Ollie's Outings

Exploring the Wild Washington Coast

2009-05-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I got to tag along on a trip to the Olympic Penninsula. We started out with a trip on the Keystone/Port Townsend ferry which I have covered in a previous post. We spent a lovely sunny afternoon in Port Townsend, which is one of the stops on the post-conference tour.
This is overlooking the ferry dock.

Some of the art scattered about town.
They even had a drinking fountain my height!

Hanging around at Port Townsend PD

Met some lovely charactors strolling around downtown.
We found a great little sub shop with a deck right on the water to have lunch. Port Townsend is a great place to visit!

Next we stopped at the Olympic Cellars, this is the winery I talked about before, run by all women! The wine tasting was fun and the grounds were an adventure to explore! They are located between Port Townsend and Port Angeles.

The next stop was on the Makah Indian Reservation for a short hike out to Cape Flattery. This is the most north-western point of the continental United States. A very easy hike, especially for me since I was riding in the camera bag, with an amazing view at the end!

This is Tatoosh Island.

We arrived in LaPush just in time for sunset.....

We stayed at the LaPush Ocean Park Resort, it is run by the Quilute Tribe. Being the posh, upscale whale that I am, we stayed in the luxury cabins but they have lots of options from tent camping to cabins featuring jacuzzi tubs overlooking the ocean...sigh....
We spent Sunday hiking and exploring First, Second and Third Beaches. Second beach was our favorite with the tide pools, sea stacks and hole in the wall.
The forest comes right up to the beach! That can make a tree-hugger out of anyone!

This is an example of the "conch" growth in the rain forest. Made a lovely spot for me to rest.

Below is the root system of a recently fallen tree....My friend Niomi posed with it to give you some perpsective as to the size.

Can you see the seal looking back at you?

How about now? There he is!

For those of you who are fans of the Twilight book series, yes, this is the area it is based in. We took a quick spin around Edward and Bella's turf for you......

Well, thats it for now, Lets be careful out there!

Ollie

Street (or ocean) Survival

2009-04-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Again my Friends,

In March the local IAWP folks hosted the Calibre Press Street Survival Class.
I got to attend and learned a lot about keeping myself safe and healthy.

In learning that I would be out of work as a conference promoter after the Seattle Conference in September, Sarge let me have a go at instructing to see if I might want to go into that field.....

I like teaching but I think the traveling would get to me. All that time out of the water! I will happily attend as many of their seminars as I can because I learned soooo much!
I do really like my new t-shirt though and it will come in handy this summer as the weather starts to get warmer.

I am very excited to tell you that the Sarge (aka Betsy Branter Smith) will be an instructor at the Seattle Conference! She is an amazing advocate for IAWP and I am very proud to be her friend!

Well, thats all for now, the sun is shining in Seattle so that means we all head outside! It is tulip festival time here in Skagit County so watch for pic's of me exploring the tulip fields!

Lets be careful out there....
Ollie

Washington Wines

2009-04-05T21:42:00.001-07:00

Hello again friends! Do you know that Washington State is located on the same latitude as the famous wine growing regions in France? While the western part of the state is a bit wet for grapes, the Columbia Valley area receives less than 5 inches of rain per year. This creates an ideal atmosphere for vineyards. Washington has seen a huge surge in local wineries and vineyards in the past 30 years. It was a rough job but I did some research to help familiarize you with some of our local wines.

SilverLake Winery was established in 1987 and is located in the Roza Spice Bowl area of the Columbia Valley. They are based out of Zillah, Washington and have tasting rooms in Leavenworth, Zillah and Woodenville.

http://www.silverlakewinery.com/
Snoqualmie Vineyards is based out of Prosser, Washington and has been producing wine since 1983. They were named Washington Wine of the Year in 2006. They also maintain a certified organic line of wine known as the "naked" line. Wine tasting and tours are available.

http://www.snoqualmie.com/

The Columbia Winery is one of the better known wine producers of Washington. Established in 1962 by 10 friends (6 of whom were professors at the University of Washington) the first batches were produced in the garage of one of the founders. The winery is now located in Woodenville, Washington and has tours and tasting available.

http://columbiawinery.com/

Badger Mountain Vineyards is a 100% certified organic vineyard. No chemical herbicides, insecticides, fungicides or synthetic fertilizers are used at the vineyard. At Badger Mountain they balance tradition and technology to produce a wide array of classic varietal wines, as well as limited bottlings of wines with no added sulfites/preservatives. Badger Mountain was established in 1982 and is located in Kennewick, WA. Tasting and tours available.

http://www.badgermtnvineyards.com/

The Sky River Meadery is nestled in the rugged foothills of Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountain Range. The stunning landscape has been inspirational in the development of the meadery ( the gray ~ green of the logo is the color of Sky River itself ) while their association with Pure Foods Inc. provides the finest honey available.

