Alaska

ad·ven·ture

/adˈven(t)SHər/

an unusual and exciting experience or activity

School psychologist by day, explorer by night, and ultimate weekend warrior.

Join me along the way; after all, it's always an adventure...

Southern California

And Beyond

Before You Go

Jun 3, 20208 min read

Adventures in Alaska: Exploring Kennecott & McCarthy in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

It’s time to head over to the “established” regions of the largest park in the entire NPS system: McCarthy and Kennecott.

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May 26, 20206 min read

Adventures in Alaska: A Guide to the Nabesna Road in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

The Nabesna Road winds 42 miles in the Slana region of the park, offering countless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

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May 19, 20205 min read

Adventures in Alaska: Denali National Park & Preserve

Our first Alaskan Park! Snap some pictures at the Park Entrance and learn the Six Things You Should Do in Denali National Park & Preserve!

2 comments

Sep 6, 20196 min read

Visiting Alaska’s National Parks – The Logistics & Itinerary

Trip Dates: June 19th, 2019 - July 23rd, 2019 I’m on a mission to visit all of the National Parks in the United States and it’s no secret...

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Holiday vibes, but make it triathlon training 💪🚴‍♀️🏊‍♀️ Right before leaving LA, I had my first swim lesson and can now officially go underwater without plugging my nose…seriously, I didn’t know how to do that before! The weekend before, I attended a bike clinic with @LAtriclub where I learned how to stop quickly, change gears, corner, and tackle hills (both climbing and descending).

This morning, I went for a swim and bike ride because winter break doesn’t mean taking a break! I’m putting in the time and the miles knowing I have a long way to go - not just in swimming, but in biking and running too. Still, I’m so thankful for the support surrounding me.

Only 102 days until Ironman Oceanside 70.3 🏁! Huge thanks to @athleticbrewing for the amazing gifts before I left LA - they’re keeping me fueled and motivated! And shoutout to @latriclub for coaching me through this journey and making sure I know what I’m supposed to do each day. I’m so grateful for this incredible community as I take on the swim, bike, and run life. 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️💙

#102DaysToGo #IronmanJourney #FitForAllTimes #nabeer #TeamAthleticBrewing #TriathlonTraining

A perfect, albeit slightly chilly, birthday. Go Bills!

Last night I had the pleasure of attending @latriclub’s monthly social event with @elysmilesahead, and it was exactly what I needed to *finally* make it official and join. I’m thrilled to share that I’m now the newest member of LA Tri Club’s Performance Squad! 😎😅

Gear Check:
✅ Plenty of @brooksrunning shoes
✅ Bathing suit, swim cap, and goggles
✅ Bicycle (huge thanks to Patrick!)
✅ Coach

The countdown is on: 120 days until IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside. The road to Oceanside officially begins now. 🏊🏼‍♀️ 🚲 🏃🏻

A huge thank you to Athletic Brewing for giving me the opportunity to take on my first triathlon. Let’s do this!

Athletic Brewing Company LLC. Milford, CT, and San Diego, CA. Near Beer.

@athleticbrewing #AthleticBrewing #WillTriForAthleticBrews #RoadToOceanside #TeamAthletic #GiveDryATry #FitForAllTimes #Ambassador #Ironman #AthleticIRONMANJourney #IronmanOceanside #BrooksRunningCollective #LetsRunThere #LAtriClub

Happy Thanksgiving from the Drumstick Dash in Los Angeles this morning 🦃🏃🏻‍♀️ I chose the 5k over the 10k because I’m still feeling very sore and so so tired after my incredible backpacking trip on Catalina Island that I returned from late last night (pictures coming soon!) Despite the soreness, I was thankful I was able to move my feet so others can eat! It was an honor to serve as an ambassador for the @drumstickdashla this year benefiting @hopeofthevalley 🤗

Wishing you and yours a happy, cozy Thanksgiving! I’m beyond thankful for my amazing friends, family, and my super cute, super cuddly meow man, Bentley 🐾 who I’ll be spending the next four days resting and relaxing with 😴😌😽

#HappyThanksgiving #BrooksRunningCollective #LetsRunThere #RunHappy @brooksrunning #Rungoodr #goodrFlamboyance @rungoodr @goodr #DrumstickDashLA @runmercury

I received my first training care package from @athleticbrewing for the upcoming @ironmantri! I still can’t believe I was chosen to represent Team Athletic in Oceanside this spring.

