Showing posts with label destinations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label destinations. Show all posts

Destinations: Skagit Valley

Sunday, March 31, 2019


Photos by Steven H. Robinson

It's almost Tulip Time in the Skagit Valley and it looks like everything's on time this year.



Right now the daffodils are in full bloom. Steve's photos were taken on Friday, March 29, 2019. The migrating birds are already in the fields.

Tulips are due soon. Here's a page on the bloom status if you have your heart set only on tulips: Bloom Status. The Tulip Festival people say that the tulips will bloom all through April.

Daffodils now
Green rows of tulips yet to come

Here's the Tulip Festival brochure. There are activities all over the Skagit Valley all month but you will want to do some planning before you go.

It has an event schedule, parking information, driving directions, and everything you need for a successful trip to the Skagit Valley.

The tulip farms belong to half a dozen Dutch families who scouted carefully and chose the Skagit Valley as a place to grow tulips just before WWII. 

Now if you order bulbs from Holland, they will have been grown in the Skagit Valley.



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It's all a matter of timing; Steve Robinson and the Viking cruise ship

Monday, March 25, 2019

Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, Norway 


Photos by Steven H. Robinson

Steve Robinson and his wife Leslie went on a Northern Lights cruise in Norway, up to the arctic circle January 23 - February 8, 2019.

They were on the Viking Sky cruise ship. Steve came home with beautiful photos of the skies full of moving green light.

The Viking Sky cruise ship


On Saturday, March 23, 2019, that same ship on that same cruise nearly met with disaster. The engines malfunctioned, stranding the ship in rough, frigid waters, in the middle of a storm. The ship was in danger of running aground. Waves crashed through windows, sweeping passengers across the floor. Water came up under their feet.

Search and Rescue boat


Steve photographed a Search And Rescue (SAR) ship in Stavanger, Norway, possibly one involved with the rescue operation. However, the seas were too rough for them and they turned back to port.

The Viking Sky


The Norwegian authorities were so concerned that they sent helicopters to rescue the passengers, hoisting them one by one up wires. They managed to evacuate 479 people, with 900 more to go, when the ship's crew managed to restart one engine to control the ship enough to keep it off the rocks. They waited out the storm then limped back to port under their own power. (NPR article here)

Steve says that "We also hit some rough water and skipped one port because of winds and waves. The coast of Norway can be rough at times."

Aurora Borealis at Tromsø, Norway


The main draw for the trip is the sight of the Aurora Borealis, which Steve was able to photograph in port at Tromsø, Norway.

What a difference a few weeks makes.



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Destinations: Emerald City Comic Con

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Entrance to ECCC 2019 after going through security

Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) took place March 14-17, 2019 in the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle.

Hogwarts School students

Emerald City Comic Con is the destination comic and pop culture show for the Pacific Northwest. ECCC delivers the best that the comics and pop culture industry has to offer directly from the creators, bringing super fans exactly what they crave: interaction with quality content and guests and an inclusive space to celebrate their fandom.

R2 Robots from Star Wars come from far away
to attend ECCC


In 2018, Emerald City Comic Con saw 95,000 fans over four days and featured hundreds of comic book guests, celebrity guests and more.

Rebel Alliance pilots from Star Wars


Cosplay is part of the fun. Cosplay (costume + play) is the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game.

Two witches from Oz


Photographer Steven H. Robinson was costumed as a roving photographer, complete with camera around his neck. He found hundreds of willing subjects, and put 12 miles on his FitBit. Who knew that Comic Con was good exercise?

Supergirl compares costumes with Fairy Godmother


Emerald City Comic Con is produced and run by ReedPOP, with a full team dedicated to bring you the best content at ECCC each year. ReedPOP also runs New York Comic Con, C2E2, Keystone Comic Con, Star Wars Celebration, BookCon and the PAX shows, among many others around the globe.

Where’s Waldo / Wally and Carmen San Diego


Show Flow, Panels, and Vendors.

In 2018, ECCC brought the best in comics, collectibles, and content to the forefront. Artist Alley was back, right next to the Writer’s Block and the Musicalley!

Vendor floor


The Show Floor continued to amaze with comics, apparel and exclusives around every corner! 

Doctor Who. (Dad) the 4th Doctor and (Daughter) the 13th Doctor


ECCC also introduced Homegrown, a dispensary of local arts, Nintendo brought the gaming to the Skybridge lobby, with a giant Kirby to boot, and MoPOP had Lockjaw on lockdown in their booth for photo ops and fun!

