My parents journeyed with us up lake from the town of Chelan to the town of Stehekin, accessible only by boat, plane, or backpacking. Stehekin is about as close as they come to modern day pioneer families in these parts, complete with a one room school house, horse transportation, orchards, and an emphasis on self-sufficiency. It’s also a nice place to truly get away from mobile phones and e-mail, just to relax.

The Bay Cabin at the Silver Bay Inn, where we stayed. Karen and I watched the deep cloudy Milky Way and meteors from the lawn hammock here at night. Our canoe was tied up to the dock just off the right edge of this picture.

Kayaking on Lake Chelan near Stehekin. We paddled across to a cliff wall where Native American petroglyphs were visible just above the water.

Dad and Mom canoeing up past the flood-caused timber driftwood into the Stehekin River from Lake Chelan

The historic Buckner Orchard is maintained by the park service as a working orchard. Every year the local community gets together here for celebration ,harvesting, and apple preparation.

Karen napping at High Bridge by the horse corral, waiting for the local school bus shuttle back to town

The view from Buckner’s Point, looking south down Lake Chelan. Our cabin was located on this side of the rightmost peninsula (with the visible cabins on it).