"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." —St. Augustine
In addition to corporate copywriting, Denise Seith's professional credits include travel writing. Photo features frequently appear in Family Motor Coaching, Trailer Life, Coast to Coast, RV Journal, Woodall's, Northwest Travel, Country Discoveries, International Living, and other publications. In addition, excerpts from a monthly “Great Escapes” travel
column for a local newspaper appear below. To receive the full-length .pdf version of any article via e-mail, please click here and request it.
RV Life Magazine—June 2008
Under 90 minutes by ferry from mainland Washington, four islands dominate the San Juan Archipelago—San Juan, Lopez, Orcas, Shaw. Each island has its own unique personality and special attractions, but all boast of beautiful scenery and are ideal for camping, bicycling, sea kayaking, fishing, wildlife-watching, and simply relaxing. The adventure begins...
Family Motor Coaching Magazine—April 2008
Trailer Life Magazine—December 2007
Famous for its hot springs and majestic mountain setting, Banff National Park is the most popular destination for visitors to the Canadian Rockies. Although the birthplace of Canada’s national park system shouldn’t be missed, neither should the scenic splendors in adjacent Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. Smaller, quieter, yet over-flowing with thick wilderness, glistening lakes, rushing rivers, and jagged snowy peaks, lesser-known Kootenay and Yoho are no less picturesque than busy Banff. Wildlife-watchers certainly won’t be disappointed in Kootenay and Yoho. Fewer crowds usually mean more animal sightings— particularly the “big ones” such as bear, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. If you do encounter black bears chomping dandelions beside the road or bighorn sheep blocking an entire lane...
Highways Magazine—October 2007
Looking for that million-miles-away-from-it-all feeling that only an island setting can provide? Prefer to get there in the comfort of your roomy RV instead of a confining airliner seat? Northeastern Ohio’s scenic Lake Erie Islands can give you an off-the-mainland escape within the lower 48. Now, you might be surprised, that the Buckey State has islands, but more than a dozen small isles (not all inhabited) lay between mainland Ohio and Ontario to the north. No palm fronds sway in the breezes here, but you won’t miss the typical tropical setting that “island” usually brings to mind. The most popular and populated, close-in South Bass and Kelleys Islands, are as carefree and charming as any saltwater island retreat—minus the geckos and coconuts. Each island has its own personality—South Bass is more...
Coast to Coast Magazine—July/August 2007
Central Oregon’s High Desert is the prettiest, most diverse desert you’ll probably ever see—no lackluster sand and scrub here! Instead, sweet-smelling ponderosa pines and juniper surround fish-filled rivers and gleaming lakes while striking snowy peaks create a beautiful backdrop. It all adds up to a picture-perfect setting that looks good, smells good, and provides a million-miles-away-from-it-all feeling. Opportunities to fly fish, hike, bike, boat, golf, and much more are as plentiful as the eye-catching scenery, so bring along your camera and outdoor gear. Camp Sherman, a tiny wooded community on the banks of the Metolius River, is the heart of the Metolius Recreation Area. For well over 100 years now it has remained a peaceful respite, a place to slow down and reconnect with nature. And as with most small towns, the general store is the hub of it all. With wooden floors and old-fashioned gas pumps, the 88-year old Camp Sherman Store is reminiscent of days gone by. Small but well-stocked, RVers will find everything from a gourmet lunch to a week's worth of groceries, plus a large selection of wines, maps and books, over 1,000 fishing flies, and even souvenir T-shirts. The post office attached to the store is not only for mailing scenic postcards back home, it also serves as an informal book and magazine exchange—take a free one and leave another in its place. An elementary school, miniature church, community hall, campgrounds, and resort-style cabins next to the fine dining Kokanee Café, round out the miniature neighborhood. Chances are good that a pancake feed, steak roast, or similar special event will be happening during your visit. Everyone is encouraged to join in......
