Blogs

Ha Giang 4WD Expeditions Rocky Plateau Tour

Ha Giang 4WD Expeditions Rocky Plateau Tour Itinerary in brief Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Giang Day 2: Ha Giang - Yen Minh - Meo Vac - Dong Van Day 3: Dong Van - Yen Minh - Quan Ba Day 4: Quan Ba - My Lam hot spring-Tuyen Quang Day 5: Tuyen Quang - Viet Tri -...

Posted to greentrailtourism by Hua Xuan Hoan on 07-03-2009

Filed under: Accommodation, Vietnam Adventure Tours, Ha Giang

Duong Lam Village - The Journey to the Origin

Duong Lam Village - The Journey to the Origin Detail Itinerary The ancient village of Duong Lam on the outskirts of Hanoi is also known as a museum of laterite, home to around 300 houses built three or four centuries ago with lateritic bricks. The village...

Posted to greentrailtourism by Hua Xuan Hoan on 07-03-2009

Filed under: Ha noi Tour, Duong Lam Village, Cycling tours

Payday Loan Facts

I believe that no one likes receiving payday loans and cash advances, but the truth is sometimes they can be a lifesaver. To think that you may experience an unexpected expense such as a medical bill, home repair, or a rent deposit that just came at exactly...

Posted to LindaC by LindaC on 06-24-2009

Great Smoky Mountains National Park marking its 75th anniversary

A-C Photo; Great Smoky Mountains Fall Colors The ancient blue-green mountains with breathtaking vistas and distinctive mists are home to salamanders and black bears, 19th century log cabins, rippling streams, waterfalls and more than 1,290 kilometres...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 06-03-2009

Filed under: Vacation, Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 75th anniversary, newfound gap, north carolina, gatlinburg, clingmans dome, cades cove, Cataloochee Valley, pigeon forge, appalachian trail

National D-Day Memorial on brink of financial ruin

AP Photo; National D-Day Memorial On the eve of the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the foundation that runs the National D-Day Memorial is on the brink of financial ruin. Donations are down in the poor economy. The primary base of support — World War...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 06-03-2009

Filed under: National D-Day Memorial, World War II veterans, financial ruin

National parks to offer free-entry weekends

Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and 144 other national parks won't charge for admission on three weekends this summer. The Interior Department on Tuesday said Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and 144 other national parks would offer free admission...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 06-03-2009

Filed under: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, National Parks, summer, free admission, free-entry weekends

Grand Teton National Park to reduce campsites

By Cory Hatch, Jackson Hole, Wyo. jhnewsandguide.com June 3, 2009 One of Grand Teton National Park’s oldest and largest campgrounds could get a major upgrade starting later this year after park officials announced they want to reduce its footprint, upgrade...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 06-03-2009

Filed under: campgrounds, RV sites, Grand Teton National Park, campsites, National Environmental Policy Act

The REAL Desert Dogs: Bury My Legs in the El Pasos

The Desert Dogs try for their third and final time to find a Paiute 'mummy' in the El Paso Wilderness. Along the way, they come across some 'tuuwaruugidi', a Kawaiisu word for ' bad omen '. Also in this episode, what to do if you...

Posted to The REAL Desert Dogs, in California's Mojave Desert by Andrew on 06-01-2009

Filed under: mojave desert, andrew perry, paiute, Dustin Dragotto, Ben Moreno, Kawaiisu, gopher snake, mummy, tuuwaruugidi, The REAL Desert Dogs

Carter site could become national park

PLAINS — The house was haunted; everyone knew that. A shadowy figure peered from an upstairs window. Screams rent the night. There was that vanishing dog, too. Young Jimmy, like everyone else in Plains, avoided the creaky old structure just outside...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-31-2009

Filed under: National Park Service, tourism, southwest Georgia, Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, plains, President

Fisher reintroduction seems a success

Adventure-Space follow up Story by Stu Marks Released last week was enthusiastic study data that points towards a successful reintroduction of the weasel like fishers into the Olympic eco system during the late fall of 2007. 2007 story The exciting story...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by Stu Marks on 05-31-2009

Summer fun guide: Five great Utah campgrounds for you to visit

Utahns can spend their summers camping in dozens of different campgrounds on federal, state and private lands while enjoying parks close to water, in high elevation mountain areas, near urban areas or on the desert. Here are five of Utah's best campgrounds...

Posted to Vacation Hot Spots by accarrie on 05-29-2009

Filed under: utah, bryce canyon national park, campgrounds, Arches National Park, Devils Garden, Kodachrome Basin State Park

Schwarzenegger plan would close 220 Calif. parks

By SAMANTHA YOUNG, Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget cuts could mean the closing of up to 220 state parks, among them the home of the world's tallest tree and other attractions that draw millions of visitors...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 05-29-2009

Filed under: Fort Ross State Historic Park, Bodie State Historic Park, California parks, Big Basin Redwoods, Emerald Bay, Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Polar bears, the largest meat-eater on land

Photo swamppolitics.com The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a bear native to the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas. Being the world's largest carnivore found on land, together with the Kodiak bear they constitute the largest members of the Bear...

