Visit Mt. Rainier Video That Really Inspires To Visit

I'm not sure who's in charge of marketing at Mt Rainier National Park, but I know they've been doing a pretty bad job inspiring people to visit this one of the most beautiful and unique parks in US.

I think the video below really brings up all the excitement, adventure, and discovery that you can find at Mt Rainier.

"It's more than experience. It's a way of life"

The Puyallup Fair Fun : Zorbing, Mountain Boarding and Bull Riding for 3 year olds

I really do hate it all : traffic jams, long lines, unhealthy foods, unreasonable prices... Yet, every year I'd go there because its a "family tradition", I'd get disappointed, and would swear I'll never go back again...

However, this year was different...

In addition to a bunch of lame fair events, there were a few that got me especially excited !

This is the first year in our state when mountain boarding was introduced to "the Average Joe".
MBS brought the excitement of Freestyle Mountainboarding to the Fair with its unique Pro Ramp set-up, and I think it was a pretty big success ! With a lot of high-flying action, the show attracted a big crowd every time it was on.



I mentioned Zorbing a few years back, and this year I was absolutely stoked to see it live at the Fair ! Though it was just one of the variations ( sometimes called " hydro-zorbing "), according to my son it was awesome !


What kind of a father would put his 4 year old on a "raging sheep" that's as unpredictable as a bull ? A loving one !

Until this day I've never heard of Mutton Bustin', but as soon as I saw a video, I knew I'd love to try it ! Too bad I wasn't under 60lbs anymore, but I knew somebody who was !

"Son, you wonna ride a sheep ? "
"Are you nuts ? Why the hell would I want to do that ? OK, whatever, I'll ride your stupid sheep..."
"That's the spirit ! I'm so proud of you !"
"Whatever"

I'm sure that's the dialog we'd have if he was older, but at 4 you don't really have a choice... Just kidding, he said "no" to many rides I suggested, but when I showed him the video, and explained what he would have to do, quietly but firmly he said "yes".

And for me, it was the BIGGEST moment in my life !

Visit Abandoned Rocket Factory in the Everglades

I came across this "attraction" while researching "things to do/see" in Everglades National Park.

While on the east side of Florida ( Daytona Beach ), I was really hoping to visit Kennedy Space Center, but this abandoned rocket factory in the Florida Everglades known as Aerojet-Dade, sounded a lot more appealing and mystique ( not to mention it's free ).

In the 1960s the Aerojet company was considered as the possible supplier of solid-fuel rocket motors to be used as primary power plants for the Saturn I space booster.

The short version is that NASA never did use Aerojet when the Apollo space mission decided to go with liquid fuel instead of the solid fuel. The Aerojet eventually gave up on its plant and sold the land to the State of Florida, which holds it to this day as a nature preserve. Most of the original buildings associated with the plant, and some of the machinery, appear to be still there, albeit in decrepit condition.



The factory is accessible, though the last couple of miles of the access road are closed to motor vehicles, so if you want to visit you have to bicycle or walk part of the way. There are a few houses nearby, and people come to bird watch or to fish in the canal that parallels the road, but the place is essentially deserted once you get past the no-motor-vehicles-beyond-this-point sign.

Tips on visiting Everglades National Park in summer

Everglades National Park is one of the most famous National Parks in US.

Here are no lofty peaks seeking the sky, no mighty glaciers or rushing streams wearing away the uplifted land. Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the receiver of it...

With these words, President Harry S. Truman formally dedicated Everglades National Park on 06 December 1947 in a ceremony held at Everglades City.

It's true, this park is like no other parks in US. Most famous for its backcountry kayak and canoe adventures, the park offers a truly unique experience.

Tip - visiting Everglades National Park during "wet season" is ...unpleasant, if to say the least. Best time to visit the Everglades is December through April, with low humidity, clear skies and less mosquito.

A recent trip to Everglades City, where the park's Gulf Coast Visitor Center is located, made me rethink the whole idea of how most people visit our national parks.


The dream of paddling along the Wilderness Waterway, a 99-mile path between Everglades City and Flamingo, is ...still a dream.

Tip - if you are short on time, go for a boat trip

I only had a day to explore the area, and that's why I decided to do a typical "touristy" activity - boat tour.

There are numerous tour operators in the area, but since Everglades National Park has been declared a Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site and a Wetlands International Alliance, only Everglades National Park Boat Tours is allowed to operate in its waters. All other companies operate on privately owned land/water which makes trips shorter with fewer chances to see wildlife.

