Finally...We're Heading East!

Finally....we are off and heading East in the bbow. Gary's been wanting to make this trip for the last six weeks and every time we were not able to get away for some reason. Not a cloud in the sky today as we breezed over I-90. We've never seen the water higher in the reservoir before. Ya think? Also ran into some major construction just beginning on the pass which means it will be a brutal commute on the weekends from now on through most of the summer it would appear.

Now this is "the pursuit of happiness" for the big guy!

I'm always amazed by the transition of scenery once we are on the East side!

The big guy was feelin' bbq for dinner so we found Miz Dee's in Yakima...and quite the southern belle she is! They spoke bbq to each other for a bit - rub, bark, smoke rings, vinegar sauce - and such. Miz Dee is from Mississippi. She and her husband, a barber, moved here in the 80's after visiting friends near Yakima. Realizing there we no African American barbers in the area they moved here. He opened his barber shop, and since bbq is her passion she later opened Miz Dee's BBQ. She proudly showed us pictures of her husband, and of two son's who are who are serving our country in Iraq. We'll be back to visit Miz Dee again sometime for sure!

This is the wonderful road just outside Toppenish on Highway 97 that took us right into Wild Horse Canyon!

At least that is what I'm calling this delightful road which travels through the Yakima Indian Reservation. It was early evening and we were fortunate enough to get to enjoys herds of wild horses making their way into the valley for their evening meal. Unfortunately we passed by the most spectacular herd before realizing what we were indeed seeing. That group was quite large - 30 or so horses - they were so stunning. These two we were able to pull over for and they were quite curious about us for a few moments...and then took off!


And this was almost comical to see the horses heads poking out between the sage brush. It was nearly dusk and not quite enough light for good photos, but such a fun drive.

After dark the hills lit up ahead of us with the red flashing lights of wind mill farms. They were everywhere - hundreds of them as we came in to Goldendale. Tonite we are staying at Maryhill State Park near the mighty Columbia River. Tomorrow we shall sleep in and then explore.