Athlete from A League of Their Own

The only rules pertain to behavior and weapons - and there are a lot of those rules! What costume you choose is up to your particular passion for a fantasy world. The costumes are, for the most part, authentic, elaborate, and expensive.

Comic Con will be back next year, so you have time to choose your persona and get your costume ready.

All photos by Steven H. Robinson


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Destinations: Gardens of the World at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival

Friday, February 22, 2019


Gardens of the World 
Northwest Flower and Garden Festival 
Washington State Convention Center 


February 20-24, 2019 


Text by Victoria Gilleland 
Photos by Steven H. Robinson

Enjoy an Around the World Journey to fabulous show gardens at this year’s Flower and Garden Festival. Display gardens bring together colorful plant combinations, hardscape features and art…. natural and manmade. A nod to cultures from around the world can be enjoyed in each garden.

Mystic Garden


The showstopper garden for me is “Mystic Garden” by Nature Perfect Landscape and Design a stylized Sichuan-inspired Chinese Garden. This ‘Poet’s Garden’ has a unique Moon Gate Entrance with windows arranged around a secret garden. Stepping stones lead to a quiet pond and waterfall. A Gongshi or “Scholar’s Stone” is featured. These unusual time worn stones are said to have inspired China’s poets and painters. The plantings are simple and work beautifully with the natural hardscape elements and overall design. Select plants and stones have been loaned by the Seattle Chinese Garden in West Seattle.

Notting Hill


“Notting Hill….. A Modern English Garden” by Folia Horticultural + Design has created a distinctly British garden with an artsy London feel to it. The symmetrical design with upright yews, traditional box hedges and stainless steel globes that reflect light into the garden are masterfully incorporated. White flowering annuals and perennials match the reflection on the steel orbs, and they brighten the planting beds. Overall the design is sophisticated and elegantly understated.



“Escape to the Mountains” by Adam Gorski Landscapes, Inc. Salutes mountain ranges around the world….. Andes, Alps, Atlas, Himalayas, Pyrenees, Urals or our own Cascades. Mountains inspire with their rugged natural beauty and grandeur wherever we find them. An impressive natural stone waterfall and pond provides a serene focal point. The designer’s placement of large rocks, tall evergreen trees, and native plants gives us a sense of being in the wild. We can imagine a getaway to this mountain retreat to commune with nature.

There are 21 wonderful display gardens to enjoy. Something for everyone’s taste and interests. Don’t miss this opportunity to travel the world through a visit to spectacular display gardens at our 2019 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival! 

More information HERE




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Destinations: Shoreline Irons Brothers at Home Show

Joseph and Melissa Irons and Mike Kailan
at the Seattle Home Show
In addition to businesses listed in a previous article, Shoreline-based Irons Brothers Construction is at the Seattle Home Show in booth #0-6.

The Seattle Home Show is the Northwest’s largest consumer home show with everything for the home – indoors and out.

Contact them at office@ironsbc.com for a promo code to receive discounted tickets online!

Ticket link HERE

The Home show presents hundreds of exhibits including builders, remodelers, the latest appliances and fixtures, decorating, landscaping… everything from floor to ceiling and beyond.

Northwesterners will see all the latest for the home when the Seattle Home Show, the nation’s oldest and largest consumer home show, marks its 75th anniversary February 23 through March 3 at CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle 98134.



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Destinations: Local people exhibiting at the Seattle Home Show

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Ticket link

Shoreline tile artist Paul Lewing will be in Booth 634 at the Seattle Home Show, Saturday February 23 through March 3, 2019. (See previous article about Paul)

Paul says, "I'll be showing my tile murals again in Booth #634. If you're planning on attending, go to the Home Show website, click on Get Tickets, click One Adult, and enter the promo code on the graphic above. It will get you 2-for-1 entry and $5 parking. I hope I'll see you there."

Shoreline businesses at the Home Show

  • All Seasons Sun Control
  • Carriage Houses Northwest
  • Paul Lewing Custom Tile


From backyard cottages to tiny homes, from smart home technology to landscaping and kitchen remodeling, Northwesterners will see all the latest for the home when the Seattle Home Show, the nation’s oldest and largest consumer home show, marks its 75th anniversary February 23 through March 3 at CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle 98134.

