360 july 25 2013 full by Skagit Publishing

Grab a bite ... or two ... or three on Saturday in downtown Mount Vernon PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday July 25, 2013

Pioneer Picnic

Reviews

At the Movies

Anacortes muralist, Summers family to be honored on Aug. 1

Music: Sara Bareilles, Guy Clark Video Games: “The Walking Dead ...”

Cate Blanchett reason enough to check out “Blue Jasmine”

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, July 25, 2013

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Trance”: When a painting ends up missing after a failed robbery attempt, the thieves try to find out from Simon (James McAvoy), who is in charge of the painting’s security, what happened to the artwork. An injury during the robbery has left Simon with no memory of what happened. The last hope is to send him to see Elizabeth Lamb, a hypnotherapist (Rosario Dawson), to see if she can unlock the information. Director Danny Boyle dives deep inside the human psyche to look at what makes people act the way they do — whether it be for love or just the inherent passion to survive — with movies like “Slumdog Millionaire” and “127 Hours.” His latest film continues that approach, but it becomes far more complicated because he weaves fact and fantasy together so tightly it’s hard to tell where the thresholds exist. “The Jack Benny Program: The Lost Episodes”: This three-DVD collection features 18 episodes of the classic television series that have been restored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive. These episodes featuring the deadpan humor of Jack Benny have not been available since their original broadcast. In many ways, Benny set the standard for shows like “Seinfeld” where episodes often revolved around insignificant incidents. The moments are made funnier by the perfect timing and well-placed pauses by Benny. The episodes feature a host of notable guest stars, including Natalie Wood, Red Skelton, Gary Cooper, George Burns, John Wayne, Dick Van Dyke, Billy Graham, Milton Berle, Tony Curtis and even President Harry Truman. There are also bonus features, including excerpts from the Jack Benny color television specials, newsreels featuring footage from the 1930s and ’40s and a 16-page booklet. “Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXVI”: Movies in the set include “The Slime People,” “Rocket Attack USA,” “Village of the Giants” and “The Deadly Mantis.” “The Silence”: Director Baran bo Odar’s look at an unsolved murder case just as a new 13-year-old girl’s body has been found. “Welcome to the Punch”: A former criminal returns to London when his son is involved in a robbery that goes bad. “Ginger and Rosa”: Coming-of-age story of two best friends whose relationship is affected by the events of the 1960s. “The Gangster”: The film’s based on

YOUR ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN SKAGIT COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: JULY 30 Black Rock - Lionsgate G.I. Joe: Retaliation - Paramount

The Weekend / Page 5

AUG. 6 A Boy and His Dog - Shout! Factory Eddie: The Sleepwalking Cannibal - Music Box Mud - Lionsgate Oblivion - Universal The Place Beyond the Pines - Universal West of Memphis - Sony AUG. 13 Olympus Has Fallen - Sony The Big Wedding - Lionsgate The Company You Keep - Sony Emperor - Lionsgate AUG. 20 Scary Movie V - Anchor Bay AUG. 27 The Great Gatsby - Warner Pain & Gain - Paramount

Check out all things planes at the Friday Harbor Fly-In on Saturday

Inside

n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

the true story of a notorious gangster and the Bangkokian mafia. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Season 3”: Includes all 47 episodes of the entire third season of the classic ’80s TV series. “Rebel”: A woman’s relationship with her traditional family is strained by her marriage to an American soldier. “Hammerhead”: Ian Holm narrates the documentary on the sea creatures. “Robotech: 2-Movie Collection”: Includes “Love Live Alive” and “The Shadow Chronicles.” “Dora & Blue’s Clues Double Feature”: Includes episodes from both Nickelodeon series. “The King of the Streets”: An angry young man looks to avenge the murder of his parents by local gangsters. “Let’s Learn: Colors”: Includes episodes of “Bubble Guppies,” “Dora the Explorer” and “Blue’s Clues.” “Great White Shark: A Living Legend”: Shark diver Mike Rutzen looks at the predator. “A Viking Saga: The Darkest Day”: A novice monk must deliver the “Holy Gospel of Lindisfarne” to the safety of a monastery. “How the States Got Their Shapes: Season 2”: Brian Unger hosts this look at state history. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Music, Game Reviews..................6-7 Travel............................................8-9 On Stage, Tuning Up................10-11 Get Involved.................................. 12 Hot Tickets.................................... 14 Movie Listings, Mini-Reviews...... 17 At the Lincoln................................ 17 Out & About.............................18-19

Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

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Thursday, July 25, 2013 - E3