Trailer Life Magazine—June 2007
After the Rally in Redmond, Oregon next month, save time to explore more of the Pacific Northwest with a road trip north. Interstate 5 connects the Beaver State to the Evergreen State, and with as many scenic attractions as there are miles of road, spectacular sight-seeing is assured—majestic mountains, volcanic peaks, a lengthy coastline, abundant wildlife, and pleasant cities filled with creature comforts when you need a break from Washington’s natural beauty.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Since October 2004, Mount St. Helens has been intermittently reminding us that she’s far from dormant. Although the present volcanic action isn’t as dramatic as the last major eruption 27 years ago, the new lava dome inside the crater continues to slowly grow, emitting low levels of steam, gas, and ash. Of course the seismic activity could intensify with little or no warning, but it’s not expected to be anything like May 18, 1980 when an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale provoked a cataclysmic eruption. That episode lasted 9 hours and drastically changed Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape forever. For a good look at how Mother Nature repairs herself over time.....
Trailer Life Magazine—February 2007
Towering granite formations, rivers so rich they once started a Gold Rush, and pine forests so thick the hillsides look black from a distance, you won't want to be without a camera in South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest. The wildlife is plentiful, too—thousands of free-roaming buffalo, spry pronghorns, shaggy bighorn sheep, and even shy prairie dogs. To experience it all, head to the second largest state park in the country—Custer State Park! Although several routes lead to Custer, two are especially scenic and almost as rewarding as the park itself. Iron Mountain Road (US 16A) enters the northeastern part of the park and provides grand vistas of the Black Hills' rough-hewn peaks and profuse pine forests. The road is also 17 paved miles of hairpin curves, "pigtails" (unusual bridges that double back on themselves in a curlicue shape), and square rock tunnels that perfectly frame the landscape. If you’re towing a large or long trailer, though, use the Needles Highway (State Route 87) instead. The less narrow 14-mile road enters the northwestern portion of the park through thick aspen, birch, and spruce trees back-dropped by pointy rocky spires (hence the name Needles Highway). This route also passes picturesque Sylvan Lake and campground. Both corridors top any traveler’s list of scenic American drives! While less famous than neighboring Mount Rushmore National Memorial 20 miles to the north, Custer State Park has its own claim to fame—the infamous “begging burros.” More than likely you’ll encounter......
RV Life—March 2007
Each spring, Mother Nature blankets Oregon's fertile Willamette Valley with hundreds of acres of living color—tulips, daffodils, iris, peonies—in hues that rival the rainbow. And of course wherever you find beautiful flowers, you'll also find admirers eager to capture their colors on film. In fact, some 20,000 visitors from around the world come to marvel at the striking blooms and take part in the annual flower festivals that celebrate the season. Come enjoy the special festivities, stroll through the fields and display gardens, snap photos, and plot which varieties you’ll add to your own garden back home. But don’t forget to look up once in a while because during calm weather, hot air balloons float over the fields adding brilliant patterns to the skies. And there’s snow-capped majestic Mt. Hood looming on the horizon, too. Postcard perfect pictures aplenty! The floral festivities kick-off in late March at the......
Family Motor Coaching Magazine—December 2006
In 1539, when Hernando de Soto first discovered the area around what is now the city of Bradenton, Florida, he brought along enough supplies to start a colony. In fact, the Spanish conquistador arrived with 600 soldiers, more than 200 horses, a herd of pigs, and packs of vicious war dogs, along with nine ships. He landed on the Gulf Coast of the peninsula with everything he needed to carry out King Charles V’s command to "conquer, populate and pacify" while searching for gold. But things turned out differently. De Soto's four-year expedition did not yield gold and treasures, nor did a Spanish colony take hold as originally intended—which explains why the city of Bradenton wasn't founded until the 1850s and was named for a settler who grew sugarcane. Modern-day visitors to Bradenton definitely won’t need the vicious war dogs, but they should remember to bring along a camera and sunscreen....
