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
Pacific Northwest
Pacific Bonsai Museum — the beautiful twisted balance of nature
Not far away from Seattle, along the busy Interstate 5 corridor, is a peaceful 22-acres of land wedged between two frantic freeways. The location is on the historic campus of forest-products giant Weyerhaeuser, long known for their iconic vegetation-covered building that seems to flow with the contour of the evergreen space. Just as the quiet corporate building seems to blend … [Read more...] about Pacific Bonsai Museum — the beautiful twisted balance of nature
Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden — a colorful velvety hidden jewel
There is something so comforting about a rhododendron in bloom — as if to say “Welcome to the Pacific Northwest.” The queen of Washington State forests grows freely in the wild (Deception Pass State Park and Point Defiance Park are just two examples) as well as quintessentially included in virtually every botanical garden in the area. It makes sense that a few miles down the … [Read more...] about Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden — a colorful velvety hidden jewel
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
