Aurae Beidler's Blog

Posted by Aurae Beidler

Summertime in the Northwest means residents and visitors are out enjoying the dry weather. One of the favorite activities of foodies is enjoying a meal outside. Laughter and good food makes for the best outdoor meal. A Northwest favorite, McMenamins establishments offer outdoor eating at many of their locations throughout Oregon and Washington. Perhaps the most popular setting, McMenamins Edgefield allows visitors to tour the grounds, which include extensive gardens and orchards. Several restaurants at Edgefield offer outdoor eating facilities. Guests can stroll the grounds with beer in hand. For more information on McMenamins Edgefield, read the recent article: McMenamins Edgefield Restaurants and Bars or visit the McMenamins website for more information on their Oregon and Washington locations.

Posted by Aurae Beidler

The 2008-09 ski season will run through April and perhaps through the first weeks of May for several Oregon Ski Resorts including Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. Resorts like Mt. Hood Meadows are cutting the price on spring passes, like the Unlimited Spring Season Pass for $99, down $20 from last year's rate. The pass is now on sale at the resort at www.skihood.com.

Spring is also a great time to attend an event at NW Ski Resorts, as many contests and celebrates are on the calendar for March and April. Contact your local ski resorts for more information on events and ski conditions.

Posted by Aurae Beidler

I recently wrote a series of articles about Southwest Wyoming and the city of Rock Springs. This area of Sweetwater County provides ample opportunities for adventure and learning. Visitors may actually find learning about history and geology the most memorable experience of their Wyoming vacation.

During my trip to Wyoming, I learned some fascinating things. I learned about Wyoming amazing geological history, when the state was covered by Lake Gosiute and giant fish and reptiles patrolled the shores. I saw theses fossils during a tour of Western Wyoming Community College and its Natural History Museum. I was amazed that most of the dinosaur skeletons, even though casts, were found right there in Wyoming! The T-Rex fossils were huge! After the tour, I could imagine all of these prehistoric creatures roaming the lands around Rock Springs.

One of the great learning resources in Rock Springs is the Rock Springs Historical Museum. This place has a huge collection of artifacts from Wyoming's coal mining past. Visitors can learn amazing things at the museum. Another great thing about the Rock Springs Historical Museum is the self-guided walking tour of the old downtown area. The published guide gives good background information and historic pictures. It was fun to learn about the city's ties to Butch Cassidy.

I also have to mention the historic trails just north of Rock Springs near Farson. To see the actual place where pioneers followed the Oregon Trail just blew my mind. The ruts in the ground, running as far as I could see was amazing. It was eerie to learn about all the unmarked graves along the trails. The historic trails is a great place for families to learn about pioneer life.

Make sure to visit Sweetwater County and learn about history, geology, culture while experiencing a wild west adventure!

Posted by Aurae Beidler

In my latest article about Detroit Lake in the Oregon Cascades I wrote about the fun recreational activities available in the area. Among the hiking options, there are many popular trails in the area. The Breitenbush Gorge Trail is an excellent hiking option. Other popular hiking trails in the Detroit area include:

• Coffin Mt. Lookout
• Elk Lake to Battle Axe
• Marion Lake
• Opal Lake

These trails offer wonderful views of the forests, lakes and Mt. Jefferson. This is a remote area with many opportunities for hiking fun.

Posted by Aurae Beidler

As I witness the gas prices dropping this week, it makes me wonder if more people will be inclined to travel by car this holiday season. As the price for gas declines, will airfare also drop or compete with specials for travel during the holiday season. With tough financial situations, more people will be inclined to stay home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, or celebrating the holidays close to home with family. Travel during the holidays is something people will do no matter what the price of gas or financial situation is because family is important.

I am interested to see how the economic crisis will affect travel in the Northwest United States. I feel that climate and weather may have the biggest impact on NW travel. How will this winter be? I will venture a guess that the travel industry in the Northwest will not see a great decrease in travel and tourists this holiday season.