US Government Closure- killing my plans!

[cbarnard7]

Hey All,


This isn't to become a political debate, so let's not let it go there-

I'm just irritated because during one of the nicest times of the year to shoot (fall foliage is peaking in a couple days here in CO!), the freaking National Parks are closed! I was hoping to get to Rocky Mountain NP and there was unfortunately a flood so it was closed. Then, they re-opened a large portion of it and when I went to go on a different route, the road was closed. So, I finally found a way to get to the park and now this trash! I know there's plenty of other places to go, but come on now... Anyone else have to change their (photography/vacation) plans for this shutdown? Let's hope it's over before long.

 

[astroNikon]

ouch. and I like your landscape photos too on your site (where'd you get a japanese zero torpedo bomber ?)

 

[Derrel]

Yeah, this is a good example of "unforseen circumstances", and the way that such an unforseen issue can hurt or destroy a business that does not have sufficient rainy day money to stay afloat. That doggone flooding in Colorado really has impacted the state. This past weekend, I saw that the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team had been out of commission for 20 days, their longest in-season layoff/idle period in over 50 years, and in their Week Five football game at Oregon State in Corvallis this weekend, the Buffs looked sooooooooooo rusty and lame, they got their Buffs kicked royally. So, the cancelled game,and the impaired practice from the rains was a big deal...

 

[cbarnard7]

ouch. and I like your landscape photos too on your site (where'd you get a japanese zero torpedo bomber ?)

Thanks, Astro! It was actually at an air show in Florida, when I lived in Panama City. They had a mock WWII/Pearl Harbor flight where they did a fly over with noises and sirens and all. It was really intense, actually!

 

[cbarnard7]

Yeah, this is a good example of "unforseen circumstances", and the way that such an unforseen issue can hurt or destroy a business that does not have sufficient rainy day money to stay afloat. That doggone flooding in Colorado really has impacted the state. This past weekend, I saw that the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team had been out of commission for 20 days, their longest in-season layoff/idle period in over 50 years, and in their Week Five football game at Oregon State in Corvallis this weekend, the Buffs looked sooooooooooo rusty and lame, they got their Buffs kicked royally. So, the cancelled game,and the impaired practice from the rains was a big deal...

Yeah. I'm obviously lucky (seeing as I live in an apartment in a central area, away from the mountains) to have not being able to take pictures as my biggest concern after all this rain! This also just happened:

Rock Slide Kills Five Hikers in Colorado Mountains

So, even if I get inside the park or in that area, it could be very dangerous as well.

 

[Braineack]

do what the vets do: WWII Vets Knock Over Shutdown Barrier to Visit Memorial | Washington Free Beacon

 

[cbarnard7]

do what the vets do: WWII Vets Knock Over Shutdown Barrier to Visit Memorial | Washington Free Beacon

That's awesome. Unfortunately, It'll just be my lonely a** standing there by myself.

 

[Braineack]

I'm sure the senate will reject it, but here's hope:

(AP) House to pass bills to reopen national parks, VA
By ANDREW TAYLOR
Associated Press
WASHINGTON
Republicans say the GOP-controlled House intends to pass legislation to reopen portions of the government, including national parks and processing of claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The House would also allow the government of Washington, D.C. to use its own taxpayer funds to provide services like garbage pickup, as well as keep D.C. employees on the job.

The closure of national parks is among the most visible effects of the partial government shutdown that hit the government after midnight on Monday. It would reopen gates and visitors centers at iconic parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone.

While VA hospitals remain open and veterans benefits continue to be paid, the legislation would allow claims processors to continue to work on the agency's lengthy backload of applications.

 

[sm4him]

My sister was almost sent home today because of the shutdown, but finally, her boss got to make the determination and labeled her "essential" personnel. I work for the government, but fortunately it's city government--even though SOME of our funding comes from federal, it doesn't affect us in the short term.

