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Discvr.blog

Digging the world's artifacts

  • Get up close with a jaguarundi, the otter cat

    Get up close with a jaguarundi, the otter cat

    The jaguarundi is a small cat species native to Central and South America, extending from Argentina to the southern United States. It has a narrow head, a slender body, and a long tail.

    The wild cat grows up to 2.3 feet and weighs as much as 20 pounds, roughly double the size of a domestic cat. They also purr and chatter like birds.

    It stands on stubby legs, which keeps it close to the ground as it walks across various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and swamps.

    The diurnal cat hunts birds, reptiles, and even fish during the day and rests at night. In fact, Central American natives used to employ them to contain splurging rodent populations around villages.

    The jaguarundi’s “otter-like” features

    It’s no surprise that the jaguarundi is sometimes called the otter cat. Its small flattened head, round ears, forward-facing eyes, tiny snout, elongated tail, and solid coat give it the appearance of a weasel.

    Like otters, Jaguarundis are deft swimmers and climbers, and their coats are typically brown or black, although some reports indicate sightings of red pelage.

    Some people think jaguarundi resemble mini-pumas, as they are, in fact, related to the genus Puma.

    The reclusive and elusive cat sits on the endangered list of species — studies suggest that the United States wants to reintroduce them. The last recorded sighting of Jaguarundis was in Brownsville, Texas, in 1986.

    Wells Baum

    January 26, 2023
    Animals
    animals, cats, jaguarundi, South America
  • Explore Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave, the largest known cave in the world

    Explore Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave, the largest known cave in the world

    Son Doong Cave, or “mountain river cave,” is the largest known cave in the world. It’s located in the Quang Binh Province of Vietnam as part of the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park near the border of China.

    The incredible scale of Son Doong Cave

    Five miles long, the gargantuan cave stands 660 feet fall, 575 feet wide — making it larger than a 50-story New York skyscraper and then some! In fact, the cave is so large it hosts its own weather system and rainforest. It’s also home to various plants and 500+ vertebrates, including exotic animals like the flying fox.

    A local man initially discovered the 450 million-year-old cave in 1991. But British explorers rediscovered it in 2009, making it one of the last unexplored parts of the Earth.

    It opened up to boutique tourism in 2013, with the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince one of the first to visit the cave in 2014. The park allows only a few thousand visitors annually to help preserve its uniqueness and stunning beauty.

    How Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave formed

    The magnificent cave formed about 5 million years ago through the slow decay of limestone by continuous river water.

    The ceiling collapsed, leaving gaping skylights and drips of water in the persistent 73 degrees Fahrenheit cave. The simulated rain created beautiful formations over thousands of years.

    The Son Doon cave features downward-hanging stalactites and 10-story stalagmites, some of the world’s largest.

    Son Doong Cave
    Son Doong Cave
    Son Doong Cave
    Son Doong Cave

    Wells Baum

    January 12, 2023
    Nature, Travel
    caves, Nature, Travel, Vietnam
  • Puya Raimondii, the flower spike that’s “Queen of the Andes”

    Puya Raimondii, the flower spike that’s “Queen of the Andes”

    Puya Raimondii is a bromeliad species (flowering plant) native to Bolivia and Peru.

    That’s the same family as pineapples, which the inflorescences (a collection of flowers arranged on a stem) resemble in full bloom.

    The so-called “Queen of the Andes” stands up to 50 feet high, with a trunk stretching to heights of 16 feet and inflorescence reaching another 12 to 26 feet.

    Puya Raimondii flowers once-in-a-lifetime

    Puya Raimondii, which grows in high altitudes with colder temperatures, hosts the tallest flower spike in the world.

    The spiky green and grey leaves on the Puya Raimondii are also lengthy, growing up to 9 feet across. But it can take up to 80 years for the eye-catching plant to reach its full size. And its post-reproductive cycle is short-lived.

    The slow-growing Puya Raimondii is “monocarpic,” meaning it flowers at maturity before its demise. The plant even produces up to 20,000 thousand white flowers during its blooming period, a time when it’s also known to be protocarnivorous by ensnaring birds.