COMMUNITY

Grubbinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

at the Bite of Skagit

The fifth annual Bite of Skagit will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 27, on First Street in downtown Mount Vernon. The annual outdoor fundraising event will feature live music, sidewalk sales, a beer and wine garden and dishes from a variety of restaurants. Admission is free. Food and beverage tickets are $1 each, with average bites costing two to five tickets. Donations of nonperishable food are appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Skagit Food Distribution Center, which helps connect local farms to local food banks. For more information, visit biteofskagit.org. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Skagit Valley Herald staff

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, July 25, 2013

COMMUNITY

Submitted photos

Bill Mitchell (left) of Anacortes, who has produced murals that can be found on numerous buildings in Anacortes and Skagit County, will be honored with the Pioneer Spirit award by the Skagit County Pioneer Association during its annual picnic and meeting on Aug. 1 at Pioneer Park in La Conner. Family and neighbors (right) of John Summers, son of Henry Summers, are shown during threshing season in the early 1900s on his Fir Island farm. The Summers family will be honored as the Pioneer Family of the Year.

Anacortes muralist, Summers family to be honored as pioneers Pioneer Picnic slated for Aug. 1 in La Conner Skagit Valley Herald staff

Anyone with an interest in county history or early family heritage will find a plethora of historic photographs and information, along with interesting stories from “old-timers,” at the Skagit County Pioneer Association’s 109th annual picnic and meeting on Thursday, Aug. 1, at Pioneer Park in La Conner. The association also will honor an Anacortes muralist and a pioneer family that homesteaded on Fir Island. The Skagit County Pioneer Association was originally formed in 1891, but with requirements so restrictive that it soon came to an end, according to association historian Dan Royal. In 1904, a concerned group from SedroWoolley revived the association under less stringent requirements, and the annual meetings and picnics have been held regularly ever since, he said. One of the highlights is honoring a family

whose heritage runs deep in Skagit County. The association chose the Henry Summers family of Fir Island to honor as the 2013 Pioneer Family of the Year. John Summers, a descendant, is a Pioneer Association member. The association also chooses an individual to honor for “Contributing to the Pioneer Spirit” by persevering under all manner of adversity, hardship and hard work, while still contributing to the well-being of the community. It picked Bill Mitchell of Anacortes, who is known primarily as a muralist in the city of Anacortes and Skagit County. Despite being confined to a wheelchair since he was 22, Mitchell has contributed some 150 lifestyle murals since 1984 to the city’s revitalization through the Anacortes Mural Project. His work led to him being named the 2010 Patron of the Arts by the Anacortes Arts Festival. See PICNIC, Page E13

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Thursday, July 25, 2013 - E5

THIS WEEKENDin the area Friday Harbor Fly-In

POLO Twelve teams are scheduled to compete in the annual Pacific Northwest Polo Association Governor’s Cup from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28, at 16278 La Conner-Whitney Road, La Conner. Bring a picnic lunch and lawn chairs or purchase lunch on-site. $5-$10 parking fee. 360-466-5522.

MUSIC AND BARBECUE “For Love and Country,” the AnO-Chords’ 58th annual Summer Show, will take place at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School, 1600 20th St., Anacortes. Enjoy vocal performances by champion quartet Madison Park, a capella chorus Valley Voices and the 45-voice An-OChords barbershop chorus. Tickets: 1:30 p.m. — $12-$22; 7:30 p.m. — $16-$25. 360-679-7473 or anochords.org. The An-O-Chords famous Salmon Barbecue and Sing Out will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at Washington Park, 6300 Sunset Ave., Anacortes. Enjoy the Novice Quartet Contest beginning at 1:30 p.m. Feast on salmon, baked beans, cole slaw and bread for $13. Kids can get a gourmet hot dog, chips and small drink for $7.

HORSE ADOPTION AND FOSTER EVENT All Breed Equine

Check out rare warbirds, antique planes and home-built aircraft from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Friday Harbor Airport. The fourth annual event will kick off with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Enjoy vintage aircraft fly-bys, kids’ activities, hangar tours, food and more. Buy a ride in an antique biplane or WW II trainer, or win a free ride in an airplane or helicopter. Free admission. fridayharborflyin.blogspot.com.

Rez-Q will host Adoption and Foster Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at 2415 116th St. NE, Marysville. There will also be a fundraising bake sale. If you need a pasture pal for a lonely horse, you may be able to foster one of Rez-Q’s select horses or ponies and see if it’s a good match. All fosters and adoption approvals are subject to All Breed Equine Rez-Q’s field inspections. For information, contact Dale Squeglia at 425-263-6390.

