Category Archives: Travel

*Travel Log* – Portland, Oregon – June, 14, 2009

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History, Gardens and Noodle BGrant Houseowls

We each had a couple of things we really wanted to do with our one day in Portland, to complete a full list we would need a week. Bob wanted a mushroom cheesesteak sandwich at Philadelphia’s and a noodle bowl at Pho Van’s. Nancy wanted to re-visit Fort Vancouver National Historic Reserve and one of Portland’s beautiful gardens. Both agreed on a shopping trip to Trader Joe’s being a Furs - Fort Vancouvernecessity; and, to forego the Pride Day Parade and the Naked Bike Ride.

  •  Officers Row in the Vancouver National Historic Reserve transports us back to a more genteel time. Stately old trees shade the former homes of officers overlooking the parade grounds. The restored structures now house businesses, Hudson Bay Blanketscommunity groups, a restaurant and private residences.
  •  Fort Vancouver National Historic Site was the 19th-century Hudson Bay Company outpost for trade with fur trappers, Native Americans and settlers. Knowledgeable guides unfold the history in the Chief Factor’s Residence, Fur Warehouse and Indian Trade House.
  •  Philadelphia’s Steaks & Hoagies in the Sellwood Neighborhood (S.E. Milwaukie Ave.) was our lunch Rose Arbor - Fort Vancouverdestination. The mushroom cheesesteak was exactly as Bob remembered and longed for.
  • The Columbia Outlet Store in Lake Oswego has always offered good buys on Columbia sportswear. We have a closet full of rainwear, parkas and fleece but wanted to check for current bargains.
  • The Washington Park area west of Blue Flowers = Fort Vancouverdowntown is filled with options; on this June Sunday they were all busy with curious families. We planned to visit the Japanese and International Rose Test Gardens but gave up when we saw the crowds and parking situation.  Other options include the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, Hoyt Arboretum and the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum.
  • Driving around the city to our varied destinations Pink Flower - Fort Vancouvergave time for reminiscing  about our numerous trips when we had family living in Portland. We love the big trees, lush greenery and urban parks.
  • Trader Joe’s has yet to come to Colorado so we  need to stock up on nuts and gingersnaps whenever we can. Just seeing the sign causes a rush of excitement. Steven tells us we will love the new Thai spice and lime cashews.
  • Pho Van Vietnamese Restaurant on 82nd Avenue creates Bob’s favorite noodle bowl. We Pho Van Noodle Bowlboth finish every bite of Bún Thit Cha Giò (honey, lemongrass, pork and crispy rolls). I can’t seem to enjoy a noodle bowl without slurp spots on my shirt – tonight was no exception.

Happy birthday to good friend Vicki, and may more!

*Travel Log* – Portland, Oregon – June 13, 2009

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Road Trip to the Pacific Northwest

After a week long visit with family in Spokane and an expensive new clutch in the car we set off for a few days in Portland and Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast.

  • A long but interesting drive from Spokane to Portland via I-90 to Ellensburg, south to Yakima then, US97 down to Goldendale and the Columbia River. We cross the river to I-84 on the Oregon side at Rufus.
  • Just when I was wondering what was growing in the field ahead a sign said that for the next 14 miles crops would be identified in the fence lines. In those few miles east of Moses Lake we saw alfalfa, timothy, wheat, sweet corn, peas, potatoes and peppermint.
  • Columbia River - The Dallas Driving down the Columbia we realize what a major transportation route we’re following. Large barges of grain head downriver. Trains haul freight across the country along railroad tracks on both sides of the river. Car and truck traffic hums along I-84; on the Washington side a scenic two-lane highway threads down the gorge.
  • A late lunch at the Windseeker Restaurant in The Dallas, Oregon. Off the beaten path, the Windseeker sits amidst beautiful gardens above the Columbia River. Seafood chowder and halibut sandwiches fuel our afternoon adventures.
  • The Columbia River Gorge is a must-do American road trip. The geography changes from high dessert and lava fields to thundering waterfalls and towering forests, all with views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens.
  • A quick check-in and bag drop at the Staybridge Suites-Portland Airport.
  • Totem at Lelooska Cultural Center Afternoon treat of a triple-berry smoothie and late night halibut sandwich at Burgerville in Woodland, Washington.
  • Visit to the museum and gallery at the Lelooska Cultural Center in Ariel, Washington plus the privilege of attending an evening living history program. The Lelooska family shares the traditional masks, stories, songs and dances of the Sewide lineage of the Kwakwaka’wakw. The evening in the cedar ceremonial house  lit with flickering firelight never ceases to educate, entertain and inspire.

