Hiking Lady

Have you ever thought about hiking the Appalachian Trail? I sure have!

A close hiking friend of mine insisted that I borrow her copy, and I swear I couldn’t put this book down. Obviously I am a fan of most books about hiking, but this one is truly special – Bill Bryson weaves into his humorous story loads of history and science, all while sharing the details of his adventure.

Read my full review of A Walk in the Woods here.

A chance to win an Olympus E-3 DLSR Camera? Count me in! Plus a chance to win a trip to a Federal Recreation Area!

There is a new photo contest being sponsored by Olympus and the National Park Foundation. You can enter in 2 categories, and can enter up to 3 images.

A special category this year is the America at Its Best Category, inspired by the PBS special series: National Parks: America’s Best Idea

Check out this website to learn more about the Federal Recreation Lands Photo Contest

Do you want to know what happens to the human body at high altitudes?

And the scientific detail behind it?

NOVA followed a group of climbers to Mt. McKinley (known as Denali) and produced this highly educational film.

Here’s my full review of Nova: Deadly Ascent.

Are you as excited as I am about Ken Burns documentary, National Parks, America’s Best Idea, that will be on PBS starting September 27, 2009? This 12-hour, 6 part highly anticipated documentary took 10 years to make, and based on the previews I’ve seen, it will have amazing footage from many of our wonderful U.S. National Parks.

The entire series on DVD:

The book!

The episodes follow the history of the national parks, starting with Congress’ protection of Yosemite and the creation of Yellowstone, the first national park.

• Episode 1: THE SCRIPTURE OF NATURE.  1851-1890.
• Episode 2: THE LAST REFUGE. 1890-1915.
• Episode 3: THE EMPIRE OF GRANDEUR. 1915-1919.
• Episode 4: GOING HOME. 1920-1933.
• Episode 5: GREAT NATURE. 1933-1945.
• Episode 6: THE MORNING OF CREATION. 1946-1980.

Check out the PBS website to see the TV schedule.

The National Park Foundation is offering a free 75 page PDF guide to America’s National Parks. I just downloaded a copy and it has some great info, and definitely cool color photos and maps. There are lots of trails mentioned, so let’s get hiking!

National Parks Owner’s Guide 2009

National Parks Owners Guide 2009