Jetsettersblog

PORT ANGELES, Wash.- Bringing together two diverse environments located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, adventurers can ride the mountain trails and paddle the coasts in the same day. Adventures through Kayaking offers combined trips with half the day spent kayaking Freshwater Bay and the other half mountain biking the Olympic Discovery Trail’s Adventure Route. Freshwater Bay is a favorite destination for kayakers with the opportunity to see sea otters, harbor seals, anemones, sea stars, and possibly even whales in the water.

Overhead bald eagles, cormorants, surf scoters and harlequins soar.

On the Adventure Route, beginners and intermediate riders will enjoy single track riding with the scenery of Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park, glacier-fed lakes, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

For the independent adventurer bikes and kayaks can be rented through Adventures through Kayaking, Sound Bikes and Kayaks, and Olympic Raft and Kayak and other outfitters in Port Angeles.

Other popular kayaking destinations include Lake Crescent, Dungeness Spit Wildlife Refuge, and Lake Ozette. Many mountain biking trails can be found around the peninsula. Rental outfitters can help travelers find the best trails for their skill level.

After a long day of adventure, travelers can kick back in Port Angeles at a cozy B&B with a locally-made glass of wine, a rustic campsite near hot soaking springs, or a comfy lodge room by the harbor.

www.olympicpeninsula.org

Pleasant Holidays took the next step in the expansion of its continental U.S. portfolio with the launch of vacation packages for Seattle, Wash.

The new product line features seven hotels, private and shared airport transportation and Hertz car rentals from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The addition brings Pleasant Holidays’ continental U.S. portfolio to 25 U.S. cities and 196 hotels.

“About 9 million people visit the Seattle/King County area annually for vacations, special events and cruise departures and we are pleased to offer the Pacific Northwest in our USA portfolio,” said Jack E. Richards, president and CEO of Pleasant Holidays.

Pleasant Holidays’ Seattle hotels include Crowne Plaza Hotel Seattle; Grand Hyatt Seattle; Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Seattle-City Center; Holiday Inn Seattle; Sheraton Seattle; The Edgewater; and The Westin Seattle. Seattle packages are convenient for use as pre- and post-cruise packages in coordination with Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruises.

All the hotels in Pleasant’s portfolio are conveniently located in relation to Seattle’s two downtown cruise terminals, which are homeports for 11 premier cruise ships.

For more information, call 800-448-3333.

GRANTS PASS, Ore.—Rogue Wilderness Adventures is offering a trip that combines unforgettable hiking with an Oregon favorite—micro- brewed beer.

This new four day Oregon hiking trip features day hikes, riverside camping and lodging, and beer tasting led by Oregon Brew master Extraordinaire Mark Vickery.

Hikers will spend days exploring the Rogue River Trail by foot while being shadowed by a raft (in case tired feet win out and travelers want to hop on a raft to float down river for an exhilarating whitewater experience).

At night around the campfire, after long hikes through the stunning terrain, Oregon premier brew master Mark Vickery, formerly of Deschutes Brewery and now Golden Valley Brewery, will lead guests in tastings through the best of Oregon beers.

The Rogue River National Recreation Trail from Grave Creek to Foster Bar is in the heart of the National Wild and Scenic Rogue River Canyon and offers stunning scenery and an amazing place for hiking.

This trail was originally in the mid 1800’s by minors who wanted to reach their mining claims deep in Rogue River Canyon.

The trail follows the Rogue River for 44 miles, running next to the river as well as into old growth forests. These hikes are adventures in solitude—they give visitors a new perspective as they witness the beauty of the wilderness corridor.

Guides prepare gourmet deli-style lunches to be served at predetermined locations.

The presence of the raft protects offers support to the hikers in case fatigue sets in and hikers want a break. The raft can transport up to 4 guests if necessary or provide an exciting ride if someone wants to try a little whitewater rafting. Hikers also have a chance to learn about the history of this part of the country while enjoying the quiet scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife like bears, deer, and eagles.

Departure date: September 3, 2011, Cost: $1050 Per Person Four days/Three Nights, Group Size 14 hikers, 3 guides, 1 Brew Master. Participants must be 21 years of age. www.wildrogue.com

BOISE, Idaho- Boise may best be known for biking trails and superior spuds, but the Treasure Valley is hiding much more for the inquisitive visitor. Zip Idaho provides a birds-eye view of the Payette River Valley.

A 7 zip line tour starts at 5000 ft elevation with 4 cables traveling through a canopy of Ponderosa Pines. Watch for wildlife; turkeys, bear, deer, and elk frequent the forest floor below.

