I have many loves in my life. My family—especially my husband, daughter, and mommy—I love them more than words could ever express. I love music. I love to laugh, but one of my greatest loves is our National Parks System. It is fucking brilliant.
I have only been to 12 National Parks. There are 63, plus a slew of National Historic Sites. There are so many more I want to see. Hell, if we are being honest, I want to see them all. Each one holds something amazing that you will keep with you forever.
My most recent National Park visit was to Glacier in Montana. To say it did not disappoint would be the understatement of the century. It changed my life. One can’t see that much beauty and not be changed in some way.
On our second day in the park, we journeyed to Avalanche Lake. After hiking 3.5 miles, I came to a lake that was so blue it looked like it stole its color from the sky. I looked up to see two huge waterfalls coming down the side of a mountain. It was spectacular. I couldn’t help but cry. I sat on a rock and just looked out into the expanse and knew I would remember that moment forever.
It inspired me to be more fit. We hiked about 15 miles in three days. I did fine, but I want to do better. I want to hike more and farther. I want to be fit at 53 and able to take on any hiking challenge. How can I see this beautiful world if I can’t walk in it?
I’ve let menopause slow me down. It has definitely taken a toll on me, but I’m ready to fight back. I want to lift the weights, get in the steps, and climb the hills. I don’t want to stop seeing new things in this world. I want an adventure. Glacier was certainly that.
My husband and I are already planning our next park adventure. He wants to do Joshua Tree, and I want to do Acadia. Honestly, I’m good with either. I just want to keep going to these treasures and exploring. Bryce, Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier! I’ve yet to leave a National Park disappointed. That seems impossible.
As Americans, we may not get everything right. Goodness knows we have a ton of room for improvement. However, our National Parks System is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing. I hope to keep enjoying it for many, many years to come.
To quote the famous naturalist, John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
National Parks have given me so much, and I do what I can to give back to them. However, we must all fight for their preservation. It is critical to the American way of life, in my humble opinion. I want to be able to visit their amazing spaces till the day I die, and I certainly want them there for my daughter and grandchildren.
If you are interested in giving back to our National Parks, the National Park Foundation is a great way to go. You can find them at https://www.nationalparks.org. It is money well spent.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
