NW U.S./Alaska Travel
© Aurae Beidler
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Jun 29, 2008
Central Oregon Coast Activities
Although it is a great place to visit, if you want to save money and have a better chance at seeing sea lions, skip a visit to Sea Lions Caves and try Newport's Bayfront.
Last week I wrote an article on
Florence Oregon Vacation Activities, listing the top ten things to do while visiting Florence Oregon, along the Central Oregon Coast. People familiar with the area are probably wondering why I did not list Sea Lion Caves. Well, personally I think that Sea Lion Caves is a waste of time and money. For the price of admission, visitors can drive up to Newport's Bayfront and watch active sea lions basking in the sun, for free.
The time I visited Sea Lion Caves I saw one sea lion, far away, swimming into the cave. It was smelly and dark. The ride down the elevator to the cave was about as exciting as it got. Perhaps I just had bad luck.
Everytime I visit Newport's Bayfront I go to the dock adjacent to the Undersea Gardens, where I can watch a half dozen or more sea lions basking in the sun. It's hiliarious to watch them fight over the best spot or try to get their massive bodies up onto the floating dock. I find great enjoyment watching these creatures along the Bayfront.
So, just a piece of advice from an Oregon Coast traveler: Skip a visit to Sea Lion Caves and head to Newport's Bayfront.
Jun 24, 2008
Summer Traffic Increases in NW US
As summer traffic increases along the beaches of the NW US, road rage and increased stress can occur. Instead of stressing out, try pulling over and enjoy the views!
I’ve driven from Newport to Florence and back on Highway 101 more than a few times the last couple of weeks. I keep referring to my route as the “torture route” because of the congestion. Yet, I keep choosing this way home because I love the drive. Who wouldn’t want to drive along the rugged coastline from Florence to Yachats and then along the sandy beach from Yachats to Newport!
My favorite parts of the drive are the twists and turns just outside of Florence and then again just south of Yachats. I think it feels like a rollercoaster, if driven at the correct speed. I love coming around the corner just past Sea Lion Caves, to see the amazing view of Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Yet, my thrill with this part of the highway is taking away by slow-moving RVs and tourists not paying attention. It’s hard for me because I grew up along this stretch of coast. Maybe if I wasn’t from the area, I would be traveling very slow too. It is a pet peeve that tourists can’t seem to keep up with the speed limits signs or suggested speeds for corners.
So, I’ve found that if I am following a sluggish leisure vehicle, and there is no hope it will pull over for me to pass, I have decided to take the next pull off myself. I choose the ones with a good view. Then, I can take my camera out and do a quick photo shoot. I’ve found it doesn’t take much longer to stop off the road for a few minutes. It saves your mind and body from added stress. The views off 101 might actually just drain you of all stress. Try this next time the traffic is thick or that RV won’t pull over.
Jun 17, 2008
Park Controversy in Washington
Should the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument be changed to a National Park? Weighing the pros and cons proposed by the advisory committee.
Last week, I wrote an article on one of Washington State's national parks,
Mount Rainier National Park. Little did I know that Washington actually has two other national parks: Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park, with a possible fourth to come. A reader asked if I could write a blog on the controversy concerning turning Mount St. Helens into a national park.
It all comes down to money and access. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington has appointed an advisory committee to look into changing Mount St. Helens to a National Park. The committee findings will be shared next spring 2009.
According to
The Seattle Times, a comparison by the Cowlitz County tourism director found a large discrepancy between the funds the Forest Service gets in a recreation budget for Mount St. Helens, around $500,000 and what a comparable location, California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park receives from the National Park Service, $4.5 million! Imagine what the area could do with an extra $4 million!
Pros:An increased, steady source of funding, would allow for more ranger staffing, expanded trails and campgrounds and re-open the visitor center. The 110,000-acres park currently enjoys 750,000 annual visitors. National parks receive a “line item allocation of funding” in the annual federal budget. Right now, Mount St. Helens receives recreation funds from the Forest Service, after the money has been filtered down from national headquarters, regional offices and forest headquarters. In other words, Mount St. Helens has to compete with other recreation programs for its funds.
Cons:Limited access for hunters, fisherman and snowmobilers who currently use the land controlled by the U.S. Forest Service. New rules would restrict or change hunting and fishing, berry picking, dog control, snowmobiling, and other activities.
