Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
( part of Klamath Region Circle of Parks)
It is always a joy to experience the amazing power and beauty of nature that we know no man can equal. Nature gives so much therapy from stress, it relaxes us physically, emotionally and spiritually. With my very busy and crazy schedule, having to balance both work and studies, I feel very tired at the end of the week, that I look forward to spending my weekend seeking nature. Hiking and spending time with nature always make me feel energized and rejuvenated. Let me say that with hiking and exercising, we get the happy mood and we boost our energy levels. Despite that hiking burns a lot of energy, yet it is an activity that truly rejuvenates not only the spirit and mind, but also the physical body.
A lot of the times, I enjoy nature for free, however, I also enjoy visiting National Parks and State Parks where I have to pay, which I understand why. This park fee goes to the maintenance and preservation of these natural resources. Every year, we get a National Park Pass for $80 and that would allow us to visit all National Parks without paying the entrance fee. If we visit 4 National Parks, then, we get our money back. And living close to National Parks, it is very easy for us to get our money back.
This month our National Parks Pass expires, however, we are planning to buy a new annual pass June so that it will also expire June next year. Besides, I still am in school and would have no chance to visit many National Parks. But what good news, this year, 2012, from April 22- 29, we can go to National Parks for free!
For those who can make travel plans anytime, it would be great to plan for trips on these dates, especially at the Grand Circle, or at Klamath Region Circle of Parks.
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Moab, Utah
( part of Grand Circle)
It is also off season during this time of the year, thus, we can find a lot of Travel coupons, that would really help us a lot in reducing travel expenses. How I wish I am one of those who can make travel plans and vacation at any time, but then, my vacation days follow the school calendar. However, I am happy enough that for our summer trip, we are able to use Travelocity coupon code and Orbitz promo code for flight, hotel and rental car costs. Enjoying nature and traveling makes it more affordable with these travel discounts.
" Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul. Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."
~ John Muir ~
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Best times i had as a child were visiting many of these parks, they make wonderful memories!
ReplyDeleteWent back as an adult and they had not lost any of their wonder!
What a great deal! I wish it was next month so we could take advantage of it. I don't think we are ready to take the baby camping yet, lol.
ReplyDeleteI wish I have enough vacation time so I could do the Circle of Parks.
ReplyDeleteMy legs are sore from our hiking yesterday, it was overcast yet the skies were blue.
The tide was not low enough to see the tidepools, but we are coming back this weekend earlier in the morning.
To be able to stand there would be a great pleasure for me already. :D
ReplyDeleteHi, Betchai, Your National Parks photos are beautiful! I love the John Muir quote. :)
ReplyDeleteDo they charge different from one park to another? What is the cost of a ticket to visit Canyonlands National Park?
ReplyDeleteI wish there was a national park near me, but I'd have to travel a long way. I can enjoy my state parks though. They're the next best thing. I like free too, but I also don't mind paying sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe water is so blue at Crater Lake! Getting away from city life for awhile really can rejuvenate one's self.
ReplyDeletethere's nothing more awesome than enjoying NParks for free! ;)
ReplyDeleteps.
love the photos & quote too. :)
I always wanted to purchase the yearly national park tickets, but just never got around to it. How lucky you are to be able to enjoy nature as you do. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree it is great to visit nature for free, I too agree that if we expect our parks to be well maintained, then we need to pay a small fee.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to be young and healthy like you, betchai. You get to do and see so much more than me..
ReplyDeleteI love your pictures as always!
Just a few more days and I qualify for the Golden Age Passport, so I can enter the parks for only $10... forever!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I always enjoy those parks for free every time you post their photos that you taken. It may not come close to the real thing but I assure you... I can almost picture myself in it. That is how powerful your photos are Sistah... so keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteThe national park dates coincide with many East Coast spring breaks, allowing families to visit the parks for free.
ReplyDeleteThe american National Parks are super. I like hiking there.
ReplyDeletefor a nature lover like you, having a free day at the park is something worth coming for
ReplyDeletehope all is well for you betchai!
There is nothing in the world as beautiful as these parks, Betchai or your gorgeous photos.
ReplyDelete