National Wildlife Refuge Locations for Fee Free Days

Exciting announcement of the 2014 Fee Free Days for our National Wildlife Refuges in the 50 states.

Jan. 20th
February 15th through 17th
September 27th
October 12th
November 11th

Here's a link to the treasured locations - List of National Refuges by State

Enjoy!

Goldendale State Park for the Stars

Goldendale Observatory is the most fun!  It's been open since 1973.  It is one of the nation's largest public telescopes.  It was the dream of 4 men who constructed a 24.5 inch reflecting Cassegrain telescope at Clark College in Vancouver in 1964.  They eventually donated it to the city of Goldendale.  Thousands of visitors came in 1997 to view the comet Hale-Bopp and also again for an unusually close view of Mars in 2003.  Our visit in August was not so crowded, and was so enjoyable.  I highly recommend a visit.  And in spring of 2014 the re-design and modernization will be done, as an added treat for visitors.  Guided tours are highly personalized.

Here's the giant telescope.  It has multiple lenses, and you step up on the ladder to view.  That night we were so fortunate in August to see Venus, the moon, Saturn with its rings, Neptune and its moons, and Uranus.  All was amazing, and we could see it all so clearly.

Troy, the Astronomer and Ranger is the very knowledgeable and personable guide at Goldendale.  He is so good at translating this science for amateur fans, but can also speak in depth.  Among our group of friends who visited Goldendale together, one has a degree in Astronomy and she was very impressed with Troy.  We were all inspired by Troy and all we saw at Goldendale.  I recommend a great companion book called Skywatching by David H. Levy.



In addition to seeing Venus through the telescope, at dusk we were able to see Venus in the sky without the scope.

Here's the beautiful view from the hill of Goldendale Observatory



While in Goldendale, visit the area around the Columbia river, just a few miles down the road.  And don't forget the Maryhill winery which also books some incredible entertainment for concerts.  What a venue!

Goldendale has this extra bonus telescope too.  Be sure to get there during daylight hours too, so you can view the sun through the specially designed sun telescope. 

Add to your celestial visit with a stop at the Stonehenge replica that is down the road, near the winery.  It is a fully astronomically aligned replica.  It was built by businessman Samuel Hill as a WWI memorial to the local youth who sacrificed their lives in the war.  Their names are each inscribed on the stones.

And here is the breathtaking view from the Stonehenge replica, on the Columbia River.

Kayaking Deception State Park - A Summer Must Fun!



Photo courtesy Anacortes Kayak Tours

Six hiking friends were encouraged by one ringleader to try something new this past hot August.  Like most new things, there was excitement mixed with anxiety when our ringleader wanted to try kayaking at Deception Pass State Park.

No need for hesitation - we beginning kayakers had the most fun!  We went on a little kayak tour through Anacortes Kayak Tours.  By the way, they are the best!  Fun, qualified guides who are also entertaining, have a great sense of humor, and along with your friends make your first time a treasured memory.

The scenery is breath taking, and the new perspective, gliding along on the water surface, is heartening, tranquil, and energizing all at once.  We were three and three in two separate kayaks.  Cooperation, collaboration, and companionship with great friends on a sunny afternoon.  And we all stayed dry, except for our own playful splashes!

After a few hours out on the water, we were reluctant to end our time.  We all resolved to do another tour in 2014 for a full day, or overnight.

Fortunately although our time on the water was over, our fun was not!  We headed over to the State Park trails where there happened to be a Centennial party that weekend!  Rangers to meet, treats to eat, trails to explore, and also lake shores.

I've heard that especially in winter months the water can be very treacherous, but no deception on our summer visit - just an honest and forthright great time!

Dip a paddle in and get your feet wet next summer . . . .

