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Damage from Tropical Storm Hanna Created Expensive Repair Problems at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Oct 16th - 07:52am | Bob Janiskee

Yes, a closely guarded secret can be revealed at last. Sabattis is Bigfoot. Remember that you read it here first.

Oct 16th - 07:14am | Marty

Was Bigfoot seen recently at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park or did he just write the article? I was amused by the picture. :-)

Trails I've Hiked: Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

Oct 16th - 02:29am | MRC

I agree with Owen. While hiking Half Dome is a nice experience, the view from top can be disappointing, because you can't see Half Dome from it. It's the same with climbing any landmark. More often then not, the best sights are from top of number 2 or 3, because you see the iconic landmarks from there. Glacier and Washburn Point are great, as is Sentinel Dome.

Oct 15th - 22:36pm | Arthur E. Hish

I am 59 years old as of August and was a high school classmate of Rick Deutsch's in Arlington, VA back in the mid-sixties. Rick and I reconnected when I served on our 40th high school reunion committee. He wasn't able to attend our reunion in VA as he had a bunch of people he was hiking Half Dome with.

Oct 15th - 14:53pm | pkrnger

I've done this hike three times, once in 1962 with my older cousin when I was a 17-year old high school middle distance runner, once alone as a Yosemite park ranger-naturalist in 1970, and once with my 17 year-old son in 1993.

Oct 15th - 12:27pm | Rudy Stefancik, M.D.

I was 48 and in moderately good condition when I did Half Dome in early July. I started at 6:30 am and summited at 2:30 pm (practically by myself up there) and got back at 8:30 pm, about an hour after dark. I did have a flashlight and I did take my time going up. I would suggest leaving no later than 6:30 am and 5:30 am wouldn't be a bad idea.

Oct 15th - 12:13pm | MRC

@ Steve: Start at the trailhead around 6:30 a.m. Then you should be able to beat the crowds even if you take your time on the trail. If you are a slow hiker and think you need more than five hours one way, then start even earlier.

Oct 15th - 11:11am | Rick Deutsch

Kurt is a fast hker! 9+ hours is flying! Most folks will take about 10-12 hours to do the hike. First timers may take 13-14 hours. Hey, it's not a race - have fun! I usually stay about 45 mins at the summit but I start to get stiff and it's time to head back. I suggest doing a little stretching on top. there is no reason to hustle along - have fun and make stops at the Falls.

Oct 15th - 10:59am | Kurt Repanshek

Steve, For many folks this can be a 9+ hour hike, especially when you factor in time on top gazing around. I think I started at 8 a.m. and was back in the valley by 5 or 5:30 p.m. But, of course, it all depends on how fast of a hiker you and any others in your group are as well as if there's a line of folks working their way up the cables.

Oct 15th - 10:47am | Steve

This article says "early start of the day" - how early do you recommend we should start the hike?

Rock Falls Close Curry Village Lodgings in Yosemite National Park

Oct 16th - 02:02am | Yosemite Sue

I was very fortunate to be in the valley for both falls! They were awesome; both cracking and ripping free of the their rock wall cage, then crashing down to pulverize into a giant dust cloud. I was very close by for the first one and was able to experience first hand the amazing effects of the dust cloud. The second one I heard while in my tent at 6:57 a.m.

Oct 10th - 21:51pm | Anonymous

I WAS THERE!!!!! i am a student who was there in line for breakfast when the huge rockfall happened i ran for my life it was so scary

Oct 10th - 16:10pm | Kurt Repanshek

Stephanie, They've reopened portions of Camp Curry. You can find some news at this site. I'd suggest you call the concessionaire at (801) 559-4884 to get more information.

New BLM Management Plans Could Have Major Impacts on Utah National Parks

Oct 15th - 22:37pm | Sabattis

The issue of viewscapes is a very interesting one. Almost by definition, a "viewscape" involves how to handle lands that were *not* designated as National Park lands. For example, if you protect certain areas as National Park land to protect the "viewscape" from a given point - you've then instantly created new lands with additional threatened viewscapes based on the new boundaries.

Survey Predicts Change in National Park Gun Regulations Will Lead to Wildlife Shootings, Management Problems

Oct 15th - 21:40pm | Random Walker

"Are you talking about boats killing manatees, boats killing people in national parks, cars killing people in national parks, cars killing panthers in national parks, cars killing wolves in national parks, cars killing grizzlies in national parks? Cars killing deer? Turkeys? Black bears? Red-tailed hawks? Owls? Elk? Moose? Raccoons? Coyotes? And so on?"

Oct 15th - 20:43pm | Random Walker

Add weapons and there will be problems. Shot up signs, windows, the occasional wounded and dead animal or human will be a fact. I completely reject waving a CCW/CWP in my face as proof that one is safe and sane. I have been around a bit ya see..

