#Hope Mountain Center for Outdoor Learning

[lulu2992]

Uncovering the unreleased Far Cry 5 in-game Encyclopedia

The almost complete but unused in-game encyclopedia, reconstructed thanks to the oasisstrings file.

Please note that it’s still cut content, so some information might not be relevant anymore.

You can read the oasisstrings file here. Pictures from this encyclopedia were also extracted and posted by @xbaebsae here.

Part 4: Locations - Henbane River

Tanami Residence

Some idiot drove a dredge into Roy Tanami's property, damaging his bunker beyond repair. Out of options, Tanami swallowed his pride and joined the Whitetail Militia up north.

Vasquez Residence

Home of Mr. Vasquez, former employee of Nolan's Fly Shop.

Hollyhock Saloon

One of the first businesses to fall to Eden’s Gate when they banned alcohol in the county. No one knows if the owners moved or were taken.

Can of Worms Fishing Store

Rods and tackle a-plenty. Owned by Sherri Woodhouse, who does salvage runs for sunken treasure in her spare time.

Deep North Water Treatment Plant

Built in 2002 to treat the toxic water from decades of mining practices. Today, Eden’s Gate uses it to disperse Bliss into the water.

Misty River Gas

A local gas station by the water, owned by Mr. McDevitt.

McCoy Cabin

Home of Darby McCoy who joined the cult against his will. This cabin is both close to the water and the Misty River Gas, an ideal spot for the cult to run operations.

Peaches Taxidermy

Mable's a rough-edged taxidermist. She lives here with her pet cougar.

Barlow Residence

Residence of Dr. Phil Barlow. He was a pharmacist who joined Eden’s Gate.

McClean Residence

Residence of Travis McClean. He was a former Air Force veteran turned prepper. Like so many others, he and his husband are on the run from Eden's Gate.

Eden’s Gate Outreach Center

This was once a place to learn more about Eden’s Gate and the Father’s message. Nothing out of the ordinary, until it became what it is today.

The Pillars of Eden

An outdoor amphitheater and a place of worship for Eden's Gate.

Drubman Marina

The Drubman Marina began in 1992 as an oil sands prospecting venture. Hurk Drubman Sr. became rich, but ost the property in a divorce to his wife Adelaide. She has big dreams for the place.

Silver Lake Campgrounds

A place to camp with a nice view of the mountains, the water, and the Whitetail Mountain Rail Bridge.

Silver Lake Summer Camp

An old summer camp. It was forced out of business by Eden’s Gate about 8 years ago. The cult used this place to stockpile their goods while their bunkers were being built.

Howling Cave

A well-known wolf habitat. The cult frequently takes animals from here and sends them north to Jacob.

Taft Lookout Tower

An old firewatch tower built in 1945. The cult uses it as a checkpoint and surveillance location. As expected, it is heavily guarded at all times.

Raptor Peak

A mountain peak that's a favorite nesting spot for birds of prey.

Camp Cougars

The Resistance has set up a camp to use as a base of operations for attacks against the cult and rescue missions for those on the pilgrimage path.

Dire Wolf Basin

A smoking basin that Eden's Gate has claimed as their own. Also a place of worship for the cult.

Sabre-Tooth Springs

These hot springs and the nearby cave used to be a tourist destination. It's right next to a road, meaning this location spent little in advertising. Today, it only attracts the cult.

Eden’s Convent

The very first building set up by the Project at Eden’s Gate in Hope County. People came here for spiritual retreats and to learn the Word of Joseph. When they left, if they did, it was with a permanent smile on their faces.

Sacred Skies Youth Camp

Formerly a Christian youth camp that was shut down fifteen years ago when the population dwindled. Eden’s Gate quietly bought it ten years ago. They use the land for growing Bliss flowers while living on-site.

Joseph’s Word

A statue of Joseph Seed that was constructed almost overnight. It commemorates the Father bringing his Word to the world. It also houses a rare, one-of-a-kind manuscript that is sacred to Eden's Gate.

Purpletop Antenna

Eden's Gate controls the radio towers. There's no signal but Joseph's Word out here.

Dead Man’s Mill

A water mill left over from the gold rush heyday. Everyone in Hope County has a different version of how it got its name, but the most popular story is a man's suicide after the closure of the mines.

Mastodon Geothermal Park

A tourist attraction established in 1836. People used to come here to admire the unique geological landscape. Now Eden's Gate uses it as an execution site.

Chan Residence

Back in the day, the owner of the Sacred Skies Youth Camp lived here. The cabin now belongs to Jasmine Chan, a big game hunter who was recruited into Eden's Gate against her will.

Counselor’s Cabin

This used to be the counselor's cabin when the Sacred Skies Youth Camp was in operation.

Nature Cabin

It once belonged to the Sacred Skies Youth Camp. Kids would come here to learn about animals, or rest after hurting themselves on the nearby zip line.

Throne of Mercy Church

A gold rush era church run by Jerrod Wilson, a preacher and rival of Emmet Reaves in the late 1800s. The church survived until about ten years ago when the cult closed it down.

Administrator’s Cabin

This used to be the administrator's cabin when the Sacred Skies Youth Camp was in operation.

Boshaw Manor

The humble dwelling of Charlemagne Victor Boshaw IV, gentleman fire enthusiast.

King’s Hot Springs Hotel

Once a spot for the posh to "take the waters," a landslide triggered by an earthquake in 1917 closed it temporarily and made it a ghost hunter's gem. It reopened, only to close again in 1994. Eden's Gate has put it to good use.

Moonflower Trailer Park

Once the fanciest trailer park in Montana run by the Boshaws. When the economy dried up and the Boshaws did nothing to retain their tenants, people relocated to the Silver Lake trailer park in the Holland Valley.

Sinclair Residence

Frankie Sinclair dreamed of being a world class French chef. Only problem? He couldn't speak a lick of French. He worked at the King's Hot Springs Hotel until it closed in 1994.

Horned Serpent Cave

A sulfur cave that's part of the volcanically active landscape of the region. It was once an industrial site, but the cult has turned it into a mass grave for Angels who can serve the project no more.

Henbane River Station

Copperhead Rail was created in the late 1800s by Emmet Reaves. It was shut down in the early 70s after the last of the local mining industries dried up. This station has been abandoned ever since.

Grimalkin Radon Mine

Once a part of a radon spa chain, it shut down in the 60s. Guy Marvel fell in love with the aesthetic and figured it’d be the perfect place for his next movie masterpiece.

Lydia’s Cave

In 1912, some loggers saw a girl eating a goat with wolves. She was captured in this cave and brought to a doctor who named her Lydia. She escaped and was last seen deep in the wilds suckling two wolf cubs.

Whistling Beaver Brewery

This brewery and pub opened in the late 1880s. It closed in 1916-1918 for Prohibition and reopened in the 30s. Pushed out of the national market by artisanal beer, the brewery was struggling and quietly sold to Eden's Gate.

The Misery

A dredge that belonged to the Catamount Mining Company. When the mines dried up, they tried to get gold from the riverbeds, but failed and abandoned it. The Resistance tells horror stories about what goes on there now.

Faith’s Gate

A bunker under Faith's guardianship. It is shrouded in Bliss, ensuring that those who are sheltered here will not be frightened when the Collapse comes.

Feeney Residence

Home of Dwight Feeney, a prepper and chemistry aficionado who joined Eden’s Gate when they promised him an important role in the creation of Bliss.

Eden’s Altar

A place of worship for Eden’s Gate. The faithful gather to hear sermons about Joseph’s visions and plans.

Gethsemane Greenhouse

A building used to precisely control the growing conditions of plants. Whatever these plants were before, they are now Bliss flowers.

Lorna’s Truck Stop

Lorna Rawlings used her BINGO winnings to create the best place for hard-working truckers like her husband to refresh and refuel. The cult came to take the place. She said no. She hasn’t been seen since.

Henbane River Chalets

A tourist trap that was shut down by the cult. The lake view was also sought after as a filming location.

Aubrey’s Diner

One of the first places to close when the cult took over. Their grilled cheese was no good.

O’Hara’s Haunted House

A professional clown named Edward O'Hara bought a barn and turned it into a haunted house that was a Halloween tradition in Hope County. Edward himself disappeared, and people disagree on whether or not the cult got him.

Ghost Cat Mine

The old mine has been closed for decades but the headframe warehouse is still there, used by the cult to store their containers of Bliss.

The Last Best Resting Place

An old, overgrown graveyard left from the gold rush era.

Jones Residence

Home of Kanti Jones, a Blackfoot woman and ranger who used to work in Whitetail Park. She was forced into retirement when the park closed. She fought against Eden’s Gate, dying in a shootout in her home.

Nelson Residence

Home of Coyote Nelson. He tried to lay low and enjoy fishing and painting but his peaceful pastimes didn't save him.

8-Bit Pizza Bar

The presence of pizza and an arcade made this the most exciting spot for teens within a hundred miles.

Pepper Residence

Holly Pepper and her girlfriend Charlie were among the first locals to join Eden's Gate. They abandoned this house and were never heard from again. The cult turned the property into a grow op.

Hope County Jail

20 years ago, a riot caused a jail break and a bus full of escaped prisoners ran off the road somewhere in Holland Valley. Later on, the prison closed due to budget cuts. Today, the Cougar resistance takes shelter here.

Nolan’s Fly Shop

Nolan Pettis ran his fly shop and gave fishing tours happily for years, although he was never a famous outdoorsman like local celebrity Skylar Kohrs. The money for his shop dried up and he joined Eden’s Gate.

Johnson Residence

Bob and Penny Johnson struck it rich in cattle futures, then they lost everything. After such a fall from grace, Joseph’s cult seemed welcoming. They handed everything over. No one knows where they are now.

Bright Warden Radon Spa

A health spa shut down in the 60s. Eden’s Gate has been spotted going in and out of this mine, using it as a storage facility.

Prosperity

Founded by rail and lumber baron Emmett Reaves. As the industry dried up, the town died and people moved west to Fall’s End. What remains of the ghost town is now used by junkies and the homeless.

Abercrombie Residence

Home of Melvin Adams Abercrombie. He robbed a bank in the 1940s and got away with it. He used his money to build this property and to prepare for the total collapse of the global financial system.

McCallough’s Garage

Once owned by Steve McCallough. He tried to warn everyone about Eden’s Gate, and even had a getaway car and some supplies ready. One day, his shop got boarded up and Steve was nowhere to be found.

Jessop Conservatory

Dr. Rachel Jessop created this place to protect and research at-risk flora and fauna. After budget cuts gutted her funding, Eden's Gate bought her out and devoted the facilities to developing potent strains of Bliss flowers.

Harrison Lookout Tower

One of the towers built in the 1940s to spot forest fires. It was abandoned ten years ago when funding ran out and the cult bought the property. It overlooks the site of one of Clutch Nixon's legendary stunts.

Seeley’s Cabin

Residence of Dwight Seeley. He worked in the local mines and then got kicked out of his place when the cult took over.

Deer Tiger Mine

Established in 1912, this mine was closed down in the 70s. Eden’s Gate appears to use it for storage.

Puma Mine

Another relic of a bygone gold rush, the Puma Mine has been abandoned for decades.

Ancient Bison Tunnel

A closed-off tunnel. No one gets in. No one gets out.

[vipguardianwater]

Gibbon Conservation Center

The Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) is located in Santa Clarita and is one of the world’s foremost centers for preserving and protecting the endangered gibbons of Asia. The GCC houses over 30 gibbons, including a variety of species such as Hoolock, Lar and Siamang. Visitors to the center can observe these fascinating primates up close in their natural habitat through both guided tours and self-guided observation walks. Education programs are also available for both children and adults that provide insights into gibbon behavior, life cycles, diets, conservation needs, and more. In addition to helping people gain a better understanding of these primates, the GCC works hard to promote worldwide gibbon conservation efforts by providing funds for research projects around the globe. So, if your looking for an unforgettable experience in Santa Clarita, make sure to visit the Gibbon Conservation Center!  You won't regret it.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

If you’re looking for thrills, look no further than Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita. This world-renowned theme park features some of the most thrilling rides and attractions around, including the iconic roller coaster ‘Goliath’. In addition to the rides, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment options such as live shows, character meet & greets, interactive games and much more. With over 100 acres of fun-filled excitement on offer, it's easy to see why millions of people come back every year to experience all that Six Flags Magic Mountain has to offer! So don't miss out - plan your visit today and get ready for an unforgettable day

Placerita Canyon

Located right in Santa Clarita's backyard is Placerita Canyon - a beautiful and tranquil oasis that's perfect for outdoor adventures. This stunning canyon features sweeping views of the surrounding Santa Clarita Valley and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Trails traverse through the park, allowing hikers to take in its diverse landscapes, while bird watchers can search for local species such as hawks and vultures. Additionally, visitors will find picnic areas and even a small nature center where they can learn more about the ecology of this unique area. So, come and experience Santa Clarita's hidden gem - Placerita Canyon!  From its rocky terrain to its diverse wildlife, there is something here for everyone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore Santa Clarita's great outdoors - plan your visit today! Enjoy!

