VICTORIA, B.C. — Only a few passengers ventured on to the deck of the Port Angeles-based ferry M.V. Coho, their heads bent and feet firmly planted against wind gusts and light rain, as we entered Victoria's Inner Harbor. The warm-weather parade of float planes, sailboats and small harbor ferries had disappeared — the harbor's waters the same color as the concrete walks surrounding it.
By Barbara Kinney | January 11, 2007
By late afternoon, blue skies and 80-degree temperatures would bathe Whidbey Island from tip to tail.
But this was morning.
An uneasy fog bank lay low over the Strait of Juan de Fuca where it opens into Admiralty Inlet. Urged by a steady breeze, it pushed against the island's western shore, rubbed damp fingers against the white barrel of the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and slipped into the hills above Crocket's Lake where seagulls were sleeping in.
By Gordy Holt | August 31, 2006
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Even the promise of a walk through the city's seedy underbelly delivers more charm than menace in this city.
On the new Underground Portland walking tour, guide David Schargel takes visitors to Portland's Chinatown, down to the waterfront and through the streets and alleys where bar dwellers were once kidnapped onto sea voyages, and brothels sheltered sailors and gamblers.
Today, the same streets are home to meth addicts, late-night revelers and transients, Schargel tells his crowd of about dozen on a recent afternoon.
By Julie Davidow | August 17, 2006
FAIRHAVEN -- Whether you are packing the littlest traveler in a car seat, or have ol' grandpa wrapped in a blanket, first things first: You will find public restrooms in the Amtrak/Greyhound and Alaska Ferry terminals at the foot of Harris Avenue, the main drag for Bellingham's southernmost commercial neighborhood.
By Gordy Holt | August 10, 2006
EDITOR'S NOTE: With gas prices in the stratosphere, we're looking for excursions that will keep the summer fun rolling, but not break the bank. Today, the P-I launches a new feature aimed at short trips around the Puget Sound that can be taken on one tankful or less in a typical family car.
PORT GAMBLE -- On a typical day, some 6,500 cars breeze by this historic mill town on their way to the Hood Canal Bridge, not realizing they're passing up one of the prettiest, best-preserved little main streets in Western Washington.
By Cecelia Goodnow | June 29, 2006
Short Trips
POULSBO -- If you're lucky enough to hit a clear day on your drive to Poulsbo, prepare to be dazzled as roadside trees give way to a stunning vista of Liberty Bay backed by snow-capped Olympics. It's like a little piece of Norway.
Early immigrants thought so, too, and turned this scenic settlement into an ethnic enclave where, for a while, the official language was Norwegian.
By Cecelia Goodnow | December 1, 2005
The outing:
This half-day outing combines a visit to the Cedar River Watershed Education Center in the Cascade foothills and a hike to Rattlesnake Ledge with scenic forest and mountain views.
This can be thirsty work, but a reward awaits at the end: a post-hike wine-tasting in nearby Snoqualmie.
Spend the morning doing Saturday chores or hitting the garage sales. Head out around noon or 1 p.m. to time the active part of this outing to end about 5 p.m.
By Carol Pucci | April 14, 2005
Short Trips
PORT TOWNSEND -- This charming, Victorian seaport is a day-tripper's paradise that extends far beyond Water Street's stylish boutiques and quaint architecture.
With the tourist season not yet in full roar, now's a good time to make like a local and explore beaches, diners and parks that are insider favorites.
For starters, stop by tiny Jefferson County International Airport, a one-strip airfield four miles south of Port Townsend, off state Route 19. Its Spruce Goose Cafe is renowned for great food and a front-row view of small plane comings and goings.
By Cecelia Goodnow | March 31, 2005
