Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2022 i Country Extra

While on a vacation in British Columbia a few years ago, my kids figured out that I am afraid of heights. As we rode the Sea to Sky Gondola to the top of the mountain, I clenched my husband’s hand and he assured me it would be OK. My son, then 5, noticed and promptly recruited his little sister to serenade me with, “We’re gonna crash, we’re gonna crash.” I did not appreciate the tough love, but the other tourists in the gondola thought it was downright hilarious. At the summit, the kids ran across a suspension bridge 1,000 feet in the air, and I watched from the viewing platform. My fear of heights can at times be a real drag. Just before the pandemic sent us all into lockdown,…

Mrs. Washington’s Mount Vernon Hear about the daily work and activities required of the lady of the house. $10 National Treasure: Book of Secrets Take a look at the locations that were used in the filming of the 2007 Nicolas Cage movie and hear behind-the-scenes stories of Mount Vernon’s transformation into a movie set. $10 Hamilton the Musical Hear how Washington’s political views informed the themes of the popular Broadway musical. $10 Founding Flowers Guided Tour Identify and explore the native plants and flowers of the site’s re-created 1700s landscape. $10 Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Learn about the lives of the enslaved workers and their roles in keeping the plantation running. Free…

WHILE ON VACATION, I saw a restaurant sign that boasted of authentic Mexican cuisine. Thinking of the saying, “When in Rome...,” I told the server that I wanted the full Mexican-food experience—the way he would prepare it for himself at home. He asked if I wanted ghost peppers added to my salsa. I didn’t know what a ghost pepper was, so I said, “Why not?” He just looked at me and grinned. HE ASKED IF I WANTED GHOST PEPPERS ADDED TO MY SALSA. The server brought salsa and chips while I went over the menu. As I dove in, I suddenly felt like a cartoon character with fire coming out of both ears. My mouth went numb. By the time I finally received my drink, I was gasping for breath…

EXPLORE Grab a map on arrival or ask the park ranger for an overview of the trail options and their difficulty ratings. The park is open seasonally, from May 1 to Oct. 31, with an entrance fee of $7. CAMP Overnight guests choose from 35 drive-in sites, including primitive tent sites and modern RV sites with electricity. Individual sites are $12-$15 per night, and group sites are $60-$100 per night. Purchase firewood at the park office. BYOH All the trails are accessible via horseback, making it a popular destination for equestrians. You’ll need to bring your own horse; with a daily fee of $6 you’ll have use of the park’s 81 corrals.…

EARLY FASCINATION I have always loved nature. When I got into photographing birds about 20 years ago and took a trip to Costa Rica, I fell in love with these hummingbirds. They come in so many incredibly beautiful tiny packages. SPRING HOT SPOTS When one thinks of hummingbirds in the U.S., Arizona certainly comes to mind. By mid-March migratory ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive along the Texas coast and start heading northward. In California and along the Pacific Coast, Allen’s, Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds can all be found. PHOTO TIPS Study the birds and learn their behaviors, calls and habits. Hummingbirds often return to the same perches. If you find a favorite spot, wait for them to return. For birds in flight, you need a fast shutter speed. If you can use…

New campsite-sharing apps open a universe of campgrounds and “glamping” (a bit more luxurious than traditional camping) on public and private land, plus a smattering of cabins and yurts in faraway places. • RECREATION.GOV is the most traditional app for finding, reviewing and booking campsites on public lands. It is free and includes some cabins and yurts. recreation.gov • HIPCAMP lists camping and glamping opportunities on both private and public campgrounds. You’ll find a variety of well-equipped campsites, RV spaces and cabins; they’ve been called the “Airbnb of the outdoors.” hipcamp.com • THE DYRT has more than 1.5 million user-generated campground listings, reviews and tips, making it one of the larger, more robust sites. Browse a range of campsites on the free version, or upgrade to The Dyrt PRO to plan road trips,…

As I stared up at the pinkish beige 90-foot sandstone tower of the old Cape Henry Lighthouse, it seemed to stare back. Even the pale blue sky seemed to embrace its presence. I wondered with trepidation if I could climb the 191 steps to the top. The prize would be for me to inhale the amazing bird’s-eye view. My husband and two school-aged children were sure they wanted to make the climb, and while standing in line, I contemplated my own determination. The historic Cape Henry Lighthouse proudly towers above the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This lighthouse is steeped within the foundations of American history, situated on a military base, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The lighthouse was the first federal project of the…

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became America’s first national park. Remote and rugged, the park didn’t have the infrastructure it does today. 1900  A walk among the park’s unpredictable geysers is a balancing act along a rustic beam. 2020  Today’s visitors can safely move among the geothermal attractions thanks to this sturdy boardwalk. HORSEPOWER Visitors explored the park on horseback or via stagecoach. The park had the last stagecoach operation in the country—and the last to be held up. AUTO ATTENDANCE The first automobiles rolled into Yellowstone in 1915—a record year for visitors at 52,000 (compared with 3.8 million in 2020).…

TRAIN TOUR From noon to 5 p.m. daily, hop on for a ride around the rows, complete with stops for photo ops. WOODEN SHOE GARDENS Picnic in a 4-acre garden that’s pretty enough for summer weddings. TULIP MARKET Pick up your favorite potted bulbs and cut flowers, or preorder bulbs to beautify your home. KIDS’ PLAYTIME Pony rides, balloon artists and a play area with duck races keep the little ones entertained all day. woodenshoe.com/events…

. Due to COVID restrictions, the lighthouse is currently open only to military, veterans, Department of Defense cardholders and their families. Check the website for updates. preservationvirginia.org . Be aware that during warm weather, the temperature at the top of the tower can be extreme. . All climbers must be at least 42 inches tall. Adults cannot carry children. . The 191-step climb itself is split into two parts: There are 79 steps to reach the lighthouse base, which sits atop a 50-foot sand dune. . Wear closed-toe shoes and take your time.…

1. SCENIC CYCLING Bikers traverse through 10 tunnels and seven trestle bridges on the beautiful 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha trail in Wallace, Idaho. CONNIE THOMPSON BLACKFOOT, ID 2. FOR THE BIRDS In spring, Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area near Choteau, Montana, is a flyway for snow geese and tundra swans. THOMAS GUFFY HELENA, MT 3. PORTABLE PUP My husband transformed a bike stroller so we could bring our dog, Bentley, along on our adventures. DIANNE CRASWELL LETANG, NB 4. SPRING PARADISE In February and March, Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden in Gladewater, Texas, transforms into a free haven of beauty for thousands of visitors. LINDA DAVIDSON TYLER, TX 5. FLOATING ON AIR One evening at the Grand Canyon while waiting for sunset, I noticed in the distance a red hawk…