The hottest Exploration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

Important conclusions from the Oregon Coast

PASSAGES β€’ 899 implied HN points β€’ 07 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Camping Exploration History
  1. Fort Stevens State Park is a great spot for camping and exploring nature. It's packed with fun activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.
  2. The park has a lot of history, with old military bunkers that you can explore. It's a reminder of the past and the peace we enjoy today.
  3. Riding bikes along the beach and seeing the famous shipwreck is a unique experience. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and enjoy the view.

The Balloon That Wouldn't Come Down

Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1887 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 25
πŸ”¬ Science Earth Science Exploration Human biology Meteorology
  1. In 1862, two balloonists faced a terrifying situation when their balloon wouldn't come down, and they were rising to dangerous altitudes. They had to work hard to figure out how to descend safely without the proper equipment.
  2. Early ballooning was risky, but the people doing it were often well-prepared and knowledgeable. Their courage and resourcefulness in the face of danger helped advance the field of aeronautics.
  3. Even today, the sky is both common and mysterious to us. It's a reminder of how our atmosphere keeps us alive, and we should be curious about the science behind it.

Twice Brewed, For No Damn Reason

Everything Is Amazing β€’ 1710 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Cultural Nature Personal experiences
  1. Trying new things without a specific reason can lead to unexpected joy and wonder. It's about being curious and open to surprises.
  2. Experiences like seeing a camera obscura in your own home can make science feel fun and magical. It shows how everyday life can be full of surprises.
  3. The story of the village 'Twice Brewed' disappearing from maps highlights how things can change in unexpected ways. It reminds us to seize opportunities before they're gone.

Defying death in Ladakh

The Global Jigsaw β€’ 198 implied HN points β€’ 10 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Culture Exploration Road trips
  1. Traveling through the Zoji La Pass is really risky because the roads are narrow and steep, with no guard rails. It can feel like a life-or-death situation.
  2. The region has a strong military presence due to its historical conflicts, making the journey feel even more intense and aware of the surrounding dangers.
  3. Funny and creative road signs by the Border Roads Organization highlight safety reminders in a modern, relatable way, which adds some humor to the scary drive.

Our D.C. Dance, Part 2

Tom Ryan, Author β€’ 7606 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Exploration
  1. The author reflected on their return trip to Washington, DC with joy despite lowered expectations.
  2. They visited important landmarks like Theodore Roosevelt Island and expressed admiration for President Theodore Roosevelt.
  3. The post encourages readers to subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access more content from the author.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Nelson in the Arctic. Polar bears, geese, and filled breeches.

The Common Reader β€’ 744 implied HN points β€’ 29 Nov 24
πŸ’Ύ History Exploration Biography Maritime Science Natural History
  1. Young Nelson went to the Arctic at just 15 years old, which was unusual for boys his age. His strong desire and connections helped him join the expedition.
  2. The journey was filled with challenges, like navigating thick fog and ice that could crush their ships. Weather changed constantly, making it tough to travel.
  3. Despite the harsh conditions and dangers, the crew encountered wildlife and gathered supplies. They had to work hard and cooperate to survive in the icy environment.

Red Rock Canyon

Tom Ryan, Author β€’ 7881 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Destinations Nature Exploration
  1. The author is in Summerlin, Nevada, near Las Vegas, for Red Rock Canyon, not the Vegas Strip.
  2. Winter weather has caused travel disruptions at various locations like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Red Rock Canyon.
  3. The current season has presented challenges and unique, snowy scenery for the author during their travels.

New York City part five

Tao Lin β€’ 779 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Travel Writing Cultural experience Personal narrative Photography Exploration
  1. It's okay to choose comfort over appearance sometimes, as it can lead to a more enjoyable experience. Being comfortable helped relax during the NYC trip.
  2. Less phone use during social situations was noticeable and appreciated, showing how people can enjoy the moment without distractions. It's nice when people are focused on conversations rather than taking pictures.
  3. Thoughts about big changes in the world, like the magnetic pole shift, can be overwhelming but also interesting. It's important to reflect on our existence during such significant events.

Giant’s Causeway

Cosmographia β€’ 1797 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Exploration Adventure Location
  1. The post is about Giant's Causeway and is part of an Atlas' Notebook series from Cosmographia.
  2. The content includes art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific location.
  3. It seems that to access the full post, one needs to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.

The 2025 Stack

Creative Destruction β€’ 20 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Trends Mindset Exploration Discovery Society
  1. An expedition is about discovery and adapting to the unknown, rather than following a set path to a destination. It's important to be open to new experiences and what you might learn along the way.
  2. Packing for an expedition means bringing durable gear, adaptable tools, a variety of skills, and a curious mindset. These preparations help you navigate uncertainty and make the most of unexpected situations.
  3. In today's fast-changing world, shifting from a journey mindset to an expedition mindset can be beneficial. This means being ready for uncertainty and focusing on exploration instead of trying to follow existing paths.