MARBLEMOUNT COMMUNITY MARKET Enjoy live music while you shop for locally grown produce, handcrafted goods and more from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at the new Marblemount Farmers Market, 60155 Highway 20, just around the bend from Marblemount. In addition to local organic produce, eggs, herbs and artisan cheeses, the market will feature handcrafted goods including berry jams, goat milk soaps, felted hats, handspun fiber arts, Icelandic sheep fleeces and rugs, beaded and wooden earrings, native Salish cedar carvings and more. For information or a vendor application, email info@marblemountcommunityhall.org or visit marble mountcommunityhall.org.

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E6 - Thursday, July 25, 2013

REVIEWS MUSIC CDS Compiled from news services

Sara Bareilles “The Blessed Unrest”

There’s a sweet way Sara Bareilles sings about her breakup on her new album. She’s soft on the honeyed, piano pop gems that make up “The Blessed Unrest,” her voice is solid and her lyrics are strong. On “Hercules,” Bareilles is tough, singing passionate lines like: “This is my darkest hour, a long road has led me out here, but I only need turn around to face the light, and decide flight or fight.” She’s ready to fight for love on the tender “1000 Times,” where she proclaims “‘cause I would die to make you mine, you bleed me dry each and every time.” And on the upbeat “Little Black Dress,” she’s cute and bouncy, though she sings “they don’t need to see me crying.” Bareilles knows how to craft a great song. She doesn’t rely on hooks to grab you in; it’s her lyrics — and that rich tone in her voice she lets out near the song’s end. “Manhattan” is a slow classic and “Satellite Call” is layered with sounds and vocals, coming off like a Coldplay and OneRepublic mashup. While Bareilles is getting over love on the 12-track set, she isn’t down and out the entire time: “I Choose You,” a beautiful song about falling in love, could make anyone’s irritating day better. And on the lead single, “Brave,” she’s encouraging a friend to come out of the closet: “Say what you wanna say, and let the words fall out, honestly I want to see you be brave.” n Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

Guy Clark

“My Favorite Picture of You” On the cover of the album “My Favorite Picture of You,” veteran singer-songwriter Guy Clark holds an old Polaroid snapshot of his wife, Susanna, who died in 2012. The photo captures a fierce look on Susanna Clark’s face, her arms crossed. As

REVIEWING SOME SOUNDS OF SUMMER With the music industry in the midst of its annual summer doldrums, it seemed like a good time to reflect on how impressive and surprise-filled 2013 has been so far and catch up with some albums you may have missed in the early-year hustle and bustle. Here’s a look at the 25 best albums of the year so far (in alphabetical order) and some thoughts we had about them when they were released: Joseph Arthur, “The Ballad of Boogie Christ”: The singer-songwriter’s evershifting artistic interests are leaning more toward Dylanesque folk these days, with the rollicking “I Miss the Zoo” and the stunning “King of Cleveland.” (Released June 11) The Band Perry, “Pioneer”: The Band Perry is out to stretch the boundaries of today’s country music by injecting it with literary references and rock and pop influences. (April 2) David Bowie, “The Next Day”: His first album in a decade — first since a lifethreatening heart attack in 2004 and widespread speculation of his retirement after disappearing from public life — is a stunning, emotional thrill from start to finish, playing more like a collection of future hits than an album wrapped around a particular theme or sonic approach. (March 12) Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, “Push the Sky Away”: “Push the Sky Away” definitely sounds like a new musical chapter for Cave and the Bad Seeds, which, in turn, spawned a new way for him to tell his stories. (Feb. 19) Mikal Cronin, “MCII”: His jangly powerpop is so infectious from the start, from the roaring “Weight” to the ’90s-styled indie of “Turn Away,” that it masks the melancholy of his delivery brilliantly, making “MCII” a winner on multiple levels. (May 7) Disclosure, “Settle”: The Lawrence brothers, Howard and Guy, create club anthems with a strong sense of humor and a distinctive style, setting themselves apart on the increasingly anonymous dance scene with their funky production style and cool set of collaborators, including AlunaGeorge and Jessie Ware. (June 11) Fall Out Boy, “Save Rock and Roll”: Fall Out Boy, it turns out, is willing to pull any number of genres into its music to save rock and roll — from the hip-hop of “The

the title song explains, she was upset and considering leaving because of her husband’s behavior. The song is a tribute, in Clark’s concisely poetic fashion, as he notes lovingly in his sweetly gruff voice that his wife was “a stand-up angel who won’t back down.” That blunt autobiography, and the masculine sentimentality it contains, encapsulates Clark’s distinctive gifts. A legend