Posted to Wildlife Education by accorie on 05-27-2009

Filed under: Alaska, arctic, Eskimos, circumpolar, Arctic Ring of Life, polar bears, Bering Sea, Beaufort Sea

Utah Week: Best parks in Utah

Thousands of Coloradans visit Utah to hike and explore each year, especially when Colorado is under snow. Here are my top 10 favorite parks to explore in Utah. 1. Arches National Park. Arches NP protects more than 2,000 arches. After you've seen all...

Posted to Vacation Hot Spots by accarrie on 05-26-2009

Filed under: vacation, utah, bryce canyon national park, Zion National Park, The Maze, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky, Natural Bridges National Monument, Horseshoe Canyon

Deadline looms over stocking fish in North Cascades National Park

The mountain lakes in the backcounty of Washington state's North Cascades National Park are still covered in ice. The thaw usually doesn't come until early July. This year, however, a deadline comes along with the thaw. Unless Congress acts, the...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-26-2009

Filed under: North Cascades National Park, stocking fish

Nine Mile Canyon Coalition honored for its efforts

The rural residents who wanted to educate the public about the wonders of Nine Mile Canyon didn't realize when they formed their coalition in 1991 they were in for a fight. Eighteen years later, the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition has not only battled...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-24-2009

Filed under: Nine Mile Canyon, The coalition, American Indian rock-art images, ancient artifacts

National parks in space--the Atlantis Space Shuttle connection

May 24, 2009 Space Shuttle Atlantis touched down this morning at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mohave Desert, California. A picture perfect landing for an extremely successful mission. Houston Control congratulated the crew saying they gave Hubble Space...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-24-2009

Filed under: California, National Parks, Atlantis Space Shuttle, Mohave Desert

Is an Eruption Brewing at Yellowstone National Park?

A swarm of earthquakes is one sign that an eruption may be brewing and last winter Yellowstone National Park was rocked by a rash of tremors. "There were over a thousand earthquakes in about one week," said Park Geologist Hank Heasler. "That...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-24-2009

Filed under: Yellowstone National Park, earthquakes, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, tremors

A Modest Proposal To Permit Everyone To Carry Guns In Public Buildings

Sandy Goodman The Huffington Post Amid the welter of depressing news about the Great Recession, the Taliban's successes in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and a new rash of bombings in Iraq, there is a single bright spot. Congress has overwhelmingly passed...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 05-24-2009

Filed under: National Park, Yellowstone National Park, weapons

Memorial Day weekend—planes at work over Grand Canyon National Park

Photo USGS By Marilyn Crain Examiner.com Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park this weekend will see the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in action as they carry out part of their stated mission: "The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 05-22-2009

Filed under: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, United States Geological Survey

Colorado climber missing on Alaska's Mount McKinley

Photo stanford.edu Again, we can not stress enough to NOT hike or climb alone unless you are well trained in survival techniques and very prepared. Even then it is better to not hike or climb alone. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The National Park Service says...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 05-22-2009

Filed under: Alaska, Denali National Park and Preserve, solo climb, Mount McKinley, climb

Boaters, park officials clash over rules restricting use of fragile Florida Bay shallows

A decade of chasing tarpon and snook through these teal waters has taught Rob Clift the tricks to navigating Florida Bay, a 600-square-mile lagoon off the southern tip of Florida where the Everglades bleed into the ocean. The bay is so shallow that a...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-17-2009

Filed under: Everglades National Park, boaters, Florida Bay shallows

Large grizzly bear killed by train in Banff National Park

An extremely large 600-pound male grizzly bear was struck and killed by a train in Banff National Park early Thursday morning. The enormous grizzly, the eighth grizzly to die after roaming onto Canadian Pacific tracks since 2000, was an astounding physical...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-15-2009

Filed under: Grizzly Bear, train, Banff National Park, canada

Man files appeal in free-speech case against National Parks

PIERRE, S.D. — A Christian legal group is appealing a federal judge's ruling that found Mount Rushmore National Memorial officials did not violate a Minnesota man's free-speech rights when they required him to get a permit before distributing...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-15-2009

Filed under: National Parks, free-speech case, religious materials, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, First Amendment's rights, gospe tracts, Christian legal group

Golden Gate National Recreation Area superintendent dies

From the redwood forests of the Phleger Estate in San Mateo County to Alcatraz to the Marin Headlands, millions of people every year enjoy the natural splendor of the Bay Area's pre-eminent national park, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area....

