Western Larch

 

The Western Larch is a rare conifer tree that only grows at elevations of 1,600- 8,000 feet in the Northwest. In the fall, they turn bright yellow and drop their needles. I had perfect driving weather on Blewett Pass yesterday, and they looked like gold candles scattered through the evergreen forests-- a strange and beautiful sight.

This trip wraps up the easy driving seasons. In the winter, our visits are short and I don't go alone. The house is winterized and in good hands, the driveway snow-plower confirmed for another winter, so now we just wait and see what it brings.

After three years in Twisp, I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner in Seattle again. My sister Marji is coming from Las Vegas and the family from Twisp, so we'll squeeze eight around the table in our little dining room. 

We don't usually plan trips this close together, but we're flying to California on Sunday. New York was a trip, but this is more of a mini-vacation to familiar old places in Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs. The weather looks perfect there next week, with high temps in the mid-70's and clear desert skies. The dark time has certainly slammed down in Seattle.