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.