| Page 1054 | National Parks Traveler

Disappointed to learn that our public lands are being wounded in the East too. I thought most of the destruction was happening here in the desert areas. We have 15 square mile projects going up all in one swoop, essentially clear-cutting old growth desert for huge solar projects, when we could be putting solar on all those roofs baking in our abundant sunshine.

Oct 12th - 10:02am | Anonymous

FIRE SALAZAR, he is worse than Watt!

Oct 10th - 20:05pm | Ron Saunders

GOOD GRIEF ! Can't anybody get anything right anymore.

NPS Steps In to Keep Three California State Parks Open in 2012

Oct 12th - 13:23pm | y_p_w

I voted for the vehicle fee that would have kept the state parks open.

Oct 12th - 13:02pm | Anonymous

I am aware that the national parks are also starved of money but why not transfer some of these state parks to NPS? Besides the Redwood and Golden Gate parks there are state parks within Mojave Preserve and Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area. While not on the closure list, Angel Island (formerly federal property) and perhaps other state parks are "nationally significant" and could make fi

Oct 12th - 10:23am | rdm24

These closures are embarassing, but I'm glad the National Parks could help. A number of other closed parks are within National Forests, and I would like to see the USFS step in. Palomar Mountain SP is within the Cleveland NF, and it is one of my very favorite parks!

National Park Mystery Spot 29 Revealed: A Hole in the Ground

Oct 12th - 13:21pm | y_p_w

I was thinking Crystal Cave, but the other clues sort of threw me off. I would also note that there's poison oak along the path to the cave. It's right around the upper elevation limits where it can grow. The guides warned us about it, and suggested that we could wash it off (before it takes hold) if we had been exposed.

Oct 12th - 10:56am | RangerLady

I work for the government....doesn't the automatically make me trust-worthy? lol I was down with the flu all last week and so bummed I missed the quiz. But who knows what answers I may have come up with in my drugged state.

Oct 12th - 10:47am | Bob Janiskee

I was wondering what happened to you, RangerLady. To answer your question: Of course you can count it if you figured it out without any help. The trick is to get people to believe you. :o)

Oct 12th - 10:38am | RangerLady

Too bad I was sick last week! Does it still count if I figured it out before I looekd at the answer?

House Of Representatives Could Act Monday on Bid to Allow Uranium Mining Around Grand Canyon National Park

Oct 12th - 11:29am | Donna Crouse

My I am confused by many of the statements in the article. Take for instance the concern of CAP, since the Colorado River already carries 1% uranium and the mining of the breccia pipes would pull that out of the water, wouldn't that actually make it SAFER for the 80% who rely on the river for its water? As for the fishing, camping, hunting, etc. how is that widlerness/wildlands designation w

Natonal Park Mystery Photo 37: Whatever Happened to Boomer I?

Oct 12th - 10:46am | Kurt Repanshek

Ranger Lady got it mostly right. Full details tomorrow!

Oct 12th - 10:03am | Kurt Repanshek

Nope, not a rescue horse, nor the nose of an aircraft. Caitlin has pretty much nailed it, but we'll hold off a little longer to see if anyone else can figure it out.

Oct 12th - 09:49am | Haley J

My guess is that it is a memorium of Boomer the NPS Equine Rescue Horse down in the Chircahua's AZ and while I don't think he has passed away Boomer II might be his kin or replacement?

Oct 12th - 09:41am | Lee Dalton

That looks like nose art on a WWII aircraft. But where? Let's see, could it be at Tuskegee National Historic Site?

Oct 12th - 09:06am | Kurt Repanshek

No, not a cannon, but perhaps now the 105 mm howitzer they use will be renamed!

Oct 12th - 09:00am | Anonymous

Cannon used to start avalanches in Yellowstone?

Oct 12th - 08:35am | Bob Janiskee

Not a US Geological Survey vessel.

Oct 12th - 08:12am | Caitlin

US Geological Survey vessel, and on the water... probably at Glacier Bay.

Colors Peaking In The National Parks Across The Country

Oct 12th - 08:13am | Randy Fought

This year, folks can enter their fall foliage pictures of the Natchez Trace Parkway anytime from October 1 through November 23 in a Natchez Trace Fall Foliage Photo Contest. Each contestant may enter up to three pictures.