    However, Puya Raimondii’s explosive growth meets an instant death as the plant withers away from the peak of existence.

    Fortunately, each plant contains millions of seeds spread widely around the windy mountainsides every July. Those that germinate tend to grow in patches.

    Puya Raimondii
    Puya Raimondii
    Puya Raimondii

    Wells Baum

    January 6, 2023
    Nature
    Bolivia, Nature, Peru, Plants
  • Exploring the mystique of the rare Dragon Blood Tree

    Exploring the mystique of the rare Dragon Blood Tree

    The mysterious and alluring Dragon Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari) or Suji Socotra is a rare and unusual tree species native to the Socotra archipelago, part of Yemen.

    The trees that “bleed” red rasin

    The tree gets its name from the dark red sap it produces within its umbrella-shaped branches. The red resin, which oozes from cracks in the bark, bares eery resemblance to dragon blood.

    Socotrans inhabitants identify the trees as Damm Al-Akhwayn, which in Arabic translates to “the blood of two brothers.” Farmers carve and intentionally bleed the crimson-colored sap to sell it as medicinal balm and lipstick, and paint, but it’s also employed as a dye to varnish violins.

    The resin was even used as toothpaste in the 18th century and was believed to have magical properties in ancient times.

    Trees found nowhere else on the planet

    The 30-foot trees, remote to the Haghir Mountains of Socotra, play a part in one-third of Socotra’s 825 plant species endemic to the island. They can live up to 600 years.

    Additionally, 90 percent of the island’s reptiles and 95 percent of its snail species are found nowhere else on Earth. Sustained international conservation efforts have also helped preserve the land’s rich biodiversity

    Most of the 50,000 people living in Socotra are indigenous Soqotri people from the Al-Mahrah tribe. But the island, pitted in the Indian Ocean, once served as a popular port and trading base for the British in the 1800s.

    It was Scottish botanist Isaac Bayley who first described the otherworldly Dragon Blood Trees in 1882.

    Dragon Blood Tree
    Dragon Blood Tree

    Wells Baum

    December 21, 2022
    Nature
    Plants, Socotra, trees, Yemen
  • Driving Los Caracoles on Ruta 60 in Chile

    Driving Los Caracoles on Ruta 60 in Chile

    You’ll need to go at a “snail’s pace” if you’re riding through Los Caracoles on Ruta CH-60.

    The highway, also known as Los Libertadores International Pass or Cristo Redentor, treads through a 10,105-foot tunnel in the Andes Mountains. The mountain pass connects Santiago de Chile to Mendoza, Argentina, and stands a remarkable 10,500 feet high.

    29 hairpin turns in the Andes

    Yet, the altitude is not the only scary part. The road bends in a series of 29 switchbacks on the Chile side to help cars make a safe incline or descent.

    Given the steepness of the route running through Andes Cordillera, it is also one of the most challenging, especially when navigating snowy and frigid temperatures. Thankfully, the roads are wide enough to accommodate both trucks and cars.

    While Los Caracoles is open 24 hours a day, any significant congestion could leave cars stranded for 12 hours. Unhindered, it usually takes 10-30 minutes to get up and through the road.

    Despite the nerves, don’t forget to look around at the unreal views and likely some goats.

    Driving Los Caracoles on Ruta 60 in Chile
    Driving Los Caracoles on Ruta 60 in Chile
    Los Caracoles on Ruta 60 in Chile
    Los Caracoles on Ruta 60 in Chile
    Los Caracoles on Ruta 60 in Chile

    Wells Baum

    December 8, 2022
    Travel
    Andes, Chile, mountain, road trip, Travel
  • The original Apple Watch: Seiko’s TV Watch from 1982

    The original Apple Watch: Seiko’s TV Watch from 1982

    In what was amazing technology for its day, the Seiko TV watch (Model T001-3) from 1982 is still one of the smallest TVs ever made with a 1.2-inch screen.