After running the @everywomansmarathon in Savannah last weekend and with another adventure kicking off tomorrow, I’m looking forward to relaxing next week before officially starting my training for my very first triathlon, an Ironman 70.3 😳😅

In the meantime, here’s to enjoying a cold beer without compromise! Thank you, Athletic Brewing, for sending enough to share with my run club, @runhappylosangeles!

Athletic Brewing Company LLC. Milford, CT, and San Diego, CA. Near Beer.

#Gifted #AthleticBrewing #WillTriForAthleticBrews #RoadToOceanside #TeamAthletic #GiveDryATry #FitForAllTimes #Ambassador #Ironman #AthleticIRONMANJourney #IronmanOceanside

Medal Monday! 🏅 I spent much of the day reflecting on how grateful I am to have been able to participate in @everywomansmarathon this past weekend. The last couple of years included a rather turbulent journey that ultimately made me stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally - and for that, I am so thankful.

#EverythingHappensForAReason #ItsAlwaysAnAdventure #MedalMonday #EveryWomansMarathon #BrooksRunning #BrooksRunningCollective #RunHappy #LetsRunThere @brooksrunning @gotmilk @gonnaneedmilk

Every Woman’s Marathon ✅ Another 26.2 miles in the books! My first time in Savannah and the city’s charm was everywhere, from snapping a pic with “Forrest Gump” to all the hilarious and encouraging race signs. I’m fairly happy with my time as it was not my fastest yet not my slowest marathon - and that’s even with using the restroom in a construction zone, pictures, and stopping back at my @sonderstays to switch my shoes 😅😂 AND it’s up there for one of the most fun! #FunRun mission accomplished! It’s always an adventure 😎 I capped off the day with a great post-race concert by Natasha Bedingfield - because, after all, the rest is still unwritten! 🌸🏃‍♀️🎶

PS what do you all think of my cool new exfoliant, sweat?!

#EveryWomansMarathon @everywomansmarathon #TeamMilk #RunSavannah #SavannahGA #RaceDayFun #RunHappy #RunHappyLosAngeles #BrooksRunning #BrooksRunningCollective #goodr #goodrFlamboyance #Rungoodr #GiveDryATry #TeamAthletic @goodr @rungoodr @brooksrunning @athleticbrewing #GoBills

Cheers 🥛 to 26.2 🏃🏻‍♀️! Tomorrow, I’ll be running the inaugural Every Woman’s Marathon presented by Team Milk, joining 5,000+ women as we take on the scenic, historic streets of Savannah, Georgia. I had a packed schedule planned, but with all the recent go go go, my body and mind told me to slow down and take it easy - which will likely continue tomorrow #FunRun. I explored the expo and spent some time at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a coffee shop dedicated to providing meaningful employment to people with disabilities while creating a welcoming community for all. Hopefully I won’t be too sore to enjoy Savannah after the marathon! Let’s do this… and go Bills!

#BrooksRunning #BrooksRunningCollective @brooksrunning #goodr #rungoodr @goodr #goodrFlamboyance #EveryWomansMarathon @everywomansmarathon #SavannahGA #RunSavannah #TeamMilk #BittyAndBeaus @bittyandbeauscoffee #InclusionMatters #RunHappy #RaceDayReady #GoBills #GiveDryATry #TeamAthletic @athleticbrewing

Krista the Wilderness Explorer & @runhappylosangeles does Halloween 🎃 👻 🏃🏾🏃🏻‍♀️

As always I had the best time at run club but this time I channeled my inner Wilderness Explorer, complete with serious costume judging duties…aka counting the votes 🗳️ 🤓

Of course I loved loved loved everyone’s creative costumes as everyone had a lot of aHalloween spirit this spooky season!

