Trips & Tours Catalog - September 2023

ACTIVITY LEVELS

WHO ARE TRIPS & TOURS FOR?

Easy. Minimal walking, primarily flat surfaces, walkers ok.

Moderate. Walking short distances. Extended standing. Possibly uneven surfaces or a few stairs. No wheelchairs, walkers with approval.

Trips and Tours are open to everyone 18 and older. We strive to accommodate people of all abilities. Individuals requiring assistance must provide their own caregiver. People in wheelchairs or electric scooters may be accommodated on some trips. Please notify our office at 360.586.6181 ext. 126 at least 30 days before the trip to make arrangements for a vehicle with a wheelchair lift.

DEPOSITS

More Difficult. Walking tours. Hikes up to 2 miles. Uneven surfaces. Possibly one or more flights of stairs. No wheelchairs or walkers.

PAYMENTS

Your non-refundable deposit reserves your space and constitutes acceptance of these terms and agreements. $20 for day trips and $50 for overnight trips.

MEMBER DISCOUNT

Member discounts per trip: $20 off for day trips and $50 off for overnight trips.

Final payments are due two weeks prior to day trips, and four weeks prior to overnight trips. You can pay with a credit card online at www.southsoundseniors.org or by phone. You can also pay with cash or check. Make checks payable to Senior Services for South Sound or SSSS and mail or deliver to:

Senior Services for South Sound Attn: Trips Office

222 Columbia Street NW. Olympia, WA 98501

Olympia Senior Center: 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia. Lacey Community Center: 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey – turn right at the roundabout and bear right into the parking lot. The Senior Services bus will pick you up near the bathrooms. Note: Not at the Lacey Senior Center.

RESERVATIONS & POLICIES

The Trips & Tours staff act only as agents for trips and shall not be held responsible for any accidents, loss, or injuries that may occur. All passengers are covered by common carrier insurance. Trips & Tours does not accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalties. Senior Services reserves the right to refuse any person as a tour participant and expel anyone whose conduct is incompatible with the interest of the group.

Trips & Tours is a fragrance free business. We appreciate your cooperation.

Senior Services reserves the right to change the schedule without notice.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

Overnight trip cancellations require 30 days notice.

Day trips cancellations require 14 days notice to receive a refund.

• A $20 fee will be charged for all day trip cancellations and a $50 fee will apply to overnight trip cancellations.

NON-REFUNDABLE

Late cancellations and gift certificates are non-refundable. If a trip is canceled by Trips & Tours, a full refund will be issued within four weeks.

WINTER/SUMMER CANCELLATIONS

On rare occasions, impassable roads due to snow, ice or poor air conditions may cause cancellation of a trip. The safety of our clients is our priority.

Senior Services for South Sound is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit

PORT TOWNSEND WHALE WATCHING

Wednesday, September 7, 2023

#42340

Want an amazing summer experience on the magnificent waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca? This is it – Whale Watching with Puget Sound Express!

A family run business, PSE provides a knowledgeable naturalist and Captain, and exceptional sighting rate. We depart from Port Townsend and head out to wherever the whales, seals, eagles and other marine life may be.

This is a four hour, fully narrated tour. We will provide you with a box lunch on board, so let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. You’ll also get a slice of the famous PSE Blueberry Buckle!

After the cruise you will have some time to shop in Port Townsend before heading for home.

$219 Members; $239 General Public

Includes transportation, meal, cruise, and snack.

Bus leaves Lacey 6:30 AM, Olympia 7:00 AM

Approximate return: 6:30 PM

HARVEST MYSTERY TRIP

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

#42347

Our Mystery Trips are extremely popular. Why? Because some people love a surprise, but also because our travelers know our Mystery Trips go somewhere new and are always a good time.

This one will combine outdoor activities, good food, an opportunity to shop for local products and at least one surprise.

One of the best things about these trips is that they attract a certain type of traveler, the type who likes to go with the flow and discover new things. Is that you?

$99 Members; $119 General Public

Includes transportation, tours, lunch and more!

Bus leaves Olympia at 9:00 AM; Lacey at 9:30 AM

Approximate return: 5:00 PM

BROADWAY AT THE PARAMOUNT: TINA!

Sunday, September 17, 2023

#42336

Tina Turner may be gone but her musical legacy as one of the best selling artists of all time lives on. Celebrate the unstoppable woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and became the Queen of Rock and Roll — against all odds!

Set to the pulsing soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.

We have great seats on the main floor for this installment of the Broadway at the Paramount series.

After the matinee show we will enjoy an early supper together before returning home.

