All of My Published Books

Richard K. Holtzin
(writing/publishing under the non de plume: RK ALLEMAN)

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EMPEROR PENGUINS:
The Other Global Warming 'Canary in the Coal Mine'

CONCISE SUMMARY:
An Emperor Penguin rookery in Antarctica is in danger of collapsing due to melting and shifting ice below its thick foundation. Ostensibly caused by an onset of climate change, it’s the first time the penguins have experienced this recurring series of crunching noises followed by surging tremors. While they are all frightened and baffled, one penguin, Aurora, secretly embarks on a trek to the rookery’s lofty other side where he hopes to discover the source of these contingent and disturbing occurrences affecting the colony’s homeland. Little does he realize that this season’s mating partner, Corvus, and their exceptionally bright offspring, Cetus, are following. Later, when they reunite and discover the likely source of the mystery, their adventure soon becomes a rescue mission because Aurora is trapped inside a fast-moving glacier. Ergo, the cause of the ice earthquakes on the other side. 

As a consequence of their impromptu adventure, the trio is marooned. Moreover, if they can’t find a way to get off the glacier, and then return to their homeland in a timely fashion, they cannot rejoin their colony that is about to depart for the annual three-month summer feeding season. Therefore, a new challenge for Aurora and Corvus begins because once an offspring matures into a fledgling status, the adults go one way and fledglings go another. Fledglings also remain at sea and unguarded for seven years until they return to the colony, but this time as the newest adult members because they do not seek their parents.

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RES DOG TALES ABOUT PAWS AND TAILS:
Homeless Strays on the Navajo Reservation

CONCISE SUMMARY:
In this dog-friendly novel, homeless res dogs on the Navajo Reservation’s Canyon de Chelly National Monument solely rely on visiting tourists for something to eat. With a reputation of being the friendliest paws and claws on the planet, their individual and specialized mooching antics will have readers rooting for these usually famished strays trying to score on their daily begfest campground rounds. Depending on how generous or stingy tourists are, on any given day the characteristic capers of the persevering canines are sometimes comical, and sometimes pitiful. In other words, depending on the outcome also depends on the relatively few dogs who get something to eat. Let’s just say that compared to the many who are ignored or chased off is typically what res dog life is all about. Moreover, the consequences of their three-meal camper rounds are often a contingency (read, “donations are slim at best”). For example, one of their tight-knit community, Stumpi de Chelly, is the shy mendicant in the throng because he seldom scores anything to eat. Accordingly, most of his comrades share food with their homely and somewhat hefty res dog pal. 

In this dog lover’s novel, Stumpi happens to be the modest sage protagonist in this novel whose entertaining narrative blends the good, bad, and ugly circumstances of the usual despairing protocol and routine (read, “often dramatic and malnourished”). The essence of the story also advocates its humane thesis on rescuing the dogs by way of adoption. Ergo, the crux of this novel is spread across all the chapters with varying themes and incidents about some of the more popular dogs who sometimes beat the odds of survival and some who cross the rainbow for trying.

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DIETARY DECISIONS THAT ABET OR MAR THE ENVIRONMENT

CONCISE SUMMARY:
If, as the saying goes, “You are what you eat!” then how many people agree with this telling prompt? To directly address this axiom, the essence of this book and its suggestive title takes place in a posh Tucson, Arizona restaurant where nine friends rendezvous for a sumptuous evening meal. Along with their usual amiable discourse when gathered at these monthly night-out occasions, given this meeting of hearts, minds, and taste buds they will share and talk about their respective dietary preferences. Ergo, differing entrées ranging from meat and dairy edibles to vegan and vegetarian. For readers who procure this delectable publication, the dialogue throughout the evening will be casual, mainly describing what each of the friends orders from the menu. Specifically, the narrative denotes a genial exposition, which is based not only on what each order from the menu, but other factors such as nourishment and taste preference, and without bias or censure. The dialogue, therefore, does not favor one dietary preference over another. Most assuredly, the animated parley around the table follows a metaphor of typical menu captions. For example, the Prologue is entitled, "Waiting for a Table,” “Cocktails” is the title of the First Entrée, “Hors D’oeuvres is the title of the Second Entrée, and so on. 

The lively exchange of opinions also includes the supposition of how some of the meals served throughout the evening directly or indirectly affect the environment in one way or the other. Notably, how the meat and dairy industry food products are not only ruinous (read, “slaughtered”) to farm animals but also the environment (viz. soil, various sources of water, and the atmosphere). Compared to vegan menu options, however, the dietary preference is based on plant-based food, tofu, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts. It also follows there is no harm to the environment at any level. Again to mention the point, for the reader eavesdropping on what the friends share and discuss around the table, their respective affable conversation is intentionally instructive and never preachy. 

