·:[ National Park Reservations Blog ]:·
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It was summer of last year that my folks came to visit me from New York State.  They were on a “road trip” and wanted to see as much of the West as possible! So we spent a day or two around Montana before setting out for the coast. 

It was a typical family car trip — lots of talking, sleeping, a little arguing and finally stopping for the night at some roadside motel (we’ll save those stories for another time!) Ultimately we were looking forward to arriving at Olympic National Park in northwestern Washington.  Olympic is one of the most diverse areas in all of the United States. 

Because the Olympic National Park covers so much ground and we only had two days to spend there we had to really think about what we wanted most to see.  Our plan was to take in just a little part of the park and trust that the rest of the area really is as diverse as we had heard.  I love vegetation and hiking so I was really pushing to visit the rain forest located in the park. 

I eventually won out and we headed to the Hoh Rain Forest.  We absolutely loved it. The Hoh Rain Forest turned out to be everything we could have hoped for in something that we had never seen.  The beauty and splendor of natures work is something to behold in the Hoh. Here you will see animal shapes in fallen trees and rocks along the riverbed.  The rangers and the staff in the visitors center us able to answer all our questions.

When you visit Olympic National Park don’t miss out on this beautiful rain forest.  Olympic is open year round and there are some great events in the month of March.  Right now Sol Duc Hot Springs is offering a great deal in the coming weeks.

You’ll be able to enjoy our cabins with or without kitchen for the price of $105 - $120 per night (35% off the regular rate) March 23-April 30.  Call National Park Reservations for more information and to make reservations.  The number is 1-866-875-8456, open 7 days a week.

Olympic National Park is worth the trip and is a great option for a family vacation or getaway with your Sweetie.

 

Astrid Sieger 

I was driving to work this morning and was pleasantly surprised by how light it is outside now — whereas just a week ago I was leaving home in the relative dark.  As I smiled up at the sky I thought about how great summer is going to be.  Days spent hiking around Glacier National Park or hanging out on the beaches of Whitefish Lake. I look forward to warm nights when a comfy sweater is all you need to enjoy sky gazing.  Barbeques, pool parties, and lots of sunshine all on the agenda! 

Yes, the prospect of summer is a wonderful one, particularly when the rest of the year is spent navigating icy roads and pathways (many of which I slipped on over the past months!) 

Many national parks begin to open their roads and groomed trails that have been closed for the winter in mid-March.  Yellowstone National Park will have more accessibility starting in March. Early Spring Activities in Yellowstone are a great way to both see and enjoy the park. Though certain park roads are still closed is it a great time to explore the park in unique ways on certain park roads.

Popular spring activities are bicycling, hiking, jogging, roller blading, roller skiing, and similar means of non-motorized travel.  These activities are permitted between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs from about mid-March through the third Thursday in April. The opening day in March is weather dependent. 

If you’re looking for a great time with less crowds now is the perfect time to visit Yellowstone or a national park near you!  http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/yellowstone.htm

 

The Roaring Twenties took the U.S. by storm and the West was not immune to its trends, style and music.  Since 2002 Yosemite National Park has been celebrating the heritage of the 1920’s with Heritage Holidays.  The three day festival includes activities ranging from authentic speakeasies and fashion shows to historic hotel tours and a Grand Ball, complete with 12-piece jazz orchestra, dancing and performances by the Deco Belles professional dance troupe. 

2007 Heritage Holidays entertainment will be provided by Tom Bopp, Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys, Lost Weekend, Fredrick Hodges & Ann Gibson, Sara Klotz de Aguilar, Art Deco Society of San Francisco, and Deco Belles.  Many of these are returning artists from years past that have made the event a memorable great success. 

The musical programs are free to the public making it a wonderful time to get a room and just sit back to enjoy the entertainment provided for guests and others coming to visit this fabulous national park.  Festivities begin on Sunday, March 4 - Tuesday, March 6, 2007.

For more information and to make your reservations today call National Park Reservations toll free 1-866-875-8456 or log on to http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/yosemite.htm

by Astrid Sieger 

When I was a Junior in college my friends and I took our annual spring break trip to California. I love California, the people, the ocean, and the magnificent scenery brings me a lot of peace.  I know it’s funny because many people who visit or are even residents of the Golden State complain about pollution, traffic, and a hectic lifestyle.  I can see their point, but it doesn’t change the fact that I love it.  