Huckleberry Patch Restaurant – St. Regis, Montana

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All Things Huckleberry

Huckleberry oatmeal, huckleberry milkshake, huckleberry BBQ chicken – the menu highlights all things Huckleberry at the Huckleberry (What else?) Patch Huckleberry LemonadeRestaurant in the St. Regis Travel Center. A family tradition has been established; we have to stop at exit 33 when traveling on I90 between Missoula, Montana and Spokane, Washington. At the very least we need a huckleberry lemonade to go.

Our recent visit was well timed for a lunch break starting with a tall glass of the special lemonade. The chilly, rainy day called for hot soup, a rich beef, mushroom, barley. We chose to split a buffalo cheeseburger in an effort to save room for dessert – a crock bubbling over with warm huckleberry rhubarb crisp topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream. YUM! Not a bite was left.

Huckelberry Patch Dessert The menu tells us, “Sweet, tart wild huckleberries grow only in moist mountain areas and cannot be commercially grown. Wild berries are not sprayed with chemicals or fertilizers.” Regional residents tell me natives are very secretive about huckleberry patch locations; they tend to be as territorial as the local bears. Residents, visitors and bears consider the berries a delicacy.

At the Huckleberry Patch, breakfast choices (served all day) include huckleberry flapjacks and huckleberry cream cheese french toast topped with huckleberry syrup, of course. Opt for a huckleberry muffin or bowl of huckleberry oatmeal accompanied by hot huckleberry tea or a huckleberry latte.

At lunch one can enjoy a crisp garden salad with huckleberry vinaigrette dressing and a huckleberry BBQ burger. Dessert selections include pie, ice cream, sundaes, cheesecake, rhubarb and apple crisp – all with huckleberries.

Huckleberry Patch Merchandise If you need something huckleberry for the road Dolly V’s in the gift shop makes homemade huckleberry fudge. One can also purchase huckleberry oatmeal, muffin, cookie and flapjack mixes. Huckleberry candies come in the form of Jelly Bellies, cordials, twists and taffy. For liquid refreshment take along a case of Jackson Hole High Mountain Huckleberry soda.

Looking for gift items? There’s huckleberry lotion, lip balm, bath tea and body spray, probably guaranteed to attract members of the bear family. The extensive gift shop offers a wide selection, especially of Montana souvenirs. How about a Huckleberry Patch mug?

The travel center also houses a convenience store, gas station and Montana-style casino. Make a stop in St. Regis for a huckleberry good time.

St. Regis Travel Center - Huckleberry Patch Restaurant, Montana
St. Regis Travel Center – Huckleberry Patch Restaurant, Montana

Happy Birthday – Golden, Colorado

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Celebrate!

Golden, Colorado – 150 Years Young

Golden Welcome Arch

Put on your party hats and head to downtown Golden Friday evening, June 12 to celebrate the city’s vitality and vision at the ripe old age of 150. After gold was discovery in the mountains west of the city and along the banks of Clear Creek, Golden quickly became an important supply post and was capitol of the Colorado Territory from 1861-1867. Today Golden maintains strong ties to its past and unique character.

Mining Sculpture in GoldenJune 12th festivities start at 5pm in Lions Park with fun for the entire family – games, history organized by the Golden Cultural Alliance plus food and merchandise booths. At 6:30 marching bands, floats and horseback riders parade down Washington Avenue. Participating businesses and organizations that make up the Golden community include the Buffalo Bill Museum, MillerCoors, Colorado Railroad Museum, American Mountaineering Center and dozens of others.

Buffalo Bill and FriendsAfter the parade (7:15) head back to Lions Park for a concert by the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and the Golden Concert Chorale. Then it’s time to for free birthday cake and ice cream.

The evening entertainment ends at dusk (9:15) with a laser light show and multimedia presentation of Golden’s history.