There are two "official" tours - 10,000 Islands and Mangrove Wilderness.

I've always wanted to see the dense swampy part of the Everglades, and to get a face-to-face with an alligator, manatee or even the famous Burmese Python.

Tip - if you are venturing into Everglades wilderness, use bug spray/insect repellent...and A LOT OF IT ! Mosquito, horse and deer flies will eat you alive !

Tip - keep your expectations low.

It's not like the wildlife will come out to "meet and greet" you. The gaters we saw were usually no more than a pair of cold eyes staring out from the still green water, a few manatees here and there, but mostly it's the frequent calls of birds, the occasional splash of jumping fish, and the wind whistling through the leafy ceiling overhead.


Back to my thought about how most people visit our parks...

Unlike Rainier or Olympic National Parks, you can't just roll into the Everglades to snap a few pictures and call it a day. To really appreciate this park you must "go deep".

Paddling your kayak or canoe deep into the marshy backcountry waters, with claustrophobic tunnels of mangrove trees and giant cypress trees around you is the Ultimate Everglades Adventure !


Though the park's ranger station offers maps and tidal charts for sale, Paddler's Guide to Everglades National Park is the most comprehensive guide to paddling the Everglades.

The Wilderness Waterway is poorly marked, and it's easy get lost. Mangrove waterways have a tendency to look very much alike, and no place to camp besides the designated sites. So, plan accordingly, and use all means of navigation ( maps, charts, GPS, location beacon...) or hire a local guide.

Windsurfing the Columbia River Gorge

I started windsurfing last year, just like I start many other outdoor sports- first I bought cheap used gear from Craigslist, and then tried to figure out how to use it. After learning how to rig a sailboard and taking a few lessons I was physced to go on my own. The only problem - wind conditions in and around Seattle suck. Most of the time. That's why the most dedicated windsurfers ( those who don't mind a 3 hour drive ) travel from Washington all the way to Hood River in Oregon.


Hood River is a big name in the world of windsurfing and kite boarding. In fact, some call Hood River the windsurfing capital of the world, thanks to the incredible gorge winds that blow along the Columbia River. On an average breezy day, it's typical to see dozens (if not hundreds) of colorful sails dancing across the wide river.

Being frustrated with wind conditions back in Washington, I was looking forward to strong, consistent winds that the Columbia River has to offer. What I didn't expect was the wind conditions to be THAT strong...

If you are a beginner with crappy 15 year old windsurfing equipment, you have absolutely no business on or near the Columbia River.

With ice cold waters, strong fast currents, gusty winds, and heavy shipping traffic, the Gorge is no place for beginners to cut their windsurfing teeth.

I'm not saying "don't go there". I'm saying find an experienced, knowledgeable sailor familiar with windsurfing on the Columbia River.

There are a number of different access points to the river. Unlike other windsurfing spots, the difference of only a few miles can mean huge differences in the wind, water and atmospheric conditions. Speak with the locals to find areas that are most appropriate to your windsurfing skills.

Comparing to kiteboarding, windsurfing is "old school" which means cheaper classes and rentals. The equipment that many local schools have for rent is more advanced and easier to use.

If you feel like you are loosing interest in windsurfing, donate that old worthless p.o.s O'Brien you have, and come to Hood River. Windsurfing on the Columbia River will rejuvenate your passion.



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Delta Shelter - another reason to visit Mazama, WA

Located in the North Cascades, the Methow Valley is the four season milti sport destination for adventurers of all ages and skill levels. With warm, dry summers and snowy winters, the valley is known for its first class cross country skiing in winter and mountain biking in the summer.

Last year I enjoyed snowmobiling and cross country skiing in Winthrop.
Originally, I wanted to ski hut to hut at the Rendezvous Huts in the Methow Valley, but due to lack of time had to opt for a short trip on the Sun Mountain trail.

I'm thinking about going back to the Methow Valley this summer. The gentle 17-mile Methow Valley Community Trail between Mazama and Winthrop is open to bikes in the "off-season."

Though, I have to admit that another reason to visit the Valley wold be a stay at one of the Rolling Huts.
While they look just OK in summer time...




...in winter - they are absolutely gorgeous !

My Bucket List : Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Honestly, now I don't even remember where I got the idea to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. But if you've been following my blog for some time , you remember that in 2009 I started my first Bucket List, and one of the ideas was - Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Well, two years later, I've made it happen !