Oct 11th - 06:57am | Danny Bernstein

Don't forget the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The colors are at their peak. The sourwood tree, usually ignored most of the year, is now at its reddest and looks like it's about to bleed. Danny Bernstein www.hikertohiker.com

Many Facilities on Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim to Close for Season on October 15

Oct 12th - 07:54am | Paul @ Driving ...

We love the North Rim and will be there when it re-opens next year. Can't wait to return to the Rough Rider Saloon! http://drivinginertia.com/87/scared-sober-on-the-north-rim-of-the-grand-canyon/

Oct 12th - 06:26am | Connie Hopkins

We just returned from our trip to Arches, Bryce (where we got snow!) as well as the South and North Rims of the GC. What a wonderful vacation, 5 star all the way. We love the GC and it's almost like visiting 2 different parks. The South Rim has its wonderful vistas and opportunities but I love the North Rim because it has fewer tourists.

El Malpais National Monument Closes Caves to Humans Over White-Nose Syndrome Concerns

Oct 11th - 20:03pm | Anonymous

To date, the human vector has still not been proven! http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20110924/NEWS/110929901/1078&ParentProf...

Updated: Budgeting At Grand Canyon National Park Is Not Always As Simple As You Might Think

Oct 11th - 17:52pm | Mark Patterson

I agree with Gordon that Xanterra should probably get out of the mule business, but the mules should always be a part of going into the Grand Canyon.

Oct 11th - 17:50pm | Mark Patterson

The view from the rim is only amazing if you have never been in the inner canyon. Who wants to go to the Grand Canyon and ride a mule through the pine trees on the top? People want to go into the canyon, otherwise they would just do like most of the tourists and drive up walk to the edge, look for a few minutes, and then leave.

A National Park Superintendent And His Questionable Real Estate Deal

Oct 11th - 17:01pm | Anonymous

Conflicts at a level unseen before. The RMI/ Superintendent Aberuaga issue seems insignificant, comparatively. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/10/obama-jobs-council-stacked-...

Oct 11th - 15:56pm | Anonymous

So, anything wrong with this example at the Federal level? This individual is an ongoing conflict of interest it would seem. While we are on the subject. http://commonamericanjournal.com/?p=34239

Oct 10th - 16:56pm | Anonymous

tahoma, I have to be honest and say I was more horrified by your link and it's descriptions of the concession operations at Rainier, specifically RMI then I was with Uberauga's involvement. Perhaps I'm wrong but after his predecessor (at the Canyon) and his string of over the top actions abusing any number of people and processes, it'll takes a lot to blemish my image of Mr. Uberuaga.

Oct 10th - 10:20am | SS1

Kurt, Previous to the real-estate collapse many properties could be sold in many parts of Dare and Hyde County NC for double the closing price paid 2 to 3 years previous. I was wondering how did that sale compare to similar properties sold in that time frame in that area?

"Red Tide" Prompts Visitor Advisory at Padre Island National Seashore

Oct 11th - 13:23pm | Greg

Family and I were at the beach in Port A this weekend and experienced the "aerosol effect" Sunday (Oct. 9th). Had no idea at the time what was causing the symptoms- profuse tearing of the eyes, burning throat, coughing, runny nose. Knew something larger was going on because even strangers were complaining of the same symptoms. Could barely see while driving when we left.

Pestilence and Persistence: Yosemite Indian Demography and Culture in Colonial California

Oct 11th - 13:13pm | Anonymous

The part where you speak of the "new Ceremonial Roundhouse near Camp 4 designed by the American Indian Council of Mariposa County and endorsed by the National Park Service", is at odds with other tribes in the area, namely the Mono Paiutes, who take issue with the American Indian Council's position

Grizzly-Luring Berries Mean Moose-Wilson Road In Grand Teton National Park Could Close From Time To Time

Oct 11th - 13:01pm | Donna L.Miller

I think its great that Grand Teton National Park is protecting the Grizzly Bears and other wildlife!! Isn't viewing wildlife in their natural habitats what makes our National Parks so enjoyable? Sure, visitors need to practice "caution", but its a small price to pay for the opportunity to visit our natural wonderlands and enjoy what is perfectly natural.

