Today was a travel day. Left Shady Firs RV Park at 10:00, after spending an hour with our chatty neighbours! He was from Vancouver, Washington and gave us good travel advice!
We went by several blueberry farms on the way to Interstate 5, then went south on 5.
At 12:20, we crossed the Columbia River and entered Oregon.
Arrived at Crown Point RV Park at 12:45 after a steep (10% grade) winding climb. No cable, but good TV over the antenna.
After getting set up & having lunch we were off to refuel and get groceries. It is very warm and the A/C cannot keep up.(30C, 86F). Not complaining, however!
Off to check out the Columbia River Gorge tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tuesday July 29, 2014, Mount Adams
At 8:00 we were off under clear skies to view Mount Adams, which we have been told is very majestic.
By 8:15 driving on National Forest Rd 23, we had climbed to 1142 ft.
Next, we turned onto s single lane road, "with pullouts", so said the sign! Another few miles down the road, the pavement ended and we were on a gravel road, which was like a washboard.
After what seemed like forever driving at 15 mph and climbing to 4200 ft, we arrived at Takhlakh Lake. It is a very popular campground and is the best view of Mount Adams. It was the perfect day for the perfect picture!
Took several pics, but this was the best!
All around the campground, we saw this ?parasitic moss on the trees. According to the Campground Host, it is not what is causing the trees to die, but sure looks like it is!
We went back out to the gravel road & continued on the what was marked on the map as the "Viewpoint" for Mount Adams. When we found it, the view was not as good as it was from the campground. That view was great with the reflection in the lake.
On the way back to the RV Park, we passed huge stands of pine trees over 50 feet tall and straight as an arrow! The trunks are bare with only foliage at the very top. Ready-made telephone poles?
When we got back to the RV Park, it was time to do laundry......Moving on to Oregon tomorrow.
By 8:15 driving on National Forest Rd 23, we had climbed to 1142 ft.
Next, we turned onto s single lane road, "with pullouts", so said the sign! Another few miles down the road, the pavement ended and we were on a gravel road, which was like a washboard.
After what seemed like forever driving at 15 mph and climbing to 4200 ft, we arrived at Takhlakh Lake. It is a very popular campground and is the best view of Mount Adams. It was the perfect day for the perfect picture!Took several pics, but this was the best!
All around the campground, we saw this ?parasitic moss on the trees. According to the Campground Host, it is not what is causing the trees to die, but sure looks like it is!
We went back out to the gravel road & continued on the what was marked on the map as the "Viewpoint" for Mount Adams. When we found it, the view was not as good as it was from the campground. That view was great with the reflection in the lake.
On the way back to the RV Park, we passed huge stands of pine trees over 50 feet tall and straight as an arrow! The trunks are bare with only foliage at the very top. Ready-made telephone poles?
When we got back to the RV Park, it was time to do laundry......Moving on to Oregon tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014, Mt. Rainier
It is yet another sunny morning and 20C as we set off at 9:00 for Mt Rainier, starting at 950 ft.elevation.
Mount Rainier is a towering, ice-clad volcano, rising to 14,410 ft, is a striking Pacific northwest landmark.Although mere remnants of their former size, Rainier's 35 square miles of glaciers constitute the largest single-peak glacial system in the contiguous US: 25 glaciers extend down the mountainside.
We turned on to National Forest Rd 52 and started climbing on a winding, switchback road through old growth forest.
At 10:00, we turned on to SR 706 at an elevation of 1800 ft.
At 10:06, we entered Mount Rainier National Park, 2200 ft.
This was a picturesque stop along the road
There was a 10 minute stop for construction among a stand of fir trees as we looked at the traffic piling up behind us.
Christine Falls was at 3700 ft.
Next, we experienced a great view of Rainier.
At 4590 ft, we arrived at Niranda Falls. The waterfall drops 188 feet (57 m) in two tiers of 168 feet (51 m) and 20 feet (6.1 m). The upper tier is a horsetail that falls in several strands down a nearly sheer cliff, into a canyon that is perpendicular to it. The lower tier is a much smaller plunge.
We reached the Paradise Visitor Centre (5368 ft) and unfortunately the power was out, therefore the many displays and videos were not available. We did go for a hike further up the mountain.
What a gorgeous day! There were beautiful wildflowers all around in the meadow grass.
We also saw a lot of snow still hanging around, which was surprising, considering the temperature!
On returning to the truck to have our picnic lunch, we noticed the weird trees. Apparently, the branches do not grow on the side that the wind blows. We saw many trees like this.
