Going Deep: Explore the Most Amazing Caves in the U.S.
It’s easy to assume you need to travel internationally to see the world’s most amazing natural wonders. Thankfully for travelers, that isn’t true at all. Americans can visit some of the best beaches, best parks, and best caves on the planet without a passport.
If you’re ready to go deep and explore some of America’s more hidden natural wonders, here are eight of the country’s most incredible caves.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial expands interpretive programming!
Park Ranger led bus programs to the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials on Ford Island are back!
Ford Island Bus Tours are back and are available for reservations on recreation.gov. The 90-minute Ford Island Bus Program will run Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and depart from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at 3:15 p.m. To reserve your seat visit: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10089185
For the remainder of 2022, our non-profit partner Pacific Historic Parks has offered to help keep the Ford Island Bus Program tour reservation fees at a reduced cost. Reservations will require a $1 per person reservation fee. This fee is charged and kept by recreation.gov; it does not transfer to the National Park Service.
Reservations are required for all participants, including infants and children. Reservations are required and are non-transferable as the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah Memorials are located on Ford Island, an active-duty military installation. This program is for free and independent travelers only; not for commercial/for-profit tour groups or coordinators. There is no standby availability for this program at this time. Tours may be canceled on short notice due to base security concerns.
For accessibility needs e-mail PERL_info@nps.gov, participants should plan on walking short distances on some uneven and grassy areas, as well as be prepared for inclement weather.
The Ford Island Bus Program does not include access to the USS Arizona Memorial. To reserve tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial, please visit the Arizona Memorial Program page on Recreation.gov.
Spontan geht demnächst in der Hochsaison nichts mehr…
Glacier National Park
Diesen Sommer solltet ihr euch auf viele Baustellen in umd um den Glacier NP einstellen.
Road Construction and Infrastructure Project Work
In the summer of 2022 there will be several road construction projects that may impact travel times within the Glacier National Park area.
As You Approach the Park
U.S. Highway 2
Highway 2, along the southern boundary of the park is being worked on between Hungry Horse, MT and Stanton Creek until June 1. Expect traffic delays along this route. More information about the construction project can be found on Montana Department of Transportation's website.U.S. Highway 89
The section of Highway 89 immediately east and south of St. Mary, MT will be under construction this summer. This is the continuation of a multi-year project that has been ongoing for the last few summers. Expect traffic delays between Hudson Bay Divide and Kiowa. More information about the construction project can be found on Montana Department of Transportation's website.
Inside the Park
Going-to-the-Sun Road
The Lake McDonald Utilities Project will replace seven miles of sewer force main, electrical, and telephone lines from Apgar to the Lake McDonald Lodge along Going-to-the-Sun Road. It will also replace the lift station at the lodge to reduce the threat of sewage overflow.A short construction zone in one lane of the Going-to-theSun Road will take place from now until June 1, 2022. This construction zone will have flaggers on either end to temporarily stop traffic. This zone will be moving through the day and from day-to-day until major construction begins.
Major construction will begin on June 1, 2022 at 10 pm. Spring and summer work will be done at night from 10 pm to 6 am, with a nighttime closure in place along Going-to-the-Sun Road from the south end of the lake near Apgar Campground to Sprague Creek Campground. There will be a full closure beginning October 1, 2022.
Camas to North Fork & Northeast Bridges
A bridge rehabilitation project will restore 13 bridges around the park over the next two years. Work will start on the Camas Road bridge over the North Fork of the Flathead on July 18, 2022 and will incorporate single lane closures September 6, 2022 through November 13, 2022. Beginning July 18, 2022 Fish Creek, Dutch Creek, and Anaconda Creek Bridges on the Inside North Fork Road, which is closed to vehicles, will have single lane closures for hiker/biker and will move to full closures beginning September 6, 2022 through the Fall. The Lee Creek Bridge on Chief Mountain Highway near the Northeast Canadian border will have single lane closures beginning September 6, 2022 through November 13, 2022.Logan Pass and St. Mary Visitor Centers
In June crews will begin work to replace doors, windows, hand railings, and deteriorated roof beams at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. This will project will have minimal impact to visitors. The St. Mary Visitor center project will replace rotted columns on the exterior of the visitor center. There will be temporary closures around both visitor centers to visitors and employees.Big Bend
In June the most unique vault toilet in Glacier with a living roof will be completed. The project includes a two-hole vault toilet set back into the hill on the north side of the road. The construction zone on the north side of Big Bend is closed to all pedestrian and vehicle traffic until the project is complete. There will be minimal impacts to employees and visitors.Rising Sun
The Rising Sun Utilities Project will replace sewer and water lines in the concessions lodging area. The contractor will stop work from June 8, 2022 to September 11, 2022 for the visitor season. During the Spring closure, there will be no access into Rising sun. From September 11, 2022 through the end of the season, the entrance into the concessions area will be blocked off to visitors as well as access to the Otokomi Lake Trail.
