Explore the Tri-Cities Tri-Cities is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and spring is an excellent time to get outside before the weather gets too hot and the bugs come out in full force. Here are a few ways to enjoy the longer days and mild temperatures. Hiking and Biking The Best Outdoor Adventures Before Summer Hits
waterfront areas, and educational signage teaches about Lewis and Clark and local flora and fauna. Looking for a challenge? Chamna Natural Preserve offers an extensive trail network for mountain biking and trail running through diverse terrain. Boating and Fishing Spring weather in Tri-Cities may be too cool for swimming, but the balance of sunshine and light breezes is perfect for a day out on the water. The Columbia River offers endless opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking. Howard Amon Park provides easy access to the river and is a great launching point for your water adventure. The Yakima and Snake rivers also offer plenty of spring boating opportunities before the summer brings crowded waterways. If you’d rather enjoy a more stationary activity, spring is a prime time for fishing in the Tri- Cities region. While the Chinook runs don’t
Tri-Cities is home to miles of hiking and biking trails for all ability levels. Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve has several great options, including Badger Mountain Trail. The 3.2-mile hike is moderately challenging and rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the Columbia Basin. Those looking to extend the adventure can continue on the 6.8-mile Badger Mountain Skyline Trail or head to nearby Candy Mountain for more great views. If you prefer exploring on two wheels, the Sacagawea Heritage Trail provides a smooth ride along the Columbia River. The 23-mile paved loop connects to several city parks and
occur until the summer, the Columbia River is teeming with native salmon and steelhead year-round. Anglers can also target bass, walleye, catfish, and other non-native species. Top fishing spots along the Columbia include the John Day and McNary pools and Hanford Reach, a beautiful area where the Snake and Yakima rivers converge. Whether hiking, biking, paddling, or casting a line, get out and take advantage of all that Tri-Cities has to offer. Beat the heat, avoid the crowds, and skip the bug spray with a beautiful spring day outdoors.
RESTORE YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORS LIKE A PRO Buff, Patch, and Polish
Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular options when designing or renovating a home. It’s incredibly durable, but that doesn’t mean it’s impervious to damage. Moving bulky furniture, wearing workboots or high heels, and letting your animals sprint through the house with long claws can leave your hardwood floors covered in scratches. Replacing it can be
expensive, so your next best option is to repair the damage yourself. Depending on the level of damage, you can use these tricks to help your hardwoods feel like new. Simple Touch-Ups After years of walking on your hardwood floors, you will notice a few scuffs and scratches. These are easy to take care of on your own. Using a soft cloth, apply a small dab of coconut oil to your floors and rub it in a small circular motion. After it sits for about five minutes, your floor will regain its shine. For minor scratches, you can use a touch-up pen or wax stick to fill in and cover any blemishes. Deeper Scratches Once the scratches and scuff marks become more pronounced, you’ll need to exert more effort. Start by using fine
steel wool to buff out any scratches. Just be sure you don’t push too hard! This will also remove the very top layer of wood, so you may need to apply some wood polish afterward to ensure your floor retains its shine. If that doesn’t work, you can also try wood putty. Start by cleaning the scratch before using a putty knife to place the wood putty into the gap. Let it dry, and sand it with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s level with the rest of your floor. You’ll then want to apply a shellac finish over the repaired area to protect your floor further. The Point of No Return If the years have really beaten up your floor, you’ll need to take more drastic measures. To unveil fresh wood, sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper or an orbital sander. Once again, don’t go too deep. After sanding, wipe the dust from the area before finishing it with a matching stain and seal.
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