The U.S. Forest Service is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites over the Veterans Day holiday weekend, Nov. 9-11. The fee waivers – the fourth this year – are offered in cooperation with other federal agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Concessionaire operated day-use sites may be included in the waiver if the permit holder wishes to participate.
“We wholeheartedly salute the men and women who represent the nearly 22 million American veterans who have served their country in the military,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “As we do throughout the year, we encourage veterans and their families to take advantage of their national forests and grasslands to enjoy all the benefits the outdoors provide.”

Nathan Roberson recently wrote about the incredible number and diversity of wildflowers in Yosemite. From the article:
Toyota has announced at the SEMA show in Las Vegas that this is the last year for the distinctive FJ Cruiser. From the beginning Toyota said that the FJ Cruiser would be a single-generation vehicle, and – after an 8-year run – they’ve made good on that statement.
I love to hike. I love the outdoors. One thing that disrupts the flow on our hiking trails is the insurgence of mountain bikes ridden in an unsafe manner on trails where mountain bikes aren’t allowed to be that puts hikers and the mountain bikers at risk.
Here is one last reminder to get your registration in for Operation Desert Fun, a great fundraiser for the Cal-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association and Cal4Wheel. Truck on down to the Truckhaven 4×4 Training Facility in the Ocotillo Wells SVRA for some all vehicle action. There are trails for all skill levels, a great vendor show, a raffle and lots more to keep you busy. Kids can even ride as long as they are accompanied by an adult.