Goblin Valley Campground Is The Best Year-Round State Park Campground In Utah
Goblin Valley State Park is one of the most fascinating state parks in the Beehive State. This area is filled with unique sandstone formations and during a visit, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step onto a different planet. With all there is to do and see in this Utah state park, you will definitely want to stay a while. And, of course, the best place to rest your head is Goblin Valley Campground.
Goblin Valley State Park is located near Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and the town of Green River. It has become a popular destination for hiking, photography, and even wildlife viewing.
With so much to do, you’ll want to stay for several days to enjoy it all and luckily, Goblin Valley Campground is one of the best state park campgrounds in Utah.This year-round campground offers 24 campsites with restroom and shower facilities. There are 12 standard campsites, 11 tent-only campsites, and one large group site that you can reserve during your getaway.
While there are no trees in this campground, you will sleep next to unique sandstone formations, offering you a little protection from Mother Nature’s harsh outdoor elements.
If you are interested in a truly unique adventure, reserve a yurt at Goblin Valley Campground. There are two yurts available and each one takes your camping experience to a whole new level.
However, regardless of where you stay, you’ll want to stay up late, step outside, and enjoy the night sky. Goblin Valley is an International Dark Sky Park and is where you will find some of the darkest night skies in Utah – perfect for star gazing.
With incredible landscapes, picturesque campsites, and dark night skies, there’s no doubt why Goblin Valley State Park is one of the best state park campgrounds in Utah.
Glacier National Park: Besuch nur mit Einfahrtsticket
Der Glacier National Park verlangt auch im Sommer 2022 ein vorreserviertes Ticket bei Fahrt über die Going-to-the-Sun Road und den Zugang über die North Fork Road.
Durch das "Vehicle Reservation System" für den Glacier National Park im nördlichen US-Bundesstaat Montana soll auch in dieser Saison der Besucherandrang im Park in die richtigen Bahnen gelenkt und Staus vermieden werden. Der Zugang zur Going-to-the-Sun Road, die durch den Park führt, sowie zum North Fork Gebiet des Parks ist somit bis einschließlich 11. September 2022 nur mit Reservierung möglich. In der Nachsaison, ab dem 12. September sind Durchfahrten dann wieder ohne Ticket erlaubt.
Wichtige Ausnahme: Übernachtungsgäste und Besucher bestimmter vorgebuchter Aktivität im Park benötigen keine Ticket-Reservierung.
Tickets für den Glacier National Park
Reservierungen sind ab dem Westeingang bzw. der Rising Sun Area für die Going-to-the-Sun Road, sowie für die North Fork Route ab dem Camas Eingang nötig. Für beide existieren getrennte Reservierungssysteme. Mit der Online Anmeldung werden 2 USD Gebühr pro Fahrzeug fällig, wobei die Tickets immer für drei Tage gültig und unter Recreation.gov buchbar sind. Zusätzlich muss natürlich auch der reguläre Nationalpark Eintritt vor Ort gezahlt werden.Details zu den Ausnahmen
Eine wichtige Ausnahme für die Regelung gilt für Gäste, die eine Hotel-Übernachtung im Park gebucht haben oder eine Reservierung auf einem Campingplatz im Park vorweisen können. Diese Besucher benötigen keine Ticket-Reservierung für ihr Fahrzeug.
Auch einige ausgewählte vorgebuchte Aktivitäten wie beispielsweise ein Reitausflug in Agpar oder am Lake McDonald, bestimmte geführte Wanderungen der Glacier Guides sowie einige Red Bus Touren entlang des Going-to-the-Sun Korridors oder eine Bootstour auf dem Lake McDonald oder dem St. Mary Lake machen eine Ticketreservierung obsolet.
