One-on-One
Issue: July/August 2009
"tap into the expertise of
our travel counselors"
As someone who grew up in urban settings on the East Coast, it did not take much time for me to recognize the significance of our spectacular surroundings in the Northwest when I moved here 20 years ago. In addition to providing many great recreational opportunities for our family over the years, these stunning natural features never fail to remind me, as they do for many of us, how important it is to protect these wonderful resources.
Similar sentiments are echoed in two new PBS documentaries. The latest Ken Burns project, which premieres this fall, is called The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. The other, which has already aired in some markets, is called Paving the Way: The National Park-to-Park Highway. In the process of recounting a 76-day journey that a dozen motorists made to 12 national parks in 1920, this latter documentary sheds light on the diligence of a AAA pathfinder named Anton Westgard in mapping the route and leading the convoy. The publicity that this group generated is credited for dramatically improving the public’s access to America’s national parks.
Today, AAA is very proud to uphold the traditions established by pioneers such as Westgard. As the leading authority on automobile travel, we offer a wide range of planning tools to help you enjoy the many natural wonders that await throughout the Northwest—and beyond. With the summer travel season upon us, I invite each of you to visit your nearest AAA service center to tap into the wealth of expertise of our travel counselors. These modern-day pathfinders, who can also be reached by phone or through AAA.com, are available to answer questions and provide the maps, TourBook® guides, TripTik routings and information you need for safe, happy travels anywhere the road takes you.
Have a terrific summer.
Charles Liekweg, President
