Washington BDR: Trout Lake

 

We made it to the top without any issues, though it was a bit tricky in spots.  The sun had already sunk below the ridgetops behind us, but the view to our left, was unexpectedly impressive!

Jonathan snapped some photos from the chair, while I got out to capture the broader scene.

The day could not have been any clearer for viewing Cascade Range volcanos!

And Jonathan found another use for the pack I'd strapped to the back of the bike's seat - a perfectly positioned arm rest.  Now this is livin'!

As the sun descended, so did the chill in the air.  Returning to the pilot's seat, I fired up the motor and we set our sights on the town of Trout Lake, WA. 

Just before we began our descent, the road forked again.  The official trail had us turning left onto 6610.  The map showed lots of switchbacks (normally an attractive plus) but what we could see from the junction looked significantly rougher than the route we were on.  If we stayed on 86, it looked like it would be a slightly longer, but potentially quicker way to get to our hotel.  

Not wanting to get stuck out in the dark, we opted for what appeared to be the more prudent option.

And it worked out very well!  We arrived at the Trout Lake Valley Inn just as all the lights were coming on.  Of course, the other way might have improved, and brought us here all the same - or we might have been still on the mountain, wishing we'd taken the easy way!

Unloading was as easy as opening the trunk and grabbing our bags - I kind of like that.  Beats dealing with a lot of bungee cords or detaching heavy aluminum luggage, like I always had to do on my two-wheelers.  The large blue item strapped above the spare tire is the electric pump for transferring fuel from the jerrycan to the main tank.  It could stay on the bike.

The "Inn" was really just an old motel.  But it had recently been remodeled, inside and out, and now possessed a quaint remote lodge atmosphere.

Less than a mile down the road was a pizza place that was still serving on their spacious open-air patio.  A large fire pit kept the picnic table we chose surprisingly comfortable, while we consumed our very tasty supper.

The Ural sat patiently in the gravel parking area, just below a rock retaining wall.  It had puttered along for over 200 miles that day - nearly half of it off-pavement.  And for the first time, over 100 miles had been with a passenger in the sidecar, up and down some fairly steep and rough roads.

I was impressed.  My confidence in its abilities was steadily growing.  There may in fact be a reason this rather odd-looking vehicle has remained largely unchanged for nearly 80 years!