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-15-2009

Filed under: death, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz, superintendent, Brian O'Neill

"... he knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sakes."

The new World Wide WebCam at Old Faithful is capturing images that the designers of the web site probably never envisioned. Six individuals were arrested and two of those are being formally charged after they were caught relieving themselves onto Old...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by Stu Marks on 05-14-2009

The secret life of penguins revealed

Zoologists have long wondered where the flightless seabird goes during these long spells away from land -- and now French scientists, in a study published in Wednesday, believe they can supply the answer. A team from National Centre for Scientific Research...

Posted to Wildlife Education by accarrie on 05-13-2009

Filed under: wildlife, birds, National Centre for Scientific Research, penguins

Most Endangered Parks

This year the National Parks Conservation Association listed the following parks as the most endangered parks. Big Thicket National Preserve- a timber company is selling land that surrounds the park. If the new buyer decided to clear cut the land it could...

Posted to accarrie by accarrie on 05-13-2009

Filed under: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park, pollution, Glacier National Park, National Parks Conservation Association, Denali National Park and Preserve, Big Thicket National Preserve, endangered parks, building

The Grizzly Bear

NPS Photo: Young Grizzly in Katmai National Park Grizzly Bears are one of the biggest land mammals in North America. It was estimated in the 1800's that as many as 50,000 grizzly bears ranged between the Great Plains and the Pacific Ocean in the lower...

Posted to Wildlife Education by accarrie on 05-13-2009

Filed under: Alaska, Yellowstone National Park, bears, wildlife, Montana, Wyoming, Grizzly Bears, north america, facts, Glacier National Park, land mammals, Denali National Park, Katmai National Park

Perspective: When people perish in national parks

We see the news stories and we shake our heads: Someone has died by accident in a national park. Surely that person must have done something foolish, we tell ourselves. Certainly he or she didn’t understand that the natural world can be a dangerous...

Posted to accarrie by accarrie on 05-13-2009

Filed under: hiking, National parks, mt. mckinley, risk taking, wilderness, news, high elevations, alaska, denali national park, trekking

Webcam catches six at Old Faithful in Yellowstone

Technology brings more than just information and convenience. It may just bring convictions. Editor. CHEYENNE - The National Park Service has cited six people for walking on Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park after someone outside the park...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by Stu Marks on 05-12-2009

Cheap summer getaways might go away this summer

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Cash-strapped Americans looking for a cheap getaway at a state park or campground this summer are likely to find instead reduced hours, higher fees and closed beaches and pools. State parks and historic sites across...

Posted to accarrie by accarrie on 05-11-2009

Filed under: vacation, National parks, fees, economy, state parks, pools, hours, getaways, closures

Oyster farm doesn't belong at Point Reyes

The media uproar over the Drakes Bay Oyster Co. prevailing in a dispute with the National Park Service over the farm's operations is senseless. Dwelling on the National Park Service study, which a panel concluded misrepresented facts about the shellfish...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-11-2009

Filed under: National Park Service, point reyes national seashore, commercial operations, Drakes Bay Oyster Company, oyster farm

Don't linger in Statue of Liberty's crown, says safety report

Welcome to the Statue of Liberty, and enjoy the view - quick. Los Angeles Times Photo: Lady Liberty A new safety report obtained by the Daily News recommends once Lady Liberty's crown reopens on July 4 that only up to eight people enter at a time...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-11-2009

Filed under: New York, Statue of Liberty, july 4th, safety, re-opening, crown

Child recovering after 52-hour trek in Missouri woods

CRYSTAL CITY, Mo. — Little Joshua Childers survived chilly nights, ponds and creeks, hills and boulders, ticks, bears, mountain lions and snakes in his two days of wandering the Missouri woods. His father calls his 3-year-old a “tough little...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-08-2009

Filed under: Missing, crystal city missouri, survival, missouri woods, child

Baby Condor Hatches At Pinnacles; First in 70 Years

Six years after they were released at Pinnacles National Monument, a pair of endangered California condors has hatched an egg and is caring for the youngster. Biologist Joe Burnett of the nonprofit Ventana Wildlife Society said the couple is a 6-year...

