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Columbia River Gorge

Where to stay to connect with the land in the Pacific Northwest

March 17, 2024 by Matthew

The inside of an eclectic lodge in the Pacific Northwest shows the morning after, with the plaid bed sheets ruffled and two pillows strewn about the bed. The window has a green border and blinds and there is a poster that reads Olympic National Park.

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

Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens

September 8, 2021 by Matthew

A beautiful view of Spirit Lake, Washington from the Windy Ridge Viewpoint. In the foreground is decomposing stump on a hill with golden grass amongst ash from Mount St. Helens. The lake is vast and blue in the background.

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

July 22, 2020 by Matthew

A wooded section of the historic Columbia River Highway which winds along the gorge in Oregon. This pavement road has a double yellow line in the center and the signature white painted wood guardrails from the 1920's add a bit of nostalgia to the scene.

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

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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