Day Fourteen

I opened my eyes and saw the sun reflected on the lakes surface, the sky was a clear vivid blue. Another day in paradise, well no not paradise, no palm trees, no coconuts.

Chris’s tea was made and a shave and shower had by me. I texted Chris S and Pete. After making my goodbyes and see you later to Chris I headed down to the reception area to meet my friends.

Chris was up for breakfast but deferred to us two lightweights and agreed to having brunch later. Accounts were settled, goodbyes and ‘yes, we really enjoyed ourselves’ said and ‘have a nice day’ spoken. Off to the car-park with our luggage we went. Once again all the luggage went into the trunk/boot of the charger. Our satnavs were synchronised and we rolled out and into the sunshine. A few turns and we were on the Northwest Boulevard. Traffic was fairly light and we passed beautifully manicured lawns as we headed out of town. Once again we followed Chris and his Harley onto the forecourt of an Exxon garage and once again we filled up and topped up with fuel.

Into the shop to pay for fuel and drinks. As we stepped out we realised that we hadn’t prayed so we formed a huddle and asked God’s blessing on our adventure. We also asked that our wives would have a great day and a safe flight to Seattle. Chris asked for wisdom in the decision we were to make about whether to return to the UK or carry on to San Diego. Amen said we got back in/on our vehicles and headed back onto the Northwest Boulevard.

I did wonder if Chris might get soaked as every film that had Seattle in it showed it raining. Still it was a really nice day so far. After a short while the satnav and the road signs directed us to the left lane in anticipation of rejoining the I90. A left and down the ramp and back onto ‘our main road.’ The surroundings looked familiar as we had seen similar at many of the towns and cities we had passed through. We passed through housing and into increasingly industrial areas. After passing Post Falls the countryside opened up the divide between carriageways was wide and I could feel myself relaxing. It was nice to be driving again and hopefully the cramp would stay away. As we drove over the Spokane River I had great views down the river. The banks were rocky, the water clear blue and the vegetation was luxuriant.

We were now in the Spokane Valley, a huge American flag announced we were passing Camping world. Not a tent in sight – all camper trailers. Big signage announcing variety of things from huge jackpots to local businesses. The ground on the side of the road had turned a parched brown and a wall had been erected. I assume the wall was to keep the noise from the traffic away from homes.

It took me a while to work out that one sign read Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute world class care. The next building had a huge cross on it and I thought it was a church but no – it was a hospital.

We passed and were passed by a lot of trucks pulling camper trailers and several were towing boats as well. We passed a the huge shopping mall on the right where we had visited yesterday. Then a water park on the left was soon left behind. I realised that the buildings had become closer together and we zipped through Spokane, lots of low rise buildings and then a golf course, then the airport. I had heard Spokane had a great book shop, a lot of interesting ‘local’ shops and a really wonderfull park. It did look to be a place that deserved a visit but, not this time around. We were into open countryside passing lakes on both sides. The road went from concrete to tarmac. I prefer tarmac, it feels a much smother ride. The land flattened out and the sky became vast. We climbed a little higher than the other carriageway and were rewarded with great views of and across Sprague lake.

The next sign of interest read Ritzville 8 Seattle 228. So we had travelled just short of a hundred miles, Chris will be thinking of filling up while all three of us will be looking forward to a loo! Sure enough we convoyed off to the right and followed the slip road. We seemed to have passed Ritzville before we turned right and saw the Texaco sign. We pulled up, filled up, paid up and then drove the fifty yards up to Jake’s Diner.

The place looked modern fairly busy and clean. We sat at a table and were soon served two coffees and a diet coke. Then the orders were taken for brunch each of us having burger, eggs and fries. Food eaten, more drinks consumed and after a visit to the loo we departed Jakes. After a brief walk around the car park we were back in /on our trusty steeds and heading back to the I90.

