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There are many small ways individuals can make a difference in the fight for a better environment.  Look around the next time you take an evening walk by the lake.  I had a good friend whose parents brought a small trash bag on their nightly strolls and just made a habit of picking up any trash they found along the path.  

National Parks are preservation sites for the rich natural resources found there.  Today many national parks offer free shuttle services so you can park your car and enjoy the sites while a driver worries about the road.  

In Yosemite Valley, visitors are encouraged to park their vehicles at the day-visitor parking area and ride the free shuttle to 21 stops throughout the Valley (all vehicles are wheel-chair lift equipped). Shuttles are provided from Wawona to the Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Meadows and from Tioga Pass Entrance Station to Olmsted Point in the summer months.  In the winter shuttle service is available between Yosemite Valley and Badger Pass Ski Area.  

In addition to cutting down on the traffic and emissions in the park shuttles are GM-powered hybrid buses, which improve fuel economy while reducing engine emissions and noised levels.  

Help do your small part in keeping Yosemite and other national parks the cleanest areas in the country by taking advantage of the free shuttle services offered. 

 

 

Thursday was the perfect day to go sailing. We had just had a tremendous thunderstorm the day before that cooled things off and left us with a few clouds in the sky — just enough so being on a boat was very comfortable.  The wind was just right and it was the perfect time to take off from work early and head out to the lake. 

A group of us loaded up a friend’s boat with food, beverages and fun!

As we sailed out of the docks we lucked out with a strong gust of wind that pushed us right into the open water.  We spent the day tacking, drinking and telling each other stories, some of them true others embellished but all of them interesting.  At sunset we got another strong wind that pushed us back into the docks.  A perfect day.

 The day seemed perfect yet there are events in play that run parallel with your perfect day.  A fact that became evident this morning when a friend telephoned me at work to say that they had heard that someone had drowned yesterday in the same lake we had such a great day on.  An event that really threw things into perspective for me and punctuates the fact that having fun does not mean getting careless. 

The following safety tips are posted by the American Red Cross.  Following the rules of safety will ensure that you have a great time on the water and safely return everyone to shore.        Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course you may contact your local Red Cross chapter.

       Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course you may contact your local Red Cross chapter.

• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination — over 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, people should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol.
• Look for the label: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.
• Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost, or encounters other problems, you want help to be able to reach you.
• Find a boating course in your area (U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, etc) — these courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions, and weather.
• Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

 

For something completely different and wonderful check out the rare opportunity offered only to National Park Reservations clients for an Exclusive Preferred VIP package at the Far View Lodge at Mesa Verde National Park.  The package includes Standard Room Accommodations for 2 nights, two tickets for the Cliff Palace/Mesa Loop Guided Tour, 1 dinner for two at the award winning Metate Room Restaurant.

This package is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway with your sweetie.  Make reservations by calling National Park Reservations at 1-866-875-8456 or go directly online http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/mesaverde_farview_summer07.php to book your Exclusive Preferred VIP package today. 

 

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! 

 

There is something for everyone to do in the national parks of the U.S. From waterfall hikes in Yosemite to horseback tours through Glacier National Park you’ll find something that will interest and challenge you, making your national park trip a memorable one. 

You can go to any of the national parks on National Park Reservations website to see all the activities available.  One really fun way to participate and get the most of any activity is to get creative.  Here are some tips to making your trip especially memorable:

1) Get involved with a “group.” Check around the Web to find others with similar interests to yours, whether it’s hiking or biking you will find people who get together to tackle adventures as a group.  This type of activity provides both safety and a chance to socialize. 

2) Take your hobbies with you.  If you are interested in writing bring a journal and take time to write about your experience either at the sumit of your hike or during the evening in your hotel room. If you’re interested in photography bring a camera and scapbook the adventure.  Painter? Bring a sketch book and pencils.  No matter what you’re hobby intergrating it with you adventure will make it that much more memorable.

3) Lastly, the best way to enjoy the national parks when exploring is to follow the rules and regulations.  You will find these in brochure form and posted at the front gate, at all ranger stations and at the visitors centers.  Doing this will ensure that you have a good time and continue to preserve the park for future visitors.

 

Now that summer vacation plans are in full swing I have snooped around our site for summer lodging packages. I was tipped off to three marvelous packages at Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde is located in the southern tip of Colorado. I had the opportunity to visit here several years ago with dear friends of mine. Mesa Verde is rich in history and archeological finds hinting at the ancient inhabitants that built their unique cliff dwellings here. This land is perfect for hiking around and experiencing a culture that is totally different from any other place on earth.

The following packages are now available:

Cities of Sandstone Package
Available May 4 - October 21
Includes 2 nights standard lodging accommodations - double occupancy +
2 tickets for the 1/2 day Chaplin Mesa guided tour + Breakfast for 2 each morning

Out & About in Mesa Verde Package
Available May 5 - October 21
Includes Deluxe 3 day, 2 night offering the best of Mesa Verde + Luxury accommodations at Far View Lodge for 2 nights + Breakfast for 2 each morning, and fine dining for 2 nights at the award winning Metate Room.
Additionally you will receive a guided tour of Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings and sites which includes Cliff Palace dwelling

Magic Romance Package
Available May 5 - October 21
Includes a romantic night in Mesa Verde with night standard double occupancy lodging accommodations + Bottle of champagne with 2 flutes, Chocolate dipped strawberries
Romantic dinner for 2 at the award winning Metate Room.

Keep in mind that Mesa Verde is located in a part of the country that can be hot during the day but turns very cool at night so bring clothing to layer.  We suggest light, comfortable shorts or pants, t shirts that let your skin breath and a light jacket or sweater for when things cool down.  Also remember to bring a brimmed hat to protect your had and face from the suns damaging rays and lots of water to keep you hydrated during a day of hiking and sightseeing!

Check our site at www.nationalparkreservations.com for pricing information and to make your reservations for these terrific package deals.