As I took this photo at the Memphis Zoo I was struck by how far we are removed from our primitive roots.
Cranberry (what an awesome name for a mighty polar bear) weighs in at well over five hundred pounds. Reason says that any mother should be utterly terrified to see her child just inches from such a powerful predator. When you stop and look at it, this picture should be frightening.
But no, Mom was tickled pink to see her child trying to 'pet' the cute polar bear.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Primordial
There are still active volcanoes and vents on the southern end of the Big Island of Hawaii.
This area is near their sulfur vents boardwalk. You look off through this lush tropical vegetation and all you can see is tendrils of "mist" from the lava vents throughout the area.
As you gaze you almost expect to see a T-Rex come lumbering out of the smoke.
This area is near their sulfur vents boardwalk. You look off through this lush tropical vegetation and all you can see is tendrils of "mist" from the lava vents throughout the area.
As you gaze you almost expect to see a T-Rex come lumbering out of the smoke.
Rocks flow like water
The Big Island is Hawaii's youngest and the only one that still has active volcanoes.
The island is a great study in contrasts. Much of the eastern coast looks much like you would expect...a rich tropical island full of vegetation. In contrast, most of the western coast is raw lava with little bits of scrub grass. Between is an area that is not unlike the midwestern US with sparse grasses and a few low trees.
The southern part of the island is where the active volcanoes are. There you have fields like this of fresh lava looking like it just cooled yesterday.
The island is a great study in contrasts. Much of the eastern coast looks much like you would expect...a rich tropical island full of vegetation. In contrast, most of the western coast is raw lava with little bits of scrub grass. Between is an area that is not unlike the midwestern US with sparse grasses and a few low trees.
The southern part of the island is where the active volcanoes are. There you have fields like this of fresh lava looking like it just cooled yesterday.
Home from the Sea
Not far from our hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii is a beach called Anaehoomalu Bay. Its a beautiful sand beach that (as so rarely happens) includes world class snorkeling along with great swimming.
And, being on the west coast, it also gets some great sunsets.
As we were relaxing on the beach enjoying the sunset these canoers came in from an afternoon of boating.
And, being on the west coast, it also gets some great sunsets.
As we were relaxing on the beach enjoying the sunset these canoers came in from an afternoon of boating.
Wave after Wave
North of Helo, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a short scenic drive which includes Onomea Bay. If you follow the trail down into the bay you reach this tiny black stone beach. In the afternoon the waves pound into the beach one after the other after the other after the other, so frequently and so loud that you can hardly hear yourself think. I've never been truly afraid of water before but the forces at work in this little cove were awesome and intimidating.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Not many pictures today
We spent most of Saturday on a snorkeling trip - hope the under water pictures turn out - then drove along the north coast of Maui.
Whale passing under our boat
The lady whale hid in the shadows of our boat for shade and to escape persistent male perusers.
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