We had a couchsurfer come and stay with us, and I got called outside to make a random video with him. Filmed (without much skill apparently) on my iPhone.

Last week my brother, my Dad, and myself hiked 35 miles of the AT from Bry Gap to Winding Stair Gap. Didnt take too many photos, but here are some of them.

 
At the NC/GA line

 
At the top of Albert Mountain

Crazy Mushroom

Dad and Matt

Get to see the Perseid Meteor Shower last night? If not (it is bright here in San Francisco) here is a consolation viewing of some other stars.

Mariah and I came across it while walking through the SF botanical gardens. The funnels end in a white bucket containing a green goo. I thought it was for bugs, but there were suprisingly few in the goo. And why the many layers of funnels?

UPDATE: From Brit – “That is a funnel trap to collect bark beetles. The thing that is attached to the funnel is a Lure that releases some kind of phermone or hormones that attracts the beetles. The green goo is most likely some kind if non-toxic anti freeze. The multi layer of funnels increases the surface area for the beetle to land and slide  down into the trap.”

-Ben

Posted from my iPhone via email

My Dad sent me this smoothie recipe – and as much as I normally hate things that are good for me, I am tempted by this concoction.

1. Fill blender half way with a 5 or 6 oz bag of baby spinach, packed down a bit.

1. Add one banana and two squares of dark 70% cocoa.

1. Add a handful of baby carrots.

1. Add a handful of Fresh or frozen strawberries and fill 2/3 with apple juice. This is not a lot of juice as most of it is already filled with the other ingredients.

1. Fill most of rest with soy milk.

1. Blend well.

1. Drink well. Live well. Enjoy!

Let me know what you think about it!

-Ben

Posted from my iPhone via email