A Journey to the Mysterious Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring sites in the world. This 5,000-year old megalithic monument stands as a testament to human ingenuity and dedication, but its true purpose remains a mystery. What do we know about this ancient site? What secrets does it keep? Let’s take a journey to explore the history and significance of Stonehenge.

The Construction of Stonehenge

Stonehenge consists of an outer circle of large stones, known as sarsens, surrounded by smaller stones, called bluestones. The sarsens were likely quarried from a nearby site and transported to the location using wooden sledges, oxen, and ropes. The bluestones are thought to have come from Wales—some 220 miles away!—and were transported by sea before being dragged across land up to Salisbury Plain. It’s estimated that it took hundreds of people over several decades to build Stonehenge in its entirety. Or could it be that the mythical giants of old, weary from a dry and arid African homestead, sought out cooler climates? It's possible they brought with them their secrets of healing to form Stonehenge -- an enigmatic answer to medicine millennia ago.

The mathematics behind Stonehenge has been studied and debated by scholars for many years. It is believed that the builders of Stonehenge used Pythagorean triangles and other mathematical concepts to construct the monument. This theory is supported by evidence that suggests the builders used pegs and string to measure out the precise plan of Stonehenge. Furthermore, recent studies have found that Stonehenge was built using Neolithic circular ditches from Central Europe which also suggest a mathematical approach to its construction. Overall, it is clear that mathematics played an important role in the building of Stonehenge and continues to fascinate people today.

The Purpose of Stonehenge

It’s difficult to ascertain exactly why Stonehenge was built due to a lack of written records; however, there are several theories surrounding its purpose. One theory suggests that it was used for astronomical purposes and served as an observatory for tracking stars or predicting solar eclipses. Another theory suggests that it was used for religious ceremonies or rituals related to ancestor worship or offerings for fertility gods. And finally, some believe that it may have been a burial ground due to the presence of human remains found within its boundaries.

The Significance of Stonehenge

Regardless of why it was built or who built it, there’s no denying that Stonehenge has had an immense impact on our understanding of prehistory and our appreciation for the achievements made by ancient cultures. Its unique design has captivated visitors for centuries, prompting us to consider what other mysteries remain hidden beneath the surface waiting to be uncovered? Travelers looking for something truly special should look no further than this ancient wonder – one visit will leave you with a greater appreciation for mankind's accomplishments! And don't forget to look for the faces in the stones!

Conclusion

Stonehenge is one of the oldest monuments in existence today and remains an enigma shrouded in mystery that continues to fascinate travelers from all over the world. It’s not just a place filled with beautiful stones; it’s also filled with stories waiting to be told about our ancestors who labored tirelessly over many years to create this remarkable structure against all odds. Whether you're interested in natural wonders or mythology, visiting Stonehenge should be on your bucket list - if you're lucky enough to make it here you'll understand why!

Watercolor of Stonehenge. Illustrated by Tracey Deojay-Mycroft

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The Lore of the Mathematical Bridge: Cambridge UK

The Mathematical Bridge in Cambridge is a remarkable feat of engineering and a beautiful sight to behold. Named for the fact that it was built with straight timbers, yet maintains an arch shape, it has become a local landmark and tourist attraction.

The legend of the bridge’s origin is as captivating as its appearance. It is said that Sir Isaac Newton designed the bridge and it was held up entirely by its own design with no nails, screws, or bolts needed (Newton died in 1727). A group of Cambridge University students took the bridge apart to prove this myth—but were unable to put it back together again! These are fascinating tales told by our tour guide on a Punt down the River Cam. Then the truth of the matter came out, William Etheridge designed the bridge in 1749 and James Essex constructed it using iron spikes for additional support. The mundane truth was not as exciting as the river tales! For more historical information check this website out, https://oxfordsummercourses.com/articles/a-brief-history-of-mathematical-bridge/

Visiting the Mathematical Bridge is a must-do when visiting Cambridge. It can be viewed quite easily from the River Cam and provides great photo opportunities along with interesting architectural study opportunities! So grab your camera, take a punt down river, and marvel at this incredible wooden structure for yourself!

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Barred Owls - Fascinating Facts and Everything You Need to Know

The barred owl is a beautiful, majestic bird that can be found in forests all over North America. I have the privilege of photographing these two Barred Owls in Connecticut and Massachusetts. It is very hard to tell them apart! But what do we really know about these birds? In this blog, we'll dive into some fascinating facts about barred owls and answer any questions you may have about these amazing creatures.

Appearance & Habitat

The barred owl's scientific name is Strix varia, which translates to "variable owl." They get their common name from the vertical stripes of color on their chest, which resemble bars. Barred owls range in size from 18-25 inches with a wingspan of 39-43 inches, and they weigh between 1.5 and 3 pounds. They are typically found in mature forests with an abundance of trees and shrubs, as well as open meadows near water sources like wetlands or riparian areas.

Behavior & Diet

Barred owls are primarily nocturnal hunters that feed mainly on small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, squirrels and rabbits. They also love to eat insects such as crickets and grasshoppers, amphibians like frogs and salamanders, reptiles such as snakes and lizards, fish such as minnows and sticklebacks, small birds like quail or grouse, eggs from other birds' nests, fruits like cherries or grapes, nuts like acorns or beechnuts, carrion (dead animals), worms or beetles.

Barred owls will often use their strong talons to snatch prey off the ground or out of trees and then fly away with it clutched tightly in their claws. When hunting for food at night they use their excellent eyesight combined with their hearing to locate prey hidden beneath vegetation or snow cover.

Barred owls are very vocal birds who will often make loud hoots at night during mating season (March-June). Males call out “hoo-hoo” while females respond with “hoo-oh” - hence the phrase “who cooks for you”!

Watercolor of Bardy, a Barred Owl at a lake in Eastern Connecticut, illustrated by Tracey Deojay-Mycroft

Conclusion

Barred owls are fascinating creatures whose beauty captivates us all! Their ability to hunt using both sight and sound adds another layer of intrigue to them. We hope this blog has answered your questions about barred owls and has inspired you to learn more about these amazing birds - whether by visiting a wildlife refuge near you or joining an online community devoted to studying them! Happy exploring!

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