North Fork River isn’t far from Portland, Oregon, but you’d think you’ve stepped into a different world. Miles away from the bustling city, the river is quiet and serene.
This stretch of water in the middle of the Willamette River is officially named North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River. Located an hour or so outside of Portland, this marked the scene of my first ever fishing trip! Continue reading
I had never picked my own peaches before until I spent a year living in Oregon. Picking peaches always seemed like a fantasy date activity: walking through the orchard on a hot summer day holding hands and choosing the perfect fruit.
In reality, peach picking was more fun and dream-like that I had ever fantasized about. The air smelled thick and sweet and the branches hung heavily with peaches, waiting for us to pick them and take a juicy bite of their delicious fruit. Continue reading
All across the country, wild and edible field garlic pops up in small green tufts. It’s hearty, resilient and easy to identify. It’s edible right out of the ground, but you can clean it, cook it or add it to soups and salads. Field garlic is not native to North America and in a few states it’s an invasive species that flavors cow’s milk in an unappetizing way. Eating this free resource is good for your local environment! Continue reading
Rattlesnake Ridge and Rattlesnake Lake are part of the Cedar River Municipal Watershed just east of Seattle, Washington. Growing up with this beautiful natural spot in my backyard was quite a treat. The Ridge provides an excellent hike with incredible panoramic views including a picturesque mountaintop boulder to sit and rest mid-hike.
Rattlesnake Ridge
Rattlesnake Ridge gets its name from the shape of the mountain. If you look at Rattlesnake Ridge from the side, it looks like a long curvature of a snake squiggling across the horizon. If you want, the Ridge provides a hike all along the ridge, a longer hike that definitely will take the full day. The more popular hike is about 1 1/2 and isn’t too steep or hard. It is very popular, especially on weekends, so go early! Continue reading
Steamed clams are one of the best appetizers! Personally, I eat them as a meal because they are so delicious with a side of rustic bread! I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound clams are easy and fun to find, not to mention scrumptious. After picking up some wonderful fresh clams from a mobile seafood cart at my favorite local grocery store, The Moscow Food Co-op, I set out to make a meal of some delicious steamed clams.
Here is a wonderful recipe for Steamed Clams in Garlic, Butter and White Wine. Continue reading
Aquaberry Bliss 