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A Prodigal Inn & Gallery, Bethel Maine
Just what possessed inn- keepers Tom and Marcey White to move from Texas to Bethel, Maine in order to open a most unique inn, A Prodigal Inn & Gallery, is the question I had recently posed to this charming couple.
For those of you who are...
Bird Safaris: Timbavati's Most Desired Plumage
Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The spotlight or limelight is traditionally on lions, cheetah or elephants. But when do the birds get some of the attention? With outlandish names like the Chestnut-Vented Tit-Babbler and the...
Lisbon and Portugal - History and Culture
Portugal has always been known as the land to the left of Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, caught among its traditional way of life - fishing and agriculture. But thanks to the technology and the integration, Portugal´s 91.985 km2, of which 88.944...
Siberia, Russia Part 5 – Khabarovsk and a Little Russian
In this continuing series, we cover my move from San Diego to Chita, Siberia to be a professor at Chita State Technical University. We pick up the story outside the airport in Khabarovsk, Russia. Khabarovsk Khabarovsk is an amazing city. Museums...
Three Places to Interact with Dolphins in Hawaii
Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on a whale-watching cruise or fishing boat. Visitors sometimes happen to be in the water snorkeling or kayaking when a pod of dolphins swims by. Some visitors even seek out dolphins, either...
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National Parks – Get Out Of Your Car!
The national park system in the United States is full of beauty and surprises. Still, you’ll be wondering if they’re worth it when you run into the crowds of other visitors.
Road Side Viewing
Sure, millions of people visit our national parks each year, miles of cars creep through at a painfully slow pace, parking lots are full and busses are packed. Cars stop in the middle of the road to view wildlife, backing up traffic for miles.
Is it all worth it? Should I just get stuck in a Los Angeles traffic jam with DVD player showing some nice mountain scenery?!
I travel through the Rocky Mountain Nation Park, using Trail Ridge Road, on a regular basis throughout the summer to reach some of my favorite fly fishing spots on the other side of the divide. I also have hiked many of the park trails. Let me tell you, I have seen the frustration of the gridlock national park experience.
Do you think the national park experience is looking out the window of your car or bus? How about stopping at the most popular scenic spots that are located within a stones throwing distance from the parking lots? If you do, well, you likely have missed out on 95 percent of the park and a serine magical experience that only those willing to put on the hiking boots get to
see.
The system of roads in a National Park is designed to minimize the impact on the park. It is not designed to get you to the best places. If you do not get off your butt and hike a bit, you are not seeing the beauty of the park. Sure, you may have to deal with the cattle drive to reach your desired trailhead, but a leisurely stroll of about 1 mile leave the hordes of arm chair park goers long behind. You could be standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people looking across Bear Lake at one moment, and in near solitude one hour later if you’re willing to exert just a bit more energy than the majority of the park visitors.
Thanks goodness for the fast food armchair lifestyle!!!! Get on those boots and leave the crowds behind. It’s worth it.
About the Author: Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of hiking journals. Writing journals make great Christmas gifts for him or her. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to hiking stories and hiking articles.
Source: www.isnare.com
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