National Forests, News

Rim Fire Images from the Atlantic

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

For almost two weeks the Rim Fire has continued to burn and expand in northern California.  By the time it is contained and put out it will, undoubtedly, be one of the larger – if not the largest – fire in California’s history.  There are many reasons for the fire, and the finger-pointing will begin before the ashes are cool, but in the meantime there are amy photographers on the scene recording incredible, heroic, frightening, and even horrific images.

The Atlantic has compiled some of the better images on their website HERE.

Later, we can review the tapes and see which politicians were fiddling while California burned.

General Aviation

Paul Howard Poberezny EAA Founder and Aviation Legend 1921-2013

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

“You can’t be a success if you don’t love people.”

From the EAA website:

Paul Poberezny came from humble beginnings, yet he created one of the world largest aviation organizations and emerged as one of the 20th century’s greatest aviation leaders, creating a worldwide aviation organization and the world’s largest annual fly-in event, EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

He died on August 22, 2013, in Oshkosh after a career that spanned more than 70 years of flight at the controls of more than 500 different types of aircraft.

Paul is survived by his wife, Audrey; one son, Tom (Sharon) Poberezny of Brookfield, Wisconsin; one daughter, Bonnie (Chuck) Parnall of Oshkosh; two granddaughters, Audra (Michael) Hoy of Oshkosh and Lesley Poberezny of Brookfield, Wisconsin; and one great-granddaughter born in 2012, Charlotte “Charley” Hoy.

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Geocaching

What is Geocaching?

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Geocaching is the real-world treasure hunt that’s happening right now, all around you. There are 2,189,060 active geocaches and over 6 million geocachers worldwide.

There’s a new post over on the Geocaching blog that starts to answer the question “what is geocaching?”

From the blog:

You’re among the first to see a new geocaching debut. We’re proud to launch the new “What is Geocaching?” video. Watch and share the easy-to-understand video to quickly show all those who ask you, “What is Geocaching?” Once you’ve shared the video, soak up all the thank you’ll receive for introducing people to the joys of geocaching.

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National Parks

FREE park admission for Founders Day at Yosemite August 25!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Yosemite National Park is Celebrating Founder’s Day on August 25th (which, coincidentally, is National Parks Day, too!).

Park entrance fees are waived for the Day!  All other fees associated with camping, lodging, or activities within the park are not waived. The fee waiver is good for Sunday, August 25, Founder’s Day, only.

From the National Park Service website:

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra.

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

If you can’t make it to Yosemite, remember: August 25th is National Parks day, and many parks are offering free park admission on that day!  Check with your local park and see if it’s free!