County Fair Kicks Off Today

Wahoo! Today kicks off the annual County Fair in Elma! Are you going? What day are you going?! What's your favorite part? Food? Animals? Exhibits? Entertainment? Games? Rides? Rides!!!

If it seems like I'm excited about the County Fair, its because I am. The fair is the epitome of summer in a place where we aren't gauranteed other summer staples... you know, like sun and heat. I look forward to the fair every year as my opportunity to be a little country, have some fun and celebrate the summer season. And if you've ever been to another county's fair, you know that Grays Harbor puts on one impressive festival! And if you haven't....consider yourself lucky. I lived outside of Washington State for four years and I never encountered a fair that was as robust or country as Grays Harbor's.

I'd write more, but I'm way too excited to get there already!

This year's theme is "Our Colors, Our Country, Our County Fair" and the five days of fun starts today. Visit the GH County Fair website for more information on admission, events, entertainment times and more.

Friday Five: Harbor Museums

Get a little closer to our area's heritage this weekend by visiting one of these five museums that work hard to preserve the local area’s rich history in the various industries our community has been built around. Historical displays in logging, shipping, rail and early life on the Harbor are all available at these five fine establishments. You didn’t even know we had five museums on the Harbor? Then you’ll be blown away to know that there are actually a few more! Go get your history on this weekend, Grays Harbor!

Photo courtesy of Aberdeen History Museum

1)      Aberdeen History Museum

111 East Third Street
Aberdeen, Washington 98520
 (360) 533-1976 

Who hasn’t been here at least once over the years for a school trip or special event? Yeah, that one time when you were 12 was a long time ago, but the place pretty much looks the same. I love the town-in-a-building layout of the exhibits that help depict Aberdeen’s rich history based in logging and industry. The old photographs on display alone are captivating. This also happens to make a great, unique location for special events like special interest seminars, auctions, receptions and reunions for Aberdeen or harbor based organizations. Hours are 10am - 5pm on Tues-Sat and 12p-4p on Sun. Admission is free, however, suggested donations are: Families  $5.00,  Individuals  $2.00,  Students and Seniors  $1.00  

photo courtesy of City of Hoquiam

2)      Polson Museum

1611 Riverside Avenue

Hoquiam WA

360-533-5862

A National Historic Site, this museum is housed in a 6,500 mansion circa 1924 that I wouldn’t mind calling home. But I suppose housing Grays Harbor’s history is a higher calling for this beautiful building. The exhibits span 17 rooms of the house and another “Railroad Camp” building on the property that is in progress. This museum boasts that it contains the most extensive collection of Grays Harbor history, so if you’re looking to learn a thing or two about your hometown a visit here is in order. Did I mention something earlier about old photographs? Well, this place has over 12,000! Hours are 11a-4p Wed-Sat, and 12p-4p Sun. Admission is: Families $10, Adults $4, Students $2 and Under 12 $1

3)      Quinault Cultural Center

Tahola beachscape.

807 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1

Tahola WA

360-276-8215 x245

Learn about the history of the Quinault Indian Nation through photographs, artifacts and historical documents at this small museum in Tahola. As one of the most successful hunter gatherer peoples, the Quinault Indians lived off the land for thousands of years along the coast of Washington. The tribal library is also housed here with various books published by Quinault Indian Nation members, and also a bevy of electronic information that’s available to browse on the five computer stations. Hours are 8am – 4:30p Mon-Fri, but it’s highly recommended to call ahead of time.

photo courtesy of Chehalis Valley Museum

4)      Chehalis Valley Museum

703 West Pioneer Avenue

Montesano WA

360-249-5800

This museum has charged itself with the mission of preserving the history of the Chehalis Valley from Oakville to Aberdeen. Which means a whole ‘lotta country life artifacts. Housed in a former church, this museum features a collection of logging equipment, old fashioned housewares, local family geneology information and more. I love east county, so this museum hits the spot for me. Hours are 12p-4p Sat & Sun. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

5)      Westport Maritime Museum

The whale skeleton on display at the
Westport Maritime Museum

2201 Westhaven Drive

Westport WA

360-268-0078

This is, by far, my favorite place of history in Grays Harbor. An old Coast Guard compound, this museum is housed in 5 buildings right on the docks in Westport. Exhibits center around all things coastal such as beach coming, sea life, whaling, shipwrecks, local maritime history and more. The magnificent Destruction Island lighthouse lens is on display and nothing beats the gigantic whale skeleton. It’s impressive every time I visit. Don't forget to drive down the road and visit the lighthouse while you're in the area! Hours are 10a-4p daily. Admission is Adult $5, Children $2, Under 5 Free.

