More catching up but not all the way....Moved into Washington state(new state)

We followed our plan and made it to Fish Hook COE after our Winnebago Service work. We enjoy this type of park for the setting(usually next to a lake) and more nature. We reserved at nice pull through site with a lake view. Just what we like plus with the Senior National Pass we get 50% off the site fee. This worked out to about $10/night.

We only stayed a couple of nights but really enjoyed the views and relaxation after our hectic pace from CA to OR. Great way to continue our move northward. We took many walks and saw a familiar sight pass by the park. Growing up on the Mississippi River, I saw plenty of these. 

River barge

We took a couple of drives around the area and to get supplies at Walmart. Just taking it easy.

Then it was time to move further north to Beebe Bridge City Park near Chelan, WA. We again scored a pull through water front site. Luck because this park is strictly first come, first served. Some folks pulled out about an hour before we got there and their site was the last water front site available.

The Columbia River was right in front of us and it was flowing. We liked seeing the boats and skiers going up and down the river.

 The first thing we did is check out the Chelan Chamber of Commerce for literature and suggestions on things to do. Then we headed to the River walk area along Lake Chelan near downtown.

Lake Chelan(pronounced SHELL-ANN) is a 50.5 mile glacier-fed lake, surrounded by vineyards, mountains and small-town charm. The water is crystal clear and offers numerous activities. 

Glenda did some research and found a great trail in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. We drove on a paved road to a gravel road past the Echo Valley Ski Resort then up to Echo Ridge Trailhead. We found several short easy trails and a couple of more moderate hikes that day. 

We started on the Tootsy Roll, Lollipop and Whoop-di-do trails. Then I saw there was a geocache on a more moderate trail so we had to try it. I needed a Washington State cache.The Upsy-Daisy trail, as you can tell from the name is an up and up trail for about 2.5 miles. Glenda was getting a little irritated at the constant uphill but I had to get the cache. We finally got to the top of the ridge and I forged ahead the last 1/10 mile and got the cache. Well worth the effort and we needed the challenge. Such a fun day and such incredible landscape and views. We only touched the surface of the myriad of trails available. 

As we hiked we came across a yurt that is used as a warming hut during the winter as folks hike and cross country ski the trails. I think it's a great idea to get more folks out and enjoying the land.

At the Chamber of Commerce we found some literature about a boat ride to the other end of the lake to a little community that can only be reached by boat or plane. The community of Stehekin, WA. 

The boat that everyone rides is the Lady of the Lake. The each way is about 4 hours long. Stehekin is a destination that folks go to, to get away from just about everything. There are several small rustic inns and a couple of basic restaurants. Folks go to relax, hike and backpack on the trails around the lake. The views of the surrounding landscape from the water is amazing. 

 There are 5 stops along the way to and from Stehekin where folks can get off and backpack.

 There's also a Lutheran Retreat where they take you on a bus from the dock to the retreat center up on the mountain.

Docking at Stehekin

 One of the attractions is Rainbow Falls. IT's 312 feet high and there's a path that can get you very close to the lower part of the falls. I took that path and the mist really will get you wet.

The shuttle bus to the falls

The other attraction just out side of town is the bakery. Lots of great baked goods like Sticky Buns, Cinnamon Rolls and cookies. I got one each of the Sticky Buns and Cinnamon Rolls and we got a few cookies too. Worth the trip. Which reminds me....I still have my cinnamon roll in the freezer. Can you say...what's for breakfast tomorrow? 

We made this a day trip so we only had about 90 minutes to look around Stehekin, see the falls and drop in on the bakery before it was time to reboard the boat and head back to Chelan. Eight hours on a boat going about 10-15 mph even with the incredible views can be a little tiring. We were ready to get off when we got back. All in all it was a wonderful experience and a fun time. 

If you're interested in more information about Stehekin and the Chelan area in Washington, you can check out these links. 

Lake Chelan at Chelan, Washington

Upper Lake Chelan, Stehekin and the North Cascade Recreation Area

We enjoyed 7 nights at Beebe Bridge Park, the City of Chelan, Lake Chelan and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This is a place we will be back to again.

After our stay in Chelan, we continued north to Oroville, WA about 4 miles from the Canadian border. We found a little park on the north end of town. Bain's RV Park has only about 20 sites. They don't really have any amenities but it was what we needed to keep the motorhome safe the next week while we drove the car into Canada to visit our friends, Ron and Patsy. The owners live on the property and were very accommodating. Actually there were only 4 other rigs in the park so we had our choice of sites. We felt very secure in leaving the rig there. We were ready for our Canadian adventure.

I never seem to get fully caught up but I hope to post more soon about our time in Canada. We really, really enjoyed our visit. Thanks for following along.

Also notice the map on the blog is continuing to fill up

Here are some photos to whet your appetite for Canada