T here are few things I love more than getting out of town, even for a quick day trip. This is especially true this spring, as we have been cooped up in our homes trying to keep our communities healthy. My family is just plain stir crazy! We have been planning ahead for as many trips as we can possibly squeeze in once the illness threat subsides and the parks and trails reopen. In fact, we have a running list with a couple other families that details places to visit, hikes to fit in, and outdoors activities that don’t require much money. Thankfully, here in the greater Couve, we are blessed to have some incredible spots within just a couple hours of us. In addition to the extensive Clark County parks system, we are also lucky to have state parks, national scenic areas, and national historic parks at our back doors. Here are some of my favorite places to day trip with my family. I have included which passes are required so you will be sure to have one on hand when the parks and trails reopen and you are ready to hit the road! Merrill Lake (Discover pass required) Located just north and west of Cougar, Merrill Lake is a pristine lake with ample opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fly fishing. Because only non-motorized boats are allowed, the lake is a quiet spot to watch bald eagles swoop for trout. Kids will enjoy looking for salamanders and walking along the interpretive trail. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (National Parks Interagency Pass or fee required.) Your family can recreate the travels of the Corps of Discovery as they surveyed and resided near the mouth of the Columbia. To follow the route, begin at Dismal Nitch on the Washington side of the river, stop in at Cape Disappointment, Fort Clatsop in Oregon, and even venture down to Seaside where the crew harvested salt. Check out the route at www.nps.gov/lecl Guler Ice Cave and Natural Bridges (Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required) Located near Trout Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Guler Ice Cave was formed by a lava eruption from Mount Adams. Now, it hosts year-round ice and is a fun area to explore. The Natural Bridges are located nearby, and were also part of a lava formation. Trails now span across the top of the arches. Both areas are fun places for kids to explore and learn about the destructive power of our Cascade volcanoes. Be sure to take the long way home through Carson to get a couple great views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, too! Columbia Hills State Park (Discover Pass required) Located just on the other side of the Cascades near Lyle, Columbia Hills State Park is a beautiful place to hike. The wildflower blooms in spring are breathtaking, and the views of the river are not to be missed. Located on the lower section of the park, Horsethief Lake is a nice spot to drop in a kayak or canoe. The lake is protected from the river’s current and is a great place to watch waterfowl and fish. The area is also home to dozens of petroglyphs and pictographs left by the tribes that lived in the region. Many were moved during the construction of the Dalles Dam and are on display near Horsethief Lake, but sadly dozens others were inundated at the dam’s completion, lost in time. Fort Cascades Historic Site (No pass required) The area near the Bonneville Dam is not only beautiful, it also was home to an Army fort during the 1850s. The interpretive trail at Fort Cascades Historic Site guides you through the old grounds. The fort was abandoned at the beginning of the Civil War and the buildings are long gone, but afterwards the area was home to a fish harvesting wheel. You can still see the train tracks and remnants of the old road that moved thousands of pounds of salmon downstream. Additionally, there is a wildlife viewing area and of course, dramatic views of the river and the Bonneville Dam. The hike is fairly short, so if you are looking for a longer trip, combine it with a race up Beacon Rock on the way home! I feel like Vancouver Lake sometimes gets a bad rap. Sure, there are issues there, especially when fertilizer runoff exacerbates algae blooms, but for the most part it is a beautiful and quiet place to soak in some nature. The trail to the north is especially peaceful and its proximity to Downtown Vancouver can’t be beat. Kayaking on the lake is easy as well, and there are always eagles, hawks, and osprey to keep birdwatchers busy. You can even ride your bike the five miles from Downtown to the lake. It is a good workout and an opportunity to check out the waterfowl in the drainage ponds along the way. [Editors note: It’s a great idea to plan your outings now and look forward to when we can freely roam our local natural areas again after the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is lifted.] Eileen Cowen is a transplanted Mainer living with her Washingtonian husband and children in Downtown Vancouver. She enjoys hiking, camping, playing music, tasting local beers, and talking to neighborhood cats. Home Staging Faces of Real Estate Food Yard Pets REAL ESTATE, HOME DECOR, HOME IMPROVEMENT, HEALTHY LIVING ColumbianHomes.com Home Lifestyle April 4, 2021 Opting to Refinance for Cash Last year, the mortgage industry as a whole helped more homeowners and those who were seeking to become homeowners than any other year since 2007. Cash from properties through refinancing for homeowners who sought to cushion themselves in odd times or update their homes also were served in record numbers. Those of us, who remember back to 2008, may recall that cash-out refinances earned a not-so-nice reputation when home prices dropped and homeowners were left with more of a mortgage on their homes than the homes were worth. In 2021, there is backing by the economy that home prices will keep growing and the same situation isn’t happening as in 2008. The