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FORAGE THROUGH THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE WITH LANGDON COOK

Best-selling Author and Forager Hosts Weekend at Skamania Lodge

Stevenson, WA – (July 19, 2010) - Skamania Lodge, an all-season mountain resort in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, will host its Bed & Book-fest weekend with best-selling author and renowned forager, Langdon Cook, on Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29, 2010.  Cook will host an exclusive book-signing reception where he will give readings of his book, “Fat of the Land: Adventures of a 21^st Century Forager”.  In addition, Cook will lead guests on a foraging trip through the Skamania grounds and Columbia River Gorge trails, followed by an author-hosted lunch featuring seasonal ingredients that can be foraged for in the Columbia River Gorge region. 

“Skamania Lodge sits on 175 acres in one of the most fertile regions in the Pacific Northwest,” said Scott Spann, general manager for Skamania Lodge. “The Bed & Book-fest weekend with Langdon Cook allows us to introduce our guests to this location while they learn how to forage safely.” 

Currently residing in Seattle, Cook is a professional writer and editor and has worked with Microsoft’s MSN, Amazon.com and as a freelance writer and editor for magazines including Conservation Magazine and Outside Magazine. His foraging trips have been featured in culinary outlets including bon appetit and his blog, “Fat of the Land”, details his foraging adventures and recipes that make use of ingredients from nature. 

Skamania Lodge’s Bed & Book-fest is produced in collaboration with Kim Ricketts Book Events, a Seattle-based company connecting people, stories and ideas through author hosted events. 

Skamania Lodge’s Bed & Book-fest package featuring Langdon Cook includes overnight accommodations in a Superior Forest View room, a copy of Cook’s book “Fat of the Land: Adventures of a 21^st Century Forager”, entry to the exclusive author reception and participation in Cook’s foraging trip and hosted lunch.  Rates for the Bed & Book-fest package start at $209, and do not include Lodge fee, taxes or gratuities.  For more information about Skamania Lodge or to make reservations, please visit www.skamania.com or call (800) 221-7117. 

About Skamania Lodge

Surrounded by the waterfalls, peaks, forests and canyons of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge is an all-season mountain resort and conference center, situated on 175 acres, 50 minutes east of Portland, Ore., in Stevenson, Wash.  With 254 guest rooms and a 22,000-square foot, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) approved conference center, Skamania Lodge offers a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and groups.  Skamania boasts the Waterleaf Spa, indoor swimming pool and whirlpools, a fitness center, onsite hiking, an 18-hole par-70 Golf Course that earned a four-star rating from Golf Digest magazine in their “Best Places to Play” for 2008, the Cascade Room, River Rock Lounge and the U.S. Forest Service Information Center located in the lobby.  Skamania Lodge is centered in a Pacific Northwest playground with hiking, biking and Sternwheeler cruises along the Columbia River in the summer; skiing and snowshoeing in the winter; and golfing, fishing and whitewater rafting all year long for outdoor enthusiasts.  Skamania Lodge is a spectacular location to soak in the natural beauty and to enjoy a vast array of outdoor activities. www.skamania.com.  

About Destination Hotels & Resorts

Skamania Lodge is one of more than 30 independent, upscale hotels, resorts and conference centers by Destination Hotels & Resorts, the fourth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. To protect and preserve the unique communities in which the company operates, Destination launched Destination Earth, an environmental sustainability program in 2008. New for 2009 is the 582-room Terranea Resort situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southern California. The 102-acre ocean front resort will feature a 25,000-square-foot destination spa, three swimming pools, three restaurants and a Todd Eckenrode-designed par three golf course. In addition to Terranea in the greater Los Angeles area, Destination operates properties in key metropolitan areas and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Denver, San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Palm Springs, Houston and Lake Tahoe. Destination is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises.  For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com. 

About Kim Ricketts Book Events

Kim Ricketts Book Events connects people with books by creating author events in non-traditional venues. We believe in the power of ideas and stories to spur innovation, stimulate discussion and make life more interesting. With years of experience in the book world, we are able to bring fascinating authors into your workplace and life. Over the years we have created and coordinated a wide variety of events, including chef dinners, workshops, ongoing corporate Author Series, cocktail parties and more. 

In addition to our public series – Cook & Books, Words & Wine, the Good Life and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce Legends & Leaders and Author/Speaker Series – Kim Ricketts Book Events is pleased to serve a number of independent organizations and conferences. For more information, visit www.kimricketts.com.

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