RVing Journeys

06/24/2026

Have you ever heard of a snake that can "fly?" Like many snakes in the Chrysopelea genus, the paradise flying snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) can glide through the air by propelling itself from tree branches, giving it the appearance of flight. To glide, it flattens its body by splaying its ribs, creating a shape similar to a frisbee. It’s a more energy-efficient way to get around, and it helps this snake avoid predators, too.

Photo: nbasargin, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist

06/24/2026

🎶 Wastin' away again in Pollinatorville... 🎶 Sing it, Jimmy.

When most people think of pollinators, they picture bees and butterflies. But this National Pollinator Week, we're also celebrating some of the unsung heroes of the pollinator squad, including the lesser long-nosed bat.

No, this bat isn't normally yellow. It's covered in pollen after making a pit stop at a blooming agave. As it travels from flower to flower, the bat helps pollinate the plants that support desert ecosystems and produce crops we rely on. And yes, agave pollination also plays a role in helping make tequila possible.

Shout out to all the pollinators. The bees. The butterflies. The birds. The beetles. The moths. The flies. And the bats who help take us to Margaritaville.

Photo of a biologist holding a pollen covered bat by NPS

06/21/2026

06/21/2026

OUR OPINION…

JUNETEENTH… should be America’s holiday, not just Black Folks’ holiday.
Why? Because freedom is an American thing.

We celebrate Independence Day because America declared freedom, we celebrate Juneteenth because more Americans finally had the opportunity to experienced it.

Some folks cringe at the holiday. Some don’t know the history. Some don’t want to discuss that chapter of our past. Truth be told, some folks don’t even want to say the word “Juneteenth.” But history is history.
The good, the bad, and the ugly are all part of the American story.

Juneteenth isn’t about guilt. It isn’t about blame. It isn’t about division. It’s about freedom, progress, and recognizing that America is strongest when more folks have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream.

Most importantly, it’s about UNITY. Not because we all share the same experiences, but because we all share the same future. America is at its best when different folks move in the same direction.

That’s not a Black victory. That’s an
American victory, and anyone who doesn’t understand that America needed that victory, doesn’t understand what real winning feels like.

Regardless of your race, age, gender or abilities. We encourage you to invite your friends and family, light up the grill, set off fireworks, drink your favorite beverage, stop making a mountain of a mold hill and celebrate one the greatest holidays in America’s history!

You don’t need permission, be like Nike and just do it!

Happy Juneteenth, America!

06/12/2026

Others: What are your hobbies?

Me: I love coming home and being at home and sitting inside my home and staying home.

Ah, home is where the heart, umm, arctic squirrel is. The Arctic ground squirrel is the ultimate homebody, snoozing through most of its life in snug underground burrows to dodge predators and winter weather. Picture them popping up in spring, single and ready to mingle, meet and raise their little fluffballs, and chow down and bulk up for the next big nap.

Each squirrel’s got its own private pad (following a credit check and depending on availability). Squeaking of hobbies, interior design is popular. The arctic squirrel decks out their showplace with a plush nest of dry grass, leaves, lichens, and even fur for that extra toasty vibe. Tonight on Burrow on a Budget: Lichen or leave it!