*BXBMGFJ **************CAR-RT WSH**C-022 *0440400 0* 10312005 67 II ., II , II ,. J1111 •• 1. J11,".1. J'/'/11' J•• 1J1,"1,/",•J•J•• J•J/ RODICA P WOODBURY 9792 EDMONDS WAY EDMONDS WA 98020-5940

. September/October 2005 www.aaa.com

a es Mount Baker's distant ridges are echoed in the sloping rooflines of the building.r lining La Cormer's Swinomish Channel.

IIII I II,, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------,

IN -SEASON Recreational opportunities abound. Kenneth Callahan, and lesser-known

rhythm just yet. Scenic mountain on'tDhikes,

fairs, and the simple pleasures of a small town weekend beckon. For accommodations, consult the appropri-ate AAA TourBook guide. For driving directions, visit www.aaamaps.com.

Bonny Bonners Ferry. The dis-covery of gold in B.C. gave rise to a booming supply town on the shores of the Kootenai River: Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Today, the area's riches are to be found in the 2,774-acre Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, which sup-ports more than 230 species of birds and 45 species of mammals that include beavers, coyotes, and deer.

embrace autumn's slowing You can ride horses, river raft, fish, artists. The La Conner Quilt Museum bike, and hike. Northwest of town you (360-466-4288) in Gaches Mansion

wildlife viewing, county can drive through rich farmlands and may be the Northwest's only quilt perhaps drop by rhe hops-producing Elk Mountain Farms or rhe Kootenai Tribal Srurgeon Hatchery.

Linger in La Conner. Lisred on rhe Narional Register of Historic Places, La Conner is a town of art gal-leries and yesreryear ambience. The town's front yard is the ferrile Skagir Valley, famous for its tulips in spring and fields of pumpkins in autumn. Its backdrop is the serene Swinomish Channel. The town's artistic heritage is on display at the Museum of Northwest Art, which exhibits the works of Mark Tobey, Morris Graves,

museum. A Quilt Walk showcasing the work of local quilters is held from Labor Day through September 25. The Festival of Family Farms celebrates the local agricultural bounty October 1-2. Bicyclists will find heaven on the long, flat roads that crisscross the Skagit Valley. On September 10-11, La Conner hosts the MS 150 Bike Tour.

Rainier Reigns. Lace up your hik-ing boots, and pack a picnic, a jacket, and a camera and head for MOlmt Rainier's slopes before snow arrives. Stop at one of rhe visitors' centers (Jackson Visitor Center and Longmire

2005 September/October 51

(i\)Desk _-G)

> ca... Douglas firs and hemlocks), Longmire's Stories, awaits guests in every room Trail of the Shadows (which leads when they check in. through forest and meadows and past Gambling on Love. Countless cou-an early homestead cabin and soda ples have wrestled with the question: springs), Sunrise's Shadow Lake Trail Should we get married on the bridge of (overlooking the White River Valley the starship USS Enterprise or by a min-and yielding views of Rainier's peak), ister dressed as Elvis Presley? A difficult and Paradise's Nisqually Vista Trail choice, to be sure, but Vegas-bound (with views of the Nisqually Glacier). lovebirds fret no more. Ken Van If you're visiting the area before Vechten's Neon Nuptials: The Complete October 1, Stop at Elbe and hop aboard Guide to Las Vegas Weddings (Hun-the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad for tington Press, 2005, $14.95) deftly a one-and-a-half-hour ride to Mineral leads couples through only-in-Vegas Lake and back. CUlsme, and centrally and scenically matrimonial issues, plus the basics

located hotels. The nine-night escorted about tying the knot in Sin City. TheHERE'S - THE - DEAL land package includes nine breakfasts book charts the amenities, including Fall for Spain. Insight Vaca- and four dinners. Rates start at $1,399 kitsch and romance levels, at more than tions escorted holidays offer travelers per person. 50 wedding chapels. to Europe "business-class" luxury tour- Powwow Pies. A photograph of ing coaches. Sit back, stretch Out, TRAVEL-BAG Sacagawea's great-great-great-niece, relax, and savor the cities of Madrid, Literary Vancouver. Known already Rose Ann Abrahamson, is among the Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, and for guest rooms that feature original works featured in the exhibit "Faces Seville. Enjoy sight-seeing, regional art, B.C.'s Listel Vancouver Hotel from the Land: A Photographic

NSequim, Museum & Arts Center (360-683-4270).

