Fruddled Gruntbugglies

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  • AJ8037 ~ 857 7330 F TIDAL

    AJ8037 ~ 857 7330 F TIDAL

    1    National Geodetic Survey, Retrieval Date = NOVEMBER  4, 2025 13:57:32 EST
     AJ8037 ***********************************************************************
     AJ8037  FBN         -  This is a Federal Base Network Control Station.
     AJ8037  DESIGNATION -  857 7330 F TIDAL
     AJ8037  PID         -  AJ8037
     AJ8037  STATE/COUNTY-  MD/CALVERT
     AJ8037  COUNTRY     -  US
     AJ8037  USGS QUAD   -  SOLOMONS ISLAND (2016)
     AJ8037
     AJ8037                         *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
     AJ8037  ______________________________________________________________________
     AJ8037* NAD 83(2011) POSITION- 38 19 10.72566(N) 076 27 21.40522(W)   ADJUSTED
     AJ8037* NAD 83(2011) ELLIP HT-   -32.933 (meters)        (06/27/12)   ADJUSTED
     AJ8037* NAD 83(2011) EPOCH   -  2010.00
     AJ8037* NAVD 88 ORTHO HEIGHT -     1.4   (meters)        5.    (feet) GPS OBS
     AJ8037  ______________________________________________________________________
     AJ8037  NAVD 88 orthometric height was determined with geoid model    GEOID99
     AJ8037  GEOID HEIGHT    -        -34.326 (meters)                     GEOID99
     AJ8037  GEOID HEIGHT    -        -34.398 (meters)                     GEOID18
     AJ8037  NAD 83(2011) X  -  1,173,419.414 (meters)                     COMP
     AJ8037  NAD 83(2011) Y  - -4,871,140.804 (meters)                     COMP
     AJ8037  NAD 83(2011) Z  -  3,933,321.525 (meters)                     COMP
     AJ8037  LAPLACE CORR    -         -5.24  (seconds)                    DEFLEC18
     AJ8037
     AJ8037  Network accuracy estimates per FGDC Geospatial Positioning Accuracy
     AJ8037  Standards:
     AJ8037         FGDC (95% conf, cm)     Standard deviation (cm)     CorrNE
     AJ8037            Horiz  Ellip           SD_N   SD_E   SD_h      (unitless)
     AJ8037  -------------------------------------------------------------------
     AJ8037  NETWORK    0.48   0.98           0.21   0.18   0.50      0.12359686
     AJ8037  -------------------------------------------------------------------
     AJ8037  Click here for local accuracies and other accuracy information.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.This is a reference station for the SOLOMONS ISLAND
     AJ8037.National Continuously Operating Reference Station (SOL1).
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.The horizontal coordinates were established by GPS observations
     AJ8037.and adjusted by the National Geodetic Survey in June 2012.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.NAD 83(2011) refers to NAD 83 coordinates where the reference frame has 
     AJ8037.been affixed to the stable North American tectonic plate. See 
     AJ8037.NA2011 for more information. 
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.The horizontal coordinates are valid at the epoch date displayed above
     AJ8037.which is a decimal equivalence of Year/Month/Day.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.The orthometric height was determined by GPS observations and a
     AJ8037.high-resolution geoid model.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.Significant digits in the geoid height do not necessarily reflect accuracy.
     AJ8037.GEOID18 height accuracy estimate available here.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.Click photographs - Photos may exist for this station.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.The X, Y, and Z were computed from the position and the ellipsoidal ht.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.The Laplace correction was computed from DEFLEC18 derived deflections.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.The ellipsoidal height was determined by GPS observations
     AJ8037.and is referenced to NAD 83.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037. The following values were computed from the NAD 83(2011) position.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037;                    North         East     Units Scale Factor Converg.
     AJ8037;SPC MD       -    72,625.378   447,577.010   MT  0.99999664   +0 20 29.3
     AJ8037;SPC MD       -   238,271.76  1,468,425.57   sFT  0.99999664   +0 20 29.3
     AJ8037;UTM  18      - 4,242,284.172   372,725.477   MT  0.99979949   -0 54 10.4
     AJ8037
     AJ8037!             -  Elev Factor  x  Scale Factor =   Combined Factor
