June 2022

I have visited 101 NPS Units, including 33 National Parks.

Bummed to share that I was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma skin cancer on May 26th. Hopefully it will be an easy surgery and a swift recovery. It was a tough day for me to hear the C-word again, and as a non-cryer, I shed many o-tears. It was very scary to process the reality. After I shared my news on social media, I heard from so many friends and now have a better understanding of the challenge ahead. It is actually fairly routine and I have surgery set for August 4th ... which I think is WAY too far away, but the nurses assure me that it is a very slow growing cancer and that the timeline matches with appropriate treatment protocols. Additionally, they told me the drugs that were used to fight my breast cancer do not apply to skin cancers, so the two can occur at the same time. I hope all goes well and I am just a wee bit nervous. 😻 Now, after I’ve calmed down considerably, I am just to follow doctor’s orders … live life, stay healthy, be ready for surgery AND wear a hat at all times when outdoors! As a park chaser, I knew I needed to plan an epic trip to raise my spirits. Reaching the milestone of 100 parks is my goal and I am so excited for our adventure!

I’ve just returned from Montana/Wyoming/South Dakota to visit Devil’s Tower with Mak as a nod to his senior year theatre project, and a “few” other parks as well (and by a “few” other, I mean 9 parks total … Mak is a trooper indeed!). Day one took us to Bighorn National Battlefield, Devils Tower National Monument (the first National Monument in the US!). Day two started at Minuteman Missle National Historical Site, Badlands National Park, lunch at the famous Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota, (where we had the most delicious donut ever! Seriously, the best maple donut I’ve ever had is from South Dakota, go figure!), and Mount Rushmore National Monument (plus our Honorable Mention visit to Crazy Horse). Day three was to Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Memorial, and to Fort Laramie National Historical Site, the gateway to the Far West (and officially my #100 Unit!)! Day four, our last day was one stop at Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area and then to the airport to get back home. It was an epic whirlwind road trip indeed! We got to experience rural America and it was a good perspective for Mak as a student of Political Science.

And although, National Parks Service Units are my goal to visit, we always take a few field trips along the way. We give an Honorable Mention to Crazy Horse Memorial. It is a must see 4sure for this that love and want to protect/preserve the importance of American Indian culture.

Next, I am off to Illinois with Ryder next to attempt to visit Pullman National Memorial In Chicago and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana. This will be my first time visiting The Hoosier State and I am excited to add that also to my list of adventures.

And special thanks to Fujii Farms in Troutdale for your delicious summer fruit!