missyrentz

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So far missyrentz has created 74 blog entries.

Tucker Park (Maidens, VA)

Tucker Park is located in Maidens, Virginia (Goochland County) along the James River.  And this small park packs quite a punch to soak up some park time. Walking Path The park has a 3/4 mile (approximately) walking path around the perimeter of the park.  It's positioned so that a canopy of trees allows for shade on hot [...]

Trail Links

Welcome to The Parks Podcast! If you have this link then I've met you in a park, on a trail, or out and about.  It was nice to meet you, and I'm thrilled to have you follow along as we explore parks all around the country.  Below are some key links I've put together for you.  If [...]

2024-06-13T13:44:53+00:00Categories: Uncategorized|

Poop bags

Picking up after your pet is very important.  You don't want your pet taking anything into the park that one of the native animals picks up.  It's one of the rules of the Bark Ranger program. Be kind and follow those rules. I also like poop bags as a trash bag for my own trash. They are a [...]

2024-06-10T23:04:04+00:00Categories: Gear|Tags: , |

Meet Tootsie

Meet Tootsie! In January 2022 I welcomed a new member to my family. When I adopted Tootsie I knew that I wanted a pet that could explore the country with me, was a good hiker, and could become a good camper.  Tootsie is the perfect "best friend" for the job. Tootsie is a 4-year old [...]

Brands I Like

Finding good, quality, outdoor brands is overwhelming.  I've put together a list of brands that I like. Some of the links to products on my site are affiliate links. Making purchases with these links doesn’t change the price for you but does help out the work that we are doing. [...]

2024-08-01T12:50:30+00:00Categories: Gear|

Trail Review: Ousel Falls (Big Sky, MT)

Trail Review: Ousel Falls (Big Sky, Montana) Welcome to Ousel Falls.  This trail holds a special place for me.  This was my first solo winter hike when I started my year-long adventures.  Now it's a regular "must-do" hike when I'm in the area. Ousel Falls is a nearly 2 mile out-and-back hike. While an "easy" hike, [...]

Pompeys Pillar National Monument

Pompeys Pillar is a great stop along I-94 filled with great history and stunning views of the eastern Montana plains. The Pillar is a unique break in the rims that stretch along the Yellowstone River. And is known for having the signature of William Clark, of the Lewis & Clark expedition, etched into the stone. When [...]

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you! It was great to meet you.  I look forward to connecting about The Parks Podcast. In the meantime, below you'll find my contact information and links that may be helpful to you. Missy Rentz 202-505-1273 Missy@CatchYourselfSmiling.com Latest Episode [...]

2024-03-13T01:37:33+00:00Categories: Uncategorized|

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

I thought I knew a lot about the story of Harriet Tubman, but what I was taught was the tip of the iceberg.  I'm so grateful for this park, and a place to go to learn more about her story, struggles, and major impact that she made on this country. The headquarters location is home to a [...]

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

“Val-Kill is where I used to find myself and grow.  At Val-Kill I emerged as an individual.” -Eleanor Roosevelt I'm writing this post 2 years after visiting Val-Kill, the cottage known as Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. It's fun to go back and read journal entries about the visit. It was such a different time. [...]

Home of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site

I've dusted off journals to share more details about parks and attractions that I visited during my year-long sabbatical.  In September 2020, I traveled from New York City north to Hyde Park, New York. It was challenging to be in New York City during Covid.  When I caved and bought a car, it provided me with the [...]

Holliday Lake State Park (Virginia)

Park Stats Location: Appomattox, Virginia Park established: 1972 Park size: 560 acres Fun facts: 6 hiking trails 6.7 mile loop around the lake 1 aquatic trail 150-acre lake Home to activities like swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, Near Appomattox Courthhouse National Historical Park - General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865. [...]

Death Valley National Park

Park Stats Park Location: Death Valley, California Park #: 53 Park established: October 31, 1994 (designated as a National Monument in 1933) President in office: President Bill Clinton Park size: 3.4 million acres Highest elevation: 11,049 feet (Telescope Peak Summit) Lowest elevation: -282 feet (Badwater Basin) Visitors: 1,128,862 in 2022 Fun facts: 5th Largest National Park [...]

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Park Stats Park established: May 2, 1924 (National Monument) President in office: Calvin Coolidge Park size: 750,000 acres Highest elevation: 7729 ft (foothills of the Pioneer Mountains) Visitors: 237,774 in 2022 Fun facts: 16.2 miles of hiking trails Nocturnal animals include packrats, skunks, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, bats, owls and more Some animals that are only [...]

