Days 8–11: Glaciers, Gas Prices, and Sassy



Othello: Our Brief Brush With the Desert

We rolled into Othello expecting... we're not totally sure what we expected, but it wasn't this. Somehow we'd driven straight into a slice of Arizona without ever leaving Washington.  It was hot, dry, dusty, and just begging for a tumbleweed to come bouncing across the road like it had somewhere better to be. Reba handled the heat like a champ, but one scorching night in that RV park was all the convincing we needed to move on. 


North Cascades National Park: Glaciers, Rapids, and a Few Bragging Rights

We landed in North Cascades National Park, and friends, this place does not get enough credit. Did you know it's home to the second-most glaciers of any area in the U.S., behind only Alaska? Take that, Glacier National Park. The mountains, rivers, and waterfalls were jaw-on-the-floor gorgeous the entire time.

The highlight of the stretch: white water rafting down the Skagit River with our guide Kelsey, alongside a really fun couple from California. Fair warning; I have zero photos to prove any of this happened, but Todd brought his GoPro, so there's hope. Home movies are coming once he finishes editing, and I'm told there will be a special segment dedicated entirely to me getting absolutely drenched by the rapids. You're welcome in advance.


Todd: Adventurer, Daredevil, Father of the Year

This park brought out a side of Todd I can only describe as unleashed. Let's run through the highlights:

  1. The Lake Diablo Plunge — Todd went full-body into the lake. I made it to my knees and called it a win.
  2. The Boulder Dive — While beached during our rafting trip, Todd climbed a large boulder and launched himself into the Skagit River. Bold. Possibly motivated by the co-ed crowd on the neighboring raft, but I'll let him explain that one.
  3. The Cold Plunge Obsession — He is now fully convinced we need a cold-plunge tub installed outside our jacuzzi room. The Skagit River has created a monster.
  4. The Sewer Hose Incident — Somewhere along one of the most winding, scenic mountain roads, with the windows down and the crisp forest air rolling in, we were hit with a smell that was decidedly not crisp forest air. Todd pulled over immediately and discovered the sewer hose had come loose underneath Reba. Gloves on, zip ties out, problem solved. And wouldn't you know it — this whole saga unfolded on Father's Day. Father of the Year, ladies and gentlemen.


A Couple of Practical Notes

Gas in Washington, especially out in the North Cascades, is not for the faint of heart. We found exactly two stations within a 45-mile radius and happily (through gritted teeth) paid $6.99 a gallon for the diesel that keeps Reba's heart beating.


And Finally... Let's Talk About Sassy

No trip update would be complete without an update on Bigfoot; or as I affectionately call him, Sassy. Around here, he's less a cryptid and more a local celebrity. The story goes that a police officer once had an actual sighting, and the town believed it so thoroughly that Sasquatch's footprints are now repainted every year on Highway 20, marking the spot where he allegedly crossed paths with the officer.

Apparently the upper northwest corner of Washington has the most Sassy sightings around, so consider this our official notice: we will be keeping our eyes on the treeline as we head to Olympic National Park next. Stay tuned.













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