CZECH REPUBLIC PUNKVA CAVES AND MACOCHA ABYSS
by Lynn Rosen

Lynn Rosen takes us on an adventure through the largest and longest cave system in the Czech Republic - the Punkva Caves in the Moravian Karst in what is called the Bleak Valley. Truly awesome and majestic, the limestone formations and natural abyss evoke an eerie mystery and tell a powerfully sad and moving legend.

BACKPACKING THE NORTH UMPQUA
by Lee Juillerat

Fascinating, complex geology - wild, varied and challenging enough that one section of Oregon's North Umpqua Trail is dubbed "Dread and Terror" while another segment features a series of spa-sized, toasty body-soaking hot springs.

The North Umpqua Trail has it all.

RAFTING AND LODGING ON THE WILD AND SCENIC ROGUE RIVER, OREGON
by Larry Turner

The Rogue has been the recreation and visiting grounds for many famous people including Bing Crosby, Clark Gable, Tyrone Power, journalist Ernie Pyle, author William Faulkner, actress Ginger Rogers and my friend actress Kim Novak. A river like the Rogue runs through us all. I like the meaning of this river.

CREATION OF THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS
by Vicki Andersen

LAS VEGAS MIXOLOGY CLASS
by Yvette Cardozo

ADAPT, OR YOUR NEXT VACATION COULD GO DOWN IN FLAMES
by Christopher Elliott

About one hundred to one hundred fifty miles east of where the Pacific Ocean pounds the edge of the North American continent, a 700-mile stretch of playground runs from southern British Columbia, the length of Washington state and Oregon, and into northern California. Most of the volcanoes are extinct, but several -- most notoriously Mt. St. Helens -- are considered dormant.

The cocktail, it turns out, is an American invention. The crude roots were in early settlement days when pioneers needed something safe to drink, leading to beer, mead, wines and eventually, distilled spirits. They mixed these creations with water, thus (hopefully) purifying and extending the safe drinking supply.

When you travel, plans can change at any minute. You could lose your accommodations, or your plane could make an emergency landing, or the weather might not cooperate. And you have to adapt. If you're one of the millions of Americans making vacation plans for this summer, you'll probably have a problem-free experience. But just in case you don't, I've got you covered.

LEAVE NO TRACE THIS SUMMER AS YOU EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
by the United States Geological Survey

TECH-SAVVY KIDS IN NATURE

by Jeff Alt

SALEM, OREGON TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL RIVER 2 RIDGE RELAY, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018

Based on USGS science, some low-impact outdoor practices communicated by land managers include visitors collecting only dead and fallen campfire wood that they can break by hand; choosing small campsites in sloped areas that are more than 200 feet from water; and concentrating activity on durable surfaces like rock or areas that lack plant cover.

How do we to get kids out in nature? 

“Bring the devices with you!” says Jeff Alt, family hiking expert and author of Get Your Kids Hiking. When Lewis and Clark embarked on their Corps of Discovery expedition in 1804 they were equipped with the best technology of the time.  Why not let your kids do the same?”

The Salem River 2 Ridge Relay is the first event of its kind held in the United States. It is modeled after Japan’s popular SEA TO SUMMIT events, in which participants kayak across the sea, bicycle through the countryside and hike up a mountain. Participants can compete as a two or three-person team or as an individual.

THERE'S AN ART TO TRAVEL
and HERE'S HOW TO MASTER IT
by Christopher Elliott

FOUR TIPS IF YOU PLAN T0 GET YOUR DENTAL WORK DONE ABROAD
by Ramon Duran, DMD

It all comes down to understanding the purpose of travel, knowing the right people and processes and having a productive attitude, experts say.

It helps to know why we travel, says Thomas Swick, author of the book “The Joys of Travel.” He breaks it down into fundamental pleasures that include anticipation, movement, break from routine, novelty and discovery.

"It opens people's eyes to the real reasons they travel," he says. "I think it helps them make of it a kind of art."

If you choose to go outside the U.S. for your dental procedures, there are things to consider to help you make the best decision. You have a lot to learn not only about the dentist but post-treatment considerations as well.”

“The reality is that many thousands of Americans are looking for dentistry in places they don’t know outside the country, and the main reason they do it is with some procedures they can save 50 percent or more from what it would have cost in the U.S.,” Duran says.

Who we are: For brief bios on the writers who form this Pacific Northwest collective, please click here.