Golden proudly announces:

Colorado Territorial Capitol - Golden

“Whereas Golden was robbed of our rightful status as the Capitol of Colorado in 1867
…by Denver

…and we’ve never gotten over it

Therefore the Governor of the State of Colorado has declared that Golden will be the Capitol again for one day, June 12th, 2009.”

 

Golden, Cololrado
Golden, Cololrado

*Colorado Weekend* – June 12-14, 2009

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Blues, Brews and Birthday Cake

Run a marathon, pet a llama or down a beer in Estes Park. Celebrate the sesquicentennial in Golden, climb a wall in Denver and feast in Fort Collins.

  • Fiesta Aurora – Aurora, June 14. Celebrate Latino culture with music, dance, art and food at Fletcher Plaza on East Colfax.
  • Climbing wall National Get Outdoors Day – Denver, June 13. Take the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge, introduce kids to new outdoor activities, learn to plan inexpensive family outings at Denver City Park. Free.
  • Estes Park Marathon – Estes Park, June 14. Run at altitude – the Estes Park Marathon is the highest paved route marathon in the country. There’s also a half-marathon, 10k, 5k and children’s fun run in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park.
  • Estes Park Wool Market – Estes Park, June 13-14. From on the hoof to off the loom one of the largest all-natural fiber markets in North America is in its 19th year. Workshops, demonstrations, vendors and competitions for sheep, llama, alpaca, and Cashmere & Angora goat and children’s tent with hands-on activities – something for everyone.
  • Rocky Mountain Brewfest – Estes Park, June 13. Beers from Colorado Craft Brewers and live music.
  • Taste of Fort Collins – Fort Collins, June 13-14. Food from local Northern Colorado restaurants, music, and eclectic array of fine art with proceeds benefit Special Olympics Larimer County and Kiwanis Club International. Wear off some of the eats with a 5k run/walk.
  • High Plains Disc Golf Tournament – Fort Morgan, June 13-14. Watch for low flying objects at two days of competition for professional and amateur disc golf players.
  • Welcom to Golden Arch 150th Anniversary Celebration Golden’s – Golden, June 12. Friday night is one big anniversary party in Golden, a parade steps off down Washington Avenue at 6:30, history themed games and concert by the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra in Lions Park. Thousands of slices of birthday cake and ice cream served before a laser light show after dark. Free.
  • Golden’s Wild West Auto Roundup – Golden, June 13. More than 200 vintage and muscle cars, hot rods and street rods, trucks, original stock and race cars line Washington Avenue for the 18th Annual Auto Roundup. Lots of other activities downtown and on Clear Creek.
  • Greeley Blues Jam – Greeley, June 12-13. Greeley gets the blues two days in June, downtown on Friday – free, Island Grove Park on Saturday, ticketed event with kids 12 and under free.
  • Colorado Renaissance Festival – Larkspur, June 13-14. Harken back to the 16th century with a day at this 33rd annual popular festival. Music, games, entertainment, crafts and food – including turkey legs. Open Saturdays and Sundays until August 2.
  • Old Spanish Trail Music Festival – Monte Vista, June 13. Highlights the music of peoples living along the old Spanish Trail – country, folk, jazz, pop, rock ‘n roll, and Spanish. Held in Chapman Park with artisans, craftsmen and food vendors.
  • Palisade Bluegrass Poster Palisade Bluegrass ‘n Roots Music Festival – Palisade, June 12-14. Acoustic music on the banks of the Colorado River with on-site camping, jam sessions, workshops, artisan demonstrations for adults and children. Of course there’s local wines, micro-brews and food.
  • Parker Country Festival – Parker, June 12-14. Three days of carnival, food, crafts and free music plus a Saturday morning parade in downtown Parker.
  • Silver Cliff Heritage and Mining Days – Silver Cliff, June 13-14. Join in celebrating 150 years of mining in Colorado. Kids can pan for gold, race their stick horses or join the scavenger hunt.

