Gary and Terrie (aka Lewis and Clark) star in "The Epic Journey West 2006"...featuring supporting character Heather (aka Sacagawea)

On Friday, August 4th, Modern-day Lewis and Clark (Dad and Mom) arrived in their woodland cabin near Skykomish, Washington. They completed their westward journey in 10 hours. The first stop was at the nearby United States Postal Service branch! Skykomish! What a metropolis!! (Dad was particularly fond of the "Antique Stove Museum.")

The first big day trip was to Stonewater Ranch, YD's new camp property in the Cascade Mountains. Mom and Dad met lots of fun YD Adventures staff and learned how to pack food for 6-day rafting trips. They were super-impressed with the amazing 138-acres of land and beautiful lodging facilities!

After touring Stonewater Ranch, the real adventure was waiting in the historic Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Liederhosen, Christmas stores, big pretzels, and of course, the popular Leavenworth hat shop! It was hard for Dad to resist spending all of his spending money on fancy, decorative hats, but I testify that he fought the urges and emerged without a single purchase!

Throughout the visit to Leavenworth and the proceeding days, Mom and Dad received lots of introductory lessons to Whitewater. They learned about the major rapids on the Wenatchee River, and later, viewed the rapids up close and personal at Deception Falls, near Stevens Pass. In this photo, I'm saying, "See Mom and Dad! Class IV kayaking is fun!" Dad was not so convinced. He became very upset at the very thought of Class IV kayaking...(Deception Falls was a rather intimidating 'Beginner's route'...for sure...) But Mom reassured Dad that life always makes more sense if you read the instruction manuals. Fortunately, there were lots of instruction manuals nearby at the Interpretive Center to ease Dad's whitewater apprehensions.

Halfway through the trip, Mom and Dad decided to renew their vows. I was the only available person to perform the ceremony, so, I read aloud from Leviticus before re-pronouncing them husband and wife. They were thrilled!

Our last big trip as a family before Mom and Dad took a few more days to Honeymoon was to the little village of Seattle. There were plenty of fun sites to explore in this little unknown corner of the Northwest. I wanted to have fresh lobster for dinner from Pike's Place Market. Dad said, "No way! Take me out to the ballgame!" The Mariners were playing Tampa Bay, which I guarantee is not the most exciting sports entertainment in the area (especially with David Beckham arriving in Seattle that night.) So we just stopped by the field to say Hi before enjoying a nice dinner at Pyramid. Seattle proved to be rather extensive, as far as little villages go. There was the flagship REI, there was the Experience Music Project (with Robbie Robertson's guitar from The Last Waltz! My heart's joy complete!) and lots of interesting people-watching and site-seeing.

So, in conclusion, if you're wondering if a Northwest vacation might be right for you, I offer as Exhibit A, this fine photo of Dad, in typical Northwest environmental fashion, chaining himself to the trail entrance at Wallace Falls (where he was found chanting, "Heck no! We won't go home!") Apparently the joy of the week was overwhelming for him! So, if you're coming to visit, beware, because the region takes a hold on your soul and you will certainly feel compelled to stay! Mom and I were unsure what to do with Dad in his hysterical state, so we went out for Decaf Latte's at Skykomish's "Last Chance" Espresso Stand. All-in-all...a fabulous week!