The Peculiar Institution, pt. 4

The Martyr Made Substack β€’ 1375 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History Colonization Exploration Empires Cultural Exchange
  1. The debate over history being driven by great individuals or impersonal forces reflects the dominant cultural and economic forces of an era.
  2. Spanish and Portuguese states were built for war, with institutions and structures geared towards conquest.
  3. The Spanish conquest of the New World was part of the same campaign as Europe's defense against Ottoman incursion.

Secret Sea Sanctuary

Seven Senses β€’ 299 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Nature Vacation Exploration
  1. The Secret Sea Sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place in nature, perfect for reflection and creativity. It's a hidden gem that feels like home for those who visit.
  2. Returning to this special spot brings a sense of calm and inspiration. It helps with creative projects and allows for a deeper connection with nature.
  3. The area is quiet and desolate, making it unique and special. It's now gaining attention, but the peace it offers is still cherished by those who know it well.

The Curious Alleys Of Borough High Street

Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 1078 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Exploration History Landmarks
  1. The post delves into the historic alleys off Borough High Street in London, revealing centuries of intriguing history.
  2. The author explores the unexpected discoveries made while investigating these alleys, such as Canterbury pilgrims and vanished coaching inns.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial to Londonist: Time Machine.

Book Announcement: "The Expedition to Khiva" by Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky

The Library of Alexandria Ultima β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Books Memoirs History Exploration Military
  1. The book 'The Expedition to Khiva' is a firsthand account of Russia's conquest of Khiva in 1873, providing both military details and adventure. It captures the journey across Central Asia, highlighting the culture and legends of the local people.
  2. Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky, the author, offers unique insights because he spoke the local Turkic languages, allowing him to interact freely with Central Asians and report on their ways of life.
  3. Along with the text, the book includes a 15,000-word introduction with historical context about Khiva and Alikhanov's background, enhancing understanding of the expedition.

Christopher Nolan Reads "Without Purpose"

Range Widely β€’ 1926 implied HN points β€’ 03 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Inspiration Purpose Balance Exploration
  1. Christopher Nolan reads 'without any purpose' to find stimulation in unexpected places.
  2. Balancing focusing on immediate tasks with staying open to new possibilities is a key challenge of work and life.
  3. Embrace practices, like reading broadly without clear purpose, to invite new ideas and inspiration into your life.

My Heart of Darkness

Cosmographia β€’ 1897 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Culture
  1. The post recounts a visit to Entebbe, Uganda, known for a daring rescue mission in 1976.
  2. The experience in Entebbe is described as something significant and impactful.
  3. The post is available to paid subscribers on the Cosmographia Substack platform.

The Mountains of the Moon

Cosmographia β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 11 Apr 24
πŸ’Ύ History Ancient Civilizations Exploration Geography
  1. Terra Phantasma is a new series exploring mysterious 'phantom lands' on ancient maps.
  2. The origin of the River Nile has puzzled great figures throughout history, with different theories and stories.
  3. Historical figures like Herodotus and Claudius Ptolemy have contributed differing explanations about the source of the River Nile.

The Moleskine Notebooks: Mt. Fuji

Cosmographia β€’ 1557 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Exploration
  1. The post is a repost of the second edition of the Moleskine Notebooks, originally shared in January.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to the material.
  3. The author is taking a break and reposting older content while traveling.

Okinawa ζ²–ηΈ„θ«Έε³Ά

Cosmographia β€’ 1617 implied HN points β€’ 13 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Exploration Culture
  1. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content
  2. The content focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place, Okinawa
  3. The post is part of the 'Atlas' Notes' series within Cosmographia, offering a variety of creative content

I'm headed to Iceland.

Volts β€’ 1415 implied HN points β€’ 04 Oct 23
🏝 Travel Tourism Exploration Adventure
  1. The author is traveling to Iceland to explore sustainability and energy ventures.
  2. They will be visiting geothermal power companies, carbon removal companies, and more.
  3. There will be a short break in service, with normal content resuming in late October.

Raye. Revenge of a late bloomer.

The Common Reader β€’ 1275 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 24
🎢 Music Success Talent Exploration Exploitation
  1. Raye's story shows the importance of persistence and bravery in pursuing your passion, even if it means taking risks and going against the norm.
  2. Late bloomers like Raye may experience a period of exploration before transitioning to a phase of exploiting their talents, which is crucial for achieving success.
  3. The support of networks, hard work, and the courage to make significant changes are key elements that contribute to the success of late bloomers like Raye.

