Time for a break

In order to concentrate on my art, I'm taking a break from blogging here at Northwest Seen. Thanks for your support...I'll be back soon.

If you're interested in following my art blog, check it out at www.artfoundango.blogspot.com

Thanks,
Randy

Mt. Angel Oktoberfest

The weather forcast for this weekend is great and will make the 2008 Mt. Angel, Oregon Oktoberfest that much more enjoyable. Plenty of people watching, food, crafts and fun will be on hand. I'll be there. Don't miss it. The festival runs from September 11 through September 14 this year.

Wallowa Lake Tramway - Eastern Oregon

With the opening of the gondola in 1970, Wallowa County added one of it's most popular attractions. The 3700' vertical foot ascent to the summit of Mt. Howard is a memorable experience. The exciting trip to the top of the mountain allows one to enjoy the view as the gondola rises above the Wallowa Lake Village and the blue waters of Wallowa Lake.

During this spectacular ride, guests get a view of the Eagle Cap Wilderness area and its rugged peaks. Upon arriving at the upper terminal, guests can explore the summit area enjoying the extensive variety of alpine plants and vegetation along any of the many trails. Interpretive signs and information are provided to make the most of your walk. If you prefer, just relax and take in the breathtaking views as you enjoy a meal, snack, or your favorite beverage at the Summit Grill and Alpine Patio. Mt. Howard is a popular site for a variety of activities, including picnics, weddings, reunions, hang-gliding, model glider flying, and walking the alpine trails. Many guests choose to hike to the mountain lakes and high basins in the Eagle Cap Wilderness area.

The quiet peacefulness at the summit area and dynamic scenery is why Wallowa Lake Tramway was designated "Best View in Oregon" and is truly a place to remember.

International Pinot Noir Celebration

July 25, 2008 - July 27, 2008
Linnfield College - Riley Hall
900 SE Baker Street
McMinnville, Oregon 97128

The 22nd Annual International Pinot Noir Celebration will dedicate the 2008 headline seminar to the topic of sustainability. Viewing the subject through the lens of the legendary wines of Dominique Lafon, as well as six additional world-class producers, attendees will learn how the world's top winemakers are proactively working to protect the environment as they craft wines of truly unsurpassed quality.

Mt. Angel Abbey Library - Mt. Angel, Oregon

In the early 1960s, library director Fr. Barnabas Reasoner approached the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto to design a new library building for the abbey. A report of that meeting was published in the March 1966 issue of the Mount Angel Abbey Library Bulletin. Because of his love of libraries and the special qualities of the Mount Angel Abbey site, Aalto agreed to design the library for a nominal fee. The building was completely funded through the generosity of Howard and Jean Vollum, who also contributed to the library's endowment.

The architecture of the Abbey Library reflects and shapes its spirit and purpose. The building's natural light illumines the multi-color bindings of the books which are offered on open stacks against a disciplined black and white background, softened by undulating curves and light colored wood. The structure, including three stories and a mezzanine, was completed in 1970. The entire library, with the exception of the bottom floor, is awash in natural light.

The library seats 200 patrons in 30 closed and 40 open carrels. It accommodates a comfortable reading room with current issues of 600 periodicals, a music listening and group study room, large study tables on the ground floor, and sunlit study areas around the staircases. The library collection numbers over 250,000 volumes while the building could hold up to 350,000 volumes.

Old Wheeler Hotel, Wheeler, Oregon

On a weekend when the traffic begins to be too much for me and the coast starts calling my name, you will more than likely find my wife and I at the Old Wheeler Inn in Wheeler, Oregon than at home.

I've stayed in many bed and breakfasts over the years and the Old Wheeler Inn is my favorite. The owners have truly created one of the top B&B's in the Pacific Northwest in my opinion.

Every detail has been paid attention to, and the payoff is big.

For more info go to www.oldwheelerhotel.com

Clear Lake Resort, Oregon

Well, it's great to be back online again with Northwest Seen. I had to take a break from the blog and decide if it was really filling a need. Apparently it is.

I just got back from a great trip to the mountains and more specifically, Clear Lake Resort in the Cascade mountain range of Oregon.

There was a little more snow on the ground than I was originally led to believe, but we had a great time nonetheless.

Clear Lake is really clear. Really clear. It's so clear that you can see the many-thousand year old trees on the bottom of the lake leftover from the volcanic eruption that created the lake, back when.

You can rent a rowboat by the hour or a full day for only $25.

There is a small diner next to the lake with decent food and a great view.

Note that the "rustic cabins" are really rustic. No bathrooms and no running water. It was a pain to trek to the shower/bathrooms down the trail from the cabin. Next time we'll be in one of the "modern" cabins.

It's a great place to get away from it all; you are surrounded by beauty. Really, what more could you want?

Don't miss Sahalie Falls just down the road. Absolutely stunning view and plenty of trails to hike.
Photo copyright 2008 Randy Hill Creative