I woke up to a dreary weather report for Mt Rainier, which is where I was headed. I had to attempt it, because I didn't know when/if I would be back. The road getting there was a winding road through beautiful, tall, green trees. Even the park ranger looked at me sideways as I paid my entry fee for the park.
This was the first pullout to see a beautiful site over a valley into a forest and a big mountain. I believe there was about 100ft of visibility and this was the best visibility while I was in the park. It only got worse from here. So worse that I did not stop to take pictures again in the park. There was about 3ft of hardpack snow just off the road, a steady drizzle, and temps dipping down in the 40s for sure, if not lower. And did I mention I was in a motorcycle going through a treacherous mountain pass?
I made it through the pass and decided to thaw a minute under this overhang at a gas station. All of those cabooses behind the bike, are rooms for rent. Go to Elbe, Washington if you want to stay in a caboose.
I thought I was through the whole park and stumbled upon this at a public restroom. Very cool, and I can't wait to see this shot on a computer screen.
This is what Washington looks like east of Mt Rainier. As you can see I had some more rain ahead of me.
I arrived at Fairfield AFB FamCamp around 2:30pm to find out that they do not allow tents on base.... I was directed to a lake 30 minutes out of the way which turned out to be a military only recreation area. I was pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of this area, compared to the community just outside the gates. If you have a military ID and are in the area of Spokane and need a place to camp, check out Clear Lake Military Resort. Nice lake, reasonable prices.
Tomorrow I head towards Mammoth in Yellowstone.