Travel Adventures and Photography
I was in for a surprise when I boarded the Amtrak Cascades train in Vancouver, heading to Seattle. The restoration of the historic King Street Station in Seattle is a truly beautiful sight and I recommend it to anyone visiting the city. Originally built in 1906, the railway station is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, unfortunately remodeling concealed the original ornate Read More
This spring I made it to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington state, a must-see experience for anyone who loves nature. If you are doing a road trip in April, make sure this is on your list! Important note to Vancouver residents: it's only a 2 hour drive from Vancouver and is well worth the trip. Keep reading, because this isn't just a springtime getaway. I arrived there on a Friday afternoon in mid April (zero Read More
An hour east of Seattle, Washington is the luxury hotel that I have dreamed of visiting for several years since I first saw a photo of it. I've recently been traveling in the Pacific Northwest and I decided to make it happen - my relaxing getaway at the Salish Lodge was beyond everything I'd hoped for. Read on California residents.... you too Vancouverites! The Salish Lodge Located directly on top of a huge 268-foot Read More
I planned an unusual stop on our west coast road trip... As we headed north on the I5 in Oregon state, just about an hour south of Portland we stopped to explore The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. Evergreen's mission is, "To inspire, promote and preserve aviation and space history, and honor the patriotic service of our veterans." The property covers multiple buildings filled with aircraft, exhibits and artifacts Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) We had reached the destination of our road trip (Portland, Oregon) and the journey home was imminent. Normally when heading home from anywhere I start thinking about all the things I need to get done back home... but not this time. Though we would be home in mere days I knew there were still exciting adventures ahead in coastal Oregon. The truth is, at every stop on this road trip I saw Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) Just 35 minutes to the east from Portland, you don't want to miss Multnomah Falls. It's a breathtaking, dramatic waterfall on the Columbia River Gorge. It is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States, at a total height of 620 ft (or 189 meters). The source of the water is underground springs from Larch Mountain, augmented by melting snow and rainwater throughout the Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) This one I had not planned. We finally arrived in Portland after over a week of road tripping from Los Angeles, and I hadn't booked a hotel assuming there would be tons of options in downtown Portland. As it happens, weekends get booked up quick leaving you stuck with only high priced rooms. Searching for other options, I came across the Camas Hotel. The description said "Romantic Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) Portland's International Rose Test Garden is different than most other public gardens. It's primary purpose is as a testing ground for new rose varieties and it is the oldest rose testing program of it's kind in the United States. The Garden cares for over 10,000 plants of 500 varieties. For almost one hundred years, the city of Portland, Oregon is the only North American city to give an Read More
West Coast Road Trip (continued) In the heart of the vast Oregon wilderness, over 600 exotic and native animals live a fully protected and free-roaming lifestyle. 'Wildlife Safari' in Winston, Oregon, with a full 600 acres of land, has dedicated themselves to the conservation, education and research of wildlife. I was very happy to get a chance on my road trip to see these animals in dedicated habitats in the beautiful Read More
There are over 300 wineries in the state of Oregon and they have an international reputation for their wine production. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you might be interested in knowing where to go for free tastings. Click the title of any place on my list to see their location and visitor information. Liner and Elsen They have free wine tastings on Saturdays all summer long, starting at noon until the Read More