interest in those that want to become homeowners is far greater than the supply of homes available. That is the most crucial difference between 2008 and 2021. As mortgage rates rise, I can offer these questions for you to review before you apply for a refinance to take money out of your home: • How quickly should I make a decision? According to forecast data from Black Knight Inc., about three million homeowners are expected to refinance in March of 2021. It’s not a good idea to rush, but it is a good idea to work through the numbers with your mortgage advisor. Working with a trusted advisor can help. • How will the equity that I have in my house be affected by taking cash out? If you are holding private mortgage insurance, you must keep 20% of the value of the home in the home. Many homeowners benefit by having a new appraisal completed on the home to discover their equity available for cash. • Should I opt for a cash-out refinance? Basically, borrowers are trading in their current mortgage for a new own that will produce a lower interest rate but a higher balance. It’s important to ask yourself what you would do with the money. If the extra money doesn’t look appealing, you can always lower your payments and even shorten the life of the loan without taking the cash-out option. • What rate will make the difference? The monthly mortgage payment will often give you the best numbers to make a decision. During mid-March, the mortgage rate rose to 3.05% for a 30-year mortgage. While the rate is slightly higher than the low rates we saw over last summer, the 3.05% rate still makes sense for a homeowner whose rate is over 4%. • Can closing costs outweigh the benefit of refinancing? According to a firm named Closing Corp who provides real estate data to the industry, the average across the nation for closing costs related to refinancing is close to $3,400 for title insurance, taxes if applicable, appraisal fees and such. Closing costs have not changed much over time. Working with a trusted mortgage advisor can help support you in discovering your home’s true value as well as help check that the math makes sense. • How do I consider points when refinancing? The best way to explain points is to think of them as prepaid interest on the loan. This interest related cost is added at the front of the loan when locking in a lower rate. If you are trying to lower your overall interest and enjoy a lower rate, it most likely will pencil out. If you plan to stay in your home for 30 years and the costs can be recouped within a couple of years, generally, I support saving the money you’ll save in the new loan. The average cash-out last year was $50,000 according to the Fed’s available data. Last year about one-third of those homeowners refinancing opted for cash from their homes according to Freddie Mac. Call 360-607-9312 or email [email protected]for help calculating your mortgage options. We lend where we live, Mike Real Estate Trends 360-607-9312 Michael Pattullo Mortgage Advisor Peak Mortgage • MLO# 229675 • Peakmtgnw.com PLANNING AHEAD… IN Day Trips SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON Clockwise from top left: Columbia Hills State Park petroglyph; Fort Cascades River; Island in Vancouver Lake; Columbia Hills State Park in May. All photos by Eileen Cowan by EILEEN COWEN, for The Columbian
Transcript
T here are few things I love more than getting out of town, even for a quick day trip. This is especially true this spring, as we
have been cooped up in our homes trying to keep our communities healthy.My family is just plain stir crazy! We have been planning ahead for as many trips as we can possibly squeeze in once the illness threat subsides and the parks and trails reopen. In fact, we have a running list with a couple other families that details places to visit, hikes to fi t in, and outdoors activities that don’t require much money. Thankfully, here in the greater Couve, we are blessed to have some incredible spots within just a couple hours of us. In addition to the extensive Clark County parks system, we are also lucky to have state parks, national scenic areas, and national historic parks at our back doors. Here are some of my favorite places to day trip with my family. I have included which passes are required so you will be sure to have one on hand when the parks and trails reopen and you are ready to hit the road!
Merrill Lake (Discover pass required)Located just north and west of Cougar, Merrill Lake is a pristine lake with ample opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fl y fi shing. Because only non-motorized boats are allowed, the lake is a quiet spot to watch bald eagles swoop for trout. Kids will enjoy looking for salamanders and walking along the interpretive trail.Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (National Parks Interagency Pass or fee required.)Your family can recreate the travels of the Corps of Discovery as they surveyed and resided near the mouth of the Columbia. To follow the route, begin at Dismal Nitch on the Washington side of the river, stop in at Cape Disappointment, Fort Clatsop in Oregon, and even venture down to Seaside where the crew harvested salt. Check out the route at www.nps.gov/lecl
Guler Ice Cave and Natural Bridges (Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required)Located near Trout Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Guler Ice Cave was formed by a lava eruption from Mount Adams. Now, it hosts year-round ice and is a fun area to explore. The Natural Bridges are located nearby, and were also part of a lava formation. Trails now span across the top of the arches. Both areas are fun places for kids to explore and learn about the destructive power of our Cascade volcanoes. Be sure to take the long way home through Carson to get a couple great views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, too!
