Just to clear this up a bit, I've copied the relevant bits of the announcement directly from the NPS website, including the bit about discontinuing the Golden Eagle passes, below. However, you're welcome to read it directly from the horse's mouth, too: http://home.nps.gov/applications/digest/headlin...

FYI -- Along these same lines, the National Park Service is discontinuing the Golden Eagle NPS passes beginning January 1, 2007. Instead, you will be able to purchase an "America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass" for $80 (annual fee). This pass will get yo...

Thanks for the link. That really helps ease my mind. It's funny, I always thought vaccinations were for viruses and bacteria, not for a toxin (like venom). Learn something new every day! You say you will be living at Montezumas well? Ranger? Yup! We're pretty excited to be moving to the area, and pl...

I'll definitely be bringing a comb when on walks. What about javelinas? Do they get as far north as the Verde Valley? I've never encountered them before, but I have these traumatic memories from watching Old Yeller as a kid. Our house is going to be a little off the beaten track (we'll be living at ...

Thanks for all the advice! We've got a lab-cross and an Australian kelpie (both with black fur! :?: Will this be something to worry about?). Both of them are pretty smart, but they're both Alaskan born and raised. I don't think either of them have ever seen a snake, let alone a rattler. I think we m...

My wife and I will be moving to Rimrock, AZ, next month from Alaska with our two dogs, and having never hiked with them in the desert, are a little concerned about taking them on the trails. It's funny, but we have no problem taking them into the Alaskan backcountry where there are all sorts of larg...