The Meadery is located in Sultan, WA and has tasting available.

http://www.skyriverbrewing.com/

The Chateau Ste Michelle is probably the most widely distributed of Washington wines. The Chateau occupies 87 acres in Woodenville Washington and was established in 1912. Tours and tasting are avaible.

http://www.ste-michelle.com/

San Juan Cellars is a small winery based out of Richland and Friday Harbor Washington. Their wine is distributed by the Island Wine Company and can be found right off the ferry dock in Friday Harbor.

http://www.sanjuancellars.com/

Olympic Cellars Winery is located in Port Angeles Washington. Established in 2001 it is owned and operated by three women. Their second label, the highly acclaimed Working Girl® series of everyday wines (Working Girl White, Go Girl Red, and Rosé the Riveter and Handyman Red), was created in support of women and underwrites Olympic Cellars’ two signature philanthropic giving programs. http://olympiccellars.com/ http://workinggirlwines.com/

Pasek Cellars is located in Mount Vernon, WA and has tasting rooms in Leavenworth and Conway. Cranberry Wine is the wineries best seller and they also produce the special label "Tulip Wines" for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
http://www.pasekcellars.com/

A simple day-trip from anywhere in Western Washington, Mount Baker Vineyards is a prominent highlight of many travel guides and feature articles. The winery is a must-do stop on the scenic route to Mount Baker, Seattle, or Vancouver, B.C. Licensed in 1982, Mount Baker Vineyards is one of a few surviving pioneers of grape growing on the West Side of the Cascades. Tours and tasting available. http://www.mountbakervineyards.com/

Columbia Crest Winery was established in 1984 and is located in Paterson, WA. Tours and tasting available.

http://www.columbia-crest.com/

In May 2001, Maryhill Winery opened its doors as one of only 100 wineries in the state. Today, there are more than 600 Washington wineries. Named “2009 Washington Winery of the Year” by Wine Press Northwest, Maryhill produces 19 varietals and a total of 27 award-winning wines.

Maryhill is located above the Columbia River in Goldendale WA. http://www.maryhillwinery.com/

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The Flying Fish label is produced by Gordan Hill and distributed by Wahluke Wine Company. It is available in wine stores around Seattle.
millbrandt vineyards was established in 1997 and is located in Mattawa WA. Thier wines are widely available in stores around Seattle and beyond.

http://millbrandtvineyards.com/

Bonair Winery is located in the Rattlesnake Hills near Zillah, WA. They have tasting and tours available. I shared this bottle of Bung Dog Red (named after the wineries resident canine) with my friends Chance and Zip. Tasting and tours are avaliable.

http://bonairwine.com/

I could find nothing online about this bottle but it was called Brown Dog Syrah and was made in LaConner Washington. I just really liked the label because it looks like Chance!

This is just a sampling of some of the over 600 wineries in Washington. I am not promoting or condoning drinking, just some interesting tidbits about our state.

Well, gotta go, remember....don't drink and swim!

Ollie

New clothes!

2009-03-23T16:32:00.001-07:00

I am so happy that my IAWP Seattle 2009 sweatshirts finally got here. I invited some of my friends over to help show off all the colors I got. Some of my friends are available for adoption (sale) on the IAWP 2009 website. Pre-ordering is encouraged and colors will be first-come, first serve on arrival in Seattle. I am hoping that a couple more color options might be added by the time the conference rolls around.
I went on a snowshoe trip with some friends early in March (OK....I rode in the camera bag) but was too cold to get out and have my picture taken. Thought you might enjoy this view of the Cascade Mountains in winter though!

Lets be careful out there! Ollie

Viva Las Vegas!

2009-02-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

I recently got to tag along with some 2009 Committee members as they traveled to Las Vegas for a Calibre Press Street Survival for Women Seminar. I learned a lot about being a safer whale and made a lot of new friends who I hope come visit me in Seattle in September!

This is my friend Justice, her mom works for LVMPD.

These were my dancing friends...

New friends from New Mexico

Me at the Ghost Bar! What a view!

The Calibre Press Crew with some of the ladies of LVMPD

Nice lion....

Teachers pet!

