Last week was the annual 49’er Day Parade and I had every intention of covering the events for MVE. That is, after I dropped off my daughter at the Okanogan Highlands League Meet hosted by LBHS. I dropped her off at 9 am and it was then that I noticed the names on the school buses- Lake Roosevelt. Bridgeport. Brewster. Okanogan. Omak. Nespelem.
Nespelem?
At what time did these kids have to get up to arrive in Winthrop at 9 am? I had the inner-lane and they were in the far, far outer.
I got emotional watching these kids get off the bus. The greatest champions are the ones that get up very early to run around the track in 88-degree weather. They’re all champions, in my book.
The plan was to take a few pictures and head to the 49er Day Parade. That is, until I saw my daughter in line for the long jump. I couldn’t just…leave. There were many, many times where I put work first, but I couldn’t do it this time. I wanted to support her and the team, so I decided to cover the meet instead. It turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. The weather was beguilingly beautiful. Beguilingly because we were both sunburned later that afternoon. My work also snuck up on me and had the last laugh. My camera battery died from taking so many photos, so I couldn’t take personal photos of either of my daughter’s runs. But there was a silver lining. It was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had together.
After the meet, we went to see what was left of the 49’ers. My phone had charged enough in my car for me to snap a few pics before it passed out again. Here they are.
My daughter was still in her green LBHS jersey as we weaved between the tourists. She must have looked like an alien. At least it felt that way. We didn’t exactly fit in with the cowboy/western dressed people eating ice cream cones and people watching.
One more item of interest. I couldn’t help noticing this cute sign outside the Grange.
Let’s give this building some love. : )
So many interesting things going on in the valley this weekend. A huge book sale 9-3 on Saturday at 316 Burgar St. Twisp. A free overnight backpacking bike trip to Black Pine Lake led by Methow Cycle & Sport. The meeting spot is Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop at 10 am on Saturday. And if you’re an early bird, join Craig Olson for a Bird Walk at Beaver Ponds on Sunday at 7 am. Meet at Winthrop Town Trailhead parking lot (next to Winthrop Physical Therapy) to carpool to Chickadee Trailhead. Sponsored by Methow at Home. These are the stories I would cover, if I wasn’t on the west side this weekend.
More stories are in the works. Stay tuned.
