In light of the recent tantrums being thrown in Washington, I thought I’d share my thoughts on how the behavior of our government is affecting travel, something I am obviously very passionate about. This is not a political post and I’m not opening a debate about whether or not this shutdown is right or wrong. That’s not the point of my writing. I am simply speaking to one of the results of this mess.
As you probably know, all U.S. National Parks are CLOSED until this government shutdown shuts up. I’m very disappointed that one of the consequences of all the squabbling is taking something away, not only from the American people, but also other visitors who may have planned for years to come and see an extraordinary piece of the world that the United States is fortunate enough to possess.
Think about it. School kids have been forced to cancel their field trips. Excited campers that reserved all the gear, researched the trails, bought plane tickets, have been forced to cancel their plans. This makes me sad. A great experience is being revoked, or at the very least, put on hold.
One of my many bucket list items (I don’t really have a bucket list because I find that even an infinite list is limiting), is to visit all 59 National Parks. Today, I feel so lucky to have crossed off as many as I have, which is only eight. The National Parks are special places. Treasures. Here are some of my favorite pictures from over the years….
Redwood National Park
Everglades National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Badlands National Park
Yosemite National Park
Acadia National Park
Olympic National Park
I also have been to Haleakala in Hawaii, but no digital pictures back in 1999!
What do you think? Can I make it to all 59? Do you share the same goal to visit them all? I’m especially gung ho for American Samoa out in the South Pacific. Maybe we should have gone there instead of Fiji for our honeymoon. …Nah. Our honeymoon was perfect.
Here’s hoping that they’ll reopen soon.
xxx
P.S. My post about Acadia. And Redwood. And Everglades.
Those Dam Americans 
It’s really hard to believe that such a silly squabble could affect even this. I’ve been loosely following the news about this but I didn’t realise the parks had been closed. My family have been to a few of them – thank goodness they weren’t planning a trip to one any time soon!
I know, it’s so heartbreaking! I feel so sorry for people that had plans and now can’t go. It’s so unfair.
This is such a great blog, and I love how you write and the opinions you have. A great and interesting read, and I’m glad I found this. I’m living in Sweden right now, but I am hoping to move to Amsterdam in the beginning of next year. Great blog! Great posts.
Thank you so much! (Please excuse the months long absence, I’m back now) 🙂