Chasing Clean Air

Clean Air Portland

I'm loving Portland! Land of lush green trees, the best of small city living with the amenities of a big city, too. And yes! Clean air.

I walked out of Hotel Monaco-Portland, (awesome hotel!) seeking a vegan meal and found a veggie burger at Greek Cusina, a block away, where I met Rachael, the friendly bartender.

Rachael shared that she moved to Portland from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania--a steel town--where the air quality was less than optimal, though in Rachael's words,

"Pittsburg's air is not as bad as L.A.'s. When I moved to Portland I became more energetic. I love every day here!"

Last summer I stayed in B.C. and noticed how much better and energetic I felt, too.

I credited clean air.

Rachael raved about biking everywhere on Portland's bike lanes, the joy of not having a car, and the food. According to this new local of the past two years, there are great restaurants everywhere and the best transportation.

Coming from Los Angeles and being a clean air advocate, I appreciate how valuable Portland's public transportation and access to safe bike lanes are.

I'll tell you the truth, I'd like to stay longer in Portland, and learn more about this vibrant city with a small town feel.

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Shut Down All The World's Coal-Power Plants Or Else! James Hansen Speaks

Good shoes can make us feel better, fashionable and offer support in a world gone negative.

My feet hurt after last night's dancing (in Portland), so today I shopped at Nordstrom's at Pioneer Square and got a new pair of ASICS running shoes.

I threw in a workout top when I realized there's no sales tax in Oregon. Money goes further here.

The soft cushioning helped my feet recover from dancing and those high-heels I frequently favor.

Meanwhile, I received more grim global warming news.

In Elizabeth's Kolbert's article in the June 29, 2009 issue of The New Yorker she quotes father of climatology, James Hansen, who said that his own predictions about devastation from climate change under-estimated how dire earth's situation is. He says we need to shut down all the world's coal-fired power plants in the next twenty years in order to have a shot at turning the tables to keep life as we know it alive and well. To read her article, click here.

If that weren't enough, I present you... 

Driving from Ashland to Portland, Oregon

Over the shock of Interstate 5 meandering along cliff roads for two hours in the Mt. Shasta region of California, I recovered my sensibilities and practiced the art of deep breathing. But not for long, for I wondered.

I wondered how the Southern Oregon drive would be? This was a mountainous region, too.

I dared not ask, for I was determined to make it to Eugene to enjoy my first water adventure in a year: a McKenzie float down the McKenzie River.

No matter what.

I'd traverse cliff roads if I had to. I'd persevere.

Never mind that I practically passed out on my first exceptionally high tressel, above the Shasta River flowing further than I could see. 

Now storm clouds loomed overhead, as I pushed the pedal to the metal and forged ahead, driving the speed limit. Cautiously.

Call me a Californian accustomed to drought, but I couldn't help but notice that those storm clouds didn't go away. They lowered in the sky instead, as if to say, I'm not budging.

Well.

I don't boat well in the rain.

It could be cold, too.

And wet.

There was only one sensible thing to do. 

Clean Air Ashland, Oregon: More Things To Do

There's much more than meets the initial eye in Ashland--you must know, she's not just another pretty town! 

Here's a list of things to do beyond Ashland's world famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Lithia Park is in the heart of Ashland and offers fantastic trails.

Nobel Coffee House is a local organic roasting company.

On Saturday, Ashland has its Farmer's Market.

Ashland Food Co-op is located nearby at 1st Street between A & B Streets.

The Green Show is a free performance at 7:15 p.m. in plaza of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Nearby spas include Waterstone, Blue Giraffe and Chozu.

There are bike rental places to explore the Rogue Valley, and trail running and hiking is popular.

Whitewater rafting and touring local wineries, farms, and artisan food makers top the list of popular things to do.

It's 80 miles to Crater Lake National Park. I believe the lowest lake in the nation and known for its sapphire blue color.

Britt Festival

If you haven't read my Ashland review yet, click here! And for my review of Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Henry VIII click here.

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Clean Air Ashland, Oregon

I arrived to Ashland by car and was immediately taken with the beauty of this town nestled into the evergreen Mount Ashland, like a baby in Mother Nature's warm embrace.

Ashland is located in Southwest Oregon and is part of Jackson County, known for the majestic Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain ranges. It borders California on Interstate 5.

