This year we rode it in April and here is the route for last weekend. The difference is we rode it down and back in April and did a loop last weekend.
It was a very nice day for October in the Pacific Northwest. Temps on the ride to Monroe were in the low 40’s where I met Brian at McDonalds. After a cup of coffee, conversation and light breakfast we on our way east bound on the Stevens Pass Hwy.
Usually we avoid Steven’s Pass (aka US Hwy 2) because it is crowded on summer weekends and most other times too. Rarely do we ride it in the afternoon east to west - but west to east is not too bad most weekends. The norms held true and it was a nice ride to the summit of Stevens Pass. I was happy to have my electric jackets though.
A week earlier it was snowing in the Cascade Mountains and Crystal Mt, about 100 miles south, opened to 75 skiers for one day under very limited operation. Not to be outdone Steven Pass ski area opened their rail park for a one day event. As we zip across the summit I see much to my surprise cars in the parking lot with snowboards heading to the slopes. I thought this was odd for there was only six inches of snow at the base, not knowing until after the ride the ski area was actually open.
Here is a photo of Brian near the Stevens Pass summit.
Down the otherside I was trying to get some photos of fall colors. I got this instead.
It wasn’t long before we arrived in Wenatchee where we head northbound on Hwy 97 following the Columbia River.
Along the way we passed a group of people hiking along the road. While I was off shooting this photo, Brian
was talking with the hikers at the Wells Dam pullout. The group from England was hiking the Pacific Crest trail from Mexico to Canada but mountain snow derailed their plans so Hwy 97 was the new route to Canada. Determined bunch of Brits.
Brian wanted to take a photo of Wells Dam
It was about here Brian discovers the camera batteries are dead.
So I take the photo he wants.
And another photo at Wells Dam pullout - finally got the fall pic I was looking for. Riding 450+ miles and this is the fall image for the day. Sad indeed. Too much moto and not enough photo. This is the only patch of color in the area the rest is an off brown color like the 2013 FJR.
Columbia River along Hwy 97
We leave Hwy 97, saying goodbye to the Columbia River taking a left to Hwy 153, a scenic road that crosses the Methow River several times at it gradually gains elevation on the way to Twisp where we have lunch at the Twisp River Brewpub.
On the road again through Winthrop as western themed town toward Early Winters where I pull out the camera once again.
Brian on the road near Early Winters. Although the day started out with blue skies we travelled just for enough north to find a thin layer of high clouds, providing interesting light with the recent snow.
I decide to keep the camera in hand for a few miles creating a photo essay of the east side of the North Cascades Hwy.
Liberty Bell Mt. and a few clouds make for a nice shot.
The next one is my favorite. The tree on the left frames the photo well.
The Big Bend is near......
Brian in Big Bend below Liberty Bell Mt.
The Washington Pass Overlook is on top of the fault scarp in the lower right of this photo.
Washington Pass in 1/2 mile where the temps were surprisingly mild.
Continuing to Rainy Pass
Rainy Pass April 2013
Rainy Pass October 2013 - which do you prefer?
After Rainy Pass the road gets twistier.
Snowcapped mountains with your twisties?
We stop a the Cascadian Farm’s roadside stand for some great ice cream before heading home.
The End
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