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
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
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
Saint-Gaudens NHS
This was another one of those experiences where I knew nothing about it and then got there and realized that I actually knew stuff about this and had never put it together. I never really remember things like band names, or songs, or albums, which bothers my husband to no end. Apparently my art history … Continue reading Saint-Gaudens NHS
Gettysburg MP
I have been to Gettysburg one other time, when Ranger was 4 and Lemon was 2. It was crowded, and is remembered by us for being the first place we ever lost a kid in public, swallowed by the 150th Anniversary crowds. But this year we have been going to Civil War sites, doing a … Continue reading Gettysburg MP
Parks in your Pocket
When I was in High-school, I remember the State Quarters being released and thinking it was silly. My friends and I all laughed at people that collected them, probably because we were jerky know-it-all teens, AND we because lived in New Mexico. Since they were released in order of statehood it wasn't like we were … Continue reading Parks in your Pocket
Antietam NB
With as strenuous as Harpers Ferry was, I wasn't going to push another badge stop. But we got up and were packed, and the kids said "What park are we going to?" I'm not sure if they just expected me to pack another in or if they were genuinely interested, but I offered them Appalachian … Continue reading Antietam NB
Harpers Ferry NHP, Pt 2
I got our Junior Ranger Badge books from an older ranger. He clearly loved the Civil War and he began telling me about many things, while the children ran around this smaller Ranger Station. Wild Thing in particular seemed bent on destruction, so my patient husband chased him, while the other kids stamped their passports. … Continue reading Harpers Ferry NHP, Pt 2
Free Rangering 