TEANAWAY CAMPING ADVENTURE

The date had finally arrived, the RSVP’s had been received, and the plans were set for Friday, June 6th, Eastside Autoworks' 1st camping outing to the Teanaway Community Forest!

I planned to leave work early Friday and head over Snoqualmie Pass and secure an area at the Teanaway Community Forest camping area.  At about 11:00, I received a phone call from a participant who had a check engine light.  They had left their code reader at home….  After a quick stop in North Bend, they were back on the road.  I told them I was about 20 min behind them.

Summer in the PNW often calls for nicer weather and road construction!  The much-needed repairs had started on many of the eastbound bridges.  The highway had narrowed down to one lane, but the backup was not too long.  Nothing like the I-405 / Hwy 520 mess at times.

Once past the construction, the roads were open, and you could feel the warmth of the Cascade Crest and the wonderful smell of the wildflowers and dry pine trees.  After a quick stop for a few last-minute items in Cle Elum, it was off to the Teanaway Community Forest to secure a space for our group.

As I pulled into the Teanaway Community Forest, I noticed many open areas that would be suitable for our group.  I made two passes and pulled into our area.  I quickly got out some extra chairs to show what I was claiming as “ours”.  About 20 minutes later, the first Eurovan arrived, I pointed out a few areas to park.  Not too close, but yet close enough.  I had envisioned a semi-circle of Eurovans with the sliding doors opening to the inside.  The cell service was spotty, but I could text through satellite.  About 45 minutes before darkness, the 4th Eurovan arrived and got quickly set up.  Storytelling and sharing experiences had already started, and we welcomed the 5th camper to our group at the large picnic table.  It was fun getting to know each other, from long-time Eurovan campers to a newly acquired Eurovan camper.  Everyone was quite gracious, sharing tips and suggestions on how to pack, store items, and camp in their Eurovans.  I started a fire as the light was waning, and to bring campers together.  After many stories and some uncanny connections, we decided it was time to sleep.

Saturday morning brought us a wonderful, warm, and bright sunshine. I went out for my morning run, and when I returned, a few of the campers had awakened and were making coffee.  A nice, relaxing, lazy morning was had.  After a cup of coffee, on to breakfast and more conversions.

I had told the group about a hike that I was going on, and anyone was welcome to join or stay at camp.  There is a small hill that has what is called “Cheese Rock” at the top.  The geology of the area has some nice sandstone formations along with hoodoo’s from erosional forces.

About this time, one of the technicians and his partner arrived.  They were keen on going for a hike as well.  Four of us embarked on the hike.  A quick detour to the river and then up to the trail, we soon found ourselves going up.  The side of the hill was sandstone angled about 30 degrees.  A little terrifying but quite secure on the footing.  Along the way up, the vistas gave views of Mt Stuart and the back side of the Enchantments and the Teanaway Mountains.  (A very complex geology of rocks.  The town of Cle Elum had been a coal mining mecca in the early 1900s.)  The sun was warm and piercing through the blue skies overhead.  Once at the summit, we found Cheese Rock.

We could also look down onto the Tenaway Community Forest.  We waved at our fellow campers.  After a few minutes taking in the views, we headed back down.  On our return, Glenn (owner) was pulling into the Community Forest. This brought our camp to a total of 5 Eurovans, 2 Vanagons, and one Audi with a rooftop tent.

The afternoon consisted of hanging out near the river, setting up camp, sharing camping adventures, and more stories.  Through these stories, there were some uncanny connections made.  Almost too many!   Best Friend from HS is an owner's neighbor, a technician who lives around the corner from the van owner, van owner had worked with someone's father.

The late afternoon turned into the evening, and cooking commenced.  A few others joined me at the large picnic table to cook, and others cooked at their vans. After dinner and clean up, another fireside chat began.  Later in the evening, s’mores came out for those who wanted some.  Stories and laughter, again, went late into the evening. 

Another early morning filled with sunshine and warmth arrived early. The smell of coffee and some bacon welcomed me back after my morning run.  Breakfast was a quick breakfast burrito and coffee. I begin packing up to meet with my family for the afternoon back home. The group had become closer, with most at the table sharing food, stories, and laughter. 

I  thanked all for joining and looking forward to the next Eastside Autoworks Campout. Will you be joining us?