Wednesday, June 2^nd, 2021

Bear Footage Day Two, Route 39 North, British Columbia, Canada

Original Master

This footage is of a brown black bear I spotted driving north on route 39 in British Columbia, BC.

The day before, I spotted 16 bears in a single day.

It sounds like an exaggeration, but really I believe I spotted more than that, but only confirmed 16, since this was the number I could have certainly taken footage of, if I had not gotten tired of collecting bear videos…

@mattanaw @mattanaw.everywhere @mattanaw.travels

Wednesday, June 2^nd, 2021

Lakes and Burnt Forest, Northern BC near the Yukon Territories, Canada.

Original Master

Driving north towards the Yukon in Canada, I found myself in driving through fields of burnt forest.

This is from the far north of British Columbia.

After breaking from a partial doze (I can drive just fine while in a wakeful dream state), I found a nice rest area to pull aside, to record this video from atop a nearby hill.

There were several lakes nearby, one somewhat turquoise, although it isn’t as obvious in this video, without the sunshine that was earlier illuminating them from a break in the clouds.

I was driving hours and then realized how many spots there must be, just like this one, in all the land that does not have roadways traversing them.

@mattanaw @mattanaw.everywhere

Wednesday, May 12^th, 2021

Work Break Hike, Morningtime Meadview, AZ

Original Master

I was in need of a break, and decided to take a morning stroll in Meadview, Arizona.

I found myself in some interesting territory very quickly.

Expecting hardly a walk, I enjoyed a very nice hiking excursion.

The Grand Canyon isn’t really a place.

It’s just a chosen portion of long stretches of deep canyons around the Colorado River and related water bodies.

My alligatoroid Lucchese boots performed well.

Dressy boots tested for real outdoor work.

Hiking and climbing.

So far they are doing well and make me curious,

how much better are hiking boots from REI and other stores,

when boots without laces perform very well.

Wednesday, May 12^th, 2021

Driving my AWD Transit down to the Colorado River

Original Master

This is a drive down into a spot that would make an excellent starting point for long ventures into the Grand Canyon. This is near Meadview, Arizona.

The vehicle is my new Ford Transit AWD van, that I’ll be using for offgrid work.

Monday, April 26^th, 2021

Backcountry Camping at Lake Mead

Original Master

This weekend I took a trip to Lake Mead for some backcountry camping and swimming.

I also discovered a town called Meadview which was a very enjoyable place to hangout before and after my trip.

While I focused on staying safe while hiking along steep slopes and cliffs, and just enjoying a relaxing time by the beach,

I had an additional task of interest, to start using my new Canon EOS M50 camera.

After this trip, I am greatly interested in how mobile phones will continue to develop in comparison to professional photographer’s equipment, since in my opinion, the iPhone is hihgly competitive if not superior to the Canon, at least for basic use, which accounts for the bulk of all use for all photography.

“I would like to capture what I’m seeing now quickly.”

This isn’t a post about that, but I did spend some time learning my new camera, and I’m very happy with the results.

The highlight of the trip was the swim. I was hesitant. I’ve heard so much about risks of swimming in lakes, and deaths that have occurred.

But I just got finished in open water near Kona in Hawaii, which is vastly more dangerous, so I decided to go out.

It was worth it and I believe I’ll be swimming around to make trips to spots that are harder to access by walking, without a boat, and I’ll do it by swimming.

@mattanaw @mattanaw.everywhere @mattanaw.travels

#lakemead #backcountry #backcountryhiking #backpacking #desert #lake #swimming #lakelife #relaxation #scenic #remote #quiet #arizona #nevada #coloradoriver #meadview

Tuesday, April 6^th, 2021

White Sands NP Sand Dunes Hike.

Original MOV

Today I went for a hike at White Sands National Park, and found myself climbing dunes along a trail only marked with plastic waypoints.

It is a trail that is easily accessible, yet there is a feel of unusual remoteness.

It’s called Alkalai Flats.

The mountains in the distance are almost the same shade as the sand, creating an extended continuity of the same color, far into the distance.

There were signs at the beginning of the trail, indicating higher than usual dehydration risk, and some have died here, after getting lost.