     AJ8037!SPC MD       -   1.00000517  x   0.99999664  =   1.00000181
     AJ8037!UTM  18      -   1.00000517  x   0.99979949  =   0.99980466
     AJ8037
     AJ8037_U.S. NATIONAL GRID SPATIAL ADDRESS: 18SUH7272542284(NAD 83)
     AJ8037
     AJ8037|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
     AJ8037| PID    Reference Object                     Distance      Geod. Az  |
     AJ8037|                                                           dddmmss.s |
     AJ8037| AI3287 SOLOMONS ISLAND CORS ARP            199.341 METERS 11539     |
     AJ8037|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
     AJ8037
     AJ8037                          SUPERSEDED SURVEY CONTROL
     AJ8037
     AJ8037  NAD 83(2007)-  38 19 10.72582(N)    076 27 21.40592(W) AD(2002.00) 0
     AJ8037  ELLIP H (02/10/07)  -32.912  (m)                       GP(2002.00)    
     AJ8037  NAD 83(1991)-  38 19 10.72537(N)    076 27 21.40638(W) AD(       ) A
     AJ8037  ELLIP H (02/12/02)  -32.904  (m)                       GP(       ) 4 1
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.Superseded values are not recommended for survey control.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037.NGS no longer adjusts projects to the NAD 27 or NGVD 29 datums.
     AJ8037.See file dsdata.pdf to determine how the superseded data were derived.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037_MARKER: DJ = TIDAL STATION DISK
     AJ8037_SETTING: 32 = SET IN A RETAINING WALL OR CONCRETE LEDGE
     AJ8037_SP_SET: RETAINING WALL
     AJ8037_STAMPING: 857 7330 F 1998
     AJ8037_MARK LOGO: NOS
     AJ8037_MAGNETIC: N = NO MAGNETIC MATERIAL
     AJ8037_STABILITY: C = MAY HOLD, BUT OF TYPE COMMONLY SUBJECT TO
     AJ8037+STABILITY: SURFACE MOTION
     AJ8037_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS SUITABLE FOR
     AJ8037+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - July 31, 2022
     AJ8037
     AJ8037  HISTORY     - Date     Condition        Report By
     AJ8037  HISTORY     - 1998     MONUMENTED       NOS
     AJ8037  HISTORY     - 20000216 GOOD             NGS
     AJ8037  HISTORY     - 20050726 GOOD             USPSQD
     AJ8037  HISTORY     - 20220731 GOOD             WTBALL
     AJ8037
     AJ8037                          STATION DESCRIPTION
     AJ8037
     AJ8037'DESCRIBED BY NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY 2000 (MLM)
     AJ8037'THE STATION IS LOCATED IN SOLOMONS ABOUT 0.16 KM (0.10 MI) SOUTHEAST
     AJ8037'OF THE JUNCTION OF PATUXENT AND CHARLES STREETS, ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE
     AJ8037'OF CHARLES STREET IN THE TOP OF THE SOUTHWEST SIDE OF A CONCRETE
     AJ8037'RETAINING WALL ENCLOSING A BRICK PUMP HOUSE.  OWNERSHIP--CITY OF
     AJ8037'SOLOMONS.  TO REACH THE STATION FROM THE JUNCTION OF STATE HIGHWAYS 2
     AJ8037'AND 4 LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST END OF THE HIGHWAY 4 BRIDGE OVER THE
     AJ8037'PATUXENT RIVER AND AT THE VISITOR CENTER (REST AREA) ON THE NORTH SIDE
     AJ8037'OF SOLOMONS, GO SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 2 FOR 1.53 KM (0.95 MI) TO THE
     AJ8037'JUNCTION OF PATUXENT STREET AND CHARLES STREET, BEAR LEFT,
     AJ8037'SOUTHEASTERLY ON CHARLES STREET FOR 0.16 KM (0.10 MI) TO A BRICK
     AJ8037'PUMPING STATION BUILDING ON THE LEFT AND THE STATION ABOUT IN THE
     AJ8037'CENTER AND IN THE TOP OF THE WEST SIDE OF A CONCRETE RETAINING WALL
     AJ8037'ENCLOSING THE PUMPING STATION.  THE STATION IS AN NOS TIDAL STATION
     AJ8037'DISK SET IN A DRILL HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE RETAINING WALL ABOUT 0.77 M
     AJ8037'(2.53 FT) ABOVE THE GROUND, LOCATED 8.69 M (28.51 FT) NORTH OF THE
     AJ8037'CENTER OF CHARLES STREET, 3.33 M (10.93 FT) NORTHWEST OF A RAILROAD
     AJ8037'SPIKE IN THE BASE OF A POWER POLE (NUMBER 36) WITH TWO TRANSFORMERS,
     AJ8037'2.14 M (7.02 FT) WEST OF THE WEST FACE OF THE PUMPING STATION BUILDING
     AJ8037'AND 1.59 M (5.22 FT) SOUTH OF THE SOUTH WOOD LEG SUPPORTING A SET OF
     AJ8037'ELECTRIC METERS.
     AJ8037
     AJ8037                          STATION RECOVERY (2005)
     AJ8037
     AJ8037'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2005 (BRE)
     AJ8037'AS DESCRIBED
     AJ8037
     AJ8037                          STATION RECOVERY (2022)
     AJ8037
     AJ8037'RECOVERY NOTE BY THE WILSON T BALLARD COMPANY 2022 (JMB)
     AJ8037'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.

