What do Hoover Dam, cold water and a rattlesnake have in common? They're all elements in a story that confirms the wisdom of a good rule for any outdoor trip: Let sleeping snakes lie.

In the past, my national park visiting has been too intermittent and unfocused for comfort. But this year my New Year’s Resolutions are going to provide a sense of purpose and direction. Five parks is a very doable agenda. My list includes three Sure Things, a True Confession, and one Unfinished Business.

We at the Traveler would like to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year! May 2009 bring you many adventures in our National Park System.

This 1,000-foot-high cinder cone was formed after earthquakes and fireworks-like explosions hurled molten rock thousands of feet into the air. Nope, it's not in Hawaii, and this mount is not named for a saint.