Washington
Vancouver -- I live in Vancouver, Washington, which is the oldest city in the state of Washington. It is located on the north side of the Columbia River across from Portland, Oregon. Vancouver was founded in 1824 as Fort Vancouver by the Hudson’s Bay Company. During the 1860’s, the young town prospered from the gold rushes to eastern Washington and Idaho. It is located at the head of deep-water navigation on the Columbia River. Connections with the Northern Pacific from Kalama and increased river traffic furthered the town’s development into a busy shipping center. The Kaiser Company shipyard, constructed in 1942 after the United States entered World War II, built about 100 vessels that were used in Pacific warfare. Today Vancouver’s port accommodates both ocean and river commerce. Aluminum and high-tech industries also contribute to the city’s economy along with wood products, farming, and tourism. Clark County farmers grow almost every kind of berry you can think of along with other fruits and vegetables. Many produce stands are available along with the week-end market in Vancouver of local products.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is located near downtown Vancouver. This was the center of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s vast fur-trading empire from 1825-1849. In 1849 the first U.S. military post in the Pacific Northwest was founded nearby. The fort continued operation until it was deactivated in 1860. The Hudson’s Bay Company stockade and several buildings have been reconstructed. Exhibits include beads, archeological artifacts, ceramics and iron items from the fur-trade era as well as a formal garden representative of the period. Living history demonstrations are presented year-round. Officer’s Row preserves 21 stately Victorian homes built 1849-1906. Formerly the residences of officers at the U.S. Army post, they now house a variety of residential and office functions. The large park-like area of the National Historic Site is the location of the 4th of July celebration with the fireworks set off from a barge in the Columbia River—it is said that it is the largest fireworks celebration west of the Mississippi River.
We average about 30" of rain a year, however this year June has been very dry and we have received less than half the amount of rain we usually get but as I am writing this we are getting some rain which is very much needed. Usually July through September and sometimes to mid-October are the driest times of the year here. Much of the time the rain is a fine continual mist rather than a short heavy rain. Frequently east winds coming from the Columbia gorge are strong and are hot and dry in the summer but bring ice storms in the winter. We get very little snow during the winter. Temperatures range from the 20’s-30’s in winter to mostly in the 60’s-80’s in summer with occasionally higher and lower temperatures occurring. Very few days in the 90’s and higher.
The land here varies from sea level to the Coast range of mountains and further east the Cascade mountains. There are many things to do such as visiting the coast, the Cascade’s, taking a trip to Mt. St. Helens and visiting the centers along the way and at the last one seeing a awesome film and ending with a fantastic view of the volcano only 5 miles away. Equally interesting is to see the volcano at Windy Ridge (and it is very windy) from the east side and along the way observing the destruction that occurred during the volcanic eruption of 1980. Various trips on the Columbia River are also available and visiting Bonneville Dam also.
One of my favorite trips here in Washington is to travel north to above Seattle and take U.S. 2 east through the Cascades to Leavenworth (Bavarian style town, something always going on), and Cashmere (home of Aplets and Cotlets—tour the factory). Then travel north (you are in the major apple growing region of Washington now) on U.S. 97 past Lake Chelan to Pateros and NE on 153 to Twisp. From there pick up Rt. 20 and head west, be sure to stop at Winthrop (western town, again much going on also ski center). Continue on Rt. 20 through the North Cascades National Park—Unbelievably gorgeous mountains (Mt. Baker and Mt. Shucksan and others), vistas and eventually ending up at Sedro-Wooly/Burlington area. Then take time to visit La Conner and window shop and visit the art galleries, restaurants, etc.
There are many interesting gardens in this area and since are growing area is a zone 8 we are able to grow a wide variety of plants and have a very long growing season. Many wildflowers also. Trees include Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Oak, Maple among many others. The surrounding areas are home to many animals such as elk, deer, raccoon, possum, black bears, and others. Also many birds — songbirds, shore birds, etc.
The Lewis and Clark trail to the Pacific passed along the Columbia River enroute to Astoria area. Many historical sites of interest regarding the trail both in Washington and Oregon —too much to include here. Also many interesting places to visit across the river in Oregon which your Oregon replies will be sharing with you. Three which are very interesting are the new Oregon Gardens in Silverton, Oregon and Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.