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GRAND CANYON'S GEOLOGIC TIME MACHINE:
A Literary Trek Through Primordial History

CONCISE SUMMARY:
Hiking into the Grand Canyon is analogous to a facsimile of a geologic time machine, and not only for the age of the earth but for hikers. In this sense, from the South or North Rims to the Colorado River, walking into the canyon replicates a step-by-step metaphorical clock of time. Thus, the average pace averages some 20,000 years older. Given how the clock begins ticking on the rim around 251 million years, continuing to the bottom of this mile-deep chasm, the ticking stops at nearly 2 billion years. Ergo, an ambitious rim-to-river trek simulates an aging process when hiking into the canyon while hiking out is akin to rejuvenation. In other words, the hiker gets his or her life back as time moves forward again. This touted Grand Canyon book centered on the theme of geology also includes an account of the canyon’s natural and human history relative to the canyon (viz. primal to contemporary). As a bonus, there’s a revealing chapter about the contemporary explorer, Major John Wesley Powell, who, after his successful canyon country explorations (1869 and 1871-72 renamed this so-called “Great Unknown” landmark under a more fitting inscription, “The Grand Canyon.”

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GLEN CANYON -- LAKE POWELL: 
The Wrong Damn Place to Build a Dam

CONCISE SUMMARY:
Before Lake Powell reached full pool status in the early 1980s and engulfed most of Glen Canyon’s interior, this ‘unprotected’ landmark was considered by some aficionados as the most unspoiled canyon and environs in the peerless canyon country carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. Because Glen Canyon was not sanctioned as either a National Park or National Monument, it was targeted to be outfitted with the second-largest concrete barrier in the West (viz. the so-named Glen Canyon Dam). Consequently, two-thirds of its sandstone foundation was inundated by an artificial deep-water basin from one end to the other (viz. nearly 200 miles/321 km long). The suggestive title of this book is also not exaggerated or mean-spirited because the tradeoff for Lake Powell’s veritable coverup (and some would say “drowned” is the better verb) destroyed a wonderland of side canyons, gorges, cliffs, spires, and grottoes. Moreover, the biological heart of the usually muddy Colorado River replaced by the reservoir’s clear water sheen submerged an estimated 79 species of plants, 189 species of birds, and 34 species of mammals, including obliterating a cultural treasure of an estimated 3,000 ancient ruins, including much older Anasazi structures. From this admittedly biased prelude, the conversion of an au natural (read, “bucolic and pristine") canyon-oasis that began in the late 1950s to what amounted to a literal water-world recreation houseboat and jet boat haven, among other watercraft designs. 

Regarding the graphic subtitle of this three-part publication, the historical narrative herein sets its focus on the building of the gargantuan arch-gravity-designed dam some fourteen miles upstream from the Grand Canyon. The bureaucratic details herein are also what most people are unaware of today. As the celebrated photographer Eliot Porter and David Brower of the Sierra Club named their equally celebrated publication, “The Place No One Knew,” the author’s retelling of Glen Canyon’s changeover is entirely factual, including a writeup of a detailed 12mm film describing his week-long river trip through Glen Canyon just before the river was closed to all boat traffic. George Steck (a celebrated Grand Canyon hiker and published writer), filmed his rafting trip in 1959 and many years later gave it to me as a birthday present. The other two parts of this publication explain the revealed remains of Glen Canyon sharing most of its domain with a lake named after the above-mentioned explorer who, ironically, first named this chasm, Glen Canyon. Thus, today’s Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. Presented with this overview of the author’s publication, it should be pointed out how the Bureau of Reclamation (and some would spell the name, “Wrecklamation”) discovered early on how their initiated hype and forecast of Lake Powell’s utility was an estimated 700 years. As it turned out, that optimistic estimate was a wholly exaggerated timeline. Actually, the prolonged drought throughout much of the Southwest that started in the mid-1990s has indisputably updated the Bureau’s forecast estimates. Ergo, the utility of the reservoir will be fortunate to last another hundred years (or less). Therefore, the future of Glen Canyon will one day be entirely out of water and back to being a pristine canyon oasis minus its deep-water drowning, which is a more fitting verb compared to BUREC’s technical term, full pool.

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ANASAZI TO ANCESTRAL PUEBLOANS:
First Native People Who Settled in the Four Corners Region

CONCISE SUMMARY:
The “Anasazi” designation is a Navajo designation that loosely means “the Ancient Ones.” These prehistoric tribal people were also the first to settle year-round in the region known as today’s “Four Corners axis” of the American Southwest (viz. where today’s Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah merge their respective corner boundaries). Also known as “dryland farmers,” the essential crops they planted and harvested mainly consisted of a variety of squash, corn, and beans. Ergo, for some 14,000 years these hunter-gatherers (among numerous other tribal cultures) annually migrated from far southern regions (viz. today’s Phoenix, Tucson, and likely sectors of Mexico) to the relatively cooler northern latitudes. With the onset of winter and snow in this part of the North American continent, they returned to their original native settlements. On one of those migrations just before the start of the so-called Common Era, the Anasazi decided to remain in what manifestly was their new designated homeland. Thus, no more migrations from south to north, and then returning to southern latitudes. On this latest trek, the Anasazi also put into practice what they likely learned from tribal people living in the far southern latitudes: farming. Consequently, the Anasazi continued their hunter-gatherer traditions but also built artificial canals to funnel water to their fields and crops. So began an entirely new and pragmatic way of life. 

