July 2015 Latitude 45 by Like Media

MAGAZINE

The HEART

Of Nepal

Wonderful

Fairs, Festivals Events, Concerts & More!

Washington Wines Stop and Smell the Roses Enjoy the simple life

HUMBLED IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY Latitude45Mag.com

JULY 2015

Beautiful Living FOR EVERY

STEP IN LIFE

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Contents FEATURE STORY

07 Travel & Leisure

10 THE HEART OF NEPAL

By following his passion, American doctor saves the lives of many.

Humbled in Humboldt County

17 Arts & Entertainment

Fairs, Festivals and Fun

21 Living Spaces

Backyard Fun

23 Get Out There Adventure Wonderful Washington Wines 26 Local Flare Stop and Smell the Roses

So, what are YOU using for your mental game?

CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Polyakov • Julianna Verboort Remi Drozd • Monika Drozd

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EDITORIAL

Managing Editor | Patty Hutchens patricia@like-media.com

DESIGN

Creative Director | Whitney Lebsock Senior Designer | Jessica Herbig

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Media Manager/Events | Melody Vanhorn melody@like-media.com Media Intern | Maddie Russo maddie@like-media.com

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

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Article by Jessica Herbig

o South young man. Down the Oregon Coast and through the Redwood National Forest, that is. If you’ve never been, a trip from Oregon through northern California on Highway 101 shouldn’t be missed. You should be aware this drive isn’t for the faint of heart. The original highway was built to curve its way through the redwoods, so if you suffer from motion sickness, take precautions or the trip won’t be enjoyable at all. It’s all worth it though to see the giant redwoods up close and personal.

If you start north of the California border near Brookings, Oregon, you will cruise past the tulip fields. Brookings is a good place to have a bowl of “world famous” Clam Chowder in a sourdough bread bowl down by the harbor before you venture south. Grab some snacks and drinks, and be on your way! The first California city you’ll come to before immersing yourself in the redwoods is Crescent City. The city is rich in history, with monuments to the redwoods and fossilized trees in some of the city parks. They are big enough for someone to walk through the hollowed out centers of them without stooping down or hitting their head. In some of the coastal

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cities there are monuments and statues depicting the early loggers with their prize trees, some so large they sawed them in sections with crosscut saws over the span of days to fall one giant redwood tree. The Redwood National and State Park in Southern Oregon and Northern California is home to one of the three species of Giant Sequoia that we know as the redwood. Redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth. They’ve been protected since the 1920s from harvest on the California coast and are still home to a variety of wildlife both large and small. Avid birdwatchers can see rare species nested in lower branches

along every part of the highway. As you follow the coast on Highway 101, you’ll wind your way through the giant redwoods. The highway was built in such a way as to preserve the most of the old-growth forest as possible. Some of these giants come within inches of the striped highway, effectively cutting off any shoulder. Plan on taking your time, stopping over in some of the designated pullouts they have available and really taking in the majesty of these national parks. Outside of Eureka, you can explore Fern Canyon, draped in ferns, mosses and waterfalls, which was featured in the Jurassic Park sequel. It’s like a walk back in time and gives a serene feeling as you walk silently across the mossy ground. Humboldt County is called California’s Redwood Coast. It is home to the tallest and largest stands of old-growth redwoods, including the tree called Hyperion, the world’s tallest tree at 379 feet. To put that in perspective, it’s nearly six stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. There are many scenic drives through the forests. One of the more well known sections of the drive is through the Avenue of the Giants. This area, along with the area known as Humboldt Redwoods State Park, preserve half of the remaining virgin redwood forests. Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile stretch of scenic highway that parallels Highway 101 outside of Eureka. If you exit onto this section of highway, there are a few places throughout the drive that you can cut back over to the coast and get back onto Highway 101. You can enter the beginning of the Avenue of the Giants from Pepperwood in the north and Phillipsville in the south.

and can be seen bedded down next to the highway in certain spots. Everything in this area is majestic and seems a little larger than life. If you’re driving Highway 101 on a motorcycle, lucky you! In Fortuna, you can hit Highway 36 for a 140-mile detour that is considered one of the best motorcycle rides in California. You’ll ride the engineered hairpin turns in the sunshine, creating your own breeze, with great views of the mountains, redwood forest and the coast. Eureka is a familyoriented biking town, with events such as Bikes By the Bay taking place along the Old Town waterfront. Bike clubs and custom builds line the streets to show off their rides. Some hotels and inns even let guests park their rides inside at night. Another must-do on the list of scenic drives down Highway 101 is the Lost Coast Loop, great for motorcycles or cars. It’s a half or full day detour that samples the Lost Coast, considered the longest stretch of wilderness beaches in the continental United States. You’ll connect with the loop outside of Ferndale, and head to Cape Mendocino to reach the shore. You’ll be wowed by the impressive vistas, deserted beaches and tidal pools. Heading south you’ll see the site of the state’s first oil wells in historic Petrolia before looping back up to Highway 101. What if you want to get out of the car for awhile? Highway 101 accesses some great hikes and more than 100 miles of scenic beachfront for you to enjoy. Agate

The city is rich in history, with monuments to the redwoods and fossilized trees in some of the city parks.

