UW Faculty Field Tour

Thankful for: Harry, Norm, and Jeff’s care and hard work.

Favorite (oft-repeated) quote: “Ask Harry. He’ll know.”

Inspired by: The genuine curiosity and thoughtfulness of everyone around me on the trip, and the expertise and commitment of our hosts along the tour.

Inspired to: (Greatly) improve my Spanish, road trip locally, teach a Discovery/Service Learning course, keep in touch with fellow field tourists, befriend a farmer, work on my jump shot.

Most speechless moments (tie): 1. Being offered someone’s (6′6″) son. 2. Overlooking stunning landscapes across the state.

Must remember: To pay attention to my expectations going into a new setting, and then pay attention as they are contradicted.

Most impressed by: the Columbia River, its connection to every site we visited, and its central role in Washington State’s history, economy, development…I could go on and on. Mind = blown.

Advice for future participants: Move around the bus and have a good chat with everyone.

Advice for the world: Organic farmers have a remarkably healthy glow about them. I think they’re on to something.

This has been the best group outing since my graduation some 15 years ago. A “must” for anyone vaguely interested in the state of Washington. I met some wonderful people and made fantastic friends and got several new and exciting ideas and learnt quite a lot. Superbly organized by Harry and co and great entertainment from Norm (if U dig his brand of humor). Highly recommended. U.P 

Sun Mountain Lodge - Group photo

North Cascades - Smokejumper base

North Cascades Institute

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Grand Coulee Dam

Colville Precision Pine mill - Omak, WA

Cascade Organics orchard

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Lloyd Bourne’s farm

Lloyd Bourne’s farm

The group tours La Esperanza.

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UNDER THE BRIDGE OF THE GODS — It’s quite fitting that I’ve returned to this region, on the Faculty Field Tour as a professor with the University of Washington. Because I wouldn’t have gotten here (as Director of the UW’s Master of Communication in Digital Media) without going there (Cascade Locks, OR).

How do the two connect? Read on…

Columbia River - Tuesday morning

Radio KDNA - Granger, WA

Wetlands project - Toppenish, WA

It’s a given that the members of this year’s Faculty Field Tour are fabulous scholars and teachers, but there are many hidden treasures as well.  Last night I discovered a bass player, a bass singer in women’s barbershop quartets, someone who plays the banjo, a hiker, a biker (he rode from Skamania Lodge to the Dalles as a morning tune up), poets, philosophers and someone who can sing like Miriam Makeba - including the throat clicks.  What a group, what a great tour so far….ok, I’m a little biased.

First stop: Port of Tacoma

Ranger Dave preps the group for a hike at Mt. St. Helens.

The Faculty Field Tour winds its way below Mount St. Helens.

Blue skies and sunshine greeted Faculty Field Tour participants Monday morning (June 16) when they gathered at the Burke Museum for final instructions before heading off on their weeklong adventure. President Mark Emmert, who has been on previous tours, was on hand to welcome the faculty members and give them a preview of the week ahead.

First stop, the Port of Tacoma, followed by a stop at Mount St. Helens. Internet connections willing, participants plan to post to this blog along the way. So be sure to check back!