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Amy McAllister REALTOR®

Yes, I do love old homes

There is something special about old homes. I mean the ones that are from about 1900-1930. I find it interesting to notice the detail work and craftsmanship from this era of home. It is hard to compare the classic old homes to the homes that are being built today. It takes someone with an eye for detail to be able to build a new house that truly captures the look and feel of a vintage home. Here are some of the Historic Homes I enjoy seeing when I go for walks in Hood River, Oregon.

Bigfoot Bash and Bounty in Skamania County

According to many sources, Skamania County, Wash., claims to have the highest number of reported Bigfoot sightings in the world.

August 22-24, 2008 The Bigfoot Bash and Bounty comes to Home Valley Park in Skamania County, Washington. The activities begin Friday August 22, 2008 at 7:00 pm with an open mic for music and Bigfoot sighting stories.

Saturday you can explore popular outdoor recreation spots in the area in the hunt for twelve hidden "Bigfeet". Each Bigfoot that is found will get you an entry into a drawing for great prizes! There will be food and craft vendors at the Home Valley Park as well as a beer garden featuring Walking Man beer, softball games, and a kids activity & craft corner. You can learn more about the legend of Bigfoot with presentations by Bigfoot experts Leann McCoy and Henry Franzoni. There will be live music starting at 6:00 pm by "The Shop" and at 8:00 pm by "Jive Turkey"

On Sunday there will be a 4 person Golf Scramble at Carson Hot Springs and a 12K Walk/Run. You'll have to decide on one or the other as both start at 9:00 am.

Hood River Waterfront Park

The new waterfront park in Hood River is now open. There will be a Grand Opening Party Saturday Aug. 23, 2008 from 4-7pm to celebrate. The park is located on the Columbia River between te shoreline and Portway Avenue. The new 6.6 acre park has a beach, trails, native landscaping, and lawns will be planted soon. There will be a ribbon cutting by Hood River's Mayor, food, fun, games for kids, and live music at the party.

Gorge Real Estate Listings

If you are looking for a house or property in the Columbia River Gorge this is the site Brokers in the gorge use for their listings. www.rmls.com Just go to the Quick Search link on the left. You can search all the gorge communities in all 4 counties-Klickitat & Skamania in Washington and Hood River & Wasco in Oregon.

It's a great time to buy in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge!

Maryhill State Park

Maryhill State Park is located in Washington just across from Biggs, Oregon via the I97 Bridge. It is about 35 miles from Hood River and 15 miles from The Dalles. The 99 acre park is right along the banks of the Columbia River with a nice rocky beach area, swimming area, and 2 boat ramps. You can camp, windsurf, swim, waterski, and fish. A full-scale model of Stonehenge stands just one mile from the park. The Maryhill Museum of Art is nearby as well. The park is open year round for camping and day use. Summer hours are 6:30 am to dusk. Winter hours are 8 am to dusk.





Trees of Skamania County

The name Skamania is derived from the Chinookan word for swift water, a reference to the Columbia River. According to the U.S. Census Bureau Skamania county has a total area of 1,684 square miles. The most recent population count shows Skamania County at 9,872 residents. The largest town and the County seat is Stevenson. 90% of Skamania County is forested and 80% is a part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. With these statistics you can easily see why there are so many trees in Skamania County. The annual rainfall is about 80-90" per year so trees grow quite well here. It is a very green and lush with plenty of ferns, and native growth under the trees. Here are some pictures of trees in Skamania County.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

Gorge Rentals

I have been receiving quite a few calls lately from people looking for available rentals in the gorge area. Since I don't personally handle rentals I thought I'd post some helpful links to check out if you are in the market for a rental here in the gorge. The main property management companies I am familiar with are John L Scott Property Management and Gorge Rentals Property Management

You might also check the classifieds at Gorge.net or the Hood River News

There are many options for vacation rentals in the Mid-Columbia area. Homes are available in Hood River, White Salmon, Mosier, and more. These homes are furnished and are for rent by the week/month. Here are some websites to find the perfect place to rent for your gorge vacation. There are detailed descriptions and pictures of many homes available as well as reservation availability and information. The Vacation Rental Companies I know of are: Gorge Central Vacation Rentals Hood River Vacation Rentals Hood River Hideaways and Gorge Rentals

Beautiful Sky Colors

I love taking pictures of beautiful sunsets and sunrises in the gorge. Here are some I've captured over the last few years.