Thank you for reading about Santa Clarita's many attractions and activities. We hope that you find the perfect outdoor adventure or educational experience for you and your family here in Santa Clarita! Make sure to plan yours today so that you don't miss out on all the fun Santa Clarita has to offer. Enjoy!

[xtruss]

Shops and restaurants in Los Angeles’s Little Tokyo keep alive the history of the city‘s Japanese American community. Photograph By Aaron Perez, Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images

These Little-known Sites Help Families Connect To Asian American History

From Chinese railroad workers in Utah to Filipino shrimpers in Louisiana, here are tales of immigration, struggle, and belonging.

— By Lisa Kwon | May 6, 2021

Tie Sing knew how to make a meal to remember. The Chinese American backcountry cook once prepared a dinner for U.S. Geological Survey explorers that was so memorable the mapmakers lavishly detailed each course—soup, trout, fried potatoes, string beans, fresh bread, hot apple pie, coffee—in reports about their two-week expedition through what is now Yosemite National Park.

But not many people remember Sing—and many other Asian American workers before and after him, who remain footnotes in history books and curricula. Yenyen Chan, a park ranger at Yosemite, hopes to change that. She helps interpret stories of Chinese history, such as Sing’s, in the park, noting that “Asian Americans have been in this country and contributed for a very long time.”

From national parks to ethnic neighborhoods, in-person visits (once it’s safe and destinations re-open) give students well-rounded experiences to bring into their classrooms. Anantha Sudhakar, a professor in the Asian American Studies department at San Francisco State University, says that “it’s become really important for families to complement a child’s school learning” with personal experiences.

Backcountry cook Tie Sing (standing) poses with the Mather Mountain Party during a 1915 expedition that laid the groundwork for national parks. Yosemite’s Sing Peak is named after him. Photograph By DR. Gilbert H. Grosvenor National Geographic Image Collection

Michelle Magalong, president of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation, says she feels more prepared than ever to welcome people who want to learn. “History matters when it’s deeply rooted in what is relevant and happening today,” she says.

As families start planning summer travel, these important sites across the United States can help broaden perspectives on American history and heritage.

Parks and Landmarks

At national parks, families can gain historical insight by getting outdoors and getting active. “Many families really like to have their kids exposed to as much as possible with hikes or park service-led programs,” says Chan, who often sees families return several times for different history walks through Yosemite.

This summer, Yosemite opens an exhibit about the Chinese workers who helped build the infrastructure for the national park. More experienced adventurers can embark on a challenging off-trail hike to Sing Peak to learn more about the cook’s legacy.

After diving into the histories of Chinese railroad workers at Utah’s Golden Spike National Historical Park, travelers can take selfies at the Chinese Arch, which honors the workforce that shoveled, drilled, and hammered their way through the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin regions to create the first transcontinental railroad.

The stories of Japanese American families incarcerated during World War II are explored at former internment camps such as Minidoka, in Idaho, and Manzanar, in California. Lesser known as a site of internment is Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where more than 100 people were detained at a military camp inside the park.

Even while their families remained imprisoned, many Japanese Americans served in the U.S. military during the war. In Washington, D.C., travelers can learn about their contributions at the Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II, centered around a bronze sculpture of two cranes.

Neighborhoods For Food and Festivals

To find the neighborhoods built and vitalized by Asian American groups, such as the nation’s Chinatowns, “follow the labor,” says Jenny Banh, a professor in Asian American Studies at California State University, Fresno. “Follow the Asian labor and you will find the richest stories.”

Left: A family has lunch at the Hmong Village shopping center, one of two Hmong farmers markets in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Aug. 3, 2019. Some 66,000 Hmong live in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area—the largest Hmong population in the world. Right: On Aug. 3, 2019, a vendor puts out fresh vegetables at the Hmongtown Marketplace, which houses more than 125 businesses. Today’s Hmong residents can trace their lineage to refugees who fled Laos in the 1970s. Photographs By Jack Kurtz, Zuma Press/Alamy

Filipino fishermen who arrived in Louisiana in the mid-18th century established what some historians consider the first Asian settlement in the U.S., south of New Orleans. The village of Saint Malo once comprised houses built on stilts over swampland but was destroyed in a hurricane. The Filipino community’s contributions to Louisiana’s shrimping industry are now memorialized with plaques at the former locations of both Saint Malo and a later settlement, called Manila Village.

In St. Paul, Minnesota, foodie families can order stuffed chicken wings to eat while walking up and down the vibrant aisles of the Hmongtown or Hmong Village farmers markets. The Twin Cities is home to a thriving community of Hmong people with lineage that dates back to 1975, when refugees relocated to the area from their homelands in Laos, and eventually worked in agriculture.

An annual Sikh festival in Yuba City, California, home to one of the largest Sikh populations in the country, features decorative floats, a bazaar, and 200,000 free plates of hot meals to tens of thousands of attendees of all faiths. Now nicknamed the “Mini Punjab” of the U.S., Yuba City attracted the Sikh population with opportunities in farming and other agricultural jobs.

This photo depicts Joe Gow Nue and Co. Grocery and Meat Market in Greenville, Mississippi, in 1939. Chinese-owned grocery stores served Black communities when the region was more starkly segregated in the early 20th century. Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum preserves this history. Photograph By Maruon Post Wolcott Library of Congress

In Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights, indulge in a comforting sukiyaki bowl at Otomisan Restaurant, one of the last Japanese legacy businesses in the neighborhood. Boyle Heights was a haven for Japanese Americans after World War II, who struggled to find new homes due to racist neighborhood “covenants,” which restricted the areas where people of color could live in Los Angeles.

A small community of Korean-Uzbeks—or Koryo-saram—thrives in the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Restaurants like Cafe Lily keep the culture alive with its fusion of Central Asian and Korean cuisine in dishes such as kuksi (a cold noodle soup). The community has its roots in Central Asia, where Koreans who had been living in Russia since the early 19th century were deported during Joseph Stalin’s reign. Today, Brighton Beach is home to many Koryo-saram, given its notable population of Russian-speaking immigrants.

Art Spaces and Museums

Galleries and museums—from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art to the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle—often have public programs geared to families that give context to the art hanging on the walls or the objects in cases.

The Wing Luke Museum, in Seattle’s International District, is the only community-based museum in America dedicated to the history of Asian Pacific Americans. It’s a designated historic site and a National Park Service affiliate. Photograph By Paul Christian Gordon, Alamy

The Asian Arts Initiative, in Philadelphia, organizes a summer camp and workshops to engage children in the creative process of visual arts and performances.

Teens can take narrative prose workshops at Kearny Street Workshop in San Francisco, one of the oldest organizations that work with Asian American artists in multidisciplinary fields.

Kids and teens who are fascinated by architecture may enjoy walking through the expansive George Nakashima Woodworker Complex, in New Hope, Pennsylvania, to marvel at the buildings that the renowned architect and furniture designer had a hand in creating.

Two people interact with an exhibit at the Hawai’i Army Museum Society, which recounts the state’s military history, from before Christopher Columbus's day to the Vietnam War. Photograph By Jeffrey Greenberg, Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Art can also be right outside your door. For Freedoms has launched its billboard campaign throughout the U.S., showcasing work by Asian or Pacific American artists.

Opportunities to learn about Asian American culture and history are everywhere, but ultimately, cultural literacy starts with individual relationships, says Pritpal Kaur, education director of the Sikh Coalition. “Getting an authentic review of our experience starts with one-on-one conversations.”

[omaticwriting]

Grand Anomaly: New beginnings [Chapter prologue 1- how it all began]

Hi! now before you read the story I want to make a few things clear.

this story was fully written sometime in 2020 and published on Wattpad (I am simply transferring it here as I feel it would be more comfortable for me than there)

this is part of a bigger series and universe so expect more in the future.

I also plan on doing the same on ao3 so expect that.

with that out of the way. I hope you enjoy the story of book 1 of grand anomaly.

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It was a bright and early morning in a small town in Oregon, birds, rodents and other various animals were still asleep as the early summer sun rose on the horizon. And somewhere in a small bedroom its decorations full of photos and souvenirs of various plants, feathers with some dried and framed, and rocks alongside maps all leading to a forest simply just behind the house, a sleeping child was dozing off in the early morning. The alarm clock on his desk showed 5:59 AM but the peacefulness would change as the blare of the alarm clock rang, followed by the radio announcement.

"Gooooood morning, Oregon!" The speaker beamed. "Today's the first day of summer and that means fun is about to start, the time is 6:00 AM, there will be clear skies and a calm breeze today, and what better way to start, this week with old hits starting with 'I'm gonna learn how to surf' by Del El-Mezoghi." The radio began to play an upbeat tune, waking the young boy, yawning slowly, taking the time to get up, looking around his room, the homely ambiance never leaving, a smile formed on his face as today was the start of something fun.

The young lad had messy black hair from his sleep and black eyes, but the sunlight showed a hint of honey brown in his eyes, and after a quick bathroom break and a quick change from his pajamas he wore a white shirt with black sleeves, at the center was a black triangle along with a backpack, his hair remained messy but not to the extent when he woke up, along with wearing his gray boots and black jeans he was ready to start the day. Running down the stairs he raced towards the dining room, for a hearty breakfast of beans, eggs, and pancakes. That was on his plate as the boy sat down with his dad, granted he wasn't his biological father but that didn't mean they saw him no less as one, "Morning dad." He greeted his dad with an upbeat tone. "Morning Daniel, ready for your camping trip?" He asked his son, who was busy scarfing down his meal due to the excitement before swallowing, as his son answered. "Yeah, I am!" He exclaimed, this was the first official camping trip held by his school and he didn't want to miss any of it. Especially when it's out in the forest of the cascade mountains.

Daniel couldn't keep his excitement in, distracted only by the familiar barking of his dog. Looking at his dog, a husky with a blue-collar labeled 'Alpine' on it, eating his food brought a smile to the already cheerful boy. "Morning to you too boy." Alpine barked at the greeting before resuming to eat, looking back at his dad, he was sipping his coffee, and a smirk formed at how excited his son is for this trip. He knew his son had a knack for adventure and the outdoors, his bedroom was a good example of it, and being the first camping trip outside of town sure seemed to excite him a lot, but a part of him wanted him to be ready and safe for the trip. "Do you have everything for your trip?" He asked, wanting to be sure as his son gave a firm nod but hesitated a moment as he looked at his father." Could I bring Alpine with me on the trip? He's going to love the outdoors." He requested, his father, taken aback by the request made him think, sure he and alpine were inseparable since they first adopted him when he was a pup but he wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but knowing his son well enough he'd sigh as he answered his question, a small smile forming in his face. "Alright, but please be sure to bring things for him on the trip." He asked Daniel, and with he responded "I will!" No sooner, rushing to pack food and other necessities for the trip. 

"Hear that boy, you're coming with me!" He told his faithful furry companion who only barked with joy as he heard the bus come by the front of his house, his smile grew even wider. "I gotta go, dad, wish me luck!" Daniel hugged his father before running out the door and climbing onto the bus, Alpine in tow, bringing a small smile to his father's face as the bus left.

The bus was crowded with kids and teens, overwhelmed and intimidated Daniel, he was only slightly as he and his dog walked to the very back of the bus, wanting to get his dog and himself comfortable, as they watched the windows as houses and other things passed by. He noticed many of the people on the bus he was in talked and hung out with the people across the bus aisle or the seat next to them, bringing some envy to Daniel who for the most part never had any luck with making friends and whatever friends he had gone off to north Cascadia and won't be back for who knows how long, but it won't stop him from trying making new ones, as he watched the view of the window keep moving past him, as the two enjoyed the rest of the trip.

After a long trip the bus stopped at its destination, Daniel and Alpine wasted no time leaving the bus to see the view that wasn't limited to a simple window and the view was breathtaking. Vast mountains and clear skies were in the distance, the sound of wind and rivers filled his ears as he took a deep breath, the air being much cleaner than what he was used to, and taking one step off the bus brought a smile to his face, as this was the start of a new adventure.

[best-chula-vista-ca]

Chula Vista, California, great outdoors

Chula Vista, California, is a beautiful place to live because of the great outdoors available. I love the scenery in Chula Vista, from the ocean views to the beautiful mountain views. You'll get both of these views in just a few miles. I love to stretch my legs and enjoy the surrounding in Chula Vista. Being here offers many things to do to keep you entertained. You can visit some unique museums and learn about history. You’ll also enjoy going to different restaurants and tasting the delicious lunch and dinner. Of course, you should never miss the Lemon festival. 

