Chris

Wednesday, May 17, 2000

This will be our 17th day on the trail!  I'm waiting for the posse to regroup this morning next to what used
to be Kittitas train station.  We made it into town last night with enough time to enjoy a home cooked dinner 
at the local diner.  I indulged in an impressive chuck wagon burger consisting of two patties, bacon, ham and an egg in the middle.  Brandy enjoyed the leftovers.  Our tactful plan worked out great yesterday.  We covered about 12-14 miles (the longest duration yet).  The hike was a good one.  We went through a spectacular tunnel about four miles east from the west end of the firing range.  A refreshing wind helped to make the day seem not so hot.  We, also, hid from the peek sunshine under the I-90 underpass which delivered the only shade of the day.

Kittitas has been a breath of civilized fresh air after spending the last three days in desolation.  The small town is quaint but active.  It is close to Ellensburg, a decently sized city that I'm sure a lot of locals commute to.  This once railroad town, now continues to exist with a service economy that supports the local population.  A handful of pubs, a couple of restaurants, a laundry-mat, post office, and auto supply store can be seen on the main stretch.  It seems that locals take pride in their trucks and modes of transport.  The roar of engines woke up Brandy, which woke me, was heard from last nights comical campsite.  We set up tents on library grounds which was in the city center.  Definitely the most unique campsite of trip thus far.  Well, we hike to Ellensburg today.  It is about 6 miles west.  There we have the luxury of another day off.  Hell ya!

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