The End of Fire Season

Mid-day obscured  by smoke from fires, 9-21-12   © Diane B. Reed

 It turned out to be a smoky September in our neighborhood after a dozen fires, sparked by thunderstorms, tore through the mountains west of Wenatchee. Unfortunately, the Walla Walla Valley ended up in the smoke plume from the fires for days on end, resulting in air quality alerts on numerous days. 

Inner harbor, Victoria BC               © Diane B. Reed  

We escaped the smoke for ten days by heading over to Victoria, B. C., one of our favorite cities in the world. Driving through the Wenatchee area we passed through smoke so dense that we shut down the vents on the car.
After clearing Snoqualmie Pass the smoke cleared and by the time we arrived in Victoria, the skies were clear and the air was crisp. If you haven't been there, it's well worth a visit!  We've been there five or six times and we keep finding new and interesting places to explore. 

Table Mountain fire from I-90 west of Wenatchee 9-30-12       © Diane B. Reed

Unfortunately the fires were still burning on our way back to Walla Walla. Fortunately, the fall rains have since put them out and washed the skies clean.  Welcome fall!