Lighthouses, Floats, Gillnetters Subjects Of Elderhostel Classes

Sun., Oct. 19, 1997

By Susan English susane@spokesman.com

Three Elderhostel courses Finding Japanese Floats, Lighthouses in America and Gillnetters of the Columbia River will be offered Oct. 26-31 at Ocean Park, Wash.

Participation is limited to those age 55 and older. Lodging is in the Ocean Park Retreat Center, or in your own RV. All courses include a field trip.

Meals, housing, the three courses and the field trips are included for $335 ($290 if you stay in your RV). For registration information, call Ocean Park Retreat Center, (360) 665-4367.

Ski on the cheap

Ski trips don’t have to break your budget. A number of ski areas have hostels that range from $7 to $25 per person, per night and some have arranged ski packages and a variety of discounts at the ski area.

Among the ski resorts in our region that have hostels are Soldier Mountain, Sun Valley and Schweitzer in Idaho.

For information, contact Hostelling International, (202) 783-6161, e-mail hiayhserv@hiayh.org or on the Web at www.hiayh.org.

All things British (sort of)

It’s the slower season in Victoria, British Columbia, but activity doesn’t come to a halt. The holidays will be celebrated and travelers can still kayak in nearby inlets or hike the forests north of this British-like city.

And to lure travelers to the city on Vancouver Island, the famed Empress Hotel is offering a Secret Season Package, Nov. 1 through April 30.

The package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two and coupons to more than 40 of the city’s shops. Those booking a two-night stay also receive afternoon tea for two at The Empress. The package begins at $139 (Canadian funds, which is about $102 in U.S. funds depending on the exchange rate).

For information: Canadian Pacific Global Reservations at (800) 441-1414 or you can call The Empress direct at (250) 384-8111.

On the mainland

Speaking of Canada’s westernmost province, hotels in Vancouver are also trying to lure travelers with deals through the winter months.

The Sutton Place Hotel is offering Indulge & Escape getaway packages. There are several packages which could include champagne and truffles, a spa getaway or skiing at Whistler Mountain. Rates begin at $159 Canadian (about $112 U.S.).

For information, call The Sutton Place Hotel, 845 Burrard St., at (604) 682-5511, e-mail info@vcr.suttonplace.com or on the Web at www.travelweb.com/ sutton.html.

A new inn in the Emerald City

A new inn opened its doors mid-summer in Seattle and it seems ideally located for exploring the downtown area.

The 20-room Wall Street Inn is in Belltown, at the corner of First Avenue and Wall Street. Rooms have views of Elliott Bay or downtown Seattle and amenities include terry cloth robes and slippers for guests; 10 rooms have fully equipped kitchenettes. Rates start at $85. For information: (206) 448-0125.

Up for a trek?

Those wandering farther afield can sign on with British Coastal Trails for a walking tour of the South Island of New Zealand.

The route includes temperate rainforests, lakeside trails and beaches. The group of no more than 18 walkers is guided by a local naturalist. Lodging on the 12-night trip is in hotels and historic wilderness lodges and cost is $2,895 (based on double occupancy) plus air fare.

The walks begin Jan. 4, Feb. 15 and March 9. For information: (800) 473-1210, e-mail info@bctwalk.com or on the Web at www.bctwalk.com.

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