Chester Allen

Chester Allen has never been able to understand why anyone would live or vacation in a dry, gritty desert.

Water -- whether it's salty or fresh, frozen or liquid, calm or turbulent -- is where Chester has the most fun. He lives in Olympia, Washington and Hood River, Oregon, but he travels throughout the Northwest -- and the world -- to surf, fish, ski, snowboard, boat and snorkel.

Chester does allow his feet to dry off every now and then, and he'll head off hiking and camping -- if there is water close by!

Chester, a professional outdoor writer and journalist for more than 15 years, is the outdoor columnist for The Olympian newspaper in Olympia, Wash. For more of Chester's writing, visit www.theolympian.com/chesterallen/index.html. Chester has also plunged into his own blog.

Chester looks forward to sharing with visitors to Suite101.com, and he welcomes comments and suggestions from readers.