Vancouver, WA

Art, particularly drawing, was the driving force in my life, until I hit college, that is. I was extremely timid back then and, when I found myself in an art class I had no interest in, I stopped taking courses. Now, when I would like to be able to draw so I could illustrate my [...]

Layla and I went to Lacamas Lake Park today at 2700 SE Everett Road. I usually take Mill Plain Boulevard to 192nd, make a left to SE 1st Street, which becomes NW Lake Road. This takes you past some of the homes that surround the south side of Lacamas Lake, stay on this road until you come to Everett Street and take a left, just after the turn, the park is on your right. It is one of the most beautiful parks in the area, surrounding that area of Lacamas Lake at the western end known as Round Lake.

It was just this past year that I finally stopped in at Borders, located at 811 SE 160^th, just off the southeast end of Mill Plain. I’ve been avoiding it because I have an addiction to books; ancient history and mysteries being my favorites. But at this time I was searching for information about writing a short genealogical history and couldn’t find what I wanted. I finally headed for the information desk and was amazed at how knowledgeable their staff was. Not just about the books they have available in the store and through their website, but about what is involved in writing a book and getting it out to the public.

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.

I discovered Vancouver was hosting the annual Discovery Walk Festival International Walk Fest over the weekend of April 25, 26 & 27 late on the 26th. I wasn’t ready to enter any of the events, but it sounded like fun so I headed downtown about 11:00 Sunday morning. I haven’t been there in quite a while because for years there had been nothing to see or do downtown; I in for a pleasant surprise.

The Old Apple Tree Park is located at 112 Columbia Way and is scheduled to host a festival the first week in October from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm after a two-year hiatus. It used to be that a trip to see the Old Apple Tree was, if not for it’s age, boring; at least for me. It was planted near the old Fort in 1826 when Hudson’s Bay Governor, Sir George Simpson, was given the seeds from an apple eaten at a farewell dinner and asked to plant them. The tree bore its first fruit, one apple, in 1830. It is thought to be the oldest apple tree in Washington.

As a co-parent whose daughter lives in east county, I love to take the “old” Evergreen Highway at the foot of Ellesworth Road, when taking her home. Sometimes we stop at the fish hatchery and walk back to Ellesworth on a wonderfully wide flat sidewalk with Mistie, our Yorkie. The area is wild enough to make you feel you are in the wilderness but surrounded by homes. You can see the river, watch trains go by, smell the fragrant “skunk cabbage”, and occasionally see trillium in bloom.

You don’t necessarily have to be a writer to add your own posts to OneThousandThingsToDo.com! We are currently looking for people to write about the things that you do in your local area. Do you do a lot of hiking? Biking? Swiming? Do you tear up the town a lot? Are you a quilter, actor [...]