Stanton Klose is well-informed, witty and entertaining on the subjects of insects and icebergs. The same is true for his essays on coming of age, his collection of Jerry Garcia ties, wilderness camping, the quirky Northern California house that he helped his quirky father build, his mother's eccentricities, garage sale shopping and much else. With wry humor and quiet wisdom, Klose's richly textured essays explore topics as varied as growing up in the Pacific Northwest, coming of age in Berkeley during the Vietnam War era, and adventure travel in remote and challenging landscapes.