Rocky Mountain National Park

Park’s famous road opens early this year
By Jenn Fields
ColoradoDaily.com

Though it often opens on Memorial Day, Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road opened Monday morning under warm, sunny skies.

The road climbs to 12,183 feet — well above treeline — and connects Estes Park and Grand Lake. It is closed through the winter.

This is the third earliest date that the road, which was completed in 1932, has opened, according to a release from the park. In 2011, the road opened late, on June 6, due to record snowfall.

Road conditions can change rapidly; call 970-586-1222 or go to nps.gov/romo to check conditions.
Read more: http://www.coloradodaily.com/outdoor-recreation/ci_20619703/rocky-mountain-national-parks-trail-ridge-road-opens?source=most_viewed#ixzz1utx7USgO
Coloradodaily.com

Gates of the Arctic, AK- There are wild rivers in this park just begging to have you kayaking, canoeing or rafting down there spectacular scene-filled surroundings.

George Washington Carver National Memorial-Diamond, MO- the surrounding areas of this park has Chain-O-Lakes, Table Rock Lake and Grand Lake of the Cherokees that offer numerous boating opportunities.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, AK- Sea kayaking and wilderness river rafting are the main boating opportunities found here. All water is very cold.

Glacier National Park, MT- White water canoeing, kayaking, or rafting can be enjoyed on the Flathead River which forms the south and west boundary of Glacier. You can also use fishing boats and motor boats on some of the lakes. Again the waters are very cold.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ- This park offers whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, but it is better to go with an outfitter. The permits for floating the river can be difficult and take a long time to obtain.

Grand Portage National Monument, MN- Canoeing and kayaking are available in this unique historical park, well worth seeing.

Grand Teton National Park, WY- There are lots of opportunities for enjoying water in Grand Teton National Park. The Snake River flows through the park and features world-class fishing, unparalleled wildlife viewing, and mild rapids. Many of the more accessible lakes are open for a variety of activities. You can run motorboats on the Jenny and Jackson lakes. There is also kayaking, sailing, rafting and scenic cruises available. There is a fee charged for boating.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN- This park offers whitewater rafting through some beautiful scenery. There are also opportunities for tubing the rivers.

Isle Royale National Park, MI- This park also has a number of boating opportunities. It is a maritime park that offers a remote and primitive wilderness archipelago that is 45 miles long and 9 miles wide at its widest point. You can go canoeing, kayaking, cruising and motorboating around this island, but be careful and have good charts.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, LA- Take a moonlight canoe trip in the cypress swamp and fresh water marsh in the Barataria Preserve which is part of this park. You can also take a tour of the Bayou in traditional Louisiana wooden boats.

Jefferson Expansion Memorial, MO, surrounding area-This park is right on the Mississippi River. That opens up a large amount of opportunities. There are riverboat cruises, houseboats, motorboats of all kinds, canoeing, kayaking, and inflatables. Just be sure to pay attention to the water levels and other traffic on the river.

Katmai National Park and Preserve, AK- The Savonoski Loop is an 86 mile canoe/kayak trip through the scenic Katmai backcountry. It offers a wealth of outdoor adventure.

Kenai Fjords National Park, AK- There are several boat charters to take whether you wish to fish or just see the calving glaciers, you can find one that suits  your desires. You can also kayak the frigid waters.

Kobuk Valley National Park, AK- The Salmon River in Kobuk Valley is classified as a national wild and scenic river where motorboats, kayaks, canoes and rafts are all used for a variety of floating experiences. The Kobuk River also offers some of  North America’s finest waters for wilderness expeditions.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, AK- There is white water rafting and kayaking available in this wild park with its diverse and unrivaled scenery.

Little River Canyon National Preserve, AL- The Preserve offers World Class whitewater kayaking or rafting, (late fall/winter/early spring 3+ to a 6 in difficulty).

Mammoth Cave National Park-KY -Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers trace through the park and offer a wealth of recreational opportunities and carry boaters past dramatic bluffs and large trees. Canoe the rivers and camp along their shores.

Noatak National Preserve, AK- You can chose from float-trip opportunities, whether canoeing, kayaking, or rafting where you can find it all in some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife to be found in northwest Alaska.

