Then we played two rounds of Bingo, sorry to say that we didn’t win. When the kids won they where able to pick a prize out of the treasure chest. Since we didn’t win we didn’t get to see what was inside the chest.

They had a contest, with prizes, for the kids with costumes; but Monks’ costume is still in the planning stage, so she did not wear one today. Almost all of the kids who had costumes received a free book, which I think was really nice of the library. Monks was really sad she didn’t get a book, since she really loves them.
                           
After Bingo Monks made two crafts, one was a scarecrow and the other a wreath. All supplies where donated by the library for the projects. The crafts where really hands on to make sure that all the kids where able to have lots of fun, which was what it was all about; having fun. And everyone, no matter how late them came, had a chance to make something.
                           
Besides the crafts the kids where invited to help the library make a Scarecrow. They each got a chance to stuff the scarecrow as the staff put it together. We were informed that the scarecrow would be standing in front of the library door waiting to greet everyone who came in to get a book.

The library has many activities coming up and you could see us there; we might be the ones getting our prize out of the treasure chest.

Then inside the fire station they had a booth for you to have your child measured for a bike helmet that you could buy for only $10.00, we didn’t need to do that since we have a bike helmet already. Of course if you knew my kid you would it is pink. A must in a house of a very girly girl, where pink is her only color.
                                                   
They also had a 911 information booths that gave instructions on what to do and how to be prepare for an emergency. It had examples of what items you should have in your home during an emergency situation. Everywhere you looked there was a booth with stickers and good information on safety.
                                                  
My daughters favorite booth was the Teddy Bear Clinic, where they got a teddy bear and told the volunteer where the boo boo was, so teddy got the right treatment. Ours got a broken arm and needed a band aid on the other arm. If you are wondering, Teddy is doing much better; no more band-aid but there is still a cast and the sling will be on for a couple more weeks.

Monks was measured to make sure she was in the correct safety seat for the car. While you got this information, the kids got to make buttons.
                                           
We also got to meet a real Dalmatian. Her name is Ariel and she was such a great sport with the kids, staying there on the old fashioned fire truck and gettin her picture taken many times.
                           
Outside of the firestation we got to see them put out a fire in a car and Monks got to find out how to get out of a second story window and climb down a ladder. This was done with so much fun that the kids had no idea they where learning anything at all, it was worth the time and trip. For a couple of hours she had lots of fun and learned something in the meantime.

Vancouver Fire Department holds an open house for safety promotion at least once a year, so we’ll see you next time. We’ll be the ones hanging with Smokey the Bear.

The Canby Ferry has been operating since 1914, crossing the Willamette River and connecting the Wilsonville/Stafford area and the city of Canby. The current ferry has been there since 2001. It runs every day minus six major holidays, so it’s a worthwhile drive to make nearly any day. I’d taken this trip before, but my daughter had not. It used to be one of our family’s favorite October pumpkin patch destinations when the boys were little. There’s nothing like a ferry ride, pumpkins and hot cider to make kids young and old miss summer a little bit less. Today the sun was out, the air just slightly crisp. We put on our sweaters, packed a quick snack and headed out the door.

          
Finding the Canby Ferry can seem a bit daunting as you drive way out into the countryside. But as you get closer, road signs reassure you that you are on the right path. From Vancouver, head south on I-205 all the way through and past Portland, past Oregon City, and past Lake Oswego. Finally you’ll see and take the Stafford Road exit. Turn left at the stop sign, heading back over the freeway. Next, turn left on Mountain Road. Follow it all the way to the ferry. At the crossing, a traffic signal and posted signs guide you on and off the boat. Have $2 in exact change ready if you’re in a car, $1 on a motorcycle. It’s free for pedestrians and bicyclists, more if you’re towing a boat.

                                      
The ferry holds nine cars and the trip across the river is pretty quick, so there’s usually not much of a wait. We stayed in the car this time, but you can get out and enjoy the view briefly from the observation rail.

              
Once across the river, you’ll find yourself on Holly Street, where there are plenty of peaceful country escapes to enjoy. We started with a visit to the Molalla River State Park, a day-use park that features a boat launch, open fields for walking your dog or going for a stroll, a few scattered picnic tables and restrooms. It’s not the most beautiful park I’ve been to, but certainly worthy of a picnic lunch amid this journey south.

After taking a break at the park, we headed back out to Holly Street and drove farther toward Canby. We passed the Frontier Golf Course, a par 3, nine-hole course if that’s your thing. (With a toddler in the backseat, I kept driving this time). Next we passed our favorite pumpkin patch, deciding to check out another destination first and then return in a little while.