Camp The Harbor!

Memorial Day weekend is coming up and you know what that means: it's stylish to wear white pants again! Oh, and it's the official kick off of the camping season.  If you haven't yet pulled out your trusty blue tarp do so now and start packing your camping gear because true to tradition, the weather for this weekend is looking iffy at best. Actually, if you haven't already made reservations to camp at a formal campground by now, you're most likely going to be camping in your backyard - everyone it seems, is heading out to the Harbor's best campgrounds this Friday to celebrate the unofficial start to summer.

But even if you end up spending Memorial Day weekend "camping" in your backyard, there's still an entire summer ahead of you to enjoy all the close-to-home camping opportunities. Have you camped locally before? The great thing about Grays Harbor is that our terrain is so versatile you can camp nearby and feel worlds away- beaches, lakes, rivers and forests all offer you the chance to reconnect with nature without ever really leaving home. Here are some options for you to consider; go ahead and mark a weekend on the calendar now and make your reservation ahead of time (yes, camping is so in-demand these days that reservations are needed at most places):

If you love falling asleep to the soothing sound of waves and waking up to the salty sea air, try the following beach campgrounds:

Pacific Beach Campground: On the northern end of Grays Harbor's shores, this campground is open year-round for those willing to brave the cooler months. You can even have fires on the beach!

Ocean City Campground: Just north of Ocean Shores, this campground is also year round and offers not only your typical beach activities, but is also a great place to view migratory shorebirds.

Twin Harbors Campground: On the Westport end of our shores, this park is open in its entirety from June 16- October 31. 

If you're looking for a really quick trip that still gets you in touch with nature, try one of the following two very local parks:

Lake Sylvia

Lake Sylvia State Park: Located in Montesano, this is a great place for a one-night stay if that's all you have time for. The camping is still excellent despite its proximity to the city and there's plenty of hiking, fishing and outdoor activity to keep you occupied.

Schafer State Park:  Ok, just outside of Grays Harbor, Schafer is technically in Mason County. But it's such a great camping location along the Satsop river, it has to be mentioned. It's also a very close camping option for those living in East County.

If you'd rather enjoy the Olympic National Forest and all its versatility, try the following:

Lake Quinault Area

The Pacific Ranger District of the Olympia National Forest maintains four campgrounds around Lake Quinault that allow you to take in the rain forest at its finest. All are first-come, first-served campgrounds.

Coho Campground at Wynoochee Lake: My personal favorite campground locally. I remember visiting this campground frequently growing up. I even blue-tarp camped there with a group of friends like a true Washingtonian on the 4th of July weekend in 2008, 7 months pregnant and all! This campground is a bit tricky - it's a long (bumpy) drive to get out there and its still your traditional first-come, first-served campground so head out on a Thursday just to be safe!

Some things to keep in mind when planning your camping experience:

-Reservations really are recommended whenever possible. You don't want to disappoint your family by getting all the way out there and seeing "Reserved" notes on every spot that is sitting empty. I've been there- and slept in the car, in a parking lot, as a result. All State Parks are reserved on their website. Olympic National Forest campgrounds are, unfortunately, still first-come, first-served.

-You will need a Discover Pass if you are visiting any State Park this summer. It's $30, and you can get it here or at any place that sells hunting/fishing licenses.

-Bring a blue tarp! You know how the weather can be.

-Respect burn bans and campfire rules. Some campgrounds, like the beaches, may only allow campfires on the beach and not at the campsite. Other times, a burn ban may be in effect because the weather's just been too nice for too long (it happens!).

-Have fun, enjoy nature, run wild! Just remember to keep all your trash to yourself so that those after you can enjoy the beauty too. Take pride in the fact that these beautiful, scenic areas are in our community and people come from all over the northwest to enjoy them!

