Southeastern, Washington state

   The blue ribbon fishing along the Yakima river is world renowned and there are nearly 75 miles of protected river that is strictly catch and release fishing. The Yakima is going to flow freely again. The dams along the river are coming down and/or fish ladders are being installed so that native salmon can soon swim to their ancient Idaho spawning grounds again. The boaters and fly fishermen we spoke with take immense pride in the fact that the river will be free again. I am sure there is another side of the issue, but truly everyone we spoke with loved that the dams are coming down.
   Timothy hay is hugely popular for horse operations as the hay is the most easily digestible hay and promotes shiny coats. As it turns out, there is a huge international market for this hay and these local areas are humming trying to keep up with the demand. Likewise, for the local wine industry. It seems as if the delicious Walla Walla wines are only scratching the surface of their potential.
   Over the past couple months of cruising the western U.S. we have noticed that our rural communities are booming. We have spoken with many people, from all over the west and a common theme keeps coming up: There are simply not enough qualified workers to satisfy the business demands. Some of the business owners that we have spoken with cite issues with getting prospective employees that can't pass drug screening. Others we have spoken with can't get properly licensed employees. The problem is so acute in the rural areas that pay has skyrocketed to attract talent. While we were in New Mexico, three months ago, we heard that West Texas truckers got a 100% pay increase. Now, the starting wage for experienced truckers in West Texas is nearly $140,000. There are so many examples of this that we feel it necessary to let the world know. Perhaps a lower cost of living and higher pay might motivate others to consider a rural lifestyle. As for Southeastern Washington, we loved the area, the people were friendly, and the pace of life was easy.

A lunch break for the fearless crew.

Fun times on our rafting trip.

We saw bald eagle chicks in this nest.

We saw wild turkey, bald eagles, and deer along the river.

Swimming in a lake attached to the Yakima river.