                                      
Instead we followed the signs to Swan Island Dahlias, just a short drive down Holly Street and then right onto NW 22nd Avenue. Here were 40 acres of blooming, colorful Dahlias…we had to park the car along the side of the road just to admire them. These gorgeous fields are open to the public during growing season, which is August 1 through September from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Swan Island Dahlias is America’s largest Dahlia grower with more than 350 varieties and a vast assortment of bulbs available to purchase.

              
Next we headed out to Holly Street again and backtracked our way to The Flower Farmer, which is so much more than the name implies. This day the staff at the farm was getting ready for the following weekend’s Halloween opening, so the fields were full of ripe, orange pumpkins just waiting to be chosen. The parking lot, which can get busy on October weekends, was nearly empty today, but the store was open so we ventured inside. The scent of fresh and dried flowers filled the room. Fresh fruit and vegetables were on display, and so we bought what was to be our last watermelon of the season and a few ears of corn. We also strolled to the back door and looked out at the pumpkin fields, straw mountain and two trains that take turns winding through the fields. “We’ll come back soon,” I promised my daughter.

                                       
The Flower Farmer features daily train rides, a straw mountain just begging to be climbed, a haunted tunnel, and, on weekends, farm animals for petting. Picnic tables and refreshments are also available. The train runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in October and costs $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for kids 3-12. Visit www.flowerfarmer.com for more details and their full schedule.

At the end of your visit, you can either take the short drive back to the ferry, pay the $2 for a return ticket, and then head back toward I-205, or do what I did: drive the distance farther east toward Canby and then follow the signs north toward Oregon City. It’s quite the drive, but gets you back on the freeway as well. Next time we’ll take the ferry both ways, as the ride is short but a fun and different way to spend the day.

You can get there by car or even take the bus, the #80 Van Mall goes right by there.  I thought the regatta would be a hoot to go see and best of all it was free.  Others where able to pay $5.00 and 2 cans of food to participate, sorry to say that was out of the budget and we didn’t have the cardboard.  So we decided to be fans and cheer for the people that would attend instead.  My daughter thought it was so cool and there where adults and kids that entered the event. 
                                                   
They have a lazy river there at Firstenbug Center which they used as a course for the fastest boat.  They had awards for the fastest, best Titanic crash, best design and best “paint” job.  Hey can’t really do that much with duct tape… but they made them look great.  Also the group from the Center got into the games, they made a SpongeBob Squarepants Cardboard box that they used to ride through the river..  They didn’t win the race but boy it was funny seeing a whole bunch of people around the pool singing the theme to Sponge Bob Squarepants.  Didn’t realize there would be so many people who knew the song. We had lots of fun even though we didn’t race. 
           
My daughter decided that we will have to do this next year and we plan to dust the rest of the group.  She had her eyes on the prize..  So even if you have gone to the Center you should check it out with the new things that you can do for free or really cheap. If you dare, come check it out next year, my daughter and I will be in the winner’s circle waiting for you.

We found our regular tall stools at the bar vacant, climbed up and Patti promptly ordered the fries. She had already had a glass of wine, which the fries were ordered to counteract, but we were told we needed to order a drink as well; luckily a soft drink was enough because neither of us was in the mood for more wine. We checked out the theater picks, but found nothing we wanted to see and ended up talking about Jimmy’s restaurant.
                                                   
That is what everybody we know calls it, Jimmy’s restaurant. Jimmy is a friend of our sons, between us we have three, and someone we see often. Recently his parents had decided to close their restaurant in Camas and open one in East Vancouver. Patti had been to their grand opening and raved about their beef and broccoli and after we ate our french fries she insisted on taking me out for a lite dinner.
                                                            
Jimmy’s restaurant is actually Pho Le, a Vietnamese restaurant located at the back corner of the strip mall at 164th and SE Village Loop. The street into the front of the mall is McGillivray Blvd. The front doors, bordered by small bamboo trees, were a precursor for the subtle foliage settings we found inside. The place was half-full with Jimmy at the cash register, his mother behind the counter handling a takeout order, and his father in the kitchen.
                               
Patti and I shared appetizers and another beef dish and I could see why she was so excited about the food. I am not a food connoisseur, and could not tell you what we had, just that both were delicately flavored and the beef tender and mouth watering and everything sumptuous. It reminded me of Gonzaga University where I roomed with a Vietnamese girl. One day I was invited to join her and a bunch of her friends for a memorable Vietnamese meal at the home of one of their sponsors. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before or since, until today. It was no surprise the place was full by the time we left.

