The Cascades

Everyone should take a trip through the Cascades.........amazing mountain views, fresh air and nature. Mocha stayed in Mt. Vernon with Robin, we drove the loop east through the Cascades, down to the Grand Coulee Dam, back west to Mt. Vernon to get Mocha, then home.

Our adventure started out in Mt. Vernon on Sep 14. Travelling on the North Cascades Hiway we passed by Ross Lake Dam and on through the Washington Pass Overlook where we ate lunch looking up at the beautiful mountains. It seemed a bit hazy; we later found out there were fires burning in the area though there was no smell of smoke. After eating our Sub Sandwich and wandering around looking at the beautiful scenery, we moved on to whatever else there was to see.

Winthrop was our next stop where we walked through the town a bit and looked in some shops (lots of quaint little shops there). The lure of gold brought the first permanent white settlers to this area in the late 1800's. The town is named after Theodore Winthrop (adventurer, traveler and gifted author). An old town with tons of history and many tales to tell including a fire which required the town be rebuilt (also in the late 1800's). Warings Saloon (built in 1891) survived the fire and is now the town hall. Many tales, but all for a writing of their very own.

Our trip continued through Okanagan where we stopped for a coffee, then moved along to the Grand Coulee Dam. The dam, built between 1933 and 1942 with 2 power plants (a third completed in 1974), is the largest electric power producing facility in the US and is the largest concrete structure in the world. In the evening a light show projected on the dam told a story about the history and construction of this project. Pretty amazing and again many tales, but all deserve a writing of their very own.

We bunked in Electric City for the night and followed our nose back home the next day (no actually we followed the hiway).

It was through Dry Falls (looking over the landscape) and on to Sun Lakes State Park where we spent a short while looking, and walking around the lake. It was a good time of year to explore because there were few tourists and lots of space. A busier time would have made a very pleasant sight a little less enjoyable. We visited the little store and chatted with a few people who were fishing off the dock and catching the odd fish..........everyone seemed very friendly and happy to visit with us.

Wenatchee was next on the way with the air still smokey and hazy. Wenatchee, (named for the Wenatchi Indian tribe) is known as the Apple Capital of the World.  Along the way there were some folk by the Wenatchee River (this couple with their dog and another fellow panning for garnets) so George checked out that situation and he found a couple tiny garnets that we took home. Time spent stopping beside the river, exploring the paths and trails along the way was peaceful and restful.

  

There is something about the sound of a river flowing that always reaches inside me; soothes me. We continued through Skykomish Pass on to Everett and Mt. Vernon for dinner with Robin, Tesla and Tugce (Mexican Food).

Mocha was happy to see us although we know she was well taken care of and spoiled while we were away. Little Tesla loves to be with Mocha, feeding her and petting her and covering her with a blanket etc. and Mocha has learned to be quite tolerant of her. I'm glad they get along well.

Our trip through the Cascades was short but a most enjoyable break. I hope to explore that trail again sometime.

Dreams Can Live

As I grew older and began to examine the things I had done in my life I realized there were a few things I had always 'wanted' to do but didn't ever pursue. Learning to fly was one of those aspirations.
For my birthday George got me an hour flight in an ultra-lite. So on Sept 03, I had the choice to fly over the city or over the mountains; of course I chose the mountains. I struggle with finding the words to describe this experience. I was at first a little apprehensive; feeling a bit nervous. It was a very exciting time for me as we flew over the mountains and lakes; through the beautiful soft fluffy white clouds. The pilot let me fly the plane which was quite a thrill.

Although I will probably never actually learn to fly (in this lifetime) this day was like a dream come to life for me. I wrote a poem about this wonderful gift George gave me. Here it is:

                              A Dream Can Live

                       Mountains grand, with craggy peaks and crevices
                        but a breath away from my finger tips
                        Lakes below, green and smooth as glass
                        far away, seemed off in another world
                        Fluffy white clouds, inviting a body to sleep
                        floating just beyond the window's edge
                        This picture cloaked in shimmering rays of sunshine
                        a perfect day for gathering thought
                        It was what I imagined freedom to be
                        up here where the breezes live
                        where the eagles soar
                        Tipping the wings
                        Dipping the nose
                        Turning, floating around in the sky
                        The feeling of freedom was grand
                        nary a burden or care could I find
                        just the sky, the clouds, the wind and me
                        as we explored the path of the birds
                        The corn maze, the bridges, the city in motion
                        was a sight from high above
                        Far off I could see Mt Baker
                        clean and fine and fierce
                        But then........
                        I had the controls
                        I could feel movement giving in to my touch
                        I was flying the plane
                        It was a thrill and an honor
                        to respect the hold of this enchanting machine
                        I shall keep the memory of this day
                        to my heart for always
                        the day I went flying with the wind
                        There is but one thing
                        that would have made it
                        more special, more memorable, more awesome
                        If I could have held your hand
                        lay my head on your shoulder
                        to share these special moments all with you

