October 2022

I have visited 125 NPS Units, including 34 National Parks.

In early October, when I was back to Boston from Nantucket, I was able to go to John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, although closed for renovations, it was still a sight to see … and to walk the street he once enjoyed. Next it was up to Minute Man National Historic Site in Concord, MA where the North Bridge still stands and the shot was heard around the world in 1775. I’ve been struggling with my patriotism after the challenging years when it was unfortunately co-opted during the last administration and then the disappointment of the Supreme Courts butchering of Roe this year. But then here at this site, during this moment, I felt patriotic … and that felt so good.

Due due to Hurricane Ian, I also missed Cape Cod National Seashore, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, Lowell National Historic Park, and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Getting stuck on Nantucket for one extra day was tons of fun, but also took away two days away that I had intended to explore more sites. The reminder is that Mother Nature is always in charge and we need to respect her more! And that Climate Change is real.

And I tried something new on this trip and I left my beloved NPS Passport book at home to try that strategy. I missed my book tremendously! And I will never travel to NPS Units without it again. As an Upholder, and as an accomplishment junkie, there is something so fulfilling for me when I visit a park and add my official stamp to my book that same day. It just feels so good and the two experiences must go hand-in-hand for me.

And some of my favorite photos from October …

And the boys went to Jesuit’s Homecoming Dance, Bo and I attended an LMU Beyond the Bluff event, Sammy played lots of football, and we celebrated Adam’s first Halloween!