Lisa at the Bonair Winery, "Where did Julie put my wine?"
Today, we ventured to the east. Our friend Lisa joined us as we went in search of peppers to dry for the winter in the Yakima Valley. Luck would have it if us lily-livered light weights didn't chose one of the hottest days of the WA summer to head to the desert! It was hot, Hot, HOT! (Note the droopy looking kids) David wisely stayed home with Anni, smart guy!
We left bright and early, did I mention early? A 5:30 am departure time from our home. We picked up Lisa and headed over the mountain pass and high desert hills. We arrived in Yakima at 9 am, just in time for the start of the farmer's market. It was a really great market! And boy did we find peppers! We bought 9 different kind of peppers and a strand of strung cayennes already drying! We also found purple and white eggplant, sweet walla walla onions, mini cherry tomatoes, rainbow swiss chard, green & purple okra, peaches, apples, and incredible fruity granola.
After a brief stop to put the produce on ice, we headed out to the town of Toppenish to view the western murals painted all over the buildings. It was already nearing a hundred degrees by 10:30 am! We liked seeing the murals, but we loved the cold drink from the Spanish market at the end of our walk!
Then it was out to our favorite winery, Bonair, to see what was new. On the way, we drove by fields of hops, and orchards of pears and apples. We also saw lots of grapes! Lisa and I sampled the riesling, the bonnie bonair, and my former favorite the sunset. We bought the riesling to take home as it was a great price and delicious!
Next, we headed out to Zillah for lunch at El Patron. The kids were in enchilada heaven! With full tummies, we headed to the Yakima Nation Cultural Center to see the museaum. It was full of intricate beadwork, and we learned a great deal about traditional practices, especially salmon fishing. There was also a pow-wow going on on the grounds.
On the way home, we stopped for ice cream in Ellensburg. Then we got stuck in traffic for over an hour! We were glad to have had that ice cream! And water! Did I mention it was hot! We did enjoy the beautiful scenery through the high desert and mountains. It was stunning! And now we have lots of peppers for winter! yippee-cayenne!
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