thejoysofjune-dick.blogspot.com: National Parks--#2

The following blog is, more or less, the same blog that I posted
back on 3-11-2011. The reason that I am posting it again is
because money is tighter now, the economy has bounced and
is coming back. Instead of vacationing at Hotels & Time Shares,
it is time to think of a cheaper way to spend your family vacation
dollars.Think about Tenting or RV camping for a family adventure.

Nat’l Parks Passports–Best Bargain Going

My friends, If you are reading this blog, there is a good chance
that you are interested in some thing related to National Parks,
Monuments or Campgrounds. That is great, you have come to
the right place. There are so many National Parks and
Monuments located throughout these United States that it
would be a shame to bring your children up without introducing
them to the natural beauty that nature has put right here in our
great nation. Get yourself motivated and plan to take your family
to at least one National Park or Monument this year. Go on the
internet first, if you possibly can , and look up the States that you
wish to visit. Go to your own State and look up “National Parks and
Monuments”. Pick one that you would like to visit and look up the
history of it so you will be prepared when you get there.

The government has established the Golden Eagle, GOLDEN
AGE and GOLDEN ACCESS PASSPORT, that when obtained,
allows the public to enter fee areas without additional charge.
This is very convenient when traveling to several areas that
charge an entrance fee…..Please note that the passports are
non-transferable. They can not be loaned to someone else.
The pass belongs to the person who signs it.

Golden Eagle Passport–This is an entrance pass to those
national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas and
national wild life refuges that charge an entrance fee.
The golden Eagle passport costs $50 and is valid for one year
from date of purchase. You may purchase a Golden Eagle
Passport at any NPS entrance fee area or by mail. Send a $50
check or money order (do not send cash) to: National Park
Service 1100 Ohio Drive, SW Room 138 Washington, DC 20242,
Attention: Golden Eagle Passport

The Golden Eagle Passport admits the passholder and any
accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. Where entry is
not by private vehicle, the passport admits the passholder,
spouse, children, and parents.
The Golden Eagle Passport does not cover or reduce use fees,
such as for swimming, camping parking, boat launching, or
cave tours. It is valid for entrance fees only.

Golden Age Passport–This is a life time entrance pass for those
62 years or older. The Golden Age passport has a one time
processing charge of $10.You must purchase a Golden Age
Passport in person (it is not available by mail or telephone). This
can be done, at any NPS entrance fee area. At time of purchase
you must show proof of age (be 62 years or older) and be a
citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
The golden Age Passport admits the passholder and
accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. Where entry is
not in a private vehicle, the passport admits the passholder,
spouse, children, and parents.
The Golden Age Passport also provides a 50% discount on
federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as for
camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or cave tours. It
does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees
charged by concessioners.

Golden Access Passport–This is a free lifetime entrance pass
for persons who are blind or permanently disabled. It is
available to citizens or permanent residents of the United States,
regardless of age, who have been blind or permanently
disabled. You may obtain a Golden Access Passport at any
entrance fee area by showing proof of medically determined
disability and eligibility for reciving benefits under the federal
law.
The Golden Access Passport admits the passholder and
accompanying passengers in a private vehicle.Where entry is
not in a private vehicle, the passport admits the passholder ,
spouse, children, and parents.

The Golden Access Passport also provides a 50% discount for
facilities and services such as for camping, swimming, parking,
boat launching, or cave tours. It does not cover or reduce
special recreation permit fees or fees charged.

There you are, my friends, an opportunity of a lifetime. A
chance to visit our National Monuments and National Parks
throughout this great country of ours, with a small priced annual
pass-port. There are many National Parks and Army Corps of
Engineers areas that have wonderful campgrounds available at a
reasonable cost. (Citizens 62 years old and disabled persons get
a 50% discount) The majority, if not all Nat’l Parks have a tenting
area. (Most of the A.C.E. campgrounds are on or close to lakes
for boating etc).
You only have your children with you for such a short period of
time. Start them out young so that you can enjoy them. Take
plenty of pictures as a reminder of all the things that you did and
fun that you had doing it, as a family, When you all get older you
will be glad that you did !!!

Happy Trails, My Friends, Happy Trails
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