Last weekend the Northwest had a preview of summer with some unusually warm temperatures. So we invited some friends, packed our gear and headed through the farmlands of central Washington, to Steamboat Rock State Park. Michael and Micah (Park Ranger & Marine Biologist) joined us on this 4 hour drive to the fringe of the desert.
We arrived right at dusk, hiked a short distance and found a fantastic spot right next to the waters of Banks Lake. We sat around the camp fire with our beers and vegetable dinners, playing games and telling stories. The desert is always so amazing at night. There were SO MANY stars out and we easily found Gemini, Taurus, Aries, Orion and Capella (the part of the night sky I know best). The best part about watching the stars is that we heard the coyotes enjoying them too.
The next morning Micheal made a yummy pancake breakfast then the four of us started the hike to the top of Steamboat Rock. The initial hike up was a hand over foot scramble, but once we got up there it was pretty much level. The views were so spectacular that we couldn't resist capturing a ScenicBoy moment, and Michael was more than willing model. Good job Buddy!
While hiking, my eyes are usually on the lookout for natures treasures. I have a small collection of rocks and feathers at home. While we were hiking around, Micah found me a beautiful peach crystallized Agate. Thanks Micah!
While hiking, my eyes are usually on the lookout for natures treasures. I have a small collection of rocks and feathers at home. While we were hiking around, Micah found me a beautiful peach crystallized Agate. Thanks Micah!
After a few hours on top of the basalt monolith, we drove back to Soap Lake for lunch (greasy food, mmmm) then explored the Lake Lenore Cave Dwellings. It wasn't hard to imagine cavemen living in these scattered rock dents along the side of the canyon walls. After that was yet another fascinating geologic point of interest, Dry Falls.
A remnant of the Ice Age Floods, this was once the world's
largest waterfall. 500 million cubic miles of water (10 times the
combined flows of all the world's rivers) gushed over these cliffs in
just a couple weeks, sending cataclysmic floods through eastern Washington. This is how this entire area was so roughly shaped. Looking out at the 400 foot high wall - where torrents of water and ice carved the canyon - was a breathtaking sight.
ScenicBoys: Steamboat Rock State Park 09 from scenicboys on Vimeo.
Next weekend is our Beltane camping adventure and also Garet's 28th birthday. We're so glad that the camping season is finally here!
ScenicBoys: Steamboat Rock State Park 09 from scenicboys on Vimeo.
Next weekend is our Beltane camping adventure and also Garet's 28th birthday. We're so glad that the camping season is finally here!
YAY! New post! And I only checked the site on an off chance that there might be something new, about to watch the video, but i bet it'll be good. And Happy Birthday Garet, hope Dusty spoils you rotten
Posted by: Alison - Australia | April 25, 2009 at 03:30 AM
Fantastic adventure, as always. LOVE the new "Opening Title" Scenic Boys logo with adventure scenes in the letters. Can't wait to see the next one. Thankl you for sharing. All the best, Bart
Posted by: Bart Feroe | April 25, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Wish I could have been there to see that astounding display of stars you describe. Sounds pretty magical. Have only just discovered your blog and have had great fun watching all your video reports from past adventures. Thanks for taking us along, am looking forward to more, more, more!
Posted by: Wyler | April 25, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Wow, such an interesting landscape - desert, with sparse vegetaion then an enormous amount of water! To have been able to see those falls in all their glory would be a real treat! Vin
Posted by: Vin | April 25, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Loved it. My first Scenic Boys video and photo shoot! Certainly not the last...
Garet sounded so sleepy at the end!
Posted by: Michael Liang | April 25, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Sounds like a grate trip.
Happy Birthday Garet!
Posted by: Neuralboy | April 26, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Happy B'day Garet......I'm sure Dusty has something special planned, maybe it can't be filmed (darn) but I'll bet it's special.
Yah, Michael is now one of the "nature" boys.......come on Micah don't be so shy.
The desert truly is an amazing place to hike in.
Posted by: Mark | April 27, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Sounds like you guys had a great time, Thanks for sharing! Warm Spring greetings from Canada!
Posted by: Tanner | April 29, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Amazingly beautiful photos!
Posted by: Jo Kristian | April 29, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Happy Birdthay Garet!!!!!
The geology of the areas you visit are so diverse. Trees, mountains, wide vistas etc. Just wonderfull to watch, as I live in southern Ontario, where it is sooooo flat.
Thanks again for the vids.
Posted by: Michael, CANADA | May 10, 2009 at 07:48 PM