This comprehensive publication’s 15-volume narrates their chronology from the prehistoric past to contemporary times under their new designation, “Ancestral Puebloans,” most of whom were forced to migrate (viz. because of a prolonged drought) to a new homeland in the late Thirteenth century: present-day New Mexico. In this informative tome, all of the anthropological and archeological details of their fascinating culture, including how the Anasazi mindset steadily evolved over the centuries follow a likely timeline of achievements. (“Likely,” because there was no calligraphy that far back in time. The closest thing to a primal written language was pictographs and petroglyphs—symbolic figures and iconic shapes painted or etched in rocks and walls.) Regarding their cultural achievements, including a sophisticated understanding of archaeoastronomy, the Anasazi were the first people who not only learned how to live off the land year-round but also designed and constructed sophisticated small and large settlements. For example, Aztec, Salmon, Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients, and Hovenweep, including cliff-dwellings such as White House, Inscription House, Kiet Siel, Betatakin, and the ultra-impressive Mesa Verde.

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This book cover and title has since been revised as follows: GRAND CANYON CREATION STORY: Facts, Myths, and Hyperbole Explained  (however, the text is the same for both title).

GRAND CANYON’s GEOLOGIC SHRINE OF THE AGES: Facts, Myths, and Hyperbole Explained.

CONCISE SUMMARY:
For as old as the Grand Canyon is (viz. roughly, 2 billion years in the making), it took a mere 5 to 6 million years to change the original primordial surroundings (read, “a sterile tract of featureless landscape) into today’s colorful tableau of eroded buttes, mesas, and gaping amphitheaters, and at a much higher elevation compared to hundreds of millions of years ago. This publication’s comprehensive chronicle, therefore, explains today’s relatively fast-changing features, starting with the so-called metamorphic (basement foundation) rocks where today’s Colorado River flows. Presented with the canyon’s long-running timeline describing two back-to-back former lofty mountainous ranges that were eroded to mere hummocks, what followed after this Precambrian geologic era was an altogether different blueprint of geologic design. Namely, changing environmental periods correspond to numerous advancing and retreating seas, a ‘quiet’ ocean or two, including shorter intervals of swamps, rivers, and lagoons; also, a vast Sahara-like desert. All of these constantly changing episodes eventually dried out, and later congealed, each compact formation chronologically piled on top of an earlier layer. Representing relatively younger sedimentary rocks such as limestone, sandstone, and mudstone, these sequential geologic-era depositions rising above the mile-deep chasm denote the much younger “Paleozoic Era” rock layers, all of which were concealed for hundreds of millions of years. Later (viz. 5 or 6 million years ago), a ‘catalyst’ (viz. presumably, the Colorado River) flowed through this region (again, presumably) from the northeast whose continuous down-cutting groove toward the southwest got deeper while exposing one canyon formation after the other. Ergo, the contrasting horizontal profile of geologic layers rising above the inner canyon gorge’s darker vertical profile. 

Most of what readers will find in this easy-to-read textbook explains both the simple and more complete geologic story (read, the reasonable theories about the canyon getting its start from the opposite end of today’s NE to SW drainage vector; also, flora and fauna native to the canyon, archeology, and a thorough exposition of the Colorado Plateau Province that encompasses the Four Corners region and a large sector of the Southwest. Not to give a geologic secret away, but mentioning the adverb, “presumably,” what would one day be dubbed the Colorado River, theoretically, there was another drainage that excavated the future chasm from the southwest, therefore, flowing toward the northeast. This quizzical and seeming mystery, of course, will be explained in this publication. Perhaps this teasing mystery, alone, will inspire a book sale or two.

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MAJESTIC MONOLITHS AND MEMORIALS:
Monument Valley's Iconic Visual Fantasy

CONCISE SUMMARY:
Presented with the vivid panoramic backdrop of Monument Valley’s towering mesas and buttes jutting from the dished valley floor, the title of this book is exceedingly explicit. With changing light, colors, and slow-moving shadows throughout the day, from the rim overlooking the valley, and depending on the time of day and lighting effect, the sweeping tableau of sculpted statuettes among other prominent sandstone icons sometimes appear to move in the greater distance. For instance, West and East Mittens, Elephant Rock, the Stagecoach, and a colossal-size open window to mention some of the many striking sandstone sentinels. The encompassing picturesque vista of this tribal park’s erosional past is also the most popular Western movie backdrop in the American Southwest. With its fractured orange-colored desert sands and the Valley’s singular geologic topography, Monument Valley Tribal Park is the most variegated sector of the Navajo Nation’s Great Basin Desert where SE Utah and NE Arizona merge their respective boundaries. For readers, this publication’s 15 volumes (referred to as “Sketches”) are replete with all of the essential aspects of Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, meaning the “Valley of the rocks.” Other than its erosional downsizing over millions of years, other topics of interest include regional human and natural history, and two of the author’s hiking and backpacking sorties exploring the vast interior, including the adjacent Mystery Valley sector.

