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Exploring the Parks

The Capital’s Corridor: Chesapeake And Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Walking the Canal towpath towards Georgetown, one comes across a sign that is literally almost in the Potomac River, reading in urgent letters, “Deadly undertow, Get to shore.” But this undertow is only one of the Potomac’s lethal actions; it is also capable of serious flooding causing immense damage. In fact, it was a series of such floods that propelled the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to change course, from its historic role of commercial transport to one of becoming a conduit for wildlife, and entering the National Park System as a National Historical Park.

The Story Behind A Manitoba Park’s Iconic Log And Stone Gateway

Straddling the highway at the eastern entrance to Riding Mountain National Park, a truss bridge made of hand-hewn logs and local stones featuring turret-like cupolas set on twin kiosks transports you to the 1930s and the early days of Canada’s national parks system. The gateway makes some people feel like they’re living the scene from Jurassic Park when the awestruck main characters first pass through a massive gate to an island theme park.

George McJunkin's Connection With Capulin Volcano National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument protects its namesake volcano, but it also protects Western history. Part of that history is the story of George McJunkin, who was born a slave and came to know this landscape as a talented and skilled cowboy. And he also played a role in archaeology and the "Folsom Man."

Least Visited And Most Remote

You might think there is no better place than a remote mountain valley to spend some time in the age of COVID-19, and Stehekin, Washington, certainly fits the bill. It must be difficult now for the locals, though -- on the one hand wanting to keep away anyone who could bring infection, but on the other needing visitors to keep the economy going.

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