Voyageur National Park-MN - Nearly all the park’s shoreline is by watercraft, offering numerous boating and fishing opportunities. Canoeing, kayaking and numerous motor boats can be used. Some of the areas are very rocky so be sure to have a navigation chart.

Wrangell-St.Elias National Park and Preserve, AK- There are sea kayaking opportunities in Icy Bay, but due to the fact that you have to be flown in, you will need to use an inflatable. The rivers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve offer visitors adventure and solitude. It is possible to travel for days at a time without seeing another person, trail, sign or bridge.

Yellowstone National Park-WY –There are river kayaking options at this park as well as scuba diving in one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world.

Yosemite National Park-CA - Canoe on Tenaya Lake and raft along the Merced River, a popular summer activity. Kayaking and other non-motorized boating is allowed.

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, AK- Rafting, kayaking and canoeing are popular on the Yukon River. The Charley River is suitable for rafting only with a classification from class II to class IV in high water times. Jet boats have been the preferred mode of transportation by many hunters accessing the Kandik, Nation, Tatonduk, and lower Charley Rivers.

Boating in Biscayne National Park, Photo NPS

There are several national parks that offer great boating opportunities. A lot of them you don’t even need to own a boat as you can rent them. Whether your preference is for sailing, kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, or rafting, we’ve got you covered with our list of parks and what’s available.

Acadia National Park, ME- A number of lakes and ponds onMount Desert Island permit boating. It is a great location for ocean kayaking, but only for experienced people. Beginners can take guided tours. Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and motorboats can be rented in surrounding communities.

Alagnak Wild River, AK-This wild river offers superb rafting, kayaking and boating opportunities for a great wilderness experience.

Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, AK- Whitewater rafting and kayaking are the big boating opportunities in this park. It will not be an easy trip however as it is pricey and difficult to fly into this park, but it offers some of the most exciting river runs you can find.

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, AK- This park offers costal boating with spectacular scenery.

Big Bend National Park, TX- The Rio Grande River offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, motor boating or rafting in this giant park.

Big Cypress National Preserve, FL- This park offers a chance to canoe a couple of marked trails that take anywhere from four to seven hours to traverse.

Big Thicket National Preserve, TX- The Neches River offers canoeing, kayaking and boating opportunities where you can get some wild river action.

Biscayne National Park, FL- This park is part of the Florida Keys and offers beautiful coral reefs with canoeing, kayaking and sailing opportunities.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO- This special park offers wild kayaking and Class V whitewater rafting. It is definitely not for the timid of heart.

Buck Island Reef National Monument, VI- Any boat that will go on the ocean is good for this park, but be aware of the regulations around the park.

Cape Krusenstern National Monument, AK- Kayaking is possible on several large lagoons; however prevailing westerly winds often bring wind chill factors near below freezing, even in summer.

Channel Islands National Park, CA-This park offers exciting sea kayaking and larger boating opportunities.

Congaree National Park, SC- Kayaking and canoeing are the travel of choice in this unique “water” park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH- Canoeing in this park can be done on one of the numerous ponds or the Cuyahoga River. It is not really advisable to canoe the Cuyahoga as it is a contaminated river from sewage dumping, but some people have chosen to canoe it anyway.

Dry Tortugas National Park, FL- Boats suitable for the ocean can be used around the park and moored over night at one location for those camping on the island.

Everglades National Park, FL- Just about any type of boat can be used in this park depending on where you are. The biggies are canoes, kayaks, pontoons, fishing boats and airboats. Motors are not allowed in some areas so know the regulations before you go.

Beginning this week, the estimated 10 million annual visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge will enjoy an even more robust and remarkable experience when visiting San Francisco’s most iconic landmark.

As part of the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th anniversary year-long celebration, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy—in cooperation with the National Park Service, Presidio Trust, and the City & County of San Francisco—have made significant enhancements to how visitors experience and enjoy the much-loved span. The new facilities and services open officially to the public on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.

“These visitor services improvements are unprecedented in the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75-year history,” noted Greg Moore, President and CEO, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. “While the incredible views of the surrounding national parklands and the experience of walking, biking or driving across the Bridge have always been among the ‘musts’ of any San Francisco visit, until now visitors did not get a chance to experience and connect with the historical, cultural, and human context behind this incredible monument.”