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GLEN CANYON'S SHRINE OF THE AGES:
The “Cathedral in the Desert”

CONCISE SUMMARY:
In 2005, due to a serious lack of snowmelt and rainfall that year, including the continuing drought that started around the mid-1990s throughout most of the Southwest, the upper sector of Lake Powell was so low it was possible to boat down-lake from Bullfrog Marina to this vicinity, and then hike 1.5 miles to the far end of a sinuous side-canyon corridor. Dubbed by the celebrated photographer, Eliot Porter, “The Place That No One Knew,” the fittingly-named “Cathedral in the Desert” was the sole objective on that day. In a metaphorical sense, one could also say the Cathedral’s doors were opened for a brief window of time. Seeing this undefiled bucolic sandstone sanctuary for a relatively few fortunate hikers, including the author, was akin to a time-traveling experience before 1957 (viz. when architects and engineers initially got the ‘go-ahead’ to build the dam in this upper sector of the Colorado River). On that day’s outing, the entire corridor was damp and soggy, but, otherwise, from the river to the back wall was exposed from the ground floor to the rim. Mesmerizing by the muted silence and serenity, I especially enjoyed seeing the tapered veil of water flowing through an elongated crack in the back wall of the Cathedral’s amphitheater’s shadowed environs. The view was so hallowed there were no words from any of us given what we were each feeling, except to say I privately realized miracles sometimes occur. This idyllic haunt might as well have sufficed for a vision of Paradise Lost whose tableau was so prepossessing we remained speechless—the tranquility of the chamber was that spiritual. After an hour or so visit, we departed, taking our respective sentimental commemorations with us. And, yes, the overall experience was that poignant. 

As for additional Glen Canyon’s alteration of the mammoth-sized Glen Canyon Dam started construction in the early 1960s. Then, by 1982, two-thirds of the canyon from one end to the other was partially submerged. Ergo, “full pool” status. Since the flooding of Glen Canyon (and some would say “drowning” was the better verb), all of the side canyon corridors remain under some five hundred feet of water. Accordingly, the author’s 186-page publication suffices as a pastoral and sentimental homage that reveals the before and after portrayal of Glen Canyon, and, essentially, because it was the only canyon initiated by the Colorado River without the status of a National Park or Monument, it was selected for the second-largest artificial basin (the first being Lake Mead, but only by volume because Lake Powell is much longer, almost 200 miles/321 km). This publication also includes all the historical background. Thus, the before and after modification, including essentials about Lake Powell, the Bureau of Reclamation who constructed the dam, and relevant human history, flora and fauna, the Sierra Club, et.al. The author’s hiking and Lake Powell adventures also include climate change and weather-related facts that question the Bureau of Reclamation’s original estimate of Lake Powell’s utility lasting for some 700 years. Actually, this agency’s optimistic estimate has long ago been seriously questioned and downsized. So, yes, that scientific diatribe is mentioned, as well.

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SELF-GUIDED ROAD TOURS OF THE SOUTHWEST: 
National Parks, Monuments & Archeological Ruin
Volume I

CONCISE SUMMARY:
This is the only guidebook on the driving-tour market that features all the major TOURIST HUBS in the Southwest. These seventeen locales scattered throughout the Four Corners region, including Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque, are akin to the concept of  “connecting the dots.” However, in this case, the dots on a map represent an orderly sequence of scenic icons relative to a tourist hub’s specific geographic boundaries and all scenic icons therein. For example, where drivers begin and end their tour in the same town or city while saving time and mileage on any given loop tour (viz. out and back). Along the way, knowing the essentials about all of the featured national parks, monuments, and archeological (“Anasazi”) ruins enlightens the traveler. Ergo, knowledge is cognitive power and awareness. Moreover, having such information beforehand literally prepares the reader for (so to say) what’s waiting around the corner. The particulars in each tour are also ‘layered,’ meaning basic information that graduates to more detailed facts. It follows how the reader/driver decides on what and how much to learn about any landmark on the tour, including the option of skipping some of the celebrated attractions featured in this two-volume publication. 

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ROMANCE AND REDEMPTION IN THE ROCKIES: 
A Convoluted But Coquettish Novel!

CONCISE SUMMARY:
This amorous novel is based on a true story where all the names of a seemingly innocent cast are not so innocent. Lux Carey, the principal, is invited by his friend, Ailis Finnin, to be the caretaker of her family’s second home in the Colorado Rockies. Notably, a charming Victorian residence in an equally charming Victorian Era hamlet. Unbeknownst to Lux, her offer comes with undisclosed strings attached. Namely, a potential romantic relationship she plans to unleash once he moves from Denver and into the mansion that is replete with period antiques, curios, and furniture. Despite the fact Ailis is happily married, when their passionate affair begins, Lux feels culpable, yet obligated to continue in the ardent role of Alis’ secret suitor. (In other words, avoiding small-town gossip.) Before long, a local shopkeeper is also attracted to the new ‘townie’ and intends to seduce Lux. Thus, an entangled ménage à trois soon develops and he is indeed caught in the proverbial middle. Meanwhile, Lux meets a stray cat in town who not only vies for his affection but also a home. After moving into “Skye Keep” (Ailis’ name for the two-story palatial abode, including an attic), it turns out the Finnins’ vacation residence is haunted. 

