Happy National Parks Day!

National Parks Edition-Made in the USA Fits Socks are knitted with soft Merino Wool.

Monday, August 25th 2014 is the 98th anniversary of the institution of our National Park Service.

If you've not had the chance to get outdoors this summer, Monday could be your day. In celebration of 98 continuous years, the National Park Service is waiving fees to all 401 locations for the day. To date there are 59 protected areas known as national parks. These are in fact all under the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior and include our national monuments as well. 

The first national park was Yellowstone and was designated as such by Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. The Organic Act of 1916 officially endowed the National Park System to oversee this work and to "conserve the scenery the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

Tent Camping is a great way to enjoy our National Parks

Personally, I've had the pleasure of visiting the Florida Everglades via air boat which was a wonderful adventure. Seeing alligators, turtles, pelican and flamingos living in the wild is something I'll never forget. I've also camped overnight  in the Great Smokey Mountains which extends from North Carolina to Tennessee. I've likewise stayed outdoors at Hot Springs Arkansas National Park.

My Trangia CookSet and Primus Gas Burner

So whether you can make it to your nearest National Park on the 25th or not, see if you can make plans to enjoy these national treasures before the end of fall. It will enrich your appreciation of nature and wildlife and is one of the best ways I know to completely unplug and relax. I've done cabin camping for about a week at a time and I can't tell you how much it renewed my spirit and senses.

Hiking in one of our State Parks

If you plan to hike out, remember Merino Wool socks are amazing for keeping your feet warm and dry. I will be wearing FITS Light Hiker Rocky Mountain National Park Crew socks this season as we transition into fall. I like them for both the wool content and proper fit due to their Heel Lock and Dynamic Toe Cup. A perfect fit like this means less movement and therefore reduced chaffing of the foot area. Made in the USA, visit www.FITSSOCK.com for more styles for both men and women.

To find out more about the National Parks in your area, visit the National Park Service Official Website at WWW.nps.gov