Made it to Seattle

Arrived in Seattle today after driving over 4,000 miles across the country (didn't take the shortest route) from the Hudson Valley of New York.

Monday, we toured Craters of the Moon National Monument in central Idaho.  A huge expanse of lava flows formed when this area was over the current Yellowstone hot spot.  We explored a few lava tunnels.

After a stop for the night just across the Idaho/Oregon border, on Tuesday we stopped at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City in eastern Oregon.  It was an excellent museum.  Much of the modern highway we've been following has paralleled the old Oregon Trail.  Imagine traveling in one of these (it's an original wagon that traveled the trail) instead of an air-conditioned car able to drive 75 mph on the Interstate.

North to the Columbia River and down the Columbia River gorge.  We of course stopped at the iconic Multnomah Falls as we neared Portland (and the scenery changed from desert sagebrush to Pacific Northwest forest).

Wednesday, we explored Ape Cave - a lava tunnel on the flanks of Mt St Helens.  It was awsome (my daughter and I braved the upper cave for those of you familiar with the place).  Here are my wife and son who did the easier lower cave.

I also drove up for a look at Mt St Helens from Johnston Ridge (the third time I've seen in in the past 6 years or so - every time it looks slightly different as the central lava dome still grows).

Thursday, we made it to Seattle proper.  After lunch at Pike Place Market, we drove down to the motel in Kent where my workshop will be for the next couple of days (at Highline Community College).