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Underwater Archeology Projects in Outer Banks Parks Address Intriguing Questions

May 23rd - 12:28pm | MRC

This presidential statement about the law on sunken war ships is fine, but obviously the US government ignored the law when they saw an advantage from it. Earlier this year the CIA declassified parts of their reports on the project Azorian, where they recovered parts (including nuclear torpedoes) of a sunken soviet sub in the Pacific ocean in 1974.

May 23rd - 12:15pm | Anonymous

When were they doing all this? And is there more information posted here about the progress if they've aleady started? Were German U-boats the same general design as today's submarines?

May 23rd - 07:03am | Bob Janiskee

The wrecks we're talking about here, dcpack, are not just junk lying on the bottom of the sea. Sunken warships (whether U.S. or foreign) are sovereign shipwreck property protected by federal and state laws. This is an internationally recognized legal principle, and it's been around for a long, long time.

May 23rd - 06:06am | dcpack

Information about the original English settlement is a worthwhile goal, considering it's unique place in our history.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument Turns 100 on Sunday

May 23rd - 12:20pm | MRC

Without good proof, I doubt the validity of the 10.000 years. The Navajo sandstone is pretty soft and the bridge should not be much older than 1000 years as it is now.

May 23rd - 10:58am | Rick Smith

I have never visited Rainbow Bridge via the Lake Powell access. I did, however, hike into the monument following the old "Teddy Roosevelt" trail, so called because it was reportedly the trail he followed when he visited Rainbow Bridge long before a visit by a President to a park service area was considered to be a "photo op".

Traveler's Gear Box: What's Covering Your Feet?

May 23rd - 12:11pm | y_p_w

The best results I've had were from the John Patridge Trailhead socks that I got from Sierra Trading Post about four years ago. It was a closeout model, and went for about $4 at the time. Of course closeout means they're no longer available. It was a blend of about one-thirds each of merino wool, Coolmax polyester, and nylon with a little spandex to make it elastic.

May 21st - 20:19pm | JOhn

I had cancer two years ago and went through heavy chemo, now I have neurophy in the bottom of my feet mostly in the balls of my toes and heels. Can anyone suggest a sandal that has a good cushioned heel and ball area?

May 21st - 19:36pm | Anonymous

Hi again,

May 21st - 18:57pm | Kurt Repanshek

Have you tried "Five Fingers" from Vibram? Ran into a hiker in Arches with them just last week. Nice alternative, but still pushing the $100 ceiling...

May 21st - 18:52pm | Anonymous

No - July. Not trying to be ridiculous, just offering a new idea to experiment with. In winter I wear shoes/boots with socks just like most folks. And let's not even talk about skiing/snowboarding!

May 21st - 18:40pm | Kurt Repanshek

Good point...but did she hike it in winter?;-)

May 21st - 18:36pm | Anonymous

Hello Travelers,

May 21st - 07:16am | Gaelyn

At these prices it's expensive to experiment.

Creature Feature: The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Faces an Uncertain Future

May 23rd - 10:01am | Bob Janiskee

I'm glad you're studying this issue, Anon. It deserves all the attention we can muster. Fortunately for the purposes of your project, Internet sources provide a great deal of additional information about the Kemp's ridley turtle and its problems (certainly more than I could every include in my article or this reply).

May 21st - 15:09pm | Anonymous

thats sad! kan u tell me more Im doing a project and I chose to study about this sea turtle PLEASE HELP!

Shuttle Buses Ready to Roll in Sequoia National Park

May 22nd - 23:08pm | y_p_w

How well the shuttle systems depend on how often/late they run. Zion's shuttle has to work well because they don't allow private vehicles (with limited exceptions). Yosemite and Grand Canyon operate their shuttles late. Grand Canyon has the Hermits Rest route that's not open to most private cars as well as some areas served by the buses where one isn't allowed to park.

May 22nd - 14:21pm | Kath

Shuttles are a great idea but 6pm is a little early to stop the service in the summer. People like to go to Moro Rock to watch the sunset which is considerably later than 6pm. The shuttles should run until sundown.