Posted to Wildlife Education by accarrie on 05-08-2009

Filed under: baby condor, pinnacles national monument, birds

Feral hogs wreaking havoc at Guadalupe Mountains

CARLSBAD — Swine flu is on everyone's mind, but staff at Guadalupe Mountains National Park has a different swine concern feral hogs. Park Superintendent John Lujan said feral hogs have invaded the park, posing a danger to visitors as well at...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-08-2009

Filed under: Ecosystem, wildlife, Swine flu, Feral hogs, Guadalupe Mountains

Death Valley, Yosemite Use Federal Funds for High Priority Projects

In 1984, a Death Valley National Park visitor tragically lost their life when they fell down a goldmine shaft that had been dug out in the 1930s. Park officials immediately attempted to find and secure all of the abandoned mines in the park that covers...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-08-2009

Filed under: Yosemite, Death Valley National Park, projects, Federal Funds

Photograph a National Park or Federal Land and Win Big

The National Park Foundation Launches 2009 Share the Experience Photo Contest, and Encourages Amateur Photographers and Nature Lovers to Submit Photos of Great Park Moments NEW YORK, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Park Foundation (NPF) and Olympus...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-06-2009

Filed under: wildlife, National Parks, photography, contest, nature lovers, olympus, federal lands

Mainstream media finally turning the corner on truth about so-called global warming

In a Newsmax story by journalist Marc Morano, it is revealed that the May 2 retraction by NY Times in regards to their green house gasses/global warming hit piece falls far short of the ethical. Editor. The New York Times; a house of journalists or activists...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by Stu Marks on 05-04-2009

Search continues for missing hiker

Photo Kim Raff/The News & Advance Our hearts and prayers go out to this family and the man with the indomitable spirit. We at Adventure-Crew are pulling for him and his safe return. By Sarah Watson newsadvance.com BUENA VISTA — Scores of searchers...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 05-02-2009

Filed under: Hiking, Blue Ridge Parkway, appalachian trail, Punch Bowl Mountain, Backpacking Light magazine

11 Useful tips to follow before take-off with your pets

1. Firstly you should assess your pet’s traveling capabilities. Very old or very young pets can be affected greatly by the experience of a long trip. If your pet has any illness or injury make sure to be informed about his or her condition and whether...

Posted to BarkleysBackPack by accarrie on 05-01-2009

Filed under: vacation, pets, supplies, vaccination, health, pet friendly lodging, veterinary, tips, advice, pet identification, travel time, age

Top Five Dog-Friendly National Parks

Dog-owners understand the valuable companionship a dog can bring. The canine has served as “man’s best friend” for almost 15,000 years. The bond grows stronger with each passing year. And long trips away from one another can not only...

Posted to BarkleysBackPack by accarrie on 05-01-2009

Filed under: vacation, Acadia National Park, pets, Grand Canyon National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, hiking, national parks, dogs, Great Sand Dunes National Park

Smokies faces challenges

It's hard not to picture Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a preserve that will never be touched and never change. But the truth is the 800-square-mile park has changed since its founding 75 years ago. Pollution, overuse, invasive species, political...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 05-01-2009

Filed under: Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, pollution, cades cove, politics, invasive species

Shenandoah Park leader's heart lies in mountains

"I came across this article and I think it just truly explains the passion of one's love for there job and our land. " accarrie Before last fall, Martha Bogle had worked about every job offered by the National Park Service, from Florida's...

Posted to accarrie by accarrie on 05-01-2009

Filed under: mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, park service job, Shenandoah Park

Body of missing boat found at Lake Powell

SALT LAKE CITY — Search crews have found the body of an Arizona man missing since Saturday after a boat with six people aboard sank in Lake Powell in southern Utah. The body of Terry Michael Taranto of Prescott Valley was found Monday morning, according...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-30-2009

Filed under: Lake Powell, Utah, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, salt lake city, missing boaters

National Park Service monitoring the swine influenza

The National Park Service is closely monitoring the recent appearance of swine influenza in Mexico and the United States. Staff are working with the Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Centers for Disease Control...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-30-2009

Filed under: National Park Service, untied states department of interior, mexcio, department of homeland security, influenza, center for disease control and prevention, Swine flu

Paleontologists Use Explosives To Uncover Dino Bones

Earlier this month, researchers from a Dinosaur National Monument quarry turned to explosives in order to get beyond the thick layers of rigid sandstone. Several controlled explosions were ignited at the quarry called DNM 16, where researchers discovered...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-30-2009

Filed under: Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, dinosaur bones, explosives, fossils

Heat Related Health Issues

Photo a2gov.org There are several health related conditions that can occur while you are out trekking around the country participating in your favorite outdoor activity. Being aware of them is the first step in prevention and if necessary, timely treatment...

Posted to Adventure Education by accorie on 04-30-2009

Filed under: hyponatremia, prickly heat, Heat stroke, sunburn, heat exhaustion

Barkley's Back Pack; tips on vacationing with your pet

It's late spring of 1975. While the rest of us were out on C-Larks, Sabots, San Juans and Lasers (sail boats) in the middle of Howard Prairie Lake twenty miles east of Ashland, Oregon, the Siamese cat was happy as a clam stalking squirrels, birds...