Tour trenches with hard-hitting but melodic indie rock, Williams also has a softer, poppier side. (April 9) Portugal. The Man, “Evil Friends”: On “Evil Friends,” produced by Danger Mouse, the songs are streamlined to stick in your head while still managing deep thoughts on religion and existence. (June 4) Queens of the Stone Age, “Like Clockwork”: Josh Homme’s vocals have never sounded better, easily traveling from detached cool to fiery rocker and back again. (June 4) Sigur Ros, “Kveikur”: Sigur Ros hasn’t abandoned its dreamy, carefree sound completely, with “Isjaki” showing how poppy the band can really be. On “C,” Sigur Ros sounds more like a band than some sort of mythical daydream, and that shift is actually refreshing. (June 18) Son Volt, “Honky Tonk”: Though Jay Farrar has followed his eclectic interests all over the musical map, his warm voice never sounds more at home than when it’s surrounded by pedal steel guitars and fiddles. (March 5) Sound City Players, “Sound City: Real to Reel”: The soundtrack to Dave Grohl’s documentary features a who’s who of artists who recorded at the legendary Los Angeles studio, writing and recording new songs together on the spot. (March 12) Tegan and Sara, “Heartthrob”: They let their inner dance-pop divas loose. Instead of Cat Power teamed with Ani DiFranco, they now sound like Kelly Clarkson paired with Gwen Stefani. And, in a bigger surprise, they sound pretty great doing it. (Jan. 29) Waxahatchee, “Cerulean Salt”: Singer Katie Crutchfield carries on the tradition of cool, female indie rockers like Liz Phair and Kim Deal, while weaving in enough personal details and memorable pop melodies to make her own mark. (March 5) Kanye West, “Yeezus”: From a production standpoint, it’s on another level from the rest of today’s hip-hop, weaving new wave and industrial dance samples into old-school R&B in a way that feels completely fresh. (June 18) Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Mosquito”: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs abandoned their previously focused vision of indie rock for an adventurous collection of powerful songs that surprise at every turn. (April 16)

Mighty Fall” to the new wave of “Miss Missing You.” And it all works. (April 16) Foals, “Holy Fire”: The British quintet manages it well, musically crossing Phoenix with Talking Heads, while Yannis Philippakis channels everything from blues to disco in his wide-ranging vocals. (Feb. 12) John Fogerty, “Wrote a Song for Everyone” Fogerty is a rock and roll rarity, an artist with a distinctive singing voice as well as a distinctive writing voice. (May 28) Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, “Old Yellow Moon” Their voices blend so beautifully, whether they’re tackling something up-tempo like Kris Kristofferson’s “Chase the Feeling” or a wrenching ballad like Matraca Berg’s aching “Back When We Were Beautiful.” (Feb. 26) Jay-Z, “Magna Carta Holy Grail” If his classic “Blueprint” albums were about achieving success in the music industry, “Magna Carta Holy Grail” is about becoming successful as a human being, as a grown man. Spoiler alert: He succeeds. (July 9) Natalie Maines, “Mother”: From a loving twist on Pink Floyd’s “Mother” through a ferocious take on Patty Griffin’s “Silver Bell” and into Maines’ own poignant “Take It on Faith,” her voice, which has warmed and deepened since the last Dixie Chicks album, never wavers. (May 7) Laura Mvula, “Sing to the Moon”: The British soul singer’s inventiveness is overflowing on her debut, from the odd arrangements of the super-catchy “Green Garden” to the hushed encouragement of “She.” (May 14) My Bloody Valentine, “mbv”: The album seemingly picks up where “Loveless” left off, in both style and structure. The bulk of the record is atmospherics created by the layers of guitar work, using distortion and reverb to stretch and manipulate the guitar sound. (Feb. 12) Palma Violets, “180”: The British quartet comes close to living up to its homeland hype hailing the group as the next Clash or Oasis, especially with the raucous “Best of Friends” and “Johnny Bagga Donuts.” (March 19) Paramore, “Paramore”: Front woman Hayley Williams finally seems able to express all sides of her personality. Though Paramore came up in the Warped n Glenn Gamboa, Newsday

among fans of acoustic music steeped in country, folk and blues, the 71-year-old Clark hasn’t been the most prolific recording artist over a nearly 40-year recording career. But he is among the most consistent, setting the bar for raw-boned, openhearted, slow-rolling narratives. Working with old friends and a small collection of younger musicians and co-writers, Clark continues that streak on “My Favor-

ite Picture of You.” Past the touching title song, he writes with moving detail about emotionally scarred soldiers in “Heroes,” tragic border crossings in “El Coyote” and stoking the muse through dangerous habits in “The High Price of Inspiration.” All told, Clark’s talents remain in crisp focus on “My Favorite Picture of You.” n Michael McCall, Associated Press

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Thursday, July 25, 2013 - E7

REVIEWS VIDEO GAMES Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard News Service

