Moses Lake, and Spokane, WA

On Monday, April 4, we set up in moderate drizzle to leave Black Diamond, WA. We were off to drive East thru 'Snoqualme Pass' in the Cascade Mountains. We planned to stop and stay next in Moses Lake, WA on our way to Spokane. Anne’s relatives there are expecting to see us on Wednesday.

Well, the drive through the Cascades was a challenge as advertised. There have been heavy rains, flood warnings, avalanches and mud slides around some of the passes this week. It did rain and sleet as we ascended, and speed limits were reduced to 45mph. Flashing warning signs were active this day. We could hardly take any pictures for not being able to see much thru the clouds and snow. We could see some treacherous territory though, and we knew we were in some serious wilderness. One section of the ride reminded me of driving thru Franconia Notch, NH.

In reaching Snoqualme Summit conditions had worsened to a heavy wet snow storm. We expected the highway to be wet, but passable. This section of highway had a very grainy gravely noisy surface to it, and it’s no wonder, traction is important. The snow on the edges of the highway was deep enough to cover some of the signage. It was unlawful to pull over on sections of this roadway except to install chains on your vehicle.

On descent, the snow storm ended, the rain stopped and the sky lightened. The low level clouds dissappeared and we continued on in clear weather. Reaching Moses Lake, WA we exited, shopped, and settled at Suncrest Resort RV Park. As usual we had our pick of sites. It was a neat park with level paved sites. There may have been a few construction workers staying there, but few others. We would not unhook this time, rather just sleep and pull out in the morning to move on to the Spokane area a day early. Nothing really to stay here for. We were able to watch the NCAA B-ball championship game, at 6pm no less. Nice.........

We awoke to sunshine and felt relief. We haven't seem much of it for some time. It stayed nice for our drive through Eastern Washington where we witnessed first hand the vast desert in this area. I cannot find where the desert is labeled on the map, or advertised as such, but there are no trees whatsoever for over a hundred miles. Much farmland and crops though. Lots of irrigation equipment, and the crops do thrive. Mostly potatoes, alphalfa, wheat, etc.. In passing through Grant County we learned that it’s the largest potato producing county in America. At least a sign said so. Move over Idaho, and Maine……….

Coming into Spokane we find it’s a neat place to drive down into from the West. A nice small city but a lot more urban residential sprawl than what we see in Portland. There are vistas, views of Washington and Idaho's sno-capped mountains. Crystal clear air quailty.

We ended up 25 miles north of Spokane and have settled in at Deer Park, WA at the Spokane RV Park for some number of nights, maybe 4 or 5.

This is a large park, a 5 start park, meticulously groomed with paved sites and grass between them. All quality services here. We had our pick of sites. Only about 6 other RVer’s here with us, some of which own their site. The cable service is optimal and the internet signal excellent. They do not nickle-dime anything here. Dixie has room to run free and stay out of trouble.

We are right along side a fairway on the Deer Park Golf Course, and the die hards are out playing. It's in the 50's and windy, some sun. Some of the golf carts are enclosed. Sno-capped mountains are in view everywhere, and I can see snowflakes falling from time to time, but nothing sticks.

Today Anne is off on her own to visit with Martine, her cousin Seward’s wife who lives in Nine Mile Falls, WA. They live 18 miles from here. Seward is traveling and will be home Friday.

Black Diamond, WA

Today we drove an hour from Gig Harbor to Black Diamond, WA. On our way we crossed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge as we travelled Hwy 16. We also used Hwy 5 and Hwy 18 to get here. We’ll spend 2 nights at Lake Sawyer RV Park. This is pretty close to where Anne’s cousin Richard lives, in Kent, WA.

We were hoping to see the sunrise today but no, there’s still a lot of rain and overcast. Feels like the weather here in the Northwest in Springtime is hopelessly wet and cloudy. Very low clouds and few breaks, and, the forecast is bleak. We feel like we’re in a rut with no end in sight. The weather people on TV are even getting sarcastic about the forecast.

We’ve contacted Anne’s cousin and we’ll visit him at his place today. He’s invited us out to lunch in Kent, then back to his condo to have home made cheesecake and coffee.

We’ll leave here tomorrow and make our way to Hwy 90 East. This route goes thru 'Snoqualme Pass' of the Cascade Mountains, in the direction of Spokane, WA.

When we descend the Cascades we hope there will be a major change in the weather pattern. Today, Sunday, seems brighter, but to tell you the truth it’s hard to be optimistic.