Out & About: Washington big on theatrical grouse
OUTNUMBERED – Grouse of various types are wrapping up spring strutting, dancing, drumming and other cool rituals of courtship. They put on a good show.
Washington is especially blessed with grouse. Before looking at the answer below, can you name the seven grouse species or subspecies found in the Evergreen State?
Yes, seven!
Answer: Sooty, dusky (formerly blue), ruffed, spruce, ptarmigan, sharptail and sage.
Breakfast kicks off
Bike Anywhere week
OUTPEDAL – The 2016 version of Bike to Work Week kicks off in Spokane on Monday morning with a free pancake breakfast and expanded encouragement to “Bike Everywhere.”
Mountain Gear and Roast House Coffee will energize bike commuters by providing breakfast fuel for cyclists from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday at Spokane Falls Boulevard and Post Street in Riverfront Park.
Several other activities and online challenges are detailed on the Spokane Bikes website, spokanebikes.org.
The week wraps up with a free beer and pizza party for cyclists on Friday, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at River City Brewing, 121 S. Cedar St.
South Hill struggle: The S-R’s Getting There bloggers are asking bike commuters to share their favorite route for negotiating the South Hill. Use the map they’ve posted and they will compile the submissions to enlighten other riders. Info: spokesman.com/blogs.
Mountain insights
OUTTHERE – The author of “Mt. Spokane: A User’s Guide” will give a free presentation Monday, 7 p.m., at Mountain Gear Headquarters, 6021 E. Mansfield in Spokane Valley.
Cris Currie will offer historical and current insights on where to go and how take advantage of the state park’s trail systems.
Boat safety class
offered at Cabela’s
WATERSPORTS – The Spokane Sail and Power Squadron will teach the ABC-3 boating safety course next weekend in two four-hour sessions at the Cabela’s store in Post Falls.
The eight-hour class satisfies Washington’s mandatory boating safety requirement.
Class sessions will be 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on Friday May 20 and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
The cost is $35 for individuals and $55 for two people in the same household sharing training materials.
The materials can be purchased at West Marine, 5306 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane.
Washington boaters born after Dec. 31, 1954, must have a Washington Boater Education Card to operate a watercraft of 15 horsepower or more in Washington waters.