Lake Louise package appears fit for adventure
Yes, I’ve seen the articles. I understand the importance of daily exercise, in doses of 10 minutes to an hour, depending on which study you read. I’m aware that the President’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports says only three out of 10 of us get the amount of exercise the government recommends.
(Frankly, I’d like the government to turn its attention to Karl Rove’s waistline before it starts telling me to drop and give it 50. Dick Cheney could use a little treadmill time, too. And I’m sure there are plenty of hefty Democrats, as well, but they’re all locked away behind closed doors figuring out what they stand for.)
Nevertheless, spending my vacation on the fitness ball while Canadians boss me around doesn’t necessarily seem like the best way to go.
You, on the other hand, may have some strange proclivities, and if that idea appeals to you, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will embrace you without judgment.
Their “Fall High Adventure” package comes in four- or seven-night versions, both hosted by dominatrix – I mean, fitness instructor Charlene Prickett.
According to the Fairmont’s Web site, “Your day begins with eye-opening, dynamic workouts for every fitness level.”
Couldn’t my day begin with a mimosa?
Your workout options include step, yoga, the aforementioned fitness ball, water aerobics, stretching and more. And if that’s not enough sweat for you, each day also features a guided “Mountain Heritage” hike or walk, which you can augment with horseback riding, canoe races, cycling or, to lower your heart rate, photography and watercolor painting workshops.
The package price – $1,358 Canadian per person for four nights, $2,202 Canadian per person for seven nights, based on double occupancy – covers accommodations, buffet breakfasts, backpacker lunches, gourmet dinners and all the fitness activity you can muster.
The Fall High Adventure is available from Sept. 17 to 21 or 24, depending on which version you choose.
Make your reservations at fairmont.com/lakelouise or (800) 257-7544.
Suite deal
At Portland’s 5th Avenue Suites, they’re offering a package of their own over the Labor Day weekend. They’ve made a few modifications, replacing the muscular assault with a bottle of Oregon wine and chocolate-covered blueberries.
Which one should I choose? Hmmm.
The “Red, White, & Blue Package” comes with accommodations for two, in-room continental breakfast and valet parking, starting at $179 per night.
If you can’t make it over Labor Day weekend, they’re willing to fudge a little on the dates. Visit www.5thavenuesuites.com or call (888) 207-2201 to plead your case.
Hole in ozone
Oh, boy. This is a problem.
The Royal BC Museum in Victoria has combined golf – which, as you know, is a sport I have tried and tried and thus far failed at miserably – with the impact of humans on our planet, a subject that interests me greatly.
What to do?
I will simply rise above my humiliation and commend to you the 18-hole miniature course in the “Fore! The Planet” exhibit developed by the U.S. Academy of Natural Sciences.
Each hole in the “putt-to-learn adventure” teaches a different aspect of natural history, with an emphasis on conservation and stewardship.
And while you’re at the museum, check out “SPEED,” an interactive look at acceleration, friction, velocity, roller coasters, car racing, bobsleds and more.
Both exhibits are geared to the whole family and run through Sept. 10.
Check www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca or call (888) 447-7977 to learn more.
All that … wine
Hold on to your hat.
The ABC affiliate in Portland, none other than KATU-TV, called it the “number one tourism event in Vancouver and southwest Washington.”
Wow.
It really says that, right on the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival’s Web site. One wonders what southwest Washington tourism event made No. 2.
Regardless, the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival beat it out with an unassailable combination of music, food from 10 local restaurants, 200 different wine selections and 50 fine artists.
The six headline acts for the Aug. 25-27 event have earned 15 Grammy Awards and oodles of nominations among them.
Harmonica bluesman James Cotton takes the stage Friday night. Spyro Gyra, Mavis Staples and Dr. John perform Saturday, and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Eddie Palmieri wrap things up on Sunday. Ten more bands fill in the gaps.
You’ll find a schedule at www.vancouverwinejazz.com. Or call the festival office at (360) 906-0441.
Regional events
•Fourteenth Annual Quilting in the Country Outdoor Quilt Show, August 26, Bozeman. The Quinn farmstead hosts more than 500 quilts, quilt demonstrations and trunk shows. ( www.visitmt.com /406-587-8216)
•Art in the Park, Sept. 8-10, Boise. Northwest artists display and sell their work at Julia Davis Park, with proceeds benefiting the Boise Art Museum. There will be food and entertainment as well. ( www.visitidaho.org /208-345-8330)