LAKE CHELAN WASHINGTON

TRANSITION: TWO WEEKS AT LAKE CHELAN: 

This sixth month journey across America has been fueled by a sense of adventure, a curiosity about the history of our country, the beauty of natural landscapes,  and the time to enjoy each adventure as if in slow motion.

Lake Chelan is a 50 mile long lake that flows into the Columbia River at the eastern base of Cascade Mountains.  The lake is clear, fresh and deep, about 1400 feet at the deepest part.  It’s location provides water to the surrounding arid land that makes it possible to have acres of apple and pear orchards and vineyards.  The town of Chelan is located at the southern end of the lake and is mostly a summer resort town with a year round population of about 4,000. Winters here are vastly different from the winters in Maine.  The temperatures are mild in the mid 50’s during the day and cool to around freezing at night.  The surrounding Cascade mountains are snow capped and reflected in the lake on sunny days. 

Because we are here in February, we are able to appreciate the locals at coffee shops, browse in book stores, dine at nearby restaurants,  and visit the wineries without the summer crowds.  We have a two week stay at two different condos and are taking this time to retreat from our traveling to enjoy the beautiful stillness of the scenery and appreciate all that we have experienced on our travels so far. Two weeks at Lake Chelan marks a time for reflection and  a transition from going to someplace new to going home.  It is a time to remember sites and experiences that have brought us closer to nature and each other.  How do I hold on to the pleasant memory of each adventure and not feel sadness at its end? How has my view of the world changed because of this journey? What were opportunities for personal growth?