January 03

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo (c.1499–1543) was a Portuguese navigator in Spanish service who embarked on a voyage of exploration along the western coast of North America. In 1542, he became the first European to sail and map regions of present-day California, including San Diego Bay. His expedition provided invaluable geographic information, fostering future Spanish claims and missions in the Pacific Northwest. Despite facing rough seas and limited resources, Cabrillo’s observations expanded European knowledge of the Pacific coastline. He died of injuries sustained during a skirmish with indigenous people near today's Channel Islands, leaving a legacy as a pioneering explorer.

Ivan Mackerle led expeditions across deserts, jungles, and swamps in search of cryptids such as the Mongolian death worm and the Loch Ness Monster. He documented his investigations in books and articles that blended field reports with local legends. Mackerle's adventurous spirit and meticulous note-taking made him a key figure in 20th-century cryptozoology. His accounts were featured in television documentaries, sparking both wonder and controversy. Though mainstream scientists often criticized his methods, his work continues to inspire enthusiasts of natural mysteries.