I have made it through California, Nevada and am into Utah! I had a wonderful time seeing my younger brother, Steve, as well as my sister, Jenny! I promised that I would return next year, so it looks like I am committed to doing this all over in 2023. Let us keep our fingers crossed and hope the universe does not throw any new roadblocks in the way!
North Cascades National Park was quite an eye full! It is absolutely beautiful. Why I never visited when I lived in the Washington State I will never understand!
The truly interesting thing about North Cascades NP is that the State and Government constructed three dams to harness the power of Mother Nature and provide electricity to the greater Seattle area . . . and the dams have added beauty and recreation. Some people think dams are a travesty and that they destroy the natural order of things. I, however, think that dams can serve mankind in numerous ways. They provide free and clean power, they help control the ravages of seasonal floods, they provide water for a multitude of uses . . . and I can remember decades ago, when California wanted MORE dams. the environmentalist’s poo-pooed the idea . . . and look at California now. All the 70’s era environmentalists are now older and are probably bailing out of the nightmare they created . . . fleeing to other States where they can start all over again with their failed ideologies!The water really is that color. There is nothing wrong with it and it is not an algae growth. The color comes from the very fine sediment that the water pickups from the glaciers in the mountains. I watched a young girl photograph her “Glacier Freeze” energy drink, and amazingly they were the same color!The views are superb, the heights are staggering, and anywhere in July that still has snow on the peaks amazes me!!The drive up the mountains is an experience. If you do not like tight corners and edge-of-your-seat drop offs . . . this may not be the drive for you!Every turn brings stunning panoramas of the mountains.Just keep your eyes on the road!You will wish that there were more places to pull over to take pictures.Sometimes though, you just need to stop, grab the shot and move on!Thankfully the clouds helped by just making the scenery that much better!So much to see that it does not all fit into simply one frame.A wonderful view down the valley, but an even more exciting drive!Not all the beauty here is in the forests, mountains and lakes . . .. . . it hides in the plants, . . . . . . you just need to open your eyes and let it in!Beauty is in the waterfalls that can be found throughout the park.Some of the falls are quite large but are hidden up narrow slot valleys.The river is crisp, clear and glacier fed . . . so very cold.The wildflowers are simply stunning . . . . . . and simple in shape . . . . . . and form!The forest here is primal and beckoning. Why not, for your next vacation, you come here . . . and enjoy North Cascades National Park. I know you will have a truly wonderful and relaxing visit!
On my way to North Cascades NP, I took the time to stop and visit The Manhattan Project National Historic Site. Sorry, but no photos! If you are not aware of what the Manhattan Project was, or how it impacted the United States and the world, PLEASE look it up!! This is history that every American should know. It comes with such names as the Trinity Program, “Little Man”, and Hiroshima (I am sorry, but if you do not know of Hiroshima . . . your education was really pretty lousy!) You can tour outside Reactor “B”, the other eight reactor have been removed or are encapsulated (or being incapsulated). This site will forever be here, the ground is still contaminated in many places so between the Atomic Energy Commission and the National Park Service, this park will forever be our legacy!!
Moving on to both Mount Ranier and Mount Saint Hellens next. Stay tuned!! Later . . .
What the Walrus said . . . 