Before the completion of interstate Highway 84, travel from Portland, Oregon to the Columbia River Gorge and points eastward was via Highway 30. Built between 1913 and 1922, this narrow, 70-mile scenic byway known as the Historic Columbia River Highway begins in the original section of Troutdale, where today an ornate metallic arch proclaims it to be the “Gateway to the Gorge.”

It would be easy to miss this little neighborhood, hidden from view behind the Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets shopping mall. But, it is worth your time to seek it out. Named for trout ponds belonging to an early settler, Troutdale established a railroad depot in 1882 and incorporated as a city in 1907. The commercial district boomed with the opening of the Columbia River Highway, with many businesses vying for the attention of the sudden influx of leisure travelers.

When traffic was diverted to the freeway in the 1950’s, Troutdale became a quiet backwater relegated to the role of a suburban bedroom community for Portland. The city eventually sprawled across hillside and plateau with more than 2,000 acres of housing developments and strip malls. Still, the tiny fragment of historic Troutdale remained and has enjoyed a renaissance in recent decades.

Seeking a destination for an overnight getaway in our 19-foot motor home, my husband and I selected the Sandy Riverfront RV Park, located on the West bank of the Sandy River. The facility offers spacious full-service paved sites surrounded by lawn, with free Wi-Fi, cable television, as well as a clubhouse, restrooms, showers and laundry room. The primary attraction for us, however, was its proximity to historic Troutdale, just a short walk away.

Arriving around mid-day on a Sunday, we got settled into our assigned space; then wandered into town. Strolling slowly along the street to the Gateway arch; then back along the opposite side, we checked out the assortment of businesses there. Visitors will find a selection of food and beverage vendors, along with a variety of shops and professional services.

There is a curious dichotomy of old and new or renovated buildings.  The north side of the street is better developed, with attractive storefronts and flower-filled planters. The opposite side, however, lags behind with some unkempt structures dating to an earlier era. Metal sculptures dot the landscape along the five-block commercial district and are featured in a small community park.

Not much was open this particular Sunday except a few restaurants, drinking establishments, and an antique store. After debating the available options for lunch, we chose Siam Sushi; serving Thai and Japanese food. Thirsty after our walk, I welcomed the tall glass of chilled water with a lime slice that was promptly brought by our server. We selected three appetizers—the fresh rolls, chicken satay and a sushi sampler.

The fresh rolls were the plumpest we’d ever seen; nearly bursting through their delicate, translucent wrappers. Filled with seafood bits and crisp lettuce that crunched with every bite, and accompanied by a spicy peanut sauce possessing the perfect balance of sweetness and fire, the fresh rolls were a delight.  Tender grilled chicken satay on bamboo skewers dipped in peanut sauce sated my appetite.

An unexpected surprise, considering the unassuming exterior of the restaurant, was the artistic presentation of the sushi sampler. The stark white rectangular plate held eight different pieces, arrayed in soldierly rows along with a dab of wasabi paste. My husband, Tom, ate every bite.

Moving down the street, we stopped to admire large bronze sculptures of a moose, and a cowboy with his dog positioned outside of an art gallery. A little further along, we stepped into Brewligans Tap Room to follow up our meal with a pint of beer. Sitting on a sofa the in back, we thumbed through some past issues of 1859 Magazine, while other patrons watched a college basketball game on the TV.

Later, we slipped into the Troutdale Antique Mall and wandered its two floors of glassware, paintings, housewares, jewelry and other bric-a-brac. There were so many items crammed into the display cases that it was difficult to take it all in.

At the end of the street, the Depot Rail Museum was unfortunately closed; a good excuse to come back another time. After reading the historical marker and taking a close-up look at the caboose train car on the grounds, it was time to call it a day. Although historic Troutdale is only a half-hour drive from home, we felt like we’d truly gotten away and discovered another of Oregon’s unique destinations.

Photo credit: Tamara Muldoon

This was a fun job. I was able to combine my knowledge of Oregon’s top attractions and hospitality services along with research to help compile the underlying destination data for Desti’s search algorithms.