‘The Walking Dead: 400 Days’

since the zombie outbreak was unleashed. You won’t get to spend much time Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC with the love triangle of Bonnie, Dee and Genre: Action Leland. And there are only brief encounPublisher: Telltale Games ters with lunatic truck driver Nate or budESRB Rating: M, for Mature dies Eddie and Wyatt. No matter, though, Grade: 4 stars (out of 5) because all of these interactions feel instantly fleshed out and alive with purpose. In the time it Eddie and Wyatt have a rapport similar to takes to read this what you might find in a Quentin Tarantino review, you could film; as with them and all the survivors you complete all of meet, you feel connected to them while also “400 Days.” Yes, wanting more when their time is abruptly it’s brief. It actucut short for some reason, sometimes due to ally lasts closer your own decisions. to 90 minutes, And therein lies what made season one but that remains and this bridge chapter so compelling: The short by gaming standards. Yet in that compressed amount of zombie apocalypse sucks, and not everyone time, Telltale Games manages to deliver an comes out on top. Everyone is affected at emotionally taut game loaded with intrigu- some point, so the whole rocks-and-glassing characters and gut-wrenching decisions. houses metaphor gets a bullet to the brain just as quickly as that onetime friend who “400 Days” does not mark the return of the acclaimed “Walking Dead” video-game now wants to chew on your jugular. “The franchise. It serves as a mere interlude until Walking Dead” games have always played the second set of episodes begins sometime out more like interactive stories than typical video games, and that setup worked wonlater this year. While we shouldn’t tease ders even when the series lost steam when out too much from a release bridging the eschewing it for more standard shoot-’emtwo seasons, let us at least rejoice that the winning gameplay format from season one up fare. Series fans need to jump into “400 Days” appears intact. immediately, if only to introduce themselves Forgoing traditional first-person shooter to some folks we may potentially meet or survival horror themes, “The Walking down the line. And let’s hope so, because Dead” games have thrived on a stronthat truck stop not only served as the ger narrative approach. Interestingly, the birthplace for this band of survivors, it also travails of Lee, Clementine and the gang played out as a microcosm of the franchise’s from the first season are not referenced best elements at work. at all; rather, we circulate through several combinations of all-new characters as they n Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter converge at a truck stop. These vignettes @campbler or email him at game_on_ provide the backdrop of the first 400 days games@mac.com.

Carson’s ‘Tonight’ highlights now available online tional farewell show and his memorable next-to-last For the first time, content show with guest Bette from “The Tonight Show Midler, which aired in 1992. Starring Johnny Carson” is A second volume available for digital down($19.99) features 16 load. Two volumes of mate- “Tonight” episodes with rial from the King of Late some of Carson’s favorite Night can be purchased guests, including Don Rickfrom the iTunes store. les, Jay Leno, Steve Martin, A compilation edition Jerry Seinfeld, Betty White, (priced at $14.99) includes David Letterman and Ellen highlights from the 1960s DeGeneres in one of her through Carson’s emofirst TV appearances. The Associated Press

Roughly half the material has never been available before in any form of home video, said Jeff Sotzing, president of Carson Entertainment Group. In addition, a selection of 50 “Tonight”-derived alert tones (with such signature catchphrases as “Here’s Johnny!”, “Hi-yo!” and “We’ll be right back”) will be available for 99 cents each.

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E8 - Thursday, July 25, 2013

TRAVEL

A brown bear walks to a sandbar to eat a salmon it had just caught at Brooks Falls.

Bears and humans: co-existing in an Alaska park than Connecticut, is located on the Alaska Peninsula, about 250 miles southwest of KATMAI NATIONAL Anchorage. Brooks Camp is PARK AND PRESERVE, only accessible by air. Alaska — Kim Spanjol has At peak bear-viewing seen gorillas in Congo and season, the end of July, there orangutans in Borneo. But will be up to 70 adult bears for a honeymoon with her plus cubs within a one-mile husband Jim O’Brien, she area of Brooks Camp. It’s planned a trip to Katmai not uncommon to see brown National Park and Preserve bears running around the in remote Alaska, where they camp, dodging humans as the started seeing brown bears bruins playfully chase each the minute their floatplane other. landed on the beach. That there have been only “There’s a bear in the two minor mishaps in the last water, and there’s a bear 63 years between the species coming down the beach,” is a testament to rules put in said Spanjol, a psychologist place by rangers to respect from New York. “And then, the bears’ right of way. we were coming in to eat and “I don’t think there’s there was a bear running by, any place quite like Brooks and there were three bears Camp in that we’ve got so just over there by the river. many people and so many So, that was amazing to have bears,” said Roy Wood, chief it so accessible.” of interpretation at Katmai. About 10,000 people What draws the bears make the difficult trek here here are salmon running in each summer to see the the Brooks River. The bears bears, some staying at a small stand patrol at Brooks Falls, lodge or the campground at about a mile walk from Brooks Camp, others flying Brooks Camp, and try to in from elsewhere in Alaska catch the jumping salmon. for the day. The 4-millionWhen they snag one, they plus acre park, a little bigger usually polish it off on a By MARK THIESSEN Associated Press

Photos by Mark Thiessen / AP

Visitors on a bear-viewing platform at Brooks Falls watch two brown bears at the falls and one on the river bank on July 4 in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska.