Meanwhile, Lux’s lusty (and often problematic) affairs continue, complicated by the later appearance in town of his former lover, Shannon, who decides she wants to continue their passionate relationship after all. In time, the plump feline Lux befriended and named “GT” resolves his complicated threesome crisis. Like it or not, his two original paramours have to accept their mutual and respective compromise. Eventually, they move to another part of Georgetown, sans the ghost and Lux’s still love-struck mistresses. Recently, it turns out Shannon committed suicide. Likely, Lux’s decision to be single again had something to do with her untimely passing (viz. because he was also intrigued by renewing their relationship).   

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EXPLORING PEERLESS PLACES IN THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST:
National Parks, Monuments & Archeological Ruins

CONCISE SUMMARY:
Showcasing all of the National Parks, Monuments, and Archeological ruins (read, “Anasazi”) in the American Southwest, this two-volume encyclopedia is the most voluminous road tour publication on the market. Besides being an informative digest of memorialized scenic icons, other chapters include a substantial digest of Earth’s geologic periods, desert ecology, Chaco Canyon Archaeoastronomy, ethnobotany, the best hiking places and trails in the Southwest, Coyote Buttes and The Wave sector, the Durango & Silverton Railroad excursion, Tucson’s Pima Air Museum, the Kitty Peak Observatory, New Mexico’s Very Large Array, and the best of the best slot canyons among them. There are also other germane themes such as backpacking essentials and celebrating hiking trails, including an array of listed slot canyons. The index of numerous locales featured in this publication includes most of California’s natural treasures, parts of the Northwest, and Alaska. All of the information in this publication is ‘layered,’ meaning, graduating from the most basic to the more entailed, which the reader decides on how much or how little to read and research. 

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GRAND CANYON SELF-GUIDED TOUR:
Leaving No Stone Unturned!

CONCISE SUMMARY:
Given any Grand Canyon guidebook, “interpretation” entails an exposition of facts describing the how-what-where-when & why aspects based on the canyon’s timeline analysis and its linear process of creation. The exhaustive thesis in this two-volume tome is not only replete with subject matter but likely the largest and most comprehensive Grand Canyon textbook on the market. Moreover, edifying details take the reader on an educated self-guided stroll along the South Rim using prominent vista overlooks that help explain all of the numerous facets of knowledge about this picturesque Natural Wonder (viz. one of seven). As a bonus to the reader, the subject matter is divided into graduating segments describing various science disciplines associated with the canyon’s ongoing fabrication (viz. natural weathering agents and chemical erosion), a brimming summary of the flora and fauna, human history (viz. from the Anasazi to prospectors and pioneers), and helpful tourist information such as hotels, restaurants, shopping, what to see and do, etc. In short, this publication is an instructive tell-all compendium about all the essentials of the Grand Canyon. Therefore, turning readers into know-it-all Canyon Buddhas. Thus, enlightened!

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HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE BEST OF THE WEST NATIONAL PARKS and MONUMENTS

CONCISE SUMMARY:
A lyrical phrase from a Paul Simon song goes, “You just slip out the back Jack…Make a new plan, Stan…You don’t need to be coy, Roy…Just get yourself free.” So, to those who procure this travel guidebook, I say,  hop on the bus, Gus, and you don’t need to discuss much. Just visit the places you want to see and learn as much or as little as you like on the tour about any given place you are interested in seeing. I’m also using this teasing invite to do just that by letting prospective buyers know the title of this publication is not just about sightseeing in the American Southwest but also other celebrated places in California, the Northwest, and Alaska. “Hitchhiker’s Guide” also includes a list of acclaimed archeologic ruins (read, “Anasazi”). Every featured scenic icon herein denotes a quick, easy read for readers/travelers who have an interest in learning something about all of the numerous landmarks such as geology, flora and fauna, and human history. Featuring over one hundred renowned landmarks and attractions, the reader chooses how much or how little to learn about each destination. Ergo, an A-to-Z index, which, again, reveals only the rudimentary particulars for travelers. Are you ready for a sightseeing and learning tour, Gus?

