Treasures

America's public lands are this country's shining bright jewels.  The access we have to these scenic treasures makes  me almost giddy.  Great canyons, deserts, rivers, lakes, oceans, and mountains are our playgrounds as well as our cathedrals.  These lands are our physical and mental health clubs.  Not only does the grandeur of their geography unfold but the story of time is told.  Flora, fauna, stone and water explode cinema-like before us.

Following is a list of the campgrounds we stayed at this summer.  Despite some problems associated with pressing government financial constraints, we were still awed.  California's financial woes were the most evident but, sadly, services are being cut and fees going up in all state parks as well as in our national parks.  I'm pondering ways to give a helping hand.  Something more profound than pulling ivy or sending a check to Sierra Club, although those are greatly needed.  Ideas, anyone?

Dalles National Forest Campground, Greenwater, WA

Icewater Creek National Forest Campground, Cle Elum, WA

Ft. Casey State Park, Whidbey Island, WA

Seal Rock National Forest Campground, Hood Canal, WA

Nehalen State Park, Nehalen, OR

South Beach State Park, Newport, OR

Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, OR

Albee State Park, Humboldt Redwoods, CA

Clear Lake State Park, CA

Schoolhouse Campground,  Bullard's Bar, CA

Mt. Diablo State Park,  CA

Russian Gulch State Park, Mendocino, CA

Burlington State Park, Humboldt Redwoods, CA

Cape Blanco Point State Park, OR

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Florence, OR

Beverly Beach State Park,  Otter Rock, OR

Cape Lookout State Park, Three Capes Scenic Route, OR

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"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike." 

~ John Muir