    Log: Recovered on Tuesday, 11/04/2025 at 4:01pm EST. The benchmark disc itself is in good condition, but a chain-link fence on the retaining wall prevented me from getting a clean photo, and will likely interfere with any surveying-related use of the station. I returned on 11/05 at 7:16am to take a better photo, as my initial photo was out of focus.

  • HV6722 ~ SOLOMONS ST PETERS EPIS CHURCH

    HV6722 ~ SOLOMONS ST PETERS EPIS CHURCH

    1    National Geodetic Survey, Retrieval Date = NOVEMBER  4, 2025 13:57:32 EST
     HV6722 ***********************************************************************
     HV6722  DESIGNATION -  SOLOMONS ST PETERS EPIS CHURCH
     HV6722  PID         -  HV6722
     HV6722  STATE/COUNTY-  MD/CALVERT
     HV6722  COUNTRY     -  US
     HV6722  USGS QUAD   -  SOLOMONS ISLAND (2016)
     HV6722
     HV6722                         *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
     HV6722  ______________________________________________________________________
     HV6722* NAD 83(1991) POSITION- 38 19 15.85630(N) 076 27 29.97337(W)   ADJUSTED
     HV6722  ______________________________________________________________________
     HV6722  GEOID HEIGHT    -        -34.389 (meters)                     GEOID18
     HV6722  LAPLACE CORR    -         -5.20  (seconds)                    DEFLEC18
     HV6722  HORZ ORDER      -  THIRD
     HV6722
     HV6722.The horizontal coordinates were established by classical geodetic methods
     HV6722.and adjusted by the National Geodetic Survey in January 1992.
     HV6722
     HV6722.Significant digits in the geoid height do not necessarily reflect accuracy.
     HV6722.GEOID18 height accuracy estimate available here.
     HV6722
     HV6722.Click photographs - Photos may exist for this station.
     HV6722
     HV6722.The Laplace correction was computed from DEFLEC18 derived deflections.
     HV6722
     HV6722. The following values were computed from the NAD 83(1991) position.
     HV6722
     HV6722;                    North         East     Units Scale Factor Converg.
     HV6722;SPC MD       -    72,782.336   447,367.941   MT  0.99999640   +0 20 23.9
     HV6722;SPC MD       -   238,786.71  1,467,739.65   sFT  0.99999640   +0 20 23.9
     HV6722;UTM  18      - 4,242,445.600   372,519.907   MT  0.99980014   -0 54 15.8
     HV6722
     HV6722_U.S. NATIONAL GRID SPATIAL ADDRESS: 18SUH7251942445(NAD 83)
     HV6722
     HV6722                          SUPERSEDED SURVEY CONTROL
     HV6722
     HV6722  NAD 83(1986)-  38 19 15.85571(N)    076 27 29.98788(W) AD(       ) 3
     HV6722  NAD 27      -  38 19 15.40700(N)    076 27 31.14400(W) AD(       ) 3
     HV6722
     HV6722.Superseded values are not recommended for survey control.
     HV6722
     HV6722.NGS no longer adjusts projects to the NAD 27 or NGVD 29 datums.
     HV6722.See file dsdata.pdf to determine how the superseded data were derived.
     HV6722
     HV6722_MARKER: 91 = CHURCH CROSS
     HV6722_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS SUITABLE FOR
     HV6722+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - August 01, 2011
     HV6722
     HV6722  HISTORY     - Date     Condition        Report By
     HV6722  HISTORY     - 1943     FIRST OBSERVED   CGS
     HV6722  HISTORY     - 1960     GOOD             CGS
     HV6722  HISTORY     - 20050726 GOOD             USPSQD
     HV6722  HISTORY     - 20060923 GOOD             USPSQD
     HV6722  HISTORY     - 20110801 GOOD             GEOCAC
     HV6722
     HV6722                          STATION DESCRIPTION
     HV6722
     HV6722'DESCRIBED BY COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1943 (BHR)
     HV6722'STATION IS ON THE N SHORE OF THE PATUXENT RIVER IN THE TOWN OF
     HV6722'SOLOMONS ON SOLOMONS ISLAND, OPPOSITE EVANS PAVILION.  THE
     HV6722'STATION IS THE CENTER AND TOP OF THE HIGHEST CROSS ON THE
     HV6722'ST. PETERS EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
     HV6722
     HV6722                          STATION RECOVERY (1960)
     HV6722
     HV6722'RECOVERY NOTE BY COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1960 (LFB)
     HV6722'STATION RECOVERED.  THE PUBLISHED DESCRIPTION IS ADEQUATE.
     HV6722
     HV6722                          STATION RECOVERY (2005)
     HV6722
     HV6722'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2005 (BRE)
     HV6722'AS DESCRIBED
     HV6722
     HV6722                          STATION RECOVERY (2006)
     HV6722
     HV6722'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2006 (JCH)
     HV6722'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HV6722
     HV6722                          STATION RECOVERY (2011)
     HV6722
     HV6722'RECOVERY NOTE BY GEOCACHING 2011 (DPB)
     HV6722'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.

    Log: Recovered in good condition on Tuesday, 11/04/2025 at 1:30pm EST. Description from Wikipedia: “St. Peter’s Chapel is an historic Carpenter Gothic-style Episcopal church building located at 14590 Solomon’s Island Road, South, in Solomons, Calvert County, Maryland. Built in 1889, it features the steep roof, lancet windows and board and batten siding typical of Carpenter Gothic churches. In 1900 it joined with Middleham Chapel to form Middleham and St. Peter’s Episcopal Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. St. Peter’s Chapel is still in use today.” The station is the center and top of the highest cross (photo below; top of cupola).

