Full Moon

Last night, Vermont (and other places I'm sure, but I'm here) witnessed the manifestation of the moon's short axis elliptical orbit around the earth.

So Yahoo! told us, citing the Huffington Post, that last night was the biggest and brightest full moon expected this year. Apparently the moon orbits on an elliptical path, and is closest to the earth at this time.

At 10:30pm, in 3°F weather, it was fortunate to be clear and dry, but understandably limited the photography session to short burst of frozen fingers and warming in the Jeep.

The Marshfield Reservoir proved to be the best view that was closest to the house, with its vast lake expanse to reflect the moon's light. I set up a tripod and shot the following with an obviously delayed shutter.


Picture taking was short, weather was cold, but if you click on the first picture, you can actually see the geographic formations on the moon. It was actually taken with an old Canon Rebel XT and a 70-200mm/f2.8L lens.

Romans 1:20: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Here in Vermont, if a lake or reservoir or other collection of water freezes over, you can actually stand on it, walk, or even (what!) drive across...

... but when to tell if it has been cold enough to actually do this safely is somewhat of an arguable issue. The above photo shows a slab of ice that seems pretty solid, but in a reservoir like this, the city actually lets the water level drop, resulting in about 12 feet of free air from the ice slab over the water, down to the remaining water level, so if that ice breaks, even if you survive the fall and drowning, it's still a 12ft jump to safety.

In the big lake (Champlain), they discourage driving one's Jeep on the Lake because if it falls in, one has only 24 hours to retrieve the vehicle or else you get fined a (questionably) exorbitant amount of money. And the recovery is at one's own expense. But some people are still nuts enough.

Now I do acknowledge that I may be psychologically compromised from earlier experiences, but not that crazy. And if I was deluded enough to think I could make it across safely, I would not try it with this Jeep. Maybe at another time with another car.


Over on the right of the above photo, you can see the soft covering of the Marshfield Reservoire. It actually reaches all the way across, but their is no launch on the otherside to drive up the bank when your done gambling your $30,000 collateral for mere bragging rights. Maybe you could attach a long cable to a side post and hook it to your chassis like a leash of sorts. Though you would still need your brain checked. So, Mom, if you're reading this, rest assured, I'll take all the safety precautions (Personal Flotation Device, grappling hook, and 50ft static rope) before I actually do something like this.

But for this Christmas, I parked the Jeep in the traditional lot. Here it is, with the Reservoir to the right, and what looks like Owl's Head Peak (as far as I can calculate with the map and the drive the other day.) in the background. Maybe I'll find someone crazy enough to drive THEIR car across the pond.


As always, you can click on each photo to display a larger version (usually 900x600). don't forget to drop a line.

The day before Christmas found a short hike with a long road....




.... from the trailhead, it was a short jaunt to the peak for a great view (better when the clouds weren't surrounding) of Lake Groton. It was the mile hike in the knee deep snow from the main road to the trail head that was a bit more work. The peaks are note very high in Vermont, but the view is grand, and the snow is pristine. It has been cold enough here that the snow squeaks. Where I work, the town is small enough that each snow falls provides a peaceful blanket freshness, like a good clean scrub of the state. Maybe it's like that all over New England, but I happen to be living in Vermont currently.

What may look to you all like normal cold winter day is the coldest temperature I have every experienced. On my way to work, my Jeep's sensors measured a blazing -5°F which warmed up to a toasty -3°F by the time I got to work. It was actually quite sunny, but the seasonal earth tilt made sure the sun rays were dispersed over a greater surface area than was helpful to warm a human body.

Across from the entrance to work was this beautiful pile of gravel from the local quarry. The piles are symmetrical and kind of aesthetic in the summer time, but in the winter time they look like this, even more gorgeous. The snow keeps people from going too fast or driving too dangerously, but every once in a while some urban hero decides he wants to test the edges of common sense and see how good his hakkapeliita's really grip icy asphalt. Glad I'm not an ER doctor, but generally speaking New Englanders have good common sense. After all, they've lived here for generations.

Next adventure: Brunswick, Maine (Just for a short weekend).

More photos of the up-coming winter later on.

Warm Vermont Afternoon

So Vermont is having an Indian summer, as a newbie in New England, I was told that we should be having snow about now, and this has been warm weather. I cringe at the thought because I've already donned my gloves and beanie for warmth (and comfort). Especially Sabbath afternoon, we took a quick hike after lunch to a local waterfall and ravine just outside of Stowe just before one arrives at Smuggler's Notch.
The weather was actually warm (at about 42F), and we put our packs and jackets down on one of the rocks. It was a matter of scampering around to rocks carefully, skittering across fallen logs, and stepping down the human-assisted staircase on the way down to the main falls.

No Peer Pressure

My Grandfather, whom we affectionately call Lolo as a term of endearment, turned 100 on November 2 this year.

I flew back to California to see him on the weekend of his birth and he is still as spry and active as before. The grandkids, coming from as far away as New England (yes, that would be me) and Tennessee (Eileen and her family), each gave a short blurb about the wonderful memories we have of growing up here with him after he came over in the early 80's.

We recalled countless memories of generosity and, little known to him, his environmental awareness (he collected and recycled aluminum can's like crazy, then divvied up the money amongst us. His excitement and encouragement for our adventures growing up and his persistent concern for how we are doing. Though he has difficuly hearing, he still enjoys when any one of us come over, and especially when we share scripture with him. He has his own Bible in Tagolog (the official filipino language) and we can easily match it with the KJV text because of the book, chapter, and verse.

It was a busy weekend jaunt to California, and then back again early that week to prepare for winter. That's another post.

Don't Take Your Work Home with You.

Click for Larger Image

Upon arrival this is what I saw at 10:30pm at night, after driving through the Colorado Rockies and across the plain that makes up the San Luis Valley.

Quite comfortable and spacious with plenty of amenities, this wood-paneled apartment comes with everything except internet access, which I have found to be quite a serendipitous omission. It reminded me of the days when internet wasn't necessary, and the best ways to connect with friends and colleagues is to actually make your way over to them in person and talk with them, shake their hand, and see how they are doing.

But there is room for the clothes and even the bike and weights, and all the collective camera equipment used to make the photographs of this blog. The refrigerator is large enough and small enough at the same time, as well as the sink and overall kitchen. The bathroom is big enough and the water is hot enough, but this single room apartment can't be beat for its space, its view and seclusion. It is wonderful to come out here where there is no driving car, because its address says it all: Country Road 108. That means that it still takes about 3/4 mile to make it to the main road, which is still almost 3 miles out of town. No street lights, no stop signs, only a small sign that reminds us that this location is a private reserve.

It actually helps me put work where it's supposed to be: at work.