Thanks to its partnership with the nonprofit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service, the Bridge District was able to assemble a team of historians, artists, architects, exhibit designers, and naturalists to enhance theGolden GateBridgevisitor experience.

“In 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to worldwide acclaim and became synonymous with the American ideals of innovation, imagination and ingenuity,” commented Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. “Seventy-five years later, we are honored to join our partners in unveiling these dynamic new visitor programs that will support the Bridge’s legacy of invention and inspiration for generations to come.”

“The Golden Gate Bridge is the centerpiece of the Golden Gate National Parks,” added Park Superintendent Frank Dean. “At last, visitors will have an experience commensurate with the importance of this breathtaking location.”

Designed to showcase the Bridge and all its stories, the new visitor experience includes the following elements:

• The Bridge Pavilion, located in the renovatedBridgePlazaon the southeast side of the span, is a 3,500-square-foot “green” building designed to serve as a visitor orientation and welcome center.RareBridgeartifacts and photographs are complemented by interpretive panels and exhibits presenting the Bridge in its many contexts, while a new museum store further engages visitors through a wide offering of unique educational and commemorative items. The Bridge Pavilion is open daily, year-round from 9:00am-7:00pm.

• The Art Deco Round House has been renovated to serve as the starting point for new guided public tours of the Bridge. Incorporating the latest audio broadcasting and listening technology, visitors may sign up for 45- or 60-minute guided walking tours on the Bridge, including the first-ever night tours. Offered daily spring through fall, adult ticket prices start at $12.95 per person; reservations may be made online at goldengatebridgetour.com or by calling 877-349-7625.

• Also in the Round House, visitors will discover the Bridge Photo Experience, where they can take a virtual photo placing themselves in daring Bridge backdrops, such as the top of theBridgeTower. Experience photos are available daily year-round; package cost is $20 per person plus tax.

• With both ends of the Bridge anchored by the Golden Gate National Parks—and the Bridge itself serving as a connector for major trails—a key part of the visitor improvements project has focused on the surrounding landscape. Improvements include enhancements to the Coastal and Bay trails; significantly better bicycle access to the Bridge; creation of the new Golden Gate Overlook in the Presidio offering spectacular panoramic views; and new way-finding and interpretive signage to encourage appreciation and exploration of the national parklands on both sides of the span.

• Reinforcing the National Park Service’s Healthy Parks, Healthy People nationwide initiative, a new menu in the Bridge Café offers healthy, affordable grab-and-go fare and beverages featuring locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients.

• Visitors can prepare for their trip to the Bridge with the newly-launched GoGGBridge app, available for iPhone and coming soon for Android devices. This free app is packed with maps, tips, fun facts, and more. Download works best with an existing wireless network.

The 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge is a project of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in collaboration with the National Park Service, Presidio Trust, and the City & County of San Francisco. The year-long celebration and visitor experience improvements are funded by private contributions, with major underwriting provided by Wells Fargo, Genentech, HP, and Kaiser Permanente. In addition to the improvement projects, anniversary events include the Golden Gate Festival along the San Francisco waterfront on May 27, 2012 and 75 Tributes to the Bridge, a year-long series of public programs by community organizations presented throughout the Bay Area in 2012. For additional information and all public inquiries, please visit http://www.goldengatebridge75.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
David Shaw, 415.564.3064
dshaw(at)parksconservancy(dot)org

Mary Currie, 415.923.2222
mcurrie(at)goldengate(dot)org

The parking lot was not nearly as crowded as previous years. I struggled to pull on my hiking boots while my husband got the rest of our gear together. We were at Newfound Gap, on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail. The trail is 2,167 miles long traversing several states from Maine’s Mount Katahdin to Georgia’s Springer Mountain. It runs nearly the length of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, some 70 miles along the crest of the Smokies.

It is not the first time we have hiked the trail, but it will be the first time we were on it with snow. The mountains had received four inches of snow a few days before, which had closed the mountain entirely to traffic for 2 days. There were still traces of snow along the Newfound Gap Road as we drove up the mountain. Glancing up the trail, I could see that there was still snow on the trail. It was a steady upward climb from this starting point.

