February 9-10, 2025 -- Most people, when you mention Hawai'i, think of a lush tropical paradise and beautiful beaches. But these islands wouldn't be what they are without the volcanism that created them. On the "newer" islands in particular, Hawai'i has some significant volcanoes that reach above 10,000 feet elevation and create their own weather…Read more Backpacking Haleakala, Maui: Overnight in a Volcano
National Park
Why Can’t We Have Nice Things?
By now, I'm sure most people are aware of the effects the ongoing partial US Govt Shutdown is having on National Park services - the new cycles have been filled with reports of vandalism, illegal camping, destruction of property, overflowing trashcans, filled pit toilets, etc. I'm struggling to understand why, in a way that gives…Read more Why Can’t We Have Nice Things?
National Parks Fee-Free This Weekend
The comment period is still open and jury's still out on what the US National Park fee structure will look like next year - but this weekend, Nov 11-12, is the last FREE weekend of the calendar year 2017, in honor of Veterans Day. So if you haven’t made plans for the weekend, and this…Read more National Parks Fee-Free This Weekend
How Should the United States Fund its National Parks?
UPDATE: The public comment period mentioned below has been extended to Dec 22, 2017. If you thought you missed the opportunity to weigh in, you haven't. Make your voice heard. The United States National Park Service has a cash-flow problem, and there don't seem to be any easy ways to solve it. Let me start…Read more How Should the United States Fund its National Parks?
National Parks Fee-Free This Saturday
A quick public service announcement for all you fellow outdoors- or history-minded folks. September 30 (Saturday) is a fee-free day for all US National Parks, in honor of National Public Lands Day. So if you haven't made plans for the weekend, and this is the sort of enticement you need to check out a park…Read more National Parks Fee-Free This Saturday
National Parks Free!
Just a reminder - National Parks are free to enter this weekend and next, bookending National Parks Week. If that's enough encouragement, the next two hopefully beautiful spring weekends should be great times to visit your local park! Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2017: January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day February…Read more National Parks Free!
NPS Announces Fee-Free Days for 2017
I made a quick reference to this in yesterday's pic, but wanted to give it more attention. Each year, the National Park Service sets aside a few days where entry fees and other fees are waived at ALL National Parks, including historical parks and monuments as well as the big ones like Shenandoah. If the…Read more NPS Announces Fee-Free Days for 2017
Flying Squirrel Outdoors 