Trains, Whales and Snow Trails

More whale watching in March, scenic train rides in the east and snow in the mountains

Here Come the Whales … Again

I count myself as one of the fortunate ones. The family and I drove to the Oregon Coast during the last week of December hoping to catch a glimpse of the gray whales migrating south to Mexico's Baja Peninsula. Not only did we see few whales in the distance, we also enjoyed some spectacular weather.

Sun screen and shades were mandatory as we enjoyed blue skies, light breezes and a high tide that added an element of excitement as big waves crashed against the rocks south of Lincoln City.

As always, volunteers for Oregon State Parks' "Whale Watching Spoken Here" program were there to help spot the whales and tell the story of the big grays.

They'll be speaking "whale" again soon, March 19 through March 26 to be exact, at 29 locations along the Oregon Coast.

For much more about whale watching, including what to take and where to go, check this page - www.oregon.com/trips/whales.cfm

Eagle Cap Excursion Train Prepares for 2005 Season

Wallowa Union Railroad and the Friends of the Joseph Branch in northeast Oregon are ready to ride the Eagle Cap Excursion Train again beginning Memorial Day, Union County Tourism reports.

"We took the most popular of last season's excursions and added a few new ones," said Mary Ann Keyser, excursion train coordinator. "In addition to the Canyon Cruises, which draw great response, we have added a dinner train, a trip that includes a picnic on the Grande Ronde River, and one that lets people choose whether they want to spend some time shopping in Joseph or exploring the resort area at Wallowa Lake."

The first scheduled run is a Canyon Cruise on May 28. Then round-trip excursions are scheduled each Saturday and an occasional Thursday through September. Another four trips are planned in October.

Ticket prices range from $45 to $90, depending on the trip, whether meals are included and the passenger's age. Reservations for all trips can be made through Alegre Travel in La Grande (541-963-9000). Alegre Travel can also assist with lodging and travel arrangements.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery from lounge seats or visit at tables in the dining car.

Keyser said a complete description of the trips is available on the web site, or by calling Union County Tourism, 541-963-8588, or the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce, 541-426-4622.

The 2005 season follows a successful run last year, officials say. Many trips sold out. Among the most popular rides were those along the Wallowa River and into the canyon in which it converges with the Grande Ronde River. Both rivers are designated "wild and scenic" rivers and also are popular with rafters and fishermen.

No snow? There's plenty at Mt. Bachelor

It's no secret this year's snowfall to date has not lived up to expectations. Reports from Mt. Bachelor near Bend, however, indicate there's enough white stuff there to have a great day on the mountain.

"Warmer weather has prevailed recently and it feels almost like springtime at the mountain.," says Mt. Bachelor spokesman Chris Johnson. "We have a 47-inch base, and good snow coverage all around the mountain."

For those of us who enjoy the Nordic side of the mountain, Mt. Bachelor reports 53 kilometers of freshly-groomed trails.

Find more information at the Mt. Bachelor web site.