I had a great time on an Alaska Inside Passage cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl. One of our ports of call was Skagway, a charming town that played a key role in both the Klondike Gold Rush and World War II. I enjoyed walking all around Skagway and checking out the small town's many attractions. I hope you enjoy these photos of the sights and scenery you'll find in Skagway.

The Route of the Hiawatha Trail runs from the Montana-Idaho state line into Idaho along a route a few miles south of I-90. The recreation trail, which runs through magnificent forest and mountain scenery, follows a section of the old Milwaukee Road rail line. Along with the way you pass through several tunnels, including one dark and chilly tunnel that is 1.7 miles long. You'll also pass over several rail trestles. I biked the Route of the Hiawatha this summer and I can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my year. I'll even go so far as to say riding the Route of the Hiawatha should be on the bucket list of every adventurous Northwesterner.

This Christmas season the world-famous Radio City Rockettes will be performing at The Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular features traditional and popular holiday music that will appeal to the whole family. High-kicking dance and music numbers include toy soldiers, a living Nativity, and teddy bears. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular will be in Seattle December 12, 2009 through January 3, 2010. Tickets are on sale now.

Once again, Washington's Pac 10 football teams sit at the bottom of the standings. For one of these teams, the Apple Cup will end up being the highlight of the season. The Apple Cup, Washington's annual cross-state football battle between the Washington State University Cougars and the University of Washington Huskies grips the state's attention every November. This year's game is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2009, in Seattle. In the days leading up to the game, jokes and insults fly back and forth between devoted Husky and Cougar fans. I've put together this listing of web sites that will keep you up to date on the Apple Cup, including jokes, team news, and game history.