It was very windy, and I too couldn’t stay out long before feeling very dehydrated.

But it wasn’t too hot, and apparently I chose a very good time of year to make a visit, according to the manager of the hotel I’m staying at.

Amazing trip. Highly recommended because it is not a difficult trip to make, and will definitely be memorable.

Monday, March 29^th, 2021

Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico

Original MOV

Today I was trail running after work in the late afternoon, at a perhaps lesser known park that turned out better than expected, called Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks National Monument, in New Mexico.

Tuesday, March 23^rd, 2021

Saguaro National Park West, Tucson Arizona.

Original MOV

Saguaro National Park West, Tucson Arizona

This video is from a spot where I went jogging at Saguaro National Park, on the West Side.

Thursday, February 11^th, 2021

Falls in Waipi’o Valley

Original Landscape MOV | Original Portrait MOV

These videos are of the Waterfalls and Flora in Waipi’o Valley, very close to the coastal area that I showed in my other recent post.

@mattanaw @mattanaw.everywhere @mattanaw.travels @mattanaw.hawaii

Wednesday, February 9^th, 2021

Boxing at Aloha Fitness in Hilo, Hawaii

Original 1 MP4 | Original 2 MP4

I’m now trying to get back into boxing again, and after a couple gym sessions, I decided it was worth checking out my form.

I never had any formal training, but I did spend some time as a teen hitting a heavy bag my father hung up in our basement, and spent a fair amount of time doing it.

It was a canvas heavy bag, that I would hit with thinner gloves or bare knuckle. It’s quite a bit different hitting with padded gloves that feel heavy and sap endurance faster, but at least my hands are protected.

The gym is Aloha Fitness in Hilo. It’s a cool spot. Open air with a relaxed feel. I exercise here when I’m on the east side of the island.

Tuesday, January 19^th, 2021, 8:29 PM Hawaii Time

Ocean by the Cliffs Off Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii

A view of the ocean by older volcanic cliffs near Pahoa, Hawaii, on the Big Island.

@mattanaw @mattanaw.everywhere @mattanaw.travels

Saturday, January 2^nd, 2020

Just prior to the recent Kilauea Eruption

Kilauea recently erupted, and before catching new footage of lava flows, I wanted to post this video from just beforehand, while it was still dormant.

Well, it’s the world’s largest active volcano, but it was not in an erupted state, but was only steaming from vents, until just two weeks ago.

This is from near where I live on the Big Island in Hawaii.

@mattanaw @mattanaw.everywhere @mattanaw.travels

Tuesday, December 22^th, 2020

Approached by Turkeys of Waikoloa.

While in Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii, after checking into a hotel, I was suddenly approached by two turkeys.

This has never happened to me before.

Their plumage is intricately patterned and colorful, and it isn’t obvious unless they are up close.

@mattanaw @mattanaw.everywhere @mattanaw.is.alaska @mattanaw.travels

#turkeys #holidays #holidaysinhawaii #curious #curiousbird #turkeyscometoyouapparently #hawaii #bigisland #kona #alaska #lasvegas #anchorage #waikoloa #beachturkeys #volcanicturkeys

Sunday, December 20^th, 2020

The Drive to Valdez, from Glenallen AK, I.

The drive from Glenallen to Valdez Alaska is very picturesque.

Here is the first of several videos I will share of sights along that roadway.

@mattanaw @mattanaw.everywhere @mattanaw.is.alaska @mattanaw.travels

Wednesday, November 25^th, 2020

Bison of Northern British Columbia

Driving through remote British Columbia, making my move from Alaska to the Southwest for the winter, I ran into these bison, just sleeping by the roadside.

I was already feeling that night driving was a little risky in the area, and decided to stop at a nearby lodge, after flying by this one bison that was sticking out in the road.

If it was in the roadway I probably would not have spotted it in time.

Like moose they are very dark, making driving in this part of Canada especially dangerous.

They seem to hang out alongside the road here in a number of places, so if you drive through British Columbia up towards Yukon Territory, you will likely seem yourself too.

Some of the nearby parkland is quite incredible.