I did wonder a little how far we would make it since neither one of us was in the greatest shape. My husband has bad knees and a bad back and I have had back surgery in the past. My boots were pinching my feet with the double socks. I could feel my toes start to tingle. Guess it’s time for a new pair of boots. It’s a shame really; these were only a couple of years old and hardly used. I should know better than to buy my first pair at a store that doesn’t have anyone to help you measure the right size. I knew right where I was going to look for a new pair. There are several good hiking stores in Gatlinburg, TN.

As I rounded the car, I saw that my husband was still getting equipment together. It usually takes him a while as he is somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to shooting pictures and videos and he wants everything in the right place for easy access. I pulled out our new hiking sticks. Stu had used them before, but had forgotten to bring his on the trip. Well, actually, that’s not true. We couldn’t find them since we moved, so we purchased new ones. I have never used them so this should prove interesting.

“Where should I put these things at?” I asked Stu, indicating the pole sections.

“You wanted them to be at chest height when they are all pulled out, like so.” He quickly pulled his stick to the proper length and stood it next to his side. I had to have him show me how to twist them open so the stick would slide out.

When we were finally ready to hit the trail, Stu said, “Now for going up steep inclines, you want to leave the stick higher.”

I started up the trail behind Stu. It was wet and muddy. I hoped we wouldn’t slip, but my boots were firm on the ground. Stu was carrying the heaviest of the equipment so I hoped he would be alright. I only had a fanny pack on. We ascended a series of log/branch steps leading almost straight up in graduated levels before it rounded a bend and disappeared among the rocks.

“Wait,” Stu called. I thought he might be having trouble. “I told you wrong about the poles. You want them shorter when you climb up.” We adjusted them and then we continued on.

When we got to the top of the first bend, the trail seemed to disappear over small boulders. You could see the trail pick up on the other side, so we carefully picked our way over the snow covered rocks. Another couple heavily loaded down with gear approached us and we asked them about the trail ahead.

“We started out at 9 this morning so we could go to Pecks Corner and have lunch at the overlook and get back before dark.”

I was a little worried then as it was now the afternoon and we were just starting out. This had been a rather spur of the moment idea and I hoped it didn’t come back to bite us. After asking more specifics about the snow and ice on the trail we parted company, they to finish the short end of their trek, and us to barely begin our journey. I was hoping to at least make it to Charles Bunion, a 4.4 mile hike.

We met an older gentleman in great shape hiking the opposite direction that had come from the Alum Cave Trail and joined the Appalachian Trail before Icewater Spring. He was very friendly. In fact, all the hikers we met were very friendly.

The trail never leveled off, but went gradually higher with each step. The snow and ice were heavy on the north sides of the mountain where the trail never saw enough sunlight to melt the snow. Those areas where the sun did melt the snow were frozen into ice when the sun no longer shone on them. The hiking sticks came in very handy and we never felt like we were going to slip. When we reached the side of the mountain where the sun was minimal, we took the rubber protectors off of the sticks and used the spikes to maneuver over the icy patches.

There are lots of big rocks to climb over on this portion of the trail. You could see where several side trails were worn into the snow around the rocks. We tested out the safest way around and took our time. Neither one of us was winded or tired on this hike. We stopped and took several pictures and shot some video of the trail and the landscape. I love plants and was thrilled to see the beautiful ferns still growing among the snow.

It’s amazing how walking up a steep concrete trail like Clingmans Dome is exhausting, but we had no trouble with the Appalachian Trail! We could have walked for a lot longer than we did, but the sun was going down and we didn’t want to be stuck on the trail after dark. For one thing, we didn’t have a flashlight with us, and for another, although we didn’t have any trouble traversing the trail in daylight, darkness on an unfamiliar, steep and icy trail would have been very bad. We had only gotten just past the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail head, about 2 miles. It’s funny, it seemed like we had been traveling a great distance. I guess it is the elevation factor.

