Yakima, Washington

I understand why they call it the "Palm Springs of Washington" with these temperatures. 

Camping at the Elks

We put out our bird feeder and had lots of birds

Enjoying dinner and friends at Jan & Judy's house.

Another great gathering at Sam's house.

 Headed up the mountain. Trying to beat the heat.

Devil's Table

Bear Lake

Last time we were here we saw Mountain Goats.  Today was just too hot.

This makes it an official snow run 🏔

Checking out the local brewery

The Yakima Valley has proven to have the ideal combination of the right climate, day length, soil and access to irrigation systems for hop growing, which is why over 75% of our nation's hops are grown here.

Dave with his stash

Fort Simcoe Historical State Park is 196 acres and one of the few remaining pre-Civil War forts in the west.  Located on the Yakama Indian Reservation, between rolling hills, small farms and tiny towns.

Once a Yakama Nation camping area, the rich, fertile region sparked discord between the tribes and Euro-American settlers, prompting the U.S Army to construct a fort there in 1856. Fort Simcoe's military history was short-lived, however. Closed as a fort in 1859, the site was handed to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, under which it became a boarding school for Yakama children. In 1956, Fort Simcoe was leased to Washington State Parks by the Yakama Nation on a 99-year lease for historic preservation.

 

Guardshack behind the Captain's Quarters

Relax under a shade tree or have lunch in the picnic area. Try to spot a Lewis's woodpecker but keep an eye on your food, as bears have been known to enjoy the park, too.

Jailhouse

Hike a small hill to the original blockhouse (defense lookout) and take in the golden valley.

Built to command a wide view of the area surrounding the Fort. The platforms make it possible to stand at riffle ports, which are located high in the walls so that they could not be reached from outside.

This is the remains of the original Guardhouse that was located at the east end of the fort.  After the fort era this structure was moved to the town of White Swan and used as a Jail.  Later it was donated back to the historical site.

Ankle restraint

Attached to the trunk of this oak tree is a wooden plank which is the remains of a structure built here years ago.

An old pear tree

Another Blockhouse with riffle ports in the walls in case the fort came under attack.

Army life was often difficult and challenging.  Crime was not uncommon.  Desertion, disobedience to orders, morals, theft and alcohol problems were the most common.  Punishment ranged from hard labor with a ball and chain, carrying sand bags from dawn to dusk, forfeiture of $5.00 pay each month and required jail time.  This building contains a prisoner sleeping and day room, storage room, guardroom and office.  The fireplace was used for heat and cooking 

Stocked up on fruits and veggies from a few Produce stands

Check out the size of those zucchini

Smoked garlic

I bought one.  I'll have to let you know how it is.

Teapot Dome Service Station is a former gas station built in the shape of a teapot located in Zillah, Washington.  The station and outhouse was built in 1922 on what later became U.S. Route 12. The building has a circular frame with a conical roof, sheet metal "handle", and a concrete "spout".  It was intended as a reminder of the Teapot Dome Scandal that rocked the presidency of Warren G. Harding and sent Interior Secretary Albert Fall to prison for his role in leasing government oil reserves in, among other places, Teapot Dome, Wyoming.  Many such novelties were constructed as roadside attractions as the national highway system in the United States expanded during the 1920s and 1930s. The unique service station continued operation as a full-service gas station for some years.  Today it serves as the Visitors Center in Zillah.

Ice House Park

Completed nearly a decade before the incorporation of the City of Zillah, the Ice House was constructed using left over material from the completion of a local church 7/5/1901.  Ice was cut from the sloughs along the Yakima River during winter.  It was brought here to be packed in sawdust, and stored underground to be used during the warm summer months.