Desti is the next generation in travel guide apps. Currently being developed for the iPad platform, Desti uses advanced search technology combined with artificial intelligence to help users find exactly what they are looking for based on multiple criteria.

Commentary posted in November 2012 on Wired Insider stated, “The same people who brought you Siri are now working on another virtual expert: Desti. She doesn’t speak – she searches. More specifically, travel searches. But her searches are educated. In fact, she’s able to analyze context and meaning, rather than just key words. Quite impressive.  Unfortunately, she’s only available for iPad right now and only covers Northern California. But there are plans for Desti to be nationwide (and available on the iPhone) next year.”

The talented crew at Desti is hard at work adding content for other regions of the U.S. Watch for further developments in 2013.

Photo credit: “Cannery Pier Hotel, Astoria, OR” by Tamara Muldoon

The Necanicum River first drew my attention. Weak spring sunshine glinted off its tranquil surface. Below the 1^st Avenue bridge, a cluster of brightly-colored paddle boats were shackled to the pier. Today the empty boats looked rather forlorn; but I could easily imagine these craft in summer with laughing tourists peddling them up and down the river in a row like so many ducklings.

Turning toward the ocean, a steady breeze drove my chilled fingers deeper into my coat pockets. I wished I’d worn my hat. Quickly I arrived at the Promenade. This broad, balustraded walkway that locals call the “Prom” extends 1-1/2 miles along the beachfront, providing the perfect strolling route together with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and monolithic Tillamook Head to the south.

I followed the Prom to the end of Broadway Street and its famous turnaround where the street loops around a life-size statue of Lewis & Clark, allowing automobiles to make an easy U-turn. When I think of Seaside, I think of Broadway. It is here that many of the restaurants, gift shops and entertainment venues are located.

Meandering up the street, I ducked into the Carousel Mall and watched children and their parents twirl by on the namesake ride at its center.  Moving on, I was brought up short by a display of sea shells at a shop called By The Sea. I was drawn into the store, remembering my first visits to the sea coast as a child and how sea shells had seemed like exotic treasures to me. Indeed, this shop has an assortment of shells from around in world in delicate hues of iridescent pink and cream, and ranging in size from as tiny as a pea to as large as a head of cabbage.

Back on Broadway, as I paused to look at a store window display, a family with three young children passed by. The daughter, about 4 years old, was murmuring a soft but fervent litany “candy store, candy store, candy store.” I chuckled, and then thought, “I want to go there too.” Another block up the street brought me to The Buzz. Inside I found aisle after aisle of individually-wrapped candies in barrels and bins, where I chose an assortment of salt water taffy. Luscious chocolates and fudge in a glass display case tempted me, and I ogled a tray of caramel apples sporting coatings of nuts, sprinkles or M&Ms. But, having got what I came for, I headed back out to the street.

Passing by the Pig ‘N Pancake restaurant, a Seaside institution, I suddenly realized that I should eat some lunch before the conference started. There was no time for a leisurely sit-down meal; I needed something quick. Two blocks up the street I found the Seaside Coffee Shop, where I ordered a grilled turkey and Swiss Panini. The coffee shop is a spacious, high-ceilinged establishment with a laid-back feel. Local residents lounged in easy chairs, chatting with one another or reading. My sandwich came quickly, and while it wouldn’t garner any accolades for presentation, it was hot and savory and would get me through the day.

Comfortable like a favorite sweatshirt, welcoming like an old friend, and with enough activities and services to interest families and couples alike—that is Seaside. Walking briskly back to the Convention Center, I promised myself that I would return another day, when I could give Oregon’s oldest coastal resort town the attention it deserves.

Photo credit: Tamara Muldoon

Better known as “Travel & Words,” this annual regional conference is organized by a small group of volunteers. Since I have years of experience managing conference registration, I volunteered to help onsite this year. As it turned out, they didn’t need much help, but I am now officially a member of the conference planning committee. I am excited about helping the group organize Travel & Words 2014, which will be held at the historic Davenport hotel in Spokane, WA.

