Sept 26 to 29 2012 The Cascades to Winthrop, Grand Coulee Dam and all the way to Little Bighorn

Sept 26 to 29 2012 The Cascades to Winthrop, Grand Coulee Dam and all the way to Little Bighorn

We took the Cascades route based on Ben's recommendations. This led us to the Western town of Winthrop where we stayed a couple of days. We then hit the road to try and get some miles behind us to ensure we would (a) get to see everything we wanted to visit and (b) have 4 to 5 days to spare for Yellowstone. This meant we had to move swiftly through the Grand Coulee Dam, Spokane and Butte.

The Cascades
The Cascades did not disappoint and lived up to everything Ben said it would be. Driving over this magnificent mountain range we had a number of new experiences. We saw snow capped mountains in the distance. We got our first glimpse of Autumn as the leaves on the deciduous trees were starting to turn. Such a contrast to the conifers all abound us. We stood atop a bridge, 1800ft above a gorge with waterfalls on all sides gushing into a river. Waterfalls everywhere.  


The Cascades, beautiful.

I have posted a few of these images on Flickr and will add to this when I get back home.

Have a look at the images here: The Cascades


Winthrop
Have a look at the link below for the background story about Winthrop, it really is very interesting and a great success story. The Winthrop story

Brenda and Jack, gone native

We stayed a couple of nights and really enjoyed the atmosphere. All the buildings in the town and surrounding areas have been built in the style of the old west. It really is done very well. The only downside are the cars parked on the street. They take away from the atmosphere and limit the photo opportunities.

Brenda meets Susie (L) and Carolyn (R)

We were walking by RE/Max , Methow Valley's longest existing real estate company, when I noticed a number of artist's mannequins in the window. I thought this would be a good photo opportunity for our travelling companion. We stepped inside the premises to seek permission to take a photo, using their mannequins  alongside my own.  We met Carolyn and Susie and they helped setup 'No Fingers Jack' with their mannequins.

'No Fingers Jack' meets like minded citizens of Winthrop.

Carolyn and Susie were kind enough to give me permission to include them in my blog. They were, like everyone else we have met in the US, friendly and so generous with their time. I promised to try and find a small hat, on my travels, and send it to them for one of their mannequins.

Some of our images from Winthrop

NOTE: Inspired by a restaurant named Three Fingered Jack's Saloon in Winthrop I decided on a name for my travelling companion. He will now be called 'No Fingers Jack'

The Grand Coulee Dam
We went to see the Grand Coulee Dam. This was the largest concrete structure in the world when construction started in 1933 and in fact still holds that record to this day.

Grand Coulee Dam

The Grand Coulee Dam

So, on to Spokane, Butte, Bozeman and then Little Bighorn.


Frank's Diner:
It was getting late so we drove into Spokane to get something to eat and find somewhere to sleep for the night. We were very fortunate to find Frank's Diner. The food was great, so good we went back the next morning for breakfast. We arrived early and got two seats at the counter. Within minutes there was a massive queue.


Frank's Diner

Apart from great food Frank's Diner has another big attraction. The diner is a converted train carriage with an incredible history. Have a look at this link History of Frank's Diner

See the next blog for the Bozeman decision.