Tromp Blog

Tracking Sudden Oak Death

Bay tree with signs of carrying pathogen that causes sudden oak death. Photo by Erin Loury.

In a different kind of bay watch, citizen scientists scour the forest for bay trees carrying the fungus that is so deadly to California's oaks.

The Outdoor Poet: Ellen Bass

Photo of Saturn by the Hubble Space Telescope

The mysteries of space and sea.

The Emma McCrary Trail Rocks

Mountain biker on Emma McCrary Trail in Pogonip in Santa Cruz, California. Hilltromper photo.

It sweeps and swoops along the hillside above Highway 9 and the river for 1.5 miles, and it's probably going to make you feel happy when you go there.

The Outdoor Poet: David Sullivan

This week's Outdoor Poet features transplanted Vermonter David Allen Sullivan, who teaches film and literature at Cabrillo College. The poem is At the Mouth of the San Lorenzo.

Fast Raft to Pt Lobos

Fast Raft Capt. Laurence Henry. Hilltromper photo.

... and an encounter with a pod of Risso's Dolphins.

The Outdoor Poet: Charles Atkinson

Our weekly poetry feature busts out of the gate with three by Charles Atkinson.

Rattlesnake Show at Nisene Marks

Steve Liebenberg handles a rattlesnake at Forest of Nisene Marks 50th anniversary. Hilltromper Photo.

We expected barbecue and lumberjacks at Nisene Marks' 50th anniversary party. But we didn't expect a rattlesnake whisperer. (With video)

Ventana Surfboards at Stripe Men Are Calling Your Name

Closeup of three Ventana Surf Co wood surfboards at Stripe MEN. Hilltromper photo.

Now you can ogle a bunch of Ventana Surf Co. boards up close and get your mantini too.

Announcing The Outdoor Poet

Closeup of a wild iris at Wilder Ranch State Park. Hilltromper photo.

On Wednesday, May 22, Hilltromper will launch a new weekly feature celebrating nature and place.

Stanford's Self-Driving Racecar Cameos in Spock vs. Spock Video

Shelly, Stanford's self-driving racecar

The Audi Spock vs. Spock video-ad that has been blowing up over the past day or so includes a cameo that is being overlooked by the geekosphere: a cameo appearance by Shelly, the self-driving racecar being developed at Stanford University. It appears as bonus footage beginning at 2:26.

Pages

Parks

Community

Gear