Timberline Lodge – A Work of Art

Posted on November 10, 2011 by TKGilb
Diamond Jubilee Edition of Timberline Lodge: A Love Story. Cover: R.L.K. and Company.

Diamond Jubilee Edition of Timberline Lodge: A Love Story. Cover: R.L.K. and Company.

The valleys are ablaze with autumn color, but up on Mount Hood, the first snowflakes are already starting to fly. Soon the skiff of snow that fell just a few days ago will deepen into drifts. The chair lifts will hum to life. And an endless stream of vehicles packed with skis, poles, and snowboards will head toward Timberline Lodge.

Open year-round, the bustling ski lodge attracts more than two million visitors annually. Most come to enjoy the rugged natural beauty of Mount Hood and the surrounding forest. Others—hikers, bikers, climbers, skiers–come to challenge the mountain itself. For whatever reason, nearly all of them end up at the Lodge.

Timberline Lodge is a cherished icon of the Pacific NW. Constructed during the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, this ambitious WPA project employed 400 local artisans and craftsmen from 1936 to 1938. The result? Not only did they build and furnish this unique alpine lodge in record time, entirely by hand, they also created a lasting work of art.

Inside, visitors will still find the classic high ceilings, exposed wooden beams and posts, distinctive wrought iron accents (door handles, latches, and hinges), and rough-cut stone from the 1930’s. Much of the hand-crafted furniture is also original to the lodge, as are some of the drapes, hand-hooked rugs, and accessories such as the cast iron floor lamps with parchment shades. At the center of the head house stands a massive six-sided chimney, home to three separate fireplaces.

A wide variety of artwork also decorates the interior: wood carvings, marquetry, stained glass, oil paintings, and mosaic tile murals. In addition to the original pieces, many additional works of art have been added to the Timberline collection over the years.

To celebrate the upcoming 75th anniversary of the opening of Timberline Lodge, R.L.K. and Company has released the Diamond Jubilee Edition of Timberline Lodge: A Love Story. Richly illustrated with historical photos and stunning new color photography, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible story of this beloved Northwest icon. The perfect volume to plan your first visit.

Timberline Lodge is located about 60 miles ESE of Portland, OR, on the southern slope of Mount Hood. For detailed directions, please check the Timberline Lodge website. Current weather conditions? Check out their web cams. Not a skier? Don’t fret! Spring is just around the corner.

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The Real Rose Red Mansion – Thornewood Castle

Posted on October 30, 2011 by TKGilb
Much of Stephen King's Rose Red mini-series was filmed onsite at Thornewood Castle.

Much of Stephen King’s Rose Red mini-series was filmed onsite at Thornewood Castle.

Rose Red is the well-known paranormal mini-series written by famed author Stephen King. It premiered on ABC TV on January 27-29, 2002. What you may not know is that the stately house used to film this eerie mini-series is none other than Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, WA.

Thornewood is an authentic Tudor Gothic mansion that was built in the early 1900’s by Northwest financier Chester Thorne as a gift for his wife Anna. 100 years later, the castle still stands on four acres of woodland overlooking a lake just twelve miles south of Tacoma, WA. But its heart is much older.

Many of the materials used to build the castle actually came from a 400-year-old English manor house that Thorne purchased and had dismantled in 1907. The recycled material—red brick, oak paneling, oak doors, a grand staircase, and medieval stained glass windows—was then shipped from England, all the way around Cape Horn, to Washington State. Construction took three years to complete.

The Thorne family lived on the estate from 1911 until the mid-1950’s when the castle was sold to a housing developer. During its golden age, the house and grounds were maintained by a staff of 40 servants and 28 gardeners.

The current owners have completely renovated the property and restored the old mansion to its former elegance. Within its 27,000 square feet of living space are 54 rooms, including 22 bedrooms and 22 baths. The landscaped grounds include a secret English Garden originally designed by the Olmsted Brothers, who also designed Central Park and Prospect Park in New York City.

**Special Note: Thornewood Castle today is a private residence doing business as a bed and breakfast lodge. The owners also host weddings and other special events throughout the year. So, unfortunately, they do not have time to accommodate visitors who drop in unexpectedly looking for a tour of the house and grounds.

But if you’re celebrating one of life’s special events—a birthday, anniversary, or maybe even a promotion—we encourage you to book a room/suite at the castle and stay for a night or two. Who knows? Maybe you’ll run into the ghost of Ellen Rimbauer on the grand staircase after dark.

