Essays
Philosophical and Political
Thoughts From My Journal – Trails
We’ve just returned from a walk down desert washes: one 5-10’ wide and the other more like 50’ except when it turned into braids winding between juniper and acacia, yucca and cholla, and others nameless (by me) and looking wistful for the barely remembered feel of...
Thoughts From My Journal – Colorado Desert
What a place this desert is! Strange as it sounds, it feels to me dry, as if the area may be in serious drought and the flora are hanging on but suffering. Just a feeling and I’ll check it out when I can. But there’s none of OPC’s vibrancy and comparatively less...
Thoughts From My Journal – Joshua Tree
A cold high wind has only strengthened since yesterday. I’d say I was turning soft, avoiding the wind by staying inside the camper and considering an early departure if it doesn’t abate, but I’ve never enjoyed cold wind camping so may have been soft from the...
Thoughts From My Journal – Sentience, Consciousness, Intelligence
I was reminded this morning that it’s still February; much cooler than it has been. But the sun swiftly warmed things and I was off for a three-mile walk. The more I pay attention, the more I see, not surprisingly. I noticed that organ pipes seem to prefer slopes to...
Thoughts From My Journal – Mojave Poppy Bloom
I’ve not spoken to anyone who works in the Monument and am wondering when the last rain was. Many of the ocotillo, which reserve their leafing and blooming for rain times, are in leaf with remnant blossoms. Otherwise, there’s nothing in bloom; it’s still early and...
Thoughts From My Journal – Coyote Ululation
Last night Twig and I sat our nightly vigil keeping an eye on the sky. No clouds, no halo, and the moon having risen later than last night it was having to catch up; otherwise, firmament was unchanged. Then it happened -- yips and howls, whines, and yowls, rising and...