Since we'd come to western Washington state for Zach's wedding, I knew we had to continue east to Spokane, my Mom's birthplace. I really didn't have much information about where she was born or how long she lived here, but it did make me feel connected to the area just knowing she and my grandparents had once lived a piece of their lives here. How I wished I'd asked those questions years ago, but just being there was special.
And, as we travel the country I'm always on the look out for Trader Joe's stores. Spokane had two store locations and both about the same distance from us, so I tried them both. I stocked up on all my usual supplies and as I was leaving I noticed they had a liquor section in the store. We have learned that not all states sell beer and wine in their grocery stores as we do in California. Instead, many states have state run liquor stores separate from the grocery store. In Washington, it was a bit different. The Spokane Trader Joe's did carry wine, beer and some spirits but there's a hefty tax added in grocery stores that sell the products; a $9 bottle became $17 with the tax added! Not sure that's a change for the better. But, picking up my Washington state TJ bag was fun, I now have a collection of grocery bags from the states we visit. Here's Washington's:
With really hot temps daily, we did most of our activities in the morning. Within a half mile from the Elks lodge was the Centennial Bike Trail along the Spokane River. Beautiful ride with enough shady spots to take a rest or cool off. We loved it so much we did it each morning that week.
On Friday that week we left early for a day trip to Couer d"Alene, Idaho. It was only a 45 min drive across the border to the town, so a day trip was perfect. We started with a bike ride along the lake and then took the 12:30 boat ride for 1.5 hours. With a half price Groupon it was a perfect way to see the lovely area surrounding the town. One of the sights pointed out was this house on a rock. The lady came out and waved to the boat as we passed by, as she does every day.
And this beautiful dandelion sculpture down at the park
Every city we visit have these fantastic bouquets hanging from lamp posts! I think it's a lovely custom here in the northwest. Now, how they keep them watered and constantly blooming in the heat, I really don't know.
A small farmers' market on Saturday in Spokane, with their favorite fruit this time of year...huckleberries. I guess it takes a lot of huckleberries to fill a gallon bucket, $45 isn't spare change.
After checking out the Spokane Farmers' Market, we drove downtown to find another beautiful bike trail at Falls River Park. Loved this enormous slide/sculpture as we entered the park.
The view of Spokane's Convention Center from the across the river.
These falls must be amazing when the spring run off comes through these rocky boulders as the river flows through the middle of the town.
We stopped for lunch at the red brick building in this photo, the Clinkerdagger, a longtime local favorite. It's inside a former flour mill, with great views of the river.
The clock tower where there once stood the central railroad station.
After lunch we got back on our bikes and rode over to see Gonzaga University. Beautiful campus, and Bing Crosby's childhood home was open for tours so we had a look. It was the family home for 23 years, including the years Bing attended Gonzaga High School and Gonzaga University, and is filled with Bing Crosby memorabilia.
Our last stop on our city day tour was to the Japanese gardens in Manito Park, absolutely beautiful. There was much more to see in the botanical gardens but we were hot, tired and ready to get back to the RV and Foster.
Driving through some of the nearby neighborhoods we found this sweet family and their lemonade stand. Had to stop!
Sunday we returned to Spokane for a visit to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. Interesting art work in the museum along with a working television production studio of the Syfy TV series, Z Nation. Never being much of a zombie fan we took a look and then decided to spend more of our time at the historic Campbell House, circa 1910, also part of our museum admission.
As this was our last day in Spokane, we needed to do a little grocery shopping at TJs and then hit the laundromat.
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