Rate National Parks

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.  
 

Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

When planning a trip for the Summer of 2006 to Grand Teton NP I felt it important to get both hands and feet dirty to gain a true understanding what this land was about. Oh so many simply view the range from the main road turnouts which are beautiful views but barely scratch the granite surface.  We would begin the adventure as an inexperienced nuclear unit. We would end a trail hardened, but a closer, more mutually respectful family.

Read the rest of this entry »

Watching a sunrise from atop the Haleakela volcano on Maui had been described as a “must do before you die” experience.  We heard this from brochures, travel books, and hotel staff.  Of course we had to give it a try.  First let me say that it was really tough waking up before 5:00 AM while on vacation.  It was my honeymoon to be exact so even more the problem.  At that hour it is quite chilly. The open sided jeep we were driving forced us to tote the hotel blankets along with us for warmth. Read the rest of this entry »