Chasing Clean Air

Hiking Clean Air Mt. Tamalpais To West Point Inn

Wearing Sirrus backpack by Osprey

About 10 miles north of San Francisco, I hiked with a local friend to West Point Inn - a 110 year old cabin maintained for public use by volunteer inn keepers. On the upper south slope of Mt. Tamalpais in Mill Valley, the wood cabin towers above Marin County with vistas including Mt. Diablo, San Francisco skyline, Sausalito, Richmond Bridge and blue skies. Kind'a made me feel like an eagle soaring above it all.

We arrived to the West Point Inn on a rather gentle trail with a semi-steep switch back only on last 1/4 mile. Native flowers, trees, and deer were seen along the way. At one point, my friend slipped and fell on the trail because of either an untied shoelace or tree root, which I only mention to remind you to be careful where you step when hiking. And make sure your hiking boots have excellent tread!

In addition to beautiful views, we were met by friendly locals who'd brought their lunches to enjoy and this week's local inn keeper, Don.

I'm on a hiking kick, learning what my body needs on trails depending on weather, duration, and conditions. The most important gear are sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and the right backpack.

Ultra SteriPEN - Clean Water Anytime Anywhere

SteriPEN offers a lightweight portable  device to zap water clean with ultraviolet (UV) light!

Many cities worldwide have used UV light to keep their water safe. And now individuals have the "cleaning" power in a hand-held SteriPEN.

Having the ability to turn contaminated water into safe drinking water is important for backcountry backpacking, travel to countries with poor water sanitation, and home emergency kits, especially for those of us in earthquake country.

UV light can destroy germs' ability to reproduce and make us sick. I am told that it destroys 99.999% of bacteria. 99.999% of viruses and 99.9% of protozoa, including Giardia. What's a protozoa? Giardia? The names alone - I don't want to drink 'em!

Ok. Let's get something straight. I was never a girl scout. No preconceived ideas about how things are done in the wild. Until now, that is, now that I'm researching the hows and wherefores of backcountry backpacking and getting prepared for bugs, varying weather conditions, food, and, most importantly, hydration.

Clean water!

Pong Cases for iPhone and iPad Can Reduce Users' Radiation-Impact

I sat at the Santa Monica Apple Store's table, awaiting my latest purchase when a robust woman, spilling out all over, placed her chipped pink nail-polished fingers on my sleek iPhone.

"I like her case!" she cackled, picking up my phone as if it were hers. "Where's this case? I want to buy this case now!" (Not available at Apple Stores)

Aesthetically pleasing, my newest iPhone and iPad Pong cases offer much more than good looks. These "intelligent" cases reportedly optimize wireless energy to increase speed, range, and most importantly, to protect users from electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

Do they work?

Researching electromagnetic fields, including the microwaves coming off cell phones, I tried Pong cases because the company claims their technology redirects wireless energy away from the user.

In addition, Pong states that their devices increase a transmitted signal up to 25% faster for the iPhone with an added increase range by 12%. The fact is I can't prove I'm receiving less energy when using my iPhone and iPad in their new protective cases but I can tell you that I believe the Pong company claim that an independent test showed a SAR reduction level below FCC limits by 82% with their products. In part, I believe the Pong claims because I experienced their other claims of a stronger signal and wider range with my iPhone 5s/T-Mobile carrier as true.

The "intelligent case" uses a built-in antenna technology which is on the back of the case, reportedly redirecting the signal away from the body when speaking on the phone or positioned away from user.

The iPad Air's cellular outbound signal is increased by up to 85%. This signal increase helps increase wi-fi range, upload speed, and cellular range!And the case is MUCH more functional than my Apple case. Easy to set up as a stand to watch movies with the radiation primarily directed away from my eyes and body.

Enchanted Pockets of Heaven In Our Backyard!

"Just look right behind you! Sometimes that's where you'll find your best shot," he said. Advice I received from a photographer years ago that I apply to life.

The results can be  amazing!

What if we were all content with what's in our own backyard? Didn't need to go far. We'd have cleaner air, for one, especially if we walk, bike or take public transportation.

We'd use less energy.

Spend less money.

Use less time planning to be far-away, which would mean more time discovering our own enchanted pockets of heaven! Right in our own backyard! Look over your shoulder, right behind you... Really look!

I headed out to find the birds of Franklin Canyon, part of the Los Angeles Mountains in my "backyard". Fifteen minutes away from home, and about 1 minute setting up GPS on my phone to get me there, for a total of sixteen minutes planning and traveling. And...

Duck.

Duck.

Frog.

Sometimes the way to cleaner air is staying close to home.

Other birds of Franklin Canyon include: American White Pelican, Western Grebe, Canada Goose, Turkey Vultures, Great Blue Heron, American Goldfinch, and the beautiful Wood Duck as seen above... and many more colorful species from Falcon to Swans. To learn more, check out the Audubon Society.

China, Air Pollution & Ability to Speak Out

Snaking through the Santa Monica Mountains on the Getty Museum tram, I met Victor (not his real name) from China. He was touring the United States, and telling me about his impressions, which included our clean blue skies!

Compared to China.

Listen to Victor, and you'll appreciate America more today than yesterday. Especially those of us regularly speaking out on behalf of clean air, clean water, and conservation of habitats. We can email our government representatives and lobby for change!