Der kostenlose Park-Shuttle wird in diesem Jahr auf der Going-to-the-Sun Road vom Apgar Visitor Center zum St. Mary Visitor Center fahren. Für das Shuttlesystem ist keine gesonderte Reservierung erforderlich, da dieses nach dem Prinzip "First come, first serve" verfährt.
18 photos from the birth of America's national parks
Going-to-the-Sun Road Opens for the 2022 Season
Going-to-the-Sun Road officially opened this morning for the 2022 summer season. The road may now be accessed by motorized vehicles all the way through from both the West Glacier and St. Mary entrances.
Historically, Going-to-the-Sun-Road had late openings on July 13 in both 2011 due to snowpack and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are the latest recordings of the road opening, besides its original opening on July 15, 1933. This year the late opening has been attributed to late winter weather, making it difficult for road crews to clear the road during continued avalanche danger.
Vehicle reservations are needed to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor at the West Glacier Entrance, Camas Entrance and Rising Sun checkpoint (located 6 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance) from 6 am until 4 pm each day. North Fork area of the park reservations are required between 6 am and 6 pm. 24-hour advanced reservations are released at 8 am MDT the day before the effective date on Recreation.gov.
Reservations are not required for any other portions of the park (for example Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Cut Bank, Walton, Goat Lick, St. Mary or Chief Mountain Highway) and visitors are still subject to the per vehicle entrance pass fee. These areas are congested, and visitors can expect traffic restrictions between 10 am and 2 pm.
Visitors with service reservations along Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor and in the North Fork area of the park do not need a vehicle reservation. Valid service reservations will serve as a vehicle reservation for the day of the service reservation and include lodging, camping, commercial tours, etc.
With Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open, the number of vehicle reservations available will be increased. This increase will be executed through a series of additional reservation releases made available each morning starting July 13 at 8 am. Advanced reservations are exclusively available on Recreation.gov. Visitors will not be able to obtain a reservation at the park.
Additional details for Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation system may be found on Glacier National Park’s Website.
The park’s free shuttle service, along Going-to-the-Sun Road will be operational this year under a first come-first served system with stops at the Apgar Visitor Center, Sprague Creek Campground, Lake McDonald Lodge Avalanche Creek, The Loop, Logan Pass, Siyeh Bend, Gunsight Pass, St. Mary Falls, Sunrift Gorge, Sun Point, Rising Sun, and the St. Mary Visitor Center. Please check the park website for additional information on shuttle stops. At times when Flathead or Glacier county COVID-19 community levels are high, face masks will be required on shuttles.
Services at Logan Pass include restroom facilities and potable water. Visitor information services will be provided at the Logan Pass Visitor Center from 9 am to 7 pm daily starting July 14. The Glacier National Park Conservancy bookstore will be operating inside of the Logan Pass Visitor Center, with access at the upper level. The visitor center entrances will have construction beginning July 14 however, visitors will still be able to access the inside of the building. At times when county COVID-19 transmissions are high, face masks will be required in all federal buildings including visitor centers, hotels and restaurants.
There will be some major work zones on Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer. Visitors will not be able to access Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Entrance before 6 am due to night-time construction along Lake McDonald. There will be nightly closures between 10 pm and 6 am, from the foot of Lake McDonald to just west of the Sprague Creek Campground. Vehicles will have one opportunity at midnight to be piloted through the nightly closures. During the day, traffic lights will control a single lane through the construction area.
Construction crews are also installing a new vault toilet at Big Bend that is scheduled to be complete by the end of July. Until construction is complete, Big Bend will have less parking available. Visitors need to be on the lookout for work zones, slow down, and give the construction workers a wide berth.
While driving along the road, particularly through the Rim Rock area (approximately one mile west of Logan Pass) visitors should be aware of potential rockfall and should not slow down or stop in this section. Rocks and other debris continue to fall throughout the summer, requiring daily clean up.
Vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet, and/or wider than 8 feet, are prohibited on Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun. Vehicles over 10 feet in height may have difficulty driving west from Logan Pass due to rock overhangs.
The Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Trail from Logan Pass, Oberlin Climbing Route, and a portion of the Grinnell Trail remains closed due to hazardous snow conditions and emerging vegetation. For up-to-date information on trail conditions and clearing activities, visit the park’s trail status webpage.
