Pet Dish
My step-aunt had an enormous tiger cat named Rhombus. He pounced like a cat and landed like an elephant. If Rhombus was in the running, I know he'd prevail in the Monster Cat category
at the
Average Joe Cat Show this Saturday. But Rhombus hung up his extra large collar years ago, so all you "big-boned" kitty contenders out there have a chance.
By Lisa Wogan | May 7, 2008
Hike of the Week
When you have time for only a short hike, the Washington State Parks system offers many destinations, such as Tolmie State Park, a few miles northeast of Olympia. The park is open year-round with trails that wind through a saltwater marsh, beach and forest.
The 105-acre park includes 1,800 feet of shoreline, an underwater park for scuba diving, a beach, a saltwater marsh and a forest populated with wildlife. Displays at the upper picnic area and on the beach describe the ecology of the shoreline and the history of the park.
By Karen Sykes | December 15, 2005
CANNON BEACH -- The place is steeped in Northwest history, jammed with things do -- hiking, surfing, fishing, crabbing, birding, biking -- and crammed with great places to stay.
But the thing about the Oregon Coast that stays with you are the seascapes -- the stunning convergence of endless surf crashing against time-worn sea stacks and rocky capes cloaked with wind-bent spruce trees.
Somehow just looking at them soothes the soul and fills you with wonder.
Has anyone ever visited here and not wanted to return?
By Greg Johnston | June 16, 2005
VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Avid hikers who visit Vancouver just may want to stick to the city, taking in the attractions and absorbing the energy of a very diverse metropolis.
Shop until you can't stop along fashionable Robson Street, or find a desperately hip place to dine along West Pender.
Visit the phenomenal First Nations Collection at the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology.
Stroll the famous Seawall at Stanley Park if you must.
By Greg Johnston | April 7, 2005
If herons, eagles or whales brightened the view of Camano Island when I was in high school, they never found their way into my recollection.
I remember the perfect burger, crisp fries and Coke with just the right amount of ice served at Ovenell's Drive-In, east of the island's gateway bridge in Stanwood. There was fresh-cut hay, golden in sunset, and the acrid smell of peas processed at Twin City Foods.
By Sherry Stripling | March 25, 2005
The outing:
For the urban refugee yearning for a taste of nature, along with good eats and a tiny historic town, here's an easygoing outing to the northwest Skagit Valley that will satisfy on all counts.
By Kristin Jackson | March 3, 2005
"There is a plume of moisture entrained in the system."
What to most might be bewildering weather-speak from an official government forecast is poetry to author David Laskin's ears. A self-professed rain nut, Laskin lives for the Northwest's famed drippiness.
By Kathryn True | December 23, 2004
Hike of the Week
The holidays are a good time to get acquainted with Camano Island State Park. It's on the west side of the island, which is surrounded by the waters of Skagit Bay, Port Susan Bay and Saratoga Passage and is accessed by a bridge from the mainland.
By Karen Sykes | December 2, 2004
Hike of the Week
Hikers are seeking lower-elevation trails now that snow is falling in the mountains. One on which you won't need to lower your enjoyment expectations is the path at Lake Sylvia State Park.
Originally a logging camp dating back to the 1800s, the 223-acre park is near Montesano between Olympia and Aberdeen.
By Karen Sykes | November 4, 2004
The walk: Unless you live in Burien, it's mostly a place you'd zip past on the highway.
But it's worth detouring to the overlooked city of about 30,000 people tucked between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Puget Sound.
Burien has a beach-rich park; old-fashioned business district; and lots of taquerias, thanks to a growing number of Mexican-American residents, that offer low-cost and tasty meals that you can take out for park picnics.
This is a two-part walk, divided between the beach park and quaint shopping district.
By Kristin Jackson | July 8, 2004
