Just another day in Chelan...

Hello all!

So I feel like a big slacker for not posting on this blog sooner. But my summer has been pretty uneventful, especially compared to the summers of those adventuring in exotic places around the world. As most of you already know, I'm working at a real estate office here in town (it's actually my 5th summer working there). Today was especially exciting, as I spent nearly the entire day collating and stapling. But even though it sounds like it would suck, I really don't mind taking a break from thinking every once in a while.

Other than working, I've pretty much been at home hanging out with my family and reading. And since I don't have much else to say regarding my activities over the last few months, I went for a walk around town with my brother Chris and took pictures to give you an idea of what Chelan is like this time of year (and perhaps to incite you to jump on a plane and come visit me). It was hot and sweaty due to the temps that have been reaching up above 100 degrees, but I managed. Here goes:





This is part of the Chelan Butte, and a lot of people call it the "sleeping elephant" (this picture pretty much just shows the head). I, personally, think it looks more like a water buffalo, but whatever.









At right is a view across the Chelan River (a part of the lake closest to the dam, right before the Chelan Gorge). You can see on the hillside where some of the orchards have been torn out, which is one of the sad parts about getting more and more people wanting to live in the area.

This picture just shows how darn clear the lake is...people uplake have pumps that suck their drinking water directly from the lake (a few hundred feet down to avoid too many fish and all the driftwood and pollen that sometimes covers the surface). I've heard that someone once sent a sample of the lake water to a lab to be tested, and it was just about as good as bottled water. Not bad...

Here's looking uplake...and straight into the setting sun.









This is Lakeview Drive-In, which has been around since 1957. I worked there for a few summers before I switched to the real estate office, and Chris works there now. I think a few of my uncles even worked there at some point years ago. I'll have to get a limited edition 50th anniversary t-shirt before I leave...









The Riverwalk Pavilion (the little white building) where they had live music and a barbeque when we walked by...sometimes people just sit on their boats and listen if there's a concert.

And, finally, the Starbucks that went in this spring. I haven't been there yet, but I think it fits into the landscape pretty nicely. And it helps the people who come over from Seattle and can't live without their coffee fix.

Anyway, that's about all I've got for now. I hope everyone continues to have a great summer, and I can't wait to see everyone again for summer retreat!!!