  • HV6690 ~ SOLOMONS OUR LADY STAR CATH CH

    HV6690 ~ SOLOMONS OUR LADY STAR CATH CH

    PROGRAM = datasheet95, VERSION = 8.12.5.20
    Starting Datasheet Retrieval...
    1    National Geodetic Survey, Retrieval Date = NOVEMBER  4, 2025 13:57:32 EST
     HV6690 ***********************************************************************
     HV6690  DESIGNATION -  SOLOMONS OUR LADY STAR CATH CH
     HV6690  PID         -  HV6690
     HV6690  STATE/COUNTY-  MD/CALVERT
     HV6690  COUNTRY     -  US
     HV6690  USGS QUAD   -  SOLOMONS ISLAND (2016)
     HV6690
     HV6690                         *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
     HV6690  ______________________________________________________________________
     HV6690* NAD 83(1991) POSITION- 38 19 30.25754(N) 076 27 38.34748(W)   ADJUSTED
     HV6690  ______________________________________________________________________
     HV6690  GEOID HEIGHT    -        -34.377 (meters)                     GEOID18
     HV6690  LAPLACE CORR    -         -5.11  (seconds)                    DEFLEC18
     HV6690  HORZ ORDER      -  THIRD
     HV6690
     HV6690.The horizontal coordinates were established by classical geodetic methods
     HV6690.and adjusted by the National Geodetic Survey in January 1992.
     HV6690
     HV6690.Significant digits in the geoid height do not necessarily reflect accuracy.
     HV6690.GEOID18 height accuracy estimate available here.
     HV6690
     HV6690.Click photographs - Photos may exist for this station.
     HV6690
     HV6690.The Laplace correction was computed from DEFLEC18 derived deflections.
     HV6690
     HV6690. The following values were computed from the NAD 83(1991) position.
     HV6690
     HV6690;                    North         East     Units Scale Factor Converg.
     HV6690;SPC MD       -    73,225.170   447,161.905   MT  0.99999573   +0 20 18.6
     HV6690;SPC MD       -   240,239.58  1,467,063.68   sFT  0.99999573   +0 20 18.6
     HV6690;UTM  18      - 4,242,892.718   372,323.575   MT  0.99980076   -0 54 21.3
     HV6690
     HV6690_U.S. NATIONAL GRID SPATIAL ADDRESS: 18SUH7232342892(NAD 83)
     HV6690
     HV6690                          SUPERSEDED SURVEY CONTROL
     HV6690
     HV6690  NAD 83(1986)-  38 19 30.25704(N)    076 27 38.36328(W) AD(       ) 3
     HV6690  NAD 27      -  38 19 29.80700(N)    076 27 39.51900(W) AD(       ) 3
     HV6690
     HV6690.Superseded values are not recommended for survey control.
     HV6690
     HV6690.NGS no longer adjusts projects to the NAD 27 or NGVD 29 datums.
     HV6690.See file dsdata.pdf to determine how the superseded data were derived.
     HV6690
     HV6690_MARKER: 91 = CHURCH CROSS
     HV6690_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS SUITABLE FOR
     HV6690+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - July 31, 2011
     HV6690
     HV6690  HISTORY     - Date     Condition        Report By
     HV6690  HISTORY     - 1943     FIRST OBSERVED   CGS
     HV6690  HISTORY     - 1960     GOOD             CGS
     HV6690  HISTORY     - 20050726 GOOD             USPSQD
     HV6690  HISTORY     - 20060923 GOOD             USPSQD
     HV6690  HISTORY     - 20110731 GOOD             GEOCAC
     HV6690
     HV6690                          STATION DESCRIPTION
     HV6690
     HV6690'DESCRIBED BY COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1943 (BHR)
     HV6690'STATION IS NW OF THE TOWN OF SOLOMONS, N OF THE HIGHWAY ENTERING THE
     HV6690'TOWN, AND APPROXIMATELY 200 YARDS NW OF THE SMALL BRIDGE CONNECTING
     HV6690'THE ISLAND OF SOLOMONS WITH THE MAINLAND.  THE STATION IS THE
     HV6690'CENTER OF THE TOP OF THE CROSS ON A HIGH BELFRY OF THE BUILDING.
     HV6690'THIS CHURCH IS KNOWN AS OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA.
     HV6690'
     HV6690'EDITORS NOTE--THIS CHURCH HAD BEEN MOVED TO ITS PRESENT POSITION
     HV6690'FROM A FORMER LOCATION.
     HV6690
     HV6690                          STATION RECOVERY (1960)
     HV6690
     HV6690'RECOVERY NOTE BY COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1960 (LFB)
     HV6690'STATION RECOVERED.  THE PUBLISHED DESCRIPTION IS ADEQUATE.
     HV6690
     HV6690                          STATION RECOVERY (2005)
     HV6690
     HV6690'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2005 (BRE)
     HV6690'AS DESCRIBED
     HV6690
     HV6690                          STATION RECOVERY (2006)
     HV6690
     HV6690'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2006 (JCH)
     HV6690'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HV6690
     HV6690                          STATION RECOVERY (2011)
     HV6690
     HV6690'RECOVERY NOTE BY GEOCACHING 2011 (DPB)
     HV6690'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.

    Log: Recovered in good condition on Tuesday, 11/02/2025 at 1:23pm EST. This well-kept church building is one of the most prominent landmarks on the mainland just before the short crossing onto the island. The actual station appears to be the rightmost cross, at the top of the steeple.

  • Rise Up Organic Maryland Coffee #3

    Rise Up Organic Maryland Coffee #3

    • Beans: Organic Maryland Coffee (blend)
      • Roaster: Rise Up Coffee Roasters (Easton, MD)
      • Origin: Honduras, Guatemala
      • Roast level: Medium (3/5)
      • Roast date: 9/25/2025
      • Purchase date: 10/21/2025 from Rise Up in Easton
        First cup: 10/22/2025 or 10/23/2025; Last cup: 11/8/2025
      • Tasting notes: Charming, clean, smooth
      • Previous bags: November 2023, June 2024
    • V60 with Ode grinder (1 cup):
      • 19.5g coffee / 300g water (1:15.4)
      • Ode: 6
      • Water at 95°C
      • Single Cup V60 Pourover with size 2 cone, 50-60g bloom and 60g pulses – Finishes around 02:50

    Although my local grocery store carries Rise Up coffee, they don’t sell a lot of it, and as a result, the bags tend to sit on the shelf for a long time. Every so often, I get lucky and find fresh bags, but it’s becoming more the exception than the rule. I bought this (and a couple of other bags) at the Easton location, which is where they roast the beans.

    I brewed my first couple of cups at the beach using the AeroPress and JX grinder, and the first cup at grind 16 with boiling water was unpleasantly bitter. Actually, these were the first beans I’ve brewed with that recipe and those settings that didn’t turn out good. I brewed a couple more cups, experimenting with a coarser grind and cooler water, but couldn’t quite dial it in before we went home. I’m not sure if I ever brewed beans from either of my first two bags in the AeroPress. If I did, it must not have been memorable enough to add to my notes. 😀 At home, I switched to V60 with the Ode. Grinds 3 and 4 had a touch of bitterness, but today, 4+1 worked well, and produced the best cup I’ve had so far. I’ll see how it works tomorrow with the same settings. At some point, I may also try again with the AeroPress at the office.

    11/3: I eventually ended up at grind setting 6 with these, which finishes around 02:40-02:45. The beans seem to like a coarser grind, as anything finer than this has a touch of bitterness. My most recent cup was 22.5g/350g, and I have enough beans left at home for one more cup of that size. I also have about 34g at the office, which I may brew there in the AeroPress, or I may bring home and do in the V60. Haven’t decided yet.

