Rallye des Montagnes du Nord - Event Date: October/06/12 - October/07/12

Rallye des Montagnes du Nord 2012

Trip Prep & Notes

Start Point: Fred Meyer, 18805 SR2 Monroe, WA. We will meet up in the SE

Driver’s Meeting: 9:15AM

Departure Time: 9:30AM We will depart by taking a right onto N. Kelsey St followed by a left turn on to  SR2-E. Not all cars will be able to make the light but we will pull off at a safe point outside the city along SR2 to re-group so no rush to catch-up (we are on this road for a long bit).

Itinerary: Leader will distribute detailed Itinerary and route notes at the driver’s meeting.

• Day 1 (167 miles) – Monroe to Pateros
• 11:00 – 12:00 Napeequa Vintners/Plain Hardware (18820 Beaver Valley Rd, Plain) – Napeequa Vintners is a small winery in Plain, WA. There is a $5.00 tasting fee (credited towards your wine purchase).

Feel free to also visit Plain Hardware just down the road. It’s more than just a “hardware” store and includes a barista bar, arts & crafts and clothing. There is also a mini-mart there as well if you need a snack.

• 12:35 - 1:45 Country Boys BBQ (400 Aplets Way, Cashmere) – Lunch stop for BBQ. It’s a small venue (only seats about 25 inside, but there is plenty of additional outdoor seating). There is a large parking lot across the street we can use. Due to the Oktoberfest events in Leavenworth they may be busy so please be patient and understanding if there are delays.  
• 2:30 – 4:15ish – Tsillan Cellars (3875 Hwy 97A, Chelan) – This is a beautiful estate winery on the south shores of Lake Chelan. The “Fall Crush” will be in full swing here and at the various other Chelan wineries so enjoy the wine tasting, vineyard tours and other festivities at Tsillan and other local wineries.
  
  Tsillan has a $5 tasting fee (generous pours) and to keep things simple we have pre-selected 5 wines by recommendation of the estate owner for our tasting. To keep things simple, I will collect the tasting fee from the group (exact change is appreciated!) and turn it over to the staff.
  
  Also be sure to stop at Sunshine Farm Market (just up the street) for fresh pressed cider and fresh picked orchard fruit. I also recommend Tunnel Hill winery (next to Sunshine Farm Market) if you wish to visit another nice winery (Tuscan themed). Other than that you are on your own to visit downtown Chelan and vicinity on your way to our over-night stop in Pateros.
• Overnight Stop – Lakeshore Inn (233 Lakeshore Dr, Pateros, WA, 98846) – The hotel has a restaurant on-site serving breakfast/lunch/dinner.
• 6:30 - ?? – Los Cantaritos (180 Pateros Mall Blvd, Pateros) – I have arranged for us to have dinner here if you want to dine with the group. There is a full bar as well as indoor and outdoor dining space. This Mexican restaurant is just down the street and within walking distance from the hotel.

• Day 2 (187.6 miles) – Pateros to Arlington via Winthrop
• Depart Pateros 9:00AM - Breakfast is on your own. Be sure you have a full tank of gas before we depart.
• 10:00 – 12:45 Winthrop – This old west themed town in the Methow valley is a great place to poke around. We will drive through town (stay on SR2-E) and park at the west end of town in the large lot by the Red Barn & city park.

From here you are on your own to enjoy the town and grab a bite to eat. Don’t miss the great ice-cream at the Sweet Shop or get in a game of mini-golf. For those wanting to take part in the wine tasting at Lost River winery please have your tastes buds ready at 12:00 at the tasting room.

• 12:00 – 12:45 Lost River Winery (26 SR20, Winthrop) – This great little winery is located across the street and a little west from where we will be parking. There is no tasting fee and the wine is exceptional. We will be departing for the rest of the road-trip at 12:45.
• 1:15 - 2:15 Washington Pass Overlook – Upon arrival let’s try to get a group shot of the cars with the mountain backdrop. We will try to park as a group in the lot which is located around the circular drive past the restrooms.

Take time to explore and take the short walk up to the overlook for gorgeous views of the valley below. Don’t forget to take a bathroom break as there are miles of twisties ahead!

• 3:00 – 3:20 Newhalem – Time for a quick stretch and bathroom break or pick up a few snacks in the general store before heading back out on the last leg of the drive.  If you have children with you (or are just a kid yourself), be sure to check out the steam engine!
• 4:50 Arrive at junction of SR530 and I-5 N/S – You can head north or south from here to your home destination.  

What to bring

• Camera
• Sunscreen
• 2-way Radio (channel 7-21)
• Full tank of gas to start both days
• Sunglasses
• Jacket (cool autumn evenings)
• Window cleaner (lots of bugs in the evenings)
• Exact change for tasting fees (to speed things up)
• Fun attitude!