Music in the Gorge-August 2008

August 3, 2008- Bryan Bowers-an accomplished autoharp singer-songwriter will be performing an outdoor concert at Bean Haven Farm in White Salmon, WA. Music starts at 7pm. There is a $10 suggested donation. For directions please call Elena Smith at (509)493-3138

August 7, 2008- Gospel trio "In Light of Eternity" will be performing a Free gospel concert at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Thursday, Aug. 7 Music begins at 7pm Located at St. Marks Episcopal Church at 400 11th St. in Hood River

August 7, 2008-Families in the Park (Jackson Park in Hood River) Music starts at 6pm with a warm-up band and some fundraising barbecues. The August 7 Band is called "High Street" a 10 piece rock and roll band with a mix of rock, swing and blues.

August 7, 2008-Local churches will meet for a unified worship and prayer time. This will be held from 7-9 at the Shepherd of the Valley Bible Church at 1631 Eighth St. in Hood River

August 7, 2008- Django's Cadillac will be playing starting at 7pm at The Trillium Cafe on Oak St. in Hood River

August 9, 2008-NEON NIGHTS at Riverfront Park in The Dalles. This event starts at 6:30 pm Featuring Randy Linder, The New Blues Brothers & Randy Hansen

August 10, 2008- NW Christian Artist David Harsh will be performing a free concert at the Hood River Alliance Church at 6pm. Located on Rand Rd. and Eugene St.

August 13, 2008- Tilly Jam will be performing at Stonehedge Gardens. Call for reservations. The performance starts at 6 pm. Located at 3405 Cascade Ave. in Hood River

August 14, 2008-Families in the Park (Jackson Park in Hood River) Music from 6-9pm Featuring Aquameil (Salso/Latin) at 7pm Warm up entertainment at 6pm. Free at Jackson Park in Hood River

August 15,2008-The Gorge Ukulele Celebration. This will be held at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood RIver from 7-10 pm Admission is $10 kids-with an adult- are free. Performers include: Ben Bonham, Larry Wyatt,Moe Dixon, The Hapa Hillbillies, and The Westside Ukuestra. The Pines Tasting Room is located at 202 State St. in Hood River.

August 15, 2008-"Music on the Lawn" Free concert at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon from 6-9 pm This concert is featuring Victor Johnson performing acoustic music and storytelling for kids and families from 6-7pm and Camarata Columbia with classical, Broadway, and jazz music from 7:30-9pm.

August 16, 2008- Bluegrass concert featuring Red Oak Station starting at 5:30 pm at Bagge Gardens in Mosier. Free but donations are appreciated. Located at 1805 Carroll Road in Mosier, Oregon

August 23, 2008-Families in the Park (Jackson Park in Hood River) Sonic Funk Orchestra (disco/funk) starts at 7pm Warm up entertainment starts at 6 pm. Located at Jackson Park in Hood River.

Columbia Gorge Farmer's Markets

There are many opportunities to buy fresh local grown produce in the Columbia River Gorge. Here are some of the markets selling food direct from the farmers and growers. This time of year you can buy berries, cherries, vegetables, lettuce, melons, and more, often organic too.

The Dalles Farmer's Market- Wednesdays 8-1pm April 15-Oct 8, 2008 Located at 404 West 2nd St. (Chamber of Commerce) The Dalles, OR

White Salmon Children's Farmer's Market- Saturdays 9-1 pm Mid June-Sept 27, 2008 Located at 111 East Jewett, downtown White Salmon, WA

Hood River Saturday Market- Saturdays 9-3 pm May 3-Sept 27, 2008 Located at 5th and Cascade St. across from Full Sail Brewery Hood River, OR

Gorge Grown Farmer's Market- Thursdays 4-7pm June 19-Oct 2, 2998 Loccated at the Hood River Middle School 1602 May St. Hood River, OR

Husum Farmer's Market- Saturdays 9-12 pm July 5-Sept 20, 2008 Located on Hwy 141 at the Whitewater Cafe in Husum, WA

Trout Lake Saturday Market- Saturdays 9-5pm June 28-august 30, 2008 Located at the Trout Lake Grange in downtown Trout Lake, WA

Goldendale Saturday Market- Saturdays 9-3pm May-Sept 2008 Located at 903 E Broadway (Hwy 97/Broadway Exit) Goldendale, WA

You can also find locally grown fresh produce in season at Dickey's Farms in Bingen, WA