This year’s program included keynote presentations, panel discussions and intensive workshops geared not just toward travel writers but also freelance writers, bloggers, guide book authors and others in the publishing industry. In addition, representatives of destination marketing organizations from around Oregon and Washington staffed exhibit tables, ready with resource materials and story ideas.

A highlight of the two-day conference was the Networking Mixer Bistro on the opening night. Conference attendees were treated to an overwhelming array of tempting appetizers, provided by Seaside restaurants, the Seaside High School Culinary Team, and students from the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute in Coos Bay. Craft beer was also generously hosted by three local breweries.

The Seaside High School Culinary Team had just returned from competing in the Oregon ProStart High School Culinary Championships, where they took first place with a three-course menu of double-chicken consommé, seared beef tenderloins with balsamic seared vegetables, whipped potatoes and hollandaise, and “campfire” s’mores. The team will compete in the National ProStart Student Invitational competition in Baltimore later this year.

So what did I take away from the conference—besides 20 pounds of brochures and travel magazines, that is? I found out that it’s hard to make a full-time living in the travel genre; most writers need to supplement their income doing business writing. However, I also learned that it is advantageous to specialize in a particular niche and become known as an “expert” in that area.

I was told that print media is not dead, but that the future of publishing resides in the digital world. I was given tips on how to write articles that editors will love by avoiding novice mistakes and by honing my self-editing skills.

I received confirmation that writers who can also take professional photos are in demand. I discovered that I am not charging enough for my work. And, I heard from a panel of editors how to pitch a story idea.

Altogether, it was a solid program with excellent content. Also, having the opportunity to connect with regional destination specialists was a plus. I give a hearty “well done” to the planning committee, and I am already looking forward to next year’s conference.

Photo credit: Tamara Muldoon

This particular workshop was created in conjunction with 1859 Magazine; a highly-popular periodical focusing on Oregon travel and lifestyle. The workshop participants, under the direction of Leah and Joni, were to take photographs to illustrate an upcoming feature article in 1859.

After a Friday night orientation session, our group of ten students, two instructors and two assistants hit the streets early Saturday morning in one of Portland’s re-vitalized neighborhoods. The first couple of hours we were on our own, intended to get our creative juices flowing.  Then, we met as a group at a local coffee house to divvy up the shooting assignments. Joni and Leah had put together a list of suggested businesses and public spaces for us to focus on.

I hooked up with fellow student Lorraine, who I knew from a photography critique group that I attend. We worked as a team throughout the day. Lorraine was much more comfortable than I about approaching strangers, camera in hand and saying, “May I take your picture?” It did get easier as the day wore on. It also helps when you can say, “I am shooting pictures for an upcoming issue of 1859 Magazine and would like to take some pictures in your business.” Nearly everyone we met was friendly and accommodating and I found that I was really enjoying myself.

It was a long day but a fun day. I finally packed up the camera gear after sunset and met the group at a nearby pub for some pizza and beer. It was an early night though, as there was more to come tomorrow. On Sunday, we met again at Joni’s studio to edit our images. I had shot over 500 photos and had only two hours to select the best 30 images from among them. After everyone whittled their work down to about 30 photos each, each person’s pictures were projected for all to see and for Joni and Leah to critique.

Their comments were constructive; mainly focusing on how the photographer could have made an image better. From each person’s work, the best 10 to 12 images were selected by the instructors for the final submission to 1859. I felt pretty good that I had 11 images they felt were good enough to submit.

Altogether, the magazine’s art director received over 100 photos to choose from for the article. Of course, we participants are all anxious to know whether or not one or more of our images will be chosen for either the print article, or for the online version with an expanded photo gallery. While that would be fantastic and a great honor, I am satisfied just having gone through this process. I have a much greater understanding now of what editorial photography is about, and have gained some confidence on how to execute it. My thanks go to Joni and Leah for producing such a great workshop. It was a blast!

