Pretty Polynesia

Hawaii

February

What island group constitutes our 50th state?

This island group, the northernmost in Polynesia, makes up our 50th state. It was admitted to the union in 1959.

It is the 8th smallest, but the 13th most densely populated, state in the Union. It is the only state with an Asian plurality, and its 750-mile coastline makes it the 4th longest in the U.S., behind California, Florida, and Alaska.

I was there four years ago, and my parents are heading there next month. In 2003, according to government data, more than 6 million people visited these islands.

Gilligan's Isle, Greek Style

Navagio Beach, on the northwest coast of
Zakynthos Island

January

Navagio Beach is located on what Greek island?

We'll be on "island time" during 2016. Each month will feature a different island.

For January, we have Navagio Beach, an isolated -- accessible only by boat -- sandy cove on the northwest shore of one of the Ionian islands of Greece.

Resting on the white sand are the remains of Panagiotis, a ship that ran aground here in 1981. Believed to have been a smugglers' ship, its presence here gives the beach its nicknames: Smugglers Cove and Shipwreck Beach.

In the Bleak Midwinter

Valley Forge National Historical Park

December

What national park is synonymous with the bleak
midwinter?

The name of this national park is virtually synonymous with winter -- and a harsh winter at that. Originally established as Pennsylvania's first state park in 1893, it became a national park in our bicentennial year of 1976.

Though no battle (against the Brits) was fought here, the Continental Army, led by George Washington, spent the third winter of the Revolutionary War here in a different sort of battle -- against the elements.

Did you know:

• Approximately 12,000 troops encamped here during that fateful winter of 1777-1778.
• The park covers 3,500 acres and is visited by more than 1.2 million people each year.

Sam's Somewhat Alliterative Nickname

Yosemite National Park