*Travel Log* – Spokane, Washington – June 6, 2009

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Helena, Montana – Spokane, Washington

  • Wet and cold – morning in Helena  was chilly and rainy, Bob said he observed occasional snowflakes in the air. Wanting to deny the possibility I called them white raindrops. Climbing MacDonald Pass those white drops accumulated on the windshield but fortunately not on the highway. The rest of the way across Montana and most of the Idaho panhandle we saw rain from light mist to Huckleberry Patch Merchandiseheavy downpours. West of Coeur ‘d Alene we finally began to see patches of blue sky – the first in a couple of days.
  • The Huckleberry Patch in the St. Regis Travel Center at I90 – exit 33 – has become a family tradition. It’s a must stop for Yackels. Everything huckleberry one can image is on the menu and gift shelves. Watch for a posting on the Huckleberry Patch soon.
  • Smiles and hugs greeted our safe arrival in Spokane.

*Travel Log* – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – June 5, 2009

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We’ve Had Better Days

Yellowstone National Park to Helena, Montana

  • Bad night – Bob’s not feeling well.
  • Day is cloudy – the sky’s the same color as the steam and sprayfrom the geysers and fumaroles, forecast includes rain.
  • Breakfast at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room.
  • Nancy snaps a few pictures, watches Old Faithful one more time and goes to the temporary visitors center – the new one is taking shape.
  • Grazing BisonWe see a couple of bison grazing very close to the road, also a larger bison herds in meadows plus elk, a pair of nesting bald eagles and a muskrat swimming down the river.
  • Before leaving the park we stop at the Junior Ranger Cabin near Madison Junction.
  • Route US191 from West Yellowstone to Belgrade, goes through the extreme western portion of the park, then follows the Gallatine River for miles and miles.
  • Route US287 from west of Three Forks to Helena – broad valley with mountains in all directions, lots of wheat fields irrigated from the wide Missouri (River).
  • Wingate Hotel, Helena – this is a good facility and good value.
  • No prime rib at Silver Star Steak Company tonight, no Great Northern Carousel ride, no fun!

*Travel Log* – Wyoming – June 4, 2009

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Reflections on the Day – Dubois to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Posted 6/5 – No Internet connecions in Yellowstone

Reflections

 

  • A cozy and comfortable night at Twin Pines Lodge & Cabins in Dubois plus a continental breakfast.
  • Explore Dubois – from the cemetery to the Conoco.
  • Drive the Togwotee Trail – US26/287 to Moran Junction.
  • Only two short delays for construction along the Togwotee Trail route – the completed sections (19 miles) are huge improvements.
  • Descending Togwotee Pass and the remarkable first view of the Tetons.
  • Oxbow Bend Viewpoint – great views of Snake River and the Teton Range, today we had remarkably clear reflections – see above photo.
  • Lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge – Grand Teton National Park
  • Grant Village Visitors Center – Yellowstone National Park
  • Reservation at Old Faithful Inn – easy check-in, helpful and congenial staff.
  • Old Faithful eruptions – we watched three.
  • Dinner in Old Faithful Inn Dining Room – The roasted red pepper with smoked gouda soup was the highlight.
  • After dinner walk around the Old Faithful area checking out gift shops and guest facilities.
  •  Followed by relaxing on the 3rd-floor balcony watching people, gazing down into the crackling fire and noting architectual details of the historic lodge.
  • One final geyser eruption before retreating to our room.
  • Wildlife of the day included deer nibbling on spring aspen leaves, elk slowing ambling across the road, an osprey sitting on her nest and a mountain bluebird flitting from limb to limb.

*Travel Log* – Dubois, Wyoming – June 3, 2009

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Centennial, Colorado – Dubois, Wyoming

  • We had to slow down for miles of thick fog between Fort Collins and Laramie.
  • Early June is ideal for crossing Wyoming – recent rains have turned everything green.
  • National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center – Dubois, worth the stop.
  • Sheri Howe – Go Togwotee Trail Public Involvement Specialist – learned about the Togwotee Trail Poject, major improvements to 38 miles of US26/287, a major and scenic route to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks.
  • Sundance Cafe – Exceptional food, chef/staff and atmosphere, loved this place.
  • Twin Pines Lodge & Cabins – #23, Kitten Creek, cozy and comfortable.

Painted Ladies

 

Being easily entertained I found this sign interesting. Perhaps they don’t make cowboys like they used to, can you imagine John Wayne being caught at the Painted Ladies Salon?

