Thank God for Teddy Roosevelt, he had a vision and the knowledge that leaving these magestic places to man's devices they would have turned into an armpit of motels and oil rigs.

Strange, I've only been a couple National Parks yet always wanted to see more. My work has taken me to points all over the globe, but nationally its interesting to see so many foreigners on vacation here. Thats good, brings in much needed funds to the local and national economy. Why aren't more of our own going to these places? I think part of it has to do with what our culture is into, and that is action, beaches and nightclubs. I firmly believe Europeans have a more curious desire and appreciation for natural wonders. Besides that, they get a mandated month to six weeks off every year. Whereas we work ourselves to a premature death on fast food and time schedules. The Europeans have an understanding that humans need time to unwine and reflect, it makes a better person out of you, not so uptight and strung out. This was the theme repeated by a couple local German girls when I was working in Germany a few years back. The Italians say the same thing. Maybe the downside is they are not on the cutting edge due to a lack of time invested, but I guarantee you they have a happier disposition and a good understanding of what is really important. Man, if I could look forward to a month off every year that would put a spring in my step.

I've heard some discouraging and destructive rumors that a certain political element would love to see the National Parks privatized. That would be the beginning of the end, they think privatizing everything is the solution and without regulation. They have a naive understanding of man's greed, that is why President Roosevelt took bold action and fought off the mining interests and developers when he designated many areas almost 100 years ago.

 

i did something just like that 2 years ago, it was for 14 days and i did it with 7 buddies from high school. It was priceless to enjoy those sights with your life long friends of 35 years. i found myself amazed at the fact that for the last 20 years i have been leaving this country for vacation and the sights out west are nothin short of breathtaking. jd

 

Awesome! Definitely sounds like a memorable trip and one that defines what motorcycling is all about. I do a trip to Illinois every year from San Diego and try to take a different route each time. It's a wonderful experience to see small town America along the old US routes.

 

Thats what it's all about man! I'm jealous. I have been to most of those places but not all at one time!

BZ

 

Sounds like you had a great time and made some good memories. Looking forward to some pics.

Kevin

 

Yes Sir. I've done these trips alone and got rained on, sun burned, chapped, monkey-butt, bed bugs, etc. But the worse day was the day it ended. I could have rode forever.
Semper Fi.

 

I have just returned from a 10 day cruise around south west Colorado. Last year I did a similar thing in Smokies.

These areas are Gods way of saying motorcycles are meant to be!

I am European, I take 8 weeks off a year and the couple of weeks I spend in the US will now become an annual fixture. Planning to do a section of Canada next year

 

Damn...I wish I could take 8 weeks off per year. I'd wear my scoot out. And the OL.

 

That sounds like an awesome ride dude.....congrats and glad you made it all the way safe.

 

It sounds like you had a great time. Just a note for any senior riders age 62 & up. You can get a pass for most of the US Parks. $10 at the park or $20 if you send it in my mail. Check it out on line.