Despite their curious name, “hellbenders” are not demons of the night but rather amphibious environmental monitors of Southeastern creeks and streams. Known to some old-timers as “walking catfish,” these super-sized salamanders gained the “hellbender” moniker for their freakish size and dark, moody color.

It's an interesting coincidence that not long after the Traveler revisited the national park units that have been decommissioned that it's come to our attention that there are talks about turning Canyon de Chelly National Monument over to the Navajo Nation.

Never been to Yosemite National Park? If you haven't, or if you just want to recall its beauty, watch for "Yosemite -- America's Treasure" on the Travel Channel this Sunday and again on April 17 and 18.

Fishing in waters of Apostle Islands and Pictured Rocks national lakeshores is going to be a bit more difficult this year, as emergency restrictions are being implemented in an effort to prevent the spread of a deadly fish virus.