National Park Traveler Mews Official newspaper of the National Park Traveler Subscription Boxes
What’s in your Rocky Mountain Traveler Box? Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park! Grab some hot chocolate and let’s unpack your park experience. 1. Newly released Rocky Mountain Cat’s Meow souvenir with two Casper mascots (subscription box edition). 2.Hand-poured Rock candle holder by O Yeah Gifts owned by Glenda Rolle who creates products inspired by nature! See her shop at oyeahgifts.com. 3. Vintage inspired Postcard/Park Ticket, Coaster + Sticker (designed by my daughter, Grace) gives you free admission to your Traveler Box + all the souvenir swag! You can see more of Grace’s doodles for sale at: instagram.com/graceeloodoodles. 4. This National Park Traveler Mewspaper filled with park facts, behind-the-scenes Cat’s Meow info + a fun recipe inspired by mountain living. THIS MEWSPAPER “LIVE” ONLINE Go to: bit.ly/natlparkmews to read this paper online + click on links to expand your experience. facebook.com/thecatsmeowvillage instagram.com/catsmeowvillage pinterest.com/catsmeowvillage
Online version with links: bit.ly/natlparkmews
Artist notes I have to admit, it’s been 22 years since I’ve set foot in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wow, I didn’t realize it was that long until I did the math. My daughter, Grace, was the same age as my grand-daughter in this photo. My other daughter, Emily, and her family visited Rocky Mountains a few months ago. This is the photo, taken along Trail Ridge Road, that I used as inspiration for your souvenir this month.
Rocky Mountains Trivia & Fun Facts ▪ The park elevations range from Longs Peak at 14,259 feet down to 7,500 feet. There are 77 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet within the park. Longs Peak is one of the most difficult peaks to summit. ▪ There’s over 350 miles of hiking trails from easy to difficult. ▪ Within the park boundaries are around 150 lakes, over 25 waterfalls and almost 450 miles of streams. ▪ Approximately 1/3 of the park lies above the tree-line (around 11,500 feet above sea level) ▪ Called a “scenic wonder road of the world”, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved highway in the U.S. Drivers climb 4,000 feet in just a few minutes while driving this 48-mile attraction. ▪ The park is one of our nation’s prime wildlife viewing destinations. It’s home to more than 60 species of mammals, over 280 bird species, six amphibians, 11 fish species, one reptile (garter snake), and numerous insects, including a large number of butterflies. ▪ The 30-mile Continental Divide Trail runs north and south through the middle of the park. ▪ There are 600 buildings inside the park, including the visitor centers where you can explore extensive museum collections that preserve the park story and history. Alpine Visitor Center available as a Cat’s Meow replica.
Official newspaper of the National Park Traveler Subscription Boxes
Alpine Alfredo Pasta This recipe, inspired by Rocky Mountain camping, comes from the “Outlandish” cookbook by Morgan Sjogren. (you can cook it at any altitude in the comfort of your home) “This hearty dish is stick-to-your-ribs comfort food after a long day out in the elements. It’s easy to cook up a classy pasta dinner from the road or campsite.” 1-lb. box pasta, any type Sauce from scratch: 1/4 cup butter 1 garlic clove, minced 1 cup heavy cream 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
Online version with links: bit.ly/natlparkmews
Optional add-ins: Sautéed veggies, steamed broccoli, grilled sausage or chicken
opening to drain the water into another bowl or container (reserving it for washing dishes or drinking).
Salt and pepper, to taste
Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper and extra Parmesan, if desired; then mix with the pasta.
Fill a pot with water and place it on one burner. Get your noodles boiling! Start the Alfredo sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat on the second burner. Once it’s melted, add garlic and cook until slightly golden. Pour in cream, mix, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Stir cheese into sauce until it’s melted. Add sautéed veggies, steamed broccoli, sausage, or chicken, if using. When pasta is finished cooking, strain the water. Use the pot lid or a plate to cover the top and leave just a slight
Alpine alfredo pasta. (Jay Kolsch, by Velo Press)
10% helps Parks
What’s coming?
Did you know that every National Park Traveler Box you purchase, I donate 10% to the National Park Foundation?
Next months subscription box will take you to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where they’re celebrating 50 years as a National Lakeshore!
The foundation works to revitalize park trails, preserve historic places within the park system, plus so much more. Shop for National Park items on our website. (we’re always adding) Use code: NPTRAVEL to save 15%.
Visit: bit.ly/CMVPARKS
Share your Experience Want a chance to win another Rocky Mountain souvenir? Share a photo showing any of these Rocky Mountain box items on Facebook or Instagram (or email hello@catsmeow.com). Use hashtag #mycatsmeowbox and tag us. Winner picked photos shared thru October 31st.
My grandkids getting sworn in as Rocky Mountain Junior Park Rangers. The Junior Ranger program is phenomenal. Every park offers materials and Ranger instructions that are super educational even for adults!
• If you signed up for a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription, then you’re all good to go. Just sit back and wait for you new park experience to arrive between Nov 6-14. • If you signed up for just one box, then you’ll need to renew for the Sleeping Bear Dunes box.
Visit: bit.ly/natparkbox