Paddling down a river or across a lake in a national park setting is truly a wonderful, memorable experience, one that carries thrills and life-long memories. You can retrace the historic 19th-century journey of John Wesley Powell, or land on a lodgepole pine-studded shore where camp is set under swaying trees and the evening brings a vivid sunset.

"Monuments Men," the just-released movie starring George Clooney, Matt Damon and Bill Murray as World War II military historians tasked with saving artworks and cultural treasures from the throes of war, has some National Park Service threads woven into it.

There's been no shortage of discussion about the unhealthy lifestyle for too many Americans, and perhaps a new year has inspired you to make some changes. If that's the case, a "park prescription" from your health care professional might be helpful ... and could prove to be a literal application of the proverbial "just what the doctor ordered."