5 - 10 October 2013 To Skykomish

October 5  Today's nice drive from Republic to Skykomish, Washington, took us west across Wauconda Pass to Tonasket, south to Pateros along the Okanogan River, South to Wanatchee along the Columbia River, and west across Steven's Pass. The wind was calm and the rock cliffs and trees formed perfect reflections in the river pools. The red vine maples and aspens were stunning in their full fall colors and there was enough snow on Steven's Pass for one day of skiing.

We arrived at Jason's home and set up the rig up in his driveway then joined him and his family for dinner. A turkey with 'taters, squash and gravy was followed by an apply pie with one candle and ice cream in honor of my 78th birthday. The kids got a kick out of carrying the pie in with its candle and singing Happy Birthday. It was on September 26 but I have celebrated it at least four times since, usually with my favorite apple pie.

 Jason James (3 on Oct 18th) with mom Allison

 Beautiful big sister Madeline who is 5 

October 6  Had breakfast with Jason and Allison and the grandkids this morning and then headed to Olympia where we had to take care of some business.

October 8  Headed back to Skykomish. This fall weather makes the trip along "Sky Valley" a marvel--clouds and fog tripping around the snowy mountaintops rising straight up from the riverbed, braided waterfalls diving through ravines of yellow and red fall leaves. 

October 9  Slept late this morning.

Jason, Madeline, Jason James, and Patrice watched a few spawning salmon in Mahoney Creek adjacent to Jason's property. The end is near for these last few salmon--their fins and heads are tipped with raggedy white, and sometimes they tumble in the current, then snapping to and finding the strength to move further up behind a female.

Madeline and Daddy

Jason James and Madeline (helmets are for their bike-riding)

I helped Jason move a shed kit to the site where it will be erected soon. We had a great dinner with Jason and his family tonight. 

October 10 Helped Jason cut down two trees in his front yard today--cut them up and hauled them to the burn pile. Mowed the huge yard with the herkin' riding lawnmower--took an hour and a half even so! Spent time with Jason James and Madeline as they puttered and played around outside.

Dampish and cool out today, but no rain. Days are getting shorter. Allison made a scarecrow for the front porch, and Halloween decorations are out all over the locality.

Patrice made an elk meatloaf and squash for dinner. Great times.