It’s a time of celebration for me – National Park Week.  National Park Week offers everyone the chance to experience any National Park of their choice fee-free.  With fees for vehicles around $25 at some of the major parks, some visitors may find National Park fees too expensive, especially when you may have to travel a long distance to reach some of the more remote parks.

With 401 parks to choose from across the United States, there are an amazing amount of protected spaces that we should be exploring.  With having just told the boy, while watching a documentary about drifting down the Yellowstone River, that I want to figure out a way to not work and just explore special places like that, I realize that we need to figure out a way to enjoy these protected places everyday.  Not just on special occasions, not just once in a lifetime, but in each day.

National Park Week brings awareness to all of the unique parks across the States – including desert, wetlands, mountains, volcanoes, historic sites, rivers, frozen tundra, and ocean.  If you wish to experience a different type of landscape, you can be sure that somewhere in the U.S. you will be able to find it in a National Park.

Where do you want to explore?

Here’s some of the places I’ve been….

Saguaro National Park – AZ

Gettysburg National Military Park – PA

Hopewell Furnace NHS – PA

Great Smoky Mountains – TN

Delaware Water Gap – NJ/PA (also encompasses Appalachian Trail)

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park – WV

Assateague Island National Seashore – MD

Badlands – SD

Mount Rushmore – SD

Yellowstone – WY

Grand Canyon – AZ

Glacier National Park – MT

Yosemite – CA

The boy and i had  a discussion the other night about our upcoming nuptuals and the honeymoon.  For the past 6 months we’ve been racking up points on a cruise card hoping to score a free cruise.  While we have oodles of points, it’s no free cruise.  So, he suggested we just sit on that for a while, and see if we can accumulate more points and maybe take a delayed honeymoon.

I have limited vacation time since I’ve been at my job less than a year, and I was less than thrilled at the thought of marrying him, and heading back to work the following Monday.  The word delay has never sat highly in my vocabulary.  Nor has patience.  By the end of the night, after I had sulked around the house for a bit, he had another idea.

What about those last minute deals that we see across our email feeds all the time?  Could we take a last minute cruise for much cheaper, could we go somewhere else we might enjoy more?  This morning I got to dreaming about all the interesting places we could go.  National Parks are always on the tops of my travel list, so what about somewhere out West where we could honeymoon and squeeze in a couple of days at a NP?  He liked the idea too!

I used to be very spontaneous.  I would wake up in the morning and decide to drive to another state just for the heck of it.  I’m not sure what put the kaibosh on that but somewhere in my mid-20′s I decided I need to be more responsible, especially financially, and I slowly stopped going on those last minute adventures.  But I miss them!

While the timeline of this will be planned, the location will be based on cost and where we feel called to be the week after we wed.  I’m pumped to be spontaneous with the boy, just like we were when we first started dating nearly 3 years ago when I spontaneous flagged him over to me from across the nearly empty room at the end of a benefit concert.

Some days, when I am on the road for work, I feel nearly completely unproductive because it takes so long to drive, I take a few wrong turns/scenic routes, and/or delays on my or my clients’ part.  4 appointments, today, technically 5 if you count where I’m staying as a potential client (I do!), 2 extra stops for food, 2 lovely detours around Raystown Lake checking out the dam and scenic points along the way, and a stop after dark at Greenwood Furnace in hopes I could see it (too dark).  It’s exhausting.

One of the scenic driving tours – Overlook of Raystown Lake Dam

But now I can look back at the conversations with those folks along the way – them and I actually giving one another the time we deserve to listen, to hear their needs, dreams, goals for the success of their businesses; conversations that are extremely difficult to have by phone.  Not enough time.  It’s fascinating to watch, firsthand, the community involvement when I walk into a potential client’s business with one of the staff from the visitors bureau and he knows the 3 people in the business.  1 of those happens to be someone I want to meet tomorrow; and so we can finally set that appt.  Connected.

It is so cool to see how invested these visitors bureaus are in their communities; working to keep them tight knit, to get them to lean on one another, to promote their areas to the outside world so others can see what they have to offer to their guests.  Every visit to an organized bureau has been superb; like someone welcoming me into their home.