This particular year we took a day out of our beach bumming to visit my friends grandparents who lived in Fresno.  She and I left L.A. early to make the 3 1/2 hour trip north.  It was, of course, a clear day.  We stopped along the way for a bite to eat at a little roadside cafe.  It was one of these quirky little Mexican places you probably only read about.  A television in the corner was projecting a soap opera in Spanish and we had fun making up a story for what was going on (since neither of us speak the language). 

Eventually we made it to Fresno.  I found it to be a rather dismal place.  We were happy to see the grandparents however, who I hadn’t seen since the wedding of our siblings at least 10 years prior.  I was informed that we would be taking a drive to Sequoia National Park, a couple of hours away.  (I was told that it was a tradition that her grandfather brought visitors to see the park).  

The three of us piled into my friends grandfathers old, roomy Mercedes for another scenic drive.  It was worth it.  Sequoia is truly a unique experience.  As we walked around the groves of Sequoia Trees it was amazing to stand next to these remarkable giants.  Not only did we spend time among the trees but I still have a photograph of me INSIDE of one! The atmosphere here is gentle, almost solemn.   I wish we could have spent more time at Sequoia but the seashore was calling and our day trip had to end. 

Grandpa passed away this past winter. When I heard the news the recollection of that day in Sequoia was the first thing that came to my mind.  What a wonderful gift and memory to give a visitor! 

 http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/sequoia.htm

 

Headline: “Most of Area Gets Snow”*! This article is all about the heavy snowfall that has been hitting the Midwest, specifically the area of Mount Rushmore National Memorial which closed for the day Tuesday afternoon because of weather advisories. 

Snowfall totals there reported five inches in some areas, making getting to and around Mount Rushmore difficult if not dangerous.  The weather is the main story all over the northeast and Midwest this week as this region, which has seen little precipitation so far this winter is now be blasted with snow and ice.   

Driving in severe weather conditions can not only be hazardous it is also stressful.  When traveling in the winter there are a few things to remember and be prepare for to make the trip as glitch free as possible. First it is important to know where you might run into problems. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, so always slow down by slowing taking your foot off the accelerator; avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.  

Keep your windows clear by making washing them at each stop and turning your incoming air to outside ventilation rather than circulating. The fresh air will keep condensation from forming inside the car.  

If you do get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate slowly. Avoid spinning the tires. Use sand or cinders under the drive wheels. 

These are just some tips that should keep you safe as well as give you the confidence to drive in ice and snow. 

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/rushmore.htm

* http://www.ksfy.com/Stories/Story.cfm?SID=9894

 

Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days on the calendar.  The National Parks haven’t forgotten this and many lodges at our most popular parks have specials that include lodging, dinner, and couples activities in some of the most beautiful settings to be found anywhere in the world. 

At Yosemite National Park hotels offers the Romance Package.  This package includes:
·  Two-night’s lodging at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls or Wawona Hotel.
·  Dinner for two in The Ahwahnee Dining Room
·  Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
·  Keepsake Gift
·  Sparkling Wine

This package is available for Valentine’s Day, Weddings, Anniversaries or any special occasion that calls for a little romance. 

At Yellowstone National Park Hibernation Station offers Romance Suites with Jetted tubs and cozy fireplaces.  Yellowstone allows snowmobiling so this is a great option for having fun in the snow and coming back to a romantic evening spent indoors.

The historic Izzak Walton Inn at Glacier National Park is perfect Romantic Getaway. Winter is wonderland of sparkling snow and crystal clear ice making this scenery about as romantic as it gets.  The Izzak Walton offers a Ski Package that includes your choice of 4 different rooms, and various activities such as Cross Country ski lesson, or snowshoe tour.  This package is available January - March. 

There are many other lodging options with romance packages at various national parks throughout the country.  If you would like more information and to make reservations please call us at 1-866-875-8456 or log on to www.nationalparkreservations.com. 
 

 

National Park Reservations has been busy this week.  Phones are ringing off the hook and agents frantically looking up rates and availability.  I finally asked someone (being out of the loop as I am over in the next office where the “computer” people work) what is going on?  The answer apparently is simple — The Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite is now available for booking. 