Oct 15th - 19:12pm | Anonymous

As a CCW Holder I have had training in the use of firearms and have had Background checks done by 4 States. I do not go to parks to shoot animals, I go to enjoy them. Any body thats thinks criminals are going to care what the law says, needs to be re-educated. I follow the law (all laws) that is why I was approved for a CCW permit. PLEASE WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

Oct 15th - 15:16pm | bill

"too many peoiple these days do not have any common sense and do not take responsibilty for their actions" is exactly why i or any responcible person would want to carry a concealed firearm in a remote area or where help may be far away and unable to prevent an incident

Oct 15th - 14:52pm | Anonymous

People who would behave in the way you describe are poachers or some other type of criminal which is already prohibited from owning a firearm. Crminals already ignore prohibitions on firearms, and would prefer the rest of us unarmed. Concealed weapon permit holders have had training, been finger printed and have had backround checks.

Oct 15th - 09:06am | Betty H

I certainly agree with these true experts (in my opinion). Having a loaded gun handy will surely lead to problems. Too many people these days do not have any common sense and do not take responsibility for their actions. Guns in National Parks will lead to unnecessary wildlife deaths and unnecessary human conflicts.

Interior Officials Planning To Make It Easier for Mountain Bikers to Gain Backcountry Access in Parks

Oct 15th - 16:05pm | Mark E

Since I'm quoted in the Traveler's piece, I'm hoping to use this board to respond. No one at the Traveler has asked IMBA for comment on this matter of late.

Oct 15th - 07:43am | Rangertoo

While I do not support allowing bikes into the backcountry, I do think the current regulations are a little too strict. The current regulations prohibit bicycles on anything other than roads unless a special regulation is written as described in the story. In the middle are multi-use trails built specifically for bicycles and pedestrians. These are usually 8 feet wide and hard-surfaced.

Oct 14th - 22:01pm | Anonymous

Great thats just one more thing for hikers to think about; when some fool racing down a trail on his or her mountain bike runs you over comming around a corner; or over a rise. So much for a peaceful hike in the woods.

Wyoming Congressional Delegation Pushing Interior Secretary To Move on Yellowstone Snowmobile Plan

Oct 15th - 15:20pm | dapster

LH, Sorry, late getting back to the debate. Work gets in the way of fun once again!

Oct 11th - 13:06pm | Lone Hiker

Maybe it was just a poorly inferred analogy, but the comparison between a human body's need (requirement, actually) for water and our nation's "need" for oil lacks substance and accuracy.

First Ladies National Historic Site Struggles to Attract Visitors

Oct 15th - 10:45am | d-2

-- Congress almost never sets the specific fund level for the operations of a national park. There is no line-item for park operations.

Oct 15th - 10:43am | d-2

Dear Frank C: Regarding your point on "an NPS business model," if you look early on in this thread, Rangertoo makes the point that Rep Ralph Regula made this park happen. Therefore, this was NEVER a concept within an original national park service plan, much less business plan.

Oct 13th - 18:54pm | Rangertoo

This is a great discussion. I agree, that cost per visitor is not a valid measure of the value of a park or its costs. Somethings are worth protecting, not at any cost, but at a reasonable cost for effective preservation and management. I mention the cost of Isle Royale per visitor because it is a direct analogy to the original story of the cost of managing First Ladies.

Oct 13th - 08:52am | d-2

Dear Frank C: --There is a process, in law, for the establishment of new national parks. -- Many parks do have business plans.

Oct 13th - 02:24am | MRC

The per visitor costs are leading nowhere. Do you want to apply it to Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve with its 26 visitors in 2007? Or Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Nebraska with 13,521? There are units in the system for protection only. Protection of nature or of historic places or buildings. Those can't be evaluated by the number of visitors.

Oct 12th - 17:58pm | Bob Janiskee

Thanks for the date correction, d-2. First Ladies was indeed authorized in 2000, not 1980.

Oct 12th - 10:21am | Kurt Repanshek

While looking at cost-per-visitor might indeed be a good indicator of whether you're getting the most bang for your buck, can we really use that yardstick when measuring the worth of places such as Yellowstone or Gettysburg? Are not some units of the National Park System invaluable in what they represent to the country and so worth the investment, no matter how it breaks down per visitor?

Oct 11th - 17:03pm | Rangertoo

Come on, Bob. You know this park is a political boondoggle and is a poster child for the dilution of the National Park System. It was created Congressman Regula and his wife is the chair of the First Ladies Library Association. Two of the Regula’s daughters also work at the park.

Threats to the Parks: Biscayne National Park

Oct 15th - 05:31am | Bob Janiskee

Understanding what has gone wrong and why is a vital step in the process of repairing damage. In the case of Biscayne National Park, the National Park Service has a very good grasp of the basic facts -- that is, the agency understands the nature and severity of the problems besetting the park. The major obstacle is inadequate resources.

