Over The Hills And Far away

This weekend we traveled to gather with family to say good by to a loved one. Gordon, Tom's cousin, suffered heart failure and died a month ago. This weekend we went to the place he called his paradise, Lake Chelan, to celebrate his life. There we met friends from the various stages of his life who, together, could complete the whole story that was Gordon. Many of his years, in youth and in maturity, were spent on the shores of this lake.

Lake Chelan is a deep natural lake surrounded by the brown hills and pine woods typical of central Washington state. In summer, this lake is buzzing with activity as it is a major recreational water sports destination.

This Saturday there was some noisy boat racing on the lake, but by evening, when family gathered on the lake shore for an impromptu picnic, the scene was quiet and peaceful.

Lake Chelan empties through a water control dam and a short river into the mighty Columbia River. The banks of the lake and the river here are lined with fruit orchards. Harvest of the abundant apples is beginning and will continue with intensity as the fruit ripens in October.

The first signs of fall are appearing on the other side of the mountains. Pumpkins are on display at the fruit stands. Some of the leaves are starting to turn. The huckleberry bushes on the ski slopes on Stevens Pass formed a beautiful carpet.

We're settling in for the evening. Tomorrow we're back on the road, going to Oregon to visit my mother.

Catch you later.