Beach, Black Sands Beach, Trinidad State Beach and Clam Beach are four great options as you work your way south. Agate Beach is about eight miles north of Trinidad. Count on great surfing, kite flying and semi-precious stone hunting as the area is known for revealing agates, jade and moonstone. Add swimming, boating and camping at Big Lagoon, and there’s many opportunities for adventure here. Black Sands Beach is made up of rare black sand and smooth pebbles. It’s located north of the only settlement on the Lost Coast, and promises great eye candy as you explore the unusual rock formations and tidal pools. Depending on the tides, you can hike around the Lost Coast trail to extend your expedition.

Make time to explore the easy-to-access trails in this area, explore the historic towns, pass through the three larger than life drive-thru-trees, and possibly set up camp along the Eel River in this area, as there’s great swimming and fishing to be had! Make sure to take your camera, your cell phone or your old-fashioned Brownie to capture moments from your trip. The Avenue winds through the Rockefeller Forest, which is the largest remaining single stand of old-growth redwoods. You might also catch a glimpse of the Roosevelt Elk Herds in this area. By 1912, only 124 Roosevelt Elk remained in the area, but after the creation of an elk refuge in the Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, they are common once again

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Highway 101 accesses some great hikes and more than 100 miles of scenic beach front for you to enjoy.

Trinidad State Beach is great to explore at low tide, especially with kids. They’ll delight in the sea life that is left exposed for them to explore. There’s a natural rock arch and great terrain for the sea kayakers to explore this stretch of coast.

and overnight camping is available nearby. Are you an art lover? The coast is home to some great art walks and galleries, located close to some of the previously mentioned beaches. Eureka, Arcata, Ferndale, McKinleyville and Garberville all play host to talented individuals who put their unique spin on the area where they live, offering it up for the public in beautifully created gallery displays in some of the historic downtown areas. You’ll be glad you visited this part of the country, exploring and soaking up the grandeur of these forests and beaches, so unlike any other in the world. It doesn’t matter if you drive it, hike it, swim the coast, fish, kayak, bike, backpack or more. The important thing is getting out there and living adventurously. Take your family, friends and special loved ones and make memories. Humboldt County beckons you with all it has to offer.

Clam Beach is a marked exit off of Highway 101, offering classic beach picnicking, with wide, flat sands as far as you can see. Fly kites, ride horses and go surfing, as much as time allows. Dogs, bonfires and off-road vehicles are all permitted, with restrictions,

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FEATURE STORY

The Heart Of

Nepal

By following his passion, American doctor saves the lives of many. By Monika Drozd. Photos by Remi Drozd.

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that goal hinder his passion for adventure and love for the arts. He has always been a dreamer, but unlike your stereotypical artist, Remi had the dedication to follow up on his wild ambitions. His love of art shines through his photography as he takes us on his experiences. His photos tell a story autonomously. Remi had this vision of who he wanted to be and could get there, while at the same time pursuing his hobbies and telling the story to the world through his lens. Remi began his medical training specializing in emergency medicine a – natural choice for his lifestyle of diverse interests. Before his mission abroad, Remi wrote in his blog, “Wilderness medicine has allowed me to take my practice to a new level – outside of the hospital.” And now he’s taken the medical training to an entirely new level with the experience of countless onsite rescues in Nepal.

DID YOU KNOW? In the event of a disaster, International Medical Corps (IMC) deploys its emergency response teams quickly, saving many lives even in the most remote and challenging locations. Here is just a sample of the rapid responses they have had in recent years: • The Philippines Typhoon – IMC was on the ground in 24 hours. • Indonesia Tsunami – IMC was on the ground in 24 hours. • Japan Earthquake and Tsunami – IMC was on the ground in 48 hours. Since it first formed 31 years ago, IMC has assisted people in over 70 countries and has helped tens of millions of people. The emergency relief and training provided by IMC over the years is valued at $2 billion. IMC has a staff of over 7,800 people throughout the world.

“As an adventure seeker by nature, I’ve sought out expeditions and world travel for decades. My most memorable travel experiences include safariing in Tanzania, scuba diving off the coast of Zanzibar and summiting Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. Nothing cultivates the spirit of freedom more than leaving your comforts behind and discovering a new, beautiful place.” - Remi Drozd

estiny. Fate. Coincidence. Call it what you may, but I believe our experiences define who we are and shape the path that leads us to where we ultimately belong. For my brother, Remi Drozd, this couldn’t be more accurate. He has a quote from Alan Kay, an acclimated computer scientist, highlighted in his blog which sums up this thought, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” What brought my brother to the heart of a world disaster, miles from the epicenter of a 7.8 magnitude Earthquake? It was the love for travel and adventure that delivered him there, and what he experienced was far more of an undertaking than he could possibly

imagine. When the news first broke of the catastrophe, I was in shock like everyone else. We did not hear from Remi for 24 hours – an eternity. During that time it was difficult not to fear the worst, but deep down I knew he was meant to be there and that his passion would soon serve the people of Nepal well.