On days when I feel like I should have gotten more visits, more numbers of people to meet and shake hands, I realize that sales is not actually a numbers game.  Yes, if I do send 100 emails/calls a day, I’m bound to have at least a few interested parties.  But when I put my face in front of them, shake their hand, have the opportunity to ask them about their needs and to see what makes them tick, those are the closers.  Part of it is that it’s harder to say no to someone you can now put a face to.  Mostly though, it’s that we now have a relationship.  Even if you don’t buy an ad, you now know about my product, and I know about yours, and we can figure out a way to work together in some capacity.

When I interviewed for this job, I knew I wanted about it.  I dreamed about finally getting that call.  On my first day, my editor shared that she felt I was there for a reason, a purpose.  I have seen twinklings of what that is on a personal level, and it’s so rewarding to see it on a professional level as well.

I love my job career.

I have wanted to visit Ricketts Glen State Park since I read this description on Wikipedia:

“These sales left the Ricketts heirs with over 12,000 acres (4,900 ha) surrounding Ganoga Lake, Lake Jean and the glens area of the park. An area encompassing 22,000 acres (8,900 ha) was approved as a national park site in 1935,^[3][50][51] and the National Park Service operated a Civilian Conservation Corps camp at “Ricketts Glynn” (sic).^[52][53] The funding to create a National Park at Ricketts Glen was “sidetracked” in 1936 when the money was redirected to the Resettlement Administration for “direct relief”.^[54] Similar projects at French Creek, Raccoon Creek, Laurel Hill, Blue Knob, and Hickory Run were also defunded (all are now Pennsylvania state parks). The financial difficulties of the Great Depression and World War II brought an end to this plan for development.^[3][54][d] Arthur James, the Governor of Pennsylvania, signed legislation creating Ricketts Glen State Park on August 1, 1941.”

The National Park Geek in me came out and I figured, if it was good enough for them to consider making it a National Park, it has to be worth a visit (I do believe that State Parks rock too BTW).  Everyone I consulted had wonderful things to say about the park, and I was excited to camp there.  Our plans went awry a couple of weeks ago and we ended up staying about 20 minutes away in a mobile home.  It was so nice to be in a quiet area, away from the masses, for the weekend.

Nature has always been therapeutic for me, and when planning on our weekend away, I only hesitated a bit to schedule on the same weekend as the 4th anniversary of Kevin’s death.  Last year on the anniversary I had attended the concert of one of my favorite artists with my friend Marie and the boy.  This year would be a weekend trip with my childhood friend Megs, her hubby, and the boy.  There would be no hiding my grief if it came to the surface…

Saturday all of us, and the boy and I’s dog Molly, hiked up the Falls trail at Ricketts Glen.  We ambled up the path, all covered with the nearly completely fallen leaves.  I was afraid it would be disappointing views to hike up with all the leaves down, but the leaves on the ground created a beautiful landscape and allowed us to see further ahead on the trail; impeccable.  The old growth forest around me soared up high as we walked along the path.

Before I knew it, the gentle climb intensified to a steep incline as we came upon the first of the falls.  We made it up to 3 falls before deciding to stay behind as Megs and her husband traveled on further.  I could see Molly slipping and was concerned about the boy’s ankle that is still healing from last year’s injury.  Then I came to realize that mostly; I was afraid of the heights myself.  The stones were wet and slippery, especially with the fallen leaves.  I wanted a challenge, but I didn’t want anyone to be injured; I didn’t want this trip to be marred by that.

My fear disappointed the boy, and the Dog, who seemed more than ready to travel on.  We made it back down to the bottom of the first falls after several photo-op stops.  As we made our way back to the gentle trail we were both grateful we had turned back when we did.  We were getting tired and had enjoyed the hike without injury.

Sunday came and I reflected upon Kevin’s passing, feeling that emotion well up from time to time.  My anxiety intensified while driving and dealing with the public as we returned home.  I was off.  Having spent the weekend relaxing, sleeping in, drinking, eating, and enjoying wonderful times with the ones I love, helped me to dwell on life rather than death.  I could be at peace in the amazing earth that I am so fortunate to have access.