Do you think they should change the Mount St. Helens status to a National Park?
Jun 9, 2008
Summer Travel in NW U.S./ Alaska
Summer in the Northwest United States and Alaska means more tourists. Travelers flock to NW states and Alaska to delight in warm temperatures, outdoor activites and fun.
I'm excited to write my first blog in NW U.S./ Alaska Travel! As an Oregonian, I enjoy this time of early in late spring as the hot summer temperatures are just around the corner. Although it is raining right now, we in the Northwest know that the summer sun will be upon us in the next month. We have a saying in Oregon that
summer doesn't start until after the Fourth of July! I actually researched and wrote a blog about this at Meteorology & Climatology last week.
Most areas in the Northwest United States such as the states of Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Alaska, enjoy a much needed warming during this time of year. However, this year with an increased snowpack and record snowfall, some areas will take longer to thaw out. Some campgrounds in the Cascade and Rocky Mountains will not be opening until mid-summer, because they are still buried in snow!
Although tourist numbers increase during the summer, some may not know that the best times to visit the Oregon and Washington coast is actually in the autumn. Autumn means warmer temperatures and less chance for fog. During the summer, fog develops on the beaches when the valleys are hot. This inversion means the temperatures at the beaches can be 40 F cooler! Brrrr!
Make sure to pay attention to the weather and contact the Department of Transportation to make sure roads are open in rural areas.
Jan 29, 2007
Contibuting Writer Articles
An index of articles on Suite101 by Lynn Mason-Pattnosh NW/Alaska Travel as a contributing or guest writer.
Jan 18, 2007
Western and Cowboy Fine Art
Braarud Fine Art and Bozeman Trail Gallery are two premiere galleries showcasing western artists, cowboy and American Indian fine art collectibles in the Northwest.
Cowboys, American Indians, the Alaskan wilderness, the Wild West… Freedom, adventure and wide-open spaces! These rough and tumble themes are primary subjects for the artists showcased at Braarud Fine Art and Bozeman Trail Gallery in the Northwest United States.
Braarud Fine Art in Laconner, Washington specializes in nineteenth and early twentieth century American paintings and artists. At Braarud Fine Art you will find exquisite paintings and renowned artists of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and the American West. Braarud’s artists include: John Fery, Sanford Gifford, Herman Herzog, R.G. Holdredge, William Keith, Thomas Moran, Gilbert Munger and Frederick Schafer.
Go to
Braarud Fine Art for more information about visiting the gallery, to look at fabulous western painting, find detailed biographies on celebrated western artists and wonderful Northwest and Alaska art links. Phone: 360-446-4416
Bozeman Trail Gallery is located in Sheridan, Wyoming and showcases nineteenth and twentieth century fine art of the west and western collectibles. Rare 1800 to 1920 American Indian beadwork and cultural items, as well as Cowboy Collectibles are the Bozeman Trail Gallery primary focus. However, the Bozeman Trail Gallery also represents western landscape and portrait painters circa the 1800s, as well as contemporary artists Karen Vance, Bruce Graham, Stanley W. Gallic, Geoff Parker, D. Michael Thomas, Joel Outland, and Dave Powell.
Go to
Bozeman Trail Gallery for more information and to get a closer look at some wonderful historic western paintings and American Indian fine art works. Phone: 307-672-3929
Jan 17, 2007
Valentine’s Day Portland-Music
Here are some live music suggestions for a romantic and fun Valentine’s Day 2007 in the Portland, Oregon area.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year! When should you celebrate with your honey? Should that romantic evening out be the weekend before Valentine’s Day or the weekend after? Decisions, decisions… If you are planning on being in the Portland, Oregon area for Valentine’s Day 2007, here are some wonderful live music suggestions to help you decide!