    11/8: I never got around to brewing any more AeroPress cups. The last few pour-overs, all at grind setting 6, were fine, but tasted a tiny bit under-extracted. If I end up buying this blend again, I may try a coarse grind with a full-immersion brew in either the French press or the Switch.

  • Road Bike Commute

    Road Bike Commute

    I took my first road bike commute in over a month this morning. It has been a very slow month for biking in general, and when I’ve gotten out, it’s been on one of my mountain bikes. With the dry weather we’ve been having, the trails have been in good shape, and with all things being equal, during rush hour, I’ll always choose riding in the woods over riding on roads. It has also been a good while since I’ve taken a weekend caching ride — I’ve either had a scheduling conflict (e.g. Ravens game), or the weather has been bad, or I’ve chosen to do something else (e.g. paddling) instead. My hope is to get out for some bike caching this coming Sunday morning. We are getting to the time of year where I start taking hikes on Sundays instead of riding my bike, so I’d like to get out for one more Sunday ride to kind of mark the end of the season. The same goes for paddling this time of year, at least until I get around to buying a drysuit to extend the season.

    Today’s commute felt almost nostalgic. I went through the park, as I’ve done thousands of times before, and up through Relay/Halethorpe to UMBC. As I was riding, I was thinking about my heyday of bike commuting, which ran from 2008 through most of the 2010s. Life has changed a lot since then. This weekend, we will set the clocks back, meaning early mornings will be lighter and evenings will be darker. For the past several years, I’ve shifted my work schedule in November/December so that I leave the office at around 4:00 to 4:15, which gets me home before it is completely dark. My ability to work remotely helps with this, as I can finish up any remaining hours of work at home, vs. trying to leave the house super early in the morning (which never seems to happen). In spite of that, there have been one or two days each of the past few years where I’ve ended up riding home in darkness. It always seems like a novelty the first couple of times, but I don’t miss doing it regularly.

  • HU0372 ~ Z 103

    HU0372 ~ Z 103

    PROGRAM = datasheet95, VERSION = 8.12.5.19
    Starting Datasheet Retrieval...
    1    National Geodetic Survey, Retrieval Date = APRIL  2, 2025 20:05:48 EDT
     HU0372 ***********************************************************************
     HU0372  DESIGNATION -  Z 103
     HU0372  PID         -  HU0372
     HU0372  STATE/COUNTY-  MD/WORCESTER
     HU0372  COUNTRY     -  US
     HU0372  USGS QUAD   -  ASSAWOMAN BAY (2016)
     HU0372
     HU0372                         *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
     HU0372  ______________________________________________________________________
     HU0372* NAD 83(1986) POSITION- 38 23 13.17   (N) 075 03 57.72   (W)   HD_HELD1
     HU0372* NAVD 88 ORTHO HEIGHT -     2.203 (meters)        7.23  (feet) ADJUSTED
     HU0372  ______________________________________________________________________
     HU0372  GEOID HEIGHT    -        -36.001 (meters)                     GEOID18
     HU0372  DYNAMIC HEIGHT  -          2.202 (meters)        7.22  (feet) COMP
     HU0372  MODELED GRAVITY -    980,013.2   (mgal)                       NAVD 88
     HU0372
     HU0372  VERT ORDER      -  SECOND    CLASS I
     HU0372
     HU0372.The horizontal coordinates were determined by differentially corrected
     HU0372.hand held GPS observations or other comparable positioning techniques
     HU0372.and have an estimated accuracy of +/- 3 meters.
     HU0372
     HU0372.The orthometric height was determined by differential leveling and
     HU0372.adjusted by the NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY
     HU0372.in June 1991.
     HU0372
     HU0372.Significant digits in the geoid height do not necessarily reflect accuracy.
     HU0372.GEOID18 height accuracy estimate available here.
     HU0372
     HU0372.Click photographs - Photos may exist for this station.
     HU0372
     HU0372.The dynamic height is computed by dividing the NAVD 88
     HU0372.geopotential number by the normal gravity value computed on the
     HU0372.Geodetic Reference System of 1980 (GRS 80) ellipsoid at 45
     HU0372.degrees latitude (g = 980.6199 gals.).
     HU0372
     HU0372.The modeled gravity was interpolated from observed gravity values.
     HU0372
     HU0372;                    North         East    Units  Estimated Accuracy
     HU0372;SPC MD       -    81,748.8     568,953.5     MT  (+/- 3 meters HH1 GPS) 
     HU0372
     HU0372_U.S. NATIONAL GRID SPATIAL ADDRESS: 18SVH9423348756(NAD 83)
     HU0372
     HU0372                          SUPERSEDED SURVEY CONTROL
     HU0372
     HU0372  NGVD 29 (11/26/84)    2.444  (m)            8.02   (f) ADJUSTED    2 0
     HU0372
     HU0372.Superseded values are not recommended for survey control.
     HU0372
     HU0372.NGS no longer adjusts projects to the NAD 27 or NGVD 29 datums.
     HU0372.See file dsdata.pdf to determine how the superseded data were derived.
     HU0372
     HU0372_MARKER: DB = BENCH MARK DISK
     HU0372_SETTING: 35 = SET IN A MAT FOUNDATION OR CONCRETE SLAB OTHER THAN
     HU0372+WITH SETTING: PAVEMENT
     HU0372_SP_SET: GUARD POST FOR SIGN
     HU0372_STAMPING: Z 103 1962
     HU0372_MARK LOGO: CGS
     HU0372_STABILITY: C = MAY HOLD, BUT OF TYPE COMMONLY SUBJECT TO
     HU0372+STABILITY: SURFACE MOTION
     HU0372_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS NOT SUITABLE FOR
     HU0372+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - June 05, 2020
     HU0372
     HU0372  HISTORY     - Date     Condition        Report By
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 1962     MONUMENTED       CGS
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 1975     GOOD             NGS
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 1988     GOOD             USPSQD
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 20010502 GOOD             MDSHA
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 20040410 GOOD             USPSQD
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 20051203 GOOD             USPSQD
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 20080101 GOOD             JARICE
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 20101003 GOOD             NGS
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 20130403 GOOD             WINGS
     HU0372  HISTORY     - 20200605 GOOD             WTBALL
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION DESCRIPTION
     HU0372
     HU0372'DESCRIBED BY COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1962
     HU0372'3.6 MI N FROM OCEAN CITY.
     HU0372'3.55 MILES NORTH ON STATE HIGHWAY 528 FROM THE POST OFFICE IN
     HU0372'OCEAN CITY.  ABOUT HALF WAY BETWEEN 64TH STREET AND 65TH STREET
     HU0372'IN NORTH OCEAN CITY, 72 FEET WEST OF THE CENTER LINE OF HIGHWAY
     HU0372'528, THE MARK IS ABOUT 2.5 FEET ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE GROUND AND
     HU0372'1 FOOT ABOVE THE HIGHWAY.  SET IN A DRILL HOLE IN THE NORTH MOST
     HU0372'ONE OF TWO CONCRETE GUARD POSTS FOR THE 64TH STREET SHOPPING
     HU0372'CENTER SIGN.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (1975)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY 1975
     HU0372'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (1988)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 1988 (CAC)
     HU0372'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (2001)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY MARYLAND DOT HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION 2001 (SFK)
     HU0372'RECOVERED AS DESCRIBED.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (2004)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2004 (CM)
     HU0372'FOUND.  HAS BEEN PAINTED WHITE ALONG WITH ITS GUARD POST SETTING.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (2005)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2005 (FM)
     HU0372'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (2008)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY J A RICE INC 2008 (MRA)
     HU0372'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (2010)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY 2010 (DRD)
     HU0372'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (2013)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY WINGS AERIAL MAPPING CO INC 2013 (CW)
     HU0372'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU0372
     HU0372                          STATION RECOVERY (2020)
     HU0372
     HU0372'RECOVERY NOTE BY THE WILSON T BALLARD COMPANY 2020 (JMB)
     HU0372'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.