Partly inspired by Rio de Janeiro 's Carnaval, partly by articles like " 10 Best places to get drunk in public", I wanted to experience this celebrated -around -the- world event first hand.

I had only a couple days to spend in New Orleans, and being ExtraHyperActive, I wanted to see/do everything ( or at least as much as possible). After surfing the net and checking out some of the Lonely Planet books, I found... tons of absolutely useless information.

So here, I'd like to offer a few of my own tips, and I hope they'll be useful:

- If you are not planning to "get wild and out of control" try not to go there the last weekend/Monday/Tuesday or at least avoid the famous Bourbon Street

- The cheapest way to get from airport to Canal St is by bus ( instead of taking taxi/shuttle for $33)

- The cheapest place to stay is 10 minutes away from downtown along Tulane Ave ( I got a room on the day of my arrival for $70 )

- The famous drinks to try - Hurricane/Hand grenades/Bloody Mari/anything with alcohol in it


- The famous food ? Don't even know where to start. I've never been a big food snob, but trying out "authentic southern cuisine" was one of my reasons to visit New Orleans. Got to try : po-boys ( basically a seafood Subway sandwich ); Jambalaya ( spicy fried rice with sausages/seafood); Cajun cuisine ( everything spicy); Beignets ( powdered doughnuts )

Things to do ?

River boat tours

As a kid growing up in Western Siberia, I was fascinated by Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn/ Tom Sawyer, and never thought that one day I would travel on the mighty Mississippi River, where Twain operated a steam-powered riverboat.

Swamp tours

A unique journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations is a "must do" during your visit. Just 3-4 hours long, these trips offer a quick look at the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamps, and particularly the life and habits of the American alligator.

Walking Tours - The French Quarter History Tour. A better alternative - check out one of these books, pic what you want to see, and go for a walk.

Turned out, I am not a big fan of carnivals. But the French Quarter made an unforgettable impression on me ! If visiting Paris/Brazil seems like a "dream that won't happen", New Orleans is a cheap ( "off season" ) and a great alternative.

P.S: There was another "heavily promoted " tour - Hurricane Katrina tour, traveling through neighborhoods affected by the hurricane.

Jazzland Amusement Park after 2005 Hurricane Katrina 

I wasn't sure if I wanted to ride around on a bus looking at other people's devastation...."they say that money goes towards families affected by this disaster"...If you believe in something like that, aside from Mardi Gras, that's another reason to visit this wonderful town. If not, here are " Top 10 reasons to travel to New Orleans "...

Winter surfing La Push

People are surprised to know that there is "surfing" in Washington state. They are even more surprised to know that the best surfing happens early spring/autumn. Though, sometimes North Pacific storms brew up giant swells ( up to 20ft), mostly the waves are pretty small ( 2-3 feet). That's what I found during my trip to La Push this winter for annual La Push Pummel.

For me , the trip was more about "discovering" that area for myself rather than actual surfing. I haven't traveled along HWY 101 for a long time, and the event was a great opportunity to drive along that truly scenic road.

I'd definitely call La Push/Forks area one of Washington's best getaways. Since the "Twilight boom" the area is swamped with fans, and the local Visitor Information Center even offers "Twilight map". But even if you are not a Twilight fan, there is a lot to do and to see around the area - Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch/Ruby Beaches, Ozette/Crescent Lakes, waterfalls and hot springs.

As usual, I was short on time, and since the weather that day was not as promised, I had time for just one quick dip, and it was worth 4 hour drive !

That was my first time surfing/visiting La Push/Forks are, and like I've just said, it's definitely a weekend ( if not week long ! ) getaway.

Have you visited Hells Canyon ?

For 10 years I've lived in Washington state, I've traveled a lot around our state, I've been on a lot of great adventures, but I still haven't come close to "seen it all, done it all". There are still a lot of " white spots " on the Washington map ( for me).

The whole Southeast ( the Palouse and Snake River County) is unknown and unexplored ( by me).

I stumbled upon Stephen Penland's Photo blog, and after looking at just a few pictures, the decision was made: I have to see it myself ! The views are absolutely gorgeous !



But you know me. Driving for 5 hours just to enjoy the beautiful scenery is not for me. I need more than that, I need action, memories, experiences...

Camping at Palouse Falls State Park has been on my "to-do list " for some time.

But my main destination would be Hells Canyon. My spring climbing trip to Vantage/Frenchman Coulee left a great impression on me, and since I haven't been able to plan a trip to Grand Canyon, this might be a good alternative ( actually, they say that Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in North America !).