Otay Ranch apartments in Chula Vista, California

The Residences at Cota Vera is the No. 1 Otay Ranch apartments. It’s an apartment to live life in color. I always love my life to be happy and fulfilling, and just being in this apartment in Chula Vista offers comfort. It provides a vibrant community that’s artfully connecting wellness, unique experiences, and optimal comfort. It’s nice to stroll to the nearby Central District, where you can access the Neighborhood Park. You can play with your furry friends at Bark Park or enjoy swimming in the resort-style swimming pool while drinking some beverages from the nearby shop. 

Three-bedroom apartments in Chula Vista

This three-bedroom apartment in Chula Vista is The Residences at Cota Vera. It’s a very beautiful place to live. There are great amenities, such as a vibrant community. It’s not just a place to call home; it’s an elevated lifestyle. I like the unparalleled selection of apartment amenities that will help you live, work, and play in the Otay Ranch. I enjoy the community that includes a resort-style lap swimming pool and spa, a fitness center, a sky deck lounge, bike storage, and prime access to the amenities in the village, including the Town Center that’s very walkable with hiking trails, shopping centers, a community dog park, and so many more. For inquiries, call 855.713.1587

North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista, California

The North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in Chula Vista, California, is a premier amphitheater that offers an unforgettable concert experience to its members. It’s best to become a member of this amphitheater because you get pre-sale ticket access for selected concerts, a dedicated priority entrance, and a chance to win tickets and fan experiences. You’ll love it here at this amphitheater. It offers a combination of a reserved chairback and open lawn seating. This amphitheater also features a top-tier concert tour from June to November. Based on my experience, it’s truly an unforgettable concert experience.

Chula Vista, two years missing, Maya Millete’s family and friends honor her with a hike

I read from ABC10 News that in honor of the woman from Chula Vista who had been missing for two years, her family and friends honor her with a hike. It was on Saturday that marks the second year since she disappeared. Her husband was arrested for murder, but her body was never found. Her family remembers her walking on the trail near Mount San Miguel Park so many times, so when she went missing two years ago, her family and friends went there hoping they could track her footsteps, but nothing was seen. This year, on her 2nd year missing, they walked the trail again to honor her.  Read more.

Link to maps

North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre 2050 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911, United States Head north on Heritage Rd toward Entertainment Cir 1.8 mi Turn right onto Santa Victoria Road 0.1 mi At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Santa Victoria Road 0.8 mi At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Birch Rd 0.2 mi Turn right onto La Media Rd 1.0 mi Continue onto La Media Pkwy 351 ft Turn right onto Camino Altezza Destination will be on the right 351 ft The Residences at Cota Vera 1575 Camino Altezza, Chula Vista, CA 91913, United States

[realtorsherrybowman]

Middle Tennessee Living: 10 Ways to Enjoy Outdoors

Summertime is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy all that Middle Tennessee has to offer. Whether you're looking for ways to stay active or just want to relax in nature, there's something for everyone. Here are 10 ways to enjoy the outdoors in Middle Tennessee.

1. Go hiking or camping. The trails at Radnor Lake State Park and Percy Priest Wildlife Refuge are perfect for all skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes through the woods. If you'd rather not carry a heavy pack on your back, there are plenty of campgrounds in Middle Tennessee where you can set up a tent and spend the night under the stars.

2. Go birdwatching. There are numerous locations throughout Middle Tennessee where you can enjoy watching birds, from popular spots like Shelby Bottoms Park in Nashville to smaller preserves like Cedar Hill Farm in Dickson. You can also check out a local nature center or Audubon Chapter for more information on spotting and identifying different species.

3. Go kayaking or canoeing. The Cumberland and Harpeth Rivers offer plenty of opportunities for all skill levels to enjoy a day on the water. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard at one of the many local outfitter shops and spend a few hours paddling along the river.

4. Go fishing. Whether you're an experienced angler or are just looking for a relaxing day on the water, there are plenty of places to cast your line in Middle Tennessee. Head down to Old Hickory Lake or Percy Priest Lake and spend the afternoon reeling in bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish.

5. Go golfing. There are numerous golf courses throughout Middle Tennessee, from well-known public courses like McCabe Golf Course in Nashville to smaller, more exclusive clubs like Dixon Golf Club in Franklin. If you're just getting started, many local driving ranges offer lessons and clinics so you can learn the basics before heading out onto the green.

6. Go swimming. There are many public pools and water parks in Middle Tennessee where you can cool off on a hot summer day, from the indoor pool at the YMCA of Nashville to the splash pads and wading pools at local city parks. If you prefer spending time outdoors, head down to Centennial Park in downtown Nashville or Nashville Shores in Hermitage and take a dip in Percy Priest Lake.

7. Go cycling. Whether you opt for one of the many off-road trails or stick to paved roads, there are plenty of great places to go cycling in Middle Tennessee. You can rent bikes at local shops like Bongo Java Bicycles in Nashville, or you can bring your own and hit the trails at places like Shelby Bottoms Park.

8. Go mountain biking. If you're looking for a more challenging ride, check out one of the many mountain biking trails in Middle Tennessee, from the single track at Elliott Road Trailhead to the more advanced trails at Long Hunter State Park.

9. Go rock climbing. If you're an experienced climber, there are plenty of bouldering and crag locations in Middle Tennessee that offer challenging climbs for all skill levels. You can also sign up for lessons or join a local outdoor club to get more tips on improving your skills and finding new trails to explore.

10. Go stargazing. One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Middle Tennessee is to spend a night gazing at the stars. Whether you head out to a local state park like Radnor Lake or pull up a chair on your back porch, there are plenty of opportunities for stargazing throughout the summer months. Just make sure to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses when the sun is at its peak.

There are plenty of great ways to enjoy the outdoors in Middle Tennessee, whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing day on the water. You can find something to do no matter what your interests are, and we hope you'll get out and explore some of these activities this summer.

If you want to explore more about middle Tennessee or need any help with your housing needs, call a realtor in middle Tennessee today!

The changing landscape of middle Tennessee

As the world changes, so does Middle Tennessee. The once rural area is now becoming more and more suburban, as people move in search of a better life. This change has brought new challenges to the area, as well as new opportunities.

One of the biggest challenges that Middle Tennessee is facing is the issue of traffic congestion. With more and more people moving to the area, the roads are becoming increasingly crowded. This has led to longer commute times and more accidents.

To help ease this issue, the state of Tennessee has invested heavily in public transportation. They have added new bus and rail lines, as well as expanding existing ones. This has helped to take some of the pressure off of the roads.

In addition to traffic congestion, another challenge that Middle Tennessee is facing is the issue of affordable housing. As the area becomes more popular, the cost of living has gone up. This has made it difficult for many people to find a place to live that they can afford.

However, there are also some positives that have come with the changes in Middle Tennessee. One of the biggest advantages is the fact that there are now more job opportunities. With more people moving to the area, businesses are expanding and creating new jobs. This has helped to improve the economy of the area.

Overall, the changes that have taken place in Middle Tennessee have both advantages and disadvantages. However, the positives seem to outweigh the negatives. With more investment in public transportation and affordable housing, the area is sure to continue to grow and prosper.

If you need help with your housing needs in Tennessee today, contact a realtor!

The ultimate guide to camping in middle Tennessee

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and Tennessee is a great place to do it. With plenty of parks and campgrounds, there's something for everyone who loves camping. This guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the great outdoors.

When you're planning your camping trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to decide where you want to go. There are plenty of great camping spots in Tennessee, so take some time to look around and find the perfect place for your group. Once you've found a good spot, you'll need to make sure you have all the supplies you need. Make a list of everything you'll need for your trip, and be sure to pack it all before you leave.

Once you're at your campsite, there are plenty of things to do. If you're looking for some relaxation, take a hike or go fishing. If you're feeling adventurous, try out some of the great activities Tennessee has to offer, like canoeing or horseback riding. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a great time camping in Tennessee.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

If you want to know more about living in middle Tennessee, visit these pages of a local real estate agent:

Sherry Bowman

Socials:

Sherry Bowman Facebook Page

Sherry Bowman Instagram Page

Sherry Bowman Twitter Page

Sherry Bowman YouTube Page

Sherry Bowman Reddit Page

Sherry Bowman LinkedIn Profile

Citations:

Sherry Bowman Mapquest

Sherry Bowman Bing

Sherry Bowman Yahoo

Sherry Bowman Zillow Page

[funproapparel]

Essential Guide For Alaska Tourism

Alaska, located at the northernmost point of the continent in the northwest of the United States, is a place full of mystery and magnificent scenery. It is famous for its vast glaciers, majestic mountains, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife, and many people come to admire it in their leisure time. Next, I will write an Alaska travel guide based on the scenery, route, and my own travel experience, hoping to be helpful to you.

1. Anchorage Exploration Tour

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and an exciting and diverse tourist destination. This city combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern facilities, providing visitors with a rich experience.

Day 1: Initial arrival in Anchorage

Upon arrival in Anchorage, you can take a stroll through the city and experience the cold atmosphere of the North.

The natural landscape around Anchorage is breathtaking. The city is located at the foot of the Alaska Mountains, with magnificent mountains and glaciers. You can participate in a helicopter or small plane sightseeing trip, overlooking the magnificent scenery of the Alexander Glacier or Kodiak Glacier. In addition, nearby Chanel National Park and Picaridge National Park are also paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.

Day 2: Alaska Historical and Cultural Tour

Morning: Visit the Anchorage History Museum to learn about Alaska's rich history and culture.

The Anchorage History Museum is located in the city center and is a modern building with a wealth of exhibitions and activities. The warm and educational atmosphere of the museum provides visitors with an opportunity to delve deeper into Alaska's history. Here you can learn about the lifestyle, crafts, and traditional art of Alaska's indigenous people. The museum also showcases the pioneering history of Alaska, including the stories of the Russian colonial period and the United States' purchase of Alaska. Through exhibits, multimedia displays, and interactive displays, you can gain a deeper understanding of the rich diversity and uniqueness of this land.

Afternoon: Visit Earthquake Park and experience the historical impact of the 1964 earthquake.

Otwe is a park that provides pedestrian walkways and scenic spots, allowing visitors to observe the changes in landforms caused by earthquakes up close. In the park, you can see the terrain, fault lines, displaced trees, and other geological features altered by the earthquake. Information signs and signs have been set up in the park to explain the impact of the earthquake and the recovery process, helping tourists better understand this period of history.

Day 3: Ice and Snow Exploration Tour

Morning: Head to the Otwe Crossing Park for ice and snow hiking and snowshoe hiking, enjoying the stunning snow scenery.

The best time for ice and snow climbing and snowshoe hiking is usually in winter, where there is sufficient snow and the weather is relatively stable. Before planning to travel, it is best to check the local weather forecast and road conditions to ensure safety. There are multiple hiking routes to choose from while crossing the park in Otwe. Maps and route suggestions can be obtained at the local tourism information center. Choose a suitable route based on your abilities and interests, and ensure that you return within the specified time.

Afternoon: Experience ice fishing and explore the lakes and rivers around Anchorage.

Ice fishing is usually carried out in winter, and is most suitable when lakes and rivers freeze. It is best to choose ice fishing activities when the weather is stable and the ice thickness is safe.

Ice fishing requires some basic equipment. Here are some suggestions:

Fishing tackle: Bring basic fishing tackle such as fishing rod, line, hook, and float.

Ice fishing drill: a tool used to drill ice holes, ensuring a safe thickness of the ice layer.

Fishing gear box: Carry a fishing gear box for storing fishing gear, bait, and other essential items.

Fishing chairs and tents: You can bring fishing chairs and tents to provide a comfortable place to rest and shade.

Heating clothes: In this extremely cold weather, if we only wear warm clothes, it is not warm enough. We also need some clothes that can heat ourselves to provide heat, such as Funpro heated clothes. At the same time, wear a windproof coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and warm socks, so that you can be warm enough to happily fish or explore the beauty of nature.

2. The Ultimate Experience of Glacier Bay

Day 4: Glacier Bay Fantasy Tour

Morning: Take a cruise to visit Glacier Bay and enjoy the spectacular glacier scenery up close.

Cruise is a common way to visit Glacier Bay. Choosing a suitable cruise ship can provide comfortable accommodation, dining, and entertainment facilities, and take you close to the glacier. On a cruise ship, you can stand on the deck and watch the spectacular sight of glacier avalanches, or choose to participate in organized glacier landing activities to get closer to the glaciers.

Afternoon: Climb the glacier for ice climbing and experience thrilling glacier exploration.

For this type of activity with certain risks, please ensure your physical health and find a tour guide to provide you with basic training and prepare for it. For example, ice climbing techniques, equipment usage methods, and safety precautions. You need to wear professional ice climbing equipment and learn the skills of using ice climbing tools and ropes correctly. Only by doing these preparations can you safely feel the charm of nature and appreciate the magnificent scenery of glaciers.

3. Fairbanks Aurora Adventure

Day 5: Arrive at Fairbanks

Arrive in Fairbanks and prepare for the aurora adventure.

