Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior)

Was in PR for a few days and spent a morning in my father-in-law’s house in Juncos. He asked me to collect two flowers from his yard to give to his daughter (my wife). With a small machete in hand I collected two Torch Ginger flowers that stood about 3 feet tall amongst many others. These flowers were the size of a football and weighed roughly 4 lbs because they held so much water. The plastic like petals felt like the wax lips you would buy in the local candy store as a kid. I’ve only seen these flowers in El Yunque, but to see these in my wife’s father’s backyard and about twice the size of what I’ve seen before was a surprise and a real enjoyment for the nature geek in me.

2 Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior)

A few pics of my travels south…

Bunny Hop Hazard

Smartest decision for riding this winter

This is the season for Pugsley. Steve is like a farmer’s almanac.. he chose the perfect bike for riding this season. We’ve been blanketed with snow storm after snow storm this winter.

If you spend any amount of time in the California Wilderness and it’s mountains you are aware of the fragile system that can be destroyed by a spark or some mishandling of fire. There was a moment (and still at times) I’ve wanted to be a part of the fire crews that set out to protect the forests. VBS highlights the Oregon Fire Workers that cut firelines and battle flames in our woods.