IHW 2006 EXCURSIONS

The excursions we have developed for you in the Seattle, Washington area take you to the adventure, activities and unsurpassed scenic beauty of the "Pacific Northwest." This environment is the heart of the British Columbia/Washington/Oregon "Cascadia Region." Please note the Skill/Experience ratings and select tours commensurate with your health and physical condition. The conference will supply you with a lunch to go and any needed equipment for your excursion.

Tour Descriptions

E1 SEATTLE CENTER – EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT / SCIENCE FICTION MUSEUM
Enjoy unique attractions found only in Seattle! Take the shuttle to the Seattle Center where the world famous Space Needle, Experience Music Project, and Science Fiction Museum await you. It’s a hands on music discovery lab, it’s a three-story guitar sculpture, it’s a “funkadelic” amusement ride, it’s a performance hall, it’s a rock and roll museum…IT’S THE Experience Music Project (admission included). This interactive museum is dedicated to American popular music exciting the passion for music in all of us. Hear the music, learn to play the guitar, rock out in front of a virtual crowd - all inside the city’s most eye catching structure. Sci-fi fans can take an “out of this world” interactive journey into the universe of science fiction through numerous exhibits at the newest addition to the Seattle Center, the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (admission included). The Space Needle (admission not included) was built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s fair and was hailed as futuristic and daring. In 41 seconds you’ll go from the ground level to the WOW level on top of this landmark that has become the internationally recognized symbol of Seattle. Visit the Observation Deck for a 360-degree view of the city, surrounding mountain ranges, lakes and sound. Telescopes allow you to get an up close view, and graphic displays tell you what you are looking at. Shuttles are provided between the conference location and Seattle Center all afternoon for your convenience.

Skill/experience level: All
Time: On your own 12:30–18:30
Includes: Transportation (periodic shuttle), Museum Admission, Experience Music Admission


E2 CITY HIGHLIGHTS WITH BOEING PLANT TOUR AND PIKE PLACE PUBLIC MARKET
The motor coach tour of Seattle’s Highlights will take you by the Ballard Locks that separates the salt water of Puget Sound from the Fresh Water of Lake Union, Floating Homes on Lake Union where Tom Hanks was “Sleepless in Seattle,” the Seattle Center - home of the 607 foot tall (187 m) rotating Space Needle, Pioneer Square, and Magnolia Bluff, one of Seattle’s wealthiest neighborhoods with unsurpassed views of the Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. A 45 minute coach ride then takes you to visit the Boeing Factory for a tour showcasing this leading aerospace company and the Everett product line - the 747, 767, and 777. During the tour, you will be standing in the world’s largest building by volume (472,000,000 cubic feet). You will also see airplanes in various stages of flight test and manufacture for airline customers around the world. Your last stop is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the U.S., the famous Pike Place Market. Spend an hour in open-air celebration among the fresh regional fruits and vegetables, seasonal flowers, herbs, fresh seafood, spices, cheeses, eclectic shops, and artisan handcrafts with views of Elliott Bay. Enjoy a bite to eat on your own at one of the many popular restaurants. Those who want to linger can catch a cab for the short ride back to the conference area.

Skill/experience level: All
Time: 12:00–18:30
Includes: Transportation, Boeing Admission


E3 HARBOR SAILING ON THE OBSESSION
Discover why Seattle boasts that it is the boating capital of the world. Come sail the sparkling waters of Elliott Bay in Puget Sound with Seattle’s most prestigious commercial sailing crew aboard their custom designed 70’ (21 m) Sparkman-Stephens performance sloop, “Obsession.” Feel the breeze, hoist the main, come about and set sail in this magnificent setting with the Port of Seattle, Seattle skyline, majestic Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, and largest ferry terminal in the U.S. Take the helm, trim the sails, or just relax and enjoy the view on this exhilarating 2.5-hour cruise.