This seminar and the new friends I made was a preview of the fun and networking opportunities the 2009 Committee is working hard to provide you with in Seattle. Hope you can make it!

Lets be careful out there
Ollie

Sunset over the San Juans

2009-02-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

I didn't get to go along for this but my friend Zip (who, by her markings I beleive to be part Orca) took my official photographer for a walk last night and caught the end of a fantastic sunset over the San Juan Islands. The pic's are taken from Washington Park on the west end of Anacortes on Fidalgo Island. Enjoy!

Visiting the San Juan Islands

2009-01-30T21:45:00.001-08:00

For those who don't like swimming in cold water, the best way to get to the San Juan Islands is by Ferry Boat. The Washington State Ferries are an intregal part of our State Highway system and the only public access to the San Juans.

The Ferry dock is in Anacortes WA, about 1.5 hours from Seattle. You can learn more abou the ferry system and check the schedule at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

I recently took a day trip out to San Juan Island, the biggest island in this chain and the site of the Pig War in 1859, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_War) one of the last boundary issues to be resolved between British and American forces. After joint occupation of the island for 12 years, a resolution was finally reached in 1872 when it was decided that the islands would belong to the United States. The Union Jack still flies above the "British Camp", being raised and lowered daily by park rangers, making it one of the very few places without diplomatic status where US government employees regularly hoist the flag of another country.

Once on San Juan Island we drove over to Lime Kiln State Park, this is one of the best places to try and see some of my family (Orca Whales) from land. J and K pods pass by here regularly. There is some good hiking and lots of places to picnic. Many people use this as a stop off point when out on Kayak trips as well.

Before heading home we wandered around Friday Harbor a bit. Friday Harbor is the main town on San Juan Island and is where the ferry docks. There are lots of fun stores and places to eat and I made a new friend who looks a lot like me!

Well, thats all for now, gotta swim......Lets be careful out there!

Ollie

"Tis the Season

2008-12-18T14:41:00.001-08:00

Just a short note to wish all a magical season, no matter what holiday you celebrate. It looks like we might have a white Christmas here in Washington! Watch for more posts and pictures after the New Year!

Lets be careful out there!

Celebrating Fall in the Northwest

2008-11-30T17:21:00.001-08:00

What a great kickoff to fall to have Beth and the other Seattle delagates bring the official IAWP flag home from Darwin. The committee is working very hard to make this a great conference for all of you so I hope you are planning on coming!

Fall in the northwest brings pretty colors to the trees and mist in the air. I have had many adventures this fall, including pumpkin hunting for Halloween (I found the biggest one but it would not fit in the car)

This was a fun day in Skagit Valley.

I also made a quick trip to Seattle and got a glimpse of the Westin.....(the conference hotel)

I didn't get inside but will make sure to go back for a tour so I can tell you all about it!

Well, thats all for now, gotta swim!

Lets be careful out there!

Ollie

Riding the waves

2008-11-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

Took a ride on the Keystone/Port Townsend Ferry last month. Ferries are an intregal part of transportation in Washington State....I will add more about this later, just wanted to share my pic's of this great sunrise and sunset....and the new friends I met on the ferry ride....

Born to Be Wild

2008-10-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

On the last weekend in September, Anacortes Washington hosts the Oyster Run Motorcycle Rally. This lovely town of 17,000 people on Fidalgo Island explodes with over 10,000 motorcyle enthusiasts. I had the chance to wander around downtown and enjoy the roar of the Harley pipes and meet a lot of new friends.

The whole downtown is reserved for
motorcycles only. Four rows across for 11 block plus down all the side streets! Quite a sight to see (and hear!!)

It is named the Oyster Run because fall in the Pacific Northwest is the best time for oysters. The cooler water temp helps them reach their peak and gets them ready for harvesting and eating! The Oyster Run has many opportunities to try slurping one down!

Everyone from Anacortes Police Dept. is on duty for Oyster Run!

This is a fun event, especially if you love motorcycles but be aware, this event will be occuring the weekend after the Seattle IAWP Conference so keep in mind that the roads, ferries and hotels in the area (Anacortes, Mt Vernon, LaConner, Sand Juan Islands) will be very full with people headed to the Oyster Run!

Lets Be Careful Out There!

Ollie

Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks....

2008-10-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

Summer would not be summer without baseball! The Seattle Mariners baseball team have been playing in Seattle since 1977. Even if baseball is not your game, just the visit to SafeCo Field is an experience in itself. Boasting a retractable roof that allows fans to enjoy the awesome Seattle sunshine and be protected from some inevitable rainy days, The Safe is one of the premier ball parks in the country.