New products will abound at the 75th Seattle Home Show, including a “smart” induction burner, complete with its own smart pan and recipe app that guides you through every step, using Bluetooth technology not only to automatically control the burner’s temperature but send you alerts along the way until your dish is complete.

There’s also an outdoor lighting system, managed using your mobile device, letting you control all aspects of your lighting, as well as a “collapsible” tiny log cabin that lets you quickly assemble or disassemble it to move to another location.

“Seattle Home Show is the largest single gathering of the Northwest’s top building professionals open to the public,” said Mike Kalian, executive director. 
“At Seattle Home Show, consumers have a one-of-a-kind opportunity not only to meet with them and comparison shop under one roof, but to see the new products and services as well as attend seminars taught by industry experts.”

As the 75th anniversary of the oldest home show in the country takes place right in the Northwest’s own backyard, technology for the home is big, housing is robust and remodeling continues to thrive.

Many homeowners here are choosing to remodel and stay in place rather than deal with the high cost of buying a new home and first-time homebuyers are often purchasing homes “as is” with the expectation that they will be investing in home renovations.

For both groups, Seattle Home Show provides an ideal venue for one-stop shopping for their home’s interior and exterior needs, from the leading builders, designers, landscapers and other building professionals in the region.




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Destinations: Spring arrives (30 days early!) next week at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival, February 20-24 at the Washington State Convention Center

Saturday, February 16, 2019

The Bee House - a 2018 display garden
Photo by Doug Gochenour
SEATTLE— Spring arrives 30 days early next week in Seattle as the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival returns February 20-24 at the Washington State Convention Center 705 Pike St, Seattle 98101

North America’s second-largest garden event celebrates “Gardens of The World” as its theme for 2019 — inspiring the creation of over 20 spectacular gardens by top regional designers.

The five-day festival encompasses over 100 free seminar presentations, entertaining and educational interactive attractions, more than 350 high-quality Marketplace vendors (including 70 new additions) and more.

Attracting gardening newbies and veteran “green thumbs” alike, the 31st annual event includes a packed line-up of features, including:

Over 20 stunning display gardens — with thousands of blooming flowers--spotlighting spectacular colors, textures and lifestyle features plus useful take-home ideas. These fully landscaped gardens are created by leading garden design professionals.

Around-the-clock free seminars with a line-up of 70 nationally-known authorities and top regional experts. The seminar program includes 102 presentations in nine categories including gardening with houseplants, edibles, culinary skills, a variety of DIY demonstrations, sustainability trends and more.

Dueling experts take the stage in “Container Wars” at 11:30am daily, giving festival-goers a first-hand look at creating beautiful and practical containers. It’s fast-paced and fun, with plenty of good-natured verbal jousting between the gardening luminaries.

World-class shopping in the Marketplace, including over 30 vendors in the “Plant Market,” tasty regional food products in the “Gourmet Marketplace,” eclectic offerings in the “Vintage Garden Market,” tasteful art for the home and garden, clever tools, useful services and much more.

For those making their home in an apartment or condo — or have a ground-level spot ready for a makeover—“City Living” gardens are both inspiring and beautiful! Located on the Skybridge, ten 6-foot x 12-foot garden gems are created by leading Pacific Northwest designers and retail nurseries.

The new “Blooms and Bubbles” floral design workshops led by local experts. Sip on a glass of champagne while creating a lovely finished product to take home. Space is limited, and cost for attendees (age 21 and over) is $45 per person, including materials and bubbly, of course!

Festival hours and ticket info
Dates and hours for the 2019 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival are Wednesday through Saturday (February 20-23), 9am to 8pm; and Sunday (February 24), 9am to 6pm.

Purchase tickets online and save! Early Bird tickets are now on sale for $19 (a savings of $5), available through February 19. For added value, skip the lines once the doors open and purchase Adult admission tickets online for $22 (a savings of $2). Regular Adult admission at the door is $24; Student (13 to 23 years) - $10; and Children (12 and under) are FREE.



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Collectors: Depression glass show Feb 23 in Kent

Tuesday, February 12, 2019


In its 42nd year, the Green River Glass Show and Sale is taking place on Saturday, February 23, 2019, from 9am until 4:30pm at the Kent Commons 525 4th Avenue N., Kent 98032.

