TGJFRT of 2012 - Day 8

On Thursday morning (day 8) we left Kennewick, WA, driving west through Yakima and lots of farm country, heading for the mountain. Mt. Rainer, that is. It rises to over 14,000 feet and its snow-covered peak can be seen from miles around. Produce stands line the roads in that neck of the woods (east of the Cascades); we snagged some delicious peaches and organic cherries...only $2.99/lb!  My mom grew up on a farm northwest of Mt. Ranier.  What a view. 

It was a long drive, but scenic, crossing through Wenatchee National Forest, with pull-outs where we could see Clear Creek Falls and another with a great view of Ranier. Once we actually drove into Mt. Ranier National Park, the view wasn't as good, seeing that we were actually driving up onto the mountain itself.  Along the southern portion of the park, Paradise is the highest point accessible by car; at that level (about 5,000 feet) the wild flowers bloom profusely.  We also found a patch of snow - well, ice mostly - and my Texans had a ball slipping and sliding around.

There was also some road construction going on throughout the park...the kind where the road is completely shut down for chunks of time and you just stop your car and get out and enjoy the view until they let you through again. Not too bad...unless you have to go to the bathroom, of course....

It took the better part of the day on the road, once we got through the park and then winding our way up through the country - actually not too far from where my mom grew up - and to the northern suburbs of Seattle where we were meeting one of my sisters and her family.

Tomorrow, the river. (Cue the music from Deliverance.)