Desert

Floris van Breugel on February 16th, 2021

A few weeks ago Aubrey and I made our way south to explore Gold Butte National Monument. Though it is one of the nations more recently protected areas, established in 2016, what makes the area special is its ancient history. Sandstone sculptures shaped through countless seasons of weathering are scattered about the desert landscape. Occasionally, …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on February 25th, 2019

At the beginning of this year I started my new position as assistant professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. The last few months have been quite busy with starting up my lab, getting settled into our home, making new friends, etc. So, adventures have been a little infrequent. That said, Aubrey …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on December 24th, 2016

Time seems to move faster and faster. I’m only now getting around to sharing some pictures from this year’s Thanksgiving trip. Aubrey and I met my parents in the Kofa Mountains of Arizona, to explore some new terrain while dining on delicious meals. This was also the first outing for my dad’s newly ruggedized 4Runner. …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on March 7th, 2015

I recently made two trips to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, in southern California, with some good friends to enjoy the desert sun, rain, cacti, flowers, and oases. In our wanderings, I was reminded of one of my favorite Edward Abbey quotes, from Desert Soltaire. After re-reading some quotes, I decided to pair an appropriate quote …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on August 7th, 2010

While most people, given the choice, stay far away from the hot deserts in the summer months, it is also one of the most exciting times to be there because of the dramatic storm systems that develop. The temperatures around the ocean (and other large bodies of water) are typically more constant due to the …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on April 29th, 2010

In southern New Mexico lies one of America’s most surreal and moving landscapes: White Sands National Monument. In addition to (somewhat ironically) being part of America’s largest missile test range (tests happen about twice a week – we didn’t see any when we were there), White Sands is home to a 275 square mile expanse …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on April 6th, 2010

For the last two months or so I’ve been following the progress of the impending wildflower bloom in Death Valley National Park, waiting for the moment everything would jump into bloom. Well, that moment has arrived! My first destination was to a spot where a friend and I discovered the tiny beginnings – cotyledons – …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on March 16th, 2010

First off, note that my presentation announced earlier has been moved to the following month for reasons beyond my control. I hope that causes no one grief! One of the joys of living in Southern California is getting to experience springtime a few months earlier than most other parts of the country. Typically spring in …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on February 24th, 2010

One of my childhood hobbies was to go out to the desert with my dad to explore abandoned mines and collect fluorescent minerals at night (fossicking is the Australian term for collecting minerals). Once the sun had set, which happens pretty early in the winter, we’d head out onto the mine tailings with a portable …Read the Rest…

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Floris van Breugel on February 18th, 2010

This past weekend I explored a variety of spots along the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley, enjoying the warm sunny and starry desert skies. After spending some time in Owens Valley I headed to Death Valley to meet up with some friends. On my way to camp I decided to explore a quiet section of …Read the Rest…

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