• Bare Soul Wanderlust
  • Bare Soul Wanderlust

National Parks

My fascination with national parks was ignited on June 3, 1996, during an excursion with my best friend and her mother. This pivotal journey kindled my profound appreciation for nature, waterfalls, and the art of capturing the essence of our nation. Read more
  • Trip start
    June 3, 1996
  • Arlington House

    March 27, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    The Robert E. Lee Memorial
    Arlington House is the nation’s memorial to Robert E. Lee. It honors him for specific reasons, including his role in promoting peace and reunion after the Civil War. In a larger sense it exists as a place of study and contemplation of the meaning of some of the most difficult aspects of American history: military service; sacrifice; citizenship; duty; loyalty; slavery and freedom.Read more

  • George Washington Mem Parkway

    March 27, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    A Scenic Approach
    The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links sites that commemorate important episodes in American history and preserve habitat for local wildlife. The parkway and its associated trails provide a scenic place to play and rest in the busy Washington, DC metropolitan area.Read more

  • Constitution Gardens

    March 27, 2016 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    Officially established in 1965, National Mall and Memorial Parks actually protects some of the older parkland in the National Park System. Areas within this premier park provide visitors with ample opportunities to commemorate presidential legacies; honor the courage and sacrifice of war veterans; and celebrate the United States commitment to freedom and equality.Read more

  • Colonial NHP

    March 31, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    The Colonial Parkway is a twenty-three mile scenic roadway stretching from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown. It connects Virginia's historic triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Several million travelers a year use this route to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of Virginia.

    The Parkway's construction presented the National Park Service with a unique challenge: build a thoroughfare unifying culturally distinct sites crossing several pristine natural environments while still maintaining the National Park Service's prime directive "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same." Adding to the complexity of the project was a construction period extending over twenty-six years through the Depression, World War II, and funding shortages.

    The Parkway, completed in 1957, is an NPS success story. This roadway allows motorists to appreciate the surrounding landscape, while reducing impact on the resources and providing for traveler safety
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  • Cumberland Gap NHP

    August 2, 2016 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Mountain Gateway
    Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America. Explore 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of wilderness. Stand in 3 states at once. Explore a cave, see Hensley Settlement, or camp under the stars. Come find your connection to Cumberland Gap.Read more

  • Wright Brothers N Memorial

    May 7, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    They Taught the World to Fly!
    Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where, after four years of scientific experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903.

    With courage and perseverance, these self-taught engineers relied on teamwork and application of the scientific process. What they achieved changed our world forever.
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  • Cape Hatteras NS

    May 8, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Climbed 257 steps to the top for a beautiful birthday view.

    The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!Read more

  • Gulf Islands NS

    November 27, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    The Lure of the Islands in the Gulf of Mexico
    Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes.Read more

  • Hot Springs NP

    May 18, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destinationRead more

  • Jefferson National Expansion

    July 16, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 90 °F

    Gateway to the West
    Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, and Dred and Harriet Scott, who sued for their freedom in the Old Courthouse.Read more

  • Little Rock Central High School

    July 18, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    "Mob rule cannot be allowed to override the decisions of our courts."
    In 1957, Little Rock Central High School was the epicenter of confrontation and a catalyst for change as the fundamental test for the United States to enforce African American civil rights following Brown v. Board of Education. Learn how the sacrifice and struggle endured by the Little Rock Nine have provided opportunities and opened doors for those seeking equality and education around the world.Read more

  • Nintey Six NHS

    October 24, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Walk Where Battles Were Fought and Heroes Were Forged
    Settlers struggled against the harsh backcountry to survive. Cherokee Indians hunted and fought to keep their land. Two towns and a trading post were formed then abandoned to the elements. And two Revolutionary War battles claimed over 100 lives. Come discover the 18th century history of South Carolina.Read more

  • Cape Lookout NS

    October 25, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    Explore the Undeveloped Islands of Cape Lookout
    A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beachesRead more

  • Blue Ridge Parkway

    October 26, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 39 °F

    America's Favorite Drive
    A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.Read more

  • Tupelo NB

    November 30, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 64 °F

    Tupelo National Battlefield
    In July, 1864, Union forces, including men from the United States Colored Troops, marched into Tupelo, Mississippi. Disorganized Confederate soldiers fought fiercely but could not overpower the federal troops. Neither side could claim a clear victory, but Union troops had succeeded in their main goal: keeping the Confederates away from Union railroads in Tennessee.Read more

  • Natchez Trace Parkway

    November 30, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    A Drive through 10,000 Years of History
    The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace," a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy a scenic drive as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.Read more

  • Natchez NHP

    November 30, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 70 °F

    The Richest History On the Mississippi River
    Discover the history of all the peoples of Natchez, Mississippi, from European settlement, African enslavement, the American cotton economy, to the Civil Rights struggle on the lower Mississippi RiverRead more

  • Brices Cross Roads NBD

    November 30, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 63 °F

    Winning the Battle, Losing the War
    The Confederate victory at Brices Cross Roads was a significant victory for Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest, but its long term effect on the war proved costly for the Confederates. Brices Cross Roads is an excellent example of winning the battle, but losing the war.Read more

  • Stone Rivers NB

    December 5, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 32 °F

    A Hard Earned Victory
    The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it changed forever the people who lived and fought hereRead more

  • Shiloh NMP

    December 5, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 37 °F

    An Epic Contest
    Visit the sites of the most epic struggle in the Western Theater of the Civil War. Nearly 110,000 American troops clashed in a bloody contest that resulted in 23,746 casualties; more casualties than in all of America's previous wars combined. Explore both the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields to discover the impact of this struggle on the soldiers and on the nationRead more

  • Lake Mead National Recreational Area

    December 23, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    America's First National Recreation Area
    Experience outdoor thrills amongst striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters. Hike, swim, boat, cycle, camp, fish, volunteer, and learn! This year-round national park spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. Just a stone's throw from the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, this extraordinary playground beckons with a symphony of possibilities.Read more

  • Grand Canyon - West

    December 23, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    Grand Canyon West is a census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, United States, located on the Hualapai Reservation. The population was reported as 0 at the 2020 census. Grand Canyon West is home to the tribe's Grand Canyon business operations, including the Grand Canyon West Airport and the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Typically, they are open from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., including all holidays.Read more