    Log: Recovered in good condition on Friday, 10/24/2025 at 8:10am EDT. I thought I would look for a couple of benchmarks this morning while walking from our condo to a geocache just north of the Rt 90 bridge. Another easy recovery here, thanks to the descriptive text. The disc has been partially painted over in white and yellow (maybe to make it more visible for aerial observation?), but is in good shape and fully readable.

  • HU1163 ~ OC 5

    HU1163 ~ OC 5

    PROGRAM = datasheet95, VERSION = 8.12.5.19
    Starting Datasheet Retrieval...
    1    National Geodetic Survey, Retrieval Date = APRIL 13, 2025 06:45:33 EDT
     HU1163 ***********************************************************************
     HU1163  DESIGNATION -  OC 5
     HU1163  PID         -  HU1163
     HU1163  STATE/COUNTY-  MD/WORCESTER
     HU1163  COUNTRY     -  US
     HU1163  USGS QUAD   -  ASSAWOMAN BAY (2016)
     HU1163
     HU1163                         *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
     HU1163  ______________________________________________________________________
     HU1163* NAD 83(1986) POSITION- 38 23 41.4    (N) 075 03 47.9    (W)   HD_HELD2
     HU1163* NAVD 88 ORTHO HEIGHT -     2.931 (meters)        9.62  (feet) ADJUSTED
     HU1163  ______________________________________________________________________
     HU1163  GEOID HEIGHT    -        -35.992 (meters)                     GEOID18
     HU1163  DYNAMIC HEIGHT  -          2.929 (meters)        9.61  (feet) COMP
     HU1163  MODELED GRAVITY -    980,013.8   (mgal)                       NAVD 88
     HU1163
     HU1163  VERT ORDER      -  SECOND    CLASS I
     HU1163
     HU1163.The horizontal coordinates were established by autonomous hand held GPS
     HU1163.observations and have an estimated accuracy of +/- 10 meters.
     HU1163
     HU1163.The orthometric height was determined by differential leveling and
     HU1163.adjusted by the NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY
     HU1163.in June 1991.
     HU1163
     HU1163.Significant digits in the geoid height do not necessarily reflect accuracy.
     HU1163.GEOID18 height accuracy estimate available here.
     HU1163
     HU1163.Click photographs - Photos may exist for this station.
     HU1163
     HU1163.The dynamic height is computed by dividing the NAVD 88
     HU1163.geopotential number by the normal gravity value computed on the
     HU1163.Geodetic Reference System of 1980 (GRS 80) ellipsoid at 45
     HU1163.degrees latitude (g = 980.6199 gals.).
     HU1163
     HU1163.The modeled gravity was interpolated from observed gravity values.
     HU1163
     HU1163;                    North         East    Units  Estimated Accuracy
     HU1163;SPC MD       -    82,624.      569,173.      MT  (+/- 10 meters HH2 GPS)
     HU1163
     HU1163_U.S. NATIONAL GRID SPATIAL ADDRESS: 18SVH9447149625(NAD 83)
     HU1163
     HU1163                          SUPERSEDED SURVEY CONTROL
     HU1163
     HU1163  NGVD 29 (11/26/84)    3.172  (m)           10.41   (f) ADJUSTED    2 1
     HU1163
     HU1163.Superseded values are not recommended for survey control.
     HU1163
     HU1163.NGS no longer adjusts projects to the NAD 27 or NGVD 29 datums.
     HU1163.See file dsdata.pdf to determine how the superseded data were derived.
     HU1163
     HU1163_MARKER: DB = BENCH MARK DISK
     HU1163_SETTING: 36 = SET IN A MASSIVE STRUCTURE
     HU1163_SP_SET: BUILDING
     HU1163_STAMPING: OC-5 1977
     HU1163_MARK LOGO: MDSHA
     HU1163_STABILITY: B = PROBABLY HOLD POSITION/ELEVATION WELL
     HU1163_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS NOT SUITABLE FOR
     HU1163+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - January 11, 2011
     HU1163
     HU1163  HISTORY     - Date     Condition        Report By
     HU1163  HISTORY     - 1977     MONUMENTED       MDSHA
     HU1163  HISTORY     - 1988     GOOD             USPSQD
     HU1163  HISTORY     - 20020330 GOOD             USPSQD
     HU1163  HISTORY     - 20040410 GOOD             USPSQD
     HU1163  HISTORY     - 20051203 GOOD             USPSQD
     HU1163  HISTORY     - 20060523 GOOD             GEOCAC
     HU1163  HISTORY     - 20080101 GOOD             JARICE
     HU1163  HISTORY     - 20110111 GOOD             INDIV
     HU1163
     HU1163                          STATION DESCRIPTION
     HU1163
     HU1163'DESCRIBED BY MARYLAND DOT HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION 1977
     HU1163'IN OCEAN CITY.
     HU1163'LOCATED 4.2 MI N ALONG MD RTE 528 (COASTAL HIGHWAY) FROM THE POST
     HU1163'OFFICE IN OCEAN CITY AT 74TH ST, SET VERTICALLY IN A DRILL HOLE IN THE
     HU1163'NE CORNER OF THE OCEAN CITY FIRE DEPT STA NO 3.  3 FEET ABOVE GROUND
     HU1163'SET VERTICALLY.
     HU1163
     HU1163                          STATION RECOVERY (1988)
     HU1163
     HU1163'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 1988 (CAC)
     HU1163'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU1163
     HU1163                          STATION RECOVERY (2002)
     HU1163
     HU1163'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2002 (CM)
     HU1163'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU1163
     HU1163                          STATION RECOVERY (2004)
     HU1163
     HU1163'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2004 (CM)
     HU1163'FOUND IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU1163
     HU1163                          STATION RECOVERY (2005)
     HU1163
     HU1163'RECOVERY NOTE BY US POWER SQUADRON 2005 (FM)
     HU1163'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU1163
     HU1163                          STATION RECOVERY (2006)
     HU1163
     HU1163'RECOVERY NOTE BY GEOCACHING 2006 (EK)
     HU1163'AN ADDDITION TO THE BUILDING HAS BEEN BUILT TO THE NORTH - DISK IS
     HU1163'LOCATED ROUGHLY IN THE CENTER OF THE EAST FACE OF THE BUILDING BETWEEN
     HU1163'2 LARGE DOORS.
     HU1163
     HU1163                          STATION RECOVERY (2008)
     HU1163
     HU1163'RECOVERY NOTE BY J A RICE INC 2008 (MRA)
     HU1163'RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION.
     HU1163
     HU1163                          STATION RECOVERY (2011)
     HU1163
     HU1163'RECOVERY NOTE BY INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS 2011 (RNH)
     HU1163'THE MARKER IS FOUND TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION BY THE TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
     HU1163'ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.

