Wait--- The Government is Closed!?!

For the second time in my lifetime so far, the government has shut down.  Once again, they can't agree on a way to balance the budget and once again they decide that they need to shut down the entity that is supposed to be RUNNING OUR COUNTRY.  The last time it happened, I don't remember it having a huge impact on my day, I went to school as usual- a few days later it was all over & the government was "turned back on" like a light switch; at least that's how I envisioned it. 

This time, however it did impact my week. A friend and I made plans to wake up before the sun & go to Maroon Bells and watch the sunrise. However, since Maroon Bells is located in a national park, we can't get there. I thought National Parks & Monuments belonged to the people? I mean since our taxes supposedly pay for that- I'm a little bummed that we can't go there (without risk of misdemeanor or worse- getting arrested).  Neither of the latter are in my weeks activities. 

If you're not familiar with Maroon Bells and therefore don't understand why this would be so disappointing to me. Maroon Bells looks like this right now! 

Now I took these with my phone so please excuse the graininess. But you get the idea- it's breathtakingly beautiful.  Thanks Teddy Roosevelt for the National Parks System (even if it's closed this week) I'm so grateful for the opportunity to go to places like this.