Summer is in full swing here in the Pacific Northwest and Cruise West’s remarkable ship, the “Spirit of ‘98″, is making her weekly voyages on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Having driven the highways along the Columbia River Gorge, I can attest to the dramatic, awe-inspiring scenery that opens in front of you. But to really get a feel for the pulse of life along this waterway and to experience the immensity of the Columbia River Gorge, there is nothing like seeing it from the surface of the river it’s self.

With it’s old fashioned smokestacks and victorian-style decor, the Spirit of ‘98 resembles the steamships that once plied the rivers of North America. Adorned with ornate, carved wooden cabinety, floral upholstery, a Grand Salon and a full bar exuding Old-World charm, you will feel you are being transported aboard an early 20th century steamer. But this small ship offers all modern amenities and convienences including private bath in all cabins and email, internet and phone service on-board.

The weekly departures sail out of Portland, Oregon on the Willamette River which runs right through this west coast city. The following morning will find the ship entering the locks of the Bonneville Dam, a 1938 historic landmark with a fascinating visitors center.

This cruise will visit some unique and historic sights as well as transit 7 dams on its journey inland from the Pacific Ocean to the confluence of the Snake River.

• Pendleton, Oregon: Visit the underground tunnels dug by Chinese immigrants in the late 1800’s connecting their saloons, bordellos and opium dens.  Visit the Pendleton Woolen Mills where native blankets are still woven.  The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute houses the 10,000 year history of the Umtilla, Cayuse and Walla Walla native tribes.
• Hells Canyon: Enjoy a jet boat ride up the wild and scenic Snake River,  deep into the canyon filled with wildlife and ancient indian  petroglyphs.
• Walla Walla, Washington: Enjoy a day filled with great food, art, shopping and wine-tasting at two  very unique Washington wineries.
• Mt. St. Helens: Journey to the site of the 1980 volcanic eruption that levelled 230 square miles of forest.  View the crater left after the moutain blew 1,300 feet from its top and see how the area’s still trying to renew itself.

The Columbia River scenery is dramatic and diverse with lush evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls, orchards, vineyards and stark basalt cliffs. Only Cruise West can get you so close, you’ll feel the spray of the falls on your face. Call Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours to check available cabins and dates for a great adventure on the Mighty Columbia River. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

Spring and early summer fishing on Coeur d’Alene Lake is a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the beauty of North Idaho. Combine the excellent scenery of the surrounding area around our magnificent lake with the ability to catch large fish and you’re in for a great experience!

11 lb. Chinook Salmon Caught in April 2009

Coeur d’Alene Lake is one of the few places in the United States that has a sustainable land-locked Chinook Salmon fishery. In 1982, Chinook Salmon were stocked in the lake and now the fishery has grown to be one of the most popular in the Northwest. The catch rate in the spring and early summer are good with the average Chinook weighing in at 3 to 8 pounds. However, it is not uncommon to catch 10 and 11 pound fish as well.

If you have never fished for Northern Pike, then you are in for a treat. These aggressive fish are the apex warm water predator in Coeur d’Alene Lake. (more…)

Nowhere else on earth has the meeting of land and sea created the magnificent beauty of Canada’s Pacific Coast.   The substantial rain forests and amazing marine environment are the back drop for a premier eco-safari destination, offering soft adventure and soft beds.  Clayoquot is the ultimate destination for intimate couples retreats, or adventurous and educational family vacations.

Situated at the mouth of the Bedwell River, where it spills into a nine-mile-long fjord, an enclave of 20 great white canvas guest tents, massage and treatment tents, dining tents, lounge tents and a massive timber cookhouse peek out from the dense bush. This safari-style resort offers a discreet paradox of individual pampering and untamed wilderness.  Specializing in remote experiences, guest may choose to learn to surf on a pristine, secluded beach or have a First Nations guide escort them on a day hike to the “Wildside” Interpretive trail and tour the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Village.  Whether you prefer whale watching or viewing black bears fishing for salmon, wildlife abounds just outside the perimiter of camp. 

The resort is open mid-May through the end of September for 3, 4 or 7 night all inclusive stays with airfare from Vancouver to the Resort, deluxe accommodation, all meals, snacks and beverages (including alcohol), massage treatments and guided activities including fishing.  Contact Rhonda or Linda at TMI Tours for rates and ask us about the great discounts for children.

This 8 day epicurean cruise on the Columbia River will feature the rich history and delicious flavors unique to this region. When it comes to the art of wine, Washington State knows its “terroir”—the combination of soil, climate, and geography that makes wine distinct.

You will be welcomed aboard in Portland, Oregon with a taste of Willamette Valley’s signature flavors: a Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris. To get a feel for the culture and industry of this area, we will visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center with a focus on Native foods and the agricultural history of the Columbia River Basin. A jet boat tour to the Hanford Reach National Monument will evoke memories of WWII and the Cold War era.

You will be treated to tours and wine tastings at two of Washington State’s AVA’s (American Viticulture Areas, also known as appellations) while exploring four of the Columbia Valley’s finest wineries: Coyote Canyon, Terra Blanca, Three Rivers, and Beresan. The Fruit Company, where orchards have been handpicked for 65 years, will take you by tractor into the field for fresh picked fruit. Before returning to Portland, we’ll visit the Seafood Consumer Center in Astoria. While we are here, those of you who enjoy the culinary arts will help our chef prepare lunch, fusing the freshest seafood with the unique local flavors of Oregon’s fresh fruits, vegetables, and cheeses, creating a delicious, enjoyable meal for all of us. Join us and see for yourself why Washington State is ranked among the top wine regions of the world. Its vineyards largely focus on Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah; however they also produce a wide range of other spectacular whites and reds.

The Northwest Passage Cruise

Summer departures:  May 15 – September 11

Mighty Columbia River

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is characterized by long, warm days with clear blue skies and gentle breezes.  Nowhere is more beautiful this time of year  than the Columbia River Gorge.  This “Summer Celebration” cruise will celebrate the  traditions of the past, the fantastic wineries of the present while exploring the indigenous culture and history of the Columbia River Basin.   Beginning with your visit to the Bonneville Dam Visitors center, you will transit 8 locks and dams on your way to the northwest “seaport” of Clarkston, Washington.  An exhilirating jet-boat ride up the famous Hells Canyon, on the Snake River, reveals elk, bighorn sheep and 7,000 year old petroglyphs.    An underground tour at Pendleton explores tunnels built in the late 1800’s by Chinese immigrants for illicit purposes and a visit to the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute immerses you in a living cultural village of Native America.  In Walla Walla, you will be treated to tasting and touring of two unique Columbia River wineries. 

Join a special sailing, June 19th, with the Chairman of the cruise line and his family.  Guests will be treated to exclusive amenities at the chairman’s reception, an exciting Raptor exhibition, guest speakers on the Lewis & Clark expedition and the chairman’s farewell dinner.  Come enjoy a cruise on the Columbia River at a time of year when the temperatures are pleasant, the wildlife abundant and the scenery dramatic.