North Cascades Highway

I took an early morning drive today this morning. When I said early, I meant early. I left the house around 5:00 a.m. Early.

I headed east hoping for some good shots of the rising sun over the Cascades.

I got a couple of decent snaps but you'll have to wait until later in the week to see one. I'm saving it for my Skywatch Friday post.

My travels took my up to the western end of the North Cascades Highway, one of my favorite places. All too often, we are either in a hurry to get to the house in Eastern Washington, or to get home after a weekend there. We pass by wonderful spots on the highway, never stopping to admire the wonders.

Today I did just the opposite. If I saw something interesting, I stopped.

I only went as far as the Diablo Lake overlook today. As it was, that's still a good distance from home.

But I hope you'll agree that some of the sights were worth the trip.

Morning Sky near Darrington

Sauk River and Hwy 530 bridge

Skagit River with the North Cascades in the distance

Snow Capped Mountains

Old Number 6

Here's the story on "Old Number 6" which is located in the small town of Newhalem.

Purchased in 1927 for $7,500.00, "No. 6" carried supplies and equipment to build the dams and powerhouses. She brought personnel and tourists to the Skagit until 1954.

She played a major role in helping fulfill the dream of J.D. Ross to build a hydro-electric project to supply the city of Seattle with low cost electricity.

In the 1970's, "The Skagit River Railway Volunteers" restored the train to operating condition.

After leaving Newhalem, I headed home but not before making a stop at Tootsie's Restaurant outside of Marblemount. Tootsie is famous for two things: her cinnamon rolls and being first in line when the west side of the North Cascades Highway opens for the season. Now in her early 90's, Tootsie has been bringing cinnamon rolls to the highway opening since the 1980's.

I was fortunate that Tootsie was in the restaurant having breakfast herself this morning. I even scored a cinnamon roll to bring home for Karl.