Learn the basics of fishing, fly tying, preparing fish and shellfish, backpacking basics, clay-target shooting, canoeing, map and compass reading, archery, hunting basics and wildlife identification in a Washington Outdoor Women workshop.
More than 20 classes will be offered Sept. 17-19 at Camp Waskowitz Environmental Learning Center, a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp with indoor lodging.
Camp Waskowitz is on the banks of the Snoqualmie River near North Bend. The workshop is sponsored by Washington Outdoor Women and includes volunteers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
This is the first year the workshop has been affiliated with the Washington Wildlife Federation. It’s become part of federation’s outdoor skills education program, and receives administrative help.
“The most popular sessions are fly-fishing and shotgun clay targets. They always fill up fast,” said Washington Outdoor Women spokeswoman Ronni McGlenn.
“And this year map and compass is filling up fast, too. They teach the basic stuff. No GPS,” she said.
“The flavor of the program is partly because our instructors want to be there. They volunteer their time.”
To participate, you must be at least 18 years old, have a state recreational fishing license to participate in the fishing and fly-tying sessions, and pay $185, which includes lodging, meals and equipment.
Registration is limited to 130, and about 100 have already signed up, she said.
Some partial scholarships are available. For more information, see the Web site at www.washingtonoutdoorwomen.org, or call Ronni McGlenn, 425-455-1986.
Also on the calendar
Take time for birds: The Pilchuck Audubon Society is leading three outings: Aug. 17, Deception Pass-Whidbey Island; Aug. 24, March Point-Anacortes; and Aug. 31, Point Roberts. For more information, call trip leader Keith Lehn, 425-337-0485.
Float your boat: The Sept. 15-19 Lake Union Boats Afloat has the boat for you, or at least the one of your dreams.
The docks at Chandler’s Cove will be lined with 200 examples of floating eye candy. The gathering is highlighted by the second annual SailFest Northwest and free sailing demonstration rides.
There are how-to seminars, exhibitors tempting visitors with the latest boating-related products and destinations, and a youth regatta. For more information, see the Web site, www.boatsafloatshow.com.
Question: When is working fun? Answer: When it’s a Washington Trails Association work party. August is jam-packed with choices for hikers who want invest in their trails.
Here are some options (for more information, call 206-625-1367):
* Aug. 21 and 22, Mount Pugh. Work within the first couple of miles of the Darrington Ranger District trail, before it starts climbing to the lookout.
* Aug. 21-28, Dishpan Gap. Expect great views of Glacier Peak from camp, although it’s a strenuous hike into the Skykomish Ranger District site. WTA has been working on this area’s trails for five years.
* Aug. 23-25, Old Sauk Trail. Although the trail was largely wiped out by October’s floods, the end of the rebuilding project is in sight on the Darrington Ranger District trail.
* Aug. 27 and 28, Tonga Ridge West Trail. The crew will be brushing about halfway up the easy Skykomish Ranger District trail, although the views of the Alpine Lakes will smooth the way (not to mention the huckleberries).
Pretty pictures: Kodak National Park Foundation and Olympic National Park have joined forces to present photographic programs in the park.
Kodak “ambassadors” are on hand to lead photo walks and workshops, and advice on sunrise, nature and children’s photography.
The programs are run out of several locations, and include evening slide shows and an afternoon beach hike.
The free Thursday through Monday programs run through Sept. 6. For more information, call 360-565-3000.
Columnist Sharon Wootton can be reached at 360-468-3964 or www.songandword.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.