Noted geologist Frank Perry has become a local Renaissance man of sorts. Not only has he been a standout leader on our annual geology walks along the San Lorenzo River — his third one will be June 18 — but he has signed on to create six outdoor interpretive signs at University of California, Santa Cruz.

Chuck Jandreau has led a life that most people only dream about. He has done everything from teaching Johnny Carson, Willie Mays and a host of A-list stars and sports figures to instructing college students in political science.

Most people are excited when they hear that there are 180,000 salmon in Monterey Bay. I am excited, too, as these fish are being pen-raised for a short period of time by Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project.

One of my fondest childhood memories is a Tahoe camping trip in the rain that my dad saved by digging a moat around our tent. So it was with unbridled enthusiasm that I started off in the rain a couple of weeks ago to camp at Pinnacles National Monument.