Mt. Vernon, WA to Coeur d' Alene, ID

Woke up in a fowl mood. Spent a lot of last evening trying to configure my new mini via a very slow wireless connection. Looked out the window and it was overcast and seemed likely there would be rain. Even with new tires, not real enthused about riding in the mountains.

Started heading towards the Cascades and the clouds and my mood both lifted (but after Mt. Baker which was totally clouded over). The Cascades are a different kind of mountain range, not many jagged peaks, minimal snow. However they are rounded and mostly tree covered and the roads are twisty but in good shape, I had over a 100 miles on new tires so I could lean into the curves and not worry.

I don't know if the Cascades are named for the round shape of the mountains or the many waterfalls, but they are a gem either way. And the gem within the gem is Diablo Lake:

A truly beautiful lake where the road runs along the water and then climbs high above the lake.

If you look closely, you can see kayakers in the lake.

If you look closely, you will notice that I'm standing on a bridge grate (which I had to rude over) looking down at a stream bed 150 below me.  Scary. Part 2 of this post will describe the ride from the end if the Cascades to Coeur d' Alene.