Laser Light Show Best By A Dam Site

Q: When our friends come to visit this summer, we plan to take them to the laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam. What else is there to do in the area before the evening show? - M.Z., Spokane. A: Besides the fishing and boating on Lake Roosevelt and Banks Lake, Grand Coulee has several points of interest. The dam’s visitor center offers free shows, exhibits and computer games. There are guided and self-guided dam tours. The most popular tour is the narrated ride in a glassen-closed incline elevator at Power Plant 3.

Some other ideas:

The Colville Confederated Tribes Museum (509-633-0751) has artifacts detailing the history of Native Americans in the area.

Crown Point Vista offers a panoramic view of the area and is a nice spot for a picnic.

There are several hiking and biking trails near town and at Steamboat Rock State Park, which has day-use facilities including a playground and swim area.

Information sources:

For laser light show and dam tours: Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Arrival Center, (509) 633-9265.

For area accommodations, points of interest and events: Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, (509) 633-3074.

For recreational opportunities in the Lake Roosevelt area: Coulee Dam National Recreation Area, (509) 663-9441.

Q: We understand the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. We want to see a musical mounted horse performance during our vacation to the Yukon and Alaska this summer. Can you help us find a performance date and place? - H.M., Sandpoint.

A: In July 1895 a small contingent of North West Mounted Police, as they were called then, was sent to the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush in response to the lawlessness of the 30,000 American gold-seekers. The Mounties’ assignment was to collect customs duties and enforce law and order in the Yukon.

In 1920, the Royal North West Mounted Police became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The use of horses was gradually phased out. Today, horses are used only for ceremonial parades and applicable events.

It is a beautiful sight to see the historic “mounted police” in their full dress uniforms, once again mounted on glistening, well-trained horses. This is the best year to see the ceremonial performances because more events have been scheduled to celebrate their centennial.

Here is a list of places and dates. Watson Lake, Yukon, July 19; Whitehorse, Yukon, July 21; Skagway, Alaska, July 22; Whitehorse, Yukon July 23 and 24; Dawson City, Yukon, July 26; Anchorage, Alaska, July 29 and 30; Fairbanks, Alaska, August 1 and 2.

Information sources:

For RCMP history and general tourism in the Yukon Territory: Tourism Yukon, (403) 667-5340.

For general tourism in Alaska: Alaska Division of Tourism, (907) 465-2010.

Q: Can you recommend a basic bug bite repellent? We are not campers, hikers or fisherpersons, but mosquitos and biting flies still find us when we stop at a roadside scenic overlook or rest area. - L.A. and S.B., Veradale, WA

A: There are three basic types of insect offenders. Bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants are stingers. They inject venom like a hypodermic needle. Mosquitoes are biters, and chiggers are chewers, attacking the skin with mandibles.

It is the highly acidic saliva, which also contains allergens and toxins, of these biters and chewers that actually causes most of the pain, swelling and itch.

The one ingredient that consumers must know to make informed insect repellent buying decisions is N,N,diethyl-m-toluamide and similarly named variations, all commonly known as DEET.

Products containing DEET can be purchased as a liquid, spray or lotion. There’s some debate about the “best” concentration of DEET; some experts say 30 percent, others say less.

Care should be taken when applying it, especially since it can sting the eyes. Follow label directions, especially with children.

Some people may be allergic or sensitive to DEET. If you’re sensitive, try a brand with a lighter concentration. Or look for a bug repellant that doesn’t contain DEET; however, it may not work as well.

Bug repellants are widely available at outdoor and sporting goods stores.

I am familiar with the products of two companies, which I have used successfully.

Tender Corporation (603-444-5464) has two bug repellants: Natrapel, which contains no DEET, and Ben’s, which does. The company also sells After Bite, an insect bite and sting treatment to stop the itching and reduce the swelling of most biting, chewing and stinging insects.

Sawyer Products (813-725-1177) markets similar products for insect bite protection and relief. DEET Plus is a composition of DEET, a synergist to enhance the effects of DEET, and a fly repellent. The company’s Itch Balm Plus also is recommended to alleviate the itching from poison plant irritations (poison ivy, oak, sumac), fire ant bites, bee and wasp strings and mosquito bites.

Sawyer also distributes A Practical Guide to Outdoor Protection. This small guide fits conveniently in a glove box or day pack and contains a wealth of valuable information. It can be found in most sporting goods stores or ordered directly by calling Campmor at (800) 525-4784.

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