I had a lot of fun at the game...was kinda bummed they did not have any shirts in my size....

But I did run into some Seattle PD buddies and they let me take their bike for a spin!

Baseball season will be in full swing during the Seattle conference. What a great way to spend some time with friends (hint...if you get the famous garlic fries... share them with your friends so you all have stinky breath!)

I forgot this picture in my last blog....sporting events are such good places to meet interesting people....

Lets Be Careful Out There!
Ollie

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

2008-10-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Even though our Seattle teams are not having great seasons this year Seattle boasts two of the most beautiful settings for (American) football and baseball that you can imagine! The Seattle Seahawks play football at Qwest Field...

and the Mariners play in "The Safe"..otherwise known as Safeco field...

Hopefully the Seattle Storm womens basketball will make it to the playoffs next year which will extend the season into the IAWP Conference!

The Seahawks have been playing in Seattle since 1976, they started playing in the Kingdome....

sharing it with the Mariners until the 2000 when it was imploded for safety reasons....

In 2002 they moved to Qwest field, boasting beautiful views of downtown and the Puget sound.

In the foreground you can see the Smith tower (white pointy top) that held the record for years of the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The Columbia Tower behind it now holds that title.

Behind me you can see part of the Port of Seattle. Seattle has a huge shipping industry and has developed into a favorite cruise ship destination. Beyond that you can see the Olympic Mountains. Seattle is cradled between the Olympics on the far side of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountain Range to the west. (watch for future posts on my visits to both sets of mountains!)

The Seahawks biggest claim to fame is the amazing support of its fans. The team recognizes this to the extent that in 1984 they retired the #12 jersey in honor it the "12th man" (there are 11 players on the field and the 12th man in the stands cheering!) Before every game the 12th man flag is raised and flies above the heads of the Blue Thunder drum corp for the whole game.

I thought about trying out for the SeaGals Cheer Squad but decided I like the 12th man jersy better...I will keep my cheering in the stands!

Wow....I guess I got really excited talking about the Seahawks....Watch for my report on the Mariners tomorrow!

Lets Be Careful Out There!

Ollie

Visiting Portland

2008-10-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Another adventure I had this summer was traveling south to the Portland Oregon area. We actually stayed in Troutdale, about 20 minutes outside of Portland at a cool place named McMennamins Edgefield. They turned the old Multnomah County Poor Farm into a motel/brewery/winery. There is also a day spa with a soaking pool and a movie theatre on the grounds! They serve a mean bloody mary for those tough Sunday mornings....

Portland is about a three hour drive from Seattle and is a very fun city! I was bummed we did not get to visit Michele and Liz while we were there but they were already in Australia.

My favorite place that we visited was Multnomah Falls. This is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the United States. It is in the Columbia Gorge and is one of many waterfalls and hiking spots in this area. We did not hike to the top this time but there is a trail that goes ALLLLLL the way up!

Watch for more posts coming soon....my website managers have been quite busy getting ready for winter but I will try to keep them updating more frequently....hard to get good help these days ;-)

Lets be careful out there!

Catching Up

2008-09-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hi...It's Ollie again. I was soooo busy having fun this summer that I just got my blog up and running. My first few posts will be catching everyone up on the adventures I have already had then I will try to keep you up to date as the year goes on.

I am sure many of you are familiar with one of my favorite places....

STARBUCKS!!!

Here I am with some of the baristas that helped out at our Run With Cops, Not From Them 5K fun run.

After Starbucks I spent some time at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Seattle has lots of fun parks, many of them right on the water so you can explore and discover many of my fellow saltwater creatures living on the beach!

I like to ride the Metro bus for my exploring....the bus system downtown is very good and can help you get around Seattle without a car quite easily. Parking in downtown Seattle is very expensive so I use public transportation as often as possible. Most people will ride INSIDE the bus though...I love the feel of fresh air on my dorsal fin riding up front!

Well, gotta swim.....Let's be careful out there! Ollie

Hello everybody!

2008-09-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

My name is Olivia deOrca but my friends call me "Ollie". I am the official mascot of the Seattle 2009 IAWP Conference. Over the next year I will be travelling around the Pacific Northwest and sharing my adventures with you.

I want you to be as excited as I am to get to know Seattle and the amazing beauty and excitement of the Pacific Northwest!

So check back often and feel free to leave comments or questions about where to go and what to do in my favourite places.

Let's be careful out there! Ollie