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By Jay, on May 3rd, 2012% 
The Raleigh, North Carolina area is a peneplain. The area has been devoid of any mountain building events for quite some time so the land surface has very low relief. As a result, outcrops of exposed metamorphic bedrock across the Piedmont physiographic province are few and far between. Additionally, bedrock may be covered by a literal veneer of dense soil and/or saprolite which conceals the bedrock below by mere inches.
But fear not! I am a trained geologist and have become adept at finding these obscure bedrock outcrops. So for reference, and in case anyone wants to go and visit, lets start with a map that I cobbed together.
Site Location of Bedrock Outcrop along US-401 South, Raleigh, North Carolina – photo by J. Sents, 2012
I used the Wake County iMAPS GIS [Beta] for the base layers used to create the map above. The location presents itself as an unpaved, unmarked parking lot. Along the southern edge of the lot, a stand of trees and bushes conceals the exposed bedrock. So a few days after the initial identification of this site, I made first contact with my camera and compass.
Bedrock Outcrop Photograph facing South – photo . . . → Read More: Raleigh Bedrock Outcrop
By Jay, on March 29th, 2012% It was hiding in plain sight. Let me get through some other issues and then I’ll post some pics, the location, and the structural information…
By Jay, on November 5th, 2011% Sunday November 6th, 2011 at 0200 hours [that's 2:00 a.m. to most], your clocks will have to “fall back” one hour. So 2 becomes 1. It would probably work just the same to set them back one hour before you go to bed Saturday night [tonight].
Now is an excellent time to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as other household battery-powered emergency alarm systems.
Finally, be sure to update the clocks in your automobiles. Be safe driving until you adjust to the light conditions, and enjoy sleeping in Sunday morning!
By Jay, on September 4th, 2011% ‘More stars in the north are seen not to set, while in the south certain stars are no longer seen to rise.‘ — Nicolaus Copernicus
By Jay, on August 28th, 2011% So on Saturday I had to run out and I thought I’d get a boots on the ground status report of Irene as she moved up to the North Carolina/Virginia state line toward Virginia Beach.
Without going into all the gory details, I had an accident where my automobile hydroplaned and was effectively destroyed when I collided into the center guard rail. It was one of those post and cable guard rails, so the body damage is pretty extreme. I’m fine.
After wrapping it up with the Highway Patrol, insurance company, and towing service, I found myself stranded. Unfortunately, I stood isolated just far enough from home to walk, and just inside the region of massive power outages, gasoline shortages, and zero hotel vacancies. It felt like I was 5,000 miles from home.
Progress Energy – North Carolina Outage Map Interface
Kindness came from the dark of night. These two nice people bartered with me for a ride home for some gas. They didn’t have to do that but they did. Thank you very, very much.
After speaking with Vince on the challenging journey home, I discovered that he was a Home Remodeling and Repair contractor, with an emphasis on . . . → Read More: Hurricane Irene – 3 – Kindness in the Chaos
By Jay, on August 27th, 2011% The NC price gouging law is in effect. If you see gas, hotel or other prices inflated for the storm [Hurricane Irene], call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM toll-free within North Carolina or fill out the complaint form at www.ncdoj.gov
Reference: www.wral.com
By Jay, on August 26th, 2011% 
The first outer rain band reached central North Carolina at approximately 1645 hours EDT today. It rolled through quickly before stalling. The band settled over the area and then began moving lengthwise across the region in the rotational flow field.
Here is a photograph of the rain:
Heavy rain from first outer rain bands – photo by J. Sents, 2011
More to follow pending power interruption…
By Jay, on August 23rd, 2011% I felt that one. I’ll give it a III-IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. My refrigerator would concur. Here are the preliminary technical details from the United States Geological Survey. Sheesh. Hurricanes. Earthquakes. The End is Nigh!
More to follow…
By Jay, on August 22nd, 2011% 
For those of you in the Wake County and surrounding areas of central North Carolina, I began making preparations for the possibility that Hurricane Irene may affect this region.
The first thing I did was grab a couple of gallons of distilled water from the supermarket. I opened them, poured about 10-15% of the volume of water into a large glass, and the placed them into the freezer with the lids back on. Ice expands about 11-12% by volume when it freezes. The rest went to the cat bowl and the plants. I had a glass too!
The next thing I did was check the stash of batteries I have. I’m good for a couple days on AA- and D-sized batteries for flash lights.
Third, I cleaned out the food cooler. My ice jug blocks will go in there. The food won’t mix with melted water that generally accumulates in the bottom of the cooler with bagged ice. If the power goes out, my food will stay cold for a couple of days, and as the jug ice melts, I have clean drinking water.
Finally, I checked propane and other basic camping supplies. For example, if I have to go . . . → Read More: Hurricane Irene – 1
By Jay, on August 6th, 2011% Crabtreek Creek up around Glenwood Avenue [Lassitmer Mill Area] is flooding today due heavy rain. It’s currently approaching Flood Stage but has already over-topped the banks in some of the lower areas at bridge underpasses, etc. Beware out there today, as more rain may be falling throughout the region today.
Use the Crabtree Creek links in the left-hand column to access more information.
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