Columbia Hills State Park (Discover Pass required)Located just on the other side of the Cascades near Lyle, Columbia Hills State Park is a beautiful place to hike. The wildfl ower blooms in spring are breathtaking, and the views of the river are not to be missed. Located on the lower section of the park, Horsethief Lake is a nice spot to drop in a kayak or canoe. The lake is protected from the river’s current and is a great place to watch waterfowl and fi sh. The area is also home to dozens of petroglyphs and pictographs left by the tribes that lived in the region. Many were moved during the construction of the Dalles Dam and are on display near Horsethief Lake, but sadly dozens others were inundated at the dam’s completion, lost in time.
Fort Cascades Historic Site (No pass required)The area near the Bonneville Dam is not only beautiful, it also was home to an Army fort during the 1850s. The interpretive trail at Fort Cascades Historic Site guides you through the old grounds. The fort was abandoned at the beginning of the Civil War and the buildings are long gone, but afterwards the area was home to a fi sh harvesting wheel. You can still see the train tracks and remnants of the old road that moved thousands of pounds of salmon downstream. Additionally, there is a wildlife viewing area and of course, dramatic views of the river and the Bonneville Dam. The hike is fairly short, so if you are looking for a longer trip, combine it with a race up Beacon Rock on the way home!I feel like Vancouver Lake sometimes gets a bad rap. Sure, there are issues there, especially when fertilizer runoff exacerbates algae blooms, but for the most part it is a beautiful and quiet place to soak in some nature. The trail to the north is especially peaceful and its proximity to Downtown Vancouver can’t be beat. Kayaking on the lake is easy as well, and there are always eagles, hawks, and osprey to keep birdwatchers busy. You can even ride your bike the fi ve miles from Downtown to the lake. It is a good workout and an opportunity to check out the waterfowl in the drainage ponds along the way.
[Editors note: It’s a great idea to plan your outings now and look forward to when we can freely roam our local natural areas again after the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is lifted.]
Eileen Cowen is a transplanted Mainer living with her Washingtonian husband and children in Downtown Vancouver. She enjoys hiking, camping, playing music, tasting local beers, and talking to neighborhood cats.
Home StagingFaces of Real EstateFoodYardPets
REAL ESTATE, HOME DECOR, HOME IMPROVEMENT, HEALTHY LIVINGColumbianHomes.com
Home LifestyleApril 4, 2021
Opting to Refinance for CashLast year, the mortgage industry as a whole helped more homeowners and those who were seeking to become homeowners than any other year since 2007. Cash from properties through refinancing for homeowners who sought to cushion themselves in odd times or update their homes also were served in record numbers.Those of us, who remember back to 2008, may recall that cash-out refinances earned a not-so-nice reputation when home prices dropped and homeowners were left with more of a mortgage on their homes than the homes were worth. In 2021, there is backing by the economy that home prices will keep growing and the same situation isn’t happening as in 2008. The interest in those that want to become homeowners is far greater than the supply of homes available. That is the most crucial difference between 2008 and 2021.As mortgage rates rise, I can offer these questions for you to review before you apply for a refinance to take money out of your home:• How quickly should I make a decision? According to forecast data from Black Knight Inc., about three million homeowners are expected to refinance in March of 2021. It’s not a good idea to rush, but it is a good idea to work through the numbers with your mortgage advisor. Working with a trusted advisor can help.• How will the equity that I have in my house be affected by taking cash out? If you are holding private mortgage insurance, you must keep 20% of the value of the home in the home. Many homeowners benefit by having a new appraisal completed on the home to discover their equity available for cash.• Should I opt for a cash-out refinance? Basically, borrowers are trading in their current mortgage for a new own that will produce a lower interest rate but a higher balance. It’s important to ask yourself what you would do with the money. If the extra money doesn’t look appealing, you can always lower your payments and even shorten the life of the loan without taking the cash-out option.• What rate will make the difference? The monthly mortgage payment will often give you the best numbers to make a decision. During mid-March, the mortgage rate rose to 3.05% for a 30-year mortgage. While the rate is slightly higher than the low rates we saw over last summer, the 3.05% rate still makes sense for a homeowner whose rate is over 4%.