I look forward to returning next Summer, in a tent or trailer.  It will be great to see the leaves in all their glory and maybe hike a few falls higher on that incredulous trail.

How do you pack?  And no, I’m not asking if you roll instead of fold (I roll when flying, fold when camping, no clue why).  I’m asking how you pack?

My Trusty $20 Duffel Bag from Ross – 4 years strong!

Do you choose your clothes items according to what’s on your travel itinerary?  Smart – you want to be prepared.

Do you pack a few extra items in *case* you do something different?  Smarter – you’re beginning to send yourself into adventure mode.

Do you pack things for the completely unexpected? Smartest.

My mother definitely taught me to overpack and be prepared for ANYTHING.  When we went camping several weeks ago with my siblings, their spouses, my niece and my parents, my Mom had everything you could possibly need.  When we packed up their truck at the end of the weekend, that was quite evident too!

I’m not telling you to bring the kitchen sink and the bathroom too, I’m asking you to consider what you may need if you go on an adventure.  Tonight I’ll be heading to Harpers Ferry for the first time.  I know the terrain is hilly, and I’m hoping there are more than a few hiking trails, oh yeah, there’s the APPALACHIAN TRAIL!  I’m not expecting to hike a good chunk of the thing and spend my whole weekend there, though I wouldn’t complain about that change of plans, but I am expecting to have some adventures.

What does an adventure look like to you?  Is it trying a new restaurant?  Maybe it’s time to download that restaurant.com app so you can get a better deal.  Is your adventure changing the place you’re going to stay when you arrive, or not planning your overnight stay at all?  Will you camp or hotel?  Pack for the adventure.  Do you think you’re going to have no reason to wear or use X, then pack it,  Maybe you can find a reason when you arrive.

The worst part about coming upon a great adventure, is not having the items or equipment to participate.  This has happened a few times to me (remember all those forgotten swimsuits?  Or in my case, sneakers?) and it’s never a fun time.  Pack those few extra items for an adventure you would want to occur, then get hoping, and get seeking.  You may just stumble upon it when you arrive!

I grew up in a church – I spent nearly all of my Sundays in attendance from birth until I was about 21.  Then, I began slipping.  I’ve attempted becoming involved or part of a few churches since my early 20s, but never have felt the commitment or the desire to switch membership.  Last year, if you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen me post some pictures about what I like to call ‘nature’s church’…

One of Nature’s Churches: Lake Grubb in Silver Spring, PA

I used to believe that in order to be a good faithful believer of Christ, you needed to regularly attend church.  I no longer believe this.

In my experiences, especially since the losses in my life, I have found my connection with God has been more challenged by my daily thoughts, being surrounded by nature and the moments in which I can look around at the creation and see my faith in real form.  My faith is a constant challenge of thoughts – wondering if it exists, if there is an overseer, if there is a greater purpose – wondering, questioning, most of all hoping.  I don’t have any answers, but I do have a faith that believes there is something higher out there and I want to believe that it causes some good to come out of some hell.

In my younger days of faith I used to believe that those who questioned were the most lost ones.  I believed that if they didn’t believe in what I thought were ‘absolutes’ then I couldn’t be friends with them, I couldn’t support them.  Now I know that to be a lie.  To question is to come closer in your faith.  To befriend your neighbor is to be Christ-like and Godly.

So despite not being connected in a physical church, I am connected in the church of neighbors – in supporting those around me who have different beliefs, ethnicities, faiths.  I am also connected in nature’s church; seeing God’s creation in it’s astounding glory as the seasons change each year.  I am not lost, I am finding my church body in every person and place that I meet.

My timelines for life typically never work out the way I hope they will.  It’s probably God continuing to try and teach me about that whole ‘control’ thing and how that never really works out anyways.  Despite my intentions to have already visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it still remains on the ‘to do’ list.  But, don’t despair, it’s soon up on the list to visit!  In the mean time, I’m hitting up a quick and easy park for a special anniversary.

I recently pursued a travel writing trip to Harpers Ferry National Military Parkand it fell together for next Friday & Saturday.  I’m excited to visit the park on the  sesquicentennial anniversary of the 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry.  Admittedly I’m not a big history or military buff, but I do have a deep curiosity for the hillside town of Harpers Ferry which is also home to the Applachian Trail Conservancy.