After a trip through the tree tops is “Wild Turkey,” the longest zip line in the state.

At 1700 ft and speeds of up to 40mph possible, this one’s sure to get the blood pumping. The tour ends with a dual zip line where participants can race 100 ft above a field of wildflowers.

Spend part of the trip soaring like eagles and the next part learning about them. Make time to visit one of the region’s other unexpected wonders: the World Center for Birds of Prey. Here the Avian Ambassadors can demonstrate the fascinating lives of birds from the fierce peregrine falcon to the majestic bald eagle. In addition to a courtyard of native and non-native birds, the center shares interactive exhibits, daily raptor presentations, and falconry tours. If visiting during May, don’t miss the Snake River Birds of Prey Festival with birding tours, paddle and float trips, photography lectures, and more.

www.visitsouthwestidaho.org

SONOMA VALLEY – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts of the US West partnered with the Pajama Program’s OPEN YOUR HEART Campaign will deliver warm sleepwear and nurturing books to children in need.

Celebrating its fifth year of participation, participating Fairmont properties which include the Fairmont San Francisco, the Fairmont San Jose, the Fairmont Newport Beach, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, and the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square (San Francisco), hope to collect thousands of new pajamas, books and cash donations from guests, employees and community members during the first few weeks of February, 2012, (individual property collection dates vary.)

All of the collected items will be distributed to philanthropic organizations in each hotel’s host communities.

“Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a proud sponsor of the Pajama Program’s PJ Drive,” says Tom Klein, Regional Vice-President of Operations and General Manager at the Fairmont San Francisco. “Fairmont’s partnership program puts a framework in place that allows our hotels to contribute to the community.”

ABOUT THE PAJAMA PROGRAM

The Pajama Program is a national non-profit organization providing comfort and love in the way of new pajamas to children-in-need and children waiting for a permanent home.

They are youngsters who do not know the comforts of a mother or father to tuck them into a cozy bed and read them a bedtime story.

Many have been abandoned or abused, most deprived of any love at all. “By providing pajamas we help to create a warm and nurturing bedtime environment for vulnerable youngsters living under difficult circumstances” says Pallie Zambrano, attorney-at-law and co-president of Northern California chapter.

For more information, please contact Pallie@pajamaprogram.org  or visit www.pajamaprogram.org

Honoring its Willamette Wine Valley roots, The Allison Inn and Spa, Oregon’s highly acclaimed and first luxury destination resort serving the state’s wine region, is pleased to introduce a unique stay-spa package available February 1 through March 31, 2012.

The Grape Escape, a two-night retreat, celebrates the women vintners of Willamette Valley—pairing tastings and insights with daily spa treatments and garden-to-table cuisine, all in an invigoratingly beautiful setting.

Ideal for a girlfriends ‘getaway, mother/daughter vacation, solo rejuvenation or romantic, midweek couples’ escape, Wine, Women & Spa provides unprecedented access to some of America’s top vintners and their wines.

As part of a two- or three-night stay between Wednesday and Friday, the package includes access to the inn’s Thursday night Celebrity Wine Tender event, an intimate tasting and conversation with a featured vintner. February and March line-ups will exclusively feature Willamette Valley women winemakers offering tastes of their creations as wellas conversation on the science and intuition of their craft.

This stellar group of Willamette Valley talent includes Anna Matzinger of Archery Summit, Lynn Penner Ash of Penner Ash Wine Cellars, Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra, Melissa Burr of Stoller, and many others.

Wine-themed spa treatments are among the options for the daily spa treatment of your choice included in The Grape Escape. Each guest will receive two 60-minute services from the spa’s Pinot Therapy menu, such as the Divine Wine Facial that leverages the antioxidant properties of grape seed extract to leave skin renewed.

The Grape Escape includes a flight tasting of 4 Oregon pinot noirs paired with small bites from JORY Restaurant and Chef Sunny Jin served in either JORY Bar or the Living Room with its welcoming oversized stone fireplace; a complimentary assortment of spa products; daily vintners breakfast at JORY; and a bottle of Willamette Valley pinot noir.

Package pricing for double occupancy, with a choice of king or double beds, begins at $1,200* for two nights including:

Daily Vintner Breakfast

Two 60-minute Spa Treatments, gratuity included (90 minute services available with upgrade)

Bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Use of Fitness Studio/Swimming Pool/Whirlpool

Thursday Winetender Evening Event with a Local Woman Winemaker

Flight of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with Paired Food Tastes by Executive Chef Sunny Jin

Spa Gifts

*$1,200 pricing excludes taxes, fees and any gratuity on food and wine. Media visit rates may be available, pending approval– interested media should contact the PR contacts below.

