SOTF IN YAKIMA

Arriving at the Sportsman’s State Park was a challenge for some as there was a fire around I-82 which is the fast way to Yakima. Having been alerted to that, Susan and I took the Canyon Road which is the most scenic way to get there and does not take much longer. Our friend Rosalie came from the Spokane area and had to retrace some of her route and take a longer way. At least we all arrive safely.

Arriving in the early evening and getting partially set up at camp gave little time for any activity so our leader, Nancy R, rounded us up for a trip to town for Mexican dinner.

Rosalie with both our hosts.

The following day was much more active. With six of us, this is perhaps the smallest SOTF outing we have been to, but just as full of fun time. Four of us went for a bike ride on the Yakima Greenway Trail, the other two went for a hike. I have only the story and photos of the biker chicks.

Susan assisted Nancy R to assure safe unloading…

Then she went to Rosalie to offer assistance in unloading…

Then we were on the saddle and rolling along as Nancy R led us along surface roads to the trailhead at the park.

We took a spur trail to visit an historic site of the French Gratitude Train. A very interesting story if can read the poster. Something else I had not learned about in school.

Adjacent to the train is memorial to local Marines.

The Greenway Trail follows along the Yakima River and offers scenic views and bridges.

This is a spur trail we did not take, but passed by to get to the main trail.

With the dry grass all around, this area is very prone to fires that spread quickly, and we passed through some fire damaged trees and brush. Here you can see one of the hills charred black by fire, with undamaged grassy hills on either side.

We had a ‘rest’ stop on our return at a nice little Wayside. Could not pass up a Wayside which are usually along highways not bikeways ;’-).

Here, each of us does our own thing…

We got back to camp in time to rest up, clean up and have our lunch, and then on to the Orchard. Nancy R and Lucia were kind to drive us all to the Barn

Susan chose the Smoothie, I chose the Sundae, and be bought of couple of delicious peaches to have with breakfast.

Lots of Fall color ;’-).

The first time I ever saw these pumpkins, a few years ago, I thought they were diseased. They are not, they are grown this way purposely. I do’t really know why except for ‘effect’, decoration?

Old signs interest me…

We had a bit of relaxing time afterward and soon we were called for Happy Hour provided by Rosalie. (See our van outside the window of Nancy R’s motor home.)

Our great day came to its end with some social time and good conversations before it was time to say goodnight.