We've all been there. Living in the NW, there's no way to avoid it.

It's a "Shore" Thing: Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival is This Weekend

Ah, spring is in the air. And so are the birds.

shorebirds in flight Photo Courtesy of shorebirdfestival.com

 

photo courtesy of shorebirdfestival.com

This month welcomes the return of the bird to Grays Harbor. As evidence that spring is here and the sunshine will (hopefully) show itself with more frequency for the next several months, birds of all kinds are finding their way back North. The shorebird varieties are no different as they travel upwards to the Alaskan tundra (which I learned in my interview below) and the spectacle of witnessing them arrive in droves peaks this weekend with the annual Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival. A bevy of activities ranging from field trips to lectures to a bird lover’s marketplace and more allow you to celebrate this migratory sensation, which is mostly centered around the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge at Bowerman Field in Hoquiam.

I admit that I have an affinity for birds. After all, my favorite segment of Portlandia is Put a Bird On It. I have a “blue bird of happiness” on my desk at work that I frequently pet in an effort to amplify the good vibes (whether it works or not is debatable). And I have an unwaning giddiness at spotting my favorite bird, the Western Scrubjay. But I’ll also admit that I possess no actual bird knowledge so I am making a concerted effort to make the most of this year’s Shorebird Festival and learn something about these migratory wonders that grace us with their presence. Who better to ask then a local avian expert? I “pecked” at the brain of Dianna Moore, who is a Festival committee member and a Grays Harbor Audobon Society board member to learn a bit more about the shorebird sensation.

Q: What makes a shorebird breed so unique over other birds spotted in Grays Harbor?

A:  Most shorebirds we see in Grays Harbor during spring and fall migration are in the middle of a long migration between South America and the Alaskan tundra. The sheer numbers of these birds during the spring migration makes them noticeable to all who see them, even non-birders.

Dianna Moore holds a bald eagle

Q:  Ahh, so that would be me: the novice bird enthusiast. What is the ideal itinerary for a first time festival attendee, to get most out of their inaugural birding weekend?

A: If the first-time visitor does nothing else, a trip to Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge at high tide is a good way to experience the migration. Volunteers with scopes are out on the Sandpiper Trail during the festival and will be glad to answer your questions. To get a better idea of what is being seen, register for the $10 lecture (Shorebird I.D. Basics) and the following $15 field trip to the refuge (Shorebirds for Beginners).

Q: What tools of the trade should I invest in as I start my birding adventures?

A: Though a lot of equipment isn't a necessity, it does help to have a pair of binoculars and a good bird identification book. For those who get bitten by the birding bug, a scope is next on the list.

Q:  Where are the best three birding spots in Grays Harbor County?

A: Grays Harbor NWR out by Bowerman Airport in Hoquiam, BottleBeach State Park on Hwy 105 in Ocosta (you will need a Discover Pass), and out on the beach in Ocean Shores at high tide.

Q: Those sound like great places to see our winged friends. What is the most spectacular bird you’ve spotted in Grays Harbor?

A: The recent irruption (increase in population) of Snowy Owls out on Damon Point in Ocean Shores, though a Gyrfalcon ranks right up near the top of that list too.

Q: Those are both spectacular looking birds! If you could pick just one bird to represent Grays Harbor County, what would it be?

As unromantic a bird as you will find, but it would have to be a Sanderling; they are the small, pale jobbies that run up and down the sand in front of the waves, jabbing their bills into the sand in search of food. They are found here year-round.

I love those little guys; they’re adorable! Thank you so much for your time, Dianna. I hope to see you out there this weekend.

The Festival runs all weekend Friday-Sunday with a very full daily event schedule. Visit the Shorebird Festival website for more information and a full itinerary of events.

photo courtesy of birdweb.org

National Park Week 2012

It's a place to walk the dog, to have a picnic, to play outside and spend time with your kids, your family or just by yourself with a book, a fishing pole or a pair of running shoes.  (except for the kids part... sounds like many of my springs and summers here on the harbor!)

Photo courtesy of Nationalparks.org

National Park Week 2012 starts this, yes I repeat THIS, weekend April 21 and runs through the 29th.  Lucky Grays Harborites have so many parks to choose from, you could visit one a day and it would still take you more than a month to visit them all. 