About The Allison Inn & Spa

Seton 35 hillside acres with views of adjacent Willamette Valley vineyards, meadows and gardens, The Allison Inn & Spa features 85 deluxe guest rooms (all with fireplaces, terrace or balcony, window seat and spa-like bathrooms),inclusive of eight suites.

The Allison Spa consists of 15,000 square feet with twelve treatment rooms, swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness studio and retail boutique. There is a spacious entrance for the 12,000 square feet of function space with views and outdoor access as well as a dedicated board room. Opened in September 2009, the property achieved LEED Gold certification in April 2010.The resort was recently recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers as a TOP 100 Hotels in the U.S., is a Traveler’s Choice Winner in the Spa category at TripAdvisor.com, and in Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels in the World.

For reservations and information: www.theallison.com  or  reservations@theallison.com , 1.877.294.2525.

The Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle is offering a Welcome Home Military Hotel package to all active military personnel through March 31. The package is priced at $99 per night for a Classic guestroom and $129 for a Deluxe guestroom. The package includes valet parking and 15 percent off of breakfast and dinner (food only) at Andaluca restaurant. Military ID will be required at check-in.

There aren’t many places you can go skating, skiing (on volcanoes!) and Whale Watching – all on the same trip – but Oregon is a true winter wonderland and an undiscovered gem..

Skiing
Oregon’s long awaited ski season has finally arrived, and it is time to go a-shredding on the mountain! Ski out from the historic Timberline Lodge (which turns 75 this year) on Mt. Hood. With the most vertical feet in the U.S. Pacific Northwest — 3,690 vertical feet from the top of Palmer Glacier to the bottom of Still Creek Basin — Timberline also has snow cat skiing, night skiing and several terrain parks.
At Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, you’ll be looking down the barrel of more than 3,000 skiable acres, 71 runs and the highest ski terrain in Oregon.
In Sisters, you can take on the Nordic skiing at nearby trails, or the alpine terrain at the fun and accessible Hoodoo Ski Area, or ski from the lofty summit of the Mt. Ashland Ski Area, which has varied terrain for skiers of all levels and twilight skiing on select evenings.

Ice Skating
This season you can indulge in the youthful spirit of winter at ice skating rinks around the state. In Enterprise, visitors can enjoy the crisp winter air and stunning views of the northern Wallowas (a.k.a. Oregon’s Alps). Other outside skating rinks can be found in Pendleton, Bend, Sun River and Klamath Falls. For indoor excitement there’s ice rinks in Portland, Medford, Eugene and Beaverton.

Whale Watching
Every winter 19,000 gray whales cruise along the Oregon coast en route from Alaska to Mexico, spouting geyser-like blasts of spray as they go. Thanks to towering coastal bluffs and a string of beaches set aside as state parks, Oregon offers visitors front-row seats for whale watching.
Whale watching takes place almost year-round on the Oregon Coast, and there are 28 designated sites. You can watch whales in the winter from mid-December through January. Spring watching begins in March with a peak in numbers the last week and finishes in June with mothers and babies being the last whales traveling north. Summer brings whales that feed along the coast from July to mid-November.

Oregon ski packages are now available to book through specialist operator, Ski Safari for the first time this season. A 9 night Oregon Trail Ski Safari to Mt. Hood & Mt. Bachelor including BA flights, accommodation and 4×4 car hire costs from £1259 per person based on 2 people traveling (1 night Seattle; 3 nights at Timberline Lodge, 4 nights at Sunriver Resort and 1 night on the Oregon Coast) For further details call Ski Safari on: 01273 224 060 or see www.skisafari.com/OregonSafari

Peregrine has released its program of dedicated family adventures for 2012, venturing into North America for the first time. The holidays are designed to strike a balance between exciting kid-friendly adventure, learning experiences – and taking the travel hassles out of the family holiday for harried parents.

From tracking big game with Masai warriors to camping with nomads in Morocco, to visiting wonders like the Pyramids, Angkor Wat and the Great Wall, the trips offer opportunities for families to meet the locals and experience other ways of life. Most are suitable for children aged six and above, and consider child-friendly practicalities as minimising travelling times and ensuring family-friendly accommodation.

