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Reader Participation Day: Where In The Park System Do You Want To Go?

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By Kurt Repanshek - December 31st, 2019

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, with six wild and scenic rivers, is a paddler's paradise/NPS

You received $100,000 for Christmas from a loving aunt, but you need to spend it in the next 365 days. So, where in the National Park System would you go, and why?

I think I'd have to punch my ticket for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska. I've long loved paddling, whether by canoe, kayak, or raft, and with six wild and scenic rivers, Gates of the Arctic would be hard to pass up and certainly give me plenty of paddling miles and wildness to enjoy. To get a feel for this place, check out this sketch book made by Robin Peterson, who was an artist-in-residence in the park back in 2009.

Plus, there's incredible wildlife: caribou, muskox, loon, grizzlies, weasals, otters, wolverines, lynx, wolves, and more bird species than you might imagine.

So, where would you go?

Comments

Submitted by Amarillobymorning on December 31, 2019 - 5:15pm.

Spend a couple months around Monument Valley and the several nearby national parks. And possibly a couple more come fall. I'm enthralled with the country and the culture, and especially petroglyphs and some extra moola would mean I could hire a jeep or horse and get to some spots I can't hike to. Week-long (or more) to Big Bend, Yosemite, Yellowstone as weather and tourist seasons permit. A couple of days at Canyon De Chelly. Do I have any $$ left??
Even in a fantasy, I'm torn between going back to places I love and want to explore further, and those I've only read about (wistfully). Would dear auntie like my bank account number for deposit purposes?

 


Submitted by Anonymous on December 31, 2019 - 6:52pm.

Backpacking Bering Land Bridge Preserve with time at the hot springs. 


Submitted by David Govatski on January 1, 2020 - 12:41pm.

I would spend August visiting Kobuk Valley, Noatak, Cape Krusenstern, and Gates of the Arctic National Parks and Preserves. Then Katmai National Park at Brooks Camp with brown bears and other wildlife for the month of September. 


Submitted by Linda C on January 1, 2020 - 1:04pm.

Rent an RV and travel across the country to see as many parks as possible.

 


Submitted by justinh on January 1, 2020 - 3:43pm.

Yup, Gates of the Arctic for me as well.  Happy New Year, NPT!


Submitted by Doug on January 1, 2020 - 6:30pm.

The sketches from the park resident artist were wonderful. I'm a photographer but the sketches along with her closing comment were a wonderful synopsis of a great experience coupled with a narrative that said it all. Bravo. I wish I had an aunt who could will me an enviable opportunity to see our great park system longer than just a glimpse.


Submitted by Greg Anderson on January 2, 2020 - 1:28pm.

All the parks in Alaska and Hawaii, none of which I have visited.  Then the 4 or 5 parks in the lower 48 I haven't yet visited.  Or - perhaps - buy a conversion van and hit the road.


Submitted by Jenny on January 3, 2020 - 4:33pm.

Pinnacles!  The hiking  and boulder tunnels there sound amazing and to see condors would be a once in a lifetime experience! 


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