Into the Sewers: Exploring London's Historic Bowels

Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Exploration History London
  1. The post explores London's historic sewers, an underground network rarely seen by the public, despite its importance in daily life and discussions about wastewater issues.
  2. The author shares personal experiences and history about their trips into the London sewers, providing a unique perspective on a usually overlooked topic.
  3. Readers can access more of the author's content and explore the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.

Africa Adventure Concept

Splattern β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 31 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Exploration Nature Personal Growth
  1. The writer plans to run from the Indian Ocean to Kilimanjaro, inspired by Toby Tanser's journey. This run is not just a personal challenge but a way to understand the significance behind Tanser's mission.
  2. The writer reflects on his travel experiences and how they shaped his view of life. He realizes that his adventures often come with a feeling of wanting to profit from other cultures, which he now sees in a more complex light.
  3. He acknowledges the legacy of those who have run or traveled before him and aims to honor that in his own adventures. This journey to Kilimanjaro will also contribute to a new children’s hospital, connecting his personal quest to a larger cause.

Extraterrestrial Governance

Skeptic β€’ 42 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Governance Ethics Human nature Society Exploration
  1. As we start living on other planets, we need to figure out how to govern ourselves there. This means thinking about the best way to make decisions and keep everyone safe.
  2. Direct democracy sounds good for a small group, but as the population grows, we might need more rules and systems to handle conflicts. Balancing freedom and order will be a big challenge.
  3. We can learn from Earth's history and societies to create better systems on other planets. Sharing resources, cooperating, and having good leadership are crucial for survival and success.

I Went Canyoning in Australia's Blue Mountains (So You Don't Have To)

Brent and Michael are Going Places β€’ 609 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Exploration Challenges
  1. Canyoning in the Blue Mountains involves exploring narrow gorges and ravines with various techniques like climbing and swimming.
  2. Be aware that even a 'family-friendly' canyon route can be physically challenging and more difficult than expected.
  3. Challenging yourself in activities like canyoning can lead to a sense of accomplishment and create lasting memories.

Interlude: On Tour, Part 1

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy β€’ 1100 implied HN points β€’ 18 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Events Food Exploration Accommodation Sightseeing
  1. The author documents the timeline of a book launch, including travel, preparations, and the launch event.
  2. The author shares personal experiences and interactions during the book launch process, such as baking cakes and meeting with colleagues.
  3. The author expresses emotions and reflections related to the events of the book launch, including nerves during the lecture and excitement during the launch party.

The Story of the Ice Balloon

Cosmographia β€’ 1078 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 23
πŸ’Ύ History Exploration Tragedy Discovery Adventure Mystery
  1. The story highlights the fine line between courage and folly. AndrΓ©e's bold expedition to the North Pole by hot air balloon ultimately ended in tragedy.
  2. The late 19th century was the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration,' with individuals like Scott and Shackleton driven by a fervor to conquer the poles.
  3. The ill-fated journey of Andrée, Strindberg, and Frænkel serves as a cautionary tale about ambition, courage, and the consequences of daring exploration.

Kilimanjaro Prep

Splattern β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Cultural Exploration Outdoor Tourism
  1. Africa has a lot of exciting and unexpected experiences. Every day can bring new adventures and surprises.
  2. Connecting with people, like my friend Michelle, can offer valuable insights. Sharing wisdom and kindness can enhance our journey.
  3. The idea that 'love has no agenda' reminds us to approach relationships genuinely. It's important to show care without expecting anything in return.

The perfect drawing tool

Ralph Ammer β€’ 1022 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Tools Exploration
  1. Selecting the right drawing tool depends on what you like and want to do with it.
  2. Hitting the limitations of a tool can push creativity towards unconventional ideas.
  3. The perfect drawing tool doesn't have to be complex, just master a simple tool and make it a part of yourself.

A good campsite makes all the difference in Grand Teton National Park

PASSAGES β€’ 579 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Nature Camping Adventure Climate Exploration
  1. Choosing the right campsite can greatly enhance your experience in a national park.
  2. Staying present in the moment can bring a lot of joy and appreciation for the surroundings.
  3. Different approaches to activities like fishing and camping can lead to varied outcomes, but ultimately, it's about enjoying the experience.

Climbing London's Least Historic Hill

Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 29 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Landmarks History Exploration Nature Architecture
  1. London's least historic hill, Stave Hill, was created in 1984 and stands as a modern mound in Rotherhithe, made from old docklands debris within a nature reserve.
  2. The area where Stave Hill now stands was previously occupied by Surrey Commercial Docks, known for handling timber imports, hence the hill's name reflecting the connection to staves used in barrels.
  3. Despite lacking a historical background, Stave Hill has a unique origin story rooted in the transformation of the industrial landscape of Rotherhithe from the 1970s.