These pictures were all taken Saturday, July 12, 2008, between Seattle and Index, Washington - and odd spots in between.
Later on, Scott and I went for a mini-road trip. We headed out Route 2, towards Stevens Pass, but stayed on this side of the pass. Here we were passing by the Reptile Zoo/BBQ in Gold Bar, Washington. They're not related - or so we've been told:
Along the way up into the mountains, there are signs and pull-off areas where you have to put chains on your tires between November and April, due to the snow. No chains were required today ... but if they were, we would have stopped here:
We ended up in Index, along the North Fork of the Skykomish River. Lots of kayaking and rafting up here. We walked over the bridge and took pictures. (If you've read my last post, you'll know that getting out of the car and walking was a lot of work for me ... I cussed a lot, and Scott thankfully waited patiently for me). The river is all snowmelt, and incredibly clear:
The view from the bridge - it's beautiful up here:
Dueling cameras ...
We drove a little farther upriver ... amazingly this is all within less than 2 hours of Seattle:
Heading back towards the city ... "Salmon Jerky" does not sound at all appealing to me ...
There was a TINY little chapel at the side of the road ... with no facilities. I'm not sure what facilities are preferred for roadside worship, but apparently this is bare bones ...
Yes, we stopped at the Reptile Zoo on the way back (Scott has a thing for all things living and weird - which is probably why he's still kept me around). Here he's happy to be near a huge snake of some sort (an anaconda, I believe):
Getting back into the city later than we had expected, we stopped at Trader Joe's for a few things (like dinner):
I always love the fun names of the things we buy there:
So how's that for whittling down 154 pictures into a 12 of 12 post???
Now, c'mon ... share yours ...
21 comments:
YAY! First of all, I love the tongue for concentration. Second, the PNW is the most beautiful place on earth. Period. Third, I remember passing that little chapel thirty years ago (God. Literally.) and for years since on trips from Central WA to Seattle. I love your 12 of 12s. Such good memories.
I'll trade ya! I'll take the cool weather, the meltwater springs, and Trader Joes, and you can have the fire ants, the heat, and Dairy Queen.
Why are you laughing?
Nice 12, as always ;)
How convenient ... a place to put your chains on.
Apple Bars and Chardonnay for dinner?
It's amazing isn't it you can drive two hours from a big city and see scenery like that? Looks like a good day Matt. Salmon Jerky? That's a solid 8.5 on the WRONGOMETER :)
ditto..dave2.
I'm betting Matt and Scott had the apple bars, chardonnay AND the salmon jerky for dinner.
So fun! I love how there are such awesome day trips to take in this area. The Fella and I will need to add this one to our growing list. ;-)
Great photos of your day, hope your back gets better soon!
very very nice.
i worked yesterday, and today - dead tired... hence no 12 of for me this month.
loved yours tho'
Great photo set this month. It looks like you had some wonderful weather. That water is so clear, it's amazing!
Having seen Scott's 12, I knew yours would have awesome weather and scenery too - and it does! I'm sorry your back hurts so much, and well done for venturing outdoors with that hurting!
Oh and Stevens' pass? Hee. This amuses me for reasons I won't go into online :D
*sighs* I wish I could go there !! the serenity of it is just too much !!
Too bad for your hurting back though!
Just got your comment, and can I say I love you so much for that? Wish I could give you a big hug and have you closer in my life!
I always feel like I should do mine on the 24th of each month so I can do "24 on 24". I mean really, only 12? I suppose it makes one be concise and to the point.
Meanwhile that water looks very cold and I'd like to put my feet in it.
Great photos and how cool that both of you blog and post 12 of 12. I love it!
Ewww, I have had salmon jerky. Not at all appealing.
Chain up area, lol. Reminds me of my ex's parting words: 'With an attitude like that, you can untie yourself.' (Ba-da-boom. I'm here all week, try the veal.)
I've heard the PNW is breathtaking, as some of your photos clearly suggest, Matt. But the culinary oddities seem to be the theme this time out. Reptile Zoo & Barbecue (I'm afraid to ask). Apple bars and chardonnay. And I'm wondering if the salmon jerky can't be re-invented, chopped, with a little cream cheeze and a bagel as... trail lox? OK, never mind.
I would have gone big time for the cherries, however. Washington cherries, oh my, ay$1 a BSK? They're $4 a pound here.
Love the photos. Scott is very photogenic..
Awesome photos - it sure is beautiful where you guys live. Though I'll pass on the Reptile BBQ and the salmon jerky. Leave the salmon alone on a grill, for crying out loud!
Hope your back is feeling better soon!
Looks like you had such a great day. LOVE the picture of Scott taking a picture of that snake..."say rat!" :-)
Oh that looks like it was indeed fun. Great pics. That one pic looks like a place Ennis Del Mar and his buddy would like to camp.
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