June 2016 Latitude 45

June 2016

Our Denmark

Cool

Chapter

SUMMER GEAR

Our Typical

Northwest Summer

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CONTENTS June 2016

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Latitude N O RT H W E S T L I V I N G

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Washington Sales and Marketing Director | Julie Reed 253.273.8524 | julie@livinglocal360.com

EDITORIAL

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CONTRIBUTORS Michael McAuliffe • Kim Roth

Latitude 45 is published and mailed to targeted neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest. We’re not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher and no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the publisher.

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Feature Story Our Denmark Chapter

06 16 19 06 Travel & Leisure

Camping redefined across the west

16 Arts & Entertainment Calendar of Events

19 Cool Summer Gear Our Typical Northwest Summer

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GLAMPING

Camping Redefined Across the West TRAVEL & LEISURE

By Colin Anderson

I

t’s summer and that means vacation time for most couples and families.

While some travel across the country visiting big cities for shopping, historical tours, or national monuments, many in our neck of the woods head outside to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating, swimming and all the other reasons we choose to call the west home. We grab the tent, sleeping bags, beat up old clothes, hot dogs and of course, the ingredients for s’mores, and get ready for a few back-breaking nights in a cold tent − or do we?

A recent demand for the comforts of home while out in the woods is changing the way we see camping.

Traditionalists scoff at the idea of actual beds and hot water showers in the wilderness, but “glamping” or glamorous camping is getting those who have always refused the sleeping bag and cold ground actually out in the woods and back in touch with nature.

While the term “glamping” typically refers to a certain type of opulent tent camping, I see the term differently, with many levels of making your outdoor experience more than just a bare bones

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backpack or pulling into a roadside campground crammed next to others.

You’ll be surprised at what people are willing to pay for luxury but also at how affordable some of the options you have available to you as well.

The RV/Camper This is the original glamping device getting you off the ground and into a warm, secure space. Today’s towbehind models are made of much lighter materials than those of yesteryear, letting you tow them behind something as small as a Subaru Outback. There is also a popular movement sweeping the country of completely renovating old and worn out trailers. As long as they are structurally sound, designers are finding creative ways to maximize the small indoor space and turning them into mini-mobile apartments.

Something as easy as reupholstering benches can really bring an old camper back to life. If you’re not looking to own, renting an RV can be something fun for the whole family.

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While not the most glamorous of accommodations, what you are getting is some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. widely known, but there are often local choices right in your community as well.

Renting an RV puts you in control of your completely mobile campsite and is ideal if you plan on visiting multiple sites over the course of a week or two-week long trip. With most, you won’t need a special driving license, but plan on spending several hundred dollars per week on a rental as well as fuel costs. For those at retirement age, motor homes have never been more luxurious, and they should be as some models cost more than traditional homes. Often as long as a Greyhound bus, these chariots of the road can include everything from a kingsized bed, washer/dryer and soaking tub to expandable outdoor patio space with flat screen TVs mounted for outdoor viewing. New technology allows owners to keep both internet and satellite TV signals even while in motion. Imagine spending your retirement seeing the entire country while still enjoying the comforts of home. Our National Parks look for campground hosts throughout the year allowing you to park your RV for free in exchange for helping to run the campground.

A recent demand for the comforts of home while out in the woods is changing the way we see camping.

Basic Glamping: Sweetwater Tipi, Bainbridge Island, Washington Located on a family farm and backed up to National Forest, this is a one-space glamping location giving you privacy of being alone but also not far from the city.

Inside the tipi is a queen-sized memory foam bed, mini-fridge, and electrical outlets. There is a composting toilet and heated shower as well. From $175/night.

Levels of Glamping: As the industry continues to expand, sites are offering up all levels of experience from rugged to spoiled rotten.

While there are dozens of options across the west, here are just a few to give you an idea on what to expect.

