Ill admit we’ve been getting soft lately. Free time yesterday, libraries, twizzlers, geothermal pools to soak in and sun photons to warm us and provide potential power for the long awaited charge on Cory’s headlamp have been putting us in good sprits.Today we figured we would start off with some excitement. So Phil Fandel pulled a Phil with a hands first dive into the barrow ditch after a wheel kiss with my back tire. In checking his ID photo for a visual pre-crash comparison, it was determined the crash might have improved the condition of Phil overall.
Today we had the honor of a certain Tom DeLuca, a local soil scientist who shared his knowledge on biofuels and soils with us. It became apparent that in dealing with the use of biofuels, mainly ethanol production, one must be aware of the big picture of how these fuels came to be. Are people willing to understand and get involved beyond filling up their tanks and then driving to the destination of their choice? Biofuels seem to hold a potential for a source of energy, but our mentality and conventional approach must also change as we move in new directions.
Today provided us with a 42 mile scenic tour and 1200 feet of elevation loss to our advantage. It also happened to be one of those days where people in cars complain about the miserable wet, cold, gray conditions that they had to drive through. The good old weather was not good for solar today, yet I believe a wind turbine and geothermal would have endured just fine. It was one of those cold rains that make the face sting, feet feel far far away and those prized opposable thumbs as useful as a pair of lobster claws at the end of our arms. I find that I kind of like that feeling of finger-worthlessness when you can’t even tie your shoes from numbness, as it makes for a good laugh about all humans and well, I guess we must respect the world that exists outside of human influence too.
Alternative (and renewable) technologies, such as the biomass boiler that we saw today at the Townsend Public School, takes a willingness and determination to make it work. It’s clear that a great determination and perseverance is needed to adopt appropriate alternatives to conventional energy sources, as such alternatives are not without trials and errors. Fueled by the knowledge and maturity that these efforts are for a good cause, these pursuits are a cost effective and necessary step in the right direction for our society.
And here I’ve got to confess, it has been a lifelong dream of mine, since the 3rd grade to ride my bike up and down the halls of a school. And did I ever think it would come true? Maybe, but not today, we are here sleeping inside the classroom, with a basketball, a dinner, a chalkboard of our very own and our bikes to cuddle up with tonight. Bike touring is rather enjoyable after all.
–Devin Trainor, Humboldt State University
Rain, wind, mud, and charcoal marked what was a wonderful day with this group of dedicated souls. Every day is a great day to discuss soils and sustainability, but it is particularly inspiring when less than ideal conditions have little or no impact on student enthusiasm and engagement. Flat tires, wet hair, frozen toes and imobile fingers did not impede the flow of insightful questions, clear thoughts, and engaging discussion!! I only would have liked to have had another day or two, as there is always more to discuss regarding soils!! Pedal on you guys!
SM
ps: Since you are in Helena this evening, you might appreciate knowing that the Governor is a soil scientist!