Cruise Columbia River In Comfort And Style
Cruise ships, as well as cargo barges, ply the waters of the Columbia River.
One of the primary cruise companies that operates on the Columbia, Special Expeditions, will again run one-week voyages on the Columbia and Snake rivers in 1997.
Passengers board the Sea Lion and Sea Bird in Portland and cruise the 450 miles between Astoria, Ore., and Hells Canyon, Idaho. Days include excursions to some of the region’s historic places and natural features, a train ride to the base of Mount Hood and a jet boat trip deep into Hells Canyon.
Four departures are scheduled in May, eight in October and prices range from $1,990 to $2,960 per person. For information: Special Expeditions, (800) 762-0003.
Looking for birds
The focus is on the big bird at a conference in February in southern Oregon. Not the Big Bird of “Sesame Street” fame; rather, the big, bald bird.
The 18th annual Klamath Basin Bald Eagle Conference will be Feb. 14-16 at the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Ore.
The event includes a photo contest and fun run as well as educational workshops and birding excursions. The Klamath Basin is the winter home of more than 170 species of birds.
For information: Klamath Basin Bald Eagle Conference, c/o Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1850 Miller Island Road West, Klamath Falls, OR 97603.
No modesty required
A race in Conconully in Central Washington isn’t for everyone, although it’s open to all.
The annual event is an Outhouse Race that starts at noon Jan. 18 (registration is at 11 a.m.).
The outhouse can be made of anything but it must be on skis and it has to have a toilet paper holder with toilet paper and a person sitting inside wearing a helmet. Motorized outhouses are not allowed.
There are five divisions: men’s, women’s, teens’, kids’ and running backward. For information: (509) 826-0813.
Or, just bare it all (almost)
Those who would rather run sans outhouse can opt for the annual Freeze Yer Buns Run at 1 p.m. in Twisp (actually on the highway by the Shell station just outside the town).
Hula skirts and Hawaiian shirts are permissible outerwear. The running begins at 1 p.m. Jan. 18. For information: (509) 997-2926.
Not for the seasick-prone
On a variation of bed-and-breakfast accommodations, house boats for two can be reserved in Washington’s Hood Canal. Amenities on the boats range from full-size spas, a mahogany captain’s berth, woodburning stoves and a galley.
House Boats for Two operates out of Pleasant Harbor Marina in Brinnon, Wash. Prices start at $195 per night. For reservations and information: (800) 966-5942.
Ice, snow and fun
Don those mittens and head west to the Cascade Mountain town of Leavenworth in January and some fun at the Bavarian Ice Fest.
The Bavarian-themed town stages plenty of festivals throughout the year. This event, Jan. 18-19, includes snowshoe races, snow sculptures, an ice cube hunt, dog sled races and fireworks.
For information: (509) 548-5807 or on the Internet at http:/ /www.leavenworth.org.
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