More

 This summer has flown by. We only have a little more time left here in Spokane and we're already looking forward to our return visit next summer.     The oppressive heat has left us, but the smoke still comes and goes.   Even when the sky is beautiful and blue we  have reminders of the terrible wildfires destroying forests and homes, leaving animals adrift. 

A Chinook helicopter and heli bucket filled with water

One afternoon we went to Riverside State Park, just a short ride from our campground.   Our purpose was to take the short hike to see it's famous Bowl and Pitcher formation.

I eked my way out onto a narrow stone observation point to look down at the huge rocks in and beside the river.   

Please don't ask me why it's called "Bowl and Pitcher".    I've read the reasons and descriptions,  I understand the words, but I just don't see it.     Pretty impressive though....huge, rough boulders scattered in and around the clear water, ringed by large pines.    

 

Looking in the other direction we saw a long suspension bridge over the river, leading to more hikes and views on the other side.

If you know me, you'll know that "suspended over the river" are words that normally make me go in the other direction.   Or "you go and I'll watch".

We decided to take the short, rocky hike down to "look" at the bridge, Dave assured me that I wouldn't have to cross it, that he wouldn't cross it either, we would just look at it.

It was new and looked quite sturdy, even though the planks that made up it's decking weren't quite touching each other, probably giving one "views" of the rapids below.....

I walked out a few feet to take a couple pictures and it was OK.    I was able to keep my eyes away from the decking, the river under my feet.    It didn't wiggle and there was no one else around.   I'm always sure that someone will bump me over the side.

The views were beautiful and I soon found myself following Dave all the way across.   OK, he did hold my hand and talk to me all the while.    Good girl!

Next time I'll march right over it and see what is on the other shore!     On the way back to the Jeep, we found a much less rocky and strenuous path, phew.

Erin is away for a few days, visiting an old friend, so it was just the three of us left to do a little sightseeing.   

We ate a delicious breakfast/lunch (I guess that would be brunch, but if there is no mimosa involvement I hesitate to call it a proper brunch) at the little "all things airplane" themed cafe on the grounds of  the Historic Flight Museum on Felt's Field (Spokane's first airport).   Afterward we did the small Museum.

entering the museum, fully masked......

We didn't know what to expect, we've all been to many aircraft museums over the years and this one looked quite small.   We were immediately blown away!    The facility is spotless and well thought out.   Docents were readily available, but not hovering, and knew their stuff.   Informational placards placed throughout the displays gave us interesting, and often fascinating facts, not just names and dates.

The planes themselves were perfectly restored, with much attention to detail.    They were in pristine condition.

I was fascinated by the tiny details these plane's perfect conditon revealed.

We finished our day by stopping at  nearby Winescape Winery for a little whistle wetting.

a pleasant end to a pleasant day