We were blessed with an unexpected return visit to Vancouver this month. It was only a short stay. Five days but enough time to spend with a dear friend and fellow science and astronomy aficionado. I had wanted to bring them to the Pacific Museum of Earth, out at the University of British Columbia, for a couple of years, but generally they were quite busy during opening hours. Nine to Five. Finally my surprise visit was the event that inspired the trip out to the UBC Endowment lands and some quality time leaning a little more about this planet we call home, work, and holiday. There are exhibits both inside and out of the museum. This model of the Earth (above) with its exposed metallic core marks the beginnings of a to scale walk through the geological/biological history of the third rock from the sun. When you get to the end, you realize what a short span of time humans have existed in time/space and all the travails and catastrophe, believe it or not, we had nothing to do with.

I always learn something new with a visit to the UBC geology museum and it was a treat to visit with another science-minded person. To see through their eyes. I would call them a expert on astronomy, even though they would downplay their knowledge. The cross-over between geology and astronomy is huge. Really, you can't understand the one without the other. It was nice to nerd-out with someone even more nerdy than me.

One of the best things about the PMOE, besides it being free, is its gem room, which also houses this interactive model of the Earth. (Above) You set the display. Do you want to look at the Earth, other planets, the Milky Way, the Cosmos in its entirety, as know we know it ... all is there for your purview with a push of a button.

Here we are looking at the worldwide effect of s tsunami.

Of course the exhibits feature some pretty cool and rare rocks, along with interactive displays on numerous geological mechanisms; tornado, earthquake, and tsunami. And yes there is a dinosaur. You also get to play in the sandbox of the divine ... not really sand, but rubber pellets ... not really divine but a model ... and make your own topological map. Feel the power of creation; flatten mountains, build them up again , and control the flow of water, all with the flick of your pudgy digits and stick fingers.

For those of you who want a more detailed look at the Pacific Museum of Earth but haven't the time or cash to put Blundstones ... product placement ... product placement ... no, not really, I wish, but for those of you who lack the time to puts boots on the ground, enjoy this virtual visit courtesy of the youtube channel, Island Times-CA.(They didn't pay me either)