This happened to be near Muncho Lake, which is especially scenic, and is worth a trip on its own.

Wednesday, November 25^th, 2020

Is anyone looking? Mmmm… salt.

Self explanatory video about getting away with salt licking at the gym.

This was from just before Coronavirus, when the gym was open very late, and I was lifting according to my late night routine.

It’s easier to lick salt in the darkness.

Sunday, March 29^th, 2020

Hike Up the Lazy Mountain Trail on a Clear Day

Original

Yesterday I went on another hike up the Lazy Mountain trail.

It is a somewhat challenging trail that has a steep incline straight up the mountain.

Last time I went it was overcast, and I mentioned how mountainous the surroundings would appear if only there were clear skies.

Yesterday I was able to get this video, and again reminded myself about why Palmer and Wasilla are excellent base locations for many different kinds of adventure.

Many in Alaska would be familiar with this trail, probably most trails in and around Anchorage and the Valley, but I'm new to many, and this site is in part to share with friends, colleagues, and family who do not live in Alaska.

Tuesday, March 3^rd, 2020

Smoldering Groceries in Paradise

Original

As I was headed towards a day hike, in Glacier View, Alaska, I randomly encountered an abandoned flaming truck.

It was really strange.

Here I'm playing a wannabe television reporter.

I'm not very good at it.

Maybe one day.

Sunday, February 23^rd, 2020

Denali on a Clear Day

Original

I'm not usually a mumbley person.

If you can't hear me, I'm just saying something about how

Denali looks like a white oragami dome.

Saturday, February 1^st, 2020

New Fitness Channel

Original. MOV.

I now have a fitness channel, that will include tips and self-analysis related to:

Weigthlifting
Running
Basketball
and Crossfit (Which I'm just now starting, thanks to a recommendation from my brother Sean).

I'll probably show off a little there too.

I'm not at all known for showing off.

Monday, November 26^th, 2019

Clear Morning View of the Mountains in front of Lake Clark National Preserve

Original. MOV.

These mountains shown in this video are not always clearly in view.

When they are, it is stunning.

I took this video from my truck to give an idea of how things look on the day-to-day, without actually taking pains to make things look perfect.

Sometimes I like how things appear in ordinary moments, more than I do when trying to make things appear as nice as they could.

This was just a crisp and clear moment from yesterday morning.

...

To see where this is located spatially, see more on my page Off Grid Living in Alaska.

Monday, November 11^th, 2019

Veteran's Day Hike 2019

Original. MOV.

On Veteran's Day I decided to make another hike up McHugh Peak, near my property in Anchorage, Alaska.

I did not make it once again...

But the views were amazing.

I'm thankful for our Veterans, for making it possible to be able to make such trips.

Thank you!

Sunday, November 3^rd, 2019

Are you stuck here?

It is very easy to part from obvious falsities.

Don't let culture suck you back in.

Your attention is too valuable.

It is OK to save yourself from people's opinions,

even if they are from those

who are close to you.

See my list of ideas and concepts that are better to ignore permanently.

You are free to have your own opinions,

and to speak your mind openly.

Wednesday, October 30^th, 2019

Slow Motion Bumble-Bee Footage

Original. MP4.

Slow motion bumble-bee footage from my last road-trip.

I took a trip from AK to Seattle, and drove to Washington D.C. and back.

This footage was from North Dakota if I'm not mistaken.

This was my first time ever using the slow motion feature on my iPhone X.

I didn't even know it existed.

It was amazing timing to find the feature.

Thank you bumble-bee.

I guess.

...

If your connection is not fast enough, you may want to see the original.

Lists

October 30^th, 2019

Lists.

This page contains lists that I consider important, for a variety of reasons.

Each list relates to moral philosophy in a number of ways.

Initial lists relate to logic,

for ensuring that we are able to increase our level

of truthfulness

in our self-talk and communication.

Lists.

New Series on School Improvements

October 29^th, 2019

School Improvements.

There are two purposes to this page.

The first purpose is to provide potential ideas for improving the education system at various levels.

The second purpose is to provide ideas to use in the classrooms for teaching interesting lessons. Lessons that might be more memorable or meaningful than what you find elsewhere.

