Vacation 2017 - postlude

A CH-47 on the way for more water

3rd & Pine Streets

2nd & College Streets

Reunion in the library

Making our way home yesterday from Walla Walla, we encountered a fire (in Kellogg, ID), forest fire smoke warnings between Superior & Alberton, MT, lots of road construction, and dense smoke as we approached Missoula.

Being tired from the long drive, we decided to extend our vacation one more night. We enjoyed a late meal at Cracker Barrel and retired to the hotel to rest-up for the re-entry to 'normal life' in Stevensville.

As we began to return home this afternoon, we were notified by a church member that our block had been evacuated due to the discovery of an explosive item at a neighbor's home! We were reunited with Belinda's mother at the library and after a couple of hours were allowed to return home.

All the cats - Wesley, Monty, Patch, and BB, were happy to see us!

Vacation 2017 - Day 5 (pt.4)

The Chinese immigrant experience in Walla Walla

Wedding dresses over the years

An early teddy bear

Lewis & Clark slept here

Fort Walla Walla uniforms and flags

Seeing all there was to see at Fort Walla Walla, we set off through a remote part of Washington and mile after mile of freshly harvested wheat. It made us very happy to emerge just west of Spokane onto I-90!

Vacation 2017 - Day 5 (pt.3)

An antique fire engine

A thirty-three mule team pulled an early harvesting combine

A old water wagon

A cook wagon used in the harvesting effort

John Deere tractor with iron wheels

In addition to the historic buildings there was an amazing assortment of implements used in the building of the amazing agricultural area this part of Washington has become.

Vacation 2017 - Day 5 (pt.2)

 

 

 

Before leaving Walla Walla this morning we took the time to visit the Fort Walla Walla Museum. This is a fascinating look at life in the frontier period of Washington, agriculture in the region, and during the WWII period in this area.

First up was a look at buildings used during the Washington Territory period (1853-1899).

Vacation 2017 - Day 5 (pt.1)

Charles got in a third round!

A phone in the Loo!

A statue of "Heroic Pigeon" in Wala Wala

One more visit to Bright's Candies!

We woke up in Walla Walla this morning, refreshed and ready for the start of our return to Montana.

But first, Charles was able to get in a round of golf, his third (in three states: Montana, Idaho, and Washington) on this trip! Wala Wala's municipal course, Veterans Memorial Golf Course was a pleasant way to start the day!

A visit to Bacon & Egg for some tea and to Bright's Candies for a treat to take home, was next for us. At Bright's Candies, we watched with rapt attention as candied apples were being made. Of course we just had to get one which was thoughtfully sliced by the friendly staff!

Vacation 2017 - Day 4 (pt.3)

We're here!

A model of the Marcus Whitman

A visit to the Otis Kenyon Winery

One of the many amazing shops on E. 2nd Street

Belinda LOVES Bright's Candies!!!

Making our way around the streets near the Marcus Whitman Hotel, where we're staying the night, we were introduced to a mere handful of the fifty-plus tasting rooms associated with the various wineries.

We also fell in love with Bright's Candies, had lunch at Olive's, and visited Book & Game and Inland Octopus.

Vacation 2017 - Day 4 (pt.2)

 

 

 

After leaving the Columbia Crest vineyard this morning, we were looking at some information about the vineyards of Washington state. About an hour away is another area with a heavy concentration of wineries. So it was off to Walla Walla!

Vacation 2017 - Day 4 (pt.1)

 

 

We started off our Monday heading out of Kennewick to the famous Columbia Crest Winery. We knew of the Washington state wine areas but not about just how many are in this area. There are more than 350 vineyards in Washington and over 850 wineries to choose from!

Vacation 2017 - Day 3 (pt.2)

An amazing course!

Each of the par three holes were tough!

Ready at #14

He did it!

Out of the bunker on #17

Charles was thrilled this morning to add The Coeur d'Alene to his list of amazing golfing experiences! On the famous #14, the floating island par 3, Charles managed a respectable four! With a "fore caddie," stunning views, and good company, it made for a golfing memory to be sure!!!

Vacation 2017 - Day 3 (pt.1)

A Coeur d'Alene sundial

Athletes in the 2.4 mile swim portion

A rider on the 112 mile course

Runners on the 26.2 mile course

Crossing the Columbia River at Kennewick, Washington

Today in Coeur d'Alene the excitement was about the Triathlon taking place on the lake and in the streets of this community. We caught portions of the three events: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run.

Belinda enjoyed a relaxing morning, enjoying the ambiance of this resort area while Charles was off playing golf! 

Making our way south, we made it to Kennewick, Washington where we plan to explore southeast Washington and northeast Oregon.

Vacation 2017 - Day 2 (pt.2)

Stopping in Haugan, MT

A LOT of silver dollars

a pirate ship on Lake Coeur d'Alene

gumballs at Mrs Honeypeeps Sweet Shop

Taking a peak at the famous 'island green'

Leaving Bigfork behind this morning, we made our way around the west side of Flathead Lake and headed west. We stopped in Haugan, MT where there are more than 71,000 silver dollars on display!

Continuing west, we arrived in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho thinking we'd take a peak at the famous island green at the resort before continuing to Oregon. Finding one room left at the resort and that Charles would be able to get in a round of golf Sunday, we decided to spend the night here. A fantastic meal at Tito's Italian Grill, a boat ride to the golf course and back, and a stroll along the main street downtown made for a wonderful day.