Northwest Travel Magazine—March/April 2006
On the banks of the Willamette River in the center of the fertile Willamette Valley, Salem has always been a gathering place—first for the Kalapuya Native Americans, then for pioneers, missionaries and industrialists, and eventually for state government and commerce. Today, it remains an ideal location for residents and visitors alike to get together and enjoy unique sights, interesting history, fun activities, and special events. And although Salem is the beaver state’s capital city, there are no bustling bypasses, confusing overpasses, heavy traffic, or other annoyances to discourage downtown visits. Instead, you’ll find plenty of free street and garage parking, and the city’s highlights are within short distances of each other. Begin your visit at Salem’s Riverfront Park with a magical ride on the old-world style Riverfront Carousel. For a mere $1.25, you can listen to the authentic carousel band organ as you giddy up on one of 42 hand-carved, hand-painted horses. Their names—Tropical Breeze, Stardust, Razzle-Dazzle, Cloud Walker—are as beautiful and elaborate as the horses themselves! For over five years, 150 artisans volunteered in excess of 80,000 hours carving, sanding, and painting the horses, shields, and ornamentation. Their workmanship truly shines in the carousel’s exquisite detail and vivid colors. Next, give your sea legs a try by hopping aboard the double-deck Willamette Queen—an 87-foot, 86-ton sternwheeler with twin paddles that’s a scaled down likeness of the former Mississippi and Yukon Territory riverboats. A brand new dock is located just across from the Carousel. Come cruise with personable Captain Richard Chesbrough and listen to tales of riverboat history as he points out blue herons, osprey, and other wildlife along the banks of the Willamette River. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner on board and see a variety of black and white photographs from the 1800s and early 1900s. Passengers of all ages are invited to try on the captain's hat, peer through his spyglass, ring the ship’s bell and even take the wheel. If you do, you’ll receive an honorary captain’s certificate embellished in calligraphy by Captain Chesbrough himself....
Trailer Life—December 2005
The High Desert of Central Oregon is sometimes called “Oregon’s Outback” because of its dry climate, high elevation, and open expanse. But it’s no ordinary desert filled with sand and scrub. In fact, sweet-smelling Ponderosa and lodgepole pine forests, sage, juniper, winding rivers, and grazing llamas create spectacular roadside scenery that’s anything but desolate. And that’s just the lower half of the landscape—any number of snow-covered Cascade Mountain peaks are sure to fill your windshield and side mirrors. Besides providing a beautiful backdrop, the Cascade Mountain Range actually creates the dry, sunny climate of Oregon’s High Desert. By forming a physical barrier, moist air from the Pacific Ocean (about 125 miles away) generally doesn’t reach the area very often, and when it does, it’s usually in the form of winter snow. Most of the region sits at 3,100 feet elevation or higher, so even when sunny summer days average 80 degrees or better, make sure the furnace in your trailer is working at night because the temperature can dip to 40 degrees. And occasionally there’s even frost. Sisters Country is situated on Highway 20 on the east side of the Cascades, about 135 miles southeast of Portland and 110 miles east of Salem, and includes not only the western town of Sisters, but also Camp Sherman and the outlying areas west of Bend and Redmond. Sisters Country is also the “Gateway to the Cascades,” so if outdoor recreation is in your plans, you won’t be disappointed. Abundant opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking, boating, mountain climbing, golf, winter skiing and snowshoeing, and of course camping, will make you wish for more hours in each sunny day.....
