Banks Lake Adventure

Just another weekend adventure to the scablands of Washington State.

The route - Snohomish-Banks Lake and then through the North Cascades Hwy back to home

Coulees and basalt columns galore

Came upon an old school house out in the middle of the upper scab lands of Douglas County. Reminds me a great deal of the Little House on the Prairie

The old Highland Schoolhouse is actually what it is called. Accounts date this one room schoolhouse to 1905. The last classes were held here in 1949. The school was not part of any one township, but rather served several surrounding communities. As scuh, it sits out in the middle of the "prairie".  The schoolhouse was used for various community activities such as a voting precinct up until the 1960's. The school stands on the corner of Hwy 2 and J (Highland School Rd).

Unfortunately, it has fallen in to diuse and now vandals and wanna be artists (grafitti punks) have taken over the place. Too bad. It is a nice piece of history that, due to its remoteness, will fade into history.

Banks Lake... what a view!!

Steamboat Rock

800 feet above Banks Lake in Washington’s majestic coulee country, Steamboat Rock is the crown jewel of this area. It is a basalt butte has a rich history; first used by native people many years ago, and during the ice age, the Great Missoula Floods carved the canyons here. The upper plateau marks where the land was level. The rock was an island in the raging river formed by glacial flooding. Now, high and dry, Steamboat rock stands like a lone sentinel offering excellent 360-degree panoramas of the landscape surrounding it.

Just off the road are some pretty views

More beauty

Everywhere the geological garden provides a cornucopia of visual pleasure and geographical history.

Full Moon

The views the next morning were impressive.

I've had the pleasure of kayaking these tiny fjords and outlets found all around the shores of Bnks Lake.

Banks Lake never looked better with morning coffee.

Later in the day we made our way over to the Hwy 20 and the North Cascades. Making a loop back to home.

Cut Throat Peak off of Hwy 20

Diablo Lake

Hwy 20 is always a pleasure. A nice way to spend a weekend. Scenic, riding a motorcycle... Does life get any better ?

Until next time...

Teaser Trailer ~ Tales & Trails of the Chilcotin, Bella Coola and Beyond

This is continuing story of riding a motorcycle to some of the most extraordinary country on the planet.

Several years ago, I accidentally stumbled on an incredible land known as the Chilcotin. It is magical place of beauty and history. The area contains not only huge rivers and mountains but also contains some of the largest ranches in North America and is home to one of the densest populations of Grizzly bears in Canada. This is the land of the Tsilhqot'in 1st Nations people; a land where one can see true cowboys; a land rich in spirit and adventure. Because of its sparse population, lack of paved roads (you will not find strip malls out here and even petro is sparse) a trip to the Chilcotin is always an adventure and more than that, it is a spiritual affair.

This preview video provides a glimpse of my firsthand experience of riding a motorcycle through lowland rain forests, high mountain plateaus, glaciated peaks, wild rivers, crystal clear lakes, arid deserts, high passes and life at the edge of a continent. There is a lifetime of exploration and adventure out there.

Stay tuned for more....

Solo Beyond the Northern Hinterlands: The Complete Video Series

A Man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.        ~Muhammad Ali

Grab that morning cup and enjoy.
Solo Beyond the Northern Hinterlands (Complete Video Series)

Teaser Trailers

 

 

Leaving Home

The Salmon Glacier

The Nahanni Range Road

The Canol Road

The Dempster Highway and Beyond

The Denali Highway

50 years: here’s a time when you have to separate yourself from what other people expect of you, and do what you love. Because if you find yourself 50 years old and you aren’t doing what you love, then what’s the point? ~Jim Carrey

Looking forward to the next 50 years of life. 

Until Next time ....