Did I mention I grew up in Northwest Oregon, near Astoria? In my About me section there is more information about my early life in this part of the world. Now that I live in Seattle I find myself yearning to return home and a weekend getaway to Astoria, Oregon perfectly fits the bill. I’ve traveled to this seafaring city at the Mouth of the Columbia River many times from … [Read more...] about A weekend in Astoria, Oregon — a great getaway itinerary
Destinations
La Conner, Washington — the best of Skagit Valley
An hour north of the bustling metropolis of Seattle, Washington, lies the bucolic Skagit Valley, where Mt. Baker and the North Cascade Mountains keep command of the scenery and quaint red barns and farm stands offer fruit and local honey. While more visible towns like Mount Vernon and Burlington, WA, enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the steady vehicles of commerce along I5, … [Read more...] about La Conner, Washington — the best of Skagit Valley
7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles
The pandemic has been pretty good to mileage balances with airline plans, especially if you use a loyalty credit card and have still been spending money on Amazon during the pandemic. While it might still be too soon to cash in six figures of points — and many exotic locations are still not available — there are several ways to whet your travel appetite and gently dip your toes … [Read more...] about 7 innovative ways to use your gazillion Alaska Airlines miles
Weekend getaway to Central Oregon — a great high desert itinerary
I love Central Oregon! From fascinating geological history to the plethora of outdoor activities, there seems to be something for everyone in this enclave of beauty centered around Bend (population 100,000+) and Redmond, Oregon (where the commercial airport for the region is located). Ski Mt. Bachelor in Winter, discover lava beds in Spring, raft the wily Deschutes River in … [Read more...] about Weekend getaway to Central Oregon — a great high desert itinerary
Painted Hills Oregon — everything you need to know to explore
Brilliant reds, golds, blacks, oranges and browns all blend together in a flowing myriad of color, wandering off into the Ochoco Mountains nearby. Tucked into a tiny morsel of vast canyon, the Painted Hills in Oregon bring alive an ancient time capsule. The unique geological site tells the story of diverse ecosystems -- from tropical forests to swamps to savanna -- existing … [Read more...] about Painted Hills Oregon — everything you need to know to explore
