Cascade Flyers

Last Updated: Saturday, May 15, 2004

Ellensburg, WA (5/18/00)

Here's an interesting thing to do if you are in Ellensburg, and perhaps something you might consider doing on your way to the Twisp fly in August 5th.

For Mother's day, we took Lyle's mom and our son's mom to the Chimpanzee Human Communications Institute at the CWU campus in ELN. A guy named Roger Fouts and his wife Debbie started the place as a way to provide a retirement home and further study facility for five Chimpanzees who speak sign language and four of whom were raised by human families. Roger was originally a child psych major in the early 60's and became involved with people raising Chimps in human families to determine their intelligence and communication skills. Washoe is the most famous of them, and studies with her and her fellow Chimps have blown apart our petty self centered views of our place in nature and our vaulted sense of language as being only a human trait.

These Chimps are incredible. Saturday's Times had an article about the continuing assault on habitat that may render all (repeat ALL) the great apes extinct within five years. I was totally bummed out reading that, and, after looking at and trying to sign with some of the Chimps at ELN, felt a terrible sadness that we may just be on the verge of realizing our kinship with these primates as we are about to render them extinct.

Anyway, the trip was wonderful and the people who operate it are likewise. The Chimps do indeed use sign language and respond to the people who come to visit. The facility is designed so that the needs of the Chimps take precedence over the wants of the people; there is no direct physical contact at all because of the strength of the Chimps and the need to allow them normal interactions among themselves. We communicate through glass. One of them asked the audience, by gestures, to show him their shoes.

The campus is not far from the airport, and I would guess that some sort of surface transpsortation is possible, although I don't know. I'd be happy to find out, however, if there were any likelihood of us going over by air.  For me, it's on the way to Twisp; for others, it would be a detour if you fly directly north out of BFI. The tours of the facility last about an hour, with about forty minutes spent with the Chimps. It is a very worthwhile thing to do and cause to support even if it never becomes a fly-in venue.

Just wanted to share this. Hope to see you at the May meeting. I'd be happy to share further stuff about the Chimp facility and recommend some touching and interesting reading with anyone.
Hugs,
CB

Member's Camping Spots

Camping in North Idaho  - members only / contact Secretary if interested  skips@hotmail.com I have a Vacent lot at "treeport" which is north of Coeur d'alene between  Spirit lake and Athol just north of Hiway 54.   Treeport is 3000 feet very good hard grass no mud at all ther is about 4500 feet cleared the runway is the east 3000 feet the threshold on the west end is usually marked by traffic cones, there is a pretty good grade down from the west end so landing short could be a sharp uphill run. There are about 4 acres to park and camp on and water is available down the runway there is 640 acres of state land right across the road but there are no bathrooms just lots of bushes. But everyone is welcome to camp as my guests, there are no services near by but Silverwood is only about 8 miles away and they have a lighted and paved airfield http://www.silverwood4fun.com/  I am not sure if they allow fly in guests they did in the past but have had auto races on the airfield since then. Sandpoint is a nice field and the FBO has a loner car to go town, do not know if transportation s available at  Coeur de'alene,  Felts field in Spokane has a very nice cafe.  Location Lat/Long: 47-58-40.656N / 116-47-33.714W  (47.9779600 / -116.7926983) (estimated) Elevation: 2500 ft. / 762 m (estimated) Variation: 19E (1985) From city: 3 miles E of SPIRIT LAKE, ID

Coming Soon - information about a location in SE Oregon -- see view from porch

Quick Suggestions  Sunriver, OR -  it is a short walk from the airport to the lodge Albany, OR - you can taxi up to the restaurant Salishan (Gleneden Beach, OR) -  Auburn, WA -  you can taxi up to the restaurant at the end of the strip McCall Id - great pancakes a block from the strip. Prosser, WA - the Red Barn is one half block from the North side of the strip good brunch East Sound, WA (Orcas Island) - five blocks to restaurant due South of the strip.  The Dalles - the restaurant is on the strip and good breakfast, then you could walk or drive up the Schreiner Ranch and see the wild animals (Airport Car possible)  Friday harbor - the best most reasonable breakfast is the café next to the theater; hamburgers at the Hungry Clam

Gay or Gay-Friendly Accommodations
Rose Arbor Cottage	Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA	Owned by Cascade Flyers members, a lovingly decorated home, remodeled in 2002, just steps from the north waterfront with magnificent sunset views. Two bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths and sleeps up to 6 guests. Private patio with gas BBQ. Complete kitchen, all linens and towels provided. Gas fireplace, entertainment center, washer/dryer, phone and fax. No smoking or pets.
Whidwood Inn	Whidbey Island, WA  (Oak Harbor Air Park)	Gay-owned bed & breakfast inn located just one mile from Oak Harbor Air Park on Whidbey Island. They are happy to provide guests with transportation between the Air Park and B&B..  B&B is also just a short distance from historic Coupeville.  Island Transit provides free bus service throughout Whidbey Island with regular stops at our driveway.  For more information about our b&b, Whidwood Inn, please visit our website.  Chris Farnam & Ron Sharp

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