North Cascade Loop

[harrywr2]

The Mrs's got the AOK for the doc to resume scootering as a passenger. So we took off in the S'wing to do the North Cascade Loop(or most of it).

About 100 miles into our first day is last services in Marblemount. Pretty much notta for fuel or food after this for 95 miles.

Here's the Buffalo Run Restaurant. Midweek if you are looking to eat sitting down...this is it.


Up the road a few miles from Marblemount is the Gorge Electric Dam.


Another dam a few miles further up the road


Stopped to take a picture of Ross Lake. Pretty big lake...stretches all the way into canada.


My better half at Rainy Pass. The Cascades divide Washington State into Rain Forest and Desert. This pass is on the "rainy" side.


A stop at Washington Pass...after this not much rain happens...


Stopped for a butt break in Mazlat, Washington. Apparently there is a town here...at least according to the map.


Finally made it to 'historic' Wintrop, Washington. The town has a definite 'Old West' flavor to it. Apparently the guy that wrote the book "The Virginian" lived here.


It was pretty warm in Winthrop...but the Hotel had a pool...unfortunately it was a bit too far from town to get 'well watered' and walk back to the hotel...so all the watering was done at the hotel.


In the morning they had ballon rides next to the hotel...just $185 per person for an hour. The folks in Winthrop know how to help themselves to the tourists dollars.


Drove south for a bit and caught up with the Columbia River..


Took another butt break at the Rocky Reach Dam....


The Mrs's modeling the latest in Hydro Turbine Technology...


The view looking away from the dam...


A quick stop by Lake Chelan. The lake is something like 1,000 feet deep...so the water never gets warm. Once considered a vacation home on Lake Chelan but a 'water view' condo now costs $300K+.


Onward to Leavenworth..a 'Bavarian' themed village nestled in the mountains for lunch.


Then our last butt break...Stevens Pass.


Total round trip from just outside of Seattle 430 miles. S'wing averaged 55 MPG.

[montanarider]

Nice pics, I've been to a few of those places. Is your scoot a 150 or 250?

[harrywr2]

Aug 20, 2009 19:12:15 GMT -5 montanarider said:

Nice pics, I've been to a few of those places. Is your scoot a 150 or 250?

This trip was on the 600 cc Silverwing. My 250cc would have been enough one up....my 150cc would have been a struggle. Winding mountain passes with heavy X-winds are quite a bit of work.

Of course once past the passes traffic is in a big hurry.

[astroprof]

Great pix Harry. Again you're making me jealous. I'm glad you're lovely wife is better!

[harrywr2]

thx atroprof

US219 to niagra falls would be a nice overnight trip for you and your Mrs's.

[astroprof]

Harry - the farthest she's ridden was a couple times around the neighborhood. We'll get there. Have you ever been on 219 North of Johnstown? It's 4 lane for awhile then goat path in places.

[90GTVert]

Add another to the jealous category. I'd share pics of my riding areas, but around here you'd just get lots of pics of fields. The variation in scenery would be from corn fields to soy beans to watermelons. lol

[harrywr2]

Aug 29, 2009 8:30:42 GMT -5 90GTVert said:

Add another to the jealous category. I'd share pics of my riding areas, but around here you'd just get lots of pics of fields. The variation in scenery would be from corn fields to soy beans to watermelons. lol

The beach bunnies at Rehobeth were always worth a gander Go to the beach here and everyone is wearing a coat.

[90GTVert]

True, I do enjoy the "scenery" at the beaches... but I can't really get my 49cc scoots to OC or rehobeth short of towing them in a truck since I'm not allowed on highways. I'm sure there is a way, but I would expect it to end up 6hrs plus round trip. If I rode 6 hrs round trip, not sure I'd end up spending much time cruising the beach. That scenery is also only prevalent for a few months out of the year, I don't think your mountains disappear in cool weather.

[harrywr2]

Aug 31, 2009 8:15:50 GMT -5 90GTVert said:

That scenery is also only prevalent for a few months out of the year, I don't think your mountains disappear in cool weather.

We average 225 days of cloudy, 81 days of partly cloudy and 57 days of clear. Everywhere has good points and bad. The natural scenery here is fantastic when the sun is shining. Unfortunately except for July and August thats maybe once a week.

[90GTVert]

Ouch. OK, nevermind. I'll stick near the other kind of mountains.

[rockhound]

Take good care of the lady!!Never know how much you have till one passes away!
On a happier note, each mountain range differs, you coastal ranges are fantastic, almost primeval! Love them!! Yeah stationed at FT. Lewis for 12 mo. school, could set your watch by the
everyday showers!!