Fire Lookouts While not the most glamorous of accommodations, what you are getting is some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Before planes and infrared radar detected wildfires, it was the job of the Fire Lookout. This

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person manned an often isolated cabin on the highest peaks in the designated mountain range and radioed any reports of smoke sightings. Today, you can step back in time and camp inside many of the now retired Fire Lookouts throughout the west. The majority can be found in California, Idaho and Montana, but there are some available in Washington and Oregon as well. While not often advertised, these are extremely popular with some reservations even going into a lottery system. You probably won’t land a reservation this summer, but it’s never too early to start planning for summer 2017!

Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast, Clark Fork, Idaho Three distinct sites dot this unique homestead in far Northern Idaho near the Montana border. You won’t find power outlets here, but you will find canvas walled tents and queen-sized beds, screened in kitchen area with hand pump water and a propane stove and outdoor shower and outhouse. Breakfast is served by your hosts each morning.

On-site trails lead you to wonders to explore, but you’re also close enough to drive to local towns and landmarks. From $100/night

HUCKLEBERRY TENT AND BREAKFAST, CLARK FORK, ID

Full Scale Glamping:

Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

Panacea at the Canyon, Terrebonne, Oregon

This is a place for those looking for a true Montana wilderness experience and don’t have a problem spending for it. This 37,000 acre ranch sits on some of the most beautiful scenery in the west. Glamping tents are up to 975 square feet and include air conditioning, slate showers, heated floors, cell and internet service, and your own camping cook and butler. Guided tours include ATVs, horseback, shooting, fly fishing, and ranching. During summer months a family of four staying in a twobedroom tent will fork out around $2,500 per night for this one-of-a-kind experience.

On 40 acres, this resort is surrounded by high desert country but provides five-star amenities. A full scale spa, pool, yoga and reiki classes encourage guests to completely relax in a natural setting. Your tent includes a king-sized bed with a plush comforter, en-suite bathroom, hardwood floors, and local organic bathroom products.

All meals are included as well as a nightly foot bath with a turndown service. Guests can also go wine tasting, rock climbing or ride in a hot air balloon. From $700/night double occupancy.

Glamping can be as simple as getting you up off the ground or as complex as a fivestar resort and across the west there is just

about everything in between. The bottom line is you’ll find some place beautiful and comfortable within your budget. If the thought of sleeping on the ground, no hot shower, and swatting mosquitoes doesn’t appeal to you then perhaps glamping will.

Getting outside and away from our daily lives in the city even for a weekend can help relieve stress and bring you closer to family or a loved one. Being comfortable is important to many, and glamping offers most of the comforts of home while being smack dab in the middle of the wilderness.

There are no more excuses for those who say they don’t enjoy camping. You might still get a little dirty and have to swat a few bugs, but a glamping trip will keep you comfortable while enjoying the natural beauty around us.

Being comfortable is important to many, and glamping offers most of the comforts of home while being smack dab in the middle of the wilderness.

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OUR DENMARK CHAPTER A SMALL TOWN FAMILY’S ADVENTURES ABROAD

FEATURE STORY

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Photos and article by Kim Roth

I’m a homebody. I like routine and vanilla ice cream. So when my husband’s company offered him a position to work in Denmark for a year, I was hesitant. My need for certainty, however, gave way to an uncharacteristic wonder to see what a year in Denmark, and Europe, could offer my family. For our family’s benefit, my husband and I decided to make the move. In August 2014, we made a spectacle of ourselves as we left our home in Rathdrum, Idaho, bound for Copenhagen, Denmark with five children and 28 pieces of luggage.

It wasn’t easy living abroad. Unlike a long vacation, it was everyday life—but in a foreign country. We went to school and work, paid bills, shopped for groceries, dealt with home repairs, and lived the ups and downs every family experiences. We also had unique challenges made more difficult by our being in a foreign country—identity theft, illness, the death of a loved one, homesickness and sending our oldest to college. With the language barrier and our foreign surroundings, these were difficult times.

But that foreign aspect is also what made our experiences that year enlightening. Being surrounded by language, food and culture different from our own taught us a great deal.

