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!
The Mt. Hood Community College Aquatic Center, venue for LC Nationals, is not the same pool that some of you may remember. The Aquatic Center was built three decades ago, but the college invested $1.4 million in 2007 to create a state-of-the-sport 50 meter pool after consulting with USA Swimming and FINA. The tank is now "probably one of the top 10 in the nation," according to the college press office, which also quotes one Olympic swimmer as calling it perhaps the "fastest tank in the U.S." The 1,000,000 gallon competition pool ranges in depth from 6 to 12 feet, and is complemented by a 25-yard indoor warm-up pool, seating for up to 4,000 spectators, a hydrotherapy pool and an electronic scoreboard capable projecting real-time video. With this pool and the new "suits," Oregon is going to witness some sizzling swimming this summer. Enter Nationals today!
I've heard of 'micro-breweries' of course, but not 'micro-distilleries'.
I've always wondered about visiting Mt. Hood in August. I'm sure the snow is not that great, but it's probably all about the novelty.
Oregon
We have driven through Oregon many times. We love the scenery and the people.
We have even done the search many times to buy a place there, as our getaway. I had even considered opening a business there, maybe still will.