    Watch tv on your wrist

    With a Liquid Crystal Video Display (LVD), the images would only appear in 32-pixel resolution when exposed to light. So the brighter the light, the better the screen pixels looked. The watch’s battery lasted for only 5 hours.

    The watch made its big-screen debut in the 80s movies James Bond Octopussy and Dragnet featuring Tom Hanks. However, the digital LCD wristwatch was first sold in Japan only and was manufactured in limited numbers after that.

    pic.twitter.com/qiIWEmKIUz

    — Discvr.blog (@DiscvrB) December 3, 2022

    It’s easy to see how the Model T001-3 was a precursor to the Apple Watch, which made its debut three decades later in 2015.

    The Seiko TV Watch, 1982
    The Seiko TV Watch, 1982
    The Seiko TV Watch, 1982
    The Seiko TV Watch, 1982

    Wells Baum

    December 3, 2022
    Technology
    apple, gadgets, Seiko, Tech, watch
  • Elephant rock in Iceland is one of Earth’s greatest wonders

    Elephant rock in Iceland is one of Earth’s greatest wonders

    If you’re looking for a unique natural wonder during your travels to Iceland, add Elephant Rock or Halldórsskora to your list.

    This incredible rock formation resides 5 miles off the south coast of Iceland in the Westman Islands archipelago. It most likely formed due to one of Mt. Eldfell’s many eruptions on an inhabited island called Heimaey, most notably the gigantic 1973 eruption.

    The catastrophic volcano caused all 5,300 residents to flee. Amazingly, everyone survived except one.

    An elephant rock sculpted by nature

    The rock itself comprises volcanic basalt rock with a texture that appears to be wrinkled and grey, like an elephant’s skin. The head and intricate trunk seemingly dumping underwater make the whole scene appear sculpted.

    Note that Iceland’s elephant rock is not to be confused with the similar-looking elephant-style rock in Hawaii, known as Mokuhooniki doing the rounds on social media.

    Visitors can see the fantastic rock formation by driving two hours south of Reykjavik and taking the ferry to Westman Islands from Landeyjahöfn.

    Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a unique photo opportunity, Elephant Rock is a must-see when in Iceland!

    Elephant rock in Iceland is one of Earth's greatest wonders
    Elephant rock in Iceland is one of Earth's greatest wonders

    Wells Baum

    November 22, 2022
    Nature
    Iceland, Nature, rock
  • Meet Mexico’s hidden beach, Playa del Amor of the Marieta Islands

    Meet Mexico’s hidden beach, Playa del Amor of the Marieta Islands

    There’s a hidden beach deep in the Marieta Islands of Mexico known as Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach).

    Like Portugals’ stunning Benagil Sea Cave, the beach is concealed inside a hinged cave and can only be reached by swimming or kayaking through an extensive water tunnel during low tides.

    But first, to get to Playa del Amor, visitors must take a 22-mile boat ride from Puerto Vallarta’s coast and then decide how to navigate the Pacific Ocean and the cave’s ceiling level to the sandy beach.

    The romantic beach, however, has a gruesome past that’s not all attributed to geology. The gaping crater in the center and the surrounding odd rock formations resulted from military bombing exercises in the 1900s.

    Jacques Cousteau’s conservation efforts in the 1960s helped preserve the uninhabited islands from further military destruction.

    Playa del Amor of the Marieta Islands
    Playa del Amor of the Marieta Islands

    Wells Baum

    November 16, 2022
    Travel
    beach, caves, Mexico, Ocean, Travel
  • Ireland’s impressive Dún Briste Sea Stack

    Ireland’s impressive Dún Briste Sea Stack

    Dun Briste is a 150-foot sea stack off County Mayo on the western coast of Ireland, at Downpatrick Head.

    According to the legend, this impressive landmark broke off the mainland during a massive sea storm in 1393. Ships rescued those living on the cliffs who’d fallen into the water.

