Happy St. Patrick's Day! I grew up with a keen sense of my Irish heritage, where it wasn't a suggestion to wear green on March 17th but a requirement. And as I've traveled to the old sod many times over the years, I appreciate the connection kept alive between us in the "new world" and those who remained to keep the home fires burning. My Zoom-guided nature … [Read more...] about Where to stay to connect with the land in the Pacific Northwest
Columbia River Gorge
Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is a captivating area of the Pacific Northwest, combining the volcanic mystique of the famous 1980 eruption with uplifting examples of Mother Nature’s regenerative ability. She also happens to be located directly East of the only major North/South roadway in the Pacific Northwest, conveniently between Seattle and Portland. There are many ways to enjoy her … [Read more...] about Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens
Day trip from Portland — 10 beautiful getaways
Nothing beats the freeing feeling of setting out early in the morning for a day-trip adventure from Portland. No matter which direction, the rising mist flows to uncover the beauty of nature. It doesn't take too long for the green-to-concrete ratio to improve and soon enough open spaces of farmland, water, mountains and the ubiquitous douglas fir forests emerge as if to … [Read more...] about Day trip from Portland — 10 beautiful getaways