Veterans' free entry to National Parks

An FYI to any veteran readers out there: Free entry into the National Parks on Veteran's Day weekend.
The intent of this free entry is to see the historical parks like Gettysburg and such.

I recommend you bypass the backcountry on the freebie at least this weekend to honor those that have gone before us.

National Parks Free to All for Veterans Day Weekend http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118448  11/05/2012 11:43 AM CST National Parks Free to All for Veterans Day Weekend American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2012 - America's 398 national parks will offer the public free admission Nov. 10-12 during Veterans Day weekend in honor of those who serve and have served in the U.S. military, according to a National Park Service news release. "National parks preserve places that commemorate our country's collective heritage -- our ideals, our majestic lands, our sacred sites, our patriotic icons -- which our military has defended through the years," National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said in the release. "We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of military members, past and present, and honored to tell their story at many of our national parks," Jarvis added. From frontier forts to World War II battlefields, more than 70 national parks have direct connections to the military, the release said. These include the earliest national parks, where Army engineers designed park roads and buildings and the cavalry enforced regulations from 1886 until the National Park Service was established in 1916. National parks throughout the country will hold special events to commemorate Veterans Day......

Book Review: "River Of Doubt"

Teddy spent some serious time in the backcountry! 

-- North Dakota in the 1800's. 

-- The Amazon, which is still pretty much wild and definitely "backcountry" in my book.

If you like to read about backcountry adventure, this is a good read. I read it about a year ago, and honestly, all I remember is that I liked it alot and there was some serious adventure in it.

Getting the kids out into the backcountry....

Wow, I realized this post never got published.  It was a GREAT DAY!

OK, two miles in isn't backcountry, but I can tell you not alot of folks wandered out our way on this day. In fact, we didn't see anyone except the two people fishing at the confluence of the Yellowstone and the Lamar.

This magic place for kids in the backcountry is about 200 yards upstream on the Lamar from the confluence with the Yellowstone. Only about two miles in, and our 3 1/2 year old hiked it all by himself. The 16 month old loved playing in the sand all day. Dad fished, and Mom got a little fishin' in, too.

Cruising down the trail.

The Lamar River from above.

Our piece of paradise for the day. Great spot for kids!

That's a coyote to the right of the rock! Who knows how long he was following us! Kind of scary when you think that the coyote could have easily taken one of the kids that was right in front of us.

Wonderful place!

Movie Review: "The River Why"

Somehow, someway....my wife and I had some time for a movie last night. "The River Why" was in the Netflix queue, so that's what we watched.

I liked it! It was a really nice movie that didn't try to play off the "River Runs Through It." There are a few  really cool scenes that I won't spoil for you.  This isn't an action film in any way, but if you want something relaxing, this is it.

Bottom line: if you want a cool fly-fishing movie to watch with wifey/hubby, take a chance on this one.

Oneida Narrows decision...

This news came out last week, but I think it is worth posting for anyone who hasn't seen it.... good news if you ask me.

http://www.greateryellowstone.org/news/index.php?id=1748

HOME > News GYC News State Kills Dam Plan: Oneida Narrows Project 'Not In The Public Interest' October 19, 2012 Michael O'Donnell | Idaho State Journal Editor's note: Hopefully this is the final nail in the coffin for this bad idea, which would have inundated the last free-flowing stretch of the Bear River. GYC has been leading the fight against this project. PRESTON — A proposal to build a dam in the Bear River’s Oneida Narrows northeast of Preston has been killed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources.     The department released a final order Thursday denying an application to build a dam in the narrows from Twin Lakes Canal Company stating it was “not in the public interest.”     It confirmed a preliminary issued ruling by the IDWR earlier this year. To read the entire story, click here.

Backcountry Kids children's book available now!

Just letting everyone know that the children's book "Backcountry Kids" is available on Kindle now, and there should be hard-copies available by November 1.

Young children can join Backcountry Kids Jackson and Emma as they explore Yellowstone National Park. Learn about Yellowstone National Park and how to stay safe while hiking and exploring the park. The beautiful illustrations will catch the eye of every young child as parents read about America's first national park. Every child will be inspired to get outside, get some fresh air, and enjoy the great outdoors!

Bob Beason from Pocatello did some simply AWESOME and BEAUTIFUL art in this book.

Check it out on Amazon!

Life is good...

On the Madison River for the annual Columbus Day fishing. Finally warmed up a bit at 1100.