DAY 1 (August 13th)

KIRKLAND-PORTLAND

Finishing packing, J. was contacting different agencies to find some other job (so far without any luck). Some phone calls, many emails etc. The apartment was almost empty, the movers came to pick up the furniture, and we left at about the same time (almost midday). We still had to return keys, send a package home, get gasoline, and stop by Whole Foods, because J. was craving some specialty fudge. They had the brand, but apparently, her flavor was seasonal, so they were out of it. And … it got pretty warm.

Finally, we were heading toward the freeway (I-90 East). And in about 15 minutes, we were heading east. Still the same landscape we knew from this area.

We wanted to see Yakima valley and at least part of Eastern Washington. The country started to change and we were surprised, how much. Really flat (understandable), but as well looking a lot like desert for a big part. A lot of irrigation. 

We saw smoke from some smaller fire. Next day, we discovered, that was beginning of pretty big fire destroying about 80 house (at that time). And … hard to contain. Some smaller settlements, villages and relatively boring landscape. Until we started to climb onto the hills. And then we saw this part of the valley.

Yet, we were driving through (almost) desert. And hot. Obviously, we did not think, that the valley (garden of state of Washington) would look like that. Another half an hour and we were getting into Yakima.

From the highway, we did not really see the city. Quick stop to buy bottle of wine for our friends and just heading towards the river (Columbia). Hills, mountains and not much of anything else, except a lot of windmills.

As you can see, our decline towards the river was more then impressive. Hard to describe it and hard to see it on pictures. I guess … visit Oregon. We were thinking (or planning) to visit some parks along the river, but we were running kind of late, so we skipped many of those.

We saw Cascade Locks (not as nice and impressive as Seattle). Couple parks, but nothing really special. Still kind of disappointed from Lock, I turned towards Bonneville dam and fish hatchery.

It was late (open till 8 pm) but we still had about 50 minutes. So we went to hatchery. Really pretty park settings, few older buildings and a lot of fish tanks. Some empty. Some with bigger fish (probably for tourist) and some with hundred thousands of tiny fishies. Then we as well saw more natural small ponds with fish. Really nice.

And then we found another pond that looked empty, until we saw about 7 feet long sturgeons. And … there was viewing window. That was really something … impressive.

After that … evening drive to Portland suburb to stay with friends. (Possibility of assignment in Flagstaff, Arizona.)