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Puget Sound And The PNW

October 31st, 2007 · Comments Off

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) stretches from Oregon ( or, by some accounts, the extreme of northern California ) to British Columbia, and arguably as far east as the Rocky Mountains. The region is home to three world class cities: Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, BC. All of these are aquatic to one degree or another. Seattle is built on the shore of Puget Sound, Portland on the Hood River, and Vancouver is and island.

All three of these cities are home to sky scrapers and function as healthy financial centers. Seattle is home to Starbucks and Microsoft, Portland to Intel, and Vancouver, the largest city of the three, hosts too much industry to list. And yet our three regional metropolises have old sections with cobblestone streets. All are built on the European model: a unified city with a diverse array of neighborhoods.

More than anything, what holds our region together, even across an international border, is a love for the outdoors. Not only are our three cities surrounded by mountains, water, and thriving plant life: this is the entire Pacific Northwest. Although we have desert, volcanic ruins, and a wide array of climates and landscapes, the PNW is largely defined by rain and snow. Perhaps this is why so many locals own four wheel drive vehicles.

Our region is home to four US national parks: Creator Lake in Oregon; Mt Ranier, North Cascades and Olympic in Washington. “Beautiful British Columbia” boasts several provincial parks: between Vancouver and Whistler ( a ski resort ) is one of the world’s highest concentration of eagles, and of photographers with giant lenses. Olympic National Park is perhaps the most interesting, with glaciated peaks, subalpine meadows, temperate rainforest, and amazingly remote beaches.

In fact, Olympic borders on the westernmost beach in the Continental United States. The rugged coastline extends thousands of miles to the south, although Oregon’s shores are preferred by the locals for their dramatic cliffs and solitude. The remote access ( all three cities are quite a distance from the ocean ) makes these places great for camping, but a cumbersome day trip.

Comments OffTags: General · National Parks

Atlantic Coast Beach Destinations

October 14th, 2007 · 2 Comments

The Atlantic coast of the United States offers much to the summer vacation traveler. America has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Spring break is a much anticipated event for High school and college students looking to briefly escape the confines of study and authority. Beach destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, FL and Myrtle Beach, SC team with young people looking to experience the summer vacation of a lifetime. Many other areas offer a more conservative, quiet experience. Duck, NC or Siesta Key, FL offer the opportunity for a wonderful and relaxing escape for one or the whole family.

→ 2 CommentsTags: General · Beaches

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Puget Sound And The PNW

October 31st, 2007 · Comments Off

Atlantic Coast Beach Destinations

October 14th, 2007 · 2 Comments

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