As you embark on your holiday travels, be sure to indulge in all that Oregon has to offer. If you have yet to make plans for New Year’s Eve, check out our events page for tons of holiday fun.
The blog will be on vacation through the new year, to catch up on some much needed rest and begin brainstorming some more great ideas. So, until then, have a happy, safe and healthy holiday!
(I know, too obvious, but with the guests and gusts, the headline just wrote itself).
When you work for a fun company, it sometimes comes with perks where you get to do fun things you wouldn’t normally do. Such as being a Haiku Hottie. Dressed like a Pirate Wench during the Holiday Party Season. During gale force winds and sideways sheets of rain.
For the uninitiated, Haiku Hotties are Live Wire’s ushers/program hander-outers/haiku form distributors. Since it’s a radio show with a costumer, we had to look the part. In keeping with the holiday spirit, our costume theme was “The Naughty and The Nice.” For some reason, we only had one “Nice” - Noreen, our angel. Our group was rounded out with a Madame, an inmate and a bad, bad elf. Our fabulous costumes came from Salem’s Lil’ Gipsy Vintage Boutique. Check it out at http://www.lilgypsy.com/
It was a night full of sugar plum fairies, snowflakes, and even a giant rat king. The Nutcracker has completely enchanted me since I was a little girl, yet I love it even more as an adult.
I arrived at the Keller Auditorium in Portland on Sunday afternoon- which is a wonderful venue, because there’s not a bad seat in the house- and enjoyed an afternoon full of exquisite dancing and a heartfelt story. I was incredibly impressed by the set design of this particular Nutcracker, as it was very intricate. As the children peered through the front door of the house on this set, you could see through it and gaze at the brightly-colored Christmas tree, as well as all the contents of the house. This show also incorporated a tiny yet extravagent boat, which transported the children to and from their dreamland. Not to mention, snow! At least a dozen dancers floated through snowflakes during one portion of the show, which was very impressive. The costumes were gorgeous as well. Many incorporated flowy skirts with brightly colored sequins and sparkles, in addition to the traditional tutu (of course).
Living on the west coast has always been my dream. The first time I visited the west coast I fell in love with the climate, the ocean, food and state of mind. Originally from the Midwest, I had always craved somewhere sunny and full of outdoor activities to keep me occupied and tan. But I think what got me the most excited were the never ending farmers’ markets. The food was incredible and so fresh. But it wasn’t until I first visited Portland that I truly knew what the west coast had to offer.
The day started just as I had hoped - overcast and foggy. Not your normal aspiration as you embark on an eight-hour outdoor excursion, into the shadows of Central Oregon’s rugged Cascade Mountains in November. But today we were fishing for steelhead on Oregon’s legendary Deschutes River. My friend Will and I met our guide at 9:00am and we drove to the first section of water we hoped would yield the elusive andromonous fish. (See “Editor’s Note” at end of story)
As we approached the water I reminded Will, who has never fished for steelhead before, to lower his expectations. There is a reason they call steelhead the fish of 1,000 casts. One such reason is that steelhead do not eat once they begin their journey from the ocean back to their birthplace in the river (often a trip of hundreds of miles). The goal is to get them to strike your fly by triggering an instinctual territorial response.
Saturday December 9, 2006: Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area
Snow Quality: 10, because there was fresh snow on Opening Day!!!
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area is located on the SE side of Mt. Hood; from Government Camp, go east on 26 / north on Hwy 35 for 10 miles; 35 miles on Hwy 35, from I-84 (Exit 64) in Hood River, OR. (Pssssst…did you know we’re giving away ski weekend to Meadows this month?!)
Opening Day at a ski area is something special. The lodge is bustling with smiles and energy. Everyone is eager to get loaded on a lift and start sliding and gliding down the mountain. Season Pass holders get to realize their fall investment and can start their expectations of what is to come. Employees realize their roles and how fun everything is going to be, including meeting new people and getting to enjoy the excitement and energy flowing throughout the entire ski area.
Surfing in Oregon? It’s true. With just about 48 hours notice, the world’s top surfers are descending on the central Oregon coast town of Lincoln City for the Nelscott Reef Tow In Classic. The contest is the only professional tow in contest on the North American continent and one of only 2 professional tow in contests in the world.
The large swells off Lincoln City are generated from the first winter Pacific storms to reach the Oregon Coast while a dominant high pressure system remains over the Northwest. What this means is….giant swells! The contest is scheduled to start today (this morning) and latest weather reports and models predict waves at the 30-40’ range. For live web cams and more information, visit http://www.nelscottreef.com/.
In Oregon, snow is piling high, buildings are decked out in holiday lights, and we’re celebrating the season with many local festivities.
As always, there’s no sales tax in Oregon and we have many great ideas on finding that perfect gift. And if you’re in the market for a Christmas tree, bundle up and take the kids out to one of Oregon’s many ”U-cut” Christmas tree farms.
Our friends (aka “powderhead speedsters”) Sally and Jeannine who work at VisitLaneCounty hit Willamette Pass Resort on opening day last week. Here is what they had to say…
MIRTHQUAKE ALERT….
What induces giggles, guffaws, and sidesplitting surrender to being in the moment??? The answer: the first day of the ski season at Willamette Pass – back on the hill with the sun shining, speedy snow, no crowds, and ample comradery.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 1, 2 & 3, 2006
Snow Quality: 8 (1-10, 10 being perfect)
Ski Anthony Lakes is located 19 miles west of North Powder, Oregon; in the Elkhorn Mountain Range of the Blue Mountains in NE Oregon.
I got out of Portland about 2 pm on Friday, December 1. I was very excited about this trip, as this past week the Pacific Northwest received some great snow, falling in the low 20’s and teens across the state. The snow blanketed the scenery in low elevations, which would make the 300 mile drive out east much easier. Ice crystals hung on the walls to my right as I drove east on I-84, and all I could think about were the fresh turns waiting for me at Ski Anthony Lakes in NE Oregon!
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