The allure of Ashland was its good air quality, nature, a community that tends toward being well-educated and liberal, and a vibrant arts community that includes the world famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, running 8 1/2 months out of the year.

I arrived around 6:30 in the evening and needed to grab a quick bite before my first Elizabethan play at Allen Pavilion. Luckily, I discovered Standing Stone Brewing Company a few blocks from The Ashland Springs Hotel, which turned out to be convenient to everything, including one block from the Shakespeare Festival.

Standing Stone Brewing Company offered home made breads and several vegan choices. I sat at the bar and ordered Tempeh Stir Fry, $13, served with a flower on top.

Two friendly locals volunteered that Ashland has approximately 20,000 residents, out of which about 250 are Standford grads. Who knows? But the point is this town prides itself on arts, liberalism, and intellect.

When traveling long distances, I've come to appreciate the value of a good hotel. A great hotel, even better.

Ashland Springs Hotel is a beautifully restored landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This 70-room European-style boutique hotel originally opened in 1925 to great fanfare, and its unique beauty made me realize how much I appreciate the blend of the historic with modern conveniences.

When I entered the lobby, I walked back in time and into a magnificent mansion reminiscent of the  famous Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C. Only the Ashland Springs Hotel has its own distinct charm, combining subtle colors with new and old touches, nature and man-made, elegance and eclectic artifacts.

A stay here is relatively affordable, especially considering the ample breakfast of oatmeal, cereals, fresh fruits and juices, bagels, and coffee and tea included.

High season rates are currently $179-$269 and they offer AAA and AARP 10% discounts.

A bit of hotel history: A couple from Santa Barbara relocated to Ashland and bought what was once called the Lithia Hotel. In 1925 the hotel was famous for being the tallest and most elegant building between Portland and San Francisco. Today it remains the tallest and most elegant building in Ashland.

More recently, a designer was hired and she made the wise choice to incorporate the feel of Ashland into the hotel.

Nature and intellect now combine in the most interesting of ways.

Check out the nature motif in my room.

Seashells for a lamp post.

Leaves embedded in the shade.

And the view! (photo top of page)

Breakfast and late evening snacks were served on the second floor where guests sat above the lobby. I made new friends in this open area.

A couple toured Oregon from the Bay Area, considering areas to relocate. Another couple from Lopez Island (I'm headed there too) gave me ideas what to do and where to stay.

The Ashland Springs Hotel is warm and inviting. I'd love to return.

Ashland's air quality has improved over the past ten years due to an EPA law that insists on clean technologies (MACT), which positively impacts nearby Medford industries, and several pulp mills once located in Medford have closed.

Ashland is in the Rogue Valley so when there are fires, I'm sure people with lung issues have their challenges due to both smoke and the fact a valley can trap pollution in an inversion layer.

Overall, I loved Ashland and I will be back.

Helpful air quality resources:

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Maximum Achievable Control Technologies (MACT)

How Jackson County Improved Air Quality

If you'd like to read more about things to do in Ashland and surrounding area, click here.

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Clean Air Ashland & Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Henry VIII

Lord Chamberlain wore an outfit befitting royalty from the 15th century as he declared,

"Two women placed together makes cold weather!"

All of a sudden I was back in my seat at the open Elizabethan Stage/Allen Pavilion under twinkling stars, watching the Tony awarding-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of Henry VIII unfold with its magnificent ornate period costumes and a gorgeous set.

Until that moment, I didn't feel the play's drama. As a result, my mind filled with scenes from driving on windy Mt. Shasta cliffs earlier that day.

But now. Now the play grabbed me. It was a light-bulb moment, the sort that occurs with good acting and good lines. And empathy embraced my wavering attention as I recalled the freezing weather imposed on women I've known by another motivated by money, control, jealousy. 

Yes, indeed two women placed together can make cold weather!

Human nature is eternal and that's why Shakespeare lives on, particularly in Ashland, Oregon home to one of the oldest and largest non-profit theaters in America with a $26 million budget, which is currently showcasing 4 Shakespearean and 7 non-Shakespearean plays in order to offer great variety to those who attend festival in a season that lasts 8 1/2 months!

Back to Henry VIII!

Actress Vilma Silva, playing Queen Katherine, Henry's first wife, walked on stage and stole my attention and the show with unequaled, superb acting!

Here is Queen Katherine in a photo by Jenny Graham, urging King Henry (Elijah Alexander) to cease the heavy taxations on his subjects.

A little backstory about her role.