Posted to BarkleysBackPack by Stu Marks on 04-29-2009

Adventure-Space photographer featured; Gary Reid

Gary's online photo album at Adventure-Space.com is a great view behind the eyes of a top rank photographer. From abstract to landscape, Gary Reid sees the world like a living art gallery. Good photographers spend more time composing than holding...

Posted to Stu Marks by Stu Marks on 04-29-2009

Our dogs day vacation

I just wanted to share that one great place to visit in The Great Smoky Mountains with your pooches and kitties. Every year we travel to Tennessee for a family vacation and this past fall 2008 we took our younger puppy with us. It was much easier then...

Posted to BarkleysBackPack by accarrie on 04-29-2009

Filed under: vacation, gatlinburg, pigeon forge, great smoky mountains, tennessee, dog

Top 10 National Parks for Dogs; Rules&Regulations included

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, 865-436-1200 Pets must be leashed or restrained at all times and are not allowed on hiking trails. They can accompany you in your car and at lookouts and stops near the road. However, there is one trail...

Pet Friendly Hotels in Grand Teton National Park

The spectacular Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming, is one of the great parks of America. The landscaped features majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. World renowned scenery attracts nearly four million visitors...

Posted to BarkleysBackPack by accarrie on 04-28-2009

Filed under: pet friendly vacation, wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, cabins, Flagg Ranch Resort, Pet Friendly Hotels

Dog days of summer approach; vacationing with your pet

I recently came across a well written story that narrated a vacation to Utah with a lovely dog named Ladi (lady). It reminded me how often we leave behind some of our best friends when we humans go on vacation. Of course, to our furry and coated friends...

Posted to BarkleysBackPack by Stu Marks on 04-28-2009

New bridge part of repair to damaged section of North Cascades River Road

Nearly 21/2 years after floodwaters washed out a section of Cascade River Road in North Cascades National Park, crews are putting the finishing touches on a new bridge that's meant to be a more permanent, long-term fix. In the past, culverts of increasing...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-27-2009

Filed under: North Cascades, River Road, Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, New bridge

Hiking the North Country Trail

LACE up your boots, shoulder a pack, and head out on the North Country Trail this month from its origin in Crown Point, N.Y., and you could journey westward straight through the summer, past autumn’s falling leaves, and hike miles nonstop every...

Posted to Vacation Hot Spots by accarrie on 04-27-2009

Filed under: backpacking, hiking, Arizona, Appalachian Trail, North Country Trail, trails, adirondack park, natchez, Brule River State Forest, North Dakota, Crown Point, N.Y, wisonsin

Lake Mead braces for lowest level since 1965

Photo by Justin Bowen: Lake Mead Warning sign Marinas, docks are moved as water level drops below last year’s lowest point On the concrete launch ramp of Boulder Harbor, where a marina once docked boats at Lake Mead, National Park Service spokesman...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-27-2009

Filed under: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, elevation, echo bay, boulder harbor, marinas, water levels, docks

Search resumes for missing boaters at Lake Powell

Searchers have resumed their efforts to find two people still missing after a boating accident at Lake Powell. Kane County Sheriff Lamont Smith said boats are back out in the Padre Bay area of Lake Powell, searching extremely deep and murky water for...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-27-2009

Filed under: Lake Powell, Utah, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, boating accident, missing people

Smokies national park a biodiversity hot spot

Steve Moore doesn't need to perform a DNA analysis to know that the 6-inch fish in his hand is a native Southern Appalachian brook trout. Sitting on the tailgate of his truck, Moore, supervisory fisheries biologist at Great Smoky Mountains National...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-27-2009

Filed under: wildlife, Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Valley, biodiversity, Southern Appalachian brook trout

Stimulus funds will speed upgrades at Mammoth Cave Park

I'm all for funding for the parks, but are our children going to pay for this for generations to come?? ASSOCIATED PRESS MAMMOTH CAVE — kentucky.com Mammoth Cave National Park is getting more than $9 million in stimulus money that will accelerate...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 04-26-2009

Filed under: Mammoth Cave National Park, stimulus funds

New CamelBak Vest; no hassle hydration

New CamelBak Vest; no hassle hydration Our friend TheGearJunkie ( www.thegearjunkie.com ) features what he calls a "category-defying piece of apparel" in the latest online issue of his E-Newsletter. CamelBak has been providing innovative water...

Posted to Gear Bob by Stu Marks on 04-24-2009

Utah parks and monuments stimulus projects

Utah parks and monuments receiving stimulus money Arches National Park: $78,000 to construct a flood diversion wall. Bryce Canyon National Park: $579,000 for projects including restoring the historical Bristlecone Trail and demolishing and replacing a...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-23-2009

Filed under: Utah, Arches National Park, National Parks, Capitol Reef National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Canyonlands National Park, cedar breaks national monument, Dinosaur National Monument, monuments, stimulus projects, construction, Bryce Canyon National Park, repairs, Golden Spike National Historic Site

Dinosaur National Monument gets money for new Visitor Center

Two and a half years after the Visitor Center was closed at Dinosaur National Monument, the money is coming to build a new center. The Quarry Visitor Center was condemned in July 2006 because of safety problems. The center was built on unstable clay....