The sign read speed limit 70 trucks 60. I briefly wondered which speed Pete would choose. I wasn’t really sure when a pick up like the F150 became a truck. We were soon all keeping up a steady 70 just like most other travellers. The road was pretty much due west with only slight turns. It was again a real temptation to either open up the car and enjoy its power or engage the cruise control, sit back and read. I opted for neither mainly because I wanted to get to Seattle without engaging with the police or the emergency services.

After about forty miles or so of this straight road with views of endless fields we passed a sign declaring that we were entering Moses Lake. A few minutes later the road crossed a cause way with reed beds to the right. After four five hundred yards we were on solid land for a few seconds then back onto a causeway. We were soon over the lake and still heading west. I didn’t see much of Moses Lake but what I did see seemed very pleasant the place was clean and spruce. The lake looked to be well used with plenty of boats on the water.

With the sun now directly ahead but still high the sun glasses were put on. The glare gone I noticed a golf course to the right. It looked pristine although there didn’t seem to be many playing.

The road was again arrow straight for about twenty five miles. The land looked rich and productive. I did wonder if the farmers here complained about how hard things were as they do in the UK. All the while driving really expensive road vehicles.

The road turned and headed south west. We soon left the cultivated fields behind. The ground took on a rugged appearance with great views towards distant mountains. The sign said several destinations but the one that concurred with my satnav said Seattle 143.

The road turned left and we ran parallel to the Columbia River also named Wanapum lake at this place. The road dropped and turned right to cross the kilometre wide stretch of water. The initial part of the bridge was over arching iron girders and then a flat stretch of road reaching to the opposite shore. Off to our left was what looked to be a dam, I imagine that is what created a lake from a river.

We were soon over and following the road as it rose from the river. I saw the signs, as I imagine the others did for the Ginkgo petrified forest. We didn’t stop but kept rolling along. The road headed west and the countryside was rugged, fairly barren and had a wind farm. The road although mainly heading west had enough twists and turns to make the driving interesting. And there was something reassuring about the wind turbines. Probably them being part of the landscape of the UK. I suddenly realised I hadn’t seen the other carriageway for a while only realising when I saw the top half of a lorry a hundred yards or so off to my left. I imagine this is what they call the high plains. No sign of Clint Eastwood though.

I thought Chris might be starting to run on fumes. We certainly had to do a few more stops than anticipated because of the Harleys small tank and, I think, low miles per gallon. I’m just observing and am thankful for the breaks. A chance to stretch my legs and of course a (usually) much needed loo break.

The two carriageways got closer until they were running along side each other with just narrow space of grass between them. We sped past the turning for Kittas and I thought we were probably heading for the next town which is named Ellensberg. This was confirmed when Chris indicated right and we took the slip road. We took a left bend and then turned right onto Canyon road. After just few yards we turned into a 76 petrol station.

It looked similar to many others with the exception that it had a covered wagon at the entrance. We filled up/topped up. We paid and used the facilities. And were soon retracing our route back to the I I90. We drove through what looked to be good farm land for about another thirty miles or so. Then we were driving through pine forest with mountains as there backdrop. The road climbed and dipped but with the power under the bonnet/hood it was hardly noticeable.

We sped along the north eastern shore of Lake keechelus, pine forest to the right and a still long lake to our left. There didn’t seem to be much activity on the lake. I thought it being a weekend and good weather there would have been a lot of folk messing about on the water. Then realised it was Monday! We soon left the lake behind heading north before rounding a long, long, left handed curve to change our heading to south. Before very long we were again heading west north west. The road wiggled round mountains and through passes. We drove past small towns but couldn’t see them for the forests. Even the strip between the carriageways was tree lined in places. Just spectacular. There looked to be lots to see in this area and lots of walks to do. But not today. Seattle was calling. This was the most pleasant part of the road to drive. The scenery was spectacular, the lakes and rivers numerous and the mountains majestic.

