Two weeks ago we suggested a new tradition, that of thanking national park rangers for their service every July 29. Well, today's the 29th, so thank a ranger if you see one today.

True, when you consider that the maintenance backlog across the National Park System is some $8 billion or so, the $750 million-$920 million being spent in the parks courtesy of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act isn't that significant. Still, some good work is being done with the money.

What's your favorite trail in the National Park System? That can be a tough question. Some believe hiking the "Narrows" in Zion National Park is as good as it gets. Others might say a multi-day outing on the John Muir Trail through Yosemite National Park down to Devil's Postpile and on to Sequoia National Park and Mount Whitney is the best there is.

If it’s this hot where you are, you need to go somewhere else.