A week from now I hope to be traveling through some of America’s national parks again. There was a PBS series a few years ago by Ken Burns, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”
Ken Burns’ “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” available for purchase in various formats.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve written before (I think) that on my 60th birthday I drove to Great Falls Park and purchased a lifetime senior pass.
National Parks Lifetime Senior Pass for 60+
I still maintain that was the best birthday present I could have given myself!
The COVID pandemic caused innumerable lockdowns and travel restrictions. Cruise lines halted operations, and getting into and out of countries became a game of chance. The nastiness isn’t over yet, but there seems to be some semblance of normalcy returning.
I said, “Some.” I have been alerted that I will need to wear a face diaper (mask) during my air travels, and when required in public areas. My trip will take me to California, so I can expect to have to wear the darn thing a lot, despite being fully vaccinated. I don’t like it, but I’m not going to let it be a deal-killer, because my travel bug has bitten me, and I must go.
This will be my seventh Road Scholar trip. A few months ago, I saw that the company had once again started their in-person study tours (like everyone else, they had gone to Zoom during the lockdowns). The trip is titled, “Four Jewels” and encompasses Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite and Death Valley. Believe it or not, it was the Death Valley mention that sold me!
Road Scholar image: Death Valley
I have already begun my preparations. I’m making sure my camera is fully charged, I have plenty of storage (a 32GB SD card has done me well on other photo trips), I bought a new pair of 5.11 Decoy Convertible pants (lightweight, SPF 50+, packable) and am deciding what apparel I need (weather in the parks can go from hot to cold in the span of hours). But that’s part of the fun!
I expect to have photos and observations to post here upon my return. Stay tuned.