Sunday, June 23, 2013

On the other side of Rainier

Now in Yakima Valley.  Interesting that east of Rainier, we have left the lush green to enter more desert like terrain although we are having rain tonight.   This is cherry country and wine country and stopping by a fruit market for lunch,  one of the clerks told us about the little Bavarian town of Leavenworth a 90 minute drive north to the mountains.

Since our plans to meet with Shirley aren't till Monday,  we said, let's go!  What a gorgeous winding drive and a splendid lively town.   All the buildings and signage are designed in bavarian style even Starbucks!  The town definitely lives up to expectations all the way down to lederhosen-clad gents, accordion bands, weinerschnitzel, and more.   We stayed near the Icicle River and the rushing water lulled us to sleep that evening,  our bellies full of spatzle and apple streudel!  This is a fun town even if a bit touristy.   Photos of Leavenworth in winter are a lighted,  snowy paradise and would be a wonderful time to visit.   According to our shuttle driver, over one million lights are strung through the town several weeks before Christmas and the lighting ceremony is spectacular.  On subsequent Friday nights, the town is all dark and a shorter version with special speakers and relighting is performed each weekend leading up to Christmas.   it's a special welcome and delightful surprise for visitors when they arrive.   I think it's fantastic!

No comments:

Post a Comment