After arriving in Fairbanks, you can stay at a comfortable hotel and explore the city nearby, taste local cuisine, and learn about Fairbanks' history and culture. You also need to learn some knowledge and observation techniques about auroras, local weather conditions, and the best observation locations. Learn how to take beautiful aurora photos and take some beautiful photos of yourself.

Day 6: Aurora Wonder

Evening: Participate in the aurora tour activity, find the best viewing location, and welcome the mysterious aurora spectacle.

The appearance of auroras is a miracle of nature, and their flow and changes make people cannot help but marvel at the mystery and infinity of the universe. When the green, pink, and purple of the aurora intertwine to form a colorful light curtain, you will definitely feel that this trip is worthwhile.

Day 7: Dog sled trip

Morning: Participate in dog sled activities and experience the perfect combination of speed and nature.

This is a wonderful experience that allows you to experience the perfect combination of speed and nature. Under the leadership of the dog team, you will cross the vast snowfield, and in front of you is a vast white world, as if entering a fairytale like kingdom of ice and snow. I feel the excitement brought by speed and the tranquility brought by nature, as if integrated with nature.

Afternoon: Soak in hot springs to relax and enjoy the warm hot springs of Fairbanks.

Fairbanks, a city located near the Arctic Circle, is famous for its warm hot springs. In this cold place, soaking in hot springs has become a unique way to relax the body and mind, allowing people to stay away from the cold and enjoy warm love. When you step into the Fairbanks Hot Springs area, a warm steam hits your face, as if crossing into a warm paradise. When you enter the hot spring pool, the warm water will slowly wrap around your body, soothe your muscles, and make you feel an unprecedented sense of relaxation and tranquility.

4. Danali National Park and Snow Adventures

Day 8: Explore Danali

All day: Go to Danali National Park and participate in snow exploration activities, including snow hiking and snow exploration tours.

When you step into Danali National Park, you will be amazed by the magnificent snowcapped scenery around you. This beautiful destination in Alaska provides you with a rich variety of snow exploration activities, allowing you to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Firstly, you will participate in snow climbing, wear professional climbing equipment, and step up steep mountain peaks with your guide and companions. Every step is a challenge, but your determination and courage will drive you forward. You climb, feeling the strength and endurance of your body, while also enjoying the magnificent scenery around you. The snow covered mountain ranges continue to rise and fall, and the snow under the sunlight shines with dazzling light. You seem to be in a magical world, where the power and beauty of nature inspire awe in your heart.

5. Kenchikan Speed Passion

Day 9: A Different Experience of Ice and Snow

All day: Participate in snowmobile activities, gallop through the snow fields, and feel the excitement of speed and ice and snow.

When you drive a snowmobile through the snow fields of Kenchikan, you will feel an exciting excitement and a sense of speed. This beautiful world of ice and snow will become a paradise for you to pursue adventures, allowing you to unleash your inner passion and courage to the fullest. As the speed increases, you feel the wind whistling past your ears. Your heart beats faster, full of excitement and adventurous passion. Your gaze is attracted by the magnificent scenery around you. Endless white snow covered the earth, and the ice and snow shone with dazzling light under the sunlight. You seem to be in a magical world, integrated with nature.

After spending these nine days, I believe you not only feel the beauty of nature, but also the feeling that it's really cold! So when we go next time, we must bring more warm clothes, such as Funpro heating suits, down jackets, windbreakers, scarves, hats, plush socks, and so on. Finally, I wish everyone a pleasant time here.

[star-whores-a-new-hoe]

A Painful Discovery//Obi Wan X Reader Forever Series: Part 8

Summary: You discover the truth about who you ended up on Courscant.

Word Count: 1.5K

Warnings: Whole lotta angst! like, alot. tiny bit of fluff, typos, messy plot.

A/N:So.....This is the last official chapter in the series! There will be an epilogue wrapping everything up and I know that this is kinda....messy? idk. I’ll make a longer post about this but writing this series has been a wild ride and my writing has improved SOOOOOO much! Also, the name of the series is finally gonna make sense! Thank you to everyone who as been reading this!

Your hands laid tightly clasped in your lap as you looked out the ship’s window, into a world of seemingly endless stars. The sound of your foot tapping against the metal floor echoed through the otherwise silent ship. Your wide eyes stared at the book that sat in a nearby seat. It looked unassuming, as if someone dropped it there without a second thought, but truth be told it was the most honored and feared passenger aboard the ship. 

Your mind wandered back through time. To ignorantly picking up that book a lifetime ago, finding yourself in a strange space place, learning, growing, falling in love. Realizing that there was a possibility of going home again and knowing, deep in your heart that you had to figure it out what happened. 

Behind you, you heard the heavy footsteps of Obi Wan retreating from the cockpit. 

“Hi.” You said quietly, eyes still focused on the blue glow of the  window.

“How are you feeling?”  You bit your lip as you contemplated your answer. 

“Scared.” You decided finally. “I know that’s not very...Jedi of me.” 

His warm reassuring hand found its place on your shoulder.  “There is no shame in ‘scared,’ darling.” 

You looked up at him with grateful eyes. He moved to sit next to you, letting his hand come to rest protectively on your thigh. “We, um, we haven’t talked about some stuff yet.” A thick tension crawled between the two of you. It had a name, but you could place it at the moment.

“I know.” The two of you both had been regretting this conversation. You took a deep breath, before diving headfirst into the difficult. 

“If I figure out how I got here, figure out… how I can get home. What do we do?” You stared up at him, tearful, “I love you Obi Wan, but I also have a home. I...I know I can’t have both.  If I leave, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find my way back. I can feel that this is my only chance.” 

“Do you truly want my advice?” You nodded. “When the time comes, let go. Feel the force run through you, be one with it. You'll know what the right choice is.” 

Without a word you wrapped your arms around Obi’s neck and pulled him in a tight embrace, letting your tears dampen the shoulder of his robes. He cradled the back of your head, praying to whatever was out there that he would get to hold you like this a thousand times more. A lifetime more. But he wasn't going to hold you back if it was what you desired.

“I am very concerned for your safety, you know. The book's warnings seem...quite dire.” In unison, your eyes fell on the ever ominous book.

“I have to try.” You said, your voice barely above a whisper. A silence once again filled the ship. “Whatever happens, I am so fucking glad I met you.” Obi Wan smiles before placing a gentle kiss on your head. 

“I love you too.”

The fear of saying goodbye. That was the name.

                                                           ***

Your limbs felt heavy as you walked off of the ship onto the planet, the book dragging you down as you cradled it in your arms. The planet was lush and green with mountains, fields, and a never ending downpour of rain assaulting from above. Obi walked down the ramp to meet you, carefully placing his cloak upon your shoulders.

“Thank you.” He nodded solemnly.

“I’m hoping that you have read about what we are to do?” 

“Yes, you see that hill.” You pointed towards a small hill a mile or so off. Even from where you stood you could see that it was surrounded by mammoth trees in a perfect circle. “We go there.”

“The book said this?”

“No. I did.”

The quiet trek towards your destination was grueling. The two of you were soaked to the bone when you arrived at the top. It was the best you could do to keep from shaking, from the cold or nerves, you knew not which. You stood there next to him for a moment, taking in the sight of the perfectly symmetrical circle of trees that towered above you, the branches reaching out, covering up any type of light with the exception of the center, which was clear, allowing the rain to pour down  in sheets.

“What does the translation say now?” You looked back down at the book in your hands, slightly damp from being hidden under your soaking robes. Pulling it close to you, you flipped through the pages to find the translation note.

“Meditate. Just sit wherever I’m drawn too, here, and meditate” 

“Really?”

“Yeah, seems a little anticlimactic.” You laughed nervously. You turned on your heel to look up at Obi, unsure of what to say. He softly brought his hand down to stroke your check before leaning down to press your lips to him. You closed your eyes and let yourself be enveloped in the tender embrace. It seemed that no words were needed. Reluctantly, you pulled back, staring up at him and his breathtaking blue eyes, wondering if it was the last time you'd ever see them. 

Pushing that thought from your mind, you turned and walked out into the center of the clearing, letting the rain pour down on you as if it didn't exist. You sat yourself down on the grassy floor and let yourself simply be. You closed your eyes and tried your hardest to let everything go, to connect with everything and be one with it all. Instead it felt like you were standing on the edge of an empty void. Calling out impossible questions that it refused to answer. 

After an eternity, or at least several hours spent in the chilling outdoors, you broke your concentration to look at obi who was silently watching you from where he sat by the base of one of the trees. 

“This is taking a lot longer than I expected.” You said sheepishly.

“That's quite alright. I am very familiar with the difficulties of meditation.” You smiled.

“You can wait with the ship if you want, it is pretty nasty out here.”

“Darling, don't think for a second that I’ll leave your side.”

“I could be hours, and I might not actually find out anything today.” You told him playfully. “You say you’ll wait but how long are you actually willing to stay out here with me?”

He looked at you with a gaze that pierced right through your heart. “Forever.”

***

A few more hours had passed. The grey light that had once barely lit the sky transformed into an all-consuming black that even with the rain was somehow laced with the gentleness of the shining stars. Your fingertips lightly rested on the soft grass, letting you feel your energy connect with them, channeling it all the way down through the planet and up to the sky where it danced with the stars. Once again you were faced with that infinite void looming over you, holding the answers you so desperately needed. But instead of yelling, of trying to force your way in as you had been trying to do for hours, you tried something different. You took a deep breath and simply let it in as opposed to fighting it. 

It was as if a switch had been flicked. With that simple action everything was unveiled to you. You gasped out in pain as it all flashed through your head, almost too fast to comprehend. Obi Wan jumped up, knowing, feeling through the force that something had changed. You stood up as images filled your mind, overwhelming you. Destruction, chaos, and you? You were saved, by what, from what? There was something missing, a piece the universe still had to show you. 

“No, no no no.” You cried under your breath. It was too much. It hurt, it couldn't be possible, it wasn't. Tears streamed down your cloudy eyes as you screamed. Obi Wan ran towards you. He caught you as you collapsed under yourself, your eyes a strange milky white as if you were in some kind of trance. Or nightmare. 

You slowly recovered in his arms, wailing and clinging to him, unable to believe what you had witnessed. 

“What is it, What’s wrong?” 

“It's gone, it's all gone! I-I don’t know how.” You shook in his arms, the rain pouring down on the both of you. “Oh my god, I’m alone.” It was as if you simply broke. He held you, (For what else could he do?) as you fell apart in his grasp, your sobs blending in with the pitter patter of that rain.

Obi Wan could feel it too, In the force that surrounded you. He pieced it together as he held you tightly. He figured out that all this time, everything you knew, everything you fought to get back in your life, had been gone, obliterated, simply lost. And that you, by some miracle were different. He didn't know if it was the book or your force sensitivity but something had saved you. But could it really be called “saved” if everything you knew was gone? 

His heart ached for you as everything inside you collapsed. it was all he could do to hold you as the rain poured down. 

[shahir-usmani]

Makran: The Grand Canyon of Pakistan

Makran is the coastal region of Baluchistan, Pakistan. The diversity in landscape is prominent especially in the Hingol National Park region of Makran, which is the largest National Park of Pakistan. It is full of mesmerizing rock formations, beautiful beaches, and mud volcanoes.

If you ever live in the largest city of Pakistan, or arguably “the largest in the world” which is Karachi, you will not have access to lush green mountains or waterfalls as portrayed in the usual travel diaries about Pakistan. In most cases, urban centers have access to other forms of entertainment to keep the balance like Dubai. Attractions such as theme parks, preserved natural lands, man-made nature parks, or clean beaches.

Unfortunately due to being the most diversified city in Pakistan, Karachi has been the center of conflict for many claimant, which ultimately overshadowed the importance of extracurriculars and non formal activities. Nature falls into the least of the bothers for those in power. It is proven during the recent floods that Karachi’s natural habitat has been obliterated. Illegal constructions also played a big part in destroying the ecological system of Karachi.

Ultimately this is the definition of a Graveyard for Nature Lovers

So, what should a Karachi’s Nature Boy do to satisfy the urge? What should you do if you are sick of outdoor food, farmhouses, and overcrowded polluted beaches? Where to find those beautiful destinations having mountains, sceneries, vast landscapes, clean beaches, and wilderness to fill up the appetite?

The answer is; A drive through the Makran Coastal Belt.

This is what I have been doing for the last 15 years and in quite recent years at least three times a year. Fortunately I have been working with some global YouTube Travelogue Creators as their Video Editor. So when I took my trip this time, I filmed it with the intention of creating a story as I have learned during my editing experiences. I have also created English subtitles as I narrated the story in Urdu. You can check out the video below if you prefer watching rather than continue the read.

The Journey

The first major stop that you will make during your journey from Karachi towards Hingol National Park, Makran is Kund Malir Beach. It is located approximately 250 km west of Karachi. Depending on the season when you are driving through the Makran Coastal Highway, you will experience sand storms and low visibility reminding us of the powers of nature as you start the journey on the Makran Coastal Highway towards Kund Malir Beach.

