Government Shutdown

It's more than a little frightening to think that our government could shut down tonight at midnight.  This means parks will be officially closed.  People will have 24 hours to leave and then the gates will be locked.  Important research and protection will cease.  Here is a FAQ sent to me by the National Parks Conservation Association.

It's important to note that National Park Week is coming up, April 16-24th which includes free admission to the parks, something so many families on a budget plan their vacations around.  Unfortunately if the government does shut down, the parks will not be open even then.   There will be massive loss of revenue, many vacations and school field trips ruined and the livelihood of those who depend on tourist revenue and their salaries put on the line.

In 1995 and 1996 the parks were closed for a total of 27 days, in today's economy this could mean a loss of an estimated $32 million a day.  How can we let this happen?  To me, this is devastating that we just let the gates close.  If you'd like to read more about this here is another great article:

Remember if you care about your parks and their funding any donation is always appreciated and the NPCA makes it easy!

Our next vacation!

So, our next vacation is actually going to be a repeat because we loved it so much!  Key West, here we come...in about 1 month that is.  John said, "don't you want to go somewhere new? How are you ever going to see every park if you're repeating places?"  The fact of the matter is that we didn't have enough time to explore all that Key West has to offer.  There are just so many places (museums, gardens, pub crawls and parades!) that we didn't get to do.  I guess that tends to happen when you're on your honeymoon.  YES, I want to see every park but when somewhere draws you in like Key West happens to do to me, I just give in.  It's not to say I won't be able to get a "cancellation" this time.  We actually missed getting one at Hemingway's home, despite being there twice.  We also never made it to Fort Zachary Taylor which we heard is one of the best beaches and also happens to be on the NPS register of historical places.  So, I'll be bringing along my passport to National Parks booklet and all though they won't be "National Parks" I will still be excited when I get those stamps in my book!  More to come on this topic...of all the things on our "to do" list.  For now, John is calling me to dinner...

Quiz: Think You Know the National Parks? by Budget Travel

This quiz is fantastic!  Lots of fun information included within each answer!  Have fun!
http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/quiz-think-you-know-the-national-parks,7057/