It was a fairly uneventful journey from Idaho to Wenatchee, with the possible exception of a very long steep grade down into the Wenatchee Valley from Quincy. As we drove down that grade, we remembered that we also had to go back up it at the end of the week in Wenatchee. I am pretty sure Bob dreamt about that, and the Vantage 10 mile mountain straight up route we would have back to the west side of the Cascade Mountains also! It was no picnic by the way!
Lucy and Desi are still hanging in there thankfully and have surprised us with their endurance throughout this long journey that is only ½ through!
Although we love our home and location in Florida, coming back to the Northwest and its beautiful scenery is always a welcome sight to return to these beautiful mountains and forests of the Rockies and the Cascade Mountain Ranges.
First stop was a really fun visit with friends Kalin and Mya, who have a darling home in East Wenatchee, and who rent out the lower portion of their home as an Air B & B. They graciously blocked the calendar for our visit, and the wine, conversation, and amazing dinner was so welcomed after so many one night stands in strange campgrounds, and frozen Atkins or Lean Cuisine dinners. For one night stays, we sometimes don’t even unhook the trailer, and with no oven, we are restricted to microwave cooking. Pulling out a BBQ and camp stove for a short visit isn’t recommended if you are planning on an early morning departure with many miles to go the next day. We reminisced about old times, new times, future goals, as well as planning a visit to Tildio Winery, where Mya runs the tasting room!
Finally our stop and stay at Lincoln Rock State Park in Wenatchee. We LOVE this park and have for decades. We have camped here and also hosted here several times. During our visit, we invited the Park Ranger and his wife over, and he is suggesting we return next year to host for the summer. Hmmmm, interesting proposition – we will have to mill that around. Camp hosting is rewarding, fun, unpaid (but free camping in pristine parks), and just a great gig if you can get it! We are pretty sure we wouldn’t do the cross country again with our trailer – lot of expense and time and hard on the old bones! He has a similar trailer that he said we could use for our time here, so now the offer seems more attractive. Just not sure how that would all work out, but it’s fun to think about anyway, and flattered that we are sought after!
This park is so pristine, and so mature, and the ambience is really made with the shade trees, lush green grass, and sites right along the mighty Columbia River (with Rocky Reach Dam that creates Lake Entiat). The water in this river is clear and clean, and so reflective of what you find in so many northwest rivers and streams. Very refreshing, and a favorite park for may Washingtonians throughout the state. This is what we call “clean” camping!
Much of what we enjoy about this region is the abundance of really great wineries, with wine grapes rivaling the best! This Lake Chelan AVA has over 30+ wineries. What is so great is that most are truly sumptuous estates with locations that are breathtaking, grounds that are manicured and lush landscaping. A visit to a Chelan County winery and this AVA is an experience and a relaxing way to wind down, and take in the beauty of this amazing landscape. This first winery is Rio Vista, and it is the only winery that resides directly on the water. This is a real family and dog friendly place that provides you an opportunity to bring your own picnic, and just hang out on the rolling green grounds. We took fried chicken, grapes, cheese, crackers, and bought a great bottle of their rose. Coco too is a fan of this place as he can wander off leash and take it all in too.
The picture below is looking up from the grounds up to the winery building and tasting room.
This will give you a sense of how special this winery is – you can boat up here over the Columbia River and be here in 30-40 minutes from Entiat, WA. Makes for a great day!
Our next visit was with a wonderful friend and former colleague and her husband. Dee and Thom hosted us for a fantastic steak dinner at their home in between a lot of new grandson activity that Dee worked around to see us this visit! That was so appreciated, and her new baby grandson is adorable. So happy we had time to share with them!
Tildio Winery referred to earlier! This is where our friend Mya manages the tasting room, and is a wonderful and gracious host to her guests there. She took me behind the tasting bar, and now suggesting I consider working in a tasting room …. hmmmm, another attractive option …. if only!
This place is magic and it is Tsillan Cellars (prounounced Shellan). This has been a longtime favorite and magnificant place on Lake Chelan! Not only do they produce world class award winning wines, their staff and the restaurant options are fantastic! You must try the Tomato Basil Soup and their homemade meatballs, Italian Style. The restaurant is Sorrento’s with a view of the lake, and decor that will take your breath away – casual, but elegant at the same time. Shorts and casual wear are always OK here, but it’s a must see stop in this area. We were wine club members for many years!
Final stop and visit was at Judy and Ross’s home just down the road from our former home in Entiat. They were colleagues and great friends, and always a wonderful moment at their property right on the Entiat River. Again, Coco is leash free and had a ball! The highlight for him, of course was a ride in Ross’ four wheeler – he is an equipment loving dog and it was inspiring to see him so happy!
We were happy too – always great to see these guys and a fabulous way to wind down after a very busy week in Wenatchee! We loved our week in Wenatchee, Chelan, East Wenatchee, Lincoln Rock – all of it – even getting our laundry done in the best and cleanest laundromat in the universe!
Off next to Snoqualmie for a few days to visit with our daughter Valerie and her family (including her husband Neil and two adorable grandchildren ages 8 and 9), and hopefully a visit with our 22 year old Nathan as well! More on that later!
