Hi All,

As things seem to be quiet in seismicity I thought I'd share another one of my experiences from the Halls of Science. Today, acting as a volunteer, lent some of my time to the USGS Annual Open House in Menlo Park. I do love to volunteer for some unknown reason and as long as its in an area that I feel the time is well spent, then I'm usually the first on the sign up list.

Today, I signed in, was treated to receiving a very nice navy blue t-shirt with printing on the front in white that says, USGS Volunteer, a name badge with the same and a packet which included the program, a nice poster and an unusual post card.

I was driven to my booth in a golf cart when I got lost on campus and couldn't figure out where Booth C was. Upon arrival, nothing was ready, so I had to quickly form some kind of organization from the materials to hand out and keep the flow going as thousands of people arrived. My co-worker arrived a little late, but she was very nice and we got on just fine.

I was greatly amazed that so many came out in the rain and they were primarily families and the mothers seemed to be as happy to be there as the rest. Often I saw older couples who had a shared interest in a particular area and wanted to know just where a certain booth was so they didn't miss it. Best of all was the excitement I saw in the eyes of the children. They wanted to see everything.

So after my morning duties, I to had a look around while enjoying a barbecued hot dog. They had a booth where science writers were displaying their books and doing lectures, one on earthquakes that had a lot of equipment most of us are greatly familiar with, gold panning for the little ones and lots of video's on different topics inside the buildings.

Before I left I had to stop off at the map sales office to retrieve a three part set for my favorite location of interest, the San Gregario Fault and surrounding area's. It was a mob scene in that small room. There was a lot of staff, but not nearly enough to handle the demand.

I did enjoy myself, as I usually do, regardless of not knowing a soul in the place. But the drive home for the most part was not so fun in a rain storm and with all the water being kicked up by the cars, visibility was limited. But again I took time to notice when driving across the Golden Gate Bridge a few stalwart souls out there taking a walk. It was miserable for them and I could see them drawing their jackets closer for warmth. But in the City By The Bay, those who come from so far away, often wish to walk across this bridge and despite the inclimate weather, did so anyway. Good for them.

My hats off to those in Seismo Land, the USGS for providing a lot of science education which was given from warm hearts and people willing to give up a Sunday to be friendly and share some of their personal time with the public and allow me to be part of their enjoyment. I loved it.

Pat