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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Whale-Watching Season Coming Up On Coast

Graham Vink Travel Editor

In spring, tens of thousands of gray whales migrate from Mexico to Alaska (although a news release from British Columbia suggested it was the other way around, which would mean you’d have some REALLY cold whales in December).

Anyway, a variety of whalewatching trips are available to look for these behemoths, which can grow to 40 feet long. Some examples:

Mosquito Fleet offers trips in the Grays Harbor area from midMarch through the end of April on a stabilized, 149-passenger vessel (probably large enough to withstand repeated attacks from 40-foot whales). For information, call (206) 252-6800.

A variety of tour operators in British Columbia offer whalewatching boat rides. For information, call Discover British Columbia at (800) 663-6000.

White stuff: Fun in the snow, while it lasts:

The annual Snowmobile Hill Climb, at Loup Loup Ski Bowl between Twisp and Okanogan, is next weekend , with $11,000 in cash prizes. For information, call (509) 422-3030.

The National Forest Service has directories available of crosscountry skiing and snowmobiling trails in its northern region forests, which include north Idaho and Montana. They’re available at a variety of ranger stations and Forest Service offices, or by calling Northern Region headquarters in Missoula, Mont., at (406) 329-3511.

The Baker County Visitor and Convention Bureau is offering a free packet of winter recreation information for northeast Oregon, including snowmobile trail maps. For a copy, write to: Visitor and Convention Bureau, 490 Campbell St., Baker City, OR 97814, or call (800) 523-1235.

Sip and sup: “Wilderness Winefest,” a celebration of food, wine and the outdoors, is March 18-19 in the Simcoe Mountains north of Goldendale, Wash.

Columbia Valley winemakers will be pouring new releases, and a fivecourse vintner’s dinner is featured Saturday evening.

The event takes place at the Highland Creek Resort, located an hour south of Yakima. For information, call (800) 458-0174.

Getaways: Good excuses for a long weekend:

Rosario Resort, on Orcas Island, has a special “relaxation” package through May 31 that includes accommodations, dinner, breakfast for two and a choice of one activity or spa service per person, from a list that includes health club workouts, mountain bike rental, Swedish massage, body glow, body wrap or aromatherapy facial.

The cost is $99 per person, based on double occupancy. For information, call (360) 376-2222 or (800) 562-8820.

Through the end of March, many downtown Seattle hotels are offering the fourth annual Super Saver package, which features hotel discounts of up to 50 percent, plus coupon books for more discounts on attractions, shopping and dining.

For reservations with participating hotels, call (800) 535-7071. For more information about the program, call the SeattleKing County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (206) 461-5840.

Museum musings:

The world’s longest tapestry - 295 feet - is on display at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle through April 30. The Rode Orm tapestry, inspired by drawings and lithographs by Swedish artist Jordi Arko, illustrates the adventures of a mythical Viking hero. For information, call (206) 789-5707.

The Seattle Art Museum now features Gallery Guide, a portable CD-ROM players with headphones that offers a narrative tour of the museum. The sound track covers more than 300 exhibits over 14 hours, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. For information and exhibit updates, call (206) 625-8900.

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