Summer is here, which means it's time to pack your bags and pick a destination. While there are thousands of worthy places to visit, this year I'm all about the National Park System. Last year the NPS celebrated its centennial and, especially given the political climate, it served as a reminder that I need to take better advantage of our country's rare natural gems. Ergo, I am taking off on a trip to California that includes a two-night stop at Joshua Tree National Park at the end of this week.
Miami's Everglades National Park is an equally worthwhile destination. In fact, I couldn't leave for Joshua Tree without first making a pit stop to my local national park so I stopped by this weekend. I had not visited since I was working on my Master's at UM. Man, it is beautiful (albeit steamy, this time of year)!