As I planned today’s activities I realized that staying the night in Spokane was probably a mistake. I only do detailed planning a day or two in advance but I have an general outline of possible places to stay from my initial planning in the summer which included Spokane. The final part of yesterday’s drive to Spokane was not pleasant and staying in Spokane led me to follow a long section of route 2 today that was just boring. Nevertheless I always seem to find a silver lining and, today, it came in an unexpected place.

Spokane has a public park, managed by the city council’s parks department, where they have collaborated with local floral societies to create a very distinctive place. It is called Manito Park and, even though I am desperately disinterested in gardening and flowers,  I have to admit that I spent a very enjoyable hour visiting this morning. In addition to the usual duck ponds, lawns, trails and trees there are several formal gardens that match anything I’ve seen elsewhere. It is beautifully laid out, all the species are labeled and they have several experimental areas where new varieties are “tested” for possible inclusion in the annual rotation. Apparently, it looks this good in every season except winter.

After leaving Spokane I headed west to Coulee City and then took the scenic byway along the eastern shore of Banks Lake. The lake is downstream from the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia river and the river has cut a rocky gorge that is exposed above the blue water of the lake. It was very impressive.

Next stop was Grand Coulee Dam itself. This spans the Columbia river but, unlike the better known Hoover Dam, it had to be a mile wide as the Columbia river does not flow through any narrow canyons. It is, essentially, a huge concrete wedge built across the river to control the flow and generate electricity. It contains over three times as much concrete as Hoover Dam – enough to make an eight foot wide, four inch thick path around the equator. Although it looks low compared to Hoover Dam it is actually over 75% of the height of Hoover Dam and generates about three times as much electricity. It truly deserves the name Grand Coulee Dam.

The final leg of my drive was to Chelan which is also close to the Columbia river. The descent into the Columbia gorge made for a spectacular end to the day.

The map and video are here.

The cactus conservatory at Manito Park in Spokane.One of the formal gardens in Manito ParkOne of the rugged coves in Banks LakeThe Grand Coulee Dam as seen from Lake Roosevelt which is the lake created by building the dam.The dam as seen from the downstream side with Lake Roosevelt behind it.