This and That

Today was the day that we didn't sight see; instead, we did several little tasks that needed to be done and relaxed around the campsite.  We talked about going to a couple of state parks near here but couldn't get too enthusiastic about either.   We went into Ellensburg to get some groceries.  Carol wanted to wash the car so we went back into Ellensburg.  While there we stopped by the Verizon store.  I have been having a couple of issues with receiving and sending pictures by text message and I wanted to get that straightened out.   We also stopped by the Chamber of Commerce for a map of Washington.  Normally, we stop by the state Welcome Center at the first rest area after crossing into a state so I can get a big folding map.  An atlas is great for traveling if you are staying on the interstate and main roads; but, if you want to really see the state on the byways, you need a folding map.

Washington has been unexpected.  When I think of Washington, I think of apples and the beaches on the west coast.  I did not know that they produce a lot of hay.  We drove by huge acreages of stacks and stacks of baled hay under large tarps.  It reminded me of a military base barracks.  Row and row of two-story building-like structures filled with hay.  In Ellensburg, there is a company that ships this hay in cargo containers all over the world.     I also didn't know that besides apples, Washington produces potatoes, carrots, onions, and cherries.

This is just a small amount of the hay stacks under tarps.

We have met so many nice people as we camp and this campground is no exception.   This time of the year most of them are retired and doing some traveling just like us.  A couple today told us about a drive to Yakima through a canyon along the Yakima River.  We pulled out our folding map and, after checking on the internet  for current information on road closures around Mount Rainier, have decided to try to get into the park tomorrow.  We think that if we drive the canyon to Yakima and then cut across into the southern entrance of the park, we may be able to see Mount Rainier National Park. The worse that can happen is that we get turned back.  Anyway, that is our plan for tomorrow.

We did see small clouds and blue sky this morning for a short time.  There is a wind blowing and for this area, the smoke wasn't as bad as it has been.   Hope that continues for the rest of the state.  A nice rain storm would help with the fires.