Bicyclists are reminded that bicycle safety restrictions on Going-to-the-Sun-Road are in effect, and remain in effect through Labor Day, September 5. Bicycles are prohibited in certain areas between 11 am and 4 pm. Information on bicycle restrictions may be found in the park newspaper available at park entrance stations, or online on the park’s bicycle information webpage.
Visitors are encouraged to limit vehicle idling to no more than two minutes in Glacier in parking lots, at scenic viewpoints and trailheads, and while stopped in traffic lines and road construction to benefit the health of both the public and the park resources.
Visitors should not throw food waste, including apple cores, orange peels, sunflower seeds, unwanted drinks (coffee, tea, soda) etc., out car windows while waiting in lines. This attracts wildlife to the roadways which increases wildlife fatalities. Discard garbage in bear-proof garbage cans.
Hier gibt es regelmässig Infos, in welchem Park wegen Crona Masken getragen werden müssen: NPS Public Health Update
Normalerweise muss man die Masken in Innenräumen tragen.
Zurzeit werden die Parks wieder mehr, wo das Maskentragen vorgeschrieben ist (der neueste ist der Yellowstone NP).
White Sands National Park Celebrates National Moth Week
White Sands National Park announces National Moth Week from July 23 through July 31, which "celebrates moths' beauty, life cycles, and habitats. "Moth-ers" of all ages and abilities are encouraged to learn about,observe, and document moths in their backyards, parks, and neighborhoods."
To celebrate this week, White Sands invites you to join our citizen science Backyard Moth BioBlitz at iNaturalist. Take a digital self-guided "moth walk" on the park's Interdune Boardwalk. Listen to Eric Metzler, White Sands' resident moth expert, in a podcast on the importance of moths to our ecosystem and his exciting research being conducted at White Sands. Stop by the park's partner Western National Parks Association stop to check out products featuring White Sands moths.
Gibt schon schräge Sachen….. 
Florida Keys bieten neue Attraktionen
Die Florida Keys und Key West gehören zu jenen Zielen in Florida, die von Urlaubern das ganze Jahr über als Ergänzung zu Miami und den Everglades ins Auge gefasst werden – oder sie kommen auch nur deshalb. Dieses Jahr gibt es neue Attraktion in der Region, die eine rund 200 Kilometer lange Inselkette ist und als schönste Sackgasse der Welt bezeichnet wird.
Da ist zunächst der Bahia Honda State Park in den Lower Florida Keys: Vor kurzem wurde der kilometerlange Sandspur Beach an der Nordseite dieses Parks nach einer Restaurierung wiedereröffnet. Übernachtungsgästen stehen die Sandspur-Campingplätze mit 73 Stellplätzen für Wohnmobile und Zelte mit Strom und Wasser sowie 7 Stellplätzen nur für Zelte (ohne Stromanschluss) wieder zur Verfügung. Der Park punktet mit zwei weiteren Sandstränden sowie einer Aussicht auf den Overseas Highway und die alte Eisenbahnbrücke der früheren Bahnstrecke Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad. Darüber hinaus gibt es im Park sechs Hütten auf Stelzen; außerdem können Besucher ein Kajak mieten oder einen der täglichen Schnorchelausflüge zum Looe Key Reef buchen.
Informationen über die Wunder des Meeres
Eine weitere Attraktion in den Florida Keys wird im September wiedereröffnet: Das Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center im Truman Waterfront Park von Key West umfasst dann eine neue Hauptausstellung, die sich in mehreren Videos und interaktiven Aktivitäten auf das Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary konzentriert. Dieses Meeresschutzgebiet umfasst 3.800 Quadratmeilen Gewässer. Es ist die Heimat von Nordamerikas einzigem lebenden Korallenriff, ausgedehnten Seegraswiesen und mehr als 6.000 Arten von Meereslebewesen. Eine weitere Ausstellung soll die Mangroven der Florida Keys hervorheben und es den Besuchern ermöglichen, durch lebensechte Mangrovenzweige zu kriechen und zu klettern.
