Houston Photographer Patrick Bertolino - Real Estate, Commercial, and Wedding Photography » travel

The Black Widow

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:50:44 +0000

So I was backpacking on the Lone Star Trail and set up camp in a nice spot. I placed my hat on top of a stump and went about my business. The next morning, as I was getting ready to move on, I pick up my hat, and before PLACING IT ON MY HEAD, I decided to look:

What is this black dot in my hat?

Thank goodness I checked!

Latrodectus mactans, the (southern) Black widow, is a highly venomous species of spider in the genus Latrodectus. They are well known for the distinctive black and red coloring of the female of the species and for the fact that she will occasionally eat her mate after reproduction. The species is native to the United States of America and Mexico. The female black widow’s venom is particularly harmful to humans (males almost never bite humans). The injection of venom from these species is a comparatively dangerous or lethal bite.

Travel Checklist

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:47:35 +0000

Always wondering if you have forgotten something before a big trip? This list may have some things that are completely obvious, but it gets you thinking in the right direction! Click HERE for the .PDF

What kind of flowers are these?

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:21:55 +0000

What kind of flowers are these? Let me know….

Horses

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:22:50 +0000

I’ve never ridden a horse….an elephant, yes, but not a horse. That’s a great goal to put on my list.

Lake Somerville Trailway: Part II

admin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:19:36 +0000

After 2 information gathering excursions, I got my equipment together and completed the 13.5 mile trail – alone. Backpacking through nature alone is not as scary as it used to be my first few times. Now I can actually enjoy the silence and sleep through the noises nature makes. This was like hitting the “reset” button for me – I would prescribe it for anyone wanting to clear their mind…

Lake Somerville Trailway: Part I

admin — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:29:55 +0000

I am so ready to get back into a rythm of spending true time with nature! Backpacking can be one of the most rewarding hobbies – it’s healthy, full of entertainment, spiritual and doesn’t really cost very much! That’s why I have started the Houston Backpacking Network! The inaugural trek is going to be at Lake Somerville Trailway – just a day hike of 13 miles with an overnight. A walk in the park!

I don’t know why I wanted ‘em, I just wanted ‘em!

admin — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:59:40 +0000

Ok – so I took some Christmas money and bought some funky shoes. My Keen sandals (*yes, you hard core people know*) have been more than sufficient – but scrambling through a wet creek with them can quickly collect sand and small rocks that seem near impossible to tap or shake out to a degree that you end up doing a neat little dance. Not with my new fivefinger vibrams! The model I have is KSO (keep stuff out). They look pretty strange (conversation starters) but feel wonderful. They are not for hard core trekking but I bet they would be fine on enchanted rock!

Addicted to Adventure

admin — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:27:02 +0000

After a year of Alaska, Europe, NYC, DC, Florida, and India I have grown a little tired. At this point, I am definitely ok with having no big trips on the books…..or am I? It’s great for business, actually being in town and always being available. But I am longing to plan my next journey, for me planning is a great part of the journey. I have the destination set, (the deciding of which can be a difficult task) and Maccu Pichu is that goal. I am not sure why I want to go – I just know I do. What has sealed the deal on my decision is watching one of my favorite shows (one my wife and I can actually enjoy together. Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations is in my top 5. His episode on Peru convinced me that I was on the right track….see below….now all I have to do is plan this thing!