$229 Members; $249 General Public

Includes transportation, admission, dinner and snack. Bus leaves Olympia at 9:30 AM; Lacey at 10:00 AM

Approximate return: 7:30 PM

CANNABIS EDUCATION TOUR

Thursday, September 21, 2023

#42351

If you’ve heard about the medicinal properties of marijuana and know it is fully legal in Washington state, but you have questions about available products, then this is the tour for you.

We head to Lifted Cannabis in Tacoma for an educational tour of their warehouse where you will see first hand the stages of growing and harvesting, as well as how the flowers are processed and packaged. You will even see how they make extracts.

Learn about the different chemicals in this amazing medicinal plant and what their various properties are. After our tour we will visit a retail store so you can purchase items to bring home: everything from topical ointments and traditional “flowers” to yummy edibles and treats.

The trip also includes lunch at Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern. Bring your curiosity and questions. After this trip, you’ll have the information you need to purchase cannabis products statewide. (Walkers ok with approval.)

$99 Members; $119 General Public

Includes transportation, tour, lunch and snack. Bus leaves Olympia at 8:15 AM; Lacey at 8:45 AM

Approximate return: 3:45 PM

THE GORGEOUS COLUMBIA GORGE

Wednesday - Friday, September 27 - 29, 2023 #42348

Two nights along the gorgeous Columbia River gorge is much more than a wine tasting tour, though you will certainly get to do some of that!

We’ll make our way south on Wednesday, stopping for lunch at the iconic McMenamin’s Edgefield. Continuing along the scenic byway, we’ll stop at two stunning waterfalls before arriving at Cascade Cliffs Vineyard and Winery for a special Barrel Tour and tasting. That afternoon we’ll check into The Inn at White Salmon before having a leisurely supper on your own.

Thursday, after free time in town, we’ll have a light lunch and wine tasting at the scenic Maryhill Winery, perched high above the gorge. Next we visit the renowned Maryhill Museum, with its impressive collection of more than 80 works by Rodin, including bronzes, terra cottas, plaster studies, and watercolor sketches; art made by Indigenous peoples of North America featuring a wide array of baskets, beadwork, carved wood and lithics; an Art Nouveau Glass exhibit; a chess set collection and more. Then we shift gears from arts and culture to science

and nature as we make our way to the Goldendale Observatory for a fascinating program and opportunity to view our sun through their incredible 24-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope. We’ll round out the day with an Italian supper in Goldendale before a final stop at the Stonehenge replica for sweeping views of the sunset.

Friday we check out bright and early to travel to the Columbia Hills State Park for a guided walk to see the petroglyphs and pictographs, including the most wellknown of all Washington petroglyphs, the large face known as Tsagiglalal, the Wishram word translated as “She who watches all who are coming and going.” Later we’ll spend some time in Hood River for lunch before heading home.

$589 Members; $639 General Public Single supplement

$195

Includes: transportation, 2 nights lodging, 4 meals, wine tasting and museum admission.

Bus leaves Olympia on Wednesday at 8:00 AM, Lacey at 8:30 AM

Approximate return: Friday at 6:00 PM

OCTOBER

PINOT’S PALETTE PAINTING EXPERIENCE

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

#42349

Spend a wonderfully creative afternoon amongst friends as we enjoy a three-hour painting class with step-by-step instructions to make a gorgeous wall-worthy acrylic painting.

Whether you are new to painting or have more experience, you will have a blast learning new techniques alongside other art lovers during this private group class in Puyallup.

Before the class, we will have an early lunch at the Windmill Bistro located on the grounds of the Windmill Village with their beautiful exhibition gardens.

This trip is open to guests using walkers, just let us know when you register.

$149 Members; $169 General Public

Includes transportation, lunch, and 3 hour painting class. All materials provided.

Bus leaves Olympia at 9:00 AM; Lacey at 9:30 AM

Approximate return: 5:30 PM

PORT ANGELES CRAB & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 7, 2023

#42350

Feeling crabby? Then why not join us for the annual Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival in Port Angeles!

The festival celebrates not only the aquaculture, agriculture and maritime traditions of the breathtaking Olympic Peninsula, but brings food, art, music and Native American activities to the gorgeous Port Angeles waterfront.

Our price includes a meal ticket for half a crab and fixins that you can get anytime while there. The festival boasts booths from a variety of restaurants, cooking demonstrations, Chowder Cook-Off, the Grab-A-Crab Derby, local wine and beer, craft and merchant vendors, live music and many more events.

Rain or shine, it is a go.

$99 Members; $119 General Public

Includes transportation, crab dinner and snacks.

