Re: NSA Bellevue

[P3D <PTWW@xxxxxxx>]

Re: The Mitofsky's ask for travel advice related to '97 NSA convention in
Seattle area.  I suppose the members of the PSSCC are best equipped to
provide specifics off-list, but as they mention an interest in nature,
I'll point out that there are 3 U.S. National Parks within 1/2 day
driving distance: Mt. Rainier (be prepared for crowds); Olympic (largely
rain forest); and North Cascades (one of the least well known of all
U.S. National Parks).  Unfortunately for those of us who like to hike
(without snow gear) in the mountains, the convention was scheduled on
the early side.  Guide books say we should expect trails to be closed
at the higher elevations due to lingering winter snow accumulations.

There are also 3 National Recreation Areas that ring the North Cascades
N.P.; National Forests; designated wilderness areas; state parks; a
Provincial Park in southern B.C. (I think); the Mt. St. Helens National
Volcanic Monument in southern Washington; and the world famous sailboard
mecca (Columbia River Gorge) between Washington and Oregon.  Most visitors
to the area rave about Victoria and any number of sites in Seattle, but
I'm not much on cities so I can't comment.  Those interested in roaming
a bit further might consider Hell's Canyon, the world's(?) deepest gorge
at over 5000 ft.

Also note that the $133 RT Seattle to Anchorage airfare I mentioned a
while back disappeared for a time, but has recently been reincarnated
($138 RT this time).  I understand Alaska can be quite congested in
July and August, but our Alaska list members might have some tips on
how to avoid the crowds.

The discussion of small inns with great food and views is probably best
left off-list, lest 100s of P3D members try to reserve the same 5 rooms.

Paul Talbot (*not* affiliated with the Washington tourist bureau)


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