Ein Foto mit dem höchsten Baum der Welt? Darauf droht eine Geldstrafe und sogar Gefängnis
Ein Foto neben dem höchsten Baum der Welt dürfte für viele Naturfreunde und Instagram-Influencer ein heiliger Gral sein. Doch wer es riskiert, neben Hyperion zu posieren, drohen jetzt eine Geldstrafe von 5.000 Dollar und im schlimmsten Fall sogar Gefängnis.
Der höchste Baum der Welt befindet sich im Redwood National Park im US-Bundesstaat Kalifornien
Erst 2006 wurde Hyperion - so wurde der riesige Küstenmammutbaum getauft - von Naturforschern im kalifornischen Redwood National Park entdeckt und erlangte wegen seiner Höhe viel Aufmerksamkeit. Spätestens, seit er vor drei Jahren vom Guinnessbuch der Rekorde mit einer Messung von von 116,07 Metern zum offiziell höchsten Baum der Welt erklärt wurde, ist er zum Objekt der Begierde für abenteuerlustige Reise-Blogger Hobby-Fotografen und Influencer geworden.
Obwohl kein offizieller Wanderweg zu Hyperion führt, sind der Baum und seine Umgebung daher mittlerweile in Mitleidenschaft gezogen wurden. Deswegen greift der National Park Service nun hart durch: Auf seiner Website teilte die US-Bundesbehörde mit, dass jedem, der in der Nähe des Baumes erwischt wird, eine Geldstrafe von 5.000 Dollar (rund 4.900 Euro) und eine Freiheitsstrafe von bis zu sechs Monaten droht.Trampelpfade, Erosion und Abfall zerstören die Landschaft
"Hyperion befindet sich weitab von Wanderwegen hinter dichtem Pflanzenbewuchs, durch den sich Parkbesucher einen Weg bahnen müssen, um den Baum zu erreichen", heißt es auf der Website des Nationalparks. Doch trotz des beschwerlichen Weges sei der Baum durch diverse Erwähnungen auf Reise-Blogs und anderen Webseiten äußerst beliebt, weswegen wachsende Abnutzungsschäden in seiner Umgebung zu beobachten seien. "Als Besucher sollten Sie sich fragen, ob Sie Teil der Erhaltung dieser einzigartigen Landschaft sein wollen - oder Teil seiner Zerstörung."
"Da liegt Müll, und die Menschen bahnen sich immer mehr Trampelpfade, um sich zu erleichtern. Sie hinterlassen dabei Kot und Toilettenpapier - das ist nicht gut", zitiert das Portal San Francisco Gate den Parkmitarbeiter Leonel Arguello.
Das Besuchsverbot sei jedoch auch zum eigenen Schutz der Parkbesucher. Das Gebiet rund um Hyperion habe kaum Handy- oder GPS-Empfang. Wer sich auf seinem Weg dorthin verläuft oder verletzt, kann nur sehr schwer gefunden werden.Auch der Klimawandel bedroht die Rekord-Bäume
Auch der größte Baum der Welt - gemessen an Umfang und Masse und nicht an Höhe - befindet sich indes in Kalifornien. General Sherman heißt der Mammutbaum in den Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, der eine weitere Gefahr für die Rekord-Bäume aufzeigt: 2021 musste der Baum in feuerabweisende Folie gehüllt werden, um ihn vor Waldbränden zu schützen.
Wanderer in Utah
Mann will Spinne mit Feuerzeug töten – und löst laut Polizei einen Waldbrand aus
»Vielleicht weiß er nicht einmal warum«: Ein Wanderer hat im US-Bundesstaat Utah versucht, eine Spinne zu verbrennen. Stattdessen hat er Ermittlern zufolge etwas viel Größeres entzündet.
Cory Allan M. wanderte im US-Staat Utah. An einem Hang versuchte er, eine Spinne mit einem Feuerzeug zu töten. Dabei löste er Ermittlern zufolge jedoch einen Waldbrand aus.
Der 26-Jährige habe Polizisten am Brandort gesagt, er habe die Spinne mit einem Feuerzeug töten wollen und »dabei ein Feuer entzündet«, teilte das Büro des Sheriffs im Verwaltungsbezirk Utah mit.