Perhaps it was a combination of our struggles and our increased appreciation for people and places that allowed Denmark to change us. It became a chapter of life we will always savor.

The first time I went to our neighborhood grocery store in Denmark, I nearly cried. I walked through a very small produce and meat and cheese section, saw a few shelves of bread and pasta, and some miscellaneous items I couldn’t make sense of because of the Danish labelling.

That was it. I thought, “What am I going to feed my family for the next year?” Those initial weeks were tough on my kids, but we also had a few laughs as we learned to bake in a Centigrade oven, use a translation app to buy ingredients and live without the pre-made mixes, condensed soups and favorite snacks readily available in the States.

Another big part of our adjustment was learning the unwritten rules of bike lanes and navigating bus and train routes. Of course, this kind of Danish street smarts didn’t come without lots of mistakes. We hopped on the wrong train more than once, missed buses and nearly got hit by bikers, but we figured it out. The day I noticed my 7-yearold son look over his shoulder before stepping into the bike

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lane, I thought “Wow. We’ve come a long way.”

Living in Copenhagen, in fact, is pretty doable. The Danes speak very good English, and each person we met seemed interested in us and happy we were living in their country. Several of our neighbors and co-workers invited our family to their homes to share traditional Danish meals and customs. These were some of our favorite times! Getting to know Danish culture through their hospitality, focus on meaningful conversation and appreciation for other people taught us much.

Going to school in Denmark was a great opportunity for our kids. Our daughter attended a Danish high school, “Gymnasium,” which taught the International Baccalaureate curriculum in English. Hers was a very rigorous academic experience. She worked hard and benefitted from the global perspective she gained in many subjects. Studying the American Revolution from a British textbook and discussing current world events in classrooms where vast cultural diversity was represented proved to be a fantastic education for her.

Our boys attended an international school which exposed them to people from all over the world. Their classmates and teachers

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were from Nepal, Lithuania, Russia, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Scotland and many other countries. Most of the students were fluent in several languages and many wore traditional clothing from their homelands.

Playing games on the playground and even seeing what peers brought for lunch was educational. Yet it was so natural for these children to play together! They gave no thought to political, economic or religious differences. They simply enjoyed each other.

Fieldtrips were a favorite part of school for our kids. Fieldtrips are considered an important part of education in Denmark.

So when our son studied about the late King of Denmark, Christian IV, he and his class rode a train into Copenhagen to visit a historical museum and castle where the king once lived. When our daughter’s history class studied World War II, they went on a three-day field trip to Berlin, Germany. Our children also attended field trips across Denmark and to London and Sweden.

Learning Danish was a slow, difficult process. My husband and I ultimately learned a few important phrases, how to pay bills in Danish, how to read train routes and food labels, but that was about it. Our kids did better. They learned Danish in school and also practiced with friends at

church and on sports teams. Our Danish friends appreciated every effort we made, though. One Sunday in a church class my son asked, in Danish, to sing a certain song.

The teacher was delighted and exclaimed to me, “He said it in Danish!”

One of my favorite aspects of living in Denmark was being able to take our children to see a little of the world. Travel is significantly less expensive and, in fact, a way of life in Denmark. The Danish work week is a true 37 hours and five weeks of paid vacation is standard. With this, it has developed a culture where travel is a priority. We readily welcomed this piece of Danish culture into our own and traveled as much as possible.

In addition to the family field trips we made to see historic castles, museums, jousting matches and natural wonders within Denmark, we also visited several nearby countries. We made a two-week road trip through Germany, France, Belgium and The Netherlands. All seven of us and our luggage squished into a tiny Europeansized car and took in as many sites and as much culture and traditional foods as we could. We also spent weekends exploring Sweden, Norway and London. We topped it all off with a ski trip to Austria and a week of summer vacationing in Tuscany, Italy. It was so rewarding to explore these cultures

and places with our children! I loved seeing them grow in their appreciation for things that are different. I enjoyed watching them develop travel smarts—getting in and out of airports, navigating train routes and buying food in new cities where we didn’t speak the language. I loved seeing them grow accustomed to hearing other languages other than English and being with people outside of our own culture.

