Carlsbad Caverns NP

                                                             

Beauty and Wonder; Above and Below

High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.

2 Oct 2014

We decided to take the long way into the cave via the Natural Entrance. This adds a 1.3 mile walk into the cave to get to the Great room. You see so much more going this way and it was well worth the extra walking. Once to the Great room another 1.2-mile trails awaits you or you can cut this down by taking a few shortcuts. We decided to do the entire loop. What this cave lacks in color it more than makes up for in the amazing number of formations to see. We were not done after all this walking as we wanted to see the bat flight later in the evening. We took the elevator out and went to see the bat flight and was not disappointed 400,000 bats flying out of the cave to feed was just amazing. Sorry no pictures as it not allowed anymore to have any electronics on during the flight. We really enjoyed this Gem of the Park service.

NPS website

Our 46th NPS Unit and 7th National Park

 

Fort Pulaski NM

                                                         

A Turning Point in Military History

For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority to these forts. The Union army used rifled cannon and compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The siege was a landmark experiment in the history of military science and invention.

15 Aug 2014

An amazing Fort that still bears the wounds of a savage barrage to retake it from the confederates. With new weapons this fort once thought to be impregnable was doomed in 30 hours. The Visitor Center is small, but it is the fort that tells the story. There was a short film at the Visitors Center, but we did not take it in. The fort allows dogs, and our girls had a fun time exploring the moat and fort. With all there is to do in Savannah adding a half a day here is well worth it.

NPS Website

Our 101st NPS Unit

Shenandoah NP

                                                             

  

Nature's Calling!

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is your escape to recreation and re-creation. Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, quiet wooded hollows—take a hike, meander along Skyline Drive, or picnic with the family. 200,000 acres of protected lands are haven to deer, songbirds, the night sky…and you. Plan a Shenandoah escape today!

July 15 -17 2014

This park was a nice change of pace for us. We divided the park into 3 loops and took in the upper loop first. Shortly after entering the park, we spotted a small black bear crossing the road, not close enough to get a good look at it but nonetheless it was a bear sighting. We made a stop at Dickey Ridge and watched the movie, then we made the drive down stopping at the overlooks for the scenery. There were lots of great views and it turned out to be a great day for picture taking. The second day found us back in the park on the second leg. We added a deer sighting to the list and made a stop at the Big Meadows Visitor Center. The VC had a great section on the founding of the park and the effects on the local population that had called the area home. We finished up the Middle loop with more overlooks. We did not start the lower loop and there are many trails yet to explore, so this will be a return visit to finish it up.

NPS Website

Our 32nd NPS Unit and 5th National Park

Monocacy NB

The Battle that Saved Washington, DC

During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan to turn the tide of the Civil War in their favor.  They planned to capture Washington, DC and influence the election of 1864.  On July 9, however, Federal soldiers outnumbered three to one, fought gallantly along the banks of the Monocacy River in an effort to buy time for Union reinforcement to arrive in Washington, DC.

14 July 2014

We had a great time here. This is a battle that gets little attention but played a huge part in the Civil War and even though it was a Union loss, the 24 hours it delayed the Confederate troops gave time for the Union to move troops into position to protect Washington DC. The VC has great displays and tells the story nicely. The battle ground tour is short enough to complete in half a day. This being our 100th park and the 1/4 mark of our quest to see all the parks will make this a special park for us.

NPS Website

Our 100th NPS Unit

Eisenhower NHS

                                                                     

Ike, Gettysburg, and the Cold War:

Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield, the farm served the president and first lady as a weekend retreat and as a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a respite from Washington, DC, and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions. 

12 July 2014

Eisenhower used the quiet setting of the farm to host world leaders and with this rural and relaxed setting he was able shape decisions that would affect generations to come with the leaders that visited here. We took the house tour and had a great tour guide that was very knowable and made this an    enjoyable visit.

03 July 1995

We walked the grounds of the farm but did not tour the house. we will have to make a return trip to take in the house. 

NPS Website

Our 20th NPS Unit