The book, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, is companion piece to the mini-series, but is also capable of standing on its own merits.  It is a captivating visual reminder of the very best that we have to offer.  Ken Burns is a marvelous storyteller, and he has captured the essence of who we are as a society in the series and book.  In his introduction he speaks about the park system, “for the first time in human history, land–great sections of our natural landscape–was set aside, not for kings or noblemen or the very rich, but for everyone, for all time.”

The book was written with Dayton Duncan, a longtime Burns collaborator, and the photography will delight any traveler has visited or longs to visit one of our 391 National Parks.  You can pick it up on Amazon for $29.25.

If you missed the mini-series (I recorded it!), you can pick it up in a 6-disc set.  $64.99.  The soundtrack, which features music heard in the series, is available for $14.49.

I know I said that I wasn’t going to mention it, but any of these items (or all of them in a nice package) would make a great Christmas gift for your favorite traveler.

Photo credit: Amazon

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The National Parks: The Book, DVD & Soundtrack

Elizabeth Cady Stanton home at the Women's Rights Natinal Park, Seneca Falls, New York

You’ll get to “meet” the women via a group of bronze figures created by sculptor Lloyd Lily.  The figures include Elizabeth Cady Stanton (who was one of the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments that declared that all men and women are created equal), whose farmhouse is also on the site.  Rangers lead tours of the farmhouse, sharing information about the life and writings of this rather radical (for her times, at least) woman.

The park also includes a Visitor’s Center, the Wesleyan Chapel, where the first convention took place, and the homes of two of the other women organizers, Jane Hunt and Mary Ann M’Clintock.  You can see the park by participating in ranger-led tours, or wander about on your own.  Dial and Discover, and audio tour available using your cell phone, will guide you through five of the park locations.

It’s hard for me to imagine a world in which women couldn’t vote and didn’t have freedom.  A visit to this national park seems a must for anyone who wants to understand the struggle for women’s suffrage, and the efforts of five women in launching a movement that continues to this day.  There are important stories and lessons to be learned here.

Photo credit:  National Park Service

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Visit the Women’s Rights National Park

Mary McNamara, entertainment writer at the LA Times, offers a review of the series, and it sounds like we can expect some pretty impressive photography.  It looks to be another winner for Burns!

I visited woefully few of the National Parks, getting the ones close to home, but not venturing much farther afield.  There are 391 in all, and I’m afraid to check off my many, or should I say how few, I’ve visited!

If this series doesn’t interest you in visiting one of our 391 national parks, nothing will!

I’ll be taping this series, and am excited to see what’s it all about.  How about you?

Photo credit:  Bauer Griffin

Post from: Blisstree

National Parks: America’s Best Idea Airs on PBS

Among thousands of tulips on the grounds, along with lots of other flowers,  is a bell tower — a carillon — that was a gift to our country from the Netherlands.  There are 50 bells in the carillon, the largest about 7 feet in diameter and weighing in and over 12,000 pounds, and the smallest measuring about 9 inches in diameter and weighing about 35 pounds.  The bells are programmed to chime the hour 10 am – 6 pm daily.  They also ring out in special concerts.

Stairs lead up to an observation platform, and from there a smaller staircase leads up to the glass enclosed bell cabin.  Climb the stairs for the view, or enjoy the sights from ground level.

The grounds are part of the National Park Service, and are large enough enjoy a picnic, toss a frisbee, or walk around looking at the tulips, the carillon, and the Iwo Jima monument.  Admission to the park is free.  Parking can be difficult.

It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, but my favorite time is dusk.  As you watch the sun go down you can also see the lights of the monuments and the city come on.  It’s a special time just before nightfall.

Photo credit: cliff1066 @flickr

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Visit the Netherlands Carillon in DC

Students aged 9 to 12 are asked to answer the question:

Why are our national parks important to you and what is your best idea to protect our parks for the future.

Essays must be no more than words in length, and must be submitted by May 1st, 2009.  Read the judging criteria and other details, as well as submit your entry online.

First Prize is a $1,000 Visa gift card and the opportunity to direct a $5,000 contribution from the National Park Foundation to the winner’s favorite national park.

Photo credit: flickr

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Junior Ranger Essay Contest

Location: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens at Anacostia Park
Destination: Washington, DC 
Country: United States
Year Taken: 2007

Photographer: Jon Rochetti
Blog: The DC Traveler

After the Civil War, W.B. Shaw, purchased a 37-acre farm in the marshlands on the edge of the Washington, DC.  On the land, Shaw grew over 60 varieties of water lilies.

Purchased by the Federal Government in 1938, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only National Park to grow and display cultivated aquatic plants.

Besides the many varieties of lilies and aquatic flowers that bloom all summer, over 150 varieties of nesting, aquatic and woodland birds have been catalogued in the park.

To submit your photo to Travel Photo Daily, please add your destination or travel photos to the Travel Photo Daily Flickr group. 

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Water Lilies in Washington, DC

Location: Eleanor C. Laurence park in Fairfax County 
Destination: Northern Virginia
Country: United States
Year Taken: 2008

Photographer: Jon Rochetti
Blog: The DC Traveler

A friendly deer checking out the hikers and bikers along one of Northern Virginia’s many hiking trails.

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Where the Deer and the Antelope Roam