The most unique thing about Kund Malir Beach is that it is located near Buzi Pass Mountain range. Just at the beginning of Buzi Mountain Range there is  a newly built viewing platform that provides scenic views of the Kund Malir beach, a heaven for photography lovers.

Continuing on to the Makran Coastal Highway towards the Buzi Top you will witness some of the most strangest rock formations which are similar to the Grand Canyon Arizona in the United States. There is a unique experience of its own at the Buzi Pass at different times of the day and seasons. If you are there on a dark night with clear skies, it would be some of the most astonishing stargazing experience. The night sky looks like a dome instead of a roof. When you look towards the ocean from the top, the vast star formations just dips into the dark ocean. On a night with bright moonlight the ocean and rock formations looks just dazzling with moonlight reflecting off the ocean and mountains. Being a frequent visitor, I am fortunate enough to witness all the seasons and times.

Princess of Hope

In Buzi Pass you will come across Princess of Hope which was named by Angelina Jolie during her visit to Pakistan in 2004.

Natural Rock Formations Depicting an Ancient Civilization

The rock formations depicts the remains of an ancient civilization but it is hard to believe that these formations were result of erosions through the ocean winds. Continuing on to there will be some amazing views of the ocean and mountains.

Hingol National Park

Just before the Kund Malir beach, there is a gate towards Hingol National Park. It is largest nation park in Pakistan. There are many animal species that are found there including Persian leopard, Ibex, Marsh crocodile, and Houbara bustard.

Temple of Hinglaj Mata

Hinglaj temple is located approximately 12 km inside the national park when entered from the Makran Coastal Highway. The road to the temple follows the Hingol River. There are some of the most beautiful landscapes with the combination of mountains and river. The temple is surrounded by huge cliffs with a stream of water flowing beneath.

Don’t forget to check this montage I made during my recent trip

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and Follow me on my Instagram as well for more of my travel stuff.

[quasieli]

The Other Side of the Tree

[AO3 Link]

Just on the other side of the tree waited a world Vilya had not seen in nearly three decades. She looked back to the halfling woman, who gave her a reassuring smile as she stepped through and rejoined her old life.

///

What could be said about a night like tonight? The air around Zephrah was beginning to warm, mixing with the cool breeze wafting from the tides below the mountainous peaks. It was a gentle sort of heat, one that welcomed bared skin and the jovial freedom of the summer months. While the changing of seasons may have just been an ordinary part of the passing year for most, to the Ashari, it meant so much more. Each of the four elemental clans celebrated the solstices and equinoxes in their own special ways, but one thing was constant between all these celebrations; community. The population of the likes Zephrah and Terrah were minuscule compared to some of the grander cities of Tal'dorei, but this built intimacy amongst the communities. Even if the inhabitants weren't all related by blood, every one was family.

While the festivities that took place every year remained much of the same, there was still much planning to do to make sure it was as joyous as it was every year. While many members of the town sorted their own smaller traditions, it was Keyleth, the young Half-Elven leader of the Air Ashari, who took the reigns on handling the grander displays. This was a job that Keyleth had enjoyed doing every single year, even in the years before her coronation as the Voice of the Tempest. Change, while scary, was something Keyleth thought beautiful and joyous, and it was always her honor to help bring in the season to her people.

There was nearly a week until the festivities began and on this particular night Keyleth, along with her father and a small group of other volunteers, made their way to southern edge of the town, where a small outdoor proscenium was being set to host the start of the festivities. This night was a dress rehearsal of sorts, with Keyleth not simply bounding around doing all her normal planning duties, but doing it while also cloaked in her large, vibrant ceremonial mantle. As she paced about, making sure everything was up to standard, her father eyed her nervously. Korrin knew there was no stopping his daughter when she set her heart to something, he wouldn't dream of breaking her down like that, but that didn't stop him from worrying as he saw her skin looking a little paler than usual.

Attempting to be surreptitious, Korrin slowly approached his daughter, stood at the end of the small stage, flipping through a multi-paged check list. He hummed gently before placing a hand upon her shoulder, hoping not to startle her. Keyleth barely seemed phased by the gesture, only turning to look as her father cleared his throat. "Oh, hi dad! Need any help with anything?"

Korrin choked back a somewhat incredulous laugh, simply smiling at his daughter instead. "You've done enough, my dear. I was actually going to suggest we take a bit of a break, the group could use it."

Keyleth eyed the small gathered crowd stood in the seating area, they all seemed to be minding their own business as Keyleth worked. Confused, she turned an eye back to her father and could see the slight knit in his brow, and understood what he really meant.

"Of course, dad."

Korrin let out a sigh of relief, he was glad to see she was finally learning to actually take a break.

"I just have one last thing to test!"

Or not.

Making her way over to the center of the stage, Keyleth’s stride came to a halt at the sudden appearance of a cramp, clutching the back of her left thigh as she fell to a knee. Her father was quickly behind her, worry immediately set in his face. “Keyleth! Are you okay?” He placed a hand upon her shoulder, readying to help her up, but took pause as he realized she needed a moment.

Keyleth groaned, kneading at the tense muscle beneath her fingers. She hissed through her teeth as the ache slowly faded, responding, “I’m fine, dad... dad?”

Keyleth turned as she felt her father’s hand leave her shoulder; he was staring at something, so were the others. Time seemed to freeze as Keyleth turned her eyes to the spectacle they all beheld. Some twenty feet away stood an ancient tree, one that nearly rivaled the famous Sun Tree of Whitestone in its grand size. Keyleth watched as a line of white light zipped down its ruddy bark, a sight she was familiar with, even if she had not seen it in some time.

Quickly she got to her feet, her muscles stiffening once more, but this time in the defensive. Her body then relaxed as she saw only a single figure walk through, letting out a heavy sigh of relief. At least it was good to see that her reflexes were still top notch.

Still, there was the question: who was stepping through?

The first thing that caught her eye was the vibrant vines that took the place of the figure’s left leg, immaculate and sturdy as evidence by the creature’s smooth movement. No, not smooth, not even confident. The figure seemed to hesitate momentarily as they stepped through the tree, but it was not due to a lack of balance or faith in the constructed appendage. As Keyleth’s eyes made their way up to the figure’s face, a wave of gasps and murmurs set over the small crowd. By the time her eyes had adjusted to the sight, she realized there was no mistaking who this was.

Without a second thought, Keyleth hopped off the small stage and ran forward, tightly embracing the mother she had not seen in nearly three decades. The warmth of her sun darkened skin, the smell of sea salt in her hair, the erratic fluttering of a still beating heart; she was too real for this to be a dream. It wasn’t long before another force pressed into Keyleth’s back, the feeling of a hug from her father was unmistakable

Father, mother, their daughter in between. The trio stood wrapped in each other’s arms for a long moment, not a word spoken, but many tears had already been shed. When Korrin finally released Keyleth from the sandwich between him and her mother, he stood back momentarily, his hands on both of Vilya’s shoulders. Through his tear streaked vision he took her in, reacquainting himself with every beautiful feature of her face. He didn’t really need to, his daughter was nearly a mirror image, but it didn’t hurt to convince him that this was all really real. Still, he ran a thumb along her cheek to brush away a tear, gently cupping the cheek and holding it as he continued to marvel.

Vilya was the first to speak, breaking the silence with a simple, “Hello" as she nuzzled deeper into her husband's hand. The simple greeting made Keyleth choke back sobs once more, cupping her hands over her mouth as if to stop it from making any noise. Vilya looked to her daughter and chuckled, "Keyleth..."

After a moment, Keyleth's arms fell limp to her sides. "Mama..." the word was barely a creak in her sob strained throat, but it was more than enough for Vilya to begin to tear up once again. Keyleth remained limp as her mother came in for another hug, letting her mother take her into her arms and hold her. She felt like a child, but not in the ways that she had always hated. When others mistook her naivete for immaturity, that brewed an angry fire in her stomach. But this, this was a youth Keyleth had dreamed of for decades, and even though those days were long gone, she was very glad to at least momentarily go back to them.

Resting her head on her mother's shoulder, Keyleth creaked once more, "You came back."

Vilya hummed warmly, the low rumble in her chest vibrating through Keyleth, "I always said I would."

Korrin, still in shock, stood beside the pair, just watching on, agape. After a few more moments of baffled silence, he nervously piped up, "That's a nice piece of druid crafting you got there."

Vilya turned to her husband, still holding her daughter tightly under one arm, and saw he was looking towards her leg. "Ah, yes... well, what is it they say? Necessity is the mother of invention."

Looking down, Keyleth's eyes bulged as she now took in the sight of her mother's natural prosthetic, curiously eyeing it. "You made that!? Mom, that's insane!"

Vilya chuckled, finally taking in a moment to take in the breadth of her daughter. Her daughter, The Voice of the Tempest.  "By the looks of you, I would think something like this would look quite gauche."

"Please, mom! That's so cool! You have to show me how to do... oh! I know a kid in Terrah who could really use something like this, I could present one to Pa'tice next time we have a tribunal..." As Keyleth continued to ramble on, Vilya watched with warm reverence. She was gone for over twenty years, she had been so afraid everything would feel so different, and yet, she already felt like she was home. Things had changed, sure, but her family remained.

Finding a moment in her daughter's excitement to interject, Vilya began, "We have a lot we have to talk about. I have... many stories to share."

"As do I," Keyleth replied, bright eyed, but with a new adopted air of wisdom surrounding it. Vilya was overjoyed to see that mantle upon her shoulders, it couldn't fit her better. She knew the woman she was seeing before her was her daughter, but she was also the leader of their people, something she must have worked very hard to achieve. Vilya had been worried she was going to see a stranger when she looked to Keyleth, but the joy and exuberance behind those eyes had not faded. She had grown immensely into a fine young woman, but she was elated to see that she still knew her girl.

"I can't wait to hear them all. I have a few I'd like to tell you soon, and I think I'd like to start with the most recent."

[bitter-sweet-farmgirl]

Eboras

Part 3 in a five part series in which OC flees from Thorin after he goes mad from the gold-sickness and rages at her.  But his presence follows her across Middle Earth.  Link to Part 1.  Link to Part 2.

