Education

As you have seen over the past several weeks, inspired by the epic 2009 PBS documentary from Ken Burns entitled “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” my family and I have taken up the challenge of visiting — and extolling the virtues of — the national treasures which form the heart of the film… and of America itself. This is the final week of our travels, and while our 2012 time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton has ended, like Mark Twain, the experiences are now integral aspects of us all, which we shall each continue to fathom forever. We will actually be making our way through the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, and spending time exploring caves and waterways that form the backdrop of some of Mr. Twain’s most wonderful tales. Entering these adventures, as privileged as I felt, I did not dare hope to experience revelations, but in truth, the knowledge we are gaining of people and places is already priceless to me. To say the least, I encourage you to follow these trails, or those you come across which inspire you the most.

Read moreAmerica’s national parks, part 4

In February of 2009, just as the winter season in Yosemite National Park was winding down, two very special visitors were on-hand at a public meeting in the park. As you can see, the visitors were Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, who presented a first look at their 12-hour documentary on America’s national parks. For more on the project, please visit https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-national-parks/. Below, I’m also embedding North America’s National Park IMAX HD for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Read moreAmerica’s national parks, part 3