Last Run Through Northern Cascadia

Winthrop

Went on a ride today that was probably the last North Cascade run of the season with a friend from work. Bob is a Director in the district with me and rides a Triumph Rocket… 2.3l triple of sheer muscle, almost twice the cc of Mistress but not near as good looking (sorry Bob!).

We started off heading  up the 97 from East Wenatchee to Pateros, then a cool Northern jaunt up the 153 to the 20 West and on to breakfast in Winthrop.  The morning sunrise to our East was incredible, and the sun illuminated the western side mountain in such a manner that it was like a 3d enhanced image, great for clearing out the weeks mental clutter.

Washington Pass Summit

Washington Pass Summit with Bob

Diablo Lake

From Winthrop on up into Washington Pass and stopped at the summit for a photo op (I don't remember the glaciers remaining so large so late into the summer, more proof of a cooler summer than most)... and down the Western slope to Diablo Lake and into a layer of clouds that surprised me because the satellite imagery at 0700hrs sure didn't show it. We continued on the 20 West through Marblemount and Rockport, where we cut down onto the 530 South through Darrington and sun breaks through heavy clouds (although warm at 65°f).

Jordan Park Suspension Bridge

Just outside or Arlington (Arlington Heights) I showed Bob one on my favourite shortcuts, Jordan Road to Granite Falls,  where I showed him a cool cable suspension bridge at Jordan Park. From there we detoured through Granite falls on some side streets as they were having some festivities in the city center, and then  around the Lake Rossinger cut-off that brings you down the backside of Monroe. 

59'r Diner Parking Lot

From Monroe was familiar territory of Highway 2 East over Stevens Pass, stopping for a break at the Lake Wenatchee intersection and the 59-er Diner to ditch some liners at the now 70°f temps.  

Bierfrau... often mistaken for
the K1200LT in human form

On down the Tumwater (GORGEOUS this time of year) to Leavenworth where we ran into the lederhosen men and scantly-clad short skirt  college bierfrau attired Western Washington'ers there for Oktoberfest… (I'll complain for the record since my wife will probably read this at some stage)  boy do I miss Deutschland and the bierfraus with the big mugs! Er, big mugs of bier!  Really!  If you had been there you would know what I mean! Really!  I'd better stop before I dig myself in too deep...

Mistress is at home in Bavaria-ville, her Bayerische nature comes to life in such surroundings.

Got through the crowds finally and on through Cashmere, Monitor and into the driveway for 9.5 hours and 380 miles of pure joy, great to have shared it with you Bob!