“Great American Road Trip”

Summer of the “Great American Road Trip”

Goodbye summer! As much as I love autumn, it is my favorite season, I am slightly bummed that this summer is over. I am sure I’m not the only one that is not happy with summer coming to an end, but I am positive that for most it has more to do with the end of warm weather and the cold and long dark nights that are on the way.

This summer was a crazy busy one for sure. I had friends and family visiting from mid-June through early August, with the turn over being as quick as four days. It was great seeing everyone and showing them around as the area is still pretty new for me too. Did a short road trip along the Mighty Mississippi, some nice hikes, new and old, also checked out a few breweries and a local winery.

As fun as it was seen everyone, the highlight of the summer was what I’m calling “The Great American Road Trip”. Drove 3415 miles in ten days covering six states and six National Parks, Monuments and Historical Sites plus a few National Forests and one total solar eclipse from Devils Tower. It was a fantastic adventure but only scratched the surface of most places really and that’s okay because now I have a better idea of where to spend more time when I go back.

Hope your summer was a good one!

International Crane Foundation

International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve all 15 species of cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. They provide knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to engage people in resolving threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes.

On nearly 300-acres in Baraboo, Wisconsin, The International Crane Foundation’s reach extends across the globe. With a regional base in China the ICF also have ties in Cambodia, India, South Africa, Texas, Vietnam, and Zambia with a network of hundreds of specialists in over 50 countries on five continents.

Worth the visit if you’re in the area it is the only place on Earth where you can see all 15 of the world’s crane species! They offer self and guided tours of the cranes and a network of hiking trails. Help the ICF’s vision of a future where people work together to protect and restore wild crane populations and the landscapes they depend on – and by doing so, find new pathways to sustain our water, land, and livelihoods.

SavingCranes.org 

Looking for something to do this weekend?
Then go check out one of America's 405 National Parks or a National Wildlife Refuge for free this weekend. (February 14-16)

National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service