Gray Whales Return to The Saratoga Passage
Inn at Langley offers special mid-week watch-the-whales rate
Each spring, the Saratoga Passage between Whidbey and Camano islands becomes a temporary home to migrating Gray Whales. The giant mammals are drawn to the Puget Sound’s rich, shallow feeding grounds as they travel north from the Baja coast to the waters of the Arctic. From about mid-March through May, the passage plays host to up to a dozen whales.
The balconies at The Inn at Langley are ideal spots from which to watch the slow-rolling whales gather food and listen to the faint and soothing sounds of their breathing. In celebration of the whales’ return, The Inn is offering special mid-week room rates starting at $225 until May 13, 2011.
“Every year, we are amazed by these majestic creatures as they return to feed and frolic directly off shore from the Inn,” said Inn general manager and chef, Matt Costello. “There’s even a whale bell in downtown Langley about a block from The Inn that people are encouraged to ring when they spot a whale.”
For guests hoping for a look from the water, The Inn is partnering with a local tour boat operator. Guests need only mention they are interested in a charter whale watching tour when making a reservation at The Inn and the Inn staff will make arrangements.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The cozy and intimate surroundings of Olympic National Park set the stage for a relaxing winter getaway, and this year it’s more affordable than ever. With the End 2010 with $20.10 Deal, visitors can stay one night at Lake Quinault Lodge or Kalaloch Lodge for $99 and get the second night for ONLY $20.10 for November and December travel! Rates like this won’t last long, and visitors must book the deal by Nov. 30.
Although it’s one of the wettest regions in the Northwest, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities available to complement an Olympic Peninsula winter escape, rain or shine. Included below are a few highlights…
- Storm watching from a cozy cabin at Kalaloch Lodge, as wild Pacific waves crash against boulders.
- Taking a rain forest tour at Lake Quinault Lodge, when fall and winter downpours create the most vibrant setting of the year.
- Watching for the region’s diverse bird species including crossbills, dippers, warrbleers, chichadees, nuthatches and thrusthes.
- Indulging in the culinary delights of Chef Patrick Norris at Lake Quinault Lodge’s Roosevelt Room, featuring contemporary twists on Northwest fare.
- Relaxing fireside in both lodge’s fireplace rooms or the grand fireplace in Lake Quinault Lodge’s lobby.
The package is valid for visits from Nov. 1 to Dec. 30, 2010 and blackout dates include Nov. 23-26 and Dec. 22-26. Reservations for both lodges can be made by visiting www.olympicnationalparks.com or by calling (866) 297-7367.
Source: ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Photo: Lake Quinault Lodge, courtesy of ARAMARK Parks and Destinations.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".