Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m., the Discovery Center presents "Weird & Curious Outdoor Adventures," an entertaining slideshow program with the authors of two guidebooks for devoted explorers of Oregon and Washington states.
Jeff Davis, co-author of "Weird Oregon" and "Weird Washington," discusses local legends and strange lore of each state, and author Scott Cook joins him to illustrate his perennial Gorge best-seller, "Curious Gorge," with more than 100 memorable destinations in our own backyard.
"Curious Gorge," now in its third edition, highlights the best ways to explore the Gorge, with over 60 new entries. Hikes for all ability-levels include drive-to viewpoints, swimming holes, hidden waterfalls, salmon-watching spots, hot springs, ice caves, and historic ruins.
Cook's portable guide is like having a tour-guide along, to show you where to look for logger poetry on tree stumps, where and when to find huckleberries, and how to interpret the basalt geology of a vista.
"Weird Oregon" and "Weird Washington," co-authored by Davis and Al Eufrasio, are part of the "Weird U.S." book series, a whimsical way to explore the unique locations and strange history of each state.
Davis theorizes that the arduous overland journey to Oregon and Washington territories lent itself to hard-as-nails, independent people, with a singular way of doing things.
The authors sifted through online archives and regional libraries, and interviewed many locals, to compile their "Weird" tales. The books pinpoint sites of unusual historic interest, UFO sightings, haunted buildings, century-old serial killings, hills that seem to defy gravity, and even radioactive tumbleweeds.
The hour-long program is included with paid admission to the Discovery Center, or $3 for program only.
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