Italian Exchange – Twisp & Winthrop Areas
The third leg of the CAI Exchange with CAI Padua (after Mount Rainier and the Olympics) was a visit to the Winthrop/Twisp areas of Eastern Washington.
We started out going to the HiBulb Cultural Center on the Tulalip Reservation in Marysville. This was an opportunity to see how the history, traditional cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes who are the successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish tribes and other tribes.
We headed over Hwy 2 to Twisp as Hwy 20 was closed due to the Sourdough and Blue Lake fires. We stopped at Stevens Pass Ski Area for lunch heading on through Wenatchee, north on Hwy 97 to Pateros, and then up the Methow River to the Idle-A-While Motel in Twisp. After settling in and enjoying hors oeuvres of chips and salsa, Clarence and Toni prepared a typical campfire (with no campfire!!!) of hamburgers, hot dogs prepared on the BBQ with all the fixings followed by ice cream.
The next day (August 16) we went to the ranger station to see if the fire would be impacting our hike to Cutthroat Lake and the Washington Pass lookout. The Cutthroat Lake Trail was closed and the Lookout was to be closed at any time due to a fire near Blue Lake. (Very close to Washington Pass) We decided to do a hike Clarence was familiar with that was West of Mazama a few miles. This trail traversed along the Methow River. After a nice hike of 6 miles (RT) we took time for dipping our toes in a creek to cool off. The temperatures hovered around 100 degrees the 3 days we were on the Eastside.
On the way back, we stopped and walked through Winthrop (the museum was closed), enjoyed ice cream and/or coffee, and ended with a tour of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base in Winthrop. We were provided with a tour of the plane and the hanger by one of the Jumpers who described their equipment, their primary focus during a fire, and patiently answered questions. I think this was the highlight for the Italians of the Twisp leg of our adventure. They asked many questions and several bought shirts with the smokejumper logos. That evening, we had a delicious dinner at La Fonda Lopez Mexican restaurant. It was an enjoyable way to end the hiking part of our exchange with our Italian friends.
On August 17 we loaded up for the drive back to the Seattle area with a stop at the Wells Dam along the Columbia River (very nice tourist displays), had our lunch in Leavenworth and a walk around to take in the uniqueness of the town. We stopped at the infamous 59’er Diner for milkshakes which I believe was another gastronomical highlight for our travelers.
The Exchange provided a chance for our Italian friends to see some of the desert of eastern WA. as well as the mountains and rainforest/pacific beach areas of this vast state. The two weeks of touring were very compact with activities every single day at a quick pace.
Submitted by Joanie Pryor & Clarence Elstad
Highlights shared by Toni Williams regarding the food during the Italian Exchange
Their enjoyment in the biscuits used for the strawberry shortcake and enjoying the leftovers the next morning
Chips and salsa good ... guacamole wonderful
Being able to share homegrown vegetables
Mirca having her photo taken holding the supersized bag of popcorn ... more than half the bag was eaten before dinner.
Items not found in Italy: Pam spray oil, plastic bread clips, electric griddle
I truly enjoyed cooking for a very appreciative group and willingness to experience American cuisine!