I have always known Remi to hunt for the next experience, so it was no surprise when he announced his plans to put his life as an emergency room doctor in Massachusetts on hold and to travel to Nepal. He casually mentioned this volunteer mission while we were in the car on the way to your atypical Thanksgiving of camping, canyoneering and hiking in Zion National Park. I joked with my sister-in-law that this was now inevitable; he was going. Once Remi put his mind into a dream, it quickly manifested into an obsession, and he quickly put it into action.

Three months after that seed was planted, Doctor Remi Drozd was en-route to Nepal to the small town of Manang to volunteer as a doctor. On February 28, my brother embarked on the expedition of his dreams, satisfying his passion as a photographer, traveler and intellect as a doctor. His travels there alone would appear extreme to the average person, but to Remi, it was only a path to his real experience. A 12-hour flight, eight-hour bus ride on bumpy dirt roads followed by a seven-day hike delivered him to the 6,500-person village of Manang. At an altitude of 11,545 feet, it is situated on the broad valley of the Marshyangdi River to the north of the Annapurna mountain range. There are no roads, only trails where most heavy goods are transported on mule trains or carried by porters. The town is a frequent stop for travelers trekking the Annapurna who rest in Manang to acclimatize to the high altitude. And thus, this was the chosen location for an imperative lifesaving clinic as well as the destination of Remi’s Nepal endeavor. Only a few doctors work at the clinic on a volunteer basis through an organization called the Himalayan Rescue Association (www. himalayanrescue.org). It takes a few days to hike there from most neighboring towns, and it is one of the few locations the Nepali locals and out of town trekkers can seek out Western medicine.

though it was straight out of a novel. According to Remi, the town is filled with the friendliest people. He said it is surrounded by snowcapped mountains, has a flowing river and a sky so full of stars it appears milky. The sense of community is strong, and Remi quickly became closely acquainted with the shop owners and residents of Manang. He taught a class each morning on topics of high-altitude sicknesses and survival techniques. He was then open to see patients where he treated a spectrum of people from local youths who had split their heads on bike rides, to seriously endangered trekkers suffering from various ailments. On Remi’s first day on the job, he jumped right into action and treated a traveler with high altitude pulmonary edema. Remi described his experience at this Himalayan clinic as the most rewarding experience of his career in medicine.

“I have experienced some of the most devastating and heartbreaking events of my life. It’s hard to believe how cruel nature can be.”

The way this town was described to me felt as

I remember when we were younger, Remi would talk about his goal to someday be a doctor at the base camp of Mount Everest, and although it sounded intriguing, it put a pit of anxiety in my stomach. I never thought that fear would become such a reality. Remi has always explored his dichotomous type A/B personality. He knew he wanted to be a doctor at a young age, but he would not let

Photos by Alan Lemire.

Ninety-six percent of IMC’s field staff and health professionals are recruited locally. Services provided by IMC include: • Emergency response and preparedness • Health services support • Family and community health • Women and children’s health • Mental health • Water, sanitation and hygiene • Nutrition and food security

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Square, the Patan Durbar Square and the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Geophysicists and other experts had warned for decades that Nepal was vulnerable to a deadly earthquake, particularly because of its geology, urbanization and architecture (Wikipedia). Days after the earthquake, the organization Remi supports reached out to the International Medical Corp (IMC) to see if they needed help from a few acclimatized doctors. Remi explains, “The IMC has an affiliation with doctors from Massachusetts General Hospital and Stanford, but the combination of our location (already in Nepal) and our training was just the right combination for them to let us join the team. The IMC is the largest American-based emergency response service. In this situation, they were not working off direct American government aid but from aid which civilians (had) donated – people all over the world.” After Remi’s safety was confirmed and I knew he was working with an established organization, I could not help to think how in

a way this was a serendipitous coincidence. It was opportune that an emergency room doctor with a wilderness medicine degree arrived on a volunteer mission in Nepal a month before the tragic earthquake that devastated the country. To say I am proud of my brother would be a massive understatement. In the heart of this disaster, I am glad to know Remi followed his passion, survived the earthquakes and is now putting his talents to use in a time these people need it most. The greatest reward may still be his own as he notes the deep satisfaction that comes from serving others. “Pursuing these endeavors has afforded me the opportunity to make the most positive impact on the world and my happiness.” The IMC remains in Nepal providing aid to those whose devastation has just begun. If you would like to help make a difference, you may make a donation and find out more information at internationalmedicalcorps.org.

