Ages ago, on a dark starry night, Between the forest and the Firehole’s banks (Perhaps the Madison’s), a spark took flight, A thought, a plan, for which we should give thanks National Parks, behold their provenance: Below dark outcroppings, beside a stream (Rock eyes, creek mouth; a face), camp occupants Envisioned preservation. Such a dream! … Continue reading The Legend of National Park Mountain
National Parks
Good Morning, Glory
Just a little something to brighten your Monday morning. Let's all have a great week!
Recap: Hike the Rainbow
Knowing what the readers of Campfire Tales want is a tricky thing, mainly because you aren't a very commenting crowd. Not a criticism. I'm just sayin' is all. Generally your responses are based on what brought you here in the first place, and since Campfire Tales is all over the place topically, I've been on … Continue reading Recap: Hike the Rainbow
Wind Cave: You First, Alice
Do you ever hear someone say something like, "You can eat the stalk of rhubarb, but the leaves are poison," and you ask yourself, "Who was the second fool to try rhubarb?" Or, "I hated that movie the first time I watched it." I can only shake my head when I hear that. "Um... so … Continue reading Wind Cave: You First, Alice
Lake Mead: Historic Railroad Trail
Technically, I should probably call this, "Hoover Dam: Historic Railroad Trail." However, it is not Hoover Dam you look at and walk the perimeter of (at a distance) for the better part of the hike. But without the dam there is no lake to see. And without the water, there's no reason for the dam. … Continue reading Lake Mead: Historic Railroad Trail
Dinosaur Park: A Blast From the Past
Flying into, staying in, and exploring Rapid City South Dakota on a "national park vacation" wasn't only out of convenience to Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Wind Cave, Theodore Roosevelt, Devils Tower or Little Bighorn... (I think that's most of them; we didn't see them all.) Neither was it the affordability of a rental car to take … Continue reading Dinosaur Park: A Blast From the Past
Badlands National Park: Unexplored Trails
Below are four approaches to exploring a National Park with limited time. (This holds true for cities or countries or museums, and so on, but let's just discuss parks.) See nothing: Take a picture with the park sign. Get a National Park passport stamped at the Visitor Center. Get back on the bus. (These types … Continue reading Badlands National Park: Unexplored Trails
Grand Prismatic Spring: Inspiring
A few years back, as I found myself buying orange everything (furniture, clothes, dishes, to name a few), I explained my new obsession to a friend, something like this: ME: My favorite color used to be blue, but lately one definition of blue brings me down: sadness. My new favorite is orange. FRIEND: What does … Continue reading Grand Prismatic Spring: Inspiring
Hit Refresh
Maybe Campfire Tales content has been a little... arid lately. Sweet relief is on the way!
Book Review: Lassoing the Sun
This is just my national parks story. There are, of course, millions like it. Stories about people lost, places that remain, and how the two are intertwined. ~ Mark Woods, Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America's National Parks The intent behind Lassoing the Sun — telling our stories in, of and through National Parks … Continue reading Book Review: Lassoing the Sun
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