It runs - can we keep it?

After several months the new motor is in and it actually started. Arron's smile was nice to see with the purr of the new motor. running nice. We drove it home and after re-discovering the timing light we hooked up the leads and set the timing, put in a new air filter and went to have the emissions test. Thankfully we passed on the first try. Tabs and insurance, oh happy days.

Crankcase Hike

Crankcase Trail up to So Cle Elum Ridge / Peoh Point – 8/26 – Elev. 3750, 4 Hours

Another overcast morning looking out from the North Bend Starbucks, but better than the rain we’d just left in Seattle. Peoh (Eric), Moe (Merle), Doe (Doreen) and Snow (Julia) climbed into the trusty Sub and headed east to find the sun. Our target was Jolly Mountain outside of Salmon La Sac. I was somewhat anxious because of one hiker’s description of a “slippery descent.” Another used the “s” word, steep. Yet, off we drove, an Americano giving me courage.

We enjoyed driving through Roslyn, the little town of Northern Exposure fame, and next Ronald, the even littler town where Larissa almost bought a condo. Who knew what was back in these hills? As we came closer to our destination, the clouds loomed darker until I had to turn on my wipers generating a unanimous “turn around and go east.” I did a very safe 3-point turn staying on the road – they all knew I didn’t have my glasses, lost somewhere in the Tri-Cities…

We checked out some private residences on Cle Elum Lake but no action that early. Drove by Mary’s (so tagged “Mako” for certain shots we shared at Shi Shi) Suncadia work place and then on to Cle Elum. Decided to hike the ridge behind the Peoh-Mako cabin. Peoh recommended we do the Crankcase Ass-ent (you do it and you’ll spell it the same), follow the ridgeline to check out So Cle Elum and Peoh Points and wind our way down using the snowmobile roads back to Sky Meadows Ranch. We parked at the cabin, but since Peoh thought we were hiking Jolly Mtn. had not brought a key. Doe and Moe could see firsthand the party gazebo, firepit, and hot tub that’s made them favorites in the community. A bathroom might have been nice…

We started up the windy roads, Aspen Springs to Sawmill to Rodeo. Peoh introduced us to neighbors all along the way. Dave even said we could come back and have a few beers at his place, though he’d be in town. Then we saw it: the Crankcase. It seemed harmless enough. I wisely took one of Peoh’s poles. About halfway up the FIRST hill, the path narrowed to a trail and steepened from about a 35% angle to a 45%. At the leveling of that one, Peoh warns us there is ONE MORE, even steeper.

The pole is getting some use now. All I see are Peoh’s boots. I don’t want to look up. Ignorance is bliss. As we near the top, Peoh informs us he has forgotten there may be ONE MORE. We stop to catch our breath and take photos. As we climb the third hill, we have stopped talking except for unmentionables and references to Ass-Guard Pass. At the next leveling, Peoh is quite sure there is only ONE LAST hill. We are now trying to decide if the angle is 50% or 60% and who will be the first one to fall over backward.

There is a God and a summit, and someone lets out an embarrassing Norse victory yell. The view north is stunning and clear, and we all congratulate ourselves that Jolly is still socked in. Lunch is overdue and we sit in a grassy clearing west of the largest microwave in the world. Mighty trail dog, Tyrone, is seriously hunting for sloppy eaters. Yeah, he’s learned not a crumb falls from my hand – not hiking. Moe has taken Marty’s spot as gourmet caterer and pulled out the Pistachio blend and the Junior Mints. Back off, Tyrone!

We check out the towering microwave and run around all over the ridge heading west. We have several shots of Mt Stewart, watching the clouds slowly lift. There’s a pretty substantial breeze, and we are all glad we brought coats. Tyrone wasn’t satisfied with treats and crumbs. He spotted a large feather as long as he is, and before Peoh could grab him, had swallowed it. Tyrone will now be known as Yankee Do.

Peoh pointed out several native artifacts, such as a carved stick, and a ceremonial wolf totem. Sensitive Moe gave the wolf some eyes. We heard tales of stampeding sheep and mountain goats. We stomped on dead logs to hear them snap. We followed trails to their ends. We found a stone road above a rocky ravine. We found a tail feather for Doe to make into a necklace, but she threw it down refusing to disturb the environment. I loaded up my pocket with rocks. Best and scariest of all was the giant bug Moe spotted on the road heading down. I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep in the bunkhouse ever again.

