Christmas Tree Run – 12.08.07
Even though we never found that perfect Christmas tree, we had a great time with some great people under beautiful blue skies on this year’s Christmas Tree run to the Cle Elum, Washington area.
We all met for breakfast at the Cottage Cafe in Cle Elum. Already seated upon our arrival were Jerry (aka soggymountain) and Evelyn from Yakima, Brian (aka Photog) and Cindy from Gig Harbor, Valerie and her mother Ellen from Bothell and Kent, and friends of Ellen’s (whom I did not get their names). Of course I can’t forget to mention my wife Martha, daughter Korinne and our dog Tareva.
After breakfast, we headed out of town to the Roslyn Cyclery in Roslyn to purchase our tree permits. We were the only family on the hunt for a Christmas tree, everybody was out for the fun of it. After getting the permit, we headed out of town, past Ronald towards Salmon la Sac.
The first stop was an older clear area directly across the road from the Cooper Lake road. After surveying the area for Christmas trees, we only found ones that Charlie Brown would be proud of. Of course there were some nice ones far in the distance on top of the hill, but we weren’t feeling that adventurous. By this time Jerry and Evelyn had to head out due to a previous commitment. After looking at a few trees and taking some photos, we headed up river to continue the hunt for Christmas trees. In less than a quarter mile from the Cooper Lake road, the road ended at the Salmon la Sac snow park. By this time we figured that if you wanted a Christmas tree in this area, your best best is via snowmobile or to hike in.
By now, Valerie and Ellen headed out to visit their friends in Cle Elum. Down to two vehicles (us in the Land Cruiser and Brian and Cindy in their 4Runner), we decided to drive up the Teanaway Road on the other side of Cle Elum to see if our luck for finding a tree would change.
The Teanaway Road follows the Teanaway River valley, passing through farm land, and today, it was all covered in snow. Looking up the valley, we had some nice views of snow covered Mt. Stuart and surrounding peaks. The pavement ends at about 13 miles from the highway and road is closed to wheeled vehicles at this point.
At the roads end, we got out to stretch our legs, chat and take some more photos. We could hear people doing a little target practice in the distance. Shortly after our arrival, a couple from Ellensburg came hiking down the snow covered road, each with a Christmas tree. They told us that they had to hike a ways in to get the trees. By this time, we decided would be resorting to Christmas Tree Plan B (put up the artificial tree or obtain one locally).
By this time it was after three in the afternoon and we were all getting hungary. We decided that we would drive back to Roslyn to have dinner. On the way back down the Teanaway Road, Brian called on the CB radio and said he had a problem. Upon checking, he had run over a t-handle reamer for a tire plug kit that penetrated and stuck into his right rear tire. Luckily, he had his handy ARB Tire Plug kit and made quick repair to the tire without having to remove his tire. I’ve plugged tires before, but always with glue in addition to the plug. The plugs in the ARB kit do not require any adhesive to make the repair. And as we found out, it works great in sub-freezing temperatures (approximately the mid 20’s). I need to get myself one of those kits.
Once back on the road and after airing up in Cle Elum, we made our way to the Roslyn Cafe for dinner. After eating and talking, it was about 6:30 before we said our good byes and headed home over Snoqualmie Pass.
Even through we went away without a Christmas Tree (consider it a $5 donation to the Wenatchee National Forest), we had the opportunity to share the day with some great people.
As far as Christmas tree hunting in the Cle Elum district of the Wenatchee National Forest, your only options are to hike, ski, snowshoe in or travel via snowmobile because all the forest service roads are closed to wheeled vehicles once the snow depth is adequate. For the next Christmas Tree run, my suggestion is have it on the west side of the Cascades.
You can view all the photos from this trip at Christmas Tree Run 2007 Photos.