Speaking of, swipe to see @mrbentleycat making his debut as Pawblo Pawcasso, purr-fectly capturing the art of Halloween! 🐾🎨

PS. I made my flag out of a chopstick and piece of paper 😂

#RunHappyLosAngeles #RunClub #LetsRunThere #BrooksRunningCollective #RunClubHalloween #WildernessExplorer #PawbloPawcasso #RunHappy

Well…here goes nothing! 📣 I’m equal parts excited and nervous to announce that I’ve been selected to represent Athletic Brewing Company at the @athleticbrewing IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside this upcoming April. My first @ironmantri, my first triathlon…here we gooooo! 🏊🏼‍♀️🚴🏼‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

I’m still wrapping my head around the idea of swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 miles, and then somehow topping it all off with a half marathon (running or maybe crawling that last 13.1 miles) for a grand total of 70.3 miles in one day.

Thankfully, I know I have a phenomenal group of friends and supporters cheering me on both near and far - and I also know I have a LOT of training ahead. I’m so grateful I have until April to figure out what I got myself into and start training like never before!

But…in the meantime, I’m borderline desperate for advice as I work on improving my swimming technique and figure out how to bike without, well… a sore butt. Please send good thoughts, better vibes, and all the advice you’ve got!

As if having Team Athletic by my side wasn’t already enough, I’m super, super thankful for my amazing friend who signed up for this adventure with me - having a buddy makes all the difference.

Here’s to new challenges, endless training, and taking on the unknown! Gulp!

PS. While you think about the good vibes and advice to send my way, please enjoy these photos of me blissfully swimming and biking around the world 😂

#athleticironmanjourney #willtriforathleticbrews #teamathletic #athleticbrewingambassador #athleticbrewingcompany #ironman #ironmanoceanside #everythinghappensforareason #GiveDryATry #FitForAllTimes #SoberOctober #brooksrunningcollective #letsrunthere #goodr #rungoodr #goodrflamboyance #HYPE

Athletic Brewing Company LLC. Milford, CT and San Diego, CA. Near Beer.

Malibu Moves Half Marathon 🏅✅

The course was really (really) hilly, but the views really made every mile and every incline worth it. Running along Pacific Coast Highway reminded me it’s no wonder this is one of the most scenic half marathons in the country! 🌊🏃‍♀️

So, so grateful to have friends by my side, both running and volunteering, making this inaugural event extra special!

A huge thank you and many kudos to the @malibumoves team, especially @erica.segel, for executing such an extraordinary event that celebrates runners and walkers of *all* abilities. #MoreThanJUSTaRunner

Of course @mrbentleycat and I ended the day with some well-earned relaxation and a dominating Buffalo Bills win to top it off, sorry not sorry #goBills 🦬

#MalibuMoves #BrooksRunningCollective #BrooksRunning #LetsRunThere #RunHappy #goodr #rungoodr #goodrFlamboyance #BillsMafia

Had a great time at the expo for the inaugural @malibumoves Half Marathon, 5k, and Kids Run today!! Being an ambassador for this race has been such a fun experience and I’m so excited to lace up my @brooksrunning (duh) shoes tomorrow morning to take on the half marathon, starting and finishing at stunning Zuma Beach! I can’t wait to take in all of the scenic views along the course! My “Flat Krista” picture will have to wait until tomorrow because I’m too indecisive for what color shirt I am going to wear… but in the meantime, how great is my the ambassador picture… “Hello, I’m Krista!” 🤪

#MalibuMoves #MoreThanJUSTaRunner #VisitMalibu #MalibuCA #ZumaBeach #BrooksRunningCollective #BrooksRunning #LetsRunThere #goodr #rungoodr #goodrFlamboyance

📣 Public Service Announcement! 📣
Applications for the Brooks Running Collective are open until 10/29! If you want to join the best community of people who share a passion for fitness and the power of movement, now’s your chance!

Being part of the #BrooksRunningCollective goes way beyond the gear - it’s about the incredible community we’ve built together. Connecting online and in person through so many opportunities and events has been truly life-changing.

From running at Huntington Beach, the Carlsbad 5000, and the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, to the Speed Run LA event, the Brooks Venice Pop-Up opening, and Hype Fest in Santa Monica - including taking public transit to In-N-Out and running as a bunch of bananas around the Santa Monica Pier during a “hurricane.” My first year was unforgettable. Co-hosting the Tuesday Night Run Club with @daiisi at the Venice Pop-Up took it to the next level!

