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| The Old Pipeline Bed Trail. |
The next day was a traveling day. We all packed up and drove US-97 and US-2, which took us through Brewster, Lake Chelan, Wenatchee, and finally, Leavenworth to Nason Creek Campground where we were to camp for the final three nights.
As we neared Leavenworth the smoke from forest fires near the Cle Elum area filled the sky. For the next few days we were faced with smoke-filled valleys and at times, ash falling from above.
The following morning, everyone wrapped up in their jackets and hoodies and we drove back to Leavenworth and then out Icicle Road. We wanted to hike the Icicle Gorge Trail, but as we drove up the valley we noted that the smoke from the wildfires was super thick. We talked about options and decided to try this hike the next day in hopes that the smoke would not be as bad. Changing plans, we drove back into town and up the highway to the Old Pipeline Bed Trail. This hike leads along the Wenatchee River. It starts by crossing the river on an old half pipeline.
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| Note the pipe creates the bridge floor. |
As we hiked we noticed that there were spawning salmon lining up in the pools, resting before they continued their journey up to Lake Wenatchee. We spent some time watching them Jump and circle as they hung in the pools.
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| Grant and rock. |
We came to a rocky cliff area and decided to turn back. As we walked we all talked and laughed. We came around a slight corner on the trail and there was a small bear standing, looking over its shoulder at us. As soon as it saw us, it bolted down the trail. Grant gave a shout and I grabbed my camera. I was able to get two shots of the bear butt as it scampered off the trail. That was a very cool animal moment and it made our day.
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| Fish at rest. |
We arrived back at the trailhead and jumped into the Jeep and drove back down to Leavenworth. In town we walked around the crowded streets, checking the shops and searching for a place to sit and eat. We stumbled upon the Blewett Brewing Company where we grabbed seats in the air-conditioned dining room. We ordered pizza and salad and enjoyed a delicious lunch. After lunch, we walked to the Gingerbread Factory and bought a couple of snacks to go.
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| Linda calls this one "Jumping Salmon." |
We returned to the campground and we fixed dinner. After we ate we continued the championship and by the end of the evening the score was tied at six to six.
Morning arrived and we checked the sky. It was still smoky and looked to be another hot day. We drove down to the road that lead up to the Icicle Gorge Trailhead. This time we kept on driving on up to the trailhead parking lot. The smoke was bad, but we didn’t have the possibility of waiting another day for the wind to change and blow the smoke out.
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| Bear butt! |
The Icicle Gorge Trail (River Loop) was a very nice, well-used hike that wound down along Icicle River, crossed on a foot bridge and then continued up the river. The trail system formed a loop and made for a very nice hike along the water’s edge. The hike was very nice, but it would have been spectacular if we could have been able to see all the peaks and crags of the high mountains around us. The smoke was so thick the mountain tops were just vague outlines in the distance.
After the hike, we were on a mission to get a brat and wound up at the Munchen Haus where brats were their claim to fame. We finished our visit with a stop at The Fudge Factory where we all purchased a little sweet treat. The drive back to camp was hot; ash from the fires dusted us as we snaked along the highway.
Our final evening was spent sitting down by the river. Ash fell on us, but by then we had become accustomed to it. We cleaned up and gathered to play our final evening of Skip Bo. Canada had a great final showing and took home the gold. I sang a very poor rendition of “Oh, Canada” (we gotta memorize that song) and we all retired for our final night’s sleep.
Next morning we all packed up and went our separate ways. It was sad to say goodbye, but we had a great few days with Jacquie and Grant. We look forward to more adventures with them. Hurry up and retire, Jacquie!
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| Down town Leavenworth. |
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| Icicle Gorge and the bridge. |
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| Along the trail. |
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| Jacquie and friend talk about the forest fire smoke. |
The following morning, everyone wrapped up in their jackets and hoodies and we drove back to Leavenworth and then out Icicle Road. We wanted to hike the Icicle Gorge Trail, but as we drove up the valley we noted that the smoke from the wildfires was super thick. We talked about options and decided to try this hike the next day in hopes that the smoke would not be as bad. Changing plans, we drove back into town and up the highway to the Old Pipeline Bed Trail. This hike leads along the Wenatchee River. It starts by crossing the river on an old half pipeline.
After the hike, we were on a mission to get a brat and wound up at the Munchen Haus where brats were their claim to fame. We finished our visit with a stop at The Fudge Factory where we all purchased a little sweet treat. The drive back to camp was hot; ash from the fires dusted us as we snaked along the highway.
Our final evening was spent sitting down by the river. Ash fell on us, but by then we had become accustomed to it. We cleaned up and gathered to play our final evening of Skip Bo. Canada had a great final showing and took home the gold. I sang a very poor rendition of “Oh, Canada” (we gotta memorize that song) and we all retired for our final night’s sleep.
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