Don’t lose all your money in

Lost Wages, Nevada!

If you are staying at Whispering Woods Resort from April 2012 through the end of October, 2013, it is unlikely you will even be aware of this project. Most Mt. Hood lodging and rental guests never venture far enough south on Arrah Wanna Boulevard to even see the bridge.

Just be aware, if you DO travel south on Arrah Wanna Boulevard to the bridge, you may encounter construction delays of up to 20 minutes. Extended delays of up to 60 minutes are only supposed to occur twice during the entire project.

For those who are interested, you can find more details at www.clackamas.us/transportation/. Just look for “Road & Bridge Projects” near the top of the navigation in the left column.

Source: Clackamas County notice to Residents and Property Owners in the Arrah Wanna Bridge Area, March 13, 2012

UPDATE:

As of May 7, 2012, this project has been delayed until the spring of 2013.  The delay is due to a mistake made during the bidding process.  Per Clackamas County, the current bridge is safe up to the posted weight restrictions.  For more details, visit the Clackamas County Department of Transporation and Development website at:  www.clackamas.us/transportation/

View from a 1 BR Back Deck at Whispering Woods Resort

Today is one of those glorious Mt. Hood days at Whispering Woods Resort that cannot go unnoticed.

The ground is covered with a bit of late winter snow. The clouds are breaking up and blue sky enlivens a beautiful pallet of winter colors. And the sun, yes the SUN! is smiling down on those who venture outside, casting its warm net on all who long to be captured.

Take a deep breath! Now exhale. Didn’t that feel refreshing?!

That’s what makes winter in the Mt. Hood Territory so special. You never know what you may encounter, from a lively family of deer to a rushing river, a sunlit hillside or a gorgeous, natural portrait ablaze with color right outside your back door.

A friend of mine just called me after returning from 7 days on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Poor guy, I really don’t know why he left.

OK, maybe that’s not true. But, I’m glad today turned out the way it did and that I was able to spend some time outside my office enjoying it. I couldn’t be happier than staring down the snow-covered 9th fairway right behind Whispering Woods Resort.

If you haven’t been up to see us in a while or you never have (for shame), you really should come visit! Our fully furnished condos offer something special among so many Mt. Hood lodging options.

We would love to be your host!

Our Pool Renovation is Hiding Under a Greenhouse

We are 3 days into the pool and hot tub renovation process and things are progressing on schedule. It won’t be long before we are “in hot water” again!

Step one for the contractor was to build a greenhouse over the swimming pool so work could continue rain or shine (see photo). So far, it has been mostly rain, but “inside” the greenhouse it is dry and the workers are active.

Yesterday was the final “demolition” day when old coping brick and waterline tile were removed. Today, work is progressing on the installation of new coping brick and tile. It’s a pretty messy process, but it is exciting to see progress. The brick and tile should be done by Monday when the plastering phase will begin.

After the plastering is finished, it will take a couple of days to fill the pool (only a few hours for the hot tub) and a several more days to heat and balance the water. In the mean time our guests have been enjoying their use of the indoor pool and hot tub at the Mt. Hood Village less than 3 miles away.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Whispering Woods Resort Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Renovation

On February 20, 2012, Anderson Poolworks of Wilsonville, Oregon, began renovating the Whispering Woods Resort swimming pool and hot tub. The entire project includes new plaster, coping brick and waterline tile, giving both the pool and hot tub a brand “new” look.  This will be the second renovation since our pool and hot tub were built in 1994.

Pool and hot tub renovation is an important ingredient in maintaining a high quality swimming environment for our guests. Over time, the white plaster coating either breaks down or discolors due to the interaction of sanitizing and water balancing chemicals, the natural chemistry of water and swimmers. Consequently, the plaster must be replaced every few years.

How Long Will The Pool and Hot Tub Be Closed?

Because we are doing a complete renovation, including plaster, coping brick and waterline tile, we expect to reopen in about 2 weeks on March 2, 2012. If we encounter unforeseen or unpredictable issues, like a major snow storm, the completion date may vary.

The entire process includes draining and refilling time, both of which can take up to 2 days. Add to that the actual renovation work plus heating the fresh water and balancing water chemistry, and 2 weeks gets used up pretty quickly.

Come See Our Beautiful “New” Pool and Hot Tub.

The next time you are in our area, provided it is after March 2, 2012, stop by and take a look at the newly renovated swimming pool and hot tub. If you need a little get-away, give our Reservations department a call at 503-622-3171, or visit the reservations page on this site.

Even if you are not a Whispering Woods Resort owner, we have great Mt. Hood lodging options. If you are planning an Oregon family reunion, the Mt. Hood Territory is a great place to bring your family together.

The Water is Great All Year Long!

By the way, our swimming pool and hot tub are open all year long and, yes, the pool is heated. Come relax and have some fun. Whispering Woods Resort is “the nearby, far-away vacation place” only an hour from downtown Portland, Oregon.

What is it?
In 1896 a man by the name of John Cyprian Stevens challenged Oregonians to support a permanent site displaying Oregon’s rich natural resources.  His suggestion was met with great enthusiasm by Oregonians who donated many of their own pieces in order to see J.C. Stevens’ dream become reality.

