Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Washington State's campgrounds are strewn across this diverse state, from the Pacific coastline to the rugged mountains to the desert on the eastern side. When you visit these campgrounds, you need not be confined to a tent or own an RV; you can rent a cabin, a yurt or another unique structure like a teepee or fire lookout.
Many Americans encounter the stately Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) during the winter holidays because of its common use as a Christmas tree. The Douglas fir, also known as Oregon pine or Douglas spruce, is a coniferous tree usually found in the Pacific Northwest, but not atypical in other parts of the county. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. This stately tree can grow to more than 200 feet tall if it doesn't fall prey to a variety of troublesome insect pests.
Jamaica conjures up images of beaches, reggae, rum and the perfect holiday destination. Get tips for people traveling in Jamaica with help from a travel expert in this free video clip.
The recession that lasted from late 2007 into 2009 left many people without a job for extended periods of time. Regular unemployment compensation in Washington State, which had an unemployment rate of 9.3 percent in August 2011, does not always provide former employees with enough coverage. Some people are eligible to claim emergency unemployment compensation, which is broken down into different tiers by length of time for which you can receive extra benefits.
Traveling is often unavoidable, from business conferences to visiting the family for the holidays. Traveling costs can add up when you factor in the price of transportation, lodging, meals and entertainment. Whether you are traveling to another state for business or to another country for vacation, some frugal travel tips can save you money.
Nurse anesthetists are also called CRNAs or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. They minimize and manage patient pain during surgery by applying anesthesia. They also monitor vital signs and educate patients by explaining their procedures and options. They are among the highest-paid practitioners of the nursing profession in Washington state and across the U.S.
After negotiating a fair price and working through an inspection, the next phase of a home purchase is known as escrow. To first-time home buyers, escrow may seem to be an elusive term alluding to funds being transferred and documents signed. In Washington, escrow agents must follow strict accounting procedures showing deposits and withdrawals of any funds from an escrow trust account for the purposes of a real estate purchase.
Part of your vehicle licensing fees in Washington state help the state to maintain and expand state highways. A license plate tab is proof you have paid your fee. But if you forget, it could be a costly mistake. The state will give you 12 months after the expiration to renew your state license tabs with no penalty, but law enforcement won't be as generous. If you are stopped by police in Washington for failing to renew your license tabs, expect a fine of at least $124. Avoid any complications by paying for new tabs online or at a state…
Moving into a rental home in Washington can be expensive. Landlords often charge a deposit and last month's rent in addition to the first month's rent. It is legally allowed, however, in the long run, if you take care of the property and stay for the length of the lease, this method does not cost you any more than you would have spent to live there, had you not paid these fees.
A homeowners association needs to receive dues from unit owners on time to prevent funding issues and keep the problem from spreading. Homeowners associations use dues to pay for the expenses related to the upkeep of the development and the cost of services shared by the unit owners. Washington state laws allow a HOA to uses various collection methods for past due assessments, and the HOA's declaration bylaws also set due collection policies.
Requirements to become a cop in Washington State vary according to city. However, most cities have similar requirements in regards to educational background for prospective cops. The journey to becoming a police officer in Washington state is comprehensive, and candidates must meet a series of requirements to receive an offer to join their local police force.
You can file for bankruptcy in the state of Washington and keep your house. The way you will go about keeping your house depends on certain variables specific to your case. If you plan to keep your house in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you will examine the equity in your house to determine whether you can keep the house. If you plan to keep your house in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, resume making payments on your house immediately.
In 2003, Washington state troopers started to use the Heckler & Koch .40-caliber pistols but the agency found it difficult to access replacement parts for them. Handgun grip size was also a concern with these pistols. Handgun grip size varies from one individual to another and the agency was made to look for an alternative. The Smith & Wesson handguns were considered to be a good option for the agency. The Washington State Patrol has reported enhanced performance with the Smith & Wesson handguns during testing. The manufacturer conducts armored training and has incorporated experience acquired to come up with…
When you lose your job in Washington, you may apply for unemployment compensation. If you qualify for unemployment compensation but are still earning money, you might receive a lower benefit payment than you would have received if you had no income. However, some types of income won't affect your unemployment benefits.
Like many states, the state of Washington uses a Superior Court system. Washington also has an appeals court and a Supreme Court, but the Superior Courts are the general jurisdiction courts. Washington has 30 Superior Court districts, each representing a county; three rural districts are composed of two or three counties each. Superior court judges are elected to four-year terms, and vacancies are appointed by the governor to complete the ongoing term. You must be an attorney admitted to practice law in the state of Washington in order to become a Superior Court judge.
Unemployment benefits are a crucial bridge between jobs for some families, especially those with limited means. In the state of Washington, eligibility for unemployment insurance is based on a number of factors, including the amount of time spent working. Unemployment taxes are like an income tax, applied at both the federal and state level for all employees hiring workers in Washington, and are subject to a maximum called the taxable wage base.
Airline travel is much more complicated than it used to be. Travelers are required to be at the airport earlier, baggage restrictions are more stringent, and security concerns are paramount. Careful planning can help navigate airline regulations. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, taking mountains of luggage or your pet, there are ways to prepare and cope with the new guidelines while making the trip comfortable and pleasant.
Firefighters often risk their lives to combat fires or respond to other emergency situations. The Long Beach, California, fire department has about 540 uniformed and civilian employees, as of September 2011, according to the fire department's website. The minimum monthly Long Beach firefighter salary is $4,919.20 and the maximum is $6,041.01, according to the City of Long Beach website (approximately $59,030 to $72,492 annually).
Security officers work to protect property and ensure public safety in a number of different settings. In Washington State, the Department of Licensing is responsible for overseeing the issuance of security guard licenses. Residents meeting the training requirements may apply to become armed or unarmed private security guards. If you're interested in becoming a private security officer, you need to understand what the licensing requirements are and what the application process entails.
Most states' employment termination laws do not require employers to pay their employees severance pay if they terminate them. Severance pay, according to the common law doctrine of employment-at-will, is a matter of agreement between an employer and employee or state policy. In Washington, absent a written agreement mandating severance pay, employers are not required to provide it upon termination.
Many insurance polices maintain a deductible that the policy owner must pay before the insurance payments kick in. Car insurance, renters insurance and homeowners policies may have a $500 or $1,000 deductible depending on the terms of your policy. When a loss occurs and it isn’t your fault, you may be entitled to a reimbursement for deductibles. The state of Washington’s Insurance Commissioner refers to the process of subrogation as the ability of your insurance company to recover payments made to you and payments made by you as deductibles. Recovering your deductible in Washington is the same as other places.
Senior citizens homeowners in Washington who need financial assistance to replace their windows can apply for grants funded by local, state and federal government agencies. Nonprofit organizations throughout the state replace windows in homes owned by senior citizens as well. These grants and programs cover the costs of purchasing, replacing and installing windows which includes labor costs and equipment purchases.
Do your homework before trying to arrange a meeting with a congressman. Know the congressman's schedule to determine when he is in his home district, and then establish a relationship with his staff. Congressional members spend blocks of time throughout the year in their home district, but most have multiple offices and spend time in various locations. Members of the House and Senate have large staffs. Some travel with the congressman or congresswoman from Washington to the home district, and some are based there. Learn the names of the key staff people. Members of the House have roughly 15 staff…
Cycads and Gingko trees are the living embodiment of some of the oldest plant species. The plant's ancestors lived in the time of the dinosaurs. The early cycads were called cycadopsida and early gingko trees were the ginkgophytes. While these specific species are now extinct their evolved offspring exist to this day and are remarkably similar to the original species that lived 150 million years ago.
There are many famous photographs of cityscape silhouettes of the world's major cities -- with New York, Paris and London, being amongst the most recognizable. A large-scale silhouette can be used as a backdrop for a theater production -- or as wall decoration -- while a smaller one can be used in shadow puppetry or attached to notebooks. Making a silhouette can be as complicated as you like, it is just a question of how much detail is wanted.
Washington State residents depend upon groundwater to provide two-thirds of their drinking water. Aquifers play an important role in the water cycle by feeding groundwater to wells and springs through saturated materials and rocks underneath the water table. Aquifers exist in 60 percent of Washington State and can be found close to the surface or plunging 1,000 feet beneath the ground. Scientists have found crystalline rock aquifers composed of igneous and volcanic rock under the Cascade, Olympic and Northern Rocky Mountains of Washington. By using radar technology and geological information, you can find the best areas to search for aquifers…
The Evergreen State earns its name from the forests and lush landscapes that define the region's natural beauty. Offering mountain biking, fishing, trail exploring and myriad outdoor activities, Washington is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The city of Cheney is located less than 20 miles southwest of Spokane, with a 2011 population of just over 10,000. The city's website describes the area as having "an abundance of recreational opportunities" and highlights the excellent educational system.
With its abundant forests and rugged terrain, eastern Washington state is a frequent destination for hunters. The state of Washington designates public lands for the purpose of hunting. These lands may only be used in accordance with laws set forth by the state, during designated hunting periods.
The Pacific Northwest climate's long, sunny summer days and cool evenings allow the grapes of Washington to ripen slowly, giving them more "hang time" on the vine, which develops the grape's rich and complex flavor. Even in the cooler climate of the Puget Sound and western maritime regions, vineyard owners achieve success with some careful planning in regards to the microclimate within the vineyard and selection of hardy and vigorous grape varieties suited to the local conditions.
Wasps of the Trypoxylon species and Sceliohron species, commonly known as dirt dobbers, dirt dauber and mud daubers, build long, tunnel-like nests out of mud. Considered a nuisance pest, they do not exhibit defensive behavior and rarely sting, according to Varment Guard, a pest control company. They spend hours looking for an appropriate site for building a nest and can live in house siding. Knowing where dirt dobbers build nests helps homeowners in preventing or removing them.
Ocean Shores, Washington is an city in the Pacific Northwest that sits on a six-mile long peninsula. It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor and includes many canals, two lakes and an old growth rainforest. A popular travel destination, it is also known for its annual clam digs for razor clams.
Camano Island is a small island in the heart of Puget Sound, less than 20 minutes from Washington's mainland. This island offers land and water recreation activities such as camping, birding, golf and fishing. While no major cities are on Camano Island, nearby Stanwood, which is less than 15 minutes from the island, features shopping centers and annual festivals. State Route 532 is the only road that offers access to Camano Island.
Anacortes, Washington provides a gateway port to the San Juan Islands and British Columbia. Accessible by road or ferry, the island community is home to a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, biking and hiking. For children, Anacortes offers outdoor recreation, annual events and other attractions to entertain families and visitors of all ages.
Despite the border between them, Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, function like sister cities of the Northwest coast, sharing its rainy seasons and mountain backdrops. Both have populations of about 600,000 people, both have ocean-accessible seaports and both have enough sports teams, art galleries and innovative restaurants to create an active culture. Although they lie 140 miles apart, travel between the two cities is generally hassle-free. Just remember to bring valid proof of citizenship, because Americans cannot enter Canada without it.
The Cosumnes River runs close to the city of Sacramento in northern California, eventually emptying into the San Francisco Bay. As it runs through the mountains, the river has created a gorge through the Tahoe granite rocks outside the city of Placerville. The gorge has steep walls suitable for rock climbers of any skill level.
A temperate rain forest typically receives between 60 and 200 inches of rainfall annually. This biome exists in oceanic-moist coastal climates and is dominated by coniferous and deciduous trees. Temperate rain forests are cooler than tropical rain forests; their average annual temperature is between 41 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperate rain forests can be found along the northwestern coast of North America, the southwestern cost of South America and the southeastern coast of Australia.
The International date line (IDL) runs along a north-south axis and divides the world into two time periods. The date in the territory to the left of the IDL is a day ahead of the date in the territory to the right. Recognized by countries worldwide, the International date line is, nonetheless, imaginary and carries no legal standing. First documented in the late 19th century, the IDL has been tweaked over the years in keeping with changes in world geography.
Walla Walla is a town in southeastern Washington established by missionaries that provided an outpost for fur traders and became populous with the gold rush in the 1850s. The Blue Mountains surround the Walla Walla Valley and provide stunning views from the city's many parks and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy Walla Walla's downtown shopping district, which hosts many art galleries and antique shops, the farmer's market, restaurants and annual festivals.
According to the University of Washington's Burke Museum, the Eastern Washington region, including Monroe, Washington, is home to several varieties of native snakes. From boas to rattlesnakes, 12 species of snakes are found in Washington, including many common types of snakes.
The settlement that grew to become Seattle, Washington, began in 1851, taking its name from Sealth, the leader of the local Duwamish people. Lumber, focused on Henry Yesler's timber mill, was the town's economic foundation, augmented later by coal mining, fishing and shipping. Much of the early town was destroyed in a fire on June 6, 1889, but recovery came with the Klondike gold rush and shipbuilding. The founding of Boeing in Seattle in World War I was to bring a new source of wealth to the city that prides itself on its enterprise and creativity.
Clipper Cards connect the different Bay Area Transit systems by allowing passengers to use the same pass on different forms of public transportation in and around San Francisco. Currently, the Clipper Card connects seven different transit systems and soon more will be added. There are a few different ways to get a Clipper card, including online, at retail locations and by calling the Clipper Customer Service Center.
Seattle averages 150 days of rain per year and only has an average of 43 days a year that are warmer than 75 degrees. This Pacific Northwest city's blustery weather makes it an ideal place to sit around a fire during chilly nights, and thankfully, Seattle has a number of places to do just that.
Often called the Empire of the South, Georgia is one of the most culturally and environmentally diverse states in the country. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes and bustling cities, the state is home to people of all backgrounds. In addition to its numerous attractions, Georgia is full of natural resources that have allowed it grow culturally and economically.
Traveling around Seattle, whose population reached an all-time high of 608,660 in 2010, can be difficult at some points of the day. Cars going bumper to bumper on the highways around the Emerald City can cause numerous traffic backups. There are ways to save a little wear and tear on your car, not to mention a little gas money, by utilizing some of Seattle's alternative modes of transportation.
The temperate rain forest is a biome that covers a relatively small area of the Earth's surface, around 75 million acres, according to NASA. Temperate rain forests are home to a large number of plant and tree species, as well as animal life from bacteria to large predators such as the black bear.
Vancouver, B.C., is Canada's largest city on the Pacific coast, and Seattle, Wash., is one of the largest cities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. You can reach Seattle in three hours by car along B.C. Highway 99 and Interstate 5, but several other travel options are available. Keep in mind that, no matter what mode of transportation you use, you must pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the trip. Be sure you have your passport and any other required travel documents when crossing the border or landing at the airport.
Moving to a new state can seem overwhelming. However, by breaking up the to-do list into simple steps, it can make this daunting task a bit easier. Oregon attracts out-of-staters because of its lush landscapes and slower pace compared with states such as California. Washington, on the other hand, can be appealing because of low housing prices and outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.
The need to transport pets can occur when a family moves or goes on a long vacation. Traveling in cars or planes makes many pets uncomfortable, so it is important to know your options. This will help you decide whether having the pet travel with you or having a professional pet transporter do the job is the right option. You will also have to decide if your pet should travel by air or car.
More than 20,000 people pack the Gorge Amphitheatre on a regular basis. Situated on the banks of the Columbia River in George, Wash., the venue is considered one the most scenic places in the world to catch a concert. The amphitheater is a regular stop for famous musicians like Dave Matthews Band and Brooks and Dunn. Campsites in the area provide scenic and convenient accommodations for concertgoers.
The Hoh Rain Forest is located on the western slope on Mount Olympus. A lush green covering of both deciduous and coniferous trees and a blanket of mosses, ferns and lichens are the product of more than 150 inches of rain that fall here each year. Because of its unique properties, the Hoh Rain Forest attracts a great many visitors every year. The nearest accommodations are located in the town of Forks, which is 30 miles from the forest's visitor center.