Lucky 13 Wa State Parks Enjoyed this Centennial Year

Here's the fun list I enjoyed this Centennial Year for Wa. State Parks:January - Fort Townsend State Park
February - South Whidbey State Park
March - Wallace Falls State Park
April - Bay View and Padilla Bay State Park
May - Dash Point State Park
June - Millersylvania State Park and Flaming Geyser State Park
July - Pinnacles State Park
August - Deception Pass State Park and Goldendale State Park
September - Riverside State Park and Spokane Centennial Trail
October - Mt. Pilchuk State Park - snowed out, plan for 2014
November - Rasar State Park
December - Saint Edward State Park

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park

We took just a little jog off the highway, as we were heading toward Wenatchee to stop and hike at easily accessible Peshastin Pinnacles State Park. This is the entry to a park that is really for true rock climbers, although there are some medium to tough hiking trails too that the rest of us can enjoy.  We really liked our hiking work out here, on a bright and sunny summer day.  The rocks are spectacular.  In this picture the Pinnacles really stand out.

Heading upwards. . . . we never found an escalator.

Can you see the two true rock climbers in this picture?  They really know the skills to fully enjoy this park.

The climbers are easier to see in this close up as they are planning their next move in their ascent.

Using the hiking trails, we earned this beautiful, sweeping view of the Wenatchee Valley and the fruit orchards.  Recommended book to go with this state park trip is The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin.  See full recommendation at this link - The Orchardist recommendation

Yes, that is sheer rock!!!!  Does it look enticing to you rock climbers?  I was on the switchback trails and that was challenge enough for me!

Heading back down hill was easier, especially while treated to this breathtaking valley

Inspiration to thriving when or where no one expects it.

Always expect the unexpected.

And The Dreams You Dare To Dream Really Do Come True

Take 3 minutes out of your busy day and treat yourself to this magnificent You Tube video -

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Video


You will thank yourself, and then the universe, for these moments of beauty and tranquility.
This Video won Grand Prize at International Wildlife Film Festival!

Video by Scott McKinley Productions, produced for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation


Licensed music by Kenny G..

This short video won Grand Prize - Best of Show at International Wildlife Film Festival in Missoula, Montana!

The majority was shot on location in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and The National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Now I remember again what's important in life, and I'm excited to get back out in the parks.

Like a Moth to the Flaming Geyser State Park

Here is the namesake, flaming geyser at the state park. It is from a methane gas seep. The everlasting flame is hypnotic, although it is a small flame.

You'll enjoy the leisurely rural drive to get to this park, which is located between Auburn and Black Diamond, Wa.

Don't let your surroundings make you careless, like it did me.  Trails like this that are a little more natural and overgrown increase the potential for a fall.  I was surprised how fast a second of inattention can trip you up.  Take your time, and take it all in safely.



Although I was drawn to see the Flaming Geyser State Park like a moth to the flame, once there I was stunned by the beauty of the trail along the beautiful green river.  The trail meanders right next to the river, then wanders uphill for a lovely overlook, and all along you're surrounded by a vivid, lush forest.





Breathtaking!

Peek-a-boo view of the sun drenched river.  On the summer day that I visited, viewing forest creatures and walking the trails was my passion.  I met other friendly hikers along the way.  I also saw families and groups enjoying picnics, and there was some rafting on the river.

On my quest to visit 12 State Parks in the 12 months of the Centennial year, Flaming Geyser was number 7 in 6 months.

Plein Air State Parks

Thank you Plein Air Washington artists for beautiful renditions of our incredible State Parks. Your immense talent and loving efforts artistically commemorate the grandeur of nature in our state.  See details of the exhibit at Salute to Washington State Parks

Bravo American Art Company! What an elegant presentation of the State Park Centennial artworks. Such a welcoming owner, Tammy, who encourages browsing and conversation about the art. This gallery started in 1889; Tammy and her husband are the 4th generation of owners.

You really want to visit this gallery before year end when the State Park exhibit ends, but also during 2014, when there are some wonderful new exhibits planned.  www.americanartco.com



1st place went to Columbia River, Cape Disappointment by Kathryn Townsend of Olympia, Wa.  An inviting scene, I'll have to put this state park high on the list for 2014.