• Can closing costs outweigh the benefit of refinancing? According to a firm named Closing Corp who provides real estate data to the industry, the average across the nation for closing costs related to refinancing is close to $3,400 for title insurance, taxes if applicable, appraisal fees and such. Closing costs have not changed much over time. Working with a trusted mortgage advisor can help support you in discovering your home’s true value as well as help check that the math makes sense.• How do I consider points when refinancing? The best way to explain points is to think of them as prepaid interest on the loan. This interest related cost is added at the front of the loan when locking in a lower rate. If you are trying to lower your overall interest and enjoy a lower rate, it most likely will pencil out. If you plan to stay in your home for 30 years and the costs can be recouped within a couple of years, generally, I support saving the money you’ll save in the new loan.The average cash-out last year was $50,000 according to the Fed’s available data. Last year about one-third of those homeowners refinancing opted for cash from their homes according to Freddie Mac.Call 360-607-9312 or email [email protected] for help calculating your mortgage options.We lend where we live,
Mike
Real Estate Trends
360-607-9312
Michael Pattullo Mortgage Advisor
Peak Mortgage • MLO# 229675 • Peakmtgnw.com
PLANNING AHEAD…
INDay Trips
SOUTHWESTWASHINGTON
Clockwise from top left: Columbia Hills State Park petroglyph; Fort Cascades River; Island in Vancouver Lake; Columbia Hills State Park in May. All photos by Eileen Cowan
TO ADVERTISE: Call Krista Cunningham at 360-735-4583 or email at: [email protected]
Your Way Home Begins Here
columbianhomes.com
GenerationHomesNW.com
The Columbian F3Sunday, April 4, 2021
THROW PILLOWSAn easy way to decorate for
the season is to change out your throw pillows around your home. This is a great time to send off your regular ones to be professionally cleaned and, in the meantime, sub out some festive spring- and Easter-themed pillows. If you’re shopping on a budget, you can also get pillow covers to go over your regular pillows.
YARD DECORInflatables, once the sole
property of Christmas decor, is spreading. Now you can get inflatable bunnies by the score to liven up your yard. Also look for the ever popular garden flags — just in time for you to start getting your garden back into shape after winter — and festive wreaths for the front door.
TABLEWARESince Easter meals with
family are an important part of the holiday, keep an eye out for tableware to adorn your Easter table. Choose versatile pieces in shades that complement your year-round decor for use at multiple holidays. White is always a solid choice. You can get smaller, less expensive pieces,
like egg plates, in a more festive color and style.
ACCENT PIECESGet out vases and celebrate
spring by gracing your table and mantles with fresh, seasonal flowers. Think tulips, daffodils and force-bloomed paperwhites. Look for Easter-themed decorative accent pieces, such as bunny
figurines, garlands and more, in pieces that accentuate your full-time style. You can find farmhouse, rustic and even modern pieces in your local home store.
DECORATE AN EASTER TREEWith the pandemic
plaguing America and other unprecedented events, many people are really looking to
push the boat out for holidays. This year, get out the Christmas tree — or buy one on clearance — and decorate it for Easter with egg ornaments, bunnies and flowers for spring. Sit the kids down and have them make a slew of Easter crafts to put on it.
- Green Shoot
Easter is a time to celebrate spring
and renewal. To get your house in order for the season, set aside a weekend to
do your spring cleaning and Easter
decorating. Don’t have any Easter decor or in the
mood for some new decorations? We’ve
got you covered.
A P R O D U C T O F T H E C O L U M B I A N ’ S A D V E R T I S I N G D E P A R T M E N T
Easter DécorEASTER FAMILY FUN | AT HOME
The Columbian F4 Sunday, April 4, 2021
Did you know?
What Lizzy hadn’t planned for was the stroke that left her disabled. The business failed, and she lost her apartment. She found herself on the street at age 74, alone and vulnerable. Her aging car was her only housing option.
Today, she lives in a snug little apartment and looks forward to knitting again. “I was so ashamed of being sick and broke and on the street, I just could not ask for help,” Lizzy says. “If my friend had not suggested that I call the Council, I probably would have died in my car. I never ever thought something like this could happen to me. And then it did.”
Learn how you can support your neighbors like Lizzy. Homelessness can happen to anyone. With
community support, Lizzy now has a home.
An old friend recognized Lizzy one day on a side street, living in her car. She encouraged Lizzy to call the Council for the Homeless Housing Hotline. So she did. They provided Lizzy with a motel voucher and assistance to move into a new apartment she coulda�ord with her social security income.
