 |
|
50-Plus Travel Program
50 Plus Travel - July 2010
To register for a trip, call 360-487-7100.
If registering for a trip and using a wheelchair, motorized scooter, walker, service animal, caregiver, other assistive device or are in need of special assistance, please contact Inclusion Services at 360-487-7060. An accommodation request must be made 10 business days before the trip start date.
Trip Difficulty Levels:
Easy: No stairs, minimal standing or walking
Moderate: Requires ability to stand or walk on uneven surfaces. For the person who can comfortably climb a flight of stairs. Must be able to walk 8-10 blocks and stand 30 minutes. More than one stop requiring getting in and out of the van.
Difficult: Longer trip, frequent stops requiring getting on and off van. Ability for extended standing, walking and/or stairs, may not include seating. Probably includes uneven terrain and challenging tours requiring endurance.
50+Travel Program is Seeking Volunteer Drivers
This position provides travel and camaraderie for volunteers who are comfortable driving vans, enjoy travel and working with people. Must pass a criminal history check, be in good health, be patient and pleasant, be willing to be trained in First Aid/CPR and bloodborne pathogens and attend a monthly meeting. Drivers must have a current Washington State driver’s license, with a clean 5-year driving record, be able to drive a wheelchair-accessible van and a 15-passenger van after training (does not require commercial license), and be available to drive 2 to 4 days a month including weekends. If you are interested, please contact Becky Anderson at 360-487-7084 or becky.anderson@ci.vancouver.wa.us.
Featured Day Trip – PORTLAND BEAVERS BASEBALL – 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat., July 17. Moderate. The Portland Beavers take on Colorado Springs at PGE Park. It is giveaway night, so a gift awaits each fan. Bring money for dinner before the game at On Deck Sports Bar and Grill. $36 includes van and admission. No refunds or credits.
Featured Overnight Trip – VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA – 6:30 a.m. departure from Luepke Center. Difficulty Level: Difficult. Sept. 9-11. 3 days, 2 nights. Highlights include ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, 2 nights at Chateau Victoria, free time in Chinatown and Market Square, boat tour of Victoria Harbour, tour of Craigdorrick Castle, Butchart Gardens, “Guys and Dolls” production at Chemainus Dinner Theatre with time to stroll downtown Chemainus and view its many murals depicting area history. Ferry back to Washington, stop at the Old Cedar Forge Gallery in Allyn, dinner at the Robin Hood Restaurant in the quaint town of Union, then enjoy a scenic drive along Hood Canal. Each person must have a current Passport or Expanded Driver’s License to include Canadian entry. D-$689. S-$859. Includes transportation, admissions as listed, ferry rides, dinner theatre, 1 dinner and lodging. Must be paid by Aug. 1. No credits or refunds. No wheelchairs. No assistive devices such as canes and walkers. No home pickup or return and no baggage handling provided.
JULY
TIMBERLINE LODGE – 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed., July 7. Difficult. Visit the historic Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood, built during the Great Depression and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. This classic ski lodge has interesting architecture, gift shop, gallery and dining options ranging from casual to elegant. The Cascade Dining Room features a farmer’s market buffet ($18). Bring money for lunch. Optional events will be to attend a ranger-led tour ($3) and/or a ride on the chair lift ($7 Senior). Van $28.
THE KING AND I – 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Sun., July 11. Moderate. A tale of West and East colliding when Anna, an English school teacher, is commissioned to govern the King of Siam’s many children. Bring money for dinner. $56 includes van and admission. No refunds or credits.
JUST LUNCH AT CHART HOUSE – 10:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Mon., July 12. Easy. Join us for spectacular views and delicious lunch in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Bring money for lunch and your camera. Van. $23.
ALBERTINA KERR LUNCH/UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT SHOPS –9:45 a.m.-3.30 p.m., Wed., July 14. Moderate. Shop boutique-type thrift stores—Goodwill on Tenth, William Temple House and Albertina Kerr—and have a delicious three-course meal at Albertina Kerr’s restaurant. $38 includes van, meal with non-alcoholic drink, and gratuity. Must pay by July 1. No credits or refunds.
SALEM ART FESTIVAL – 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri., July 16. Moderate. 101st annual Salem Art Festival features over 200 art exhibits, live entertainment and tours of the Bush House Museum. Bring money for lunch. Admission $5 collected prior to departure. Van $27.