    Log: Recovered in good condition on Friday, 10/24/2025 at 7:39am EDT. I thought I would look for a couple of benchmarks this morning while walking from our condo to a geocache just north of the Rt 90 bridge. This one was easy to spot as I approached from the road. The building is currently vacant, as the fire department has moved to a newer building a little bit south of here.

  • Gracefully Ethopian Yirgacheffe Worka Sakaro

    Gracefully Ethopian Yirgacheffe Worka Sakaro

    • Beans: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Worka Sakaro – Natural Processed
      • Roaster: Gracefully Coffee Roasters (Baltimore, MD)
      • Origin: Worka Sakaro, Gedeb District, Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia
      • Roast level: Light
      • Roast date: 10/2/2025
      • Purchase date: 10/7/2025 from Gracefully curbside café
        First cup: 10/16/2025; Last cup: 10/27/2025
      • Milling process: natural; Drying process: sun dried, raised beds; Elevation: 2000 MASL; Varietal: Ethiopian Heirloom
      • Tasting notes: Peach syrup, pineapple, blueberry
    • Switch with Ode grinder (1 cup):
      • 21g coffee / 300g water (1:14.3)
      • Ode: 2
      • Water at 100°C
      • Single Cup V60 Pourover with 50-60g bloom and 60g pulses – keep drain closed until end of bloom – Finishes around 03:15-3:20

    I’m brewing this exactly the same way as Gracefully Ethiopia Sidamo Durato Bombe, except at a slightly lower ratio (21g/300g vs 22g/300g). To me, the two taste very similar, which didn’t really surprise me, although it’s been a few months since I’ve had the Sidamo Durato. Neither struck me as particularly fruit-forward, in spite of the stated tasting notes. I started these out at 22g/300g, but it seemed a little too overpowering at that ratio. I brewed the first 2 or 3 cups in the size 2 V60 before trying the Switch. I’m not sure I could tell in a blind taste test, but I believe that I prefer the Switch cups, so I’m sticking with that for now. I’ll also be brewing a couple of AeroPress cups this week, so it’ll be interesting to see how they turn out.

    10/24: I brewed two AeroPress cups this past week using my usual recipe, one cup with sub-boiling water from a drip coffee machine, and another using boiling water from a microwave. The latter was better, but neither was anything to write home about — I’m sure I could tweak things one way or another to get better cups, but I suspect that as with a lot of other top-shelf light roast coffees, I’m probably better off sticking with pour-over. This afternoon, I went back to brewing with the Switch, and it was quite good. It seems like more of the fruity/acidic flavors are starting to come out as the beans age — they are right around 3 weeks past roast date now.

