Escapees May June 2015 Demo

SKP Stops

Rail Road Ranch, Harriman State Park. Photo by Arline Chandler.

of ice from Silver Lake to store for summer use. Winters in Island Park were, and still are, severe with six to 10 feet of snow accumulating and staying over a seven-month period. Making a profit was not the major concern in manag- ing the Railroad Ranch. Managers spent time preserving the prime wildlife habitat and well-built ranch cabins and barns. Consideration for wildlife was the primary reason for the Harriman family’s decision to donate the ranch to the State of Idaho. Roland Harriman set the transfer process in motion in 1955, and in 1961, Idaho’s governor signed the historic agreement which led to public own- ership and responsibility for the Railroad Ranch and its natural resources. Originally, the transfer was to take place after all the Harriman shareholders were deceased. Howev- er, as the three children grew older, they decided to transfer the 15,000 acres of ranch property to the state prior to their deaths. On April 1, 1977, the Railroad Ranch became Har- riman State Park of Idaho. Beyond the stillness of the historic neighborhood, a trail past the old barns leads through the woods to Silver Lake. The Harriman Wildlife Refuge, a part of the park, provides a safe haven for Idaho wildlife, including moose, elk, deer and numerous species of birds. Squirming squirrels racing in circles around tree trunks and a flock of pelicans floating on the lake provide typical photo opportunities. Along a narrow trail through the wildlife refuge, wind in the aspens rustles like tissue paper. Although Harriman State Park offers no camping facilities, the historic park is a perfect day trip for RVers who travel through the area. Overnight accommodations for large and small groups are available in the restored historic buildings and in trailside yurts. Rest rooms, picnic tables in a natural forest setting and 20 miles of trails wind through both forest and meadows. The trails are available for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking and Nordic skiing. Guided horseback tours are available during the summer and fall months. Arline Chandler, Guest Contributor

Treasures of Western Washington Sometimes heading to the “far corners” can provide unique views unseen anywhere else, and Western Washington state proves that concept. This area has a unique variety of micro climates that create some amazing natural wonders, a rich history and exciting activities. Both my husband, Dennis, and I were born and raised in Washington’s Puget Sound area and spent our vacations enjoying Pacific Northwest parks in trailers, campers and vans. But we had itchy feet to see the country, so when we retired, we headed out in our 34-foot Winnebago. Yet after traveling across the U.S. and enjoying numerous sights, we realized that, for the highest variation of natural and cultural wonders packed in a single tight geographic area, it’s hard to beat our own backyard. • Cruising Puget Sound Washington State’s ferries are an integral part of our Western state’s transportation system. But it is also a fun picture-taking way to see the Puget Sound islands, Seattle’s skyline and waterfront and the only way to get to the San Juan Islands. (Note: The fares for taking large rigs can be costly and may not be the best choice if you are just getting from here to there.) Use your tow vehicle for any of several day-trip routes, with cameras in hand. Or, one of our favor- ite methods is to park your vehicle at either the Winslow or Bremerton ferry dock, walk on the ferry to Seattle, explore the recently updated waterfront on foot and ride the ferry back. If you come back just before sunset, you’ll get some great pictures. www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/visitorscenter • Deception Pass State Park This is Washington State’s most used park and for good reason. It offers spectacular views, a marvelous beach and an inner lagoon for swimming. It is a waypoint for migra- tory birds as well. It is on Whidbey Island, with a ferry on one end and Deception Pass Bridge on the other, which flanks one of the state’s most treacherous waterways for

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