TROUT LAKE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS – 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat., July 17. Moderate. 15th annual Trout Lake Festival of the Arts, located in Trout Lake Valley beneath Mt. Adams. Over 50 artists will display fine art. Enjoy live music, a variety of food booths, local brews and wine. Bring money for lunch. Van $35.
SLEIGHBELLS/SHOPPING IN SHERWOOD– 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon., July 19. Easy. Shop at Sleighbells Christmas and gift store. Bring money for lunch at Rose’s Deli, then to Baggenoto’s Farms for fresh produce and Al’s Garden Store for flowers and plants. Van $23.
CRACKED POTS – 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues., July 20. Moderate. Cracked Pots Garden Art show at Troutdale McMenamins is an environmental recycled art show—things made from material considered junk. Proceeds go to community projects. Bring money for lunch at McMenamins. Van $21.
PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET – 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sun., July 25. Easy. Browse arts and crafts during its 36th season in Portland’s historic Old Town. The Market is the largest continually operating market of its kind in the nation. A large food court is available for lunch on your own. Not wheelchair accessible. Van $21.
BIG CANOE-RIDGEFIELD ESTUARY – 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Mon., July 26. Difficult. Enjoy an evening paddle on a summer day. This fun and educational trip will take place in a 34-foot, fiberglass canoe, on a 90-minute round trip that begins in the estuary from Ridgefield Marina. Paddling required. Bring money for dinner. Van $25.
AUGUST
RICE HOUSE OF ROCKS – 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sun., Aug. 1. Easy. Explore two of Hillsboro’s historic attractions. Have an early lunch at the Cornelius Pass Road Rouse and Imbrie Hall. Formerly a farmstead, the buildings and barns date to the mid-1850s and are now one of McMenamins’ top producing breweries. Visit the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks for a tour of everything from fossils to meteorites. Admission $6 collected prior to departure. Bring money for lunch. Van $24.
A DAY AT SEASIDE – 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 5. Moderate. Visit Seaside, a favorite beach on the coast. The sun will be high and the sand warm; bring a blanket and a book and enjoy both. Plenty of stores for shopping. Van $30.
EXPLORE POLK COUNTY – 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri., Aug. 6. Moderate. Included in our many stops will be Ritner Creek Covered Bridge and Park, the last remaining covered bridge in Polk County, and Cubanisimo Vineyards with its breathtaking views of Salem and its Cuban style. Optional wine tasting. Tour the County Museum’s exhibits of early settlers, visit a produce farm, and spend time in the historic town of Independence. Bring money for lunch. Van $30 + $10 admission (includes wine tasting).
A CHORUS LINE– 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Sun., Aug. 8. Moderate. Musical featuring 17 dancers who hope to land a chorus role in a Broadway musical; they put themselves on the line for their dream during a grueling audition. A brilliant blend of dance, song and drama. Bring money for dinner. $56 includes van and admission. No refunds or credits.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY FAIR – 12 noon-9 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 12. Moderate. Attend the Tillamook County Fair and witness the Pig-N-Ford races from the grandstand. Enjoy fair food, exhibits and animals. Thursday is Senior Day, so bring money for the reduced entrance fee of about $6 (price not set yet). Van $35
HORSEBACK RIDING/HORSE & WAGON RIDE – 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri., Aug. 13. Difficult. A one-hour riding adventure on the beach at Long Beach will allow you to either ride horseback—or ride on a wagon pulled by horses—to a picnic lunch at Beard’s Hollow before your return ride. $104 all inclusive. Must sign up by Aug. 1. No credits or refunds. You must specify horseback or wagon ride when you register. Not handicap accessible. No canes, walkers or other assistive devices.
TUALATIN CRAWFISH FESTIVAL – 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat., Aug. 14. Moderate. Visit the nation’s oldest crawfish festival that offers a wide variety of food selections, entertainment and activities such as a dog show, craft vendors and—of course—crawfish to eat. Bring $2 for admission and money for food and shopping. Van $22.
EXPLORE GOLDENDALE & BICKLETON – 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 19. Difficult. Stop at the Carousel Museum with lunch at the Blue Bird Café. Tour the Presby Mansion and make stops at Aimee’s Attic, Karmel Country and some additional stops so be prepared to get to know both towns better. Admission of $8 collected prior to departure. Bring money for lunch. Van $45.
