Sunday, June 24, 2007
My Jeep hits 300,000 miles
My old 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has just completed 300,000 miles and indicated by the photograph of the odometer taken at the critical moment. Although a number of items such as the air conditioner and water pump have been replaced, it is still relatively intact with little in the way of rust. My friends keep telling me to get a new one but that would require money and making a decision. We will hold off for now or until a rod goes through the engine wall.
Monday, June 18, 2007
A Night on the Windchaser in Casco Bay Maine
After working hard waxing and performing other commission activities I prepared a nice dinner and settled in for the night on the mooring. While a beautiful environment in which to just sit and relax, DVDs played on a laptop and the internet by WiFi are also options.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
How long is now?
Stephen King wrote a book that became a TV show called “The Langoliers” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112040/ . These many toothed things eat up reality for a while after now is done and are seen by a group of airplane passengers when they pass through some type of time warp after leaving LAX. The Twilight Zone TV show also had an episode with a similar theme called “A matter of Minutes” The Twilight Zone TV show also had an episode with a similar theme called “A Matter of Minutes" http://www.tv.com/the-twilight-zone-1985/a-matter-of-minutes/episode/75277/recap.html .
While interesting stories, one wonders what modern physics has to say about the length of the current instant. Is now infinitely small or does it have some duration. The shortest time know is one tick of the Planck clock (related to the Planck constant) which is very short indeed. However, relativity defines time as a dimension and all other dimensions have a finite length. It would seem to me that “now” cannot be infinitely small as if so time would not exist. If we consider time as the surface of an expanding balloon then one can ask, how thick is the surface of the balloon? Is the inside of the balloon empty or does the past always exist but is just not accessible to our conscious self?
Food for thought.
While interesting stories, one wonders what modern physics has to say about the length of the current instant. Is now infinitely small or does it have some duration. The shortest time know is one tick of the Planck clock (related to the Planck constant) which is very short indeed. However, relativity defines time as a dimension and all other dimensions have a finite length. It would seem to me that “now” cannot be infinitely small as if so time would not exist. If we consider time as the surface of an expanding balloon then one can ask, how thick is the surface of the balloon? Is the inside of the balloon empty or does the past always exist but is just not accessible to our conscious self?
Food for thought.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Trip to the Galapagos Islands
Being a geneticist I feel an obligation to visit the Galapagos. A couple of days ago I met a women at the Main Street cafe who will soon leave on the trip described below. There is still room this year on the tour described below but considering my recent travel, I should probably hold off till next year. James said that two vacancies may be available on this year's trip.
EDventures.
38 Old Orchard Road JAMES R. SERACH
Groton, MA 01450 Director
(978) 448-9597 jserach@lacademy.edu
Darwin's Enchanted Islands: The Galápagos
June 11 – 21, 2007
The Galápagos Islands were made famous when young Charles Darwin, naturalist on the H.M.S Beagle, visited them for five weeks in 1835. Here Darwin saw numerous species of birds, lizards, and plants that though they seemed familiar, were also quite unique. There were mockingbirds and finches that looked slightly different on each island, giant tortoises, and those "imps of darkness," the black marine iguanas that ate algae, underwater, from the intertidal rocks!
These remote islands, over 600 miles out in the Pacific from the coast of Ecuador, were called Las Encantadas – the Enchanted Islands – by early mariners and Yankee whalers. Modern-day travelers and naturalists continue to fall under the spell of this wondrous place. Fur seals, sea lions, penguins, flightless cormorants, iguanas, and the variety of native land bird species, many of them endemic, provide a myriad of photographic and observation opportunities. These isolated oceanic islands are also rich in unique plant and marine life. Because of their location on an active tectonic area, it is possible to study geology in a way that no textbook could match!
Cruise with us to nine of the islands and explore their dramatic volcanic landscapes, enticing beaches, and observe and photograph the unique and fascinating flora and fauna. The cruises between islands offer the opportunity for onboard discussions and reflection and, of course, to observe pelagic bird species and marine life. Snorkeling is possible at most islands and visitor sites as well and the beaches of white, red, green, or black sand are pristine and inviting.
While within the Galápagos National Park, we will live aboard the M/Y Daphne, a luxurious 70’ motor yacht with double air-conditioned cabins; a friendly crew, including a full kitchen staff; and a certified English-speaking naturalist guide. Veteran science teacher and tropical biologist, Jim Serach, will lead on-board discussions about the islands’ natural and cultural history, their fascinating geology, and the unique wildlife.
In addition to our Galápagos adventure, we will spend two days in Quito, Ecuador, a quintessential Latin American city. A city tour is included and there will time for personal exploration and shopping. You can even visit and straddle the Equator itself!
TRIP COST: $3500 (from Miami)
Includes: Roundtrip airfare from Miami to Quito and to Galápagos, ground transportation and airport transfers in Ecuador, all meals on the boat, double accommodations on the boat and in Quito (including breakfast), city and Equator Museum tours, naturalist guide, Galápagos National Park entrance fee. Not included: Personal tips, drinks and other personal expenses, lunches and dinners in Quito, and exit tax (US$31.60).
Registration is limited to 15 participants! Please return the attached registration form with a deposit ($800 per person) to Jim Serach at the address above as soon as possible. Please make checks payable to: EDventures.
