You are here

Review | The National Parks Journal

Share
The National Parks Journal

While most of us memorialize our national park adventures with photographs, a great companion to those images are your thoughts, and Stefanie Payne has given us much room to record those thoughts in The National Parks Journal, Plan & Record Your Trips To The US National Parks.

Despite having made park visits regular events during the past 40 years, I'm continually forgetting something -- either something I had intended to take on a park trek, or something I wanted to do while out in a park. Payne's gift is a journal that allows us to not only record special moments we experience in the parks, but room to write down things we definitely want to take with us. After my recent visit to Grand Teton National Park for some sea kayaking, I wrote in "contact lenses" and checked the "deck of cards" box for things to remember for future visits.

Payne opens the book with some basic National Park System history, such as: When the US National Park Service was formed in 1916, there had been no effort like it before. Its construct would go on to serve as a global footprint of how to shape comprehensive conservation efforts on a large scale, propelling ecotourism while safeguarding precious features that serve as a source of pride in countries all over the world.

And while she also lists the different categories to be found in the park system -- national parks, national monuments, national preserves, national scenic trails, national rivers, national lakeshores and seashores, etc., etc., etc. -- the true value of this small hardcover book are the pages for journaling.

As I mentioned, there's a section to keep track of what you want to pack, everything from electronics (don't forget your phone's and camera's charging cords and extra memory cards for your camera) to clothing, outdoor gear, and park-specific items (your guidebook or hiking map to Grand Teton, for instance). There's also a section to record your visit to a park, areas where you can note your favorite location, favorite photo, best wildlife sighting, biggest challenge you faced and more. You can even jot down tips you'd pass on to others heading to a specific park you visited.

There's a checklist for things you want to do when you reach your park -- Junior Ranger programs for the kids, ranger-led night walks, cultural and historical aspects stops -- and room to note the contact information for that outfitter you retained for a boat trip or photography class, a reminder to pick up your backcountry permit, and emergency contacts. 

Payne also provides us with a state-by-state listing of national p[arks, with checkboxes and room to note when you visited a park.

For a second edition, I'd recommend a digital version and, on the printed journal, room to ink your park stamp.

Of course, if you're on a mission to visit all 423 units (as of June 2022) of the National Park System, you'll need to pick up a couple of these journals, at least, as a single copy won't provide enough room.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

A really good piece of fiction about our national parks is Epistolary by Lisa Lambros.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Epistolary-Lisa-Lambros-ebook/dp/B0B1ZFZCMK/ref=s...


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.