June Russell-Chamberlin

writer, editor, photographer suffering from serious wanderlust

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

Fun fact: The helm (the steering wheel) of a tall ship is in the stern -- the back of the boat -- and it's almost impossible to see the front of the ship from there. That's why someone keeps watch on the bow.

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

I discovered the laid-back magic of Lynden this summer. The Cobblestone Hotel became my home base for exploring the area, from the charms of Lynden to adventures in Bellingham.

Read more in my articles about Lynden and the Cobblestone Hotel @SheBuysTravel

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

From bayside strolls, world-class museums, and ghost tours, my latest article for Wander with Wonder covers the best things to do in Tacoma, Washington. The perfect location to stay and play: Point Ruston.

Read more in my article at Wander with Wonder.

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

Authentic Mexican food is fresh and full of flavor. My parents and I loved the enchiladas, service, and drinks at Amelia's Exquisite Mexican Dining in downtown Hillsboro, Oregon. Worth the trip!

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

If you want to see butterflies, head to the Elkton Community Education Center in Elkton, Oregon. Monarchs flit around the pavilion, and more butterflies float among the flowers in the garden. The center teaches people about the native butterflies in the Umpqua River Valley.

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

It's lavender season! Sip some lavender lemonade and stroll the fragrant fields throughout the Willamette Valley. It's a great excuse to get out of town and discover the wonders hidden on the backroads.

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

So this is how the trip planning is going... with a bit of help from my wild little cat. I use paper maps for the big picture, Google Maps for finding things to see, and My Maps for clustering sites and planning my time. Then comes the deeper research. How do you plan a trip?

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

Let's face it. Dealing with heavy traffic sucks. I recently rediscovered a relaxing alternative: the train. I brought my own food (though there are snacks and drinks available), worked on an article, and loved rolling through the countryside. I'll definitely do it again!

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

Cool, creamy ice cream meets rich, chewy chocolate brownie in this treat at McMenamin's Kalama Harbor Lodge. The Black and Tan Brownie is piled high with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate and and caram-ale sauces. Yummy!

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

I rode the train instead of driving -- and it was so much better! I brought a snack and a coffee, then settled in and wrote most of an article before we arrived. It wasn't any faster, but it certainly beats dealing with traffic. Where would you go on the train?

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

I'm fascinated by paper maps. When I look at them, I see places to explore, cultures to discover, and history written on the land. In other words, I see travel possibilities -- at least in the areas that aren't under the cat. She finds them irresistible, too.

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

My thanks to Jim and Rita for the opportunity to join their podcast, "Travels with Jim and Rita," and chat about how anyone can do this. Listen to Episode 53 - Beyond Cruise Ships: The Freedom of Charter Sailing.

https://t.co/lLOaHaM61t

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

Whether you're at the Kalama Harbor Lodge for the night or just a meal, don't miss the chance to explore the riverside property. In addition to the McMenamin's trademark whimsical art, the hotel features three secret rooms for guests to find. This one had cats!

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

Strawberries add sweetness to this luscious salad from Silver Falls Brewery's Ale House in Silverton, Oregon. Fresh fruit is one of my favorite things about summer!

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

My favorite part of the High Desert Museum in Bend? Otters. They inspire me. They seem to spend all their time playing or napping. Isn't that the perfect way to spend the weekend? Happy Friday!

@highdesertmuseum #otters #otterlovers #HappyFriday #WeekendVibes #RelaxAndRecharge

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

This is the car I wanted to take home from the LeMay--America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. Cars like this gorgeous 1930 Duesenberg Model J spawned the phrase, "It's a doozy!"

Read what it is like to visit this world-class museum in my article at World Footprints.

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

Many birdwatchers come to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails for the birds -- but the stunning volcano views, gardens, wildlife, and flowers make it worth a visit for anyone who loves nature.

#paisajescostarica #visitcostarica #costaricanature #explorecostarica #travelcostarica

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

If you love birdwatching, put Costa Rica on your list of places to visit. The Arenal Observatory Lodge claims more than 500 species of birds have been spotted in its gardens, forests and trails -- including this one!

#birdshots #birdphoto #thebirdingsquad #travelcostarica

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

Harold and Nancy LeMay collected enough vehicles to earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. His collection is on display @americascarmuseum.

Read more about this museum in my article @Worldfootprints
@VisittacomaPiercecounty #Visitpiercecounty

[June Russell-Chamberlin @JuneRussellCha1]

When in Costa Rica, you have to get out and explore the natural treasures, such as the butterfly parks. You'll see more than just butterflies -- although these gorgeous little flyers are reason enough to go!

#visitcostarica #costaricanature #explorecostarica #travelcostarica