regeneration and nature

I've been watching the installments of Ken Burns: "National Parks America's Best Idea." And as I've loved many of the parks through pictures over the years, and at last count have visited at least 20 of them....there is much I never knew or understood. These men and women who had a deep love of the land, animals, and even the history of these great spots around us.

It is interesting to see other people in history who thrived in nature. I knew I wasn't odd in the fact nature invigorates me and excites me, but it is never really talked about anymore. Most people now days talk about the the cities and places they go, focusing on buildings and food and shops. But how often do you hear anymore about the bird, the squirrel, this flower, or that tree. I admit to it myself the awe of a skyscraper, yet I still manage to have a picture of a flower growing somewhere in that city, a mountain in the distance, or the squirrel begging at our feet.

The more I watch of this series the more I want to move to visit all those parks and places I've seen in pictures.

What about you?

Travel thoughts

Been spending a lot of time reviewing and editing photos from my big trip and contemplating what i will do next.

Big trips are never easy to do but worth the effort in finding deals. Look around at hotel prices, why stay in a icky hotel (read reviews, if several reviews all hit on the same problems changes are they are really and issue) when for the same price or a little more you can find a really nice one. Want to visiting a nice restaurant, those tips I've heard over and over are true. Eat lunch there or eat in the bar.....if you don't eat a lot splitting meals can work too. Airfare and rental cars have to be shopped carefully and seen if they are worth it. Pricing gas in the area is a great tool we have now, to help estimate the costs.

So now I need to decide where I want to go, get information, and pricing estimates together. So I can save and plan for whatever extras or new things I will need for that trip.

Big plans are always swimming around my head....but it always comes down to which trips can I afford and more often than not that day trip to the orchard or park can be just as exciting if not more.