lake Lenore, Perch Lake 6/27/10

I have never been to this part of eastern WA before and what a surprise! I knew it was farming country and it certainly is that... but there are also amazing rock outcroppings and amazing basalt cliffs. North and maybe a little east of Quincy we drove through Soap Lake, a little village that was once a big "healing waters' resort area, now home to at least two nice rv parks on the water. Further on we drove past Lake Lenore, a long body of water with all kinds of watercraft and swimmers. We stopped at Dry Falls Lake and Perch Lake after a short off-road drive through a state campground. I have never seen so many tents in one place in years! There weren't many (any?) sites large enough to comfortably take our coach size, which reminded me that we haven't stayed in a state park anywhere in a very long time.. Everyone was out enjoying the marvelous sunshine and water access. Perch lake was a very quiet place, with hiking trails going off into the rocky hills. This whole area of cliffs reminded me of a miniature Grand Canyon and areas in Utah. Spring left everything still green and we saw many wildflowers. It was a lovey day for a drive and we stopped at that great produce stand for a great berry shake on the way home. How fun to see more of our own 'home' state .... the big fields of wheat, corn, and grapes as well as cherry and apple trees reminded me of the old American song, "My Country Tis of Thee".... very appropriate with the 4th coming up so soon.... happy trails......