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Informative Articles

Doing British Things In France
There are plenty of “British” things to do in France but you may have to be a little more imaginative as far as entertainment goes. A nice meal with a good bottle of wine is quite straightforward, but the stylish restaurant, even if there is one...

Getting Around On Your Kauai Vacation
Planning a vacation to Kauai probably has you pretty excited about seeing all of the amazing beaches and natural landmarks, however you are probably curious how you are going to get around, if you need to rent a car or taxi, or if there is some...

Halstatt, Austria - Scoffing at the Sound of Music
Set in Austria, the Sound of Music is an epic film spurring dreams of a heavenly land in every child that sees the movie. In truth, they should have filmed the movie in Halstatt, Austria. Halstatt I had been in Salzburg for four days and was...

Ten African Safari Tips That You Must Know Before You Go
A little bit of pre-knowledge can go a long way on an African safari trip. Here are ten indispensable tips that will improve your own safari experience greatly. 1. Take the early morning drives on safari even thought that often means getting up...

Travel Chicago - Tour The Must See Sites Even Local Chicagoans Visit!
The allure of Chicago is completely understandable. Located in the middle of the country amongst corn fields and pressed up against Lake Michigan, this fast paced action packed city is full of excitement. The winters are cold, but the summers are...

 
National Parks – Get Out Of Your Car!

The national park system in the United States is full of beauty and surprises. Still, you’ll be wondering if they’re worth it when you run into the crowds of other visitors.

Road Side Viewing

Sure, millions of people visit our national parks each year, miles of cars creep through at a painfully slow pace, parking lots are full and busses are packed. Cars stop in the middle of the road to view wildlife, backing up traffic for miles.

Is it all worth it? Should I just get stuck in a Los Angeles traffic jam with DVD player showing some nice mountain scenery?!

I travel through the Rocky Mountain Nation Park, using Trail Ridge Road, on a regular basis throughout the summer to reach some of my favorite fly fishing spots on the other side of the divide. I also have hiked many of the park trails. Let me tell you, I have seen the frustration of the gridlock national park experience.

Do you think the national park experience is looking out the window of your car or bus? How about stopping at the most popular scenic spots that are located within a stones throwing distance from the parking lots? If you do, well, you likely have missed out on 95 percent of the park and a serine magical experience that only those willing to put on the hiking boots get to


see.

The system of roads in a National Park is designed to minimize the impact on the park. It is not designed to get you to the best places. If you do not get off your butt and hike a bit, you are not seeing the beauty of the park. Sure, you may have to deal with the cattle drive to reach your desired trailhead, but a leisurely stroll of about 1 mile leave the hordes of arm chair park goers long behind. You could be standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of people looking across Bear Lake at one moment, and in near solitude one hour later if you’re willing to exert just a bit more energy than the majority of the park visitors.

Thanks goodness for the fast food armchair lifestyle!!!! Get on those boots and leave the crowds behind. It’s worth it.


About the Author: Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of hiking journals. Writing journals make great Christmas gifts for him or her. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to hiking stories and hiking articles.

Source: www.isnare.com