Upcoming "Open Winery Tour"

[Walt Tomsic]

Now that another Bish BBQ extravaganza is in the books, it's time to start planning for the next mini run (ie one day, local loop).

I'm calling it the "Open Winery Tour" (as opposed to those organized by the green weenie, Keith). Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 10th.

FIRST LEG: We'll leave from the North Bend Outlet Stores parking lot at 9 am, proceed over Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and exit at Cle Elum. From there we'll take 970 to 97 and follow that south to Ellensburg where we'll hop on 821 for the Yakima River Canyon run into Yakima. Then, it's a short freeway stretch on I-84 to Zillah, home of about a dozen wineries.

WINERIES: This part is new to me (never been there before) but I've been online researching the Zillah winery scene and these three look good...
Bonair Winery, Hyatt Vineyards and Wineglass Cellars. I think we'll have time to visit two or three. If any of you know the wineries firsthand, you're input is very welcome.

HOME LEG: We should be finished with lunch and the winery tour by about 2-2:30 pm. There will be two options for the home leg. Those who live Seattle/north and want to get back the quickest way can head back to Ellensburg and I-90. The more scenic and fun way will be on 410 West out of Yakima, up the Naches and American River Canyons, over Chinook Pass and down to Enumclaw where middle and northenders can head to Auburn and catch 167 for the home stretch.

For those of you who've never driven 410/Chinook you will be blown away. This is one of the top 4 or 5 Cobra roads in the state. The road surface is generally good, the twisties plentiful and the view from Chinook to Rainier is staggering.

Total loop distance on this will be right around 300 miles not counting final legs home.

Short of a "Bish league" monsoon, I'll be there, ready to go by 9 am on the 10th. I Hope many of you will join us. (and I will not be driving a black Miata this time...the blue Crosley will be back in action by then)

Cheers mates!
Slabguy