Loyal Gazette reader Joe Lee once again had way too much time on his hands and easily identified aerial photo numero tres in this series as a view of Big Bend National Park, which covers almost a million acres of the most starkly beautiful country you’ll ever lay eyes on. Don’t let the apparent desolation… Continue reading West Texas from Above: Part 4
Venus in Transit (A faithful re-creation)
For those who were unable to experience the joyous, mystical, deliriously magnificent spectacle of Venus crawling across the face of old Sol like a mobile blackhead, you’ll get another chance to see it in about 105 years. But if you have other plans – like, say, washing your flying car or catching Betty White live on… Continue reading Venus in Transit (A faithful re-creation)
West Texas from Above: Part 3
Perspicacious Gazette readers Wallace Craig and Berry Simpson correctly identified aerial photo numero dos in this series as a view of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home of the highest spot in Texas, and an irresistible attraction to hikers from around the country. The most obvious attractions are Guadalupe Peak and the imposing face of El Capitan, shown… Continue reading West Texas from Above: Part 3
West Texas from Above: Part 2
Alert Gazette reader Joe Lee correctly identified the initial aerial photo in this series as the Yates oil field, located in Pecos County. As indicated below, the town of Iraan is in the northeast quadrant of the photo, and the Pecos River meanders down the east side. The Yates field is one of the largest… Continue reading West Texas from Above: Part 2
Life with the new Elliptigo
We’ve had our Elliptigo for about two months, and the Gulfstream recumbent tandem for almost a month, but we still have surprisingly little experience with either one. This is due to a combination of travel schedules, weather, assorted family issues, and, you know, just life in general playing hob with our leisure plans. I have… Continue reading Life with the new Elliptigo
West Texas from Above: A Series
I’m fascinated by aerial photography, and especially by the images provided by Google Earth. Apart from their cartographic usefulness, which has assumed greater significance because of my new job, the different perspective on natural and human-created features provides a constant source of delight. Sure, there’s something of a voyeuristic thrill from peering into the neighbors’… Continue reading West Texas from Above: A Series
Not-a-Post
I was going to post something this evening but came to my senses.
Action at the Hummingbird Feeder
I put the video camera on a tripod and trained it on one of the hummingbird feeders on our back porch, and then edited the two-hour recording into the following “best of” video, slowed to 50% to give a better perspective on bird behavior. Think of it as a soothing screen saver – perhaps not… Continue reading Action at the Hummingbird Feeder
The Stupidity Cycle Pedals Onward
I don’t know why I waste my time reading Facebook comments (other than those left on my own posts; all of my friends are consistently intelligent and full of grace). The level of sheer stupidity and/or cluelessness is enough to make one weep for the future of our society. But, like a moth drawn to… Continue reading The Stupidity Cycle Pedals Onward
Trip Report: Sproul Ranch, Fort Davis, Texas
On Saturday, May 12, Debbie and I drove to Fort Davis to attend the annual fundraiser for the Marfa public radio station (KRTS 93.5). This year’s event was held at the H.E. Sproul Ranch, located about seven miles northwest of Fort Davis, and included a donated artwork sale, catered dinner, and barn dance. We never… Continue reading Trip Report: Sproul Ranch, Fort Davis, Texas