A weekend in Bavaria

Well, not really Bavaria. But it sure does look like it. And everyplace was Das Something Haus or Markt that. We took a short break to drive up to Leavenworth, WA; home of the German Alps in Washington state. It is up on the eastern side of the Cascades, so we had to drive through some mountain passes to get there. But it was worth the drive, even if you only look at the scenery and skip the wurst and bier on the other end. We stayed at a terrific little hotel (Pension Anna) where we had breakfast every morning served up by ladies in dirkles. The hotel was right in downtown so we were able to stroll the streets of Leavenworth. The location of the hotel also meant that we could drink beer in the evening and not worry about driving back to a hotel.

The snow was incredible to see and this was the real reason we chose to go to the Cascades. We have had some snow over here on the western side of the mountains, but it never lasts very long. And it usually throws the entire city into panic mode. So we thought it would be nice to go away for the weekend and experience real snow, in a town that actually embraces it, instead of fearing it. We thought that we would do some snowshoeing, but decided not to, thinking there wouldn't be enough snow. There was enough snow, as the pictures taken below at Lake Wenatchee State Park attest to. But we had a good time just the same: walking near the Columbia River in Wenatchee, walking along the Wenatchee River in Leaveworth, visiting the Salmon Fish Hatchery at Icicle Creek, and eating German food. Julia had a good time too, although she kept asking to go home....

Can you see how tired we were and in need of a vacation?

Where the baby fish are raised before being taken outside

Where the baby fish live outside for 15 months or so....

Another shot of the outdoor fish runways....they get a nice view, don't they?

I think I will sit here and admire the mountains...where is my hot cocoa?

She got worn out by all the fresh air...this is by the Wenatchee River

Family Picture at Lake Wenatchee...the snow was at least 3.5 feet deep!

Where's the sausage haus?

Downtown Leavenworth

Julia next to the impressive bald eagle at the Fish Hatchery

We had a good time and Julia amused everyone we met. She was tickled to have both her mommy and daddy sleep in the same room as her. She also enjoyed the sausage and was particularly impressed that German breakfasts included meat, cheese, yogurt, and fruit. Auf Wiedersehen!