Advice for our trip next week, please.

[eileen0558]

Been out all day.

StealthRabbit, very valuable information, thank you, thank you, we will use this for reference next week. I hope we can also enjoy some of the recreational attractions while we are there, and aren't spending every minute, scoping out potential living arrangements, and neighborhoods.

It's all been overwhelming, trying to gather information, on such short notice. This forum has been the best resource out there.

[eileen0558]

Silibran I don't dislike wind per se. However we can get some ripping winds here on the West Slope of the Sierra, they scare the bejeesus out of me, given the forested evergreens we live amongst. It sounds like an airliner when the winds rip through the forest. When they fall on houses, well you can probably imagine. I'd like to avoid that scenario.

Salmon Creek is on my list. Thanks so much.

[bler144]

Originally Posted by eileen0558

Silibran I don't dislike wind per se. However we can get some ripping winds here on the West Slope of the Sierra, they scare the bejeesus out of me, given the forested evergreens we live amongst. It sounds like an airliner when the winds rip through the forest. When they fall on houses, well you can probably imagine. I'd like to avoid that scenario.

Salmon Creek is on my list. Thanks so much.

The gorge winds really aren't quite so sheer once they get this far west. Unless you buy a lot with very old trees, honestly tree fall isn't going to be a big concern outside of an outlier of a storm, but that can happen anywhere.

The issue with the gorge wind imo is more pure persistence (and relative cold in the winter), not booming gusts which is what tends to cause limb or tree fall.

Now, if you're actually on the road driving up the gorge, the gorge winds are a much bigger concern, esp. once you factor in other traffic and the possibility of precipitation/ice on the roadway.

[bler144]

In terms of getting around, East Vancouver is generally pretty fast. Most of the major routes (205/14/SR500) won't have significant backup even at rush.

Some of the secondary roads can be slower. Mill Plain in particular can be slow, and that's both traffic and all the stop lights. But still, it's a far cry from driving in SF or even most of the Portland metro.

[silibran]

Originally Posted by bler144

The gorge winds really aren't quite so sheer once they get this far west. Unless you buy a lot with very old trees, honestly tree fall isn't going to be a big concern outside of an outlier of a storm, but that can happen anywhere.

The issue with the gorge wind imo is more pure persistence (and relative cold in the winter), not booming gusts which is what tends to cause limb or tree fall.

Now, if you're actually on the road driving up the gorge, the gorge winds are a much bigger concern, esp. once you factor in other traffic and the possibility of precipitation/ice on the roadway.

I don't find the Gorge winds very nice as I cross the Glenn Jackson bridge. That's when I notice the wind. But mostly, as we live in E Vancouver, I haven't been bothered by wind. Honestly, it is not something I would worry too much about.

[silibran]

Originally Posted by bler144

In terms of getting around, East Vancouver is generally pretty fast. Most of the major routes (205/14/SR500) won't have significant backup even at rush.

Some of the secondary roads can be slower. Mill Plain in particular can be slow, and that's both traffic and all the stop lights. But still, it's a far cry from driving in SF or even most of the Portland metro.

Traffic is much easier in Van during rush hour than in PDX. We frequently drive rush hour in PDX, and it is bad.

[eileen0558]

I want to thank everyone for the comments.

Our flight is in the morning, and I will continue to check here for your great insights.

[eileen0558]

Well our trip is winding down. Flying out tomorrow evening, after seeing the sites in Portland.

After much exploring, our target area will be Camas Washougal. I would be in hog heaven to be near the trails. I find the old homes near downtown charming, though charm is a bit spotty from one house to another. We would like to be able to walk to downtown or the trails. Yes its a fair distance between the trails and downtown, but I am a daily Sierra hiker, so no problem.

The rural areas outside of Washougal and Camas are lovely, but thinking in town would be better for me to have connection to people while my husband is working.

We did catch a whiff of the papermill a few times, not too offensive.

That brew pub downtown was enjoyable and tasty too.

Thanks everyone, I am sure I will be back here as we move forward in our plans,

Eileen

[bler144]

Glad the trip has been enjoyable and that you've found some areas you like. Not too surprising since it's a nice area.

Some surprisingly cool/wet weather this week though for your visit given that it's May.

Anyway, good luck with proceeding on the move!

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by eileen0558

Well our trip is winding down. ..... thinking in-town would be better for me to have connection to people while my husband is working.

We did catch a whiff of the papermill a few times, not too offensive.

..
Eileen

Paper mill smell is at it's worse in Spring, but not often offensive anymore (Tho I wouldn't want to live up above it and downwind (west))

There are often groups of gals within a rural area that daily rec-create / walk together. A couple of small groups near Cape Horn / Salmon Falls road. Been walking together for 20 yrs, and accept newcomers!

I agree there is also benefit to being in town, especially in summer with the many weekly events (Farmer's market, craft and art shows, picnic / movies / concerts in the parks ...). Portland has a daily schedule of such for July and Aug, but also happens in WA.

Summer Free For All 2014 | The City of Portland, Oregon
Summer Free For All Program | Parklandia

Keep you eye on Camas Washougal Post Record (weekly Newspaper)