We passed through several gates and signs that said “No Trespassing” and could hear shots in the distance. Uh, where’s the cabin, Peoh? But, we made it back. It was too late and we were too tired to partake of Dave’s beer. I stopped to take a picture of the Hobbit House, and we all checked out the bunkhouse and lodge before hitting the Cle Elum Safeway on the way back to North Bend. Even the Safeway parking lot is an adventure east of the mountains. Why, there was this pickup truck, owned by some redneck woman (it said so), and she had posted some requests on her rear window -- I suppose for Moe and Peoh, but maybe Doe and I were included. Friendly town, but we had responsibilities and loved ones calling us home.

We missed Ann-o and Joe (Jim) and his boys. You won’t be so lucky next time.

Enchantments for a day Aug 8th

A long day of hiking through the Enchantments. This is one of our states most beautiful areas,

LAST Outdoor Movie - Saturday 25th

Carillon Point outdoor movies continue August 25th: The Sandlot

Movie starts at dusk, dinner before is a sweet addition to the evening.

Ruff'n it in Style - Cancel :(
This camp out maybe in a bad weekend, August 25 and 26.
Call me and let me know if you are coming....If no takers I may post pone until mid September...

Davis Peak

Eric and his famous scout-dog, Tyrone, along with fellow hiker, Scott, trek the mountain north of Lake Cle Elum near Salmon La Sac. Trail took them through Sept. 06 Fire burn area. Elevation 6,400 ft. Elevation gain 3,900 ft. A nice trail with lots and lots of short switchbacks.

Back in Time

On a sunny Saturday Julia and I headed off to visit my Aunt and Uncle. We enjoyed our trip and visited her childhood stomping grounds on the way. Who could imagine Julia rolling in the mud, knocking her cousins down and capturing frogs? Well I do exaggerate but I can imagine it to be so. Then she took me past the trolls, I am in love with this place. Trolls made simple, just big ugly trolls everywhere; this is my idea of a great place. Running late we scamper off to complete our journey. A little pizza and good conversations bring us to the garage to see the Pierce Arrow. Excellent condition as usual and the shop is to die for. A day well spent topped off with ice cream while we wait for the ferry. Click the header to go see the photos of our trip.

California - Review

Here it is a week after the trip, which was way to short of course but it was the perfect mini vacation. The sun was shining but not too hot. My sister and I took in the sites. We even had a surprise pajama party on night at the hotel, by invitation only at 2 AM when the fire alarms went off. Loved getting dressed by the magical strobe light and annoying horns, overlaid with the recorded message "There is a fire in the building, run for your lives and no pushing please..." We drove to the Beach to enjoy a delicious breakfast in Monterey at a great restaurant. Later we drove to Carmel to do some shopping and stroll on the white sandy beaches. On Saturday night I celebrated my Sister Jenny and her husband Chuck's 40th wedding anniversary at Ruth Chris Steak House, yum.

Ruff'n it in Style

OK last weekend of summer is coming toooooo damm quick. I am taking matters into my own hands. The first ever
Ruff'n it in Style
camp out will be August 25 and 26. Call me and let me know if you are coming.... we will want to reserve the right amount of boats to get everyone to the camp site. We are limited to 12 in our group, if we grow bigger then 12, which I doubt, we will need another permit from the nice ranger.

Plan on spending
· $20 pp for the ferry ride to the Ross Lake Dam or hike for free from the highway. Ferry riders are limited to three larger then life carry on items, ice chest, duffle bag or back pack. If you plan correct some can hike in with no gear and save $$.
· $85 per day for a boat, motor and all the gas you can burn. Depending on group size we can split the boat rental costs and shuttle everyone up and down the lake.
· With a little more planning food, wine, beer, soda or what ever can be a shared cost too.

Also plan on getting up Early Saturday. It is a 2 hour drive to the dock from Snohomish. The ferry leaves the dock at 0830 sharp.

Food Ideas...

Breakfast at the Bunny place called "Eatery" this is about 30 minutes short of the Ferry Landing. We need to plan 2 lunches, one dinner and one breakfast at the camp site.

Shoreline Parade

Saturday, August 18
9:00 a.m.
Rotary Fun Run & Walk at Shoreline Stadium
10:00 a.m.
Classic Car Show at Ridgecrest Elementary, 16516 10th Ave NE
11:00 a.m.
Parade in North City on 15th Ave NE
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Festival at Ridgecrest Elementary

Bicycle time yahooooo !!! Love working in Shoreline, Best City around.

August 9

Leaving on a jet plane...

August 4th

Carillon Point Outdoor Movies had an excellent movie experiance this week. Several of our friends attended and report the movie TOP GUN was perfect for this Seafair Saturday. Next Saturday August 11th: Casino Royale. I will be missing this for a trip to California but I hope everyone that attends enjoys the show.

August 18th: Goonies

August 25th: The Sandlot

Urban Hike

Who is up for a 10 mile hike in the city? See Walters Blog for details.

The League of the Underemployed