Erik Brooks's Blog, page 80

Kit Courageous Returns!

As a follow-up to last week's Harts Pass, Kit Courageous returns in a full-color glamour shot. A smokey start to the week... to be followed soon by rain storms, wind, and hopefully not too much lightning. Vigilance. Tenacity. Grit. Summer rolls.

Harts Pass No. 212 -- Kit Courageous!

Many thanks across our Valley and around the west right now for all of the heroes that put themselves on the front lines of fires and rescue efforts time and time again. And thank you as well to all of you brave kids out there who are trying to make sense of distracted parents and a situation that definitely feels a little out of wack.

"Kit Courageous" and your continued bravery go a long way -- but (as Kit imagines it) some Super Soaker 6000 super powers wouldn't hurt a thing at this point either - with modulated nozzle pressure and advanced dispersal technology to reduce flash flooding impact of course!

Steady as she goes. It will be OK.

Harts Pass No. 211

The fact of the matter is that we're ALL watching the skies and surrounding hills just a little closer -- sniffing the air to decide if the wind has changed and the smoke is settling in or blowing less obviously but still ominously to the east. Its going to be a long hot summer still ahead, and while the eight recent days of highest concern seem somewhat now at bay (including, yes the disposal of many a spoiled food item) it can't hurt to remain vigilant. Oh, and wolverines (of the mustelid family after all) do tend to smell a bit -- musty.

Harts Pass No. 210

A HUGE thank you to all that stepped in and responded to the recent forest fire in our valley. A week now since things really took off and major damage was done east of Winthrop and south to Pateros, but a cooler, wetter and less windy last 24 hours has helped immensely.

Harts Pass No. 209

"Boredom" The catch phrase of summer for many kids... and an alternate theory on is origins. Hot and windy days here in the North Cascades. Fires near home but not quite in the back yard just yet. Stay safe. Stay cool. Stay busy!

Harts Pass No. 208

In this long over due addition to the "Facts VS Lore" series, Thor and Melanie offer up yet another potentially valuable reason for late sumer snow pack. Recent debate over the actual impact of climate change -- while obvious regarding drowning polar bears etc. -- is a little harder to prove for the wolverine. That being said, if sustainable den sites through May don't heft enough weight for an endangered species listing, then perhaps there is an economic argument that is equally valuable...

World Giraffe Day!

Hard to imagine how I missed it, but June 21st was the first ever World Giraffe Day. Next year I promise to be a little more on the ball!

Harts Pass No. 207

Despite their struggles over the last several years, I remain a dedicated MN Twins fan. I wouldn't consider myself a rabid fan -- and I rarely if ever watch a game on TV, but still its a sport with a certain allure -- and a certain pedestrian pace :) To the "boys of summer" and girls as well -- choke up on that bat and swing for the fences!

On the drawing table: MANY bears and a tortoise!

SPEEDY TORTILLA COMING SOON!

Harts Pass No. 206

A little vacation back to the heartland... and then back to work just as summer really gets rolling :) More breaks to come, but more to do in the mean time. Happy first official week of summer, and keep it simple people!