When and How Not to Visit Fort Bowie NHS

Yesterday, Dad and I went to Fort Bowie National Historic Site.  I had been wanting to specifically go on July 28, 2012 for months because it was the 150th Anniversary of the Fort and getting the National Park stamp on that day counted to get a special 150th Civil War Anniversary certificate with the National Park Travelers Club.  Unlike usual, I totally winged it and all I looked up was the address of where the park stamp is located (the visitor's center).

We arrive and it is just a parking lot and you have to hike a mile and a half to get to the fort and visitor center.  Not that big of a deal normally, but it is July and it was already hot at 10 a.m. and it was only likely to get hotter.  Plus, we brought no water, no food, and I was wearing new shoes.  Despite seriously considering giving up on it, we trekked on.

The hike was not really that bad, but it was hot.  Of course, we get there and there are at least ten other visitors that certainly did not hike in, as we were the only ones in the parking lot.  Yes, we did see there was a number to call to find out how to access it if you cannot walk the trail, but we took it seriously as something not to abuse.  Apparently, they do not really care, although you do not get the real experience if you do not do the trail and see the sites that relate to and really lead up to the creation of the fort.  It was worth it overall, but I would have rather just drove up and got the stamp for the day and come back in the fall or spring when the weather is nicer to really experience the site.

I Knew I Should've Avoided the Disney Store

Yesterday, I was walking along Michigan Ave in Chicago to go to Best Buy and get some headphones because I did not bring any on the road trip and wanted some for listening to my iPod on the flight home today.  My plan was just to hit the stores with Shopkicks on the way.  I skipped the Disney Store on the way there, but I could not resist going in on the way back.

Of course, once there I could not pass up the fun Windy City Chicago Vinylmation guy.  Also, I found a fun one with little Mickey's representing flags of the world.  Lastly, I finally got a Cubs Vinylmation.  I really want a Nationals one, but alas they do not make one (maybe, they will if the Nats keep being awesome!).  I do not want the Cubs one in my ledge collection at home, but I could not resist getting it for Mom's apartment because it was perfect for the TV room that has Wrigley Field and other Cubs decor.  I certainly did not need 3 Vinylmation, but once I was in there and they had Chicago ones and the newer flag one I just could not resist.  At least I did resist the fun scented ones.