Next, we were heading down the mountain. There were several hairpin turns.........
After leaving the National Park, we stopped at Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, which was closed. However, we went on the Nature trail to see the Hot Springs. At the start of the trail was the cross-section of a huge redwood that was cut down in the 1960s. There were labels depicting events that occurred since it started growing!
Early tourists flocked to Ohanapecosh not because it was so spectacularly pretty, but because of the water. More specifically, because of the hot water burbling out of the ground. Today, the lounging pools along the river are gone, but hot water still seeps out of the rocks before merging into the icy-cold waters of the Ohanapecosh River.
After a fuel stop, we returned to the RV Park.
Mount Rainier is a towering, ice-clad volcano, rising to 14,410 ft, is a striking Pacific northwest landmark.Although mere remnants of their former size, Rainier's 35 square miles of glaciers constitute the largest single-peak glacial system in the contiguous US: 25 glaciers extend down the mountainside.
We turned on to National Forest Rd 52 and started climbing on a winding, switchback road through old growth forest.
At 10:00, we turned on to SR 706 at an elevation of 1800 ft.
At 10:06, we entered Mount Rainier National Park, 2200 ft.
This was a picturesque stop along the road
There was a 10 minute stop for construction among a stand of fir trees as we looked at the traffic piling up behind us.
Christine Falls was at 3700 ft.
Next, we experienced a great view of Rainier.
At 4590 ft, we arrived at Niranda Falls. The waterfall drops 188 feet (57 m) in two tiers of 168 feet (51 m) and 20 feet (6.1 m). The upper tier is a horsetail that falls in several strands down a nearly sheer cliff, into a canyon that is perpendicular to it. The lower tier is a much smaller plunge.
What a gorgeous day! There were beautiful wildflowers all around in the meadow grass.
We also saw a lot of snow still hanging around, which was surprising, considering the temperature!
On returning to the truck to have our picnic lunch, we noticed the weird trees. Apparently, the branches do not grow on the side that the wind blows. We saw many trees like this.
Next, we were heading down the mountain. There were several hairpin turns.........
After leaving the National Park, we stopped at Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, which was closed. However, we went on the Nature trail to see the Hot Springs. At the start of the trail was the cross-section of a huge redwood that was cut down in the 1960s. There were labels depicting events that occurred since it started growing!
Early tourists flocked to Ohanapecosh not because it was so spectacularly pretty, but because of the water. More specifically, because of the hot water burbling out of the ground. Today, the lounging pools along the river are gone, but hot water still seeps out of the rocks before merging into the icy-cold waters of the Ohanapecosh River.
After a fuel stop, we returned to the RV Park.
Sunday, July 27, 2014 Mount St Helens
On a beautiful, sunny morning, we were off to Randle, Washington. As we drove south on US 97, looks are deceiving. It appears that we are going down, but actually are climbing from 1800 ft to 3000 ft! We passed over Blewett Pass again (4102 ft) and past the wind farm. However, today the blades are not turning.
Once on Interstate 89, we found ourselves climbing. The first clue was a a large sign reading: "Prevent radiator boil-over, turn off air conditioning". The hills to the right are covered with brown scrub brush and to the left is a valley of green farms.
Next, there was evidence of a large wildfire for quite a stretch.
At 10:45, we got our first glimpse of snow-covered Mt Rainier.
At Yakima, we turned off onto Hwy 12 where there are many fruit warehouses.
The elevation at the start of the White Pass Byway was 1600 ft and the temp has risen to 30C.
Passing by beautiful Rimrock Lake.........
We encountered a view of the road ahead along the edge of the mountain. Yikes!
At noon, we passed over the White Pass, elevation 4500 ft., then it was descending to 1000 ft as we arrived at the Shady Firs RV Park in Randle. Nice shady site below large fir trees, full hookups (50 amps), Wi-Fi AND cable TV for $18.00/night. Great deal!
After lunch, we set off for Mount Saint Helens. The first stop was at Bear Meadow viewpoint from where Gary Rosenquist accidentally captured photos of the eruption on May 18, 1980.
We arrived at Windy Ridge (4170 ft) and listened to an interpretive talk by a park ranger, explaining the events that took place.
Next, we climbed the 361 steps to the observation area
View from the top.
Heading back down the steps.
On the road back down, the hillsides are littered with flattened trees from the eruption 34 years ago.
After a fascinating 136 km trip, we returned to the RV park.
