EXPLORE VANCOUVER WASHINGTON GUIDEBOOK

Are you a newcomer to Vancouver USA? Local author, Patty Grasher, recently published a 160-page, full-color guide to making the most out of your life and time in Vancouver and Clark County, Washington. The book, “Explore Vancouver Washington” (Turtle Place Press, 2023), dives deep into the very best entertainment spots, historical locations, events, parks and trails of our beloved region. Grasher teamed up with renowned Vancouver photographer Jonathon Kraft, talented Portland cartoonist Bernard McKenna and her friend, mapmaker Sasha Fedorova of Ukraine (now residing temporarily in Poland) to create the ultimate guide to all things Vancouver. After two years of extensive research and exploration, “Explore Vancouver Washington” is a great newcomers’ guide to the area, and a valuable source for longtime residents as well. “The book took on an even deeper meaning as I realized that it’s not just about travel, but about rediscovering the joy of exploring our own backyard and supporting local businesses and communities,” says Grasher. The guidebook is available now at Fort Vancouver Friends’ Bookstore, Vintage Books, Amazon and at USAVancouver.com.

continued from previous page in all kinds of weather. “If the water is flat we will row in rain, snow, hail, cold temps and other tough weather,” says Bullis. “If the water is too rough to row, we will train indoors on rowing machines.”

Many of VLRC’s competitive rowers started out at a VLRC summer camp. Kids as young as age 7, as long as they pass a swim test for safety, can participate in camps where they learn the basics of boating in kayaks, canoes, dragon boat and stand up paddle board. The next level is Learn to Row for ages 10-17, where kids learn to row in beginner boats. “The final group,” says Bullis, “is our experienced rowers that sign up for each season—we have teams for fall, winter, spring and summer. This group competes at regattas from Canada to California and nationals in Florida if we make it. This year we qualified four boats for nationals—the most VLRC has ever qualified!”

Bullis has been rowing for years, coaching at University of Washington before moving south to Camas and being recruited to take over VLRC as head coach a year and a half ago. One of his most memorable moments so far happened at the final week of spring practice in May. “We voted for most inspirational as a team using a ballot system. I explain to the team that the most inspirational person is someone that motivates you, makes your experience better, a person that makes you want to come to practice when you’re tired and worn down, a person that pushes you to be your best. Typically, I see 2-3 names on the ballots, this year I saw votes for 17 different people. I was shocked to see so many different people that are important to the rowers. I learned that we are cross-motivated many times over, meaning it’s not just one or two people leading, it’s the team that is pushing us forward. It’s an indication for me that we are working together and everyone is valued.”

Learn more about Vancouver Lake Rowing Club’s summer camp and competitive team programs at VancouverLakeRowingClub.com