The Cascades

We left our little oasis at The Sun Mountain Lodge early this morning, around 6 am, to drive into Seattle.  They were kind enough to pack us a breakfast-to-go and fill our coffee mugs, and off we went.

My friend Maria, from Philadelphia, had told me about the North Cascades National Park and how we should drive through it on our way to Seattle.  Gorgeous, she said, and no one there.  Well, she was absolutely right!! 

Our first views were spectacular!  The clouds, the snow, the jagged peaks.  We saw dozens of mule deer by the side of the road.  But not a single car.  For two hours!

We stopped for breakfast at Diablo Lake ... it is beautiful.  There was a small pavilion with some seats and wonderful views.

The temperature was about 41 degrees, so I was bundled up in three sweaters, eating (the world's most delicious granola) through chattering teeth.



We continued on our way and were amazed at the rapidly shifting weather.  Clouds and sun, blue sky and misty rain that with just a slight drop would have been snow flakes.

Not a lot of talking during the four hour trip into Seattle.  Mostly we just stared in wonder, in awe.  It felt so remote, and so rugged.  Such beauty.  

And if you're like us, and prefer to feel as if you might be the only person there - rather than trucking along in the middle of a long line of rubber-neckers at Yellowstone, then do like Maria said ... and go see The Cascades.