Magic magic indeed, and such a lyrical way to illustrate the amazing properties of the Mickey-Mouse molecule that is water (plus the gift of your photos)! Thank you, Wendy. I am thinking about water's surface tension too, and how miraculous it is that a coast redwood tree can open the pores in its needles on the topmost branches and let the energy in sunlight evaporate water from within those needles in order to use that surface tension to pull a thin column of water all the way from the tree's roots, 200 or more feet below. Such wonders this watery planet creates!
Susan, Thank you for this wonderful picture of transpiration--trees as water pumps (which then become the forcing mechanism of the small water cycle (i.e., localized precipitation) and maybe even the 'biotic pump' by driving winds and climate). It's all magic magic and never ceases to amaze me! 🩵
Only went scuba diving once in a fresh water lake. After staring in amazement at the wet world for a couple of minutes I realized that I hadn’t breathed the entire time.
What a beautiful love song to water, Wendy! Both the images and the accompanying story have left me with a lot to think about. And appreciate. Thank you.
I grew up on an island. I have always had such respect for the ocean. These pictures are stunning, Wendy. I learn so much from everything you write and I'm totally certain that, on some off-day you may have way in the future, my first thought won't be 'wow'. Fun fact: My mother who somehow lived to be 94, didn't like the taste of water. She literally screwed up her face every time she 'had' to drink it. Has anyone else ever heard of such a thing?
Oh...island living. That is something special, for sure. Thank you--these places are what keep me exploring. The world is vast and beautiful!
Interesting about your mom. I've definitely know a few people who don't like the taste of water. It's a strange phenomenon given how vital water is to every function in our bodies!
Thanks, Wendy. I think what was so strange about mom (and I guess now some other people) is that I would never have characterized water (unless there was something wrong with it or in it) as having any taste at all. Sort of the most neutral ground-0-type 'taste' there is.
I find it a ground-0 taste too but maybe it’s similar to how some people have a genetic variation that has them experience cilantro as tasting like soap!
Wonderful post. Great words and photos. When were you exploring Wrangle St. Elias NP? I was there in the mid-80’s to climb peak 9280 with St. Elias Alpine Guides.
Thank you, Jerry. It was quite some time ago—I was an advisor on a trip with future environmental leaders. We backpacked and boated for a month in the backcountry—transported by bush plane between legs. It was amazing!
Magic magic indeed, and such a lyrical way to illustrate the amazing properties of the Mickey-Mouse molecule that is water (plus the gift of your photos)! Thank you, Wendy. I am thinking about water's surface tension too, and how miraculous it is that a coast redwood tree can open the pores in its needles on the topmost branches and let the energy in sunlight evaporate water from within those needles in order to use that surface tension to pull a thin column of water all the way from the tree's roots, 200 or more feet below. Such wonders this watery planet creates!
Susan, Thank you for this wonderful picture of transpiration--trees as water pumps (which then become the forcing mechanism of the small water cycle (i.e., localized precipitation) and maybe even the 'biotic pump' by driving winds and climate). It's all magic magic and never ceases to amaze me! 🩵
It never ceases to amaze me too. :)
The first time I went diving at Cane Bay in St. Croix, floated through coral grottoes and dropped over the wall into pure blue. Time stopped.
Ohhh…amazing, right? I was there many moons ago. That feeling of being enveloped in the silence…
Yes! Diving is amazing for that. It’s a total reset.
Absolutely!
Only went scuba diving once in a fresh water lake. After staring in amazement at the wet world for a couple of minutes I realized that I hadn’t breathed the entire time.
Water has that way—lulling us into trance-like states.
Oh this was so beautiful. I'm so glad you're sharing your passion for water with us 😊
Awww…thank you, Sophie! I appreciate that. It’s a little less personal than many of my other posts, so I wasn’t sure how it would land. 🙏
Occasionally it's good to switch things up, I liked the beautiful photography in this one 😍
I’m so glad! Thank you for saying so.
Stunning!!! The emotional arc you build there is so impactful. I think if this were a global warming campaign, the whole world would cooperate.
Thank you so much! I'd take that on as a job. :)
What a beautiful love song to water, Wendy! Both the images and the accompanying story have left me with a lot to think about. And appreciate. Thank you.
Oh, thank you, Sheri! I’m glad it resonated with you. For the love of water!
Definitely. For the love of water!
I grew up on an island. I have always had such respect for the ocean. These pictures are stunning, Wendy. I learn so much from everything you write and I'm totally certain that, on some off-day you may have way in the future, my first thought won't be 'wow'. Fun fact: My mother who somehow lived to be 94, didn't like the taste of water. She literally screwed up her face every time she 'had' to drink it. Has anyone else ever heard of such a thing?
Oh...island living. That is something special, for sure. Thank you--these places are what keep me exploring. The world is vast and beautiful!
Interesting about your mom. I've definitely know a few people who don't like the taste of water. It's a strange phenomenon given how vital water is to every function in our bodies!
Thanks for sharing, Mark.
Thanks, Wendy. I think what was so strange about mom (and I guess now some other people) is that I would never have characterized water (unless there was something wrong with it or in it) as having any taste at all. Sort of the most neutral ground-0-type 'taste' there is.
I find it a ground-0 taste too but maybe it’s similar to how some people have a genetic variation that has them experience cilantro as tasting like soap!
Ah yes. Makes perfect sense!
I don't know there's such a thing but water is a biological need sooo....
Wonderful post. Great words and photos. When were you exploring Wrangle St. Elias NP? I was there in the mid-80’s to climb peak 9280 with St. Elias Alpine Guides.
Thank you, Jerry. It was quite some time ago—I was an advisor on a trip with future environmental leaders. We backpacked and boated for a month in the backcountry—transported by bush plane between legs. It was amazing!