As we turned east we had to decide which route to take: US 2 or Wa 20.
Both had to cross the North Cascade range, and both were listed as scenic routes. We ultimately needed to end up in Omak which was farther north and therefore closer by way of Wa 20. We knew that we wanted to see the scenery on Wa 20. I had sent questions on the forums and the responses all said Wa 20 was a good drive.
But we choose US 2! Why? Several reasons: One, if we drove Wa 20 pulling the rig, Lee wouldn’t really get to see much as he would need to focus on the rig. Two, according to the Mountain Advisory book, Wa 20 was a little tougher route to drive and three, our good friend Martha said we really should see the town of Leavenworth. So US 2 it was!
Once we left Interstate 5 at Everett, the drive was beautiful:
Our campground was just past Leavenworth in the small town of Monitor. It was a very nice county park with big, grassy sites along the river.
The next day we drove back to the little Bavarian town of Leavenworth. What a strange little place! In the 1960’s Leavenworth was struggling economically and someone came up with the idea to capitalize on the surrounding mountains by transforming the downtown into a Bavarian town. So when people visit, they could easily be in the European Alps. Buildings are decorated with ornate woodwork and Bavarian motifs, flower boxes line the streets and shops, restaurants feature German cuisine, and shops have everything from local crafts to European imports. Surrounding the town are mountains that rise to 8000 feet. It really did feel like the European towns we had visited several years ago, but it also felt really fake. However, it is a major tourist attraction and was packed with people. We were quite ready to get back to our quiet park after just a few hours. We did buy some awesome cheese, summer sausage, and pastries. Yummm
Tomorrow we will check out the local fruit farms and the small town of Cashmere.
Welcome to our new readers: Carol and Johnny and Becky. Even though I say that I write this for my own memories, I sure do like knowing that other people are reading it too! So thanks readers…I hope we get to meet you on the road!
4 comments:
That is one of the problems with traveling during the summer - too many people to really enjoy a place. This sounds like a great place to visit - maybe in the fall.
What a beautiful place! I love the picture with the mt in the background...super! What is a Mountain Advisory book? Never heard of it.
Sometimes the way to go isn't the way that others want to go. Sometimes it's best to figure what'd we like to do and it sounds like that's just what you did. We've never been to Leavenworth but seen lots of pictures. Have fun!
I am loving following your travels this summer as next summer we plan to be where you are. You are definitely helping me with my itinerary, :)
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