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
Pacific Northwest
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
Tiger Town Brewing — Surprising kicks on Route 26
US Highway 26 starts near Astoria, Oregon, and wanders through both countryside and cities, including Portland and Boise. The route traverses a historic native trail through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, as well as parts of the Oregon Trail, finally reaching Interstate 80 in Nebraska. Somewhere in the middle of Oregon, Route 26 passes through the tiny town of … [Read more...] about Tiger Town Brewing — Surprising kicks on Route 26
High desert delight — 10 great things to do in Bend Oregon
The landscape of Oregon crosses quite a spectrum — from the mystical stacks of rock smashed by frothy Pacific Ocean waves to the open range of dry desert in Eastern Oregon. At the heart of it all, in Central Oregon, is the bustling town of Bend. Wake up to the smells of juniper and sage dancing through the air while gazing at snow covered peaks, all from the sandy bank of the … [Read more...] about High desert delight — 10 great things to do in Bend Oregon
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