And yet, somehow, this year has been even better?! Running the Houston Half Marathon with so many BRCo members, another Hype Fest in Chicago (SO many highlights including meeting an Olympian!), and deepening friendships with my inspiring teammates - it’s been beyond special. Even leaning into my discomfort with reels has been fun 😬🤣

If you’re looking to motivate and be motivated, now’s the time to apply!

❓ Have questions? Want more info? Leave a comment or slide into the DMs 😜
📍 Applications are open to residents of the USA or Canada, aged 18+ with a minimum of 2,000 followers. Don’t miss your chance, apply now!

#BrooksRunning #RunHappy #BrooksRunningCollective #LetsRunThere #DreamTeam

My first post with 20+ pictures and yet there could’ve been SO, SO, SO many more!

Run Happy ➡️ Hike Happy

Had an amazing weekend exploring Mammoth with friends! I was so excited to finally visit Devil’s Postpile National Monument @devilspostpilenps and, of course, earn my Junior Ranger badge (thanks Ranger Alex W.)

The rock formations were mind-boggling and Rainbow Falls was absolutely stunning. Did you know Devil’s Postpile’s unique basalt columns were formed over 100,000 years ago from cooling lava flows, creating one of the most striking natural formations in the United States 🧐

All in all, we hiked about nine miles on our first day although, depending on whose tracker you checked, that number varied a bit 😂

Dinner at @mammothbrewing was great, but the s’mores back at the condo were even better, especially since I got to build the fire! 🔥 I may have done too good of a job because fire-retardant gloves were a must for toasting our marshmallows…whoops!

The following day was more relaxed as we explored some lakes, including Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, and the charming Lake Mamie. I brought along one of my favorite brews from @athleticbrewing (Upside Dawn) and also loved the lavender latte I got from @looneybeanmammoth back in town before hitting the road. Naturally, we had to wrap up the trip with a Happy Meal 😉

So incredibly grateful for the friends I’ve made through running. Special shoutout to Michelle: Thank you thank you thank you for your hospitality! Already looking forward to next time!

#hikehappy #mammothlakes #visitmammoth #brooksrunningcollective #letsrunthere #goodr #hikegoodr #goodrflamboyance #athleticbrewing #givedryatry #fitforalltimes #eventswithfriends

Posting 11+ pictures to wish a VERY Happy 11th Birthday to my purrfect little fur child, Bentley! 🐾🎉

I don’t care how much of a crazy cat lady I am, he’s been the best gift I could ever ask for. From being born a Buffalo Bills fan (destiny) to placating me by wearing the most ridiculous costumes, and being patient and understanding while traveling coast to coast by car and plane…more times than I can count. Again, I don’t care if I sound nuts, he’s not just a cat!!!

Through everything life has thrown at me and all the adventures both good and bad, this little guy has always been there as my shadow and I couldn’t love him more.

Here’s to celebrating 11 years of unconditional love and hoping for infinity more! 🤗🥳😻

#HappyBirthdayBentley #CrazyCatLady #CatMom

PS. Also happy birthday to my brother 😬

Out with the old, in with the new - finally! I’ll admit, I was initially late to the @brooksrunning Hyperion Max game because I was so loyal to my Glycerins and Ghosts - even my regular Hyperions… But I distinctly remember finally trying on the Hyperion Max at the Brooks Venice Pop-Up earlier this year and I very, very quickly said, “take my money!” I felt faster than ever, like the shoes were propelling me forward. I’ve always been a ‘stick with what you know’ kind of person, which made me hesitant to try the new Hyperion Max 2… until today! I guess I’m slowly learning that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can pay off. @brooksrunning, you’ve outdone yourselves again! New personal best, I’m coming for you. Fast feels *so* good. Swipe to see me as close to flying as I’ve ever been. Nothing beats the joy of feeling unstoppable, and @brooksrunning does an incredible job of keeping me and my feet happy. Everyone, say hello to my new go to race shoes - the Hyperion Max 2 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

#BrooksRunningCollective #HyperionMax2 #LetsRunThere #FastFeelsGOOD!

