Physics & Philosophy
There are lots of great reasons to hike with Vinnie, but one of the very best is that you’re guaranteed an enlightening and unexpected conversation at some point. Vinnie just knows stuff and is incredibly curious about this world. Our conversation on physics and philosophy on the Lower Dungeness was a perfect example. Apologies in advance to the scientists in the group, I’m just a glorified bean counter.
We must have been talking politics: I don’t really remember. All of a sudden Vinnie started telling me about a podcast he recently heard. On the physics of light, and the importance of perspective. We like to think in terms of absolutes, black & white. But in physics objects have different colors depending on both the speed & direction of the object and the observer. So what we see depends on our perspective. Hmm.
And then, somehow, our conversation graduated to a discussion of the law of conservation of matter and the first law of thermodynamics. We all learned in school that neither matter nor energy is ever created or destroyed. Maybe that means that we never lose anyone in our lives, what changes is how we relate to them. Similar to light & perspective.
In any case, I can report that the Lower Dungeness is still in fine form and a tougher hike than the statistics tell you. That hump in the middle really lets you know you’re hiking! I also made it out to the Little River last week with Sandy. If you haven’t visited this trail in a while, GO NOW! It is just gorgeous, covered in glorious moss.
And if you have Hulu, check out the movie Nomadland. Frances McDormond deserves an Oscar for her performance. Many of the characters in the movie are real nomads (not actors). It is kind of heavy, but you’ll learn something about this nation. That’s all for now,
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