Interacting with locals in these places made for some charming memories— like the chocolatier in Belgium who had us all laughing as he guided us through what he claimed would be our first taste of real chocolate. Our children’s education in global awareness and acceptance was beyond what we could have hoped for.

Through these experiences, we also learned much about each other. Travel is a lot of work and takes a certain amount of tolerance when in a large group— particularly one like ours that spanned ages from 40 to 7 years old. There is so much waiting, walking, confusion, decisionmaking and sometimes disappointment involved in travel. It is certainly not always a vacation. I have been tired enough to sleep on a stone step, sit down on a crowded escalator, and pay $5 for a small bottle of water. Yet, travel for us was a process of learning to appreciate not only new cultures, but one another as well. We took time to play tag with my 7-year-old at a playground below the steps to the Sacre Coeur in Paris, and he patiently waited for Dad to read every plaque at the Resistance Museum in Amsterdam. By the end of our

year exploring Europe, we were changed travelers.

Amidst our travels, of course, were moments of true vacationing. Getting away from the crowds to admire the work of street artists while savoring every last bite of a fresh Parisian crepe, chasing waves on the Italian Riviera, drinking hot chocolate atop the Kitzbühel ski resort while taking in the stunning view of the surrounding Austrian Alps are just a few examples of the breath-taking moments of real vacationing we will always savor. In these moments, we had to consciously pause to absorb it all—the people, the language, the architecture, the food and the nature. In both grand and simple ways, these moments presented themselves. What a remarkable opportunity to not only teach, but show our children that the world and its people are amazing!

intimate, meaningful time spent together with family and friends. Danes seek out and create hygge. They strive for it during the dark winter months by lighting candles, chatting in front of the fireplace, or strolling with friends through a Christmas market.

Through these experiences, we also learned much about each other. Travel is a lot of work and takes a certain amount of tolerance when in a large group— particularly one like ours that spanned ages from 40 to 7 years old.

Danes are considered to be some of the happiest people in the world. It’s hard to articulate exactly why this is. But when you’re with them, you feel it. Danes have a real contentedness about them. For example, a great day for a Dane is to leave work on time, bicycle home, and spend a cozy evening eating and talking with family. Danes call this “hygge” (pronounced hewgga). Hygge is a word that doesn’t truly translate into English. It means cozy,

In the summer, hygge involves picnicking and enjoying each other at parks and beaches. Nothing more is required for Danes to truly enjoy themselves. No entertainment or schedule is needed.

Hygge is neither expensive nor elaborate.

It’s this appreciation for each other and simple moments shared that gives Danes happiness. I love this about them.

The hardest part of our time in Denmark was saying goodbye. Despite the challenges and homesickness, we were all sad to leave. I was glad we were sad, though. It meant we had opened our

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How thrilled I was to see that his exposure to other countries and people had not come at the expense of gratitude for his own! In fact, this exposure had strengthened his appreciation.

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hearts to Denmark and made it a second home. What made it hard to leave was the people. We learned a lot from them. We learned the value of balance in life. We were inspired by how they are driven−not by being entertained or competitive−but by contentedness. The Danes taught us this, and it has changed us.

We’re happy to have returned home to North Idaho, though. Living abroad taught us to see the good in our own country and culture with greater appreciation. When we returned, my youngest realized he had forgotten the Pledge of Allegiance. I was so pleased to witness his determination to relearn it. It was important to him that he know this statement of allegiance to his country. How thrilled I was to see that his exposure to other countries and people had not come at the expense of gratitude for his own! In fact, this exposure had strengthened his appreciation. We’ll forever be grateful for this Danish chapter of our lives. Life is full of experiences you live for only a short while but remember for a lifetime. This is Denmark for us.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUN

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Dozer Day: Where Kids Drive June 4-5. Kids love Dozer Day! Kids hop in the driver's seat and actually drive dozers, excavators and other heavy equipment with a professional operator at their side. Not only is it a dream-come-true for kids (and fun for the whole family), the event benefits many children's charities. Taking place at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. seattle.dozerday.org

Maritime Gig Festival

JUN

04

June 4-5. Gig Harbor’s biggest festival is here! Enjoy a pancake breakfast, concerts, a car show, watch or participate in the grand parade through the streets of downtown Gig Harbor and more! Business and food vendors will line the streets and Skansie Brothers Park. Saturday 8am to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 3pm.