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Autumn Shots II

Posted on October 27, 2011 by TKGilb
Autumn foliage at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Photo: KGilb.

Autumn foliage at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Photo: KGilb.

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Autumn Shots

Posted on October 27, 2011 by TKGilb
Autumn foliage at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Photo: KGilb.

Autumn foliage at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Photo: KGilb.

The frost is on the pumpkin. Can winter be far behind? I know that skiers and snowboarders are chomping at the bit right now to hit the slopes. But down here in the valley, I’m hoping Autumn decides to stick around for awhile. The colors are gorgeous.

Here are a couple of my favorite autumn shots, taken at the historical historic Columbia Gorge Hotel. Enjoy!

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Ghostly Fishing Village

Posted on October 24, 2011 by TKGilb
Remnants of the Lone Pine Tree Indian Village. The Dalles, OR. Photo: KGilb.

Remnants of the Lone Pine Tree Indian Village. The Dalles, OR. Photo: KGilb.

We stumbled across this ghostly little cluster of old abandoned buildings quite by accident. It’s not readily visible from nearby roads or highways. Perched on the rocks overlooking the Columbia River, with the Dalles Dam as backdrop, the half-dozen wooden huts seem wildly out of place. What was once a Native American fishing village is now surrounded by motels, coffee shops, retail outlets, and fast food restaurants.

The Lone Pine Tree Fishing Village was built by Henry Gulick for his wife, Harriet. Gulick was a Scottish immigrant who came to the area in the 1890’s; Harriet, a member of the native Wasco tribe. He built the village near one of the tribe’s traditional fishing sites on the Columbia River. The badly weathered wooden buildings—one or two still carrying a sheet of rusty tin on its roof—date back to 1896.

Though he was not himself a religious man, Henry also built his wife a small wooden church near the village. Harriet was a member of the Indian Shaker movement. (not to be confused with the Shaker Community of New England) The church became a center of Indian Shaker activity in the area and remained so until its bishop retired and moved to Hood River in the 1920’s. Unfortunately, the building itself collapsed under the weight of snow in the winter of 1996.

And the lone pine tree that once stood south of the village? It died long ago.

The Lone Pine Tree Fishing Village is located just north of the Shiloh Inn at the junction of I-84 and US 197 in The Dalles, OR. (on a narrow strip of land between the back of the hotel and the river) Please be advised these buildings are over 100 years old and are not safe to enter. Posted signs also warn of rattlesnakes on the rocks. So step carefully as you draw near and please view from the outside only.

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Long Beach Boardwalk II

Posted on October 12, 2011 by TKGilb
Waves of beachgrass break against the boardwalk near Long Beach, WA. Photo: KGilb.

Waves of beachgrass break against the boardwalk near Long Beach, WA. Photo: KGilb.

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Long Beach Boardwalk

Posted on October 12, 2011 by TKGilb
View of grass-covered dunes near Long Beach Boardwalk. Photo: KGilb.

View of grass-covered dunes near Long Beach Boardwalk. Photo: KGilb.

The 1/2 mile Long Beach Boardwalk snakes across the top of the dunes, running parallel to the ocean. On both sides, beachgrass undulates in the offshore breezes like the green-gold waves of an inland sea. Acres and acres of beachgrass. There are no carnival rides, no boom boxes, no hiss and grind of a coffee vendor’s cart. Nothing to detract from the sound of surf and the cries of seabirds.

Dedicated in 1990, this classic wooden boardwalk is well-maintained with both picnic tables and benches available for those who want to linger awhile. There are also a handful of interpretive displays for those curious about the unique eco-system that exists here on the “longest beach in the world”. Not to mention the skeleton of a 38-foot-long Gray Whale that was found beached just a mile away in May of 2000.

The boardwalk is a great alternative for those who want to walk along the beach without getting sand in their shoes! Open year-round, it’s located just a quarter mile due west of downtown Long Beach. (easily accessible from either Sid Snyder or Bolstead Avenues) It’s also wheelchair accessible with ample parking nearby. For a map of the area, please check the Long Beach WA website.

**Special Note: For more photos of these remarkable grass-covered dunes, please check out the Nautical Cottage Blog website.

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South Falls II

Posted on September 6, 2011 by TKGilb
Silver Falls Creek just before it plunges off the canyon rim and becomes South Falls. Photo: KGilb.

Silver Falls Creek just before it plunges off the canyon rim and becomes South Falls. Photo: KGilb.