Wie ein Großteil des Südwestens der USA leidet auch der Bundesstaat Utah unter einer schweren Dürre. Das Feuer, das am Dienstag in der Nähe der Stadt Springville südlich von Utahs Hauptstadt Salt Lake City ausgebrochen war, breitete sich nach Angaben der Feuerwehr auf eine Fläche von mehr als 24 Hektar aus. Es konnte inzwischen zu 90 Prozent eingedämmt werden, Häuser oder Menschen waren nicht betroffen.Tatverdächtiger auf Kaution frei
Andernorts ist die Lage weniger glimpflich. Nahe dem US-Nationalpark Yosemite im US-Bundesstaat Kalifornien wüteten zuletzt Brände auf einer Fläche von Tausenden Hektar, mehr als 6000 Menschen mussten ihre Häuser und Wohnungen verlassen. Das »Oak Fire« bedrohte auch den Yosemite-Nationalpark und die Riesenmammutbäume im Süden des Parks.
Der tatverdächtige Wanderer aus Utah wiederum wurde nach Polizeiangaben wegen fahrlässiger Brandstiftung und des Besitzes von Marihuana festgenommen. Inzwischen kam er gegen eine Kaution in Höhe von 2000 Dollar aber wieder frei.
Warum er die Spinne verbrennen wollte, erklärte M. der Polizei jedoch nicht. Spencer Cannon vom Büro des Sheriffs sprach von einer rücksichtslosen und rätselhaften Aktion. »Wir wissen nicht, was ihn dazu gebracht hat«, sagte er. »Vielleicht weiß er nicht einmal warum.«
Außer wegen der Brandstiftung wurde er Gerichtsdokumenten zufolge auch wegen des Besitzes von Marihuana und Drogenutensilien festgenommen. Die Ermittler hatten die Drogen bei einer Durchsuchung nach dem Vorfall mit der Spinne bei ihm gefunden. Der Mann schien aber nicht high zu sein, sagte Polizist Cannon.
7 historic American battlefields worth visiting: A guide for tourists
What has become of the sites where America waged its most important campaigns of war within the United States?
The historically significant battlefields of American History have changed through the years, now have thriving tourist industries, and many are within a few hours drive of New York City.
Using a variety of sources, Stacker.com researched historically significant battlefields within the 50 states, investigated what happened when the battles raged and looked into what has become of those hallowed grounds.
Here’s a look at seven of the battlefields that now reside in thriving destination cities and continue to teach history today:Fort McHenry, Baltimore
The sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry after its American defenders endured relentless British naval shelling during the Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Today, Fort McHenry is classified as a national monument and historic shrine and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Baltimore each year to file through it every year to learn its history, which is by no means limited to the War of 1812.Trenton, New Jersey
George Washington secretly ferried his men across the frigid Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 to attack the British-loyal Hessians who were camped for the winter in Trenton, N.J. The Americans prevailed in the Battle of Trenton, killing or capturing large numbers of soldiers and supplies and boosting morale. Today, Trenton is the capital city of New Jersey, having for a short while, in 1784, been the capital of the United States. There, visitors can enjoy the Trenton Battle Monument and the Old Barracks Museum, just a few of the sites dedicated to the victory George Washington engineered there.Saratoga, New York
A crucial turning point in the Revolutionary War came in 1777 when American troops defeated forces led by British Gen. John Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga. Representing a crucial turning point in the war, the colonists’ success at Saratoga convinced France and other major world powers that the young country was worth supporting. Today, Saratoga County, particularly Saratoga Springs, is a major Upstate New York tourist destination, with several hotels and motels available for visitors, including the Saratoga Hilton. It is known for mineral springs, manicured parks, the racetrack, downtown, nature preserves, nightlife and dining. Among the attractions are several historical monuments to the Battle of Saratoga and the Colonial era in New York.Palo Alto, Texas
Long-simmering tensions with Mexico had come to a boil by 1846, a time when America was led by President James K. Polk, a radical expansionist guided by the concept of Manifest Destiny, which he believed was a mandate from God that the United States should stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, Stacker.com reported.
Much of the West, however, was Mexican territory, including modern California, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Texas. The first real battle of the Mexican-American War was staged at Palo Alto, where U.S. Gen. Zachary Taylor crossed the Rio Grande to take the fighting to Mexican soil.
