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-- WITH PHOTO -- TO BUSINESS, AND TRAVEL EDITORS:
Couple Puts Life on Hold for Ultimate Bucket List Journey: 59 US
National Parks in 59 Weeks
KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A Kansas City,
Missouri couple will put their lives on hold as they fulfill a dream
of visiting all 59 U.S. National Parks over a 59-week time span
beginning April 1st of this year. The idea first came to mind for Don
and Shelly Hafner in May of 2013 after vacationing in South Dakota in
July. They would leave their jobs, purchase an RV, rent their home
out, and make the extensive travel arrangements necessary for their
"ultimate bucket list" journey, all of which they have accomplished
over the past six months.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140306/PH77695LOGO)
Shelly said the purpose of their journey is to "Promote the virtues of
our National Park System." The couple's tour will begin in Arkansas
at Hot Springs National Park, and wrap up with their 59th national
park visit on July 4th of 2015. They also intend to visit the Devil's
Tower National Monument, Gettysburg National Military Park, and other
national park service "units" while on their journey, about 50 in
all.
The Hafners have spoken on the subject of national parks during the
"Genius Hour" at two Kansas City Metro elementary schools, and are
strong proponents of getting children interested and involved in the
country's national parks. The Hafners feel that children will benefit
greatly by experiencing the learning opportunities at many of the
national parks and "unplugging" from technology such as video games
and the Internet.
The couple has developed a number of themes for their journey, and
believes that it will appeal to a wide and varied audience, including:
-- Anyone can follow his or her dreams by developing and executing a
good plan.
-- ŸThe national parks are a "manifestation of our freedoms," every
person can benefit by visiting the national parks, which are an
experience unique to America.
-- Preserving the country's national parks and expanding them for
future generations is essential.
-- ŸOur national parks must be kept open and funded.
The Hafners are excited about their journey, and will chronicle it on
their website at http://59nationalparks.com, created by their local
web development partner Phil Singleton at Kansas City Web Design.
The couple intends to document their journey through photography, blog
posts and email newsletters. Don and Shelly will also keep in touch
with followers via Google+,Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter:
@59nationalparks.
Pics by Shelly, LLC owns 59nationalparks.com, and is a business in
which the Hafners promote posters, post cards, and art-quality
photographs. The website also affords small businesses near the
national parks an opportunity to advertise at affordable rates.
Having already formed business relationships with Eastern National,
Flow397, and National Geographic Bags, the couple hopes to attract
national sponsorship opportunities with the following industries:
-- RV sales, campgrounds, and supplies
-- Photography
-- Pet suppliers
-- Outdoor gear
-- Travel service websites
The Hafners hope to engage others' interest and build excitement as
they travel around the U.S. Shelly said that she hopes "everyone
follows along, it will be fun."
Media Contact:
Don Hafner
816.729.6610
Read more news from Pics by Shelly, LLC.
SOURCE Pics by Shelly, LLC.
-0- 03/06/2014
/Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140306/PH77695LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
/Web Site: http://59nationalparks.com
CO: Pics by Shelly, LLC.
ST: Missouri
IN: TRA REA LEI ATL
PRN
-- PH77695 --
0000 03/06/2014 13:30:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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