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Washington State AVA Wine Tasting Enjoy several wines from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the World Trade Center Seattle. Members can take part in the tasting for free, friends of members $15, and non-member $25. www.wtcseattle.com/ava-series-10

JUN

Explore the Shore

JUN

JUN

June 6, 22. Become a citizen scientist for a day at Owen Beach! Join Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium naturalists at 11:45am for low tide beach walks where you will identify tide pool animals. This is a fun and exciting opportunity for ages 5 to adult to learn about the biological diversity of local beaches and how to protect them.

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National Marina Day Celebrate National Marina Day on the water at this free family-friendly event!

The fun begins at 8:30am and goes til 4pm.

Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt, bouncy houses, mini sailing lessons and more!

There will be food vendors, live music and an open boat showcase. All the fun is happening at Shilshole Bay Marina.

Upcoming Events - July 03 16

GIG HARBOR'S WINGS & WHEELS

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TACOMA FREEDOM FAIR, AIRSHOW & FIREWORKS

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SEATTLE NIGHT RIDE

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Washington Brewer's Festival June 17-19. Celebrate Father’s Day weekend as the Washington Beer Commission presents the 11th Annual Washington Brewer’s Festival at Marymoor Park! Sample more than 400 beers of all ages. The festival offers wine and cider tastings, great food, live music and all-ages activities as well.

Raise a glass starting at 4pm! Tickets on sale now.

JUN

JUN

JUN

Food Truck Feast

Seattle Rock 'n' Roll

Make way for the food trucks! The first annual Food Truck Feast will be held from noon to 5pm at Sehmel Park in Gig Harbor. Kick off the start of the summer and Father’s Day weekend with 12 tasty food trucks, craft beer and live music. All you have to do is relax and kick back at beautiful Sehmel Park with family and friends! Admission is free.

Participate in the popular Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon, half-marathon or 8K! The race begins at 7am starting in Seattle Center - Broadway Street, north of Denny. All runners will get a chance to run through scenic Seattle and listen to bands every step of the way! Finishers will end at CenturyLink Field where a medal and T-shirt will be awarded.

JUN

JUN

JUN

Olympic Air Show

Taste of Tacoma

Summer Sounds Concerts

June 18-19. Father’s Day Weekend special!

The 18th Olympic Air Show takes place at Olympia’s Regional Airport. There will be aerobatic performers and aircraft, as well as heritage aircraft from the Olympic Flight Museum’s collection, featuring aircraft WWII, Korea and Vietnam eras. 9am to 5pm, tickets $12 online or $15 at the door.

Kids 6 or under free! olympicairshow.com

June 24-26. Take part in the ultimate summer get together! The Taste of Tacoma celebrates all things local with food, entertainment and family fun. Grab your friends, family or just roll solo to this event at Point Defiance Park from 11am to 9pm. Admission is free!

Get your blankets and lawn chairs ready for an exciting lineup for the City's summer concert series! The New Senate Band featuring Nick Drummond will kick off the concert series that runs on consecutive Tuesdays through August 16. Concerts start at 6:30pm at Skansie Brothers Park in downtown Gig Harbor. Free to the community!

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Wild Strawberry Festival

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June 18-19. The Wild Strawberry Festival in Burien is a fantastic family-friendly event.

There will be live performances throughout the weekend as well as activities for kids including food vendors, face painting, the Bubble Man and more! Fathers can enjoy the car show and chili cook-off. The perfect weekend fun to everyone! Begins at 10am. www.burienstrawberryfestival.org

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Upcoming Events - July 15 18

BREMERTON SUMMER BREWFEST

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SEQUIM LAVENDER FESTIVAL

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SEATTLE TO PORTLAND BIKE RIDE

21

GIG HARBOR WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Cool Summer Gear

By Colin Anderson

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Camping Gear

Away from the city.

