Howdy everyone! It's been a few weeks, but I'm back with another blog post to catch you up on some of my adventures the past couple of weeks. Because most of my weeks are the same, I will write one paragraph that summarizes how my week goes.
I have settled into my lab space nicely since the job has been consistent. Each week I drive to work, badge into campus, swipe into the first door, clean my shoes in the shoe buffer for lab cleanliness, swipe into the big sliding glass door, and finally make it into my desk. Just making it to my desk was a big deal at first, but now it is easy normal routine. I've been working with my coworkers in the UVDL (unmanned vehicle development laboratory), and each and every one of them is kind and crazy smart. I get to take a tour each week of one of ORNL's major facilities, and there are typically two talk sessions each week where I get the chance to learn about interesting topics from 3D printing to the total eclipse to the affect of stress on the body.
Two weekends ago I went down to Chattanooga which is about two hours away. I began by hiking around Rock City which was a mystical and fun piece of nature, even if it was being strangled in the grips of a tourist trap. I then walked across their long and famous bridge, had some terrible coffee, and watched a rubber ducky race. I finished off that day by going to Chattanooga'a art museum.
Small fall in Rock City
7 States can be seen from this point
Falls in Rock City
Fish from Uncle Larry's
Bridge in Chattanooga
Rubber Ducky Race
Canoes are prepared to see the winner
Clean up
Art from museum
Last weekend I went kayaking and hiking in town. When I went to rent a kayak, I asked the man if there were any good places to paddle to. He mumbled something inaudible, waggled his finger toward the road and said "eh, a lot of people like to go under that bridge." So I went. When I went just a few feet under the bridge I was surprised. What are all of these things lining the top of the bridge...
That's when I realized. It was hundreds of nests. A hoard of birds who were startled by my presence panicked, and swarmed just over my head before flying out. While it was scary at the time, it ended up fine, and the birds didn't bother me any. On the other side of the bridge, I found a deep grove of channels and ponds that was entirely surrounded my forest and isolation. I even gave the birds a nice salute on my way back out.
Isolated ponds after bridge
Benefit of squinty eyes is that you're already squinting when looking into the sun
Beautiful Reflection
Baby ducklings following their mama
Finally this weekend, my good friend Lyla came in town. We've been drawing, and hiking, and having a good time catching up. The hope is to go to Knoxville on Tuesday and watch the fireworks there. This weekend was also my first time going to church since I joined the church choir. I went to practice before service, had my sheet music, and sung on stage. I have helped bolster their small bass section, and I'm having a great time.
Clean chamber in facilities
Till next time everyone wear your seat belt, bring extra socks, and never forget to get lost just the right amount.
