A lion at the Oregon Zoo in Portland (photo by Cheryl Landes) After a closure from the recently snow and ice storm, the Oregon Zoo is reopening on Friday, February 19. It's also returning to its pre-COVID hours, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. COVID-19 safety rules are still in place, such as wearing masks, distancing, and … Continue reading Oregon Zoo returns to regular hours
Looking for some solace on Valentine's Day this year? The San Antonio Zoo has an answer at its second annual Cry Me a Cockroach fundraiser: Symbolically name a cockroach or frozen rodent after your ex, and a zookeeper will feed it to the animals during a streamed feeding frenzy on Sunday, February 14. The price … Continue reading San Antonio Zoo’s Cry Me a Cockroach a remedy for broken hearts on Valentine’s Day
Image courtesy U.S. National Park Service On February 2, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) announced that masks are required at all national parks. "To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit America’s national parks, face masks are required in all NPS buildings and facilities," according to a statement on the NPS website. "Masks … Continue reading U.S. National Park Service issues mask mandate
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!
The World's Largest Egg in Winlock, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) In the small town of Winlock, south of Olympia, Washington, a giant egg rests on a pedestal on a 10-foot-tall blue metal pole in the middle of Vern Zander Memorial Park at the corner of Old Highway 603 and Fir Street. The 12-foot-long, 1,200-pound … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Does the world’s largest egg reside in Winlock, Washington?
Mount Rainier, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) The sledding runs, known as the Snowplay Area, opened at Mount Rainier National Park on January 10 for the season. The Snowplay Area is the only designated sledding area and the safest place to go sledding at Mount Rainier National Park. The area is suitable for children, and … Continue reading Sledding area open at Mount Rainier
Piper's Creek at Carkeek Park in Seattle Photos by Cheryl Landes From November through January, the salmon return to Carkeek Park in northwest Seattle after a long journey at sea. The journey marks the end of their life cycle and the start of a new one as they lay eggs in the creek. By the … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Salmon spawning season at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Photos by Cheryl Landes May 20, 2020 marked the fortieth anniversary of the eruption of Mount St. Helens. I lived in Northeastern Oregon when the volcano erupted and still remember the experience like it was yesterday. The town of La Grande, where I lived, was on the southern fringe of the ash path. Our usual … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A trip to Mount St. Helens, 40 years post-eruption
Photos by Cheryl Landes The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum is a beautiful place to walk any time of year. Wander trails through forests, marshes, a Japanese garden, rhododendron glen, azalea collection, and winter garden. Look for birds and other wildlife in the trees, shrubs, and along the shoreline, and in the water. Every season brings … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall stroll in the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle
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
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 