MASTERLIST

OC(s) Used:  Estelle

Word Count: 1,134

Translation(s): None

~~~~

Was it normally so boring here?  If I had thought that working in a cloth merchant's stall in Minas Tirith had been bad, I was now sorely mistaken.  Eboras was much worse.  

It wasn't as if the place wasn't interesting, it was just...  To put it bluntly, dull.  The only thing to do around here was patrol borders, race horses, do housework and tend gardens, and watch horse races.  The lives of the Rohirrim revolved around their horses.

Although, it was a great place to think.  It wasn't as noisy as Minas Tirith, which I enjoyed.  I preferred the cool air on my skin, and grass beneath my feet.  I loved being out in nature, getting to explore the unknown and just have the day to myself.  The love of all things outdoors must have come from being cooped up in that Cursed Mountain for so many days I supposed.  

Today was not much different from any other day around Eboras, and I trekked around the hills. discovering new sights and animals that I had never seen before.  This was helpful in two ways; first, it helped occupy my time, and second, I was learning the terrain.  In the not so unlikely event where I was discovered again, I would have a leg up on my pursuers and hopefully be able to lose them in the mountains around Eboras.

As I neared the thatched huts of the village, I stopped to pick a exceptionally beautiful flower that I had never seen before and tuck it into the braids of my hair.  I had never bothered to remove Thorin's courting braid after I had left.  I kept it as a memento of him, to keep his memory alive within my mind.

After I had seen Fili and Kili in the marketplace of Minas Tirith, after supposing they were dead, I had begun to wonder about Thorin.  Surely he would have come with them if he had been alive, right?  Or had he finally fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming King Under the Mountain?  The second idea was highly unlikely because I surely would have received word if he had become King.  

I now had even more reason to believe that Thorin was dead, and my heart felt like it had taken a Morgul arrow straight through its center.  I had always entertained the idea that he was still alive and well, but now...  I found it impossible to try and hope that he was alive.  

Part of me wished for news of the Cursed Mountain, but none had come to Eboras.  The people here were not concerned with it or its gold, prefering to tend to their own business.  Strangers were rare in these parts.

A strong gust of the clear mountain wind blew back my raven locks, and I felt a soft muzzle against my back.  A laugh escaped my rosy lips as I turned to see Ciara standing there, her dark ears pricked towards me as she nudged me again.  

She had put on some weight, being out on the rich pastures of the Rohirrim and not being rode much.  But she was still my swift pony at heart, and I knew that she would be capable of long distance sprints if I needed her to do so.

"Hello, Ciara.  Do you miss our rides, my beauty?"  I murmured to her, and she snuffled, nosing my open palm.  "Sorry girl, no treats today."  I giggled, and she seemed to be disappointed.  But then she raised her head to look at something over my shoulder.  Her light-coloured eyes were curious, and I wondered what had caught her attention.

Turning, I let out a gasp of surprise as I saw who was jogging towards me.  "Bofur?"  I whispered, my blue eyes wide with horror.  I thought Eboras was far enough away, but apparently not.

"Estelle, I've been all over looking for ya!"  Bofur said, panting as he hurried towards me.  "I have to tell ya something."  

I tried to back away, but he grabbed my wrist.  "Estelle, ya need to listen."  He said, his dark brown eyes locked onto mine.  I shook my head, trying to pull away from him, but I found that his grip was deceptively strong.  

"Bofur, let me go.  I don't want to hurt you, but if I have too..."  I trailed off meaningfully, but he took no notice.  

"Estelle, there is something ya need to hear about--"  I cut him off with a swift punch to his jaw.  His hand went limp around my wrist as his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell back, unconscious.  

I was very confident in my warrior skills due to Thorin having trained me during the journey to Erebor, curse its name.  He was the best teacher I had ever had, and his prowess showed in me.  Although, many of the training sessions had ended up without much training taking place at all.  Just an exchange of words.

Grabbing Ciara's bridle, I led her towards the village, towards my hut that I had finally begun to call my own, after only a few months of living here.  I'd only just begun to feel at home here among the Rohirrim, but now that was changing.

Gathering my meager things, I packed them up onto Ciara's back and climbed onto her back.  "Let's ride, Ciara.  Far away from here."  I urged, kicking her into a trot as we traveled down the

mountain slope, passing by Bofur's unconscious form.

I did feel bad about hurting him, but I'd tried to warn him.  He didn't take me seriously, which a lot of people seemed to do since I was a Dwarrowdame.  I tried to push him out of my mind, but his words bugged me.

What did I need to hear?  Was it news from the Cursed Mountain?  I didn't really want to know, but my curiosity was aroused.  Perhaps I would hear it later in my travels.  Surely I might meet someone on the road that could tell me any recent news, or perhaps the Elves of Lothlorien would know more.  They were quite knowledgeable about many things...

For now I needed to concentrate on traveling as quickly as possible and getting to my destination as fast  as I could.  I wanted to be far away from Eboras, and well out of sight before Bofur woke up.  I knew he would find some way to communicate with Dwalin, Fili and Kili to inform them of my whereabouts.

Now I was honestly quite curious as to exactly why they were searching me out.  Perhaps it had something to do with whatever Bofur had tried to tell me?  I knew it was not because of Thorin because he was most likely dead, from what I knew.  This was all so strange...

[kokkoro]

Just like Heaven

Living large in a fresh and exciting new relationship, Clarke decides there’s no harm in joining her girlfriend of a month and half on a camping trip into the mountains. Little does she know it’s not the camping she’s used to.

Will she survive? Most likely. Will she enjoy it? That’s still up in the air.

(enjoy a sneak peek of the fic below. Coming maybe soon to an ao3 near you)

-

She should have said no. Is the immediate thought that crosses Clarke Griffin’s mind upon exiting the passenger seat of her girlfriend’s jeep wrangler with a severely under-prepared bag of camping essentials. When she pictured camping, she thought of those tightly packed sites with their numbers and pre-placed picnic tables dented and nicked by previous visitors, a minute walk away from the nearest bathroom--three if you were unlucky. Definitely not the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center of the white mountain national forest with only the trail in sight.

“I’ll be right back,” Lexa says, reaching out to touch her elbow, and Clarke feels a little betrayed by the way her heart skips as she watches Lexa bound up the steps into the visitors office, the lanyard with her keys dangling from the back pocket of her shorts.

Two other cars pull into the small parking lot as the door swings shut with a sharp wire-like groan, squeaky on its hinges. Clarke only takes one glance, seeing the vaguely familiar faces of Lexa’s friends as they roll up their windows and turn down music, before turning back around.

Lexa appears another minute later, and she smiles at the sight of Clarke still by the bottom of the steps. She quickly closes the distance.

“We’re all set,” Lexa says, practically a whisper as her hand finds Clarke’s hip and she steals a kiss.

“Cool,” Clarke whispers back on the exhale, opening her eyes just in time to see the soft curve of Lexa’s smile.

“Do you need help with anything from the car?”

“Uh...” She thinks, unable to piece together a coherent thought in the wake of those very nice lips smirking at her. “No. I’m good.”

Lexa eyes her, and Clarke feels her fiddling with the belt loops of her shorts. She comes to the conclusion pretty quickly, wrapped up in Lexa’s arms, that there’s no way in hell she’s making it out of this alive.

-

“So you’ve… done this before?”

Clarke’s head turns, looking back behind her on the trail. Anya, Clarke remembers Lexa telling her, tall and stupidly in shape much like the rest of Lexa’s close friends. Adidas tank and hiking boots, camping gear all rolled up neat beneath a backpack that has a holder attached to the strap for a water bottle. There’s not one sign of exhaustion halfway through their trek to camp and there’s that spark of jealousy at the ease of motion Clarke watches her weave along the trail.

“I, uh--” Clarke reaches for a tree, pulls herself up forward along the steady incline of the trail. “Can’t really say it's ever been on my to do list.”

Probably would have never been had it not been for Lexa. It’s nice, Clarke guesses, smells fresh. So much so that the outdoors seems to have crawled up her nose, decided it liked what it found, and pitched its own tent.

“Jumped right into the deep end,” Anya says, following step for step. “I’m surprised.”

Clarke glances ahead, around Lincoln and his girlfriend, past Echo and a guy she didn’t bother learning the name of, trying for a glimpse of Lexa leading the way to camp. What she finds is Lexa stealing glances. Head turned, peeking between the others as they wander up the trail. There’s this unmistakable smile in her eyes.

“Me too.”

--

To be honest it reminds her a lot like how they met. Maybe not so much the particulars, but the essence--that fits. Refreshing. New.

Warm.

It’s pretty, too, Clarke will give it that, though it's impossible to ignore the aching burn in her thighs and the way her knees wobble as the group disperses among the clearing, footsteps soft among dirt and crushed pine. Through the break in the trees, the lake isn’t far off, glinting enticingly underneath the afternoon sun, and the gentle murmur of the nearby stream sits just under the breeze that filters through branches. It leaves Clarke pleasantly at ease even as she struggles to (under her breath) regulate her breathing following that last rigorous mile of their hike. Clarke hopes going down is a lot easier than it was going up.

Lexa stops beside her, thumbs hooked around the straps of her backpack, watching as the group squabbles about claiming spaces, dumping bags of clothes and gear and stretching the soreness of muscles.

“What do you think about over there?” Lexa points with her right hand, discreet, to a small patch of cleared forest floor a little further away and closer to the water than the others. Clarke studies it, but finds nothing really to write home about. She chalks it up to the aesthetic.

Bags unzip, this small compact fold out picnic table is assembled in three minutes flat thanks to Lincoln, a small cooking station set up on top that consists of griddle and a couple of pans. The good thing about traveling with near professionals, it seems, is that these tasks are completed without much need for her help, and Clarke is more than happy to be supervisor as Lexa pitches the tent with little interference on her part. Helpful or otherwise.

Clarke doesn’t complain.

--

The fire crackles, roars as it's prodded and poked and fed. Clarke watches the sparks with this kind of weary eyed acceptance, Lexa on the ground in front of her between her legs. She’s draped herself against the plane of Lexa’s back, arms tucked in between for optimal warmth, face pressed against the smooth slope of her girlfriend's shoulder, and the smell of the smoke and what remains of dinner is more than enough to make her drowsy. Her eyes open and close and minutes seem like seconds between them.

The fire is warm, but Lexa is warmer.

“--and he just wipes out, face first.” A ripple of genuine laughter rises from the earth.

Clarke opens her eyes, peering over Lexa’s shoulder at the fire and the way the flames flicker and gasp. The coals glow bright, and Lexa uses the stick she holds to push things around in the lull that follows. Clarke readjusts, unfolding her arms and wrapping them around Lexa’s waist. She feels the little hum Lexa exhales, resting the palm of her hands over Lexa’s stomach, feeling the residual heat from the fire.

Lexa shifts, and Clarke’s eyes drift closed in what she knows to be bliss. A second later she feels the kiss Lexa presses to her forehead. “Are you falling asleep?” Lexa asks, voice quiet.

Clarke nods.

“How long have you guys been together?” comes Echo’s voice from across the fire and it’s enough to sever the illusion of privacy she thought she had tucked close to Lexa’s back.

When Lexa doesn’t answer, Clarke responds, “two months,” and it comes out muffled into Lexa’s shirt. No one needs to know she’s rounding up.

“Two months? That’s it?” Echo responds and Clarke isn’t quite sure how to take the surprise that crosses her face. “Two months and you let this one drag you halfway across the country and six miles into the mountains? Must be love.”

“It sounded nice when she offered,” Clarke half-heartedly defends with a shrug, and she feels Lexa chuckle. No one needs to know that week ago she had been distracted enough that the thought of saying no hadn’t even crossed her mind.

Lexa pats her leg. “Do you want to go to bed?”

Clarke nods again, breathing in the earthy scent that clings to Lexa’s shirt. She lets go when Lexa moves to stand, her arms falling to her sides, and Lexa stretches once on her feet, languid and prolonged and Clarke watches because she can.

“Is the food taken care of?” Lexa asks no one in particular as she helps Clarke up. Once Clarke is standing, Lexa distractedly brushes the bits of dirt and grass off Clarke’s shirt.

Anya waves her off. “I’ll hang it up, don’t worry.”

“Please,” Lexa says as she reaches for Clarke’s hand.

“Hang up the food?” Clarke whispers once they’re out of the main cast of light. The pine needles crunch softly under foot and Lexa flicks on a battery powered lantern hung along the main support of the tent, plucking it from its hook. Behind them the voices carry as the conversation continues without them, but the quiet ring of Lexa’s laughter is unmistakable.

“Bears.”

“Bears?” Clarke squeaks. Her grip on Lexa’s hand tightens.

Lexa glances back at the noise, and Clarke can see bits of fire dancing playfully in her eyes before she turns back around. Lexa gently coaxes her right hand from Clarke’s grasp, reaching for the zipper of the tent and tugging. The zipper whirs. “We’re in the open woods, Clarke. Of course there are bears.”

Lexa ducks inside after slipping off her shoes and Clarke sticks close, scrambling in under the flap. The soft glow of the lantern spills out into the nooks and crannies, and Lexa places it near the edge and then neatly goes about stripping from her tank. She pulls a loose t-shirt from her bag, slips it over her head.  

Clarke follows suit. She finds a pair of sweatpants that are most likely Lexa’s, clothes thrown together, split between two backpacks when they hastily packed the night before. Things pile in the little divot around the perimeter of the tent, shirts Clarke doesn’t have the energy to wrestle back into her bag, stepping out of her pants and into the sweats as Lexa begins laying out the sleeping bags over the air mattress.

“It gets cold at night.”

Clarke lets out a huff of laughter, precariously balanced on one foot as she peels off a sock. “I’m cold right now.”

“There’s something to be said about consistency, then,” Lexa says with this quiet, teasing smile. “I have an extra blanket.”

Clarke shakes her head, tossing her socks in the general vicinity of her bag. Lexa watches them sail past their mark.

“Not a word,” Clarke says as she plops down at the edge of the mattress, glancing towards Lexa but her eyes find the insufferable quirk to Lexa’s lips. There are no words, just the widening of Lexa’s smile as she trails after her, bending over to brace her hands on either side of Clarke’s thighs. The mattress stiffens under the extra weight as Lexa leans in to kiss her.