LONG BEACH KITE FESTIVAL – 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri., Aug. 20. Difficult. Start your Long Beach Kite Festival visit with a tour of the World Kite Museum which is dedicated to everything kites. Hear about the role of kites in WWII and view a collection of Oriental kites. Friday is performance day and includes categories of group flying. Bring money for lunch from food booths along the boardwalk. $42 includes van and admission.
GYPSY AT LAKEWOOD THEATRE – 12:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Sun., Aug. 22. Easy. Considered by many to be the last great musical comedy. Gypsy tells the backstage tale of vaudeville entertainer-turned-stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, and her overbearing mother, Rose. Enjoy Broadway standards including “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Small World,” “If Momma Was Married,” and “Together Wherever We Go.” No lunch. $54 includes van and admission. Must pay by Aug. 4. No refunds or credits.
COLUMBIA GORGE INTERPRETIVE CENTER – 10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon., Aug. 23. Moderate. Lunch at Skamania Lodge and a trip through history at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center near Stevenson. The museum’s many exhibits include: Natural history of the Gorge, Lewis & Clark exhibits, art gallery and gift shop. The second-story theater includes a presentation of odd and humorous events in Skamania County history. Admission $6 collected prior to departure. Bring money for lunch. Van $27.
WILLAMETTE JET BOAT EXCURSION – 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 26. Difficult. Experienced US Coast Guard-certified river pilots bring us within reach of the majestic Willamette Falls, a 40-foot waterfall spanning the width of Oregon’s largest river. Opportunities to enjoy the spectacular sights along the Willamette including bridges, skyline, river-front homes and scenic waterfront. You may catch a glimpse of bald eagles and osprey as they nest along the river. This is an open air jet boat so bring a jacket or raincoat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Be ready as the boat spins for water sprays-front and sides of boat are usually a wetter ride. Bring your camera, but be prepared to protect it from the water, sometimes large amounts, that enter the boat. Bring money for breakfast. $60 includes van and boat ride. Not handicap accessible. Must pay Aug. 16. No refunds or credits.
GARLIC & CRAFT FESTIVAL – 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Fri., Aug. 27. Moderate. Just how many ways can you cook with garlic? Celebrate garlic at this festival in Centralia; also find food items without garlic. Many crafts and vendors who sell everything from Swiss cheese to sand critters and pickled garlic. Bring money for lunch at one of the food booths. Van $33.
SWAN ISLAND DAHLIA FESTIVAL – 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., Aug. 28. Moderate. Visit Swan Island Dahlia’s yearly extravaganza on 40 acres with 350 varieties. See an indoor display of more than 450 arrangements and demonstrations. Cut flowers are sold in bundles of 10 for $7. Bring money for early lunch at Canby Pub & Grill. Van $24.
PORT OF VANCOUVER – 10:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mon., Aug. 30. Easy. Join us for a Port of Vancouver presentation and tour. Learn about global trade, local economy, job creation, port facilities, resource conservation and environmental stewardship. Bring money for lunch at Beaches Restaurant. Must bring photo identification for port tour. No cameras or video equipment allowed. Van $21.
SEPTEMBER
THE GROTTO – 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Wed., Sept. 1. Difficult. Take a trip to The Grotto in Portland, a shrine built and dedicated in 1924 to fulfill Father Mayer’s promise to build a tribute to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Grotto was hewn from the base of the 110-foot basalt cliff which contains an altar with a full-sized replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta. View gardens, ponds, towering trees, cliffs, statues, shrines, and views of Portland, Vancouver and Camas. Visit meditation chapels, stations of the cross, visitor center and gift shop. Bring admission of $4 for the elevator to the top and money for a dinner at Namaste, located in the old Steamers Restaurant building. (Buffet includes: chicken, fish, lamb, saffron rice, pita, vegetables, fruits, sweet treats, and ice cream.). Van $24.
HOT AIR BALLOONING OVER WINE COUNTRY – 4:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Fri., Sept. 3. Moderate. Float over Yamhill County wine country for a once in a lifetime adventure with views rarely seen. The trip will conclude with an extensive champagne breakfast (apple cider for non-alcoholic beverage). $179 includes van, balloon flight and champagne breakfast.
