Chasing Clean Air

Whistler's 2010 Winter Olympics

Being in a sunny year round climate has its sundress pluses, something I'm forced to deal with on a global warming 74 degree winter day, but what about winter sporting events like the grand-daddy of them all...

Whistler's 2010 Winter Olympics? 

February 12, 2010 is just around the corner. (31 days to be exact.) And if you're a clean air enthusiast, especially on the west coast, a flight to Vancouver is pretty easy, and exciting too, as the Winter Olympics are about to begin!

I happen to love clean air Whistler, a playground for the international community just a few hours outside of Vancouver, British Columbia by train or car, and what better time to plan than now. The best of the best skiers will converge in Whistler's winter wonderland and I can imagine tons of exciting energy. 

Monterey, California

 
It's such a gorgeous day, I wanted to share what Monterey looks like. This photo was taken minutes ago from hotel's plaza level. I returned to Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa because I wrote a review a few years ago and fell in love with the property, views, location... clean air. 

Welcome to Eugene, Oregon! Things To Do

 

Air quality challenge: Pollen

Gem: Willamette River running through town framed by trees and an extensive bike path.

Eugene is a liberal college town with the University of Oregon centrally located. It's great for canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, and biking.

Synchronicity in the Olympic National Forest Part Two & Finding Clean Air

As I blogged yesterday, meeting Betty in Hoodsport--a tiny dot on the map in the Olympic National Forest--was like spiritually-speaking looking in the mirror. 

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, where's the cleanest air and most sustainable life for women escaping Los Angeles of them all?"

Betty rattled off Pacific Northwest towns with the speed and knowledge of someone, well, like me.

Beautiful Blue Skies San Juan Islands

3 Favorite Clean Air Destinations

Clean air feels better than dirty air, and until you experience the difference it's hard to put the aliveness oxygen gives into proper words.

I woke thinking about my favorite clean air destinations so far and why.

1. Jasper - Jasper National Park is in Alberta, Canada. There's something about its mountain air that made me feel most alive. Not all mountain air is alike. Trust me. Some are shrouded in smog drifting on winds from cities-- near and far. Some are too high, causing altitude sickness in sensitive individuals (like me). And some are just about right. That's how I experienced Jasper. Just right, light and lively set in grandeur.

Clean Air Getaway San Juan Islands

Did you know some of the cleanest air in the United States can be found in  the San Juan Islands in Washington State?

Just a 90 minute drive north from Seattle followed by a thrilling ferry ride, and America's Pacific Northwest crown jewels bathe your eyes in beauty and lungs in clean air.

Prevailing winds from the Pacific Ocean mix with currents in the Strait of Juan de Fuca to carry air pollution particles away.

Roche Harbor - Sustainable Village on San Juan Island

When I think about San Juan Island, I think about the beautiful protected marina of Roche Harbor.

Why?

They've enjoyed  good word of mouth and for reason.

Outlook Inn, Orcas Island: Romantic Getaway

Chirping birds broke the silence this morning when I woke refreshed at The Outlook Inn on Orcas Island.

Talk about clean air, it's everywhere.

If you're looking for a Pacific Northwest romantic getaway, consider this.

My Bay View Suite overlooked the Eastsound Bay with sparkling water, boats, and islands in the distance... all mere yards from my window and balcony set up with two chairs.

Mount Constitution, Orcas Island - Land with a Marine View

I know I look like smug confidence that I made it up the hill, but I've got news.

I had a tour guide.

A local I picked up on the street, sort of, after I gave him a song and dance about how scared I was to drive up this way by myself in the evening. He was the third person to comment that people are really very friendly here, as if people were to be feared.

No.

It was the long windy road at night with no lights, no people, no cell phone coverage.

So yes, smug confidence I made it all the way up the hill, not alone, today, and took photos from Mount Constitution.

Some say this is the best marine view in N. America.

Others say the best view in all the San Juans.