A change of plan

Cascade Loop Scenic Highway

Leavenworth was the second entry on our newly formed list of places we don't need to go back to. Not only did I discover that I missed having a view of Blackbird Island, but we could not get the same room at the inn for two nights in a row and it was blazing hot outside. Returning to the coast sounded like a good plan. Since we seem to have fun around airplanes and it was too soon to go home, we decided to drive south to Oregon to visit a couple of air museums.

There is no easy, direct route from Leavenworth to the Oregon coast. We would have to drive back through the mountains one way or another so we decided to complete most of the Cascade Loop by heading southeast, then north, and west to get back onto the I-5. I was curious to see what was up there. So, on the map we'd be leaving region 3, driving through regions 4 to 8, and skipping region 9. With any luck, we'd be spending the next night back in the Holiday Inn in Marysville.

Leavenworth, Washington - the island

Sunday July 11, 2010

My favourite part of Leavenworth is Blackbird Island, right on the edge of town. The loop trail around it is a flat, easy walk, and is especially nice in the morning or evening on a hot day.

The island appeared in the 1930's when a mill pond was drained, so it's a fairly new island for plant growth. Fast-growing Black Cottonwoods are the largest plants on the island and since they live only about 80 years, some are declining now. Signs along the path describe other plants growing here such as: Nootka Rose, Blue Elderberry and Horsetail.

The place is so alive with chattering and singing birds that it is easy to forget you're not in a jungle in the tropics. In fact, Glenn would sometimes catch himself calling it Lahaina.

Above, top and bottom left: path on the town side. The island, out of view to the right, is linked by a bridge.
Top right: Blackbird Inn (centre, top of hill) where we stayed last time.
Bottom right: The island sits in the Wenatchee River as far as I can tell. We saw several rafters floating downstream in the evening.

The river takes on a different appearance in the morning.

Not the same view but Glenn did a watercolour painting of this area after our first visit. (Photo of the painting was taken through glass so colours are not exactly true.)

I'm not sure if the plant above is a Blue Elderberry or not.

I'll always think of this island for the Horsetail or Scouring Rush that grows here. This evergreen plant seems to remain sticklike, unlike the fluffy type I'm used to seeing around here. The silica in it made it useful for settlers to use as scouring pads.

There area also signs about the early residents.

Leavenworth, Washington - the inn

Sunday July 11, 2010

We took a risk by arriving in Leavenworth in July without a hotel reservation but I had the feeling that tourism isn't what it used to be. As soon as we arrived in the town, we set about looking for a place to rest our heads for the night. Originally, we had planned to stay here for three nights, but that would change.

We had hoped to stay where we did last time, at the Blackbird Inn. We liked it for the simple decor, the balcony overlooking Blackbird Island and the breakfasts that were delivered to the room in the morning. Unfortunately it has since turned into a time-share.

So we settled on Pension Anna just a couple of blocks away. The price was more than I wanted to pay but the people were friendly, rooms looked clean and breakfasts were included. I really should have got a photo of the staff who were all decked out in dirndls and lederhosen.
(I'm told the sign below, which was on our door, means 'Welcome - come on in.')

Pension Anna

Breakfast room. Although the inn is a little B&B-like, you can eat at a table for two. I can't remember exactly what was available for breakfast but I think there were cold meats, cheeses, buns and other baked goods. The owner made us hard-boiled eggs which came with little chicken covers, reminding me of my favourite felt chicken that I slept with when I was little.

Cabinet in hallway.

Our room. The owner told us this room had the most expensive furniture. It was only available for one night though; the next day we would have to move to another. It was quiet and comfortable enough. What it lacked were two things important to me: a view and really good plumbing.

This church next door, formerly St. Joseph Catholic Church, actually belongs to and is part of the inn.

Leavenworth, Washington - a Bavarian-themed village

Sunday July 11, 2010

We considered staying another day in Marysville but since the only thing we hadn't fit in was a trip to Costco, and since we woke up to an overcast sky, it seemed a good idea to follow the sun and head east. So, after a late breakfast we checked out of the Holiday Inn and drove inland through the Cascade Mountain range to Leavenworth. It took maybe three hours with occasional stops.

Glenn and I took our first trip here together 14 or 15 years ago and had a great time. It is a town of festivals - the Bavarian Ice Fest, Spring Bird Fest, Maifest, Ale Fest, Wine Tasting Festival, Chamber Music Festival, Autumn Leaf Festival, Oktoberfest, etc., and probably the most popular one of all, the Christmas Lighting Fest.

Last time we were here it was boiling hot and it was this time too. It felt like it was in the 90's. Someone told us it was hotter still - over 100° farther east in Wenatchee.

Unlike LaConner, this place is still bustling and it can be a challenge to find a parking spot. It's hard now to imagine that the town nearly died out after its sawmill closed and the Great Northern Railway Company pulled out. In the 1960's the community made the wise decision to take on the appearance of a Bavarian Village. Not only were the buildings redecorated, but many of the people in town dress the part. If you happen to wake up to the sound of an alp horn, you can easily forget that you're in the USA (but there are enough American flags around to remind you).

It's unfortunate when you're driving that many of the most scenic spots are seen in passing, and there is nowhere to pull off. This a scene, above, was by the highway as we neared Leavenworth.

Typical street scenes.

It was so hot that Glenn and I sat on a bench in the shade of a big tree for some time. The two pictures above, left were taken from that spot. On the right is the 'Maipole' (or Maypole depending on who spells it).

Streets scenes early the next morning when the town was quiet, and cooler.

Just a sign I liked.

I also like a place that has edible decor! We had a very good, fresh almond tart in this bakery.