Photo credit: Tamara Muldoon (Food Cart Specialty: Jerk Chicken Salad with Hummus and Pita Bread)

Although his address referred to the great financial depression of that era, this particular quote can be applied to other aspects of people’s lives. How many of us are held back from realizing our true potential by fear?

I once wrote an article based in part on a self-help book by Susan Jefffers, Ph.D., entitled “Feel The Fear, And Do It Anyway.” The book’s premise was that nearly everyone experiences fear of change or the unfamiliar, but in order to achieve personal growth we must overcome that fear and move forward. That is easier said than done.

Many of us stubbornly hold on to people or situations to our detriment, merely because they are familiar. We get stuck in the past due to fear of the uncertain future.  We are afraid to move forward, yet bemoan the fact that our lives are going nowhere.

Self-defeating patterns of thought and behavior are often well engrained in us. Even if intellectually we recognize these patterns, it is not easy to change them. It takes a conscious and concerted effort to step out of our “comfort zone.” But for many of us, making a major change is akin to standing at the edge of a chasm and stepping off. Will we get hurt, or land on our feet?

“It is reported that over 90 percent of what we worry about never happens,” Jeffers wrote.  “All you have to do to diminish your fear is to develop more trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it.”

Taking that first step is the hardest. It is difficult to take that leap of faith, but after each time you cross a fear boundary the next time is less frightening. Eventually you look back and wonder, “What was I afraid of?”

We all experience fear. The trick is to acknowledge it, but not let it stop you. Be willing to let go of old beliefs and behaviors that are holding you back. Move through the fear and experience the wealth of self-confidence and new experiences that lay beyond. Each step forward makes the next one a little easier.

Photo credit: © GIS – Fotolia.com

Attendees will enjoy top industry speakers, editor and writer panels, interactive workshops and plenty of networking at Seaside Civic Center. Keynote speakers include Dave Peterson, publisher of Northwest Travel Magazine and Maralyn Hill, past president of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

Writers interested in pitching, writing and selling travel articles in a rapidly changing publishing world will gain story ideas and contacts with regional editors, publishers, and writer colleagues as well as travel and tourism specialists from Oregon and Washington. Workshop Intensives will cover online and print markets that pay, how to benefit more from social media, pitching high-end markets, and ways to earn a living as a freelance writer.

It promises to be very educational as well as a lot of fun!

Image credit: Tamara Muldoon

Making lists allows me to do a “brain dump.” Once I get those bits of information out of my head and on to paper, then I can stop worrying about them; at least temporarily. If I don’t make a list, those bits just keep surfacing and demanding my attention—it’s tiring. By committing them to writing, I can ignore those thoughts, knowing I will deal with them in due time. This allows me to prioritize and concentrate on what I need to deal with right now.

I made only two New Year’s resolutions for 2013, but they both will require a substantial amount of effort. The first is to take off the five pounds I’ve gained since Thanksgiving. The second is my campaign to GET ORGANIZED IN 2013!

The Get Organized campaign consists of two parts; make my home office more efficient by ridding it of old files and all the stuff that I don’t need; and, create a system to schedule all those nebulous projects that I never seem to get to.  I am moving right along on the clutter purge; as to the other, I have identified five project categories: marketing, professional development, photography, financial planning and home improvement. Each category has—you guessed it—a running list of specific tasks.

My plan is to assign one category per weekday and devote part of each day to the assigned task. No doubt there will be some shuffling of assignments and procrastination, but if a task is on my “To Do” list, at least there is a better chance that some progress will be made. Wish me luck. I think I may need it.

Photo credit: Tamara Muldoon

After a discussion of composition and local publications that use food photography, we put together some food displays and practiced shooting in the studio. Later, we carpooled to Tasty n Sons, a restaurant in North Portland. The restaurant graciously hosted our group and provided some food and beverages for us to photograph. Our presence did not seem to faze the staff, or the patrons.

We wrapped up the day back at the studio, taking turns at photographing and asking Chris many questions. Toward the end of the day, we kept our energy up by eating some of the props! The pastries and candy were delicious.

Photo credit: Tamara Muldoon

Photo credit: Tamara Muldoon