I guess the only way it is DIRECTLY affecting me is that I'd considered going to Cades Cove this weekend, but if the shutdown continues, I'll have to ditch those plans and just go back to one of my other favorite spots--fortunately, even though I live near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mtns. National Park, there are lots and lots of other places for me to go that aren't part of the National Park System. In fact, I don't go to the GSMNP all that often, even though I'm so close, because I detest the crowds--which are especially bad at this time of year.

 

[ffarl]

Well, that's one way of looking at it. Another might be that there's no one guarding the national parks...

 

[cbarnard7]

My sister was almost sent home today because of the shutdown, but finally, her boss got to make the determination and labeled her "essential" personnel. I work for the government, but fortunately it's city government--even though SOME of our funding comes from federal, it doesn't affect us in the short term.

I guess the only way it is DIRECTLY affecting me is that I'd considered going to Cades Cove this weekend, but if the shutdown continues, I'll have to ditch those plans and just go back to one of my other favorite spots--fortunately, even though I live near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mtns. National Park, there are lots and lots of other places for me to go that aren't part of the National Park System. In fact, I don't go to the GSMNP all that often, even though I'm so close, because I detest the crowds--which are especially bad at this time of year.

I know exactly what you mean- the crowds can be so crazy that you're like, "Are we at an amusement park or something?" I swear, I feel like some people have no consideration for the fact that it's a National Park, not a zoo. People trying to feed animals, littering and being loud destroys the parks for those who are looking for a little solitude. I know I'm off track here, but yes, I detest crowds as well!

I will say, I've been to the GSMNP and I loved it (did some backcountry camping on the AT). You and I are lucky to have such mountain ranges within a short distance!

 

[cbarnard7]

I'm sure the senate will reject it, but here's hope:

(AP) House to pass bills to reopen national parks, VA
By ANDREW TAYLOR
Associated Press
WASHINGTON
Republicans say the GOP-controlled House intends to pass legislation to reopen portions of the government, including national parks and processing of claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The House would also allow the government of Washington, D.C. to use its own taxpayer funds to provide services like garbage pickup, as well as keep D.C. employees on the job.

The closure of national parks is among the most visible effects of the partial government shutdown that hit the government after midnight on Monday. It would reopen gates and visitors centers at iconic parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone.

While VA hospitals remain open and veterans benefits continue to be paid, the legislation would allow claims processors to continue to work on the agency's lengthy backload of applications.

That'd be awesome! I'm sure RMNP is kind of relieved because the park closure has deterred so many people away from the roads and areas that were affected by the flooding.

 

[Derrel]

Well, that's one way of looking at it. Another might be that there's no one guarding the national parks...

That brings to mind Captain Wild Wing Kelso's famous speech...

 

[Stevepwns]

For what its worth. I am a contractor for the EPA in DC. The general consensus is it will last the week. It isnt expected to go any longer. I sure hope it doesn't, I don't want it to drain my savings waiting for these jackasses.

 

[NancyMoranG]

My sister was almost sent home today because of the shutdown, but finally, her boss got to make the determination and labeled her "essential" personnel. I work for the government, but fortunately it's city government--even though SOME of our funding comes from federal, it doesn't affect us in the short term.

.

I know exactly what you mean- the crowds can be so crazy that you're like, "Are we at an amusement park or something?" I swear, I feel like some people have no consideration for the fact that it's a National Park, not a zoo. People trying to feed animals, littering and being loud destroys the parks for those who are looking for a little solitude. I know I'm off track here, but yes, I detest crowds as well!

!

I worked in Yellowstone for 7 months in 2011. SAME thing- it is NOT a zoo!! ' ok, (child) go stand by that bear, buffalo while I take your picture'
it was nuts!

Hubby and I currently working on Cape Cod Canal, Ma for the Corps of Engineers. We're told yesterday we have 48 hrs to leave our campsite if it shuts down. So am trying to take any photos now that I want. Then 10 am this morning, they 'appropriated' some $$ so we are here til mid October. I cannot imagine kicking out all the campers/people i our Nat'l Parks!!
Our leaves just starting here also, I really wanted to stay, yahoo!
Nancy