New for 2012, the Cowboys and Indians Discovery adventure explores America’s wild west, starting with Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, where the pink, orange and white sandstone spires known locally as the ‘Hoodoos’ form a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Kids – and adventurous parents – can try horse riding on a ranch in Utah’s high country, and enjoy some home-cooked ‘cowboy’ food, before continuing to Monument Valley, the setting for countless westerns and heart of the Navajo Nation. The trip includes a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour with a Navajo guide, followed by a swim at Lake Powell – parents can relax while kids can burn off energy with a range of watersport options.

The climax of the trip is the Grand Canyon, where there is a full day to walk the trails, watch the IMAX film and take the optional helicopter ride over the canyon.

The 10-day Cowboys and Indians Discovery adventure begins and ends in Las Vegas and costs $1979 per person, twin share, including all accommodation and transport, tour leader and entrance fees. There are departures in April, July and August, 2012.

Also new for 2012 is the Canada Discovery family adventure, which gets underway in Yoho National Park in British Columbia with a full day to try canoeing on Emerald Lake or white water rafting on the legendary Kicking Horse River.

There’s plenty to do over three days in Banff National Park, from taking the cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain, to walking the trails, relaxing in the hot springs or spotting some of the 260 local bird species – as well as hiking around Lake Louise to a teahouse renowned for the best chocolate cake in Canada!

The Icefields Parkway tracks beneath the towering, jagged peaks of the Rockies, leading to Jasper National Park, where there is a guided walk on the Athabasca Glacier, and time to rent a bicycle for a ride through a landscape of mountain lakes and meadows.

There are more adventures en route along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and at Wells Gray Provincial Park, before the penultimate stop in Vancouver. There are guided activities and free time to explore the city before the crossing the US border to where the trip ends in Seattle.

The 11-day Canada Discovery family tour starts in Seattle and costs from $1809 per person, twin share, including all accommodation and transport, some meals, tour leader and entrance fees. There are four departures over July and August, 2012.

For further information, contact your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854 500, or visit www.peregrineadventures.com

Ideas For Travelers And New Trails In 2012

Bellingham, Wash. – Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity in Whatcom County, which is located in the Northwest corner of Washington state.

Many locals and visitors enjoy a quiet snowshoe to take in the fresh, crisp air in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Most snowshoe trails can be found off the Mt Baker Highway (State Route 542), about a one-hour drive from Bellingham.

These trails offer scenic views, beautiful waterfalls, majestic old-growth forest, unique geologic formations, mountain peaks and wild river valleys.

Plentiful feet of snow can be found throughout the Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest every winter. Fresh snow falls regularly on trails near and on Mt Baker from November-April.

New Trail in 2012:

The finishing touches are being made on a new 2-mile snowshoe route near the Mt Baker Ski area. Snowshoers will enjoy this new loop that starts at White Salmon Road, goes over the Razor Hone Creek Recreation Bridge, then back up a different route to complete the loop. Just last year, a different new snowshoe route was established leading from White Salmon Road to the lower trail system around Razor Hone Road.

Bellingham-based organizations like Whatcom Events (the group that organizes the annual Ski to Sea Race), the Mount Baker Club and REI are working together, along with volunteers to establish more snowshoe routes and events in Whatcom County.

Other snowshoeing trials off the Mt Baker Highway (State Route 542):

Coal Pass, FS 39: Just east of the town of Glacier and milepost 34, turn south on Glacier Creek Rd/FS 39.

Excelsior Trail: There is a sizeable parking lot at the trailhead on the north side of SR 542, east of milepost 42. A steep, forested trail leads to the open meadows of Welcome Pass.

Hannegan Pass: Just east of the DOT equipment sheds by milepost 46. There is a sizeable parking area where Hannegan Road meets SR 542.

Silver Fir Campground: Across from the large SnoPark east of milepost 46. Flat, amid old growth, by the Nooksack River.

Bagley Lakes: Just west of Mt. Baker Ski Area. Drive SR 542 to the end. Park in the farthest corner of the farthest parking lot to access the Bagley Lakes Trail.

Artists Point: Follow SR 542 to the end. Park in the farthest corner of the farthest parking lot.

For more information on other snow-related activities, such as downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing, visit

www.bellingham.org/activities/skiing-snow-sports/.

To see video of outdoor snow adventures on Mt Baker, click here http://youtu.be/ngsL42DD5Ho 

Additional info: the Mt. Baker Ranger District in Sedro-Woolley for other trail information at (360) 856-5700 or Glacier Public Service Center at (360) 599-2714.