My toes were numb by the time I got back to the car. I told my husband I was definitely gonna get a new pair of boots. I did end up getting a new pair that I paid a lot more for than my first ones, but they look and feel great. I’m looking forward to our next time on the Appalachian Trail. This time we will plan better and leave in the morning so we can make a day of hiking. The Smokies is our favorite park and they have over 800 miles of trails to explore. I don’t know if we will make it over all 800 miles, but I’m willing to give it a try.

ChattanoogaTimes Free Press,Tenn.

A fatal bat disease, white-nose syndrome, has been found in a cave in the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

A biologist and volunteers working within the park to survey resources collected two tricolored bats in a park cave on Lookout Mountain in Hamilton County, according to superintendent Cathy Cook. One of the two bats tested positive for white-nose syndrome, a disease that already has killed nearly 7 million bats — nature’s best bug controllers — across the eastern United States.

In the caves on the grounds of the military park, officials are looking at “containment” measures, Cook said. The only known way to contain the spread of white-nose is to reduce the risk of human transport of the fungus by closing caves to nonessential access and requiring decontamination procedures of those entering caves.

Biologists in February 2010 confirmed the first Volunteer State cases of the bat fungus in middle and upper east Tennessee. In March, wildlife officials confirmed white-nose syndrome in Russell Cave near Bridgeport, Ala., about 29 miles west of Chattanooga.

The disease’s quick spread from its first North American find in the Northeast in 2006 to now 19 states is raising national alarm. Bats eat hordes of insects, as many as 600 an hour, and provide an estimated $22 billion to $53 billion in pest-control services to American farmers every year, experts have said.

“Each new report of this disease’s catastrophic march across the country reaffirms this is the worst wildlife epidemic inU.S.history and demands decisive action from our leaders in Washington,” said Mollie Matteson, a bat specialist with the Center for Biological Diversity.

The center petitioned the White House on April 11 to direct swifter and better-coordinated national action to address the spread of the disease.

In Northeastern states, where the bat disease has been present the longest, bat populations are down by more than 90 percent, she said.

Biologists believe white-nose syndrome was inadvertently introduced to North America from Europe by a cave visitor. The disease has been present in Europe for years but has not produced the widespread deaths there, according to scientists.

Caves at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park were closed by the National Park Service in 2009 as a precaution against human transport of the bat disease. The same year, the U.S. National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Tennessee Valley Authority and the state of Tennesseealso closed all other caves on public lands in the Volunteer State in an attempt to slow the spread of the fungus.

But the disease also spreads from bat to bat, and bats migrate seasonally.

Researchers say putting fungicides in caves would be a danger to other cave creatures and ecology, so scientists say they do not yet have an effective treatment. The fungus that appears on the faces, ears, wings and feet of hibernating bats causes infected bats to lose weight. Hungry, the bats leave the cave early in search of food but, since the insects they normally eat are unavailable at that time, the bats find no food, biologists say.

“They literally starve to death,” according to Cherokee National Forest wildlife biologist Laura Lewis.

There have been no reported human illnesses attributed to white nose syndrome, and there is no current evidence to suggest it is harmful to humans or other organisms, according to officials.

Steve Thomas, the regional National Park Service ecologist and biologist who surveyed the local caves, said he saw more than 300 bats in the Russell and Chickamauga park cave systems.

He cautioned members of the public that if they see sick or dead bats, or bats acting strangely, don’t handle them. Instead notify park officials or state wildlife officials.

Photo by CoopersLandingInn.com

Recently we stayed in a B&B that really made me realize that if you want to have a good time in one, you really need to be more inquisitive before you book. We have stayed in several throughout the years and have been in good ones and not so good ones. In order to help you have a good time every time, we have put together a few things to consider before you decide.

First and foremost, decide what you are really expecting from a B&B. Do you like the ancient and historic places or are you more a modern kind of person. The options out there are numerous and you can find what you want, although not always where you want. We have stayed in the gamut of ancient and modern. Both of them have their charms and just because a place is old, does not mean that it need be rugged living. You can have old world charm and comfort at the same time.

If you opt for the historic place, decide what you will and won’t tolerate. If you have to have a king-size bed, make sure you ask what size the beds are before you book. This is usually not a problem in modern B&B’s. Also, if you don’t want to traipse down a hallway to the bathroom that you will share with everyone else, ask if they have a private bath. If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, ask how many they have for the number of rooms they have.