EDventures
38 Old Orchard Road JAMES R. SERACH
Groton, MA 01450 Director
(978) 448-9597 jserach@lacademy.edu
Darwin's Enchanted Islands: The Galápagos
June 11 – 21, 2007
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
June 11 (Mon) Depart from Miami to Quito, Ecuador (Hotel Villa Nancy)
(American Airlines Flt 931 Departs 3:30 pm)
June 12 (Tues) Quito – City Tour (Hotel Villa Nancy)
June 13 (Wed) Travel from Quito to Galapagos – BALTRA
PLAYA LAS BACHAS
June 14 (Thur) PLAZAS and SANTA FE
June 15 (Fri) ESPAÑOLA – Pta. Suárez and Gardner Bay
June 16 (Sat) FLOREANA – Pta. Cormorant and Post Office Bay
June 17 (Sun) SANTA CRUZ – Conway Bay
Visit Darwin Research Station and the highlands (Los Gemelos, lava tubes, wild tortoises)
June 18 (Mon) GENOVESA – Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay
June 19 (Tues) SANTIAGO – James Bay and BARTOLME – Sullivan Bay
June 20 (Wed) Return to BALTRA via SEYMOUR NORTE
Fly to Quito – last-minute shopping! (Hotel Villa Nancy)
June 21 (Thur) Return to U.S. via Miami
(American Airlines Flt 966 Arrives 1:00 pm)
38 Old Orchard Road JAMES R. SERACH
Groton, MA 01450 Director
(978) 448-9597 jserach@lacademy.edu
Darwin's Enchanted Islands: The Galápagos
June 11 – 21, 2007
The Galápagos Islands were made famous when young Charles Darwin, naturalist on the H.M.S Beagle, visited them for five weeks in 1835. Here Darwin saw numerous species of birds, lizards, and plants that though they seemed familiar, were also quite unique. There were mockingbirds and finches that looked slightly different on each island, giant tortoises, and those "imps of darkness," the black marine iguanas that ate algae, underwater, from the intertidal rocks!
These remote islands, over 600 miles out in the Pacific from the coast of Ecuador, were called Las Encantadas – the Enchanted Islands – by early mariners and Yankee whalers. Modern-day travelers and naturalists continue to fall under the spell of this wondrous place. Fur seals, sea lions, penguins, flightless cormorants, iguanas, and the variety of native land bird species, many of them endemic, provide a myriad of photographic and observation opportunities. These isolated oceanic islands are also rich in unique plant and marine life. Because of their location on an active tectonic area, it is possible to study geology in a way that no textbook could match!
Cruise with us to nine of the islands and explore their dramatic volcanic landscapes, enticing beaches, and observe and photograph the unique and fascinating flora and fauna. The cruises between islands offer the opportunity for onboard discussions and reflection and, of course, to observe pelagic bird species and marine life. Snorkeling is possible at most islands and visitor sites as well and the beaches of white, red, green, or black sand are pristine and inviting.
While within the Galápagos National Park, we will live aboard the M/Y Daphne, a luxurious 70’ motor yacht with double air-conditioned cabins; a friendly crew, including a full kitchen staff; and a certified English-speaking naturalist guide. Veteran science teacher and tropical biologist, Jim Serach, will lead on-board discussions about the islands’ natural and cultural history, their fascinating geology, and the unique wildlife.
In addition to our Galápagos adventure, we will spend two days in Quito, Ecuador, a quintessential Latin American city. A city tour is included and there will time for personal exploration and shopping. You can even visit and straddle the Equator itself!
TRIP COST: $3500 (from Miami)
Includes: Roundtrip airfare from Miami to Quito and to Galápagos, ground transportation and airport transfers in Ecuador, all meals on the boat, double accommodations on the boat and in Quito (including breakfast), city and Equator Museum tours, naturalist guide, Galápagos National Park entrance fee. Not included: Personal tips, drinks and other personal expenses, lunches and dinners in Quito, and exit tax (US$31.60).
Registration is limited to 15 participants! Please return the attached registration form with a deposit ($800 per person) to Jim Serach at the address above as soon as possible. Please make checks payable to: EDventures.
EDventures
38 Old Orchard Road JAMES R. SERACH
Groton, MA 01450 Director
(978) 448-9597 jserach@lacademy.edu
Darwin's Enchanted Islands: The Galápagos
June 11 – 21, 2007
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
June 11 (Mon) Depart from Miami to Quito, Ecuador (Hotel Villa Nancy)
(American Airlines Flt 931 Departs 3:30 pm)
June 12 (Tues) Quito – City Tour (Hotel Villa Nancy)
June 13 (Wed) Travel from Quito to Galapagos – BALTRA
PLAYA LAS BACHAS
June 14 (Thur) PLAZAS and SANTA FE
June 15 (Fri) ESPAÑOLA – Pta. Suárez and Gardner Bay
June 16 (Sat) FLOREANA – Pta. Cormorant and Post Office Bay
June 17 (Sun) SANTA CRUZ – Conway Bay
Visit Darwin Research Station and the highlands (Los Gemelos, lava tubes, wild tortoises)
June 18 (Mon) GENOVESA – Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay
June 19 (Tues) SANTIAGO – James Bay and BARTOLME – Sullivan Bay
June 20 (Wed) Return to BALTRA via SEYMOUR NORTE
Fly to Quito – last-minute shopping! (Hotel Villa Nancy)
June 21 (Thur) Return to U.S. via Miami
(American Airlines Flt 966 Arrives 1:00 pm)
Sunday, June 03, 2007
ONBH hunter pace
Check out the ONBH blog at http://onbh.blogspot.com/ for pictures of the hunter pace run today at Great Brook park in Carlisle MA. The Merrimackvalley Rotary club sold hot dogs as shown below. It was great being able to use Deb's trailer as a base.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
