Moving To Yakima

In the Summer of 1991, at the end of June, we moved from Davis, California to Yakima, Washington. Having had to vacate our sold house in Davis, we came to Washington over three weeks earlier than our house would be ready there. Putting the U-Haul stuff in storage we began our camping odyssey at Sportsman’s Park in Yakima. Dan and Becca were with us, Cece was getting a G+G fix in Saratoga.

That place quickly lost its charm as it was more of a weekend picnicking spot and also there were tons of RV’s. Also, it was just too crowded and urban and across the freeway from the Yakima Speedway with all its grinding and roaring race car noise. We hung in there for several days (one day Kate ironed our good clothes on the only flat surface available…the lavatory floor!). Then she had the great idea to drive out on Hwy 410, the road to Mt. Rainier, and camp at one of the Forest Service campgrounds there. It would be much more picturesque and private. This we did in a flash. It proved to be much more exciting and satisfying.

Camped by the Naches River, we were right on the water and that lent itself to all sorts of water play, fishing and even baths and showers in a hidden spot nearby. The water was COLD, however. Often we had chores in town during the day and we would leave our campsite, dressed up in non-camping togs, and spend the day in errands, getting bank accounts set up, power and oil service begun, etc. We also visited schools and enrolled the punks. Occasional treats of ice cream bars at the local camping store and also burgers in town helped some of us weather the rugged privations of our pioneer living.

Evenings would be spent in horseplay (usually wet), fishing (Dan caught a beauty), cooking dinner and attendant camp chores. Bedtime brought hilarious antics from our dog, Jumper. It was ordained by the adults that she sleep outside the tent. However, after snuggling into our bags we would slowly feel this creeping, crawling presence worm its way through the lower slit in the door (ventilation) and being too tired to do anything, morning would find her happily asleep at our feet.

The Fourth of July that year provided huge excitement with our very own forest fire that darn near came close to getting us evacuated. Rubbish burning at a nearby cabin got out of control and we watched smoke and then flames move over the ridge separating us from the spot of origin. Back and forth went fire helicopters dangling canvas fire buckets on a long cable, hovering over a dammed up area on the river as the lowered bucket filled. Then off they went to empty it on the fire. Luckily for us, it was put under control not too close to our own Cottonwood Campground.

Those days before we moved into Gilbert Road were wonderful, sylvan and provide many fond memories. We were certainly glad to finally move in but whenever we passed Cottonwood on the way to Mt. Rainier or some other family or scout campout/hike, we always remembered our time there with happy commentary.

JP 12-20-2011