Words about science and hiking
Because science is an inherently social activity Our popular imagery of science often focuses on the lone genius pursuing his or her vision through late nights, often over the opposition or indifference of an uncaring world. This is not at all how good science is done (except for the late night part). The world is Read More …
Published on Forbes and Apple News The public has been ill-served by journalists reporting on the very real threat that antibiotic resistance poses. Most accounts describe antibiotic-resistant bacteria as “tough”, “hardy”, “strong” etc. The “superbug” trope itself implies that they have special powers that render them invincible. This is almost always untrue. Resistant bugs, especially multiply-resistant bugs, Read More …
Another smoky day and my thoughts were strictly focused on finishing this section of the trail. I mostly plowed forward, head down (there were no views to look up for), listened to a few podcasts to while away the miles. But as always, there were a few spots worth savoring. Although much of this forest Read More …
@41.10457,-122.12216 Had planned on one more day hiking these mountains but it is time to take my leave of them. The smoke cleared a bit this morning, revealing ridges 10-15 miles away, but returned in the afternoon. I was thinking of camping along the McCloud River, but some southbound PCT hikers told me that the Read More …
@41.17291,-121.85930 A late start this morning as I overslept first light, something I never do. I don’t always get up at first light, but I never sleep through it. It may have been the smoke. A heavy layer had infiltrated the mountains overnight sealing them with a still opacity. The orange light slanting through the Read More …
41.03139,-121.75040 Shared camp last night with Yellowtoe and Cyclops, both from Indiana. YT, who plays guitar on cruise ships in the winter to support hiking in the summer, is thruhiking and C flew out to join him for 10 days. Bad luck for him that his vacation time happened when YT was hiking the hottest Read More …
40.92710,-121.54216 Hot, smoky, dusty and dry today only more so. The hike was along Hat Creek Rim, a volcanic plateau that sits some 500 feet above a flat volcanic savanna below. Smoke limited visibility to a couple of miles. Shade is scarce and water nonexistent. e But the generosity of strangers is in good supply. Read More …
40.68404,-121.41968 Got rather cool last night which made for good sleeping. But the cool air was an inversion layer, and when I awoke I found thick smoke smothering the mountains. There was no farewell view of Lassen, which I have been sighting almost daily for a week, a beacon to the north. Instead I was Read More …
@40.44262,-121.39420 Had breakfast and bade farewell to Chester, a town of gracious friendly people. The motel owner popped out to tell me he would be happy to give me a ride back to the trail if I had trouble hitching and then popped out again a few moments later to point out the regional transit Read More …
Stopped at a saddle above Carter Creek at mile 1318, a site noted by other hikers for its salt-crazed deer. Not content to lap up your pee, apparently they chew your pack straps, slob your hiking pole handles and steal sweaty clothing to enjoy at leisure in their deer lairs. I saw a doe at Read More …