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-22-2009

Filed under: Dinosaur National Monument, Quarry Visitor Center, visitor center, Mesa Verde National Park, stimulus funds

Condor nest found on San Benito County ranch — first in 70 years

Photo marialanger.com By Kevin Howe Monterey Herald The first condor nest in 70 years has been discovered on a San Benito County ranch and verified by U.S. National Park Service biologists. The nest is located on a high rocky cliff on a private ranch...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 04-22-2009

Filed under: Pinnacles National Monument, California condor, condors

Green is best served locally; Thoreau

by Laura E. Huggins National Earth Day is upon us... ...and with it, several "green" events, including the broadcasting of "Walden: The Ballad of Thoreau" on public television and in schools. This is surprising at a time when government...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by Stu Marks on 04-22-2009

Weathering Your Outdoor Travel

A list of handy weather information sources to use on your next outdoor excursion on the road. by Stu Marks Chicago Recreation Examiner In this modern age of information technology, one would think that all travel done by seasoned outdoors people would...

Posted to Stu Marks by Stu Marks on 04-21-2009

National parks offer majestic getaways at recession prices

Feeling insecure about that job? Perhaps you are one of the millions already laid off. The recession has a tight grip on Americans, and when jobs are scarce, stress is plentiful. This is why now may be the best time to take your vacation. If you have...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-21-2009

Filed under: Vacation, Yellowstone, Everglades, Grand Canyon, Hiking, National Parks, camping, affordable, majestic getaways, recession, smoky Mountains

Yellowstone unveils wireless communication plan

A-C Photo: Old Faithful Area Yellowstone National Park has promised to move a cell phone tower overlooking Old Faithful geyser, but would accept applications for a new cell tower near the community of Lake under its wireless communications plan unveiled...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-21-2009

Filed under: Yellowstone National Park, arizona, Old Faithful geyser, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada, wireless communication plan

The Makers of BENADRYL(R) and the National Park Foundation

"I suffer badly from allergies and what an awesome idea. Don't let those allergies stand in your way of adventure" accarrie The makers of BENADRYL and the National Park Foundation today announced a partnership designed to encourage everyone...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-20-2009

Filed under: Vacation, donations, discovery channel, partnership, Benadryl, allergies, outdoor Adventures, national parkk foundation

Junior Ranger programs captivate young park visitors

"I came across this article that I felt the need to repost. I never really understood the beauty of our National Parks until I started working for A-C. I realized what wonderul resources we have and the freedom to enjoy nature up close and personal...

Posted to accarrie by accarrie on 04-20-2009

Filed under: adventure, National parks, nature, education, native history, free, learning, souvenirs, teaching, children, Junior Ranger programs

Why national parks are a great value

National parks have been called the best idea we ever had. They showcase America’s geology, history and architecture, and are a great vacation value. And according to a TripAdvisor survey , nearly three of every four Americans will visit one this...

Posted to accarrie by accarrie on 04-19-2009

Filed under: hiking, america, vacation, National parks, budget friendly, yellowstone, grand Canyon National Park, geology, national park service, camping, architecture

Why national parks are a great value

National parks have been called the best idea we ever had. They showcase America’s geology, history and architecture, and are a great vacation value. And according to a TripAdvisor survey , nearly three of every four Americans will visit one this...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-19-2009

Filed under: Vacation, Yellowstone, National Park Service, Hiking, National Parks, camping, Grand Canyon National Park, america, budget friendly, geology, architecture

Shenandoah National Park features Junior Ranger Day, Wildflower Weekend events

Shenandoah National Park has special activities planned for National Junior Ranger Day on April 25. The program is designed to help children and families connect with parks in ways that engage them with the theme, "Explore, Learn, Protect: Be a Junior...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-17-2009

Filed under: wildflowers, Shenandoah National Park, activities, Junior Ranger Day, Protect, Wildflower Weekend, Learn, Explore

Great Basin National Park called ‘significant resource' by conservation association

A-C Photo: Great Basin NP Washington, D.C. -- Great Basin National Park is a "significant resource" in the national park system, according to a new assessment issued by the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association's Center for State...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-16-2009

Filed under: Washington, National Parks Conservation Association, D.C., salt lake city, Great Basin National Park, Lehman Caves, las vegas

Pet Supermarket Sponsors “Walk for Wildlife”

Pet Supermarket is proud to announce that the company will be sponsoring the SPCA Wildlife Care Center 8 th annual "Walk for Wildlife." Along with their sponsorship donation, Pet Supermarket will be attending the event and handing out frisbees...