We again followed Chris as he pulled off to the right then after turning right we spotted the 76 fuel stop. There were no covered or uncovered wagons here. Issaquah looked to be a pleasant town – well what we saw of it was. We pulled onto the fore court and went through our usual routine, Stretching, filling/topping up, paying and loo break. All done and satnavs checked we manoeuvred our vehicles so that we took a couple of lefts so as to retrace our drive back to the I90. Just eighteen miles or so to the hotel in Seattle.

We passed a group of blocks of flats on our left. They looked to be bright and modern but in the middle of nowhere. The speed was now limited to sixty. We three were all law abiding and tootled along at what seemed a very slow sixty. I think we might have been the only law abiding drivers as all other cars were overtaking us. The road was getting more crowded and the buildings and roads either side more numerous. It felt a little strange as I had become used to space whilst driving.

The road seemed to get wider with more roads close on either side. The buildings started to look more industrial. The inside lane came to a standstill however we managed to pull out into the second then the third lane where traffic wasn’t so congested. We went past a very long green and yellow bendy bus, the first of several. An overhead gantry informed us that we should reduce speed to thirty five. In the UK I have no recollection of the signage being in odd numbers. Puttering along we went under what looked to be spaghetti junction on steroids. Strange how sunshine makes the concrete look so much nicer. There were roads running alongside, there were roads rising and dipping and there was a road that came across then joined our outside lane! Soon we were over water that was edged by docks with beautiful homes just in land from them. The road took us across the water and onto Mercer Island.

The roads going over the top of the I90 looked like giant flower boxes. There was bushes, shrubs and trees wherever, except the road, I looked. The road going over us had been wide so it was a shock to go into a tunnel. I was wearing prescription sun glasses as we were heading west. Suddenly I was in a tunnel that curved and had cars all around me. Fortunately there were enough lights in the tunnel that enabled me to have some vision. The tunnel was about five hundred yards long so didn’t take that long to exit. It felt like an eternity!

We were no sooner out of the tunnel than we were onto a long low bridge. It was long about a mile long. The Homer M Hadleigh Memorial Bridge took us safe across the water and back onto mainland USA and into another tunnel. I had prepared for this one and had switched to ordinary spectacles before entering it. The tunnel ran straight for about another five hundred yards or so. The road turned to the north, the view opened up. The skyline was now skyscrapers but not too many, not mountains in the distance. I couldn’t help but think we were quite close to the pacific ring of fire – why build skyscrapers?

We crossed the end of the I90 which changed into the 5 heading north. There were no fireworks or ticker tape. No crowds cheering our arrival. Just a little more road with signs that told us we were heading towards Vancouver BC (Canada). The satnav told us to take the left lane. The road was elevated so that as we looked to our left we had glimpses of water beyond the buildings. To our right we looked down on streets most of which were empty of people. The road descended and now there was a grey wall brightened by some graffiti artist – not a particularly talented one.

Following the directions called forth from the satnav all three of us stayed in the left two lanes in order to turn left. We drove over the wide road we had left a short while ago and drove between large buildings towards the water front. There was lots of glass and steel but also a surprising amount of green spaces and lots of trees. As we approached the water the buildings looked older and somehow a lot more interesting to me. We turned north and followed the road along the waterfront. We passed a big wheel and the Seattle Aquarium. We saw signs for the Pike Place Market and then there were views over the water. I was so busy looking at the views that I almost missed the entrance to the hotel. I/we made a right into the Seattle Waterfront Marriott.

We parked up and went into the reception area. It looked very modern and a little sterile. The receptionist was very pleasant and helpful. We were told where we could park and although early for check in we were given the keys to our ‘Sea view rooms’. The parking was a little expensive, I thought, but the vehicles would be valeted.

Pete, Chris and I walked next door to the Seattle World Trade Centre. It looked nice but having had a look decided to wander across the road to Anthony’s dinner. It was unlike any dinner I or my friends had ever been in. It looked nice but again wasn’t what we were looking for. Maybe for an evening meal. We walked the four hundred yards or so to the Starbucks on Pike place. Busy but we managed to find a place to sit. Two coffees and a hot chocolate were savoured. The girls had let us know that their flight from Spokane would arrive about five to five. Google told us it would take about twenty minutes to get to the airport. It would probably take longer we thought.

