I have the most fabulous idea for the best, absolutely most awesome gift for you to give to your special Valentine. Plus, this part is a secret. It is also a gift for you, too! And it will last all year long!!! Wow! It can’t get any better than that! And no, it isn’t going to cost a year’s salary. In fact, it is less than $100.  And no, it isn’t a puppy, although that would be pretty amazing. Have I peaked your curiosity?

This year is the 100th Anniversary of our National Park System. The National Park Service was created by an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916. Think of all the exciting times, spectacular scenery, and romantic sunsets ahead with your lovey-dovey. Not into camping? No worries. There are plenty of cabins, resorts, bed & breakfasts, hotels and more inside or close to most of the National Parks. Plus, the pass is a steal at $80. If you are 62 or older, it is only $10 and it’s good forever! When you buy your pass, you will get the National Parks brochure,  a hangtag to slide your pass into for displaying inside your vehicle, and the credit card-sized pass itself. This is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. 

You can go online to purchase your pass, as well as to view the pass brochure. Just click here  www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm

Does anyone know what national park those kayakers are at on the pass above? It’s a beautiful place!!! I’ve been in that exact spot on four different trips it’s that spectacular. Actually, the pass that you will buy now in 2016 has a different picture. It is a gorgeous polar bear. I bought this pass in December, 2015 as a Christmas present for Hubby. I also bought 2 others to give as Christmas presents. I figured I was also giving a gift to the National Parks, that I love so much, with the money generated by the pass fee. Have you figured out where that beautiful spot is? It is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and that arch is Petit Portal.

Can you guess where this picture might be from?

It’s Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was our first National Park. What a wonderful destination to celebrate the 100th Anniversary. In fact, many of the National Parks will be having special celebrations in honor of the 100th Anniversary. We are planning a trip there for later in the fall. 

Since Yellowstone was the first National Park, I thought it would be fitting if I added a few more pictures from an earlier visit to wet your appetite. The scenery there is out of this world with beauty and unique geological features. You will also have a chance of seeing a huge variety of the “big” wildlife. My tip there is to go wildlife watching early in the morning or right before dark! You won’t be disappointed. We have seen mountain goats, big horn sheep, grizzly and black bears, wolves, coyotes, deer, moose, and elk. Enjoy just a few of my Yellowstone pictures. I apologize in advance; the camera I had then wasn’t the best. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!