Hey Everyone,

Chanthee and I just made plans to go to Great Smoky Mountain for the Firefly Synchronization. This was totally 'fly off the seat of our pants' as I just happened to think about the firefly synchronization while I was doing the national park news. We were fortunate to be able to get camp spaces all in the Elkmont grounds - but we are going to be moving around from night to night. That is a bit of a drag, but the firefly synchronization is something we have been talking about for years.

We are going to be going at what APPEARS to be peak - between June 2nd to the 9th. I am totally buzzed (which would be a great play on words if we were dealing with a bee). Apparently last year the event occurred early and many people who were to go see it failed to get peak views.

James

While I am on the topic of summer plans, I have been planning a trip to hike the Yosemite High Camps for the last couple of months. I plan on heading up the end of June for a half loop. I am really excited about this as it is something I have never done before.


James

PS Anyone else have interesting summer plans?

James:

Sounds exciting. Will you be backpacking & carrying your own accommodations or do you have reservations for some of the High Sierra Camps? I would be really interested in learning about your experiences. And, of course, seeing pictures. <G>

My summer plans have all recently been put on hold while I resolve some health issues, so I'll be enjoying my summer vicariously through the exploits of fellow NWP Forum Members.

Jim

Thanks, Jim. LOL, I need to get better at posting pictures. I have not put up any photos from my last three trips. I am hopeful that the Great Smoky trip will fix that rut. I am still half tempted to write something on the dog show, but I worry it is getting a bit dated.

Anyway, the High Sierras trip will be interesting. I will have reservations and will be staying at the different high camps (well, 3 of them anyway). I will have a bed and a meal whenever I get in and breakfast the next day. My longest hike will be 13 miles. I am trying to break in my new hiking boots to get them ready for an actual work out.

James

That really sounds like a great trip. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. Hasn't anybody else made plans yet? Summer will be here before you know it.

Jim

Given the weather we were just hit with, it looks like it is hear. It is HOT outside (at least compared to where we have been). I went to work today without a jacket.

This morning, I was on the phone with my brother and we are making plans for a Fall trip to Yellowstone. It looks like my vacation days are pretty much set for the year.

I have been putting together a portfolio of my favorites photos, and I realize I am disproportionately loaded with Grand Teton photos. I hope to correct that a bit as I want to go to far more of the lower 48 parks. FYI, a friend of mine has approached me about a trip to Churchill, Canada for next year (2014) to see the polar bears. It sounds like a good (but expensive trip) - may as well see them while we still have them.

James