"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

From Here to There.......

The road goes ever on and on.....what can I say? The trip from our home here in western Washington State to our sons' home in eastern Washington State is a breathtakingly beautiful trip! Mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests.....farm lands. Our state is one of great variety too! There are prairies, deserts, and the coastline of the northern part of the Pacific Ocean.All within a days' driving. I took these pictures through the windshield and here the raindrops blur the view. We headed off to Eastern Washington early Wednesday morning, my daughter A.Joy , her four children and me! We were off to visit my sons, daughter-in-law Breezy, and our oldest son's four daughters. I get to spend 4 nights and 5 days with all three of my children and all eight of my grandchildren!Whenever we are on our way up the mountains , to journey over Snoqualmie Pass I think of Tolkein's poem 'OVER THE MISTY MOUNTAINS', "Farewell we call to hearth and hall! Though wind may blow and rain may fall, We must away, ere break of day Far over the wood and mountain tall...... Snoqualmie Pass is one of 4 east to west highway crossings in our state with an elevation of 3,022 feet. Often it is impassable because of snow and avalanche danger. The pass is beautiful when one can actually view it. Frequently mist, fog, snow and rain obscure the view. Our trip started with rain shortly before we entered the high way up the pass. Isn't this island in the lake off to the side of the highway I-90 just beautiful? As we go over the mountain pass the fir, yew, and cedar trees, thick ferns and almost impenetrable undergrowth give way to Ponderosa Pines, and much less undergrowth...we are now on the side of the mountains that gets less rain and moisture. It is because of the mountains much of the moisture drops on my side, leaving the east a dryer, hotter climate . This bridge is just past the town of Vantage, and it goes over the mighty Columbia River. Shortly before we get to Vantage and onto the other side of this mighty river we enter a whole different scenario and climate. The rock formations and deep canyons remind me of our trip to the Grand Canyon, very, very similar but not as big. Trees around here are scarce, but this area has its' own amazing beauty. The sign just over the bridge, and the road goes up, up, up.....we do not go East, we veer off to the left, and the road goes ever on......for another 4 hours of travel!

15 comments:

Debbie said...

Your state is indeed beautiful and teaming with resources. I've seen the south, parts of the west. I'll visit the East Coast this year; but I've never been to the West Coast. I believe it would make a great road trip. I know you had a good time!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathy, Your state is absolutely breath-taking. Thanks for sharing the pics of the drive. What a thrill to be with your children/grandchildren all at one time. I look forward to seeing more pictures.

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

It sounds like a wonderful holiday, with all your family together! And..your trip indeed looked gorgeous, someday I'd like to see your part of the country! Happy Monday to you!
XOXO
Joni

Connie said...

I enjoyed traveling with you, Kathy. Beautiful part of the country you live in. I hope you have a wonderful visit with your family. :)

Lanny said...

A family reunion eh?! What fun, a good kick off to the summer season of trips and fun and bunkhouses and horsin' around for sure!

That you posted this must mean that you (and yours) also made the trip from "there to here" safely and for that I am glad. Hope to see you soon, photo lessons on Wednesday perhaps?

noble pig said...

I have taken that road and it is beautiful! What a wonderful trip I bet you had!

Juri said...

What beautiful pictures! I felt like I was traveling with you!

LindaSue said...

what a blessing for your children and grandchildren to be together and from what you've written in the past - Breezy is a fun hostess!

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

Thank you for taking me along on your trip! I miss the mountains so much ---- Florida is about as flat as flat can be. I think it's time to take a trip and find a hill!!!

I used to have a lab named Breezy. She was the sweetest dog on earth!

Cora

KathyB. said...

Debbie,Old Centennial Farmhouse and Cora, you must visit the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon coast included. There are not words appropriate enough for the beauty!

Mildred,Daisy,and LindaSue ,it was a thrill to be with all of them ! A rare thrill.

Noble Pig, makes you glad you are moving North, and to such a beautiful part of it too, doesn't it?

Lanny, yes, there and back safely! And TIRED!

Juri, but wait...there is more to come!

Mary Humphrey said...

Stunning! You know, I love Ohio and the farmland, but the blessing of looking at your photos is that I am reminded of our beautiful country, of all of the special sites. I do not wish to travel right now, but I had a choice to do so, I have said for years that it would be somewhere west! :)

Karen said...

Oh, Thank you so much for the pics. Now I know why my Dad always talked about how beautiful the northwest is. He was stationed there for a little while before going overseas in WWII. You have been in my prayers. Keep in touch.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

How very pretty everything is! I just love moutains and pine trees. The way the clouds are covering the mountain is so beautiful. blessings, Kathleen

KathyB. said...

Mary, should you travel to the west, you have a place to stay here! The west will not disappoint you.

Karen, your prayers are much needed and always appreciated. You too must visit, and know that you are welcome here!

Kathleen, the clouds always make me think of Heaven, my final destination.....

audrey y said...

WOW! What a tour guide you would be, Kathy. Reading yur latest post is almost like traveling with you over the great Cascade mountains and on to Deer Park. You know I share your affection for old barns and will be taking pictures of some of the rather decrepid local ones to add to my blog...I hope.

God Bless,

Audrey