Twisp of Fate

Friends from Ashland, Oregon visited this weekend.  We have known them for over 35 years, and as always, it was a great visit, although short.

On Friday we went up the Twisp River and then Frost Road to the Big Buck Wildlife Area, and walked from Big Buck Lake to Aspen Lake, a distance of about 2 miles along old ranch roads.  The arrowleaf balsamroot (“sunflowers”) are in full bloom now, and it is really a spectacular year for this signature flower of the Methow.  The plants are vigorous and full of flowers, and the hillsides are carpeted in yellow.

just like old times

A view of Mocassin Lake and the snow-covered peaks of the North Cascades/Pasayten Wilderness to the north:

Mocassin Lake amidst sunflower-covered hills

And here are some shots of the arrowleaf balsamroot:

We finished up the day at the Twisp River Pub, where local musicians Leah Larson, Brad Pinkerton and Paul Gitchos opened for the band – bluegrass/”alternative country” vocalists Laura Love and Mollie O’Brien, with guitarist Rich Moore and slide-guitarist Orville Johnson.  The place was packed!