Bus leaves Lacey at 7:00 AM; Olympia at 7:30 AM

Approximate return: 6:30 PM

SIN #6 MUSHROOMS OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA

Thursday, October 12, 2023

#42342

There are few better places in the world to observe the complex interactions of mushrooms than Olympic National Park. The park harbors at least 1400 different species of fungi, and we’re going to look for some.

We’ve teamed up with Hood Canal Adventures to offer the final Step Into Nature trip of the season. This tour may not include a long walk (anywhere from .5 to 1.5 miles), but it could require some off-trail foraging, so we are rating it difficult.

This is a 2+ hour mushroom identification walking tour through the Olympic National Forest. You will learn about edible and non-edible mushrooms, foraging skills and how to make a spore print! Bring a harvesting basket if you have one, or purchase one in their shop. Guided by Herpetologist and Professional Forager Jerry Novak.

$159 Members; $179 General Public

Includes transportation, guided hike with naturalist and meal.

Bus leaves Lacey at 8:30 AM; Olympia at 9:00 AM

Approximate return: 4:00 PM

SIN #4 ‘ROUND THE PENINSULA

Tuesday - Thursday, October 17 - 19, 202 #42334

This three day, two night Step Into Nature tour features several opportunities for light hiking as we journey around the beautiful Olympic Peninsula.

We start with breakfast in Sequim and leisurely hike through Railroad Bridge Park at the Dungeness River Nature Center. The 1.2 mile round trip (RT) walk follows the historic rail line along the river.

Continuing along the northern side of the peninsula, we’ll spend the bulk of the afternoon at the Sol Duc River area where you can hike with your guide to the falls (1.6 miles RT), bring your swimwear and enjoy a soak in the hot pools ($18 admission not included) or do a little of both. Later we will check in at the Pacific Inn in Forks for a two night stay. After a brief respite, we’ll have dinner together on the way to LaPush to watch the sunset over the Pacific at one of the most beautiful beaches in Washington.

Description continues on page 14

Next morning after breakfast on your own, the Neah Bay adventure begins. We’ll spend the day visiting the Makah Museum, having a picnic lunch and hiking the incredible Cape Flattery trail. The furthest northwest tip of the contiguous United State, Cape Flattery provides a dramatic backdrop to a surprisingly accessible hike of 1.5 mile RT. It is usually windy out there, but the gravel trail is well maintained and boardwalks have been installed to traverse the boggy sections.

Thursday morning we check out early and start down the coast. Breakfast at the iconic Kalaloch lodge will be first on the agenda. Then we work our way south stopping to spend some time on one of the gorgeous beaches along 101. Bring a book and a snack or put on your wading shoes, we’ll take some time to soak it all in before turning for home.

$499 Members; $549 General Public

Single supplement $205

Includes: transportation, 2 nights lodging, 4 meals and admission.

Bus leaves Olympia at 7:00 AM, Lacey at 7:30 AM

Approximate return: Thursday at 6:30 PM

KUBOTA GARDEN

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

#42353

Kubota Garden’s 20-acres in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle blends traditional Japanese garden design with native northwest plantings.

A public park since 1987, it was started in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, a Japanese emigrant. At age 28, Kubota arrived in Seattle and labored on the railroad, then at a sawmill in the logging town of Selleck, WA (now Black Diamond) before founding Kubota Gardening Company. He was a visionary—he could imagine things in the future and knew how plants look in different seasons. He would always have a focal tree, and all the rest are filler. He used to say, “it’s like a beauty pageant—if there’s one really pretty girl and the rest are kind of plain, then she’s going to really stand out.”

With autumn maples splashing against a backdrop of bridges and waterfalls, you’ll want to have your camera on hand. We’ll start with lunch at Mizuki Buffet, an AsianAmerican smorgasbord with 40 types of sushi and sashimi, plus teriyaki, BBQ ribs and more.

$105 Members; $125 General Public

Includes transportation, admission, meal and snack. Bus leaves Olympia at 10:15 AM; Lacey at 10:45 AM

Approximate return: 6:00 PM

NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK

Saturday, October 28, 2023

#42356

What is the most fun you can have with a pumpkin?

Watching the animals of Northwest Trek for the annual Chomp & Stomp, of course! Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 723-acre park located near the town of Eatonville. The park is home to black bears, grey wolves, bald eagles, a cougar, wolverines, bobcats, bison, elk and more!

Your admission includes a ride through the park on their new electric trams and free time to further explore the pumpkin munching critters. There’s a snack bar and gift shop too. We will start off with a hearty breakfast at Jim Bob’s Chuckwagon in Roy.

$110 Members; $130 General Public

Includes transportation, admission, meal and snack.

