Week 102 - Chelan, Washington - 07-27-2008

Chilling in Chelan,

We spent nine days on the Columbia River, four miles from Chelan, WA where our long time friends, Wally and Colly, call home. They have a beautiful house high over Chelan where they live with Colly's sister, Karen, and brother-in-law, Bill.

Chelan, Washington is a scenic resort community of 3,800 (07-2008) residents where the Cascade Mountains meet the Eastern Washington desert. Lake Chelan has Washington's deepest and bluest waters. It is a 55 mile long lake which draws boaters, swimmers and sunbathers. It has a burgeoning wine industry, premier golf courses, hiking and mountain biking trails with a small-town American feel. There is boutique shopping and a variety of dining options. The weather was 85 to 95 when we were there which produced marvelous evenings to sit out by the river.

In the winter, the mountains are covered with snow and have pristine cross-country and snowshoe paths, and over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

The Columbia River under Beebe Bridge, although flowing about five mph, is so smooth in the morning that it reflects like a mirror.

1) Ellen biking at Chelan Falls park. This park, across the river from our site, was huge, beautiful and empty! 2) A "bella serra" with our friends that we originally met in San Luis Obispo in 1976.

Bill took us out on the lake in his boat where we spent a few hours seeing all the lakeside homes. The water of Lake Chelan is as clear and beautiful as a backyard swimming pool.

1) Pete's friend Scott, who lives in Los Angeles, was raised in this house. It started as a cabin in 1938 and enlarged into a 1900 square foot house in 1974. While the interior of the upper level remains unfinished, being right on the lake, the asking price is $1,300,000.00. 2) Price of the house on the right? Didn't ask!

Chelan Butte is one of the best locations in North America for hang and paragliders. World Championships have been held there.

We took a 50 miles scooter ride. The first ten miles took us up Chelan Butte road which leads from Lake Chelan, over Chelan Butte and ends up driving through an Apple orchard along the Columbia River.

Beebe Bridge Park runs along the East side of the Columbia River. This county park has the most beautiful grass and the largest sites that we have ever camped on. At only $25 per night, we would have moved here, but there is a 10-day limit. The view below is from our river-side site. We moved here "up the ladder" from our first site, which was the last site available the day we arrived. The park is first come, first served and boy, were we served!

Another incredible morning reflection off the Columbia River.

Leaving Chelan, we headed to Legend Harley in Wenatchee to pick up parts for the scooter. Just our luck, it was their one-year anniversary and they treated us to rock music and pulled-pork sandwiches.

Moving to the east, we stopped at Suncrest RV Resort in Moses Lake, WA. The eight-pedaled flower shaped pool in the back is a 64 person spa. But, alas, we had to share it with two others!

Next week we will visit relatives in Moscow, ID and then stay a couple days in the Lewiston/Clarkston area. Afterwards we will head northeast toward Montana on Hwy 12 which is supposed to be another white-knuckle gorgeous trip. We wish God's best for everyone.

Love, Pete and Ellen

Photos from Jul 2008