Out & About, July 16

Triple Threat Triathlon Series

The JBLM Lewis FMWR Sports Branch presents the 17th Annual Triple Threat Triathlon Series. Open to the general public, the remaining races are Saturday and Aug. 21. Each event starts at 9 a.m. at JBLM Lewis North’s Shoreline Park with a half-mile swim on American Lake followed by a 15-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Sign up early – participation is limited to 300 per race. Register as an individual or a relay team. Registration forms are available at JBLM Lewis Sports and Fitness Centers or at JBLMMWR.com. For more information on the course, categories, awards and entry fees, visit the website or call 967-2604. Deadline to register for the Aug. 21 race is Aug. 11; late registration deadline is Aug. 18. Entry fee for active military, military family members and military retirees is $10; DOD civilian employees are $25; other civilians are $50. Add $10 to these for late registration.

Lena Lake weekend backpacking trip

For a great introduction to backpacking sign up with Adventures Unlimited for a short weekend hike to Lena Lake, Aug. 13 to 15. Spend the weekend deep in the Olympics with a short hike to scenic Lower Lena Lake. The cost includes transportation, some food, park admission and campground fees (call for cost). Participants are responsible for providing their own tents, sleeping bags and eating utensils: some of these items can be rented at Adventures Unlimited for an additional fee. A mandatory pre-trip meeting will be held for all participants Aug. 10 at 5 p.m. at Adventures Unlimited. Sign up at Adventures Unlimited by Aug. 10.

Ride Around Puget Sound

Enjoying Puget Sound by bicycle is what RAPSody, the Ride Around Puget Sound, is all about. Beginning in Tacoma, the route crosses Puget Sound on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, enjoys paved trails, scenic backroads and Northwest water and forest views during this 170-mile weekend ride Aug. 28 to 29.

RAPSody is hosted by five local bike clubs in support of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington’s statewide advocacy and education (www.bicyclealliance.org). This ride is by cyclists, for cyclists, with great food, souvenir socks, luggage transport, showers and support all included. Free overnight at Shelton High School, with on-site meals supporting the Shelton Youth Center, Save Our County’s Kids (www.sock.org). Save $15 on the $95 registration fee by signing up before July 27. Registration closes Aug. 13. www.rapsodybikeride.com.

CYSS white-water rafting trip

Raft down the White Snake River July 31 during a deployment family fun Trip, run by FMWR. The Class III rapids are fun for all levels of rafters. The bus departs from CYS Services Central Registration building at 7 a.m., and the trip is free with AFC benefits. Children must be registered with CYS Services. Call the Teen Zone at 967-4441 for more information or to register for deployment family fun trips at Parent Central Services.

After-work paddles

Enjoy an evening out on the water. Adventures Unlimited will take you on a leisurely kayak paddle through calm waters close to home. Trips are for beginning and experienced kayakers. Trip fee of $15 includes transportation, equipment and guide: Thursday, July 29, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Sign up at Adventures Unlimited by July 27. Call 982-2206 or 982-2303, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 7 to 11 a.m. Closed on federal holidays.

Salmon bake

The Steilacoom Historical Museum Association is hosting a salmon bake on Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom July 25 from noon until 4 p.m. This is a classic small-town event, including great food, live entertainment, face painting for kids, balloon art and more. Cost of a salmon dinner is $14, a hot dog meal is $6. You can park in town and take a free shuttle or park free at Sunnyside Beach.

Fish bus

Join Adventures Unlimited after work on a quick fishing trip to a local spot. Trip fee of $5 includes bait and round-trip transportation. Adventures Unlimited offers rental fishing gear for an additional fee. Participants need Washington fishing licenses, which can be purchased at the McChord Field BX or at Northwest Adventure Center.

The next trip is Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. — Sign up at Adventures Unlimited by Tuesday. Call 982-2206 or 982-2303, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 7 to 11 a.m. Closed on federal holidays.

Snoqualmie Tunnel mountain bike ride

For a unique mountain challenge, try biking underground at Ironhorse State Park, Aug. 7. Even beginners can try biking by head-lamp light for 2.5 miles through an old railway tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass. Better yet, Adventures Unlimited will fit you with a bike for the trip if you don’t have your own. Bring water and a packed lunch.

Cost of the trip is $30. Sign up at Adventures Unlimited by Aug. 5.

Golf tournament

The Fort Lewis Sergeants Major Association will host its annual golf tournament at JBLM-McChord Field Whispering Firs Golf Course on Aug. 27, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost for the tournament is $50, which covers green fees, half of the golf cart rental, prizes and dinner; $45 for E-4 and below.

For more information e-mail Ron Hernandez at ron.j.hernandez@us.army.mil or call 968-7877 or 377-6138.

Mount Ellinor hike

Gain great views, check out the mountain goats and experience one of the most accessible peaks in Western Washington Aug. 8 on Adventures Unlimited’s hike up Mount Ellinor in the Olympic Mountains. On a clear day, the summit of Mount Ellinor offers sweeping views from saltwater to the Cascades. The hike is 6.2 miles round-trip with 3,200 feet of elevation gain to the 5,944-foot summit. Bring lots of water, a packed lunch, your camera and hiking boots. Cost of the trip is $35. Sign up at Adventures Unlimited by Aug. 6.

American Idol

Jason Castro, the dread-locked crooner who was a finalist on the 2008 season of “American Idol,” will be in the JBLM Lewis Main PX today from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., to give a mini performance and sign copies of his CDs.

Youth deployment trip to Wild Waves

Enjoy a day of fun in the water at Wild Waves Aug. 14. The bus departs from CYS Central Registration at 10 a.m. and is free with AFC benefits. Children must be registered with CYS Services. Call the Teen Zone at 967-4441 for more information or register for youth deployment fun trips at Parent Central Services.

Archery fun shoot

McChord Sportsman’s Club Archery Range will be the site of a 3D Archery Fun Shoot and barbecue Aug. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Setup for the shoot is Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. The fun shoot is intended for current and prospective members of McChord Sportsman’s Club and their families or guests. It will also be a great tuneup before hunting season. Cost of the shoot is $15 for adults; $25 for a family.

There will be an additional shoot Aug. 22 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. for those who assist with setting up, running the shoot and tear down.