Went to Texas and got hot. Crazy weather. Not really fitting for a polar explorer. Still, I can't help but like extreme weather conditions. Surprisingly enough, heat is no exception. Although, the humidity argument is still out there.

On Tuesday I flew to Orange to present for Shangri La Nature Botanical Gardens and Nature Center and their summer 'beat the heat lecture series' - an aptly named event. We had been coordinating this event for over 3 months and the staff at Shangri La was starting to wonder if I was going to make it. I think I emailed Phil Grupe from Alaska, England, Utah, Colorado, Minnesota nd everywhere in between. So it was definitely nice to finally connect.

When I arrived at the Stark Foundation theater, I had to chuckle after being showed to a dressing room labeled 'star number 1'. I enjoyed the talk and the audience was great and felt like I left Texas with many new friends.

Spending a lot of time outside and at nature centers as a kid, I enjoy visiting other centers around the country. Shangri La was unique (at least to me) because it spans an ecosystem that I know little about: cypress/tupelo swamp a.k.a. bayou. I have to say touring around the grounds (and waters) was one of the coolest things I have done in a long time. Phil pontoon boated me to a remote classroom through mangroves, alligators, huge spiders and more.

It was a quick trip. In and out. But fear not Texas residents. I'm back next week for presentations at some a few REI stores.

Dallas store - 8/18
4515 LBJ Fwy
Dallas, TX 75244
(972) 490-5989

Austin/Round Rock Store - 8/19
201 University Oaks Blvd, Suite 1100
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 255-1938

Houston Galleria store - 8/20
7538 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77063
(713) 353-2582

See you there? Hope so!