Once on Interstate 89, we found ourselves climbing. The first clue was a a large sign reading: "Prevent radiator boil-over, turn off air conditioning". The hills to the right are covered with brown scrub brush and to the left is a valley of green farms.
Next, there was evidence of a large wildfire for quite a stretch.
At 10:45, we got our first glimpse of snow-covered Mt Rainier.
At Yakima, we turned off onto Hwy 12 where there are many fruit warehouses.
The elevation at the start of the White Pass Byway was 1600 ft and the temp has risen to 30C.
Passing by beautiful Rimrock Lake.........
We encountered a view of the road ahead along the edge of the mountain. Yikes!
At noon, we passed over the White Pass, elevation 4500 ft., then it was descending to 1000 ft as we arrived at the Shady Firs RV Park in Randle. Nice shady site below large fir trees, full hookups (50 amps), Wi-Fi AND cable TV for $18.00/night. Great deal!
After lunch, we set off for Mount Saint Helens. The first stop was at Bear Meadow viewpoint from where Gary Rosenquist accidentally captured photos of the eruption on May 18, 1980.
We arrived at Windy Ridge (4170 ft) and listened to an interpretive talk by a park ranger, explaining the events that took place.
Next, we climbed the 361 steps to the observation area
View from the top.
Heading back down the steps.
On the road back down, the hillsides are littered with flattened trees from the eruption 34 years ago.
After a fascinating 136 km trip, we returned to the RV park.
Saturday, July 26, 2014, Leavenworth, WA
Since we decided to stay another night here, we had to move to the site next door. No problem!
Drove in to Leavenworth, which is at the base of the Cascade Mountains. Established in 1890, it prospered as a logging and fruit-packing centre. By the early 1960s community leaders decided to promote Leavenworth as a tourist destination by capitalizing on its scenic setting. Gradually, the town was remodeled to look like a Bavarian village, right down to the alpine-inspired architecture and flower-filled window boxes and hanging baskets.
There are many fine shops and restaurants featuring German products and cuisine. One fascinating place was the Nutcracker Museum, which includes more than 5,000 nutcrackers from some 40 countries; the oldest date from the 1300s. The Nutcracker Shop had hundreds of nutcrackers of all sizes for sale.
We walked to the Waterfront Park, and followed the trail alongside the Wenatchee River. The trail was very pleasant in the shade but quite hot in the sun, 88 -90F.
Of course, when it came to lunch time, It had to be German food. We stopped at an open-air restaurant for Bratwurst on a bun. Marcel added sauerkraut on his and also had a German beer.Since it was so warm, they had the misters going to cool off the passers-by.
The buildings are beautiful and, of course Bavarian-inspired.
Yet another beautiful day!
Drove in to Leavenworth, which is at the base of the Cascade Mountains. Established in 1890, it prospered as a logging and fruit-packing centre. By the early 1960s community leaders decided to promote Leavenworth as a tourist destination by capitalizing on its scenic setting. Gradually, the town was remodeled to look like a Bavarian village, right down to the alpine-inspired architecture and flower-filled window boxes and hanging baskets.
There are many fine shops and restaurants featuring German products and cuisine. One fascinating place was the Nutcracker Museum, which includes more than 5,000 nutcrackers from some 40 countries; the oldest date from the 1300s. The Nutcracker Shop had hundreds of nutcrackers of all sizes for sale.We walked to the Waterfront Park, and followed the trail alongside the Wenatchee River. The trail was very pleasant in the shade but quite hot in the sun, 88 -90F.
Of course, when it came to lunch time, It had to be German food. We stopped at an open-air restaurant for Bratwurst on a bun. Marcel added sauerkraut on his and also had a German beer.Since it was so warm, they had the misters going to cool off the passers-by.
The buildings are beautiful and, of course Bavarian-inspired.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014, Driving the Cascade Loop
We got an early start for a drive on the "Cascade Loop" at 8:05. It was advised to drive it counter-clockwise for the best views, so we are starting eastward.
Upon arriving in the Wenatchee Valley, we passed miles of lush, green orchards of apples, pears, cherries and apricots.. These semi-arid flatlands and foothills combine with hot summer sun and abundant irrigation water from the Columbia River to yield ideal produce growing conditions.
Our first stop was world class Ohme Gardens, a 70+ year old oasis perched high on a bluff overlooking the entire valley. It sounded beautiful, but unfortunately did not open until 9:00 and we were there at 8:35. (www.ohmegardens.com)
The next stop was the Rocky Reach Dam on the Columbia River. Once again, we arrived at 8:45 and it didn't open until 9:00. http://www.chelanpud.org/visitor-center.html . Oh, well......
