FIRST BLOG POST!!!!!

AUGUST 5, 2024


Hi! I’m Grace. I'm a second-year undergrad studying biology at the University of La Verne. 


SUMMARY: I woke up at 6:00 AM and left at 7:00 AM. My mom drove me to Klatch (a coffee shop) and then to the airport. Luckily, I found the other Montana people in line, and we all made it onto the plane without any issues. During the flight, I read "Ready Player One" and slept. After landing, we got pizza at Mod. Then we went grocery shopping, spending around $360 on three full carts. Afterward, we headed to the site. On the ride there (approximately 1 hour), I fell asleep. Once we got there, Pablo gave us a tour of the site, and then we went on a car ride to look for various things. While doing so, we saw a ton of lightning. After we got back, we showered and watched Aladdin​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​. Finally, we stayed up until 1:30 AM talking in the main room.


SCIENCE: I learned that elk are gradually developing smaller antlers because those with larger ones are being killed off more frequently by hunters.


We saw a herd of elk, probably 15-20 individuals. We also observed two blue herons, a couple of rabbits, some white-tailed deer, a mourning cloak butterfly, and several American robins. Regarding the robins, there's a nest in a tree right outside The Magpie and Raven's Roost. We witnessed the mother bird drop one of her chick's fecal sacs and eat another.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


EMOTIONS:


Sadness: Once I get back from this trip, my summer's over. We return Thursday, I have work orientation Friday, and then I'm at school on Monday. Also, I was so close to seeing J.K. Simmons. His son was on our plane, and he picked him up. I'm so sad I didn't see him; I love him. Whiplash is the best movie ever.


Excitement: I'm excited to meet Gail.


Happiness: I called my Grandpa. It was quick but refreshing. Also, seeing so much lightning was incredibly cool. Finally, Aladdin is so good! I'm glad we got to watch it; it helped me realize it's one of my favorite movies.


Hopefulness: I'm sure this trip will help me develop a stronger appreciation for nature. I'm also confident I'll benefit from the reading and journaling I'm going to do.


Stress: I'm stressed about cooking because I have absolutely no idea how to cook.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


FIGURES:

 


Figure 1: Me at the airport.



Figure 2: Us grocery shopping at WinCo Foods.



Figure 3: Us in the car after lunch and grocery shopping.



Figure 4: Drawings from my personal journal entry.



Figure 5: J.K. Simmons.

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