There is a lot of parking, and a sea of colorful glass and pottery from eras long ago.

If you are looking for a match for your family's pattern, want to find something special that will remind you of your younger years, or just want to get out and find something different to do... this is an event that might interest you!

Have a piece of glass or pottery that you are unsure of? There will be special guests Randy and Debbie Coe during the event (with a two piece limit) to give glass identification.

Did your favorite vase or goblet get chipped over the holidays? Roy's Glass Repair will be on hand to offer his services (prices vary for item to be fixed).

Was there a stone missing from your necklace after you attended that wild Christmas neighborhood party? Eunique's Jewelry Restoration and Repair will also be at the event.

Admission is $3, with proceeds benefiting selected charities.

More information HERE



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Destinations: Model railroad show at Pacific Science Center this weekend

Thursday, January 17, 2019


All aboard! The Model Railroad Show is back for its 45th year. Join us from January 19 to 21, 2019, Saturday through Monday, to meet dozens of model railroaders and experience these magical displays.

The Model Railroad big event is this coming weekend at the Pacific Science Center at Seattle Center 200 Second Ave N, Seattle 98109. 206-443-2001. (under the five white arches near the Space Needle, at the corner of Denny and Broad.)

There will be several local Model Railroad clubs at the PSC that are members of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA).

Shoreline resident Dennis Terpstra
with grandkids Toren and Talia
You can even volunteer! Check out this info.

The show features several opportunities to operate trains: youngsters can drive loop tracks and older children and adults on railcar delivery layouts.

The Pacific Northwest Public Transportation Museum will have a large display of historical photographs and memorabilia.

Visit the Northwest Railway Museum’s information table to learn more about their activities for young people. The museum, located in Snoqualmie and North Bend, offers rides during much of the year and hosts Thomas the Tank Engine each summer.

When you go, look for Shoreline resident Dennis Terpstra. He has been running model trains for years and rarely misses a Northwest show.

The 45th Model Railroad Show is included with the price of general admission and is FREE for Pacific Science Center Members.




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Royal Caribbean Cruise Event in Lake Forest Park Jan 15

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Expedia CruiseShipCenters in Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Suite A015, will be having a Cruise Event on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at their location on the upper level of Town Center (Ballinger side).

Call the office to RSVP - 206-347 8777




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Destinations: Nordic Museum in Ballard

Monday, December 31, 2018



Text and photos by Wayne Pridemore


A visit to Ballard's Nordic Museum is a real treat. For years it was hidden away in an old, closed school building. 



Not now, the new building is a spectacular place. It is located on at 2665 NW Market Street in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.

The Nordic Museum shares Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds. It provides educational and cultural experiences, and serves as a community gathering place.

 

The museum features Nordic Journeys, an interactive, immersive core exhibition. On the first floor there is a dedicated flexible gallery space for visiting exhibitions.

Admission; Adults $15, Seniors $12, Students $10, and children 0-4 free. Limited parking $2.

Museum Hours - Phone number 206-789-5707
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am–5pm
Wednesday: 10am–5pm
Thursday: 10am–8pm
Friday: 10am–5pm
Saturday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: 10am–5pm

The Museum is closed to the public on Mondays, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.



Admission is free on the First Thursday of the month:


We are proud members of Seattle's First Thursdays program! Museum admission is free on the first Thursday of every month. This includes free entry to our core exhibits. There is an additional $5 admission fee to see The Vikings Begin which is not included in the First Thursday program: a separate ticket must be purchased to attend this exhibit.


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Destinations: Seattle Children's Festival Saturday

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Northwest Folklife's annual Seattle Children's Festival is this Saturday at September 22, 2018 at Seattle Center. 

There are five stages of dance, music, workshops, stories, and two full discovery zones for hands-on activities. 

Since Northwest Folklife is committed to access for all, there's a suggested donation of $10 per person.