Family Motor Coaching—July 2004
A small child might use a simple word to describe southern Oregon’s Crater Lake—blue. Artists might portray the color as cobalt, sapphire, or indigo. Scientists might concentrate on the facts behind the brilliant shade. They'd explain that light's many colors are absorbed as they pass through the clear water, leaving only blue to reflect to the surface. But everyone agrees: on a sunny day, Crater Lake is the bluest blue they have ever seen. Seasoned travelers and first-time visitors alike never will forget their first breath-taking view of the vivid hue. With a maximum depth of 1,949 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and seventh deepest in the entire world. It is uniquely situated in the caldera of a dormant volcano. The lake's amazing color can be attributed to the fact that it is a closed ecological system—no streams or rivers run into or drain out of it. It is, therefore, very low in sediment and fed entirely by snowfall and rainfall. Like distilled water, Crater Lake has no true color and a low concentration of dissolved minerals, which accounts for its crystal clarity. And the snowfall is high: this particular part of the Cascade Mountains averages 44 feet of snow per year. Visitors who arrive in August, when temperatures can reach highs in the 70s, may see large banks of leftover snow here and there. Since the lake loses approximately the same amount of water via evaporation and seepage as it gains, its water level rarely varies. Geologists know that Crater Lake’s 6-mile wide caldera was formed when Mt. Mazama volcano collapsed after a cataclysmic eruption some 7,700 years ago. The force is said to have been as powerful as the 1980 eription of Mt. St. Helens. Mt. Mazama is believed to have once reached 12,000 feet above sea level, but it metamorphosed rather rapidly during the violent eruption. The aftermath left a 4,000-foot deep caldera, which eventually filled in with heavy snow and rain to become Crater Lake. Klamath and Modoc Indians, who had lived in present-day southern Oregon for thousands of years, provide a more vivid tale of Crater Lake’s creation. Their legend tells of two Chiefs pitted in a fiery battle—Llao of the Below World and Skell of the Above World. Their conflict began when Skell’s daughter did not return Llao’s professed love, and ended with the destruction of Llao and his home, Mt. Mazama. Bereaved followers of Llao shed many tears over the loss of their chief. Those tears became.....
RV Journal—Winter 2004/2005
Who are Ancestral Puebloans? It’s a mystery, really. Standing amidst stone ruins dating back to the 12th century, you can’t help wondering why, after building such huge structures with hundreds of interconnected rooms, the inhabitants of these ancient Southwest communities would vanish from the land. Was it because of drought? Depletion of natural resources? Were they driven out by someone or something? Or perhaps they didn’t really disappear, but simply migrated somewhere else? Archeologists don’t have all the answers as to exactly what caused the many Southwestern home sites in the Four Corners region of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona to become uninhabited, but they do know that within just a few generations of the pueblos’ construction, the early builders seemingly abandoned their homes, leaving behind fascinating ruins to pique travelers’ curiosity. Who would do that and why? Who is easier to answer—for years, the word Anasazi has been used to refer to early inhabitants of the Southwest, however, that term is no longer favored. Today, the Pueblo peoples of the Southwest who consider themselves descents of the prehistoric Indians prefer Ancestral Puebloan. Furthermore, modern Pueblo peoples do not view the great stone communities as having been "abandoned." They believe that their ancestors purposely migrated to the south, east, and west—to the Hopi Mesas, along the Rio Grande, and around Zuni Mountain. They also feel that the spirits of their ancestors still inhabit cultural sites such as the Aztec Ruins, Mesa Verde, and others, and that the ruins are sacred and special places to honor their ancestors. To help piece together the mystery and get the most out of visiting the nationally protected ruins throughout the Four Corners region, begin at each site’s visitor center. Exhibits and park rangers provide an excellent overview of the history of the ruins and their former residents. When exploring, treat all sites with respect and reverence. They are fragile and irreplaceable and represent a significant part of America's cultural heritage. It’s also a crime to steal or destroy cultural resources on Federal or State land. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 makes stealing and vandalizing antiquities on federal lands a felony.....
Country Discoveries—May/June 2003
Flight-seeing with a bush pilot around the Alaska Range is an adventure way beyond “ooh” and “ah.” It’s magical, spiritual, breath-taking—and the superlatives don’t stop there. Our two-hour Peak Dodger air adventure was a chance to savor, not just see, the majesty of the striated granite mountains, the carved paths of the glaciers, and the rugged white snowscape contrasting against bright blue sky. I’ve never seen more natural beauty in such a short time. Climbing into the tiny confines of a Cessna 185, camera and extra film in hand, I was more than just a little nervous. My no-fear husband Larry, however, eagerly claimed the co-pilot seat. P.J., our bush pilot, put me at ease with his sense of humor and emergency preparedness. Alaskan law mandates that, among other things, food, blankets, first-aid equipment and survival hunting/fishing gear be carried on back-country flights. So, with our seat belts securely buckled, sunglasses protecting against the bright glare, and no tray tables to stow, we took off from Talkeetna State Airport bound for the snowy mountains on the nearby horizon. Shortly after take-off my trepidation turned into tingling excitement. Two thousand feet below me lay miles of remote wilderness rarely seen by outsiders. From my bird’s eye advantage, hidden rivers, lakes, and homesteads came into view. In no time, the thick forest gave way to humongous monoliths of ice, snow, and rock. We flew straight for them—as well as around, over, down and in-between the peaks. P.J. knowledgeably called out their names as my shutter clicked away—Mt. Hunter rising to 14,573 feet; Mt. Foraker looming at 17,400 feet; and the great one—Mt. McKinley (also known as Denali)—towering at 20,320 feet above sea level. As the small aircraft made yet another steep turn to provide us with the best views, its wingtips seemed to just narrowly miss the walls of the hulking Moose’s Tooth! Then suddenly the next grand scene appeared below—the winding river of ice known as.....