“Pursuing these endeavors has afforded me the opportunity to make the most positive impact on the world and my happiness.” He said the experience in Manang has been so gratifying because of the people’s appreciation for basic care. Some of the patients would travel days to get the care from a Western doctor and sometimes arrive in critical condition. I think I may have to remind myself of this the next time I’m feeling an itch of impatience sitting in a doctor’s waiting room. Remi has many stories of meeting his patients earlier in his journey in the country, either as a travel companion or in one of his lectures, only to later find them at his clinic door in dire need of rescue. Remi and the team of doctors at the clinic were on call 24 hours a day seven days a week, but providing the daily care gave them the deepest satisfaction and was worth all the effort. Before the recent tragedy of the recordbreaking earthquake, Nepal was most thought of for those beautifully dangerous peaks

of Mount Everest. It is the iconic image that most people recognize as the highest peak on Earth, towering at 29,033 feet and growing each year from the collision of tectonic plates from which the mountain was formed. The April 25 earthquake that hit Nepal killed more than 8,000 people and injured more than 19,000. It was the worst natural disaster to strike Nepal since the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake. The recent earthquake triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest, killing at least 19 people, making it the deadliest day on the mountain in history. In Remi’s words, “I have experienced some of the most devastating and heartbreaking events of my life. It’s hard to believe how cruel nature can be.”

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Hundreds of thousands of people were made homeless with entire villages flattened across many districts of the country. Centuriesold buildings were destroyed at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) International World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including some at the Kathmandu Durbar

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hether it’s strawberries, belly dancing, dragons or music, there is a festival for virtually everything you can imagine this month — and you don’t have to travel far to enjoy them. With the sun high in the summer sky, we in the Pacific Northwest try to take in as much activity as we can during

these glorious summer months, and what better way than to attend one of the many festivals that celebrate our heritage, community, traditions and much more. They are what bring us together as a community — whether it is our geographic community or a gathering with those who share our same interests. You can kick off the month with the countless Independence Day

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celebrations that will be taking place throughout the region. But you don’t have to wait until July 4 to start; on the evening of July 3 there will be the Firecracker 5000 that will begin at 11:40pm at the Seattle Center. A 5K run that takes you through the streets of Seattle, participants are encouraged to show their patriotism by wearing red, white and blue to this fun event. For

boating

enthusiasts,

the

39th

JULY 5 WINGS AND WHEELS This is the fifth year of Wings and Wheels, an aviation event with a car and motorcycle show. The event features live entertainment, race cars, WWII B-17 Flying Fortress offering aircraft rides and tours, helicopter rides, amazing cars and aircraft. You will be amazed when the Smoke ‘N’ Thunder Jet Dragster makes a 300 mph run down the runway! Vendors, military displays and entertainment will be going on throughout the day. Visit www.freedomfair.com/wings-wheels.html for more information.

JULY 8 SHERYL CROW

JULY 10-12 MARINERS VS ANGELS The Mariners are taking on the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field! Come watch the battle and make sure to attend on July 11 for Nelson Cruz Bobblehead Night! It’s going to be Nelson Cruz’s Mariners bobblehead debut. The first 20,000 fans will be able to take home their own 7” version of Nelson. Visit seattle.mariners.mlb. com for ticket information.

Sheryl Crow takes the stage at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, 14111 N E 145th Street in Woodinville, for a night that you won’t forget. Since the early 1990s, very few female rock artists have experienced the success and popularity that Sheryl Crow has. Her many hit songs played almost continuously on the radio and her Grammy Award-winning albums flew off record store shelves. Her most recent album, “Feels Like Home,” is full of great storytelling and features some of the most powerful and heartfelt vocals of Crow’s career. For tickets visit www.concerts.eventful.com/Sheryl-Crow.

JULY 10-11 LAVENDER FESTIVAL Join us as we celebrate the summer splendor of lavender at the Blue Willow Lavender Farm, 10615 Wright Bliss Rd KPN, from 10am to 6pm! There will be hundreds of lavender starts in many different varieties available for purchase

JULY 18 BREMERTON SUMMER BREWFEST

JULY 18-19 THE ANNUAL GIG HARBOR SUMMER ART FESTIVAL Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday - 1 to 5pm on Judson Street in Gig Harbor’s historic waterfront district. Artists from throughout the Northwest will be showing and selling their work at this year’s festival. We’ll also have a variety of food vendors, live music and lots of art-making activities for children. And if you’d like to try your hand at some sidewalk art, wander down to the waterfront and “Chalk the Harbor.” Join us for this annual spectacular! www.peninsulaartleague.com/artFest.htm

The 5th annual Bremerton Summer Brewfest is moving to the waterfront this year, just a short walk from the Seattle - Bremerton ferry! This event features 30 Washington breweries pouring more than 100 craft beers. To celebrate the summer, our Washington brewers will be focusing on fruit infused beers. Come to the Bremerton Summer Brewfest to learn more from our expert brewers while you enjoy live music and local food. Visit washingtonbeer.com/ festivals/bremerton-summer-brewFest.php for more information.

JULY 23-25 WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

JULY 22 THIRD EYE BLIND & DASHBOARD

The Wine & Food Festival Weekend kicks off with the all new Waterfront Sip & Stroll on Thursday, July 23rd. Friday evening there will be Winemaker Dinners held at various restaurants around the downtown waterfront and the Grand Tasting on Saturday, July 25th will open at 12pm and run until 4:30pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Downtown Waterfront Alliance office: 3311 Harborview Drive, Suite 101. For more information call 253.514.0071.