Bus leaves Olympia at 8:30 AM; Lacey at 9:00 AM

Approximate return: 5:00 PM

A PARISIAN MYSTERY TRIP

Saturday, November 4, 2023

#42354

Take a chance and find out why our Mystery Trips are so popular.

You’ll board our bus midday and be whisked away to a performance set in the City of Light and the French countryside. There will be music and humor and some surprises for sure. Afterwards we will dine at a French themed restaurant.

You don’t know it yet, but we think you will love this fun filled afternoon. Qu’est-ce que vous attendez?

$135 Members; $155 General Public

Includes transportation, admission, meal and snack. Bus leaves Olympia at 1:15 PM; Lacey at 1:45 PM

Approximate return: 8:00 PM

VEGETARIAN FOOD TOUR

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

#42357

We’ve heard your requests and are proud to offer a Vegetarian and Vegan food tour!

If you’ve been curious about the growing movement towards a plant based diet, this tour will give a taste of some of the yummiest meatless dishes we could find in the Tacoma area. You will certainly enjoy the variety of offerings from street food to upscale dining.

You’ll try six or more samples of plant based dishes in three different restaurants, and finish with a yummy vegan dessert.

$109 Members; $129 General Public

Includes transportation and several food samples. Bus leaves Olympia at 9:45 AM; Lacey at 10:15 AM

Approximate return: 5:30 PM

TREASURED TRINKETS JEWELRY MAKING

Friday, November 10, 2023 #42358

Spend a fun day in Yelm with a friend or maybe make a new friend.

You’ll enjoy a brunch (order breakfast or lunch) at the Masonry Cafe followed by a jewelry making class at Ingenious Gallery and Boutique. All the materials and instruction will be provided for each guest to make a special charm bracelet and a pair of earrings to take home.

And no trip to Yelm is complete without a stop at Tim’s Pharmacy. It’s so much more than a pharmacy; if you haven’t been there, it is a real treat with an eclectic offering of unique gifts.

$119 Members; $139 General Public

Includes transportation, jewelry class and meal. Bus leaves Olympia at 9:30 AM; Lacey at 10:00 AM

Approximate return: 5:00 PM

Travelers Tea

Friday, November 17

2:30 PM

Enjoy a sip of tea and watch a video presentation about Senior Services for South Sound’s Trips & Tours upcoming trips!

Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center

JULEFEST AT THE NAT’L NORDIC MUSEUM

Sunday, November 19, 2023 #42355

The National Nordic Museum is the pride of Ballard. This 57,000-square-foot building’s design was a collaboration with Finland’s Juhani Pallasmaa and the architectural firm Mithun.

Inside you’ll find an expansive collection dedicated to Nordic history, art, culture and the deep heritage of the area’s Nordic immigrants. We’ll give you plenty of time to explore the museum on your own, but the real draw will be shopping at their version of a traditional Nordic outdoor Christmas market.

Along with the Nordic Christmas market, there will be live entertainment in the Valhalla Beer Hall and roaming throughout the Julefest grounds. In addition to arts and crafts, plenty of food vendors will be on site for you to choose from. Have you ever tried aebleskiver? It’s a delicious Danish pancake ball that you will want to try even if you can’t pronounce it!

$75 Members; $95 General Public

Includes transportation, admission and snack. Meal on your own at the festival.

Bus leaves Olympia at 7:30 AM; Lacey at 8:00 AM

Approximate return: 5:00 PM

IKEA? JA JA!

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

#42359

IKEA isn’t just a store; it is an experience!

The Renton IKEA features the full assortment of nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational roomsettings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area and a large restaurant for serving Swedish specialties.

We’ll set you free in this enormous building to shop for home decor, furniture, kitchen gadgets and so much more. You’ll have plenty of time to explore, and if you choose to join your guide in the restaurant for lunch, she’ll hold a spot for the group. We’ve got a back compartment on the bus for your purchases, but if you can’t carry it, you will have to arrange for shipping.

$49 Members; $69 General Public

Includes transportation and snack. Meal on your own. Bus leaves Olympia at 8:00 AM; Lacey at 8:30 AM

Approximate return: 4:00 PM

BAZAAR HOP WITH MARY

Saturday, December 2, 2023 #42360

We’ve got a fun shopping experience lined up for our travelers.

We’ll start out locally with a visit to the Hawk’s Holiday Happening Gift and Craft Fair. It is one of the biggest in the area boasting over 120 vendors. Then we’ll head north to the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup for the Victorian Country Christmas Festival. This enormous holiday showcase event features a sparkling mix of gift shopping, food, entertainment and holiday cheer in the Winter Wine Garden. The Jubilee Theater features local and national music acts. Hundreds of exhibitors come together in miles of aisles selling an incredible array of handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, food, baked goods, spirits, beauty products, clothing, jewelry and much, much more produced by local makers and creators!

