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

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Almost There.....On To Deer Park, Washington!

Our trip to Deer Park in Eastern Washington goes ever on. Just crossing the bridge over the Columbia River you will encounter the Wild Horse Monument. If the day is void of fog and drenching rain you cannot help but notice the silhouettes of wild horses up on the bleak hillsides. We did not stop to see the monument so this is the best picture I snapped as we drove past at 55 miles per hour. There are 15 horses in this silhouette and they were created by David Govedau of Chewelah, Washington. ( we love Chewelah and have looked at property in the area for purchase. It is fairly close to our youngest sons' home) This lone barn in the midst of plowed fields has always captured my thoughts. I wonder who built it and why it stands vacant , in need of repair, and obviously soon to collapse. "Washington ranks # 3 in the U.S. for revenue generated by hay, #1 for income generated by sweet corn, hops, mint, grain corn, barley, and Kentucky bluegrass." WA St. Economy The rain on the other side of the mountains has not made it to this side, and we encounter only blue skies and beautiful clouds. Washington ranks # 2 among the states in potato production, #5 among the states for wheat production. There are many picturesque barns and farms along the way. Some are still very productive, some stand deserted among productive fields of crops..a reminder of times past. Not sad though because the crops surrounding them are abundant! Amazing , isn't it ? This looks like the prairie , or farmlands in the fertile mid-west, not what you would expect a scant hour or two away from one of the highest mountain ranges, or most densely forested areas in the United States! "Aquaculture, chicken eggs, and broilers are other major livestock products thriving in Washington." Economy of WA Now we are much closer to Spokane, the second largest city in Washington. You would not know this from the news networks though. Spokane is a politically conservative area, but very populous and liberal Seattle reigns in votes, tax revenue and dominates politics because of its' large population. Eastern Washington has often threatened to secede from the state because it is truly NOT represented in most government forums and causes. The little lake just off to the side of the freeway in the picture has 2 islands and we always see many wild fowl flying above or swimming in it. Isn't this rocky formation along side the free way just amazing ? It is just really not much more different or incredible than many along the way.....we are almost to Spokane! "The state of Washington generates more apple revenues than any other state. About 20 % of the states' total agricultural receipts are generated by apples. Washington produces about 64% of the nations' apples.. ....beyond apples, cherries ( #1 among the states) grapes, pears ( #1 among the states) and raspberries are the leading fruits grown in Washington." Economy Of Washington My husband and I have noticed there are many, many wineries in our state on both sides of the mountains that produce great wines, notable wines! The wineries are well worth visiting even if you are a teetotaler , the gardens and views alone are worth a visit! We are almost there ! This barn is in the Deer Park area, where our sons and their families live. Deer Park is a few miles north east of Spokane and very much a rural community. The Spokane area has many lakes and hills bordering mountains. It is rich with productive crops, herds of cattle, horses, sheep. You cannot drive many miles without encountering pheasant,quail, wild turkeys, deer, elk, moose. A hunters' paradise!A naturalists' paradise!

12 comments:

Debbie said...

What amazing diversity! No wonder so many pioneers set out for that area during the wagon train era. There was endless opportunity there but many dangers along the way and at the end of the trail. (I'm a pioneer buff.) I love mountains and don't see those here in the Midwest. Enjoy your trip!

Wobegon Cottage said...

wow! Paul and I have made that trip quite a few times when the kids were in high school. Lots of basketball camps and games for state. It is nice to see it from someone else's eyes. You sure know a lot about washington. I am very impressed:)

Anonymous said...

It's nice to get to share the landmarks along the ride to your son's house. I also love learning more about your state. I hope the long hours in the car did not aggravate your back. Enjoy your day!

Lanny said...

Great trip Kathy! And now today our weather is reminiscent of my many days and weeks spent on the other side as a child and a young woman.

Chewelah is a nice town and area, my brothers both lived there when Dirt and I were first married and Steph was little.

I've taken many a trip over to the other side and lived an entire year there but in recent years we have not been over except for just to Yakima. Maybe this summer...

Southern Comfort said...

It does look like you had beautiful scenery on your drive. But just as beautiful will be you visit with kids and grandkids. Have a really great, memoral time.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Thanks for taking us along on your holiday, the photos and commentary have been greatly enjoyable!

Shelley said...

I love your photos here and the ones you posted below! What a lovely scenic road trip you are taking! Looks very enjoyable!!

Mary Humphrey said...

A friend after my own heart...also a person that loves barns.

I especially love the photo of the abandoned barn in the middle of the plowed field.

Fascinating facts about your state!

Nancy M. said...

The scenery is very beautiful! I wouldn't have thought it would be that diverse. I hope you have a great trip!

noble pig said...

Washington is putting out some amazing wines. Who would have thought it would do so well! Enjoying the ride.

KathyB. said...

Debbie, thank-you! I did enjoy my trip, and traveling companions!

Wobegon Cottage,I can see you miss your home state too!

Mildred, my back was fine , thankfully!

Lanny, the weather last week and weekend was so beautiful in E. Washington and I still think Chewelah is one of the most beautiful areas of the U.S., next to our side of the mountains!

Southern Comfort, we had a blast! 8 grandkids, horses, room to run, a fun uncle and aunt.....dogs, cats, sheep,

Thistle Cove, thank-you.

Shellmo,there are many beautiful spots to stop and take in the scenery along the way too.

Mary, I have a close up of the barn in the middle of the big field...there were so many more barns I wish I had captured on film too.

Nancy, I tend to forget the diversity of our state until I take that drive over the mountains..and then I fall in love with Washington all over again!

Noble Pig, we found our time visiting the wineries well worth the visit, delicious!

Connie said...

What a beautiful part of the country. I enjoyed getting to ride along with you to see the views, Kathy. Hope you have a great weekend.