Town of Harpers Ferry, WV

Friday night, if I arrive in time, I plan to do a walking ghost tour of the town before heading to my Tree Cottage in nearby Maryland for the night.  The next morning I will be meeting with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy before meeting with staff at the military park regarding the anniversary festivities.  It will be a neat and quick 24 hour trip.  I’m excited to get back into travel writing, which I put on the back burner after I took this new job.

Burning of the Cuyahoga River -1952 – Courtesy of Ohiohistorycentral.org

Cuyahoga Valleyis the next National Park that I plan to visit, hopefully before 2012 draws to a close.  The name may ring a bell to those that recall hearing about the multiple Cuyahoga River fires from the 1800-1900s due to severe pollution from local industry.   This Ohio park has been protected and is the only National Park in Ohio and was established fairly recently in 2000.  The park has trails, wetlands, swamps, falls and a scenic railroad.  I hope to visit and either backcountry camp if the temps are reasonable, or stay in the nearby Stanford House.  This will be another great, quick

Blue Hen Falls – Image Courtesy of nps.gov/cuva Photo by ©Ed Toerek

weekend trip since the park is 6.5 hours away – definitely longer than my typical weekend trips, but totally do-able.  Now if only I could find a direct path there via Amtrak (another journey on the to-do list).

No matter how much planning I do, I find that researching and setting up travel writing trips and vacations seem to align best about 1-2 months in advance.  It seems that if I plan any earlier than that, unless for a lengthy bit of travel, things get in the way and my anxieties creep in.  Yes, I do get anxious when traveling.  I hate to admit it, but most of my excitement is a bit of manic wondering what I will forget, what will go wrong,

and if I will somehow die or hurt myself during an expedition.  When I was a kit, I used to end up puking the morning before we left; both out of anxiety and failing to eat a proper breakfast.  Now, I’ve learned better, planned ahead, and put in place some safeguards so that no matter where I’m headed, I am prepared.

I would be happy to give you tips on how to set up travel writing and how to travel solo.  Of course, the requirement is that if you don’t like to get outdoors and get a  little dirty, don’t bother asking.

If you know an ounce about me, you know my slight borderline insane obsession with the National Parks.  My list of National Parks, and units, visited includes:

Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Assateague Island National Seashore, Appalachian National Scenic Trail (small portions), Glacier National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Flight 93 National Memorial, Gettysburg National Military Park, Independence National Historic Park, Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, Washington Monument, Yellowstone National Park.

Next weekend I’ll have the fortune to visit Harpers Ferry National Military Park and over the next year I’m hoping to cross off Acadia in Maine, Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio, and just possibly Saguaro in Arizona depending on travel time.  So what’s the deal?

Why have I watched Ken Burn’s, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea dozens of times, or read the book based on his documentary from cover to cover?  Why do I own a National Park Passport in hopes of one day having all 58 National Parks stamped inside?

Exploration and Escape.

I’m a prideful American – yes, I often declare myself an honorary Canadian, but dangit, I love this country and I love the beauty that we are attempting to preserve through our parks and conservation systems.  If you have ever been to an official National Park (not a historic site, or military park, and if you haven’t what the heck are you doing reading this, get out there now!) then you know the awe you feel the minute you pull past the entrance booth.

When I visited my first National Park (that I can remember) it was amazing to me just how vast and ample America felt.  The Badlands was the first park I drove through with my high school best friend and what a beauty it was to experience as my first National Park.  Two born and raised Lancaster County girls driving through…I can imagine myself leaning across my steering wheel staring up through the windshield of my ’94 Saturn with my jaw dropped to the floorboard.  How large, how vibrant; the colors constantly changing with the sweep of the sun.

We passed through many more parks on that trip and it unleashed something in me that never went out.  I almost went to school to be able to work in the parks parks directly after – When I was accepted to Univ. of Montana in the Recreational Management program I was looking forward to a career in the parks, I could taste it.  But life happened, and that all changed, but the fire was never extinguished.  I drove through Glacier National Park on a catawompas return home to Pennsylvania from Montana, starting on the Western side of the park by Flathead Lake and Kalispell and ending up in the high plains of Central-Eastern Montana.  At the very first pull off inside the park, I sat on a large ancient flat stone and beheld before me a mountain that had been charred several years earlier in a fire.  It was a view that stole my heart, secured my love of the West and my passion to keep the Parks alive just as nature has done for millions of years.