State parks that usually require a Discover Pass are free all week.  Great news for those of us (ie: ME) who have not taken the short amount of time required to buy the $30 pass when we renew our tabs.

Even if the weather isn't the best, (which it is supposed to be sunny this weekend), our areas 9 state parks, 9 wildlife conservations, and the national park are still great places to visit in the drizzle and fog.  The natural beauty of each park is breathtaking no matter the weather.

Not to mention the hundreds of local city and township parks that are sprinkled in and around our homes and workplaces. 

A few years ago, my mom and I took advantage of one of the many National Park Weeks held throughout the year and hiked our local parks.  It not only felt great to be outside but it made me appreciate the beauty of the area so much more. 

A few suggestions for your exploration week:  If you happen to be headed out to the beach check out Griffiths-Priday, Bottle Beach, and Westport Light.

My personal favorites are Lake Sylvia and Friends Landing in Montesano.  But don't forget about Makarenko Memorial  Park in Cosmopolis.  The memorial park has trails that are perfect for running and soccer fields that are great for a quick pick up game! 

Heading to East County?  Shaffer State Park is beautiful and free this week!

I could continue to tell you about all the local parks we have, and the list would be long, but what I really want you all to do is to Picture yourself Outside!

Dreaming of a Seabrook Beach House

If I could live anywhere in the world it would be Seabrook, WA.

 images from seabrookwa.com

Ok, maybe that's stretching the truth a bit. But not by much. I can definitely see myself in the mornings relaxing on the porch of a little whitewashed beach cottage affectionately named the Sandpiper Shanty, coffee mug in hand, watching the beach crud receed into the distance to reveal the summer sun reflecting over the gently lapping ocean waves. Ahhh... the scent of salty sea air wafting by in the breeze, little birds chirping as they fly towards the sandy dunes and children's laughter coupled with the playful ding-ding of beach cruiser bells in the distance. It would be the life to be a Seabrook resident, wouldn't it? Yeah. Oh yeah.

 images from seabrookwa.com

 If you're anything like me (nosy curious), then you do things like investigate the cost of making your dreams come true. And then, you laugh at yourself. I'm in no position to buy a beautiful piece of Seabrook at this point in my life. But what I am good at is trying to get lucky. I love contests, lotteries and opportunities to get something for nothing in general. I might just be lazy, but I'm pretty sure undeserved good fortune is the secret American dream. So imagine my extreme delight at Seabrook's Win a Beach House For A Year contest.

This is THE beach house!

image from seabrookwa.com

Here's what I love so much about this contest (besides the fact that you can, you know, win a beach house for a whole year or a number of 2-night stays): in order to gain entries you must take 7 weekly quizzes. Each quiz consists of 6 questions, which each earn you one entry when answered correctly. You can also earn entries by "Liking" the Seabrook page on Facebook, sharing on Twitter and +1 on Google Plus, and also by sharing your weekly quiz results on the three social media outlets. But the quizzes are the most brilliant part of this contest... all the questions are about Grays Harbor.

This excites me to no end! Seabrook is effectively requiring people to learn a little bit about the great things in our community in order to enter this fabulous contest. I love this tactic for showcasing some of the rich history, exciting attractions and interesting facts about Grays Harbor to others outside our community. And this contest is actually quite a big deal around the Pacific Northwest. Have you seen the billboard in Fife? Did you watch the Evening Magazine segment that aired last night at 7pm on KING 5? With the hype it's generated since it began 4 weeks ago, there's no doubt that entries are coming in from all over Washington, Oregon and beyond. I'm tickled inside to think that all these people are learning some amazing things about Grays Harbor.

Kudos to Seabrook for putting some genuine thought into their contest and promoting not only their fabulous beach community but also the Grays Harbor area as a whole. I can't wait to win.

Have you entered the contest yet? It's not too late to get started! Sign up HERE.

You can explore all things Seabrook at their website. Just be prepared to get sucked into the magic of this idyllic community surfing through the pictures & descriptions of all the beach cabins available for rent. I promise it will happen, it's inevitable.

You should also visit Grays Harbor Tourism's website. They are partnered in the contest and their impressive website will help you experience all things unforgettable about Grays Harbor (and there's more than you think!).