May 22nd - 13:40pm | B.Grant

I agree. I used to one of many people that thought they would be inconvenient and limiting, as I like the freedom of driving my own car. However, after using the park shuttles at both Denali and Zion, I must say I did like being able to look around while getting to a trailhead and not sitting in traffic. It makes me wish they would do this at Cades Cove in GSMNP.

May 22nd - 10:03am | Gaelyn

Have to love the shuttle system. Would like to see it in more parks. Here at Grand Canyon the South Rim shuttles are a huge success. Sure would like to see a shuttle on the North Rim.

Judge Tosses Surprise Canyon Lawsuit

May 22nd - 15:44pm | Anonymous

All you Californians... None of this would've taken place in Nevada. Death Valley and all your desert sites are overrated anyway. Get over it and move on. End of story.

Proposed Settlement Filed in Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Case

May 22nd - 13:52pm | Anonymous

ksw4obx I have an entirely different view of the situation. I own a cottage on the ocean side in Frisco. This area is adjacent to CHNS. I visited that area long before I purchased the cottage in the late 1990’s.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Dispute Places Birds, Turtles, and Humans on Small Strip of Sand

May 22nd - 13:49pm | Ron Saunders

A ps: please. It is a given that it will take a lot of effort and ingenuity to work some of this out. But look at how long this has been going on. There are a lot of things that have continually occurred that most everyone has been against. Some have continually tried to correct situations, some didn't care.

May 22nd - 12:57pm | Ron Saunders

Kurt, You have touched on one of the most important subjects involved. Pet restraint and clean up. This has been a tough one to date. Personally have had to ask people to leash their dogs and have occasionally cleaned up after some have left the beach. My wife probably moreso than I. But to assume this can not be overcome is not right.

May 21st - 17:53pm | Kurt Repanshek

"Demonization of our extended non-human family members"???

May 21st - 17:48pm | dapster

That's a standing offer, although I would gladly defer you to the care of an islander like John, and take B shift, if available.

May 21st - 14:01pm | Ron Saunders

Sorry but you would have to keep them leashed. Even if you were the only ones on the beach. Hey, I've never mentioned this anywhere but, maybe this has a little to do with why I feel the way I do. Early spring my wife and I were coming off ramp 4. It had been raining and a lot of water standing.

May 21st - 12:54pm | Kurt Repanshek

My dogs wouldn't stay by my side. They're springers, and they love the water;-)

May 21st - 12:48pm | Ron Saunders

Great !!! You would probably do better with either of them as I am not the greatest fisherman down there. But it doesn't matter. It's just standing there with your feet in the sand, a pole in your hand, good friends and family and your dog by your side. Thats what counts. But you know that. Best Wishes Ron

May 21st - 12:35pm | Kurt Repanshek

Ron, I'm sure there are all sorts of behind-the-scenes machinations and ruminations going on...on both sides of the issue. It's a thorny matter with no readily apparent solution. Sadly, I won't be surprised if this returns to court before a final plan is adopted.

May 21st - 12:13pm | Ron Saunders

Mr. Repanshek: My apologies, I stand corrected. I probably was thinking of various persons and their associations as opposed to actual number of quotations by each. Since here, I will take this opportunity to throw out one more thought and this is in no way directed at you or a reflection on your article.

May 21st - 09:53am | Anonymous

THe NPS does not mention the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge that is located ON Hatteras Island. The NPS does not mention the wildlife they have killed trying to protect non-endangered species. The NPS does not acknowledge that they created the environment that Predators live in. The NPS believes the way to manage predation is to kill them.

May 21st - 03:34am | Anonymous

I think the general public needs to be educated on the particular areas that are involved in this controversial issue. They speak of miles of open beach not affected by closures, tourism dollars not being affected, more areas for protected endangered birds. When I hear their comments I know immediately that they have never stayed on Hatteras Island (rodanthe, avon, buxton, frisco, hatteras).

May 20th - 21:26pm | Rick in MD

Agree with Salvo Jimmy's analogies. Also, lets not forget that you must book your vacation months in advance without knowing what you will be able to access in Seashore. The access report released today by the NPS indicates that less then 20 miles from Bodie Island to Ocracoke are open to ORVs heading into Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for the pictures Dapster.

