As originally posted under "Where in the World, 2008?"
. . . There will be a lot of options in 2008 for competing, and for viewing great swimming. Only one great swim destination is described in this NY Times article, however, appearing September 26, 2007:
". . . Every little neighborhood in this city of funky neighborhoods now seems to be exploding with restaurants, food shops and markets, all benefiting from a critical mass of passion, skill and experience, and all constructed according to the gospel of locally grown ingredients.
In close proximity is a cadre of farmers committed to growing environmentally responsible produce with maximum flavor, delivered to restaurants and to the gorgeous farmers’ markets that dot the city. There are local fisheries and small beef, lamb and pork producers. Not far away myriad fruit growers who supply glistening, fragile berries and stonefruits of every stripe and color.
World-class wine is produced . . . just a half hour’s drive away. has six micro-distilleries making any kind of spirits you can name and, if you’d like a chaser, more breweries than any other city on earth. Just as important is a receptive populace, demanding yet eager to be wowed. . . "
Check out the article here: www.nytimes.com/.../26port.html
-- and start planning your trip for August, 2008!
"I am enjoying hiking and riding my bike now."
If skiing seems like too much of a stretch, consider substituting a few hours on Oregon's cycle-friendly roads or magnificent hiking trails. Historic Vista House, the western gateway to the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, is less than a 10 mile bike ride. Learn more about Vista House at http://www.vistahouse.com/, and about the Columbia River Gorge here: http://www.crgva.org/.
The Columbia River Gorge, the boundary between Oregon and Washington, is famous for its scenery and, in particular, its waterfalls - there are 77 falls on the Oregon side alone. You can find a description of many of them, together with trail information and links to maps and other hiking resources, at this link: www.a2zgorge.info/.../columbia_gorge_waterfalls.htmwww.vistahouse.com/.../JimVHSpring05.jpg
"I am enjoying hiking and riding my bike now."
If skiing seems like too much of a stretch, consider substituting a few hours on Oregon's cycle-friendly roads or magnificent hiking trails. Historic Vista House, the western gateway to the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, is less than a 10 mile bike ride. Learn more about Vista House at http://www.vistahouse.com/, and about the Columbia River Gorge here: http://www.crgva.org/.
The Columbia River Gorge, the boundary between Oregon and Washington, is famous for its scenery and, in particular, its waterfalls - there are 77 falls on the Oregon side alone. You can find a description of many of them, together with trail information and links to maps and other hiking resources, at this link: www.a2zgorge.info/.../columbia_gorge_waterfalls.htmwww.vistahouse.com/.../JimVHSpring05.jpg