- Friday-2/9 Sister Hazel @ Aladdin Theater
- Friday-2/9 Johnny Mathis @ Arlene Schnitzer Hall
- Friday-2/9 Aqualung with Pete Yorn @ Roseland Theater
- Saturday-2/10 Glen Philips of Toad the Wet Sprocket @ Aladdin Theater
- Saturday-2/10 Merle Haggard with Neko Case @ Arlene Schnitzer Hall
- Saturday-2/10 Tim Reynolds @ Berbati’s Pan
- Saturday-2/10 John Hammond @ Mississippi Studios
- Tuesday-2/13 Sparklehorse @ Wonder Ballroom
- Friday-2/16 Chick Corea @ Arlene Schnitzer Hall
- Friday-2/16 Branford Marsalis @ the Marriott Hotel
- Friday-2/16 Rock Star Supernova @ Memorial Coliseum
- Friday-2/16 Bob Weir & Ratdog @ Roseland Theater
- Saturday-2/17 Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band @ Rose Garden Arena
- Saturday-2/17 Gomez/Ben Kweller @ Roseland Theater
- Tuesday-2/19 Tenacious D @ Arlene Schnitzer Hall
Find something to peak your musical and romantic interest, checkout
Ticketmaster or the venue for availability and prices.
Checkout
Valentine’s Day in Seattle, Washington for more music ideas. Looking for a romantic spot to have a drink,
Portland Bars.
Jan 17, 2007
Valentine’s Day Seattle-Music
Here are some live music suggestions for a romantic and fun Valentine’s Day 2007 in the Seattle, Washington area.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year! When should you celebrate with your honey? Should that romantic evening out be the weekend before Valentine’s Day or the weekend after? Decisions, decisions… If you are planning on being in the Seattle, Washington area for Valentine’s Day 2007, here are some wonderful live music suggestions to help you decide!
- Friday-2/9 Tim Reynolds @ Chop Suey
- Saturday-2/10 Sister Hazel @ Crocodile Café
- Saturday-2/10 Aqualung with Pete Yorn @ The Shadowbox
- Sunday-2/11 Merle Haggard with Neko Case @ Paramount Theatre
- Sunday-2/11 Tim Reynolds @ Jazzbones Restaurant & Nightclub
- Sunday-2/11 Glen Philips of Toad the West Sprocket @ Chop Suey
- Wednesday-2/14 Sparklehorse @ The Shadowbox
- Friday-2/16 Tenacious D @ Paramount Theatre
- Friday-2/16-2/18 Presidents of the United States of America @ The Shadowbox
- Friday-2/16 Philip Glass @ University of Puget Sound
- Saturday-2/17 Bob Weir & Ratdog @ Moore Theatre
- Sunday-2/18 Rock Star Supernova @ Evert Events Center
Find something to peak your musical and romantic interest, checkout
Ticketmaster or the venue for availability and prices.
Checkout
Valentine’s Day in Portland, Oregon for more music ideas. Looking for a romatic place to have a drink,
Seattle Bars.
Jan 15, 2007
THST-SV: Day 4-Ski Halfpipe Heats
Day 4 of The Honda Ski Tour-Sun Valley, Idaho. Simon Dumont was the $25,000 winner of the ski halfpipe. Read on for the complete ski halfpipe heat 1 and heat 2 results.
Simon Dumont was the $25,000 winner of the ski halfpipe at THST in Sun Valley! Congratulation Simon, amazing… Read on for complete results for the ski halfpipe heats 1 and 2.
Here are the complete results for THST in Sun Valley Ski Halfpipe Heat 1 and Heat 2:
SKI HALFPIPE RESULTSSunday January 14th- Warm Springs/Bald Mountain
The best 4 scores from each heat advanced and the next top overall 4 scores.
Heat #1- Simon Dumont 84.25 89.75 89.75 Advance
- Candide Thovex 89.50 85.25 89.50 Advance
- Jossi Wells 33.50 87.50 87.50 Advance
- Mike Riddle 75.25 37.00 75.25 Advance
- Matt Hayward 69.50 75.00 75.00 Advance
- JP Solberg 66.50 74.25 74.25 Advance
- John Symms 17.75 71.75 71.75 Advance
- Taylor Felton 66.75 69.75 69.75
- Niklas Karlstrom 58.75 67.75 67.75
- Brent Abrams 55.25 61.25 61.25
- TJ Schiller 28.75 53.00 53.00
Heat #2- Matt Philippi 77.50 75.25 77.50 Advance
- Colby West 67.00 74.25 74.25 Advance
- Scott Hibbert 17.25 74.00 74.00 Advance
- Peter Olenick 45.75 73.00 73.00 Advance
- Stefan Thomas 72.75 53.50 72.75 Advance
- Justin Dorey 24.50 71.25 71.25
- Corey Vanular 42.00 71.25 71.25
- Charles Gagnier 38.25 69.75 69.75
- John Spriggs 47.00 68.50 68.50
- Arnaud Rougier 64.50 44.25 64.50
- Dan Marion 60.75 63.75 63.75
Read THST Day 4 Ski Halfpipe Final Results and Blog!
