Arrived in Moscow, Idaho Safely

It's been quite a journey getting here but I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Eastern Washington is as dry and devoid of trees as western Washington is the absolute opposite. What a contrast. I am still thinking of Sherman Alexi's descriptions and I definitely see many exceptions to the rule as well as nuance and beauty of a very special sort. But there are some pretty dry regions along the way to this inviting little place that was our chosen destination.

In a town not far from Pullman we stopped for a quick rest and I walked Bobby to the edge of a cliff overlooking a river only to have the biggest Great Blue Heron I've ever seen fly off down the river. That reminds me so much of the Heron we used to see as we paddled up the Noyo river. It would fly off just as we came around the bend and wait for us to reach the next one. It was almost like a game.
I've seen other birds including some Robbins, but I'm not good enough to know whether the flocks of black birds I've seen are Starlings or Ravens. They look like Ravins and not as plump as crows. Maybe someday I'll get it right. But it's fun to check out what I do see. I'll have a little more time to stop and watch or photograph the birds on my way home. I've been told by Sarah Swett that there is a very nice alternate route I can take to return to northern Oregon where I hope to have a short visit with Larkin and Elena if their schedules permit.

Last night we stayed in a campground near Vantage right above the mighty Columbia river. The wind there lasted all night, breaking sturdy branches of trees just above us. I told JP and Yael that we can have winds as strong or stronger at Echo. That was a huge surprise to them. So I guess it is possible to go to Echo and Desolation and not ever witness the kind of winds we all know to be frequent enough visitors to that area.  Timing is everything, eh?

Moscow is an inviting town with  very cozy neighborhoods. Quite individual houses with  somewhat of a feeling like Berkeley. It is a university town, so maybe there is a connection between college towns and individual architecture.

We arrived at Sarah Swett's home in the late afternoon after several false approaches. Sarah's husband, Dan made a delicious dinner for us, including bread he had just baked. There's something very special about men who cook at home. I know many of the best chefs in the world are men but husbands who cook for their wive's guests get a special gold star from me.

I'll try to get photos posted very soon. I'm sure I can take the time to get caught up on the way home.
Hoping everything is good with all of you. All's well here.  JP and Yael do their presentation tomorrow and will probably head for Bamff and Lake Louise the next day.  I'll head the other way and return to the coast within the next week probably.  Hugs to all,   Jackie

The Trip Is Going Well

View of Mt. St. Helens on the way to Seattle (Long way round)

Classroom in Damascus Textile Arts

Damascus Center

The Damascus Textile Center

Dear Ones,  I've been at remote locations or out of wifi range for the last few days. Sorry not to have reported in. The Larochette book presentations have been going very well and I've encountered wonderful old friends at almost every site. Saw Dora Green and Mary Zicafoose in Seattle yesterday as well as other friends. Lolli, Michael Rhode says he'll come up and help us with the fine points on the Bexel Crangrook loom.

I haven't been posting during the trip yet. Too far off the grid so far each night. And there have been long days of driving so it just hasn't happened. But I have been hand writing a short journal each day to keep track of the essentials. I'll try to transfer that to the blog as soon as possible.

We left Seattle late yesterday afternoon and camped out in a remote forest along a deeply rutted road with some of the worst potholes I've ever crossed with the poor Rialta. I'm sure it was cussing at me during that one. We made our way safely out of there this morning and returned to Highway 90 in Washington. We're headed for Moscow, Idaho now. Currently stopped and a sparse and very windy location just off of 90. I think that tomorrow we'll break off of this highway and join Highway 26 which ends up near Pullman. Moscow is really just on the other side of the Washington — Idaho border. Eastern Washington is quite like I thought it would be from the descriptions I've read. Went right through the Winachee (sp) area and thought of the various descriptions of that region by Sherman Alexi. His words seemed to be full of truth.

Where we are staying tonight is sparse and very windy. A few trees become an important part of the scene. Bobby was free to run yesterday evening because it was so remote. This afternoon I've let him have a few little runs. He's really very good about returning with my call. Good little traveler.

The book tour is going very well. Lots of books sold and lots of old friendships rekindled. We had a gorgeous lunch with Kathy and Danny in Trinidad and then stayed in  a no service part of Patrick's Point campground. Took a lovely hike along the cliffs. Sea was wild and exciting.

This wifi connection is from my phone hot spot. But the service it connects to is the slowest I've ever experienced. It took me five minutes to download one email. So I'll bring this to a close with a promise to attempt getting some pictures posted soon. I suspect I'll be able to catch up in the Moscow area.  Just want all to know that we're having fun exploring along the way and in fact had a fantastic view of the south side of Mount St. Helens Saturday as we wound our LONG way from Damascus, Oregon to Seattle.

Love to all,   Jackie