We once stayed in a highly recommended B&B with a group of friends. It was an old farmhouse near an Amish community in Indiana. When we got there, we found that the rooms were very small with double beds and there was only one bathroom for the ten of us. Needless to say, it took quite a while for all of us to make it through our morning routines. The saving grace for this B&B was the fabulous breakfast that was provided.

Speaking of breakfast, make sure it is included in your stay at the B&B. We recently stayed in a B&B in Smiths Grove, Kentucky. It enticed us as it stated that the house was over 100 years old and also had out buildings that were as old, which had been converted into cottages. When we called, we made sure it had at least a queen size bed, which it did. We were given the option to stay in one of the cottages that had its own bathroom with a whirlpool tub. We booked and then after perusing their website more, found out that if you stay out in a cottage, breakfast was not included. You couldn’t even purchase a meal.

Also, if you are staying where there are little cottages offered, be sure you will not be responsible to clean the cottage before you leave. You guessed it, there was a sign on the wall stating that we would be charged a $25 cleaning fee if we didn’t clean the cottage before we left. Since this was a new one for us, we wanted to be sure you would know to ask this question before you book. In case you want to know, we did clean the cottage, but resented it the whole time. The worse part was that the place was not really clean when we arrived, so someone didn’t clean after they used it!

Lastly, check to see how far away from attractions the B&B is located. If all you are interested in is a get-away, then it may not be as big of an issue, but you will still need to eat lunch and dinner somewhere, because not many B&B’s offer other meals besides breakfast. If you like seeing the attractions of the area make sure the B&B is conveniently located so you can either walk to places or drive a short distance.

Also, check to see if they offer things like blow dryers, soaps, shampoo, and towels. It is far better to ask ahead of time then to arrive and realize you need to buy a blow dryer or soap because you left yours at home. Think about the things that you must have to enjoy your stay and either ask if they provide it or bring your own.

Now we have stayed at many wonderful B&B’s and had a great time. We have had them provide snacks and beverages for the guests and wonderful bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. Many provide movies that you can enjoy in your room or a public room. There are far better B&B’s out there than questionable ones. Do your homework before you book and you will have an unforgettable experience, for the better.

Wheeler Peak, Photo NPS

Great Basin National Park,Nevadaoffers some spectacular trails. Here is one of them:

Wheeler Peak SummitTrail 8.6 miles (14 km)
2,900 feet elevation gain (890 m)
10,160 feet starting elevation (3,100 m)

This hike should be started very early in the day, because of the risk of afternoon storms. Along most of the route, the trail follows the ridge up to the Wheeler Peak summit. It is easiest to begin the hike from the Summit Trail parking area.

GERING – Scotts Bluff National Monument concluded a week long celebration of National Parks Week with the annual running of Spring UpThe Bluff Relay Race. With great weather, a large crowd came for out for the event.

Within a half hour of the starting time, parking was at capacity. The Visitor Center parking lot resembled a mini Olympic Village with athletes stretching in preparation for the starting signal. Ten Running Teams and six Walking Teams competed this year.

Teams of six worked together to relay their baton from the Visitor Center, 1.6 miles up the Summit Road to the summit of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Each team member carried their baton between 0.2 & 0.3 miles.

Over 150 people packed the monument’s amphitheater afterward for an awards ceremony. First Place Running Team “Coming Around The Mountain When We Come,” and First Place Walking Team “Y Nots” received trophies. Several teams were awarded certificates for placing first in their respective categories. Special Recognitions went to “The Six Stooges” as the Youngest Team, comprised of 10 and 11 year old boys, and Scotts Bluff Kiwanis’s “Aktion Club” comprised of special needs athletes.

A multitude of raffle prizes included: a $25 gift certificate from the Oregon Trail Museum Association, one dozen donuts from Gering Bakery, personal training sessions with local Personal Trainer Pamela Podowiltz,
pizzas from Papa Murphy’s, meals from Sonic Drive-in of Gering, sandwiches from Subway, tote bag of goodies from Scottsbluff US Army Recruiting Station, and free movie coupons from the historic Midwest Theater.

