June 26, 2011- up and over

After five nights in North Cascades Nat'l Pk, we packed it up and pointed Tergel east. As soon as we left Colonial Creek C/G, we commenced to climb. We climbed and climbed and climbed some more. Our first summit was Rainy Pass at 4855', but that was just a teaser. The big summit came after another hefty climb - Washington Pass @ 5477'. T'was a beautiful drive on Hwy 20, the "dotted road." We wanted to pause at the summit, but we couldn't find a place to pull over, so after descending 500 or 600 ft on the eastern side of the pass, we found an ideal place. The summit had more snow for show 'n tell, but the photo below gives you a pretty good idea of the snow level. We got out and peered down the valley. Far below we heard a roaring stream, full of snow melt and in a hurry to join the Columbia somewhere downstream. Otherwise, except for an occasional vehicle, the stillness was pervasive ... and peaceful. Even the Clark's Nutcracker was quiet. Our drive today was short, maybe 75 miles. 

We stopped at Riverbend RV Park in Twisp, tho we'd considered staying in Winthrop (10 miles closer), but Winthrop is a western town and a destination for many - it was crawling with people. We did stop for groceries and asked about a laundromat, and were told the nearest one was in Twisp. That sealed it: we needed to do laundry, so Twisp got our business. Funny name! 

We only stayed one night (after four loads of wash), not because we didn't like the park, but the mosquitoes were fierce. We couldn't go outside. If we opened the door, 15 skeeters came in! After two months "on the road," this was the first time biting bugs plagued us. The fast-moving Methow River was over its banks and had flooded the lower part of the C/G, which would account for bug city! We moved on the next morning, still heading east.