Some of my earliest memories consist of tall trees, rivers, and the sweet clean scent of a mountain pass. Some of my best memories consist of high mountain lakes, deep canyons, cliffs overlooking oceans and lakes, and the museums of Washington, D.C.

Most of my vacations are ventures into our national parks. I can’t remember a time when we didn’t go to a national park at least once every summer.

Just thinking about recent years visiting the various parks and monuments in Arizona with my niece with cameras in hand makes me wistful for those moments with her in the stunning landscapes set aside for us to ponder the wonders of life.