Driving on Hwy 97-A thru the Wenatchee Valley following the Columbia River, there were brown scrub-covered hillsides.
The terrain looked parched, then there would be pockets of green, where someone was irrigating to grow crops. We were at 750 ft. elevation.
At 9:15, we arrived at Chelan , a resort community located at the lower end of Lake Chelan and we made a brief stop. There were interesting murals painted on some buildings.
Lake Chelan is a narrow, pristine 50-mile long glacial lake. Listed as one of the most lakes in the world, it is the third-deepest lake in the US and situated in a valley deeper than the Grand Canyon. Along the drive, we passed many vineyards.
The Lake Chelan Wine Valley became Washington State's 11th American Viticultural Area comprised of numerous boutique wineries, growing more than 150 acres of vineyards, and estate winery vineyards with 110 acres of additional grape production.
Soon after getting back on the Hwy, we were passing blackened acreage from the recent wildfires just south of the town of Pateros. Apparently, the highway was just re-opened a couple of weeks ago. There were homes and vehicles totally destroyed by the fires. It was surprising to see where the fire had burned right up to some homes but the homes were untouched!
It wasn't until we reached Carlton that we saw the end of the fire zone.
As we went higher (1735 ft), the hillsides are covered with Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. It was a beautiful forested drive.
At noon, we reached 4768 ft on the North Cascades Highway and there was SNOW!
After negotiating a series of hairpin turns, we reached Washington Pass, the highest point on the North Cascades Highway at 5,477 ft.We took a short side trip to the Overlook, which offered incredible vistas. It was hard to decide which pics to include!
It was all downhill from there! The next stop was the Diablo Lake Overlook, at 1705 ft. Once again, amazing views!
We wrapped up the tour by going west out of the Cascades National Park and meeting up with southbound Interstate 5,then back on Hwy 2 to arrive back at the RV park at 6:30. Total drive 644 km.
Upon arriving in the Wenatchee Valley, we passed miles of lush, green orchards of apples, pears, cherries and apricots.. These semi-arid flatlands and foothills combine with hot summer sun and abundant irrigation water from the Columbia River to yield ideal produce growing conditions.
Our first stop was world class Ohme Gardens, a 70+ year old oasis perched high on a bluff overlooking the entire valley. It sounded beautiful, but unfortunately did not open until 9:00 and we were there at 8:35. (www.ohmegardens.com)
The next stop was the Rocky Reach Dam on the Columbia River. Once again, we arrived at 8:45 and it didn't open until 9:00. http://www.chelanpud.org/visitor-center.html . Oh, well......
Driving on Hwy 97-A thru the Wenatchee Valley following the Columbia River, there were brown scrub-covered hillsides.
The terrain looked parched, then there would be pockets of green, where someone was irrigating to grow crops. We were at 750 ft. elevation.
At 9:15, we arrived at Chelan , a resort community located at the lower end of Lake Chelan and we made a brief stop. There were interesting murals painted on some buildings.Lake Chelan is a narrow, pristine 50-mile long glacial lake. Listed as one of the most lakes in the world, it is the third-deepest lake in the US and situated in a valley deeper than the Grand Canyon. Along the drive, we passed many vineyards.
The Lake Chelan Wine Valley became Washington State's 11th American Viticultural Area comprised of numerous boutique wineries, growing more than 150 acres of vineyards, and estate winery vineyards with 110 acres of additional grape production.
Soon after getting back on the Hwy, we were passing blackened acreage from the recent wildfires just south of the town of Pateros. Apparently, the highway was just re-opened a couple of weeks ago. There were homes and vehicles totally destroyed by the fires. It was surprising to see where the fire had burned right up to some homes but the homes were untouched!It wasn't until we reached Carlton that we saw the end of the fire zone.
As we went higher (1735 ft), the hillsides are covered with Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. It was a beautiful forested drive.
At noon, we reached 4768 ft on the North Cascades Highway and there was SNOW!
After negotiating a series of hairpin turns, we reached Washington Pass, the highest point on the North Cascades Highway at 5,477 ft.We took a short side trip to the Overlook, which offered incredible vistas. It was hard to decide which pics to include!
It was all downhill from there! The next stop was the Diablo Lake Overlook, at 1705 ft. Once again, amazing views!