Skill/experience level: All
Time: 12:00-16:00 – 2.5 hour cruise
Includes: Transportation, Cruise


E4 GUIDED KAYAK TOUR ON LAKE UNION
Seattle is a kayaker’s paradise, and Lake Union is the ideal spot for novice and experienced kayakers alike to join the hustle and bustle of the water traffic, and check out the colorful neighborhoods and industry along the shore. Follow your guide in tandem sea kayaks for a 2.5-hour tour that will take you to Portage Bay. Watch as seaplanes take off and land, sightseeing boats motor about, and eagles soar. Paddle close to the million-dollar houseboat community where Tom Hanks was “Sleepless in Seattle.” And let the inspiring view of Seattle’s skyline take your breath away as you glide through the waters of Lake Union.

Skill/experience level: Novice to experienced
Time: 11:30-15:00, or 14:15-17:45 – 2.5 hours on the water
Includes: Transportation, Kayaks, Equipment, Guide.


E5 SEATTLE MARINERS BASEBALL GAME
Take me out to the ball game! After enjoying a free afternoon, you will be taken by motor coach to Safeco Field, designed and built for professional baseball. Since the Inaugural Game on July 15, 1999, Safeco Field gained a reputation locally, regionally and nationally as a terrific setting for baseball and a great place for baseball fans. Sweeping views of the downtown Seattle skyline and breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound combine with excellent views of game action from all angles to give fans at Safeco Field an experiences unequalled in Major League Baseball. The Seattle Mariners have been playoff contenders for the last several years, and 2006 promises to be another exciting season. The game begins at 7:05 (19:05), and is expected to last between 2-1/2 and 3 hours. More information can be viewed at Seattle Mariners. Play ball!

Skill/experience level: All
Time: 17:30 - approximately 22:00
Includes: Transportation, Guide, Admission to the game


E6 ELECTRIC BOATS WITH PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT
This may be the most fun anyone has all week at the workshop! You will enjoy Lake Union in an electric boat on the water while participating in a photo Scavenger Hunt. For this one-of-a-kind boating experience, you’ll be part of a team of 9 to 12 people. Each team selects one member to pilot its 21 foot long (6.5 m) electric enclosed boat around the Lake. The Scavenger Hunt begins when all boats equipped with clues and Polaroid cameras are sent out to collect photos of unique points of interest around the Lake. The first team to come back to the dock with all of their pictures wins. The winning team receives t-shirts. All boats includes 2 tables, cup holders, garbage can, CD player and sound system, and of course, seats.

Skill/experience level: All
Time: 12:30-16:30, or 13:00-17:00 – 3-hour activity
Includes: Transportations, Electric Boat, Scavenger Hunt Game with equipment and prizes


E7 BURKE GILMAN TRAIL BIKE RIDE – GUIDED
Take a leisurely 3 hour bike ride along the ever popular Burke Gilman Trail in the heart of Seattle. Bike along the paved 27-mile trail as it winds along Lake Washington following the old Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad right-of-way from Ballard to Redmond. Enjoy the trailside artwork, waterside rest stops and city vistas as you ride through Seattle’s industrial, chic and prosperous neighborhoods, and lush park settings. Detour off the trail to Gas Works Park for excellent views of the water and city skyline, or perhaps Densmore to grab a gooey treat at the Bakery.

Skill/experience level: All
Time: 11:30-15:30 – 3-hour ride
Includes: Hybrid Bike, Helmet, Lock, Repair Kit, Guide


E8 Urban Hike in Discovery Park
In perhaps the best urban park setting in the U.S., you will enjoy a 6-mile hike through Discovery Park, a 550-acre urban wilderness in the Magnolia neighborhood. This huge park on Magnolia Bluff boasts some of the best bird watching and tidal-pool exploration in the region, spectacular views of Puget Sound, the Olympics, and Mount Rainier; and a Coast Guard Lighthouse. Highlights include: forests, streams, meadows, saltwater beaches, lighthouse, wildlife observation, views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. This is a place to escape the turmoil of the city life and enjoy the beauty of Puget Sound. Hike through cool forests, explore saltwater beaches, and savor the view of distant mountains. The 6-mile beach loop hike encompasses almost the entire park. The trail includes a steep walk to and from the beach. Spectacular scenery, lighthouse views, interesting birds and historical landmarks included.