Silver Falls State Park, located about 24 miles east of Salem, is the largest in Oregon. Within its 8700 acres is a multiple-use trail system that runs more than 22 miles, any part of which is perfect for either short jaunts or more rigorous day-long hikes. Foliage and stream flow varies from season to season, so the scenery is always changing.

The park is also a waterfall lover’s paradise. Ten gorgeous waterfalls along a five mile loop trail, and South Falls is definitely one of the crown jewels. It’s the tallest free-falling waterfall found along the Canyon Trail, otherwise known as the Trail of Ten Falls.

For a three-page full color brochure, please check out the Oregon State Parks website.

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South Falls – A Dizzying Drop!

Posted on September 6, 2011 by TKGilb
South Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall found along the Trail of Ten Falls. Photo: KGilb.

South Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall found along the Trail of Ten Falls. Photo: KGilb.

On a hot summer’s day, the south fork of Silver Falls Creek flows quietly through stands of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar trees. Until it reaches the canyon rim, that is. Then it tumbles over the edge with an audible rush and plunges straight down into a pool of water below. A dizzying drop of 177 feet.

South Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. Unlike the other nine falls found along the Canyon Trail, it’s located just a quarter mile from the main parking lot. A paved walkway guides visitors past an information center—an old lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s—to a viewing platform on the canyon rim.

For more adventurous folk, the trail then angles down into the canyon, across the cliff face, and behind the falls. That’s right! You actually get to walk behind the waterfall. How cool is that? Cooler than you might think. Be prepared for mist even on a calm day.

The trail eventually leads all the way down to the canyon floor where ferns and wildflowers line the banks of the stream. Hikers can use the foot bridge located just below the pool to cross back over Silver Falls Creek. (and take some great shots of the waterfall) From there, the trail snakes back up to the canyon rim and the old lodge/visitor center.

Open year-round, South Falls is located about 24 miles east of Salem, OR. Admission is free to the public, but don’t forget to purchase a parking permit for your car. For a map and detailed directions, please check out the Salem Oregon website.

**Special Note: Though fairly steep in places, the trail is well maintained and there are places to rest all along the route. Sorry, no puppies, bicycles, or skateboards allowed.

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Graveyard of the Pacific

Posted on August 28, 2011 by TKGilb
The wreck of the Peter Iredale, still visible after 100 years. Photo: KGilb.

The wreck of the Peter Iredale, still visible after 100 years. Photo: KGilb.

One of the first major shipwrecks recorded in the Pacific NW was that of the sidewheeler General Warren. On January 28, 1852, forty-two people died in the surf after the steamship ran aground on the Clatsop Spit. Two of the victims were a newly married couple whose bodies were found with their hands still clasped.

On November 22, 1875, the capsized schooner Sunshine washed up on Long Beach Peninsula. Everyone onboard, all twenty-five souls, were presumed lost at sea. No trace of them was ever found.

On September 18, 1914, the steamship Francis H. Leggett bound for San Francisco foundered off the northern coast of Oregon. Sixty-five people perished when the ship went down.

The waters off the Northwest’s rugged coastline have long been known as the as the “Graveyard of the Pacific”. From Oregon’s Tillamook Bay north to the entrance of the Juan de Fuca Strait, as many as 2000 ships and upwards of 1000 lives have been lost since the early 1800’s.

Some of the vessels, lost in thick fog, ventured too close to shore where they ran aground. Many got caught in violent winter storms with gale force winds that drove them into the jagged rocks skirting the headlands. (wind speeds of over 120 mph have been recorded at the North Head Lighthouse in Washington State) Still others capsized while attempting a treacherous bar crossing at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Fortunately, the wreck of the Peter Iredale ended on a happier note. The four-masted steel barque was cruising north toward Portland in the early morning hours of October 25, 1906. While waiting to cross the bar, a sudden wind shift and exceptionally strong currents caught the ship and drove it onto the beach near Warrenton, OR. The impact was strong enough to snap three of its four masts . . . but everyone made it off alive.

The rusting hulk of the Peter Iredale is now a popular stop for visitors to the Oregon Coast. It’s located on the beach near Fort Stevens State Park. The photo above shows the bow, one of the masts, and a couple of its ribs still poking up out of the sand.

**Special Note: For a more complete listing–and a brief history–of many of the ships lost in the Graveyard of the Pacific, please check out Washington’s History Link website.

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