CLARK COUNTY WINE TOUR – 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat., Sept. 4. Easy. When the leaves are turning color and the days are cooler, the grapes are ready to harvest. Visit vineyards in Northern Clark County. Bring money for lunch at Keo Thai Restaurant for the special $6.95 meal. Then to Olequa Winery where there will be chocolate to go with the wine. Depending on our time, we will visit two more wineries in the area, with a variety of wines to select from. Wine tasting fees of $5 at each vineyard will be on your own. Van $25.
SISTERS – 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Tues., Sept. 7. Moderate. We call it Sisters, but the local folks call it a magic town. Our drive will be a time to leaf-peep and look for the Three Sisters, Broken Top and Black Butte Mountains. Come along as we explore. Van $32.
COLUMBIA GORGE HOTEL/COLUMBIA GORGE DISCOVERY CENTER – 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Wed., Sept. 8. Easy. Our first stop will be at the Columbia Gorge Hotel for lunch. Then we visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and view exhibits which bring to life the tremendous volcanic upheaval and raging floods that created the Gorge. The museum holds artifacts from the local area and has an interpretive trail. Admission $7 collected prior to departure. Bring money for lunch. Van $33.
CHINOOKAN CATHLAPOTLE PLANKHOUSE – 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Sun., Sept. 12. Easy. Explore a full-scale replica of a Chinookan Cathlapotle plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife The Refuge was built based on architectural evidence at the nearby historic site that was inhabited by the Chinook people before it was visited by the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The Vice President of the Oregon Archaeological Society will speak about identification of prehistoric artifacts. Participate in archaeology themed activities and view or take a short walk to the adjacent Carty Lake. Bring money for dinner and/or appetizers at Applebee’s. You may want to bring binoculars and cameras. Van $26.
NORTHWEST TREK – 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Wed., Sept. 15. Moderate. Break out of the norm and into the beauty of Northwest Trek, home to bison, elk, bears and many other animals. Have fun spotting animals as our tram winds through the forest, meadows and wetlands. Bring your camera. Admission $8 collected prior to departure. Bring money for lunch. Van $43.
SCAPPOOSE SAUERKRAUT FESTIVAL – 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat., Sept. 18. Moderate. It’s all about kraut! Where else can you go cabbage bowling, eat sauerkraut ice cream or enter a sauerkraut eating contest? Farmer’s market, art and crafts vendors and entertainment. Free admission. Van $25.
SWEET CHARITY AT LAKEWOOD THEATRE – 12:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Sun., Sept. 19. Easy. Lakewood Theatre Company in Lake Oswego presents the musical Sweet Charity. A poignant and humorous look at the misadventures of love as encountered by the sweet but guileless Charity Hope Valentine. With well-intentioned advice from her girlfriends and co-workers at the Fandango Ballroom, Charity bumbles her way through amorous mishaps. Songs include “Big Spender,” “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This,” and “If They Could See Me Now.” The original Broadway show was nominated for 12 Tony Awards. No meal. $54 includes van and admission. No refunds or credits.
OREGON PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY – 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon., Sept. 20. Difficult. See behind- the-scenes police training at Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. If there is no training at the time, we will go through “Scenario Village.” It is an artificial town much like a Hollywood set that is crime-ridden by design. Guns can be shot with “simmunition,” capsules filled with colored soap. Officers attend training there to prepare for real-world situations. The actors are mostly retired officers and the cops are rookies from Oregon. Afterward, actors and officers gather for a debriefing. Bring money for an early lunch in the Grand Hotel at Bentley’s Grill. It’s a three-hour tour, so wear comfortable shoes. Van $27.
OREGON ZOO – 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Tues., Sept. 21. Moderate. A behind the scenes tour of the giraffe enclosure is included in our trip to the Oregon Zoo. Participants must climb several stairs. The lions have returned to the zoo and there are several new exhibits. Today, the zoo train is complimentary for seniors, so bring I.D. Bring money for lunch at one of the restaurants on site, or bring your lunch from home. $35 includes van and admission.
AM NORTHWEST TELEVISION SHOW – 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fri., Sept. 24. Easy. Be part of the audience for a live television show on KATU Channel 2. “AM Northwest” features personalities and hot topics from the local area. Next, travel to the Hawthorne area and eat at McMennamins Bagdad Theater and Pub with craftsmanship of Middle-Eastern decor. Bring money for lunch. Van $22.