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MAJOR JOHN WESLEY POWELL:
A Faux Stage Play About the 1869 Green and Colorado Rivers Surveys

CONCISE SUMMARY:
A former Civil War hero who later became one of the West’s most lauded explorers of the canyon country carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers is scrutinized in this edifying tome about what many consider to be the most adventurous survey by wooden boats in the unknown West (at the time, unknown). This historical account is retold in the guise of an onstage faux theatrical performance by three actors portraying the major and two of the oarsmen, each of whom recites their respective daily diary notes to an unseen audience. Otherwise known as the “three diarists,” and presented with an unvarnished account of both expeditions, the emphasis of the four-act narrative relates to the 1869 undertaking. Other historical particulars about the longer 1871-72 sequel are also mentioned in this compendium. Most assuredly, the theatric performance describes the inaugural expedition’s day-to-day activities, including additional chronicles and insights not mentioned in most other publications about the Powell expeditions. 

Although the fully funded sequel was a more complete and longer map-making excursion, the first expedition was minimally funded, including capital that Major Powell raised. His government-backed venture was akin to an OTJ excursion because Powell and his crew had to learn how to handle the boats in whitewater (rapids), as well as navigating canyons seldom explored by men, especially novice boatmen who were more comfortable riding horses. Mapping the terrain was, therefore, more exacting (read, “often dramatic and fateful”), including the abiding mystery of the three oarsmen who eventually abandoned the expedition without knowing there were only thirty-eight more miles to go. Thus, they were that close to the terminus of the “Great Unknown” that was now officially explored. This largest and longest of all the canyons the expedition explored, Major Powell later renamed the more fitting “Grand Canyon.” As for the three men who decided it was better to leave their comrades rather than continue risking their lives on the river, evidence proves somehow they made it to the North Rim but were never heard from or seen again.

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IDYLL MUSINGS:
Scrutiny On The Mien Of Nature 

CONCISE SUMMARY:
It is late Autumn and the author loosely plans a serendipitous day’s hike to the rural backwoods of Pennsylvania whose underlying theme entails communing with something wholly other. Thus, “the Higher Self” is expressed as the Witness, just as the soul relates to Nature. Describing a transcendental unity with the natural world in the guise of a November’s farewell, essentially the author’s meditative impressions translated herein describe how everything he perceives somehow also perceives him. A meditative maxim is, therefore, expressed in the abstract translation, “When I see the tree, I am the tree!” Think of this deep-seated au natural explanation in the sense of an awareness that symbolizes a Taoist’s dialogue centered on an indescribable presence that is also enhanced with an esoteric awareness of the Self and Reality. Thus, conveyed by another classic aphorism, “The Tao (‘the way’) that can talked about is not the eternal Tao anymore than the name that can be named is not the eternal epithet. Ergo, the arcane Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth just as the Named is the mother of all things. 

This meditative autumnal depiction starts early in the morning and ends the following morning. It follows how all of these personal reflection on the natural world’s changing moods occurs throughout the day and night, and back to a new day. In other words, replicating a rebirth with an opportunity to start over on a higher plane of existence. Part One’s poetry chronicle includes captivating b/w sketches that enhance a lyrical portrayal of Mother Earth, almost romanticized and certainly meditative. The second half of this profoundly introspective monograph is transcribed in prose and imagery in the format of seven lines followed by a three-line subjective reiteration. Thus, the semblance of a tacit conscious voice and dialogue is followed by a subconscious response.

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LIFE-CHANGING FLIGHT PLANS:
A Fateful Quest And Fall From Wings

Volume 1

CONCISE SUMMARY
Lux Carey’s premonition about second-guessing an invitation from his friend and flying mentor to help fly a veritable cross-country flight in a WW II airplane plagued him to the day he departed from Denver on a flight to North Carolina. That was where their rendezvous took place, and where the estimated two-week “barnstormer’s” training flight for Lux and Walt would begin. For this adventure, he would be learning how to fly a so-called high-wing taildragger configuration, which would be his first time flying such a design and antique. However, the following day when he looked inside the narrow cockpit of the tandem-seat L-6 model aircraft, he sensed he likely did make a mistake by accepting Walt’s proposal. Accordingly, he wanted to walk away and book a flight back to Denver. Somehow Walt talked him into flying at least halfway, and then Walt would get his son to help fly the second half to Seattle. Reluctantly, Lux accepted the offer but still sensed something would go awry later in the flight. This worrisome sentiment he did not mention to Walt or Dan, the owner of the vintage aircraft. Because their combined weight and camping supplies stowed onboard the airplane were marginal (viz. over the recommended limit by about fifty pounds), it took Walt several attempts to depart the rural airport but failed to get airborne. Even with his professional experience as an airline captain, including the airline’s chief pilot-trainer for incoming pilots and an FAA examiner, Walt barely cleared the airport’s encircling trees on the fourth attempt, especially at the far end of the runway. He then leaned forward and shouted to Lux from the dual-control rear seat, “We’re GO for our next flight training escapade and you just had your first vicarious lesson. Next time you do the rest of today’s practice T and G’s (viz. landings and take-offs) from the front and learn how to fly this antique with wings.” Lux shook his head in acknowledgment but didn’t comment one way or the other.

