Explore the fascinating natural beauty of a state not recognized for its scenery through the wide variety of parks and natural areas that many have never enjoyed. Be surprised by the diverse and beautiful landscapes of Illinois. After visiting these special places with this book in hand, you may never think of Illinois as "flat and boring" again This is not a technical treatise but a guide for everyone to experience the physical beauty that Illinois has to offer. Exit off the Interstate highways and find these unique areas set aside for public enjoyment. This book introduces you to the amazing geological background of 28 Illinois park areas and other sites. Parks with mainly historical or recreational emphases may or may not be included. Unlike other publications, this volume focuses on giving you the necessary background to understand the origins of natural features seen in parks and on Interstates leading to them. Keep it in the glove compartment of your vehicle so you can enhance your visits to geologically significant parks in the Prairie State.

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is one of the National Park Service's smaller units. It is composed of four properties that Johnson owned in Greenville, Tennessee. The site is located within view of the Great Smoky Mountains. The National Historic Site was established to honor his memory.

The Greatest Adventure in Life Is to Live Your Own Dream... From Rookie RVers to Masters of the Road will take you on an RV journey through North America-from Alaska to Newfoundland, down to the southern tip of Texas. Visit Indian reservations, gold and copper mines, and a ghost town called "Sneffels." Stroll the same paths that Jessie James, Butch Cassidy, Wyatt Earp, and Billy the Kid once walked. And experience the intimidating drive over Colorado's Independence Pass at an elevation of 12,095 feet-on narrow roads with hairpin curves and no guardrails-and see what it's like to have a blowout in a large vehicle while driving down a steep mountain Join Carl and Nancy Fuehrer as they take you on a road trip you'll never forget. Discover the magnificent beauty of America and Canada-both spectacular beyond description. This book will take you on a journey through many of the charming and unique places that North America has to offer, and remind you to venture out into our majestic country to experience the splendor for yourself

Culture and ecology of Chaco Canyon and the San Juan Basin which are location in San Juan and McKinley Counties in New Mexico.

In 2005 J.C. Lupine embarked on a summer long trip through Yellowstone, living out of a dilapidated van. She had no plans, only to bum around the park, watch the animals and tourists, and see what happened. The result is a philosophical masterpiece, filled with observations on myth, domestication (of animals and humans), the importance of metaphor, and the nature of time. Yellowstoned gives us a view of the park from an angle you've never seen before. The wildness inherent in the lawns at Mammoth Hot Springs, or the parking lot at Norris at midnight, are given equal consideration as the wildflower meadows or the view from Mt. Washburn. In this world, ravens teach their fledgelings about the purpose of humanity, and a cougar has a home decorating scheme that would make Martha Stewart shiver. The author's watercolor drawings bring her eye for detail to life.

Dear Bob and Sue, I hope you don't mind that Karen and I have taken the emails we wrote to you while visiting the all of the national parks and published them as a book. We had a difficult time deciding on a title. One morning over coffee Karen asked, "What's the title going to be?" "I was thinking about calling it just Bob and Sue." I replied. "Just Bob and Sue, that's an odd title." "Not Just Bob and Sue. The title will be just -- Bob and Sue." "The book isn't even about them, it's about us. We should call it Just Matt and Karen." "We're not calling it Just anything." "Good, because Just Anything is a stupid title. Who would read a book about just anything? It's got to be about something." "Now that you mention it, the book isn't about anything in particular. It's really just - sorry, let me rephrase that, it's merely rambling observations about our experiences in the parks and the silly things that happen to us." "Then we shouldn't call it Just Anything." "We were never going to call it that " "Good." After a long silence Karen looked up and asked, "What's the title going to be?" "How about Bob and Sue?" I quickly replied. "They don't care what we call the book. How about Dear Bob and Sue?" "Sold " So, there you have it, Dear Bob and Sue is now finished. If you get a million of your friends to each buy a copy, I'll quit my job again and we'll go back to all of the parks. Next time we'll take you with us as our guests. Your friend, Matt