Paris Underground—October 2005
Underground Paris
Visitors to Paris spend much of their time looking up—at the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and at a myriad of monuments and tall church towers. But for a different perspective on the City of Light—one that's filled with history, a bit of intrigue, and just plain fun—venture beneath the streets of Paris. Two of my favorite highlights are actually found under low lighting conditions.
L'Empire de la Mort — Empire of the Dead
In 1785, the Revolutionary Government of Paris set out to improve sanitation and create more prime downtown real estate to enable the city’s progress. The best way to do that was to reclaim land that, for centuries, had been used as cemeteries. Thus, the bones and decomposing corpses of 6 million Parisians were emptied from city cemeteries and relocated to subterranean limestone tunnels on the outskirts of town.
The unused tunnels had always been there—since the Romans first quarried for limestone—and made for a perfect final resting place. To make the disinterment less traumatic for the living, priests led nightly processions of bone-laden carts into the tunnels. After a final blessing, the skeletal remains of noblemen and peasants alike were stacked five feet high and as much as 80 feet deep and marked with a plaque.
From a historical perspective, wandering the mile-long underground graveyard today is less creepy and more interesting than tourists might think. Take a small flashlight along and ponder the messages you’ll find 60 feet below the streets of Paris: “Happy is he who is forever faced with the hour of his death and prepares himself for the end every day.” ......
Amsterdam—May 2006
If you like celebrations and art, now is the perfect time to travel abroad and explore the eclectic capital city of Amsterdam. It’s Rembrandt van Rijn’s 400th birthday (1606-1669) and Holland is throwing a year-long party to honor its greatest 17th-century painter! But even if you’re not interested in the original old master’s work hanging in the Rijksmuseum or touring the home where he lived for 19 years, other things we think of as quaintly Dutch—windmills, wooden shoes, tulips—are also found in and around Amsterdam. And so are scenic canals, skinny gabled townhouses, the Anne Frank House, and thousands of bicycles and bridges. Besides touring the city’s dignified diamond factories and museums, there’s also the more liberal, yet absolutely legal, side of Amsterdam that’s worth a visit. From the not-so-sleazy red-light district that’s run like a bonafide business, to “coffeehouses” selling more varieties of cannabis than coffee, contemporary commerce blends with homes, schools, and centuries-old churches along the same cobblestoned streets. And believe it or not, these are considered “good” neighborhoods in which to live and work! While some parts of Amsterdam are a bit of a shock to Western attitudes, just remember that you don’t need to partake in anything that’s not your norm, but if you bring an open mind, along with plenty of film, you’ll discover how history, tradition, and modern life seamlessly interconnect to make Amsterdam a remarkable and safe city. Walking is the very best way to get around, or rent a bicycle (there aren’t many places to park a car, but you’ll find bicycle garages galore!). If you happen to get lost, it’s easy to ask for directions because English is more widely spoken than is Dutch. Even if you’re not a shopper, stroll through at least one of the colorful canal-side markets. They aren’t just for the benefit of tourists—locals shop here for hunks of cheese, herring, bread, fresh flowers, tulip bulbs (many are OK for export if you’d like a souvenir), and even books. To get a feel for Holland during the 17th century Golden Age, take a train 50 minutes west to Delft. Today, the tiny town looks much like it did when Jan Steen and Johannes Vermeer lived and....
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