What to bring camping really depends upon how long and how far out you’re going.

If you’re spending the night at a drive-up campsite, pack all you can fit in your car.

If your destination is the backcountry, keeping weight at a minimum is critical. No matter where you camp, be sure to include on your checklist the following: tent, sleeping bag, light source, fire starter, warm clothing, sunscreen, first aid kit, knife and plenty of food and water. Camp stoves are great for feeding big groups, while backpackers enjoy the convenience and practicality of lightweight and foldable camp cookware.

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Hiking Gear Hike and be happy.

Hiking is all about your feet so make sure your boots fit properly. Once you have your boots fitted, choose a pack that’s right for you, something small and lightweight for short hikes and something a bit larger than can hold additional food, water, maps and safety equipment if you plan on being out all day. Trekking poles will help take the pressure off your legs on steeper climbs, and if you have to traverse rock faces on the trail, don’t forget a rope and even a pair of gloves if your fingers aren’t used to rock climbing.

Biking Gear Keep calm and bike on.

Biking trails can vary greatly from silky smooth pavement to rough, washed out paths, and your bike should match what you ride most often. Your local dealer will help you find the best make depending on where you ride most.

Clips mounted on the handle bars allow you to lock in your phone or global positioning system (GPS) so you’ll always know where you’re going. Mounts for a GoPro camera also give you a cool recap of your ride from your own perspective. Never forget the helmet no matter what surface you are riding, and cycling gloves will help keep your hands blister free.

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Everyone loves a day on the water so while you’re out there why not try reeling in a few fish as well.

Trolling or bobber fishing makes it easy on kids, while more advanced fishermen will look at casting banks, docks and weed lines. If trout is your goal, then give fly-fishing a serious try. While it might be difficult at first, landing a fish on a fly rod is a really cool accomplishment. Catch and release practices help make fisheries better for the next generation, so treat the fish with as little harm as possible before releasing.

Fishing Gear Wishin’ you was fishin’.

Summer Every summer Clothing

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has a story.

Lightweight and breathable is the key to staying cool when the temperatures hit their peak during summer. Manufacturers are creating all kinds of sweat-wicking and fast-drying fabrics to keep us cool but also looking cool as well. A well-crafted pair of sandals is worth the investment, especially if you plan on walking in them all day. Light colors reflect sunlight better than dark so keep that in mind when choosing your next beach outfit. Don’t forget to swing by the swimsuit racks for the latest trends as well.

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Trusted Premier Local Real Estate Broker, Linda Petersen has been successfully listing and selling Luxury Homes in Gig Harbor for over 25 years!

R E A L T Y

Linda Petersen Owner | Realtor®

253.853.2555

253.549.6290 Mobile Seana Wohlfeil Broker | Realtor® 253.549.3386 Mobile LindaPetersenTeam.com

Keller Williams West Sound Realty 11515 Burnham Dr. NW Gig Harbor WA 98332 Email Us: info@LindaPetersenTeam.com Follow Us: Facebook.com/LindaPetersenTeam Tweet Us: @Petersen_Team

Are you ready to make a change? Call us today for a Free market analysis of your home with suggestions on staging, or zap our app for listings.

We provide a free 1 year home warranty with every sale!

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Mountain

Climbing Gear

It’s within your reach.

Getting up a rock face using your own brute strength is a passion for many in the west. Each climber will tell you the key to a great day climbing is a comfortable and sturdy harness, trustworthy safety rope and a good partner. It’s never a good idea to go cheap when you’re dangling from the side of a cliff. Rocks and debris can tumble down at anytime so a helmet is also a strong recommendation. Kids can learn at climbing gyms where all the safety equipment is already in place.

