We were bad this morning. We both slept in until about 10:00, missing out on a couple hours of possible fun. After the morning shower and shave routine we were ready for some more exploration. Today the destination was Lake Cavanaugh. There was no good reason to go there other than to see it.
We went from Bow up Prairie Road until we turned south on F&S Grade Road. Soon we were in Sedro Woolley, famous for its funny name, and we passed through town on WA-9 southbound. As soon as we crossed the Skagit River south of town, the road went skinny and curvy as it passed through more gorgeous Washington scenery. The only things that were not green were the road, the sky, some distant glaciers and the rocky parts of the mountains.
After a bit we turned east on Lake Cavanaugh Road. It is sort of narrow and very curvy but the forests and lakes along the road are stunning. After maybe 300 curves and 10 miles, we arrived at the road that circles Lake Cavanaugh. We turned left onto a clockwise road around the lake.
In many parts of the world, beautiful areas like Lake Cavanaugh would have a day use area, a campground or other facilities usable by the ordinary public. The state of Washington has followed a different path. They have sold all the prime lakefront and seashore properties to private owners so they can install fences and eliminate public access. There are no turnouts along the perimeter road where you could pause and take in the view. There is no parking anywhere. If you want to remember what Lake Cavanaugh looks like, take a Go-Pro strapped to your head because there is no stopping anywhere. It is probably very nice for the few lucky souls that live along the lake but it might as well be invisible to everyone else. If I was a Washington voter, I’d unelect anybody who thought the state should sell its property assets.
On the way home, Peggy caught a sign on a tavern touting all-you-can-eat prawns on Thursdays from 4:00 to 10:00 PM. Thinking in my usual plodding fashion, it only took me a couple very tight corners and two straight stretches before realizing it was after 4:00 PM and today is Thursday, We wheeled around and returned to the Big Lake Tavern. The prawns were very tasty and the french fries were superb. Even the cole slaw was yummy and I don’t like cole slaw. About 2 score prawns later, we were full and on our way home. It cost around $60, with tip and drinks.
There’s a few pix of the scenery today if you click here