Lots to do, here's the full schedule HERE


Highlights of the 2018 Festival include:
  • Bands! Seattle kindiependent band Caspar Babypants, The Rhapsody Project, and more!
  • Storytelling! Drag Queen storytime with Aleksa Manila, and bilingual Spanish story time with Para los Niños
  • Dancing! Mexican baile folklĂłrico with Grupo Folklorico Nuestro Raices, Balkan dance with Radost Folk Ensemble
  • Breakdancing! 206 Zulu Presents Prince v. Prince 
  • Dance Workshops! Hula dance lesson with Seattle Polynesian dance troupe Huraiti Mana, Irish dance lesson with Comerford School of Irish dance
  • Drumming! African drum and dancing with Sumayya Diop
  • Folk Art! Handmade crankies (old-fashioned story scrolls)
  • Drill Team! With Washington Diamonds Drill Team
  • Cultural Discovery! Explore Nepalese dance, music, and language with the Nepal Seattle Society
  • Rhythm Workshops! With Ghanian drumming master Kofi Anang and Seattle Drum School
  • Hands-on Activities! With Bike Works, Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), Town Hall Seattle, Nature Consortium, Pacific Science Center, and lots more 
  • Theater! Acting workshop with Seattle’s Theater for Young Children
  • Film! Watch and play with Scarecrow Video
  • Get Moving! Stay active when you’re learning something new with friends with the Movement Series, activities and workshops to keep kids on their feet


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Destinations: Bumbershoot weekend - Friday to Sunday

Friday, August 31, 2018


Labor Day weekend in Seattle means Bumbershoot - the huge 3 day arts festival at Seattle Center.

Three days of music, film, comedy, art, food, poetry. It starts on Friday at 1pm and the music goes until 11pm. Same for Saturday and for Sunday.

Here's what Bumbershoot says about itself:

Now approaching half a century, Bumbershoot is one of Seattle's largest cultural touchstones. Each year, thousands of people from across the country flock to Seattle Center to attend this acclaimed festival, which has become one of the biggest and most-loved contemporary festivals in North America, while having maintained its Northwest spirit and innovative roots.

The name Bumbershoot was chosen both as a knowing nod of respect to our city’s most famous weather pattern, and a symbol of the overarching mission of this festival: to be an umbrella for all of the arts.

Its seeds were planted in 1971 with Festival 71 -- the brainchild of then Seattle Mayor Wes Uhlman. The next year Bumbershoot was born: a multi-disciplinary arts festival showcasing the best of comedy, dance, film, literary arts, music, performing arts, theatre, visual arts and more.

Spanning the Seattle Center grounds, a campus originally created for the 1962 World’s Fair, Bumbershoot has continued its legacy of celebrating innovation and the search for what’s next.

All the information and ticket sales are on the Bumbershoot webpage.



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Destinations: Market Ghost Stories: A Haunted Excursion

Thursday, August 9, 2018


Market Ghost Stories: A Haunted Excursion
Saturday and Sunday 5:00pm or 7:00pm - $20


Unexpected Productions is offering a new type of theatrical event, Market Ghost Stories, a ghostly adventure through the Pike Place Market. This 75-minute excursion leads you through the Market’s unusual arcades and spooky alleys while sharing the often overlooked darker history of Seattle.

The Market at night is empty. A limited few get to see the “skeleton” of the Pike Place Market. Market Ghost Stories is an interactive experience focuses heavily on storytelling and connecting guests to the long haunted history of the Pike Place Market.

By connecting each building, each landmark, to the ghost stories told you will see the Market in an entirely new way. Led by members of Unexpected Productions Improv, Market Ghost Stories is the evolution of the original Market Ghost Tour. Who better to share stories than an improv company that has been weaving stories for 35 years.

Click Here for Tickets to Market Ghost Stories

Tours run Saturday - Sunday 5:00, 7:00. Meet at Unexpected Productions' Market Theater, at the infamous gum wall. The tours are scheduled for every weekend through the end of the year.

The Pike Place Market is the number one tourist destination in Washington, attracting more than ten million visitors a year. However, very few of those visitors are allowed access at night.

The ghost stories illustrate the history of the district. Within the Market, there are the remnants of several graveyards, a former brothel that still stands with its original sign, the nation's first mortuary and stories on every corner. 

It’s different at night.


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Local cloggers to perform at Evergreen State Fair

Maureen Pettit, clogging dance instructor, has combined her students from Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, Shoreline Spartan Recreation Center and Edmonds Senior Center to dance at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe, WA.

See our previous article.

The dancers are performing under the title, In Folkmotion Cloggers and will dance on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 3:30pm on the Courtyard Stage. 

Come cheer them on as they proudly represent our community.

