We got an early start yesterday and decided to take the North Cascades Highway instead of Snoqualmie Pass. There was a winter weather warning in the Cascades, and the snow seemed to be more concentrated in the southern regions.
That was an unlucky choice. After a long drive getting out of Seattle, we were finally about 50 miles from Winthrop and excited about seeing the kids soon. Suddenly, road closed!
Earlier in the day there were multiple spin-outs on Rainy Pass. Fortunately we missed that, but this is an isolated area and tow trucks were 60 miles from the scene. No one could say how long it would take to clear the road of cars and reopen the highway. Even the pestered highway patrol man directing traffic had no idea. His estimate ranged from between "a few hours" and "tomorrow."
The official WASHDOT pass reports don't even start until November, so the only information was word-of-mouth and rumor. Cell phones don't work, and rumor had it that the back-up headed east stretched many miles.
We hung out by the side of the road for a while before deciding to head back. Stevens Pass was a option, but it would have added at least 4 hours to the trip and there was winter weather advisory there as well.
What a disappointment! And with the car all loaded for a weekend trip, it was too depressing driving home in Friday afternoon rush hour traffic.
When my phone finally worked again, I made some calls from the car and found a last minute room at the Channel Lodge in La Conner.
This cute touristy town is about 60 miles north of Seattle in the Skagit Valley, along the Swinomish Channel.
We got a nice room with a balcony and view. Wine shop next door. Barbecue restaurant across the street. We were sad and missed the family, but enjoyed an unexpected treat.
Pretty sunset...
My style of entertainment in the lobby-- the duo played many of The Ukes favorite tunes.
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade..."
No comments:
Post a Comment