On April 1st, the Skagit Valley will once again begin its month-long celebration of floral radiance in what has become North America’s largest Tulip Festival. The festival runs through April and features numerous display gardens, art shows, a street fair, barbecues, a parade, and acres and acres of luminous tulip blossoms. The Tulip Festival has become an iconic Pacific Northwest …
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Rendezvous Huts: A Methow Tradition
Ski huts are ubiquitous in Europe. They’re common in Canada. But here in the USA, not so much. The Rendezvous Huts, located in the sublime mountains that rise above Washington’s Methow Valley, are a time-honored exception to the rule. Enoch & Shandra Kraft built the first two huts—on the Methow’s Diamond T Ranch—back in 1980. Today, there are five huts …
Read More »A Camera Bag and a Pair of Tents for Autumn Adventuring
LowePro Nova 200 AW II Camera Shoulder Bag I have used a wide variety of camera bags over the years to haul my photography gear. When backpacking, a hipbelt bag worn on the front works well, but for day hiking, a shoulder bag is my conveyance of choice. The Lowepro® Nova 200 AW II is ideal for this purpose. …
Read More »Great Gear for Summer Hiking Adventures
Therm-A-Rest Trekker Chair A Therm-A-Rest® Chair has been a staple in my backpack for decades. Since I first tried one in the 90s, I’ve never headed into the backcountry without this ingenious little system of straps and sleeves that converts a sleeping pad into a reasonably comfortable camp chair. But in recent years, sleeping pads have evolved (gotten thicker and …
Read More »Whatcom CityZen Invites You to be Part of the Solution
Bellingham’s Steve Avila loves being of service. The owner of two local businesses (Fitness Evolution and Overhead Door Company), Avila is not one to complain about things. He’s a born problem solver who – rather than gripe – finds a way to pitch in when help is needed. And on top of that, he’s a master at inspiring others to …
Read More »Cascadia Gear: San Juan Islands Guide, Mindshift Rotation Camera Pack & Merrell Snowcreek Cozy Leather Polar Boots
San Juan Islands Boater’s Guide The folks at Blue Latitude Press (based in Anacortes, WA) have established themselves as the source for cruising guides to the waters of the Pacific Northwest (they also have the market cornered on guides to the Pacific Coast of Mexico and the Sea of Cortez). Their newly-published 2nd edition of the classic San Juan Islands …
Read More »Summer Gear Reviews: Edge of the Map, Hiking Pants, Clogs and a Radical Pan
Edge of the Map Johanna Garton’s newly published book, Edge of the Map (Mountaineer Books) tells the story of an amazing mountaineer, Christine Boskoff, who distinguished herself in the male-dominated world of expedition climbing. Boskoff’s accomplishments—and laid-back, understated persona—make for fascinating reading. Edge of the Map follows her audacious ascents in some of the planet’s most remote places, details her personal …
Read More »Ready for Spring? Our Reviews: Down Vest, Rain Pants & Trekking Poles
Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Vest There’s just something about a puffy down vest. The venerable Transcendent Down Vest from OR is somewhat of a standard bearer when it comes to this layering essential. Warm? Oh yes. Light? 9.7 ounces. The Transcendent is stuffed with 650-fill responsibly-sourced goose down and has a roomy fit to accommodate a couple of layers underneath …
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