Enumclaw (EE-num-claw) of Washinton State

     I've wandered into another wonderful little village, population about 12,000 folks. It's a strange name, Enumclaw; supposedly a native American name for loud thunder or noise from "evil spirits".  Perhaps because of big and little volcanoes nearby that erupted during the last million or so years? The "big one" is called Mount Rainier. I can see it everywhere in town on a clear day. It looks closer than 30 miles away (as the crow flies).

     Back in 1879, Frank and Mary Stevenson spearheaded the beginnings of this village by clearing trees and offering free land to businesses and the railroad. Logging was big business at one time. This logging sculpture (two-yoke oxen) is in front of their library.

     On an exploratory bike ride (click here for map), I saw this tree trunk at the Mount Rainier National Park administrative office in town.

     The tree lived to be about 700 years old until a rain and wind storm toppled it in December 1983. I asked these friendly kids to point to landmark years; she's pointing to 1879 when Frank and Mary Stevenson first homesteaded the area, and he's pointing to 1620 when the Pilgrims landed in the USA. But there are still plenty of live big trees.

     I'm staying at a campground at Enumclaw's Expo Center.

Next week is their county fair and I'm staying of course!

In the meantime I'll explore Mount Rainier National Park's trails.

     There's a small downtown area, but the area is mostly rural with lots of little farms. I saw several alpaca farms on my bike ride. This guy below just got a haircut. The farm provides fiber sorting services and sells alpaca wool. 

Interesting sights on my bike ride around the neighborhood. . . . . lots of backyard horses . . . .

lots of cows and calves . . . 

and ponies . . . .

. . . and free range chickens obviously, as this place sells roadside eggs (there's an "honest box" for payment).

. . . picturesque barns . . .

. . . . old well-kept barns too . . .

Almost every place in Enumclaw includes a wonderful view of Mount Rainier.

Healthy plants and flowers, no irrigation necessary!

I'm enthralled of course! But this address below is for sale and it's way out of my price range (almost $400K).

And last but not least, there's an indoor swimming pool here :)  To be continued . . . .