Posted to Wildlife Education by accarrie on 04-16-2009

Filed under: wildlife, rehabilitate, SPCA Wildlife Care Center, Pet Supermarket, rescue

Wildlife Officer Fatally Shoots Hunter in Wilkes

In a statement released early Monday morning, the North Carolina State Wildlife Resources Commission reported that 12-year veteran wildlife officer Mark Minton was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed a hunter Saturday morning in the Cane Creek...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-16-2009

Filed under: Cane Creek, fatal shooting, wilkes, hunter, North Carolina State Wildlife Resources Commission

Parks Appreciation Day needs more volunteers

Volunteers can help the earth from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Parks Appreciation Day. Participants are needed to spruce up parks by trimming limbs, grooming grounds, combing beaches, and planting flowers and trees. This annual event draws thousands of...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-16-2009

Filed under: volunteer services, National Parks Week., Earth Day, Arbor Day, Parks Appreciation Day

National Geographic Launches Yellowstone National Park Geotourism MapGuide

The wonders of Yellowstone National Park and neighboring Grand Teton are only the starting point of National Geographic's newest Geotourism MapGuide. The map moves well beyond the parks' borders to highlight the region's unsung treasures,...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-15-2009

Filed under: Wyoming, Montana, Yellowstone National Park, National Geographic, Geotourism, mapguide, Grand Teton, Idaho

Everglades celebrates National Park Week; Earth Day

National Park Week and Earth Day activities are planned at Everglades National Park. A-C Photo: Everglades NP You can learn about alligators, go on kayak tours, watch for birds or even venture online for an Eco-Mariner course. All the activities are part...

Posted to Vacation Hot Spots by accarrie on 04-15-2009

Filed under: Florida, Everglades National Park, alligators, national park week, earth day, kayak tours, Flamingo Visitor Center, Royal Palm Visitor Center, bird watching

Some Yellowstone roads set to reopen Friday

Parts of Yellowstone National Park are set to reopen to car and truck traffic later this week. The roads through the park’s North and West entrances all the way to Canyon and Old Faithful are scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Friday. The National Park...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-15-2009

Filed under: Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Memorial Day, reopened roads

Winter usage and bears studied in Yellowstone

You'd think they have better ways to spend that money. rivertonradio.com GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) – In news coming out of Yellowstone National Park, the bears are to be studied and a new book examines winter usage. The study questions whether climate...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 04-14-2009

Filed under: Grizzly Bear, National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park Gets Wilderness Designation

Despite setbacks earlier in March, Rocky Mountain National Park finally qualified for the wilderness designation. President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 bill into law on March 30. This bill sets aside over 2 million...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-14-2009

Filed under: Rocky Mountain National Park, preisdent baracka obama, bill, Wilderness Designation, Public Land Management Act

Visit Kilauea volcano and Hawaii's growing island

AP Photo: Kilauea volcano The largest and southernmost of the Hawaiian islands is shaking, spitting, and stretching as it slowly expands into the ocean. You'll see and feel reminders of this almost everywhere during your trip to Hawaii Island, which...

Posted to Vacation Hot Spots by accarrie on 04-14-2009

Filed under: hawaii, kilauea volcano, summit eruption, lava viewing, Kalapana, lava, Hawaii County, Halemaumau crater

National Park Week 2009--focus on kids

On April 10, 2009, the National Park Service announced National Park Week and its focus on kids. Remember to join the celebration while you travel to national park sites or just think local and stay close to home. You can check for activities at nearby...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-14-2009

Filed under: National Park Week, Festivities, Junior Ranger Programs, kids, Junior Ranger Day

Find solitude in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park

The 10 miles of paved road near the Needles Visitor Center in Canyonlands National Park make it easy to view spires of Cedar Mesa sandstone and gnarled pinon pine snags. Rise with the sun for the best photography. Photo Tom Ross By Tom Ross Exploresteamboat...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 04-12-2009

Filed under: Hiking, camping, campgrounds, Canyonlands National Park, Colorado River Overlook, Colorado Plateau, Needles District

Climate Friendly Parks

NPS teams with EPA to reduce carbon at National Parks While surfing the on-line universe the other day, I happened upon the National Parks Service Climate Friendly Parks website--a collaboration between the Parks Service (NPS) and the US Environmental...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-11-2009

Filed under: National Park Service, EPA, green house gases, emissions inventory, Climate Friendly Parks

Live Bat show, Here in Illinois

Imagine meeting a Malayan Flying Fox, the largest bat in the world - with a 6-foot wingspan, it is humongous! You will not only meet the Malayan Flying Fox but several other bat species as well. The Organization for Bat Conservation will bring its amazing...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-11-2009

