FAQ
Q. How did you two get started?
A. After Mike had ventured to Mt. Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park solo, and after we had traveled together on several longer trips, we were excited to tackle more travel together. The National Parks seemed like a natural fit for the both of us as we were interested in adventuring outdoors more and like the appeal of being able to see more of the country and what it had to offer.
Q. What do you love most about the National Parks?
A. There is so much to love about the parks! From being outdoors, to the different landscapes, to the wonderful hikes along the way, the parks have it all. The both of us really try to capitalize on our time outdoors even when we aren’t hiking because there is so much to be gained.
The parks are also a great way to bring people together. Whether it is people we have met on a hike, or talked to at our Airbnb, or interacted with on Instagram, the parks drive cohesion. We have met some incredible people through our journeys and it brings the both of us so much joy.
Q. What do you recommend for a first time Parks Traveler?
A. It’s very easy to fall in love with the National Parks. It is like the National Park Service was created for those who love the outdoors and love learning, so be prepared for a long love affair.
Have a solid bug spray solution. There are bugs, but it’s all manageable and the CDC just said that Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is AS effective as Deet when staving off gnats.
We are Visitors to a natural habitat for plants and animals. “Leave no trace” and “Stay on the Trails” should be taken very seriously. Some vegetation takes hundreds of years to grow and can be killed by simply stepping on it. And animals are so beautiful, but one should absolutely not approach a wild animal.
Some hikes are difficult and scary, and not doing them doesn’t mean that you are getting less out of your time in that park. Go at your own pace. Let the Park take you where it wants to take you.
And finally...What are you waiting for? Just go. Even if you have no idea. Just go. The National Parks are always worth it, every single time. Just go.
Q. What is your favorite Park?
A. This is literally like trying to choose a favorite child. And while we are our are own separate people, we are both pretty keen on all the parks in Utah. Zion is definitely one of our top parks as well as Capitol Reef, Channel Islands, and Smoky Mountains. Great Smoky Mountains is a park we talk about visiting again and again and have actually been there together twice!
Q. What Resources do you use to plan a trip?
A. The NPS websites for each park are always our first stop. Then we tend to look at All Trails. We will also look at social media to see what people have recently hiked in the area to see what they recommend. We will often call the Visitor Center well before a trip to get a sense of weather and gauge hiking options prior to arriving.
Q. Why aren’t you two a Thing?
A. Two words, car farts.