High Desert Amateur Radio Club

South, the California desert offers a rich diversity of natural attraction, including 600-foot-high sand dunes, spectacular granite peaks, extinct volcanoes, countless miles of wildflower displays, and over 2,000 species of plants and 500 species of animals. Revised and updated, Adventuring in the California Desert is the most comprehensive guide to nine specific regions, which range from high alpine snow fields to dry barren salt plavas, and include such popular areas as Death Valley National Park, Antelope Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and much more. Special features include: -- Outdoor recreational opportunities, from car touring, birdwatching, and exploring Native American and pioneer historical sites and desert museums, to day hikes, backpacking and peak climbs, classified by degree of difficulty -- Detailed descriptions of each region's natural, geologic and human history, plus plant and animal identification -- Tips on desert safety and survival, weather conditions, clothing and equipment, and special requirements for travel by car -- Area maps and access information, suggested tours, lists of public campgrounds and conservation organizations, and facilities for food, water, and gas. Adventuring in the California Desert is the practical tool for perfect trips, ideal for travelers who want to experience the unique sights and sounds of their desert destination without harming its fragile environment.

Some of their names are among the most revered in the history of science; others have been all but forgotten, in spite of their achievements.What did giants of science Gregor Mendel and Joseph Priestley have in common with virtual unknowns such as Henrietta Swan Leavitt and Grote Reber? They were all amateurs– untrained or undertrained researchers who often toiled in obscurity, but whose dramatic discoveries opened new pathways to a deeper understanding of nature. It Doesn't Take a Rocket Scientist examines the lives and work of ten amateur scientists whose investigations yielded insights and discoveries that eluded their highly educated counterparts.You'll meet the man who built the world's first radio telescope in his backyard; the woman whose astute observation led to the proof that there are untold numbers of galaxies in the universe; and the self-taught bacteriologist who laid the groundwork for the discovery of DNA. You may be surprised to learn that, between political battles and architectural projects, Thomas Jefferson carried out the very first scientific archaeological excavation, establishing methods that are now standard practice in the field.Likewise, in his youth, famed science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke wrote a technical paper introducing ideas that would eventually lead to a communications revolution. This unique and offbeat look at the history of science sheds light on the nature of scientific investigation: Does the self-taught scientist actually have advantages over the professional?Are there particular qualities of mind that enable amateurs to succeed in spite of their lack of formal training?How large a role did luck play in these momentousdiscoveries and achievements? Whether you're a dedicated amateur scientist or an avid science reader, It Doesn't Take a Rocket Scientist will delight and surprise you with little-known details about the work and insights of these self-taught scientists.