They have the largest selection of used books I have seen in Vancouver. Of all kinds, which is what makes them dangerous for me. I can force myself to wait when I find a mystery I want, but when I find a book which could go in the Harmon Howard Genealogical Library, either as a family genealogy, reference, or historical fiction I have much less willpower.

When I arrived this morning one of their cats was sitting in the doorway. I was afraid it would zoom out the door, but I could not get it to open. Turns out I was a half hour early. I hate sitting in the car for half an hour with no book to read, but there is a Safeway in the same mall and I knew for a fact they had these marvelous gourmet cookies…my favorites are something I call chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I might have chosen a hot chocolate to go with it but this year I am suddenly allergic to milk. It has taken me a long time to realize that the allergy includes any kind of cheese, including cottage, whipped cream, sour cream, ice cream; no baked potatoes, root beer floats, or a la mode anything; so I ended up with a soda and waited out the time in their café.
                                              
When I returned to the bookstore I spent several minutes in one of my favorite sections, genealogy, but today there was nothing I wanted. I took a quick look at their mysteries then I forced myself to leave, too dangerous. My next stop is always the English History section, which is also dangerous because I will buy almost anything that helps with research on my book, set in 17th century England. Unfortunately, I found a book about Lady Arbella Stuart, a cousin of one of my main characters so I had to have it; I looked it up online later and had received a tremendous savings!
                                               
I have never really paid much attention to the rear section on “literature” because I would rather spend my money on mysteries, but today it beckoned. Trying to find an interesting book by title can be daunting, but there were short book reviews posted throughout the section, and many of them piqued my curiosity. I also pulled out many of the books whose covers depicted artwork of the 16th and 17th century. I intend to return here to add to my Howard library collection of historical fiction.
                                   
Near this section is a small area for special items and it was in here I found a September 4, 1926 edition of the Oregon Daily Journal from Portland, Oregon. It contained 12 pages, was about 22 x 22, and was a Friday afternoon edition. What a difference from what we now publish!
                                   
Vintage Books opened in 1975 and has a lived in atmosphere. In addition to the cat, there are several pieces of salvaged furniture where you can sit and browse your book choices, a knowledgeable staff, and if you have a little time there is sure to be a special book for you to take home.

I looked all over for the name of this park, but there was none, just a Camas Park Rules sign. It was such a pretty little park it should be known as something other than “no-name park”. There were a some broad paths, but Layla was in charge and she wanted to unwind first, so we spent about 45 minutes playing on and around the playground, with a few instructive moments where “you be the owner and I’ll be the horse” type of adventures where she usually uses a necklace or something as reigns. This is not really my idea of a fun time, so I quickly begged off. (While looking for a map of this area I discovered the name of the park is “Klickitat Park”.)
                                   
We found a large tree, which provided plenty of shade, next to the playground. I pulled my lounger out of the car, dragged it up the slight incline and sat down with my book, though I did not get much reading done. Layla never did tire of the playground, so I finally said it was time for a walk; and as a bribe, told her we would go find something to drink after we finished.
       
The park has many different features: benches, picnic tables, even a covered section, nice wide paths, a basketball half-court, drinking fountain, the playground, a habitat area, and a huge hill. The drawbacks also include the nice wide path…parts of the trail are fairly steep, other parts are paved with small bricks, which could cause problems with strollers or wheelchairs. When you get to the top of the hill you must turn around and come back, it would have been much nicer to continue down the other side of the hill and back to where you started for running, jogging or walking.
        
Even with these drawbacks, it is a very nice park and when Layla and I turned around at the top of the hill we decided to jog back to the car, bad idea. You get really, really hot doing this and then you have to get into a really, really hot car. Good thing we had already decided to get something to drink.

Whether or not you want to spend money, there’s something for everyone. Personally, I’m trying to save more and spend at least a little less, so the play area is the perfect way for my two-year-old daughter and me to spend an hour.

You can park your stroller right outside the play area; just make sure you take any valuables with you when you enter. This play area is intended for the little ones, probably up to about age 4 or 5, and measures around 15 or 20 square yards, with shoe cubbies and padded seating all around for parents. There is also only one entrance/exit so it’s not difficult to make sure your child stays within its boundaries.

                                   
The play area is cute and colorful, and thoroughly padded for soft landings. It is designed to be a Northwest scene, complete with soft rivers to follow, logs to crawl on and through, butterflies, flowers and frogs to sit on. There is also a boat to practice climbing in and out of, plus a bridge to walk up and slide down. The centerpiece of the display, however, is an impressive model of Mt. Hood. This features a tunnel through which to crawl, but the main draw is climbing to its top and sliding down the sides. I’m always on alert to make sure no one slides down onto my daughter, but in the few times we’ve visited I’ve never seen anyone get hurt. And again, every structure is made of kids-safe plastic-coated foam.

