There is a piece of polymorphic Washington (by extension also Oregon and Idaho) that is the Palouse. A lawn of patchwork crops that, planted rows on rolling loam hills, become tilled agriculture produce. Within the undulating waves of growth looms Steptoe Butte, a quartzite geological ghost. Following tarmac to gravel there is an almost paradoxically out of place valley holding the ghost of Elberton.
Gps ing Beyond Elberton, out of the planted waves, to and through ancient flood formations bound for Goldendale Observatory. As the land rises, sage gullies morph into scrub oak. Blue bird houses fixed on fence posts offer habitat for the same.
And finally, focusing on the red filtered light 8 minutes from the sun. RA awed to a fatigued desire to return to see the stars of late evening, an unplanned deviation to Ponderosa Motel. One, two, three break being a rest, shower and (LOVE ID) Coursera test. So then, why not return to see Saturn, Venus, and, additionally, the telescope focus of the multitude propellers of distant rows of Washington wind generators spinning in the wind, spinning energy.
For the second time this year, the Maryhill “Stonehenge” War Memorial with a closer (and this time successful) search for the Jim Hill stone marker holding his ashes. A vacant lot is within minutes visited by two tour buses, doors opening for guide assisted debarking of tourists. A brisk survey reveals that these tours are bound for the Maryhill Museum of Art. Scratch that from itinerary.
Panting Golden Era gets a good swim at Horsethief Lake State Park (Aka Columbia Hills State Park). A squandered opportunity to view petroglyphs. Basalt shards lay in pieces at the feet of the flood formed cliffs.
Over the Columbia River at the Dalles and on to Dufur, Oregon. During a brief stop at Dufor Ranger Station, informed that there is a big Whatthefestival nearby. Just passed the concert entrance a large contingency of firefighters are drilling with a control burn.
Turning off the highway into Tea Cup Lake Sno Park Meadows just 5 miles SE of Mt Hood. From the campsite, a tarmac road ascends over Tea Cup Lake Meadows providing photo opps of Mt Hood and and easy uphill hike.
Maybe it is a deer, but it seemed to slink away. The vision is blurred, eyes blurred just waking from a short nap. A quick turn over on the camper bed and focusing through the screen, the vision is gone. Was it a dream and if not was it really a slinking deer?
A failed search for Punchbowl Falls is karmically awarded with the discovery of an incredible museum. WAAAM discovered entering Hood River from the south. Attention drawn initially by a Great Northern rail car, a vintage glider in the grass and a pratt whitney engine. Hangers full of abundant Waco taildraggers and other classic planes, vintage autos, motorcycles, military articles and fishing lures.
Again across the Columbia at the Cascades Locks, this time tolled by the Bridge of the Gods. The Bridge of the Gods refers not to a polytheistic river crossing, but to the legend of Native Americans that a landslide had briefly dammed the Columbia allowing land path between what is now Washington and Oregon. The Legend happens to be true and it has become known as the Bonneville Slide.
A brief stop at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum where another train draws attention. A walkabout the engine when curious fingers lift a small latch on the train fuel tank. And, whoa, a frantic retreat from the medium sized wasp hive nestled inside. From a safe distance fortunately not stung, a flurry of wasps can be seen circling the umbrella nest.
North from White Salmon to Trout Lake and into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Finding the sites at Forlorn Lakes full, a short spur road leads to dispersal camp with views of Mount Adams ~ 20 miles away.
In the cool morning a quick stop at Ice Cave with a short hike into the cool dark and dank cavern. Off then through the North portion of the Gifford Pinchot. Approaching Twin Falls the traffic on the forest service road becomes frequent as the forest is being invaded for the weekend.
A remote dispersal site and, despite a very rough forest road, still has frequent passing vehicles. At one point, several shots heard of various calibers, dampening a desire to hike about the area.
Morning Ape Cave visit early enough that only a few folks at the site. The cavernous over sized lava tube stretches two directions from the entrance. Absent from these caves are the typical stalactite, stalagmite forms. These caves were created by flowing lava and not the slower method of water erosion or underground rivers. Climbing out of the cave comes with a disorientation of light and tourists. The parking lot is now full and the cave information cabin is renting exorbitantly priced propane lanterns for those who have no other means to light their paths.
North from the Ape Cave (“there are no apes”) and within 5 miles of Mount St. Helens to Lava Canyon. A trail loops along Muddy River and includes a suspension bridge swinging above the most precipitous drop in the canyon, a test for the tolerance of heights.
At Windy Ridge 5 miles from Mount St. Helens a view reveals a clearer impression of the impact of events May 18th, 1980.
Onto, into and through Mount Rainier National Park bypassing Paradise, crossing Pacific Crest Trail for the 3rd time and over Chinook Pass.
Dispersal camp in the Wenatchee Forest with clear rapids of the American River for the Golden Era to swim and show off to gawkers on the opposite bank.
The morning hike on Union Creek Trail to Union Creek Falls where paths cross with armies of foraging ants as well as a troop of myrmecologists. From the foot of the falls, American Dipper birds can be seen flying through the falling water to nests built on the rock wall.
A fast hike as the day begins to warm to Boulder Cave with Golden Era. It is a fast hike and two boys ages 7 and 10, unattended are passed and then tag along to the falls. This is a strange and somehow produces a sense of trepidation. There are many people on the trail which is not very easy with steep ascents and descents. There is even a baby awkwardly being navigated in a stroller. Golden Era eyes a small pool where several frogs survive, then without hesitation, follows into and through the cave by the light of the phone app. This last event, strange in context, seems to signal the need for refuge at home.
