For the innate birdwatcher in all of us, try “Birds of Washington v3.5.”  The Windows CD-ROM includes color photos of all 306 species of birds regularly seen in the state of Washington.  The CD includes an “ID Wizard,” which purports to have the ability to help you identify birds, even if you do not know their name.  A voice on the CD named “Petey the Parrot” will pronounce each bird’s name for you.  In addition, the CD comes with 300 bird-related quizzes (for those long car trips).

For those who like to leave no stone unturned during their vacations, try “Washington, Off The Beaten Path: A Guide to Unique Places.”  This book promises to lead you away from the typical rest-stop fast food and get you to “the heart of things.”  In Washington state, the heart of things includes volcanoes, hot springs, rain forests, ski resorts, and ranches.

One of the current hot topics in Olympia are issues related to forestry.  Perhaps a quick internet search on this topic will help you chat up the locals during your trip!