Peak Week For Whales Off Oregon
This week is traditionally the peak whale-watching season in Newport, Ore., as the gray whales pass the seaside town on their migration north to breeding waters in the Arctic.
Nearly 23,000 whales pass within a mile of shore on their journey north. A few hundred, however, will stay and summer off the coast near Newport and Lincoln City, so whale watching goes on nearly year round.
The best places to see the whales are from the coastal headlands that jut into the ocean near Newport. Early morning is the best time, since afternoon winds create whitecaps.
There are also whale-watching charters for those wanting a closer view of the ocean mammals. For information on the charters or Newport, call the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, (800) 262-7844; or visit the Website at www.newportnet.com.
All aboard … but hurry
If you’re interested in cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage, and if you’re a senior, there’s a seminar for you today at 10 a.m. at Cavanaugh’s Fourth Avenue.
The slide show and discussion is sponsored by Seniors at Sea, a tour service that conducts educational cruises for travelers age 50 and older.
The first of a series of cruises departs Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 30.
Those who are interested but unable to attend the slide show can obtain information by calling Kathryn Younger, (800) 743-8680.
Landmark gets a paint job
The historic Space Needle in Seattle is undergoing a face-lift this year.
The most visible renovation on the 1962 landmark will be a paint job.
The Space Needle was built in 1961 and opened on April 21, 1962, for the Seattle World’s Fair. The original colors were Astronaut White for the legs, Orbital Olive for the core, Re-entry Red for the Halo and Galaxy Gold for the sunburst and pagoda roof. The Space Needle has been repainted three times - in 1970, 1989 and the 100-foot level in 1995.
The landmark will be sandblasted this summer, repaired where needed, and repainted in a process that is expected to take a year. Work will be done at night.
Ideas for free
The free Washington State Getaway Guide for spring and summer is now available, and it’s loaded with ideas for travelers in this state. Some are well-known, like Grand Coulee Dam; others are new to most tourists.
The 32-page seasonal guide includes loop tours through the North Cascades, the wine country and the Olympic Peninsula rainforest.
For a copy, call (800) 890-5493. Also free are the 1998 Washington State Lodging and Travel Guide, and the Washington State Calendar of Events.
Summer is cowboy season
If your passion is cowboys and mountain men, mark your calendar for the 16th annual Frontier Festival in Cody, Wyo., July 18-19.
The annual event, a tribute to life and culture on the American frontier, is at the world-renowned Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Cowboys, mountain men, western musicians and artisans will offer demonstrations and participate in competitive events at the outdoor festival. For information, call the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, (307) 587-4771, e-mail bbhc@wave.park.wy.us or visit the Website at www.TrueWest.com/BBHC.
The annual Festival of the American West will run July 31-Aug. 8 near Logan, Utah. The week-long event focuses on traditional Western activities such as cloth and wool weaving, threshing bees and dutch oven cook-offs. There will be performances by cowboy poets and Western music.
For complete festival information and a schedule, call (800) 225-FEST.
, DataTimes