Oct 11th - 11:20am | Anonymous

Amazing that GRTE has chosen an approach to protect the Grizz from the idiot human DUI drivers as opposed to sending armed rangers along this scenic meandering road to kill any Griz daring to protect its berry-elk-moose-deer food reserve or cubs. So, Why not close the road completely and allow that high-end $ community to detour more to protect the Grizz habitat ?

Oct 11th - 09:30am | Lee Dalton

Maybe we should just provide the bears with a supply of ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce and fry sauce and tell 'em to have some tasty snacks. Might get some people's attention. Predators usually take the weakest or slowest -- might also help the human gene pool.

Oct 10th - 19:12pm | Tina

I love to travel the Moose-Wilson road because it is a beautiful drive, but when visiting Grand Teton two weeks ago, I noticed the heavy traffic tieups due to bear spotting.

Say What? Overheard in the Park...

Oct 11th - 12:53pm | Jim Burnett

Another version I heard was, "At what elevation do the moose turn into elk?" I was tempted to say, "It depends upon which side of the Continental Divide you're on," ... but I resisted :-)

Oct 11th - 09:50am | Kurt Repanshek

Back in 1988, when working for the AP in Wyoming and covering the Yellowstone fires, someone asked why they couldn't use the water from Old Faithful to battle the flames! And then, of course, the old standby that likely has been heard in more than a few parks: "When do the deer turn into elk?"

Oct 11th - 09:45am | tahoma

Some great stories here folks, thanks for the smiles! I too have heard visitors ask where the elk were kept at night and 'Is there anything to do here?', but my favorite interaction was the couple who were chastised for trampling flowers in the Paradise meadows.

Oct 11th - 09:04am | Bob Janiskee

Back in July 1985, our tour bus packed with University of South Carolina alums, faculty, and friends was buzzing with excitement as we approached Yellowstone's eastern entrance. Most of us had never been to the park, and we were primed to make the most of our visit. Our driver, a good ol' boy named James, got on the P.A.

Oct 11th - 08:15am | Anonymous

From the lips of a teenager who really wasn't enjoying his family vacation in Sequoia NP "Hey, I really didn't know we were going to have to hike there, can't we just see it from the road?"

Creature Feature: The Desert Tarantula Looks Big, Hairy, and Scary

Oct 11th - 12:33pm | Helen Marshall

I have several of these fascinating critters in my native plant landscaped yard in El Paso Texas. Saw one out late yesterday afternoon, presumably a guy cruising for some females!

Ozark National Scenic Riverways, A River System At Risk

Oct 11th - 09:15am | Anonymous

This highlights the preservation problems related to the streams, wilderness, and wild caves of Missouri, our wonderful environmental heritage. How do we education the vast public to the need for preservation of these natural areas because once they are worn out, they are gone?

Debate Over Oyster Farming At Point Reyes National Seashore Offers Differing Perspectives

Oct 11th - 04:58am | Victoria Hanson

I've researched this controversy, and its distorted local coverage, for six months. This comment was published in the West Marin Citizen. The issues have been needlessly divisive, due to high-powered PR and political influence alien to purported ideals of local agricultural values of sustainable community cooperation. Facts, Logic, Law, and a few Questions, part I

Gettysburg National Military Park Getting Ready To Shoot Deer

Oct 10th - 19:07pm | Dorsey White

I think it is wrong to pay federal sharp shooter to shoot deer with tax dollars. There is a way to do it for free, let bow hunters harvest the deer, compound and crossbows are safer to shoot. Have permits given to qualified bow hunters, if need be pass a test and shooting skills.

Wind Cave National Park Grows With Addition of 5,555-Acre Ranch

Oct 10th - 16:59pm | Wulverine

Outstanding! Wind Cave is a relatively unknown jewel we enjoyed immensely this past summer. The bison are so pleantiful and the prarie dogs are awesome. Great hiking and of course, the cave itself features boxwork which cannot really be seen elsewhere.This continues to add to the greatness which is the Black Hills. Let the bison roam!

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