Though it's the middle of summer, the folks who run lodges in the national parks are starting to eye the fall and winter seasons and are offering some deals with hopes of getting advance reservations rolling. Now, these aren't the kinds of deals that will knock your socks off, but still, an off-season visit to a park can be incredibly enjoyable.
    Here's what I've heard of so far:

    * At Death Valley, the folks at the Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort are offering what they term "a progressive senior discount" to guests age 60 and over for stays between October 15th and May 10th. The discounts start at 10 percent off a room for a one-night stay, any night of the week, and then rise to 20 percent for two nights, and then 30 percent for three nights or more. You can check on availability by calling 760-786-2345.

    * A variety of discounts are being offered at Grand Canyon lodges on the South Rim this winter. The "Winter Value Rate" translates into a room at either Maswik South or Yavapai West lodges for $76 per night, while rooms at the Maswik North or Yavapai East lodges are going for $89 per night Children 16 and younger stay free. The "El Tovar Romance Package" covers one night in a standard queen room, a bottle of California sparkling wine, a fruit basket in your room, and dinner for two with a bottle of El Tovar wine in the hotel's restaurant, all for $274 plus tax. You can upgrade to a deluxe room or suite if available. The promotional code for this discount is "ROMA." The Winter Value Rate is good November 26th through March 8th, excluding December 21st-January 1st and February 16th-18th. The Romance Package is available November 26th through February 1st, excluding December 21st through January 1st.