Thursday, July 24, Leavenworth, WA
It was a chilly but sunny morning. We washed the bathroom from top to bottom after the "incident", then went to town for fuel and back to the campground to hook up.
By 9:40, we were on the road - didn't have far to go, heading north on US 97. (1425 ft elevation)
Passed a large wind farm with the turbines turning.
At 10:20 we were climbing, and seeing signs "Delay of 5 vehicles illegal. Slow vehicles use turnout." 3000 ft.
At 10:30 we were over Blewett Pass (4102 ft), now going down.
At 10:45 we were at 1680 feet on a good highway and a picturesque drive.
We turned on to Hwy 2 at 10:53 which was at 1050 ft. Peshastin, a big fruit growing are - cherries, apples, peaches and plums. It was 17C.
By 11:00 we arrived at Alpine View RV Park, Leavenworth and had to wait while the owner cut overhanging branches in order for us to get in without any damage to the roof. Total mileage 101 km!
Leavenworth is a Bavarian Village. It was a dying mill town nestled in the magnificent Cascade Mountain Range which reinvented itself in the sixties by playing on the breathtaking surroundings and being on the sunny side of the state. The Bavarian Village was born. Beautiful old world German architecture, great restaurants, outdoor brat and beer gardens bring visitors from all over the world.
Beautifully ornate downtown offers a tantalizing mix of locally created culinary shops. Flowers flow throughout the village.
After lunch, we set off on the "Cascade Loop" tour on Hwy 2 to see the western portion.. Unfortunately we ran in to a detour almost right away at 12:45. Hwy 2 was closed due to wildfires and we were detoured on to Chumstick Hwy. It was an interesting detour, to say the least, including hairpin curves and major changes in elevation. 19 km later, we were back on Hwy 2.
At 1:45 under light showers, we were stopped for construction. at 2900 ft. At 2:05 we passed over Steven's Pass at 4061 ft and started down. The next town was Skykomish at 800 ft and it was still raining.
When we reached Gold Bar, an historic mining and logging town, it was still raining and we could not see much, so turned around.
On the way back, we stopped at Deception Falls, put up umbrellas and went for a hike. The trail descends into a moss-drenched forest and meanders along rocky streams. It was raining lightly.
There were some very large, very old trees!
It was STILL raining when we got back on Hwy 2, but 1/5 hour later, the skies cleared and it was a sunny, blue sky!
Back on the 37 km detour to get back to the RV park. Apparently, it was sunny and warm there all day !
By 9:40, we were on the road - didn't have far to go, heading north on US 97. (1425 ft elevation)
Passed a large wind farm with the turbines turning.At 10:20 we were climbing, and seeing signs "Delay of 5 vehicles illegal. Slow vehicles use turnout." 3000 ft.
At 10:30 we were over Blewett Pass (4102 ft), now going down.
At 10:45 we were at 1680 feet on a good highway and a picturesque drive.
We turned on to Hwy 2 at 10:53 which was at 1050 ft. Peshastin, a big fruit growing are - cherries, apples, peaches and plums. It was 17C.
Leavenworth is a Bavarian Village. It was a dying mill town nestled in the magnificent Cascade Mountain Range which reinvented itself in the sixties by playing on the breathtaking surroundings and being on the sunny side of the state. The Bavarian Village was born. Beautiful old world German architecture, great restaurants, outdoor brat and beer gardens bring visitors from all over the world.
Beautifully ornate downtown offers a tantalizing mix of locally created culinary shops. Flowers flow throughout the village.After lunch, we set off on the "Cascade Loop" tour on Hwy 2 to see the western portion.. Unfortunately we ran in to a detour almost right away at 12:45. Hwy 2 was closed due to wildfires and we were detoured on to Chumstick Hwy. It was an interesting detour, to say the least, including hairpin curves and major changes in elevation. 19 km later, we were back on Hwy 2.
At 1:45 under light showers, we were stopped for construction. at 2900 ft. At 2:05 we passed over Steven's Pass at 4061 ft and started down. The next town was Skykomish at 800 ft and it was still raining.
When we reached Gold Bar, an historic mining and logging town, it was still raining and we could not see much, so turned around.
On the way back, we stopped at Deception Falls, put up umbrellas and went for a hike. The trail descends into a moss-drenched forest and meanders along rocky streams. It was raining lightly.
There were some very large, very old trees!
It was STILL raining when we got back on Hwy 2, but 1/5 hour later, the skies cleared and it was a sunny, blue sky!
Back on the 37 km detour to get back to the RV park. Apparently, it was sunny and warm there all day !
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