So, here we are, in the belly of the beast, Spokane… a place where the laundry machines are more demanding than a Vegas blackjack dealer. We’re talking seven bucks a load, for Christ’s sake! It’s like these machines have a larcenist spirit of their own, demanding tribute before they’ll let your clothes see the light of day.

But let’s keep it real: Washington State holds a special place in Ronnie’s heart as he spent many a week in Spokane and Seattle either learning about the institutional food service business (four lifetimes ago) or tending to the computer networking needs of a western-region architecture/engineering firm (two lifetimes ago). And so we were able to reconnect with old friends we hadn’t seen for at least 14 years. They have a million-dollar house now, a place that’s as surreal as an acid flashback. You’d think the directions would be easy, but no. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack, only the haystack was a Mad Max wasteland.

Their house? It’s a paragon of contemporary home comforts, but from the outside, it looks like it’s been through a hurricane, a zombie apocalypse, and a few acid trips. We sent a picture (via DM) to confirm it was the right place. Then, gathered our courage and ventured into the heart of darkness.

Inside, it’s a different world. Their kids are grown, tall like the trees at Audubon Park, and their house is like a spaceship landed in the middle of the woods. Our visit covered the gamut, from the latest doings of mutual acquaintances, to the lifestyle of a professional golfer (her current vocation), to the latest in Silicon Valley thinking (his vocation), and Ronnie swears, some of the tech talk was like listening to a Martian explain quantum physics.

But let’s not forget the real reason we’re here: Hot Springs or Busk! Imagine soaking in a mineral bath, surrounded by nature, feeling the warm water on your skin, and realizing you’re the only one wearing clothes. It’s like a scene straight out of a Beat road trip novel, without the drugs or psychotic breakdowns.

And if you’re looking for higher education in a more intimate setting, Washington has you covered. Think small classes, friendly professors, and a campus that feels like a cozy living room.

Regarding culture, Washington is a state where art and literature thrive. Jack Kerouac wrote about the experience in Dharma Bums. And if you’re into glass art, the Museum of Glass in Tacoma is a feast for the eyes.

As for the residents, they’re a hardy bunch who love the great outdoors. Imagine hiking through ancient forests, kayaking on calm lakes, or simply staring up at the towering mountains. It’s a paradise for nature lovers.

But let’s not sugarcoat it. Washington also has its downsides. The weather, for one, can be as unpredictable as a squirrel cage match. It’s often cloudy and rainy, and the winters can be downright dreary. And then there’s the cost of living. Major cities like Seattle can be as expensive as a designer handbag.

Still, despite the challenges, Washington offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a state where you can find both the sublime beauty of nature and the gritty reality of everyday life. So, if you’re looking for a place that’s as colorful as a tie-dye t-shirt and as thought-provoking as a Dostoevsky story, Washington State is the perfect destination. So, grab your notebook, your camera, and your sense of humor, and get ready to experience the extreme Northwest of This Land.

From the streets of Spokane…
To the Grand Coulee Dam…
You’ll see beauty…
In the state of Washington…
They came for timber…
They built the PC boom…
Washington… the final MicroBoss.