The Evergreen State Fair will be held in Monroe from August 23 to September 3, 2018. The address is 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe 98272

It is the largest fair in the Northwest and boasts rides, concerts, barns full of animals and farm produce, horses, lumberjacks, and cloggers ... here's the list



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Destinations: Seafair weekend

Friday, August 3, 2018


Hydro races and Blue Angels this weekend for Seafair. Public transit options from Metro and Sound Transit.

Here's the schedule of events



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Destinations: Rob Oxford: Camping Close To Home Vol. 1

Sunday, July 22, 2018

The KOA Office at Baycenter, WA
Camping Close To Home Vol. 1

Text and photos by Rob Oxford

Exactly 2 hours and 40 minutes south of Seattle there's a little place we consider to be one of our favorite getaways. Whether for a weekend or longer, visiting Willapa Bay, specifically the KOA in Baycenter, always proves to be a worthwhile escape.

For years our family has been visiting this well kept campground on the Washington Coast and each time we begin packing up our gear for the journey home, we wish we could stay just one or two more nights.

Now there are many ways to "camp" and many places in this great state to do so. For The Oxfords camping is a ritual. From the detailed list my wife begins compiling weeks before our departure, ensuring that while away we'll have all of the comforts of home, to the household chores I insist must be completed prior. Our family has camping down to a science.

Taylor and Robbie racing on rented 3-wheelers

First, one must begin by choosing the direction in which you plan to travel. Next is deciding on whether or not you'll actually be "camping." That is to say "roughing it." For the traditionalist this requires sleeping in a tent, usually at a slight angle and always on a bed of pine cones or an occasional tree root. Anything less is unacceptable. However, the back of a van is sometimes permissible.

Others may choose a more comfortable way of communing with nature. Some call this "Glamping," which until recently is a term with which I was unfamiliar. I suppose the name is derived from the assumption that relying on a 5th Wheel Trailer, RV or Cabin is more "glamorous" than tent camping. This indeed may be true.

Baycenter, WA
Regardless however, I encourage you to seize an opportunity to drag the kids away from the video games and get out and explore this home we affectionately call the Great Northwest.

Now some people simply don't like to camp. They may prefer resort hotels, cruise ships or "staycations" and that's perfectly all right. It's not for everyone... thank goodness. Otherwise, I'd never be able to make a reservation and that is something on which I insist.

I remember as a child we'd pack up the car and just "take off" and when my Dad got tired of driving, we'd find a campsite. Although in some cases this is still possible, not all campgrounds (usually State or Federal) allow this convenience.

I much prefer having a spot reserved -- one I've either stayed in before or one I've investigated thoroughly. Being sandwiched between two giant motorhomes can spoil an outing rather quickly. This has happened in the past and to be honest, sleeping with generators running on both sides of you all night is not the best way to enjoy the "sounds of nature." Thankfully, most campgrounds have areas designated specifically for tent camping and RV'ing.

We have a pop-up trailer that has served us well for many years, but because this was going to be a short three day trip, we decided to rent a Yurt. This particular KOA has a few comfortable little cabins which we've also rented in the past, but the Yurts are a welcome new addition.

Rob digging for clams for dinner
We first chose Baycenter in order to try our luck at clamming. The entire family loves seafood and Willapa Bay is best known for its fresh oysters and shellfish. Ken and Iris Shupe own and operate the Baycenter KOA and they'll tell you when checking in that the WiFi is "spotty." At this your teenagers will probably groan, but soon they'll forget all about Facebook Status Updates. 

The clamming is rather easy and for a minimal fee, if you didn't bring your own, clam buckets and rakes can be rented. Ken and Iris are also happy to provide a lesson in Clamming 101 for those first timers and a short trip to the beach at low tide can provide an ample supply of steamers for dinner. Yum!

For the younger campers, the Shupes have been steadily providing more and more activities in the eight years they been running the Baycenter KOA. RC cars and a delightful track on which to race them is a new addition since our last stay. As is the ice cream shoppe, volleyball court, and scavenger hunt. The store is open year round and is well stocked with a variety of essentials for campers and locals alike.

The Baycenter KOA also has a game room, but you no longer need quarters. This game room provides only the classics like checkers, chess, Battleship and Candyland. A welcome return to the basics of family fun.

If you do find that the little natives are getting a bit too restless or if you feel the need to stimulate the local economy further, 30 minutes away is Long Beach where you'll find lots of restaurants, gift shops, activities for the kids and the World's Longest Beach on which to stroll.

