Rate National Parks

Visitors to the wonderful Olympic Peninsula are lucky indeed as there are great lodge destinations that serve as base stations for explores into the rainforest and picturesque coastal hikes. Less visited than its northern sibling at Lake Crescent, Lake Quinault Lodge is the perfect respite from days spent on foot.  The front of the property is modest and unassuming but after passing through a classic National Park style great room replete with fireplace and easy chairs one steps out the back doors onto a wide patio looking out over an American dream style manicured lawn.  The green is dotted with Adirondack chairs for taking in views of the expansive lake. 

Row boats and canoes bob in wait of trips out for a degree of separation and a different perspective. 
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The article linked in here is about law changes to allow construction of coal-fired power plants in close quarters to our National Parks.  The natural first reaction should be anger but let’s focus on the reality of the situation…Collectively, as Americans, our lifestyle simply consumes a huge amount of energy that must be satisfied somehow.  Our economy in its present form can not grow without abundant power.  Hopefully, we can successfully transition our economy to cleaner energy production before we are all wearing haze penetrating glasses (my idea - don’t steal it.).

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24658362/

Check out this MSNBC article regarding future plans in our parks.  Mostly good I believe.

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24295273/ 

Hopefully, this itinerary will be good.  I will post after the trip in August and let you know my thoughts.  The goal was to enjoy a balance of national parks, mountains, water, city and countryside.  If anyone has input I’d be glad to hear it. 

From the East coast:
 
Day 1 –
Destination: Seattle, WA.
Activity: Fly
Dinner: In airport prior to flight.  (Should help rest of meals taste that much better) Read the rest of this entry »

Hello many fans and followers…

Rate National Parks staff is planning a visit to the great US Northwest for next season and is looking for advice.  The major sites such as Mt. Ranier and Olympic NP are obvious choices but if anyone can provide advice on places, eats, or activities that might not be readily obvious it would be helpful.  I have personally been to the area but not for some time now and I’m sure a lot has changed.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

RNP

While my adoring fans wait for my thoughts of a recent trip to Florida’s Everglades NP, please check out this news story.  Does anyone detect any reason for optimism?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_re_us/florida_drought

My family and I are planning a trip to Florida this summer and Everglades National Park is one place on the agenda.  I’ve heard so much in the news about the suffering that this park has endured.  I’ve also heard things that describe the park as nearly destroyed.  A combination of chronic drought and overbuilding nearby have taken their toll.  I am very interested to see first hand what the Everglades still are and what might have been lost.

 Any suggestions from our readers?  What should I expect?  Any particular points of interest?

I most certainly will follow up in a few months with my review.  Swamp lovers beware.

 As told by AJ Gellman from her 1996 adventure.

There are many choices of how to see the Grand Canyon. Walking along the rim, helicopter fly over, muleback riding, or hiking to the bottom but in order to see it from the bottom up - my choice was rafting.  
 

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Of the many things to do in Grand Teton National Park, it seemed a hot air balloon ride worthy of a test.  All of the elements of interesting adventure were evident - amazing vistas, gentle breezes, wildlife, and the Wizard of Oz motivated uncertainty factor. An advance call to the Wyoming Balloon Company confirmed promises of abundant wildlife and anything but a simple “up and down” experience. Read the rest of this entry »