                                   
The play area can get crowded, but the kids don’t seem to mind and most are full of smiles the whole time. The only time I’ve heard any complaints is when it’s time to leave so plan on doing the “five more minutes” routine!

When you are finished playing, if you choose to stay longer at the mall, there are of course the usual stores, with Build-A-Bear, Gymboree and Lego just steps away. A food court is located in the center of the mall and upstairs if you feel like treating yourselves. Take the elevator located near the exit below the restaurants if you have a stroller. Stroller rentals are also available.

                                   
To get to Washington Square from Vancouver, take I-5 south and then take the 405 exit. From there, exit onto Hwy. 26. Head west and exit onto Hwy. 217 south. Exit again at Progress and turn left at the light onto Hall Blvd. Go straight through the intersection at Scholl Ferry Road. The mall will be on your right. To visit the play area, enter the mall through the doors between JC Penney and Dick’s Sporting Goods, and you can’t miss it.

We finally found the bank at the south end of Broadway. Once inside, it was crowded and exciting, with a booth giving out walking maps and guides of Vancouver and Clark County. The bank lobby had been turned into a community gathering-place for art enthusiasts, with trays of Hors d’oeuvres and a wine station. Teller stations featured children’s art and were also useful as small dining tables to some of us.

Since this was our first visit, we slipped off to a vacant corner but it wasn’t long before some truly gracious people introduced themselves. One of our most memorable was Sylvia, an elegant lady, who has been taking the Artwalks for about a year with a few friends. She explained to us how the walk worked and encouraged us to eat dinner before going on the walk next time since it would counteract the wine. She also told us that, after a walk or two, many people made the walk unescorted and went to the art galleries they liked best, then showed us her favorites on the Artwalk map.

                                                  
We left Firehouse Glass where we saw a drinking glass blown, and decided to finish the walk on our own. We found a display by Eric Argo, who uses fused glass for his artwork. If you are a fan of Marilyn Monroe, this is a great place to find some unique pieces.

                   
Turtle Place was just a big painting on the wall of an empty lot…actually where the bus transit station used to be. We were each handed a turtle mask, which told of the coming plans for this area. The site, including what is now the old Fort, had previously been a part of a native settlement known as Turtle Place. Look for a future article featuring plans for this block.

                
Our next stop was Aurora Gallery, where we first ran into ladies from a Red Hat group, So Cute, who seemed to be having a great time. Looking back, I discovered that in almost every gallery I found a grouping that appealed to me; perhaps because I have talked of putting a grouping above my piano. The one I liked at Aurora had a bright, wet paint look that was stunning. In North Bank Gallery it was the “Environmental Destiny” triptych by Anne John; the background material in her works consist of recycled paper…be sure to look past the paint. The Angst Gallery has not officially open yet, but they had a haunting grouping with an early 1900’s look that I loved. The last place we stopped at was Gallery 21, and the artwork I took a photo of appealed to me because my husband has had several old cars and the part he points out most frequently is the grill, hence; Classic Ford Grill by Barbara Van Nostern.

                                              
This was a fun, memorable experience. We met interesting people, saw some great art pieces…not to mention eating sumptuous tidbits; but we also saw a side of Vancouver we have never seen before. I have not been in the downtown area since before they moved the bus transit station, when the area was filled with homeless men harassing you for money. Not only is that gone, Vancouver has received a face-lift with an infusion of new business. So even if you are not interested in art, give yourself a treat and visit the new downtown Vancouver.

It had been years since I’d been there, and then a camping trip last summer reintroduced it to me. Now, having just returned from a four-night stay, I’m already trying to plan next year’s visit. For me, an extended camping trip in our travel trailer at Maryhill State Park makes a relatively inexpensive family vacation, but being less than two hours away from Vancouver, it’s also a day trip worth taking.

                                   
Maryhill itself isn’t a city, but is what is called a CDP, or Census Designated Place, with a population of only around 98 people in 2000. If you’d like to visit a small city while you’re there, a short 15-minute drive north to Goldendale affords a quaint Main Street, with its general stores and a few dining options. Across the river, and about the same driving distance west in Oregon, is The Dalles, with plenty of shopping, entertainment and lodging. But if what you want is beauty and relaxation, Maryhill has it in abundance.

Maryhill was the creation of businessman and good roads pioneer Samuel Hill. He came west from Minneapolis, bought land in Klickitat County and named it after his daughter, Mary Hill. A Quaker, Hill imagined the newly created Maryhill becoming a Quaker community, but that never happened and the few building that did exist burned down a few years later. You can even see some of the old signs of a once-existing town.

