My buddy Mike and I headed out Friday night. We refueled in Yakima, then headed to Tieton. (Population about 200) From there, we headed west on French road, which becomes USFS road 1301. The 1st night was on top of a ridge, overlooking the Yakima valley. The sunrise pictures was a ''view from the bag'' as in my sleeping bag.

After that, we dropped down the hill, ran highway 12 until Packwood, then ducked back into the woods onto USFS 21. That was the last of the freeways/highways we saw for days.

We hiked the lower end of Ape Cave. The photos in the cave are of the ''Meatball'' which is a roand chunk of lava about 4 feet across that rolled to a stop and solidified in a section that almost became two levels.

The tree casts were on the way to Ape Cave. Lava flowed over the trees, leaving pits and tunnels.

We then hiked Lava Canyon. THe suspension bridge is a bit nerve racking.

A couple more nights in the woods, a few old roads got explored, and we refueled in Goldendale. We ducked under the very busy US 97, and headed east to Bickleton. The Blue Bird tavern was open, and we both had a Blue Bird Burger. Three patties, ham, bacon, fried egg, several cheese slices, and I can't remember what else. The middle of the sandwich alone, is 3 inches thick!!

More backroads across the top of the Horse Heavon Hills, then down Weber canyon to Benton City for the last 15 miles home on the freeway. What holiday traffic?!?

Photo album link: http://picasaweb.google.com/CSUeltzen/4thOfJuly2010#

Spot satellite messenger locations: http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view/?trip_id=210906