Your Tour Leader will provide some home baked goodies, but you’ll have the chance to purchase food at the Victorian Festival on your own.

$60 Members; $80 General Public

Includes transportation, admission and snack. Meal on your own.

Bus leaves Olympia at 8:45 AM; Lacey at 9:15 AM

Approximate return: 5:15 PM

FANTASY LIGHTS

Monday, December 11, 2023

#42361

Fantasy Lights is an amazing Christmas display that takes place each year in Spanaway.

Unlike other large holiday displays, this event doesn’t require getting out of your vehicle, or in this case, our bus. Fantasy Lights is the largest drive-thru Christmas lights show in the Northwest with more than 300 displays lining the roadways throughout the park and around Spanaway Lake. Many displays return year after year; the most iconic are the giant red teddy bear, Candy Cane Lane, a giant dragon, and a pirate ship, but new displays are added each year as well.

We begin with a delicious supper Farelli’s Pizza in Dupont, where you can choose from a variety of menu items including pastas, entree salads, calzones, personal pizzas and more.

$89 Members; $109 General Public

Includes transportation, admission, meal and snack. Bus leaves Olympia at 1:00 PM; Lacey at 1:30 PM

Approximate return: 8:00 PM

BROADWAY AT THE PARAMOUNT: MJ

Thursday, December 14, 2023

#42352

MJ The Musical delves into the genius of Michael Jackson, also known as the King of Pop.

Set at the time of the creation of his Dangerous World Tour in 1992, the show explores Jackson’s creative drive, signature moves and childhood stardom.

Featuring more than 25 of his biggest hits, MJ was nominated for 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, with the production winning four awards, including Best Actor in a Musical as well as Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design.

After the matinee performance at the Seattle Paramount, we will bop over to Buca di Beppo for a special, family style, four course Italian dinner. There will be vegetarian options for those with a plant based diet.

$259 Members; $279 General Public

Includes transportation, admission and 4 course dinner. Bus leaves Olympia at 10:00 AM; Lacey at 10:30 AM

Approximate return: 8:00 PM

COMING NEXT YEAR!

GREAT TRAINS AND GRAND CANYONS

March 10 - 15, 2024

Tour with Premier World Discovery for five nights in stunning Sedona, Arizona!

This tour features two train excursions, one to the Grand Canyon and one through Canyon Verde. You’ll also see Montezuma Castle, visit the old mining town of Jerome and enjoy a dinner and stage show at the Blazin’ M Ranch.

Don’t miss this slideshow presentation where we’ll knock your socks off with the stunning views and exciting adventures awaiting you this spring!

$3,199 per person double occupancy, $4,074 single. Includes, round-trip air, transfers baggage handling, 5 nights lodging, 8 meals, sightseeing and more!

FLAVORS OF PORTUGAL AND SPAIN FEATURING BARCELONA

April 28 - May 16, 2024

Join Collette Tours to eat your way through Spain and Portugal!

This 19 day tour includes Lisbon, Douro River Valley, Salamanca, LaRioja, and Barcelona. You’ll enjoy a Targus river cruise, The Wine House Hotel, Port wine tastings, a Bullfighters home experience, Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum, a tapas pub crawl, and so much more.

$6,699 per person double occupancy, $7,999 single. Includes: round-trip air, transfers baggage handling, 17 nights lodging, 25 meals, sightseeing, cruise, admissions and more!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

July 20 - 28, 2024

Breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies await you on this eight-day tour through Alberta, Canada. Join Mayflower Cruises & Tours for an amazing adventure where you will experience oncein-a-lifetime opportunities like a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, a Snocoach excursion on the Columbia Icefield’s Athabasca Glacier a cruise on Maligne Lake, two nights in Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and more.

$4,499 per person double occupancy, $5,928 single. Includes, round-trip air, transfers baggage handling, 8 nights lodging, 13 meals, sightseeing and more!

SHADES OF IRELAND

September 19 - 28, 2024

Make your way around the Emerald Isle on a ten-day voyage with Collette Tours.

Experiences abound as this trip is filled to the brim with sights like the Cliffs of Moher, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a Dublin city bus or walking tour, the Waterford Medieval Museum and Wine Vault, the Ring of Kerry and a sheepdog demonstration. You’ll even get the opportunity to kiss the famed Blarney Stone for your chance to gain the gift of eloquence!

$3,999 per person double occupancy, 4,699 single. Includes: round-trip air, transfers baggage handling, 8 nights lodging, 13 meals, sightseeing, admissions and more!