After visiting Hells Canyon's Visitor Bureau web site, a few adventures caught my attention: jet boat tours, rafting, paragliding and, what I'd really love to try,- ballooning !

I haven't worked out all the details yet, but I'll be planning my trip for the second week of September. If everything works out, it should be a great road trip !

Surfing Westport, WA

They say : "Westport is Washington's premier place to surf..." .

I was looking forward to my first visit to this unofficial " surf capital of Washington". I heard a lot about unpredictable coastal weather : the average water temperature ranges from 40 to almost 60 degrees, enormous changes in the tide and wind that create gritty, unstable conditions, and waves that go from small in the summer to overhead in the winter making it tough getting good surf here.

It was all true. When I arrived there in the morning , it was ...depressing. Cold spring temperature, high, powerful wind, and dripping rain almost killed my desire to go into water. Besides, ( as usual ) I showed up unprepared, not even knowing where to surf.

Without even knowing it, I was just a mile away from Westhaven State Park, which is " Surf Central at Westport ".

Westport's waves are often too big to surf in the winter, but late spring and summer bring smaller waves, lighter breezes, and more surfers. At some point, I thought I would be the only " crazy " person with a board, but to my relief, there were more people than I expected.


The park has plenty of parking, bathrooms and hot showers. Westhaven offers three main places to surf: The Cove, the Jetty and "the Groins ".

As I still consider myself a beginner, I started at at The Jetty, that has lots of nice whitewater waves, and those are the best to learn or to improve your rusty skills on.

The water was cold, but I was ...super hot. I was wearing my diving 7 mm suit, and after spending 1.5 hours, I was sweating and couldn't really notice I was in cold water.

In the afternoon the sun came out, and for a moment it felt like I was in Hawaii or, at least, in California during winter.

Exploring the Kitsap Peninsula with Kitsap Tours.

I've traveled all around our great state : north to south and west to east, looking for the best ideas for your next adventure. But had no idea that one of Northwest's hidden jewels was right under my nose. Or to be more exact - "Just a ferry ride away ". I am talking about the Kitsap Peninsula.

Don't get me wrong ! It's a famous Washington travel destination that offers a pleasant mix of both cultural and outdoor experiences. But unfortunately, for many visitors ( including me :)) a trip to the Kitsap Peninsula ends with...a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island ( well, may be a pleasant stroll along the waterfront board walk ).

But few people know ( even Seattleites ) that the Kitsap Peninsula is more than just Bainbridge Island. Kitsap is uniquely special. It's an eclectic collection of wonderful communities, each a chapter in the Kitsap story. And as with any area though, it can be difficult to find your way around without a guide.

A completely new and unique way to explore one of the best kept secrets of the Pacific Northwest is in comfort of a 14 passenger mini bus offered by Kitsap Tours.

Kitsap Tours, with full or half-day options, tours the best of an area bursting with culture, tradition, and unique Northwest beauty. As the first and only touring company to pick up and drop off travelers at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal on a regular schedule, Kitsap Tours is exceptionally convenient. Consider also the fact that travelers can choose from a variety of tour “endings”—very practical. Also, because of the company’s comprehensive list of tour options, it is geared to satisfy a variety of interests.

Seldom spending more than 20 minutes cruising from one place to the other you will be introduced to some of the area’s most distinguished sites including beautiful Bainnbridge Island, Suquamish (the home of Chief Seattle), Poulsbo (“little Norway”), and Port Gamble (a quaint company-owned timber town).

Kitsap Peninsula Tour is a full day of sightseeing, history and heritage, shopping and dining with an optional electric boat or kayaking tour to Poulsbo's local "landmark " - harbor seals !







Pictures are subject to Copyright @ Kitsap and Beyond blog by Jean Boyle

Visiting Port Ludlow

The Olympic Peninsula is dotted with small ports : Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Port Gamble and many others that serve as commercial centers for this region.
Rather than drive hell-for-leather through it and rush back to the highway to head back home, you'd need to spend at least a few days to really appreciate this area. It's so easy to miss on the small-town pleasures that these ports have to offer.

As you know me, I am not a big fan of " luxury travel " : exploring exclusive hotels and hidden bed and breakfast inns, food and wine testing at upscale salons and trendy restaurants, and playing 18-Holes on some snobby golf course is not my idea of adventure travel... But sometimes I wish I could just...RELAX !