The floodgates have opened.  The Bracebridge Dinner, a Christmas tradition of pageantry is a feast of food, song and merriment all taking place in at the Ahwahnees Grand Dinning Room channels a mythical 17th Century English Christmas evening.   The Bracebridge Dinner runs throughout the month of December. 

Packages to the dinner are available at the Ahwahnee Hotel, The Tenaya Lodge, and the Yosemite Lodge.  Packages may be available at other hotels as well, call for details.  The Bracebridge Dinner is a popular event, therefore if you plan on going this year you should make reservations now, most tickets sell out 1 year in advance. 

Call National Park Reservations for information and to reserve your Bracebridge Dinner Package or Bracebridge Dinner tickets today.  

See you there!

http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/yosemite_ahwahnee_bracebridge.htm

Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Sledding, Snowmobiling, even building a Snowman are all winter activities that are becoming increasingly popular.  Winter sports offer a way to keep fit and have fun during cold, snowy months that used to keep folks inside next to the fireplace!

While spending the day cross country skiing, or snowmobiling can be a lot of fun it can also quickly turn dire.  As with any activity from boating to hiking proper precautions should be taken anytime you are out in the wilds of nature. 

1) Play with a buddy.  If you do plan on going out alone make sure you let someone know where you are going, when you are leaving and when you anticipate returning.                  

2) Bring appropriate gear.  Dress in nylon or other material that breaths well but keeps you warm.  Stick to wool or polar fleece for socks, hats and gloves. Avoid cotton. 

3) Bring a basic equipment such as a snow shovel,  whistle, cell phone, and GPS tracking device.  Also pack food even if it’s just a few energy bars, and some dried fruits and nuts.  Bring water.

4) If you should become stranded due to injury or a turn in the weather build a snow cave and if this is not possible get into a tree well to stay as far out of the eliments as possible until help arrives. 

5) Avoid eating the snow.  Gradually your body will freeze from the inside and it will not help you to eat it. 

Ideally you will set out for a good time and end up having a great time.  These precautions will help you be prepared in case of an emergency either for yourself or others you may encounter who are stranded and need aid.  

Scanning the Internet this morning for National Parks news and events I came across one of the most fascinating things I’ve read in a long time.  The Hualapai Tribe at the Grand Canyon’s western rim has announced that the official opening date of the first ever glass walkway will be March 28, 2007. 

The Skywalk is a cantilever shaped glass walkway that suspends 4,000 feet above the canyon’s floor.  It extends 70 feet from the canyon’s rim.  From the drawings I looked at the bridge is a U-shape, the floor and sides are glass which will offer fantastic views of the canyon.  If you’re worried about the soundness of the structure rest assured that much planning and research has gone into making sure the bridge is safe and well constructed; from measuring wind velocity to finding architects who are experienced in building this type of bridge every  precaution has been taken to make this an enjoyable and unique Grand Canyon experience. 

The Grand Canyon is a perfect place to visit any time of the year so be sure to be one of the first to experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk.  For more information and to make Grand Canyon Lodging reservations visit National Park Reservations call toll free at 1-866-875-8456 or visit our website at www.nationalparkreservations.com/grandcanyon.htm today!    

 

What has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in Whitefish, Montana the Whitefish Winter Carnival is a week filled with good times, good food and good fun! 

Whitefish is located approximately 30 miles from Glacier National Park.  If you’re lucky enough to visit the area during the last week of January/first week of February you’ll be lucky enough to join in the fun of Winter Carnival.  

Winter Carnival has celebrated the mythology of Whitefish for nearly 50 years, focusing on popular local events such as the Big Mountain Torchlight Parade, the Penguin Plunge at Whitefish Lake, and spectacular fireworks display.  Winter Carnival brings out locals as well as tourists that fill the streets of this quaint resort town to the brim.  Revelers can find activities all day long the last weekend of the Carnival from shopping for hand-thrown pottery at the Stillwater Gallery to enjoying the parade through town on Saturday.  If you feel like warming up you can do so at one of the many cozy pubs in town before hitting the slopes for some good skiing fun.     

Whitefish Winter Carnival is sure to give you memories that will last through the year!   

www.nationalparkreservations.com/glacier.htm