If you go Katmai National Park and Preserve: Southwest Alaska. Bear-viewing July and September. Accessible by plane; nps.gov/katm/index.htm. Lodging: katmailand.com/lodging/brooks-packages.html Bear Cam: explore.org/#!/live-cams/player/brown-bearsalmon-cam-brooks-falls

sandbar or off the side of the river — unless an aggressive male brown bear tries to steal the fish. Bear-viewing stands have been built at Brooks Falls, an area about 200 yards downstream, called the riffles, and at the lower river, which is prime viewing area in September. “The bears behave differently at that time of the year, they’re really fat,” said ranger Michael Fitz. “Instead of chasing fish actively, a lot of the times they are just cruising up and down the river like battleships. They’re looking for anything that

can’t swim away from them.” The flight here from Anchorage is about a threehour trip, and if you’re lucky, you can see white beluga whales surfacing in Cook Inlet. The ride also can be bumpy, especially through the narrows of Lake Clark Pass. The pass offers stunning views of mountains and glaciers, but if the ride is rough, you might want to keep the barf bag handy. Air taxis from the Alaska hub city of King Salmon are the cheapest way in, about $200 a person, but you have to get to King Salmon first.

A glacier in Lake Clark Pass near Port Alsworth, Alaska.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, July 25, 2013 - E9

TRAVEL Other floatplane flights are available from places like Anchorage, Homer or Kodiak. These can range up to $795 per person from Anchorage for a round trip but if you can afford it, it’s an ideal way to take a day trip to Brooks Camp to see the bears. For longer stays, the hardest thing is arranging lodging. There are few places to sleep at Brooks Camp and you have to book months ahead. The private Brooks Lodge has 16 rooms, with four beds each. Mike Wheeler of Kansas City, Kan., said the lodge cost him $615 a night, not prohibitive if you split it four ways, but he said the amenities and wildlife make up for the costs. “In other places, you can pay less for a cabin, but you have to hire a guide to find the wildlife,” he said. “Here, I can walk out the front door and fairly quickly see bears.” Lodge owner Sonny

Local travel SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for participants ages 12 and older (adult supervision required for ages 18 and younger). For information or to register, call 360-336-6215. Next up: Abbotsford, B.C., International Airshow: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, departing from and returning to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Proof of citizenship required (passport, DMV enhanced driver’s license or NEXUS card). $68-$70. Register by Aug. 2.

give bears food, carry any liquid but water, or leave things like backpacks on the ground. They also learn how to act when they meet a bear and how much space to give them. Rangers patrol Brooks Camp with walkie-talkies, and will stop human traffic — called bear jams — until bears leave the area. Rangers also are positioned on either side of a pedestrian bridge A tourist takes a photo of a brown bear as it walks on over the river, and will stop the beach at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska. people to give bears time to move away at their own Petersen said he’ll begin tak- gone after they go on sale speed. The rangers also warn ing reservations for the 2015 Jan. 5, at least for the prime fishermen to back up if a season on Jan. 1, 2014. He bear-viewing months of July bear gets too close. said reservations for July will and September. “There are a few rules we be gone within a week, but it Jim Dockweiler of Porttry to impose on the bears, will take a little longer for the land, Ore., said he used the but mostly the rules are to rest of the cabins to be filled. same trick to get tent space keep the humans at that Another option is camping at Brooks Camp that he uses safe distance from the bears at the park service’s electric- to get concert tickets: He so they don’t disturb the fence enclosed campsite kept refreshing the website bears and the bears don’t ($12 per person, per night). until he got in. feel threatened and perhaps The campground can hold Bear orientation for visiretaliate,” Wood said. 60 people a night, but like tors to Katmai is mandatory. Only twice have bears the lodge, spaces are quickly They’re told they cannot intentionally made contact shoes. $117.94, includes kayak rental, all gear and yoga.

