Mountain Misfits

Winter Hiking to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, Idaho

Radd getting dressed at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

Discover the serene beauty of Jerry Johnson Hot Springs through our latest blog post. Nestled in Idaho’s wilderness, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural scenery and soothing hot springs. Our journey takes you from the picturesque Lochsa River to the tranquil waters of the springs, providing an immersive experience in nature’s embrace. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this post captures the essence of a rejuvenating escape in the heart of the forest.

Auriscalpium vulgare: The Forest’s Miniscule Marvel

Earpick Fungus - Auriscalpium vulgare

Explore the unique aspects of Auriscalpium vulgare, also known as the earpick mushroom. Learn about its role in ecosystem health, its characteristics, and its place in the fungal kingdom. Understand why this unassuming fungus is essential for maintaining forest biodiversity.

Echoes of the Past: Discovering the North American Cheetah’s Legacy

Explore the fascinating world of the extinct North American Cheetah, its unique characteristics, evolutionary history, and the predator-prey dynamics with pronghorns. A journey into the heart of natural history and the lessons it teaches us about our planet’s past and future.

Scorpion Stowaway: A Surprising Encounter Under Our Tent!

Northern Scorpion - Paruroctonus boreus

Pitching our tent in Montana, we never expected a scorpion roommate! Imagine the surprise when we discovered a Paruroctonus boreus sharing our camping spot. Read on to uncover the unexpected visitor under our tent and the intriguing world of northern scorpions.

Mud Warriors: Aihualama Trail Adventure with Vida

Mud Warrior Vida

Mud Warriors: Aihualama Trail Adventure with Vida admin December 29, 2023 The morning sun kissed the emerald peaks of the Koolau Range, casting a warm glow over the lush landscape as Vida and I set out on the Aihualama Trail in Oahu. Towering banyan trees and vibrant tropical flowers greeted us at the trailhead, whispering […]

The Oʻahu ʻAmakihi: A Glimpse into its Biology, Endemism, Evolutionary History, and Phylogeny

Chlorodrepanis flava - Oʻahu ʻAmakihi

Two shots…I got just two shots of an Oʻahu ʻAmakihi (Chlorodrepanis flava), and two photos were enough to scratch my Hawaiian endemic itch. Endemic to the island of Oahu (particularly, the wetter southern area of Oʻahu, this small, vibrantly colored bird has captured the attention of scientists and birders alike, offering a fascinating glimpse into its biology, endemism, evolutionary history, and phylogeny.