The town is located in southwestern Nueces County in Texas, near Corpus Christi. Tourists who go there can stay in a choice of hotels in nearby towns, visit the Palo Alto Battlefield, which is maintained by the U.S. National Park Service.Sharpsburg, Maryland
The Battle of Antietam, called the Battle of Sharpsburg among Confederates, is the single bloodiest day in American military history. Union Gen. George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac clashed with Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in an epic showdown. In a single 24-hour period, roughly 23,000 Americans were dead, wounded, or missing.
Today, the town still looks much like it did when the two great armies gathered there to fight each other more than 150 years ago — as does the adjacent Antietam battlefield. The site still draws visitors from all over the world, and hotels vary from traditional to working farms for tourists who far outnumber the 705 residents who call the quaint town home.Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
For three days in early July 1863, Union and Confederate soldiers squared off in and around Gettysburg, Pa., in one of the most infamous battles of not just the Civil War, but all of U.S. military history. The bloodiest Civil War battle in terms of total casualties, it represented Robert E. Lee’s final offensive push into Northern territory and the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.
Although about 1 million visitors still tour the Gettysburg battlefield every year, between 2 million and 6 million annual visitors made the pilgrimage back at its peak in the 1960s and ‘70s. The National Park Service operates Gettysburg National Military Park, which offers tours and educational programs of all kinds — including, fittingly enough, then-and-now tours. The surrounding town is a quaint and charming community with a host of with a thriving hospitality industry that caters to curious visitors from around the world.Spotsylvania, Virginia
In the Battle of Spotsylvania — sometimes called the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse — about 100,000 Union soldiers faced off against a Confederate force of roughly half that size in the rugged Virginia wilds.
Today, the Civil War still looms large over Spotsylvania and that part of Virginia in general, and the town has taken in millions in tourism dollars since then. South Spotsylvania is host to a larger hospitality industry than Spotsylvania.
Joshua Tree National Park Road Closure Due to Flooding
On Monday, August 8, 2022, Joshua Tree National Park management closed the south boundary road, as well as a five-mile stretch of Pinto Basin Road between Porcupine Wash and Turkey Flats due to severe flooding. Park staff have evacuated all visitors from the southern portion of the park. Road crews will reevaluate the situation tomorrow and will reopen roadways as soon as possible. All facilities and roadways in the northern portion for the park remain open and available for visitor use.
Monsoon rains often cause flash floods that can quickly turn deadly. Turn around and don't drown during summer storms. Always check the weather forecast before entering the park. Dirt roads may close at no notice due to storm damage. Please be alert for tortoises in roadways as they often emerge during a rain.
Temporary Road Closure at Joshua Tree National Park
Tuesday afternoon, August 16, 2022, Joshua Tree National Park experienced a massive rainstorm concentrated in the southern area of the park. Road crews are working hard to assess the situation and repair damage. As of this morning, August 17, 2022:
Pinto Basin Road is closed from Ocotillo to the south boundary;
Geology Tour Road is closed from the northern gate to Berdoo Canyon;
Big Horn Pass complex is closed.All facilities and paved roads in the northern region of the park are open. If visiting the park, drive with caution to avoid debris in roadways. During wetter weather, tortoises also emerge to find a drink. These animals can appear like rocks in the road. Drive slowly and be tortoise aware to help the park protect this federally threatened species.
Flash floods in the desert can quickly turn deadly. The park has received multiple localized monsoon storms this season, some of which have caused flooding. Always check the weather forecast before entering the park, and if you encounter flash flooding on roads, turn around and don't drown. Current information can be found on the park website at: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm. Safety information on visiting Joshua Tree National Park during monsoon season can be found at the following website: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/floods.htm.
Persistent Monsoons in Mojave National Preserve
Monsoonal rains reawakened flora and fauna in Mojave National Preserve since the July 30 event that brought 6 inches of rain to some areas of the park. Average rainfall for August is typically 1.2 inches. More monsoonal rains are forecast for the next week according to the National Weather Service.
Mild temperatures and vibrant green foliage have helped the reemergence of wildlife sightings. White-lined Sphinx moths, California patch butterflies, horned lizards, rabbits, desert tortoise and bighorn sheep have been frequently observed by park staff over the last few weeks. Typically, the month of August is a time of muted desert landscapes, aridity, and scarcity.
