12 July 2018—Actually, I have to take you back to 11 July for the observation in the vicinity of Kent, OR—I could see Mountains: Jefferson, Hood, Adams, Rainier, and the jagged edge of St. Helens. Not that it was particularly crystal clear, but just enough to see all those peaks from the top of Trafalgar putting down 97. Back to today, the 12th. I was typing away when Dave Grossman called to request we meet up in Wilbur, WA. I did some rerouting on Tom and decided it was a good plan. I took some back roads up through Soap Lake, Coulee City, and into Wilbur. Saw another cattle drive–as an East Coaster it never ceases to impress me, cowboys in action.
I ordered a cheeseburger sans bun and about the time I sat down to await my order, in walked Dave. We both ate and then bombed up 21, just as we were about to enter the switchbacks down into the river, Nervous Nellie, driving a black SUV appeared. So we creeped down to the ferry crossing at a blistering 5 mph, while white-knuckled Nancy negotiated the hairpins.
I stuffed some Dramamine, put the pressure bracelet on, and saw a hypnotist to survive the FAC river for the crossing. Facetious. I’m being facetious. By the way, FAC is a technical Coast Guard term, Flat Ass Calm. I took a ferry photo for a family of five from Yakima, and tried to get there ten year old to smile—I was unsuccessful. First off the ferry, thank goodness because Dave and I never saw anyone in my rearview mirror all the way to Republic.
Route 21 is an enjoyable, recommended route meandering alongside Sanpoil River through the Colville Indian Reservation.
In Republic, we fueled, iced, and replenished our fluids for the 2 mile hop to the fiarground campgrounds. Damn, they raised their rate: $10/night. I’ll take a second mortgage out to pay for this extravagance. Dave and I setup camp, setup the chairs, and setup the conversation. We decided to walk up to the CENEX station for chow, upon recommendations from the Camp host, Marcus.
It was a good thing we arrived early to reserve the campsites for NORWESTARS at this first-come-first-serve facility.
trafalgar adventures 