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LIVING LOCAL PROMOTION With a minimum order of 6 bottles of wine between 6/01/16 & 6/30/16, get FREE SHIPPING using the promo code FREESHIP. *Non-wine products are excluded from the discount.

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Our Typical Northwest Summer...

Outdoor adventure for a lifetime of weeks and weekends By Mike McAuliffe We’re two hours out of Anacortes, cruising along the rugged rocky shore of San Juan Island. I’m relaxing on the deck—lulled by the warm August afternoon sun and the water slapping a rhythmic beat on the hull of the MV Mystic Sea. My daydream ends abruptly when Captain Monte announces over the ship’s speakers, “Whales off the port side!”

PHOTOS BY MIKE MCAULIFFE

I spring to the railing and spot three large black dorsal fins knifing through the Puget Sound waters. The tallest triangular fin is the telltale signature of a 10,000-pound male Orca, swimming with two smaller females. Another tiny fin breaks the water, trailing behind. A baby Orca calf! The whales cruise effortlessly, churning the water into white foam. The tops of their huge ebony bodies with stark white oval eye patches glide above the surface.

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A menagerie of other wildlife also makes an appearance—massive Humpback whales, Harbor porpoises, sunning seals and sea lions, Bald Eagles and bobbing Rhinoceros Auklets.

The amazing day is a snapshot of a typical Pacific Northwest summer day of outdoor adventure with water, wilderness and wildlife.

The region’s long winters of short gray rainy days are challenging—not “less than four hours of daylight” bad like Alaska winters, but bad enough. The payoff is lengthy sunny summer days as a backdrop for relaxation and adventure in unique waters like Puget Sound, and Idaho’s

deep glassy lakes, and on the wild peaks and trails of mountains like the “American Alps,” Washington’s rugged North Cascades.

Whether you have weeks of free time or just a Northwest weekend, numerous outdoor activities are always nearby.

A Week on the Lake If you have a week, better yet several weeks, to enjoy the Northwest summer, there’s nowhere better than North Idaho’s trifecta of large, deep, clear lakes—Lake Pend Oreille, Lake Coeur d’Alene and Priest Lake. The lakes’ campgrounds, cabins and resorts have hosted generations of vacationers who flock back each year for time with family and friends, relaxation, sun and water activities.

Start your day skiing on early morning water that’s smooth as a plate-glass window, followed by lunch and a nap in the hot sun before cooling off with a mid-day swim. Dinner could be a floating party on a pontoon boat.

Rental companies in Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene and Priest Lake’s marinas take care of your watercraft needs, including ski boats, fishing boats, pontoon boats, paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis.

While there aren’t any whales in these waters, there are plenty of other big fish—a record

Thinking about your dream vacation home in your dream location? Call today for a free consultation.

Joleen Stenbak 253.358.5481 CONTACT ME TODAY! Schedule a private in-home POP-UP BOUTIQUE to earn FREE clothes!

VISIT ME ONLINE! Join my exclusive Facebook shopping group!

Always stay up-to-date on all my new styles and prints! facebook.com/lularoebyjoleen @lularoebyjoleen lularoebyjoleen@yahoo.com

476534 HWY 95 N. Unit D Ponderay, ID 83852 208.263.2853 | www.dsscustomhomes.com

VISIT MY BOUTIQUE!

by Joleen 5306 144TH ST NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332 27

42-pound salmon was caught in Lake Coeur d’Alene. So bring your fishing gear, drop a line in the lake, and reel in a trout, bass or salmon for the evening barbecue. Give fly fishing a try on a nearby river, or time permitting, take a road trip for a world-class fly fishing experience on the Snake River or Henry’s Fork in Southeast Idaho.

If you get tired of floating on your air mattress, there’s also plenty of adventure out of the water. Hit the trail for hiking or mountain biking at Mineral Point Trail #82 or Gold Hill Trail, or hit some golf balls at the Coeur d’Alene Resort and challenge their famous 14th hole floating green.