Filed under: illinois, Organization for Bat Conservation, live bats, Malayan Flying Fox, bat show, joliet

How climate change may be threatening national parks

With a scruffy, desert floor extending as far as the eye can see in all directions – dotted with the Mojave Desert’s signature spiky, gnarled Joshua trees – veteran park ranger Joe Zarki kneels down in the dust. Pointing to an invasive...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-11-2009

Filed under: Glacier National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, climate change, rise in temperatures, glaciers, forests, Mojave Desert’s, declining water, insects

New Visitor Center Opens at Channel Islands National Park on Scorpion Ranch

Photo Zach Behrens It takes about an hour from the nation's second largest city to drive the 101 Freeway to the Ventura Harbor. With another hour by boat and you're inside one of the less visited National Parks in the country. Welcome to Channel...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 04-10-2009

Filed under: Channel Island National Park, kayaking, hiking trails, Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion Ranch Visitor Center

From Salt Lake City to Provo and the Mountains

Provo, UT We recently flew out to Salt Lake City, Utah and stayed in Provo for a long weekend. It was beautiful there with the snowcapped mountains and the 60 degree weather in the valley. It was a business/mini vacation for us. But we found plenty of...

Posted to Vacation Hot Spots by accorie on 04-09-2009

Filed under: Sundance Resort, fly fishing, Mt. Timpanogos, Provo, cross-country ski, Salt Lake City, Great Salt Lake

Wolverines, Shy, but Fierce

Photo saskschools.ca The wolverine (Gulo gulo) is the largest land-dwelling species of the Mustelidae or weasel family. The wolverine lives primarily in isolated northern areas, for example the arctic and alpine regions of Alaska, northern Canada, Siberia...

Posted to Wildlife Education by accorie on 04-09-2009

Filed under: Alaska, wolverines, arctic, Canada, mustelids

Delegation Questioning Wildlife Die-Off at Joshua Tree Nat'l Park

Joshua Tree National Park, in all its natural beauty, is in danger. Park rangers have said to visitors that they have seen more of the iconic Joshua trees dying off than ever before, many of which litter the national park There are many theories into...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-07-2009

Filed under: wildlife, Joshua Tree National Park, climate change, endangered desert tortoise

Authentic "Indian" River Guides in Grand Canyon?

According to several newspapers, the Navajos want to start running river trips down the Grand Canyon's Colorado river. But, some difficulties might arise due to The National Parks Service's reticent attitude towards modifying the recent park and...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by Stu Marks on 04-07-2009

National park continues volunteer training Tuesday

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park continues its volunteer training sessions at 7 p.m. Tuesday, when two ladies will time-travel from the 1850s to talk about life in New Bedford from their perspective. The following training session will take...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-04-2009

Filed under: national historical park, New Bedford, volunteer training, Whaling

Inbreeding taking toll on Michigan wolves

The two dozen or so gray wolves that wander an island chain in northwestern Lake Superior are suffering from backbone malformations caused by genetic inbreeding, posing yet another challenge to their prospects for long-term survival, according to wildlife...

Posted to Wildlife Education by accarrie on 04-04-2009

Filed under: genetic inbreeding, Isle Royale National Park, Inbreeding, abnormal, gray wolves, Lake Superior

National parks seek to reduce carbon footprint of workers, visitors

Thousands of cars, pickup trucks and minivans carry visitors to Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic national parks. They leave behind tons of plastic water bottles, granola bar wrappers and banana peels. Mount Rainier staff have a two-hour, 60-mile...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accarrie on 04-04-2009

Filed under: Resources, environmental protection agency, climate change, Olympic national parks, carbon footprints, North Cascades, Mount Rainier, recycle

National park closes caves to protect bats

wztv.com Fox 17 April 03, 2009 GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) -- Officials of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have closed all caves over concern about a disease affecting bats. The National Park Service said the malady known as White-nose Syndrome has...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by accorie on 04-03-2009

Filed under: great smoky Mountains, bats, White-nose Syndrome

Yosemite Park 2009 reservations may be in limbo

SONORA, Calif., April 2 (UPI) -- A mass e-mail warning of reservation problems at Yosemite National Park left the U.S. park besieged with telephone calls, an official says. Kenny Karst, public relations manager for Delaware North Cos. Parks & Resorts...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by Stu Marks on 04-02-2009

Another new national park is born; Paterson, NJ

By PETER APPLEBOME Published: April 1, 2009 History is told in many strange ways, and often it isn’t told at all. But for a reminder of how much politics, strategy and salesmanship can go into the telling, consider the scene on Monday when President Obama...

Posted to Outdoor & National Park News by Stu Marks on 04-02-2009

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