All of the preserve’s paved roads were closed for nearly two weeks because of the flood damage. North Kelbaker Road, between Kelso Depot and Baker, CA, remains closed due to severe washout near the seventeen-mile marker and will likely take months to repair. Zzyzx Road, which leads to the California State University Desert Studies Center, also remains closed because of severe undercutting of the pavement. Flood scars remain for the roads that reopened - debris overflows, steep shoulder drop-offs, and pavement erosion. Driving in the preserve remains hazardous to both humans and wildlife.
As additional monsoonal rains fall, a heightened risk of washouts and debris overflows on saturated desert roads remains. All travelers in the Mojave Desert should Drive Like A Tortoise™. Take your time, find your path, and win by getting to your destination safely.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park visitors stranded amid flooded roads
Eddy County Emergency Management announced on Saturday that flooding of New Mexico State Road 7, which leads to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, had forced visitors and staff at the park to shelter in place for several hours.
Carlsbad Caverns was being evacuated as of 7 p.m. No injuries or deaths were reported by the U.S. Park Service.
The U.S. Park Service did announce the park would be closed until further notice.
Eddy County had received several inches of rain starting Friday, with the National Weather Service predicating continued rain through next week.
At least 2 inches of rain had fallen upstream of Rocky Arroyo near Lakewood prompting flash flood warnings from the organization for that region and most of Eddy County.
Electricity was reported out in Queen.
Eddy County Emergency Management officials said several calls for rescue from flooded areas and stranded motorists had already been received.
The public was reminded to avoid crossing flooded roadways and areas with running water.
Fluss in Texas
Trockenheit bringt Dinosaurier-Abdrücke zum Vorschein
In den USA hat ein ausgetrockneter Fluss Dinosaurier-Fußspuren zutage gebracht. Sie sind mehr als 113 Millionen Jahre alt und stammen von einem Siebentonner.
In einem Park in Texas hat ein ausgetrockneter Fluss neue Dinosaurier-Fußabdrücke zum Vorschein gebracht. Sie sollen etwa 113 Millionen Jahre alt sein. "Die meisten Spuren, die kürzlich freigelegt und an verschiedenen Stellen des Flusses im Park entdeckt wurden, gehören zu der Art Acrocanthosaurus", erklärte die Sprecherin des "Dinosaur Valley State Parks", Stephanie Salinas Garcia, gegenüber dem US-Sender CNN. Die Tiere waren vier Meter groß und wogen sieben Tonnen. Deutlich zu sehen sind die Spuren großer Krallen im Flussbett.
Der Park war bereits für seine Fußabdrücke aus längst vergangenen Zeiten bekannt. Bei Niedrigwasser konnte man im Paluxy River immer wieder Nachweise der Urzeit-Reptilien sehen. Doch die extreme Trockenheit hat jetzt neue Abdrücke ans Tageslicht gebracht. Sie sind doppelt so lang wie ein menschlicher Fuß und waren bislang im Wasser und Schlamm des Flusses verborgen gewesen.
Mojave National Preserve Roads Closed Again
Mojave National Preserve has once again closed several damaged paved roads due to flash flooding. The latest heavy rains washed out portions of Black Canyon Road and covered South Kelbaker Road with rocks, sand, and debris.
On the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 25, over 2 inches of rain fell on the Hole-in-the-Wall area. The rains washed-out multiple portions of Black Canyon Road and severed access to the Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center and Campground. National Park Service (NPS) road crews made temporary repairs to the campground access road which allowed a group of stranded campers to depart the preserve safely.
Cima Road, Kelso Cima Road, Kelbaker Road, Ivanpah Road, Morning Star Road, Essex Road, Black Canyon Road, and the Mojave Road are closed for public safety. The Mojave Road, a historic trans-desert pathway and now a dirt road, remains impassable across Soda Lake due to standing water and deep mud that would strand even four-wheel drive vehicles.
NPS crews will need to reassess damage and plan for repair and clean-up. Loose rocks, soft shoulders, steep shoulder drop-offs, and pavement undercutting are common on Preserve roads and additional monsoon rains are forecasted. Until further notice, the roads will remain closed until assessments and repairs can be made.
Travelers should not bypass road closures, even if GPS mapping services indicate that roads may be open. Do not drive into flooded areas, turn around, don’t drown. One vehicle was recently trapped in a wash on North Kelbaker, and though the occupants were not injured, the vehicle had to be abandoned.
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