The campground is protected by Gnomeland Security


Finally, rest assured that while staying at the Baycenter KOA, your family is safe and secure. Protection is provided by Gnomeland Security.


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Destinations: Camlann Medieval Village

Monday, July 16, 2018

Visitors to Camlann Village get a lesson in fighting with staves
Photo by Diane Hettrick


It's summer in the market town of Camlann and the year is 1376.

Come visit Camlann on a living history day and immerse yourself in the lives of its folk. Wander around the peacefully green village and stop in to talk with the village cook, the potter, the clothier, and the rest of their neighbors about life in the 14th century.

Each has a craft that they can teach you and -- if you show promise! -- will let you try. If you're more adventurous why not taste medieval fare at the Bors Hede Inne, which serves a peasant menu lunch from 12 to 3pm and a more noble dinner (by reservation) after 5pm.

The villagers are all volunteers, and the presentations vary from day to day depending on volunteers' availability. These presentations include: the innkeeper, the inn cook, the litster, the huswife, the potter, the blacksmith, the carpenter, the basket weaver, the weaver, the spinner, the seamster, the games mistress, the midwife / herbwoman, the scribe, the archers, and the chandler.

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5 from May through September. Admission: Adult $10, Junior and Seniors $7, Children 15 and under are Free.

Visit the website for more information.

St. James Faire is a regional event, pulling villagers and nobles alike from the surrounding area for knightly combat, villager markets, poppets, minstrelsy, Payne's Magykes (listen for the crowd to chant "Oh no! Not the ram's bladder trick!"), archery demonstrations and dance. July 28 and 29.

The next big festival is Harvest Festival, August 25 and 26.

Camlann Medieval Village 10320 Kelly Road NE, Carnation 98014. From the Carnation - Duvall Road, turn at Stillwater (which is a small store / gas pump).

Updated 7-16-18 The plural of staff is "staves"

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Destinations: Tour the West Point Treatment plant

Thursday, June 21, 2018

West Point Treatment Center, Discovery Park
Photo courtesy King county
Tours of the West Point wastewater treatment plant at Discovery Park in Seattle resume this Saturday, June 23, 2018

If you’re curious about how water systems work, or you’d like to learn about the things you can do every day to help protect water quality, the King county wastewater department is hosting Saturday tours as well as informal drop-ins on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 4 to 6:30pm.

The drop-in sessions also feature tours, which require participants to be at least nine-years-old.

People of all ages are welcome to stop by and see the Burke Museum’s fascinating exhibit on West Point’s archaeology, which includes details on the lives of Native Americans who lived there nearly 4,000 years ago.

And of course you’ll get a chance to meet and talk to the employees who help make clean water a regional reality every single day. You might even find inspiration for a new career!

West Point hasn’t been open for public tours for many years. This is because there were several construction projects that made parking and public access difficult, such as a new administration building and upgrades to the cogeneration system. These projects predated the plant restoration work done after the flooding in February 2017.

Now all of these projects are wrapped up, and they are able to welcome people back.

West Point was the second treatment plant, completed in 1966 after South Plant in Renton came online a year earlier. Today the plant treats stormwater and wastewater for about 700,000 people each day, mostly in Seattle and suburban neighborhoods to the north. The plant treats about 100 million gallons of wastewater, and up to 440 million gallons of stormwater and wastewater during heavy rains. The plant has been operating normally and meeting permit compliance since restoration in May 2017.

Information about these free tours, including how to sign up, is available online.


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Destinations: Washington vineyards and Falling Cow Festival at Lake Chelan

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Vineyards in Manson, Washington
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Some of Washington's famous vineyards in Manson.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Manson is an unincorporated area on Lake Chelan.

Vineyards at Lake Chelan
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Time to cowboy up and come on down to the 11th Annual Falling Cow Country Wine Festival at Lake Chelan Winery on Saturday, June 16th starting at 4:00!

We’ve got tons of fun for the whole family including plenty of kids' activities, crafts, and a special raffle for both kids and adults. Also enjoy live music and dancing, photo booth fun, snacks, games and activities galore!

The Tasting Room will be open for tastings, so don’t worry about gettin’ thirsty.  When you work up an appetite, grab a table at the BBQ in the Vineyard. If you come for no other reason then to see Helicopter Dale and his “falling” parachute cows, you won’t be disappointed!

Location, tickets, and other events here



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