Auburn Feb 2025

I traveled From Bellevue, ID, to Auburn, WA spending a few casual days there.

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Revelstoke Loop 2025

Ashley_Visit_2025

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So began the relocation from Bellevue, ID (near Sun Valley) to Auburn, WA bookended by blizzards at the beginning and end of the journey.

The start began with clearing six inches of a heavy wet snow from the car. I placed the first tracks across the pristine snow covered motel parking lot before breaking through the one foot deep pile at the entrance to the road. The snow covered road only partially defined by car tracks made it difficult to know where the edge of the road began. I concentrated on the road side posts cutting new tracks on the right to give the few oncoming cars plenty of space. Hwy 20 stretches west for about 80 miles across desolate countryside. Concern that I'd be breaking trail was alleviated as I saw evidence of snowplows recently at work. I was able to travel at 40-45mph following some previous vehicles tracks cut in the 2-4 inch deep snow. After about 30 minutes I passed a facility where the road plows are stored and promptly fell in behind a plow headed westward. I stayed behind it for the next hour benefiting from a road now just snow packed though having to slow down a little to match the plow speed. The snow tires have been demonstrating their benefit with robust positive traction.

Once I reached I-80, the drop in elevation and the ship of the storm having passed to the east of me, the roads were wet to dry as I proceeded westward. I'm sure I've driven this section between Boise and Auburn before, but parts felt new to me. I stopped in Pendleton, OR, for fuel and to eat a late lunch. The hamburger at the OMG restaurant with a side salad was good. I can't help wondering who lives in this town tucked at the bottom of the Umatilla River ravine. Google routing took me on some country roads to Prosser rather than on I-82 after crossing the Columbia River. I enjoyed the rolling countryside and massive vineyards. The Columbia river boggles me due to it's size, length, the number of communities it touches, and the fact that eventually I'll end up on its shores in Revelstoke, BC. Crossing the river marked my entry to Washington state.

The roads were dry and often the sun shone in my eyes for much of the drive. However, as I approached Snoqualmie Pass conditions changed dramatically. Ashley had warned me about icy conditions in the Seattle area. I drove conservatively fearful of hitting black ice. The radio on AM1610 instructed all vehicles of over 10000lbs to chain up and lighter vehicles needed to have traction (?) tires. The lane lines became obscured due to the heavily falling snow and snow packed conditions resulting in many people driving down the middle of this 3(? - couldn't actually see the road surface) lane road making passing awkward. The chain up area must go on for a couple of miles; a good thing because I couldn't get over the number of trucks pulled over chaining. The east side uphill road was the easy part. Proceeding down the west side I found many cars in long queues clearly following too closely even for drive pavement conditions. I passed one ~10 vehicle pileup blocking the left two lanes. Fortunately this caught people's attention and the slowed down moving to the right. With the snow tires gripping well I coasted down the left lane maintaining a big buffer around my car to allow me to avoid others and have a long stopping distance.

I'd say the snowy conditions were much easier driving conditions for me than the race driving once I reached the 405 freeway near Seattle. Geez! People drive like a world championship driving title is at stake!! They weave in and out and follow closer than I snuggle with a lover. On top of that, the conditions varied from wet to snow slick roads. Miracles do happen and I made it to the motel without incident - whew! The trip had only taken me 13 hours.

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Zolas coffee shop kept my mug filled while I waited for Ashley's day to start. She joined me a little after noon. We shared the remainder of the day together. She made dinner for us including Jacob once he arrived home a little after 7PM. The looks on their faces a little later let me know it was time to return to my motel room.

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Ashley and I went to brunch/lunch before taking Rory for a forest walk east of Auburn at a place called Pinnacle Peak. It reminded me of hikes near Aberdeen, Scotland, with the trees, slightly muddy trail, and the dusting of fresh snow.

I reconnected with Ashley and Jacob at a local Indian restaurant for dinner. After that I said goodbye to Jacob as i wouldn't be seeing him again before I head to Canada.

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Today we visited the Museum of Glass in Tacoma on the waterfront. It includes live glass blowing demonstrations in the 'cone'. There are some amazing works of art on display.