From morning runs to weekend hikes, LA adventures to cross-country road trips, my @goodr sunglasses are always by my side, keeping me stylish and protected from UV rays, no matter where life takes me. Whether it’s athleisure, workwear, happy hour, or even heading to quilt shows 😉🤓😎, these shades are ‘fordable, fashionable, fun, and functional every step of the way.

Over 40 pairs and yet I keep coming back to these pink shades, representing Great Smoky Mountain National Park! Fun fact 💡 For my fellow National Park lovers, goodr has 18 pairs of National Park shades and a portion goes towards the @nationalparkfoundation!

#goodr #rungoodr #goodflamboyance #somanyselfies #gobills #letsrunthere #brooksrunningcollective

Having by far the calmest, laziest week & weekend in a while but I guess my mind and body must have needed it! Celebrated Caturday with @mrbentleycat, sewed two blocks for the @lamqg Royal Bee, read half of a book, and watched The Perfect Couple on Netflix from start to finish. I shall now peel myself off the couch to go run 10k so I can submit my time for the virtual @bimboglobalrace 😅

🔥 pictures that I love so much by @eh_photoenthusiastic, of course wearing @brooksrunning from head to toe
👚 @brooksrunning Luxe Short Sleeve
🩳 @brooksrunning Chaser 5” Shorts
👟 @brooksrunning Ghost Max 2

#letsrunthere #brooksrunning #brooksrunningcollective #runhappy #goodr #goodrflamboyance #rungoodr #bimboglobalrace #runlosangeles

About last weekend… Spent two nights backpacking Mount Whitney & summiting the highest peak in the contiguous United States for the second time.

I’d been keeping a close eye on the weather leading up to the trip, especially after an early snowstorm in the Sierras. Luckily, the weather cleared - even if it was a bit chilly at Trail Camp ⛺️🥶😴 There was still some ice and snow on parts of the trail and my pack weighed 36+ pounds at the end of the trip but the lush meadows, flowing streams, alpine lakes, and all the pikas, marmots, chipmunks, and homemade cookies made the trek even more magical. And of course, the panoramic views at the top were just as great as I remembered them to be - if not better 😍

I’m so grateful for the amazing group that joined me on this adventure. Their company (and all the picture breaks!) made the altitude feel like a walk in the park 😉. Honestly, I was a pretty nervous about the elevation since I haven’t done much high-altitude hiking lately, but the trip was incredible from start to finish.

Also, PSA: Registration for the Wilderness Travel Course (WTC) @scwtc just opened! I took this backpacking class when I moved to Los Angeles back in 2016/2017 and gained the confidence and skills to go on epic adventures like this. I’ve been on staff for the Long Beach/South Bay section since, so feel free to ask if you have any questions about the course!

#MountWhitney #WildernessTravelCourse #BrooksRunningCollective #LetsRunThere #scwtc #SierraClub #goodrFlamboyance #PinkRock #WAGBAG

I do too much. No, really, I do.

📆Week in Review 📆
Monday kicked off with quilt club at @lamqg, Tuesday brought the fun with @runhappylosangeles. We celebrated a belated Medal Monday, and the crew showed off some shiny new well-earned hardware. I rocked my new favorite @brooksrunning “Let’s Run There” shirt – yes, I basically live in it now.

Wednesday was a well-deserved rest day with @mrbentleycat 🐈 Then Thursday it was back at it with @rungoodr! Started at the @goodr cabana and ended at the New Balance pop-up, repping my Brooks gear the entire time with no shame 😌

Friday was all about sushi and fabric prep for class to really maximize my time… Saturday morning kicked off with another @goodr run, celebrating @cafe_jam_run_club being goodr’s run club of the year and then I rushed off for a fun mid-mod quilt class taught by @davidowenhastings. I loved learning this technique and plan to make many more mini quilts… four sewed together might just be the purrfect size for @mrbentleycat 😅

Sunday started with a community run with @lululemon at The Broad in DTLA, then I joined @koreatownrunclub in partnership with @nuunhydration for a fun hydration event. I wrapped up the day snagging a coveted free @owala SmoothSip coffee tumbler from their Drip Stop pop-up, and finally (finally) relaxed with some football.

