Sunday, May 22nd. From Cache Creek to wine country I had to drive through a mountain pass that warned of serious weather fluctuations.  Bone-chilling cold under threatening clouds was the result.  Fortunately, no rain.

Wine country is a long, thin valley containing a string of lakes and cliff walls.  Very impressive views. The vineyards are spread out on the edges and narrow slopes.  Lots of wineries.  After getting recommendations from the wine tourist center, the first non-stop was at a winery with a short, steep, downward sloping entranceway with a closed gate at the bottom.  I could see that the idea was to stop on the slope and push a button for entry.  But what if no one answered?  On a motorcycle, the concept of backing out up the slope was a nonstarter.  So I skipped it.

Second was Painted Rock.  Really lush.  Lots of money went into the facilities.  The wine maker was full of himself.  Wine was good/bad, but the presentation was off-putting.

Third stop was a winner.  Blasted Church.  Named after a true event when miners, to disassemble a church, used explosives to “loosen the nails”.  It worked.  I actually accidentally saw the church.  The wine is drinkable.  The bottle artwork is great.  The names are cool.  One wine, “Big Bang Theory”, caught the eye of the Bare Naked Ladies group, who autographed some bottles on display.  The place is definitely fun.

Other wineries were really pretty, though I didn’t try much more wine.  Overall, the area is outstanding.  I’d love to go back.

Crossing back into the USA was a non-event.  Visited some heritage sites and the Grand Coulee area.  Interesting and pretty.  Continuing south the wind picked up.  The gusts began to make it dangerous.  Shortened my trip, ending it in Ephrata.