I began to realize that the Parks were not just postcards and dreams, but they could be a reality in my life.  I could visit them whenever I wanted to, because I am an American and they are my Parks.  These are places where you don’t have to be a good photographer – you can just take the picture and Nature creates the perfect image.  These parks are accessible to all, as they were created to be by masters like Teddy Roosevelt.

“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”  President Teddy Roosevelt, 1903

My bucket list dream to visit all 58 National Parks continues, but this time, with a few more collaborating thoughts and ideas.  Writing more about them.  You can find my most recent article about one of my most favorite National Park units at the National Parks Traveler E-Zine.  It seems that in the near future, you may even find a few more on that website

The other idea is that while I get to enjoy visiting all these places, that I take you with me, but also that I share how we can make sure these Parks are protected beyond our days.  Voting matters.  Conservation matters.  As I went through the Volunteer Interview to become a visitor center volunteer at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site this past Saturday, I was informed that for their unit only $4k is allotted to service their volunteers with the items they need to provide for the park’s operation and volunteer services.  These aren’t paychecks, these are things to help with day to day operations.  Every year cuts are being made causing parks to merge, staff to be cut, supplies to run dry, and maintenance and upkeep of these parks to diminish.  With the need for economical travel the parks visitation is increasing every year, but the funds to keep these parks preserved and operating are decreasing.

I prefer not to see a day when Parks are closing due to lack of proper staff or sanitation; that parcels of lands are no longer allowed to be brought into the National Park system due to lack of funds and therefore can never be properly protected.  I go to these parks for 2 reasons:

Exploration and escape.

The National Parks Conservation Association does a great job of keeping the public informed of the realities that burden our Parks system.  I could care less how you vote in November, but I want you to keep in mind what lies ahead in the future and what beauty could be destroyed if we don’t take the time to volunteer, support and strengthen our Parks system.

One of the best opportunities to camp, hike and fish is at the Worthington State Forest in Columbia, NJ, just over the Pennsylvania/New Jersey state line. The forest borders the Delaware River and is set back on Old Mine Road in Columbia, NJ off of I-80.  Be sure to follow travel directions carefully, as it can be difficult to find your way to the campground.

The campground and all of the sites sit directly, or within a short walking distance, of the river, and most of the sites are wooded. I chose a site that sat in the nook of some large trees, right along the river. It had a bank path to the river for fishing, and was close to the entrance of some trails that will lead you to the Appalachian Trail.

Worthington State Forest is located in the Appalachian Mountains, as part of the Delaware Water Gap. Because the Delaware River borders Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you may use a fishing license from either state to fish both sides of the river. Staffing is limited, and cell phone reception is spotty, so come prepared.

The camping itself was nothing short of spectacular. I enjoy a more primitive setting, and that is what this park offers. Despite being primitive however, the lawns were well manicured, and there were hot shower bathhouses with compost toilets, as well as water available at the bathhouses. Each of the sites were well marked, and spaced out so that you would have plenty of room to set up your camping gear. The sites sit between two mountains, so when it gets windy, it will blow your tent. Pack some deep stakes, tie downs, and always pack away your food in your vehicle in case of bears.

Surrounding the park at nearby exits are a Walmart and gas stations where you may purchase firewood and ice. I would recommend arriving with these items so that you do not have to leave the park. The drive to the park is one lane in some areas, and several miles off of the highway, offering a quiet and secluded place to stay.

There are a variety of great hiking trails, some that are easy trail climbs, and others that are rockier. You can hike to a glacial lake, as well as to the famed Appalachian Trail and several spots that overlook the Delaware Water Gap valleys.

Having camped for most of my life, I found Worthington State Forest to be one of the most beautiful parks I have visited. It was simple, offering few amenities and no camp store, but the campsites themselves and the setting were breathtaking and convenient. You can contact the campground office at (908) 841-9575 to book your campsite for only $25 per night.