So, you've got the photos and you've got the map - but you're still probably wondering what we've been doing this summer (and perhaps why and how). Here's a little insight for the time being.
When we started this summer we had planned on hiking the Appalachian Trail. That was supposed to take up a little over 3 months and so we had to budget for that period of time. When we got bored of hiking, we still had the time and the money - thus our summer adventure.
Most of our time hiking was consumed with conversation about all of the amazing things that there are to do throughout the country, and not having current passports, we are limited to in country travel only. After playing around for a bit we figured, what better way to see the country than by visiting locations that were deemed important enough to be protected by an act of congress?!
Thus far we have visited the following National Parks, Preserves, Forests, Monuments, and/or Scenic Rivers:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (while hiking the AT)
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (St. Louis Arch)
Niobrara National Scenic River
Badlands National Park
Wind Cave National Park
Mount Rushmore National Monument
Jewel Cave National Monument
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Pompeys Pillar National Monument
Gallatin National Forest
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Arches National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Natural Bridges National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument
Mesa Verde National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Rocky Mountain National Park
We have seen amazing things through hikes, canoeing, climbing, and even doing the touristy thing of just looking out the windows. Through ranger talks and different displays I think I have learned more about our national history than I ever did in school and it has been amazing. Stay tuned for more stories of this summer, and of course more photos as our adventures continue!
