Renton Washington to Bellingham Washington 101 miles
View from David and Barbara Ann’s deck
Today is a short drive but on very busy freeways. We checked in with Connie’s cousin Darlene. We will meet them for lunch in Bothell. Out to the car which had to stay outside. Well it rained last night and the car didn’t want to start. Rob finally got out and dried off the engine block. Then it started after a few more attempts. First stop is for fuel at one of the Costcos. Directions off the freeway are turn right and then left at the nearby light. The only problem is you can’t get in the left turn lane because a concrete barrier blocks the way. We had a nice visit with the cousins before heading on to Bellingham. We arrived at friends David and Barbara Ann’s mid afternoon. Rob’s daughter Amy and grandchildren Meagan and Merik arrived later and we all had a fabulous dinner on the deck overlooking the lake.
Mount Adams as seen from the woodie while driving down the freeway.
Hermiston Oregon to Renton Washington 250 Miles
Just on the edge of Hermiston we saw a pickup that had just hit and killed a deer. Not a good start to that person’s day. The skies are blue and the temperature comfortable. Connie has on a light jacket and Rob is in short sleeves. We were listening to an audible story and not really paying attention to the gps so we missed their suggested turn. Well in this section of freeway the exits are quite far apart. Needless to say we didn’t turn around but just kept on the freeway. This follows along past the Tri Cities of Pasco, Richland and Kennewick. Then on to a major farming area for fruit, hops and grapes. Numerous wineries are just off the freeway. Two hours of driving brought us to Union Gap Washington which happens to have a Costco for a fuel stop. We had to navigate at least three round-a-bouts just getting off the freeway. Gas here was $4.699. Soon we could see Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. Both are dormant volcanos with snow covered tops. Just out of Yakima Washington the road goes up a steep grade which does slow us down. But once we got over that we could see Ellensburg with the snow capped mountain back drop. Unfortunately the wind really picked up. Rob had to work much harder keeping the car in the lane. Another two hours brought us to Cle Elm which has a wonderful bakery. By now we were both cold from the wind so a stop at the bakery felt good. We bought cinnamon bread plus day old cinnamon rolls and chocolate/maple bars. We normally have cheese and crackers for a picnic lunch but the weather wasn’t cooperating. Instead we ate at a McDonalds. We both put on heavier coats before heading out. The freeway is now bumper to bumper but still moving. Luckily it did open up eventually. Once that happened we got even colder. The wind didn’t quit until we were nearly to Renton. We saw another road kill deer. This time the vehicle was a small car that was in really bad shape. Hopefully no one was seriously injured.
We are finally starting our coast to coast trip across Canada. We spotted a hot air balloon within the first couple of miles. It was in the air and not descending rapidly. Hopefully that is a good omen for the trip. So far the woodie is running well and averaged about 20 miles to the gallon. The landscape has dried out significantly since we drove over on July 2. The drive through the Blue Mountains was pretty as usual. The temperature felt quite cool since all the windows were open. Connie actually had some goose bumps. Then its down Cabbage Patch Hill into Pendleton. The temperature kept increasing every mile. Pendleton is famous for the Pendleton Roundup. However that doesn’t occur until mid September. Many of the grain fields in the area have already been harvested. Another thirty miles down the road is the town of Hermiston which raises delicious watermelons. Unfortunately the melons are not quite ready for sale. We stayed here for the night.
Spoffords Travel 