Trail Review: Uplands Trail Loop (Big Sky, MT)

Trail Review: Upland Loop Trail (Big Sky, Montana) The Uplands Loop Trail is a great hike outside the Town Center in Big Sky, MT. While labeled moderate, it's entirely doable for a beginner.  While the hill is steep (they all are in Big Sky), pace yourself and you'll handle it like a pro. They have several benches [...]

Shenandoah National Park

Park Stats Location: Western Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains Park #: 22 Park established: December 26, 1935 President in office: Franklin D. Roosevelt Park size: 198,000 acres Highest elevation: 4,050 ft - Hawksbill Mountain Lowest elevation: 550 ft Visitors: 1,449,300 in 2022 Fun facts: One of the parks that utilized the Civilian Conservation Corps in [...]

Pie Iron Pizza Recipe

In my "The Parks Podcast" interview with Karl Rand from Shenandoah National Park, he mentioned that "Pie Iron Pizza" was his favorite campfire activity.  It was clear that I needed to expand my horizons by learning about and testing a pie iron. I took my nephew, Teddy, along for the ride. Step 1 [...]

2024-01-04T20:49:02+00:00Categories: Stories|Tags: , , , |

Hot Springs National Park

Park Stats Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Park established: March 4, 1921 Park #: 18th National Park President in office: President Woodrow Wilson Park size: 5000 Acres Visitors: 2.6 million in 2022 Fun facts: The hot springs were believed to have healing properties and was turned into a spa town in 1832 It is the oldest park [...]

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Park Stats Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Park established: November 6, 1998 President in office: Bill Clinton Park size: 28 Acres Visitors: 92,108 in 2022 Fun fact: It is the only National Park Sight unit with a functioning high school as its focal point I spent much more time at Little Rock Central High School [...]

National Park Week 2023 – April 26

#MyParkStory... ...where you were grateful to just be or experience. Yosemite National Park holds a special place in my heart. When people ask me about it I say “it’s spiritual.”  By the time I got to Yosemite I was more comfortable with my process, yet the learning [...]

2024-01-04T20:50:29+00:00Categories: Articles|Tags: , , , |

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park Park established: February 26, 1919 President in office: Woodrow Wilson Park number: 15th I visited in early March, long before the busy season. The benefit of this timing was I arrived before spring break trips and before the summer busy season. The risk is winter weather. I stayed at Mather [...]

National Park Week 2023 – April 24

#MyParkStory... ....where you conquered a personal health, wellness, or physical challenge I pulled out of my driveway in 2021 with great confidence in the year-long trip I had planned. I had prepared for many scenarios of challenging times. I was ready to conquer what was ahead.  My [...]

2024-01-04T20:50:19+00:00Categories: Articles|Tags: , , , |

National Park Week 2023 – April 25

#MyParkStory... ...where you created your own tradition with family, friends, or yourself When I began to explore my interest in parks and nature, I thought experiences needed to be planned, mapped out and structured. More like a big vacation than an afternoon of exploring. Through experience, and [...]

2024-01-04T20:50:09+00:00Categories: Articles|Tags: , , , |

National Park Week 2023 – April 23

#MyParkStory... ....where you discovered a personal or family history connection While on my year-long camping and hiking trip around the United States, I visited my brother in Montana.  He told me he had my grandparent's journals from their travels around the US & Mexico. My grandparents were avid [...]

2024-01-04T20:49:59+00:00Categories: Articles|Tags: , , , |

National Park Week 2023 – April 22

#MyParkStory... ....where you connect with to improve your mental, physical, and spiritual health, in honor of Park RxDay Most of my healing is done among the trees. Being surrounded by them, particularly tall pines or redwoods, helps me think more clearly and breathe deeper. I realized this [...]

2024-01-04T20:49:50+00:00Categories: Articles|Tags: , , , |

Hitting the Road in 2023

I've decided to go to Big Bend National Park. While that's the main destination, a lot of the fun takes place in the journey. Follow along as I update throughout the planning. 10 weeks out I woke up this morning thinking about Big Bend National Park. This park, [...]

2023-04-06T20:27:21+00:00Categories: Uncategorized|

Trail Review: Beaver Lake Trail

Trail Review: Beaver Lake Trail Beaver Lake Trail was the first trail I explored in Pocahontas State Park. I selected it because I love a loop trail, it didn't seem strenuous, and it was a good distance. This was the day I was going to take my new dog hiking. I held my breath that this 2.5 [...]

Pocahontas State Park

Pocahontas State Park is located about 30 minutes outside of Richmond, VA. It's a convenient spot for a lot of outdoor activities.  I love to pop down for hikes. They have a wide variety of trails for skill level, length, and interest. The park seems to have a lot of other activities - biking, swimming, camping, and hunting. I've [...]