#WhatIsRelax #BrooksRunningCollective #BrooksRunning #RunHappy #goodrFlamboyance #QuiltLife #KristaQuilts #NuunHydration #TimeToSleep

Runnin’ in hot with the new Ghost Max 2 - and feeling more alive than ever thanks to their comfort, cushion, and style! Whether I’m traveling, out for a long walk, or enjoying a recovery jog, the @brooksrunning Ghost Max 2 help me be my best, with all of the support and protection I feel with every step.

With plush cushioning and smooth landings, the new Ghost Max 2 are the perfect companion for miles on the road. And can we talk about these colors!? 😍

Check them out - #linkinbio 😉

Thank you @eh_photoenthusiastic for wanting to take pictures of little ol meeeee 😌☺️😌 sorry if I made the second picture look like it would accompany a news article 😂😅

#BrooksRunning #GhostMax2 #BrooksGhostMax2 #LetsRunThere #BrooksRunningCollective #RunHappy

First night ‘out’ in a while, and what better time to do it than Saturday night at #BrooksHypeFest 😎 I had an amazing time at the Roaring 20s Great Gatsby-themed night on the town at @thebassmentchi with 160 of my #BrooksRunningCollective teammates. The costumes were incredible, and huge thanks to @apositiverun for pulling together our group look. From a morning run through Chicago to dancing the night away, our @brooksrunning shoes had us covered all day long.

I’ve been alcohol-free for 278 days (mocktails for the win!), so trading liquid courage for real courage on the dance floor felt intimidating, but I did it - and had an absolute blast. I am so, so grateful for this community, especially when we decide we’re too old for the club and grab food instead. 😂

#brooksrunningcollective #brooksrunning #brookshypefest #letsrunthere #hypefest #thebassment #thebassmentchi #runhappy #sobervibes #visitchicago #roaring20sbutmakeitbrooks

This @water.io.official smart water bottle has solved my constant struggles with proper hydration! I am seriously obsessed with this bottle. As you can see, I took it everywhere with me at #BrooksHypeFest in Chicago, and now it’s practically an extension of my arm back here in Los Angeles.

I am *finally* making room for water in my life (not just coffee 😳)! Thanks to the competition and gamification features, I’m consistently meeting my hydration goals for the first time ever. The bottle tracks my intake and changes colors to keep me on track. My favorite part? It lights up in a rainbow of colors when I hit my daily goal 😁

I’m genuinely feeling more energized, more focused, and even staying up later without feeling exhausted. Seriously, using this water bottle is a total game-changer.

Thank you @brooksrunning and @water.io.official for giving me a tool that for the first time ever is actually working to motivate me to be properly hydrated. I haven’t had this much energy in…ever!

#brookshypefest #brooksrunningcollective #brooksrunning #prettymuchmyfirstreelever #smartwaterbottle #visitchicago #runchicago #hydration #nothirsttraps #gobills

🚨 ALERT 🚨 I met an OLYMPIAN!!! 🤩 The incredible @_charihawkins took time to chat with us on Saturday mid-morning at #BrooksHypeFest, and I’m literally still in awe!

Meeting Chari was truly a dream come true. I’ve admired her for so long, but hearing her speak in person and feeling her energy was next-level inspiring. She is not only the most resilient person but also one of the most personable, beautiful people I’ve ever met.

Thank you, Chari, for taking the time to talk to us, take pictures with us, for being a shining light, and motivating us all to keep showing up as our personal bests! 🌟 😌

Thank you @brooksrunning for sponsoring the best athletes ever 💯

#heptathlete #heptathlon #BrooksRunningCollective #olympics #brooksrunning #runhappy #personalbest #chicago #runchicago #charihawkins

From Los Angeles to Chicago we’re reppin’ @brooksrunning 🔥🔥🔥

#BrooksHypeFest #BrooksRunningCollective

Thank you @sunsetvideo_co for the capturing the vibes all weekend long

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It's Always an Adventure...

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It's Always an Adventure...

Join our Mailing List for your National

Park Checklist & Site Updates

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