Washington Our Home

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Hunting the Wild Man of the Wynoochee Aug 05, 2019

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On this episode of the Washington Our Home podcast, we'll be trekking deep into the forests of western Washington looking for a killer and a victim - who many say are one and the same. And he's certainly one of the finest woodsmen Washington State has ever produced. We're hunting a man named John Tornow - otherwise known as the Wild Man of the Wynoochee. In 1911, the misunderstood misanthrope - thought to have gunned down his own nephews - decided to turn his back on civilization for the final time and disappear into the wilderness surrounding the Wynoochee River. The manhunt that ensued for the next 19 months, resulting in six more deaths including Tornow's, was nothing short of legendary.

The Life and Death of Arthur “Bud” Holland Jul 01, 2019

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On June 24, 1994, Bud Holland crashed one of the biggest, most powerful aircraft ever built in the history of mankind, sending up a fireball that darkened the sky, leaving his kids fatherless and his wife a widow…and taking three members of his flight crew with him. Some people call it a tragic culmination of circumstances that took the life of one of our country's bravest. Many others call it an inevitable disaster caused by a murderer bent on self destruction. Was Bud Holland an American hero? Or an arrogant hot-stick? Strong words, and strong feelings - even decades later, as you'll see from some of the comments - and we look at all of them in this episode of Washington Our Home.

Finding the Ship That Flew Jun 03, 2019

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There are dozens of things to see and do on the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway in southwest Washington (see here and here for just a few examples), but surely one of the most unique lies just outside a tiny berg called Knappton on the bank of the Columbia River. The rusty barge is interesting enough, tied up to the shoreline and in all likelihood unusable. But look around closely and you’ll see the hull of another wrecked ship half buried in the muck just a few hundred yards away. You can’t really get to it without violating the “KEEP OUT” and “NO TRESSPASSING” signs spray painted on particleboard, so getting a quality photo is difficult. But what you’re looking at is actually what remains of what was, in its time, the world’s largest hydrofoil: the USS Plainview…also known as the ship that flew.

Visit Old Alder Before it Vanishes…Again May 06, 2019

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The term "ghost town" in today's time has evolved from its more literal interpretation to describe any small town that has been abandoned or vacated. In fact, there's a whole culture of folks dedicated to discovering and exploring ghost towns and their history. Most of the time, however, towns devoid of inhabitants have nowhere to grow but older. Not so for old Alder. Join your fearless field guide Erich Ebel as he takes you on a beautiful drive through east Pierce County, into and out of the Ohop Valley and along the Nisqually River to Alder Lake, a body of water made artificially larger after the construction of Alder Dam – the same structure that turned Old Alder into a ghost town in 1944.

Discovering the Creatures of the Northwest Trek Trails Apr 01, 2019

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In the 1930's, a husband and wife team of conservationists purchased over 400 acres of desolate, charred land in south Pierce County, Washington. Fast forward 80 years (and factor in the meticulous planning, fastidious nurturing, generous donating, and fortuitous timing), and today, people of all ages can visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. In this episode, your fearless field guide Erich Ebel takes you on a tour of the park that's been entertaining guests since it first opened in 1975.

Of Pork and Politics: Washington in the Pig War Mar 04, 2019

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We're all familiar with the historic events that led to the American Revolution, when the American Colonies seceded from rule by Great Britain. Somewhat less well known are the reasons behind the second war between England and the U.S...the War of 1812. But it's unlikely you can find very many people who can tell you about the third war between these two superpowers, which took place - or, more accurately, almost took place - in the San Juan Islands in 1859. Your fearless field guide Erich Ebel tells the story of The Pig War, otherwise known as The Bloodless War or The War That Wasn't.

The Deadliest Bridge Collapse in Washington State History Feb 04, 2019

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On Wednesday, January 3rd, 1923, Cowlitz County Commissioner-elect Benjamin Barr sat in the back seat of his vehicle, when his driver - Arleigh Millard - felt an unsettling shudder through the springs in his seat. Miller glanced nervously at Barr through the rearview mirror, unable to move the vehicle forward. The pair were stuck atop the Allen Street Bridge here in Kelso, Washington, when seconds later it all came crashing down, resulting in the deadliest bridge collapse in Washington State History. Joint your fearless field guide Erich Ebel on this trip back in time to discover the causes and consequences that resulted in this historic tragedy.

Visiting Walla Walla’s Historic Marcus Whitman Hotel Jan 07, 2019

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Visitors to eastern Washington often find themselves drawn to the rich viticultural tasting opportunities found in Walla Walla wine country. There are literally dozens of wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars dotting the historic downtown area. It’s a superb example of a rural agricultural community that has revitalized its downtown core through business and tourism development. And the best place to stay in Walla Walla, by far, is the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Your fearless field guide Erich Ebel escorts you through the historic halls and into the palatial parlor on this exclusive Washington Our Home tour.

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