STW3 Hop 6: Ellensburg WA to Castle Rock WA

206 miles via I-90, WA 18 and I-5. Cumulative tow miles: 965. Truck miles: 214. Cumulative truck miles: 1149.

This hop was only slightly more difficult in terms of navigation than the preceding two. Over half the trip was on I-90 and that segment involved some pretty significant climbs, including the Snoqualmie Pass, followed by a long downhill that brought us nearly down to sealevel (altitude: 49 feet). The weather, which started with a few sprinkles, improved and the hop ended in sunshine (yay!).

This hop reached the outskirts of Seattle and took us down the heavily-traveled I-5 corridor through Tacoma and Olympia. The traffic on that segment was very heavy and didn’t really let up all the way to Castle Rock.

Now let me tell you about our night at the Yakima River RV Park in Ellensburg WA (which put the 44th sticker on our map). On our way to Ellensburg Jett read some reviews of people who had stayed at the park previously. Most were critical, both of the park and the owners who some called rude. So it was with some trepidation that we arrived at the gate (after having called from a couple of miles away, as instructed). As we pulled up to the entrance a white pickup truck came toward us, then turned to block our way. A tall bronzed cowboy got out, came to my window and, with no greeting, asked who we were. I gave him our name and he walked away. He dialed a number on his cell phone, had a brief conversation on the phone, returned to his truck, got in, backed it up, then turned into the park. Jett and I had absolutely no idea what was expected of us. Were we admitted? Was there an office that we were to go to? And then the cowboy put his arm out the window and signaled us to follow. He led us to our site, had a brief conversation about rules (no dog poop on sites, don’t let the dog bother the goat, no sewer for overnighters) and drove off. Very strange. Jett: “I think we are in Deliverance.”

His name was Randy and he actually turned out to be quite nice.  Taciturn but communicative if engaged. He gave us a dinner recommendation (The Palace Cafe), which turned out to be an exceptionally good meal.  We thanked him when we saw him the next morning.  He actually smiled.

Other facilities include a very nice dog park (with a view) and a funky clubhouse full of farming antiques.