Quick Trip though Central and Eastern WA

[java]

Well my wife took the 4th and final part of her CPA exam on Thursday, so we went on a whirlwind trip to celebrate! No hard core trails or anything, but plenty of dirt roads, and a lot of driving. But it was a great trip!

First night was outside Leavenworth. Got the tent set up just in time for the sky to open. Literally. Haven't had that much rain in a long time. Washed away the dirt around the awning legs it was raining so hard. We survived with a very wet tent.

Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Drying out in the morning.....

Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Icicle creek road. Roadway of fun. Sun is out

Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

We headed towards Banks Lake. The goal was to find a lake warm enough to swim. And dry the tent....
Hwy 17. Straight. forever.

Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

We were taking a detour to check out Jameson Lake, ended up being a bust. Ended up in private land. And the farmers had rearranged all the roads that were on the map. Some were gone, some dead ended.... Fun roads though, all were dirt, but in really good shape!
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Made it to Banks. The first spot we stopped at was occupied by a not so friendly rattlesnake, or three. The dog jumped over one, pissed it off and the kid walked by. She heard it rattling, we left.
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Wind and heat drying the soggy tent.
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Swimming and lunch happened. It was cold, but swimmable. Packed up and ready to go. Tent dry now.
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr


Headed up towards the North Cascades now. Got sick of driving and stopped at a camp ground that ended up being AWEOSME!
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/115773715@N06/14301838246" title="Untitled by Gabe Engler, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5154/14301838246_b8e3789564_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Lots of Coyotes around though. They didn't come too close in the night, but we caught one less than a couple hundred feet from camp after dinner. Heard turkeys in the morning. Definitely different than waking up to roosters!
Nice view of a little lake.
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Stopped in Winthrop for ice cream!
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Forgot how amazing the North cascades are....
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Liberty Bell
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Diablo Lake
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George Lake
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Lunch stop
Untitled by Java_230, on Flickr

Just got home and had pizza for dinner! Great trip.

 

[K4CLC]

Cool pics. Looks like it was a fun trip.

 

[roverrocks]

Nice pictures. Great scenery. I WANT your daughter's ice cream cone!!.

 

[java]

Thanks guys! It was a ton of fun. Really could have used couple more days.....

Nice pictures. Great scenery. I WANT your daughter's ice cream cone!!.

Yeah.... That was a single scoop. More ice cream than a 5 year old needs. And she gets car sick, I was sure I would see it again. But I didnt!

 

[xjman88]

Awesome trip report. Great for making memories w the little one. Nice pics and thanks for sharing.

 

[Pax2525]

hows using a RTT with a kid? Ive talked to my wife about it but thats her concern. We have a 2yo and 1 under 1.

 

[java]

hows using a RTT with a kid? Ive talked to my wife about it but thats her concern. We have a 2yo and 1 under 1.

It works great for us, she has a little cot and sleeps in the annex with the dogs. She gets her own 'room' that way.

 

[WhiteH2O]

I thought I recognized that truck! Nice pictures Gabe, and looks like a great trip!

hows using a RTT with a kid? Ive talked to my wife about it but thats her concern. We have a 2yo and 1 under 1.

I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old and they do fine up top (we have a CVT Mt. McKinley). It is a little worrisome at times (like when the 2 year old decides to climb up by herself), but we just have a rule that the doors have to stay zipped unless someone is getting in or out. We have never had a fall, but we put in an effort to try to park where the bottom of the ladders are near softer dirt (but sometimes just isn't feasible).

 

[java]

I thought I recognized that truck! Nice pictures Gabe, and looks like a great trip!



I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old and they do fine up top (we have a CVT Mt. McKinley). It is a little worrisome at times (like when the 2 year old decides to climb up by herself), but we just have a rule that the doors have to stay zipped unless someone is getting in or out. We have never had a fall, but we put in an effort to try to park where the bottom of the ladders are near softer dirt (but sometimes just isn't feasible).

Thanks! It was fun.

I've never been the bed sharing parent.... Just can't do it. My daughter loves to climb up and down, and hadn't had a fall yet either.... But she does well sleeping down below.

 

[PetitFrereArmada]

Great trip and great pics.

 

[Willman]

Very nice! Great shots of the NC!

 

[java]

Thanks guys! It was a ton of fun, even though it was a really quick trip.

 

[coolfeet]

We are planning a trip through the north Cascades in August. I was thinking about driving all the way to Banf and Jasper National parks. Once I saw your photographs, I may end up spending so much time in the Cascades that I will not want to leave them. Canada is beautiful, but who can beat the Cascades? The north Cascades has to be less crowded too.

 

[java]

We are planning a trip through the north Cascades in August. I was thinking about driving all the way to Banf and Jasper National parks. Once I saw your photographs, I may end up spending so much time in the Cascades that I will not want to leave them. Canada is beautiful, but who can beat the Cascades? The north Cascades has to be less crowded too.

It is a beautiful area. Im hoping to get out and do some backapcking this summer.

But Having been to Banff and Jasper with my parents long ago I have been wanting to go back! If you haven't been Id suggest it, even if its crowded and if you only go for a couple days. Insanely beautiful. I will be up there again.

 

[coolfeet]

I visited both and Banff and Jasper back in 1985 and loved it! I spent a few weeks there back packing and traveling on my bicycle-no car. If I can get my son's passport renewed before we leave in August, then I will go to Canada.