One thing that makes nature so compelling is its utter indifference to you and your well-being. A place that stuns you with its beauty one moment could kill you the next.
Fair-weather hikers can get away without recognizing this for a while; some may even perceive in nature a certain benevolence. But sooner or later, if you spend time in the mountains, woods or wild shores of Washington, whether it is mountain biking, hiking, hunting, scrambling or climbing, the true nature of nature will be revealed.
By Greg Johnston | March 17, 2005
Short Trips
La Conner is all about love. It started with the love of a husband, John Conner, who named the Skagit Valley town for his wife, Louisa Ann Conner.
Today, it continues with the love of its 780 or so residents for their town's historical and geographical charms. La Conner honors its past, through archival photos, preserved buildings and museums, just as it fosters its present and future, with public art, cultural events, and creative shops and boutiques.
By Kristin Dizon | March 17, 2005
Offseason camping has plenty of advantages. Because not a whole lot of people do it, you pretty much get your pick of the campsites. There's almost no chance of getting stuck having to pitch your tent 'twixt the yellowjacket-riddled, filled-to-overflowing dumpster and the campground's only pit toilet, also filled to overflowing. Smaller crowds also mean less chance of fellow campers spoiling your back-to-nature time with remote-control toy Hummers and boozy radio sing-a-longs of "Sweet Home Alabama."
By Mike McQuaide | March 17, 2005
Location: Issaquah.
Length: Three miles round-trip; connects to other trails.
Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderately steep dirt/gravel trail (some parts muddy after rains).
By Cathy McDonald | March 17, 2005
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Every time I come to Vancouver, I get a bad case of shoreline envy.
Somehow the city has managed to preserve about 15 miles of its seashore in public beaches and waterfront walking and biking paths. And it's creating more waterfront access all the time, including in the heart of downtown with a paved path and grassy parkland along Coal Harbour.
By Kristin Jackson | March 17, 2005
