There is one place in the National Park System where the fireflies are almost like a well-conducted orchestra in that they all blink in unison. And if you head to Great Smoky Mountains National Park now, you just might see that performance.

"Death Valley Scotty" was a raconteur to most, a rapscallion to others, and a legend in the landscape now known as Death Valley National Park. With that background, it's fitting that the last known portrait of Scotty is back in the park.

Having crossed the country in four weeks, David and Kay Scott stopped for three nights in Kings Canyon National Park to work on updating their book, The Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges. Weighing camping in the snow at Grant Grove vs. divorce, David and Kay wisely headed down in elevation to a much warmer campground at Cedar Grove.

Spend time playing in the water during your national park excursions? If you paddle in the parks or slither through slot canyons that might offer water hazards, the Hummingbird Gear Cargo Carrier is a pack you might want to consider.