley. Anywhere you stand in town, you are greeted with the view of a mountain in the distance. We are surrounded and it's a lovely, tranquil aspect. Until it burns.
By Jessie Waddell5 years ago in Wander
The trail to slime
The pandemic lockdown in March 2020 meant no no more group hikes with my hiking club . There was nowhere to go except outside, so I armed myself with trail maps and a compass to start hiking solo. Without companions to chat with on the trail , my hike became a time of leisurely exploration and mediation . There was ample time to slow down and observe the textures of tree bark, the play of light on the budding trees and the forest floor.
By Wendy Edson5 years ago in Wander
Little Red Finch
She sat cross-legged on the grass, her brush caught in the air, eyeing her canvas. Something was wrong. She was trying to paint the scene in front of her, a large grass field with people sprawled like cats, enjoying the warm sun and fragrant spring air. So far she had been focusing on the lovers, capturing the moments they whispered sweet nothings into each other’s ears, or when one would share a joke and then both would laugh quietly - as if in a cathedral. She was also trying to snatch the dancing of the trees that moved on the perimeter. They swayed and creaked and smelled of earth and growth and life. She watched as one seemingly bent and whispered to the other, much as the lovers beneath were doing. Yes, this had all been captured and released onto her canvas, yet still, something was wrong. While thinking a dart of color caught her eye. A child in a red shirt, whizzing across the field after a soccer ball. The moment he caught the ball he would kick it again in another direction, using all the force his little body could muster. And then he'd run. No, not run, fly. He reminded her of an excitable red finch, stretching its crunched-up wings in the first warm days of spring. He was so lovingly wild, so chaotic. He ran through the lovers and under the trees, all of them chasing him with a disapproving gaze. But he kept flying, the soccer ball leading him. Even when he stumbled and fell – which was multiple times – he never seemed to touch the ground. As the Artist watched, little did she notice that the flowers and the bees and the spiders and the birds and blooms all watched too. Everyone’s eyes were drawn to the flying boy, and if you could somehow see him amidst all his dashing you would realize that he knew he was being watched, and a little grin pulled at the apples of his cheeks. But being watched was only a small part of his job, his bigger purpose was much more important. So, on and on and on he went, kicking and smiling and flying and enjoying the sunshine and the dewdrops and the eyes of creatures all around. He would never admit it to Fall or Summer, but he quite liked the attention. He noted the Artist, and how she seemed to be watching him the closest. He knew he had come just in time to ruin her picture and was surprised to see no anger in her eyes, feel no animosity in her chest. No, she felt the most joyful of all, besides the bees. She felt spring. Felt such joy at seeing this little finch stretch his wings, at seeing the exuberance of life. She knew he was who she had been waiting for, and that the painting would always be wrong without this little ball of life. Recklessly, childishly, she dipped her fingers into the brightest red on her pallet and mimicked the boy’s movements on the field with her fingers, tracing as he went this way and that. Around the lovers, between the trees, into the sky, and on the sun. Yes look, he was flying away, another little red finch at his side. Her fingers trailed off the canvas as she realized the little finch was gone. But as she looked around the sun shined a little warmer, the flowers stood a little taller, and the trees breathed a little deeper. Spring had truly sprung, thanks to the little boy who stretched his wings.
By Emma Baker5 years ago in Wander
Kayaking the Bon Secour River
Our son was going to be married in Old Pensacola. Family members were going to be driving and flying in from as far west as Colorado and as far south as Orlando for the wedding on May 30th. My wife and I wanted to do some fun things on the coast before the reunion got in full gear,
By Bill Coleman5 years ago in Wander
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: A Step Back in Time
One of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 7,000 acres on a peninsula that stretches down Fort Morgan Road (Hwy 180) from Gulf Shores all the way to Fort Morgan. It is on the "10 Natural Wonders of Alabama" list. "Bon Secour" is a derivative of the French phrase "safe harbor."
By Bill Coleman5 years ago in Wander
You Think You Know Bears? Think Again
Throughout history, there has been a spiritual connection between humans and bears. There is something about their intelligent eyes, movements, and family dynamic that we find captivating and almost relatable. Yet many of us only understand the superficial: bears eat berries and meat, don’t climb a tree if a bear is chasing you, or that they are wild animals deserving space. Some of us may distinguish them by colour. Brown, black, and even white bears are found in Western Canada. However, they are genetically distinct, each with their own history. Differing landscapes, food sources, and struggles have molded the Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Spirit Bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), and Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) into siblings who share many traits but have led different lives. Each has a story that is a mix of survival and luck.
By Ashley Biggar5 years ago in Wander
SURFING FOREVER
Every sport has its own unique vocabulary, specific terms, jargon and slang. However, surfing is in a league of its own. To someone who is unfamiliar with the said sport, surf lingo can seem like an entirely different language. If you have ever had the chance or overheard two seasoned surfers talk about a swell forecast, you will know exactly what we are talking about.
By Dandelionclub5 years ago in Wander
Alabama Coastal Wildlife
It is not difficult to find coastal Alabama wildlife. The beaches, rivers, back bays, lagoons, lakes, and bayous are teeming with wildlife, much of it quite easy to find. On a typical walk on the beach, you will see great blue herons wading in the water, brown pelicans flying in a V-formation overhead, and seagulls diving into schools of small fish in the water.
By Bill Coleman5 years ago in Wander
Equinox Essentials & Epiphanies
I share my Birthday with the Earth. The Vernal Equinox brings the birds and the bees, and the pale green buds of new life. It’s the time to clear away the dead and make room, so the light can get to the tender green shoots pressing their ways through the soil.
By Sarah St.Erth5 years ago in Wander
Wilderness Break
What a dreary winter. Stuck in a room, stuck in a building somewhere away from lots of natural light and warmth of friends. It's been a difficult year. We, in the high Rockies, also have the challenge of being stuck inside away from extreme temperatures (not to mention extreme animals). But great obstacles need great inspiration. When there is a hint of warmth-above 20 degrees I'd say, we start going out. It is as if many of us fairly explode out of our doors waving to neighbors, smiling and shaking off the cold to just move! It is how we stimulate our minds, how we survive this difficult time. It's interesting how any potential challenge removed can be a stimulant-like a day of successful hiking through grizzly territory. If you are sitting there with writer's block, think: what is bothering me today that I can't do, see, or experience? Then, imagine that the huge obstacle that has prevented it (could it be COVID?) has just lifted like a black curtain. Close your eyes and imagine the total release! Breathe deeply into the experience of being absolutely unfettered from that wall. If you can, imagine the experience further-visiting with friends, feeling that hug or too hard pat on the back, or even a friend's sarcastic smile. Feel yourself smiling back. Keep breathing.
By eleanor joan guerrero5 years ago in Wander
Hawaiian Giant Centipedes – Hideous and Heinous – Wise Reasons To Avoid A Painful Encounter
In a tropical climate, centipedes are relatively common: creepy carnivorous creatures that inject venom to kill termites, small vertebrates, flies, moths, bed bugs, spiders, and cockroaches. Prehistoric and “butt ugly,” the vile creatures haunt the night, foraging for prey. Although their bite likely won’t kill you, the pain is excruciating and guarantees a trip to the emergency room.
By Marlene Affeld5 years ago in Wander