ESCORTED TOURS: The Whatcom County Tour Program offers a variety of day trips and longer tours, with most trips departing from and returning to the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. For information or to register: 360-733-4030, press #, ext. 47015, or wccoa.org/index. php/Tours. Next up: Fall Foliage Mississippi River Steamboat Cruise: Oct. 4-12. $3,199-$3,999. Includes Bellingham-to-Seatac transfer, airfare, first-night hotel stay, seven-day cruise, all meals on cruise, shore YOGA ADVENTURE SERIES: activity at all ports, daily lecJoin Dawn Jex for day trips and ture by onboard naturalist, yoga. Each adventure includes nightly entertainment, taxes, fun activities at an area attrac- gratuities and escort. New York City and Upstate tion combined with a yoga New York Fall Colors Tour: class. For information or to register, call Dawn at 360-631- Oct. 4-13. $2,999-$3,799, includes round-trip airfare, 0587 or visit yoga-gypsies. deluxe motorcoach transportacom. Next up: Anacortes Kayak Yoga Trip: tion, hotel accommodations, 14 meals, NYC guided tour, Join Jex at 9 a.m. Saturday, optional Broadway show, Aug. 11, in Anacortes for a six-hour kayak tour of the San attractions, two day-cruises and escort. $300 deposit due Juan Islands that will include at sign-up. Final payment due an hour of beach yoga. Bring your own lunch and water-safe in August.

EXTENDED TRIPS: The Oak Harbor Senior Center is organizing two small-group trips for 2014: Mississippi River Cruise: America’s Heartland, Nashville to New Orleans, March 19–30; and Scotland, June. pgardner@oakharbor.org. STANWOOD SENIOR CENTER TRIPS: The Stanwood Senior Center offers occasional trips around the Puget Sound area and beyond, departing from and returning to the center, 7430 276th St. NW, Stanwood. For information or reservations, contact Sandy Kitchens at 360-629-7403. PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: The Anacortes Public Library accepts passport applications from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays at 1220 10th St., Anacortes. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available at travel.state.gov, or pick up an application and passport guide at the library. The Oak Harbor Senior Center accepts passport applications, by appointment, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor. 360-279-4580.

with humans since Brooks Camp opened around 1950, Wood said, though they occasionally knock people over while running. A person was bitten in the 1960s, and three decades later, a ranger was scratched. As long as visitors follow the rules, the bears don’t associate humans with food or with playthings. “They just wander through the forest along the river, doing what bears are supposed to do,” Wood said. Another cool attraction in Katmai involves a 23-mile ride on a bus ($96 a person, $88 if you don’t take the sack lunch) over three small rivers. The payoff is a stunning view of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The valley was formed by a three-day volcanic explosion that started June 6, 1912. It spewed ash as high as 100,000 feet above the sparsely populated Katmai region, covering the area to depths up to 700 feet.

It was the most powerful eruption of the 20th century and one of the five largest in recorded history. The valley was why the National Geographic Society petitioned for Katmai to be a national park, believing it would be the next Yellowstone because of its geothermal activity. Early visitors came to see the landscape, not the bears. But the steam “dwindled away so there’s just a few warm areas right now,” Wood said, adding: “We started preserving it for this one thing, and weren’t even considering bears because bears were pretty much everywhere around and there was nothing special about that. But as civilization has grown, even in Alaska, these wild areas to observe bears are becoming even harder to find.” By the 1970s, bear-viewing eclipsed fishing and the valley as Katmai’s top attraction.

E10 Thursday, July 25, 2013

Thursday, July 25, 2013 E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area July 25-Aug. 1

TUNING UP Playing at area venues July 25-Aug. 1

FRIDAY.26 CAP SANTE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Black Vinyl All-Stars (Seattle’s Led Zeppelin band), 7 p.m., Seafarers’ Memorial Park, Anacortes. Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. 425-303-1848 or snohomish artistguild.org.

Thursday.25 THEATER

“Hamlet”: Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID. 206-317-3023 or shakesnw.org.

Friday.26

THURSDAY.25

Jason Daniel Wall: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

MUSIC

Cap Sante Summer Concert Series: Black Vinyl All-Stars (Seattle’s Led Zeppelin band), 7 p.m., Seafarers’ Memorial Park, Anacortes. Free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. 425-303-1848 or snohomish artistguild.org.

THEATER

“The Merry Wives of Windsor”: Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., RexvilleBlackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID. 206-317-3023 or shakesnw.org. “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”: OutCast Productions, 7:30 p.m., Black Box Theater, Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/event/313099 or email ocp@whidbey.com.

VAUDEVILLE

New Old Time Chatauqua: The Flying Karamazov Brothers, Joey Pipia, Clay Mazing and Zacktastic, Vanessa Vortex, the Fighting Instruments of Karma Marching Chamber Band/Orchestra and others, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $15 adults, $10 children. 360-336-8955 or lincolntheatre. org.

