National Parks

NATIONAL PARKS, MONUMENTS & LANDS   
collecting stamps and chasing history

There’s something magical about standing in a place that’s been preserved—whether it’s ancient cliff dwellings, a Civil War battlefield, or a canyon carved over millions of years. For me, national parks aren’t just destinations; they’re where I feel most connected to both the past and the natural world.

My love affair with the National Park System started at 22, standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon with my sisters, utterly awestruck. A few years later, I combined a work trip to New Mexico with a detour to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and that’s when I was truly hooked. Growing up in New York, I’d never experienced landscapes like that—the vast desert, the preserved pueblos, the weight of centuries in every stone. I wanted to see more, learn more, understand more.

Now, I’m on a mission to visit as many sites as possible, collecting passport stamps along the way (yes, I’m that person—and I love every minute of it). From the mighty ocean fortress of Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas to the ruins of Mesa Verde, from the ranger-led walks at Petroglyph National Monument to standing above the USS Arizona —each park tells a different story.

What captivates me most is the diversity: the geology that sculpted these places over millennia, the ingenuity of people who thrived in challenging environments, the dedication to preserving these spaces for future generations. How did ancient puebloans build multi-story structures without modern tools? What forces created Zion’s towering cliffs? What was daily life like for soldiers stationed at remote frontier forts? Every visit answers some questions and sparks a dozen more.

Sometimes Justin joins me on these adventures, sometimes it is a girlfriend or sister or me alone. This section is where I share my explorations of America’s best idea—the parks, monuments, historical sites, and preserved lands that protect our natural and cultural heritage.