*Colorado Weekend* – June 5-7, 2009

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Eat, Drink and Make Music

Sample BBQ, chili, trout, wine and ale, listen to bluegrass and jazz, fish for free, view the Rockies from a hot air balloon or step back to the 1840s – festival season in Colorado kicks into full gear. Enjoy!

  • Colorado Free Fishing Days – Across the state, June 6-7. The Colorado Division of Wildlife allows fishing without a license the first full weekend of June. Bag and possession limits and special regulations apply, check the website for full details.
  • Arvada Trails Day – Bike, hike or horseback ride in celebration of Arvada’s 140 parks and 125 miles of trails, Majestic View Nature Center 10am-2pm.
  • Balloonvista BalloonaVista – Buena Vista, June 6-7. Balloon assents, evening glow, breakfast and dinner, art walk, dog show and kite flying contest fill the weekend.
  • Hang with Dad – Delta, June 6. Fourth annual Fatherhood events including climbing wall, dunk tank, water-balloon launchers, karaoke, food and prizes.
  • CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair  – Denver, June 6—7. Denver converges on Civic Center Park for arts and crafts, food and entertainment  – the city’s favorite kick-off to summer, free admission.
  • Denver Bronco Fan Fair – Denver, June 6. A day of orange and blue as fans meet players, coaches and cheerleaders. Autograph and picture opts plus Game Zone and Kids Zone with a special kids only autograph station, tickets at Ticketmaster.
  • First Saturday at the Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion – Denver, June 6. Dancing, music, painting and more honors Discovering Colorado’s Rich Asian Heritage at the free family day from 11am-2pm.
  • La Piazza Dell ‘Arte: Italian Pastel Chalk Art Event – Denver, June 6-7. More than 200 artists turn the streets of Larimer Square into a gallery of amazing chalk art plus Italian food and wine.
  • Elizabeth Stampede – Elizabeth, June 5-7. Rodeo events sanctioned by Professional Bull Riders, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Parade, dance and for the younger set Mutton Bustin.
  • Golden Farmer’s Market opening day – Golden, June 6. Continues on Saturdays through Oct. 3 offering fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and flowers. Master gardeners, food booths and free horse-drawn carriage rides.
  • Trout Cook-off – Keystone, June 6. Fishing derby, chef competitions, trout cooking demos, wine pairings and kids corner at this 5th annual free event.
  • Bent' Old Fort - Living History Living History Encampment, Bent’s Old Fort – LaJunta, June 5-6. Participants assume the roles of 1840 trappers, traders, blacksmiths, carpenters, soldiers, domestics and laborers 24-hours a day during the encampment.
  • Limon Railroad Days – Limon, June 6-7. Operating model layouts, swap meet, Limon Railroad Museum, food and fun.
  • Goodguys 12th Colorado Nationals – Loveland, June 5-7. More than 2,000 hot rods, custom and classic cars at the Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds.
  • Manitou Springs Wine Festival – Manitou Springs, June 6. Two dozen wineries pour their specialties in Memorial Park. Tasting tickets $30/person.
  • Pagosa Folk ‘n Bluegrass Festival – Pagosa Springs, June 5-7. A weekend of music at Reservoir Hill Park, on site camping available. Free concert Friday night at Pagosa Spring Town Park Gazebo.
  • Boats, Blues & BBQ – Pueblo, June 5-6. Historic Arkansas River Pueblo celebrates with its 8th annual event including Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off competition.
  • Snowmass Chili Pepper Brew Fest – Snowmass Village, June 5-6. International Chili Society and microbreweries’ summer ale competitions plus lots of live music. 
  • Telluride Balloon Festival – Telluride, June 6-7. The 26th annual festival sees colorful balloons lift off from Town Park each morning, On Saturday evening tethered balloons GLO on Main StreTelluride Jazzet, free.
  • Telluride Jazz Celebration – Telluride, June 5-7. Three days, two stages, dozens of jazz musicians entertain at this 33rd annual event.
  • Teva Mountain Games – Vail, June 4-7. Professional and amateur athletes complete in seven mountain sports – bouldering to extreme kayaking. Auxiliary events include photography contest, film school and festival and live music.
  • Vallecito Lake Fishing Tournament – Vallecito, June 5-7. Head to Vallecito Lake with rod and reel for a fishing tournament and Saturday night fish fry.