The interdisciplinary field of neuroscience has been my centre of focus for the past year. It is, needless to say, a subject of great depth (being an academic cocktail of biology, chemistry, and psychology), and requires a certain degree of self-discipline. As students, we learn of the mechanisms that control automatic processes such as breathing and heart rate. We've also spent time learning about the muscle and sensory systems. As astounding and intricate, delicate and elegant the brain clearly is, what many neuroscientists and students likely consider to be its most intriguing characteristic would be its product of consciousness.
Consciousness is perhaps the most complex product of the brain's many complex processes, considering we still don't know exactly how it's processed. A short and simplified definition of it is self-awareness: the awareness of one's self and his/her surrounding world.
The awareness of my existence amongst the trees, the rivers, the lakes, the mountains; the awareness of the life existing around me, as well as existing in me. The knowing of billions of stars in the sky that sleep in galaxies far beyond our reach; the feeling of insignificance amidst a significant universe. This is consciousness in its simple, beautiful sense. Without it, I would be unable to enjoy the outdoors. The thrill of the harvest. Consuming life as it consumes me. And to think that we are only beginning to really understand what consciousness is...
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
The First Fishing Trip of 2014
Ryan and I headed to Waubaushene to test our luck (and patience) with largemouth bass, pike, pickerel, and anything else in season worth throwing on a grill.
The drive was about two hours north from Ryan's place, and the scenery leading up to our destination was beautiful. There were rolling green hills, farms, and forests to stimulate our sights. When we finally reached the small town of Waubaushene, we prepared the canoe, and launched it. There isn't much to say about this trip in terms of action, as we didn't catch anything; however, Ryan had two large fish on the hook, only to lose them shortly after the fights began. Afterwards, it was quiet. We had fun nonetheless, as we paddled along the weed beds in search of promising fishing spots.
Our legs and backs eventually became sore from sitting in the canoe for over three hours, and so we decided to stop at an island in the middle of the bay. We stretched, walked around, observed the wild flowers and other plants growing on the island, and talked about coming back to Waubaushene despite not catching anything - after all, we knew the fish were there, but it just wasn't our day. That day will come (in 2014, hopefully!). Furthermore, the bay is apparently a great spot for waterfowl hunting in the fall. I've already begun planning the trip in my head. I'll update here when I obtain a waterfowl license.
Pictures of the island:
The drive was about two hours north from Ryan's place, and the scenery leading up to our destination was beautiful. There were rolling green hills, farms, and forests to stimulate our sights. When we finally reached the small town of Waubaushene, we prepared the canoe, and launched it. There isn't much to say about this trip in terms of action, as we didn't catch anything; however, Ryan had two large fish on the hook, only to lose them shortly after the fights began. Afterwards, it was quiet. We had fun nonetheless, as we paddled along the weed beds in search of promising fishing spots.
Our legs and backs eventually became sore from sitting in the canoe for over three hours, and so we decided to stop at an island in the middle of the bay. We stretched, walked around, observed the wild flowers and other plants growing on the island, and talked about coming back to Waubaushene despite not catching anything - after all, we knew the fish were there, but it just wasn't our day. That day will come (in 2014, hopefully!). Furthermore, the bay is apparently a great spot for waterfowl hunting in the fall. I've already begun planning the trip in my head. I'll update here when I obtain a waterfowl license.
Pictures of the island:
Friday, July 18, 2014
Into the Wild, and Back Again...
...So we hopped in the car, with the spontaneous notion in mind that we were going to head north, shoot some clays, and call it a day. Everything went well. The ride was smooth. We got there, put on our trekking boots, grabbed the gun, and even a hand axe, as we had hoped to make a small fire. It was but a grasp away, and then, as we entered the trail and into the woods, the mosquitoes came...
Mosquitoes... everywhere - to the point where we had to turn back and go home.
Yep. That's what happens when you pack everything and forget about mosquito repellent in the summer. They ruined it. No shooting. We'll be back though, and we won't forget the repellent this time.
(I counted 19 bites all over my body, and there may be more - I just don't know it yet).
The massacre didn't stop us from taking a quick photo in the woods (though this picture was extremely hard to take).
Mosquitoes... everywhere - to the point where we had to turn back and go home.
Yep. That's what happens when you pack everything and forget about mosquito repellent in the summer. They ruined it. No shooting. We'll be back though, and we won't forget the repellent this time.
(I counted 19 bites all over my body, and there may be more - I just don't know it yet).
The massacre didn't stop us from taking a quick photo in the woods (though this picture was extremely hard to take).
Saturday, May 17, 2014
The New Layout
Along with the recent statements of a return to the wilderness and a revisitation of old hobbies, it seemed like the right time for a makeover. Thus, Silent Ranch receives its first full-body makeover in over five years. I've readjusted the banner to fit the template's new frame, and in addition, the colour scheme has a new look. Lastly, I've added a Videos section to the blog which will contain our YouTube videos. So far, there has been a total of 3 posts in 2014, further demonstrating my return to the old habits of blogging.
Outdoor adventures are expected to begin soon, so, as previously stated, stay tuned...
Outdoor adventures are expected to begin soon, so, as previously stated, stay tuned...
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Revisiting Old Hobbies
Without shooting for some time, I'd say rust has likely developed in my skills. A friend of mine has repeatedly requested that I take him shooting with me the next time I venture out. So, we've planned on going skeet and trap shooting some time this month. How exciting! The Benelli SuperNova has been sitting in its confines since I used it last - in 2009! Obviously, courteous inspection of the firearm is long overdue, considering all mechanical items are prone to problems over time, especially when they've been inactive for 5 years! So I should probably get that done...
As I had mentioned in the previous post, my mind has been set on so many other things (mainly school and a certain girl - teehee ^_^) that I have virtually disregarded all other aspects of life. I made a promise to myself that I'd get back into the old hobbies like #hunting, #fishing, and skeet/trap shooting in 2014. Moreover, I have promised that I'd try my best to actively write here again, as it keeps my mind occupied, and maintains my writing skills - another beloved hobby of mine that had been abandoned for a while.
Stay tuned...
As I had mentioned in the previous post, my mind has been set on so many other things (mainly school and a certain girl - teehee ^_^) that I have virtually disregarded all other aspects of life. I made a promise to myself that I'd get back into the old hobbies like #hunting, #fishing, and skeet/trap shooting in 2014. Moreover, I have promised that I'd try my best to actively write here again, as it keeps my mind occupied, and maintains my writing skills - another beloved hobby of mine that had been abandoned for a while.
Stay tuned...
Thursday, February 20, 2014
A Return to the Wild
It is, as the title suggests, a return to the Canadian wilderness for me. One might notice that this blog's last post prior to this one was in 2009! I can't believe it has already been five years since I was semi-active on this blog. School has clearly possessed my interests to the point where I forgot about the things I loved to do on my time off. Today marks the day of my hunting license renewal; and next week, I will be renewing my gun license. It's a good feeling all around, and I intend to go hunting and fishing a lot this year. More importantly, I will post of my adventures on this blog like the good old days, where life was much simpler and less stressful.
Stay tuned...
Stay tuned...
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