Greg's Blog

Geology of Massanutten Mountain

Video: 

Here's another take on a geology video. Instead of just voiceover, in this video I'm actually in it. For the next one, however, I'll be in it much less. I found out how difficult it can be, being on both sides of the camera. This one is longer, too -- about 20 minutes. Take a watch and let me know what you think.

Tagged: Geology

Kali Gandaki Wind

Video: 

The Kali Gandaki river is on the western side of the Thorung La Pass. And for most trekkers, this is the descending part of the Annapurna Circuit. The river flows through a large valley that starts in Tibet and cuts through the Himalayan mountains. At one point the river is 18-20, 000 feet below the mountain on either side, making it the world's deepest gorge. Continue reading »

Trip: 
Tagged: Travel

How Much Does Trekking the Annapurna Circuit Cost?

Nepali Currency

Short answer: $1455 USD.

That's for 2 of us with a guide and a porter for a 17 day Annapurna Circuit trek (days 4-20 on this itinerary), inclusive of all food, lodging, transportation, entrance & trekking fees, starting and ending in Pokhara, with an exchange rate of 70 Nepali Rupees per 1 US Dollar It DOES NOT include any transportation costs getting to Pokhara or any lodging or food in Pokhara.

Long answer: Continue reading »

Trip: 
Tagged: Travel

Mount St Helens Soap

Mount St Helens Soap

It's been 30 years since the eruption of Mount St Helens. And as my tribute to this anniversary, I give you Mount St Helens soap. I'm not sure of many things here. Not sure why they made it. Not sure why my friend Brian Mathieson gave it to me. And I'm even less sure why I held on to it.

It's a take-off of 'Lava' soap -- and neither of which was made from actual red-hot, bubbling lava. They both have pumice -- volcanic ash -- to help you scrub away your filth using just the soap itself and no other potentially more useful cleaning implements. Continue reading »

Tagged: Geology

The Yellowstone River

Video: 

A brief video using shots I took during our 2009 Yellowstone trip.

Trip: 
Tagged: Video

So I Rented an RV

Sorry, flash is not available.

A little reflection on our Yellowstone transport/lodging. Music: Good Old Mountain Dew by Tony Rice, David Grisman from Tone Poems

Trip: 
Tagged: Travel

Yellowstone Abstract Photos

Yellowstone Abstracts

The thermal features of Yellowstone, in addition to all their science coolness, have a beauty that always surprises me. Check out the little gallery after the jump. Continue reading »

Trip: 

Back from Yellowstone

Pebble Creek Campground

We're back from our travels in Wyoming. We went to Yellowstone, flying in & out of Jackson or Jackson Hole (not quite sure which). Everything went well, no particular crises arose. The RV thing was, uh, an experience -- one which I shall detail in a few days. Continue reading »

Tagged: Travel

End of the Summer

Sorry, flash is not available.

I'm going to try something new. Every month I'll post a little music podcast. Click that little play button up there to get it started. Whazit about? Eh, whatever stikes my fancy. This month it's the End of the Summer. Here's the playlist:

  1. The Dandy Warhols - The Last High
  2. Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country
  3. Old 97's - Melt Show
  4. Spoon - Rhythm & Soul
  5. The Blue Hawaiians - Last Days of Summer
Continue reading »

Tagged: 5 SongsMusic

The Completed Deck

The Completed Deck

Matt came down last week to add the steps onto the deck. And it is now complete. Gorgeous, ain't it? The effort and craftsmanship that Matt put into this more than impresses me. Every angle comes out perfect and it's built as solid as the rest of the house. Next up we'll have to step-up the rest of the backyard to keep up with that beautiful deck. Continue reading »