Oct 14th - 22:43pm | Anonymous

this was really helpful!! It makes people inspired to help out.! You should make a page about how people have helped out.

Woman Dies in Fall From Angel's Landing

Oct 14th - 23:52pm | cckids

My daughter & I hiked Angel's Landing 3 years ago--September 2005. She was not quite 11 at the time (very tall for her age, long legs). We read up on it first, including pics & videos, wore appropriate footwear, and approached the hike with respect & foresight. We didn't have any trouble. We hike regularly, but nothing as exposed as AL.

Oct 14th - 18:17pm | Q

5 of us went on the AL trail several years ago. 1 stopped at the beginning of the "danger zone". 2 of us (including me) stopped at the next "landing" and 2 others did the entire trail. The key is common sense and knowing yourself. we laugh at each other now, but there was no "peer pressure" (age 29 then) from the others that day. Every person needs to decide for themselves.

The Lost Arrow Spire Highline in Yosemite National Park is a Slackliner’s Dream and an Acrophobe’s Nightmare

Oct 14th - 17:46pm | Kurt Repanshek

Interesting article, Bob, one that perhaps will raise a discussion about whether this a good practice/sport in the parks?

Is Bush Administration Moving to Shuck Some Congressional Oversight on Public Lands Management?

Oct 14th - 15:16pm | Rick Smith

I hope everyone sees the pattern that is developing in the waning days of this Administration.

Yorktown Day – Our Country's "Other Birthday"

Oct 13th - 14:02pm | dapster

Jim, Thanks for a great article about this event. I wish I could attend this year, but sadly have prior commitments.

Musings from Yosemite National Park

Oct 13th - 05:09am | Bob Janiskee

MRC, if you're going to beat up on poor Mr. Repanshek for failing to mention Hetch Hetchy in a Yosemite article, you're going to need to build a better case. Go to the Search box at top right on the Traveler home page, type in "Hetch Hetchy," and do a search. You'll note that Kurt has repeatedly mentioned Hetch Hetchy in his Yosemite-relevant Traveler articles.

Oct 13th - 04:28am | MRC

This is the second article on Yosemite National Park in a short time - and both failed to mention Hetch Hetchy. Is it really appropriate for the Traveler to showcase the park without mentioning the single most destructive event in the history of the National Park System?

Sky-High Ginseng Prices Boost Illegal Harvest in Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Oct 12th - 19:08pm | Anonymous

I would have to say you are still wrong in that Aspect of "quality" I have found roots well over fourty five years old in a woods of only about 6acres, (my own woods.)

Stanley W. Abbott, Wizard of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Oct 12th - 11:56am | amwdew

Bob, Thanks for the plug for my book and for this interesting article about the Parkway. This is timely, as we're getting ready to celebrate the Parkway's 75th anniversary in 2010; look for another article that I'll be posting here in a few days about that.

Oct 10th - 22:06pm | JimB

Bob - Stanley Abbott's son, Carlton, has continued in his father's footsteps, and as far as I know, still has his own firm in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Imagine the Impacts of Climate Change on the National Park System

Oct 12th - 11:46am | Kurt Repanshek

Regarding Greenland's melting ice, in late August I was fortunate enough to attend a field workshop on climate change and the impacts to whitebark pine forests. One of the participants was Dr. Steve Running, a terrestrial ecologist from the University of Montana.

Big Cypress National Preserve: Is More ORV Access In Bear Island Unit Wise?

Oct 11th - 17:56pm | Anonymous

You have two types of ORV riders. First you have the mature type who cruise checking out the scenery or going to there hunting camps all while respecting nature and following existing trails. Then, you have the retard punks doing the mud wheelies and donuts or going thru untraveled routes making new ruts and trails.

NPS Retirees Oppose Carrying Guns in National Parks

Oct 11th - 15:15pm | Anonymous

"When seconds count law enforcement is only minutes away" I learned this first hand.

Black Bear Attacks Child at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Oct 11th - 09:31am | NC girl

I live nearby and from what I read and heard on the local news, the little boy had been eating KFC chicken and had wiped his hands on his clothing. That would indicate to me the bear thought the little boy was a food source and was not attacking a human for the sake of attacking a human.

Upon Further Review – A Rare Photo Op

Oct 10th - 20:46pm | Bob Krumenaker

Well hello, Jim, it's been what, 23 years since we worked together at Big Thicket? My best Big Thicket wildlife siting -- alas no photo -- was a live armadillo. I'd seen so many dead ones upside down on the side of the road that I was taken by complete surprise when a live one walked out of the woods and practically into me in the Turkey Creek Unit.

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