If you haven't driven out west, in the less populated states, you might not be aware of how navigation works in desolation. My father in law once went to New Mexico with us and he is obsessed with GPS navigation. This was awhile back, but he just couldn't believe that I would know where we … Continue reading Glen Canyon NRA
Grand Canyon NP
When Lemon begged to go to the Grand Canyon I was apprehensive and more than a little grumpy. It's a beautiful place, but it's kind of the Disneyland of National Parks and I thought that the kids aren't really a good age for hiking. Also I was terrified of Memorial day weekend. We were able … Continue reading Grand Canyon NP
Petrified Forest NP
Sometimes I get a little excited when I look at the map and I think WE ONLY HAVE FOUR HOURS to drive. And then I do things. Things like deciding to schedule two stops in 1 day, which is waaay more ambitious than it sounds. Of course, as adults, a two hour drive with a … Continue reading Petrified Forest NP
Shutdown Ranging
It's a really scary time for our National Park system which is short many protectors. With the government shutdown in full effect there have been horror stories filling the news of park destruction and overflowing trash and toilets. All of this is a terrible waste, but even worse is the human cost of the current … Continue reading Shutdown Ranging
El Morro NM
As retail establishments climb their way into the black I am also rejuvenating my time budget and getting back on track with blogging! There is not a better way to do it than with El Morro National Monument. As we wrapped up our visit to Albuquerque, Lemon moaned forlornly that "I DIDN'T EVEN GET TO … Continue reading El Morro NM
Pecos NHP
We passed Pecos on the way from Fort Union to Albuquerque, and I looked in the rear view mirror and saw 2 sleeping kids, and one lost to the world of his Nintendo DS. So we did what any sane parents do, we drove right past it. Which made it a perfect Saturday trip to … Continue reading Pecos NHP
Fort Union NM
So after Tallgrass Prairie I decided we should head STRAIGHT to Albuquerque so I changed the mapped directions. I had planned an overnight in Liberty, Kansas and head to Alibates Flint Quarry, but in Dodge City I called my Momma to tell her "WE JUST GOT THE HECK OUTTA DODGE," and was so excited to … Continue reading Fort Union NM
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
I was really excited about the Tallgrasses. Spoiler.....there weren't actually any Tallgrasses, because well, seasons matter. And sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees, and in all my planning I failed to really consider that the grass wouldn't be tall. BUT THAT IS OKAY. Because there were still Buffalo. And the ranch house … Continue reading Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Gateway Arch NP -National Expansion Memorial Badge
After the Old Courthouse we could barely hold the children back from the arch, they definitely tried to run into traffic and were seriously excited as they approached it. I think the magnitude, and shininess, just overwhelmed their little raven brains. The park service is rebuilding the arch exhibits right now so there wasn't a … Continue reading Gateway Arch NP -National Expansion Memorial Badge
Gateway Arch NP Old Court House Badge
So we are pulling into St. Louis and I am looking forward to the Ulysses S. Grant NHS and Lemon looks up from whatever she is doing and starts screaming "OH MY GOD LOOK AT THAT, I WANT TO GO THERE!" In a moment of divine accordance Ranger also begins to scream the same thing, … Continue reading Gateway Arch NP Old Court House Badge
Free Rangering 