The Moreton Bay Fig Tree
By Craig Boehman
Certainly a tree after my very own twisted soul, the Moreton Bay Fig, also known as the Strangler Fig, is my favorite Australian tree so far – followed by the various species of Palm Tree, with the Bamboo (not even a true tree but part of the grass family) coming in Third Place. All in all, they are for me what highlights the main differences between the flora of New South Wales and that of the Pacific Northwest. 
While the palms are quite capable of popping up just about anywhere on the countryside, the Moreton Bay Fig is not as prominent although quite common in certain locales like Lismore. And I’ve only seen bamboo in a few places, most notably along a patch of the Wilsons River in Lismore, where you can also spy on any sunny day a few good-sized lizards milling about – the largest I’ve seen being roughly 18 inches long and weighing about two pounds (the one day I didn’t bring my camera!)
The feature picture of the Moreton Bay Fig was reportedly the last sighting of God Almighty himself by a local musician in a “heightened” state of awareness. But as a tourist with dog in tow after only a single cup of coffee, I only saw Lucifer laying in wait.
Copyright © 2009 Moody Publishing Co., LLC
April 1st – April Fool’s Day
By Ray Littrell
Wednesday is April 1st and an opportunity to spoof anyone and everyone you can think of. If you are in need of some short-notice inspiration, here is a link to some of the Top 100 April Fool’s Day Hoaxes of all time brought to you by the Museum Of Hoaxes website.
One of the best hoaxes by a radio personality was by Al Cummings, who was a personality on KING radio in Seattle in the 50’s and 60’s. He told his listeners that Vashon Island was really a barge and had broken free of its anchor and was floating northward out of Elliot Bay. If I remember correctly, he even had one gentleman call in to say report that it was floating past his home on Lopez Island.
As an added adventure, I’ve included a video of the Allyn & Vashon Island Loop. Happy April Fool’s Day!
Copyright © 2009 Moody Publishing Co., LLC
Portland Saturday Market
By Ray Littrell
The Portland Saturday Market is enjoying its 36th year as the largest, continuously operating arts and crafts fair in the nation. It runs, this year, from February 28 to December 24 and is filled with exciting artists, musicians and, of course, lots of people watching opportunities. I spent an entire day at the Saturday market, last year and did not see and experience everything.
Copyright © Moody Publishing Co., LLC
Oregon Vortex
By Ray Littrell The Oregon Vortex has to be one of the most unusual places to visit in the Northwest. Its where gravity has gone haywire, creating visual effects that are unusual and quite fun to experience. Its said that animals (horses, wolves and such) would not go near this area because of its unusual characteristics. This video by Marilyn, Lew and Marc gives you an idea of the vortex is like:
Copyright © Moody Publishing Co., LLC
Lakeview Oregon Hang Gliding Capitol, NW
By Ray Littrell
I discovered Lakeview, Oregon quite by accident. I was looking to buy a radio station and KQIK AM and FM was available (I think it still is). I met with Tommy Dunn, who owns the station, and had a great tour of the town. As we drove around I learned that Lakeview is one of the premier spots in the Northwest for hang gliding (see the video below).
NOTE: I like the end of the video where they try to charge the “killer cows” $2.
I didn’t buy the station, but I am going back this summer for the hang gliding experience.
Copyright © 2009 Moody Publishing Co., LLC
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