Travel Writing

Harvest Hiking   Written for Washington Trails magazine   Visit the published article here   In autumn, the golden glow of larches pulls focus to Washington’s high country. But in the hidden folds and river canyons of central Washington, another color riot is taking place. Butter yellow, pumpkin orange, rhubarb red: For a few short weeks, the normally dry, hide- colored earth explodes with color and harvest bounty. Ripe apples decorate stout trees; plump grapes weigh down delicate vines. It’s a feast in every sense of the word. It’s also the ultimate autumn destination: Yakima Valley. Fall colors and fresh crops aren’t the only reasons to visit Yakima Valley. The region boasts more than 300 days of sunshine annually and warm temperatures that...

Mountain Man: On the Trail of Dugout Dick   Written for a continuing education class   View the article (with pictures and side-bars) here: MountainManPDF   It was an unlikely heaven: jagged rocks, narrow terracing, caves hand-chiseled into a stony mountain. There were no modern amenities beyond gas lamps and handmade wood stoves. Everything here was on its second life, from the car windshields that became cave windows to the old tires that became insulation, handpicked from the local dump. It’s the closest you could possibly come to living like the Taliban, and yet each year many people: the displaced, the strange, the nomads, and the curious of American society, called this network of ice caves home. For only $5 a night, people could escape the pressures...

Central Kitsap Community Page   Written for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty   Visit the published article here   In December of 2012, the Kitsap Peninsula made national headlines as its Water Trails system was honored as one of the top 12 trails of the year by the National Park Service. Residents of the Peninsula were not surprised by the attention; for them, incredible trails are par for the course. They are one of the reasons why many people have relocated to the Peninsula, specifically Central Kitsap. But trails are not the only things attracting visitors and residents alike. The region has an abundance to offer, from hundreds of miles of beautiful seashore, to thriving arts communities, to a great pace of life that’s not...

Edmonds Community Page   Written for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty   Visit the published article here   Only 18 miles north of Seattle lies the hamlet of Edmonds, a small town of only 39,000 on the west-facing slope of Puget Sound. With tree-lined streets, a walkable downtown, and beautiful views of the ferry, the town has become a hideaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a place where flowers bloom in every yard come spring and people smile when they walk down Main Street. But don’t let the size of Edmonds and its charm fool you; this is no sleepy town. It offers a full calendar of year around events, enough gourmet restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest foodie, and so many transportation...

Bellevue Community Page   Written for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty   Visit the published article here   The name Bellevue is derived from the French word for ‘beautiful view.’ And on a clear day, standing in the middle of town or up in one of the city center’s many high rise buildings, it’s easy to see why founder William Meydenbauer chose the name for the city back in 1869. Although much in Bellevue has changed since its founding all those years ago, the marvelous views have not, and both residents and visitors alike are treated daily to the scenic majesty of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Along with the fabulous views, people continue to be drawn to Bellevue for its burgeoning business community. This combination, of natural...

Bainbridge Island Community Page   Written for The Collection Magazine, Spring 2013   Visit the published article on page 64 here   Aprivate and secluded sanctuary awaits you in the island community of Bainbridge Island, WA. Only a 35-minute ferry ride away from Seattle, the community wows residents and visitors alike with its stunning mountain views, gently rolling hills, and small-town America feel. In 2005, the island was named by CNN/Money and Money Magazine as the second-best place to live in the United States. It was recognized again in 2011, earning the top spot in a nationwide study of the best island enclaves by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. With gourmet food shops, a vibrant artisan community, and an impressive selection of local wineries,...