Two people have now commented on pullulate, which means to multiply rapidly. It comes from the classical Latin pullulāre to send forth new growth, to sprout, to sprout out, spring forth. So now you know.
Great to find your Substack! I had not heard about Nichols’ passing. One of my favorite writers in college. Memories of a March spring break ski trip into the Pasayten reading MBW aloud by flashlight while wolves howled and lynx padded silently by.
It's always interesting how tiny decisions can send us down a completely different path. I also had a first year class (Intro to Earth Sciences) that redirected me into a Geology degree and career.
A favorite place near San Francisco is Sibley Volcanic Park near Oakland. It's apparently where an ancient volcano fell on its side, and it's always being surveyed by a geology class from some university. The professor is usually too serious and humorless, and the students look scared and are taking copious notes. I sometimes lean in and try to figure out what they are talking about, but with no luck. I've always been put off by geology, but now wish I'd had prof like yourself who could add some lightheartedness and joy.
Rock hound in my youth. I enjoy the geology class in college and the field trips. I'm glad that you found a career in the field. I enjoy the writing you put on-line.
Your old rocks (!) are way more impressive than anything I collected as a member of the Rocks and Minerals Club in Junior High School. My fascination was with 1) sand concretions (not really a rock?), 2) conglomerate rocks and 3)rocks with a white agate band around the middle, because they were “ lucky”. We have thousands and thousands of them at the Point No Point beach cabin, outlining the gardens or pathways.
I love to hear stories from people about finding a passion that they didn’t even know existed. Oftentimes through a college class that they just happened to sign up for because they needed that distribution credit. I often told my high school students that they didn’t need to have it all figured out now because the don’t know what might turn them on later.
Two people have now commented on pullulate, which means to multiply rapidly. It comes from the classical Latin pullulāre to send forth new growth, to sprout, to sprout out, spring forth. So now you know.
Great to find your Substack! I had not heard about Nichols’ passing. One of my favorite writers in college. Memories of a March spring break ski trip into the Pasayten reading MBW aloud by flashlight while wolves howled and lynx padded silently by.
And thanks for sharing the ode to fairy shrimp!
Thanks for your note. Have you read Nichols' On The Mesa? I don't think I have in 30 plus years and rereading and loving it again.
Absolutely love this trip down memory lane! Geology Rocks!! (Ya know I had to say that!)
Will look at Alden's book. I've read Doris Sloan's excellent "Geology of the San Francisco Bay Region".
Even though I was born in Oakland, I consider myself a San Franciscan --- sort of Bay Area snobbery ;-)
It's always interesting how tiny decisions can send us down a completely different path. I also had a first year class (Intro to Earth Sciences) that redirected me into a Geology degree and career.
A favorite place near San Francisco is Sibley Volcanic Park near Oakland. It's apparently where an ancient volcano fell on its side, and it's always being surveyed by a geology class from some university. The professor is usually too serious and humorless, and the students look scared and are taking copious notes. I sometimes lean in and try to figure out what they are talking about, but with no luck. I've always been put off by geology, but now wish I'd had prof like yourself who could add some lightheartedness and joy.
Lance
Thanks for your note. Do you know Andrew Alden's Deep Oakland: How Geology Shaped a City? It's a splendid intro to that region's rocks.
Hey David, thanks for 'pullulate'
Rock hound in my youth. I enjoy the geology class in college and the field trips. I'm glad that you found a career in the field. I enjoy the writing you put on-line.
Thanks, Becky Ross Skilling
Your old rocks (!) are way more impressive than anything I collected as a member of the Rocks and Minerals Club in Junior High School. My fascination was with 1) sand concretions (not really a rock?), 2) conglomerate rocks and 3)rocks with a white agate band around the middle, because they were “ lucky”. We have thousands and thousands of them at the Point No Point beach cabin, outlining the gardens or pathways.
I love to hear stories from people about finding a passion that they didn’t even know existed. Oftentimes through a college class that they just happened to sign up for because they needed that distribution credit. I often told my high school students that they didn’t need to have it all figured out now because the don’t know what might turn them on later.