Traveling Single There’s Lots To Do For The Solitary Voyager

Q: I am interested in joining a group for trips and outdoor recreation such as wildlife watching, but I do not want to get involved with one of those singles or dating networks. Can you suggest some local clubs or groups? - H.P., Spokane.

A: There are a number of Spokane adult groups that get together for outdoor activities. One of the best places to review upcoming activities is in the recreation calendar of Friday’s Weekend section in The Spokesman-Review. I hope the following suggestions also will help you find a group that meets your interests:

Inland Empire Events is a newsletter subscription service that organizes group activities, ranging from wildlife viewing and historic building tours to dogsledding adventures and regional festival attendance. The groups have an experienced tour guide. Each tour/event is individually priced, and the price often includes transportation, lodging and meals. (509) 747-1335.

The Spokane Parks & Recreation Department sponsors a large number of outdoor adventure programs. Activities range from fossil hunting and bike rides to cross country skiing and wildlife watching. The current fall-winter ‘95 program guide is available by visiting the department, located on the seventh floor of City Hall. A new program schedule will be available on Dec. 30 for winter-spring events. (509) 625-6200.

If you are interested in birding, the Spokane chapter of the National Audubon Society meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Terrace Retirement Home, located at 1811 E. Upriver Drive. Recorded message, (509) 838-5828.

Q: We are planning a January trip to Seattle for some shopping, relaxing and entertainment. We’d like to stay downtown and be close to the bus system, so we don’t have to drive and look for parking spots. Any suggestions on the what and where of a winter Seattle getaway? - T.P., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

A: Many Seattle hotels are offering their popular winter Super Saver Package program for the fifth season. Travelers can save up to 50 percent on downtown hotel rooms, plus take advantage of significant savings in shopping, dining and top visitor attractions. Eighteen downtown hotels, ranging from value inns to full-service luxury hotels, are participating. The program is offered through March 31; visitors who come after Jan. 1 also will receive a special coupon book with dining and shopping discounts.

To take advantage of the discounts, visitors must stay overnight at a participating hotel and must make reservations directly through the hotel or Seattle Super Saver reservation line.

The Metro bus system offers free rides throughout downtown’s “Magic Carpet Zone,” bordered by the waterfront, Battery Street, Sixth Avenue and Jackson Street near the Kingdome. The underground bus network has five stations connecting the International District, Pioneer Square, University Street, Westlake and Convention Place.

Westlake Station has four major retailers, which have store entrances off the bus tunnel. The underground bus system runs from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

Information sources:

For Seattle Super Saver hotel reservations and information, call (800) 535-7071 or (206) 461-5882.

For general Seattle-King County visitor information, (206) 461-5840.

For 24-hour bus schedule information, (206) 553-3000.

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