                      
Although Hill’s vision for the town was never realized, all was not lost. The area was ideal for building the first paved road in the Pacific Northwest, now the famous Maryhill Loop Road, part of which is still open to pedestrians and bicyclists, and for the past two years has been home to the Maryhill Festival of Speed and the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) World Championships, an amazing show of international athletes from around the world competing in street luge, downhill skateboarding, gravity bike and inline skating race events. We were lucky enough to watch the trial runs of these daredevil athletes…of course now my nine-year-old son is trying to build his own luge so he can careen down our neighborhood streets. Great. Still, it was fun and another year we might try to stay for the entire event. You can check out the area for yourself when the races air this October on NBC’s Jeep “World of Adventure Sports.”

                                   
Sam Hill’s mansion, now the Maryhill Museum, overlooks the Columbia River and although he never lived in it, he chose to turn it into a museum. This was a nice way for us to spend a couple of hours, and it would be a good option if it happened to rain while you were there. The museum was dedicated in 1926 by Hill’s friend the Queen of Romania. Hill passed away in 1931 but the museum opened to the public in 1940 and houses several permanent artistic and historical collections, as well as some changing shows, on its three floors. The main floor is dedicated to historical collections from the Queen of Romania, plus a history of Sam Hill and Maryhill’s origins. Downstairs are impressive Native North American artifacts, sculptures by Auguste Rodin and chess sets from years back and nearly every continent and country. Upstairs is the Theatre de la Mode, created by fashion houses in France after World War II, plus changing art exhibits (when we were there, screenprints by Andy Warhol were displayed), and even a children’s hands-on area where my husband and I took turns entertaining our toddler with its books, chalkboard, train set and colored streamers and art supplies. There is an elevator for those with strollers, but we didn’t use it.

                                   
A few minutes drive away is a full-size replica of Stonehenge, built by Hill to honor the fallen soldiers of World War I and to take a stand for peace. Take a few minutes yourself to read the plaques with the names of those killed from Klickitat County. We all know how young many of the soldiers in wars are, but it is a strong reminder, especially when you see that some there were just 19 and 20. A small gift shop at the other end of the parking area has souvenirs of the area and a few treats as well. Just be sure to hold onto your hat while you’re there, or better yet, leave it in the car. The strong winds can blow it quickly away and out of reach.

Depending on the season, you can also take a short drive down the hill from the Stonehenge replica to visit one of several fruit stands amid acres of peach and pear tree orchards. Or you can head west on Route 14, just past the museum, to visit Maryhill Winery. The tasting room is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check out the website at www.maryhillwinery.com for a schedule of live music and events as well. Since we were with our kids, we didn’t visit there this time, but might if it were just my husband and I.

                                   
If water sports or fishing are your thing, Maryhill State Park has a day use area you’ll love. It’s big and grassy, with two covered picnic shelters and additional scattered tables. There’s a roped-off swimming area, tons of river rock (my boys have become avid stone-skippers), and the park ranger told us the bass fishing there is excellent. A fish cleaning shelter with hoses and garbage disposal is also available. There are two boat docks as well. Sail boarders are welcome as the high winds on the river here are ideal for the sport. While there, we also discovered a little-known stocked pond that’s hidden on the west side of the park. Park in the gravel area to the right of the entrance booth to the park, and carry your gear toward the river via a gravel road and path. You’ll find the pond nestled in overgrowth between the park’s entrance and the river. My boys, who have never caught a single fish, came back with 13 Rainbow Trout, a Bluegill and a Catfish! We put the latter two back, but had trout for dinner that night and still have a few in our freezer. Keep in mind you will need a valid Washington state fishing license at the river or the pond.

                                    
The day-use area is open year-round, from 6:30 a.m. to dusk in the summer, 8 a.m. to dusk in the winter. If you want to stay longer than a day, the 99-acre state park takes reservations up to nine months in advance. All of the sites are grassy and well-spaced. Some have closer views of the water; others are closer to the day-use area. Take your pick; they’re all good. Trailers, RVs and tents are welcome, with back-in and pull-thru sites. The bathrooms are well-kept and I hear they’re even heated in the winter. Go to www.parks.wa.gov, and click on the link at the right for online reservations, or call 1-888-CAMPOUT.

To get to Maryhill, go over the river into Oregon and head east on I-84 through The Dalles. Ideally, you’d then take Hwy 97 north at Biggs Junction, crossing the river and landing right in Maryhill, but that bridge will be closed intermittently until sometime in 2009. During that time, cross the river in The Dalles then head east toward Goldendale, watching the signs for the turnoff to Maryhill.