RICHLAND -- Sometimes you need to get away for the day and just get outside. You probably don't want to go too far or drive too far, and you don't want to haul a lot with you.
Craig Romano's new book, Day Hiking: Columbia River Gorge, is a handy guide that can fulfill that need.
The book, which will be discussed by the author at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Richland Public Library, features 100 hikes, most less than 5 miles long, that can be found within the National Scenic Area of the river gorge.
The majority of the hikes listed are inside the area between Maryhill and Washougal.
The book goes into all the details a modern dayhiker needs: maps, ratings, difficulty, pet-friendly or not, season, highlights, hike extension options and GPS coordinates for the trailhead.
There also are explanations of some flora and fauna you might see (and potentially want to avoid), and where to find the best views.
The book is 5-by-7 inches, is published by The Mountaineer Books, and costs $18.95.
Useful kit to ease travel pains
By Trae Bodge, McClatchy-Tribune News Service
PottyCovers ($5.99) are individually packaged disposable toilet seat covers that keep away germs at public restrooms.
* The Cableguy Cable Bag ($19) by WaterField Designs is the perfect bag for storing all your cables and chargers. It lies flat, so it barely takes up any room in your suitcase.
* The Trekr ($7.75) is an odor-resistant washcloth that exfoliates and dries very quickly for easy packing.
* Never forget your combination again! WordLock Luggage Locks ($8.99) enable the use of five-letter words as combinations.
* The FitKitTRAVEL ($29.99) comes in a portable case and contains gear for a full-body workout. Kit carriers also have access to an online exercise library.
