Grand Loop: Segment 6

Heading home...


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The final day was our homeward leg. Starting in Wenatchee, WA we took a little side trip to Leavenworth, WA for breakfast. After walking about and munching we started our trip. From Wenatchee we headed toward Yakima, then turned west between Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens to I-5 and south to hometown, Portland.

Leavenworth is a short distance from Wenatchee, where we stayed the previous night. It is also a well known tourist destination. The town turned itself into a little Bavarian village to attract tourists and sustain itself. We were close enough to have to go see it. Why not start our day with a bit of breakfast in the "Washington Alps". We rode out, found some parking eventually and started walking about the downtown area in search of a eatery that was not too crowded. We eventually settled on the Café Verona & Bakery for some French toast, eggs, juice. I think we had a waffle in the mix as well. The morning was dry and sunny but a little brisk. We sat outside in their little patio area.

After breakfast it was back to the road to enjoy our final romp on the way home. We back-tracked out of Leavenworth and turned south on Rt. 97 again. The road was not the same intra-state highway it was approaching Wenatchee. It's a bit smaller and twistier. We went on to Ellensburg and proceeded to Yakima.

At Ellensburg we had the option of the highway again or Canyon Road (WA 821). What do you think? Of course we took Canyon Road along the Yakima River. This was a very scenic choice. This stretch of road and the river canyon was gorgeous in the noonish sun. The tarmac was smooth and flowing. As scenic as it was the 35 MPH - 45MPH speed limit throughout the length was however annoying. And being a scenic and recreational area there were the gawkers and RV's. Not that I wasn't gawking at times, but most motorcyclists desire to immerse themselves in such a canyon stretch and run a smooth, undulating ribbon without the worry of other motorists.

Ahh, Canyon Road came to an end north of Yakima. We were supposed to turn right to head west. Unfortunately, we got a little side-tracked with Yakima's commercial strip, before turning around and finding the ramp to WA 12 westbound along the Naches Rivers. The approach to the Cascades is orchard country. Lots of apples, cherries and other tree fruit.

As we approached the hills the weather grew cloudy and there was a chill coming in. That chill would only get chillier as we rose in altitude. We weren't disappointed. Also at this time Jim and I lost track of Brett and James. They dropped off behind us someplace for a break and pictures.

Jim and I stopped at the Palisades rest stop. This was one of those stops that's not immediately visible from the main road. For that reason I left my bike up on the shoulder as the signal for James and Brett to find us.

While we waited, we snacked some. Snapped some photos. Let the queen out to exercise. Allowed a chipmunk to try to raid our cookie bag. Drusilla was all about the small fuzzy critter running about in close proximity. We didn't allow the hunter loose. But it was fun to watch her pay such close attention.

Eventually James and Brett came rolling into the rest stop to join us. We were all back together again. After giving everyone a chance to rest, we were back out on the road heading towards the western slopes. The rain was looming. As we came out of the hills we stopped for a fuel-up. And within minutes of remounting it was raining steadily. And it continued to rain all the way to I-5 and most of the way south to Portland as well.

We made it to I-5, stopped to top-off the tanks and shake off the wet a bit. Then went a couple exits south to snack, while it continued to rain. Then finally the home stretch. The rain let up as we approached Vancouver. The skies were solid gray however.

Everyone was back in The Rose City safe and sound. We unloaded our cohorts luggage and headed to our home.