With “minor” setbacks, such as the Great Depression and World War II, Stevens’ dream wasn’t to be realized until 1946 when at last the first display of Oregon’s natural history objects was exhibited at the Portland Hotel. Now 65 years later, OMSI, as it was named in 1949, is a stunning 219,000 square foot building providing an inspiring and unique look at the people, history, and technology that are Oregon.

Why visit?
OMSI is ranked one of the top science centers in the United States and boasts an international reputation for its innovative exhibits. The museum receives over 1 million visitors a year, so you know they’re doing something right! Currently, OMSI has five exhibit halls with literally hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on displays to awaken the scientist in every child.

Take in the latest film showing at the OMNIMAX Theater; a five-story domed screen with stadium seating. The 2D IMAX projection system uses the largest frame in the history of the motion picture industry. Next, visit the Planetarium and experience an exciting laser-light show. Then, peer through the telescope of the Navy’s last non-nuclear, fast-attack submarine, the USS Blueback. Let the kids release some energy on the colorful and vibrant science playground and when you get hungry enjoy a meal at either the OMSI Café or Galileo’s.

Where is it?
Located just south of Portland on the east bank of the Willamette River, only 44.5 miles from Whispering Woods Resort, OMSI is an easy 1 hour drive, located at: 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214-3354

Special Information:
OMSI is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost:
Parking: $3
Museum tickets: $12 Adults · $9 Youth (3-13) and Senior (63+)
OMNIMAX Theater tickets: $8.50 Adults ·  $6.50 Youth (3-13) and Senior (63+)
Planetarium: All seats are $5.75
The USS Blueback Submarine tour: $5.75

Contact Information:
http://www.omsi.edu
503.797.4000 (TTY 503.239.7804)
info@omsi.edu

Why visit?
Purchasing the t-shirts, totebags and tokens available at the Information Booths of all 6 markets lets our community know that you support the goals of local food and sustainable agriculture. One of the many special aspects of shopping at farmers’ markets is getting to know the farmers and vendors who worked long and hard to bring you their best and freshest produce. It doesn’t get any fresher than at a farmer’s market!

Where is it?
If you will be visiting the city of Portland during your stay at Whispering Woods Resort, Portland’s Farmers Markets are located at these 6 locations:
Portland State University: Saturdays, March 19 through December 17 (8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mar. through Oct.)
(9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m Nov.Dec.)
Pioneer Courthouse Square: Mondays, June 20th through September 26^th · Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 5 through August 18 
Shemanski Park: Wednesdays – May 4th through October 26^th · 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
Buckman: Thursdays, 2011 -  May 5th through September 29th · 3 p.m to 7 p.m.
Northwest: Thursdays, June 2nd through September 29th · 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
King: Sundays, May 1st through October 30^th · 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The closest Farmers Markets to Whispering Woods Resort are the two located in the cities of Gresham and Troutdale, Oregon:
Gresham Farmers Market,  open Saturdays, May – October · 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. · 28.6 miles – a 38 minute drive.
Troutdale Farmers’ and Artists’ Market open Saturdays, April – October · 10:00 – 3:00, a 30.7 mile drive · a 43 minute drive.

Special Information:
Regarding pets: Portland Farmers Markets do not allow dogs or other pets at their two busiest markets – PSU and Shemanski Park. However, pets are welcome at all other markets. All six markets are open to service animals.

On a pre-arranged basis guided tours are given of the markets. Tourists will learn how food is produced, why it is important to make good food choices, and  will get to meet the farmers and artisan food producers from the market community. Contact the market’s Education and Outreach Specialist, Anna Curtin (anna@portlandfarmersmarket.org).

Cost:
For your convenience, Farmers Market does accept debit and credit cards. The only cost to you is what you purchase at the markets.

Contact Information:
Portland’s Farmer’s Market
(503) 241-0032 ·
Website:  http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/

If you enjoy the friendly atmosphere and casual style of an open air style market where local artisans showcase and sell their one-of-a-kind pieces, be sure to visit the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation.  Operating since 1974, the Portland Saturday Market is a favorite shopping destination for finding unique local handcrafted goods.

Not only is Portland Saturday Market a positive experience for visitors and local artists it has proven to be healthy for the local economy as well. The Market’s 750,000 visitors a year generate an estimated $8 million in gross sales, making it an economic boon for the historic Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood where it has set up shop for nearly 40 years.

Why visit?

Baby gifts, musical instruments, pottery, jewelry, clothing, home furnishings; these are only a few of the many arts and craft treasures you will discover strolling the aisles of over 350 businesses and artists from the NW region and across the nation.

The exotic food choices will satisfy your hunger while the live music entertains your senses.

Where else can you meet the artist behind the art than in an environment like Portland Saturday Market?

Where is it?

This homegrown weekend of activity and fun is located in Portland’s Waterfront and Ankeny Parks in historic Old Town-Chinatown. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Whispering Woods Resort.

Special Information:

The Portland Saturday Market runs the first weekend of March through December 24^th

Weekend Market hours are:  Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays – 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For parking there is a Smart Park garage located at NW Naito Blvd and Davis Street and with a minimum $25 purchase at The Market you receive two hours of free parking at any of downtowns Smart Park parking garages.

Feel free to bring your four-legged family member as Portland Saturday Market is pet friendly.

Cost:

Other than parking, visiting Portland Saturday Market is cost-free

Contact Information:

Website:  http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/

Admin Office
108 W Burnside
Portland, OR 97209
503.222.6072

After 11am Saturday & Sunday
503.241.4188