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Tree Swallow

Monday, August 24, 2020

National Parks Pass


Getting older isn't for sissies. As those of you who are of age are aware, everything hurts, much of you now droops, blotches and sags and it can be difficult to climb a set of stairs without a wheeze.

The benefits are indeed scarce. Especially for a working stiff like me who wasn't smart enough to ever retire.  But there is one sure benefit. There is nothing I would rather do than to traipse around our national parks.

And today, being sixty two years old, at least for a couple more months, I bought a lifetime National Parks Senior Pass. Cost ninety bucks. For ever. I bought mine at the USGS site.

Hell of a deal. Soon I hope to be in Yosemite, Sequoia or Kings Canyon, smelling the pines and snapping away with the camera.

Not sure why I waited nine months but glad to scratch this one off the list.

Take that, you young whippersnappers.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

We visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches next month. Flying in to St. George, flying home from Grand Junction. We had to cancel a month in Switzerland, and Austria this summer. Hopefully next year will happen.

Blue Heron said...

I know all those places like the back of my hand. Rent a jeep and drive the Schafer Trail when you are in Canyonlands. Pretty amazing. Make sure you check out Goblin Valley too. Put Utah in my search box on the blog and you will see a lot of pics and stories over the years. You don't need to go to Europe, America is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

I don't "need" to go to Europe. I want to go to Europe. It's a huge world, and I have the health and wear with all to see as much of it as possible. The Alps are particularly beautiful, especially by train. "I want to hear and see everything" - Jimi Hendrix

Blue Heron said...

The swiss are a real bore I hear and the place is stupid expensive. But you just edelweiss your little heart out...

Liz said...

Glad you bought it. Maybe after traveling becomes possible you and Leslie can come easy and visit both your sisters

Anonymous said...

Friends and family. The best investment one can make.

aferda said...

Also don't forget that you can get a lifetime pass for $10 if you are permanently disabled.

Anonymous said...

It's probably safe to say that Switzerland's specific charms for visitors are more of the nature/outdoors variety and less of the urban/megacity one. My wife visited five European countries over the course of a month, and she absolutely loved Switzerland! I trust her judgement on this. The food, the festivals, and arguably some of the best jazz venues in Europe (Montreux, Lugano, Basel, Bern) are certainly a big draw. The sheer beauty of the country, and the diverse cultures (German, French, Italian) make it very attractive for many tourists. Expensive? Surely, but life is about experiences. I feel very blessed that I can see as much of the world that I desire to see, with the person I love as my travel companion. Nothing boring about that.

Blue Heron said...

I flew over Switzerland when I left Italy and was amazed by the beauty. Honestly if I could afford it, I would be there in a heartbeat. I have met a lot of Swiss people and I find the Italian Swiss very warm and wonderful. I am sure the whole country is great.

Ken Seals said...

I got my pass when they were $25. You have enjoyed it many times, including the Schaffer Trail.