Seeing a grizzly bear at close range is an adrenalin rush. Getting the chance to white-water raft on a wild and scenic river is something that should never be passed up. Capturing a moose or a herd of elk on film from close range allows you to share that experience with friends who have never or will never get the opportunity to see either one or the other, or both. How about the chance to hike to a high alpine lake in Glacier National Park where as late as August you'll discover that the last mile of that hike is through snow, and upon reaching the lake you'll see icebergs floating? Many people would be happy to have any of those experiences even once. For author Joe Novak, now a full-time resident of the North Fork Valley, across the river from Glacier National Park, those and many more experiences like them have become the norm in his life. This is his story of deciding to buy upon first sight a piece of property far removed from the comforts of civilization. He immediately fell in love when visiting ten acres that were for sale in 1995. It wasn't the ten acres that left him speechless, but the surrounding area. To the east he looked into Glacier National Park. To the west were the peaks of the Whitefish Mountain Range. Seven miles to the north was the Canadian border. Those ten acres were surrounded by literally millions of acres of National Park Service and national forest lands. This is the story of his journey, and the experiences, challenges, and difficulties of living on that land, eventually year-round. He has survived a forest fire and a near drowning to chronicle the people he has come to know, the seasons, the views, and the wildlife. It is ultimately a love story-his love of what is commonly known as the North Fork.

Arizona State Parks have a lot to offer. They are the most scenic places in the state; they include canyons, deserts, lakes, mountains, ancient ruins, rock formations, cactus forests and scenic drives. Many people think that Arizona as nothing more than a giant hole in the ground and surrounded by sand dunes. Many think there's only one season, and that it never snows. Of course, if these individuals would ever visit Arizona, they'd see that Arizona is the most beautiful place in the world, and when it comes to snow, we certainly can hold our own. It's no wonder why so many Americans flock to Arizona, to witness the rich beauty it has. In this guide, you will find information about Arizona's many state parks.

MY MiniCamper CONVERSION

For those who love the great outdoors, there is no greater joy than having a versatile vehicle capable of transporting bikes, boats and camping gear to where the action is.

If the same vehicle can be used for picnics, tailgate parties, music festivals and replace a second car while seating 5 comfortably, you have a real winner.

The minivan conversion described in this book can do just that. It exploits the room and versatility of the minivan which, quoting Consumers Guide provides Easily the smartest use of space and cargo .

The four parts of the book provide an overview of the project, a guide to selecting an appropriate vehicle and two sets of plans to implement the conversion of several different minivans. It also includes the construction of a folding picnic table. The entire conversion job can easily be completed in one weekend.

When a Toyota Sienna is used for the conversion, full scale templates are provided for the plywood base and the cover over the storage area. This installation option requires no modification of any kind to the van.

Bills of material are provided to acquire the supplies quickly and efficiently.

Enjoy the outdoor fun with a great Minicamper

More at: www.myminicamper.com

A collection of stories about living and laughing in an RV. Stories of people we have met and places we have visited. The delight of living where we want when we want and awaking each morning chuckling in yet another beautiful park

Join Messy Marcus as he explores some of the most interesting places in the world. In Denali Bus Animal Adventure, Marcus's day begins with nothing to do. Instead of becoming bored, however, Marcus goes to his computer and his imagination for entertainment. He quickly checks the Internet and is off on an exciting adventure at Denali National Park and Preserve. In his adventures, Marcus usually gets into some kind of mess and is questioned by his parents about it. Through his explanation, readers learn about the exciting places in the world he has explored. This all comes from his vivid imagination and his creative use of home, yard, and neighborhood.

Why would a middle-aged businessman, who had never even spent a single night outdoors, attempt to hike the entire 2,180 mile Appalachian Trail? Bill Walker, a former commodities trader in Chicago and London, and an avid 'streetwalker', had developed a virtual obsession to thru-hike the AT, which runs for fourteen states from Georgia to Maine. In the early spring of 2005 he set off, determined to hike this Georgia-to-northern Maine wilderness trail before the arrival of winter. Immediately, he realized he had plunged into a whole new world. The AT has some ferociously difficult terrain, winding through dramatically diverse geography, and covers the very highest peaks in the East. Walker's near 7-foot height earned him the trail name, Skywalker, and drew raves from fellow hikers. But that same height made him more vulnerable to weight loss, cold weather, and crushing fatigue. An elemental fear of bears, snakes, and getting lost also loomed large. The journey often seemed like a see-saw battle between his determination vs. his blunders. No other country has a footpath even remotely as popular as the Appalachian Trail. Up to 4,000,000 people hike on the AT during any given year. Mortals are compelled--or perhaps cursed--to relive their lifetime adventure. This is Bill Walker's (Skywalker's) unforgettable version, leavened with ruthlessly self-deprecating humor. His fondest hope is to inspire other rookies and novices, to give the Appalachian Trail a try as well.

