The Journey Begins

The National Park Service has been called one of “America’s Best Ideas.” Founded in 1916 it has been dedicated to the preservation of our country’s most important resource… our natural wonders and national history. There are currently 411 sites contained in the service, including 59 National Parks, with locations in all 50 states and several territories. They tell the tale of our county’s history, from the native inhabitants, the founding of the idea that would become the United States of America, to the struggles of a growing nation and ever changing society.

View from Scenic Byway 12 in Utah. Photo by Kristina Blesch.

This is my journey into the wonders and treasures that are contained in these great lands, set aside for all the people past, present, and future that may visit them. With my wife-to-be, it is my intention to visit all 59 National Parks and as many of the other sites in this service as possible. In my writings I hope to share a brief insight into the history and sights of these lands. I will include any tips that I have, of course, but encourage each of you to visit them for yourselves to discover the beauty of this country. The sights contained in the National Parks Service are always changing; seasons, years, and now centuries pass and the natural forces are always playing their part in shaping the parks. I believe that if you give them the chance, the most amazing change that you will see in the lands set aside for us is the change you will see in yourself.

Looking into Bryce Canyon. Photo by Kristina Blesch.

I will be beginning this journey as a 29 year old man, who while healthy, is not in the best shape. It is my hope that as I travel this country I can shed one of the most detrimental world view points of our culture, and demonstrate that we can all create the change in us that we wish for. To start as an “average American” who spends more time on the couch than I should, and improve my lifestyle with hiking, boating and other outdoor skills. I will cut back on the amount of TV that I watch (it is getting repetitive anyway), and instead see what a screen could never show me. The awe inspiring beauty, that is right outside our front doors. Hidden deep in the heart of our land in the National Park System.

Join me, please. Together we can find our parks.