Her given name is Elizabeth. But everyone calls her Lizzy. A lifelong Clark County resident, she stayed home raising children while her husband worked. But when, after a 35-year marriage, he died unexpectedly, Lizzy had to start over.
Despite the loss, she had a plan. Knowing her children who had moved out of state could not help her, she took control of her life. She found an apartment in the Minnehaha area and launched her dream business: selling knitted creations and teaching knitting to others.
THIS IS YOUR NEIGHBOR:Lizzy’s four-wheel retirement home
22%SENIORS
Senior house-holds overthe age of 55comprisenearly one-quarter of ClarkCounty’s Homeless Population
The Columbian F5Sunday, April 4, 2021
ACCOUNTANT CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
WHAT WOULD YOU DO: Compile and maintain accurate accounts payable and receivable records. May be responsible for Payable, and Billing such as: review daily billing exceptions, maintain customer account, and process adjustments.
QUALIFICATIONS: Suite required. Must possess a proactive approach, is a self-starter well in a team environment.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO: and in person regarding changes in service, billing inquiries, payment arrangements and other utility services. Full-time and part-time positions are available and hours may
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least three years of customer service experience, and the ability to type 35 wpm with few errors. Successful members of our Customer Service team are creative problem solvers, demonstrate superior written and verbal communication
WHAT WOULD YOU DO: solve a wide variety of end user computing needs as well as help the team develop solutions that enhance operations. You will demonstrate solid experience in platforms, or comparable technologies.
QUALIFICATIONS: degree is preferred. Customer oriented with experience in a technology support position.
[email protected] or to Clark Public Utilities, Human Resources, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668
CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES is a customer-owned electric and water utility located in Vancouver, Washington.
At Clark Public Utilities, we are committed to being a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work.
FURNITURE Mattress and Box Springs,Always covered. $40 360-835-7346
FURNITURE Light Blue Lounge Chair,Very Clean $40 360-835-7346
Flea Market
WANTED: SPORTS CARDS.CA$H ready for your collections!
Any years, any kind. Vintage baseballpreferred. 360-513-8519
WANTED - RV.Will pay cash, any size. 360-773-6879
WANTED: ROCK COLLECTIONS.Agate, Jasper, Jade, mineral
specimens, etc. Call 541-399-5039
WANTED: OLD TRAINS & TOYSLionel, American Flyer, Ives, Marx,
Marklin Call 360-576-1602.
CASH FOR Vintage Bourbon & Whiskey360-921-1250
Will purchase dusty old bottles of whis-key, bourbon, rye. ONLY FULL &SEALED!! Interested in all bottle sizesincluding minis and decanters from 90’s& earlier. Will consider old scotch, rum,etc. [email protected]
BUYING WAR SOUVENIRSSwords, uniforms, helmets, flags,bayonets, medals. German, US &Japanese. Portland (503)636-4388
Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 5 plots,in Garden of Prayers section. 2 pairs, +1, near each other. $6000 pair, $3000single. Call 503-351-6996.
Cemetery Lots
The Columbian F7Sunday, April 4, 2021
360-921-7452. SJH Remodeling LLCAny size job welcome, incl. minor repairs.28 years exp. Quality work at a fair price!Est. 1992. Free estimates. sjhrerl945bc
1980-Started Business. A A A+Additions, decks, roofs, kitchens, dry-rot, new construction, baths-Everything!
Fast - Reliable - Courteous.License - Bonded - Insured. champc*013k4
1-360-980-44183-WAY TRUCKING INC.
Sand, Rock, Gravel & Top Soil. SmallLoads (5-7 yds.) MC738351/DOT 2118428
Hauling
POWER WASHINGDriveways, walkways, patios & muchmore. Licensed, bonded, insured.360-903-5639. accurl*931cp
Complete Window Cleaning, GutterCleaning & Pressure Washing Services.Free Estimates. Residential & Commer-cial. 360-944-1734 or 360-901-9303Serving Clark County since 1994.
Out of Retirement! One Story only.Call 360-901-3453
Complete WINDOW CLEANING, GutterCleaning & Pressure Washing Services.Free Estimates. Residential & Commer-cial. 360-944-1734 or 360-901-9303Serving Clark County since 1994.
TREE TOPPING: Is expensive, createshazards & harms tree health & value.PROPER PRUNING: Is less expensive,reduces storm damage & prolongs the life ofa tree. City of Vancouver, WA.360.487.8308
