on the road to spokane

Worked my second relay in as many weeks. 

I haven't been on a road trip to Spokane in many, many years. Once again, I am blown away by how much I love the rolling brown hills and plains of Eastern Washington.  I really need to learn how to master the art of pulling over at the right spot...

Such an amazing week working the race. 

Morning on the Spokane River. Dang, that water is cold. Listening to the bald eagles, a midnight swim. Yeah, lots of memories.

Sunrise at the start line.

Looking out over the valley from the top of Mt Spokane.

I don't know. I thought it looked cool.

Driving west through the Columbia Gorge is drop dead gorgeous.

cascade lakes relay 2013 - from the other side

For the past five years, I've made the trek to Diamond Lake to run one of the most scenic and challenging relays out there. Over the years, I've come to love every nook and cranny of the course - from the morning mist rising from Diamond Lake to the baking red glare of the cinder roads.

This year I experience the race in a whole new way - from the perspective of staff. At times exhausting, exhilarating and often hilarious, I felt myself growing as the hours progressed, and here, on the other side, I feel changed. It's hard to explain.

Still, I had my camera, and while I had limited opportunities to capture the beauty of the race I call home, I found a few moments when I had to stop my car and lift my lens.

olallie lake

Great place to spend the weekend. Wanted more photos but ran out of time to hike.