Edward Abbey: "There is science, logic, reason; there is thought verified by experience. And then there is California." Jimmy Carter: “Whatever starts in California unfortunately has an inclination to spread.” Henry Miller: “Big Sur is the California that men dreamed of years ago, this is the Pacific that Balboa looked at from the Peak of Darien, this is the face of the earth as the Creator intended it to look” Arnold Schwarzenegger: "California will not wait for our federal government to take strong action on global warming. We won't wait for the federal government. We will move forward because we know it's the right thing to do. We will lead on this issue." (when asked if it was time to legalize cannabis) "No, I think that it's not time for that, but I think it's time ... read more

Would we believe the truth if it came from a squirrel? Some believe that Dolphins posses higher intelligence and awareness of their own mortality like humans. They have no hands to create tools and alter their environment. They have no competition for resources to wage Dolphin pod wars. Their ultrasound language of clicks and squeaks might be as complex as our own, but there is no translation for it. Because we can't communicate, we can't be sure of their intelligence. This is the human situation, even the animals that are likely as intelligent as we are can not prove it to us. Something in the air wont let me breath all around, birds chirping Something in your eyes wont let me turn away in the distance, a river is raging Something in your voice let me ... read more

Once you go on one live-aboard SCUBA trip to the Channel Islands, you will make sure that you don't miss another! It's been for 3 years in a row now that on July 4, myself and 25 others embark on a journey across the great expanse of ocean wilderness off the coast of Southern California. Next to the Sierra Nevada, the Channel Islands are the next best experience of the Wilderness of Calfiornia. Instead of exploring conifer forests of Pines, Redwoods and Sequoia's, you explore forests of Kelp teeming with fish, sharks and invertebrates. Did I just say invertebrates?! What I saw on this trip: *url=http://images.google.com/images... read more

After being at Pt. Lobos for only a short period of time, one quickly realizes the beauty and character of this place is found nowhere else on earth. Endemic species abound in California, and Pt. Lobos is no exception. Like a microcosm of the unique character that comprises the California Floristic Province, this biological hotspot is teeming with diversity. Speckeled Granite cliffs inhabited by Cormorants; Lichens that cover the conifer forest like icing; Harbor Seals swimming through a kelp forest. We find three keystone species here that are cherished throughout the world- The Monterey Pine, Southern Sea Otter and Monterey Cypress. Lets start with the Monterey Pine, Pinus radiata. What could possibly make this pine stand out over all the others 115 species of Pine? After all, there is a lot of competition: The 4000 year ... read more

What I expected was to see a society totally different from Cambodian culture, known for their carved totems of deceased family members. What I got was an amazing river trip on a unique boat, views of Vietnam, a $1.50 ramen meal and also a glimpse at a Chinese village over 100 years old! It was hot, the river was cool. I bought a hat that barely fit my head. We were exhausted on the drive back to Ban Lung, as the sweltering heat, tropical sunshine and 120 decibell boat engines deafened us the entire way. It was an amazing trip and a perfect way to end my time in Ratanakiri. With a few more years of tourist dollars, proper preservation of the forest and some more tourist promotion- Ratanakiri is poised to be the outdoor capital ... read more