Third Eye Blind embody the feel good alt-rock music of the ‘90s. They released their self-titled debut in 1997 and were immediately successful. The lead-off single, “Semi-Charmed Life” was the first of several #1 Modern Rock Tracks from the album and also shot to #4 on the Hot 100. They will be performing at King County’s Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE in Redmond. For tickets visit seattle.eventful. com/events/third-eye-blind-and-dashboardconfessional-/E0-001-081390570-0.

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along with various lavender products available as you stroll through the vendor court listening to live music. You will also have a chance to attend free lavender classes and demonstrations all weekend long. For more information visit bluewillowlavenderfarm.com.

JULY 11-12 SEATTLE OUTDOOR THEATER FESTIVAL 2015 marks the 15th anniversary of the Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival which began in 2001 when GreenStage, Theater Schmeater, and Wooden O Productions joined forces to bring a full weekend of live theatre to Volunteer Park in Seattle. Since then, it has grown to include three stages and host fourteen performances by eight local theater companies. Volunteer Park is located at 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle. For more information visit www.greenstage.org/sotf.

JULY 18-19 TACOMA MARITIME FEST

Come celebrate this wonderful waterfront with us at the 23nd Annual Tacoma Maritime Fest on Saturday, July 18 from 10am to 6pm & Sunday, July 19 from 10am to 5pm. This year’s festival will have a host of fun activities, roving entertainment, music and food for the entire family to enjoy. From a variety of ships to Quick & Dirty Boat Building, to tours of the waterfront and lots of activities for kids and kids-at-heart, there will be something for everyone. Visit maritimefest.org for more information.

showcasing unique, handmade craft and fine art. In addition, we offer a multitude of free community arts programming including; KIDSfair, BAM Exhibitions, public installations, and delicious food and beverages. Visit www.bellevuearts.org/fair/ index.html for more information.

JULY 24-26 BAM ARTS FAIR

JULY 24 - TASTING FLIGHT

For nearly seven decades, Bellevue Arts Museum has been celebrating the connection between the community and the world of art, craft and design. Every July, for three full days, they create an oasis of high quality art and craft in downtown Bellevue. BAM ARTS fair features over 300 juried artists from around the continent

Bring a glass and ID to taste boutique wines from 30 wineries on the North Meadow of Woodland Park Zoo at Tasting Flight, which includes animal encounters and live music. VIP ticket includes glass and buffet. To purchase tickets visit www. ticketfly.com/purchase/event/832053?utm_ medium=bks%20.

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LIVING SPACES Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival, a celebration of maritime heritage of the Northwest, will take place from July 3 to July 5. Here you will find races, demonstrations, live music and food vendors. There is definitely something for everyone at this event! Finish off your holiday weekend by attending Gig Harbor Wings & Wheels on Sunday, July 5 from 11am to 5pm at the Tacoma Narrows Airport. In its fifth year, this aviation event, which also features a car show, will have bi-plane rides, incredible cars and aircraft, and live music. There will be aerial demonstrations and displays that will feature warbirds and aerobatic plans. The weekend of July 15 to July 17 marks the Vashon Island Strawberry Festival. The weekend starts out Friday at 7pm with the opening of the Beer Garden followed by a street dance. Saturday and Sunday will include

numerous vendor and artists’ booths for attendees to enjoy. With a kids’ parade, grand parade and car parade rounding out the weekend, there is a full schedule for everyone! One of this month’s festivals that you will not want to miss is the Gig Harbor Wine & Food Festival taking place July 23 to 25. The event opens with a Sip and Stroll on Thursday. On Friday there will be winemaker dinners followed by a Saturday of fun with the Grand Tasting, classes and an after party. And yes, there is really a belly dancing festival! On July 18 and 19 at Hiawatha Community Center in West Seattle, there will be the 28th Annual Mediterranean Fantasy Festival. There will be dancing from 11am to 7pm and again on Sunday from 11am to 5pm. There will also be numerous vendors on hand so you can shop each day!

TAKE A BITE OF SEATTLE by Melody Vanhorn

Finish off your holiday weekend by attending Gig Harbor Wings & Wheels on Sunday, July 5. Festivals are a great way to teach our children about our community’s past and to get them involved in appreciating all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. It is a lesson in history, culture and the arts. So get out your calendar and venture out to explore — you may just find your family establishing its own new traditions!

BACKYARD FUN A new twist to your neighborhood gatherings

ith the early arrival of summer heat, families across Gig Harbor are gearing up for neighborhood parties. Back by popular demand, here’s a listing of outside games for kids and adults alike — just make sure to get out the camera. We’ll be watching for you on Facebook!

Food lovers across the area will come together for a weekend filled with feasting and fun for everyone as Groupon proudly presents the Bite of Seattle! Set to happen on July 17 through July19, the Bite of Seattle will take place at the Seattle Center where you will be offered a chance to taste food from some of Seattle’s greatest culinary talents along with premier wines, craft beer and hard cider from area vendors.