POLISH FESTIVAL – 11:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m., Sat., Sept. 25. Easy. Portland’s Polish Festival is the largest on the West Coast and offers Polish food, entertainment and goods. There will be a bakery, beer garden, music, singing and dancing. Van $20.
MARYHILL MUSEUM OF ART - 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., Sept. 26. Moderate. Join us for Clark County’s free day at the museum. Exhibits include the Outdoor Sculpture Garden, a picturesque setting for large-scale sculptures in a variety of media. Comics at the Crossroads of the Graphic Novel—comic books and graphic novels skillfully combine narrative artwork and descriptive prose. Showcased are permanent exhibits including Native People of North America, Samuel Hill, Queen of Romania, Art Nouveau Glass, Orthodox icons and International chess sets. Bring money for lunch at Café Maryhill. A couple of other stops along the way will add to your day. Van $37.
OCTOBER
HONKY-TONK ANGELS – 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 10. Moderate. Broadway Rose presents Honky-Tonk Angels, the journey of three women who set out to chase their dreams of becoming country music stars. You’ll recognize classics such as “Stand by Your Man” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Bring money for dinner. $56 includes van and admission. No refunds or credits.
MUCKLESHOOT CASINO – 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 14. Moderate. Muckleshoot Casino is reputed to be the biggest and the best in the Northwest. There are over 2,600 machines and over 100 table games, plus a large poker room. The casino has a separate non-smoking facility and seven restaurants to choose from. Get set for a day of food, fun and games. Bring money for lunch. Be prepared for a long drive. Van $46.
LUNCH WITH AUTHOR PHILLIP MARGOLIN – 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Thurs., Oct, 28. Difficult. Who has not read at least one book by our local author, Phillip Margolin? We know him best as the author of several spellbinding mystery novels. This is your opportunity to have lunch with him, hear about his varied career and how he began writing. First and foremost, he has been a criminal defense attorney in Portland, but has also volunteered in the Peace Corps. We will be able to ask questions and maybe get a glimpse of the next book. $71 includes a delicious lunch at Salty’s on the Columbia with its river views, an autographed copy of his latest book, “Supreme Justice,” and van fee. Some of his other books will be available for purchase. Must be able to climb 23 steps in restaurant.
DECEMBER
G.I. HOLIDAY JUKEBOX – 1 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 12. Moderate. Broadway Rose presents G.I. Holiday Jukebox. The show features four fictitious Hollywood stars who have put together a string of 1940’s hits and Christmas music to entertain “the boys” at the front—reminiscent of past USO shows. The musical numbers span big band, swing and Latin. Bring money for dinner. $56 includes van and admission. No refunds or credits.
OVERNIGHT TRIP (see featured overnight to Victoria, B.C.)
SEATTLE AND POINTS NORTH – 8 a.m. Departure from Luepke Center. Difficulty Level: Difficult. Oct. 5-7. 3 days, 2 nights. Highlights include lunch at Seattle Space Needle’s Sky City Revolving Restaurant, Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Theatre (the Inside-Out Building), the fun and informative Ride the Ducks to tour Seattle on land and sea—a party on wheels! Two nights lodging at the Best Western Tulalip Inn including an expanded Continental breakfast each morning. Two nights scheduled at the Tulalip Casino for dinner and gambling, or you may eat your evening meal there and return to the hotel to spend the evening at your leisure. The second day includes The Outback Kangaroo Farm to meet kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos and other species. Lunch at Seeds Bistro and Bar and explore downtown LaConner, tour the Hibulb Cultural Center behind the scenes. Our last day includes stops at Wight’s Nursery and Garden Center to enjoy their huge display of Christmas and other decorations. Lunch on your own as you explore the Edmonds’ waterfront area and view their outdoor art and sculptures. Then we’ll take the ferry to Kingston and drive to Bremerton for a tour of the Turner Joy, a restored Vietnam-era destroyer. D-$489. S-$599. Includes transportation, admissions as listed, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and lodging. Must be paid by Sept. 5. No credits or refunds. No wheelchairs, assistive devices such as canes and walkers. No home pickup or return and no baggage handling provided.
return to previous page
|
|
|