This book is about RV camping in the public campgrounds spread across the U.S. These campgrounds are managed by and located on state, city, county or federal agency park lands. Being in a public park environment, campground sites tend to be among woods, spread out, and non-commercial. Because local, state or federal tax funds provide partial support for the parks, you will find that camping fees are often less than $19 a night. In addition, agencies will frequently give discounts (some up to 50%) to campers who are disabled, military, or seniors. The individual campgrounds selected for this book will accommodate most RVs of all classes and sizes. They are reasonably convenient to an Interstate road. You will also find a list of specific campground features, phone numbers, websites and GPS coordinates. Detailed, turn-by-turn directions from the Interstate, are also included. Granted, not all camps are full service or full hook-up, but the mix of amenities, modest fees, and beautiful location make for a wonderful RVing experience. All the campgrounds have a source of potable water and restrooms. Most have showers and dump stations or sewers. Many have electricity. With very few exceptions, all are pet friendly. A novel feature of the book is the inclusion of local 'Points of Interest.' If you're traveling in an area of the country new to you, a few suggestions of things to do or see, once your rig is setup, seemed like a good idea and will definitely add to your camping enjoyment.

Discover the Mojave National Preserve's natural wonders--the Mojave River, Kelso Dunes and Mitchell Caverns. Detailed descriptions of Mojave's attractions, habitats and routes with photos and history information

One day, a shepherd, while watching the sheep, saw a bush on fire. To his surprise, the bush didn't burn up. Curious, he drew closer, and there Moses heard the voice of God. He was on holy ground. One week, a father, mother, three children and a nephew went to Disney World, though they saw no bushes ablaze, wonders, lessons, and holy grounds were as abundant as the Florida sun. Read about Moses' call to Egypt alongside a family's vacation to Disney World and learn how to see holy ground all around you, anytime, everywhere, in the promised land, or the family van.

Discover the incredible highlights, history, geology & nature of Yosemite National Park with this entertaining, educational, point-by-point Waypoint Tour complete with travel expert stories, breathtaking photography & detailed tour maps. Your personal tour guide for Yosemite travel adventure www.waypointtours.com Waypoints Include: 1) Yosemite 2) Bridalveil Fall W1 3) El Capitan & Bridalveil View V14 4) Sentinel Rock & Four-Mile Trail V18 5) Sentinel Bridge & Cooks Meadow 6) Curry Village V22 7) Happy Isles & Waterfalls V24 8) Stoneman Meadow & Royal Arches V23 9) Yosemite Village V1 10) Ahwahnee Lodge 11) Yosemite Falls V3 12) Tunnel View W2 13) Chinquapin W5 14) Glacier Point & Half Dome G11 15) Wawona W10 16) Mariposa Grove S1 17) Tuolumne Grove O1 18) Olmsted Point & Tenaya Lake T24 19) Tuolumne Meadows T29 20) Tioga Pass & Lakes T39 21) Mirror Lake V26 22) Hetch Hetchy Reservoir H4 23) San Francisco 24) San Francisco Wharf & Maritime Park

Walt Disney World is the number one family vacation destination in the world. Crowds flock to sunny Florida to soak up the rays and, with luck, a bit of pixie dust. Along with countless others, my family journeyed to this magical world with visions of Mickey and Minnie, a castle with real princesses, and rides that went beyond our imaginations. We waited excitedly for the big day when we would pass through the lands that promised us fantasy, the future, and adventure around every turn. What we found, however, was more of a world the Disney villains might have Imagineered. We encountered tremendous crowds, cranky parents, whining kids, enormous groups of teenagers, and more terrors than any tower could have caused. What we found were.the Peak Seasons. "Walt Disney World Peak Seasons: Maximizing your Disney Vacation" will help you to truly understand that although the parks may be at capacity, there is a way to maximize your vacation with little to no stress.

Discover the incredible highlights, history, geology & nature of Yellowstone National Park with this entertaining, educational, point-by-point Waypoint Tour complete with park insider stories, breathtaking photography & detailed tour maps. Your personal tour guide for Yellowstone travel adventure Waypoints Include: 1) Yellowstone 2) Madison & Firehole Canyon 3) Fountain Paint Pots 4) Firehole Lake Drive 5) Midway Geyser Basin 6) Biscuit & Black Sand Basins 7) Old Faithful Inn & Lodge 8) Old Faithful Geyser 9) Upper Geyser Basin 10) West Thumb Geyser Basin 11) Lake Hotel & Lodge 12) Fishing Bridge 13) Yellowstone Lake 14) Mud Volcano 15) Hayden Valley Wildlife 16) Upper Falls 17) Lower Falls 18) Mount Washburn & Fires 19) Tower Fall Area 20) Lamar Valley & Wolves 21) Roosevelt Lodge Area 22) Historic Fort Yellowstone 23) Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel 24) Mammoth Hot Springs 25) Sheepeater Cliff 26) Norris Geyser Basin 27) Park Ranger Museum 28) Chief Joseph