Argosy Cruises announces its annual Father’s Day cruises on June 19.
A brunch cruise features a three-course brunch, live music and a narrated harbor cruise. The cruise departs at 11 a.m. and returns at 1 p.m. The complimentary harbor cruise departs at 1:15 p.m. and returns at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $59, $29 ages 5 through 12.
The dinner cruise on Elliott Bay and Puget Sound features a three-course dinner and live music from the Royal Argosy Band. It departs at 6 p.m. and returns at 9 p.m. Tickets are $75, $30 ages 5 through 12.
For information or reservations, call 206-623-1445 or visit www.argosycruises.com.
Family rafting trips
Ride the wild river rapids on family rafting trips on California’s lower Kern River.
The two-day trips are scheduled daily from July through mid-September for families with children 9 and older.
“It’s the type of vacation that … creates a bond because families have to work together. They share experiences and victories as a team,” said Sue Cawdrey of Kern River Outfitters. “Besides that, it’s fun.”
The group stays overnight at a private campground. Participants are shuttled by bus to the starting point at the end of the trip.
Cost: $308 per person weekdays and $358 per person weekends (special family rates on Monday and Wednesday departures), including guides and oar or paddle rafts, all meals, rafting-approved life jackets and equipment. Transportation to camp, tents and sleeping bags are not included.
Contact: Kern River Outfitters, Wofford Heights, Calif.; 800-323-4234, www.kernrafting.com.
WWII history cruise
Launch a trip down memory lane aboard the Lane Victory, built in 1945 to haul munitions and troops during World War II. Restored by veterans and volunteers, it will take passengers on six voyages this summer.
The daylong tours to the eastern waters off Southern California’s Catalina Island are scheduled for July 23 and 24, Aug. 13 and 14 and Sept. 10 and 11. Participants board at 7:30 a.m.
On the return trip, weather permitting, a mock air battle is staged with the Condor Squadron that flies out of a nearby airport.
Cost: $100 adults, $60 children 15 and younger, including breakfast and lunch.
Contact: The U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII, Lane Victory; 310-519-9545, www.lanevictory.org.
Best beaches
Fort De Soto’s north beach in Florida – a finger of sugary sand that reaches into the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico – was named North America’s best beach in an annual list that heralds the start of summer.
Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach, lauded the Tampa Bay-area beach for its fine sand, thriving natural dunes and “great shelling.”
Following this year behind Fort De Soto was Ocracoke Island on North Carolina’s Outer Banks; Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii; Caladesi Island State Park in Clearwater, Fla.; Fleming Beach in Maui, Hawaii; Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.; Coronado Beach, San Diego, Calif.; Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Fla.; Main Beach, in East Hampton, N.Y., and Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii.
Leatherman is a director of Florida International University’s International Hurricane Research Center and the Laboratory for Coastal Research. He has studied the coastal environment for 30 years and began compiling his list of top beaches in 1991.
Fiddle fest
The tiny town of Weiser, Idaho, is a quiet farming and ranching community nestled near the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
But for one week every summer, the town throws off its sleepy mantle and becomes the fiddle capital of the world. This year the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest and Festival is scheduled for the third week in June.
Some of the finest musicians don’t come for the competition, said Walt Werme of Camano Island, a prize-winning fiddler who is a judge this year. Instead, they just come to play – in parking lots, on sidewalks and in city parks.
Details for the event are at www.fiddlecontest.com.
Glacier National Park
The regrowth cycle is under way in parts of Glacier National Park where fire struck in 2001 and 2003, and visitors can learn about the ecological aftermath of the blazes on hikes and tours this summer.
The Forests and Fire Nature Trail – also known as the Huckleberry Nature Trail – is an easy half-mile walk through several burn areas. Signage on the route explains the different stages of regrowth. In addition, roadside interpretive panels have been placed around the park to educate visitors about the fires.
The Glacier Institute is offering two tours this summer, “Fire Lookouts: A View into a Century of Fire History,” ($75 or $95 including overnight lodging at Field Camp) on July 7 and 8, and “Fire in the Forest,” ($50) on Aug. 4; details at www.glacierinstitute.org.
For general information about the area, go to www.glacier.visitmt.com or call 800-956-6537. For general information about the park, go to www.nps.gov/glac.
Language courses
NWLA, Center for World Language and Culture, offers a series of weekend intensive language courses designed to facilitate travel, introducing you to conversational situations you are sure to encounter on your journeys. Instead of memorizing phrases, you will learn basic patterns of conversation that you can apply to many different circumstances. Practical travel tips and cultural orientation are also highlighted.
Instructors are native speakers with professional experience. The environment is stress-free, supportive and fun. The fee for the workshop is $250 and includes a language text and other materials. NWLA offers discounts for family groups and couples, as well early registration. Group size is limited to 15 and pre-registration is required. Call 360-914-0391 360-579-2416 or e-mail info@nwlanguageacademy.com. More information at www.nwlanguageacademy.com.
* Italian Language Cafe – Aug. 5-7, Whidbey Island
* French Cafe – Aug. 26-28, Mukilteo
Travel classes, seminars
Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds.
June 11 – Spain and Portugal.
June 18 – Packing light.
June 25 – Italy.
July 9 – Switzerland.
July 16 – Alpine Europe.
July 23 – Rail skills.
Classes are free, reservations recommended. Call 425-771-8303 ext. 298 or visit www.ricksteves.com/seattle.
Prices, dates or itineraries may change. These should be confirmed with cruise lines, travel agents or tour operators.
Herald staff and news services
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
