Veteran's are being noticed

First, just a shout out for the National Parks System for recognizing veterans on Veteran's Day...in honor of those of us that served, they will allow free entrance to all of the almost 400 National Parks on 11 November 2010...there is always something to be seen, in almost every state.

We will be on our long awaited honeymoon in Hawaii at that time, so we may just have to go over and see Pearl Harbor.

Although Pearl Harbor is not one a National Park or a National Monument, it is a fitting place to visit on Veterans Day!

Additionally, there are 8 true National Parks and Monuments in the Hawaiian Islands, and we will probably go see one or two of them also.



Another point of interest found in the news today, even the United Nations is becoming active in combatting losses in the plant and animal world due to human-caused environmental issues. They say we are facing the worst extinction rate in the last 65 million years, since the dinosaurs were here. Nations and business are prompted to take increased steps to protect and restore ecosystems. (Unfortunely, some cannot be brought back...my example, Glen Canyon.)

Birds: This is the show season, so a little extra safflower in your mix will add to appearance, and weekly baths are very important even with the tempratures dropping off a little.

Honey: Although not a fan of Chardonnays per se, I really enjoyed one this weekend, and the visitor from the Northeast didn't recognize it as being the same wine they get back there...makes one wonder about regional availability from wineries.

Canyonland NP

Happy Birthday Canyonlands National Park!

On Sept 12, 1964, Canyonlands National Park was established in an area of southeastern Utah.

This is one of my favorite wandering places, and the end of many wonderful river trips have occurred for me at the edge of the Canyonlands.  This area offers desert recreation, escape, and the chance to view artifacts that have remained unchanged and unbothered for centuries.  The official website provides more information...I don't want to share my secrets of the area. 

The Maze section of Canyonlands has always held special interest to me, since reading Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire and his description of entering the Maze for the first time with a friend from Colorado.  When I first traced his approach with my uncle, things were almost the same as described in the book.

Mineral Bottoms at the northern edge of Canyonlands NP

One of the other notable places on the way into the Eastern entrance of Canyonlands, south of Moab, Utah is Newspaper Rock...truly a marvel to see and experience.

Other things of interest that occurred on September the 12th...

Sept 12, 1940 Cave Paintings discovered in Lascuax, France 

Sept 12, 1954. Lassie TV Premiere. This long-running series was originally about a boy and his courageous and intelligent dog, Lassie (played by more than six different dogs, all male). For the first few seasons, Lassie lived on the Miller farm. The family included Jeff (Tommy Rettig), his widowed mother Ellen (Jan Clayton) and George Cleveland as Gramps. Throughout the years there were many format and cast changes, as Lassie was exchanged from one family to another in order to have a variety of new perils and escapades. Other featured performers included Cloris Leachman, June Lockhart, and Larry Wilcox.

9/11

Yesterday was a day of reflection for many of us, a time to ponder the changes brought about by a terrorist attack within our country's borders and the senseless loss of life that this date signifies. Since yesterday's date was so somber, today I had to look for something positive in my life to reflect upon...I believe the establishment of the wonderful, scenic Canyonlands National Park is exactly what my mind and heart needed today.