Watch Pictures Live from the Seattle Meetup!

[Aaron]

Alright, a few more *almost live* photos.

Despite the threat of rain, Aketuan and I made a made the 4000-foot scramble up Mt. Si (30 miles east of Seattle) this morning before his flight. Actually, he's still waiting for his flight. On the way back down, I was forced to hobble like an old fogey thanks to my left knee going lame, but Aketuan was very patient.

Here are a couple of shots from the top...

(Me)


(Aketuan)


While on top, we fed bits of granola bars to a chipmunk who was clearly quite accustomed to begging for tidbits from hikers. Pity that he wouldn't stand still for a photo!

Again, so great to see so many Avatarians this weekend. Already looking forward to next time.

[Raiden]

Originally Posted by Aaron

Despite the threat of rain, Aketuan and I made a made the 4000-foot scramble up Mt. Si (30 miles east of Seattle) this morning before his flight. Actually, he's still waiting for his flight. On the way back down, I was forced to hobble like an old fogey thanks to my left knee going lame, but Aketuan was very patient.

While on top, we fed bits of granola bars to a chipmunk who was clearly quite accustomed to begging for tidbits from hikers. Pity that he wouldn't stand still for a photo!

Again, so great to see so many Avatarians this weekend. Already looking forward to next time.

:/

I wish I could've gone with you guys.

I love hiking, but school had other plans for my time...

EDIT


Whoaho! Nice find!!

This is the yellow-spot millipede.

Harpaphe Haydeniana

We actually have quite a few native millipedes in the Pacific Northwest, but many of them spend nearly all of their time hiding.

This one does not.

You see, most millipedes can secrete formic acid (a weak organic acid, about as acidic as Orange juice), but this little fella has developed a better plan.

They synthezise Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) in sacs along the inside of each body segment, and when something disturbs them, they squirt it out.

Hydrogen Cyanide is extremely toxic to many animals, and the yellow spots serve as aposematic (warning) coloration to predators who would wish to dine on one. If you pick one up, it might squirt you with it, but as long as it doesn't get into cuts or into your eyes, you'll be fine.

Another interesting note is that there is one species of beetle in the family Carabidae that can eat these; it has developed an unusual resistance to the cyanide.

[Alan]

Ok, maybe not exactly pictures, but more moving picture. Below are the links to the video logs from the Avatar Meet Up. Hope the are of interest:

Day 1:
ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

Day 2:
ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

Day 3:
ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

Days 4 and 5:
ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

Irayo to everyone for putting up with me videoing and stuff. When I get back home I edit all the footage together to make a meet up video. Do PM me if you would like a copy.

Kiyevame my friends,

Alan

[apache_blanca]

Originally Posted by Alan

Irayo to everyone for putting up with me videoing and stuff. When I get back home I edit all the footage together to make a meet up video. Do PM me if you would like a copy.

I'll be waiting all it takes like a good Na'vi hunter in an ambush...
(oh come on! it can't come soon enough! )

whenever... just waiting for the "footage together" to appear... pleeeaaazzze...

[CyanRachel]

Originally Posted by Aaron

Alright, a few more *almost live* photos.

Despite the threat of rain, Aketuan and I made a made the 4000-foot scramble up Mt. Si (30 miles east of Seattle) this morning before his flight. Actually, he's still waiting for his flight. On the way back down, I was forced to hobble like an old fogey thanks to my left knee going lame, but Aketuan was very patient.

While on top, we fed bits of granola bars to a chipmunk who was clearly quite accustomed to begging for tidbits from hikers. Pity that he wouldn't stand still for a photo!

Again, so great to see so many Avatarians this weekend. Already looking forward to next time.

Great pics, Aaron! Glad to see/hear you and Aketuan had a good hike.

It was awesome to meet you both in Seattle...I think we all had a great time there! I'm back at work right now, but taking a moment to check back into the ToS forum to read some of the weekend posts and view some of the photos from the meet-up.
Too all those who couldn't make to Seattle, wish you had been there -- the Avatar exhibit was *awesome*, and we all enjoyed getting to hang out together! Until next time, clanmates!

[misstammie]

Wow...that looks awesome Aaron and Aketuan. Great pictures!! By the way, it was so great to meet you both this last weekend.