“I’m glad you came.”

--

She sleeps like the dead, though according to Lexa that isn’t really anything new. It is a surprise considering the current... accommodations, but all things considered, Lexa is with her. Sleep is going to be as good as ever.

And for once when she wakes up Lexa is still beside her.

Clarke blinks, half of mind to think it’s a mirage. She doesn’t bother clearing her throat, and her voice comes out as gravely as coarse sandpaper. “You’re still here?”

Lexa smiles even though she doesn’t open her eyes. “Were you not expecting me to be?”

“I figured you’d be taking advantage of having basically the entire wilderness at our doorstep,” Clarke says, sneaking a cold hand under the hem of Lexa’s shorts.

“We’re here for a week,” Lexa drawls, the sound turning into this low hum somewhere deep in her throat. “I have plenty of time.”

[prinz-alexiares]

Deputy Blair R. O’Connell

I’ve had this OC since, like, 2018 but I was too lazy to assemble her design together so here she is lol

BASIC INFO

Name: Blair Rhiannon O’Connell

Nickname: Deputy/Dep, Blair, Ree (only by family)

Age: 26

Birthdate: January 19th

Gender: Female

Ethnicity/Nationality: Irish-Welsh-American

Height/Weight: 172 cm / 68 kg

Blood Type: B

Occupation: USAF Marksman (former), Deputy Sheriff of Hope County 

Hair Color: Black with red-brown undertone

Eye Color: Grey

Likes:

Winter

Guns ‘N Roses

Rain

Open nature and mountains

Spicy food

Canine animals

Warm bath

.50 cal firearms

Dislikes:

Sweets

Summer

Crowded places

Being teased/played with

Shotgun

Empty desert

Hobbies:

Outdoor related activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking

Looking at animal memes

Randomly wandering outside or sit somewhere in the forest and do nothing

Reading peculiar books

Petting all the dogs in the ‘hood

Fixing/cleaning/modifying her weapons while blasting classic rock songs on the radio

Soaking herself in a bathtub full of warm water

Personality:

Blair has a bold style and vibe, and she carries a rather thuggish demeanor. She looks and acts more masculine, although she also shows her femininity in a lot of ways as well.

She is somewhat reckless, often acts first before she thinks. She introspectively sees this as her weakness, as she repeatedly made bad decisions in the past that negatively affected people around her. But on a brighter side, she comes out as an ‘action’ person who gets things done. It also makes her seem more courageous and reliable than most people.

She can get very selfish. A lot of decisions she makes would consider her ideals stronger than anything else. But the good side is that she always wants to do the ‘right thing’ by helping others or solve problems, although the result still relies heavily on her own judgement.

She describes herself as ‘childish and mature at the same time’, hinting at her recklessness and self-centered tendencies as being ‘childish’, while her natural leader and calculating nature as the ‘mature’ side. Her service in the USAF had helped her to polish her leadership and logical thinking skills, although they sometimes are hindered by her emotions.

Five Songs in Her Playlist:

Metallica - Nothing Else Matters

Guns ‘N Roses - November Rain

Queens of The Stone Age - Make It Wit Chu

Guns ‘N Roses - Paradise City

Radiohead - High and Dry

‘GET TO KNOW THIS FELLA BETTER’ SECTION

Childhood

Blair was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a devoted Catholic family as an only child. Her business consultant father was an immigrant from Ireland, and her teacher mother was a Welsh-American. They enrolled her into all-girls Catholic schools throughout her elementary and a half of her junior high-school years. However, that didn’t stop her from developing interest in hobbies more commonly enjoyed by boys. She enjoyed baseball, soccer, wall climbing, skateboarding, and plenty of other outdoor activities. She also made friends with boys around her neighborhood and used to walk her dogs with them as well.

During her school years, she was very competitive at school and very confident with herself. She liked presenting her work, actively asking and answering questions during lessons, and she was becoming more and more critical about her surroundings. Her teachers disliked her boldness, as it was seen as a sign of disobedience. They tried to shut her down by treating her differently than her other peers; giving her more disadvantages and having her voice ignored in the classrooms. Young Blair got discouraged and frustrated that she threw a lot of tantrums and started to become less and less compromising when she was faced with problems. She then began to show her violent tendencies as she repeatedly involved in fistfights and physical bullying. Her parents were mad at her once she was given detention from school, but upon learning the truth, they moved her to a mixed, secular private school.

However, her violent tendencies were never addressed properly thus carried until later in her life.

Before Eden’s Gate

Blair was first introduced to open nature, firearms, and hunting when she celebrated winter holiday at her grandfather’s place in Montana. He was a Vietnam War veteran, and through him she learned about the old M1903 Springfield and Winchester Model 70 for the first time. Blair had been visiting him almost every winter holiday since she was 13, learning all the stuff about guns and hunting. She was very fascinated and inspired by her grandfather that she planned to follow in his footsteps to live as a hunter.

But her metropolitan parents were against her ideas, which disappointed her. They later discussed her future and agreed upon a condition that Blair would return to formal school, taking defense studies, and/or enlisting herself in the military or police department. She did enlist to the USAF, spending about 4-5 years in service. She was in the marksman course and tasked as sniper for an Advanced Designated Marksman team in the Middle-East. She was known to be a formidable marksman with plenty of kill records. Although she didn’t experience much combat, it was enough for her to see how complex and dangerous things were, and killing people because she was told to do so wasn’t a pleasure. She also lost her teammate once; a spotter, shot by an enemy sniper.

Once she got home, she spilled the surprising news to her parents that she quit the military. She tried to seek redemption from the extreme guilt she brought home from the war. She went to Montana and stayed in her late grandfather’s cabin while thinking about what to do next. She then applied to several police and sheriff offices in Montana, wishing she’d make things up by protecting people as a police officer. Not long after, she got accepted in a sheriff office located in a remote county, telling her that they’re in dire need of someone capable of handling civil unrest situations. She wondered why, and chose to go.

PEG Turmoil

Blair tried to make peace with her past, but being involved in PEG turmoil forced her to relive her past instead. At first, seeing no way out, she decided to play along; rescuing resistance members, destroying PEG infrastructures, and becoming the pawn for the local residents’ revenge against the cult. But the more people she killed, the more destruction she created, the more frustrated she became. She started to put the Seeds’ words into her consideration. She also spoke to some of the locals who wished there would be another way to deal with the Peggies instead of going all out civil war.

She is stuck between acknowledging that the cult is probably right, that what she’s done is a severe crime and makes her no different than the cult, but she can’t leave behind the people and everything she has been fighting for.

Relationships:

Joseph Seed: The man just feels unsettling for her. Like there is something about him that makes her guts tell her how he is a trustworthy person. But her brain tells her he’s a psychopath who murders everyone to get his way with the world he resents. She hasn’t figured out whether she can trust his words or not.

John Seed: She thinks of him as a typical upper-class man with enormous wealth and power in possession who likes to exploit those who are more inferior than him. He has a superiority complex, perhaps, and Blair has heard about what happened between him and his adoptive family. She also knows his ‘obsession’ towards her, and she prefers to use it as a weapon to taunt him.

Jacob Seed: The Seed she can relate to the most, but also feels like an intense rival of hers. She has complicated feelings about him; she respects him. His values and views make sense to a certain extent, but she can’t deny that he IS a war criminal and he must be held responsible for all the horrible shit he has done. But after all the destruction she created, she comes into terms that they both are of the same kind after all. However, she won’t be intensely facing him off if not for the brainwashing trials and his hunting rituals.

Faith Seed: She feels nothing but pity towards her. She has heard what Joseph has done to her, and what happened to the previous ‘Faiths’. She treats Faith as nothing more than Joseph’s pawn, who probably has no freedom in making any decision at all.

Trivia:

Her name ‘Blair’ is of Scottish-Gaelic origin. It means ‘plain’, ‘field’, or ‘battlefield’, while her middle name ‘Rhiannon’ is of old Celtic origin which means ‘divine queen’. Her surname ‘O’Connell’ is a common Irish surname which means ‘wolf’ or ‘hound’. 

When her hair isn’t tied up, it has medium length that almost reaches her shoulders.

She equips red and grey-checkered MBP .50 with cylinder suppressor, cherry-painted silenced M60, red-painted silenced SMG-11, and a red-painted RPG. When she isn’t in her stealthy mood, she packs Jacob’s rifle and M249.

She has had a smoking habit since high school. She stopped smoking for a while during her service in USAF, but continued after she quit the military. Her favorite cigarette is Lucky Strike.

She is addicted to eyeliner.

She wears her military dog tag as a memorabilia.

Her type of man is someone who can tame and handle her ‘chaotic side’.

Unlike her family, she isn’t religious.

She believes that she is sterile, that’s why she feels like less of a woman.

I want to add some more details but shit isn’t this a freaking long post. I’ll just update them later. Procrastination is the key to better original character design.

[essaysbyciara]

Thy Neighbor II: Lovin’ The Crew [Chapters 19 + 20]

[Prologue] [Chapters 1 + 2] [Chapters 3 + 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapters 7 + 8] [Chapters 9 + 10] [Chapters 11 + 12] [Chapter 13] [Chapters 14 + 15][Chapter 16] [Chapter 17] [Chapter 18] 

Warnings: Language, smut thoughts

The madness continues... 

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Y'lan's favorite spot inside of this lavish AirBnB just blocks away from Center City is the outdoor patio. Full of lush bushes peppered with flowers of multiple hues and a large table long enough to fit more than twelve disciples, it's job as the bar is doing the trick. The table is way more than a wet bar, stacked with every type of whisky, gin and tequila known to man. It's also the grandest medicine cabinet Y'lan could have in hopes to soothe his raging emotions toward Trevante.

Y'lan always knew Trevante to be a loose cannon when it came to women. He heard some of the stories straight from the horse's mouth, the worst of them coming from both Michael and Yahya, his best friends. But what he's been hearing from -- and about -- Trevante during the early hours of this pre-bachelor party has him on edge.

Trevante just spoke of "sexing down some chick" just weeks ago, describing her as "super thick, nerdy bitch, tight pussy, all that." Y'lan would only know of Ciara's shape, need to wear glasses and disposition toward learning new things. He never got the chance to see if he'd get stuck inside of her love. However, hearing Trevante talked about Ciara -- or who he imagines to be, at least -- this type of way disturbs him beyond belief. The same girl that Trevante spoke of "ending his playboy ways" with is being talked about in a room full of immature frat boys as just another "fuck", as Stephan just called her. A label that Trevante didn't correct but rather laughed at.

Maybe Trevante just wants to impress his friends or he is trying to keep up appearances. Either way, Y'lan wasn't having it. A shot of top shelf whisky is to keep his mind on other things.

"Yo, bro ... we got all night, man." Trevante catches Y'lan just as he pours his next shot. He saw him pour his first two drinks, watching him out on the porch as the rest of his friends cracked jokes and delved in laughter around him. Trevante didn't want to talk about Ciara in this way. She wasn't a "fuck"; she was his girlfriend. While he loves her body, makes her keep her glasses on during sex as a fetish thing and puts her at the top of his "best sex ever" list, he didn't mean to make their love life his boys' business. Trevante reverts to number-eight-on-his-SPR07 line when he's around the fellas. He's grown since then, he thought. But once he saw Y'lan leave the room, he knew he messed up.

Quiet as it's kept, Y'lan is who Trevante wants to be. He admires Y'lan's drive to live life for something greater than himself, volunteering and giving his life to the church. Trevante wasn't a religious person but he would pay attention to how Y'lan would talk about how God helped him get his act together from a life of doing dirt, Ciara catching most of those stains. He felt Y'lan's "stand up" energy and wanted a part. Him checking in on Y'lan is in his way of trying to be better -- and hoping that he didn't turn off the person he hopes can turn into his best friend.

He pours himself a shot as well. "Y'lan, you cool?"

"Yeah. Just a lot going on in there, man. That's all."

"If you're not feeling this, we can always dip out. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or anything. This really ain't for us anyway. "

Y'lan is taken aback by Trevante's invitation to leave. In one way, he's glad that his friend is aware of what may or may not be a place that he would want to be. On the flipside, he's hurt that his friend is responsible for making him feel uncomfortable in the first place. "Nah, man. I'm good. It's just for today. The wilderness lasted forty days. I'll be solid." Y'lan knocks down another shot. "Let's head out to the day party spot. I'll be cool. I just need to breathe a bit."

---

"I feel like I can breathe up here..." Ciara marvels at the orange, auburn and marigold-hued leaves that fall around her and Winston as they wind around a somewhat busy trailway on a Saturday morning. They make sure to make room for the bicyclists and runners with their strollers as they walk the twisted pathway through trees and rotting cabins. "This reminds me of back home."

"Where's back home for you?"

"Suburban Maryland, toward the mountains. We were like the only Black family there but it was a beautiful place to grow up. What about you, Winston? You've been in New York all of your life?"

"Ehh, it's a long story."

"I got time..."

CHAPTER TWENTY

Raised by a preacher father and a stay-at-home mother who were both full-on fire-and-brimstone, barring secular music and television inside of their house, Winston and his sister, in church six times a week and twice on Sundays, were forbidden to go on class trips or to sleepovers. Feeling trapped, Winston started hanging out with all of the "'Rican and Dominican" kids from the neighborhood. There he met his best friend, Ronald.

Built like a NFL player by tenth grade, Ronald scared everyone except Winston, big and bad just like he was. As much as Winston's parents didn't like his new crew, they knew Ronald's mother from church so they lessened their grip. The two became inseparable, Winston spending weekends at Ronald's house during the summer. He got to watch BET and play XBox for all hours of the day, this little ounce of freedom in a world full of restrictions.

