2007 June 9th Drive to Lyons Ferry St Park
photos by Klaus Huschke, Frank Perry
Lyons Ferry State Park, Washington
Porsche Drive - June 9 th , 2007
_____________________________
You might know it well, but, for those who are scratching their chins now, take out a Washington State map. The Lyons Ferry State Park is located on the Snake River, in southeast Washington, some 23 miles southeast of Washtucna at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake Rivers on State Highway 261. Not in the Palouse, however, if you do live in Spokane and vicinity, Coeur d'Alene included, you will have to drive through the ever interesting Palouse.
Did you know that this park (the Lyons Ferry State Park) is a quite historic site? More about it on the internet. Some 200 years ago, to be exact in 1805, Lewis & Clark stopped here, I guess, to rest /to discover. The Palouse River was named (by Lewis) ‘Drewyers' River in honor of George Drouillard a civilian member of the expedition which arrived in this area on October 13 th , 1805. Drewyer (George Drouillard) was praised by Lewis for his valuable services as a tracker, hunter, scout and interpreter.
What a difference 200 years have made. Admitted, Lewis & Clark left home with plenty of assignments, had to report back to then President Jefferson on their many discoveries, and they did. How different our drive the morning of June 9 th , 2007! We started (instead of in St. Louis) at the Spokane Valley Mall (much less historic!) under the leadership of the capable tour director Bruce Hunt who took us on highway 27 towards Rockford, Tekoa, Colfax, Starbuck (not Starbucks) and finally to the Lyons Ferry State Park. After some light stretches and a quick assessment of the site, lunch tasted great, the surroundings were pretty, the temperature all right, and the atmosphere just perfect. A special thank you goes to Wanda, Bruce's navigator, who offered chocolate covered orange cookies from Poland. They were delicious. Another big ‘thank you' belongs to Dale Davis, who, while most of us were still enjoying the site and food, cleaned most windshields of the parked Porsches. What a nice friend.
For most of us it might have been the first trip to the Lyons Ferry State Park, not so, however, for Dale and Rod Scroggin. Seeing that big body of water in front of them, they might have thought more about fishing opportunities than anything else.
Our return trip brought us via Dusty and Endicott, St. John and Rosalia, to Spangle and finally back to Spokane. The many wineries around the Tri-Cities have obviously an extensive appeal, certainly to me. Yet, the Palouse, and I have traveled it at probably every month of the year, presents its own and unique fascination thanks to the countless rolling hills and ever changing colors. There will be a next time, please, don't miss it.
Our group of just 10 got even smaller as we approached Spokane. Those who do live in Coeur d'Alene and Liberty Lake, left us earlier.
Again, the roads to and from Lyons Ferry State Park were absolutely awesome, like designed exclusively for Porsches. What a fun drive it was. To Bruce our sincere thanks. Too bad that not more could participate. We certainly missed our many friends from the Tri-Cities.
Many thanks to all who came along,
Klaus Huschke
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |