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 If you count yourself among the thousands of adventurous geo-caching types, you undoubtedly already knew that "B.Y.O.P." is an acronym for "Bring Your Own Pencil." For the Caching uninitiated, the biggest buzz centers around Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory, birthplace of geocaching. Starting on June 25th, three Territory communities (Canby, Estacada and North Clackamas) have combined forces to offer a highly-prized challenge in recognition of the 10th anniversary of geocaching.
A required logged "find" of the original geocache site is included somewhere along one of these routes. Discover a determined number of the caches in each community, and secure one of the commemorative numbered coins provided by each town. Coins are only available while supplies last, so, don't be a "muggle" (non-geocacher). Don't get caught unprepared - plan ahead to spend a couple days while sleuthing for the cache challenges in all three communities by selecting from a wide variety of overnight lodging. ready, get set, HUNT!
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 Take a spin this summer on a new mobile-friendly site for cyclists packing iPhone, iPod Touch and Blackberry Smartphones. The ten specially-formatted maps include points of interest located along popular Mt. Hood Territory cycling routes. Local bike shop information, elevation details and ride summaries are customized for the mobile view. The new app unveiling coincides with our Bike On! summer campaign, which includes new cycling videos and prize giveaways. Take to the road on two wheels. Prizes include:
- 3-night vacation for two to Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory, lodging included
- $500 travel allowance
- Video camera
The drawing closes on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. Get your name in now, so you can start planning how you'll spin your winnings. P.S. A second and separate incentive includes the Bike On! Adventure Video Contest. If you've got mad video-making skills, show us what you've got and win cycling schwag. Take advantage of the Bike On! lodging deals to make your summer travels more rewarding.
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 Did you know that Mt. Hood Territory is the Christmas Tree capital of the U.S.? Ok, you probably knew that, but you might not have known that now you can get a behind-the-haystack look at how those farms work. Visit a Christmas tree farm when the days are long and sunny and one of our farmers can help you learn to identify different tree varieties, demonstrate how Christmas trees are planted, raised, shaped, harvested and prepared for shipping around the world. The SummerYule farms let you take a hayride to the field, bring a picnic, pet horses, feed the silky chickens and stroll down by a spring-fed pond. While all farms grow and sell Christmas trees, each one is unique in its own way. Dutcher's Tree Farm (503-663-4127) is set up to take your Christmas card photo with summer snowmen, Historic Kirchem Farm will treat you with ginger cookies and Snowline Tree Farm sells farm-fresh eggs, courtesy of their rainbow of happy hens.
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 Saddle up and head to one of the most celebrated rodeos in the Northwest at the Molalla Buckeroo July 2 through July 4. Located in the emerald-green Willamette Valley, the community of Molalla has an authentic rodeo dating back to 1913. The justly famous Buckeroo is a 4th of July tradition that sings pure Americana. Fireworks follow the Rodeo, and there is high-stepping live music and dancing afterward. Grab your favorite cowgirl or guy, and two-step your way to a rollicking and romantic evening that is definitely out of the ordinary. Today the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) event draws riders from across the U.S. From bucking broncos and bulls to barrel racing and roping, the prowess of these athletes continues to impress spectators.
Summertime heat gets turned up even more at the Wild River BBQ on July 10 - 11. This officially-sanctioned two-day "Low & Slow" state championship invites teams from all over the Northwest and western Canada to compete for the saucy distinction in categories of ribs, brisket, pork and chicken. C&W star Gretchen Wilson lights up the Buckeroo stage on July 24 as part of the Al Kader Shriners event. Lake Oswego spreads on the summer jams with Wednesday and Sunday Moonlight and Music in the parks and mid-day Friday Centennial Sundae concerts. Hooray for July!
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 Summer has arrived, and it is time to gear up for your own brand of outdoor adventure. I personally have the calendar marked for three days of Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hiking, ending at Timberline Lodge and rewarding myself afterward with a tall IPA at the Blue Ox Bar. But, I digress. From car camping to Pacific Crest Trail hiking to backcountry trailblazing, any nature enthusiast would be proud to pitch her tent here. Mountain biking, family-friendly road biking and waterfall hikes are favorites, and you have the luxury of enjoying them after a night at one of our B&Bs, vacation rentals or a posh RV Resort. Any list of unique camping opportunities has to include Pickathon, the Indie Roots Music Festival extraordinaire held on Pendarvis Farm. Making music under the stars from August 6 - 8, this continuous three-day weekend musical feast is presented on six stages and includes both indoor and outdoor venues. Pickathon is located on 80 acres of lush meadow and forested campgrounds and will celebrate its 12th year this summer.
If you're looking for a soft bed after a hard day of rocking out, both the Days Inn Portland South and Best Western Sunnyside Inn offer special Pickathon rates as well as free shuttle service from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Bicycle route guides and rideshare information are available online.
One of the many amazing aspects of Pickathon is that all-ages events occur throughout festival. Yoga, Music Together, Circus Cascadia, Squaredances and workshops are loved by all family members. Did I mention that kids under 12 are free with a paying adult? Get your tickets now to be part of the awesome Pickathon energy.
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