By mid-morning’s clear weather and minimal headwind, the foreboding premonition and concern Lux previously felt slowly faded. Ergo, he was more relaxed about the loosely planned R & R training flight now underway. By early afternoon, the unwavering headwind was stronger. By then, Lux had been used to flying the aircraft’s ‘stick and rudder tail dragger’ design, which was also his first time piloting this type of aircraft. Earlier, his practice included a few landings and immediate takeoffs at two different rural airports, including a full stop at another airport for fuel and lunch. After lunch and a successful take-off for Lux on his first try, Walt confirmed Lux as a certified Pilot-in-Command (P.I.C.) for this model aircraft. Satisfied with the confirmation, Lux was more confident as a pilot while Walt took a brief nap. When Walt relieved Lux and assumed control, Lux was restive and exhausted because of his lack of adequate rest and sleep over the past few days. Closing his eyes for a few minutes, he hoped to quell the onset of what felt like an imminent anxiety attack but didn’t mention his changing psychological state of mind to Walt. He was also beginning to feel more relieved about the flight because Walt was once again flying and navigating. Surprisingly, Lux’s previous concerns about increasingly turbulent, though clear weather, as well as the slightly overweight quandary of the L-6’s capability to stay aloft over a consistent West Virginia mountainous topography, both factors were no longer worrisome. Even though the unwavering headwind from the west that they flew into had substantially increased by mid-afternoon, Lux felt more relaxed, or perhaps “confident” was the better adjective. After all, Walt was now the P.I.C. with thousands of commercial hours flying a variety of aircraft designs. Compared to Lux’s logbook barely had enough logbook hours to qualify as a commercial pilot, with those added positive thoughts buoying his spirits, before long it felt as though he experienced what seemed like a slow-progressing out-of-body sensation. 

Either Lux thought he was dreaming or else was no longer seated inside the airplane. Observing what he thought was a greenish-colored cross flying in the distance, he started to feel a connection with that anomalous object that was getting smaller in the distance. Illuminated by golden sunlight, it was as though time had altogether stopped for Lux. Forgetting his name or where he was a few seconds ago, the serene floating sensation continued. He was also aware of a long silver cord that connected him to that still-curious object, which, by now, was further away. Appearing to have two wings attached to an elongated compartment of sorts, he was aware of something else even more fascinating: he sensed a connection with whoever was inside that object. Even stranger, whoever it was communicated with him. It was then that the floating sensation ceased. Now aware of what appeared to be two different dimensions of time seemingly merging, Lux said and heard the words, “No, I can’t continue and must go back and help him!” Suddenly, the tranquility was replaced by chaos and confusion, then came a series of swan-like leaps and bounds, followed by a nose-down dive into a thick canopy of trees. Simultaneously, the engulfing yellow light immediately changed to darkness and silence.

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Volume II

CONCISE SUMMARY
Later, after awakening and not knowing how long he was asleep, including his identity or where he was, he heard a muted voice talking to him. Quickly, the voice got louder, especially when he felt someone pulling on his arms and upper body. Not knowing what was happening, whoever it was finally extracted him from a tight, cramped space. Dragged further away from a large blurry object standing upright, a peculiar notion occurred to him that someone might have parked an airplane on its nose. Whoever it was and now watching over him started to talk again, only softer and close to his ear, saying, “You’re safe now. Sit here and rest. Don’t move or try to talk, Lux!” Hot, humid, and with insects attacking his face, Lux still doesn’t know who this person is or even how they met. As for the stranger with the calm voice, he is standing somewhere close and talking to someone else, and possibly a radio transmitter. Soon returning, he reminds and cautions Lux to remain still, not to touch his face, and maintain his sitting position propped against a tree. Gradually, Lux recovers some of his senses, starting with his name and a few memories, especially something about a cross-country flight. Notably, he was in an airplane with someone named Walt and they somehow ended up flying into a congestion of trees. Moreover, just before their swan-like landing, he heard the words, “Brace…BRACE FOR IMPACT, LUX!” 

Because his head was slammed into a glass and metal instrumental panel, and mostly it was his face that was badly injured, he lost so much blood Walt radioed his condition as “life-threatening,” but classified his injuries as minimal. Lux’s recall, however, instigated more concern than conciliation. While they wait for a rescue ground crew to arrive, Lux recalls something about a glass-like sphere or bubble. Namely, he was inside looking out and whatever protective sphere he floated inside appeared to get larger while everything in the background was slowly getting smaller. He was also engulfed by a soundless white light, almost a humming oscillation. Then, when the sphere or space bubble that he slowly rotated inside seemed as though it was about to implode, he was aware someone was inside a distant green object and was communicating with him. That vague awareness also thwarted whatever was about to happen, including disconnecting from a long silver cord attached to the sphere and the far-off green object. In a nanosecond, the tranquility that had affected his senses changed into alarms and mayhem, followed by disorientation and fear. The brilliant yellow light that surrounded the object was also extinguished. In a phrase, the space buoy or bubble suddenly blew out!

