A buddy of mine introduced me to Trip Base which is a different kind of search.  Trip Base allows you to select your origin, the number of travelers and the dates to travel but then you use five slider controls to adjust the levels of Nightlife, Dining, Shopping, Nature and Attractions for which you’d like to travel.

The interface is clean and the results are the same.  It doesn’t overload you with possibilities, but the results can be viewed as a list or a map.  Once you’ve obtained your results you can adjust the attributes on the side search and automatically get updated results.

The results are very helpful once you drill down as well.  They have a photo of each location followed by tabs with additional information including an overview, hotels, flights, deals, photo gallery, map, things to do and any articles written on that location.  It’s an interesting site and travel search tool and I’d recommend checking it out.

East of Seattle in Issaquah Washington is a spectacular place to stay. The Dream of Pete and Judy Nelson , Treehouse Point has a variety of options for experiencing the outdoors.  This is a definite must visit and great addition to my collection of tents, tent house suites and yurts.

“The THP team is committed to a vision of sustainability while providing opportunities for lodging, education and connection in a unique and natural environment. Whether it’s hosting a wedding, planning a corporate retreat or implementing new practices, green principles are always at the forefront of daily operations. Please contact us with questions, to schedule a site tour or plan an event.”

The property hosts two tree house rooms with two more on the way. There is also a lodge as well as more rustic tents.

“During the summer months we set up the miner’s tent and create a romantic “Out of Africa” experience. With a queen size bed, side tables and a few eclectic curiosities placed about, one feels like true adventure is just around the corner. Miners never had it so good!”

My first choice would be to experience one of the two tree houses, Temple of the Blue Moon and Trillium.  It is the largest of the two tree houses. Built in 2006 the room is patterned after the Parthenon in Athens and supported by an ancient Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedartree.  It sits 16 feet off the forest floor and is only a short walk to a raging river and ten minutes from Snoqualmie Falls.

The interior is immaculately appointed with natural wood features, two classic leather reading chairs, a writing desk, a book case and a beatufifully hand-crafted armoire.    Topping it off is one of the Treehouse Point’s signature queen size beds.  The walls are well insulated with Golden fir to keep your toes nice and toasty year-round.  It also has a number of modern conveniences like an iPod/CD player.

Rates range from $110-$215 per night with an included continental breakfast.  If you’re looking for a unique getaway or a romantic escape with your favorite someone, this is a great place.  If you can imagine how much fun you’d have think of it as the ultimate family friendly kids getaway.  What a way to make a dream come true for your kids to sleep in an actual tree house that’s not in danger of being spied upon by the backyard neighbors.

The website is a bit clunky with few picture of the actual property, but what I saw I liked.  The limited photo gallery took forever even on a fast connection to view a few of the photos.  The photos are high-quality, it just takes a while to see them.  I’m missing a few common links that most pages would have, rates, getting here, etc.  Things like that to really make the web site useful and freindly.

The Cedar Creek Treehouse near Mount Rainier in Ashford, Washington boast a true treat for the outdoor lover in you. Not only do you get to see the splendor of Mother Nature all around Ashford Washington you get to do so snuggled in your own tree house 50 feet up in the air. Surrounding ancient cedar trees  the Cedar Creek Treehouse is adorned with a sleeping loft, kitchen, and glass-enclosed observation room with an indoor hammock.

The Cedar Creek web site boasts that “Cedar Creek Treehouse is an Earth-friendly, privately owned and operated mountain retreat, located one mile as the crow flies, 10 miles by car, from the Nisqually River Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and bordering the Gifford Pinchot National Forest”.

While the property and view may be a sight for sore eyes, their web site is the cause for the sore eyes.  The site looks like a hold-over from 1998 in the days before the internet was just for the military and academics.  There is so much confusion on the front page that I’m lost at where to click to find out any information.  It’s definitely in need of a redesign and restructuring.

I’m sitting here dreaming of redesigning their site while enjoying the splendors of the property.  How better to be inspired to do almost anything that to enjoy the peace and tranquility that’s sure to abound 50 feet in the air in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings there is.

Take a peak at their photo gallery for some shots of them working hard to make your stay pleasurable and safe.  Likewise you’ll want to view the photos of the “Stairway to Heaven” which is the stairs that service the observatory.