When it opened in 1893, the two-story Dungeness ow that the kids are back in school, moaning and School had 73 pupils ranging in age from five to 20. Smce groaning about the early hours, the bus ride, and 1988, it has been listed on the National Register of

the food, you may want to show them what life was like Historic Places. Cheney, Eastern Washington in the days before indoor restrooms, hot lunches, com- University (509-359-7045). A 1905 schoolhouse pays puter centers, and central heating. In many instances, the tribute to the university's heritage as a teacher prepara-old schoolhouses that survive tion institute. Skamokawa, are parr of pioneer villages that River Life Interpretive Center offer the whole family a chance and (360-795-3007). to appreciate how life has A two-Story 1894 schoolhouse changed. has photographs and artifacts

Bainbridge} Bainbridge that document pioneer life Island Historical Museum along the lower Columbia (206-842-2773). Docents in- River. Seattle, Nordic terpret island history in the Heritage Museum (206-789-restored 1908 Island Center 5707). The museum is housed School that also houses archaeo- within a 1907 red-brick school-logical and folkloric artifacts. - house that served immigrant Cashmere, Cashmere Pioneer families from the early 1900s Village and Museum (509-782-3230). A schoolhouse, through the late 1960s. Galleries devoted to each of five restored pioneer homes, a blacksmith building, a gold Scandinavian countries display cherished handcrafts, tex-mine, and a doctor's office depict the life of area pio- tiles, tools, and books brought to America from the old neers. - Molson, Molson Museum (509-485-3266, countries. - Wmthrop, Shafer Museum (509-996-open through Labor Day). The 1914 schoolhouse was in 2712). Within the turn-of-the-century village is a print use until the late 1960s, when it became a museum. shop, a general store, a settler's cabin, and a homestead-The Old Molson town site is open through November. er's cabin made to look like a pioneer-era schoolhouse.

52 September/October 2005

Museum and Visitors Center are teamed up with Raincoast Books open year-round) and pick up maps earlier this year to publish a collection of rhe 240 miles of park-maintained of Vancouver-centered short stories by

some of Canada's best-known writers. trails. Promising ones include Ohanapecosh (which runs beneath A copy of the book, The Vancouver

Tell Us What You Think You just might win a prize! We hope you enjoy this issue of Tourney. Please let us know what you think by filling out our Reader Survey on the Reader Service card on page 57. If your card is among the first 25 received, you will win a Tourney aromatherapy candle!

And while you're there, circle #88 to enter to win a Yakima Valley Getaway!

Details on page 57.

(i\:l Desk _ .....,

Q) Journey Through Native > America" at the Capital ca Museum In Olympia,

IL. October ll-January 28, .....__...1 2006, On display are 37 large color photographs of many of the Native American tribes that Lewis and Clark encountered during their 1804-1806 expedition, including Sioux, Lemhi Shoshone, and Nez Perce. Credits go to Seattle photogra-phers Ben Marra and his wife, Linda,

.. .. I " •....•

Our visitors can be such busy bodies.

Richmond, BC is the perfect place for busy bodies this fall. Hike or walk the 80 km of interconnecting trails, cycle the dyke or watch the whales. Pick out your own pumpkin or pick up unique fashions. Experience the Asian culture in the Golden Village, or master Blackjack at the casino. Take in some theatre, or take a stroll along Steveston's boardwalk. And when you need a break, pack a picnic, people-watch or Rest assured, RiUIMQNI:J you can always be a busy body agam tomorrow.

L..-----' Richmond, British Columbia Canada..............................................................................................

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who have been documenting powwows since 1988.

Ripe for Picking. Late summer and early fall bring their own fruity bounty. Blackberries, blueberries, figs, melons, nectarines, pears, plums, quince, and varieties of strawberries and raspberries are all in season. If you're into making jams and preserves, rhis is the perfect time to visit one of the many self-pick farms throughout the state and gather up some stashable sweerness. Go to www.pickyourown.org/WA.htm for a list of farm locations.

On 'frack. Currently, up to 25 per-cent of rental cars in the United States come equipped with GPS equipment that can be used to track and locate the vehicles. This is handy if your car breaks down and you need assistance or if the vehicle is stolen. But tracking data can in rare instances be used to fine you for violations of rental agreements. How do you avoid the charges? Read the contract carefully and check what the rental company will charge for. Then, decide if you're willing to live with the conditions or want to use another company.

54 September/October 2005