Vancouver, WA

The garden at Fort Vancouver is a heritage garden, meaning that it contains plants that we would have seen here when the fort was in operation in 1845. Notice the arch over the entrance to the garden and the snowball bushes on either side of it. Snowball bushes are European, and would have [...]

During college, my friend Jason and I, found a way to hang out despite our hectic schedules. Despite the conflicting work and class hours, we both had Wednesday midmornings free. I was out of class by 10 AM and Jason’s class did not begin until 2 in the afternoon. Maintaining this schedule, we golfed almost every Wednesday for an entire year.

When I need to escape the “Hurry Up” mentality of my 9-5 job, I flee to the WSU Vancouver campus. The geek in me loves the quiet library and the academic feel of the corridors in the classroom buildings. On a sunny day, however, even a geek like me cannot resist traversing the miles of trails on the 351 acre campus.

Instead we donned our shoes and sweaters and headed out to Café Sip-N-Play, a kid-centered coffeehouse and play place, and most importantly somewhere I could get a big cup of caffeine and she could play to her heart’s content. It wasn’t raining today, so I could have taken my daughter Avery to a park, but I woke up feeling a little under the weather and the park simply sounded like too much effort. If I’d stayed home, I’d have been tempted to sit on the couch all morning, wishing I could just climb back into bed. Instead we donned our shoes and sweaters and headed out to Café Sip-N-Play, a kid-centered coffeehouse and play place, and most importantly somewhere I could get a big cup of caffeine and she could play to her heart’s content.

I visited Cottonwood Beach for the first time on a balmy Sunday evening in April, with my dog Mischief in tow. The area was lively but not crowded – a pair of young boys ran through the edge of the water tracing ripples with their long sticks, several generations of a family had built a fire and were enjoying a picnic, young sweethearts cuddled against driftwood to enjoy the sunset, and friends met to enjoy a hike along the edge of the river. The park feels remote, but is less than a mile from State Highway 14 and the town of Washougal, and about 18 miles east of downtown Vancouver. The water’s edge is shallow and calm, belying the powerful river that flows just offshore.

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is an ideal spot for taking the family, going for an early morning walk, or even walking your dog (allowed if on a leash.) I also have to say that while I was holding my little girl’s hand, I thought it would be a very romantic spot to be holding my husband’s hand if we can actually plan a little date sans children some sunny day. Either way, be sure to bring your camera; you’ll regret it if you don’t.

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, “Layla”, Mistie, and I were heading out for our next “big adventure” the eastern part of the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. Located south of Burton Road on 90th Avenue, which becomes 92nd Avenue just before the turnoff at 19th Circle. There is very little parking here, maybe enough for five or six cars. Our end destination, the playground, was at the beginning of this part of the trail, which was great since it served as a

As Spring rose from its static slumber under clouds of gray, my Mother and Grandmother bolted for the outdoors. They are politely termed, “walking enthusiasts”; each logs about 25 miles a week on their cross-trainers. So on the first day of fair weather they had an adventure planned and invited me to join the fun. Like a brainless badger I agreed. The Salmon Creek Trail was the destination. The trail runs roughly east to west along Salmon Creek, Klineline Pond and the Vancouver Girls Softball fields.

Tualatin Community Park covers more than 27 acres, and features a 9800-square-foot, award-winning skatepark that’s challenging enough for experienced skaters but has enough gentler areas for newbies.

I found this place while riding the bus home from work. The bus is often a strange, chaotic place, filled to the brim with elderly, drugged-out, socially inept, and mentally deranged individuals, not to mention a few polite businessmen in nice suits. I think it proved a pleasant distraction when I glanced out the window and saw the little Eden at 23rd and Bybee.