Skill/experience level: Moderate (some steep uphill)
Time: 12:30-16:30, or 13:30-17:30 – 3-hour hike
Includes: Transportation, Naturalist/Guide


E9 Central Cascades Hike
The many different trails in the Central Cascades lead to some of the most attractive destinations in the Northwest... paralleling rivers; traversing Old Growth Forest; climbing out of the forest into sub-alpine meadows; leading to cascading waterfalls, and sub-alpine lakes which reflect the towering mountain peaks; traversing high ridges offering views of snowy peaks; and crossing mighty rivers. Wherever the trail leads you'll find amazing views from scenic viewpoints.

Skill/experience level: Moderate to Experienced
Time: 12:00-17:30, or 13:00-18:30 – 3-hour hike
Includes: Transportation, Permit, Guide


E10 SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON DINNER TRAIN
All Aboard the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train! Fans of the vintage railcar won’t want to miss this nostalgic part of American history. Savour exceptional Northwest cuisine on this 45-mile roundtrip excursion. Travel the tracks from Renton, once a coal-mining town and now home to Boeing, winding along the shores of Lake Washington, past Mercer Island – the only island in Lake Washington, over the Wilburton Trestle - the longest wooden trestle in the Northwest measuring 102’ (31 m) in height and 975 feet (300 m) in length, to the Columbia Winery in Woodinville. Sample Cabernets, Merlots and their new varietals Syrah and Cabernet Franc at the winery located in a magnificent Victorian style building before re-boarding the train for the return trip.

Skill/experience level: All
Time: 16:30 – 22:30
Includes: Transportation, Guide, Dinner, Wine tasting


E11 WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE SKYKOMISH RIVER & BBQ
Take the Ultimate Rafting Challenge on the Skykomish River! The “Sky,” as it is referred to by those who frequent the river, is considered the most challenging commercially run river in the state of Washington. Feel the thrill of shooting one of the most difficult rapids in the state, the powerful “Boulder Drop,” a class 4 to 4+. No other rapid is more talked about than this one. With boulders the size of a small building and more than a 15 foot (4.6 m) drop in elevation, this technical rapid calls for all the skill that guides and crew can muster. Combined with a series of class 3+ rapids including The Ledge, Marbleshoot, Lunch Hole, and Aquagasm, this 3.5 hour rafting adventure promises to keep your adrenaline pumping….all in a spectacular setting with aqua green water, and Mt. Index and Mt. Persis as a backdrop. You will also enjoy a BBQ meal after your trip.

Skill/experience level: Experienced rafters – MUST be comfortable/secure with water sports
Time: 11:30 – 19:00 - 2.5 hours on the water
Includes: Transportation, Orientation, Equipment (wetsuits, booties, helmets), Rafting Trip with Guide, BBQ
Note: Bring bathing suit, light rain jacket or wind breaker, wool or polyporpylene sweater, sunscreen, towel, dry change of clothes


E12 JOHN WAYNE PIONEER TRAIL BIKE RIDE
Your adventure begins with an exciting ride through the popular 2.3 mile (3.8 km) long Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel. The tunnel is pitch dark, chilly and damp, so jackets and headlamps are a must for this first stretch of our trip. There is plenty of scenery on this 37-mile (60 km) bike ride from the tunnel to Snoqualmie Falls following along the route of the old Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul Pacific Railroad. The John Wayne Pioneer Trail descends into glacial valleys, offers a spectacular view of the valley and mountainous terrain, crosses high trestles over steep ravines, traverses sagebrush desert and arid scrublands, and passes through the charming countryside farmlands of the Columbia Basin. This gradual downhill ride starts at an elevation of 2600 feet (800 m) and drops 1700 feet (520 m) to Rattlesnake Lake.

Skill/experience level: All experienced bike riders
Time: 11:30 – 19:30 (5+ hour ride)
Includes: Transportation, Bike & Gear, Guide, Support Vehicle, Hydration on support vehicle.
Note: Bring jacket with hood and a flashlight or headlamp.