Wild Weekends If you don’t have a week to lounge at the lake, towns on Puget Sound like Edmonds and Gig Harbor are uniquely located for weekend mini-vacations with a day of saltwater adventure and a day in Washington’s wilderness.

In the North Sound, start the weekend with a Friday night feast of alder planked salmon, steaming clam chowder and a cold local microbrew on the outdoor patio at Anthony’s Beach Café in Edmonds, as the rosy sun sets behind the Olympic Mountains.

PHOTO BY LISA TURNER

On Saturday, the weekend’s water day, sail on an Orca whale watch tour— either a half-day tour from Edmonds on the speedy Chilkat Express hydrofoil, or a more leisurely all-day charter on the Mystic Sea out of Anacortes. Other options for water fun include fishing charters and boat rentals at the Edmonds marina, or a ferry ride to Kingston to explore the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas.

For Sunday’s wilderness day, experience one of Washington’s best views at Artist Point in the “American Alps.” A scenic route on the Mt. Baker Highway winds through evergreens and maples, and ends with panoramic views of green alpine lakes, jagged North Cascades peaks, and the looming cone of Mt. Baker, the northernmost Cascade volcano. On the way up, stop at Picture Lake to snap an iconic photo of Mt. Shuksan reflected in the lake.

Bring your day pack, boots and water bottle for a walk or hike, but even if you don’t leave the parking lot, the view alone is worth the drive. Pitch your tent at the Douglas Fir and Silver Fir campgrounds on the Mt. Baker highway to extend your trip for more than just the day.

A similar South Sound weekend mini-vacation might begin with a Friday night dinner at the Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor. Take a harbor tour from Tacoma or Gig Harbor for Saturday’s water fun, and then on Sunday visit the colorful wildflower meadows at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park for a day hike.

These are just a few examples of countless outdoor adventures to fill a lifetime of Northwest summer weeks and weekends.

PHOTO BY LISA TURNER

Michael McAuliffe is a freelance writer and photographer living in Edmonds.

He can be contacted via his website at www.mcmikephoto.com.

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PHOTO BY MIKE MCAULIFFE

Complete Expert Tree Service

Tree Pruning

Prune your trees and keep your property safe!

No Impact Tree Removal • Tree & View Trimming Expert Pruning • Brush Removal Animal Rescues • Stump Grinding

Got trees? We’ll go out on a limb for you! Call 253.549.6522 today.

Certfied Arborist- PN-7546A • Licensed and Bonded - WA State #HANSEHT907B8

ROUTE 101

Trolley service has returned to Gig Harbor!

June 2nd - September 5th For details visit piercetransit.org or call 253.581.8000 50¢ a Ride or Just $1 for All Day!

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Quick, Simple, & Easy | Commitment to Put You & Your Client First | In-House Specialists

Work with a Lender You Can Trust The James Group

AT ON Q FINANCIAL, INC. PETER & DAWN JAMES peter.james@onqfinancial.com 253.988.0426 NMLS #487468

AT

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253.988.0425 NMLS #487467

Contact The James Group Today!

WWW.THEJAMESGROUPONQ.COM 2727 Hollycroft St. NW #360 Gig Harbor, WA 98335

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On Q Financial, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender NMLS #5645.

70% Reserved

30% Open

100% Your key to a fulfilling retirement.

People from all over the Puget Sound region are choosing Heron’s Key for its active, maintenance-free lifestyle. Construction is now underway on our 18-acre campus and we’re over 70% reserved, but there’s still time to unlock a more secure, fulfilling and exciting retirement. Soon you too can be enjoying our multiple dining venues, salon and barbershop, walking trails and fitness center, along with the peace of mind of true Life Care.

4021 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Call 1.866.642.0556 or visit HeronsKey.org to learn more and see construction updates.

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*****************ECRWSS****

Please Deliver By June 4, 2016 Local Postal Customer

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DPO N A S

vacation home specialists

www.GoSandpoint.com

JULY SPECIAL RENT 5 NIGHTS AND THE 5TH IS FREE! 32

208.946.0901 | steve@gosandpoint.com | f/gosandpoint

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