Time for a big road trip in, around Columbia Basin
MOSES LAKE - The winter is almost over, according to the calendar anyway. Spring officially begins next Sunday.
Although most of the Columbia Basin looks as if spring has arrived, we all know frosty mornings will continue for a couple more months. Many of us venture out into the backyard to try and shake the effects of cabin fever.
I talked with a friend in Waterville earlier this week and he was sick of winter and the seemingly never ending snow.
"We still have snow on the ground, it's going away, sure, but we still have snow," he said. "We are almost as high in elevation as Snoqualmie Pass."
Indeed, Waterville's elevation is 2,625 feet and the pass is 3,022 feet, a difference of only 397 feet. Ephrata weights in at 1,276 feet and Moses Lake at 1,090 feet. Interesting facts, yes, and it is understandable why the Douglas County Seat receives so much snow.
The average annual snowfall in Waterville is 43.2 inches, compared with East Wenatchee at 27.9 inches
When my friend was told we didn't have any snow remaining, he said he was anxious to visit the Columbia Basin. He has the correct idea; go to some other part of the state, even if it is less than 100 miles.
My wife, Garnet, and I conduct similar expeditions, but mostly for the day. A day trip can be invigorating and lift the spirits. So we are planning a drive which reverses our friend's; Moses Lake to Waterville and back.
From Moses Lake head north and west on Highway 17, through Soap Lake, alongside Lake Lenore, past Alkali, Blue and Park lakes to Dry Falls Junction, the spot where Highway 17 intersects Highway 2.
Turn left on Highway 2 and travel 35 plus miles through dryland wheat county, past Baird and Farmer, but don't blink at either spot. Both towns are non- existent these days, but played a part in the region's history during pioneer days. They are both listed on the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer on my desk.
The next town is Douglas, which is a little larger, but still a small town. This town was competing with Waterville to become the Douglas County Seat in 1886, but lost. Of interest in this community is the church, located about a block off the highway. It is not used as a regular church anymore, but for special events, such as weddings.
Waterville is about five more miles down the highway. The courthouse is interesting as an old building, constructed in 1905. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the building.
We have visited the Douglas County Historical Museum before and another visit is warranted. The Internet lists their hours as Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 5p.m. from late May to Early October. This means they are not open during the winter. The contact is Director Lori Ludeman at 509-745-8435.
Of particular interest at the museum are the various plat maps. Because Grant County was a part of Douglas County for many years, the plat maps before 1909 include the landowners in this area.
There was one restaurant in the town, but last word I received a month ago indicated it may be closing. Although I enjoy eating at quaint eateries in small towns, my favorite food on day trips is lunch made by Garnet. We either take a small camp stove for hot soup/stew or take all the items necessary to make a super sandwich.
Instead of taking the same way home, backtrack the 11 miles to Farmer and take a left on State Route 172 and travel north for 14 miles. At this point 172 takes a 90-degree right turn and heads east. At nine miles, you will drive through the Town of Mansfield. It has been years since I have been there, so this trip will be exploratory for me too.
At 13 miles past Mansfield, you will hit Highway 17 again at what is called Sims Corner. It is possible at this point to take a right and head back to Dry Falls Junction and, therefore, back to Moses Lake.
If there is still time in the day, take a left instead and head north again. At Leahy Junction, take a right on State Route 174 and head north and east to Grand Coulee. Take another right and head south on State Route 155, through Grand Coulee and Electric City to Steamboat Rock State Park.
I suggest a drive to and through the park, as there is usually an abundance of wildlife in this area. Keep an eye out for at least eagles and deer. Back on the road, continue south to Coulee City on SR 155. This is another quaint city, the oldest in Grant County.
From here, cross over Dry Falls Dam and take a left on Highway 17 and return home.
Take a camera, lots of food, sufficient clothing and binoculars for every person on the trip.
This would be a fun trip for youth, depending upon if and how much time is spent at the museum. But there should be enough wildlife to keep everyone busy. Have fun.