Memorable is important for obvious reasons.

View of Hanalei Bay from My Room at the Princeville Hotel

October 28^th, 2019

Original MP4.

A view of Hanalei Bay from my hotel room at the Princeville Hotel (formerly the St. Regis), from earlier this year.

Beads of Water on Fireweed

October 28^th, 2019

Original MP4.

Just a view of fireweed after some recent rainfall.

Fireweed is an edible plant that is sometimes used for tea making.

I still have not attempted that, but there is plenty around during the summer. I hope to stock up next year.

For a more clear video, take a look at the original here: MP4.

Driving From Auckland to Tokoroa, New Zealand

October 28^th, 2019

Original MP4.

Another video driving around New Zealand on the lefthand side of the road.

This was a trip from Auckland in the North, to Tokoroa, a bit further south.

Watching videos like this, in retrospect, would be a good idea before driving on the left. Driving on the left is just like on the right. It's like a mirror image. Once you make a mental switch, you can do it easily. I figured this out walking around in downtown Auckland, before renting a car. But you can also figure it out, I can tell now, by watching videos first.

In this video I drive around traffic circles and so on, so you can see how things might look when you do it.

New Zealand is cool. If you can make a trip and drive around it is worth it.

Fly Tape is Wrong!

October 28^th, 2019

Originally Posted September 28^th, 2018

Fly Tape is Wrong. Original MP4.

Just gruesome fly tape footage. You might need to have a good connection with high resolution to see the movement of the fly.

Watch this if the YouTube version doesn't work: MP4

I had a bit of a fly problem. This did not correct it, but it did do something...

Jeeping in Polihale Part III. Out on the Beach.

October 25^th, 2019

Part III. Original MP4.

Made it out onto the beach!

I camped near here.

It was a great way to get to a remote spot with very few people nearby.

I felt like I had the beach to myself.

Jeeping in Polihale Part II.

October 26^th, 2019

Part II. Original MP4.

This was my second trip out to Polihale.

I was much more confident having fun on the dirt road, after getting a better idea of the Jeep's capabilities.

I also drove out part of the way onto the beach.

Jeeping in Polihale Part I.

October 25^th, 2019

Part I. Original MP4.

Just a video jeeping to the beach in Polihale State Park. There's a nice dirt road that is much better traveled with four wheel drive.

It's much easier to get around in Hawaii if you have a jeep. I was given the option to take this or to drive a mustang convertible.

This was the better option IMO.

Mattanaw's Personal Form

October 17^th, 2019

Mattanaw's Personal Form. [PDF].

This is a highly personal and private document, shared for transparency, to give additional background on my work in moral philosophy. Its purpose is to enable personal self-help, but the overarching goal is moral in nature. I kept personal forms to track important activities in my life for a long period of time, and used the process to understand what it takes to make large amounts of personal changes independently. It is large, at ~410 MBs, and over 500 pages, so might take a bit to download and view. Not every form I filled was kept and included in this archive, and I suspect perhaps a hundred or so went missing. I kept very good records, but I do find pages on occasion that did not make it into the binder.

I will explain this document in an article in the near future, and more completely in my upcoming work on ethics. There is far more than meets the eye going on with this journal, and much has been learned through years of its evolution and use. My reflections on my experiences using this form are vastly more important than the form itself. Not much of these experiences can be inferred from reading the document itself. However, following the same process yourself would likely lead you to some of the same intuitions I came to have myself.

Notice the initial forms differ dramatically from the later versions. While the initial form was simplistic, in many respects it was better than the latest, most detailed and organized version.

This took a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work (thousands of hours), and I fully intend to share a new variant of this form in the future, free of cost, in case others would like to use it themselves.

I was told a long time ago I could make money off of this, but instead, I think it is better to share it for free, and to produce a better version of the form that is more likely to be used over an extended period of time, with a realistic amount of data collected.

For various reasons, it is not possibly currently to create a mobile app out of this form, and have the same level of effectiveness. It was my intention to create a software variant of this, but I don't have the time or energy to do that now, and I think it is better for a variety of reasons to use the paper form, perhaps in conjunction with other specialized mobile apps that came into existence.

