Tuba City

An interesting day in Tuba City, AZ. Dinosaur tracks (fun, and lovely weather in the 50s), a nice espresso shop/internet cafe (surprising) and abandoned buildings. The abandoned buildings were made out of pretty local stone, but with the bare trees and boarded up windows, it was spooky. Large complexes for the medical center and schools here. Culture shock in the grocery store/local hang out. Good to get out of town and shake things up a bit!

Glow

This weekend is the Balloon Regatta in Page, and the highlight is the evening glow of balloons along one of the main streets. Today was the liveliest I've seen town, complete with craft fairs, street fairs (and fair food), art exhibitions, etc. A beautifully sunny 70 degree day, very pleasant for a bike ride as well.

Science and Engineering!

Another fun weekend trip took me to Washington D.C. to visit with friends and take in the excitement that was the USA Science and Engineering Festival! This first time event was held on the Mall and the booths were mobbed with kids, their parents, and people of all ages. I got to see the booth I worked on the early stages of for the Academy of Sciences. It was certainly a beautiful day and a great thing to be celebrating! Yay science!

Trail of Time

On National Fossil Day (Oct. 13) I was at Grand Canyon NP for the dedication of the Trail of Time. The project was 15 years in the making, including intensive sociology studies throughout to evaluate how people responded to the Trail. I think it turned out very well--you can participate as much or as little as you'd like, while taking in the awesome sight of Grand Canyon itself. It is a concept they would like to see spread to other parks, so stay tuned...

Sadness

I have been very lucky in my life not be faced with much loss or real heartache. Now I know what it feels like and am impressed with all the people that function this way everyday. I take comfort in the stars--the universe is bigger, God is bigger than all that is happening down here. We just have to keep moving.

National Fossil Day!

Well its a week until National Fossil Day, and I am listening to the official song on a loop right now. I know this makes me a dorky scientist, but I'm okay with it. "If you find a fossil, you should celebrate..."

http://nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/photos_multimedia.cfm

Washed Clean

Crazy weather has descended on Arizona--serious thunderstorms, whole days of rain and tornadoes. Its like being back in Michigan! =) It leaves this dusty desert feeling very clean. Water rushing down bare rock, dramatic dark clouds and the smell of sage and juniper rising up. This tropical weather pattern has suddenly brought fall.