Over the River and Through the Woods
Our month in the mountains of Washington State
One of the first questions we get asked while traveling abroad is where we are from. We are somewhat of a puzzle to many people because we have a ‘zero’ accent, meaning no accent whatsoever. Most cannot guess our country of origin from the sound of our voice.
When we tell them Washington, we always clarify by saying “the state, NOT D.C.” Many times they will then respond with, “Oh right, Seattle! I bet you get a lot of rain there.”
Well, for those of you not familiar with Washington State, it is abundant with environmental diversity. Seattle and the west side of the state are only one area.
The part of the state we are from is the Columbia Basin, directly in the center. If it weren’t for Grand Coulee Dam and the irrigation project, it would be an arid desert. But instead, it is a thriving agricultural hub.
It is still very hot and dry during the summers, though, which is why we explain that there are five seasons in Washington: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fire. No joke.
This beautiful area surrounding our favorite swimming hole is along Hwy 2 through Tumwater Canyon. Looking at it now, you would never know that 31 years ago, the Hatchery Creek Fire decimated this entire landscape. Those of us who lived in the state during that time can point out sections of the forest that still look like burnt matchsticks against the lush greenery that’s recovered from nature’s brutality.
It’s truly remarkable how much beauty comes from ashes.
Among this magnificent landscape, we wind our way to the cabin belonging to Jeff’s parents. Our original nomadic plans began there, in the winter of 2022. It is where we spent the entire month of July, 2025.
What a gift!
This place holds so many wonderful memories. Our children grew up spending time here. Many years ago, Jeff’s sister and family, as well as his parents and our brood, all spent Christmas together at the cabin. 16 total; 6 adults and 10 kids all under the same roof!
The day we arrived, one of our younger boys immediately sank into a snowbank up to his neck. He didn’t seem to mind it. But it was quite a funny sight seeing his head sticking out like that. We had to grab the shovels and dig him out, quickly though, as breathing can get difficult with the snow compacted around his body, especially for a child. And he lost a shoe, which we never did find.
Then, overnight, a massive snowstorm dumped four feet of fresh powder. It was so fun! No one had to go anywhere, so we enjoyed staying put, playing in the awesome Winter Wonderland, warming up with hot cocoa and homemade soup. It felt like living inside a Norman Rockwell photo, though one of our older boys also broke his arm sledding during this same trip. He will tell you that it was for sure not the best way to end what was otherwise a fun family time together.
The cabin is also very close to Lake Wenatchee for swimming, Fish Lake for ice skating or ice fishing in the Winter, as well as Stevens Pass for skiing. Many of our adult children now spend time there on their own, or with their own families, to enjoy all the area has to offer, including the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth.
We did experience a few “firsts” for us while staying there this trip. Jeff and I have a routine every day of taking a decent walk to get in a good workout. But this particular day, he had to go into Leavenworth for a Zoom meeting, so I stayed back. I went ahead and took my walk without him that morning. He hadn’t taken his walk when he got back, so he took off to get in his steps for the day, while I stayed behind. As he was headed back to the cabin, he heard a crunching kind of sound nearby and thought to himself, “I better look up.” So he looks to his right, and about 20 feet away, he sees…
A BEAR!!!
In the 33 years of my in-laws owning this property, not one of us has seen a bear up close and personal. On their wildlife cameras? Yes. But not while out and about.
Most often, bears aren’t interested in humans and are just as scared of us as we are of them, unless it’s a momma protecting her cubs. However, you really don’t want to hang around when they’re in your neighborhood.
Jeff was so funny. Normally, because we walk together, I carry the bear whistle, so he hadn’t thought to take it when he left. He said as soon as the bear looked up at him, he thought, “Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this.” Thankfully, as soon as it looked up and caught eyes with him, it turned around and ran off. And Jeff high-tailed it outta there, too.
The other “first” we had was this:
I wasn’t kidding when I said we have Fire Season. This particular fire started three miles away and was wind-driven. About seven miles east from the cabin, as the crow flies, is the Lake Wenatchee State Airport. During Fire Season, it is the base for many firefighting helicopters along with HotShot fire crews. The Lake Wenatchee Fire & Rescue also has a station there, as well as one at the beginning of the Forest Service road on your way to the cabin.
They were on that fire quickly and attacked it like bees on a hive. It was a bit unnerving to get the screeching alert, needing to call Jeff’s parents for next steps, then packing up to be prepared to “bug out” if we needed to. But once again, it’s a reminder of being fully alive, present in the moment, and the awesome power of nature. And we didn’t have to leave.
Thank you is never enough to say to our firefighters.
We are so grateful for the gift of this place we call “The Cabin”. It fills and refills our souls, spending time here. Truly a family gem graciously shared from a dream of Jeff’s parents some 33-plus years ago.
Don and Colleen, we are so blessed to get to continue enjoying the place you built literally from the ground up. Your dream has created a beautiful space filled with peace, memories, and love. We appreciate you so much! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!! We love you!!!
