While I may be a bit late to the Blog writing adventure, with the shift more towards video, and even Podcasting, have Blogs lost readers? It appears that many have lost their attention span from being bombarded with having so much information just a click away. Bouncing from one click bait title, thumbnail, or short. to another. Some recent things that I have posted on social have received comments "too long", "TLDNR" and such. Is the written word in a decline?

Adding to (or taking away) from the written word is AI. Will AI also replace human writing? Blogs, books, magazines, web articles? Along with the written word AI is also producing music, and art. 

How will we know the difference? If a piece was AI generated or created by a human?

Many times in my life individuals have attempted to discourage me from doing something, more often than not, it was discouraging words that were said instead of encouraging words. That is very sad, sad that so many will try to discourage someone from trying things. I could use the reasons above to say that it may mot be worth my time to continue with this before I have even really began. I could. I could even make more excuses.

But I will not.

Lets do this!

1/15/23

Set out for a short trail run of 6ish miles with some exploring for critters along the way. A short way in I realized that I was not feeling the run part today. It could have been from carrying camera gear. Or, could have been low energy today. Or, I was just plain lazy!

All morning long I debated if I should carry my camera. FOMA prevailed! During this trail time, I was thinking quite a lot as I typically do, thinking about FOMA, and the many faces of FOMA. FOMA drives me crazy and is an internal battle that often rages inside of me. FOMA is a topic I will delve into in depth at a later time.

Determined to make the best of my time in the outdoors I began exploring a good sized vernal pool (https://www.vernalpool.org/) that I located a few weeks ago. Temp dropped into the twenties last night and now are in the forties, so I do not expect any amphibians to be present in or around this vernal pool. I have found Salamanders here previously when I located this Vernal pool. 

The Vernal Pool

Marbled Salamander and a Four Toed Salamander

Red Salamander

After exploring the Vernal pool and the surrounding area, I re located back to the trail and continued on encountering this GIANT horned beast! It may be a sign of things to come!

A Kraken?

Now about two miles in I headed back off trail to explore. A Jameson Irish Whiskey bottle. It appears some critter tried to open it? Makes me wonder if the critter carried it to the location? Located in a quite dense area well off trail.

Thirsty?

As long as I can remember I have taken to the woods, quite often places where trails do not exist. It is quite easy to escape others, unfortunately the sounds of man are more difficult to escape. No matter where I go, I can most always here some sort of a sound that is produced somewhere by mankind. Automobiles, airplanes, and even gunfire. Windy days, and rainy days will often drown out these artificial sounds, making for a time to really disconnect. 

Over the years, I have found many interesting finds, from things I have photographed to even little souvenirs. One such thing that has eluded me is finding shed Antlers. While in Vermont I was always on the lookout for Moose antlers. I never found any. I have found one Deer antler, It must have been around 1986. A small fork horn antler. I had it for many years, but somewhere along that way it has disappeared. So on this particular January day I was quite excited to find this beauty!

Shed Antler

Deer shed their Antlers annually. This most likely was from the prior years shedding. Rodents who will chew on these shed antlers for the minerals contained within the antler, this one was no exception, it had been extensively knawed on. Many times the rodents will eat them up before they can be found. 

1/21/23

Cici and I are driving somewhere for a hike today and to play in the woods. The area I picked out for todays adventure is over an hour away maybe an hour and a half as we’re driving slow as I do. I’m thinking do we really need to drive this far? Thinking of the gas to fuel my car and the time spent driving? Is it worth it? Yes, it is today. Let me not forget the fact that so many places to explore exist very close to where you live, In fact, in your own yard! Some of my best adventures happen less than 15 miles from home! 

We chose todays location for some variety. Small creeks, drainages, and ridges. As well as a large body of water that is in winter drawdown so we can walk the recently exposed shoreline. I would like to find some Indian arrowheads. We also hope maybe it will be sunny enough for some turtles to bask today.

Cici

It never did warm enough for reptiles to bask, and it is difficult to look for Salamanders with an active dog! We saw some deer and a variety of birds. Below are some pictures from the day.

It was another great day in the woods, and a great day to spend it with my dog!

I love food. It is no secret. I would like to leave you with a little treat! Try it, it is really good!

Cook carrots in frying pan with no oil. Using a little water. Use a water bottle to add as needed to keep just enough water in the pan until carrots are cooked to your desired level. I like them to still be firm. When water is evaporated cook slightly longer until a slight browning begins. Keep the carrots moving!

Pour in honey, allow to melt and bubble around carrots a bit, add in Cayenne pepper as desired. Be careful not to burn honey. Mix well to fully coat all the carrots!