An important part of old town Vancouver’s history—you may have noticed that I like history—is the Clark County Historical Museum on Main street. This first photo was taken before the huge and beautiful old elm out front had to be removed due to terminal root-rot.
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Esther Short Park is 155 years old and over the decades has served as the town square, hosted a wading pool and skating rink and has come to be considered Vancouver’s centerpiece, its hub of community, culture and history. The park is host to the open air Vancouver Farmer’s Market on the weekends and is bordered by a variety of shops, cafes, and boutiques. It is a great place to ensure a Saturday afternoon is well spent. Read the rest of Esther Short Park on a Saturday afternoon–Vancouver »
I have found a remedy for the novice, thrifty or collard shirt-avoiding golfer. On the fringes of the Columbia River Gorge hides a quaint and unorthodox par-three course encouragingly named The Pub Course. The course is an attraction of the Edgefield Hotel which also boasts a winery, brewery and distillery. It is open to the public for the affordable green fee of $1 a hole. Read the rest of Affordable Golf With a View–Troutdale, OR. »
I thought it was too late in the afternoon to take our weekly trip to anywhere after having coffee with a friend, when Layla and I saw a small, but well developed park on our way home. It is located off Mill Plain on SE 160th Avenue and SE 18th Street. I could find no name around the park, but a little research showed that it is called Homestead Park.
This may be a small park but it is packed with amenities. There are two playgrounds, one a small wooden affair more suitable for toddlers, located at the north end, and the other a modern structure situated closer to the south end of the park. It was Memorial Read the rest of Missing in Homestead Park, Vancouver »
I took advantage of a break in the winter-like weather to explore the Washington State University Vancouver campus trails. What I expected would be a normal out-of-doors excursion turned into a serendipitous adventure through lush valleys, quiet woods and hidden meadows dotted with apple trees. The campus itself is small but at its foot lies a sizable collection of meadows, ponds, streams, woods, and fields all interconnected by modest cedar-chip paths. Read the rest of Serendipity at WSU Vancouver »
What an adventure today! A visit to a labyrinth. This labyrinth is behind the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church just off Mill Plain, and it belongs to the church. Nice big adjacent field isn’t it? It would be perfect for kids and dogs to play in, and I’m happy to see the two benches to rest on, if the walk gets tiring.
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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 own books, I have found the talent just barely alive. So, for me, the Art Student Annual at Clark College was an interesting venture into the past. Read the rest of Art Student Annual - Vancouver »
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. Read the rest of Play all day at Lacamas Lake Park - Vancouver »
Before we go to the fort itself, let’s stop in to the Visitor’s Center, up the hill from the fort on the corner of E Reserve and Evergreen Blvd. The visitor’s center is free, and there’s lots of information here about the history and archeology of the fort. There’s a gift shop, too, where we can buy replicas of items used at the fort, and items made by hand in the smithy or carpenter’s shop. Read the rest of Historical Fort Vancouver »
It was just this past year that I finally stopped in at Borders, located at 811 SE 160th, 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. Read the rest of Free Events at Borders - Vancouver »