Mölkky (yardgames.us) A unique game involving strategy and skill and can be enjoyed by both young and old. Toss the throwing dowel underhand and knock over the skittles. Topple one skittle and get the amount of points branded on that skittle, topple multiple skittles and get the amount of points equaling the amount of skittles toppled. First one to 50 wins! Mölkky is a great way for children to learn math skills and have fun at the same time.

Enjoy tastes from numerous Seattle restaurants while local chefs perform cooking demonstrations and compete in a Bite Cook Off! for a chance to be crowned The Bite Cooks Master. You will also have a chance to make a difference in the lives of others as Food Lifeline, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in Western Washington, benefits from the event through a portion of admission fees and other contributions given during the weekend.

Lawn Twister (Pinterest.com) Make Twister on your grass! Simply use spray paint for the colored circles. (Seymour Paint makes a quick drying marking paint that washes away after a few heavy rains or with a garden hose.) The soft grass cushions any falls, and doesn’t everyone like laying around in the yard in the summer?

This year’s event will also feature several fun activities including a free Bite Movie Night showing of the “Ghostbusters” on Friday night, a family fun zone and entertainment stage that will feature local dance groups and musicians, and over 100 handcrafters and commercial vendors that will have booths set up throughout the grounds. Don’t miss the fun!

KUBB (oldtimegames.com) Be the first team to knock down all your kubbs and then the king, or be on the opposite team of the player that knocks down the king before knocking down all of their kubbs. Watch out: Knocking down the king without knocking down the kubbs is like sinking the eight ball out of turn.

For more information be sure to visit www.biteofseattle.com.

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Cornhole (Cornhole.com) Think beanbag toss — but with rules, scoring, teams and way more fun. This can

By Sarah Friesen, Gig Harbor Home Management be played with two or four players. Each team has a platform with a hole in it, and four corn bags. You take the beanbag, toss it at a rectangular plywood board about 30 feet away, and hope to either stick it somewhere on the platform or sink it through the single hole cut into the surface. Egg & Spoon Relays (USgames.com) A classic for all ages. You can go the old fashioned route and use real eggs and spoons; use plastic Easter eggs; or purchase a wooden version online. Divide players into teams, line them up, and run a classic relay race. If a player drops the egg along the way, he or she must return to the line and begin again. Make the game more challenging by setting up an obstacle course. Or, add another twist: The kids must hop like a bunny, waddle like a duck, crawl like a turtle.... The possibilities are endless! Scavenger Hunts Don’t forget the reliable, always entertaining scavenger hunts. Hide goodies around the neighborhood for the young kids to keep it simple. Or step it up for the older ones by making it a photo scavenger hunt: provide them with a list of required photos (in certain locations with certain objects) that they have to submit via text. First group to submit all of them wins the tournament!

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This list is just a start. Hop online and you’ll be surprised to discover all the options for backyard fun. While the summer brings out the best in most of us, it can also be overwhelming if you’re the one hosting the backyard BBQ or patio party. Plan ahead, make a list, and ask for help!

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Pick up your glass and join us for a Downtown Waterfront stroll Sample wines, spirits, brews and small bites at multiple locations Winemaker dinners offered at local restaurants Lovely pairings of wines, brews, and spirits with local cuisine

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ot long ago, “American wine” was synonymous with “California wine.” Napa and Sonoma counties dominated the market, bolstered by tremendous grape crops and wine-making along California’s central coast, central valley and the southern coast and foothills of the Sierra Nevada. While California still leads (by a wide margin) wine production in the United States, the wine market has changed and expanded, and Washington is now ranked as the second largest premium wine producer in the country, crafting nationally and internationally awardwinning wines in a wide range of varieties.

Wine Industry Washington

Growth

Located along the same latitude as Bordeaux and Burgundy, two of the famed wine growing regions of France, Washington has developed its own respected wine regions. Over 350 wine grape growers have established themselves in the state, growing more than 40 varietals on 50 thousand acres for

850-plus wineries. Production of red wines leads whites by about 6 percent. Another delicious statistic: In 2014, the wine grape harvest broke records with 227,000 tons. For perspective, that is more than double the 2005 yield, and more than six times greater than twenty years ago. In other words, during the mere 21 years it took a child born in 1994 to reach legal drinking age, wine grape production in Washington increased by more than 600 percent.

Advice and recommendations are easily found both online and in stores, with many shops posting consumer friendly descriptive labels and notes highlighting flavor profiles, food pairings, and awards. What does all of this production mean for consumers? Choice. Old favorites Riesling