Imagination and Filtration

October 15^th, 2019

This handwritten notebook includes my notes and thoughts on attention. It addresses filtering out unworthy aspects of the world from our minds.

Consider the person you would and would not want to become, and how each potential version of you would spend time and attention in various environments.

What environments would you seek, and what environments would you completely avoid? What thoughts would you consider, and what thoughts would you consider to be too ridiculous to deserve attention?

Would you have a strategy for managing your attention, or would you have no strategy at all?

How about now? Do you have a strategy?

If you think you have a strategy, what form does that strategy take?

Be honest.

Most have no strategy concerning how to direct their attention. They have some tactical knowledge that they use in practice, but they have no clear strategic approach that they can re-use or build upon.

...

This document includes notes that you might find interesting or useful, if you browse through them. These will be referenced in my upcoming work on ethics.

Scans published on October 11^th, 2019, and originally listed on Inky Fibers., and republished here on imagination-and-filtration-dark- green-notebook.html)

Saturday, July 20^th, 2019, 5:16 PM AKST

"At Least He Didn't Pull a Gun"

Supporting My Work

Donations are greatly appreciated from anyone who enjoys this site.

Funds go towards site maintenance, and would greatly support my work on my upcoming book on ethics.

Click below to donate, or else scan the QR code to provide what you can.

First ride down my driveway with my new fat tire bike.

July 2^nd, 2019

Video taken June 28^th, 2019, and originally published on Social Nuggets.

First ride down my driveway with my new fat tire bike. Original Web Sized by Mattanaw. Written and edited solely by Christopher Matthew Cavanaugh. Terms and Conditions

I'm glad to say I purchased my very first fat tire bike.

Life in Alaska has felt incomplete without having a bike to ride.

How I Treat People Who Trespass and How They Treat Me

June 16^th, 2019

I own this property, and initially, the police indicated they would enforce the law.

They did not follow through.

So this man is free to continue to ignore my objections.

And possibly commit any crime he likes, with APD's apathy working in his favor.

I have many photos of him trespassing on my property, even very late into the evening.

Just yesterday he was on my property, just entering, at 9:10 p.m.

A Recent Hike Part of the Way Up to McHugh Peak.

June 4^th, 2019

A Recent Hike Part of the Way Up to McHugh Peak. Original Full Sized by Mattanaw. Terms and Conditions

Along Came a Rainbow.

June 4^th, 2019

Along Came a Rainbow.

Stuck Between a Moose and a Winterbear

February 7^th, 2019

Series: Off Grid Living in Alaska

Last night on my property, my driveway was blocked by a large Moose and its calf, and I couldn't push them off the road with my truck due to undrivable snow depths and icy conditions. The moose do not like to exit the driveway, even with a truck driving behind them. On foot they are even more difficult. There was no way I could scare them off the road...

Chained Up for Icy Dangers

January 13^th, 2019

Series: Off Grid Living in Alaska

Chained Up for Icy Dangers on My Driveway Full Sized by Mattanaw. Terms and Conditions

Windy Day at the RV

Series: Off Grid Living in Alaska

Windy Day at the RV Full Sized by Mattanaw. Terms and Conditions

See and read more...

Recent Articles

Retaining Your Sense of Intelligence Among Other Smart People

October 6^th 2018

Your personal experiences and stories are unique, and are tied to your strengths and accomplishments. They are yours and no one shares them with you. People you meet who are intelligent have their own experiences as well...

[Mattanaw was not the author of the Quora question. Only the answer.]

What is the Importance of Logical Reasoning in Critical Thinking?

October 2^nd 2018

When I was a teenager, many people, including my family members, viewed me as a negative person. This was because I was a very skilled defect finder. I had fun with it, and it was entertaining, so I never viewed myself that way. Yet when I see other people...

[Mattanaw was not the author of the Quora question. Only the answer.]

What is a Genius and Who Can Become One?

September 31^st 2018

...maybe you shouldn’t be thinking about how to become a genius. That is not a concept with a clear scientific application. Instead, think about how to become a master of something...

