Made it to Washington but Not Quite the Coast, yet!

Hey, ZigZags!! We made it--we are to Washington State--in 16 days--better than our first trip. It took us five weeks in 2000! Last night the sunset was just glorious in Post Falls, Idaho. We slept like logs for 8 1/2 hours and then had breakfast and hit the road. Once more, we must choose a route where there is a motel within an easy day's drive and one we can count on. As a result we are going the same way as four years ago, through Lake Moses where we are spending tonight and then up through Wenatchee, Cashmere and Mt Vernon to Anacortes and the ferry to San Juan Island. Wenatchee and Cashmere--nope for motels and Mt Vernon too far for one day. We could have headed into Seattle but you know how we like to avoid cities, if possible. So, today was a leisurely 145 mile drive on a gorgeous sunny, warm day. Temp got to 80 degrees by early afternoon. We crossed into Washington State within 5 miles or so after leaving Post Falls and passed through Spokane shortly after that. Not much of a skyline in Spokane, nor any skyscrapers. A bit farther west we were in thick piney woods which opened into beautiful range and crop country. The colors and patterns and textures were just beautiful. Even the on and off ramps of I 90 made a pretty pattern with the main artery of road. At Sprague a lovely lake called, what else, Sprague Lake, ran long and thin hugging the highway. Not much later outcroppings of lava flows appeared among the fields. And then we were in Moses Lake--only noon time and check in is usually at 3. So, what else to do but find a nice restaurant. Well, if we wanted Mexican food or fast food joints the selection was ginormous. We had noticed a Porterhouse Steakhouse Restaurant at the exit prior to ours so on to OnStar and directions. We called from the corner of Meijers Road and Yonezawa Boulevard and were only 2 miles away and easy navigation. Had a lovely salad and wine --Barb had a Caesar with steak and Woodbridge white zin. I had Raspberry Chicken with Willamette Valley riesling. Coffee to finish and then off to the motel. Check in was at 2 and we arrived at 1:58-- planned, of course! Got our luggage settled and set off to explore and find the Lake. Spent about an hour and a half just taking it easy in the sun, listening to the birds, watching the water and the boats--speed boats, party barge, jet skis. Not many and never more than one at a time. Just a lazy day along the shore. Came back to research the Islands for our few days we hope to spend and to call home--me to Bill and Barb to Charlie. Now it is Jeopardy and two day's worth of USA Today!!! A lovely day all in all. And the roses are in bloom! Yellow, pink and red. And on that sweet smelling note, I'll say goodnight from BarbZig and KatZag