It’s no secret glaciers are retreating due to global warming trends. Different federal agencies have set up glacial monitoring programs to track these changes in the national parks. But don’t fret about a total disappearance of glaciers just yet. There are national parks in both the U.S. and Canada where you can still see, and even stand on, a glacier.

What do you do when you’re stuck at home, dreaming of the fresh air, beautiful landscapes, and trail adventures of a national park or other public land? You sit down to your computer and Google it! A little bit of web surfing can produce quite a few virtual tours created by the National Park Service for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Contributing editor Rebecca Latson lists some links that will take you on virtual tours where you can listen and learn about your favorite national park or a place you plan on visiting in the future, without ever moving from your couch.

I've long been a paddler, but primarily of canoes and occasionally rafts. While I have a few times gotten into a sea kayak and paddled away from shore, I never fully embraced the sport. Until now. Having placed an order for a sea kayak worthy of big lakes and ocean waters, while awaiting delivery I naturally turned my attention to where in the National Park System this new hobby would fit. And the results were fairly breathtaking in the parkscapes they entailed.