Our journey is taking a right turn and our must-see destination is not in northeast Washington, but rather starts in the Cascades crosses the state eastward and gets real pretty again in Idaho. This year we are going to Coeur d’ALene area, east of Spokane, and after crossing into Montana we will be at Glacier National Park.
Pictures
I am taking a different approach to writing this article. Here I am really happy to just describe the pictures and locations. I have been taking lots of really nice photos. If you want to be technical the first one of Mount Baker is not in northeast Washington, but rather in northwest Washington. It and some of the other photos have been used before, but since they describe the journey, I included them. I am fully aware that sometimes some folks only look at are the photos and ignore the blah-blah.
The North Cascades are stunning as we crossed them, and even though we have crossed them before two years ago, we are so amazed by the beauty. The highway is closed all winter, these mountains are deep with snow. They are not nearly as high in elevation as Colorado, which makes them a lot easier on the lungs.
Washington Pass = Northeast Washington
For us, Washington Pass defines northeast Washington and is on Highway 20 and crossing the North Cascades. Washington Pass is also the name of many different locations in Washington so don’t be too surprised that if you search for Washington Pass, on a map in Washington, and find multiple answers. After we cross Washington Pass, the name northeast Washington really starts being applicable.
Greenhouse Plants
As for us, we are doing fine, all is well and we are enjoying the area when the weather cooperates. We like being lazy and have determined that our ideal temperature window is between 68 and 72. When it is sunny we can enjoy temperatures all the way down to 65. Seventy-five is OK assuming there is a slight breeze.
Current Projects
I have started two different sections in the blog, the first I call “Snippets”. These are off-topic blog entries that are not really RV travel. Still, I have put them in, because I couldn’t stand the category – “uncategorized”. Here is a link to Snippets.
The second section that I have started working on is Campsite Reviews. Now that we have an honest two and a half years – on the road, I think I have enough frame-of-reference to comment on the locations. You can get a preview of this section now, as I produce them, but, this section is currently not mature and when I am proud enough of it — to show it off, I will announce to everyone that it is ready. So if you are interested, here is a link to Campsite Reviews — as they currently are organized (not organized).
The reason I have started the section on campsite reviews is because I am getting lots of attention (I love the attention) from people who ask what I think about this or that campsite. So it dawned on me, (slowly) that people might like this sort of thing — so why not provide it. I hope it helps everyone, rather than one by one email (I also love the emails).
Winthrop
Unlike two years ago, when we stopped in Winthrop, the sky wasn’t red, nor was ash falling from the sky. We tried a new campground in Winthrop but as of yet, we haven’t found one that we really love. Still, Winthrop is charming and a good stop for people that don’t want to drive too far, all in one day.
Patterson lake is just to the east of our campground in Winthrop, I wish the lake at our campground was this pretty. We took this picture during a hike up Patterson Mountain. Here is our review of Big Twin Lake Campground.
While in Winthrop, I did get a really amateur photo of the Neowise Comet. The comet is the smudge below the big dipper.
Grand Coulee
Halfway across the eastern Washington dry country, we stopped at the Grand Coulee Dam and stayed in a small RV Park almost overlooking the dam. All the tourist attractions were closed so we can’t say that we did anything other than staying the night. It would have been nice, although still hot, (even after dark) to see the Laser show at the Grand Coulee Dam. Here is our campsite review of Grand Coulee RV Park.
Spokane
Our stop in Spokane was at Clear Lake Recreation Area. The lake was good and I loved it. The military Recreation Area wasn’t my favorite stop and you can read all about it in Campground Reviews at this link. Clear Lake Recreation Area
Perhaps the reason I am not wild about our stop there is that in three days of fishing – I got skunked. (zero fish – zero bites)
I like the blah-blah and the pictures
That’s interesting that the North Cascades aren’t as high in elevation as Colorado. I would have expected it was higher just based on the amount of snow it gets. Either way, I’m looking forward to seeing it all and bonus points for not having a heart attack while hiking. Your pictures are just beautiful and I can’t get over the color of the water. We might have to rent kayaks for a day or something. That’s definitely the way to see it.