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We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day for our last drive of the season!






Our morning started with a nice, brisk drive up the Columbia Gorge. We enjoyed a beautiful sunrise along the drive.








A short pit-stop along the way.






Climbing up out of the Gorge the temperature dropped to a chilly 38 degrees!




The countryside was beautiful with a hazy, fall feel.








We crossed the plain toward Glenwood with tantalizing views of Mt. Adams.








Then we enjoyed the climbing curves as we continued to the top of the plain.








As we made our way to Goldendale we had an eastern view of Mt. Hood.








We make a pit-stop in Goldendale before heading north.




On Hwy. 97 we head to Yakima.






In Yakima we stop at a Freddie’s for gas. Weather here was in the mid ‘80s.




Then it was up into the Cascades and by Rimrock Lake and over White Pass. We enjoyed fall colors along the way.





Continued……


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We get brief glimpses of Mt. Rainier - and some fall colors.








At the Palisades Viewpoint rest area we stop for a lunch with views of Mt. Rainier and the Palisades across the valley.
















Most of us endured a cold sack lunch. Garret, on the other hand brought along his barbecue! First class! (however, he DID menace a small creature of nature – a lowly chipmunk. The ASPCA has been notified)




We get ready to start our second half of the day.




Leaving the rest area.






After turning south at Randle we make a brief stop at the Wakepish rest area.




Then it was an afternoon of fun as we headed south past the back-side of Mt. St. Helens. (Photography is a bit difficult along there)




Our final stop is Yale Lake where we set up for a photo line in front of the lake.










But that wasn’t all! Leaving here, Dave lead us on a spirited drive down through Amboy.








We were lucky that Dave was equipped with a radar detector (remember that extreme slow-down we made in that small town south of Amboy?) NOT that we were exceeding the speed limit, though!.

Then it was on through Brush Prairie and Battle Ground on our way back to the Vancouver area.






Thanks to all who attended. Special thanks to Dave and Huy who did a great job of leading their teams (and for Dave’s help with the pre-drive).

Thanks also to John and Karen for finding that first pit-stop – which included FLUSH toilets!

We enjoyed meeting Yan and his friend and hope they join us again in the future for more of our events.


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Until next year!

Larry and Aaron



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The original post for this drive can be found: Here

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Had a great time today! What a beautiful day to have the drive. We got lucky.

Good to see all the familiar faces and some new ones. Too bad this is the last drive of the season. Makes me want to do another one since this was my only one for the year that I got to do.

As always, thanks to all that put this drive together. These drives wouldn't be great without the dedication and commitment that goes into them.

Thanks again for a great time!

Bill

 

Another drive season in the books - sadly we must wait several months for the next official drive.

I only took a few pics today. I was just not in a photo mood.

Early morning meeting at IHOP.


Bathroom break

 

Today was yet another great drive. Fun route, fantastic weather........(is it really October?) and a good group to share a ride. Thanks to Larry, Dave and Huy for planning and leading the groups.

It was nice to meet Yan, Steffan, Abhi and Bill as well as many others from previous drives.

Looking forward to some new adventures in 2011!

John & Karen

 

It was great seeing everyone again, and meeting the new people! I've missed so many drives this year due to work and family - I was a bit shaky in the twisties.

My pictures are still on the camera. Not super motivated to even look at them. Maybe tomorrow.

 

Nice seeing everyone again and all the new folks as well! It was a really nice day and a great way to end the drive season.

 

What a great drive! Good route and perfect weather. Thanks to our organizers and drive leaders. A lot of fun

 

What a perfect day all around; an excellent drive, great weather, and a fun group of people. Sad to see the drive season come to an end.

Thanks to Larry and Aaron for organizing this beautiful drive and the drive leaders, Dave, Huy, and Larry.

Nice photos Larry and Garrett. As soon as I muster enough energy I will look through my pics and post if any are worthy.

Arnie & Wendy

 

The drive season has ended, but the D&D season will soon begin. This allows us to keep in touch in the “off season” and meet the new folks.

We will be planning the monthly Dinner and Discussion (D&D) post soon - the first one will be in November.