Yellowstone National Park

I am so lucky to have gotten to visit Yellowstone quite a bit over the years. During my 2021 adventures, I used Big Sky, MT as my home base. It's about an hour from the West Yellowstone entrance. During the off-season I would pop into the park for a few hours. It afforded me the opportunity to see the [...]

Trail Review: Deep Run Park Perimeter Trail

Trail Review: Deep Run Park Perimeter Trail I've been to Deep Run Park multiple times over the past 20 years. At first, it was with nieces and nephews and we would frequent the playground. Eventually, some walking paths were added. When I relocated to Richmond a few months ago I made a commitment to get to know more [...]

String Lights

I love these lights! They are easy to use, easy to hang and create a festive atmosphere wherever you use them. When the sun sets, it's really nice to have an entire space lit up versus using a flashlight. I would hang them in my tent and it mad it easy to read after dark. It was also fantastic [...]

Helinox High-Back Seat Warmer

Have you ever been sitting in one of those outdoor chairs when a breeze comes through? Your back is so cold, and it's the price you pay to have a lightweight collapsable chair.  Helinox has your solution.  They have quilted covers for their chairs. It hooks onto the chair and then wraps you in warmth. Since my trip, they [...]

2024-05-10T22:53:53+00:00Categories: Gear|Tags: , , , , |

Tips For Your National Park Visit

National Parks make for an amazing vacation. But making a plan can be very stressful and confusing. There are so many resources available at your fingertips...but where to start. Plan in advance - The Parks are incredibly popular. If you are able, visit during the off-season (for most parks that is before Memorial [...]

2024-01-04T20:50:55+00:00Categories: Stories, Trip Prep|Tags: , , , |

REI Kingdom 4 Footprint

What's the point of a footprint? Keeps all the cold and moisture from the ground outside of your tent. It's amazing how damp the floor of a tent can be, even if it doesn't rain. REI's footprint is created to be the right size for this tent. You want it slightly smaller so that when it does rain, and [...]

2024-06-05T21:35:33+00:00Categories: Gear|Tags: , , , , , , |

Sleeping Pad – REI Dream Sleeper

Sleep is the most important part of my day. I could write an entire post on my sleep routine and how it is non-negotiable for me. So when it came time for this trip, and hearing horror stories about sleep while camping (or lack thereof), this mattress is top of my list when it comes to your investment. The [...]

Camp Table – Helinox One

I didn't start my trip with a side table. I thought it was silly, completely unnecessary. Why do you need a small table when you have a big picnic table at nearly all campgrounds? It didn't take long for me to change my tune. I wanted something to sit beside me while I was around the campfire.  Most of [...]

2024-07-31T16:42:29+00:00Categories: Gear|Tags: , , , , |

A Stroll Through Paris

Paris is as romantic and glamorous as it's portrayed in every movie. The 2000-year-old city mixes modern luxuries with charm-filled history. At times I would pause and realize the people that were walking around these same streets. I'm here for work and have a sunny winter Saturday to explore. In my opinion, when the sun shines in Paris, [...]

ENO DoubleNest Hammock

I love a hammock. Always have. I was an early adopter of the ENO hammock. I've had one for years. I'd hang it on my screened porch, take it to a park, or string it in the backyard. It is my favorite place to take a nap or read a book. So when it came to packing and [...]

Helinox Rocking Feet

When people struggle to wrap their heads around camping for a year, I remind them that I'm camping...not roughing it. The rocking feet to my chair is one example of how enjoyable I've made my adventure. I love my Helinox chair. It's cozy and comfortable for evenings by the campfire or those days I decide to read at [...]

Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

If a mosquito is anywhere in a 100-mile radius, it will find me. And after it feasts, the bite will be joined by a welt. They are painful and really annoying. I have spent most of my life trying bands and oils and sprays and not going outside. Nothing worked.  When I was in Bend, OR, after [...]

Goal Zero Crush Light Lanterns

A lot of lighting options are available for camping, hiking, and other outdoor fun. I'm quite fond of the collapsibility and solar components of the Goal Zero Crush Light Lanterns. They come in white and chroma.  The white allows for three levels of brightness.  The chroma allows you to cycle through 8 color modes. You can [...]

REI Kingdom Mud Room

If you are asking yourself "why does a solo traveler need additional space when they have a 4-man tent?", I did too. After reading reviews most people suggested I invest in the Kingdom Mud Room. Having lived in this space for nearly a year, I get it. The Mud Room is the additional vestibule area off of the [...]

