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Surf in the
park
Trees, trails ... and email? Parks and beaches in the West are now catering to visitors who want both nature and network.
California State Parks have launched the most ambitious wireless program of any park system in the country, equipping 85 locations with wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet connections. In participating parks, including San Elijo State Beach near San Diego, visitors with wireless-enabled laptops and PDAs have full Web access for about $8 a day and free access to select state websites, like the California parks site. www.parks.ca.gov
Grand Canyon National Park is plugged into the high-speed Internet scene too. Hop on at an Internet kiosk at any of four South Rim lodges and share your adventures with friends and family via email--while you're still on vacation. www.nps.gov/grca
Yosemite National Park offers Wi-Fi in various meeting rooms and public places at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. There are also Internet kiosks near the front desk at the Ahwahnee, tempting guests to surf the Web between hikes or zip off digital photos to the folks back home. www.nps.gov/yose