The monument wishes to extend a special “Thank You” to Jolene Kaufman & The Oregon Trail Museum Association for their continued sponsorship of this event. The monument also extends special recognition to Mike’s Husker Shop support with trophies. A smorgasbord of delicious treats & refreshments were provided by Main Street Market of Scottsbluff.

The sponsors & donors made the event possible.

Photo Adventure-Crew.com

To know me now, you might think I had never camped while growing up, but you would be wrong. My parents owned a pop-up camper that slept eight-just the right size for our medium-large family. My brother and sisters would sleep in the camper during the summer in our own yard. But we also camped at a couple of parks in northernWisconsin, cooking outdoors, eating s’mores and enduring mosquitoes.

When I was a teenager, a group from our church went to northernWisconsinin November and tent camped. Now those of you who are familiar with the weather in Wisconsin when you near the winter will know that this was a chilly time to camp. There was snow on the ground. Those who enjoy winter camping will undoubtedly call me a wimp, but I was totally unprepared for cold weather camping. I enjoy doing outdoor activities, but was always freezing during them and therefore didn’t participate in them very often. Translation-my feet were always freezing no matter what I tried to do to keep them warm. I look back on it now and realize that I just didn’t have the right clothing for outdoor winter sports.

Anyway, we got to the camp and the guys put up the tents. I got stuck right by the door of the tent. Even though there were about seven of us in the tent, I froze all night long. Consequently, I didn’t sleep much. I got up when the sun was barely coming up over the horizon and thought I would try to light the campfire. It’s a little hard to do without matches and whoever had the matches, did not leave them where I could find them. I decided to go for a hike to try and warm up instead. I hiked through the woods and prairie until I got lost. Seeing a few bear tracks along the way didn’t encourage me to dawdle on the trail, but since I wasn’t on an actual trail, I couldn’t retrace my steps. What can I say? Unlike my brother, who’s Mr. Outdoorsman, I never had an opportunity to do much hiking except at summer camp on established trails. I finally found myself on a paved road and saw that I was actually still within the park, so managed to find my own way back to the campsite.

I never camped again until last summer when my husband, who grew up camping, decided it would be fun to try and camp on our trip to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Since both of us have back problems I was not too sure how this would work out, but I was game to try again. After all, it was summer, not winter, and it was only for one night. On our tight recreational budget, we bought a small tent from Bass Pro and decided we would just use sheets and camp pads. We bought two different pads each to try and make it more comfortable for us. We also brought plenty of pillows since we had the car with us.

It was so hot and humid during the day and the mosquitoes were horrible. Getting a camping spot was the first plan of action and since you can’t leave the site without a tent set up, we got that in place before we went exploring the park. We stopped at Wal-Mart and bought a citronella candle and bug spray. When we got back to the campground, it was late and almost pitch black. We fumbled around getting ready for bed. My husband had suggested bringing the portable DVD player and watching a movie before we went to sleep. You could barely sit up in this tent and with the pillows and double pads; there was not much room for us. Also, the temperature had dropped nicely, but the tent was like an oven. We pushed the rainfly open, but you couldn’t unzip the tent as the mosquitoes were still very bad. We lit the candle and that actually helped a lot right by the candle.

We were up until 1 AM watching the movie, I think because neither of us wanted to face trying to sleep in the tent. We did finally lie down, but it was none too comfortable on either of our backs. I probably could have finally dozed off, but my husband was never going to be able to sleep in the “oven”. Finally, at three-ish, he said he was going to sleep in the car, so we put in the Skeeter Beaters in the back windows and pushed the seats back as far as they would go. It was certainly cooler in the car, but I didn’t sleep any better. We were up by 5 AM, (to beat the rush to the showers, ha!) and packed up the car and went in search of sustenance. All in all, not a great night.

So, what did we learn from this? Would I ever camp again? My husband thought that if we had a bigger tent and went in a cooler season (not winter) we might be able to pull it off. We thought that cots might help also. We were really trying to find a way to camp on a bike trip and that’s why we bought the light tent and decided to test it on a short trip. I’m not sure if we’ll ever make it camping on a bike trip. We may have to resort to hotels. I’m still uncertain about camping, but am willing to try again.