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By Julianna Verboort

and Chardonnay are shelved beside more exotic options such as Siegerrebe and Müller-Thurgau; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot rest alongside Nebbiolo and Mourvèdre. The question is no longer simply “red or white?” Specific grapes and wine-making techniques result in an exquisite array of flavors from delicate to bold, floral to spicy and everything in between. Bart Fawbush, owner and winemaker at Bartholomew Winery in Seattle, comments, “Most people walk into a store or restaurant and order Chardonnay, it may be the only grape they know. There are some amazing Chardonnay’s out there, but there are some other incredible white wines; Viognier, Aligoté, Gewürztraminer, if people were to try them with food it would blow their minds. Once they’re able to taste wines and realize how much variety there is, they’ll buy it.” His top seller is Rose of Carmenere and the other blends with Carmenere grapes, which he suggests pairing with Indian food, and Viognier with spicy foods. Fortunately, variety and quality go handin-hand in our state. Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine and Spirits Magazine sing the praises of Washington wines, ranking many on their “best of”

lists. Considering that these journals individually review from 14 to 18 thousand wines per year from all over the globe, the competition is daunting. In 2014, six of our state’s wineries made Wine and Spirits Magazine’s list of the top 100 in the world. Washington wines show up with increasing frequently on lists such as the Top 100 Wines of the Year, Top 100 Most Exciting Wines, and others. Washington wines are also a great value. Fawbush adds, “If you were to compare price versus points given to Washington wines – points awarded by Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator – if you compare Washington’s high end wines with wines anywhere else in the world, in that quality or points to price ratio, we’re the best value in the world.”

How Do I Pick The Right Wine? What you’ll enjoy of course depends on your individual tastes, and great-tasting wines come to suit a wide range of budgets. Advice and recommendations are easily found both online and in stores, with many shops posting consumer friendly descriptive labels and notes highlighting flavor profiles, food pairings, and awards. Taking two summer meals as examples, Megan Ayers of Chateau Ste. Michelle, the state’s oldest winery, suggests pairing Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Pinot Gris with an afternoon summer picnic of cold fried chicken and fruit; and for a July evening barbeque of marinated T-bone steak and asparagus, serve Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

DID YOU KNOW? You may be surprised to learn that Vatican City has the highest per capita wine consumption in the world. According to Trade Data and Analysis, the 932 residents of Vatican City consumed more than 70 liters (18.5 gallons) of wine per capita in one year followed by Luxembourg, whose 500,000 residents drank 54 liters (14.3 gallons) per capita. When going to dinner and ordering a bottle of wine, keep in mind that the wine cork is not for smelling. The wine steward presents the cork to you to examine. You will want to check to make sure it is in one piece. A fragmented or moldy cork may mean a lower quality of wine.

There are plenty of apps for wine recommendations too; try Hello Vino, Corkz, or Wine Searcher, all free for both Android and iOS. You can always rely on popular sellers, which are likely to be wines people are more familiar with (Chenin Blanc versus Aligote for example). But keep in mind that the best way to match wine to your personal preferences is to taste it!

an inn, stand-alone guest houses and yurts, fine dining and spa, not to mention delectable vino. Small vineyards can be a refreshing delight; try gregarious Wineglass Cellars in Yakima Valley, just awarded Double Gold for their 2009 Cabernet and 2009 Capizimo (and two other golds as well!) by Seattle Wine Awards.

Where Are The Vineyards?

Summer is a great time to enjoy Washington wines. Uncork a bottle with visiting friends; give wine as gifts during your travels. Try new varieties and pairings with fresh farmstand foods. Keep a wine journal handy to jot down notes and track your favorites. Share your comments with the winemakers. Most of all, enjoy!

With the boom in wineries, it is no surprise that you don’t have to travel far to wet your palate with a wide range of wines. The most productive vineyard regions are Yakima Valley, Walla Walla and Columbia Valley, followed by Puget Sound, Columbia Gorge, and Willamette Trough. There are currently 13 official American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the state.

But to really get an understanding of what goes into a good wine along with a feel for vineyard life, there is nothing like touring wine country! Most towns along the Puget Sound have urban wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars. Try Arista Wine Cellars in Edmonds; North City Bistro and Wine Shop in Shoreline; Welcome Road Winery, Omnivore Cellars, Bartholomew Winery, Viscon Cellars and more in Seattle; Gingko Forest Winery Tasting and 21 Cellars Winery in Tacoma; The Wine Studio and Morso in Gig Harbor. But to really get an understanding of what goes into a good wine along with a feel for vineyard life, there is nothing like touring wine country! Plan a romantic weekend with a special someone or a fun group outing with friends, and explore all that the vineyards have to offer. Take advantage of well-schooled tasting room staff, who in most cases will “meet you where you’re at” with wine knowledge - novice or sommelier. Many vineyards offer summer concerts and events. Looking for a retreat? Try Cave B Estate Winery and Resort near Quincy, with acres of vineyards, an amphitheatre,

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Explore Local Wine This Summer

If you want to experience the wonderful world of Washington wines firsthand, here are some winetasting events you may want to check out this summer: July 9 – Wine Rocks Seattle at Bell Harbor (Pier 66) in Seattle. July 11 – Ohme Gardens Wine & Food Gala at Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee. July 18 – HHHWine Growers Trail Drive at Crow Butte Park in Paterson. July 18 – Prosser Art & Wine Gala in Prosser. July 24 – Wine Tasting at the Zoo. At Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. July 25 – Gig Harbor Wine & Food Festival in Gig Harbor. August 8 – Kitsap Wine Fest at Harborside Park in Bremerton. August 8 – Prosser Wine & Food Festival at Walter Clore Center in Prosser. August 13 to 15 – Auction of Washington Wines at Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville. August 22 – Taste of Main in Old Bellevue. August 22 – Rattlesnake Hills Passport Party at Rattlesnake Hills wineries. September 5 – September 7 – Labor Day weekend tasting at Bainbridge Island wineries.