That's what I found at Port Ludlow's resort during my visit to the Olympic Peninsula.




With over a half-mile of shoreline and beach surrounding the resort, our room had spectacular views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges and their 300-slip marina, and the fireplace and jacuzzi tub added a nice romantic touch. For a moment, I had an urge to rent a bike or a kayak to go exploring the area ( as I usually do ), but instead...I stayed in to enjoy a glass of wine and to taste some truly exceptional seafood.

Now that I think about it, luxury is more a state of mind than how much you spend. With proper planning, anyone can afford a stylish vacation.

Or you might be lucky enough to win one !

Enter for your chance to win !

Contest award is provided courtesy of the Clam Cannery, The Resort at Port Ludlow and Kenmore Air.

Give Away Includes: Complimentary two night stay for two at the Clam Cannery… in addition, you’ll receive a two night stay at The Resort at Port Ludlow, round trip flight via Kenmore Air from Seattle and transportation service between the properties.

Visiting Harricane Ridge

The winter of 2009-2010 was pretty bad for many local ski areas : warm temperatures, lack of snow, rain, and "shady " online marketing tactics ( we've just had 6 inches of snow !...but not exactly where you'll be skiing...)

It was even worse for Hurricane Ridge ski area. On January 18th , the only road to Hurricane Ridge was closed , the first time in 50 years since the road was put. The cause: water. Heavy rains triggered the slide and nearly 100 feet of road crumbled into the Ennis Creek valley.


Hurricane Ridge is very important to the area. Many local businesses, from ski operators to gas stations and restaurants, heavily depend on skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and tourists.

Repairs started almost immediately, and with crews working 12 hour days, six days a week, the road was opened earlier than expected. To celebrate the reopening of the road, which was accomplished ahead of schedule, and under budget, park officials waived the entrance fee ( which is usually $15 )the last two weekend of March.

My trip to the Olympic Peninsula, couldn't be complete without a visit to Hurricane Ridge. This was my first visit. One of my goals for this year was to ski at every ski area in Washington state. Unfortunately, during my Friday visit the lifts were closed ( but I did take advantage of free entrance ! ). But the views from The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center were breathtaking !

But if you're planning a ski/snowboard trip to Hurricane Ridge, feel free to check our this blog post to get the tips necessary to plan a stoked trip !

Exploring the Olympic Peninsula : Hiking Dungeness Spit

Having ADD ( at least I suspect I have it :)) I am unable to focus on just one outdoor activity or stay at one place for a long time. So, after a nice , relaxing day at Port Townsend, I decided to head out to do something outdoorsy.

Dungeness Spit is considered to be one of Washington's best saltwater hikes.


Just 30 minutes drive from Port Townsend, The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge can be found along the Dungeness Scenic Loop between Sequim and Port Angeles.

Sequim is a quaint little place to visit, and if it wasn't for this beautiful sign that welcomes you, I would just have missed it.

( Google images)

I heard about the Sequim Lavender Festival before ( though, never been a fan of " agricultural tourism " ) but didn't know that Sequim was the "Lavender Capital of North America" ( rivaled only in France).

I took the Dungeness Scenic Loop, but, honestly, didn't see much "scenery ". Got lost , and " found myself" at another Sequim' famous attraction - the Olympic Game Farm. As usual, pressed with time, I grabbed a souvenir ( " been there, done that "), and continued my trip to the Refuge ( which is only 10 minutes away !).

I read somewhere that this hike was " ideal for novice hikers...because it has no elevation gain...close to civilization with good restaurants nearby (?) ".






5 miles one way, hiking in sand, strong wind, non-hiking clothes ( who the hell hikes in jeans and cotton sweatshirts ? ) and on empty stomach ( damn those first timers !)...We didn't make it to the lighthouse...So sad. The day was gorgeous, and I was looking forward to taking a picture of me standing at the end of the spit.

One of the signs indicated that horseback riding was allowed on the designated horse trail through the uplands and the beach west of Dungeness Spit base. If you have any information about guided trips, please share with me ( I really love what they do at Ocean Shores ).

Later, I also found out that the waters of Sequim Bay were ideal for kayaking. Not sure, but may be it will be more fun kayaking those 5 miles rather than hiking.

And finally, have you ever wanted to live the life of a Lighthouse Keeper for a week ? For $ $260 - 350 a week you can. Visit The New Dungeness Light Station Association to find out more details.