But then one day, he couldn't go over Ronald's house anymore and Winston's dad wouldn't tell him why. Winston would hang outside with Ronald but then his mother would drag him into the house. "I better not catch you hanging out with that boy..." is all his mother could say. Nothing made sense until it did. Ronald's mother found a note written for Winston. Inside were Ronald's feelings for him, feelings that his mother felt "were for girls..."

"So that's why you're writing about the persecution of sexuality in the early Church, then? Makes sense." Ciara exhales from hearing Winston's story. It was a lot to take in but Winston felt comfortable enough to tell her about it.

"Yeah. I'm passionate about why we do what we do, you know? There's a root to everything. But I didn't mean to make this all sad and stuff, I'm sorry..." Winston laughs to break up his somber tone. Ciara finds it nice to break up her life with some God talk. Outside of school, she doesn't get much of it. She definitely doesn't get it with Trevante.

"No, you're good! I appreciate it. It kinda reinvigorated me to get back to working on my paper, actually. I don't get to have these conversations with other students often because of work and like, all my close people aren't in the church like that, so..."

"I'm always down for meeting over coffee whenever you're free, if you need to keep fleshing things out."

"Man, Winston. I would love that so much..." Ciara pauses to take a look at Winston before he gives a response. His smile says enough.

"We should be getting you back though, I know your girls are probably looking for you..."

"They ain't even thinking about me. They in that house knocking down mimosas like it's a job." Winston and Ciara both laugh as they turn around on the trailway. The closer they get to the house, the louder the sounds of Jodeci are coming from their AirBnB.

I've been watchin' you for so very long tryin' to get my nerve built up to be so strong/ I really want to meet you but I'm kinda scared/ 'cuz you're the kind of lady with so much class...

The crowd at this day party is way too young to know anything about Jodeci. Most of them weren't born when K-Ci, JoJo, Dalvin and DeVante were killin' the streets. But Trevante, Y'lan, Stephan, Michael and the boys make the most of it. And the worst...

"Yo, Stephan is a damn savage," Michael says as he watches his friend's married frat brother flirt with another girl that looks just a shade over 21. Y'lan's been waiting and watching Stephan all night, calling him a "fuck nigga" under his tequila-laced breath. The girl's look of discomfort is clear to everybody else but Stephan.

It's even more clear to Trevante. Stephan wasn't just drunkenly flirting with some random. He grabs the girl's hand and takes her to their VIP section.

"Yo, yo... this is Meganne. She's a Lambda. Ain't think they were still out here looking this fine, shit." Meganne gently smiles to hide her embarrassment. She spotted Trevante and his crew some time ago as she and her girls grooved to another Ma$e song that they were too young to know. After Trevante told her to cool it for the sake of his relationship, she didn't walk by his office like she would always do, hoping to catch his attention.

After talking to her prophytes, she realized that Trevante was in the wrong for how he treated her. She felt strung along, feeling as if Trevante had this "girlfriend" for as long as he was taking her home from work and to lunch everyday. He would be her first "fuck nigga". Too bad he had to be so damn fine.

So as she sits down, she tries not to catch eyes with Trevante. Trevante is staring holes into her and Y'lan notices. He then remembers running into a girl that looked just like Meganne trying to hold back tears as she ran out of his office. Y'lan puts what he thinks is two and two together. He had enough. His fingers -- and the liquor -- went to work.

I ain't trying to win you back, Ciara. So that's not my move. You just need to know how trash this dude is. You deserve better, straight up.

Taglist: @doublesidedscoobysnacks @diva-princess-on-fleek @voyagetoadinas9 @walkrightuptothesun @wvsspoppin  @dreamlovealways @rockwit609 @thegayaxeman @joyfulwombatdreamermaker @blackpinup22 @hookedtoherfire @kris-did-it @l-auteuse @styleismyaddiction

[northernstories]

Meet Jacquie Medina, an outdoor education professor and NMU alumni from Plainfield, Ill. We asked Jacquie a few questions about her NMU experience: 

Why did you decide to work at NMU? Why did you decide to live in Marquette?

Jacquie: I lived in Marquette as a student at NMU in the 1980’s and as an adjunct instructor in the 1990’s. I fell in love with Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape during my recruiting visit and throughout my undergraduate years. As an athlete, I gained a strong sense of pride for NMU, the community, and my teammates. As a student, I was mentored by excellent instructors, challenged to uphold high standards, and introduced to the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula. These connections and foundations remained with me over the years. 

For much of my adult life, I taught outdoor education in the western United States, however, teaching outdoor education at NMU and in Marquette is the optimal location. We are surrounded by an outdoor classroom in which we can hike, bike, camp, climb, paddle, and ski within minutes of campus. The Marquette community and university culture support an active outdoor lifestyle. It was always one of my goals to return to NMU to teach and mentor students and to give back to the school, program, and community that supported my own personal and professional growth.

What are you involved in within the university as well as outside of campus?

Jacquie: On campus now: Honors Board Committee Co-Chair, CNAS Faculty Affairs Committee, Sustainability Advisory Council, Presidential Scholar Interviews, Wildcat Weekend, NMU Rec Sports and NMU Sports fan.

Local involvement: Board Member for the Marquette Regional History Center; volunteer with local events including Hiawatha Music Festival, Fresh Coast Film Festival, Michigan Ice Fest, and Noquemanon Ski Race; attend Marquette arts and culture events; collect oral histories of people in the community; and advocate for experiential learning opportunities for ORLM students with local non-profit agencies and schools.

As an NMU student: I was a member of the women’s volleyball team for four years and co-captain my senior year. I worked for NMU Rec Sports in most positions available (lifeguard, building supervisor, outdoor rec center, camp counselor) and played many intramural sports. I was active in my residence hall (Spalding Hall/Misty Mountain floor!) and participated in homecoming games and Winterfest. I had a blast working one summer as an NMU Summer Orientation counselor, and one semester, I served as a student instructor in an outdoor recreation canoeing class.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy?

Jacquie: I enjoy spending time in nature exploring, paddling, hiking, and cross-country skiing. I enjoy working out, building furniture, creating and playing with various art mediums, spending time with family, pets, and friends; watching my son participate in sports and theater, cooking and eating ethnic foods, trying new microbrews, attending theater/music/dance performances, reading/journaling, and exploring sustainable living practices.

Advice for current students?

Jacquie: Meet people. Have a conversation. Talk to your professors. Open your mind to new ideas and ways of thinking and doing. Go outside. Get involved. Become a part of the local community. Believe in yourself. Be true to who you are and embrace your uniqueness. Others will learn and grow by knowing you.

What does “be Northern” mean to you?

Jacquie: To be kind, courageous, and playful. To go outside. To try new things. To be open to learning. To be part of something bigger than myself.

Why do you wear a mask? 

Jacquie: I wear a mask to protect my family, friends, community, and self. I wear it because it matters.

How have you been practicing social distancing?

Jacquie: Maintaining 6 feet or more between myself and others. Spending time outdoors. Allowing only people in our family and “bubble” into our home.

How has COVID-19 changed your perspective or your lifestyle?

Jacquie: I have learned that I can adapt at a moment’s notice. This lesson has allowed me to face challenges with more confidence. COVID-19 has forced me to develop my online knowledge, skills, and abilities. Old ways of thinking and doing may not work in our current society. We must open our minds and hearts to change and new possibilities. It is more important than ever for us to be united as a society and people. I like to think the pandemic has fostered compassion and empathy among people. We must move beyond thinking, hoping and wanting, and start doing and speaking. As a family, we have learned to work, live, go to school, and play in our home. This has taken patience and compromise. We have become more aware of our individual and group needs and the importance and breadth of our overall health and wellbeing.

Tell me your story.

Jacquie: I always knew I wanted to go to college. As a first-generation college student, my parents didn’t quite understand my ambition, incessant inquiry, and desire to live in such a cold, remote area as Marquette, MI. My love for the outdoors drew me to NMU. The minute I saw Lake Superior in all her frozen glory, I knew I had to be here. Choosing NMU was a great decision! I was able to play hard, work hard, create lasting relationships, and gain a quality education. My classmates, teammates, mentors, and experiences at NMU laid the foundation for me to pursue my ambitions as a coach and outdoor educator. My NMU professors were significant in helping me to network professionally and were my biggest advocates for pursuing graduate and doctoral school. It is my hope that I am continuing the NMU legacy by inspiring my students, helping them find their passions, advocating for their ambitions, and fostering their stewardship for people and the natural environment. Go Wildcats!!

[oberlincollegelibraries]

Weekend Edition: Sustainability, Part 2

Today we’re shifting our focus to new books that delve into how different countries (and in Superpower’s case, one single man) are tackling the issue of sustainable urban development, energy sources, and climate change. 

Green Japan : Environmental Technologies, Innovation Policy, and the Pursuit of Green Growth by Carin Holroyd 

"As climate change continues to threaten both our economic and ecological well-being, countries around the world are trying to implement green strategies that will simultaneously curb emissions and spur economic growth. Green Japan critically examines the Japanese effort to combine economic growth with commitments to environmental sustainability. Carin Holroyd explores green growth strategies in various industries including conservation, energy, urban development, and international trade. Holroyd's comprehensive analysis of how innovation strategies connect with environmental priorities combines a detailed study of government policies with insightful assessments of consumer and market responses. The unevenness of Japan's success clearly demonstrates the exceptional technological innovation and creative public policy initiatives that are needed in order to successfully reverse the effects of climate change. Green Japan offers a nuanced and hopeful account of one nation's attempts at linking environmental sustainability and continued prosperity"--Jacket

China’s Urban Revolution: Understanding Chinese Eco-Cities by Austin Williams

By 2025, China will have built fifteen new 'supercities' each with 25 million inhabitants. It will have created 250 'Eco-cities' as well: clean, green, car-free, people-friendly, high-tech urban centres. From the edge of an impending eco-catastrophe, we are arguably witnessing history's greatest environmental turnaround - an urban experiment that may provide valuable lessons for cities worldwide. Whether or not we choose to believe the hype - there is little doubt that this is an experiment that needs unpicking, understanding, and learning from. Austin Williams, The Architectural Review's China correspondent, explores the progress and perils of China's vast eco-city program, describing the complexities which emerge in the race to balance the environment with industrialisation, quality with quantity, and the liberty of the individual with the authority of the Chinese state. Lifting the lid on the economic and social realities of the Chinese blueprint for eco-modernisation, Williams tells the story of China's rise, and reveals the pragmatic, political and economic motives that lurk behind the successes and failures of its eco-cities. Will these new kinds of urban developments be good, humane, healthy places? Can China find a 'third way' in which humanity, nature, economic growth and sustainability are reconciled? And what lessons can we learn for our own vision of the urban future?

The Power of the Periphery: How Norway Became an Environmental Pioneer for the World by Peder Anker

"Where does Norwegian self-confident environmental well-wishing come from? Spanning thirty years of Norwegian history, this book begins with the translation of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring in 1962 and ends with Norwegians attending the Earth Summit in 1992. It tells a story of how scientists considered outdoor life and environmental research to be superior. The Power of the Periphery was that of a pristine, ideal natural environment contrasted with the dirty center of society in need of change. At the local level that could manifest as an unspoiled mountain contrasted with an overcrowded city. At the global level it became a beautiful Norway contrasted with a polluted troubled world. Peder Anker is following the footsteps of the social anthropologist Fredrik Barth's students, the ocean explorer Thor Heyerdahl, the archeologists Helge Ingstad (who found Viking settlements in the United States), the Deep Ecology movement that congregated around the philosopher Arne Næss, along with the "shallow" ecologists Jørgen Randers (co-author of The Limits to Growth), the Chair of the Brundtland Commission, Gro Harlem Brundtland, and the United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Change, Jens Stoltenberg. They all provided different visions of how Norway should be an environmental pioneer for the world"-- Provided by publisher

Superpower: One Man’s Quest to Transform American Energy by Russell Gold

"In the ever more urgent quest for sources of renewable energy, meet the man boldly harnessing the natural forces that could power America's future. The United States is in the midst of an energy transition. We want to embrace renewable energy sources like wind and solar, and rely less on dirty fossil fuels. We don't want to keep pumping so many heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. Any transition from a North American power grid that uses mostly fossil fuels to one that is predominantly clean requires a massive building spree--billions of dollars' worth. Enter Michael Skelly, an infrastructure builder who began working on wind energy in 2000, when many considered the industry a joke. Eight years later, Skelly helped create the second largest wind power company in the United States--which was sold for $2 billion. Wind energy was no longer funny; it was well on its way to generating a substantial percentage of the electricity in the United States. Acclaimed journalist and author of The Boom ..., Russell Gold tells the story of this pioneer whose innovations, struggles, and persistence represent the groundbreaking changes underway in American energy. In Superpower, we meet Skelly's financial backers, a family that pivoted from oil exploration to renewable energy; the farmers ready to embrace the new 'cash crop'; the landowners prepared to go to court to avoid looking at overhead wires; and utility executives who concoct fiendish ways to block renewable energy. Gold also shows how Skelly's innovative company, Clean Line Energy, conceived the idea for a new power grid that would allow sunlight where abundant to light up homes thousands of miles away in cloudy states, and take wind from the Great Plains to keep air conditioners running in Atlanta. Thrilling, provocative, and important, Superpower is a fascinating look at America's future."--Dust jacket