Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom outside the Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC (photo by Cheryl Landes) The 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, will feature a combination of virtual and outdoor activities March 20-April 11. The new format "honors the tradition of the Festival, while prioritizing the health and safety of … Continue reading 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival a hybrid event
Alpaca photo by Cheryl Landes Alpacas are irresistible. They're soft, mellow, cute, and intelligent. They always have a smile on their faces. Meet them during tours of three farms in the Yakima Valley of southcentral Washington. PacaPoo Alpacas Farm9203 South Steele Road, Prosser Tours are available by appointment. Also shop alpaca products, such as yarn, … Continue reading Tour alpaca farms in the Yakima Valley
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) The City of Vancouver Parks and Recreation (Washington) is hosting a new event called Go Play, Vancouver! The event encourages residents and non-residents to go outside safely during the coronavirus pandemic to get exercise and enjoy nature in the city's parks, historic sites, … Continue reading Get outside with Go Play, Vancouver!
A forest near the Cape Horn viewpoint on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge (photo by Cheryl Landes) If you're longing for a long walk in a forest to hear the soothing sounds of the breeze and the birds but can't leave home, there's a new website that brings the forest to you. … Continue reading Need an escape to nature but can’t leave home? Tune into the sounds of a forest.
A view of Rainbow Falls from the viewpoint in Rainbow Falls State Park west of Chehalis, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Rainbow Falls State Park is a popular place for camping, picnicking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, wildlife watching, birdwatching, and fishing. A short trail from the day-use parking lot ends at a viewpoint for a … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Rainbow Falls State Park
Flowers at Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens in Brush Prairie, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens is a series of demonstration gardens that provide ideas for gardeners looking at ways to attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to their backyard spaces. The three acres are tended by volunteers. Every time I go for … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A walk at Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens
Fall colors at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes The Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park is a beautiful place to wander and reflect. Paths wind past an authentic tea house and through eight separate garden styles, from a zen garden to a beautiful pool fed by a waterfall. The … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall stroll in the Portland Japanese Garden
Fall colors in the Peavy Arboretum in Corvallis, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes Peavy Arboretum is a beautiful, quiet escape for outdoor lovers who want to immerse themselves in nature any time of year. In the fall, the changing colors are a beautiful treat, no matter what you do. Maple leaves near the OSU Research … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall hike in the Peavy Arboretum in Corvallis, Oregon
The Bog House and entrance to the trails at the Carlisle Cranberry Bog in Carlisle, Massachusetts Photos by Cheryl Landes The Carlisle Cranberry Bog in Carlisle, Massachusetts, is a pleasant place to go for a walk any time of year. It's also a nice place for snowshoeing in the winter. The trails, which are the … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The Carlisle Cranberry Bog
A bald eagle perched on a pine branch overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho (photo by Cheryl Landes) Every year in December and early January, hundreds of bald eagles stop at Lake Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho during their migration to Alaska for the summer. They congregate at Wolf Lodge Bay at the north … Continue reading Watch bald eagles on a Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 