Ten Mile Road Trip #4: Barnaby Creek Loop

Sunday we took a ten mile road trip. It had been awhile since we had taken time to take a drive. We headed south on the Inchelium Highway and began our loop at Barnaby Island. I have taken other pictures of this island, but the one above shows how it looks in the summer when Lake Roosevelt is full. This island is popular for houseboats and cabin cruisers to park and swim or spend the night. We headed up Barnaby Creek Road toward a favorite spot of ours on the creek. There are farms and ranches along this road. After traveling west uphill we came to a dirt road we call our " secret spot". It is a clearing we discovered a few years ago. We have camped, hiked, and swam here. The dogs remembered the creek and headed down the hill. I love the way the creek mixes moss, broken branches, and clear water to provide a cool place to rest. There is a trail that heads up the mountain and the dogs usually find some form of wildlife that catches their interest. Today it was a quiet day for squirrels and grouse. We loaded up the rig and traveled north past Lake Ellen then heading east we climbed back up the hill that overlooks Barnaby Island further up the lake. This spot is one of my favorite views of the lake south of my house. The island stands alone covered with evergreen trees. Descending the hill we joined the highway again, making a full circle on our ten mile trip. ( I call it that but JEJ tells me it is probably further).This ten mile road trip reminds me of the scenic out-of -the way places we have close to our house. We are blessed to be able to go and spend an afternoon with the dogs, a snack, quiet beauty, and the camera.