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LOCAL FLARE

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES Enjoy the simple life

“Active travel is the difference between looking at life and living it.”

By Sarah Polyakov.

Riding a bike, whether to work or for pleasure, has many benefits both for your health and for the environment. The health benefits include a full body workout, an energy boost and a cardiovascular activity that is easy on your joints. And biking is also great for burning calories. If you live close to work, you can bike to work twice a week and burn up to 3,000 extra calories each month. And what’s even better is you wont’ be burning the gas in your vehicle.

“If you worried about falling off the bike, you’d never get on.” —Lance Armstrong

ycling is again a growing recreational trend. It is a unique way to travel and maintain your health, and it provides an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Cycling harkens us back to a simpler time when we relied on our legs, rather than our automobiles, to take us from place to place. While it seems that bicycles have been around forever, the earliest one was a wooden scooter-like device called a celerifere. It was invented by Comte Mede de Sivrac of France in 1790. However, it was soon after improved by the Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun in 1816. He made a model with a steering bar attached to the

front wheel and named this improvement a draisienne. The draisienne had two wheels but no pedals. This cycle was propelled forward much like a scooter since the rider had to use his feet. In the 1860s cycles were again improved. These early bicycles, which were called velocipedes, were difficult to operate because they possessed very large front wheels. At the time, cycle designers incorrectly believed that bigger tires equaled more speed. To make them even more cumbersome, early tires were made of wood or metal and solid rubber tires were added much later. In the 1880s air-filled tires were added to the bicycle along with a chain with sprockets. The modern derailleur gear system was added relatively recently — in the 1970s. There is no better time than the present to

TOUR DE PEAKS BIKE RIDE On July 18, you can experience a biking adventure at the 27th Annual Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce Tour de Peaks Bike Ride in North Bend. Choose from a 100 mile, 50 mile or 25 mile ride that will take you through the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley. Tour de Peaks was one of the first organized rides in the Northwest. For more information go to www.tourdepeaks.org.

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There is no better way to get fit while experiencing the gorgeous scenery of the Pacific Northwest. take advantage of the cycling life. Cycling to work has many physical health benefits but also mental health benefits since you are out in nature. Most of all, whether you cycle to work or are a weekend road warrior, cycling allows you to connect authentically to nature and tap into the sheer power of your body. There is nothing better than having the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and breathing fresh air. After a cycling excursion and experiencing the sheer beauty of nature, one is left with a very satisfying feeling. Recently, adventure travel has taken off. Travelers are finding that there are too many important experiences to have that cannot be experienced by traveling only by car or on a tour bus. These companies offer tours where one spends the day hiking or biking, depending on the terrain. Vacationers get to experience the pace of life where they are visiting, having time to stop and smell the roses, the mangoes or the coconuts. It is a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture and scenery of a region while being able to pick up on subtle nuances that others may not see. The founder of “Backroads Travel” said it all when he noted, “Active travel is the difference between looking at life and living it.” But the great news is you don’t have to spend any money or travel to exotic locales to partake of adventure travel. You can participate in active travel on your terms literally in your own backyard. There are free, informational websites such as www.bikingbis.com that provide you with information on cycling tours that you can take from Washington State or the United States. This particular website provides a multitude of information on everything that is biking. They suggest various tours that you can take on your own, charity rides, rallies and fun activities related to cycling. There are several large, cycling events to look for this summer such as Cycle Washington, the Northwest Tandem Rally, Seattle to Portland Biking Classic,

RedSpoke and San Juan Ramble Inn-toInn. There is no better way to get fit while experiencing the gorgeous scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Still not convinced? Be sure to catch the film “Breaking Away” for some inspiration! The most recent innovation during the past several years has been the electric bike because it allows even those with limited mobility or stamina to enjoy cycling. It’s wonderful that everyone in our community has the ability to cycle no matter what age or level of stamina. So many are rediscovering the joys of cycling as a leisure activity, and the number of cyclists is growing.

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While this is wonderful, it is also a good idea to be aware of the dangers that vehicles present to cyclists. While cycling in groups is generally safer, it is a good idea to follow a few road rules to keep yourself and others safe. One of the most important tips involves a mind-set. Literally ride as if you were invisible to everyone around you. The reason this is important is because even the most well-intentioned motorists may not see you. Riding as if you were invisible allows you to be proactive since you should never rely on motorists to see you. If you rely on motorists to see you, you put your safety in their hands.

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Heed Lance Armstrong’s advice and don’t sit on the sidelines. Get on a bike and change your life. After all, cycling is a wonderful leisure activity and whether you are on a road bike, a mountain bike or an electric bike, there is fun to be had for all. Whether you are a motorist or a cyclist, be sure to share the road, and let everyone enjoy life at his or her own speed. Don’t forget to wear your helmet!

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