2024-06-06T17:37:33+00:00Categories: Gear|Tags: , , , , |

Helinox Savanna Chair

Finding the perfect camp chair is challenging. It requires a lot of sitting and testing. I started out with a more traditional chair, but after a few stops, I realized the seat was too low and it was challenging to get out of the chair.  I needed to find a chair that would cradle me when I sat [...]

Eureka Ignite 2-Burner Camp Stove

A camp stove makes mealtime much easier. I went with the Eureka Ignite 2-Burner stove. I like that it's easy to light, very lightweight, and has the 2-burner option. I didn't use both very often, but it was nice to know I could. The camp stove industry seems to change constantly. I highly recommend talking to someone at [...]

2024-07-31T16:54:03+00:00Categories: Gear|Tags: , , , , , |

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Park Stats Park established: October 31, 1941 President in office: Franklin D. Roosevelt Mount Rushmore is a must-see as you drive through South Dakota. The view is really impressive. Turn off I-90 at Rapid City. If you need gas, a place to stay, or some food, this is your best option. Follow signs [...]

IceMule Classic Cooler

I bought an Ice Mule while visiting the REI Flagship store in Seattle. I had purchased several smaller coolers throughout the trip thinking it would be nice to have an easy cooler to have on the front seat for lunch, store drinks for travel days, and store vegetables that didn't need refrigerated but I didn't want them cooking in [...]

Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler

Determining food storage was really challenging for me. I watched a million videos. Some people went with coolers, others with plug-in refrigeration coolers. The price tag of the plug-in coolers was too shocking for me. I knew I needed to invest in something that would keep the cooler cold for multiple days. After reading countless reviews and talking to [...]

2024-07-31T16:56:32+00:00Categories: Gear|Tags: , , , , , , |

Trail Review: Angels Landing

I wasn't sure if I could do this trail. I even hiked two shorter trails to warm up...get the nerve...to try Angel's Landing. I've heard so much about it, but it was cold, snow was predicted, and my ego was getting the best of me. After a 2-mile pep-talk I took a left on the trail towards Angel's Landing. [...]

Trail Review: Sullivan’s Knob Trail

Do you ever have those moments where the world stops and you can just soak in the beauty of the moment? That's what this hike was for me. I didn't do much planning for this trip. I was on my way from Boulder, CO to Billings, MT, and had some time to kill. I'd heard about the [...]

Vermontasaurus

I was told that Vermontasaurus was a "must-see" as I made my way through Vermont. It was a gloomy travel day and this pit-stop was a bright spot. It's a quick stop. We pulled off the road towards the airport. Then just walked around the structures. It's amazing what the artist, Brian Boland, has done. His creativity is inspiring [...]

Campground Review: New England Outdoor Center

Finding a campground in this part of the country, in mid-September, that wasn't already winterized (thus had water) was challenging. But thankfully I came across New England Outdoor Center (NEOC). Thankfully the woman who booked my spot warned me that GPS directions wouldn't likely work (though it did on WAZE). You leave Millinocket and head towards Baxter State Park. [...]

Trail Review: Natural Bridge

I love this trail! You have two parking options - one off of the main road and the other at the marina. The marina option has more spaces. The trail is along a service road. It's wide and has a slight incline, but not at all strenuous. I parked at the Marina and took the trail along [...]

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon was one of my first stops.  I was headed to the Grand Canyon and decided to make a pit stop for a few hours.  It was early spring and snow dusted some of the park. It was beautiful! I drove to the furthest point and spent a few hours visiting the overlooks. It wasn't very [...]

Trail Review: Lava Lake

Lava Lake was my second solo winter hike. I'd never been on the trail before and spent a lot of time preparing for this trip. I wanted to know exactly where to park, where backup parking would be, where the bathroom was located, what the trail was like. I was happy to have been so informed. It eased [...]

The Universe Was Talking…Time to Listen

When I was in college I had a dream to take a year and travel the United States. Friends were contemplating exchange programs in Europe. I wanted to see America. At the time I dismissed the idea in exchange for getting a job. I started my career with gusto, quickly adopting workaholic ways. When I would approach burnout, the [...]

2024-01-04T20:52:42+00:00Categories: Stories|Tags: , |

Trail Review: Tower Trail

Devils Tower National Monument was one of the first stops of my trip. On a cold winter day, during Covid, I pulled into the nearly empty parking lot. The Visitor Center was closed, but they left the stamp out for my National Park Passport. The trail is a walking path around the Tower. It takes you around the [...]

Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower was one of the first stops on my trip. I took the detour off of I-90 with my fingers crossed that it was even open. I lucked out. Right off of the parking lot is a visitors center and toilets. While the visitors center was closed, they still had a stand for stamping your National Parks Passport. [...]

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