May 20th - 18:20pm | Salvo Jimmy

OBTW commenting on the occupancy data Redford links. Based on personal observation there is no way Salvo actual body count increased by about 350%.

May 20th - 16:51pm | Salvo Jimmy

BTW just commenting on the meals link Redford provided. You note a dramatic decrease in Jan to Jan on Hattera Island except in Buxton because other area merchants chose to close. And a lot of the increase in Buxton can be explained by price increases I have personally witnessed.

May 20th - 16:29pm | Salvo Jimmy

Sorry Redford. Never said they were peer reviewed and neither does most of the stuff used in the DEIS pass that muster. Re pedestrians. The access advocates have asked for such in the form of Pea Island which lies totally within the Seashore boundaries but DOW, Auduban, SELC and pedestrian folks don't want it counted because it dilutes their claims to the rest of the Seashore.

Cavallo Point: New National Park Lodging in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

May 22nd - 05:56am | Bob Janiskee

As reported in Sunset magazine, the lodge at Cavallo Point recently advertised the "Ultimate Date Night Package," which consisted of a four-course dinner at the elegant Murray Circle,a room with a fireplace and pressed-tin ceiling, and breakfast the next morning. All of this for as little as $450 (some higher-amenity accommodations cost more).

Bug Spraying Will Briefly Close Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 21st - 22:02pm | justinh

Just spent a few days backpacking through the Cataloochee Valley. It was incredibly beautiful, but it was also pretty rough to see the decimation of old hemlocks.

Architect of Grand Teton National Park's Visitor Center Receives Highest Honor

May 21st - 18:51pm | Anonymous

Not sure about the above comment. Mostly I found the "entry way" a little off-putting, but the hall and displays were outstanding. The window views are expansive and give you a great starting point to the experience to the Tetons. I just wish they had followed the French meaning of the word through to a logical conclusion! ;)

Yosemite National Park To Install Large Solar Energy Complex At El Portal

May 21st - 18:28pm | Kath

Ah, yes. The stimulus. A giant waste of money we don't have. Check into whether these solar panels were manufactured in the U. S or China. Since there will be no energy cost savings here, if the government wanted to employ Americans, the money could have been better spent on a summer youth employment program building trails. The Central Valley of California has a high unemployment rate.

May 21st - 17:47pm | Kurt Repanshek

Working on it, Kath. Project was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

May 21st - 17:43pm | Kath

After I posted the above comment, it struck me how naive I was being. I kept pondering how someone in Yosemite management couldn't have run the numbers in two minutes like coolmom and I did and easily figure out that this was never going to save anything in electricity costs.

May 21st - 16:24pm | Kath

Exactly, coolmom. And since this is borrowed money, it will take even longer for the 'investment' to be recouped.

May 21st - 16:12pm | coolmon

Am I crazy or what.. at a savings of $104,000 each year in electrical expenses, the investment of 4.4 million will be recovered in roughly 42 years. Last time i checked a solar panel last for 20 years and it starts to loose some of its efficiency after a few years. Hummm ok what is wrong with this picture?

National Park Service Calls For Additional Bridges Along Tamiami Trail To Help Everglades

May 21st - 12:53pm | Kurt Repanshek

That's some great perspective, Tomp. Hopefully folks who comment on the DEIS will take note of that.

May 21st - 12:37pm | tomp

Just a bit of perspective: over the last 10-15 years, the stalled Mod Waters project went from >10 miles of bridge/causeway & levee removal down to the final 1 mile of bridge, a few more culverts, and raising the rest of the roadway a foot or 2 to allow greater head (elevation of water on the north, up-flow side) to push more water through the culverts.

North Rim Of Grand Canyon National Park To Open to Vehicles May 15

May 21st - 02:37am | MRC

Now it is available: http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/upload/2010NRguide.pdf

May 20th - 19:29pm | Anonymous

2010 guide still not available and it is 5/20/10

Reader Participation Day Bonus: How Many National Park-Designated Units of the National Park System Have You Visited?

May 20th - 15:40pm | Bob Janiskee

I began this article by asking "How many of the National Park-designated NPS units have you visited?" The list I provided consists of the 58 NPS units that fit this description.

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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.