    During the 1980s, scientists discovered remnants of a medieval house on the property. The discovery supports the theory that an arch leading to the rock once existed. After all, Dun Briste translates to “The Broken Fort” in Gaelic.

    The Dún Briste Sea Stack sits approximately 260 feet from the shore. Now, we get to see thousands of years of geological formation caused by rough wave erosion and the molding of sandstones, limestones, and even seashells in one chunky layered tower of rock.

    Wells Baum

    November 2, 2022
    Nature, Travel
    Ireland, Nature, Ocean, Rocks, Travel
  • The stealthy ghost crab

    The stealthy ghost crab

    The ghost crab is about as big as your hand but as fast as lightning. 

    The eight-legged little creature moves across sandy beaches at 100 body lengths per second, up to 10 miles per hour. That’s blazing-fast compared to the size of a human and a cheetah, who achieve speeds of 11 and 20 body lengths per second, respectively.

    The camouflage king of the sand

    Now you see me, now you don’t.

    The ghost crab typically burrows deep holes in the sand and reemerges late in the day. They can even adjust their pale colors to match the distinct hues of the grains of sand. So you’d be lucky to spot one of these near-invisible creatures. And if you do, be prepared for it to dash away as soon as it gets a glimpse of you.

    But within those stalky eyes, which can also operate like self-cleaning windshield wipers and cute little faces are teeth that growl at predators when threatened. The ghost crab is the first example of an animal that uses its stomach to communicate. 

    Meanwhile, the crabs survive off insects, small clams, and other sand crabs. 

    The stealthy ghost crab
    The stealthy ghost crab

    Wells Baum

    October 20, 2022
    Animals
    animals, beach, ghost crab, Ocean
  • The fairy tale beauty of Slovenia’s Bled Island

    The fairy tale beauty of Slovenia’s Bled Island

    Bred Island is a small tear-shaped island floating in the middle of Lake Bled in northwestern Slovenia.

    On the island sits the 170ft tall Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, a Baroque church established in 1534. The church on the island is a popular place for locals to wed, with the requirement that the groom carries the bride up the 99 stone steps leading from the boat dock to the church door.

    Tourists enjoy hiking around the lake and rowing in its peaceful waters during the summer. One can also reach the island by Pletna boat or, dare we say, by swimming there.

    During the winter, the frost over the island looks like a scene from a Disney movie. The mountains and forests surrounding the lake add to the picturesque view of the church.

    Bled island is the only natural island in Slovenia. It’s also the country’s most famous destination, along with the nearby medieval castle built on a steep cliff above the lake.

    Straight out of a fairy tale, we can see why this little island is a real treasure.

    Wells Baum

    October 15, 2022
    Nature, Travel
    church, island, Nature, Slovenia, Travel
  • See South America’s Triple Frontier where three countries meet

    See South America’s Triple Frontier where three countries meet

    There is a river point in South America where three countries — Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay — come together to form the Triple Frontier.

    The confluence of the two rivers, the Parana River (7th biggest in the world) and the Iguazu River, create a fascinating image. Unfortunately, the triple point is also a major traffic point where drug and human trafficking occur.

    There's a point in South America where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay's borders meet called the Triple Frontier. https://t.co/4ti92rLHHE pic.twitter.com/u7NASHdGfK

    — Discvr.blog (@DiscvrB) October 16, 2022

    The geographic area is on the Pentagon’s radar for being a hotspot for terrorist organizations, with money allegedly flowing from Lebanese Arabs in the region to Hezbollah overseas.

    The Triple Frontier area is a fascinating but potentially dangerous place where the so-called “map is not the territory.”

    A convergence of obelisks

    The three countries host obelisks at the borders’ convergence, allowing visitors to view all three countries simultaneously.

    Each monument comes painted in the national colors of each country.

    Interestingly the three countries also share the same top attraction, the majestic Iguazu Falls.

    275 separate waterfalls make up the natural wonder, which sits primarily on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parana.

    Triple-Frontier-4

    Wells Baum

    October 14, 2022
    Travel
    Argentina, brazil, Nature, Travel, waterfall
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