Mazama Wedding Update

This is long, but read all the way to the end (there's a monster at the end of this book).

Without a doubt you're aware of the fires that have been searing the good state of Washington. Most of you know that the Methow Valley (Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp), Okanogan, and Chelan have all been hit pretty hard, including losing 3 of our young firefighters, as well numerous stock animals and homes.

More recently though, the tides have turned in the Methow Valley. Fortunately, the Twisp River Fire was at 85% containment as of Friday, August 28 and crews have gone into mop-up mode. Highway 20 is open from the eastern approach, and reports indicate that Highway 20 from the west may be open again as of tomorrow!!

The situation over there is ever changing, of course, but as of Saturday 8/29 - WE ARE A GO FOR OUR MAZAMA WEDDING. So, please all think RAIN, RAIN, RAIN (and no wind, no lightening) every few hours or so, then promptly stop thinking that around Wednesday to slow the rain up for labor day weekend!

What this means for travel time?

If Hwy 20 is open through Newhalem, it's a 3.5 hour drive (we take I-5 north and head east through Arlington to hit up Moose Creek BBQ, then on through to Oso, Darrington, Rockport, Marblemount - last stop for services - Newhalem, Ross Lake area, up and over Washington pass, and down into Mazama).

If not, about 4.5. through Wenatchee. As of Friday, August 28, if you look up directions, Google will give you two options instead of 3. You can take I-90 to the Cle Elum area and then head northt, or go through Leavenworth using Highway 2 (add 20min to 1 hour). The only positive that (Carter) can see for taking Highway 2 (unless you are the Muellers) is Leavenworth's Icicle Brewing Company. The brewery has two locations in town, one that is more of a beer garden (which is our favorite) and the actual Brewery, which is probably 5 blocks to the east of the garden.

Other things to consider, if you take a look at: http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/ If you check out the "!" - You will see that WSDOT warns you that there might be single lane stretches with guide cars. We all know that's a bunch of fun that we can hardly wait for!

Also of consideration on this trip is SMOKE. We have heard that the smoke isn't too bad in Mazama but that it can come in with the wind and will leave with the wind. They are expecting rain in the are over the weekend and the smoke is expected to continue to dissipate.

You can keep abreast of the fire coverage here (among other sources):
Facebook group: Methow Valley Fire Information and http://methowvalleynews.com/.

With all that said, we do understand if you need to rethink your trip. Whether it's the travel, the smoke, or being near a disaster area (the fire!, not the wedding!!!). All we ask is that you let us know by email, or phone call. We'll totally understand but we do want to keep tabs on who is in the area with us.

While I have your attention, if you plan to come by for the picnic Saturday afternoon and have them available, please bring lawn chairs or blanket and any outdoor games you or the kiddos may want to play (cornhole, bocce ball, Frisbee, ball and glove, etc.). Will send address for picnic on/around Wednesday of this week.

We're really looking forward to this coming weekend. We can't wait to see you all!

Love,
Chelsea andCarter