When I was little, my parents loved to camp. My dad took all his vacation and borrowed a station wagon and rented an Apache pop up trailer. The loaded us up, including the basset hound and we traveled thru many of our national parks. I was 5 and loved those red cowboy boots. I loved sleeping in the back of the station wagon . My dad and brother slept in the tent. I remember being so happy to see park rangers because they told great stories. And I remember my mom getting water from the stream for our breakfast oatmeal. I watched the little fish swimming in the pot until she put them safely back in the river. We saw bears and my older brother and sister got to go hiking and climbing. I was “ too little” to do a lot of things. I didn’t mind. I loved learning all the plants and bugs and birds from my mom at camp. One time a bear walked by my mom grabbed the basset hound and me and jumped in the car,holding her hands over our mouths. She had super human strength that day…and yet she quietly described what the bear was doing and why we shouldn’t bother it like the ranger had told us. So many wonderful memories. Now I am a docent at a zoo using the same interpretive principles started by the national parks. You have touched my whole life, thank you. I am now 71.
Sincerely,
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is named after the river that runs through it. Within the park's massive boundaries, visitors can find mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers, as well as hot springs and mud pots. It is also home to diverse wildlife with the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.
State(s): Idaho Montana, Wyoming,
Established: 1872
“They are so important for soothing the hearts of every person. One doesn’t have to go to all of them. Each one is a learning experience that leaves you in a better state of mind.”
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