We chatted and decided that we quite liked Seattle. It seemed, at least what we had seen of it so far, to be lively but relaxed. It looked wealthy but embracing its heritage. Chris decided he would like to pick up the ladies from the airport. We pointed out to him that his trike wouldn’t be much use for carrying them all and their luggage! Eventually it was decided we would collect our bags and Chris would take the charger to the airport. I confess that even though Chris is a professional driver, I again felt a little anxious.

We drank up and strolled back to the hotel. Collected our bags from the boot/trunk and I passed the car keys over to Chris. He sat in the car and adjusted the seat (he is slightly vertically challenged) and I explained where the lights etc. were. We made our way to our rooms and after putting our ‘stuff’ away met up again in the lobby. Chris headed off to collect the ladies. Pete and I talked about aircraft. The big air show in Seattle had happened a few weeks before we both thought it might have been good to see ‘The Blue Angels’.

We googled on our phones ‘what to do in Seattle’ and sat and made a few notes each. Pete thought it would be a good idea to take a walk along the waterfront so off we went. There seemed to be something bothering him so I asked what was on his mind. He explained that when we had started this adventure we were to travel from Boston to Seattle and then down the Pacific Coastal Highway to San Diego. I agreed that was the plan with the implied understanding that we would decide in Seattle whether to continue or not. Pete said that he would like to continue but that he would like to start in Alaska!! Wow, I wasn’t expecting that. I replied ‘How do we get to Alaska – drive?’ well the answer was no. We could take a ferry but not from Seattle but from a place named Bellingham. The company was named Viking Ferries. I asked Pete who had obviously given this some thought how far we would be driving to get back to Seattle? About two thousand two or three hundred or thereabouts. We went back to the hotel, bought a couple of beers and sat, sipping, researching and pondering the idea.

We were startled out of our reverie by the sound of Jolander, Jean and Chris (my wife) coming into the bar. Hugs and kisses were given and received. Drinks were ordered. We had left them just this morning but it felt ages ago. Chris S came in having garaged the Charger, I resisted to desire to go and check it was OK.

We thought about and talked about where we would eat, either in the hotel or across the road at the diner, as I do not think anyone fancied driving or walking any great distance. Any way both establishments looked to do great food.

We decided to go to our rooms to freshen up intending to meet up in about forty minutes or so. Our room as did the other two looked across the water to land beyond. Chris and I chatted about our day as we freshened up and got ready to go and eat.

The forty minutes flew past. When we all reconvened, it was a unanimous decision to eat at the dinner and have breakfast in the hotel.

We were all dressed fairly casually, it was a pleasant evening and just a short walk to the Diner. Unfortunately we were not able to get a table outside. We were given a table inside which gave us great views across the water. We ate a slow leisurely meal together. Most of us had the clam chowder as a starter and I also had Halibut as my main. Chris had a smoked salmon pasta dish and we both declined a pudding. I’m not sure what the others had but I didn’t hear any one complaining about their food or the service.

The conversation was all about Coure D’Alene and what we had and hadn’t done. Then it gradually drifted on to what we three men were going to do next on our trip if anything. After several bottles of wine, a few beers and seven cups of coffee, we still hadn’t decided.

We did decide a few things. Firstly to have a lay in, secondly to have brunch and thirdly, visit Pike Street Market. After each couple had had chance to discuss what they felt they wanted to happen re the trip, we would make a decision.

Back in the hotel Chris S produced a bottle of Port, it just seemed to appear. Six glasses were magicked up from the bar. It was good Port and nicely topped off a really good evening. After blessing each other we retired to our rooms promising to meet at nine.

JAKE’S CAFE, Ritzville – Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number – Tripadvisor

https://www.cityofml.com Moses Lake


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Wanapum Wanapum Lake


www.blueangels.navy.mil US Navet aerobatics team


Posted in A Lockdown Virtual Journey, North America