By Chester Allen, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Aug. 2--SKOKOMISH RIVER, Mason County -- Travis Frasier leaned over the rushing water Friday and extended his bucking fishing rod as far out as he could.

By Chester Allen, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Jul. 16----What: Outing to the north shoreline of Lake Cushman along Olympic National Forest Road 24, which eventually leads to Staircase in Olympic National Park. --To do: This is the most beautiful part of Lake Cushman.

By Chester Allen, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Jul. 3--Fuel prices are crazy, airline travel is even crazier, and you're really crazy if you think any state or federal campgrounds have open spaces for the long July 4 weekend.

By The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Jun. 8--Following are key earmarks authorized for South Sound in the 2008 congressional budgets: Thurston County -- Lacey: $490,000 (Sens. Maria Cantwell, Patty Murray).

By Chester Allen, The Olympian, Olympia, Wash. Mar. 17--More water is flowing down the North Fork Skokomish River these days. That's good news for struggling salmon and steelhead runs not only in the river, but also in lower Hood Canal.