I wasn't expecting the painting of a building to be my personal favorite.  I thought I'd have a preference for a forested trail.  But this one is definitely my favorite of the exhibit.  St. Edwards Towers by Janice Kirstein of Seattle, Wa. is a masterpiece of color and style.  Coincidentally, St. Edwards State Park is on my list to visit in December, and now my enthusiasm is building!




Look at how creatively the entry to the second room of the gallery is laid out.  Featured in the entry is Clear Day at Beacon Rock by Paulette Johnson of Edmonds, Wa.



This is such a beautiful gallery!  The day we visited was a dark, gray, blustery, and rainy Pacific Northwest day.  We entered a cheery, warm and bright gallery featuring the beauty of the outdoors.  A drizzly day turned into a perfect day!  We were so glad we'd visited American Art Company in Tacoma, Wa.



This was Jeff's personal favorite watercolor.  He felt it showed amazing technique and skill.  Drifting at Dash Point State Park by Eileen Miryekta of Federal Way, Wa.  I fondly remember my visit to Dash Point this year.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I will surely visit again.



The Light by Mark Bistranan of Mt. Vernon, Wa is a painting of the Fort Casey light house, was our mutual favorite.  The lighting of this sunny day at the park was incredibly natural, and seemed to single handedly brighten the whole room.  We loved the detail on the lighthouse.



We so enjoyed our wonderful hike in the park, without getting any mud on our shoes.  Treat yourself to a stroll through the Plein Air Art Exhibit for the Wa. State Park Centennial before this exhibit ends on New Year's Eve.

Millersylvania State Park Has It All

On the trail in the forest of Millersylvania I was treated to a delightful butterfly dance amongst almost a dozen butterflies.  I was enthralled by the beauty of their flitting in and out and around each other in the silence of the forest.  Their dance continued for some time as they soared, and dropped and flew off in different directions, just to return again.  I was amazed by the speed of their flight.  Despite many tries, this amateur photographer was not fast enough for any picture of the whole entourage, but if you look very closely you can find two little butterflies in this picture.  At the end of the performance I wanted to applaud.  Bravo little butterflies!

The forest trail is captivating, you're surrounded by so many beautiful shades of green.  Living in the city, I find there is a startling little green in my sight daily.  This scene was so calm and restful all the way to the soul.

And not all ferns and bushes and deciduous trees.  Here you can see the trail moving into the old growth forest.

Colorful berries throughout the forest, this is just a sample.  Millersylvania trails are best described by the word - cheerful!

I was so delighted with the butterfly dance, I was happily surprised later on the trail to see the beavers and this is their beaver dam.  As I sat nearby and watched, I also listened to frog songs and crickets chiming in.

After hiking the forest trails, I treated myself to time by the beautiful lake.  This is the main attraction for many people who visit the park.

Mother and daughter enjoying a canoe on the lake.

A pair of kayaks on a lake adventure.

On my Centennial State Park quest to visit state parks, Millersylvania was number 6 in 6 months, and I'm so glad to have discovered it.  It's just south of Olympia and as you can see, it has so much to offer.

Welcome to Autumn in Discovery Park, Seattle

Hello Autumn!

How wonderful to take a photographers' hike with a friend through Discovery Park, right in the heart of Seattle.

A glorious forest rainbow



Like a burst of bright sunshine, here's a great place to get caught out on a limb.

And as if the forest trail isn't treat enough, you turn a corner, and you're greeted by a wide open meadow, and then this breathtaking view of the Puget Sound on the beach



A picture is worth a thousand words, or more.

And on your way back from the beach, be sure to walk through the Historic District, where your imagination about history can march through the Parade Grounds

A meaningful and beautiful legacy.  Thank You!

Paying respects at the Veterans Cemetery at Discovery Park