[Mattanaw was not the author of the Quora question. Only the answer.]

Why Do So Many Intelligent People Have a Hard Time Socializing?

September 30^th 2018

Everyone wants to talk to someone they can relate to. Highly intelligent people think of complex things. Often these things are built off of topics that most people only consider in late adulthood. The difference is that highly intelligent people may have considered these things already early in childhood...

[Mattanaw was not the author of the Quora question. Only the answer.]

How Do People with IQs Over 180 Act and Think?

September 18^th 2018

A response to a Quora question concerning how very intelligent people behave, for a writer planning to include a "genius" type character in their upcoming work of fiction.

This post includes links to well known articles circulated within the HighIQ community (Mensa groups and elsewhere), and will be expanded and edited routinely to provide more accurate details and sources.

[Mattanaw was not the author of the Quora question. Only the answer.]

How and Where Can I Take an Accredited IQ Test?

September 17^th 2018

Personally, I would plan to take several tests. Mensa testing is the cheapest route for sure, but it is useful to go to a licensed psychologist for different kinds of tests. Remember- no single test can give you a definitive answer regarding your intelligence. You must rely on a test battery, or combination of tests, to really get an appreciation...

[Mattanaw was not the author of the Quora question. Only the answer.]

Bag O' Marbles

April 28^th 2018

Suppose someone gives you a bag of infinite marbles. Along with the bag, this person gives you a "special" marble that is blue and white and green, and has a small picture of you painted on it, almost to scale (you are basically a microscopic spec on the marble). The only way to confirm...

Historic Phill Hartsfield Knife for Sale

November 29^th 2017

Custom historic knife for sale, designed and built by the late Phill Hartsfield.

The only strongboy knife designed by Phill himself to be vegan.

Serious inquiries only, asking price $17,000 USD.

Evening Visit From a Moose in Anchorage

In the Series on Life in Alaska

March 12^th 2017

A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to be visited by a large bull moose at night. Moose are dangerous (one of the most dangerous animals in Alaska), so I made sure to keep my distance while capturing this video...

A Flight from Tangier Island

In the Series on Flying Small Aircraft

January 28^th 2017

Tangier Island is a small crabbing town located in the Chesapeake Bay, within the state of Virginia, in the USA. It has unique qualities because of its relative isolation from the rest of the region. In this video I am flying with my instructor Tom and friend Alex after a day trip from KGAI in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 2012.

Read and see more...

Wilderness is Close to Anchorage

In the Series on Life in Alaska

January 26^th 2017

Before arriving in Anchorage, and Alaska generally, I considered national parks to be the ultimate destinations for scenic beauty. The importance of these parks for preservation, and for providing ease of access to wilderness is unquestioned. However...

Read and see more...

The Burden of Having Too Many Ideas

An Aside in the Series on Managing Procrastination

January 22^nd 2017

Wouldn't it be great to have an endless supply of incredible ideas? Ask anyone and they will say "Yes! That would be amazing!" But what would it be like to be extremely creative? One has to be a different kind of person to continually have ideas. After all, it is not the norm, so surely there are downsides.

It turns out it can be quite a handicap...

No, You Really Won't See the Whales and Aurora Borealis

January 11^th 2017

If you could travel to Alaska, what would you want to see? Suppose you had a week to visit for the first time.

I know what I would want to see. Whales. Lots of them. Humpbacks, Orcas, Belugas and Blue Whales. I would also want to see starving grizzley bears chomping on massive, flying, sockeyed salmon...

Managing Procrastination, Part One

The first in a series on managing motivation and attention, with an emphasis on our shared experiences in education. This covers the first strategy, of using keywords and tools to handle procrastination.

January 10^th 2017

If you find yourself delaying and avoiding something you need to do, what do you do? What strategies do you have handy?

If you're anything like how I was, you don't use a strategy at all. Even if you wanted to use a strategy, you wouldn't know which one was best for your situation. Instead, you may not know where to begin, and continue to worry and procrastinate until a mysterious spark or switch finally activates you. You are not alone in this—most people are in this situation because treatments and techniques were not made available to us. Our culture does not instill effective methods for increasing our motivation.