#mountrainiernps

A little bit of planning when recreating in the park can make all the difference. The Ten Essentials are ten items that will help to ensure your safety and preparedness while recreating in the wilderness. This list was developed with the intent that each person venturing out not only carries these items, but knows how to use them. The Ten Essentials are:

1. Map and compass

2. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat

3. Extra clothing (warm!) and rain gear

4. Flashlight or head lamps (extra batteries)

5. First aid supplies

6. Waterproof matches or lighter

7. Repair kit and tools (for gear)

8. Extra food

9. Extra water

10. Emergency shelter

Do you always carry the Ten Essentials? Do you know how to use each one reliably?

____________

NPS/C. Meleedy photo of tall trees with the sun shining through the branches. Blue sky is visible in the background. Photo taken at Ohanapecosh on July 14.

I want to go back to this evening. Back to a moment when I could sleep under the stars and not lose my life completely, though I could lose myself and regret absolutely nothing. What a delight it was to have friends nearby, joking and saying things that wouldn’t make sense at any other time than one in the morning on the side of a mountain. Nothing needed to make sense and nothing was questioned. When in doubt, nothing needed to be said. 

I can still recall the feel of the rocks, dusty and light beneath my fingertips. While waiting for the camera to process its photos, I ran my hands along the jagged, rough Rainier rocks that encircled my little square of comfort. The air was calm in our area, not quite able to reach the flattened top of the hill with any velocity that mattered. Summer temperatures were soothing us to sleep as our talk grew quieter and more relaxed. 

Itching to get out and explore, but spending your time at home these days? Many National Park Service sites offer virtual tours, so you can learn, explore, and develop a greater appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders of our country from the comfort of your own couch!

Up next is Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was America's first National Park! Home to hot springs, geysers, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, Yellowstone is a magical place.

Skip the travel and experience it from home, using Yellowstone National Park’s virtual tours. You can explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, view hydrothermal feature models, or take a virtual tour of the boardwalks in the Upper Geyser Basin! Head on over to https://go.usa.gov/xvTU2 to learn more! ~cm

National Park Week: It’s Earth Day! People celebrate in all different ways, but what about making some art at home? We see beautiful depictions of Mount Rainier all the time, from photography and embroidery, to paint and fiber crafts! How will you show your love for the Earth today?

We’ve created a coloring page for park lovers young and old! Print it out, color it however you want, and share your finished art work in the comments! -cm

 ___________

NPS photo of a line drawing of a mountain, with trees on a hillside with a bear, boulders and two people walking along a trail.

Shonna Siegers photo of an embroidered map of Mount Rainier National Park.

Shonna Siegers collage of photos showing different details of an embroidered map of Mount Rainer National Park.

NPS photo of a felt pendant with a gray mountain with white snow against a blue background with a green hill in the foreground. It hangs on a brown stick with thin rope.

Subalpine meadows throughout the park are still colorful with numerous wildflowers. Even as some species fade, others are just beginning to bloom. Look for wildflowers like rosy spirea, Sitka mountain ash, and Lupine. Where are you finding the best displays? Please remember to stay on trails to protect these delicate plants. There are plenty of opportunities for the perfect mountain + wildflower photo from the trails!

For updates on what’s blooming where check out https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wildflower-status.htm ~kl/bb

NPS Photos of Tipsoo Lake Trail taken 8/8/2019.

I will be the gladdest thing    Under the sun! I will touch a hundred flowers    And not pick one.

I will look at cliffs and clouds    With quiet eyes, Watch the wind bow down the grass,    And the grass rise.

And when lights begin to show    Up from the town, I will mark which must be mine,    And then start down!

-Edna St. Vincent Millay