PANGA PANK, SAAREMAA, ESTONIA–One of the primary joys of geology is the privilege of working outside, especially in wild areas. Walking through green forests or desert wadis or up steep volcanic mountainsides or along rocky coastlines gives us the natural context for our research. We are small parts of that monumental human enterprise to understand the Earth and the life upon it.
Saaremaa is a treasure of wild places, even though it has been settled for centuries. The photographs below come from the Panga Cliff Nature Reserve which includes one of our coastal localities.
The Panga Cliff (left) and deep forest floor moss on a trail along its top (right).
A common purple flower we see often (left) and delicious wild strawberries which we pick and eat as we walk to and from our outcrops.
You got me with that first sentence. And remember, all this time outdoors is good for you! People with more access to nature tend to live longer, be healthier, and have stronger social ties. A privilege and a joy indeed, as well as a necessity.
Good to know you all are enjoying the greenery.