Propped against a tree and pondering such teasing thoughts or memories, Lux begins to remember something about the stranger kneeling before him. This time, he feels more concern and sympathy for Walt than for himself. As the afternoon waxes and long evening hours pass, the fading light describes his waiting for the rescue team. Accordingly, Lux’s exhausted mental and physical state is now more critical and worrisome for Walt. He also orchestrated the rescue operation with the help of a portable VHF radio Lux insisted they include with their gear (viz. because the airplane did not have such a convenience). Forced to wait about six hours for the rescue team to find them in the dense mountainous terrain, Lux picks up a twig beside him and starts scraping it on the ground. Walt, who is still coordinating with the State Police helicopter, breaks contact and walks over to Lux, asking if he needs anything. Lux tries to smile but it hurts too much. Instead, he mumbles something about wanting to go home, but not to Denver. He then tries to explain the moving and enlarging whatever it was, then says words to the effect, “back to the white light.” With his broken jaws along with all the rest of his injuries, it’s difficult to say anything more. Walt is also perplexed and senses Lux is about to pass out, or worse.  Unsure of what he can do for Lux if anything, it’s close to 10 o’clock when he hears the approach of the first rescue team, by which all else quickly follows, including renewed chaos and confusion for Lux. By the time Lux and Walt are carried out of the woods in stretchers, and then transported to the hospital in the rescue helicopter, Lux has another out-of-body sensation, and by the time they arrive at the hospital, he is pronounced DOA by the co-pilot but is soon soon revived by a surgeon. The rest of this two-volume dramatic novel based on a factual experience is multifaceted (read, “mitigated” and “convoluted”), which includes Lux being forced to deal with the reality of how his life has now changed, including trying to restore his loss of friendship with his friend and mentor, Walt. Thereby, giving up the possibility of someday flying for an airline, as well as divorcing his wife who wanted Lux to choose, instead, another career, including giving up his music teaching profession. Then Walt’s untimely death occurs later in the next year (1979) was caused by a car crash (viz. a rollover but not his fault). His wife also had divorced him.

In summary, this lengthy graphic novel based on Lux’s fateful crash describes a life-to-death experience, and then a back-to-life transformation. Thus, the old Lux whose life was much simpler, and the new Lux whose life is psychologically far more complex, and ‘convoluted’ is the better word. After many weeks in the hospital in Cumberland, Maryland where the helicopter pilot insisted on taking Lux and Walt (viz. and not West Virginia where the crash happened), Lux sensed a born-again continuance was underway but not in a scriptural sense. The critical injuries to his face were also akin to the Humpty-Dumpty cartoon character, only it was his facial features that were in pieces (among other sustained injuries). Later, when he returned to Denver and his new troubled and insecure life was underway if he thought the crash was the worst that happened, the rest of that year (1978) and part of the year after would prove to be the most unbearable timeline and narrative, both consciously and subconsciously. Moreover, he was on an entirely new path in life whose challenging crusade centered on this proverb: “To win yourself, you must first lose yourself!” Accordingly, he had to face the rigors of hell-on-earth retribution until he rescued himself and then discovered the light of physical and spiritual existence again.

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Please note: This 8.5 x 11 format is now offered in the 7 x 10 format and is now a four-volume sequential miniseries:

WHEN DREAMS FAIL IN MID-FLIGHT

CONCISE SUMMARY:
This four-volume publication is the longer and more detailed version of the author’s, LIFE-CHANGING FLIGHT PLANS. It is also published in the smaller 7 x10 format as opposed to the 8x11 2-volume treatise.

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SO FAR, ALL THE RIGHT TURNS
An Eclectic Memoire

CONCISE SUMMARY:
A memoir publication of life-chapter excerpts from most of the author’s published manuscripts that define a diverse lifestyle without forethought. More akin to changing occupations, coincidences, and life experience, this book’s apposite title qualifies the manuscript’s endorsement and assertion. Hence, a changing life process of varying and different events and circumstances that enriched his essence and livelihood given every respect, which, of course, includes the good, the bad, and sometimes the ugly, but mostly the good.

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S.T.E.M. For the Classroom
Adventures in Outer Space

CONCISE SUMMARY:
S.T.E.M. education need not entail the usual projects geared to a few hours or a few days. Instead, we offer High School students a one-year-long S.T.E.M. Laboratory class at no additional cost to the school, much less the student. This is especially the case given our patent endorsement that includes all S.E.S. levels. The only requirement needed is an Internet connection, which most schools already have. With a computer lab set-up in place, the S.T.E.M. class runs either as an elective or preferably as a typical High School technology class. In this light, students learn and use website development, word processing, spreadsheet, slideshow, drawing, and social media tools.

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TO RESERVE A COPY: The Amazon website features the paperback format.

Kindly note: This textbook is only a rough first draft. We have converted the textbook into a website that can be found here: https://www.stemadventuresinouterspace.com



21st Century Zorro

CONCISE SUMMARY:
In this tale of redemption, a contemporary superhero has the huevos to try and take down a mass–murdering techno–terrorist. This action–packed adventure follows the proud young ancestor of the original de la Vega family who now lives in the 21st century.

Viva El Zorro!

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