  • Fall Fun

    Fall Fun

    I ran my second half marathon of the season yesterday. My goal is to try to run that distance about once a month from October through April or so. I definitely think it’s doable, but every time I run a half, I wonder to myself how the heck people run full marathons. Maybe that will seem more attainable over time as I work on my conditioning for longer runs. I was trying to take it kind of easy yesterday, and the run felt pretty good, but was very slow, with an average pace of around 11:40/mile. The only discomfort I felt was the pesky ache in the top of my left foot, which I’ve had on and off for years. Not sure what causes it, but it never seems to get any better or any worse. Massage gun, stretching, and trigger point release with a golf ball all help somewhat, and I’ve just kind of learned to live with it. Other than that, I can tell my body is getting back into shape for longer runs, as I feel fully recovered 36 hours later and ready to run again tomorrow morning.

    This morning, I got out for my annual paddle on the tidal Patapsco, launching at Southwest Area Park (which was quite busy on this balmy October morning). I paddled upstream and back for a total distance of 5.6 miles. The water was as high as I had ever seen it. At 3 hours past high tide, it was up near the top of the concrete boat launch ramp, and the adjacent pier looked like it had been underwater at high tide. I suspect that the culprit was onshore flow from a strong south to southeast wind. I had to turn around just past MD 648 due to time constraints, but I’m curious how far upstream I could have gotten given more time. Usually, I can make it to around the MD 295 overpass, or I-695 if I’m lucky, before the water gets too shallow to continue. I’ll have to see if I can get here another time when conditions are similar.

  • Gracefully Clumsy Girl (bag #2)

    Gracefully Clumsy Girl (bag #2)

    • Beans: Clumsy Girl (blend)
      • Roaster: Gracefully Coffee Roasters (Baltimore, MD)
      • Roast level: Medium
      • Origin: Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica
      • Roast date: 10/02/2025
      • Purchase date: 10/07/2025 at Gracefully Curbside Cafe (2601 N Rolling Rd Ste 104, Windsor Mill, MD)
      • First cup: 10/08/2025; last cup: 10/16/2025
      • Tasting notes: Chocolate, almond, and ripe berry
      • Previous bag: February/March 2025
    • Switch (pour-over style):
      • 20g coffee / 300g water (1:15)
      • Ode: 3+2
      • Water at 99°C
      • Recipe: Single Cup V60 Pourover — keep drain closed for bloom and then open at 0:45
    • French press:
      • 21g coffee / 300g water
      • Ode: 9
      • Water at 99°C
      • Preheat press with insta-hot water and add coffee. Pour to 60g and agitate to get all of the grounds wet. Bloom until between 0:30 and 0:45. Top water up to 300g and stir a few times with a spoon. Put lid on press and steep until 06:00 to 07:00. Press slowly and pour immediately.
    • Switch (immersion style a la French press):
      • 21g coffee / 300g water
      • Ode: 9
      • Water at 99°C
      • Preheat Switch with insta-hot water, and then moisten filter with kettle water. Close Switch drain, add coffee, make an indentation in the middle, pour to 60g, agitate, and bloom until 0:45. Top water up to 300g and swirl or stir a few times. Steep until 06:15 and open Switch drain.
    • AeroPress with JX grinder:

    Although I’m now on my second bag, the irony of “Clumsy Girl” vs “Gracefully Coffee Roasters” didn’t dawn on me until just now. All I can say is that I never claimed to be the most perceptive guy around. 😀 I have a theory that this blend is named after a dog (or other pet), but haven’t yet asked to see if I’m correct.

    I made a few tweaks with this bag: slightly finer grind (3+2 vs 4), slightly higher water temperature (99 vs 95), and Switch vs regular V60 cone. The first 3 cups have been pretty good. I’m finding that with a lot of coffees, if I don’t let the cup cool enough initially, the first few sips can have a slightly harsh or bitter taste. But then, once it cools to an optimal drinking temperature, it gets smoother and mellower, and the flavors balance out. This blend is definitely a case in point. Last time, I noted some watery/under-extracted cups near the end of the bag, and I’m wondering if it’s because I was trying to compensate for that perceived initial bitterness. It will be interesting to see how things go with the rest of this bag.

    10/11: My pour-over cups have been tasting a little over-extracted the past couple of days. For this morning, I switched from the Switch (no pun intended) to a regular size 2 V60 cone and grind setting 4+1. It took until almost 03:00 to drain down, and tasted almost exactly the same as the Switch cups. That tells me that for pour-over, I could probably get away with using a coarser grind with a regular V60 cone. With that said, I’m kind of wondering if immersion is a better way to go with this blend. This afternoon, for kicks, I tried brewing it in the French press (see above). The resulting cup was mellower and better-balanced than any of the pour-overs, with no annoying bitterness. The French press is never going to be my first choice for daily single-cup brewing, but I’m wondering if I could get similar results using the Switch with a full-immersion brew and a coarse grind. Sounds like I’ve got something to try tomorrow morning.

    10/12: I tried a French press-style brew in the Switch this morning (see above). This was my first time brewing a coarse grind with a long steep time in the Switch, and I’d call it a success. It turned out very similar to yesterday afternoon’s cup, with a little bit more in the way of fruity/acidic notes. As one would expect, there were no grounds or other residue in the cup, and the cleanup was easier than with the press. It does take longer than a pour-over or AeroPress brew, which could be an issue on mornings when I am pressed for time. Lastly, the jury is out on whether stirring or swirling is better after pouring all the water. I swirled this time, which worked fine, but I did end up with a few grounds stuck up around the top of the cone. I’m going to stir next time to see if it eliminates this.

    10/15: Brewed in the AeroPress per above. This was my first time brewing this blend in the AeroPress. I think this was my favorite cup so far. It had more of a chocolate/almond flavor than any of my previous cups.