Jan 15, 2007
THST-SV: Day 4-Ski Halfpipe Final
Day 4 of The Honda Ski Tour-Sun Valley, Idaho. Simon Dumont was the $25,000 winner of the ski halfpipe. Read on for the complete results and blog.
At Day 4 of THST in Sun Valley, Idaho the
ski halfpipe finals were the most anticipated event of the day, if not the entire week. It is most certain, that this event did not disappoint anyone who successfully hiked up the steep and slick mountain. If you made it up, you saw some of the most dynamic and athletic skiing ever! Here are the complete ski halfpipe final results and a little about just trying to make it up that mountain.
I believe that at this point in my THST Sun Valley blog I don’t need to share with you that it was cold, but boy was it cold! Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself. I wonder how times I said, or heard someone talk about being cold this weekend? Just as a social experiment, I did try counting at the skiercross finals, but realized this was slightly psychotic when the numbers went into the double digits in only a minute.
Climbing up the mountain to get a front row seat for the ski halfpipe competition at THST was more challenging than I had anticipated, but worth every single step! Put it this way, I saw some friends walking up the hill that I know are much, much more athletic than myself having a difficult time. I also was sadly aware that there were others that were simply not fit enough to make the trek up the steep terrain...too bad. The ski halfpipe finals, in my opinion, was the must see event of the entire weekend and without a doubt should be recognized as an Olympic sport, as soon as possible!
The ski halfpipe athletes are skiers, aerialist and gymnasts all rolled in one. I have never experienced anything like watching these athletes soar way above my head, while throwing awe-inspiring tricks and landing them effortlessly. These athletes need the respect that they so greatly deserve, immediately. I had no idea how unquestionably talented these skiers were until I saw the ski halfpipe with my own eyes and in person!
It was also thrilling to see
Mike Riddle and
Matt Hayward, athletes that both my husband and I had spent some quality time with over the weekend (look for indepth interviews with many of THST ski halfpipe athletes in the near future), not only make the finals, but generate some of the top performances of the entire night.
Simon Dumont was the $25,000 winner of the ski halfpipe competition at THST in Sun Valley. Congratulations Simon! I honestly was unaware that a human being was capable of performing those tricks, on or off of skis! You are nothing short of amazing!
Here is the complete list for THST-Sun Valley ski halfpipe finals, as well as the current point leaders of THST:
PLACE
1 12
SIMON DUMONT 93.75 85.25 93.75
2 8
MIKE RIDDLE 76.25 89.5 89.5
3 10
JOSSI WELLS 86 89.25 89.25
4 9
MATT PHILPPI 88.5 24.75 88.5
5 11
CANDIDE THOVEX 84 61.75 84
6 7
MATT HAYWARD 82 83 83
7 1
JOHN SYMMS 72.75 29.25 72.75
8 5
JP SOLBERG 16.5 71.75 71.75
9 6
COLBY WEST 68.75 70.25 70.25
10 3
PETER OLENICK 37 62.75 62.75
11 2
STEFAN THOMAS 15.25 43.75 43.75
12 4
SCOTT HIBBERT 25 25.5 25.5
Good luck to all the athletes as they continue the competition with The Honda Ski Tour in Aspen Snowmass, Breckenridge and Squaw Valley! Thank you athletes, musicians and THST for a really great time!
Check out all the action from THST in Sun Valley, Idaho on ABC: Saturday, January 20, 4pm PST / 5pm MST / 2pm EST.
Go to
THST for Aspen Snowmass, Breckenridge and Squaw Valley information.Read the Ski Halfpipe Heat 1 and Heat 2 Complete Results.E-mail me with any questions or comments about THST! Or read more
THST blogs...
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