                        It was a wonderful thoughtful gift
                        It was a magical day
                        a reminder forever that dreams can live

                        Remembering my (birthday) flight, Sep 03/12
                        Thank you George,
                        Love forever 'n ever

A Favorite Place

(Writing prompt WFSC August 18/12)

The prompt was to use a series of words in one piece, so I decided to write about our Hot Air Balloon Ride using those words.......,
(the words are highlighted in the piece).........here it is.

The evening was calm, clear, warm, on August 24th; perfect for a balloon ride and that's just exactly what I was going to do, accompanied by the handsome love of my life. Side by side we stood to watch as the staff sent up a small balloon to test the winds. It was really quite exciting. I had never been on a balloon ride before; this was going to be a new adventure.

I looked into the basket sitting on the trailer, which was to be our little haven for the duration of our flight as we floated high above the trees. Wondering how I would get inside I reluctantly asked the question and was told it would not be a problem. Unconvinced, I worried about how I would climb aboard as my fingernail snapped from the pressure I enforced upon it. Clutching my book and little green towel I turned the pages, quickly finding the place I had left off reading. Now you might ask what I was doing with a book and towel on a balloon ride; good question; I asked the same one of myself; nonetheless I had both with me in my little tote bag; the tote bag with a kingfisher held in captivity on the side panel. This tote went everywhere with me so now it was going on a balloon ride; the book, well it occupied me while I waited; the towel would mop up my tears (if it came to that).

Soon it was time to climb into the van. We were on our way to the launch site as our pilot told of his adventures on previous flights in Australia.
Arriving at the site, the basket was quickly unloaded, the balloon unfolded and the inflation began, with the help of George and another volunteer each holding it open so that air could be forced into the huge sack. At just the right time the air was heated up to finish and ready us for flight. When the balloon was upright, it was time for loading which, to my relief went quite smoothly as I climbed into the basket via small openings in the side walls, the large metal frame to hold on to and just a slight boost from George. Inside the basket there was ten plus the pilot so it was a bit cramped and with no flight attendant we had to get our own drinks and snacks as well as find our own way to the wash room. That was a bit of a pickle to be in but we managed quite well; in fact we felt almost as content as a frog on a lily pad if you can imagine what that might be like.
Quickly we rose up over the huge trees which circled the little green landing space from where we launched. Soon we were up and overlooking the shoreline as we passed over a lake where the water lillies floated near the rocks and the fish laughed at us as they swam in our shadow. To our left we watched the other balloon float beside us as the shadow of our craft slowly blocked their sunshine. Beyond the other balloon was the beautiful Mt. Rainier. We could see the tall buildings of Seattle off in the distance amidst the haze. Soon the sun would set and at that moment it was a spectacular sight up here above the world below. There was such a feeling of freedom floating here; if it were possible to stay up indefinitely, this could quickly become my favorite place to be.
All too soon we began to descend towards the ground with a soccer field as our landing target. We passed over a small waterway in which we were able to see the reflection of our balloon as we passed over. The pilot expertly put us down on the soccer field without event and we all climbed out and watched as the staff readied the balloon for loading and its next flight. It was with a feeling of sadness that our flight was over.
At journeys end we visited a winery with snacks, wine tasting and stories. The balloon ride was a very memorable adventure which I would be happy to take part in again.

Special Summer Visitors (3)

August 28; more special visitors. Aaron and Diane arrived for a quick visit. Seemed like they just got here and they were gone.
I really do miss having Aaron out here since he moved back home.
George and I did some fun things with them while they were here; played a few games in the evening; went to Cirque du Soleil; went go-karting; went for all-you-can-eat Sushi; and of course did lots of chatting and visisting. They did some exploring on their own as well. It was nice to get to meet Diane and get to know her a bit.
They had planned to take a day trip to Seattle but it seems Aaron forgot to bring his passport so that was out of the question. Oh well next time!
One evening they cooked dinner for us....baked salmon which was very good. We had a very nice visit and were so glad they got to come out and spend some time with us (they went back home on Sep 2nd)......hopefully they can do it again real soon.