Saturday.27

Sunday.28

MUSIC

THEATER

Marcia Kester & Sandy Carter (country, rock, blues, pop): 8 to 10 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012.

“Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”: OutCast Productions, 2 p.m., Black Box Theater, Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/event/313099 or email ocp@whidbey.com.

THEATER

Shakespeare Northwest Iron Man: Watch “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at 1 p.m., “To Be or Not TV” at 4 p.m. and “Hamlet” at 7 p.m., Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $30, includes Iron Man T-shirt. 206-317-3023 or shakesnw. org. Individual showings for “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “Hamlet”: $12, $10 with student ID. “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris”: OutCast Productions, 7:30 p.m., Black Box Theater, Whidbey Island Fairgrounds, 819 Camano Ave., Langley. $18, $14 students and seniors. brownpapertickets.com/event/313099 or email ocp@whidbey.com.

Tuesday.30 VARIETY

Ms. Betty Desire, Jason Daniel Wall: 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. 360-3363012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

Thursday.1

FRIDAY.26 JASON DANIEL WALL 8 p.m., 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012 or riverbelledinnertheatre.com.

THEATER

“The Merry Wives of Windsor”: Shakespeare Northwest, 7 p.m., RexvilleBlackrock Amphitheatre, 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Mount Vernon. $12, $10 with student ID. 206-317-3023 or shakesnw.org.

SATURDAY.27

REFA SUMMER CELEBRATION Rivertalk, 5 to 8 p.m., Heart of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth St., Anacortes. $10 suggested donation. Proceeds will benefit the Rick Epting Foundation for the Arts. 360724-7355 or rick eptingfoundation. org.

BR’ER RABBIT 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

FRIDAY.26

Ria Peth Vanderpool: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

COMEDY

SATURDAY.27

Jam Night: Open mic, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

Showdown at the Shakedown: 9:30 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $1. 360-778-1067.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Gregory Rawlins, Justin Farren: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. 360-4453000.

Steve Rudy: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Firehall Cafe, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

Tony and the Tigers: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Varsity Inn, 112 N. Cherry St., Burlington. No cover. 360-755-0165.

The Fire Inside (Celtic): 7 p.m., Conway Muse, Renaissance Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-4453000.

Nick Vigarino Band: 9 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733. Skip Hamilton: 6 to 9 p.m., Frida’s Gourmet Mexican Restaurant, 416 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. No cover. 360-299-2120.

Tommy Simmons: 7 p.m., Eagle Haven Winery, 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley. $8. Bring your own chair or blanket. 360-856-6248.

Jim Cull: 7 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-848-8882. Open to the public.

Lozen, Qui, Hot Victory: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $6. 360-7781067.

SATURDAY.27 Hardwire: 9 p.m., Draft Pics, 516 S. First St., Mount Vernon. No cover. 360-336-3626. Marcia Kester & Sandy Carter: 1st Street Cabaret & Speakeasy, 612 S. First St., Mount Vernon. $5 cover. 360-336-3012.

Jammin’ Jeff: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-422-6411.

Br’er Rabbit: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Longhorn Saloon, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360-766-6330.

Ryan Bart (the Magic Man): 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. 360-445-3000.

Eldridge Gravy and the Court Supreme: 7 to 10 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-755-3956.

Nick Vigarino: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

The Curtis Hammond Band: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, Renaissance Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

Ford Giesbrecht (Brazilian jazz, American standards): 7:30 p.m., Washington Sips, 608 S. First St., La Conner. No cover. 360-399-1037.

Steve Rudy Trio (jazz): 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. $10. 360-354-3600.

SUNDAY.28 Knut Bell & The Blue Collars: 5 to 9 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. $3 cover. 360-4454733.

WEDNESDAY.31 Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues, classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-855-2263.

Bow Diddlers: Bruce Harvie, 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-7666266.

C.C. Adams and friends Sunday Jam, featuring $cratch Daddy, Coyote Blues and more: 4 to 8 p.m., Station House, 315 E. Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

Cliques & Whistles, The Hashtronaut, Jesus Chris Willis, Jender: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $3. 360-778-1067.

Jack Hamilton and Friends: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

REFA Summer Celebration: Rivertalk, 5 to 8 p.m., Heart of Anacortes, 1014 Fourth St., Anacortes. $10 suggested donation. Proceeds will benefit the Rick Epting Foundation for the Arts. 360724-7355 or rickepting foundation.org.

THURSDAY.1 Lightning Dust, Louise Burns: 9 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $7. 360-778-1067.

Jam Night: Open mic, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-4454733.

Waterbear: 7:30 to 10 p.m., The “New” Corner Pub, 14565 Allen West Road, Bow. No cover. 360-757-6113.