·:[ National Park Reservations Blog ]:·
• • • • •

 

by Astrid Sieger

Summer seems like it just started but for many it’s already winding down.  For example I had planned to take many little trips around near by points of interest whenever I get a chance to this summer.  Now I find myself in the middle of July and I haven’t taken a single trip!  I haven’t even been out to Glacier National Park, just miles from my home.  

With realization that I’ve basically ignored all the beautiful sites so close to my front door I recommitted myself this past Sunday to spending time outdoors and taking advantage of all the wonder out there.  My first order of business was a canoe trip. 

With my digital camera in hand I loaded up our canoe and headed over to Whitefish River where I put in and began the adventure.  Looking at the shots I got it’s still hard to comprehend the overflowing beauty that I encountered along the still river and into the gorgeous glacial Whitefish Lake.  Here was a doe and two fawns sneaking through the trees and shrubs on shore. There, a family of ducks floating silently in the water.  A train ran on the tracks just on the edge of the bank, punctuating the scene with a character unique to the area.  

Yes, I thought, this is the stuff of memories.  It can only be experienced when we crawl out of our hovels that serve as shelters from the elements and venture out into the wild.  If you haven’t experienced the adventure yet there is still time.  Most areas have wonderful exploration opportunities into September, so make your plans to take advantage of summer breaks and vacations by getting out there!