The Recent Speed of Change

Six weeks back we started a short intermittent series on Annals of the Former World by John McPhee. This book stretches my mind and faith, in healthy ways. Three weeks ago we examined “Six Days of Creation,” where David Brower shoehorned 4.5 billion years into six days of creation. I’m amazed at how long the process took before people arrived, let alone Jesus, now let’s look at the more recent speed of change.

The Appalachian Mountains formed 400 million years back, the equivalent of 12:38 PM Saturday. Fast forward to…

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Six Days of Creation

Our geology “series” began with me kind of getting what I asked for: a basic geology text--but graduate level, Annals of the Former World by John McPhee. Here’s the next episode, as McPhee explores the six days of creation. Take a look at the pic, from the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, as we enjoyed a Happy Hour gazing at this cliff face from the restaurant’s outside patio. Count the strata if you dare, 100 or more. Then, realize that each layer was laid down by an ocean moving in, dropping material, often sand, then receding. Over 100 times. And at various points, all was below the surface of the water. Somewhat boggles the mind, does it not? And what we see as layers was all under the surface—until erosion.

McPhee tells of...

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A Changing Rider

About a month ago, Unconventional examined Our Changing World, using roads as a metaphor on deeper societal issues. But not only do roads change, but riders do. For most of our Gray Hog rides, we had a long first day just to reach the main part of our ride. 650 miles became typical, sometimes more. At age 70 I began one of our long trips to Canada with an Iron Butt ride, 1080 miles in 16 hours…before heading into Canada. And for the three of us in SoCal, to beat the morning traffic, we’d have to wake up early to get on the road by 4 AM. And we loved it! The challenge, the break from the routine of work brought joy. A fine accomplishment.

Then in 2022...

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Changing Times

I pulled out of Lone Pine at 7 AM, hoping to get the 240 miles home to Temecula before the traffic congealed into an unholy mess. Not long after, a road sign announced a welcomed passing lane ahead, that alleviated concerns about some slow trucks clogging the lane.

But the promised passing lane soon proved to be closed for construction, yet with none in sight. So I looked around and spotted heavy construction off to the right, just north of Olancha. Turns out Cal Trans has decided to change the route to bypass the entire Olancha area. I guess that will help the traffic flow, which is nice, but will likely kill...

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Work Together

If this pic wasn’t on AP, my first thought would have been PhotoShop! But, it’s legit. You can find videos of 300 Amish men moving this huge barn at least 100 yards up a slight hill. Estimates are 17,000 lbs, but that’s a very do-able 60 pounds per man. Ah, the value of working together to do what we can’t on our own. Yes, we do some things best solo or a few others, maybe a small group, but...

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God Flashes

God shows up in unexpected times and places, if we look for the signs. Here’s one.

Each fall I typically journey to the Sierras. The trout are hungry, getting ready for winter, and bite gladly, not aware of the hidden hook. The cottonwood and aspen are changing colors, rare seen in most parts of CA. The people are scarce, even more rare in California.

Not too far back, one trip featured great fishing, 38 trout in 8 hours on three creeks. The aspen put me in awe, with the most glorious golds and yellows in years. And the people—well, I found more photographers than fisherfolk along the streams. Thankfully…

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The Last Ride

How close are we to things we love? Cars. Boats. A house. Activities, and more. The stuff of life. Reality caught up with me in 2020. The bike I’d loved and ridden all over the West was no longer the right bike at 72. My ST1300 sport tourer was fast, comfortable, and suited me like a fitted suit. But my balance and reactions had noticeably gotten worse, and I couldn’t help but ride the bike as always, but that was unsafe now. Time to say goodbye. So the day before the buyer would bring cash and take my bike, I took it out…

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Ride Relaxed

On our second Last Trip (a story for another time), Jerry and I planned to meet in Ogden on Sunday, May 19, 2024, so the day before at 7 AM I pulled out of Temecula on I-15 heading north with reservations in Richfield, Utah, about 560 miles away. An easy jaunt for my Honda CTX1300, and doable on the 76-year-old body. A brief gas stop in Barstow led to lunch in Vegas…a decent sandwich shop next to the gas station. Double dipping, I guess. A lot of deserts until I passed St. George at 400 miles, with just over two hours to go. But after Cedar City the clouds began rolling in, some white, some pretty dark. From some I could see the rain slapping the ground, then the road turned away for ten miles, and I thought…

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