Yosemite! Snow, Waterfalls, and Nature
Odin's shares about his recent Yosemite trip and more.
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Hello, all!
This week was busy! Katie and I took a trip to Yosemite (her first visit and my first in a decade). It turned out to be the ideal time to visit what is certainly one of the most majestic parks in the country. We’ve had one of the deepest snow packs in years here in California, so the mountain streams were full, and the waterfalls were just astounding. We even drank “straight” from the icy cold river using our handy LifeStraw filtered water bottles.
I’ll include some pictures at the end for you to enjoy.
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Most of the writing from this week I’d prepped before we left, but I think you’ll enjoy the selection. Trying to balance my article writing alongside work for the MLIS has been no easy feat, but I’m pleased by the results.
In the next month, I should be getting feedback about some changes to my work-life balance, and those might alter the flow of the articles and newsletters. I’ve been enjoying these weekly updates, but if I have full-time work on the side, I may have to scale them back.
Still, until then, enjoy!
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Articles
The Most Underrated Science Fiction Films of the 1970s
1970s sci-fi films included some of the greatest ever made, but also some unsung gems.
Better for your eyes, insane battery life… but all the programs you know and love.
Which of the Six Editors Does Your Story Need?
Birthing a story takes effort and dedication, and your editor is the midwife.
Other writing
I actually managed to do a fair bit of writing for the novel while away on the trip. I’m more or less on track for my target, assuming I can keep some momentum going. Again, things are all up in the air right now when it comes to my life in May. Here’s a teensy teaser.
Rear-Admiral Rollins had never wanted to punch someone so badly in his entire life. Alvrad Dastar, the cold, dark-eyed man across from him, with that ridiculous golden pin on his collar, seemed to exude some subtle psychic effect that simply made you want to clock him.
Halvorson Times is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Yosemite
Rather than my usual sections, I’m going to keep this week’s letter brief and just provide some highlights from my trip!
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These images were from our trip around the valley - we rented bikes and spent two days exploring. We also hiked up to mirror lake and saw a wild bobcat who was entirely unconcerned about us. She actually walked right in front of us, I only took a picture of her when she was back off the path. There's a 100-year-old hotel that we spent some time at, too, with a very "Twin Peaks" vibe. Overall, just so much beauty and wonder.
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The second part of our trip included a stay at the gorgeous little Wawona hotel near the park's edge, and a trip to the Giant Sequoia grove. Giant sequoia are one of the oldest organisms on the planet, and being in their presence was beyond enthralling. They're mighty, and amazing, and took my breath away. Then, back to the hotel's nice fireplace for one more day before making the multi-hour drive home.
Well, I hope you enjoyed looking at those pictures. If you ever get a chance to visit Yosemite yourself, I absolutely recommend taking it.
For now, though, go easy. And, if you can’t go easy, go as easy as you can.
~Odin H.