Hopefully, it won’t be on a quest for a muffin stamp.

The January 2008 issue of Smithsonian has their list of “28 Places to See Before You Die.” Their precognition is limited to a prediction that each of us Muffinquesters will die sometime within the next 70 years, so I’m not sure how much time that we have to complete their list. It could be worse. There’s also a list of “1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” which has been made into a Discovery Channel/Travel Channel show. Either way, I suspect that I’m woefully behind on each list.

My park-related point is that two National Parks are on the Smithsonian’s list: Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon.

Regarding the Grand Canyon, Megan Gambino of Smithsonian magazine suggests hiking rim to rim to fully appreciate the splendor of the canyon. She reports that the National Park Service recommends starting at the steeper North Rim and taking the seven-mile hike down the North Kaibab Trail to Cottonwood Campground on Day 1. On Day 2, take a seven-mile hike in the basin to historic Phantom Ranch. Then, on Day 3, make the arduous ascent along the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim.

No mention on how to get back to the North Rim to pick up your car.

As for Mesa Verde, it was discovered by cowboys in the 1880s and it was plundered by subsequent explorers until it was turned into a national park in 1906. Protection by the NPS, the arid climate and the overhanging rocks have beautifully preserved the dwellings and the artwork on the cliff faces. Touring several of the sites (access to the most notable sites requires a ticket) requires climbing some steep ladders or crawling through tunnels. Sounds like an adventure!