Day Twenty-Two: Morton, Washington to Winthrop, Washington

After my morning check of the engine oil level and tire pressure -- along, now with a tire wear check -- I continued east on Highway 12.  This brought me over White Pass (elevation: 4,500') and towards the city of Yakima.  After crossing the pass, the character of the Cascades changes markedly, from forested-plus-alpine to desert-like-plus-more-blatantly-igneous.

Highway 12 eastbound near White Pass.  If you look closely, you can see Mt. Rainier's upper flanks peeking through the clouds.

A bit further east, where the highway follows along the Naches River.

After Naches the road widens a bit, then upon reaching Yakima I turned north to follow the 'superslab' of Highway 82.  This brought me to Highway 97, which is nicely curvy and gives one perfectly-paved lane of traffic in each direction.  Strangely, there was an absolutely massive show of police force heading southbound: local police, state troopers, and sheriff's cars and SUVs. Not sure what that was about, but I saw probably 100-150 law enforcement vehicles today.  No tickets, though.

At Chelan Falls (where Donjek and I used to occasionally stay, as there's a motel right on the lake where he loved to swim) I stopped to see whether there are any KOA campgrounds in the area.  There's one, a bit west on Highway 20.  After reserving a cabin, I headed another 12 or so miles north on 97, then turned west on 153, thus abandoning the Columbia River and valley (which it had been following) for the Methow.  The valley is beautiful, and is currently showing some bright fall colors.  After about 40 minutes the road leads to the town of Winthrop.  Just outside lies the KOA; here I checked into my cabin, parked the Triumph, and walked the mile or so into town.  I'd brought my cellphone, so here are a few pictures of town and the local environs:

Just outside of Winthrop, Washington.  Nice field; needs horses, though.

Crossing the Methow River on Highway 20 near Winthrop. Washington.

Winthrop, Washington is well known for its "American Old West" design.

The cars pretty  much ruin the vibe.  Except the Ferrari (not pictured).

A schoolhouse-turned-brewery.  Good call.

Tomorrow I'll make my way back east along Highway 20 to regain Highway 97, which will take me north -- and back into Canada.